5 Great Charlotte Parks Where You Can Spend A Lazy Summer Afternoon

When it comes to great Charlotte, North Carolina, parks where you can kick back and relax in the summer, you are never going to be short of options. In fact, there are so many options that it was hard to choose just a few of them when putting together this guide. Here are our tips for the best Charlotte parks where you can spend a nice summer afternoon.

Freedom Park

You can’t have a list of the best parks in Charlotte without talking about Freedom Park. This place has often been dubbed the “Central Park of Charlotte.” The 98 acres this park boasts has a varied scenery. You’ll find a 7-acre lake in the middle, meadows and park life surrounding the lake, and playgrounds and tennis courts if you feel like doing more than just laying back and enjoying a lazy afternoon in the sun.

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

This is probably not the type of place where you will be playing sports or having a picnic, but the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens are a must visit if you want to enjoy the natural beauty. There are thousands of different plant species in this garden. The main reason we have selected this garden for this list, bar the beauty of it, is the fact that it is one of the few botanical gardens in Charlotte which are completely free to explore.

Reedy Creek Park

If you want to head out of downtown Charlotte a little, then Reedy Creek Park beckons. With 146 acres to explore here, you’ll find a disc golf course, playgrounds, ponds, community gardens, and even a fantastic dog-friendly area where you can walk your dog. If your idea of relaxation on a Sunday is exploring the wilderness, then opposite Reedy Creek Park is a set of hiking trails worthy of exploring.

Latta Plantation Nature Center and Preserve

The Latta Plantation Nature Center is a historic site that traces its roots back to the 1800s. The original intention of the land was a cotton plantation, while now it’s a historical museum which can be a nice break from relaxing in the sun. In the nearby Latta Nature Preserve, instead, there are hiking trails, horseback riding, and various water activities. You will also find many picnic sites along the way where it’s nice to kick back and relax with your loved ones.

McDowell Nature Center and Reserve

This nature reserve is home to a campsite and over 200 species of wildlife. This is where the real natural beauty of Charlotte is. Here, you will be able to relax by a lake and enjoy a good picnic. There is plenty of open space that is begging to be explored. If you really want to make the most out of this park, then bring people along for the weekend and go camping.

In Charlotte, there is something for absolutely everybody, and this includes a wide range of great parks. This summer, try and explore them all!

 

Image by cheriejoyful, Licensed via CC BY 2.0

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