FREE STUFF TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS! - Cannon School

FREE STUFF TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS!
All information was compiled by Cannon parent Stacey Hensley from attraction or organization websites. Every effort
has been made to provide complete and accurate listings, based on the information available online.
AIRPORT OVERLOOK PARK. Pack a lunch and come here to watch the planes take off and land at
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. Off Old Dowd Road near the intersection with Besser Drive.
THE MINT MUESEUM OF CRAFT + DESIGN. It’s free on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pick up the
family guides and scavenger hunts at the front desk, and don’t miss the kid-friendly, hands-on activities
on the mezzanine level. 220 North Tryon Street, 704-337-2000, www.mintmuseums.org.
BEATTY’S FORD PARK. 22-acre park in Denver includes a pavilion with picnic tables, trail, kids splash
pad, playground and more. A public park on Lake Norman off Unity Church Road.
CROWDERS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK. About 25 miles west of Charlotte, this park will challenge the
experienced as well as the novice climber. It offers 12 miles of scenic, and somewhat strenuous, hiking
trails with a view at the top that’s worth the climb. 522 Park Office Lane in Kings Mountain. 704-853-5375.
www.ncparks.gov.
PUBLIC SPRAYGROUNDS. Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s five spraygrounds feature
sprays, nozzles and spouts that spray water for children to run through and frolic under. Open seven days
a week in the summer, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Several have playgrounds next door, making them a perfect
place to spend hours. Locations: Nevin Park, 6000 Statesville Road; Cordelia Park, 2100 North Davidson
Street; Latta Park, 601 East Park Avenue; Veterans Park , 2136 Central Avenue; and West Charlotte
Recreation Center, 2400 Kendall Drive. (704) 336-3854. www.parkandrec.com.
FREE SYMPHONY CONCERTS. Summer concerts with the Charlotte Symphony are free on Sundays in
June at Symphony Park by SouthPark mall and at other locations around the region on different days.
Concerts begin at 8:15 p.m. with preludes at 7 p.m. 704-972-2003. www.charlottesymphony.org.
IMAGINON LIBRARY. This uptown magnet of family fun is part children’s theatre, part library, and it’s
always free. While Children's Theatre productions require tickets, in other areas kids can put on a puppet
show, play with trains, try on costumes, play computer games and, of course, check out books. The
facility has lots of free story times each week, as well as rotating exhibits in its lobby. 300 E 7th St. 704-
973-2780. www.imaginon.org.
FAMILY DAY SUNDAYS AT THE CHRLOTTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY. The museum, which is always
free on Sundays, offers a glimpse into colonial life and has rotating exhibits. 3500 Shamrock Drive. 704-
568-1774. www.charlottemuseum.org.
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PET STORES. Take the kids to a local pet store for some easy free fun.
STORY TIME AND MUSIC AT LOCAL BOOKSTORES. Author Squad, Joseph-Beth Booksellers,
Barnes & Noble and Borders often have free story times, crafts and music hours for children. Check out
their websites at: www.authorsquad.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.borders.com, and
www.josephbeth.com.
THE ENERGY EXPLORIUM AT LAKE NORMAN. Located at McGuire Nuclear Station, the Explorium
features hands-on exhibits and interactive games designed to introduce kids to the wonders of electricity
and nuclear power. They can even use the power of a treadmill to operate a TV. The explorium also
offers a mile-long nature trail, a picnic area, and a large deck that overlooks Lake Norman, the Cowans
Ford dam and two nuclear silos. No admission fee. 13339 Hagers Ferry Road in Huntersville. 704-875-
5600. www.duke-energy.com
KANNAPOLIS VILLAGE PARK SUMMER EVENTS. Each weekend throughout the summer, the park
comes alive with the Kannapolis Summer Events Series, free, family-friendly events that include live arts,
concerts, movies and storytelling. www.cityofkannapolis.com/dept_pr_village_park.asp
NORTHLAKE MALL. At Northlake Mall’s Warner Bros. Looney Tunes Play Area (across from Dick’s
Sporting Goods on the lower level), kids can climb, crawl and jump on their favorite Looney Tunes
characters. The mall also has a kids’ activity area in the middle of its food court. They’ll have fun with
distorted mirrors, tic-tac-toe and tabletop sand art while you relax at a nearby table. 6801 Northlake Mall
Drive. 704-921-2005. www.shopnorthlake.com
STORYTIME AT AREA LIBRARIES. Each branch of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg library has dozens of
local programs, including weekly story times for different age groups and themed special events such as
cooking with books programs, “Fancy Nancy” parties and more. www.plcmc.org/programs (Many libraries
outside Mecklenburg have similar programming.)
