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.
Jump to events at Latta Nature Preserve and Quest Nature Center
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.
Jump to events at Stevens Creek Nature Center
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.
Jump to events at Reedy Creek Nature Center
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
Jump to events at McDowell Nature Center
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
This is not a complete list of events at the nature centers and preserves.
Visit the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers’ Facebook page or 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.
Reedy Creek
Saturday Saunter Through the Woods
Saturday, February 3, 2024: Registration
Saturday, March 2, 2024: Registration
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Saunter: walk in a slow, relaxed manner, without hurry or effort. Every first Saturday of the month we will enjoy an afternoon saunter on the trails and through the woods at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. This naturalist led saunter is family friendly and will foster an appreciation for the treasures of nature. Must be able to walk up to 2 miles on uneven terrain. Adult participation required if under 18.
Hike For Your Health
Tuesdays in February, 2024: Registration
Tuesdays in March, 2024: Registration
5 to 6 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Age 14+
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.
New Moon Hike
Friday, February 9, 2024
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Age 14+
The New Moon is a great time to find connection and set intentions, and there is no better place to do so than in nature! Discover the possibilities on a stroll along the trails of Reedy Creek. We will hike around 1 – 2 miles on uneven terrain before settling in around a fire. Adult participation required if under 18.
Outdoor Women Hiking Group
Saturday, February 10, 2024: Registration
Saturday, March 9, 2024: Registration
1 to 2 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Age 18+
Gather with other women who enjoy the outdoors and hiking. We will hike approximately 2 miles of Reedy Creek trails.
Valentine’s Day Nature Craft
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Create a natural heart for your valentine! Use materials from nature to decorate and design your creation. Adult participation required if under 18.
Open Classroom: Backyard Birds
Sunday, February 18, 2024
2 to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Drop by the classroom at Reedy Creek Nature Center to learn about birds that live in your very own backyard. Create a bird craft, gain familiarity of local species, listen to bird calls, and discover why there are different bird beaks. Adult participation required if under 18. Drop in anytime from 2-4 pm.
Open Classroom: Sensational Salamanders
Sunday, February 25, 2024
2 to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Drop by the classroom at Reedy Creek Nature Center and discover why salamanders are busy this time of year. Explore salamander life cycles, get creative with a craft, or become a detective and investigate where they live. Adult participation required if under 18. Drop in anytime from 2-4 pm.
Family Nature Hour: Moss, Fungi & Lichen
Monday, March 4, 2024
2 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Use a magnifying glass to discover the moss, fungi, and lichen in the nature preserve. Uncover the differences between these small living things as we walk around the nature preserve. All ages welcome! Adult participation required if under 18.
Woodland Wellness Journey: Free Community Session
Sunday, March 10, 2024
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Age: 14+
Invite wellness into your life through mindful journeys on the land. Each journey will offer invitations to create space for the therapeutic benefits that nature has to offer. Through proven mindful techniques, such as sensory engagement, meditation walks and sit spots, we will slow down and open up to the healing power of the more than human world. No experience needed. Led by a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide. Adult participation required if under 18.
Animal Meet and Greet
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
2 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Ages 6+
Meet Reedy Creek’s animal ambassadors! Ask questions and get an up close look at the animals at our nature center. This is a drop in program. Adult participation required if under 18.
Sprouts PLAY: Fort Building
Thursday, March 14, 2024
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Ages 3-7
Get active and construct your very own outdoor fort using natural and manmade supplies. Crawl inside your cozy hideaway to relax or play pretend inside your epic structure. Bring your child to our Sprouts PLAY programs for an hour of outdoor exploration with hands-on, play, and discovery-based activities.
For the Love of Leopold: Hike, Movie and Fire
Thursday, March 14, 2024
6 to 8:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Ages 14+
Considered by many to be the father of wildlife ecology and the United States’ wilderness system, Aldo Leopold was a conservationist, forester, philosopher, educator, writer, and outdoor enthusiast. Embark on an evening of discovery as we explore his life and works while making our own connections with the land. The evening will start with a short hike, followed by a showing of “Green Fire” and a conversation around the fire. Adult participation required if under 18.
