North Cary Park

Recreational Features

North Cary Park offers a little something for everyone. This sprawling green space is one of Cary's most popular hangouts, and for good reason.

Let's talk about what makes this park stand out - those climbing boulders. Not just one, but two eight-foot climbing boulders that beckon both newbies and seasoned climbers alike. These aren't typical playground rocks - they're designed with various routes ranging from beginner-friendly to quite challenging.

The soft rubber ground beneath the boulders helps cushion any tumbles, however you'll still want to be careful. Pro tip: wearing long sleeves can save your arms from scrapes if you slide off, and interestingly enough, many climbers find that socks actually give better grip on the ledges than tennis shoes. Who knew?

Playground Area

The playground here feels like a secret treehouse kingdom, nestled under a canopy of shade trees that make even summer afternoons bearable. It's particularly appealing to the younger crowd, but kids of various ages find ways to entertain themselves.

You can find all the playground classics: multiple slides (including what local kids affectionately call 'hidden slides'), various swings (including baby swings and accessible options for children with different abilities), climbing structures, and a sand play area that seems to spark endless creativity. The ground is covered with that bouncy, foam-like material that's much kinder to knees than concrete or wood chips.

There's something magical about how the playground winds through the trees, creating little pockets of adventure that kids can discover as they explore the space.

Sports Facilities

If you prefer sports to playgrounds, North Cary offers several options. The sand volleyball courts are a particular highlight, featuring deep sand (no scraping your knees on hard-packed dirt here) and nighttime lighting for those evening games. These courts are popular spots for casual players and organized leagues alike.

You'll also find basketball courts with lighting for night play and a spacious soccer field. Everything's first-come, first-served unless someone's reserved it in advance.

For gatherings, there's a picnic shelter that can fit up to 80 people (yes, even your extended family with all the cousins). It's conveniently located near the restrooms and offers a nice view of the volleyball action below.

Natural Surroundings

The trails here are perfect if you're looking to get some steps in or just enjoy a peaceful nature walk. They wind through hills and greenery, offering enough variation to keep your walks interesting day after day.

What's especially nice is that these trails connect to the Black Creek Greenway and stretch toward Lake Crabtree. The lake bridge is about a mile away, and if you're feeling ambitious, you can continue around the lake to connect with Hatcher Creek trail in Morrisville.

The landscape throughout the park has a natural, unforced beauty - open sunny spaces flow into shaded retreats, with paths that meander up and down gentle slopes. It's the kind of place that feels different each time you visit.

Amenities

The practical stuff matters too, and North Cary doesn't disappoint. The restrooms are clean and well-maintained, with handicap accessibility, changing tables for little ones, and water bottle filling stations - a thoughtful touch for hot days.

Parking is plentiful and close to where you want to be, so you won't have to haul your picnic basket or sports equipment for miles.

Dog owners, your four-legged friends are welcome here, but they'll need to stay leashed. There's plenty of space to walk them along the trails and open areas.

The park opens at 7AM and closes at 9PM Monday through Friday and Sunday. Interestingly, it's open 24 hours on Saturday - great for those midnight picnics or stargazing sessions.