MECKLENBURG PARKS AND RECS SPECIAL EVENTS. From fishing to birding, kayaking to outdoor
movies, Mecklenburg’s Park and Recreation department has dozens of fun, free programs and festivals
for kids and adults alike. www.parkandrec.com. Click on the “Get Going Guide.”
CHARLOTTE’S ASIAN CORNER. You could hop on a plane and 16 hours later land in China, or you
could hop in a car and head ten minutes northeast of uptown to The Asian Corner Mall and New Century
Grocery Store. Your kids will love the fish, frogs and shellfish in the aquarium, trying the koala bear and
“intellect” cookies, and other new sights and tastes.
CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG FIRE EDUCATION CENTER AND MUSEUM. Take the kids to see old
and new fire trucks at this museum at 420 West 5th Street uptown. Open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 704-338-SAFE.
www.charmeck.org/Departments/Fire/History/Char-Meck+fire+Museum.htm
KID’S WORKSHOPS AT HOME DEPOT. Offered the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. and
noon at most stores, kids will learn to hammer nails, turning screws and sanding wood while they build
things such as bird houses and catamarans. Designed to teach kids do-it-yourself skills and tool safety,
while instilling a sense of accomplishment. No registration required. www.homedepotclinics.com
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THE DALE EARNHARDT SHOWROOM. Pictures, trophies and cars are on display. Request a tour or
browse on your own. 1675 Dale Earnhardt Highway, Mooresville 704-662-8000
www.daleearnhardtinc.com
LOCAL PARKS. Mecklenburg County www.parkandrec.com, Cabarrus County
www.co.cabarrus.nc.us/parks/, Iredell County Parks www.co.iredell.nc.us, Rowan County Parks
www.co.rowan.nc.us, Huntersville Parks www.huntersville.org, Davidson Parks www.ci.davidson.nc.us/,
Cornelius Parks www.corneliuspr.org, Kannapolis Parks www.ci.kannapolis.nc.us, Concord Parks
www.ci.concord.nc.us, Harrisburg Parks www.harrisburgevents.com, Salisbury Parks
www.ci.salisbury.nc.us
LOWE’S BUILD AND GROW CLINICS. Held twice a month on the second and fourth Saturdays from 10
a.m. to 11 a.m., kids will build things such as a dune buggy, a picture frame and more. Different clinics
target children of different ages. Registration is required but can be done online.
www.lowesbuildandgrow.com
SOUTHPARK MALL. Have some upscale shopping to do while you have the kids? Despite the lack of a
formal play area, there are actually plenty of kid-friendly spots at SouthPark. Pottery Barn Kids has a
story time every Tuesday at 11 a.m., occasional kids’ concerts and a great play area with a play kitchen,
blocks, legos and more. Joseph-Beth Booksellers has a kids’ concert every Friday at 11:15 a.m., plus
scheduled story times and another great play area with a train table, stuffed animals and more. And don’t
forget to throw a coin in one of the mall’s fountains and make a wish! www.simon.com
CONCORD MILLS MALL. Besides all the great shopping, kids will love climbing in the kids' play area,
which has a hospital theme, seeing the fish in the huge aquarium at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and
watching employees make candy apples and other treats at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. 8111
Concord Mills Boulevard. (704) 979-3000. www.concordmills.com
REEDY CREEK PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE. 10 miles of hiking trails, as well as picnic shelters, a
playground with a “swing garden, a dog park, a fishing pier, an 18-hole disc golf course and more.
