31 Best Things to do in Charlotte NC with Kids

Looking for some unique and fun things to do in Charlotte with kids? You’ve come to the right place!

I’m Sarah from Explore More NC! I live in North Carolina and I know all the best places to spend time as a family. Charlotte is the perfect place to be for finding wonderful kid-friendly activities. 

Around every corner of Charlotte, there seems to be something unique that the kids will love. If you’re looking for some ideas, you’ve come to the right place!

Other visitors clearly agree since the NC Dept of Commerce announced North Carolina set a 2022 visitor spending record. It said Charlotte/Mecklenburg County led the state with a 31% increase over 2021.

In this post, I’m going to share my expertise and talk about all the fun and adventurous kids activities Charlotte NC and its surroundings have to offer the whole family! All based on my own experience and personal favorites.

Kid-Friendly Activities in Charlotte NC

There are hundreds of family things to do in Charlotte NC alone! Let’s take a look at the best things to do with kids Charlotte has to offer. 

1. Carowinds Amusement Park & Water Park

☑️ Location: 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC

☑️ Pricing: Daily admission tickets start at $29.99 per person.

☑️ Groups: For groups of up to 6 guests, get discounted tickets at $24.99 per person. Check online for season passes and military discounts. 

The most popular, and maybe one of the most fun kid things to do in Charlotte NC is the 407-acre amusement park located right next to I-77 in Charlotte.

For over 45 years, Carowinds has been bringing joy to families’ days with almost 60 world-class amusement rides, Carolina’s best waterpark, live entertainment, and delicious food!

If you have teens, they will love the thrilling roller coasters like Fury 325 which is North America’s longest steel coaster and is over 1.25 miles long. 

You can find rides for the smaller kiddos, and rides that even parents will enjoy, along with seasonal events, and an on-site campground.

As far as Charlotte things to do with kids, you can easily spend a couple of days enjoying the rides and exploring the park.

During the winter, stop by for Winterfest where you enjoy most of the rides and enjoy holiday cheer! 

Stroll through the millions of themed festival lights, play games, enjoy the live entertainment, and ice skating at Snowflake Lake. 

Carowinds is one of the best kid friendly things to do in Charlotte NC for kids of all ages!

2. U.S. National Whitewater Center

☑️ Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC

☑️ Pricing: Day Passes are $75/adults and $65/kids

☑️ Annual Passes: $250/adults and $200/kids

The National Whitewater Center is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! Kid activities in Charlotte NC include enjoying outdoor adventures at the US National Whitewater Center.

These recreation grounds offer a variety of outdoor adventure kids activities in Charlotte from whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking to rappelling, rock climbing, ropes courses, and zip lines!

There are even over 50 miles of biking and hiking trails to explore as well as special events on weekends, like “build your own boat.”

Don’t want an adventure, but do want to enjoy the outdoors? Check the yoga schedule! There is something for everyone of any age at this outdoor adventure park.

3. Discovery Place Science Museum/Discovery Place Kids

☑️ Location: 301 N Tryon St. Charlotte, NC

☑️ Pricing: Daily admission tickets start at $23.00 for adults and $18.00 for kids. Seniors pay $20.00.

☑️ Membership: Become a member for free admission and other museum bonuses.  

There are numerous things for kids to do in Charlotte, NC, such as visiting the Discovery Place Science Museum and exploring the interactive exhibits.

Designed for people of all ages, the Discovery Place Museum is full of delightful science and technology exhibits.

The Discovery Museum is a non-profit museum that has been wowing children and adults for 75 years. Their mission is to teach and inspire people as they learn about science.

As you explore the museum, you will find exhibits from deep-sea dives, to exhibits about space, the rainforest, and so much more!

There are plenty of hands-on kid activities in Charlotte NC, and IMAX experiences that the whole family can be involved in. 

4. Accenture IMAX Dome Theatre

☑️ Location: 301 N Tryon St. Charlotte, NC

☑️ Pricing: Tickets for non-members are $7 for ages 2 and older. 

Located within the Discovery Place, discover the Accenture IMAX Dome Theatre for the ultimate IMAX experience. This is one of my favorite kid activities Charlotte NC has to offer!

With laser technology, a 12-channel sound system, and lifelike images, the dome theater is a one-of-a-kind experience that will wow everyone visiting.

There are usually a couple of rotating informative, yet thrilling videos that play. Last time I went, they were showing Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation as well as Great Bear Rainforest. 

5. Charlotte Nature Museum/Discovery Place Nature

☑️ Location: 1658 Sterling Rd, Charlotte, NC

☑️ Pricing: General admission tickets are $8.00 per person

Associated with the Discovery Place Science Museum is Charlotte’s Nature Museum, called Discovery Place Nature.

