Guest Post by Liz Logan
Before Charlotte hit this wonderful population boom we’re in now, parents had to travel all around the city for activities that wouldn’t cost the grocery budget or just stay at home. Now, with the availability of activities in each area, you don’t have to leave your own stomping grounds or spend an arm and a leg- unless you just want to.
This city is filled with fun, free, and educational experiences for the whole family, no matter your neighborhood. There are cultural events, outdoor activities, and beautiful scenery that make Charlotte and its surrounding areas a truly special place to live and grow. If your family is looking for some fun (and inexpensive) outings around the city, check out these ideas for the perfect day.
As Charlotte grows, so does the accessibility of parks. In Uptown, take the kids to run around at Romare Bearden Park along South Church Street or First Ward Park along 7th Street. Both parks have tons of green space and splash pads for the kids, as well as activities calendars. Be sure to check their websites. Check out the little known The Green off South Tryon Street with giant fish sculptures that create water fun and mosaic-tiled stools for when you need a break.
If you’re in the Huntersville area, Latta Plantation is a great escape from city life for the whole family. Found on Mountain Island Lake, Latta Plantation has foot trails, horse trails, picnic areas and a nature preserve. Lake Wylie even has its own version with the McDowell Nature Center and Preserve. Latta Plantation houses the Carolina Raptor Center where you can watch beautiful wild birds take flight.
For the NoDa and Plaza Midwood areas, be sure to check out Veteran’s Park and Cordelia Park. Both have fantastic spraygrouds and Cordelia has one of the city’s only public swimming pools.
One of the most popular parks is found right in the heart of Myers Park, with greenway trails leading all around the city. Freedom Park has tons to offer for a family fun day- a lake with fountains, engaging play equipment, and the Discovery Place Nature Museum.
Freedom Park
Charlotte has an impressive library system, with over 20 branches so no matter where you call home, a library is sure to be nearby. And with no admission fee, this is the perfect family outing.
Imaginon is Charlotte’s singular kids-only public library. Housing the Children’s Theater of Charlotte, three stories of interactive fun and a full calendar, Imaginon is a hit for kids of all ages, with the third floor being exclusively for teens.
The Plaza-Midwood Library and Morrison Regional Library in South Park- which will reopen after extensive renovations this fall – offer fantastic story times and activities for the family along with wide selections of books to take home. Try their online checkout to have your books waiting for you at the door.
Morrison Regional Library
A walk around Uptown will bring you quite a few museums. Discovery Place is geared towards older children (and the younger version located in Huntersville) , while the Levine Museum of the New South, Harvey B. Gantt Center and Mint Museums offer something great for everyone.
If you head down Shamrock Drive, just outside of NoDa, you’ll find the Charlotte Museum of History tucked away on the property of Mecklenburg County’s oldest house- the Hezekiah Alexander house.
Found at Concord Mills is the Sea Life Charlotte Concord Aquarium. With tickets starting at just around $14, you can find chocolate chip starfish and many other spectacular species throughout many interactive exhibits.
Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
Active Attractions
There are tons of outdoor and indoor attractions for those days when you’re feeling super active. All around Charlotte, you can find the growing trend of trampoline parks. Sky Zone and Sky High are located in the Pineville area, DefyGravity in the University area, and Big Air will open soon in MoRA. These offer tons of action at reasonable price points.
Down toward Gaston County is the US National Whitewater Center, located in Belmont. You can pay the $5 parking fee ($40 for the whole year) and check out the free obstacle course which is great for kids about 5 and up. The USNWC has a complex trail system that is great for walking or running. With kayak rental, rock climbing and a ropes course, there are activities to keep you energized for the whole day.
Drive down I-85 South about half an hour to Crowders Mountain State Park, which was rated the number one activity to do around Charlotte by US Today’s 10 Best. Miles of trails, lakes, canoe rentals and paddleboats await at this beautiful retreat from urban life.
Charlotte is filled with options for kids and parents. No matter where you land, you’re sure to find great activities to keep a smile on everyone’s face.
-Liz is a freelance writer and the editor for QC Playground. Along with pursuing her Masters in nonfiction, she enjoys interior design and walks to the park with her partner and 3 kids.