What you’ll read: Learn about things for kids to do at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden near Charlotte, NC, including the brand new Prairie Castle Playground! Spoiler: It’s AWESOME.
We got to visit the NEW Prairie Castle playground at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and WOW! It was fabulous.
Plus, we discovered there are so many fun things for kids to do at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. So, naturally, we had to share! (That’s kind of what we do here!)
Thanks to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for inviting us to explore! Admission was provided, but all opinions are our own.
8 Things Kids Will Love at Daniel Stowe Conservancy
1. Prairie Castle Playground
This thing is massive and FULLY immersive. Complete with parapets, climbing ropes and ladders, and even a dungeon—you’ll step across the drawbridge (yes, there’s a drawbridge, too!) and feel like you entered a whole new world!
Watch! Here’s a look inside Prairie Castle Playground
This thing is massive and FULLY immersive. Complete with parapets, climbing ropes and ladders, and even a dungeon—you’ll step across the drawbridge (yes, there’s a drawbridge, too!) and feel like you entered a whole new world!
- A three-story castle-themed playground set in the prairie.
- The first two levels are wheelchair accessible.
- Expect slides, climbing fun, and scenic views of the surrounding gardens.
- Brand new and open now! Free with garden admission.
2. Adventure Trail
The Lost Hollow Adventure Trail for kids just launched in Spring 2025, and it is AWESOME.
This short natural trail is fully shaded with gentle slopes, and features FIVE naturescape play areas your kids won’t soon forget! And in Lost Hollow itself? Even more!
- A fun 0.4-mile woodland trail that connects Lost Hollow Garden to the Prairie Castle.
- Stroller warning: It’s manageable, but an all-terrain stroller or wagon is best. If you can carry small kids, do!
- Includes five themed “rooms” kids can explore:
- Ramble Rocks Room – Climbing rocks and a sandy dig pit.
- Creekside Room – Water features and splash-worthy fun.
- Habitat Room – Crawl through a fox den, balance in a bird nest, and hang on a spider web.
- Woodwind Room – Play drums, chimes, and xylophones on an outdoor music stage.
- Secret Room – Search for a hidden dragon in the forest.
3. Lost Hollow Children’s Garden
- A whimsical play garden featuring:
- Amphitheater, moon keep, pond, and interactive spaces.
- Shady seating and wide paths make it great for strollers and little legs.
- Serves as the start of the Adventure Trail.
4. Butterfly Bungalow
- Open in summer months.
- Kids can see butterflies up close and learn about their life cycle.
- A great blend of nature and education!
5. William H. Williamson III Conservatory
- A lush indoor space with tropical plants and a waterfall.
- Air-conditioned and open year-round—perfect for hot or rainy days.
- Watch your kids’ eyes light up seeing orchids and unusual plants!
6. Nature Trails
- You might spot birds, butterflies, and lake views while walking.
- Over 8 miles of trails to explore together.
- Family favorites include the Lakeview Loop and Meadowood Walk.
7. Cafés & Snack Spots
- Trailhead Store – Snacks, water, and treats for mid-hike breaks.
- Big Leaf Café + Shop – Opening May 2025; great for meals and gifts.
- Prairie Canteen – Coming soon near the new playground!
8. Camps & Educational Programs
- Seasonal camps like Woodland Naturalists and Garden Explorers.
- Great for curious kids who love the outdoors.
- Field trips and family education events available year-round.
Kid Itinerary
Not sure where to go first? For families with kids, this is the itinerary we recommend. Admission is required for this itinerary.
At the Botanical Garden Entrance
Get ready! Restroom break and fill up that water bottle!
- Once inside the garden entrance building, you’ll find restrooms, water fountains, and a café.
- The fountain water may look cloudy at first, but that’s just extra aeration—let it settle, and it’ll clear up in your bottle.
Exploring the Garden Highlights
- Walk out to the main lawn, often used for weddings and events.
- Turn left to visit the Orchid Conservatory first—a lush, tropical indoor space. It’s warm and humid, so you may want to skip or save it depending on weather.
- Afterward, follow the path to the Butterfly Bungalow:
- View live caterpillars and chrysalis outside.
- Inside, use nectar wands to attract butterflies to your child’s hand.
- Reminder: no touching butterflies directly—oils and sanitizers can harm them.
- Strollers must stay outside, so plan to carry little ones.
The Adventure Trail & Prairie Castle
- From the Butterfly Bungalow, head toward the Lost Hollow Adventure Trail.
- This ½-mile trail is packed with fun for kids and leads to the Prairie Castle Playground.
- Stroller warning: It’s manageable, but an all-terrain stroller or wagon is best. If you can carry small kids, do!
- Along the trail you’ll find:
- A child-sized glowing cave
- Climbing rocks, stone horses, and a bird’s nest
- A creek play area
- Outdoor musical instruments
- The trail ends at the brand-new Prairie Castle Playground with:
- A drawbridge, climbing ropes, slides, dungeon, and more!
- It’s fully immersive and accessible—your kids may never want to leave.
Final Stretch
- When it’s time to head out, take the opposite path from where you came in. It loops you back to the Canal Gardens and returns you to the Garden Entrance.
- The Canal Gardens are one of the most photographed spots in the entire place—great for a family selfie!
- On our visit, we even saw a surprise proposal photo shoot happening there!
Getting Around the Gardens: Planning Tips for Families
There are two entrances, but we recommend using the one near the Garden Store for the best access to amenities and trailheads. The entire property spans nearly 300 acres, admission is required to access the main gardens and children’s areas, but some areas of the trails are free to access.
- Stroller-friendly? Mostly! Most paths and play areas are accessible, though an all-terrain stroller/wagon would be best.
- Bathrooms? Available near the entrance, Lost Hollow, and Prairie Castle.
- Food? No outside food allowed, but cafés and snack shops are on-site.
- Admission? Required for the main garden areas, but trails and some features are free to access.
- We discovered that the cell phone data coverage in the gardens and parking area is quite poor. If you plan to explore more in the area after you visit the gardens, we recommend planning your next destination in advance.
Daniel Stowe Conservancy (Botanical Gardens)
6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont
Open Wednesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm
Children under 2 are Free.
Adults: $16.95
Children 2-12: $9.95
Seniors: $14.95
Discount: $1 admission per person with EBT or WIC card, for up to 6 people through the Museums for All program. Find more EBT Discounted Admissions near Charlotte.
Which stop will your kids want to visit first—Prairie Castle or the Adventure Trail?
Want to explore more gardens near Charlotte, NC?
We have a list for that, and it includes quite a few totally free options!