Saint Patrick’s Day Craft
Sunday, March 17, 2024
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Ages 4+
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with an afternoon of crafting! Drop by the classroom to grab some craft supplies and get creative. Adult participation required if under 18.
Family Nature Hour — Wild Art Day
Monday, March 18, 2024
2 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Discover how we can use items from nature to make art and art supplies! Build a paintbrush and use found items to get creative. All ages welcome! Adult participation required if under 18.
Family Stream Study
Sunday, March 24, 2024
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Scoop, search, and discover the things that live in Reedy Creek. Travel down to the creek, use a net, and find different types of life in the creek. Nets will be provided, but wear something that can get dirty. Adult participation required if under 18.
Take a Walk in the Park Day
Saturday, March 30, 2024
10 to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Celebrate Take a Walk in the Park Day by getting out on one of our trails to enjoy nature. We will take a slow paced stroll for all ages around Umbrella Tree Trail. Adult participation required if under 18.
Music in Nature
Saturday, March 30, 2024
2 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Discover the sounds and music of nature during an hour long program of hands-on and ears-on activities. Create your own sound map by listening to the sounds of the forest. Get inspired and use instruments and natural materials to create your own music. Adult participation required if under 18.
McDowell
Nature Hike
Friday, February 2, 2024 (register)
Friday, February 16, 2024 (register)
Friday, March 1, 2024 (register)
Friday, March 15, 2024 (register)
9:30 to 11 a.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
All ages
Enjoy a morning hike with the family at McDowell Nature Preserve. This hike will be on uneven terrain and will be aproximately 2 miles. If bringing small children strollers are not advised.
Geocaching Adventure
Saturday, February 3, 2024
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 13+
Practice your navigation skills as you hunt for hidden treasures with a group. A naturalist will be there to guide you through this 2–3-mile geocaching experience using GPS units. No prior experience or special equipment needed.
Nature Book and Look
Mondays, scheduled through March 25, 2024
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
All ages
On select Mondays, Nature Book and Look offers preschoolers and their families an opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature!
Each week, a new fun and educational topic is presented with a nature book followed by a hands-on activity, craft, or exploratory hike!
Adult Trail Trekkers
Tuesdays in February
1 to 2:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 18+
Get active in nature with a McDowell Naturalist during this 90-minute, adults-only hike. Discover what is happening seasonally throughout the preserve.
Waterfront Coffee and Campfire
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Thursday, February 22, 2024
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
McDowell
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Warm up with a cup of coffee and a toasty fire overlooking Lake Wylie. Get your questions answered by McDowell Nature Center staff and spend some time with others at the waterfront deck.
Trails and Tails
Saturday, February 17, 2024
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
All ages
Have a K-9 companion? Want to meet other dog lovers in Mecklenburg County? Together with our “Tails” we will hit the “Trails”. Each month we will meet at different parks, preserves or greenways around the Charlotte area. Please call Chad Moore at 980-314-1565 for more information.
Hiking Amongst the Trees
Saturday, February 17, 2024
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 18+
What better way to relieve stress than to take a hike in our beautiful nature preserve. Get some fresh air while meeting new people and gaining new insights from your naturalist guide and the natural world. Sign-up for Yoga Amongst the Trees directly following the hike for a well-rounded experience.
Animal Ambassador Meet ‘n’ Greet
Sunday, February 18, 2024
2 to 2:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
All ages
Head over to the McDowell Nature Center for a close-up encounter with one of our live animal ambassadors! Discover fun facts about the animal’s adaptations and everyday life out in the wild!
Animal Ambassador Meet ‘n’ Greet
Sunday, February 25, 2024
3 to 3:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
All ages
Head over to the McDowell Nature Center for a close-up encounter with one of our live animal ambassadors! Discover fun facts about the animal’s adaptations and everyday life out in the wild!
