McGill Rose Garden
Old-fashioned rose garden featuring 1,000 roses with 230 varieties. Begun in the 1950's on the site of a fuel and ice company, this 1 1/3 acre garden has recently been designated an All-American Rose Selections Public Garden

DAYS & HOURS: Nov. 1-April 30: Tue-Fri 9a-1p; May 1-Oct. 31: Tue-Fri 9a-3p, Sun 2p-5p

ADMISSION: Free

ADDRESS: 940 North Davidson Street

PHONE: 704-333-6497
 
Ribbon Walk Botanical Forest
A 137-acre botanical forest and environmental education center

ADDRESS: 4700 Hoyt Henson Road

PHONE: 704-372-9594

Freedom Park
Festival in the Park, sponsored by the Afro-American Cultural Center, is a preferred park venue under spreading oak trees along the banks of a lake; its also a favorite for by Black community picnics year round

ADDRESS: 1900 East Blvd

Latta Plantation Park Nature Preserve
Over  1,300 acres of park space to fish, enjoy a horseback ride on wooded trails, picnic and more; the Interpretive Center is on Mountain Island Lake with full-service Equestrian Center, 10 miles of hiking trails

ADDRESS: 5225 Sample Road in Huntersville

PHONE: 704-875-1391

WEBSITE: http://www.lattaplantation.org

McDowell Nature Preserve
956-acre park features interpretive displays and environmental programming; playground, picnic areas with shelters and decks, hiking trails, boat ramps, canoe and paddleboat rentals and motor boat launching at Copperhead Island; newly installed insect displays and interactive games, plus eight miles of hiking trails among wooded hills

DAYS & HOURS: daily March 1 - November 30; Dec-Feb weekends only

ADDRESS: 15222 York Road

PHONE: 704-588-5224

WEBSITE: Link

Revolution Park Golf Course
Charlotte’s best 9-hole course, featuring breathtaking views of the city and an enjoyable challenge for low and high handicappers

ADDRESS: 2661 Barringer Drive

PHONE: 704-342-1946

Charlotte Golf Links
A new par 71 premium public championship course designed by Tom Doaks featuring a challenging layout

ADDRESS: 11500 Providence Road in Charlotte

PHONE: 704-846-7990