The top nine city parks in Charlotte that are ideal for picnics, hikes, and families

There are several parks in Charlotte to fit almost every kind of lifestyle.

Take a leisurely stroll across Freedom Park.

This 98-acre park, one of the Queen City’s oldest, has been a Charlotte icon since 1948. One aspect of the location has not changed over the years: the magnificent lake in the park, which attracts locals for a daily jog or leisurely stroll.

Basketball courts, sports fields, and the Play60 KidZone—an interactive space that mimics various NFL football practice drills—are located near the East Boulevard entrance. Additionally, you may attend the yearly Festival in the Park in late September, which features regional performers, craftspeople, and food sellers.

Visit Romare Bearden Park to hear live music

Romare Bearden Park, named for the well-known African American artist who was born and raised in Charlotte, is the most well-liked green area in the city. It is located in the center of downtown Charlotte.

This park, which is only three blocks from the Carolina Panthers stadium and a block from the minor-league Charlotte Knights baseball, is frequently the site of events including food festivals, rallies, and concerts.

It could appear recognizable as well: the multicolored lights that illuminate the park’s centerpiece fountain are often utilized for photo shoots or as the background for television commercials.

Enjoy Independence Park’s beautiful gardens.

Several of Charlotte’s largest cultural events have taken place at Independence Park, including the yearly Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, which draws inspiration from the Afro-Caribbean culture. Despite having a lovely garden and playground equipment, this park doesn’t get as much use as it could.

Sunflour Baking Co., a neighborhood coffee shop and bakery, The Crunkleton, a cocktail club, and Hawthorn Pizza, a local favorite, are all conveniently located within easy walking distance of the park. Another tempting alternative is to bring your own basket and spend the day sitting on the grass.

Visit Veterans Memorial Park with the family.

Veterans Memorial Park, another venerable area that receives much too little attention, is a 19-acre green park in the midst of the city. Families love this park because it has a great “sprayground” where kids can have hours of water-based enjoyment. Additionally covered to provide shade on particularly hot summer days is the spray park.

The park has a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, and indoor and outdoor picnic shelters that are ideal for a weekend get-together with the family. In addition to the sprayground.

A picnic blanket should be brought to First Ward Park.

A spotless 4.6-acre green area encircled by skyscrapers in the city is First Ward Park, conveniently located near the 7th Street Public Market light-rail stop. Despite being one of Charlotte’s more recent parks, it can compete with older parks like Romare Bearden Park and Freedom Park.

There are public bathrooms, climbing equipment, and a fountain in First Ward Park. To round off your day in the park, you can have wine, coffee, pizza, or açaí bowls at the 7th Street Public Market, which is located just across the street. Bring your favorite blanket, that’s all.

Send out invites to Frank Liske Park to everybody.

Frank Liske Park is a favorite with local families, especially those throwing big outdoor events like family reunions, even though it is officially just outside Charlotte’s municipal borders.

The expansive recreation area features almost all the amenities one might desire in a park, including a 2.2-mile walking track system, playgrounds, and a mini-golf course. It also features a 9-acre lake with fishing and paddle boats. Keep in mind that you should book a spot for your picnic shelter in advance.

Make a BMX bike hop in Hornets Nest Park.

Hornets Nest Park, on the west side of the city, has long been a gathering place for Black Charlotteans. Sunday afternoon joyrides of automobiles around the park and down the main road were a remarkable sight in the early 1990s. Over the years, the park has also played home to a good number of enjoyable events such as family reunions and church picnics.

Currently, the 140-acre park has playground equipment, picnic shelters, a Play60 KidZone, and a BMX bike park for active enjoyment.

Reflect on the natural world while hiking at McAlpine Creek Park

This park and greenway in southeast Charlotte will be your personal haven if you really want to get away from it all. Year-round walkers, runners, and bikers are welcome on the almost 12-mile network of paths that wind through and beyond the park.

In addition, the park features a lake, a well-liked dog run, play structures, and many of seats in case you simply want to stop, relax, and take it all in.

Enjoy the peace and quiet of Park Road Park.

Park Road Park is a hidden jewel for tourists that has long been a favorite among residents. The area, which is in south Charlotte, features baseball fields, volleyball courts, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a lovely 11-acre lake.

There are benches, a picnic shelter, and a playground close to the park’s rear. Park Road Park is never congested, making it an ideal place to enjoy tranquility.