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Outdoor Activities with Kids in Charlotte, NC
Outdoor Activities Near Charlotte: Nature,
Playgrounds, and Family Fun
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: Nature trails, disc golf, basketball courts, NFL 360 Playground, Partially shaded playground.
Instagram Reel
McDowell Nature Center
TAGS: West of Charlotte, Free Things to Do, Outdoors, Indoor Activities, Nature Playground
📍 Address: 15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
⏰ 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.
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
🎟️ 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.
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
⏰ Hours: 10 AM–4 PM
🎟️ 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).
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.
🎟️ 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.
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
🎟️ 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
Cost: Members $0 | Non-members $14 per person, $7 youth (ages 5-12) | Ages 4 and under FREE
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
Instagram Reel
Greenways in Charlotte – Free Trails for Walking, Biking, and Family Fun
Charlotte boasts several free greenways, perfect for families to walk, bike, or simply explore. These trails provide scenic views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.
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Little Sugar Creek Greenway: A 17-mile trail with a scenic views of the greenway. My favorite stretch is from Freedom Park to Park Road Park. We like to stop by Jeni’s Ice Cream at Park Road Shopping Center for a sweat treat!
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Four Mile Creek Greenway: A 3.3-mile trail connecting Matthews with Squirrel Lake Park.
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McDowell Creek Greenway: A 3.25-mile trail from Robbins Park to Birkdale Village.
Insider Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the park areas along the greenway.
Instagram Reel here
Explore these incredible outdoor spots and let us know which ones are your favorites!