Photo: Ximena Avila
Photo: Cifredo Alvarenga
Photo: Phanuel Celestin
Freedom Park
★4.8(8,243 reviews)FreePark
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for all ages, from infants to teens. Toddlers enjoy the playground equipment and duck feeding, elementary-aged kids love the sports fields and exploration trails, while teens appreciate the basketball courts and open areas for frisbee or soccer. The paved paths make it perfect for babies in strollers too.🧡 Saved by 250+ families
About
Freedom Park is a sprawling 98-acre urban oasis in Myers Park that offers everything families need for a perfect day outdoors. With multiple playgrounds, a scenic lake filled with ducks eager for feeding time, wide walking trails ideal for strollers and bikes, and plenty of open green space for running wild, it's become Charlotte's go-to spot for families seeking outdoor fun without leaving the city.
Highlights
- ✓Duck feeding at the scenic 7-acre lake
- ✓Multiple age-appropriate playground areas
- ✓Wide paved walking trails perfect for bikes, scooters, and strollers
- ✓Open sports fields for soccer, baseball, and flying kites
- ✓Shaded picnic areas with tables and grills
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends (by 9 AM) to snag shaded picnic tables near the lake,they fill up fast on nice days
- 2.Bring old bread or birdseed for duck feeding at the lake, which is always a hit with younger children
- 3.The playground near the East Boulevard entrance has better shade in the afternoon, making it ideal for summer visits
- 4.Free parking is available in multiple lots, but the lot off East Boulevard fills quickest on weekends
- 5.Pack a blanket and snacks,the grassy hills overlooking the lake are perfect for impromptu picnics
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (8-10 AM) or late afternoons (4-6 PM) offer the most peaceful experience with fewer crowds. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable weather, while early summer weekday visits help you avoid the weekend rush.
What to Know
Admission and parking are completely free. Restroom facilities are available throughout the park, and the paved trails are stroller and wheelchair accessible. No on-site food vendors, so pack snacks and water.
Seasonal Notes
The park is open year-round and beautiful in all seasons. Spring brings blooming flowers and active wildlife, fall offers stunning foliage, and even winter days can be pleasant for walking. Summer can get very hot in the afternoon, so morning visits are recommended June through August.
Nearby Eats
Park Road Shopping Center (less than a mile away) offers family favorites like Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread. For a sit-down meal, head to Pemberton's Café just a few minutes away, which has a kids' menu and casual atmosphere perfect for post-park dining.
More Activities Near Myers Park
Park
Colonial Park
★4.4Free❤️11
Colonial Park is a peaceful neighborhood oasis in Myers Park perfect for families seeking a relaxed outdoor experience. With open greenspace ideal for running around, picnics, and ball games, plus walking paths for stroller-friendly adventures, this quiet park offers a wonderful escape from busier Charlotte playgrounds when you want a more low-key afternoon.
Playground
Queens Road West
Free❤️6
Queens Road West playground in the heart of Myers Park offers families a charming neighborhood retreat with modern play equipment nestled among beautiful shade trees. The well-maintained playground features updated structures perfect for active play, while the surrounding open green spaces give kids plenty of room to run, practice sports, or enjoy a family picnic in this peaceful Charlotte neighborhood.
Restaurant
Booty's Street Food
$
Booty's Street Food brings a laid-back, family-friendly vibe to Myers Park with its casual taco menu and welcoming outdoor seating area. The relaxed neighborhood atmosphere means parents can enjoy quality street food while kids feel comfortable being themselves, and the approachable menu makes it easy to find something everyone will eat.
Sports
Myers Park Country Club
★4.5$$❤️90
Myers Park Country Club provides an excellent introduction to tennis for kids in a welcoming neighborhood setting. With dedicated youth programs and professional lessons tailored for young learners, it's an ideal spot for families looking to get their children active in a structured sport while enjoying quality time together through family memberships.