The RDU Buzz

By Chelsea Nallenweg 

Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center- Raleigh

Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center in Raleigh, NC, is an awesome year-round indoor swimming pool with all sorts of unique features! This public aquatic center features a 6,000-square-foot recreational leisure pool with attractions for all ages. Highlights include a swirly three-story water slide (requiring riders to be at least 48 inches tall), a whirlpool vortex, a gentle lazy river, splash pad, and three lap lanes for swimmers. 

This is a great place to bring kids of all ages, even young ones! The toddler pool has a zero-depth entry, perfect for toddlers and young children who can enter the water at their own comfort level. There is also an interactive splash pad with a water wall, turning wheels, dumping buckets, and a mini slide designed just for little ones. The lazy river and vortex have depths of 3 to 3.5 feet. The center also provides complimentary puddle jumpers and swim vests for kids! 

In addition to open swim, Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center offers a range of programs, including swim lessons, swim clinics, and participation in the city swim league. Be sure to check the website for current open swim hours and pricing, as fees differ for residents and non-residents. 

Located right next to the aquatic center is Buffaloe Road Athletic Park, which features a fenced dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs, a 400-meter track with eight asphalt lanes, multiple athletic fields for various sports, and two playgrounds for kids. It also has an access point to the scenic Neuse River Greenway Trail, a 27.5-mile paved path perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling. 

Whether you’re splashing in the leisure pool, taking a thrilling ride down the giant water slide, or enjoying the scenic trails and playgrounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center and Park this winter!