If you’re planning a family vacation to Charlotte, NC, you’re in luck! This bustling city offers a wide range of activities that are perfect for kids. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, unique dining experiences, or family-friendly accommodations, Charlotte has it all. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top things to do with kids in Charlotte, so you can plan an unforgettable trip for the whole family.
Top Family-Friendly Activities in Charlotte
- Discovery Place Science: With its interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, Discovery Place Science is a must-visit for families. Kids can learn about the wonders of science through exciting exhibits and workshops.
- Carowinds Amusement Park: For thrill-seeking families, Carowinds Amusement Park is the place to be. This park offers a variety of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water slides, and live entertainment.
- The Charlotte Hornets: If your kids are sports fans, catching a Charlotte Hornets basketball game is a great way to spend an afternoon. The energetic atmosphere and exciting gameplay will keep the whole family entertained.
- ImaginOn: ImaginOn is a unique cultural hub that combines a library and a children’s theater. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, participate in workshops, and even watch live performances.
- U.S. National Whitewater Center: For adventurous families, a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center is a must. From whitewater rafting to ziplining, this outdoor adventure center offers activities that will thrill kids of all ages.
Now that you have an idea of the top family-friendly activities in Charlotte, let’s dive into some outdoor adventures you can enjoy with your kids.
Charlotte, known as the Queen City, offers a plethora of outdoor adventures for families to enjoy. One such adventure is a visit to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, spanning over 380 acres with stunning gardens, fountains, and walking trails. Families can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while children can learn about different plant species and ecosystems.
Another outdoor gem in Charlotte is the Freedom Park, a sprawling urban park that features playgrounds, sports fields, and even paddleboat rentals. Families can enjoy a picnic by the lake, go for a leisurely stroll, or engage in a friendly game of frisbee golf. The park also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Outdoor Adventures for Children in Charlotte
- Freedom Park: Freedom Park is a fantastic place to spend a sunny day with your kids. This beautiful park features playgrounds, walking trails, sports courts, and even a lake where you can rent paddleboats.
- Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: For a serene outdoor experience, take your kids to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. They can explore the stunning gardens, interact with nature, and even join educational programs.
- Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve: If your kids love animals, a visit to the Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve is a must. This nature center offers guided hikes, wildlife displays, and educational programs about the local flora and fauna.
- Great Wolf Lodge Water Park: Beat the heat at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. This indoor water park features waterslides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and other exciting water attractions that the whole family will love.
- Lazy 5 Ranch: Get up close and personal with exotic animals at Lazy 5 Ranch. Known for its drive-thru safari experience, this ranch allows you to feed and interact with various animals, including giraffes, zebras, and kangaroos.
After spending time exploring the great outdoors, you might be looking for some indoor activities to keep your kids entertained. Let’s take a look at some ways to explore nature while staying indoors.
Indoor nature exploration can be just as exciting as outdoor adventures. One option is to visit the Discovery Place Nature museum, located in the heart of Charlotte. This interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits that allow children to learn about the wonders of nature in a fun and engaging way. From exploring different ecosystems to discovering the diversity of wildlife, your kids will have a blast while expanding their knowledge.
If your children have a passion for marine life, a visit to SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium is a must. This indoor aquarium features a wide variety of marine species, including colorful fish, majestic sharks, and playful sea turtles. Your little ones can marvel at the underwater world through the aquarium’s impressive exhibits and even have the opportunity to touch some of the creatures during interactive sessions.
Exploring Nature with Kids in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte, NC is a vibrant city with plenty of opportunities for families to explore nature together. If you’re looking to spark your kids’ curiosity and appreciation for the natural world, there are several fantastic attractions to visit.
- The Museum of Natural Sciences: The Museum of Natural Sciences is a great place to introduce your kids to nature. They can marvel at dinosaur skeletons, learn about local wildlife, and even attend interactive presentations.
- SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord: Dive into the fascinating world of underwater creatures at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord. Your kids can explore marine exhibits, interact with marine biologists, and even touch gentle sea creatures.
- The Raptor Center: Visit The Raptor Center to learn about birds of prey and conservation efforts. Your kids can attend educational presentations, meet rehabilitated birds, and even watch live bird shows.
- Charlotte Nature Museum: The Charlotte Nature Museum offers hands-on exhibits and nature trails for kids to explore. They can learn about local wildlife, participate in interactive activities, and even meet live animals up close.
- ImaginOn’s Rainforest Adventures: At ImaginOn’s Rainforest Adventures, your kids can immerse themselves in the wonders of the rainforest. They can climb through treetop canopies, encounter exotic animals, and learn about the importance of rainforest conservation.
Top Places to Eat with Kids in Charlotte
After all the excitement, you and your kids are bound to work up an appetite. Here are some top places to grab a bite to eat with your little ones:
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar: Offering a unique fusion of sushi and burgers, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is sure to impress your kids. They can enjoy creative dishes like the bento boxes or the “Burgushi,” a combination of burger and sushi.
- Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill: Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill is a family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu. From burgers and wings to vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone in the family.
- Picasso’s Sports Cafe: Picasso’s Sports Cafe is not just a restaurant; it’s also an entertainment center. Your kids can enjoy arcade games, billiards, and even mini-golf while you savor delicious food and drinks.
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar: Give your kids a taste of mouthwatering burgers at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. With its customizable burger options and delicious sides, this restaurant is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Puckett’s Farm Equipment: Puckett’s Farm Equipment offers southern comfort food that the whole family will love. From fried chicken to homemade pies, this restaurant will take you on a delicious culinary journey.
Best Hotels for Families
After a fun-filled day exploring Charlotte, it’s time to relax and recharge at a family-friendly hotel. Here are some of the best hotels that cater to families.
- Gaylord Hotels: The Gaylord Hotels brand, such as the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, offers luxurious accommodations and a wide range of family-friendly amenities. From indoor pools to children’s activities, these hotels ensure a memorable stay for the whole family.
- The Ritz-Carlton: The Ritz-Carlton hotels are known for their exceptional service and amenities. Many of their locations offer special programs for kids, including supervised activities, children’s pools, and even kids’ spas.
- Marriott’s Great Wolf Lodge: Marriott’s Great Wolf Lodge combines comfortable accommodations with exciting water park experiences. With spacious suites, themed rooms, and endless water attractions, this hotel promises endless fun for kids of all ages.
- Hampton Inn & Suites: Hampton Inn & Suites offers comfortable and family-friendly accommodations at an affordable price. With amenities like free breakfast and indoor pools, these hotels ensure a hassle-free stay for families.
- Hilton Garden Inn: Hilton Garden Inn hotels provide comfortable rooms and a wide range of amenities that cater to families. With features like on-site restaurants and in-room microwaves and refrigerators, these hotels make traveling with kids a breeze.
With a myriad of family-friendly activities, delicious dining options, and accommodating hotels, Charlotte, NC is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or immersing yourselves in educational experiences, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Book your trip to Charlotte and create lifelong memories with your loved ones!
