Most recently updated January 16th, 2022
Even after the State Fair has packed up for the year, we can still take the kids out to Pullen Park in Raleigh to ride some rides and have some fair food!
The 66-acre park is a fun place for all ages, but with a historic carousel, kiddie boats and a miniature train, it’s especially fun for younger kids.
Pullen Park wasn’t really on my radar when I was in “baby jail”, but I wish it had been!
Established in 1887, Pullen Park is the oldest public park in North Carolina, and is open all year round.
It’s also the fifth-oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. – and 16th oldest in the world!
Little kids love Pullen Park, but it’s also a beautiful scenic place for grownups to stretch their legs:
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- For hikers and bikers, the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000 mile long system of trails connecting Maine to Florida, runs through Pullen Park, too.
- The Rocky Branch Trail, another fantastic trail that connects Meredith College and NC State University to the Capital Area Greenway, also makes it’s way through Pullen Park.
As a seasonal treat, for a few magical days in December, Pullen Park becomes a wonderland lit by thousands of lights, where kids can visit with Santa and ride the “Holiday Express” train!
The Pullen Aquatic Center, Pullen Arts Center and Theatre in the Park are also located on the park grounds.
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UPDATE: Pullen Park Holiday Express cancelled again for 2021.
Oct 27, 2021: Raleigh Parks has made the difficult decision to cancel Holiday Express for 2021.
Raleigh Parks Director Oscar Carmona shares the announcement below.
The Holiday Express event at Pullen Park requires an incredible number of staff and volunteers to run successfully. Unfortunately, staffing levels this year are not enough to run the event.
OTHER HOLIDAY TRAINS FOR 2021: That is disappointing, but there are other Holiday Trains available in the area for 2021. See the menu below for details!
Park History
In 1887 Richard Stanhope Pullen donated 66 acres of farmland to the City of Raleigh for the establishment of a public park.
He described the land as “old cow pasture, red and rocky”.
A “Committee on Public Parks” was formed to oversee the transformation from farmland to landscaped park, and Park Keeper Wiley Howell was hired in 1888 to oversee these modifications. (The park’s Lake Howell is named for the Park Keeper.)
Pullen continued to take part in planning and financing bridges, roads and general landscaping throughout the park as well as at neighboring NC State University (which was also built on land Pullen donated.)
Pullen and park-keeper Howell began to transform the land by planting a variety of trees and shrubs, constructing a central pavilion with a circular concrete fountain, and adding several pedestrian bridges over an existing railway.
A congressman from another county donated fifty Japanese carp for the fountain – which shows the significance of the park at the time, even outside the city of Raleigh.
In 1891 Pullen installed a men’s-only wooden swimming pool, and in 1895, a pool for women was added. (These pools were the beginnings of today’s Aquatic Center.)
From 1899 to 1938 the park was even home to a small zoo!
Pullen Park Zoo
The zoo was created during a national trend in the late nineteenth century of incorporating zoological parks in public parks.
Beginning with only two raccoons, the collection quickly grew and by 1903 included an Australian owl, mink, bears, alligators, monkeys and many other species.
The zoo eventually closed, most likely due to the death of Park Keeper Wiley Howell, who had maintained it.
PARK RIDES AND ACTIVITIES
Pullen Park is by far the most popular park in Raleigh.
Like Umstead State Park and Lake Crabtree County Park, Pullen Park is not only a great park generally, but it’s location is remarkably convenient for anyone in the Raleigh area.
It’s become a must-see for anyone living or visiting the area, regardless of age, and the rides are a sure hit with kids who visit.
Though the park was established in 1887, all of the rides and facilities have been modernized and kept up to date through continuing renovations and updates.
Ride Tickets
Though admission to the park and access to walking paths and playgrounds is free, the park features four rides with a nominal charge for each.
Tickets for rides can be purchased from the office near the park entrance. The ticket line can be long (especially at midday) but moves quickly.
Adults are welcome on all rides with the exception of the kiddie boats.
Kiddie Boats and Paddle Boats
The kiddie boats are intended only for small children, and circle in a small pool at a leisurely pace.
The paddle boats, on the other hand, are fun for everyone!
