Hidden at the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, this children's play area is a little-known gem. Every corner of this space offers something exciting for kids, including a tree stump path, a boulder scramble, a musical wall, a water pump station, a small stream, and a giant spider web.
Paula's Garden
The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens unveiled its new nature playscape in November 2024, dedicated to Paula M. Gross, who significantly contributed to the gardens as Associate Director for over 20 years. Unlike conventional playgrounds, this space draws inspiration from the beauty of nature and is designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, inviting families to have fun and explore the outdoors together.
The play area features a variety of stations designed for kids of all ages. Different zones of the park are thoughtfully crafted using natural elements such as logs, wood, boulders and rope.
There’s also a water pumping station, though it wasn't running during our visit. But come summer or warmer weather, it should be a perfect spot for messy, open-ended fun for the kids.
Take a walk and discover more whimsical spots like this bench, which looks like a portal to another realm.
Or these artistic poles with intricate details that you can get lost in.
And be sure to watch your step, some tiles in the walkway hold their own creative touch, adding an extra bonus of artistry to the experience. It’s amazing how all those subtle, hidden details add so much charm and personality to the space.
We discovered this spot while visiting IKEA, just 5 minutes away. On a whim, we decided to take our first walk of the year at a nearby park, which turned out to be the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. Little did we know, we’d stumble upon this tucked-away gem. What was supposed to be a quick 30-minute stop turned into an afternoon of fun, with the kids playing until the sun started to set. If you're in the area, it’s definitely worth checking out.
What Else to Do at the Gardens?
Be sure to explore both VanLandingham Glen and the Susie Harwood Garden, each offering its own unique floral experiences throughout the year. In spring, the vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas come to life, while winter showcases the stunning blooms of camellias and an array of evergreen ferns, providing beauty in every season.
Good to Know Before You Go
1. The gardens consist of two adjacent areas: the VanLandingham Glen and the Susie Harwood Garden. The play area is located in VanLandingham Glen.
2. Parking is available in East Deck 1 ($5 for the first hour, $2 for each additional hour). There's also a small lot near the Greenhouse for five cars, but you'll need to sign in when the Greenhouse is open.
3. The gardens are free and open to the public, though donations are appreciated.
4. While on campus, you can also visit the Greenhouse on Craver Road (closed on weekends).
Where: Paula’s Garden at UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
9090 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC
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