Believe it or not, the Charlotte area is home to nearly 400 public parks with some still in the works. We handpicked our favorite parks in and around the city based on location, features, and spots we feel that can be most enjoyed in the spring and summer. We hope this list inspires you to visit a new one or make a trip to an old favorite. Either way, we hope you get out and enjoy the area’s abundant and beautiful nature this spring and summer.
Pearl Street Park – 1200 Baxter St.
Recently revamped, Pearl Street Park is an 11-acre site that holds a lot of history. According to Axios Charlotte, the park is the first piece of land purchased to build a park for Black residents in 1943. To honor that history, you can find interactive pieces in the park that tell that story along with a sculpture with quotes and stories engraved on it. The revamp includes basketball and pickleball courts, a playground, fitness equipment, an open-air performance pavilion, and a restored creek bank.
Romare Bearden Park – 300 S. Church St.
An Uptown favorite – Romare Bearden Park offers 5.4 acres of diverse gardens, greens, and walking paths to explore in the heart of the city. In the summer, take the kids to cool off in the waterfalls as you sit back and rest on the benches or find a place in the grass. Don’t miss the many events held at the park that can be found here.
First Ward Park – 301 E. 7th St.
Similar to its Uptown neighbor, Romare Bearden, this space boasts great walking paths, a beautiful fountain with water spouts, and greenery to keep cool during summer. Oh, and it’s just a few blocks from the light rail which makes visiting a breeze.
The Green – 425 S Tryon St.
A great spot in Uptown to escape mid-work day. Surrounded by art museums, it is no surprise that this so-called pocket park is filled with public art. Grab lunch at the spots nearby, and try to solve the many riddles found throughout the park.
Midtown Park – 510 S Kings Dr.
Recognize this metal sphere? Chances are, you’ve seen it in photos taken here at the mini park. Known for having a variety of sculptures and a beautiful view of Uptown Charlotte, this space is a great option to go on a stroll and take in the quaint part of Midtown.
Freedom Park – 1900 East Blvd.
As one of Charlotte’s most beautiful parks, Freedom Park is at the top of our list when it comes to favorites. Take in its beauty with a whimsical stroll around the seven-acre lake, or throw down a blanket and watch as the all the romance of the park unfolds — from couples taking pictures at the bridge to dancing at the amphitheater. Don’t forget about the baseball fields, tennis courts, soccer fields, a basketball court, sand volleyball, and more that make this park a Charlotte go-to. It’s also the host of the annual Festival in the Park held in September.
Veterans Memorial Park – 2136 Central Ave
Another park to add to your list of spots with a splash pad, Veterans Memorial Park is a great place to take the kids and the pup this summer. Cool off in the water and then head to shoot hoops at the basketball court, play in the playground, exercise in one of the many fields, and more.
Latta Park – 601 East Park Ave.
Everything you need to enjoy a summer’s day can be found at Latta Park; we’re talking a spray pad, volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, playgrounds, fitness trails, and soccer fields. There’s also a large picnic shelter with restrooms, electricity, and a grill in addition to the grill sites throughout the park.
Frazier Park – 1201 West Fourth St. Ext.
A favorite for dog owners, Frazier Park has a 1.3-acre fenced-in, off-leash dog park — one of only a few in the city. The space also features soccer and football fields, tennis and basketball courts, creek-side trails, and a playground.
Park Road Park – 6220 Park Rd.
This 122-acre park in South Charlotte is a great place to take the kiddos for a full day of play. With 12 lighted tennis courts, 8 basketball courts, 2 horseshoe pits, 6 baseball/softball fields, as well as 2 concession stands and 4 picnic shelters, everyone in the family is sure to find something to do. Unique to Park Road Park is the Newtown Memorial Playground, a metal sculpture of a tree that pays tribute to the teachers and students who were lost in the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.
McAlpine Creek Park – 8711 Monroe Rd
If you’re a nature enthusiast, this pick will be your favorite. McAlpine Creek Park extends from McAlpine Creek Park to Margaret Wallace Road with lots of beautiful greenery and shade to keep you cool. While on the trail, expect to see a variety of birds and maybe even a surprise visit from otters and beavers. The park itself overlooks a body of water with plenty of area to lounge.
Ballantyne’s Backyard – 11611 N Community House Rd
A staple in Ballantyne, this park features over 100 acres of beautiful green space with miles of running and walking trails, rolling hills, and catch-and-release ponds. In the warmer months enjoy activities such as local markets, morning meditation classes, yoga, festivals, concerts, and other celebrations held in Ballantyne’s Backyard.
Stream Park – Ballantyne
OPENING SUMMER 2023
Coming to Ballantyne this summer, Stream Park will bring a beautiful outdoor space that centers around connection on all levels. The six-acre park is meant for all ages, with outdoor rooms, activity zones, and amenities that encourage relaxation and social connection. Stream Park will also bring physical connection, linking the retail district to the new amphitheater and Ballantyne’s extensive walking, running, and cycling trails. Expect to be in awe of the beautiful natural stream, stretches of lawn, gardens, and more – all located behind The Ballantyne.
Elon Park – 11401 Ardrey Kell Rd.
Your favorite disc golfer will be in heaven at Elon Park, which has both beginner and advanced disc golf courses onsite. That’s not all – as the 118-acre park has much more to offer. After practicing your hand at disc golf, take a stroll on the walking trail, go fishing in the pond, bust a move on the soccer field, perfect your swing on the softball field, or play on the playground.
Anne Springs Close Greenway – 104 Adventure Rd., Fort Mill, SC
A favorite for adventure seekers, Anne Springs Close Greenway is just a short drive south of the Charlotte skyline. Find boating, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and more at this nature preserve more than twice the size of Central Park. Tickets for daily admission can be purchased here.
Steele Street Park – 600 Steele St., Fort Mill, SC
This 5-acre park offers guests a spacious picnic shelter, basketball court, playground, grills, and a water spray park open from 10 am-8:30 pm daily.
Lake Norman State Park – 759 State Park Rd.
Lake Norman State Park is one of the biggest destinations in the Charlotte-area for summer fun. Make a splash in the biggest manmade lake in NC, or go mountain biking across 30.5 miles of a single-track trail. The park also offers a boat ramp, fishing, camping, a public beach, and even a community building to rent with a kitchen, restrooms, and a fireplace.
Ramsey Creek Park & Public Beach – 18441 Nantz Rd.
This is a park you could truly spend all day exploring. With 46 acres of waterfront land, boat launching and docks, a playground, picnic shelters, trails, and a dog park — oh, and did we mention a beach area?
Jetton Park – 19000 Jetton Rd.
With bike and walking trails, a playground, tennis courts, and a formal garden, Jetton Park is a top pick for an outing with the whole family. Don’t forget about the sunning beach to soak up some sunshine while you’re there.
Mountain Creek Park – 6554 Little Mountain Rd, Sherrills Ford
Mountain biking is at the heart of Mountain Creek Park. With a 19-mile trail optimized for mountain biking, a skills course, a tools station, and endless route combinations, this is the park to visit for all your biking needs. Other amenities include pickleball courts, a fishing pier, picnic shelters, a canoe/kayak launch, and a dog park.
