From indoor fun to exhilarating, action-packed entertainment, Gastonia is filled with great places the kids will adore. Here are some of the best things to do in Gastonia with kids:

• Climb on the inflatable playground at Monkey Joe’s
• Make a strike at George Pappas’ Liberty Lanes
• Watch car races at the Carolina Speedway
• Beat the top scores in the arcade at Adventure Landing
• Dance under the disco ball at Kate’s Skating Rinks

Both kids and adults can have a great day discovering the ins and outs of Gastonia. Spend some time browsing one of the many farmers markets or touring the nearby farms. Other family friendly activities include:

• Having a family cookout at Biggerstaff Park
• Learning about life on the farm at Stowe Dairy
• Playing a round of Purple Planet 3D Mini Golf at The Haunted Mill
• Purchasing local produce at the Gastonia Farmers Market
• Getting an ice cream cone at Cherub’s Cafe

Gastonia is filled to the brim with frugal family-friendly fun. The kids will get a thrill out of investigating antique stores for hidden treasures, trekking the many local trails, and having lunch at the best family-friendly diners in town. Other sightseeing and free things to do in Gastonia include:

• Admiring the flowers at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
• Playing horseshoes at George Poston Park
• Uncovering local history at the Gaston County Museum
• Finding unique curios at the Sleepy Poet Antique Malls
• Touring the large lawns at Belmont Abbey College

When the kids are ready for a day of fun, there are plenty of ways to keep them occupied in Gastonia. Head out to play at Ferguson Park before having pizza at Franky T’s Pizzeria. Some other fun things to do in Gastonia with kids include the following:

• Play on the jungle gym at Martha Rivers Park
• Try one-of-a-kind popcorn flavors at Tastebuds Popcorn
• See a Catawba Indian Village replica at The Schiele Museum of Natural History
• Hike to the lake at Crowders Mountain State Park
• Launch a boat from the dock at Rankin Lake Park

Looking for something to do with the whole gang? Take the kids and all their friends for a day out on the town hunting for treasures, playing outdoors, or having a friendly competition. Some of the best group activities include:

• Riding the roller coasters at Carowinds
• Picking wildflowers along Pinnacle Trail
• Starting a soccer match at the Martha Rivers Youth Sports Complex
• Playing disc golf at the Bradley Memorial Center
• Finding unique toys at Gaston Pickers

Learning something new is one of the best ways to have fun. Gastonia has a number of museums that teach kids all about history, nature, transportation, and space. If you’re looking for an intellectual way to pass the day, check out these educational attractions:

• The Iswa Nature Preserve, home to a rare flower
• The James H. Lynn Planetarium transports visitors into nature, space, and biology scenes
• The C Grier Truck Museum , filled with informative exhibits on the trucking industry
• The American Military Museum, home to a large amount of Gastonia memorabilia
• The Living History Farm, complete with a 19th century barn, cotton gin, and blacksmith

Arts on Main is a gallery ran by the Gaston County Arts Guild that showcases works by local artists. Bring the kids to one of the many art shows, events, or classes held at the gallery to inspire them to follow their own creative interests. Some places for them to start include:

• Practicing pirouettes at Le Croix Academy
• Drawing bowls of fruit at the Gaston School of the Arts
• Performing a fairy tale with Acting Up Carolina
• Painting landscapes Art Buzz Kids at Wine & Design
• Karate chopping through wood at Ormaza Martial Arts

Eastridge Mall is Gastonia’s only indoor mall. Kids will get a kick out of playing glow-in-the-dark mini golf and eating pretzels while parents shop. Other top indoor activities in Gastonia include:

• Winning the most arcade tickets at Kids Rock Fun Factory
• Shopping for children’s clothes at Carousel Boutique
• Watching animated films at Regal Franklin Theater Square Stadium 14
• Attending a family-friendly performance at the Little Theater of Gastonia
• Sharing a banana split at Tony’s Ice Cream