When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Baileywick Road Park
Why Baileywick Road Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Baileywick Road Park, nestled in the Northwest area of Raleigh at 9501 Baileywick Rd, is a vibrant 50-acre community park that offers an ideal setting for friends and families to meet, play, and relax. The park features expansive playgrounds tailored for children aged 2-5 and 5-12, equipped with jungle gyms, swings, slides, monkey bars, and a sandbox with diggers, all cushioned with a wood chip base to ensure safety. Ample benches surround the playground area, providing comfortable spots for adults to unwind while watching the kids. Adjacent to the playground is a large open field perfect for informal sports or picnics. The park also boasts two lighted baseball fields, multi-purpose fields, and courts for basketball, pickleball, and futsal catering to all ages, enhancing its appeal as a versatile recreational destination. A paved walking trail circles the park and connects to the Baileywick Greenway Trail, allowing for peaceful walks or jogs amidst natural landscaping, including hardwoods and crape myrtles. Facilities such as restrooms, shelters with picnic tables, a covered bench area, and solar-powered trash compactors contribute to visitor comfort and the park's environmental sustainability. The inclusion of a fenced, partially wooded dog park—divided for small and big dogs—adds to the park’s family-friendly atmosphere. This combination of amenities makes Baileywick Road Park an excellent place for groups to gather, socialize, and enjoy outdoor activities in a well-maintained, scenic environment.
Here's what people think of Baileywick Road Park
As of recent, Baileywick Road Park holds a 4.6-star rating based on 444 reviews.
Visitors to Baileywick Road Park overwhelmingly praise its well-equipped and spacious playgrounds, noting the variety of play structures that engage children of different age groups. Positive reviews highlight the cleanliness of the park, the convenience of amenities such as restrooms and picnic shelters, and the pleasant landscaping that enhances the park’s atmosphere. Many also appreciate the park’s walking trails and the accessibility of multiple sports facilities, including basketball, pickleball, and baseball fields, making it a multifaceted location for recreation. The dog park receives favorable mentions for allowing pets to socialize in a safe, contained environment. On the downside, some visitors have noted that the playground area receives direct sun exposure, making it quite hot and less comfortable during warm days. A few mention temporary inconveniences related to park improvements and construction, such as limited parking and closed areas during upgrades. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment remains highly positive, with many reviewers emphasizing the park’s family-friendly layout, ample seating, and engaging amenities. In summary, Baileywick Road Park is regarded as a well-loved community resource that combines natural beauty, recreational variety, and thoughtful facilities, making it a highly recommended spot to meet up with friends and enjoy outdoor activities together.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Stoddard Horn
Baileywick Road Park, a Hidden Gem, Fully Charged Pickleball is alive and thriving here. Heard more “dink”s than a ping pong championship. There’s a fenced-in dog park tucked into the woods. Just watch your step since the ground’s got more little stumps than a beaver family reunion. Walking trails? You’ve got options. Paved for the stroller crew. Wooded for the “let’s pretend we’re hiking” vibe. Two legit baseball fields. Well-kept and ready for Little League or dad-bod batting practice. The playground is awesome for kids of all ages with slides, swings, sand pit, and space to roam. The covered picnic table area could use a little TLC but still gets the job done. Now the real mic drop. The brand new covered basketball, tennis, and pickleball area is something you usually see in a private school brochure. Not a free public park. Very slick. Plenty of parking. A few open fields for cartwheels or frisbee failures. Shaded seating scattered around like thoughtful little surprises. P.S. Bring water and maybe a wipe or two. This park is the kind of place that begs for a return visit.
Annika Shi
Was recommended to fly drones here by a lot of articles and they do have 2 huge playgrounds for you to fly around without worrying about hurting ppl/crashing ur drone since no one was there when I went Great for beginner drone flyers
Brittany Bilohlavek
I like how they were different areas to enjoy at this park. There were some digging toys for the sand, a swing set, two different areas with playground equipment, numerous slides, bouncy animals to sit on, a shaded trail for walking, some covered benches, etc. When we went today, the restroom area was under construction so we used the outhouse. Look forward to visiting again and seeing the completion of the rest of the construction in that area. Overall, was a very nice playground and my 4-year-old really enjoyed visiting!
Jacob VanBlon
Great place with lots of things to do! I love the basketball courts, it is a lot better to play there then get stuck outside in the rain back at my home and shoot hoops all wet. They also have a fun wooded area with plenty of sticks to be creative! You can build a tp or anything you want! Just be careful if it just rained, the hills can be very slippery to go down. Overall, great park to shoot hoops and run around!
