If Spring Break is just a trial run for summer, then I’d say I must get my summer game plan in order right away. How do I always forget that the lazy days of summer don’t include being lazy? My family doesn’t sit still for long, and I bet yours doesn’t either.
One of our favorite things to do in the summer is to hit some of our amazing local parks. One of my super-hero talents is my ability to kill time at a park. My husband lacks that talent (his is the ability to take the kids to arcades and actually enjoy it). I can literally spend HOURS at a park watching my kids play (as long as they are up for it, which doesn’t always happen). I also love that most of our parks are free – a major perk for a family of six.
I’ve listed my family’s top five parks of the moment. If you see us at one of these spots this summer, make sure to say Hi! I’d love to hear what yours are so we can check some of them off of our bucket list as well. Here they are in no particular order!
Romare Bearden Park
300 S Church St
We first went to this new Uptown park last summer. Nestled directly across from the Knight’s stadium, this ingeniously designed park skyrocketed to the top of my kids’ lists quickly. I’m pretty sure their dream day entails a day at Discovery Place, the Mint Museum’s kids’ room, Romare Bearden park, and Mellow Mushroom. In that order. Spend a day at this park, and you will feel like you’re living in the best city in the world (because you are, of course). It’s the perfect blend of urban funk and kid-friendly fun. Check out all of the scheduled activities. I’m determined to make it up there for one of their summer lunch music series.
What to bring:
– A ball. It has a HUGE field to run wild and is the perfect football field.
– A bathing suit and towel in the summer. Perfect fountains for splashing.
– Sunscreen. Not a whole lot of shade at this park – hence the perfect fountains.
Col. Francis Beatty Park
McKee/Tilley Morris Rd.
4330 Weddington Road
This is a hidden gem in Charlotte. It’s a park that has it ALL. Kayaking, canoeing, picnic shelters, and sand volleyball court (which is really just a big sandbox), great playground, walking/biking trails, and so much more. My kids loved to dig in the “volleyball court” when they were younger. It’s a beautiful property that is a perfect day-outing. 
What to bring:
– A picnic. You can truly make this park an all-day thing if you take your time.
– Bread for the ducks. There’s a big pond with plenty of quacking wildlife.
– Sand toys for the lil’ ones.
– Bikes/scooters. Plenty of room to ride freely.
– A game plan. I’d plan in advance if you want to do any of the water activities.
– Bug spray. Tons of shade and water = potential mosquitoes.
Park Road Park
6220 Park Road
If you haven’t been to Park Road park in the last year, you must go PRONTO. They have completely re-designed it, and let me just say, it’s AMAZING. My kids spent a solid hour creating Ninja Warrior obstacles which they then timed. Whoever came up with the playground design should be awarded; it’s the most creative jungle gym construction I’ve seen in a long time. Park Road Park also has a lake and a small trail that circles it. Perfect for a preschool nature walk. 
What to bring:
– A collapsible chair (like the soccer field one that’s permanently in your trunk). Whoever cleverly designed the playground didn’t account for the adults who watch the monkeys on the monkey bars. There’s not nearly enough seating.
– A stopwatch. Ninja Warrior games will kill at LEAST an hour. Promise.
Freedom Park
1900 East Boulevard
Obviously this isn’t an unknown park, but I added it to my list just because my kids love the Panther’s Play 360 area, and they will NEVER get sick of “rock climbing” at the bridge by the Nature Museum (while I constantly keep an eye out for snakes that are ready to attack me). Plus, it has two great playgrounds so kids never get bored.
What to bring:
– Water. It gets HOT pretending to be an NFL football player.
– A picnic. Freedom Park has some of the best picnic areas in town.
– A bike or scooter. Lapping around the lake kills tons of time and gets the wiggles out for SURE.
Stallings Park
340 Stallings Road
Stallings NC
We hit this park last summer after it had just been re-designed. It has a GREAT splash park – MUCH bigger than Latta Park (but also a little farther out. It’s worth the drive, I promise!). This is a great place to meet a group of friends because it’s really manageable – keep an eye on the kids while socializing with your mom friends.
What to bring:
– Sunscreen. Not a whole lot of shade at this one. Splash park is key.
– Bathing suit and towel.
– Collapsible chair. They have plenty of seats, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to form a little circle with friends while the kids play.
There’s our Top 5. What’s on your list, Smarties?
3 comments
Great list, Cheryl!
I took the kids recently to Freedom Park, and the big playground by the train has recently been re-done. My kids spent at least an hour playing Minecraft on the new playground (and, I didn’t have to entertain!)
Also, there’s Squireel Lake Park in Matthews. It has a great (but small) playground, picnic shelters, lots of trails and greenway paths, and a small one that you can fish in. There’s a lot of shade, so it can get buggy!
So good to know, Amy, about Freedom Park! We haven’t been up there in the last few months. We’ll definitely check it out. Never been to the Squirrel Lake park – it’s now on our list. THANKS!
Looking forward to playing at some of these this summer!