John Chavis Memorial Park offers a blend of history and family-friendly outdoor fun in Raleigh's downtown. Highlights include a vintage 1937 carousel, multiple playgrounds suited for all ages, ball fields, a refreshing pool, splash pads, and picnic areas for gatherings.
What to Expect:
🎠 Vintage 1937 carousel rides
⚾ Ball fields and basketball courts
🏊 Outdoor pool and splash grounds
🛝 Well-equipped playgrounds for all ages
🍖 Picnic tables and barbecue grills
Important Information:
– Open daily with varied hours: 10 AM–9 PM weekdays, 9 AM–3 PM Saturday, 1 PM–6 PM Sunday
– Wheelchair accessible with ramps, parking, and restrooms
– Carousel rides require $2 tickets
– Dogs allowed, family and kid-friendly environment
📍 Local Insights
🎠 Carousel Experience: The historic 1937 carousel offers rides for $2, a treasured feature popular with kids and adults alike.
🌊 Splash Grounds Fun: The splash pads are perfect for warm days and are well-loved by families for safe water play.
🍖 Picnic Ready: Ample picnic tables and barbecue grills make it ideal for family gatherings and celebrations.
⚾ Sport Facilities: The park includes baseball and basketball courts for active visitors looking to play sports during their visit.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
John Chavis Memorial Park is widely loved for its family-friendly facilities including a charming carousel, clean playgrounds, and refreshing splash pads. Visitors appreciate the spacious picnic areas and well-maintained amenities. Some note parking can be limited at peak times, but overall, the park is praised for its safe, clean environment and engaging activities for children of all ages.
Last updated on
December 9th, 2025
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
Watersports Rentals & Experiences
The Selection
Accommodations
Course Stats
Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance; Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot; Wheelchair Accessible Restroom; Barbecue Grill; Baseball Field; Basketball Court; Cycling Lanes; Picnic Tables; Public Restroom; Slides; Swings; Free Parking Lot; Free Street Parking; Pool; Splash Grounds; Playground Equipment; Carousel; Dogs Allowed; Good for Kids; Good for Kids Birthday; Credit Cards Accepted; Debit Cards Accepted
Accessibility
The park has wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. Pathways and facilities accommodate mobility needs.
