When Jamie was tiny and we were brand new to this whole toddler thing, I remember googling "small plate toddler safe playgrounds Charlotte" at like 2 a.m. during one of those sleepless nights. Park Road Park popped up, and I have to say, it has not disappointed. In fact, it's become our go-to spot, the place we end up at least once a week when we need to get out of the house and let Jamie run wild.
Getting There
Park Road Park is at 5300 Closeburn Road in Charlotte, right off Park Road between Tyvola and Archdale. Here's a pro tip: the park is huge (122 acres!), with multiple entrances, so when you're putting it into Google Maps, make sure you search for "Park Road Park Playground" specifically. Otherwise, you might end up at one of the baseball fields or tennis courts and have to drive around to find the play areas. There's plenty of free parking near the playground, though getting out onto Park Road during rush hour can be a bit tricky, so plan accordingly.
What's There
The playground situation at Park Road Park is honestly one of the best I've found in Charlotte. There are three separate play structure areas, which means if Jamie gets bored with one, we can just wander over to another.
The first area is perfect for younger kids. It has that spongy, springy surface material instead of wood chips, which means no splinters and no toddlers sitting down to throw handfuls of mulch everywhere (you know what I'm talking about). Everything is scaled down for little ones. The slides are smaller, the stairs are manageable, and there's this adorable imaginative play structure that I think is supposed to be like a market or store where kids can pretend to shop. There's also a sandbox, some balance beams, and tunnels for crawling through. Jamie loves it all. There are benches where you can sit and watch, but let's be real, you're usually right there with them at this age.
The third area is shaped like a pirate ship, and this is the one spot that does have wood chips instead of the spongy material. It's got a slide and some rope climbing areas and stairs.
There are also three different swing areas scattered throughout the playground. Jamie hates swings for some reason (I don't understand it either), but they're there if your kid is into that kind of thing.
Beyond the playground, there are porta potties (always a plus with a toddler), water fountains, and a little free library. We actually grabbed a nursery rhyme book from there a few weeks ago, and Jamie is now completely obsessed with "Hey Diddle Diddle." I'm probably reciting that rhyme 35 times a day at this point, so thank you to whoever donated that book.
Our Experience
We've been coming to Park Road Park since Jamie was really little, and it's just always been a solid choice. The playground is safe, it's big enough that even when it's crowded it doesn't feel packed, and there's enough variety to keep a toddler entertained for a good chunk of time.
One of Jamie's favorite things to do is watch the guys playing basketball on the courts near the playground. He'll just stand there, mesmerized, watching them shoot hoops. It's pretty cute.
The gazebo provides some nice shade on hot days, and there are benches scattered around where you can sit and supervise while the kids play. The vibe is always friendly and family-oriented. Everyone's there for the same reason: to let their kids burn off some energy.
Beyond the playground, the park has so much more. There's an 11-acre pond (or lake, depending on who you ask) with a paved walking path around it that's about 0.75 miles. We haven't done the full loop with Jamie yet, but we've walked parts of it and it's really pretty. The path is stroller and wheelchair accessible, which is great. You can spot turtles, ducks, and cranes around the water. There are also eight basketball courts, six baseball fields, 12 lighted tennis courts, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters with restroom facilities, and even a recycling drop-off center.
It's basically a full-service park that has something for everyone.
The Details
Address: 5300 Closeburn Road, Charlotte, NC 28209
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Parking: Free and plentiful
What to Bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen. The porta potties are there but bringing hand sanitizer is always a good idea.
Best For: Families with kids of all ages, anyone looking for a place to walk or play sports
Why We Love It: Three separate playground areas mean there's always something new to explore, the spongy surface is toddler-safe, and the whole park just feels like a real neighborhood gem. Plus, it's right down the road from Amelie's, so you can grab breakfast or a treat and then head to the park. Perfect morning combo.