Dix Park isn’t the Triangle’s only unique green space. Here are others to visit

Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park has been receiving a lot of attention recently, with the opening of the new Gipson Play Plaza.

But it’s not the only park in the Triangle that boasts unique features.

Here’s a list of some other cool parks, playgrounds and outdoor areas in the Triangle.

Parks and outdoor spots in Raleigh

• Pullen Park: This historic park has a carousel, pedal boats and a train in addition to a playground, aquatic center, arts center and athletic fields. Pullen Park, the first public park in North Carolina, is located at 520 Ashe Ave.
• Sassafras All Children’s Playground: The playground at Laurel Hills Park (3808 Edwards Mill Road) is designed for inclusive play, allowing kids of all abilities to play together. In addition to the playground, visitors will find a community center, pond with walking trails and athletic fields.
• John Chavis Memorial Park: Visitors will find a playground designed for all ages, including adult exercise equipment, a skywalk climbing feature and natural play elements. There’s also a splash pad and the historic Allan Herschell Carousel at the park, located at 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Parks and outdoor spots in Cary

• Downtown Cary Park: This 7-acre park at 327 S. Academy St. features a splash pad, slides, a performance pavilion, sports courts, dog parks and a skywalk.
• Kids Together Playground: Located at Marla Dorrel Park (111 Thurston Drive), this accessible, multisensory playground features a dragon climbing structure and play area for kids of all physical and mental abilities.

Parks and outdoor spots in Durham

• Sarah P. Duke Gardens: This 55-acre botanical garden at Duke University includes four distinct areas and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. One of the most popular times to visit is in spring, when the cherry blossoms bloom. The botanic garden is under construction, but still open to the public; pedestrians can enter at a temporary entrance at 2000 Lewis St.
• Forest Hills Park: Visitors can enjoy a sprayground, playground, swings, tennis courts and other amenities at the park at 1639 University Drive.

Parks and outdoor spots in Chapel Hill

• North Carolina Botanical Garden: There are native plants, carnivorous plants and many others on display at the free gardens located at 100 Old Mason Farm Road. Visitors can also play chess on the giant chess set.
• Southern Community Park: This park, which can be accessed at 100 Sumac Road or 1000 Dogwood Acres Drive, offers pickleball and basketball courts, a dog park, a disc golf course, a picnic area and playground.

This story was originally published June 3, 2025 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Dix Park isn’t the Triangle’s only unique green space. Here are others to visit."

Renee Umsted

The News & Observer

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Renee Umsted is The News & Observer’s Affordability Reporter. She writes about what it costs to live in the Triangle, with a consumer-focused approach. She has a degree in journalism from TCU.