Go On A Charlotte Scavenger Hunt
The Charlotte Scavenger Hunts offered by the Lets Roam app are fun, affordable, and appropriate for all ages. Work as a team as you explore landmarks and learn about the history of the Queen City. Got some family members with a competitive streak? Show them the Charlotte leaderboard and they will be motivated to get their name on it!
This beautiful spot sometimes flies under the radar when it comes to sightseeing in Charlotte, but we highly recommend taking a family stroll through the greenhouse and gardens. Ten acres of outdoor gardens make up the largest diversity of plants in a single location in the entire Charlotte area. Summer is the perfect time to check out the carnivorous plants and outdoor tropicals in the greenhouse.
Wander Around First Ward Park
Its not too often that the words nature and Charlotte are used together, but First Ward Park is an exception.
With a network of walking paths and picnic areas, plus occasional live music and festivals, this urban slice of greenery is perfect for a slow-paced afternoon.
The famous 7th Street Public Market is right across the street, likewise the ImaginOn performing arts building.
Admire The Beautiful Plants At The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Nestled in the Queen Citys historic Belmont neighborhood on 380 stunning acres, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden provides a peaceful escape with tens of thousands of plants across its meadows and foresty.
With its focus on plants and education as well as its concentration on conservation and sustainability this is one botanical garden that will make you want to come back again and again!
Kids, in particular, will love the Lost Hollow childrens garden
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Pan For Gold At Reed Gold Mine
Feeling lucky? Take your family on over to Reed Gold Mine, a top historic site in Charlotte. The place of the first-documented gold finds in the United States. Book a tour and learn about the rich history of gold mining that spread throughout this country.
We also recommend trying your luck at panning for gold so you can see what it was like to be a gold miner over a century ago. You may even strike it rich yourself!
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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Kid Activities In Charlotte Nc: Cultural Sites And Museums
Visiting Kid-friendly museums and cultural sites in Charlotte ensures that you wont have to utter a single dont touch that toward the kids. Hands-on spaces in Charlotte are designed for kids to interact and play with, no delicate antiques found here. Learning-through-play style exhibits make education fun and engaging, the kids wont be stuck behind a desk or looking through glass.
A Little History Of Charlotte Nc:
In 1768, some English-Irish immigrants were traveling from Philadelphia when they stumbled upon an undiscovered hamlet.
The place was so beautiful and captivating that they instantly chartered it. At that time, King George III was the ruler of the colonies, so the European settlers named the new town after his wife, Queen Charlotte, to curry favor the King.
Hence, “Charlotte,” a new city located in Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, came into existence. The city was rightfully nicknamed “Queen City” as it rules the heart of NC.
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Big Air Trampoline Park
Trampoline parks are nowadays for any family activity, so of course I had to add Big Air to the list. Especially with Charlotte being the birthplace of the very first trampoline park. If youre into jumping, crashing into foam and finding some new and exciting ways to exercise then this is the place for you. As far as family activities in Charlotte, NC go, Big Air is top tier. The kids enjoyed the variety of trampolines, which was surprising for me. I assumed itd be one big place to jump and thatd be it. Boy was I wrong. They have a mechanical bull you can ride for crying out loud. Dont miss out on a little friendly game of dodge ball with the family while youre there.
Shop Till You Drop At Charlotte Premium Outlets
For the big spenders and fashionistas, theres no better way to while away a day than by hitting up Charlotte Premium Outlets, Queen Citys premier shopping destination. With more than 100 stores on over 300,000 square feet of land in Berewick , Charlotte Premium Outlets is a shopaholics heaven on earth!
Youll find all your favorite brands from Kate Spade to Tommy Hilfiger and Adidas at huge discounts , spanning the latest trends to timeless classics.
Hungry after maxing out the credit card? CPO is also home to a range of lip-smacking dining and entertainment spots the hearty Charleys Philly Steaks being a great shout any day!
