Moore Square

The closest named city garage is Moore Square Parking Deck at 233 S. Wilmington Street. The City also lists accessible street spaces around the square. Participating downtown city decks, including Moore Square Deck, currently offer up to two free hours on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and free parking on nights and weekends, except when special-event rates apply.

The park paths have zero-entry access at all four corners and along the Martin Street, Hargett Street, and Blount Street sides. The historic Visitor Center's front entrance is stair-only, so visitors needing step-free access should ask on-site staff for the appropriate accessible route.

Public restrooms are at the park's Restrooms and Information Kiosk. The City currently lists them as open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; the square itself remains open later, until 11:00 p.m.

Yes. The free Moore Square splash pad is at 225 E. Martin Street and is scheduled daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from April through October, weather permitting. There is no lifeguard; children must be supervised, and children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers.

Yes. GoRaleigh Station is directly across Blount Street from Moore Square, with a signed walkway to the park and connections to numerous GoRaleigh and GoTriangle routes.

The square, splash pad, restrooms, and Visitor Center are operating on their listed schedules, but the Moore Square dog park remains temporarily closed for construction. The City lists the current dog-park closure through August 15, 2026. Large events can also change access to the lawn or plazas, so check the Moore Square calendar before a time-sensitive visit.

Yes. The City describes paved sidewalks throughout the square as accessible to wheelchairs, scooters, and ECVs, with zero-entry path access at every corner and along Martin, Hargett, and Blount streets. The natural play area is a different surface and may not be accessible to every visitor.

Moore Square has a natural play area rather than a conventional fixed-equipment playground. The park also schedules Imagination Playground and Game On programs with loose play pieces, giant lawn games, board games, ping pong, and shuffleboard. These programmed materials are not guaranteed to be out all day, so check the daily calendar.

Not yet. The former temporary pop-up dog park closed in August 2025, and the replacement permanent dog park is still under construction. The City's current status alert lists the closure through August 15, 2026; verify the alert before bringing a dog specifically for off-leash play.

Yes. For a casual picnic, visitors can bring a blanket or chair to the central lawn when it is not reserved for an event. The Grove Rooms under the oak trees include community seating, and the Central Plaza has tables. The square does not list a traditional covered picnic shelter or public grill, so check the event calendar before relying on a particular lawn or plaza.

The most reliable shade is around the bordering grove of mature oak trees and the Grove Rooms beneath them. The central event lawn is much more open, so choose the tree-framed edges for a hot-weather stop and expect shade position to move during the day.

Look for Brad Goldberg's Grove Rooms, public-art gathering spaces integrated beneath the historic oak grove. The Visitor Center's Square Roots exhibit explains Moore Square's history since 1792, and the splash pad, central lawn, and granite-framed park edge are the easiest orientation landmarks.

Moore Square is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with possible extended access for approved special events. The Visitor Center and Square Roots history exhibit use shorter hours, Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event setup can temporarily occupy lawns or paths while the broader square remains open.

General entry, lawn use, natural play, the Visitor Center history exhibit, and many City programs are free. Food vendors, markets, private rentals, and selected festivals or partner events can charge separately. Nearby parking follows City deck, lot, or curb rules rather than being included with park access.

Paved sidewalks throughout the square support wheelchairs, scooters, and ECVs, with zero-entry path access at every corner and along Martin, Hargett, and Blount streets. The historic Visitor Center's front entrance requires stairs, and the natural play area may not suit every visitor. Call 919-996-6486 for the best alternate building route or site-specific assistance.