Hornets Nest Park
4.6(1,023)4.6 out of 5 stars, 1023 reviews Charlotte, NC
About Hornets Nest Park
Hornets Nest Park is a vast outdoor facility offering an exceptionally wide range of activities suitable for various age groups, often less crowded than comparable parks on weekdays. Its unique value lies in the sheer diversity and scale of its amenities, from multiple playgrounds and a BMX track to extensive sports fields, disc golf, and peaceful walking trails.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with children of varying ages due to the diverse activity options.Outdoor sports enthusiasts (disc golf, tennis, basketball, BMX, volleyball).Picnics, cookouts, and large family gatherings.Those seeking a less crowded outdoor experience during the weekdays.Long walks, biking, and getting steps in on trails and paved paths.
Why families love it
- Two distinct large playground areas, one featuring a Panthers Play60 obstacle course and numerous swings.
- A dedicated BMX track for cycling enthusiasts.
- Extensive disc golf course, even used for tournaments, running throughout the park.
- Multiple sports fields including baseball, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, and 12 tennis courts.
- Several large fishing ponds/lakes, one with a fountain, offering benches for viewing ducks and geese.
- A new 1-mile wooded trail in the rear of the park, ideal for walking and exploring.
Insider tips
- Bring bikes for children to utilize the numerous paved paths.
- Visit during weekdays for a more docile and peaceful experience.
- Come prepared for a picnic or cookout, as many shelters with grills are available.
- Bring fishing gear if interested, as there are large fishing ponds.
- Disc golf enthusiasts should bring their discs, as the course is well-regarded and extensive.
Good to know before you go
- If you prefer highly manicured or perfectly groomed park environments.
- If you are looking for a swimming pond, as the existing pond is not for swimming.
- Weekends, if you prefer a very quiet and uncrowded experience, as the park gets busy.
- If allergic to geese or prefer to avoid areas where they frequent, due to their presence.
- The pond is explicitly stated as 'not for swimming'.
- Crowds
- **Quiet/Docile:** Weekdays are generally peaceful and not nearly as busy as other comparable parks.
- Value
- Free entry to the park and its extensive facilities, offering exceptional value for families and individuals given the wide range of available activities. No explicit costs for amenities are mentioned in reviews.
- Food
- Outside food and picnicking are highly encouraged, with numerous picnic tables and shelters available.
- Accessibility
- Paved paths are available throughout the park, suitable for strollers and potentially wheelchairs.
- Safety
- The park is described as 'especially clean', contributing to a perception of a well-maintained and safe environment.
What parents say
"This place is huge! Many baseball fields are in one area, In the next area- a couple large fishing ponds, a large playground with many swings and a Panthers Play60 obstacle course- in addition to basketball courts and sand volleyball courts. Just past that is the BMX track and some more pavilions. There are 12 tennis courts after that (would be awesome if they changed some to Pickleball courts!) And disc golf course runs throughout the park. There are many pavilions and picnic tables to eat and and a few paths the kids can ride bikes. This place feels similar to Freedom park, but not quite as "
9 months ago
"The new trail that’s in the rear of the park goes about a mile into the woods and into different neighborhoods,great place to get steps in, to fish cookout and great for the kids….two different play areas,also have rest rooms and plenty of parking."
11 months ago
"I like the lake with the fountain there. You can take a seat on a bench and enjoy the view. I saw a few ducks and goose. Also you can finish if you like it. There're few fields to play sports, playground for children and some places for BBQ. In general it's not a big park but it's peaceful."
2 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More best outdoor playgrounds in Charlotte
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Park Road Park
4.6(1,686)4.6 out of 5 stars, 1686 reviews6220 Park Rd, Charlotte
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Squirrel Lake Park
4.7(1,190)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1190 reviews1631 Pleasant Plains Rd, Matthews
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Park Road Park Playground
4.7(303)4.7 out of 5 stars, 303 reviewsPark Road Park Service Rd, Charlotte
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Cordelia Park
4.5(345)4.5 out of 5 stars, 345 reviews600 E 24th St, Charlotte