Best Park Guide | In & Around Charlotte

One wonderful part of living in Charlotte, NC is the year-round ability to take children to parks.  Many months out of the year, the weather allows for kids to enjoy the outdoors by playing on local parks throughout the city.  Charlotte Mom has done research to find the best parks in Charlotte, and provide pros and cons so you can plan your visit.  We have included parks all throughout the city so there is likely one very close to home!  Take a look at our local park guide and explore a new park with your kids today.

Pros: Cordelia Park contains amenities such as a basketball court, outdoor swimming pool, sprayground, picnic shelters, play equipment, and walking trails. A section of trail within Alexander Park exists, and a connection between Alexander Street Park a greenway bridge connects to Siegal Point and 12th Street.

Cons: No cons to report

Pros: Reedy Creek Park is a 125 acre urban park at 2900 Rocky River Road in the Newell section of Charlotte, North Carolina.  The main park contains courts and fields for basketball, softball, tennis, soccer, horseshoes, cricket, and volleyball. The park structure offers climbing and activities for children of all ages.

Cons: Limited options for those with mobility issues.

Pros: This park is equipt with green space, baseball fields, tennis & volleyball courts, a playground & a splash pad for kids of all ages. There are also two large playground structures and ample amount of trees surrounding for shade during hot summer days.

Cons: Minimal seating areas for parents to watch children on play equiptment

Pros: This wooden playground is unique and resembles a castle for kiddos to use their imaginations in a new way. There is also ample green space at this park for sports, as well as paved walkways for walking and biking.

Cons: The structure is wood and is a bit older so be on the lookout for splinters with little ones.

Pros: This park is complete with one large structure for big kids and two smaller playgrounds for littles. Reviews state it is extremely clean and the playground is like new! There is also a gazebo to have a picnic or find some shade, as well as green space.

Cons: This playground is better suited for younger children

Pros: This park is 9 acres and features walking trails, a large playground and a small pond. Depending on the time of day, there is shade to keep cool in the summer. There is also a large open area for game play and walking trails.

Cons: The ground isnt level in all places which could pose a challenge to those with mobility issues.

Pros: This park offers a large, fully fenced in playground with swings and climbing structures/slides for older and younger kids. There is also some shade, bathrooms, lots of parking, benches and a couple picnic tables. There is also a large fenced dog park with three separate large areas.  Trails surround this gated, off leash area for dogs.

Cons: Parking is a bit further from the playground than expected.

Pros: Pineville Lake Park is a beautiful park with a nice lake and a lot to do with your children. You can watch turtles and take a walk around the lake in addition to the playgound. It also offers a splash pad where children can enjoy water. For someone who loves outdoor and scenery, this park is perfect and has lots of options for families with young children.

Cons: No shade and large goose presence causing waste issues

Pros: This park is wonderful for families with young children. They have a splash pad playground that’s nice in the summer during hot days. They also have a large playground for children. Upon entry, you will notice music playing which also makes for a fun environment.  They offer shelters and places for cooking BBQ, as well as biking paths.

Cons: The splash pad is scheduled by time slot during busy days, so plan accordingly

Pros: While this isnt an average park, it is a public pool that costs only $1 to enter. The pool has large water slide and areas for older and younger kids as well. Life jackets are available upon request and the area was clean and neat. The pool area has a shallow end which is perfect for non-swimmers and those who are newly learning.

Cons: Becomes quite busy mid-afternoon and hours arent always updated

Pros: This park has a large brand new playground that is sectioned off for different age groups. There is also a splash pad for the summer months and walking pads that surround the entire area. The park is well-maintained and there also a disc-golf course for additional sports.

Cons: Becomes somewhat crowded during peak times

Pros: Freedom park is a beautiful park right in the heart of the city. You can take the greenway and ride a bike, walk, or roller blade to the park and there are multiple places for children of all ages to play. There are also areas for picturesque views if you are wanting to take photos of the whole family or watch a sunset. The playground is also well-maintained and clean.

Cons: Overcrowded during peak times

Pros: This is a large park with many options for different activities. In addition to the excellent playground, this park has tennis courts, a BMX course, disc golf, softball field, and grills that are available for anyone to use.  It is also well maintained and clean, and offers shade in certain areas due to the trees overhead.

Cons: Bathrooms could use some clean-up

Pros: This is an excellent park to bring the entire family and find something everyone enjoys. There is a pickle ball area, walking trails, basketball courts, and the list goes on. The park is also very well maintained and clean. There is also a wonderful dog park and the bathrooms are also very clean and there are accommodations for young families.

Cons: The sun hits the metal slides directly in the summertime and much of the equipment is extremely hot during warm days.

This park is tucked away in the woods and gives a nature experience to enjoy. The bathrooms are clean and tidy, and there are many areas to have a picnic throughout the park. There are also bathrooms and grill amenities for having larger gatherings. In addition to these amenities there are large field to play organized sports or to enjoy smaller gatherings.

Cons: The play areas are geared towards older children and the toddler area is minimal.  Best park for those ages 5+.

This park boasts three playground spaces geared towards children of different ages. One is built with preschool aged children in mind, with wide landing platforms instead of steps and small tunnels for exploring. The larger playground is perfect for older children, with a variety of spinning monkey bars and rock climbing walls. The Little Sugar Creek Greenway also surrounds this park where you can take a walk with the kids or ride a bike.

Cons: Minimal space for organized sports such as basketball and frisbee

This playgrounds has more slides than you can count on one hand, and unique swings for anyone who loves swinging! The tops of the slides have shades awnings which help to beat the heat during warm days. There is also a large pavilion right next to the park to take a break and have lunch or a picnic. After playing at the park, you can enjoy a paved walking trail around the park to enjoy the scenery.

Cons: Parking is limited and there are no bathrooms

This park has two large playgrounds for kids of all ages as well as many slides to choose from based on comfort level. There is plenty of parking surrounding the area as well as public bathrooms that are well-maintained and clean. In addition to the jungle gyms, there is a sand pit for little ones and a dog park for your furry family member to enjoy.

Cons: Grass in dog area was a bit overgrown and not maintained.

Latta Park is a 31-acre urban park in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte. It features courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball, as well as many benches and picnic facilities, playgrounds, walking trails, fitness trails, and soccer fields. The sport facilities are large and well-maintained and provide a fun place to play for chilren and adults.

Cons: Splash pad has been down for maintenance often.

This is a brand new playground and mini-playground fantastic for toddlers to practice monkey bars without being dangerous. There are activities for children of all ages. There is also plenty of space for tag, and swings. In addition to the playground there is a small walking/bike trail. There is also some plane traffic from the airport which is a plus for children who enjoy watching planes take off.

Con: This facility has wood chips which get stuck in sandles of small children