Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Covering nearly 400 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie, the David Stowe Botanical Garden is a spectacular tribute to nature and beauty. Here the entire family can enjoy a memorable day out admiring nature in all its glory. Even the youngest visitors can enjoy learning about nature at one of the gardens special childrens programs which are aimed at children between two and five years of age. Some of the highlights of the garden include the Orchid Conservatory, the Kimbrell Childrens Garden and the colorful Canal Garden. In November and December the garden is festively dressed up in thousands of lights and hosts a Fairy Festival for the children and Beer Garden for the adults.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, Phone: 704-825-4490
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Fishing At Lake Mattamuskeet
Fishing for many families is a rite of passage. Baiting your first hook and reeling in your first catch makes you walk a little taller with the knowledge that you can, in fact, fend for yourself . This lake doubles as a national wildlife refuge, and its the largest natural lake in North Carolina. Parents can also relax since fast boats and jet skis arent permitted, guaranteeing a peaceful day on the water.
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Head To The Nc Museum Of Dolls Toys & Miniatures In Spencer
A fan-favorite for collectors and kids alike, this peculiar yet incredible North Carolina museum houses hundreds of vintage dolls, antique toys, and contemporary miniatures that are sure to trigger feelings of nostalgia from decades gone by.
Exhibits include a Shirley Temple Doll Exhibit and Schoenhut Circus Figures, as well as special sections for Boudoir Dolls from the 1920s and 1930s, a Lionel model train village, and so much more.
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Sliding Rock And The Land Of Waterfalls
If you think kids love plastic slip-and-slides, wait until you see their faces light up as they slide down an all-natural one and youll get to feel like a kid again, too. Of course, kids will want to wear their swimsuits, but shorts and sneakers are recommended for a ride down this 60-foot waterslide into the 7-feet-deep swimming hole .
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Lighthouses scream adventure for kids because these landmarks are tied to the sea, which is the home of explorers theyve learned about in school and the pirates theyve wanted to be on TV. This monument also happens to be North America’s tallest brick lighthouse, which means you should only attempt to climb with your kids once they can handle going up 257 steps on their own. Make a day of it by packing lunches and adding a stop to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, which features information and artifacts from shipwrecks.
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On paper, this outdoor drama is a history lesson. But in reality, the chance to see and hear from Native Americans will bring to life stories your kids have likely read in textbooks or watched in movies. Enjoy performances six nights a week , and parents can feel good knowing theyre sharing an important part of American history in a fun, unique way with their youngsters. Performances run about 2 hours, and since temperatures from day to night vary in the mountains, bring jackets or blankets just in case.
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Free Things To Do In Charlotte Nc
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Charlotte, North Carolinas largest city, may be one of the most energetic and fastest-growing on the East Coast. With an arsenal of pro sports teams, a dynamic art scene, and modern feel, it is no surprise that Charlotte has a ton of things to do.
Here is our list of 16 free things to do in Charlotte with your family because free is always a popular choice.
Join our NEW .We promise to always tell you what we would tell our best friend — what works for kids, what doesnt and what you need to know before you go to have the Best. Family. Vacation. Ever. Our group of travel experts are ready to answer your travel questions!
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Charlotte Nc With Kids: The Ultimate Kid
Known as one of the most popular cities in North Carolina, Charlotte is an exciting, modern hub to visit with the family. Being residents ourselves, were proud to call this city our home and more than happy to show you around.
That being said, welcome to the ultimate family friendly travel itinerary in Charlotte! In this guide, youll find the best areas of the city to stay in, the must-try food, and of course our selection of best attractions to visit.
Lets get to it
Get Dressed Up For The Carolina Renaissance Festival
Combining a love of history with Queen Citys one-of-a-kind flair, the Carolina Renaissance Festival is one of the unmissable things to do in Charlotte.
One of North Americas largest annual outdoor events for adults and children alike , this 16th-century-themed gathering, which runs on the weekends in October and November, features everything from stunt shows to belly dancers, circus performers, and hundreds of costumed characters.
Hot tip: be sure to wear your own Renaissance-style costume for the occasion!
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The Haunted History Tour Charlotte Nc
The Haunted history tour is probably one of the most spooky things to do in Charlotte, NC.
While on this ninety-minute walking tour you will visit the fourth ward and its most infamous landmarks.
Discover a whole new side to Charlotte as your host shares with you the grizzly history of the city.
