Summer is the time to bask in the sunshine and explore the great outdoors! Embrace Charlotte’s natural beauty and entertaining community activities while enjoying the beautiful weather and longer days.

Stay Cool

Beat the heat with water activities to help you stay cool while enjoying the outdoors! Don’t forget: wear your sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and take breaks in the shade.

• Take to the waterslides at Carolina Harbor Waterpark, located next to Carowinds.
• Float or swim at the Quarry at Carrigan Farms.
• Boat or float on Lake Norman or Lake Wylie.
• Get active with water sports at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, like whitewater rafting, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
• Take a hike around Latta Nature Preserve and then paddle out to Mountain Island Lake.

Explore Charlotte’s Parks

Enjoy trails, playground equipment, splash pads, and more when exploring Charlotte’s extensive list of parks and greenways! 

• Charlotte's extensive network of greenways makes exploring the city's scenic landscape an exciting experience for bikers and walkers.
• Freedom Park has something for everyone! Take a walk around the pond, enjoy a game at one of the sports courts, or sit down for a picnic at one of Charlotte’s most popular parks.
• McDowell Nature Preserve is a 1,100-acre preserve that offers a glimpse into the natural beauty. Hike or bike on the miles of trails, or enjoy the view over Lake Wylie.
• Anne Springs Close Greenway, located in Fort Mill, SC, boasts 2,100 acres of space for trails (hiking, biking, and horseback riding), kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and more!

Embrace Local Charm

Summer explodes with festivals, markets, and outdoor community events! From daytime farmers markets to evening concerts, these events are a great way to connect with the community.

• Savor sweet and cold desserts at a local business - check out Scoop Charlotte’s list of 40+ spots for local ice cream.
• Catch a concert under the stars! From Southpark After 5, to Anne Springs Close Greenway’s weekly Summer Concert Series and Ballantyne’s Live at The Amp, to USNWC’s River Jam, there’s live music to enjoy in various areas of Charlotte. 
• Outdoor movies are a great opportunity to get outside after the temperatures drop in the evening! Find movie events at locations like Camp NorthEnd and Seoul Food Meat Co. - check out Charlotte on the Cheap’s growing list of events.
• Settle down at a brewery for a drink! Charlotte’s ever-growing brewery scene provides ample opportunities to chill out with your beverage of choice. 
• Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty by exploring local botanical gardens: Daniel Stowe (Belmont), UNC Charlotte, Wing Haven, and McGill Rose Garden. 
• Soak up some sunshine while bouncing around town - between errands, lunch, shopping at local businesses, and more! Check out some local favorites for one-stop shopping: Camp North End, Atherton Mill and Market, Optimist Hall, and the brand new The Bowl at Ballantyne.

This is just a taste of Charlotte's many outdoor activities offered during the summer. So lace up your shoes, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to explore the Queen City's vibrant outdoor scene!