To gets kids excited about nature, and all the curious and wonderful things that the Earth provides, the museum has many fun, hands-on exhibits!

There are live animal displays, an insect center, outdoor forts, butterfly pavilions, nature trails and so much more!

You can have hours of endless fun exploring the nature museum. 

Free Kid Friendly Things to Do in Charlotte

Finding fun Charlotte NC activities for kids can be hard enough, let alone the price of some of them.

Sometimes, taking the whole family out can be a bit of a bank breaker.

So what’s better than free activities? Almost nothing, so let’s dive into the best free things to do in Charlotte with kids. 

6. The Green

☑️ Location: 425 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC

Referred to as Charlottes’ “pocket park”, The Green is a small one-and-a-half-acre park in the heart of Charlotte.

The Green is a great place to stop, have some lunch, and is a perfect meeting spot for families to check into before heading out on another exciting adventure. There are many restaurants and shops located nearby.

If you’re visiting on a hot summer day, there is a fountain in the park for the kids to splash around in.

Make sure to check out all the fun signs within The Green, including a signpost that points to the other cities named Charlotte around the world.

The park has an overall theme based on world literature, and it’s the starting point for several kid-friendly ghost tours in Charlotte.

7. Romare Bearden Park 

☑️ Location: 300 S Church St. Charlotte, NC 

Built in 2013, Romare Bearden Park is a 5.4-acre park, named after one of Charlotte’s great artists “Romare Bearden”.

The park has a large grassy area, perfect for picnics and for playing games.

There are also benches placed around the park, lovely artful statues, and a waterfall, great for letting the kids play around.

The park is very well-maintained and has a great location right in the heart of uptown. Small events are often held here. 

8. Reedy Creek Nature Center and Natural World Preserve

☑️ Location: 2986 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 

Reedy Creek is a large 927 acres of protected natural land and forest.

Inside the preserve are over 10 miles of hiking trails, a huge enclosed dog area, disc-golf courses, and a lake where kids can discover turtles, fish, birds, and lots of other wildlife.

The preserve is the perfect place for some free, easy, hiking trails that are good for a family day trip. You can find little pavilions inside that are nice for resting.

Stop and enjoy some lunch and enjoy the scenery. In the park, you’ll find a small nature center and gift shop. 

9. Freedom Park 

☑️ Location: 1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC

Located between Charlotte’s historic district, and just 3 miles from Charlotte’s downtown is the 98-acre Freedom Park.

The park is beautiful, and expansive which can provide hours of endless fun on a nice sunny day.

There are numerous things for kids to do in Charlotte NC, such as visiting Discovery Place Science and enjoying outdoor activities at Freedom Park.

Inside the park, you’ll find wonderful biking/walking trails, bathrooms, and a 7-acre lake. There is also a large playground inside the park that the kiddos will love!

Dogs are allowed on the walking trail, as long as they are kept on a leash. Activities such as yoga in the park, parades, runs, and more are held here all year long. 

Fun Things to do with Kids in Charlotte Near the Airport

The airport is a bit of a hub for the bustling city. If you are taking a trip, or find yourself in the area with the kids, don’t worry!

There are some very fun family friendly activities in Charlotte NC around the airport and in the Greater Charlotte area as well. 

10. Charlotte Douglas Airport Overlook

☑️ Location: 7300 Airport Overlook Drive, Charlotte, NC

This is one of the most unique things to do in Charlotte NC kid friendly and otherwise. I recommend you go to sit, spend the afternoon, and watch the planes take off!

There is a large gravel parking lot, then a big area where families can sit, enjoy lunch, and watch the planes. Food trucks are parked in the area every weekend.

Note: The overlook is currently under construction through 2023. They are adding bathrooms, more views, paved parking, and an expanded food truck area.

There is a temporary overlook at the corner of Old Dowd Road and Airport Overlook Drive.

12. Billy Graham Library

☑️ Location: 4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 

A library dedicated to the evangelist, “Billy Graham”. You can learn about his teachings, his accomplishments, and see his original home with house tours.

Christmas time at the library is complete with light displays, live nativity scenes, horse-drawn carriage rides, and treats. 

13. Charlotte Regional Farmers Market

Location: 1801 Yorkmont Rd, Charlotte, NC

Charlotte’s Regional Famers Market is a large indoor venue open Tuesdays – Sundays from 8 am – 5 pm.

Farmers, bakers, and artisans of all kinds gather to sell their handmade and locally-produced goods.