Murders, ghosts, and gowls await you as you eventually make your way into to the graveyard.
More than just ghost stories, the tour is designed to both educate and entertain. For the best effect, most tours start at dusk 8 pm.
Places In North Carolina To Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up
Kids grow up fast, and the memories they hold dear are often from family trips. Heres a list of things to do theyll never forget.
Whats your most memorable childhood vacation? Was it when your toes first touched the ocean? Eating a sundae the size of your head? Going on your first upside-down roller coaster?
The things that bind these experiences are the thrills and joys that come with doing something new. In that spirit, here are 21 awe-inspiring North Carolina destinations and experiences where you can create lasting memories with your kids, whether theyre elementary-school age or home for summer or holiday break from college.
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Museum Of Life + Science
Although some of us grow out of loving science as we age, when were kids, science is undeniably fascinating. The museums more than 80 acres include an outdoor playground, animal exhibits and interactive stations where kids can build flying objects, conduct lab experiments or play astronaut.
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Get Wild At Us National Whitewater Center
I want to start by saying the aviation museum closed a while back and wont be open until 2022 . But you are missing out on so much that Charlotte has to offer! Freedom park, the white water center, Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, discovery place kids the regional farmers market , reeds gold mine, lake Norman state park, the airport overlook. The Schiele museum , the Overstreet mall uptown, imaginon library! And the food!!! You are missing out if all you do is eat at the Ballantyne. Head to noda or South end and just eat a little bit at a bunch of places. Good luck not finding something for everyone. Also, dont forget the craft brew scene. Im pretty sure that we have more breweries than churches now . A lot of these also serve food. Also, you speak about concord mills mall and the Nascar hall of fame, but left out the actual race track thats a couple miles from the mall. You dont realize just how big it is until you tour it, or how steep the curves are until youre on it. Also If you ask anyone where downtown is, they are going to be really confused. We dont have a downtown. Each neighborhood has a name, and none are downtown. But if you ask for the mint Randolph, folks can help you out. Thats the original, and its named so as the building used to be a federal mint. Welcome to Charlotte! Were a young city with a lot to do, eat, drink, and see!
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Discover Charlottes Big Cats At Tiger World
Very different from your typical run-of-the-mill zoo, this nonprofit animal sanctuary boasts acres of naturalistic habitats complete with a range of international animals that include tigers, lions, anacondas, and kangaroos, with a black jaguar and arctic wolf roaming around too.
Here, on either self-guided or expert-led tours, you can learn all about the importance of conservation and preservation.
Catch A Show At The Visulite Theatre
With its commanding history as a little-known local gem and diverse selection of performances, from stand-up comedy to Neil Young and Beatles tribute shows, to touring Broadway productions and burlesque, the historic Visulite Theatre is a must for any traveling entertainment buff.
The fully-licensed venue has a pit area as well as two levels of comfy seating.
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Tiger Wold Endangered Wildlife Preserve
Take a walk on the wild side and support the Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve. You can take a guided tour or do a self guided tour at this non-profit preserve. Youll get a chance to see a variety of tigers, lions, reptiles and birds. Some of these animals are endangered or extinct from living in the wild. This is definitely a place worth checking out.
Take A Ride On The Side
Tours of the city that are both funny and informative? Yes, please!
The witty, sharp-dressed guides on these tours will show you all there is to see in Charlottes most iconic neighborhoods from Uptown luxury to the funky NoDa art scene while also providing local tips for shopping, dining, museums, or history lessons.
Unlike your typical bus tours, youre bound to be cracking up the whole way through.
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Spend A Couple Of Hours At The Bechtler Museum Of Modern Art
Tucked away in the citys downtown area, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is a world-class art museum that showcases some of the most renowned American and European artists of recent times.
With its collection numbering upwards of 1400 pieces including works by Picasso, Pollock, Calder, Warhol, and Matisse this intimate gallery is one of the non-negotiable things to do in Charlotte for art-lovers.
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is open every day bar Tuesday, and entry wont cost you more than $10.
Grab A Book At Imaginon
Ask any parent in Charlotte about one thing their kid loves to do, and you’ll hear ImaginOn mentioned frequently. Located Uptown, ImaginOn is a library geared towards kids and teens that’s been named one of the best kids’ libraries in the nation. In fact, it even has two theaters on site: the Wells Fargo Playhouse and the McColl Family Theater.