Located at 2900 Rocky River Road 704-598-8857.
www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+District/Northeast+District/ReedyCreek
PK.htm
THE GREEN. This charming park tucked in the middle of uptown features giant stone fish spouting water
(bring your bathing suit and get wet!), “insects” that chirp as you walk amid the park’s paths and a lovely
spot of green to play chase. Located between on Tryon Street, between Stonewall and Second streets.
www.thegreenuptown.com
DAVIDSON CONCERTS ON THE GREEN. Sundays from 6-8pm on the Village Green. Various different
concerts. See website for details. www.downtowndavidson.org
UNC CHARLOTTE BOTANICAL GARDENS. Consists of the 7-acre Van Landingham Glen, 3-acre
Harwood Garden and eight-room McMillan Greenhouse complex. Outdoor gardens open during daylight
hours daily. Located on the UNCC campus, at the corner of Mary Alexander and Michael Craver Road.
704-687-2870. http://gardens.uncc.edu
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DAVID WAYMER FLYING COMPLEX. Mecklenburg Park located at the end of Holbrooks Road in
Huntersville. Great place to take the kids, especially on Saturdays, to watch the flying of model airplanes.
www.parkandrec.com
THE DALE EARNHARDT SHOWROOM. Pictures, trophies and cars are on display. Request a tour or
browse on your own. 1675 Dale Earnhardt Highway, Mooresville 704-662-8000
www.daleearnhardtinc.com
KINGS MOUNTAIN NATIONAL MILITARY PARK. Located at the Kings Mountain exit off of I-85 South
near the SC line (NC Exit 2) is a free-to-see site of a game-changing American victory over the Redcoats
in 1780. Revisit the Revolution by walking the paved, self-guided 1.5mile Battlefield Trail Loop (moderate
to steep). www.nps.gov/kimo
NORTH CAROLINA MUSIC HALL OF FAME. Promotes and commemorates the musical heritage of the
State of North Carolina. 109 West A Street, Kannapolis. Monday-Friday 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.
Closed Weekends. FREE (donations appreciated). www.northcarolinamusichalloffame.org
NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM. Located in Salisbury a fun park with lots of train
stuff. Take rides on the train and/or in the roundhouse. FREE (donations appreciated). Small charges for
train and turntable rides. 411 S. Salisbury Avenue, Spencer. 704-636-2889 www.nctrans.org
DAN NICHOLAS PARK. At this amazing park in Rowan County, about 45 minutes from uptown, your
kids can ride an old-fashioned carrousel and train, play mini-golf, climb on cool playgrounds, splash in the
water play area, ride the paddleboats, pet farm animals and more. The best part? Visit the park for free.
Certain activities and parts of the park cost less than $2 per person. (Note: one thing does cost more:
panning for gemstones. That's $7 for a beginner's bucket, which two kids can share.) 6800 Bringle Ferry
Road, Salisbury. 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net
KANNAPOLIS VILLAGE PARK. Located along A and C Streets and North Loop Road. Village Park
offers an amphitheater, walking trail, the Rotary Express train, a splash pad, playground, picnic shelters
and open space. Admission to the train and splash pad are $1 per person.
www.cityofkannapolis.com/dept_pr_village_park.asp
RACING WALK OF FAME. Memorializes the inductees of the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame, such as
Richard Petty and Bobby Allison. FREE Main Street Mooresville in front of the Charles Mack Citizen
Center.
HOPE PARK. Joe Knox Avenue, Mooresville (near Lowe’s YMCA) Motorsports-themed playground with
“run through” fountain and picnic shelter. Tot-Lot for ages 2-5; older area for ages 5 – 12. FREE
RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS. Display of photos related to Richard Petty Motorsports’ four drivers.
