John Chavis Memorial Park Splash Pad
Near Shaw University, Raleigh, NC
Free downtown-adjacent Raleigh splash pad with long daily seasonal hours, a major playground, community center, carousel, and track all in one park.
The free splash pad is one of Raleigh's main standalone public water-play spots.
Photo 1 of 2. The free splash pad is one of Raleigh's main standalone public water-play spots.
Editorial notes
What stands out
A top-tier public pick if you want free splash play plus enough nearby attractions to fill a full outing.
Good fit
- Families wanting a free splash pad that can anchor a longer park day.
- Mixed-age groups where some kids want water play and others want playground time.
- Visitors looking for a centrally located Raleigh option with strong surrounding amenities.
Consider another option if
- Parents who strongly prefer a fenced splash zone.
- Families seeking a quieter neighborhood pad with less surrounding activity.
- Visitors who want shade-heavy water play.
Know Before You Go
- Supervision
- Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
- Season
- April through October, weather dependent
- Rules
- No lifeguard on duty.
- Rules
- Swim diapers required for children who are not potty trained.
- Rules
- No pets, food, drink, or glass containers.
- Rules
- No running or rough play.
What to Expect
For kids
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Mixed ages
- Ground sprays
- Drop-in visits
For caregivers
- Changing area
- Benches
- Playground
- Walking trails
- Partly shaded
- On site
- Visit type
- Half day destination park outing
Read more about this location
John Chavis Memorial Park Splash Pad is one of Raleigh's two free standalone public splash pads and sits inside one of the city's most family-friendly destination parks. Beyond the water feature, families get a large playground, community center, historic carousel, outdoor track, and greenway access, which makes this spot feel much bigger than a quick splash stop. The splash pad runs daily in season and works especially well for pairing water play with playground time or a carousel ride. Because the area is open and busy, adult supervision matters, but the surrounding amenities make it one of the strongest all-around public options in the region.
Hours & Admission
Posted hours
Check posted weekly hours
View full weekly hours
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Accessibility
Known Details
Community center includes a family restroom with baby-changing table and accessible shower.
Accessibility and comfort
Accessible restroom nearby
Location
505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Raleigh, NC, 27601
Other options nearby
Moore Square Splash Pad
Free downtown Raleigh splash pad at Moore Square with long seasonal hours and an urban plaza feel that works best for quick city-center splash breaks.
Splashlantis Splash Pad
Free gated splash pad inside Pleasant Park with staffed attendants, open warm-weather hours, and a setup that works especially well for younger kids.
South Park Splash Pad
Seasonal splash pad in South Park with nearby restrooms, free resident admission, and low-cost nonresident entry.
Sources & Updates
2 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 10, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 10, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 2 public sources
Public sources
- City of Raleigh - Raleigh Parks Splash Padsraleighnc.gov
Checked: free admission, season, daily hours
- City of Raleigh - John Chavis Memorial Parkraleighnc.gov
Checked: address, phone, water feature rules, amenities, images