Looking for open space to frolic in? Whether you want to fly a kite, throw a Frisbee, teach your child to ride a bike or have a picnic, you are sure to find the perfect spot with over 17,000 acres of parkland throughout the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.  SkateParks, Dog Parks, Rec Centers, 170+ parks - some suggestions are:

• Camping -  Print a discount coupon for McDowell Nature Preserve Campground 
• Open Space for Kite Flying 
• Plan a Family reunion or corporate picnic 
• Disc Golf
• Playgrounds
• Shooting Hoops
• Horseback Riding
• Community Gardens
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Paddleboats
• Facilities
• Activities
• Bike Rentals at Jetton Park

GET FIT!

Having trouble following through on your New Year's resolution or just looking for a new activity to add to your current work out?  Links below will lead you to various options. Why not explore several?

TAKE A HIKE

You will be amazed that you are still in the city limits of Charlotte when you hike some of these trails.  RibbonWalk, just off of I-85/Graham St., will have you thinking you are in a state park!  Or explore a variety of terrains while enjoy scenic views of the lake, forests, and streams while hiking the seven miles of trails at McDowell Nature Preserve.  Hills and dales abound in Mecklenburg County.

• Recommended Hikes
• Greenways
• Nature Centers
• Freedom Park – 0.6 miles around the lake
• Parks
• Want to CAMP and HIKE?  Print a discount coupon for McDowell Nature Preserve Campground

GET WET

From world record water to a double loop indoor waterslide to swim lessons to spraygrounds…discover the best way for you to get wet.

• Aquatics
• Ray's Splash Planet
• Outdoor Pools
• Spraygrounds
• Paddleboats
• Marion Diehl Indoor Pool
• Fishing (although you may not swim in any county parks there are fabulous fishing holes)