Dowdy Park — Attraction in Nags Head

Located right next to Nags Head Elementary School, the newly opened Dowdy Park is the perfect place to let kids burn off some energy. With fun and unique playground equipment and plenty of room to run, my kids always have a blast here! Just a few things to note if you're planning a trip.

1- The bathrooms at this park come in the form of port-a-potties and they are on the opposite side of the park from the playground. They are clean and we'll serviced, but be prepared to hoof it over there with kids in tow if one of the little ones starts doing the potty dance.

2- There is very little shade available at this park, making overheating in the summer a very real possibility. Once the landscaping has a chance to grow more, this will likely improve, but be sure to plan accordingly. We have said more than once since the park opened that a splash pad would be an amazing addition! Update The park has built several shaded picnics since the last review, improving it's appeal during hot days.

3- There is not a lot of parking during peak hours. A single small lot is located on the north side of the park, but when it is full, plan to park across the street at the YMCA or at the elementary school. Neither is very far, but far can be relative depending on the number and age of kids you have with you.

Now that you know, you can plan accordingly and have an awesome time at Dowdy Park! It still gets 5...

Great update of the park, kids love the new and interactive equipment to play on, plenty of space, ball field, tables, even shows family night movies under the stars in the summer '.. if there was anything that was needed. It would be "Trees" as it gets pretty hot, and with no trees or covered areas( except 1 area away from playground for picnicking) it is a little bare without the trees but all of my grandchildren Love" this playground and it appears a great place for parents to go, as well as quite a few visitors enjoying also. I would say this is a awesome, entertaining, and free" fun place to bring the kids.. and for the older ones' a great walk around if you want to walk or run.. me I'll keep sitting and watching. 5 stars to what had become a disarray and unkept field from its days as a summer time small theme ride park. This is definitely better, and look forward to watching the grandkids enjoy...

14 May 2021 - Long overdue update...there is now a bathroom with drinking fountains. Not nearly enough shade in my opinion, but otherwise this park is great.

25 August 2017 - I really want to give this place 5-stars, as the playground equipment is top-notch. BUT, I can't help but wonder what they were thinking with not having drinking fountains at a park like this?! There's not much shade, and considering the local climate it can get pretty hot quickly. If you forget to bring drinks, like we did, you're out of luck. Install some drinking fountains and this is easily one of the best parks / playgrounds you can find. Real restrooms would be nice too, but I can understand the maintenance costs associated with them. Although not pretty, the port-a-potties...