Geocaching Adventure
Friday, March 1, 2024
12 p.m. to 2 p .m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 6+
Practice your navigation skills as you hunt for hidden treasures with a group. A naturalist will be there to guide you through this 2–3-mile geocaching experience using GPS units. No prior experience or special equipment needed.
Wildflower Walk
Sunday, March 3, 2024
12:30 to 2 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 18+
Walk our trails with a naturalist to find some of the first spring wildflowers like Green and Gold, Mayapples, and Bloodroot. This hike will be roughly 2 miles and include multiple stops to talk about native plants.
Kids Hiking Club
Friday, March 8, 2024: Register
Friday, March 22, 2024: Register
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 8-13
Hey kids, get outside and enjoy your morning with the Kids Hiking Club! This group will meet and explore McDowell Nature Preserve. All kids will receive a trail passport and a 100-mile hike club card to document their trail journeys and collect prizes along the way. This is a drop off program. Adult participation not required.
Spring Nature Crafts
Saturday, March 9, 2024
1 to 3 p.m.
McDowell
Free (registration not required)
All ages
Feeling like getting in touch with your creative side? Come to the McDowell Nature Center anytime between 1 and 3pm to engage in some fun nature crafts that celebrate the beginning of the spring season!
Animal Ambassador Meet ‘n’ Greet
Sunday, March 10, 2024: Register
Sundays, March 17, 2024: Register
Sunday, March 24, 2024: Register
3 to 3:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
All ages
Head over to the McDowell Nature Center for a close-up encounter with one of our live animal ambassadors! Discover fun facts about the animal’s adaptations and everyday life out in the wild!
Wildflower Walk
Thursday, March 14, 2024
1 to 2:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 18+
Walk our trails with a naturalist to find some of the first spring wildflowers like Green and Gold, Mayapples, and Bloodroot. This hike will be roughly 2 miles and include multiple stops to talk about native plants.
Creek Week: Stream Study
Saturday, March 16, 2024
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
All ages
Come out for some educational fun and get your hands dirty in McDowell’s Four Seasons Trail Stream. Explore how to find and catch the critters that call the stream home, and the important role they play in the health of our environment!
Lucky Clover Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, March 17, 2024
2 to 4:15 p.m.
McDowell
Free (registration not required)
All ages
Test your nature knowledge as you follow the clues through the woods to find the hidden four-leaf clovers. This self-guided treasure hunt requires only a sturdy pair of shoes and a sense of adventure. Meet at the front desk of the nature center for your first clue and may the luck of the Irish be with you! Drop-in anytime during the program time.
Creek Week: Wonders of Water
Saturday, March 23, 2024
1 to 3 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
All ages
Every living creature needs water to survive from the smallest bacteria to the largest of whales! Drop in from 1-3pm to explore how water connects us all in this hands-on program.
Creek Week: Hiking Amongst the Trees
Saturday, March 23, 2024
2 to 3:15 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 18+
What better way to relieve stress than to take a hike in our beautiful nature preserve. Get some fresh air while meeting new people and gaining new insights from your naturalist guide and the natural world. Sign-up for Yoga Amongst the Trees directly following the hike for a well-rounded experience.
Family Wildflower Walk
Thursday, March 28, 2024
10 to 11:30 a.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 6+
Walk our trails with a naturalist to find some of the first spring wildflowers like Green and Gold, Mayapples, and Bloodroot. This will be a slower-paced hike of 1-2 miles with multiple stops for exploration.
Winter Tree ID Hike
Saturday, March 30, 2024
10 to 11:30 a.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 7+
While the trees are sleeping in winter, there is plenty happening on the forest floor. Rustle up the leaves and look for flora that thrives during the colder temperatures on this 2–3-mile hike.
Latta (Quest)
Teen Game Night
Thursday, February 15, 2024
6 to 8 p.m.
