Looking to get out of the house and spend some time outdoors? We have compiled a list of some of the best parks and playgrounds located across the Charlotte area! Revisit some of your favorites or discover a brand new place.
We have a city filled with amazing parks and playgrounds! But before you go, remember that parks and playgrounds can also be a place to encourage your kids to work on their motor skills!
Here are some great tips from Dr. Chpryelle Carr, a pediatrician at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Rea Village Pediatrics.
At playgrounds, children can use creative skills (coming up with their own games), and fine motor and gross motor skills. Children can also strengthen muscles by playing on the playground equipment in a fun but safe way. During the pandemic, many children have had decreased social interactions due to isolation and quarantine guidelines. "Playing outside at the park or playground can help children work on creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication all while playing with others".
The most important thing to remember is that parents are the perfect role models for children. The
more parents get outside with their children, the more children will enjoy exploring, creating, and
having fun all while exercising and getting fresh air!
Uptown Charlotte:
Romare Bearden Park is situated right in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. It is also located right across the street from Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights. Named for Charlotte-born artist Romare Bearden, the park features gardens, dining tables, a play area, and waterfalls.
Situated between East 7th, 9th, and Brevard Streets, First Ward Park is a great area to explore. It is also right near the light rail. There are open fields with lots of green space. Get your family together and relax outside with a beautiful view of Uptown!
Freedom Park is a go-to in the Charlotte area. There are picnic tables and plenty of paths as well as a large fountain and pond. This is the perfect place to have a picnic or just relax on the grass with friends.
Charlotte:
This park can cater to fans of any sport! There are two half-court basketball courts, a baseball and softball field, and six tennis courts at Veterans Memorial. Kids will also enjoy hanging out at the shaded splash pad or the playground.
Edgehill is located in the Myers Park neighborhood. Complete with a tennis court, trails, and a playground, this park also has a set of monkey bars that can be utilized for bodyweight exercises!
Latta Park is a neighborhood park nestled in the middle of Dilworth. There is a pavilion with picnic tables as well as a playground, basketball court, and a trail. You can also enjoy the clubhouse and sand volleyball court!
This is a peaceful park with a path designed in the shape of a butterfly! There is plenty of open space to play catch or throw a frisbee. There is plenty to do with your children as they can hang out on the playground or hang out in the mini sandbox and rotunda.
This large park is located off Rama Road behind Rama Road Elementary school. The main features are large pieces of playground equipment. Slides, jungle gyms, and monkey bars are just some of the fun activities here!
Park Road Park is home to various mountain biking trails that can also make for wonderful trail running. There are lots of bridges that provide scenic views. You can also find baseball fields, tennis courts, and lots of picnic areas.
The McDowell Nature Preserve offers plenty of ways to explore the outdoors. There are public boat ramps at Copperhead Island as well as guided kayaking tours. Other features include fishing docks, shaded playgrounds, and picnic areas. McDowell Nature Preserve has over 7 miles of trail offering the opportunity to see scenic views of Lake Wylie, streams, and forest. The Nature Center is a resource for educational programs and information on the preserve.
Dog owners listen up! William R. Davie has a massive dog park with areas for dogs over 20 pounds as well as areas for smaller dogs. There is plenty of space for your dog to run around. Kids will enjoy the playground complete with lots of swings. The whole play area is fenced to keep kids safe!
This very large park and nature preserve is a 188-acre urban forest. There are two ponds, a wetland bog and Irwin Creek. There are several different trails within the preserve that range from just 0.3 miles to as much as a full mile on the Irwin Creek Trail.
There are over ten miles of hiking trails at Reedy Creek Park. The preserve is also home to Reedy Creek Nature Center and the Dr. James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies. There are plenty of spots for fishing. You can also play disc golf, basketball, volleyball, soccer, or softball. Reedy Creek Nature Center features live animals as well as an exhibit hall, a classroom, and a gift shop.
Cornelius:
This awesome park is perfect for the summertime! Highlights include a swimming area, playground, trails, picnic areas, an enclosed dog park, and a volleyball court. Those planning a visit will be able to come to Ramsey Creek Wednesdays-Sundays throughout the summer in May until Labor Day!
Gastonia:
Martha Rivers Park is certainly worth the drive! The park features four soccer fields, three baseball and softball fields, and batting cages. You can also find walking trails, picnic shelters, a sand volleyball court, and more! Children will absolutely love the one-acre playground. The largely wooden structure features a fort, a ship, swings, slides, a sandpit and much more that are all connected by ramps and catwalks.
Cramerton:
This 30-acre park is the perfect place for a day out in nature. The Goat Island Greenway is .7 miles of paved surface trail with two bridges. You can find an observation pier as well as a playground, disc golf course, and fitness pavilion here!
Pineville:
Lake Park is a beautiful area located in Pineville. There are countless things to do. Explore the playgrounds and walking trails or go fishing, have a picnic, or play some bocce ball!
Matthews/Indian Trail:
This park has plenty of biking trails for those looking to get out for a ride. There is also a lake where you can fish, kayak, or canoe. You can also explore the various walking trails or exercise at one of the soccer and softball fields, or basketball and tennis courts.
Crooked Creek Park is located in Indian Trail. Features include a mountain bike trail and outdoor fitness equipment. The splash pad and outdoor games will keep children occupied for hours! There are also activities for adults such as a walking track.
Squirrel Lake Park offers something for everyone! With a connecting trail to Four Mile Creek Greenway, this park also contains a fishing pond with a pier, cornhole, a 12-hole disc golf course, and walking trails.
Stallings:
Stallings Municipal Park caters to kids of all ages. There are three playground areas, tennis courts, picnic areas, and more. The park features an 18-hole, family-friendly, beginner-level disc golf course. The course is mostly flat making it the perfect course for the summer!
Salisbury:
Dan Nicholas Park is home to a campground, lake, carousel, train, gem mine, aquarium and nature center, animal habitats, and more. Kids will have a blast here!
For more information on how to keep your kids healthy and active, always contact your pediatrician with questions. Looking for a pediatrician? Find one here.
Connect with Atrium Health Levine Children's
Best Parks and Playgrounds in Charlotte
You can also access the map via this link to Google Maps of the
Best Parks and Playgrounds in Charlotte
