John Chavis Memorial Park
Historic Raleigh park with a 1923 carousel, splash pad, playgrounds, and community center.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
John Chavis Memorial Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Raleigh park with a 1923 carousel, splash pad, playgrounds, and community center.
"An excellent park with splash pad & playground for kids, a carousel, and friendly staff."
🎯 Arrive early for shade
Shade is limited at the splash pad, so get there early to claim a good spot.
🎠 Carousel first, then splash!
Ride the carousel before the splash pad to avoid wet clothes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Allan Herschell Carousel
Carousel House
A beautifully restored 1923 carousel offering a magical ride through history.
Splash Pad Fun
Splash Pad Area
An exciting water play area perfect for cooling off on hot days.
Inclusive Playgrounds
Playground Areas
Dedicated play zones for different age groups, with some accessible features.
Community Center & Indoor Track
Community Center
Offers indoor basketball, a gym, and a track for year-round activity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat at the Splash Pad
Explore the Historic Carousel
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive early for shade
Shade is limited at the splash pad, so get there early to claim a good spot. +1
🎠 Carousel first, then splash!
Ride the carousel before the splash pad to avoid wet clothes.
👟 Comfortable shoes are key
You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so wear comfy shoes!
💧 Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on hot days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive early for shade
Shade is limited at the splash pad, so get there early to claim a good spot. +1
🎠 Carousel first, then splash!
Ride the carousel before the splash pad to avoid wet clothes.
👟 Comfortable shoes are key
You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so wear comfy shoes!
💧 Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on hot days.
💡 Check for events
The park hosts various community events, like King Day celebrations. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise John Chavis Memorial Park for its excellent amenities, including a fantastic splash pad, well-maintained playgrounds, and the charming historic carousel. The park is seen as a clean, safe, and welcoming space for families and individuals of all ages, offering a great free recreational option in downtown Raleigh. Some minor issues like non-working water fountains or restrooms have been noted, but overall, the positive experiences far outweigh these concerns.
"Very lovely establishment. I took my friends’ kid to the park. Clean, no trash. Nice atmosphere and safe environment.( Still watch your kids )It’s something nice to do for kids to get out of the house. The park is free. Even older kids can enjoy the indoor basketball not sure if it cost or not. There bathrooms wasn’t working when we went. Fyi. Overall would go back."
I Simon
"What an excellent park! Splash pad & playground for the kids, a carousel and restrooms for everyone. Friendly knowledgeable staff that make the visit worth it. Will be using this location for a photo shoot amongst the beautiful flowers."
Yolanda Reed
"What an amazing park, in a great location. The trails, water splash, sports fields and picnic areas are great! Definitely recommend going especially with the children."
Anais Ra Ilunga
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
John Chavis Memorial Park is located at 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in downtown Raleigh, NC. It's easily accessible by car and public transportation. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, there is ample parking available at John Chavis Memorial Park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Raleigh's public transit system serves the area around John Chavis Memorial Park. Check the GoRaleigh website for specific bus routes and schedules.
The park offers accessible restrooms and has paved paths, making it generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Some playground areas may have limitations.
Park grounds are generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific facility hours, like the community center and carousel, may vary. It's best to check the official Raleigh Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, John Chavis Memorial Park is free to enter and enjoy its outdoor amenities like the playgrounds and splash pad.
Riding the historic carousel is typically very affordable, often just a few dollars per ride. Check with park staff for current pricing.
For general park access, no advance booking is required. Special events might have their own ticketing or registration procedures.
Picnic areas are available, and visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Splash pad hours are seasonal and typically run during warmer months. Check the official Raleigh Parks website for current operating times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kids can enjoy a large playground with slides, a thrilling splash pad, and the historic carousel. There are also open spaces for running and playing. +3
Yes, there's a separate toddler playground area in addition to larger play structures for older children. +1
Absolutely! The park features adult exercise equipment near the playground and an indoor track for year-round fitness.
Yes, the park has restrooms, though their working condition has been noted as inconsistent by some visitors.
The outdoor track is lit, and visitors have reported feeling safe running there in the evening.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park itself doesn't have a restaurant, but it offers numerous picnic tables, making it ideal for bringing your own food.
Downtown Raleigh has a vibrant food scene with many restaurants offering diverse cuisines. Explore options near the park for a meal after your visit.
Yes, picnic areas with tables are available throughout the park, perfect for a family outing.
Concessions are not typically available. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Water fountains are available, though one reviewer noted one was out of order during their visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic carousel, the blooming sunflowers (in season), and the general park landscape offer great photo opportunities. The community center also has a modern aesthetic.
Yes, the park's beautiful flowers, historic carousel, and scenic areas make it a popular spot for family photoshoots.
Drone usage may be restricted in city parks. It's advisable to check with Raleigh Parks and Recreation for specific drone policies.
The park has hosted art events, such as ART-I-VILLE for Juneteenth, which could offer unique photographic subjects.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, often provides the best lighting for photography in the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy at one of the many tables. 🚶♀️ Active Adults & Fitness Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
During bloom season, the sunflowers offer vibrant backdrops. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Community and History
+2 This park stands as a testament to community strength and resilience, serving as a vital recreational space for decades. It's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, the land itself has a complex past. Oral histories and research suggest that unmarked graves of Black individuals may lie beneath the park, a reminder of the area's deeper historical layers that are still being uncovered.
The park has undergone significant renovations and improvements, including the restoration of its historic carousel and the addition of modern amenities, ensuring it continues to be a cherished community hub.
+1Family Fun: Playgrounds, Splash Pads, and More
The splash pad is a major draw during warmer months, offering a fantastic way for kids to cool off and burn energy.
Complementing the outdoor fun, the park features an indoor community center with amenities like a basketball court and a gym, providing options for active play regardless of the weather.
The Iconic Allan Herschell Carousel
+1 This beautifully restored carousel, housed in a climate-controlled building, offers a nostalgic and enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. It's a significant piece of the park's heritage and a highlight that many travelers look forward to. After undergoing repairs, the carousel has been re-opened and is running smoothly, much to the delight of park-goers and staff alike.
The operator, Weldon Egerton, expresses immense enthusiasm for his job, calling it 'just having fun,' which adds to the joyful atmosphere of the ride. It's recommended to experience the carousel before heading to the splash pad, as wet swimsuits are not permitted on the ride. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit