Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation maintains several nature centers, Reedy Creek, Quest at Latta Preserve, McDowell and Stevens Creek. The nature centers provide an excellent introduction to the wildlife and plant life of the area. In addition, they also host festivals, workshops, nature hikes, campfire and more events, many of which are free.
If you landed on this page because of an event on the Charlotte on the Cheap calendar, make sure that you read the information about the event and click on the link that goes to the Mecklenburg Count Park and Recreation registration page. Jump to the list of events for details on each one. Or read on to learn about the various nature centers.
Each of these nature centers is on a nature preserve with its own unique character and features. Read on to learn a little bit about each one, and scroll down to see some of the upcoming free events at the nature centers. A good way to find out about the nature centers’ upcoming events and news is to follow Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers on Facebook.
The nature centers are free to visit.
Quest at Latta Nature Preserve
Quest
6345 Sample Road, Huntersville
Northern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1129
Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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Quest is a new destination for outdoor recreation and environmental education in North Mecklenburg County. Nestled inside the Latta Nature Preserve, Quest is the place to go to learn, play and explore the wonders of water, woods, and wildlife. Carolina Raptor Center will also be joining this facility soon.
Carolina Raptor Center, a neighbor in Latta Nature Preserve, is moving its operations to Quest. Raptor programs are started to take place at Quest.
Latta is a gateway to Mountain Island Lake and provides a perfect place to launch kayaks onto Gar Creek and Mountain Island Lake, including an ADA accessible ramp. There are many places to fish. Those 16 and older need a North Carolina fishing license.
The preserve includes 16 miles of trails, and is the only only public Mecklenburg County property open to horseback riding, with 13 miles of those trails designated as horseback and hiking trails. The remaining three are just for hiking.
One section of trails has become known as a year-long site for fairy houses and is a fun place to explore with young children. One of the most popular events is the annual Fairy House Festival in February.
Stevens Creek Nature Center
Stevens Creek Nature Center
15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227
980-314-2526
Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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The nature center features live native animals, two classrooms (including one rentable space), gift shop, and an exhibit hall with interactive exhibits. The exhibits focus on protecting water quality and include an augmented reality sand table, living stream with fish and turtles, and 5-foot tall model of the federally endangered Carolina Heelsplitter mussel.
Environmental education and outdoor recreation staff offer public and private programming for all ages. Visitors can borrow loaner backpacks to take activities out on the trails or busy bags for smaller children to play with inside.
Within the preserve, visitors can observe nature in action along 3 miles of natural-surface hiking trails. The path to the pedestrian bridge over the recently-restored Stevens Creek is fully accessible. Self-interpretive trail maps are available for the trails.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Reedy Creek Nature Center
2900 Rocky River Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215
Northeastern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1119
Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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The nature center features live, native animals, an exhibit hall, a classroom, and a gift shop. Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens, and a demonstration compost area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for several nature preserve trails.
Fishing is available at the two ponds. Those age 16 and older need fishing licenses.
There’s a natural playground outside the nature center and ten miles of marked trails. One highlight of the trails is the Robinson Rock House. The ruins of the circa 1790 home is a popular destination of hikers. (The hike is short and easy enough for small children.
Adjacent to the nature preserve (it shares an entrance) is Reedy Creek Park, which includes two playgrounds, a dog park, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pit, a community garden, softball and soccer fields, picnic shelters and more.
McDowell Nature Center
McDowell Nature Center
15222 South York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Southwestern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1128
Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Campground: 980-314-2267
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The Nature Center features live native animals, a discovery hall, and a gift shop. Visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the Ozone Garden or the demonstration compost area, or enjoy a natural play area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for miles of hiking trails.
The nature preserve includes seven miles of hiking trails, boat ramps and fishing docks. Those age 16 and older need a North Carolina fishing license in order to fish.
On the property is also McDowell Campground, which offers 56 reservable campsites, including primitive sites, RV sites with full hookups, and rent-a-tent sites. Camping is also available on the adjacent Copperhead Island.
Other Nature Preserves
There are additional nature preserves that do not have nature centers. You can find a list of them here.
We took a special look at a few of these nature preserves, including videos and lots of pictures. Click on the links below to see them.
Upcoming free and cheap events at Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers and Preserves
Visit Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s activity search website for even more events. Some have fees. Keep in mind that for most of the events you need to call in advance and register online. Also check out the intended age range.
To register, find the event in Park and Recreation’s activity search website or call the phone number for the nature center. We provide links to register and for more information for each event, when available.
Here are just a very few of the upcoming events!
Birding at Stevens Creek
1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, through December 18, 2025, plus October 30
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 18+
Step out onto the trails as we explore the preserve and search the skies for our beloved winged friends. From the radiant Northern Cardinals to the majestic Red-shouldered Hawks, the list of potential sightings is endless. Along the way, we’ll work on identification techniques to help everyone become better birders. Open to all levels of bird watching; BYO binoculars or borrow a pair from us.
Hike For Your Health
Every Tuesday through November 25, 2025
September and October: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
November: 5 to 6 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
Get outside, get moving, get healthy! Fresh air, sunshine, beautiful surroundings and wonderful people are included! This is a medium to fast walk of 2.5 to 3 miles over an hour+ on uneven terrain. Adult participation required if under 18.
Meditation Monday
Mondays, September 15 and 29, October 13 and 27, 2025
10 to 11 a.m.
McDowell
Free (register at above link)
Ages 18+
Need to unwind or just check in with yourself? Practice meditation while getting in touch with nature under the trees of McDowell Nature Center. A short hike will be required. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring water if you would like.
Family Bug Hunt
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
All ages
Early fall is a GREAT time to catch crawling, jumping, and flying critters in the field and forest. All ages are welcome to sweep net and log roll their way into new arthropod adventures, with staff provided guidance and tools. Best for ages 4+ but open to all.
