CSP Team Note: In conjunction with the Chick-Fil-A Charlotte Kids Marathon, we’re bringing you a list of parks around town that are perfect for taking a day off of marathon training!
When you’re looking for something to mix up your kids’ cross-training workouts during the Chick-fil-A Charlotte Kids Marathon Program, we’ve got just the thing for you. We’ve hand-picked three different playgrounds we think are perfect for strength, agility, endurance, and cardio training – the perfect way to mix it up and stay injury-free!
Freedom Park: A sure-thing when it comes to variety, Freedom Park’s lake loop is a perfect place to bike, rollerblade, rollerskate, or skateboard on cross-training days. There are also basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball nets, and more to make a family game-day a real thing. Also check out the Carolina Panthers Play 60 KidZone for an obstacle course, 40-yard dash with an automated timing device, climbing structure, and more.
Squirrel Lake: This park has a great playground, but what we really love about it are the trails. Pick this park on a day when you’re looking for a power walk in the shade. You can create stations along your walk for push ups, lunges, knee jumps, and more. It’s also a great chance to reconnect with nature while getting exercise.
Park Road Park: With one of the coolest playgrounds in town, Park Road Park will make any Ninja Warrior fan happy. Set up time trials and have the kids do obstacle courses – each time faster than the last. Make sure to include loads of climbing, jumping, and swinging. Building upper arm and core strength will go a long way for endurance and speed on each run.
Remember that variety keeps the brain (and muscles!) fresh – so mix it up and HAVE FUN!
About Charlotte Smarty Pants:
CharlotteSmartyPants.com (CSP) is the largest online parenting resource serving the greater Charlotte area since 2007. CSP is a team of “mom experts” ranging from stay-at-home moms to working moms to just-surviving moms from pregnancy to high school. Its mission is simple: to help Charlotte families stay in the know so they can have more fun with their families in this amazing city. CSP is a trusted resource for families on everything from choosing a place to have a birthday party to finding your pediatrician to navigating the middle and high school years. CSP is a pink and green Southern lifestyle.
