Who else is dreaming of fun days ahead enjoying alllll the local parks? And what is better than celebrating at an outdoor birthday party, wedding reception or family reunion? Grilling out under the sunshine, being as LOUD as you want- it’s just the best. These are my top parks in the Charlotte Area for an outdoor celebration:
- Freedom Park, Myers Park: Looking for a park with all the options? This is the king of the Queen City’s parks, with a lake, a bandshell, innumerable pavilions and picnic areas of all sizes and a huge playground complete with a train. There’s almost always some sort of festival going on! 1908 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203
- Stowe Park, Belmont: This small park in the center of Belmont is packed with appeal. There are two playgrounds, picnic pavilions, a walking trail and a fountain. Best of all, it’s in the heart of Belmont’s thriving restaurant district, so you can get your party food for takeout or take the party indoors if it rains! 24 S. Main St., Belmont, NC 28012
- Reedy Creek Park, Charlotte: As the name implies, the creek is the centerpiece of the park, a quiet spot for contemplation and calm. Done with that? Take in the playgrounds, disc golf park, dog park and tons of other amenities to make your party pop! 2900 Rocky River Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213
- Latta Park, Charlotte: This favorite Charlotte park is packed with amenities like tennis and volleyball courts, trails and a grilling site. There’s only one reservable picnic pavilion, but there’s plenty of other room for a more casual soiree. The kids will love the sprayground! 601 E. Park Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203
- Martha Rivers Park, Gastonia: For the kids, there’s the coolest playground around, with innumerable places to slide, crawl, run, jump and swing. For the adults, there are numerous picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, soccer fields, horseshoe pits, walking trails and room to spread out a big gathering. 1515 Neil Hawkins Rd., Gastonia NC 28056
- Frank Liske Park, Concord: How does holding your party in a dairy barn sound? Liske Park has an upper room in the onsite display dairy barn big enough for wedding receptions, birthday parties or any celebration. There are plenty of other amenities, including a fishing lake, horseshoe pits, tennis courts and paddleboat rental. 4001 Stough Rd., Concord, NC 28027
- North Mecklenburg Park, Huntersville: This sprawling spot on the north side has a little something for everyone. Ride mountain bikes, play tennis or basketball, take a group hike or just indulge in general frivolity in one of the picnic shelters. 16131 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078
- Independence Park, Charlotte: This park packs a lot into a relatively small space, with volleyball courts, tennis and basketball courts and even the city’s only open-air table tennis! Several shelters are available, and the location makes it easy for people from all over town to get to. Enjoy the master gardener demonstration gardens for a quiet break from the festivities! 300 Hawthorne Ln., Charlotte, NC 28204
- Squirrel Lake Park, Matthews: Bring your fishin’ pole for the party here to make use of the fishing pier right next to one of the picnic pavilions. And because no Carolina party is complete without cornhole, there are boards set up for play. Try your dexterity on the disc golf course or take a spin on the bike trails (training wheels optional)! 1631 Pleasant Plains Rd., Matthews, NC 28105
- Pineville Lake Park, Pineville: A newly refurbished playground and a busy band shell highlight this suburban gem. At the heart of the park is the lake, with a trail running all the way around. Bring the pooches for the dog park, and let the kids enjoy the brand-new sprayground. There are several shelters for rent, or set up your poles and have a fishing party! 1000 Johnston Dr., Pineville, NC 28134