Part of Charlotte’s public library system, ImaginOn is completely free. The library is broken down into several different areas, each focusing on a certain age group. The main Spangler Library is a traditional children’s library that’s geared towards kids from infants to fifth grade. You will find plenty of books that can be checked out plus plenty of spaces to curl up and read. An area called “The Loft” on the third floor is only accessible to teenagers. This space has lots of quiet areas for studying but also features an award-winning sound and animation studio that’s free to use.
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Parks In Charlotte Nc
There are tons of parks in Charlotte youll want to check out with your family, starting with Arequipa Park in downtown Charlotte, best known for its decorative fountain. The Green is a great place to settle in the grass with a blanket for a picnic, or if youre looking for walking trails in Charlotte, you may want to try Frazier Park.
But one of the best parks in Charlotte is Freedom Park, known for its lush fountain, year-round activities and gorgeous flowers.
Go To Charlotte Knights Baseball Game
To remember Charlotte on an excited note, theres not a better way to spend a few hours than attending a Knights baseball game. Hear the stadium roar, eat a few corndogs and buy a few souvenirs to get the full experience. The stadium, Truist Field, is a great one to visit on its own anyway, so you can imagine the vibrant energy as the Knights hit a home run. Make sure to check their website regularly to keep a close eye on their schedules!
Website: Charlotte KnightsAddress: 2280 Deerfield Drive Fort Mill, SC 29715
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Meet Lemurs At Zootastic Park
Just 35 miles north of Downtown Charlotte is one of North Carolinas most exciting attractions: Zootastic Park!
Hosting an array of private animal encounters with baby spider monkeys, lemurs, armadillos, kangaroos, and plenty more, plus educational programs, the family-friendly attraction offers both walk-through and safari-like drive-through experiences, each unique and noteworthy in their own right.
Reach New Heights At Inner Peaks
This indoor climbing center is a perfect date activity since it requires two people and serves as a way of building trust. Unless you already have a membership, start with a day pass for $20, harnesses and shoes are an additional $5 each.
Pro tip: Members can bring a first-time climber for free on Fridays!
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Spend The Day Around Lake Norman
Only 20 short miles north of Charlotte, Lake Norman is a tranquil oasis and a welcomed change of pace from the hectic inner-city lifestyle.
Along its calm waters, go fishing, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, or rent your own boat for a day around its shores, take a hike, or check out the quaint towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville, each home to family-run shops and restaurants and a handful of microbreweries.
Check Out The Billy Graham Library
The large Bill Graham library s another awesome place to visit in Charlotte with the entire family. Discover the beautiful grounds where the Reverand lived. The 40,000 square foot facility is home to beautifully manicured grounds, buildings and plenty of kid-friendly fun. Admission is free, and you should budget about 2 hours for your trip to the Billy Graham Library.
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Imaginon: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center is part library, part performing arts center. Located in the heart of Charlottes cultural arts district, ImaginOn is a collaboration between the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Childrens Theatre of Charlotte. The 102,000-square-foot facility features two theaters, a dedicated library space for kids 11 and under, four multi-use classrooms, a teen-only library, a multimedia production studio, and interactive exhibit space. Check the website for free programming.
Light Rail/street Car Lynx
The LYNX light rail line connects South Charlotte and Center City perfectly. During the week, youll have a train every 7.5 minutes during rush hours, and one every 15 minutes on off-peak hours. On weekends, there are trains every 20 minutes. Tickets cost around $2.20 one way, and are purchasable with your smartphone using the CATPass app.
If you need to travel east to west, the streetcar is your best choice. Running every 15 or 20 minutes, youll be able to access all the main neighbourhoods and businesses. On Sundays, rides are free!
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Unleash Your Inner Einstein At Discovery Place Science
Nested in Freedom Park, Charlottes Discovery Place is one of the citys most popular family-friendly attractions, with both adults and kids enjoying this hands-on museum that celebrates all things science.
Explore everything from natural sciences to archaeology, wildlife to health care technology, and more! Youll find a variety of interactive exhibits as well as quizzes, videos, and simulations for every interest.
Feed The Fish At The Sea Life Charlotte
Located up in nearby Concord next to the Concord Mills Mall, the Sea Life Aquarium is the perfect place to introduce curious kids to underwater life thanks to its interactive touch pools, spectacular walk-through tunnel, and thousands of critters on display.
For a next-level experience that the youngsters will adore, opt for the behind-the-scenes option that showcases how the staff cares for giant sharks, rescued sea turtles, and the rest.
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