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Delight In Local Concerts
Charlotte features a glowing live music scene with multiple concert venues. Guests can rock within more intimate spaces at venues such as the Visulite Theatre. The space also hosts burlesque shows, masquerade performances, and more. Also, the Neighborhood Theatre hosts smaller-scale shows that still dazzle audiences in the 956-seat space. Another fantastic theater for visitors and those residing in Charlotte is The Evening Muse. The Evening Muse features a variety of artists across genres along with local artists work and an array of beverage choices.
Take Yourselves Out To A Ballgame With The Charlotte Knights
They may be the triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, but catching a Knights game at Truist Field is a quintessential Charlotte experiencemost of the games are even set for a 7:04pm first pitch to honor Charlottes area code. And even if you cant make it to one of the 22 games featuring fireworks, its stunning enough to watch the city skyline light up as the sun goes down.
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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.
Take A Day Trip To The Biltmore Estate
While theres no shortage of things to do in Charlotte itself, why not opt for a change of scenery and get out of town for a day? Enter: the Biltmore Estate near Asheville, Americas largest private house and one of the top tourist attractions in North America.
The 8,000-acre estate was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s, and today features lavish furnishings as well as an art gallery with rotating exhibits, not to mention the beautiful gardens.
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Check Out The North Carolina Botanical Gardens At Uncc
A North Carolina treasure, these gardens are home to a plethora of plants, flowers, and trees both native and representing the wider country and planet.
Listen to the birds in the Polly Rogers Memorial Sensory Garden admire the Asian influence and water features in the Susie Harwood Garden, or take part in one of the regular greenhouse classes and events!
If youre planning on exploring the University of North Carolina Charlotte campus, dont miss these enchanting gardens.
Us National Whitewater Center
Active families should head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center in the western part of Charlotte. Along with the whitewater rafting opportunities, there are so many ways to enjoy the facilities. Throughout the 1,100 acres youll find hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing, zip-lining, ropes courses, and canopy tours. The man-made river is the perfect place to try kayaking, paddle boarding and more. Buy an activity pass and you will have access to over 30 outdoor recreation activities.
Even if you feel the kids are too young to participate in some of these activities, they are fun to watch. The relaxed environment makes it one of the coolest destinations to just sit on the grass and take in the atmosphere. There are multiple events hosted at the USNWC throughout the year, and even 9 unique festivals.
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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.
Ride A Rollercoaster At Carowinds
Carowinds
Located between the historic Dilworth and Myers Park neighborhoods, Freedom Park is a 98-acre park centered around a seven-acre lake that’s full of activities that are perfect for kidsincluding feeding the resident ducks. An old-time steam engine from an out-of-use train is also on display in the park and kids are allowed to climb into the cabperfect for make-believe games of being a train conductor. Freedom Park also hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the summer.
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Top Stem Educator: The Schiele Museum Of Natural History
The Schiele Museum is a natural adventure waiting for you! Our mission is to inspire curiosity and understanding of science and the natural world through exceptional educational programs and exhibits. Permanent galleries feature Native Americans, North American wildlife and habitats including live animal displays, and an exhibit hall dedicated to the biodiversity of North Carolina. The planetarium offers a 360-degree immersive experience to discover the wonders of our universe. Go outside and explore the museums farm, nature trail, and Catawba Indian Village. Theres something for everyone to enjoy during a visit to The Schiele!
Carowinds Theme Park In South Charlotte
When it comes to fun things to do in Charlotte, NC Carowinds has something for everyone. Being one of the top parks in the state, the rides and waterpark definitely do not disappoint. Including one of the worlds tallest and fastest roller coasters. And if you plan to visit Carowinds more than once this is one of the few theme parks Id recommend getting passes to. They have a Pre-K pass for children ages 3-5 that gives them free admission to the park. And its free to register for! Mix this with any of their other passes to get the most out of your visit.
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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.