Attic Man
Wow, this park has really grown in the last 10 years. We just found out about the off-leash dog park around back, nice change up from Millbrook exchange Dog Park. Not as big but very new. Peaceful and clean. Note: The park does not have any water supply, it would be good if the county /city would install some type of water dispenser like they have at other Wake county and Raleigh / Wake Forest parks.
Stoddard Horn
Baileywick Road Park, a Hidden Gem, Fully Charged Pickleball is alive and thriving here. Heard more “dink”s than a ping pong championship. There’s a fenced-in dog park tucked into the woods. Just watch your step since the ground’s got more little stumps than a beaver family reunion. Walking trails? You’ve got options. Paved for the stroller crew. Wooded for the “let’s pretend we’re hiking” vibe. Two legit baseball fields. Well-kept and ready for Little League or dad-bod batting practice. The playground is awesome for kids of all ages with slides, swings, sand pit, and space to roam. The covered picnic table area could use a little TLC but still gets the job done. Now the real mic drop. The brand new covered basketball, tennis, and pickleball area is something you usually see in a private school brochure. Not a free public park. Very slick. Plenty of parking. A few open fields for cartwheels or frisbee failures. Shaded seating scattered around like thoughtful little surprises. P.S. Bring water and maybe a wipe or two. This park is the kind of place that begs for a return visit.
Annika Shi
Was recommended to fly drones here by a lot of articles and they do have 2 huge playgrounds for you to fly around without worrying about hurting ppl/crashing ur drone since no one was there when I went Great for beginner drone flyers
Brittany Bilohlavek
I like how they were different areas to enjoy at this park. There were some digging toys for the sand, a swing set, two different areas with playground equipment, numerous slides, bouncy animals to sit on, a shaded trail for walking, some covered benches, etc. When we went today, the restroom area was under construction so we used the outhouse. Look forward to visiting again and seeing the completion of the rest of the construction in that area. Overall, was a very nice playground and my 4-year-old really enjoyed visiting!
Jacob VanBlon
Great place with lots of things to do! I love the basketball courts, it is a lot better to play there then get stuck outside in the rain back at my home and shoot hoops all wet. They also have a fun wooded area with plenty of sticks to be creative! You can build a tp or anything you want! Just be careful if it just rained, the hills can be very slippery to go down. Overall, great park to shoot hoops and run around!
Attic Man
Wow, this park has really grown in the last 10 years. We just found out about the off-leash dog park around back, nice change up from Millbrook exchange Dog Park. Not as big but very new. Peaceful and clean. Note: The park does not have any water supply, it would be good if the county /city would install some type of water dispenser like they have at other Wake county and Raleigh / Wake Forest parks.
How to reach Baileywick Road Park
None
Website: None
Why rally at Baileywick Road Park with your friends?
Baileywick Road Park stands out as a premier destination for gathering with friends and family, blending convenience, expansive amenities, and a vibrant community atmosphere into one memorable experience. If you are wondering why this spot should be your go-to meetup location, the answer lies in its thoughtful layout and diverse offerings that cater to all ages. Situated in central North Raleigh, it is easily reachable from nearby suburbs, making it an ideal halfway point for groups traveling from different directions. The park's shelter sits conveniently adjacent to well-maintained restrooms and a dynamic playground, which means everything you need for a fun and hassle-free outdoor gathering is just steps away. Whether you are organizing a birthday party, a family reunion, or a casual get-together, the proximity of facilities lets you focus on enjoying your time rather than managing logistics.
Moreover, Baileywick Road Park boasts a large open grassy field perfect for recreational activities, fostering an inviting environment for both organized sports and spontaneous fun. The popularity of the place is apparent in how frequently its shelter is reserved, underscoring its reputation as a gathering hotspot. Its design encourages social interaction and inclusive fun, making it an excellent backdrop for rallying your friends, engaging in games, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting. The park’s balance of open space, activity zones, and community conveniences makes it an exceptional choice to host your next meetup.
What activities can you enjoy at Baileywick Road Park?
Baileywick Road Park offers a rich variety of activities that cater to all ages, ensuring every member of a group can find something enjoyable to do. At the heart of the park is its playground, which is thoughtfully divided into two sections to accommodate different age groups. The smaller playground is perfectly sized for toddlers and young children, allowing them to gain confidence in their climbing skills in a safe environment. The adjacent larger playground caters to kids aged three and above, featuring more challenging elements like monkey bars and elevated platforms that encourage physical activity and imaginative play. Central to the playground area is a large sandbox equipped with digger tools, enticing toddlers and preschoolers to engage in creative sensory play while parents relax nearby.