7065 Zephyr Place, Concord. 704-743-5420 www.richardpettymotorsports.com
JOE GIBBS RACING. A racing empire owned by Joe Gibbs, who also formerly coached the NFL
Washington Redskins. 13415 Reese Blvd W, Huntersville. 704-944-5000 www.joegibbsracing.com
JR MOTORSPORTS AND JR NATION. View various Dale Earnhardt Jr exhibits, including a display of
personal family photos from his childhood. 349 Cayuga Drive, Mooresville. 704-799-4800
www.jrmotorsport.com
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KURT BUSH INC. Kurt Bush’s personal race shop. The public showroom displays his Victory Lane flags
and die casts of every racecar he’s driven. 151 Lugnut Lane, Mooresville. 704-799-2428
www.kurtbusch.com
PENSKE RACING. NASCAR owner Roger Penske lets fans in to watc from a “fan walk” as employees
work on his NASCAR team cars. 200 Penske Way, Mooresville. 704-664-2300 www.penskeracing.com
FREE MOVIES 2010.
Birkdale Stadium 16 – 10:00am Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays:
June 15, 16 & 17 – Doogal and/or Planet 51
June 22, 23 & 24 – Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything and/or Imagine That
June 29, 30 & 31 – March of the Penguins and/or Paul Blart Mall Cop
July 6, 7 & 8 – Kit Kittredge and/or Hotel for Dogs
July 13, 14, & 15 – Arctic Tale and/or Monsters vs Aliens
July 20, 21 & 22 – Tale of Espereaux and/or Alvin & The Chipmunks 2
July 27, 28 & 29 – Charlotte’s Web and/or Night at the Museum 2
August 3, 4 & 5 – Wallace & Grommit and/or Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
August 10, 11 & 12 – Polar Express and/or Ice Age 3
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STUFF TO DO THAT'S UNDER $10 PER PERSON
PLAZA FIESTA CAROLINA. This giant, two-story play place in the shopping center next to Carowinds --
billed as the largest indoor play center in the southeast -- has tons of slides, tunnels and other features for
kids to climb, swing and crawl through. Gated so the younger ones can only enter and exit from one spot.
Only $4 per child. Don't forget to wear socks! Check out the website for operating hours
www.plazafiestacarolinas.com
RIDE THE LIGHT RAIL. What kid doesn’t love a train? Ride Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line from 1-485 in
southern Meck to the end of uptown. Your kids will love the speed.
www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/LYNX
ZOOTASTIC PARK. Take a trip to the zoo in Troutman, NC. Open Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm and
Sundays 1-5pm. Admission $7 adults and $5 children (2-11) with under 2 free. For more details see
website www.zootasticpark.com
CHARLOTTE NATURE MUSEUM: A wonderful hands-on learning experience with a Butterfly Pavilion,
Creature Cavern, Insect Alley. Adjacent to Freedom Park which has a wonderful play area and stroller
friendly walking trails around a large lake. Open Tuesday – Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and
Sunday 12-5pm. Cost $6 per person. www.charlottenaturemuseum.org
MATTHEWS PLAY STATION. For just $2 per child (and $1 for each additional child), you can bring your
kids to this new indoor playroom for children ages 0-5 in the Matthews Community Center in downtown
Matthews. You'll find Little People sets, musical instruments, dress-up costumes, dinosaurs and more.
The playroom was started by local moms who thought the town needed an indoor space for young kids to
play. Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 704-321-7275. 100 East McDowell
Street. www.matthewsnc.com/html/commcenter
STORY TIME ON THE CATAWBA QUEEN. Take a jaunt along the shores of Lake Norman with a story
time cruise – complete with milk and cookies -- on this replica Mississippi river boat. 1459 River Highway
in Mooresville. 704-663-2628. www.queenslanding.com
QUEENS LANDING. Play putt putt and enjoy a meal on the shores of Lake Norman. Take a 1 ½ lunch
cruise or a 2 ½ hour dinner cruise on the “Lady” our yacht or on the Catawba Queen a Mississippi
Riverboat. 1459 River Highway in Mooresville 704-663-2628. www.queenslanding.com
KANNAPOLIS INTIMADATORS BASEBALL. Enjoy a summer night of baseball in Kannapolis.
www.kannapolisintimadators.com
KNIGHTS BASEBALL. Enjoy a summer night out with the Charlotte Knights. Watch a game and let the
kids play in the Rookie Play Zone, which has inflatables, slides and more. Single game general admission
tickets are only $7 apiece, and the team's schedule is filled with promotional events that offer ways to get
two for the price of one, free tickets and half price tickets. Located in Fort Mill, SC.
www.charlotteknights.com
MCDOWELL NATURE PRESERVE. This 1108-acre preserve along the banks of Lake Wylie in
southwest Mecklenburg is a great place to take the kids hiking or on a nature walk. The preserve also has
a great playground and a free nature center with snakes, frogs and other creatures. On weekends and
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holidays, admission is $3 for a car licensed in Mecklenburg county and $5 for all others. (Other days are
free.)
