It could take all day to highlight Charlotte’s local parks (Mecklenburg County is home to more than 230 parks!), but for the sake of brevity we’ve narrowed it down for you. Read below for our recommendations for families, pets and workout enthusiasts.

For Families:

1. Princeton Avenue Playground at Freedom Park in Myers Park

A top pick for toddlers, Princeton Park is located on the far end of Freedom Park next to the little league fields. There is a small parking lot by the baseball fields as well as parallel parking along Princeton Avenue. It is completely fenced and an easy stroll to Freedom Park’s lake. Families with children will enjoy the sandbox, see-saw, small and large play structures with slides, swing set and even a covered pavilion with picnic tables! Look no further for your next playdate.

2. Latta Park in Dilworth

This 32-acre park features a splash pad, playground, two multi-purpose fields, picnic shelter, recreation center and trails. There are also tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. Start with a stroll on one of the trails and end at the playground for a fun family outing. 

3. Romare Bearden Park in Uptown

This unique park in the heart of Uptown features gardens, sculptures, a splash area and a huge field to play catch or have a picnic. Families will enjoy playing in this park before walking over to watch a baseball game just a stone’s throw away at BB&T Ballpark.

For Pets:

1. Frazier Park in Uptown

Dogs are allowed to play off-leash in a designated area of this park on Sycamore Street. Visit with your furry friend to experience walking trails, separate areas for big and small dogs and ample seating for owners.

2. Barkingham Park at Reedy Creek Park

One of Charlotte’s most popular dog parks, Barkingham Park features plenty of space for dogs to run, sniff and play. There are also short hiking trails at Reedy Creek Park, perfect for leashed walks if you want to get some exercise!

3. Ray’s Fetching Meadow at McAlpine Creek Park

Ray’s Fetching Meadow is a fenced space for dogs to exercise leash-free and socialize with a variety of other breeds. There is only one fenced area here, so if you find that your dog is too timid to play with the other dogs, you could take your furry companion on a leashed walk on one of the many nature trails that run throughout McAlpine Creek Park.

For Runners/Bikers/Walkers:

1. Little Sugar Creek Greenway in Myers Park

Little Sugar Creek Greenway is just under four miles long, running from Brandywine Road to 7th Avenue. The greenway connects to Freedom Park trails, which allows you to run or bike around its seven-acre lake as well.

2. McAlpine Creek Park 

Just 15 minutes southeast from Uptown, McAlpine Creek Park is a very popular park for bike riding, running and taking your dogs. There is a marked 5K championship cross-county trail you don’t want to miss. Typically there is plenty of parking here, even on busy Saturdays. 

3. Charlotte’s Rail Trail in South End

Stuck in a rut with trail runs? Switch it up with a jog along the urban, vibrant Rail Trail. This 3.5-mile trail knits together Sedgefield, Southside Park, Brookhill, Dilworth, Wilmore, South End and Uptown. It’s always bustling since it runs along the LYNX Blue Line in South End, with food, entertainment, art and shopping along the way. See more of Charlotte’s local parks and greenways here, or contact your preferred Dickens Mitchener agent for a map.