Travelling to Charlotte? Got Kids? Here’s a list of things to do with kids in Charlotte! Some of our most favorite spots!
Today’s fast-paced world makes finding quality time with your children difficult, so if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Charlotte, we have you covered!
Kids bring the family fun to another level, and Charlotte, North Carolina has plenty to keep things buzzing! Here’s a few of our favorites, but there is an endless supply of activities in the Queen City!
Activity 1: Investigating Discovery Place Science Museum
Discovery Place provides the ideal setting to foster both adult and kid curiosity of science by exploring its marvels at an interactive museum, complete with exhibits and hands-on activities designed to make learning fun – whether exploring human biology in “World Alive”, or testing your strength against gravity at “Cool Stuff”, there’s something for all at Discovery Place!
Discover Place offers delightful demonstrations and shows sure to astonish and inspire children of all ages, such as defying gravity through bubbles or witnessing electricity at work, or learning the wonders of chemistry through engaging experiments. With its emphasis on interactive learning and discovery-led education, Discovery Place encourages kids to ask questions, discover more of themselves and the world.
A visit to Discovery Place is not only educational, but also an incredible amount of fun! Don your lab coat and get ready for an incredible experience full of scientific marvels and surprising discoveries.
Activity 2: A Visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Are your family and loved ones seeking speed? A visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame should not be missed in Charlotte. Celebrating NASCAR racing’s history and excitement, step inside a race car driver’s shoes as you explore interactive exhibits, learn from legendary figures within NASCAR racing, or experience virtual race thrills!
NASCAR Hall of Fame provides something to satisfy racing fans of all ages – children can test their racing prowess on racing simulators while adults can satisfy their desire for speed by sitting behind a virtual race car and experiencing its thrills themselves!
As well as exhibits, this museum also hosts special events, film screenings and autograph sessions with NASCAR drivers – making the NASCAR Hall of Fame an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits! Whether a race fanatic or looking for fun family outing, don’t miss this incredible experience at your next visit to Charlotte.
Activity 3: Carowinds Amusement Park
Carowinds amusement park provides thrills and excitement galore. Situated near the border between North and South Carolina, this amusement park features rides, attractions, and entertainment suitable for visitors of all ages – from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to family-oriented shows; Carowinds has something fun in store for every member of your group at their popular theme park!
Thrill-seekers will delight in the park’s collection of world-class roller coasters. Prepare yourself for the thrilling turns and drops of Fury 325, the tallest and fastest giga coaster ever created; or feel the heart pounding drops of Intimidator; for younger children there are gentle rides and playgrounds where their imaginations can run wild!
Carowinds provides more than rides; its live entertainment lineup features musical performances and shows as well as spectacular fireworks shows that light up the night sky with vibrant hues and effects. Don’t miss your opportunity to witness one of Carowinds’ stunning fireworks shows which light up the skies every evening with bright hues!
Carowinds amusement park promises an experience you and your entire family won’t soon forget! Get set for an adrenaline-charged journey at this thrilling amusement park. Fasten your seatbelts for an action-packed journey at Carowinds – don’t be fooled into thinking an ordinary day spent here will pass without action-packed thrills and spills!
Activity 4: Exploring Nature at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Are You and Your Family Nature Lovers? Visit The U.S. National Whitewater Center ASAP. Featuring more than 1,300 acres along Catawba River, this outdoor adventure center provides many different activities designed to bring the great outdoors in.
One of the highlights of U.S. National Whitewater Center is their whitewater rafting experience for both beginners and experts alike. Guided by trained professionals, you can navigate its manmade river under their care while experiencing all its rapids. Or try kayaking, paddleboarding or even zip lining across its waters!
For visitors seeking a more relaxing experience, the center provides miles of hiking and biking trails winding through lush natural surroundings. Take an enjoyable stroll with family members as you experience all that the great outdoors has to offer!
The U.S. National Whitewater Center hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, from live music concerts to outdoor film screenings – perfect whether you want adventure or want to connect with nature! A visit here will surely leave lasting memories!
Activity 5: Exploring and Engaging at the Joe and Joan Martin Center of ImaginOn
Visit ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center for an enriching blend of education and play! ImaginOn is a groundbreaking facility built as part of a partnership between Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte that provides children with an exclusive place to express themselves creatively.
At ImaginOn, children can explore interactive exhibits, participate in hands-on workshops and enjoy live performances. The facility houses two theaters, a library and many creative spaces where children can engage in storytelling, puppetry and arts and crafts activities.
One of the highlights of ImaginOn is the Spangler Library, filled with an expansive selection of books and resources geared toward children of all ages. Kids can explore its shelves while curling up with one of many reading programs provided by this institution.
ImaginOn offers special events and workshops throughout the year, such as author visits and book signings; so no matter whether your child aspires to becoming an artist, playwright, reader, or simply loves books – visiting ImaginOn will spark their creativity while cultivating an enthusiasm for learning!