Pikes Old Fashioned Soda Shop
Nothing provides pure joy and nostalgia quite like an old fashioned soda shop. Pikes Old Fashioned Soda Shop has a friendly and comfortable spirit, much like classic American diners all over the country. It is a wonderful place to grab some ice cream with the family or take your loved one on a casual date.
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Jump Into Rays Splash Planet
This joint venture between the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools contains a waterpark, playground, and multiple recreation-based features. Voted a Best Place to Swim and Best Pool/Spray Park by Charlotte Parent Magazine, the waterpark features The Blue Comet a three-story double figure-eight water slide, and much more.
Fun Things To Do In Charlotte Nc With Kids
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North Carolinas Queen City is a treasure trove of things to see and doespecially for families. Options ranging from sprawling urban parks to beautiful art museums to places filled with history. This list includes free things to do in Charlotte NC and a bonus list of other attractions that are worth the price of admission.
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Hear The Orchestra At The Belk Theater
Sitting on North Tryon St in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the Belk Theater hosts everything from Broadway productions to concerts for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, providing intimate aura and world-class acoustics thanks to its classic European horseshoe layout.
To see whats playing during your visit, simply check out the CarolinaTix website.
Catch A Few Innings At Truist Field
Sports fanatics, listen up!
Around the corner from the Bank of America Stadium, Charlottes Truist Field is home to Charlottes minor league baseball team, the Charlotte Knights.
The stadium also hosts concerts and other sporting events throughout the year so whether youre a die-hard sports fan or just looking for an excuse to have some fun outside on a beautiful day with wonderful views of the city skyline, be sure to check this joint out
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Take A Tour Of The Carolinas Aviation Museum
This aviation museum has more than just a couple of old airplanes hanging around!
Sitting on the grounds of Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, this next-generation museum aims to inspire todays use to get excited about aviation while teaching about the mechanics and human stories of flight, including the famous Miracle on the Hudson.
Keep in mind: the physical museum will be closed until 2022 while renovations take place. In the meantime, virtual tours are available and just as educational
Things To Do With Kids In Charlotte Nc
Queen City is a vibrant and fun town. It is full of adventurous and lively places that are the hub of attraction for all the people living in or visiting Charlotte. Similarly, there are many things to do with kids in Charlotte, NC.
This post will discuss all the amazing and unique things you could experience with your kids in Charlotte. But, to get the feel of this auspicious city, let’s first visit its historical background briefly.
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Ymca Of Greater Charlotte
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is the go-to spot for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens, to have fun all year long! From unforgettable adventures at summer day camp, experiencing the magic of summer at two overnight camps, becoming part of a team in youth sports, gaining lifelong skills in swim lessons, preparing for kindergarten and beyond at preschool or learning without limits in afterschool, theyll have a blast as they become their best selves at the YMCA.
Take An Electric Cart City Tour
Cant be bothered with a walking tour? On those humid summer days, we dont blame you.
For a completely different view of Charlotte, hop in an electric cart and take a two-hour tour to see both the citys high-trafficked and offbeat attractions.
With a friendly local guide at the wheel, youll get a look at Charlottes historic district and some of its many impressive skyscrapers while also learning about Charlottes culture and getting recommendations for secret entertainment and restaurants you might not read about online.
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Race Against The Clock With A Scavenger Game
Nothing says fun like a little friendly competition, right? Forget about Segway and walking tours for the minute for an interactive, high-speed, on-foot adventure that takes you to the citys main haunts as well as some lesser-known locales, a scavenger hunt is the way to go.
Operated conveniently from your phone and costing anywhere between $10 and $30 , these riddle-solving activities are operated by a range of companies that service different areas of the city , including zombie-themed hunts and photo challenges!
Whizz Around Corners In A Go
At K1 Speed in Concord, youll get the chance to take a spin in one of their high-performance racecars, drifting around corners and feeling that adrenaline rush.
There are plenty of options for sessions: from an individual ride to time trials or even birthday party options its up to you! Plus, theyre open every day until at least 10 pm, so youre sure to find a session that suits your schedule.
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