Who doesn't love a day at the park? We all have our favorites, but sometimes it's fun to explore a new spot to play. We are lucky to have lots of parks to choose from around our area, and honestly, there are too many to list!
We've gathered below the favorite parks and playgrounds around Hickory, Lenoir, Morganton and the surrounding areas, according to you! Each listing is a review by a local mom and we'll be adding to the list as we get more reviews. Looking for trails and greenways to ride instead? Check out our list of 16 Local Places for a Family Bike Ride.
CATAWBA COUNTY
 | Kiwanis Park 805 6th SE St, Hickory Home to the Zahra Baker All-Children's Playground and the Charles D. Dixon Memorial Splash Pad, this park is a favorite among children of all abilities. |
 | Lowes Foods City Park 300-326 Main Ave NW, Hickory Located near the heart of downtown Hickory, this park boasts climbing features, a musical area, and a small splash pad. |
 | Glenn C. Hilton Jr. Memorial Park 2000 6th St NW, Hickory This park has upgraded play equipment, picnic areas, lit walking trails, a nature boardwalk, disc golf, and a canoe launch. |
 | Conover City Park 361 5th Ave SE, Conover Nature-themed playgrounds surrounded by a walking trail along a wetland along with a picnic shelter and a splash pad form this fun play space near Conover Station. |
 | Southside Park 1775 Southwest Blvd, Newton There's lots of open space at this great park in Newton, along with a playground, open-air amphitheater, a walking trail and more. |
BURKE COUNTY
 | Catawba Meadows Park 701 Sanford Dr, Morganton The adventure playground at this park is one of its many highlights that also include a greenway, disc golf, lots of open space and more. |
 | Martha's Park 200 Collett St, Morganton The splash pad is the most popular feature at this small park that also boasts a great playground, picnic shelters and restrooms. |
 | McGalliard Falls Park 1400 Falls Rd NW, Valdese The 40-foot waterfall in this park makes it a great place for the kids to splash in the creek. |
 | Lake James State Park 7321 North Carolina 126, Nebo The beach makes this park a great destination in the summer, but the hiking and biking trails are a draw year-round. |
CALDWELL COUNTY
 | Redwood Park 470 Redwood St, Hudson Named Caldwell County's Park of the Year numerous times, this 38-acre park has several playgrounds and walking trails, a nine-hole disc golf course, a dog park, picnic shelters, a zipline, sport and fitness facilities, and an outdoor pool. |
 | Tuttle State Forest 3420 Playmore Beach Rd, Lenoir This beautiful natural resource offers outdoor education and many hiking trails, including their informative “Talking Tree” trails. |
ALEXANDER COUNTY
 | Matheson Park 165 Matheson Park Ave, Taylorsville Newly updated playground equipment (spring of 2018), a walking trail, volleyball court, and lots of eating areas make this park great for a fun afternoon. |
WORTH THE DRIVE
 | Stone Mountain State Park 3042 Frank Pkwy, Roaring Gap The massive granite dome is an impressive centerpiece of this park that offers lots of outdoor activities plus educational opportunities at the Hutchinson Homestead. |
 | Lake Norman State Park 759 State Park Rd, Troutman Enjoy canoeing, biking, hiking and more at this beautiful park on Lake Norman. |
Review a park you love and tell us about it! We'd love to feature it here!
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