12 Affordable Things to Do With Kids in & Around Charlotte

February 18, 2021

One of North Carolina’s biggest and most vibrant cities, Charlotte is a great place to visit with children. We’ve picked out some of the best family-friendly activities and attractions to be found in and around it.

Carolina Raptor Center

This living museum is dedicated to the rehabilitation, research and conservation of the world’s most impressive predators – birds of prey. The 57-acre centre, based in the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, is home to 37 different species of native and exotic raptors. Kids love the self-guided nature trail, which winds across outdoor aviaries and provides plenty of opportunities to get a closer look at the most famous masters of the skies. Expect to see eagles, ospreys, owls, hawks, falcons and vultures. The nature preserve is around a 25-minute drive from Charlotte’s city centre.

Location: 6000 Sample Rd, Huntersville
Hours: Weds–Sun 10am–4pm | Closed Mon–Tues

Festival in the Park

One of the most eagerly awaited events on Charlotte’s cultural calendar, Festival in the Park has captivated all who attend since its inaugural edition in 1964. The music and arts event has grown significantly and now provides a showcase for over 150 local and national artists to present their creative work, along with a stellar line-up of live musical acts. Much of the eclectic array of art on display is available to purchase and there’s also great food and drink, all served against a dazzling backdrop of lights as the sun goes down. For kids, there are endless activities including face painting, arts and crafts, live entertainment and more.

Location: Freedom Park, Charlotte
Dates: 24–26 September 2021

SEA LIFE

SEA LIFE has created immersive marine experiences across the United States for more than 50 years. What sets this location apart are the incredible exhibits telling the story of North Carolina’s rivers. Set in authentically themed habitats influenced by the local surroundings, kids can explore hidden ecosystems with their own eyes. They’ll love the 180-degree glass tunnel, home to sharks, rays and Carolina’s only rescued sea turtle, Neptune. There are more than 5000 marine mammals and tropical fish to see, but the real star of the show is Fiona, the giant Pacific octopus.

Location: 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord

ImaginOn

Located in the heart of Charlotte’s culture district, ImaginOn is guaranteed to capture the imagination of the whole family. Featuring two theatres, a dedicated library for children under 11, classrooms, a teen library, a production studio and an interactive exhibit space, there’s something for everyone. The 102,000-square-foot facility has been voted one of the best children’s spaces in the United States.

Location: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Hours: Mon–Thurs 9am–8pm | Fri–Sat 9am–5pm | Closed Sun

Carowinds

For fast – but family-friendly – thrills, head to Carowinds. The 407-acre amusement park is home to some of the best roller coaster collections in the world. It boasts two of the tallest steel roller coasters in North America as well as the famous Fury 325, which reaches speeds of 95 mph. Younger visitors will enjoy Camp Snoopy, a dedicated children’s play area with rides and games. The park also features a large water park and many cafes serving authentic Carolina cuisine.

Location: 4523 Carowinds Boulevard, Charlotte

Schiele Museum of Natural History

Founded in 1961, the Schiele Museum of Natural History has inspired generations of explorers and scientists. Kids can explore indoor and outdoor exhibits, a planetarium and a science theatre. Family favourites include the Dino Safari and the Catawba Indian Village exhibit. Outside, visitors can enjoy a nature trail through forest, ponds and streams.

Location: 1500 East Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia
Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–4pm | Closed Sun

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Set on 1300 acres along the Catawba River, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers more than 30 outdoor activities including zip lines, rope bridges and rafting on the world’s largest artificial whitewater river. Many activities are suitable for families with children.

Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte

Haunted Walking Tour

Perhaps better suited for slightly older kids, this spooky walking tour explores the haunted side of Charlotte. During the 90-minute adventure, visitors explore eerie landmarks such as Tryon Street and Historic Fourth Ward while guides share ghost stories from the city’s past.

Carolinas Aviation Museum

Located near Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, this museum houses a fascinating collection of aircraft, helicopters and aviation artefacts. Visitors can learn about the history of aviation from the Wright Brothers to modern aircraft. Kids can even try flight simulators and explore real cockpits.

Location: 4672 1st Flight Drive, Charlotte

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

One of the best children’s theatres in the United States, the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte welcomes around 300,000 visitors each year. The theatre presents imaginative productions and educational programmes designed for children of all ages.

Location: 300 East 7th Street, Charlotte

Carolina Renaissance Festival

This unique festival brings history to life with hundreds of costumed characters recreating a 16th-century European marketplace. Visitors can enjoy jousting tournaments, crafts, games, food and entertainment in a recreated medieval village.

Location: 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville
Dates: 2 October – 21 November 2021

Freedom Park

Located about three miles from downtown Charlotte, the 98-acre Freedom Park features a lake, playgrounds, walking paths and plenty of open space for kids to play. It’s also home to Discovery Place Nature Museum and hosts the annual Festival in the Park.

Location: 1908 East Boulevard, Charlotte
Hours: Mon–Sun 7am–7pm

By Paul Joseph