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7 Free and Cheap Charlotte Outdoor Activities for Family Fun

By Taylor Sanchez July 27, 2020



With the current pandemic limiting gatherings and imposing social distancing requirements, many of us are looking for things to do to pass the time. Outdoor activities are great as they allow for natural spacing and provide opportunities to spend time outside. Need some inspiration? Then look no further! We have created this list of awesome outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family. 

🌳 Go hiking - Charlotte is home to a ton of greenways and trails. If you’re looking for some nice beginner trails, check out our list of 5 Charlotte Area Hikes! 

☀️ Spend an afternoon at a park - There is no shortage of parks in the Queen City. Choose one of the 200 parks in the area and have a picnic, go for a run, or throw a frisbee. 

💜 Go lavender picking - Lavender is a beautiful plant with an amazing smell. There are several farms that are perfect for photo ops where you can cut your own lavender. Check out Carolina Lavender Farm in Gastonia or Dallas Lavender Lane in Dallas!

🍎 Shop at an open-air market - Open-air markets are perfect for getting fresh produce and experiencing the rich community of Charlotte. One of the most popular destinations is the Charlotte Open Air Market, which is home to amazing foods like tacos and funnel cakes.

🌻 Visit sunflower fields - Summer is the perfect time to admire beautiful sunflowers and even though they are no longer at full peak, you can still find some across North Carolina. The Draper Wildlife Management Area is open and free to the public. This sunflower field is amazing! The area is about 50 minutes from Uptown, but it is a nice way to spend an afternoon. Be sure to bring some water.

🍑 Go peach picking- Fresh, handpicked peaches are a delicious summer snack. Black’s Peaches is a family-owned farm located in York, South Carolina. There is plenty of space to social distance and it is a great activity for kids and adults alike. Try making some peach cobbler!

🛣 Take a trip - If you’re feeling extra adventurous, load up your car, and hit the road. We have awesome itineraries for day trips to Asheville and DuPont Forest up on our website! Explore nature, eat some good food, and spend some quality time with your family.