You can rent them by the half hour, and take your own tour of Lake Howell.
To ride there must be one person aged 16 or older aboard, and the paddle boats can accommodate up to four people each. (Life jackets are available.)
Pullen Park Carousel
There’s no doubt that the Pullen Park Carousel is the park’s star attraction. In addition to 30 horses to choose from, you can ride on ostriches, cats, rabbits, pigs, a lion, a tiger and a goat.
The 24-foot diameter carousel is housed in a permanent wooden-beamed shelter with a round tent-like design.
Many park visitors have enjoyed riding the carousel as a child and continue to pass that tradition along to their own children and grandchildren.
The park’s original steam powered merry-go-round was purchased for $350 in 1914 from the W.D. Chase Bottling Works of Galesburg, Illinois.
It only began operating in 1915 but it’s apparently poor condition caused the city to purchase a replacement Dentzel carousel only five years later.
Dentzel Carousel History
Pullen Park’s carousel originally made its Raleigh debut at Bloomsbury Park, an amusement park developed in 1912 by the Carolina Power and Light Company (CP&L) .
Bloomsbury Park was situated in a wooded glen at the end of CP&L’s streetcar line, just beyond then brand new suburban neighborhoods, near what is now known as Five Points.
(Bloomsbury Park closed after World War I, and its wooded grounds were subdivided into residential lots.)
To compete with Bloomsbury Park’s success, the city improved Pullen Park, and purchased the Bloomsbury carousel.
The carousel quickly became a Pullen Park focal point and today is recognized as one of the foremost surviving works of the Pennsylvania Carousel Company, founded by Gustav A. Dentzel.
While thousands of carousels were made in the U.S., there are only approximately 200 antique carousels left today. Less than 25 of those are Dentzel carousels, and only 14 of those remain in operation.
The Pullen Park carousel dates from about 1900, making it one the earliest Dentzels still in operation.
It features a menagerie of 52 hand-carved basswood animals (the work of chief carver Salvatore Cernigliaro), 2 chariots (or sleighs), 18 large gilded mirrors and 18 canvas panels.
Music was originally produced by a Wurlitzer 125 organ made in 1924 by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company of North Tonawanda, New York.
The carousel has been in use almost continuously since coming to Raleigh. Although wear has forced the replacement of some mechanical parts, incredibly, the ride remains largely intact.
The current carousel underwent major restoration from 1977 to 1982, uncovering and conserving the original factory paint.
Each hard carved animal was restored to its exact original brilliant Munsell Color System paint color, and preserved under a layer of shellac.
It was the first time that kind of restoration had been attempted, and it was very successful! Park visitors today can enjoy much the same ride their great-grandparents did.
In 1976 the carousel was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also a designated Raleigh Historic Landmark.
There is a small fee to ride the carousel. Call 919-831-6468 or visit the park’s website for further information.
Miniature Train
The C.P. Huntington Train , a one-third sized operational miniature train, was added to the park in 1950, and has been a favorite of young visitors ever since.
The train track goes through a tunnel and around the lake and park perimeter before returning to the station, just beside the playgrounds.
The engine is a near replica of a locomotive that was built in 1863 at the Danforth-Cook Locomotive works in Paterson, New Jersey which eventually found its way to San Francisco.
The (full size) locomotive was slated to be destroyed in 1914 but was saved, restored and renamed, and now resides in Sacramento, CA.
Pullen Park Holiday Express
NOTE: Holiday Express was cancelled again for 2021 due to COVID-19 and lack of staffing.
For many Triangle families, the Holiday Express train at Pullen Park is must-do experience. So when tickets go on sale every year in July, they sell out quickly.
During this very popular event Pullen Park is transformed into a holiday wonderland with thousands of lights.
There’s also an ice covered sledding hill, unlimited carousel rides, crafts, a visit with Santa and special winter snacks.
Tickets to this incredibly popular event sell out in record time as soon as they’re available. This year, the Holiday Express event is slated for Dec. 4-8 and Dec. 11-15.
Holiday Express Details
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- Holiday Express runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on event nights. A ticket purchase grants you access to the event starting at 4 p.m. on the date selected.
- Tickets will be $12 per person and are required for all guests 2 years old and older. There is an 8 ticket limit per household over the course of the event.
