Explore these parks and activity stops on separate visits, driving between the wider University City and northeast Charlotte addresses. Pick a garden, wooded walk, playground or court day according to the weather. Recreation centers also offer indoor alternatives; check program registration, facility hours, fees and court reservations before setting out.
Start with the university gardens in daylight, continue to coffee on J W Clay Boulevard and finish along the open lakefront paths at the Boardwalk. This is a longer neighborhood walk with busy road crossings; use designated crossings at North Tryon. Check campus parking rules and current path works, and return along open paths rather than expecting a full lake circuit.