Free Things to do with Kids in Charlotte, NC 

Reedy Creek Nature Center 🌳

📍 2986 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215
⏰ Hours:

• Monday - Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
• Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm

Highlights:

• Nature Playground: Adjacent to the Nature Center, fully fenced, and shaded.
• Reedy Creek Nature Preserve TRACK Trail: A 1-mile loop along the Dragonfly Pond Trail, part of the @kidsinparks network.
• Umbrella Tree Trail: An easy 1.25-mile out-and-back hike from the parking lot.
• Additional Adventures:
  • Nature Trails
  • Disc Golf
  • Basketball Courts
  • NFL 360 Playground
  • Shaded Playground

McDowell Nature Center

📍 15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
🚨 Now Open! (Bridge renovation complete)
⏰ Hours:

• Monday - Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
• Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm

Highlights:

• Free Admission: Includes center, trails, playground, and waterfront.
• Kid-Friendly Trails: 1.2-mile Pine Hollow Trail with educational signs about trees and animals.
• Live Animals: Snakes, turtles, and interactive exhibits.
• Amenities: Bathrooms, loaner hiking backpacks, and camping sets available.
• Upcoming Events:
  • Nature Book and Look: Mondays, 10 am - 11 am (Free, registration required).
  • Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet: May 28th, 2 pm & 4 pm (Free, registration required).

Quest at Latta Nature Preserve 🌿

📍 6345 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
⏰ Hours: Daily, 10 am - 5 pm

Highlights:

• Free Admission: Some activities require a small fee.
• Interactive Exhibits: Turtles, freshwater fish, and a 6,000-gallon aquarium.
• Events:
  • Storytime & Animal Encounters: RSVP required (events released in 3-month blocks).
  • Seasonal Events: Spring Fling, Turtle Encounters, and more.
• Facilities:
  • Rentable spaces for parties (starting at $189).
  • Raptor Center Gift Shop.

Steele Creek Community Place

📍13501 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28278

Highlights:  A free indoor play space that features a fully enclosed play structure and a coffee shop just outside the door! The play structure resembles a large jungle gym, complete with multiple slides. Adjacent to the play area is the Javesca Cafe which serves coffee, lattes and other food items. 

Important Details:

• The play area isn't necessarily staffed, but they will cap and turn people away if it starts to get too busy.
• For kids under 12, socks are required,

Little Chickadees at Eastway Recreation Center 💦

📍 Eastway Regional Recreation Center, 3150 Eastway Park Dr.
⏰ Dates: Weekly on Mondays 10:00 - 10:45 am, check upcoming dates here

Highlights:

• Explore nature with your little one through stories, nature walks, and hands-on activities. For children aged 0-3 years old, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Free registration is required.

Steven’s Creek Nature Preserve

📍 15700 Thompson Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227
⏰ Hours:

• Monday - Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
• Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm

Highlights:

• Free Admission: Center and trails included.
• Trail Features: Partially paved Steven’s Creek Trail (0.25 miles) connects to Heelsplitter Trail.
• Exhibits: Indoor waterfall, live animals (fish, snakes, turtles), and sandbox play.

Greenways in Charlotte

• Little Sugar Creek Greenway: Over 17 miles of trail, best stretch is from Freedom Park to Park Road Park (Jeni’s Ice Cream nearby).
• Four Mile Creek Greenway: 3.3 miles connecting Matthews with Squirrel Lake Park.
• McDowell Creek Greenway: 3.25 miles from Robbins Park to Birkdale Village.