Gastonia is filled with ways for the whole family to have fun. Located on the edge of the Charlotte metropolitan area, this city boasts delightful local businesses, charming rural outposts. and picture perfect natural surroundings. Kids will love all of the thrilling adventure parks, fascinating education centers, and outdoor adventures the town has to offer. Next time you’re looking for a way to pass the day, check out these top-rated things to do.
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
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
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
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
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