Posted in North Carolina July 31, 2019 by

These City Parks In North Carolina Have Awesome Miniature Amusement Rides The Family Will Love

Pack up the kids and the car for a day trip and head to these especially fun city parks in North Carolina. There are only three remaining city parks in the Tar Heel State that include miniature amusement rides and they’re all jam-packed with family fun and worthy of a visit. Take a peek here, and then start planning your next family adventure!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Pullen Park in Raleigh is home to more than 66 acres of outdoor fun, including a miniature amusement park. The miniature train is a family favorite, where everyone can ride for a small fee.
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From real paddle boats on the park's lake to a mini-ride featuring boats for toddlers and small children, Pullen Park has aquatic fun covered.
TripAdvisor/Fredeez
And the famous 1911 carousel that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places is a must-do on any visit to Pullen Park.
TripAdvisor/Bertram S
For more on Pullen Park activities and attractions, including hours and fees to ride the rides, keep reading with this previously published article.

Address: 520 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, NC, 27606
Over in Burlington, another historic carousel, a restored Dentzel Carousel, is a focal point of the park's amusement rides. All three of North Carolina's three remaining municipally-owned amusement parks have historic carousels and this one is a must-see. The carousel is so celebrated that each year in September, the city holds the annual Burlington Carousel Festival.
Google local/Laura Arnold
Other amusement rides create fun memories for the entire family. Rides includes cars, boats, planes, and...
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...a train that rolls around this 75-acres park offering a gentle breeze as visitors enjoy the sights around the park.
Google local/Carrie Backer
Learn more about the amazing miniature amusement park in Burlington, including hours and fees to ride each ride, from this previous article.

Address: 1388 Main Street, Burlington, NC, 27215
North Carolina's third municipal carousel is located in Shelby.
Facebook/City of Shelby, North Carolina
The 1919 carousel is open year-round. Twenty-nine of the carousel's 32 horses are original to this fully-restored relic.
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Shelby City Park also has a seasonal miniature train that motors around the park for added family fun.
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Hours and ticketing information change seasonally. View them here. For more reasons to visit Shelby, keep reading this previous article.

Address: 850 W Sumter Street, Shelby, NC, 28150
Wholesome family fun is only a car drive away. Think you can visit them all before the season ends?
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Miniature amusement parks were once the center of activity around many towns in America, yet, not many still exist. Have you been to any of North Carolina’s only three remaining municipal carousels and amusement parks? Let us know!

For another step back in time for some wholesome family fun, check out this old-fashioned water park along the North Carolina coast!