MCDOWELL NATURE PRESERVE, PART II – CAMPING OUT. For an additional $6 per family, you can
pitch a tent on a campsite that has a fire ring, a grill and an electrical hookup, plus nearby bathrooms with
hot showers. This summer, the preserve is doing campfire songs and marshmallows for free for campers
every Friday night. On Saturdays, they offer free programs for campers including nature hikes, wildlife art,
treasure hunts, and even family movie nights. Call 704-588-5224 or go to
www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Activities/Outdoors/Camping.htm for more information.
REED GOLD MINE. The site of the first documented gold find in the United States is just north of
Mecklenburg County in Midland, N.C. Watch an orientation movie about the discovery, check out the
museum and take an underground tour for free. But the best part is panning for gold, which costs $2 per
person. (Kids 8 and older can pan by themselves; younger children must pan with an adult.)
www.reedmine.com
BELMONT DRIVE-IN. Take the family to one of the few remaining drive-in theaters. For $4 per person,
you can take in a double feature that typically starts around 9 p.m. It's a great place to take the kids to see
a movie and not have to worry about trying to keep them quiet. Most families come about an hour early to
get a good spot and spend the time talking, kicking around a soccer ball or throwing a Frisbee until
Showtime. The season typically runs from about March to the week before Thanksgiving, depending on
the weather. Sometimes the theater is open seven nights a week, but it's always open on Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays. The food -- standard hamburgers and hotdogs -- is pretty good and reasonably
priced, especially compared to regular movie theater fare. 314 McAdenville Road in Belmont. 704-825-
6044 www.belmontdrivein.us
BOUNCE U. Play center with tons of inflatables. Located across I-77 from Northlake Mall. Check out the
website for times and events. www.bounceu.com
PATTERSON FARM. Go berry picking, tomato picking or hit the pumpkin patch. Check out how a
working farm operates. In addition to picking produce, the farm offers a petting zoo. Or, if you're with a
group, you can schedule a tour for $7 a person that allows the kids to feed farm animals, take a hayride
and plant seeds. (704) 636-4005. www.pattersonfarminc.com
RAY’S SPLASH PLANET. Indoor water park operated by Mecklenburg County’s parks department. Ride
the slides, circulate in the current pool, get doused with buckets or do the dousing with squirt guns.
Uptown. www.parkandrec.com (click “Ray’s Splash Planet”)
NASCAR SPEEDPARK: Six tracks, laser tag, bumper boats, rock climbing wall and more. Concord Mills
Mall, www.nascarspeedpark.com
LOWE’S MOTOR SPEEDWAY. Do the kids love racing? For $5 a person, the "Feel the Thrill Tour" will
let them visit areas of the speedway that are off-limits on race days, such as the NEXTEL Cup garage
and take a picture in Victory Circle, plus ride along the speedway in a van (Bring a car seat if your child
needs one) and feel the full-tilt force of the 24-degree banking. Tours are available on non-event days
Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and Sunday
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 704-455-3204. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com
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RIDE THE TROLLEY. Climb aboard the replica streetcars with your kids and you’ll feel like you’ve gone
back in time. A round-trip adult trolley fare is $2.60, youth is $1.30 and kids under 5 are free. Take it
uptown, have lunch, visit ImaginOn or Discovery Place, or just walk around and people watch. The trolley
currently runs Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Uptown.
