5 Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities to Do in Charlotte, NC

Whether you live in Charlotte, North Carolina, or you’re visiting the area, there are plenty of activities where families can get outside and appreciate the great outdoors. It doesn’t matter if you want to learn some history or enjoy the water, kids of all ages will like these outdoor activities.

McDowell Nature Center and Preserve

Located southwest of downtown Charlotte, the 1,108-acre McDowell Nature Center and Preserve is an excellent place to learn about the environment and explore the different plants and animals that are native to the region. The nature center has an exhibit hall, live animals, and an outdoor amphitheater. The nature center also has an outside area where visitors can view a butterfly garden, bird feeding stations, and a compost garden.

The preserve has 7 miles of hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing and canoeing on Lake Wylie. Children can take advantage of the playgrounds while families enjoy a lunch at one of the picnic areas. The preserve also has a 56-site campground that’s open year-round.

Lake Norman

Just north of Charlotte sits Lake Norman. With 520 miles of coastline, this lake is the largest manmade body of fresh water in North Carolina. Families have an endless variety of activities to enjoy at Lake Norman, including swimming, fishing, rowing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and sailing. There is also no horsepower limit on the lake, so families can have fun on everything from a paddle boat to a powerboat.

Reed Gold Mine

While many people picture the West Coast when they think of the gold rush in the United States, North Carolina was the site of the first gold find in the country. Reed Gold Mine, located in Midland, was named after Conrad Reed, who found the first gold at the site. The yield from the mine in just large nuggets was more than 100 pounds. Today, the mine is a National Historic Landmark, and portions of the tunnels have been restored for guided tours. Children can also rent a pan for $3 and try their own luck at panning for gold.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Located west of Charlotte on the Catawba River, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is an outdoor recreation center and athletic training facility. Families that want to get wet can try their hand at kayaking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting on a course that ranges from beginner to expert. Those who want to stay a little drier can enjoy activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. For a little more adventure, families can also try the rope course and zip line.

Freedom Park

Located between the Myers Park and Dilworth neighborhoods, Freedom Park is a 98-acre park with a 7-acre lake in the heart of it. The park has four baseball fields, four soccer fields, 12 tennis courts, two volleyball courts, two playgrounds, and plenty of walking trails throughout.

It doesn’t matter what kind of adventure you’re looking to find: These family-friendly outdoor activities around Charlotte are sure to please.

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