From fresh produce to grass-fed meats and cheeses, honey, as well as things like handmade soaps and delicious baked goods, the farmers market is the perfect place to stop and enjoy some fresh goods.

Bring the kids along to meet the farmers, and try samples of all the yummy items. 

Indoor Family Activities in Charlotte NC

Searching for that perfect rainy or cold day activity? I’ve got you covered! Here is a complete list of some really great indoor activities Charlotte, NC has to offer.

14. Great Wolf Lodge

☑️ Location: 10175 Weddington Rd, Concord, NC

Located about 30 minutes from Charlotte, the Great Wolf Lodge is Charlotte’s best and most exciting indoor water park.

There is something for everyone from great dining options to kid-friendly activities and interactive games.

There are 11 waterslides, four pools, and lots of fun to be had at the resort. It’s even open all year round for water fun anytime!

However, the waterpark isn’t the only cool kid-friendly thing to do here.

The fun is practically endless with laser tag, a bowling alley, an arcade, a movie theater, mini golf, a ropes course, and an interactive fort.

Plus there are more Charlotte NC family fun games that will keep the kids entertained for hours, maybe even days! 

15. SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium

☑️ Location: 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC

☑️ Pricing: General admission starts at $18.99 per adult and $15.99 for kids

SEA LIFE is an interactive aquarium located right at the Concord Mills Mall.

The aquarium features North Carolina’s only underwater ocean tunnel, a touch pool, and thousands of tropical fish, sharks, turtles, and jellyfish.

👉 Aquarium entry depends on availability. Guarantee your admission by prebooking tickets.

Everyone in the family will enjoy walking through the tunnel being surrounded by ocean life or enjoying the ocean-touch pool with starfish, shells, and other fun ocean things. 

16. Mint Museum

☑️ Locations: 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC
2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 

☑️ Pricing: General admission tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for children.

☑️ Discounts: Available for students and seniors. Kids under 4 are free. 

The Mint Museum is North Carolina’s first art museum and has one of the largest art collections in the Southeast.

There are two locations, one uptown, and another on Randolph road. Both locations not only have art displays, but also lovely hands-on exhibits that are great for the kids.

Currently, you can visit the Lewis Family Gallery at the Uptown location where there are many wonderful puzzles, team-building games, and art projects that the kids will love.

You can even stop by and pick up free goodies for the kiddies from time to time! Check their calendar for current giveaways and events.

17. SouthPark 

☑️ Location: 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC

SouthPark is a large upscale indoor shopping center complete with all different kinds of shops and exciting dining options.

There are all kinds of brand-name designer shops, and even a children’s center to bring the kids.

Children can play at the ocean center which includes a pirate ship slide and play cannons, there are large sharks, and other ocean animals to climb around on.

There is also an interactive light-up jellyfish game. After a day of shopping, bring the kids for a fun playtime treat!

18. American Girl Store

☑️ Location: 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC

Inside the SouthPark mall, you can find the American Girl Store! Treat your little one to a fun day spent with the American Girl Dolls.

All year round they have special activities like cookie decorating, and manicures.

You can also visit the Doll Hair Salon and girls can have their American Girl Doll’s hair restyled!

The American Girl doll store offers in-store themed parties, and take-home parties to surprise your kids.

The family fun Charlotte NC style is endless and any little girl will have the time of her life creating lasting memories. 

19. Children’s Theatre Charlotte

☑️ Location: 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC

The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte offers award-winning educational and theater programs for children ages 3-18.

You can bring the family and watch live shows, and even be a part of the community by joining the theater programs, or summer camps!

Their goal is to be an open community for any child looking to learn about theater and join the community of storytellers.

A complete list of their different plays and shows throughout the year can be found on their website.

20. Concord Mills

☑️ Location: 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC (12 miles from Uptown Charlotte) 

Concord Mills is a family favorite go-to indoor shopping experience.

Here, you can find designer brands, family-friendly restaurants, a movie theater, and many seasonal events that happen year-round.

It’s a great rainy day activity to explore the mall, maybe do a little shopping or stop in for a movie break! 

Family Attractions & Things to Do in Uptown

There are plenty of fun things to do with the family in Uptown Charlotte NC. 

Note: Uptown is what the locals refer to as downtown Charlotte.

From super delicious kid-friendly restaurants to theaters and more, there are so many uptown Charlotte kid activities to enjoy and have a great time.

21. NASCAR Hall of Fame

☑️ Location: 400 E M.L.K Jr. Blvd, Charlotte, NC

☑️ Pricing: General admission tickets start at $27 per adult and $20 for children.

☑️ Packages: Combo packages including gift shop vouchers are available.