www.charlottetrolley.org
US NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER. Sure, it costs money to raft the whitewater. But for $5 to park,
you can sit on rocks next to the rapids and wave to the kayakers and rafters that splash by. This one-of-akind
center also has a walking trail that hugs the course and large rocks with plastic climbing footholds for
young kids to scamper on. 820 Hawfield Road. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org
THE MINT MUSEUM OF ART. The second Saturday of each month, children get in free with an adult
admission ($6) and the museum hosts a family art-making experience. Prepare to get messy! Drop in
anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 2730 Randolph Road. 704-337-2050. www.mintmuseum.org
MONKEY JOE’S PARTIES AND PLAY: Play center aimed at kids ages 1-10. Includes toddler zone,
private party rooms and parents’ lounge. Locations in Matthews, Pineville and the University area.
www.monkeyjoesnc.com
LAZY 5 RANCH: You can pet exotic animals including giraffes and ostriches at this privately owned
drive-through park near Mooresville. www.lazy5ranch.com
CAROLINA RAPTOR CENTER. The center rehabilitates injured and orphaned raptors. The center also
has programs on strange bird behavior and a behind-the-scenes tour that includes the bird hospital.
www.carolinaraptorcenter.org
SPORTS CONNECTION: Entertainment center with 100 video games, rides and attractions in a 7,000square-foot
arcade zone; 8,000-square-foot Jump-N-Play zone with inflatables for children; 6,000-squarefoot,
two-story laser-tag facility, believed to be the largest in the state; 14 regulation bowling lanes and six
mini-lanes for children. In Ballantyne at 11611 Ardrey Kell Road and in Charlotte at 10930 Granite Street.
www.sportsconnectionnc.com
EXTREME PLAY. Located in Carolina Mall in Concord. It is a play place with inflatables and games for
children. www.extreme-play.com
STEGALL’S ARENA RODEO. Live rodeo for families with real bulls. Admission $6 adults and kids under
10 free. Sundays at 7pm on Odell School Road Concord. www.stegallsarena.com
SKATING RINKS: ice and roller
Charlotte Sports Center: 8626 Hankins Road, Charlotte; 704-597-7311. www.CharlotteSportsCenter.com
Frye’s Roller Rink: 2800 Poplar Tent Road, Concord; 704-782-5513 www.fryes4fun.com
Skateland USA: 311 Brookdale Street, Kannapolis; 704-938-3013 www.fryes4fun.com/skateland
Starlight Roller Rink: 8830 East WT Harris Blvd, Charlotte; 704-568-5700 www.starlightrollerrink.com
Sweet Sk8s: 2129 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury; 704-642-0766; www.sweetsk8sskatingrink.com
Pineville Ice House: 400 Towne Centre Blvd, Pineville; 704-889-9000; www.icehouserinks.com
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BOWLING:
Frye’s Lake Lanes: 2800 Poplar Tent Road, Concord; 704-782-5952 www.fryes4fun.com
Northcross Lanes: 16317 Statesville Road, Huntersville; 704-892-7177 www.northcrosslanes.com
George Pappas Victor Lanes: 125 Morlake Drive, Mooresville; 704-663-5300 www.victorylanesnc.com
Woodleaf Lanes: 1811 Jake Alexander Blvd West, Salisbury; 704-633-5342 www.woodleaflanes.com
Foxfire Lanes: 225 Security Street, Kannapolis; 704-932-0146 www.foxfirelanes.com
Dave & Busters: 8361 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord; 704-979-1700 www.daveandbusters.com
AMF University Lanes: 5900 N Tryon Street, Charlotte; 704-596-4736
www.amf.com/universitylanesnc/centerhomepage.htm
RIVERBANKS ZOO IN COLUMBIA: A sanctuary for more than 2000 animals, this zoo is smaller than the
N.C. Zoological Park, making it more manageable for little ones. Don’t miss the petting zoo, penguin
aquarium or animal feedings. About an hour and a half from Charlotte. www.riverbanks.org
EDVENTURE CHILDRENS MUSEUM. Largest children’s museum in the south. Hands on learning.
