Lancaster, SC
HomeschoolPlaygrounds
Park at the birthplace of Andrew Jackson with a museum, replica 1700s schoolhouse, playground, trails, fishing and boat rentals.
Small SC state park entry fee; kids under 5 free
Hours, prices and seasonal dates change often — always check the official website before you go. Info last reviewed November 2026.
Charlotte, NC
PlaygroundsHomeschoolRainy dayIndoor nature center, easy trails, and a unique fenced nature playground; frequent free family programs.
Charlotte (Steele Creek), NC
HomeschoolPlaygroundsNature center on Lake Wylie with live animal exhibits, trails, playground and weekly animal meet-and-greets.
Freedom Park
FreeCharlotte, NC
PlaygroundsCharlotte's beloved central park: large playground, lake, ducks, trails and a Play 60 NFL playground.
Charlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsUptown park with skyline views, a seasonal sprayground and Truist Field next door.
First Ward Park
FreeCharlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsUptown park beside ImaginOn and Discovery Place with a splash pad and playground.
Lineberger Park
FreeGastonia, NC
WaterPlaygroundsSeasonalBig city park with a splash pad, playgrounds, occasional train rides, and holiday lights in December.
Rankin Lake Park
FreeGastonia, NC
PlaygroundsCity of Gastonia lakeside park with walking trails, fishing and a playground.
Belmont, NC
PlaygroundsTreehouse-themed playground on the Catawba River with wide paved paths and a public dock with bench swings.
Tuckaseege Park
FreeMount Holly, NC
PlaygroundsRiverside park on the Catawba River with a playground and walking trails.
Village Park
FreeKannapolis, NC
PlaygroundsWaterSeasonalShady park with a playground, seasonal splash pad, paved trail, a $1.50 Venetian carousel and a small train.
Good to know: Carousel and train rides cost a small fee.
Frank Liske Park
FreeConcord, NC
PlaygroundsLarge Cabarrus County park with playgrounds, ballfields, a lake and walking trails.
Jetton Park
FreeCornelius, NC
PlaygroundsLake Norman peninsula park with paved trails, playground and lake views.
Cornelius, NC
PlaygroundsWaterLake Norman park with a small beach, playground and fishing pier.
Pineville, NC
PlaygroundsWaterLakeside park with a large splash pad and three playgrounds.
Stumptown Park
FreeMatthews, NC
PlaygroundsSeasonalDowntown Matthews park with a playground, summer concerts and community festivals.
Mint Hill, NC
WaterPlaygroundsFully fenced splash pad with toddler and big-kid zones, turf surfacing and inclusive play elements.
Cane Creek Park
PaidWaxhaw, NC
WaterPlaygroundsUnion County park with a lake, fishing, campground and trails (entry fee applies).
Pineville, NC
Rainy dayPlaygroundsFree indoor kids' play area inside the mall — handy on rainy days.
Charlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Charlotte (Dilworth), NC
WaterPlaygroundsFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Charlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Charlotte (NoDa), NC
WaterPlaygroundsFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Charlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Charlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Cornelius, NC
WaterPlaygroundsFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Huntersville, NC
WaterPlaygroundsPopular fully fenced free splash pad next to a playground and covered picnic area.
Dallas, NC
WaterPlaygroundsFree splash pad with ballfields, dog park and historic village nearby.
Charlotte (Ballantyne), NC
WaterPlaygroundsFree shopping-center playground and splash pad — easy combo with lunch.
Good to know: Splash pad listed as temporarily closed due to city water regulations; playground open.
Frequently asked questions
Are these playgrounds free?
Most public parks and playgrounds are free. A few have parking fees, noted on the listing when we know them.
Which parks have toddler areas?
Several listings mention fenced or toddler zones in their description — open a card to read details.