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Observation Park at RDU

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See the planes at RDU's Observation Park

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Published: 2010-02-25 21:24:00
Updated: 2010-02-25 22:09:00

Posted: February 25, 2010

Tags: Parks, Playgrounds

Judging from the number of parents and kids at Raleigh-Durham International Airport's Observation Park over the last week, plenty of you know about this place. But judging from the number of people I mention it too, plenty of you don't.

The park opened about 20 years ago across from the general aviation terminal. Its observation deck and small playground, complete with a mini-runway and sand pit, is a favorite of plane enthusiasts and moms of transportation-loving kids. If nothing else, it's a break from the usual swings and slide experience.

When you go, be sure to visit the general aviation terminal, which is open to the public. There's a little cafe where you can pick up a sandwich for about $5 and a kids meal for about $3 and sit at tables as you watch private planes load and bigger planes take off and land. And there's an outdoor deck where you can get really close to the planes (the large plane in the video was getting ready for the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team to board).

Searching for a birthday party idea? You can rent out a room or space in the terminal for kids parties starting at about $60 an hour.

To get there, check the map here on RDU's website.

Thank you to Cindy Stevens and her adorable grandson Wyatt, both of Raleigh, for letting me film them.

 

Copyright 2011 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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It's a little known gem in the area. I used to love stopping by in the evening to see the American 777 take off for London.
ProzacDispenser
February 26, 2010 10:15 p.m.
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Good blog. When our kids were young they enjoyed being at the "old" observation area, and this looks even better than that was. Sounds like a good way to spend a nice afternoon.
Click to view my profile oldrebel
February 25, 2010 11:29 p.m.
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My two-year-old LOVES this park. Even though she's not big enough to climb the jungle gym thingy, she enjoys the sand pit and the airplanes. Always fun.
prettyswell
February 25, 2010 9:42 p.m.
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