For everything NASCAR-related, this is the best place to go! It’s one of the top Charlotte attractions for families who enjoy racing.

You can immerse yourself in live, action-filled, and ever-changing exhibits that all resemble NASCAR, its leaders, and its history.

Fun for people of all ages, you can also take guided tours to get a more in-depth look at the Hall of Fame.

22. Take Your Kids to Truist Field

☑️ Location: 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC

Truist Field (formerly BB&T Park) is a large baseball stadium right in the Uptown area of Charlotte.

The stadium hosts the Charlotte Knights, a Triple-A baseball team in the international league. Many games are happening year-round and are a great family-friendly event.

Bring the kids, munch down on some chili dogs and chocolate cookies and enjoy a baseball game! 

While you are watching a game, you’ll take in the amazing views of Uptown from inside the ballpark.

During the holiday season, take the family to the Light the Knights Festival. On the field, they have an ice skating rink and a snow tubing hill.

Enjoy holiday treats, shopping, and lights!

23. Bank of America Stadium 

☑️ Location: 800 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC

Bank of America Stadium is a huge (33-acre) football stadium in Uptown Charlotte. It is home to both the Carolina Panthers of the NFL and Charlotte FC of the MLS.

Not only can you watch professional football and soccer games here, but you’ll also be able to experience other live events and concerts as well. 

For a true, unforgettable game experience, this is the perfect place to go! 

24. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

☑️ Location: 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC

Opened in 1992, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center brings the world’s best shows and acts right to Charlotte.

The arts center has six different theaters (including Belk Theater), all of which have their own unique experience.

From Broadway shows to holiday events, to plays and ballets, there is always something fun and exciting happening with the theater. 

25. Belk Theater

☑️ Location: 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC

Associated with the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Belk Theater is the grandest and largest of the six theaters operated by the company.

With over 2,000 seats, you can see anything from lectures to ballets, to rock or opera concerts. All year round they hold different family-friendly live shows.

It is a glorious visit to this theater, with its beautiful high ceilings and amazing theater ambiance, any child would never forget their visit here.

Things to Do Near Charlotte, NC

Charlotte isn’t the only place with fun-family events! Happening all around the greater Charlotte area are fun places and events happening that you’ll love to take your kids to explore.

There are many fun day trips from Charlotte kids will enjoy as well. Let’s take a look at what there is to do outside of Charlotte and around Charlotte. 

26. Reed Gold Mine

☑️ Location: 9621 Reed Mine Rd, Midland, NC 

☑️ Pricing: It is just $3.00 per person to mine, all other tours and general admission are free. 

An hour away in Midland is Reed Gold Mine, the site of the first documented gold find in the United States!

The underground mine is open for self-guided tours only from 9 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday. It’s so fun my kids never knew I was taking them to one of the Queen City’s many educational activities.

It is a designated National Historic Landmark because of its importance to American history. Today, you can visit and try your hand at panning for your gold!

Note: Panning is weather dependent, and is unavailable November 1 through March 31.

Visit the center, check out the 20th-century steam locomotives, see interactive live reenactments, and see other historical artifacts. It is great fun for kids of all ages! 

27. Carolina Raptor Center

☑️ Location: 6000 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC

☑️ Pricing: General admission tickets for the raptor trail are $12.00 per adult and $8.00 for students. Children 3 and under are free. 

The Carolina Raptor Center is a non-profit animal conservation and educational center dedicated to caring for over 35 bird of prey species.

As you walk along the trail, you can see the birds in their natural habitat exhibits, and learn about each specific type of bird.

The center also offers Raptor Academy classes and guided tours of the facility.

In addition, the hospital treats over 800 injured birds a year, and your donations help save these precious birds!

Kids will love seeing and learning about the birds, and it’s a great way for them to get involved in something. 

28. Crowders Mountain State Park

☑️ Location: 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC

In Gaston county, just 32 miles from Charlotte, is the beautiful Crowders Mountain State Park.

The park itself is over 5,000 acres with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and some beautiful scenic views.

Here you will find the popular Backside Trail that heads straight up to the very peak of Crowders Mountain.

You can even view Charlotte’s modern skyline on a clear day, please note this is a strenuous 1.6-mile out-and-back trail but worth it for the view. 

Inside the park, you can also find camping, climbing, and fishing. For a weekend trip or just a day trip to the forest, this is a great place to bring the kids!

29. Mr. Putty’s Fun Park

☑️ Location: 2333 Dam Rd, Tega City, SC

☑️ Pricing: Combo passes (golf and other attractions) start at $13.00 per person.

