This North Carolina city doesn’t skimp on Southern hospitality. Charlotte harbors a deep love for the arts, great local cuisine, nature, and diversity. Thousands flock to Charlotte every year to watch the Carolina Panthers and official NASCAR races, which offer family-specific attractions. Visitors looking for an all-ages vacation that is both exciting and grounded will be delighted when they choose Charlotte for their next trip. Scroll down to see all of the best attractions Charlotte has to offer family members of all ages.
Whether you’re in town to see some basketball or eat some barbeque, Charlotte is buzzing metropolis that offers a variety of activities. Bring the kids to the amusement park or rent a kayak for a price you won’t find anywhere else. Try these popular kid-friendly activities today:
Fly down the roller coasters at Carowinds amusement park
At Inner Peaks Climbing Center, boulder the beginner wall, rope stations, and terrain for every skill level
Enjoy a meal while you watch a blockbuster at Studio Movie Grill
Explore the galleries at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
At Lake Wylie, rent a kayak from Water Sports Carolinas
Parents, get ready for a family vacation that is just as fun for you as it is for the kids. Race around the go-kart park for thrills or sip a beer while the kids paint. Try these things to do with kids in Charlotte:
Visit Funtasticks Family Fun Park and race the kids to the finish line on the go-kart track
Create your own vase during a Pottery Wheel Experience in Alexander Hill
Try your luck at wakeboarding when you visit Shark Wake Park
Tour the African-American Cultural Center to learn important American history
BYOB to a family-friendly painting class where you’ll make a group masterpiece together
One of the best parts about seeing a new place is learning its history and culture. In Charlotte, affordable sightseeing opportunities include civil war reenactments, horse-drawn carriage rides, and jousting. Try these family-friendly kid attractions on your trip:
See a Civil War reenactment Latta Plantation
See a cooking demonstration and enjoy live music at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the downtown area of the city
Bike, jog, or roller-blade at one of Mecklenburg County’s 15 greenways
Feast on turkey legs and see the fortune teller at the Carolina Renaissance Faire
Let the kids run free with a variety of activities that keep imagination front and center. Speed around the race track or watch in awe at manatees inside the aquarium. Here are some of the best ways to spend a day with kids in Charlotte:
Race where the greats have raced when you drive around the Charlotte Motor Speedway
Explore the animal exhibits and butterfly pavilion at the Charlotte Nature Museum
Take a dive into aquatic habitats at the Sea Life Aquarium
Go on a safari and explore wildlife at Lazy 5 Ranch
Build an exciting creation at the LEGO Store at Concord Mills
This urban city is as group-friendly as it gets. Many of Charlotte’s local restaurants accommodate large groups, just call ahead about kid-friendly options and availability. Try these kid-friendly group activities in Charlotte:
Eat fried pickles, a can’t miss southern fare, at Diamond Restaurant
Pick pumpkins and strawberries at Hall Family Farm
Challenge the crew to a bowling tournament at Strike City
See a movie or shop at one of the many stores at Stonecrest Mall
Celebrate cultural heritage at one of the city’s festivals, like Rural Hill Scottish Festival or Festival of India
There is plenty of fun to be had in Charlotte, so why not learn something new along the way? The city’s museums and nature centers are second-to-none, so spend the afternoon exploring together. Try one of the following educational activities for kids in Charlotte:
Learn about raptor habitats at Carolina Raptor Center
Allow science to take you by surprise at Discovery Place Museum
Explore the childhood log cabin homestead reconstructed at the James K. Polk Historic Site
Take a hands-on science workshop at Main Library Maker Space
Mine for new knowledge about gold mining at the Wells Fargo History Museum
Dance, sing, and create in Charlotte. Explore 3D art-making or take a theater class. The options are endless, so try the following kid-friendly creative outlets:
Create various 2D and 3D projects in the studios at the Mint Museum
At Art Buzz Kids, parents can choose to stay or drop off kids for a two-hour painting class
On Wednesdays, kids are invited to create their own pottery at Dish it Out
Art-Kiddo offers immersive, bilingual art instruction to help kids grow their art skills as well as their social skills
Take a theater class at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
North Carolina experiences the ups and downs of every season, but don’t let that rain on your parade. Try these exciting indoor activities for kids in Charlotte:
Stay the night or swim for a day at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park resort
Root on the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena
Play Bechtler Bingo while you explore the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Jump from wall to wall on the trampolines at SkyZone Charlotte
Play for hours inside the the ultimate fun zone at Sports Connection