Reedy Creek Nature Center

TAGS: East of Charlotte, Free Things to Do, Outdoors, Indoor Activities, Nature Playground
📍 Address: 2986 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215
⏰ Hours:

• Monday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM

• Sunday: 1 PM–5 PM

• Highlights:

  • 🌳 Fully fenced, shaded nature playground adjacent to the center.
  • 🥾 TRACK Trail: A 1-mile loop along Dragonfly Pond Trail, part of the @kidsinparks network.
  • 🥾 Umbrella Tree Trail: Easy 1.25-mile hike from the parking lot.
  • Nearby adventures include:
    • Nature trails, disc golf, basketball courts, NFL 360 Playground.
    • Shaded playground.

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McDowell Nature Center

TAGS: West of Charlotte, Free Things to Do, Outdoors, Indoor Activities, Nature Playground
📍 Address: 15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
🚨 Recently reopened after bridge renovations!

⏰ Hours:

• Monday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM

• Sunday: 1 PM–5 PM

• Highlights:

  • 🎟️ Free admission to trails, playgrounds, and waterfront areas.
  • 🥾 Pine Hollow Trail (1.2 miles), part of @kidsinparks.
  • 🐢 Live animal exhibits, including snakes and turtles.
  • 🎒 Loaner hiking backpacks and camping sets available.
  • 📆 Upcoming events:

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Quest at Latta Nature Preserve

TAGS: Huntersville, North of Charlotte, Free Things to Do, Outdoors, Indoor Activities
📍 Address: 6345 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
⏰ Hours: 10 AM–5 PM Daily

• Highlights:
  • 🎟️ Free admission; some activities require registration and a small fee.
  • 🐢 Interactive exhibits featuring turtles, a 6,000-gallon aquarium, and a 3,000-square-foot exhibit hall.
  • 📆 Events:
    • Storytime, animal meet & greets, and guided nature walks (RSVP required).
    • Birthday party rentals available starting at $189.

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Carolina Raptor Center at Latta Nature Preserve

TAGS: Huntersville, North of Charlotte, Free Things to Do, Outdoors, Lake Norman
📍 Address: 6000 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
⏰ Raptor Trail Hours: 10 AM–4 PM

• Highlights:
  • 🎟️ Admission: Adults $12, Students $8, Children under 3 FREE.
  • 🦅 Home to 30+ birds of prey, including owls, falcons, and bald eagles.
  • 🥾 3/4-mile flat trail with Junior Ornithologist backpacks included.
  • ⭐ Free Admission Day: First Saturday in April (10 AM–3 PM).

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US National Whitewater Center

TAGS: Charlotte, Outdoor Activities, Adventure Playgrounds
📍 Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
🅿️ $12/day or $40/year parking passes available.

• Highlights:
  • 🎟️ Day Pass: $69 for kids under 10, $79 for ages 10+.
  • Activities: Kayaking, rafting, climbing, and beginner rope courses.
  • 🌳 Wildwoods Playground: Fully fenced with climbing and discovery elements.
  • Winter at Whitewater (November 15 - Mid-February): Celebrate with a Winter Trail, Ice Skating, Winter Market, Christmas Tree lot, and activities for kids at Wildwoods and dogs at Off Leash.

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Anne Springs Close Greenway

TAGS: York County, South of Charlotte, Outdoors, Nature Playground
📍 Address: Lake Haigler Entrance, 2573 Lake Haigler Dr, Fort Mill, SC
⏰ Hours: 7 AM–Sunset Daily

• Highlights:
  • 🎟️ Admission: $14/adult, $7/youth (5–12), or annual memberships available.
  • 🌿 Features include a mud kitchen, natural art stations, climbing structures, and toddler play areas.
  • 🥾 Forest Adventure Play with dry stream beds and clay play.
  • 🧺 Nearby dining at Gateway Canteen with burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream
  • Hike to Swinging Bridge - Hike is a short 0.2-mile. The girls loved playing on the bridge and in the creek. Pro-tip: order lunch ahead of time on the app.
  • Swinging Bridge is located at the Lake Haigler Entrance, 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715

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Stevens Creek Nature Preserve

TAGS: South of Charlotte, Free Things to Do, Outdoors, Indoor Activities
📍 Address: 15700 Thompson Rd, Mint Hill, NC
⏰ Hours:

• Monday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM

• Sunday: 1 PM–5 PM

• Highlights:

  • 🎟️ Free admission.
  • 🥾 Kid-friendly trails, including Stevens Creek Trail and Heelsplitter Trail.
  • 🐢 Live exhibits with fish, snakes, and turtles.

Greenways

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

• 17 miles from NoDa to South Carolina.
• Favorite stretch: Freedom Park to Park Road Park.

Four Mile Creek Greenway

• 3.3 miles connecting downtown Matthews to Squirrel Lake Park.

McDowell Creek Greenway

• 3.25 miles from Robbins Park to Birkdale Village.

Riverwalk Trail.

• Piedmont Medical Center Trail, Rock Hill, SC 29730  Bike, scooter or you can just walk. The Riverwalk Trail is a scenic and picturesque path that runs along the Catawba River. It offers beautiful views, serene surroundings, and opportunities to spot wildlife. The trail is well-maintained and offers a pleasant experience for both biking and scootering. See Instagram Reel here

Explore these incredible outdoor spots and let us know which ones are your favorites!