For groups that enjoy active endeavors, the expansive grassy field next to the shelter provides ample space for tossing a Frisbee, playing soccer, or organizing other casual games. The park also features a paved walking trail – about 0.6 miles long – that winds through the greenway, offering a pleasant route for walking, jogging, or biking while enjoying the natural scenery. This greenway connects from Strickland Road to Baileywick Road, letting visitors explore the surrounding areas or get in some exercise without leaving the park’s premises. There’s even a charming small fort nestled in the woods near the trail, a favorite hidden gem where kids can let their imaginations run wild.
Are the facilities at Baileywick Road Park convenient for group meetups?
Yes. One of Baileywick Road Park’s greatest strengths lies in its user-friendly and well-planned facilities that support smooth group gatherings. The large shelter is often the centerpiece for parties and community events because it offers covered seating that’s instantly accessible to key amenities. The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, alleviating a common concern for outdoor meetups and making the park comfortable for longer visits. Group organizers appreciate that the playground is directly adjacent to the shelter, allowing parents and caregivers to supervise children without having to wander far, which enhances the safety and ease of managing a large group.
Moreover, the park has ample parking and is centrally located off a major highway, making arrival and departure convenient even for those coming from neighboring towns or farther parts of Raleigh. For groups wanting a quieter experience or a different setting within the same park, there is a smaller second shelter accompanied by another open field accessible via the greenway trail. This option gives flexibility depending on the size and style of your gathering. With everything so closely situated—playground, shelter, restrooms, fields, and trail—Baileywick Road Park presents an ideal setup for family reunions, birthday celebrations, corporate picnics, and any large meetup where convenience and enjoyment are top priorities.
How is Baileywick Road Park’s environment and community vibe?
Baileywick Road Park has cultivated a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that makes every visit enjoyable and relaxed. The park attracts a diverse crowd, including families with young children, groups of friends, and local sports enthusiasts, which fosters a lively yet harmonious environment. The playground is always buzzing with activity, reflecting the park’s role as a social hub where children can make new friends while adults have the opportunity to connect and unwind. The frequent presence of community events such as fall festivals and field days adds to the park’s energetic spirit, turning it into a destination that extends beyond just a place for play.
The pathways, green spaces, and natural wooded areas provide a peaceful contrast to the bustling playground zone, inviting visitors to reflect, walk, or enjoy a quiet picnic. The presence of hidden play forts and natural elements within the park stimulates creative outdoor play and exploration. The park’s maintenance is excellent, with clean bathrooms and well-kept grounds that contribute to a positive experience for all ages. This combination of fun, safety, and community engagement positions Baileywick Road Park as a standout location where groups can gather to celebrate, play, and make lasting memories.
Why is Baileywick Road Park perfect for families and large groups?
Baileywick Road Park’s design and amenities cater exceptionally well to families and large groups, ensuring that everyone—from toddlers to adults—can participate in activities suited to their interests and energy levels. The dual playground areas neatly accommodate children of varying ages, so you don’t have to worry about safety or appropriateness of equipment. The large open fields support a vast range of group activities from casual sports to organized games, making it easy to keep everyone entertained. The proximity of restrooms and shelter to the playground means families can stay comfortable and prepared during extended outings.
Additionally, the park is a favored spot for birthday parties, family field days, and corporate picnics, which is a testament to its capacity to host large groups with ease. The shelter offers covered seating that protects guests from sun or rain, a critical feature that keeps gatherings enjoyable regardless of weather conditions. The interconnected greenway trail offers additional recreation and a scenic way for guests to stretch their legs or explore, adding another dimension to your group’s experience. Overall, Baileywick Road Park combines functionality, accessibility, and a joyful environment that support meaningful social gatherings, making it an ideal venue to bring friends and family together.
What makes the location of Baileywick Road Park convenient?
Baileywick Road Park benefits greatly from its strategic location in North Raleigh, close to major routes like Highway 540, making it accessible for people traveling from several surrounding neighborhoods such as Brier Creek and Knightdale. This central location reduces travel time and coordination issues when trying to rally a large group coming from different parts of the city or suburbs. The park’s parking lot is spacious, accommodating the needs of multiple vehicles, which is essential for group meetups.
The position near urban conveniences while still nestled in a green area provides a perfect balance for visitors seeking outdoorsy fun without a lengthy commute. Whether you plan a quick gathering or a full-day event, the ease of arriving and leaving Baileywick Road Park enhances the overall experience. The nearby amenities support group needs, while the natural surroundings create a relaxing backdrop that feels far from everyday urban bustle. This combination of accessibility and atmosphere makes Baileywick Road Park a standout location to meet up with friends and family.