Charlotte Parks

1. Clark’s Creek Greenway

Originating at the Kirk Farm soccer field, Clark’s Creek Greenway joins Mallard Creek greenway to offer an easily accessible paved trail linking several neighborhoods. The 7-mile greenway is paved almost the entire way, making it ideal for running, walking, cycling, roller-blading, dog walking and more.

The greenway is pleasantly shaded for most of its length, as it follows the meandering path of the two creeks and you can access the trails from many points along its length, allowing you to determine the length of your out-and-back route. The trail is pretty flat which makes it ideal for the entire family to enjoy and there is a good chance of spotting a variety of wildlife along the route.

9729 Mallard Creek Rd Charlotte, NC 28269, Phone: 980-314-1000, Map

2. Colonel Francis Beatty Park

Charlotte residents and visitors are fortunate to have an enormous 265-acre recreational area right on their doorsteps in the South Park area. The Colonel Francis Beatty Park is a popular weekend destination for sporty families, offering tennis and basketball courts, 5 soccer fields, horse-shoe pits and soft-ball fields. In addition, you can explore the walking trails, bring your bike to ride the mountain-bike trails or enjoy canoeing, kayaking or fishing on the lake. If you just want a relaxing outdoor day you can bring a picnic to enjoy at one of 10 picnic areas which have tables and fire-pits. The conference center and outdoor picnic shelter can be hired for parties or weddings and younger visitors can have fun at either of the two children’s playgrounds.

Colonel Francis Beatty Park, 4330 Weddington Rd, Matthews, NC 28105, Phone: 704-643-5725

3. Edgehill Park

Edgehill Park is located in the Myers Park Neighborhood of Charlotte, where it provides locals with a very pleasant urban park offering a variety of recreational activities. The park is popular with local families who can come and enjoy walking and cycling or simply relaxing under the large shady trees. Younger visitors love the children’s playground and there are also tennis courts where you can challenge friends or family to a game. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a run along the walking trail and then do some body-weight workouts at the five-station workout structure. Parking is easy to find in the road outside the park.

Edgehill Park , 975 South Edgehill Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207, Phone: 704-432-4280

4. First Ward Park

Located in Uptown Charlotte, First Ward Park is one of the city’s newest parks, which opened to the public in 2015. The park covers 4.6 acres and the development will eventually include a hotel, office tower and parking deck on adjoining land. The park offers an ideal green space where office workers can escape to during their lunch-hour and families can come and enjoy a picnic. Younger visitors will love the splash-pad fountains in summer and the climbing installation is great all year round. The park hosts regular free music concerts and events – all you need to do is bring your camping chair or a blanket and enjoy the music, the food trucks and the excellent atmosphere.

First Ward Park, 301E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

5. Frazier Park

Located in Charlotte’s Third Ward, directly adjacent to Downtown Charlotte, Frazier Park covers twelve acres of recreational green space. Locals and visitors are welcome to come and enjoy the fresh air as you explore the creek-side trails or set off for a serious run or cycle along the Irwin Creek Greenway which runs through the park. The park boasts soccer and American football fields, tennis and basket ball courts, a dog park and the children’s playground. While you are there you can visit the poignant Children’s Memorial Walkway, where local children whose lives have been prematurely terminated by any cause (but in particular victims of homicide) are remembered.

Frazier Park, 1201 W 4th Street Ext, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-432-4280

6. Freedom Park

Located between Charlotte’s Myers Park and Dilworth historic neighborhoods, Freedom Park is a popular 98-acre recreational green space where locals and visitors can come and relax. At the heart of the park lies a beautiful 7-acre lake which is surrounded by a walking/biking trail. Regardless of your family’s interests, this park offers something for everyone including sports fields, tennis and basket-ball courts and volleyball nets. Younger visitors can have hours of fun at the Play 360 children’s playground and walkers and hikers can access the Sugar Creek Greenway from the park and you can even rent a bike on site. Fishermen will be please to know that fishing on the lake is rumored to be great.

Freedom Park , 2435 Cumberland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203, Phone: 704-432-4280

7. Hornet’s Nest Park

Covering over 140 acres of recreational green space in the North Park region, Hornet’s Nest Park is one of Charlotte’s most popular family parks. Here you will find something for every member of the family regardless of their age. If you are looking to have a relaxing outdoor day you can bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the picnic areas and just have fun walking around. If you need a little more exercise you can play disc golf, basket ball, volley ball, tennis or softball. Walkers and cyclists can explore the trails while BMX enthusiasts can hone their skills at the 1,150 foot BMX Track. There is also a great children’s playground and outdoor exercise structures for adults.

Hornet’s Nest Park, 6301 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216, Phone: 980-314-1001

8. Independence Park

You will find Independence Park tucked away in a quiet corner at the western end of the Elizabeth neighborhood. The park is the oldest green space in the city and has been welcoming visitors since 1924. The park is divided into two sections, the lower section has a pleasant winding walking path, a rose garden, reflecting pond and a gazebo; this is the most tranquil part of the park and is a very relaxing area to visit. In the upper section you will find a variety of sports fields, walking, hiking and cycling trails, and a 300-seat stadium. You can rent one of three mini-shelters for kiddies’ parties and there is a children’s playground and a beautiful Demonstration Garden.

Independence Park , 300 Hawthorne Lane, Central Park, Charlotte, CA 28204, Phone: 980-314-1002

9. Latta Park

A popular recreational green space in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte, Latta Park is named after Edward Dilworth Latta, who was an early 20th century real estate developer. The park covers thirty-one acres and offers local residents a great place to relax or get active. Those who prefer to take it easy can enjoy a gentle stroll and have a picnic at one of the picnic facilities. There are shady benches for relaxing with a good book while the children have fun at the playground or splash pad. If you fancy some exercise you can get active on the fitness trail, play some tennis or join in a game of soccer, basketball or volleyball.

Latta Park , 601 E Park Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203

10. Marshall Park

Providing an inviting green space in the heart of Charlotte’s Second Ward, Marshall Park offers beautiful views of the Charlotte skyline. The park is a popular with local office workers who can enjoy a breath of fresh air in the park during their lunchtime. The park encompasses open grassy areas surrounding a pretty lake which is frequented by ducks and other water birds. You will also find a statue of Martin Luther King and a Holocaust Memorial in the park. Marshall Park frequently hosts music concerts and other events at the amphitheater – you can check online to see what is planned during your visit.

Marshall Park, 800 East Third Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, Phone: 704-432-4280