You can purchase hourly tickets, just golf tickets, or single attraction tickets online or in person. 

Mr. Putty’s Fun Park is the ultimate fun theme park! Mainly a mini golf park, there are many other Charlotte kids activities such as axe throwing, timber climbing, bungee jumping, a ropes course, a challenge zone, rides, and more!

If you are thinking about taking the kids for the day, or you’re planning a birthday party, this is the perfect place to do so!

Complete with a snack bar, you can easily spend an entire day playing around with the family. 

30. Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

☑️ Location: 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC

☑️ Pricing: General admission starts at $14.95 for adults and $7.95 for children ages 2-12.

☑️ Special Events: Seasonal event pricing costs vary. Look online for memberships. 

There are many fun things to do in Charlotte with kids, such as visiting the Discovery Place Science museum or exploring the beautiful gardens at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Situated on 300 acres, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens are a beautiful piece of land with rolling meadows, woodlands, and lakefront property. 30 acres are currently in use for visitors.

Just 21 miles from Charlotte, this beautiful piece of land is a wonderful outdoor escape from the city thrills.

Seasonal events take place all year round, and be sure to visit the Garden Store and the Wine Nook while you’re there!

31. Carolina Renaissance Festival

☑️ Location: 16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville, NC

☑️ Pricing: Tickets for the Renaissance Fair go on sale each year in the early summer. Check online for more details! 

Every Saturday and Sunday from late September through mid-November, join the fun of the Renaissance Festival!

Time travel to Camelot to see live shows, artisanal markets, games, fair food, horseback rides, falconry shows, dragons, fire shows and so much more!

All across the country Renaissance festivals are a big deal where people dress up and go all out for some medieval fun.

The Carolina Renaissance Festival is one of the biggest and most thrilling Renaissance shows you can go to, and it’s super fun for the entire family!

There is no better way to spend an Autumn weekend than joining in the festivities. 

Best Charlotte Family Friendly Restaurants

Sometimes, the best way to spend a day with the kids is to just get them outside exploring!

Charlotte has so much to see and do, with little shops to go into, and lots of restaurants to visit, you’ll never get bored simply seeing what there is to see!

Below you’ll see some of the best and most fun family-friendly restaurants in Charlotte. 

Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

☑️ Location: 4310 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC

Sushi burgers?!? You’ve probably never heard anything like it, and neither had the owners when they decided to create this one-of-a-kind experience.

Because of its diverse menu, you can easily bring the whole family and everyone will find something delicious they want to eat.

With their brightly colored walls, fun art and decorations, and even a live aquarium with real cowfish, the whole family will not be disappointed with a trip to Cowfish! 

Pinky’s Westside Grill

☑️ Locations: 1600 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC
9818 Gilead Rd Suite 101B, Huntersville, NC 

Pinky’s Grill has a great environment and lots of amazing food! With a huge menu and fast and friendly service, the whole family will love their trip.

Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Guy Fieri visited the restaurant multiple times, and he keeps coming back for the amazing food.

Pinky’s is known for their Viking corn dogs, mouth-watering fried pickles, and of course the Triple “G” burger.

You and the family will have a great time checking out the menu in between the many fun and educational things to do for kids Charlotte NC style.

Original Pancake House

☑️ Locations: 915 Charlottetown Ave, Charlotte, NC
4736 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC

For over 20 years, the Original Pancake House has been a Charlotte favorite for all-day breakfast and comfort foods.

The Original Pancake House has some of the best pancakes you’ll ever try, and what kid doesn’t love pancakes? Order online, or visit them for sit-down dining today. 

RedEye Diner

☑️ Location: 210 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 

The RedEye Diner is the perfect place for any meal, all day long! The menu is extensive and has plenty of Southern and American comfort food selections.

They’re famous for their chicken ‘n’ waffles!

Inside, you’ll find classic retro diner decor, complete with red neon lights and a black and white checkerboard floor.

The kids will have a great time eating delicious food! It’s a great place to stay in between the awesome family things to do in Charlotte, NC this weekend. Or any weekend!

Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Charlotte for Kids

The variety of family-friendly activities is huge in the Charlotte area! You will surely find things to do in Charlotte NC for kids that everyone will love, and enjoy doing.

From museums and hikes to delicious restaurants and hands-on activities, the fun is endless.

I love spending time in Charlotte with my kids, when they were younger as well as still today!

There are numerous things to do in Charlotte this weekend for families, such as visiting the Discovery Place Science Museum and exploring the exhibits at the Charlotte Nature Museum.

Save this list for the next time you’re thinking of taking the family out on a fun and memory-filled adventure! Charlotte is a great town for families with kids of all ages!