Quest
Free (register)
Ages 13-18
Wanting to make some new friends? Shake off the cold inside of Quest with a teen game night hang. Bring any family friendly game or snacks with you and bring your family along for the fun.
Fairy House Festival
Saturday, February 24, 2024
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Latta
$7 (register)
All ages
Fairy house building contests, fairy-themed crafts adn games, storytelling, more.
Animal Meet and Greet
Saturday, March 2, 2024
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Quest
Free (register)
All ages
Get up close and personal with some of the Nature Center residents in this wild encounter! You might meet a snake, turtle or even something slimy.
Water Divining Drop-In
Saturday, March 9, 2024
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Quest
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Have you noticed the hard-to-miss divining rod sculpture in front of Quest and wondered how divining works? Test your skills at water divining anytime between 10:00 and 12:00- no reservations needed!
Shamrock 5-Miler Fitness Hike
Saturday, March 16, 2024
1 to 3 p.m.
Quest
Free (register)
Ages 18+
There’s no shortage of 5k Shamrock events in the Queen City, but what about 5mi wilderness hikes? Try a new challenge and join Latta Staff on a 5-mile hike of the 2 northern-most trails on Latta Nature Preserve- Forest Loop and Cove Loop. Please note this is a fast-paced hike with some hills and uneven terrain.
Spring Family Fun Hike
Sunday, March 17, 2024
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Quest
Free (register)
All ages
The start of Spring is just a few days away. Celebrate the season by exploring the nature preserve with a naturalist as we investigate the early signs of spring.
Fungi Hike and Hunt
Saturday, March 30, 2024
9:30 to 11 a.m.
Latta
Free (register)
Ages 18+
Fungi come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They’re in the soil, our bodies, and even the air! Want to know more about these interesting organisms? Come along on a hike to discover more and find where they are in Latta Nature Preserve. (Note: This is not a foraging walk)
Bunny Hop
Saturday, March 30, 2024
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Quest
Free (register)
Ages 5-10
What do rabbits eat? Where do rabbits live? How do rabbits survive the winter? Hop yourself from station to station learning all about rabbits. Drop-in at Quest to move and burrow like the bunnies do!
Stevens Creek
Hot Chocolate Day Campfire
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (no registration required)
All ages
It’s National Hot Chocolate day! Crisp air and a crackling fire, good company, hot chocolate plus an extra gooey treat makes for the most chocolatey day ever. Drop in anytime this morning; the nature center and trails are open for exploring before or after.
Birding at Stevens Creek
February 1, 2024
March 7, 2024
March 21, 2024
9 to 10:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register)
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 park.
Creek Week
March 18 to 22, 2024
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Drop by Stevens Creek Nature Center any time this week for special Creek Week activities. Follow a drop of water from your backyard to the ocean. Interact with a topographical map made from kinetic sand. Discover ways you can keep your drinking water clean. Outside, visit the restored Stevens Creek (via accessible trail) to see what’s growing and flowing this spring.
World Frog Day
Saturday, March 16, 2024
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Hop over to Stevens Creek to celebrate World Frog Day with an hour of froggy fun. Practice your aim with a sticky ‘tongue’ – can you catch as many flies as a frog? Hop on lily pads – can you jump as far a frog? Also check out the drop-in St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt happening all day today.
St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt
Saturday, March 16, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 17, 2024. 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Put your natural knowledge to the test – follow the Leprechaun’s clues to find the hidden treasure. Choose the short version to stay close to the center, or challenge yourself with the longer version on the trails. This self-guided activity requires only your brain and a sense of adventure. Start at the Nature Center for your clues and may the luck of the Irish be with you!
Turtle Watch
Saturday, March 23, 2024
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Spring is upon us and so is turtle season! In this family-friendly program, discover how to be an ally to these incredible reptiles. Dig deep into how box turtles spend the winter, glide alongside a Yellow-bellied Slider, and tread lightly through the life of a Spiny Soft-shell. And, of course, get an up-close experience with these three NC-natives.
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