Pullen Park opened way back in 1887 and was designated the first public park in North Carolina, and it’s the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the United States, and the 16th oldest in the world – pretty cool, huh.
Pullen Park has since become an important component of Raleigh life, providing citizens with a variety of recreational opportunities. This is classic Raleigh right here!
Close to downtown Raleigh, the park sits on 66 acres of land just west of downtown, between Western Blvd. and Hillsborough Street, and adjacent to North Carolina State University.
Getting out on Lake Howell (the lake within Pullen Park) on a pedal boat is classic family fun! It’s a bit of a workout on the legs, but a fun way to spend 30-minutes with your kids and get a new perspective of the park.
If you don’t bring your own snacks or picnic lunch, then the Pullen Cafe is an outdoor cafe located within the park near the amusement area and main entrance to the park.