- You will select a designated train ride time with each ticket purchase.
- Wait times for a visit with Santa take place in a virtual queue and can exceed 2 hours of virtual time and 30 minutes of time in line. If you would like to visit Santa, please check in with staff immediately upon entry to the event.
- All activities are included in the ticket price.
- Tickets will only be sold through Eventbrite.com. There will be no walk-in or phone ticket sales.
The Holiday Express menu in the Cafe will feature hot drinks, snacks and hearty meals from hot dogs, nachos and pizzas to specialty sandwiches and house made soup & chili.
Also, Santa’s Snacks heated tent will be centrally located in the Plaza and offer hot chocolate, popcorn, baked goods, and other holiday treats.
Did you Miss the Train?
If you’re reading this then there’s a pretty good chance you were NOT one of the lucky ones who got tickets for this year’s Holiday Express event at Pullen Park.
Tickets for the annual Christmas Event at the historic Raleigh park sold out within minutes — again.
If you were lucky enough to get tickets, congratulations!
If not, a lot of parents have learned that there are some local mom Facebook groups that will have tickets available for sale a few weeks before the event, so there’s still hope.
BUT WAIT! Pullen Park is not the only Holiday train in the area.
If you just don’t want to leave things to chance, here’s a list of some of the other holiday trains you can take the kids to around the state of North Carolina.
Other Holiday Trains 2021
Note: Some of these train rides are pretty pricey. I’m including them anyway, because they’re fun (and popular) in spite of the cost.
Santa Train at Museum of Life + Science
Museum of Life + Science
433 W. Murray Avenue
Durham, NC 27704
Phone: 919-220-5429
UPDATE 2021: The Museum of Life + Science, is not hosting its popular Santa Train this year, but will still celebrate the season with Holidays in the Park.
Dates: selected dates in December.
North Carolina Transportation Museum: The Polar Express
The Polar Express
North Carolina Transportation Museum
411 South Salisbury Avenue
Spencer, NC 28159 (124 miles from Raleigh)
704-636-2889
UPDATE 2021: All THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride ticket-holders age 12 and older must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 test completed within 72 hours prior to the event. Guests should present these documents with their ticket upon admission. Face masks are required for indoor areas of the N.C. Transportation Museum, including on trains.
Dates: Nov 12-13, Nov 19-21, Nov 26-28, Dec 3-5, Dec 9-12, Dec 14-23
Ticket sale date: Tickets are on sale now!
Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express at New Hope Valley Railway
Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express
New Hope Valley Railway
3900 Bonsal Road (25 miles from Raleigh)
New Hill, North Carolina 27562
919-396-5833
UPDATE 2021: New Hope Valley Railway’s very popular holiday attraction, Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express train ride, is returning for 2021, and tickets are on sale now. They are very much subject to selling out!
Dates: Dec 4-5, Dec 11-12, Dec 18
Tickets on sale: Now
Country Christmas Train at Denton Farmpark
Country Christmas Train
Denton Farmpark
4259 Handy Road
Denton, NC 27239 (90 miles from Raleigh)
336-859-2755
UPDATE 2021: The Denton Farmpark Christmas Train is back for it’s 13th year! Admission includes 1 Free train ride, access to all buildings along the lighted pathway and unlimited tram rides to the plantation and back to the village. All other activities and shopping costs are controlled by individual vendors.
Tickets Sales online and at the gate. Sales end at 9:30PM on Fridays and Saturdays – Every other day ticket sales End at 9:00PM!
Dates: Nov 26, 27, 28. Dec 3-5, 9-12, 16-21, 22-23, 26-27.
Hubb’s Express and Santa Too at Hubb’s Farm
Hubb’s Express and Santa Too!
Hubb’s Farm
10276 US Hwy 421 North
Clinton, NC (56 miles from Raleigh)
910-564-6709
UPDATE 2021: As of this writing, no announcement have been made for Hubb’s Express and Santa Too this year. However, they are hosting their Fall events, so I am hopeful! Check their site to see updates.
