Every December for the past five years, David and I have had a tradition: grab lattes from the Starbucks in Dilworth, drive to Freedom Park, and walk up and down Queens Road admiring the mansion Christmas decorations while reflecting on the year behind us and the one ahead. It's one of those simple rituals that marks the season for us, a chance to slow down and take stock of everything that's happened.
The last two years we've brought Jamie along, which has been wonderful in its own way. Except this year, when he decidedly was not into it. No stroller, no walking, just carrying please and thank you. At almost 16 months, he has very strong opinions about how this outing should go, and none of them aligned with our peaceful stroll past decorated homes.
A Happy Accident (Sort Of)
So we pivoted. Instead of our full loop, we turned right onto Princeton Avenue and made our way to the little playground tucked away in the back of Freedom Park. A friend had told us about it ages ago, and we'd been meaning to check it out. Jamie's meltdown turned out to be the perfect excuse to finally visit.
And honestly? What a discovery.
More Than Just a Playground
This isn't your standard playground setup. Yes, they have two separate play structures, one designed for little kids and another for bigger ones, complete with multiple slides, swings, stairs, and fun balance equipment. But what really sets this spot apart are all the extras scattered around the play area.
There are water tables (which I'm sure are a huge hit in the summer), a Cozy Coupe, a Step2 Car pusher toy, little walkers for kids just learning to walk, and toy trucks. It's like someone thought about what would actually keep toddlers entertained beyond just climbing and sliding, and then made it happen. Jamie, despite his earlier grumpiness, perked up considerably when he saw all the options.
There's also a cute gazebo in the middle with picnic benches. When we visited, it was reserved for a birthday party later that afternoon, which seems like it would be perfect for celebrations. Even without a reservation, it looks like a nice shaded spot to rest while the kids play.
Truly a Hidden Gem
Here's the thing: I don't think many people know about this playground. And we've been going to Freedom Park for years! It's tucked away in the back part of the park, actually away from the main park itself. You have to leave the park area and go past one of the baseball fields to find it. If you're not specifically looking for it or don't have a friend who's told you about it, you'd probably never stumble across it.
When we visited on a cold December morning, it wasn't crowded at all. There were maybe two other families there, and the space felt calm and manageable. I imagine it gets busier in summer when those water tables are in full swing and families are seeking out shady play spots, but even then, I doubt it reaches the chaos levels of some of Charlotte's more well-known playgrounds.
The Details
The playground does have wood chips as ground cover, which isn't my favorite (they get everywhere and Jamie inevitably tries to throw them), but it's pretty standard for Charlotte playgrounds. The wood chips were well-maintained though, not patchy or sparse like some places. It's next to a baseball field and indoor bathrooms which is such a nice change from the port-a-potties at a lot of other playgrounds
Jamie was admittedly tired and a bit grumpy during our visit, so we didn't get to fully explore everything the playground has to offer. He mostly wanted to be held and observe rather than play, which is very unlike him. But even in his less-than-ideal mood, he seemed interested in the various toys and equipment. We'll definitely be back when he's better rested and can really enjoy all the amenities this sweet little spot has to offer.
Worth Seeking Out
If you're looking for a quieter playground experience in Charlotte, or if you're already spending time at Freedom Park and want to mix things up, this hidden corner is absolutely worth seeking out. It has that neighborhood playground feel without being too small or limited, and the extra toys and features make it special.
Plus, there's something nice about discovering a spot that feels a little bit secret, like you're in on something most people don't know about yet. Even though I'm sure it won't stay hidden forever, for now it's a peaceful alternative to the packed playgrounds we usually frequent.
Next time we're walking Queens Road to look at Christmas lights (with a more cooperative toddler, hopefully), we know exactly where we'll end up.
