The TOP Family Friendly Parks in SOUTH CHARLOTTE | Things to Do in Charlotte North Carolina
Overview: Explore South Charlotte’s Best Green Spaces
Love the outdoors, need room for the kids (and pups) to run, or simply searching for weekend adventures close to Charlotte? In this video, Steve Jarrell spotlights five uniquely different parks—ranging from iconic inner-city landscapes to hidden Matthews gems—so you can pick the perfect place for picnics, sports, hiking, and more.
South Charlotte Park Cheat-Sheet
| # | Park | Location | Don’t-Miss Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom Park | Myers Park / Dilworth | 7-acre lake, amphitheater, Little League fields |
| 2 | Colonel Francis Beatty Park | Matthews – Weddington Rd | 265 acres, 20-acre lake, 5-mile MTB trail, off-leash dog area |
| 3 | Waxhaw Downtown Park | Main St, Waxhaw | Brand-new playground, low-hoop basketball court, interactive water stream |
| 4 | Anne Springs Close Greenway | Fort Mill, SC | 2,100+ acres, hiking & horseback trails, paddle-boarding on Lake Haigler |
| 5 | Squirrel Lake Park | Matthews | Fishing pier, disc golf, cornhole, connector to Four Mile Creek Greenway |
1. Freedom Park – Charlotte’s “Central Park”
- Scenic centerpiece: 7-acre lake encircled by paved walking paths and shaded picnic spots.
- Event hotspot: Outdoor amphitheater hosts the annual Festival in the Park and concerts all year.
- Easy access: Nestled between historic Myers Park and Dilworth—only minutes from Uptown.
Fun fact: Dedicated in 1949 to honor Charlotte’s World War II veterans—hence the name “Freedom.”
2. Colonel Francis Beatty Park – 265 Acres of Play
- 5-mile single-track mountain-bike loop plus extensive running/walking trails.
- 20-acre lake for kayaking and canoeing; boat rentals available seasonally.
- Multiple playground pods, sand volleyball, tennis & basketball courts spread throughout the park.
- Large fenced off-leash dog area—great for four-legged family members.
3. Waxhaw Downtown Park – Small-Town Charm, Brand-New Amenities
- Modern playground built on soft turf, perfect for toddlers through tweens.
- Kid-sized basketball “tree” with adjustable hoops so even 4-year-olds can score.
- Natural stream feature doubles as a cool splash spot on hot Carolina days.
- Steps from Waxhaw’s Main Street eateries, coffee shops, and weekend festivals.
4. Anne Springs Close Greenway – 2,100 Acres of Pure Nature
- Over 40 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails weaving through forests & meadows.
- Water fun on Lake Haigler: paddle-boarding, kayaking, fishing docks.
- Historic dairy barn event venue, seasonal farmers market, and summer concerts.
- Annual family memberships available for frequent explorers.
5. Squirrel Lake Park – Matthews’ Hidden Gem
- Quiet 36-acre neighborhood park minutes from Downtown Matthews.
- Stocked pond with fishing pier, plus covered picnic shelters for birthday parties.
- 18-hole disc-golf course, cornhole boards, and shaded playground.
- Connects directly to the Four Mile Creek Greenway for longer jogs and bike rides.
Key Takeaways
Whether you crave wide-open wilderness, lake adventures, curated playgrounds, or a quick stroll with the stroller, South Charlotte delivers. Mix and match these parks to keep weekends fresh and the whole family smiling.