Wellness Wednesday Fitness Hike
September 17, October 1, and October 15, 2025
9 to 11 a.m.
Latta
Free (register at above link)
Ages 18+
Start your day on the right foot with a brisk morning hike. This moderate-paced guided hike will be around 4-5 miles as we get our heartrate up and take in the views.
Evening Stroll and Fire
Friday, September 19, 2025
6 to 8 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
Connect with the land and other like-minded folks as we spend an evening wandering the trails of Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. We will meander along the trails, allowing for pauses along the way to explore the world around us. After our walk we will gather around the fire for more community time and marshmallows. Adult participation required if under 18.
Whimsical Nature Crafts
Saturday, September 20, 2025
1 to 3 p.m.
McDowell
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Tap into your creative side and explore exciting ways to use nature materials to create unique and whimsical crafts that are sure to inspire you! Drop in any time between 1pm-3pm to participate.
Shakedown Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025
2 to 4 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 16+
Prepare for your next backpacking trip, or your very first, with a guided shakedown hike. We’ll cover backpacking fundamentals and share tips and tricks from our own experiences. Break in your boots with a hike around the Preserve (approx. 2 miles). Set up your tent or hammock and make sure everything is safe and functional in your home away from home. This will be a space for trekkers of all skills levels to test their gear before they head off into the greater outdoors. Led by a staff member that through-hiked the Appalachian Trail (so you know he’s got stories to share!)
Fall Storytime and Craft
Sundays, September 21, October 19, and November 16, 2025
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
Best for ages 4-8
Fall into a good book with our new monthly Fall Storytime and Craft series. Drop by Stevens Creek Nature Center the 3rd Sundays this fall for a different book and related craft. Best for ages 4-8 (with adult) but open to all.
Public Lands Day — Hike and Craft
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
Age 6+
Celebrate Public Lands Day early! We will hike approximately 1 mile and return to the nature center to watercolor or collage a picture of an outdoor landscape. Adult participation required if under 18. Please register both adults and children.
Animal Meet and Greet
Thursday, October 2, 2025
10 to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 4+
Meet some of our exhibit animals at Reedy Creek! Participants will get a chance to have a hands-on experience with 3-4 of the reptiles that call Reedy Creek nature center their home. Adult participation required if under 18.
Family Hammock Hike
Thursday, October 2, 2025
2 to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
All ages
We will take hammocks out into the nature preserve, discover how to set them up, and spend time sitting back and relaxing in them. Hammocks will be provided. All ages welcome! Adult participation required if under 18. Please register both adults and children.
Family Nature Hour: Natural Inks 101
Monday, October 6, 2025
2 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
All ages
Discover what inks can be created from plants and natural materials. Help create the inks and then paint with them. All ages welcome! Adult participation required if under 18. Please register both adults and children.
Fall Tree Hike
Monday, October 13, 2025
2 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 7+
Take a walk to discover the different and unique trees in our forest. Use guides to identify leaf shapes, discover the different types of fruit produced, and search for distinctive bark patterns. We will walk approximately 1 mile. Adult participation required if under 18.
Reptile Awareness Day
Friday, October 17, 2025
3 to 4 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
All ages
From half-inch chameleons to 23-foot long crocodiles, the world of reptiles is highly diverse and full of surprises. Stevens Creek Nature Center is home to a few species of snakes and turtles, which we will interact with today. Please note that there will be an optional snake feeding during the program (non-living mouse).
Growing Bird Seed Craft
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
All ages
Happy World Planting Day! Stop by our Nature Center any time between 10am-1pm to make your own birdseed grow kit using recycled materials.
Family Nature Hour: Secrets of the Pumpkin
Monday, November 3, 2025
2 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
All ages
Do you know where pumpkins originated? How indigenous people used them? Discover more about this festive gourd in this program. We will hear a story about how pumpkins came to North Carolina, get to discover different kinds of pumpkins, and do a pumpkin craft. All ages welcome! Adult participation required if under 18. Please register both adults and children.
Stream Stroll
Saturday, November 8, 2025
10 to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 6+
Take a walk to discover more about the creeks that give Reedy Creek Nature Preserve its name. Peer into the stream, discover what lives there, and why these small streams are so important. Adult participation required if under 18. We will walk approximately 1 mile over uneven terrain.
Autumn Artisans Workshop
Saturday, November 15, 2025
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 18+
Celebrate the fall season with a hands-on workshop full of festive crafts. You will get the opportunity to make an adorable wine cork pumpkin, stitch together a fall themed felt garland, and paint your own canvas tote bag using textures and patterns inspired by the changing season. Whether you’re an avid crafter or just looking for a fun way to get festive, this workshop is perfect for adding a bit of warmth as the weather gets cooler.
Friday Fire and S’mores
Most Fridays from November 7, 2025, to February 27, 2026 (not November 28 or December 26)
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (no registration needed)
All ages
Feel the marshmallow magic and ask for s’more! No registration needed, just drop by the fire pit most* Fridays this winter to whip up your favorite gooey, toasty fireside delight and soak in the cozy campfire vibes.
Fantasy Adventure Role-Play
Saturday, November 15, 2025
1 to 3 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at link above)
Ages 7+
This Saturday’s side-quest? Gather your party, roll your dice, and embark on a LARPing campaign through the woods at Stevens Creek. Dress in your favorite fantastical costume (optional but encouraged) and set forth on a guided quest filled with games, mystery, a few monsters, and lots of loot!
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However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
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Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve
2900 Rocky River Road
Charlotte, NC 980-314-1119
Stevens Creek Nature Preserve and Center
15700 Thompson Road
Mint Hill, NC
