Hint: There’s more than Gipson Plaza.

Are you tired of going to the same old playground in the same old neighborhood of Raleigh? Good news: There are several new playgrounds in Raleigh that are worth checking out. Have you already been to Gipson Plaza in Dix Park? That is still the flagship, and worth a visit. The others below are options when Gipson is getting old or is too crowded. That said, let’s start with the flagship anyway:

Gipson Plaza

I’m sure you have visited Gipson Plaza since it opened last summer. What, you haven’t? Well, then it is just about time that you finally do – and the crowds have also died down a bit by now. Gipson Plaza is by far the best playground in Raleigh, in the Triangle, possibly even in the state, if not the entire Southeast.

And here is why I think that: Back in 2021, on a family roadtrip, we visited the Gathering Place in Tulsa, OK. “If only every child in America could have such a playground.” Fast forward four years: when I first visited Gipson Plaza, something felt eerily familiar. And sure enough, both the overall plan and the custom playground equipment are from the same companies as those in Tulsa. So yes, the next comparable playground (that I know) to Gipson Plaza is a thousand miles away. (The links to the two companies give you a good impression of this beautiful space.)

Address: 715 Biggs Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603 (if you arrive by car, follow signs to parking, or plan using the map at Dix Park – Gipson Plaza)

Hours (Dix Park): technically, sunrise-sunset (but not strict)
Hours (Gipson Play Plaza): 8a-9p (water features start at 10a)
Surface: rubber surface, stone, wood
Shade: some, but limited if crowded
Age Range: 0-15 (my opinion 🙂)
Website: Gipson Play Plaza in Dix Park 

Even newer: Caraleigh playground

If you’ve pushed a stroller on Walnut Creek greenway, you’ve probably found Eliza Pool park as a welcome spot for a break. Just two blocks up is the brand new playground called Caraleigh park. It’s small, it’s cute, it’s good for younger kids (officially 2-12). From downtown, it’s a nice 30-40 minute walk on Rocky Branch greenway, turning this new playground into a nice destination – that’s what I did when I checked this place out today. You can also very conveniently take the bus: The 21 runs on a loop, stops right in front of the park, and comes every 15 minutes. (See my upcoming article on “Taking the Bus” or check out the 21 Line on GoRaleigh.org.)

Address: 110 Maywood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27603
Hours: dawn-dusk (like all Raleigh parks)
Surface: rubber surface, grass, and a small area with wood chips
Amenities: play structure, sensory activities, nest swing, benches, picnic tables, basketball
Shade: some over the play structure, plus more from surrounding trees
Age Range: 2-12y (officially, plus basketball court)
Website: Caraleigh Park

Not that new, but still in good shape: Optimist playground

Another little gem that is worth a short trip is Optimist playground, located by the community center and pool with the same name. Pro tip: park on the tennis court side, and add a very short (300ft) walk through the forest that will allow for some exciting exploring in nature.

There’s a cool thing here for toddlers that I haven’t seen anywhere else: It’s a tandem swing, where parents sit and face their toddlers. For older and more adventurous kids, there is a big nest swing

For older kids (or athletic stroller pushers), this playground can also be reached from the greenway (Mine Creek greenway / Shelley Lake).

Address: 5900 Whittier Dr., Raleigh, NC 27609
Hours: dawn-dusk (like all Raleigh parks)
Surface: rubber surface, forest
Shade: almost none over the play structure, but surrounded by high trees
Age Range: 2-5, 5-12
Website: Optimist Park Playground

And if it’s hot: Chavis playground with splashpad

I was disappointed when they closed Chavis pool, and it took half a childhood until the new playground and splashpad reopened. But it was worth the wait, the playground is pretty cool, and the splashpad is refreshing during the summer months. Your kids will also spot the carousel – it runs from 11-6 (Sun 2-6), and costs $2 per ride.

Address: 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27601
Hours (Park): dawn-dusk (like all Raleigh parks)
Hours (Splash Pad): 9a-9p every day
Surface: concrete (splash pad), rubberized and grass (playground)
Shade: none of the splashpad, very limited on the playground
Age Range: 2-5, 5-12y
Website: Chavis Park Splash Pad

And if you need more: the playground finder

The City of Raleigh has a park and playground finder that can be a bit finicky to use, but overall is a nice tool to have.