FunKidsActivities

Buffaloe Road Athletic Park

5812 Buffaloe Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616, USA

Overview

Category:Indoor Water Parks
Location:Raleigh, NC

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Buffaloe Road Athletic Park's aquatic center offers a diverse range of water attractions (lazy river, slide, kiddie pool, lap zone, vortex) catering to various age groups, making it a good value for families. Beyond the water, the park also provides outdoor amenities like a dog park, a track, and access to the Nuse River trail.

Key Highlights

  • Kid-friendly environment with distinct areas designed for different age groups.
  • A variety of water features including a lazy river, a slide, a dedicated kiddie pool, a lap zone for swimming, and a 'vortex part'.
  • Offers good value for the price, making it an affordable option for family entertainment.

Standout Features

  • **Aquatic Features:** Lazy river, water slide, kiddie pool, lap swimming zone, and a 'vortex part'.
  • **Park Amenities:** Dog park, connected Nuse River trail, and a track (available within the broader park facilities, separate from the aquatic center).
  • Easy parking available on-site.

Perfect For

Babies/Toddlers: Has a dedicated 'kiddie pool' and 'area for each age group'. However, strong chlorine smell makes it potentially unsuitable for babies for extended periods (reviewer recommends no more than 30 minutes).
Young Children: Well-suited with features like the kiddie pool, slide, lazy river. Kids tend not to mind the cooler water temperature.
Older Children/Teens: Offerings like the slide, lazy river, vortex part, and lap zone provide activities.
Adults: Lap zone available for swimming. However, adults may find the water temperature cold and experience discomfort from the strong chlorine smell.

Ideal For

Families with children of varying ages due to diverse age-appropriate zones and water features.
Budget-conscious families looking for good value in water entertainment.
Combining indoor water play with outdoor activities like walking or dog park visits (as part of the broader park).

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • Be prepared for a strong chlorine smell in the aquatic center; those sensitive or with babies might want to limit their visit duration.
  • Consider visits to the aquatic center for no more than 30 minutes, especially with babies, to minimize exposure to strong chlorine.
  • Adults should anticipate the water being on the colder side; kids generally tolerate it better.
  • If planning a longer visit, explore the park's other amenities like the dog park, track, or Nuse River trail, as these are well-regarded and offer alternative activities.

Things to Consider

  • Strong and 'terrible' chlorine smell in the aquatic center that can cause eye burning, throat irritation, and coughing for adults.
  • Water temperature can be 'a bit cold' for adults, though children are less bothered by it.

Price & Value

Described as 'awesome for the price' and 'good for the price', indicating strong value for money despite specific comfort issues.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • No information about food or drink policies mentioned in the reviews.

🚗Parking Info

  • Easy parking available on-site.

👥Crowd Levels

  • No information about crowd levels mentioned in the reviews.

🛡️Safety Features

  • No specific safety measures mentioned in the reviews.

When to Avoid

  • Longer visits (over 30 minutes) to the aquatic center, especially with babies or individuals sensitive to strong chemical smells, due to potential chlorine irritation.
  • Adults seeking a warm-water swimming experience, as the water can be cold.
  • Expecting *only* an indoor water park experience if you're looking for diverse family activities; the park also offers significant outdoor amenities.

What People Say

Areas for Improvement

  • Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Shelia Brewer

Shelia Brewer

2 weeks ago

My grandkids love this place. It's kid friendly and an area for each age group.

Amber C Oxendine

Amber C Oxendine

a week ago

The pool was awesome for the kids. There is a lazy river, a slide, kiddie pool, lap zone swimming, vortex part and more. Awesome for the price.

Olenka K

Olenka K

3 weeks ago

The aquatic center is acceptable but it has a terrible chlorine smell. I waited 45 minutes for my daughter, and all night my eyes burned, my throat hurt, and I was coughing. I wouldn't recommend going for more than 30 minutes, especially with babies!

Meghan Montoya

Meghan Montoya

a month ago

Good for the price. The water is a bit cold. The kids of course don't mind the temperature, but we were there 2 hours and as adults, we never got used to the cold.

Bm779q

Bm779q

5 years ago

Nice dog park in back. We we t to walk on the connected Nuse River trail. Easy parking. Nice track. Haven't checked out the aquatic building.

Contact Information

5812 Buffaloe Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.6
Total Reviews768
Recent Reviews5