Romare Bearden Park
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-3 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-12
About
Romare Bearden Park is a 5.5-acre public park in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, named for the Charlotte-born collage artist whose work was influenced by his Carolina roots and the jazz culture of Harlem. The park opened in 2013 as part of Uptown's urban revitalization and has become a central family gathering space for Charlotte residents and visitors alike.
The splash pad is the primary draw for families with young kids during Charlotte's warm months — typically operational from June through September. The installation features water jets, spray arches, tipping buckets, and ground-level spray nozzles in a zero-depth setting. Young kids can get in and play without supervision in the water itself, while parents watch from the surrounding bench areas.
It's one of the better urban splash pad installations in the Carolinas.
The playground structure adjacent to the splash pad has contemporary equipment scaled for ages 2-12. The park's open lawn space hosts free outdoor concerts, yoga events, food truck gatherings, and community events throughout the spring and summer calendar — the Charlotte Center City Partners events calendar is the best resource for what's coming up.
Romare Bearden Park sits directly next to Truist Field, the Charlotte Knights' ballpark. The natural pairing is a splash pad session in the afternoon followed by an evening Knights game — kids arrive at the game already happy and tired from playing outside. Parking structures in Uptown serve both venues.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Summer mornings for the splash pad before it fills with families. Free outdoor concerts happen regularly — check the park events calendar
Wait Times
No waits — free public park
Nearby Food
Multiple Uptown Charlotte restaurants within walking distance. Food trucks occasionally set up in or near the park.
Why Kids Love It
Romare Bearden Park is a beautifully designed urban park in Uptown Charlotte named for the Charlotte-born collage artist. It has a large splash pad (one of the best in the city), a modern playground structure, open lawn space, and regularly hosts free outdoor concerts and community events. The splash pad is the summer highlight — jets, spray arches, and zero-depth water features sized for toddlers through tweens.
The park is directly adjacent to the BB&T Ballpark, making it a natural pre-game destination.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The splash pad typically runs June through September on warm days — check for operating status before making a special trip.
- Free outdoor concerts and events happen here regularly throughout spring and summer. Check the Mecklenburg County Parks calendar.
- It's directly next to Truist Field (Charlotte Knights) — combine a park visit with an evening Knights game for a full family day in Uptown.
What to Bring
- Change of clothes and towel if planning splash pad
- Sunscreen
- Snacks and water
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Free.
Tips to Save
- Completely free.
- The splash pad runs June through September.
- Nearby Uptown food trucks and restaurants for a meal before or after.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 6AM-11PM
- Monday
- 6AM-11PM
- Sunday
- 6AM-11PM
- Tuesday
- 6AM-11PM
- Saturday
- 6AM-11PM
- Thursday
- 6AM-11PM
- Wednesday
- 6AM-11PM