14 Coolest Playgrounds in Charlotte (2024 Map)
We’re collecting parent reviews for the best playgrounds in Charlotte! From cool destination playgrounds to hidden gem neighborhood parks, see what parents say about the top local spots for kids to play outdoors. Click the map view and zoom in to discover the best Charlotte playgrounds near you.
Your reviews, tips & photos will help other families looking for a new playground to check out, so please chime in and share the scoop on your favorites!
Our list of Charlotte's indoor playgrounds has you covered when the weather isn't cooperating, too.
Jetton Park
Sarah Calamita: Jetton is in the Lake Norman area - it has a cute little beach and a shaded HUGE playground (good for any age!). There are also trails through the woods that you can push a stroller on or walk through. The views are so pretty.
Ramsey Creek Park
Sarah Calamita: Ramsey Park is in the Lake Norman area - has a cute little beach and a playground that is heaven for any kid 3+. It's a massive structure that they could easily get lost in, huge slides and even 2 long zip lines! Fun trails through the woods, too. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day!
Clarks Creek Community Park
This gem is one of the newer playgrounds in Charlotte! You'll find a large dome rope climber and a unique hillside play area with a slide, ropes and climbing nets built in. There's also a community garden, pickleball and a dog park.
Rosedale Nature Park
Sarah Calamita: This is a new 13 acre nature based park! Great for all ages! They have an awesome playground, zip lines, slides built into the hill, logs to climb on, nature path. There are bathrooms. Very busy on weekends!
Mountain Creek Park
Sarah C.: A little bit of a trek from Charlotte, but it has a great pump track, tons of trails, a little nature center and an amazing playground!
Crooked Creek Park
Two playgrounds with different features make Crooked Creek Park a popular destination for Charlotte families. The nature-themed playground and the accessible playground both offer plenty of fun for families, with climbers, swings and slides. The all-accessible park (ADA) has rubberized surfacing, ramps and adaptive equipment. Crooked Creek also has picnic shelters, restrooms, walking trails and a splash pad.
Chantilly Neighborhood Park
Young kids love climbing through the big blue dinosaur at this Charlotte playground. The playground's slides, tunnel and climbers offer tons of fun, and you may want to bring a soccer ball to take advantage of the open grassy area. The park also has a picnic area, walking trails and a volleyball court.
Squirrel Lake Park
Kids of all ages love the variety of playground equipment at Squirrel Lake Park. Swing, slide and climb - kids can do it all here! There is a covered picnic area near the playground and another larger one within the park grounds. This family favorite park also has a 12-hole disc golf course, fishing pond, picnic shelters, restrooms, and water fountains.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park's playgrounds are popular with local families for their variety of playground equipment. Freedom Park also is home to the NFL's Play60 KidZone, with an obstacle course, climbing structure and a timed 40-yard dash lane. This 98-acre park also features walking trails, picnic shelters, sport fields, and a lake. This is one of the best playgrounds in Charlotte for outdoor recreation and family fun.
Marion Diehl Park
Tucked in behind the Marion Diehl recreation center is an all-inclusive playground that offers fun for kids of all abilities and interests. A rubberized surface and ramps make the playground and equipment accessible for kids using wheelchairs or walkers. Kids can play with a wheelchair accessible water table and solar system-themed sensory table. There are traditional and adapted swings along with slides and climbers within the playground.
Newtown Memorial Playground at Park Road Park
The Newtown Memorial Playground within Park Road Park has slides of all sizes, swings, climbing structures, a sand box and more to provide kids with hours of fun.
William R. Davie Park
This inclusive playground in Charlotte has a rubberized surface to allow access for wheelchairs and walkers as well as an adaptive swing and sensory equipment like swinging bridges and a balancing barrel. A castle structure and built-in puppet theaters spark imaginative play. With traditional slides, swings and climbing structures as well, the William R. Davie Park has something to meet many needs and interests.
Goat Island Park
Goat Island Park has two fun playgrounds, one for toddlers and a second designed for older kids. Kids will love the climbing structures, swings and slides. The area also has corn hole courts, disc golf, ping pong tables, walking trails, pedestrian bridges going over the river and access to the river. There are picnic areas, as well.
Martha Rivers Park
Known as the "castle," the community-built wooden playground at Martha Rivers Park features one acre of fun for kids of all ages. In addition to multi-level play areas like the fort, ship and race car, the playground also has slides, swings and a sandy area for digging. The park area has two picnic shelters, a beach volleyball court, walking trails and restrooms.
Primary photo: Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
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