Date: TBD
Tickets on sale: TBA
Tweetsie Christmas
Tweetsie Railroad
300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane
Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (192 miles from Raleigh)
800-526-5740
UPDATE 2021: Tweetsie Christmas is back starting November 19! Tickets include admission and are for a specific date and train ride time. The park opens at 5:00 p.m. A limited number of guests are admitted nightly, so advance tickets are strongly recommended.
Dates: Nov 19-23, 26-27, Dec 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 19-23, 26-30
Tickets on sale: Now
The Polar Express with Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Polar Express Train Ride
Bryson City Depot
45 Mitchell Street
Bryson City, NC 28713 (309 miles from Raleigh)
800-872-4681
UPDATE 2021: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is back in 2021! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger excursion departs the Bryson City depot for a special visit at the North Pole. Guests should be prepared to wear a mask or facial covering, and follow all safety signage while on GSMR property. Find more info on COVID precautions here!
Dates: Nov 12-14, 17-24, 26-28, 30; Dec 1-31, (except Christmas Day); Jan 1, 2022
Tickets on sale: Now
Other Park Attractions
In addition to several swing sets, sand areas and playground equipment for children of all ages, the park also features lighted tennis courts and ball fields, covered and uncovered picnic areas, walking paths and bridges, the Aquatic Center, Arts Center and Theatre in the Park.
And of course, the Red Caboose.
Red Caboose and Playgrounds
A real full-sized Norfolk Southern Railway 380 bay window red caboose (retired) with a Southern Railway paint scheme is available for children to explore.
Located adjacent to the playgrounds, the Caboose great fun for little ones who want to climb up and down stairs by themselves without getting bowled over by bigger kids.
Inside the caboose, there are simple box benches to sit on while waving at Mom and Dad through the big boxcar windows.
There are two distinct playgrounds in front of the miniature train depot: one is more suited for toddler-sized kids, and the other playground has equipment for slightly bigger kids.
Pullen Baseball Fields
Although baseball was unofficially played in Pullen Park for many years – probably even before the land became a park – the officially sanctioned field was not created until 1920. A second field was added later.
Pullen #1 is a 270 foot softball field and Pullen #2 is a 275 foot baseball field. Access the fields is from Pullen Road (like you are heading towards the Arts Center and Theatre in the Park.)
Rentals are available through the City’s Athletic Office. Call 919-996-6836.
Pullen Park Pool (Aquatic Center)
In 1891, Raleigh’s first public pool was built at Pullen Park. The pool was made of wood and reserved exclusively for men.
But in 1895, an adjacent pool was opened for women and girls.
In 1922 the pools were moved and the Pullen Park Aquatic Center opened in its current location.
Today the Pullen Park Aquatic Center at Pullen Park has an indoor Olympic-size pool and offers lap swimming, aquatic therapy and exercise classes.
It is usually open year-round and available for everyone, regardless of gender.
Aquatic Center features include:
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- Raleigh’s premier competitive aquatic venue
- Indoor 50 meter x 25 yard Olympic pool
- Warm Water Therapy Pool
- Lap and recreational swimming
- Water Exercise & Aquatic Therapy programs
See pool hours of operation here.
The Aquatic Center and Arts Center both offer classes to all ages in physical fitness, swimming and arts and crafts (pottery, jewelry making, weaving, glass art, etc.)
Aquatic Center Activities
Pullen Aquatic Center, completed in 1992, is one of four city-run, public year-round aquatic centers in Raleigh.
It features an Olympic size swimming pool, a warm water therapy pool, a mezzanine with spectator seating, an outdoor patio, and locker room facilities.
The center is open for swimming laps as well as recreational swimming and offers water exercise programs, aquatic therapy programs, a city swim league, and American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim lessons, lifeguard training, and instructor-level classes.
The Aquatic Center is also used for several local, state, and regional swimming and diving competitions each year, including the Special Olympics of the annual State Games of North Carolina which are held in May/June. It’s located on Ashe Avenue adjacent to Pullen Park.
Pullen Arts Center
Pullen Arts Center has extensive studios and equipment, as well as instructors and knowledgeable staff to help both the accomplished artist and the novice.
The Pullen Arts Center offers classes in pottery, jewelry-making, painting, printmaking, weaving, and glass arts.