Activity 6: Fun at Ray’s Splash Planet
Are you in Charlotte and seeking some cool water fun to beat the heat this summer? Look no further than Ray’s Splash Planet for indoor water park entertainment that includes slides, pools and splash areas! Ray’s Splash Planet has long been popular with kids and families in this city as an attraction worth checking out – offering water slides for children of all ages, pools for adults to relax in as well as splash areas to splash about in.
At Ray’s Splash Planet, children can zoom down water slides, splash around in pools or engage in water-based games and activities. There’s even a lazy river where guests can float along on inner tubes!
Ray’s Splash Planet boasts not only water attractions but also various dry play areas like climbing walls and gymnasiums – offering plenty of dry fun regardless of your water attraction preference! Therefore, this family-friendly destination guarantees plenty of entertainment even without getting wet.
Ray’s Splash Planet is dedicated to water conservation and sustainability. Utilizing state-of-the-art filtration system that treats and recycles wastewater, making Ray’s an eco-friendly choice for families seeking fun while being mindful of our planet.
Activity 7: Exploring Animals at Lazy 5 Ranch
Experience exotic animals up close at Lazy 5 Ranch outside Charlotte for an unforgettable drive-through animal park experience that promises something new each visit. Located just minutes away from Charlotte, Lazy 5 Ranch provides visitors of all ages an extraordinary and enjoyable adventure!
At Lazy 5 Ranch, you can embark on an African safari from the comfort of your own car. Drive along gravel paths as you encounter all manner of animals such as zebras, giraffes, camels and even kangaroos! Roll down your windows and feed these friendly beasts using specially designed feed buckets available at Lazy 5.
Lazy 5 Ranch provides more than just drive-through entertainment; visitors can also interact with small animals like goats, rabbits and birds! Be sure to bring along your camera as there will be numerous photo opps at this friendly attraction.
Lazy 5 Ranch provides more than just entertainment; it also serves as an important center for conservation and education, contributing to breeding programs and wildlife preservation efforts that contribute directly to animal welfare.
Activity 8: Enjoying A Day At Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Experience creativity and entertainment when visiting Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. This professional theater company strives to produce top-quality productions while offering educational experiences for kids and families.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte provides year-round performances that range from timeless fairy tales to more recent stories, all performed by talented actors and performers. Watch beloved characters come to life onstage while your imagination soars alongside them!
Apart from performances, the theater also provides various educational programs – acting classes, workshops, and summer camps – designed to develop both children’s storytelling abilities as well as acting skills in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere. Kids are invited to develop storytelling abilities while building confidence within a fun learning experience!
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is committed to making theater accessible for families across all financial circumstances, offering discounted ticket prices and scholarship programs that ensure each one experiences its magic first-hand.
Activity 9: Tour of the Mint Museum
Art enthusiasts of all ages should visit Charlotte’s Mint Museum – it offers two locations with world-class art collections from around the globe! The Mint is sure to delight its visitors of any age with a visit!
At the Mint Museum Uptown, visitors can discover contemporary and American art as well as collections from ancient cultures. Behold exquisite paintings, sculptures and installations on display throughout its galleries – plus special exhibitions that highlight both well-known artists as well as newcomers! The Mint also hosts various special exhibits throughout the year to introduce visitors to notable and emerging talent alike.
Visit the Mint Museum Randolph and immerse yourself in ceramics, decorative arts and historic costumes from across time periods and cultures. Unlock their beauty through intricate pottery forms, delicate textiles and eye-catching jewelry! Additionally, interactive exhibits and programs enable all ages to interact with artworks while learning their cultural importance.
Both locations of the Mint Museum offer educational programs and workshops geared toward children and families. Children can participate in art-making activities while discovering various art techniques – all while developing an increased appreciation of arts & culture!
Activity 10: Explore Outdoor Beauty at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Experience peace and beauty by visiting Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden just outside Charlotte. Spanning over 380 acres, this lovely oasis provides an escape from city life.
At Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, there are an assortment of themed gardens each offering distinct plants and flowers. Relax as you stroll leisurely through an Orchid Conservatory filled with vibrant hues and delicate blooms; wander serenely through White Garden filled with fragrant white blooms; or experience Four Seasons Garden and witness how its changing hues reflect seasonal change!
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden also features many educational programs and events for families at its gardens, such as nature walks, art workshops and gardening classes for kids – providing valuable lessons about conservation and sustainability!
The Garden hosts various seasonal events throughout the year, such as Holidays at the Garden – where it becomes transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland filled with festive lights and ornaments – featuring stunning visual displays and festive illusions!
Wrapping up our guide of things to do with kids in Charlotte!
Charlotte, North Carolina offers families an abundance of exciting attractions and activities that promise unforgettable moments and lifelong memories. From visiting interactive museums to embarking on outdoor adventures – Charlotte offers something fun for every member of the family to do! Create lasting memories together while simultaneously encouraging curiosity, creativity and an enthusiasm for learning – come discover Charlotte with your little adventurers for a day packed with laughter, learning, lasting relationships and lasting memories!
My Carolinas Notebook: Our family LOVES Charlotte! We visit Carowinds often, and have been to many of these spots at one time or another. I have a little list of my favorite kid-friendly hotels in Charlotte if you need accomodations!