The Arts Center also hosts a summer camp program called Art4Fun for children, and special events and gallery exhibits are held throughout the year.
Theatre in the Park
Theatre in the Park was originally chartered in 1947. At the northern end of the park, this innovative performing arts venue draws both audiences and performers.
Over the past two decades, more than 50 original plays have been produced here.
Year-round programming includes four mainstage productions, classes, workshops and independent productions.
Mayberry (Andy Griffith) Statue
In 2003, the cable television network TV Land permanently loaned the park a statue depicting a well known scene from The Andy Griffith Show. The artwork is located in front of Lake Howell near the entrance to the Carousel building.
The bronze statue depicts widower Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) and his young son, Opie (Ron Howard), walking a dirt road with their fishing poles – as seen during the opening sequence and theme song of the show.
The addition of this statue was controversial, as citizens of the town of Mount Airy (the real-life inspiration for fictional town of Mayberry) believed that the statue should be in their town instead of Raleigh.
A second statue of Andy and Opie was later erected in Mount Airy outside the Andy Griffith museum.
More About Mr Pullen…
Just in case you’re interested, here’s a bit more information about the man who founded Pullen Park and made so many other important contributions in Raleigh and across North Carolina.
If you’re not a history geek like me, feel free to skip down to the Park Info section 🙂
Richard Stanhope Pullen was born on September 18, 1822 on a small family farm in the community of Neuse in Wake County, NC
Little is known about his early life and education, but it is known that Pullen moved to Raleigh in 1852 and began working for his uncle, Richard Smith.
Upon his uncle’s death, Pullen managed the finances of his widowed aunt Penelope Smith.
Mrs. Smith made Pullen her principal heir, and after her death his inheritance and his investments in business and real estate made him a wealthy man.
Eventually Pullen embarked on developing Raleigh through philanthropic projects. His interest in, and love for, the city of Raleigh is still evident today.
Pullen’s donations contributed to the development of:
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- City roads,
- What later became Peace College,
- UNC Greensboro,
- NC State University (previously called Agricultural and Mechanical College),
- Edenton Street United Methodist Church and,
- Pullen Park.
Pullen shied away from reporters and public appearances, and is probably best known for the gift of land which he initially developed into our modern Pullen Park.
On June 23, 1895, R. Stanhope Pullen, an astute capitalist and philanthropist who conducted business on his own terms, died at the age of 73.
The most recognizable local memorial to Richard Stanhope Pullen (aside from Pullen Park itself) is the obelisk on the Pullen family plot in Raleigh’s Oakwood Cemetery.
Park Info
Pullen Park Food
Pullen Place Cafe is a locally owned cafe committed to providing fresh, delicious food in the heart of Raleigh’s Pullen Park. Click here for menus and more.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are allowed throughout the park, but they’re not allowed in buildings, on the train or the carousel, or in the playground areas.
Dogs may not be left alone at any time, must be leashed and cleaned up after at all times.
Admission
Free admission, with a small fee for amusement rides.
Location
Pullen Park is located immediately west of downtown Raleigh on Ashe Avenue, adjacent to the Main and Centennial campuses of North Carolina State University.
The park grounds cover the area between Western Boulevard and Hillsborough Street.
Park Address
520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606
Park Hours
The Pullen Park amusement rides are open Monday – Sunday 10am to 6pm. Hours may vary by season; call or visit the park website for more details.
I hope you’ll get out and enjoy Pullen Park, and that this information will help you make the most of your visit!
Historic Yates Mill Park, JC Raulston Arboretum, and Raven Rock State Park are some other good local outdoor places for smaller kids.
Or for a real adventure, you could take a family tour of the Carolina Tiger Rescue!
For more ideas on where to take your kids in the Raleigh area , check out my Get Kids Outdoors page.
Leave a comment about your favorite experiences in the park, or if you have a question drop me an email and I’ll reply as soon as I can.
Thanks for stopping by – see you next time! LJ
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LJ has spent much of her free time as a single Mom – and now as an empty-nester – hiking in the US and around the world. She shares lessons learned from adventures both local and in exotic locations, and tips on how to be active with asthma, plus travel, gear, and hike planning advice for parents hiking with kids and beginners of all ages. Read more on the About page.