Exhibits include Bodyworks, where your 0-12 year old will be fascinated by learning more able what’s the
human body is all about. World of Work helps children learn to experience and appreciate the diversity of
jobs. In Mission Imagination, kids will learn to be better communicators through art, music, movement
and words. The Great Outdoors explores hydropower, the importance of recycling and how solar energy
works. The Critter Garden helps illustrate the biodiversity of plants and animals native to South Carolina
and the role each on eplays , even in the delicate ecosystem of one’s own garden. 211 Gervais Street in
Columbia, SC. www.edventure.org
HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL PARK: A 100-acre park housing close to 500 rare and exotic animals, many of
which have starred in commercials and movies including The Big Chill, Prince of Tides, Days of Thunder
and Last of the Mohicans. Take the outback safari, the “cool cat express” train ride or feed animals in the
close encounters program. About 90 miles from Charlotte in Inman, S.C. www.hollywild.com
LATTA PLANTATION NATURE PERSERVE. At this 1,343-acre preserve, the largest in Mecklenburg,
you can hike, canoe, ride horses, see a historic plantation house, check out live animals in its nature
center and more. You can even take a Segway tour. 6211 Sample Road in Huntersville. 704-875-1391.
www.lattaplantation.org
AVIATION MUSEUM. The museum is conveniently located adjacent to Charlotte Douglas International
airport, so your visit will include watching all types of commercial and private aircraft land and takeoff.
Open Tuesday – Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Admission is $8.00 for
Adults, $6.00 for Children, Free for Children under 6.
KIDSENSES CHILDREN’S INTERACTIVE MUSEUM. The museum is located at 172 North Main Street
in Rutherfordton (about 90 minutes from Charlotte). Creative stations and hands-on play stimulate the
imagination and educate the mind. Cost is $5 per person. Hours are Tuesday – Thursday 9am-5pm,
Friday 9am-8pm and Saturday 9am-5pm. 828-286-2120 www.kidsenses.com
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BAA MOO FARM. The animals are waiting for you. Come take a walk over the farm through open
pastures, wander through the woods until you reach the cool creek. Wagon rides, fee baby calves,
sheep, gather eggs and much more. Located in Olin, NC, about 45 minutes from Lake Norman on I-77
just north of I-40. Open April to November – Reservations required. Cost is $8.00 per person, children
under 3 free. Call 704-876-1732 www.baamoofarm.com
RAYS SPLASH PLANET. Ray's Splash Planet is unlike anything in the Carolinas!! Ray's includes a oneof-a-kind
water park with fun-filled features AND the Planet is home to a state of the art fitness
center with an aerobic & dance room, cardiovascular theater, free weights and resistance
equipment. Admission $6.00 per day under 17 and $8.00 per day for adults. www.parkandrec.com
ROWAN MUSEUM. Utzman Chambers House and Old Stone House. The purpose of the Rowan
Museum, Inc. is to collect, preserve, research, exhibit, and educate the public about the history of Rowan
County and piedmont North Carolina through the use of its properties, programs and collections. 200
North Main Street, Salisbury. Donations Accepted. 704-633-5946. www.rowanmuseum.org
SALISBURY HERITAGE TROLLEY TOURS. Discover Historic Rowan County. Family Fun. Outdoor
Adventures. History. Shopping. Arts, Culture & Entertainment. April thru October. 704-638-3100
www.visitsalisburync.com
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF WINSTON SALEM. www.childrensmuseumofws.org
THE CHARLOTTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY. The Charlotte Museum of History's exhibit program serves
the museum's mission and objectives by "sharing Charlotte's stories." The galleries help visitors
understand the history of Charlotte and what it means to be a Charlottean. Our exhibits allow us to
showcase and interpret our growing collection that emphasizes Charlotte's rich and varied history to
illustrate the interrelationship of Charlotte's past, present, and future. Guided tours and many events.
3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte. 704-568-1774. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Admission $6 adult, $3 kids 6-
12, under 6 free. www.charlottemuseum.org
LANSFORD CANAL STATE PARK. This park wraps around what remains of 1820’s Catawba River
Canal and the trail at this SC park (a bit over a mile), walks you through the canal’s brief history. The
park’s also known for spider lilies that live in the Catawba and bloom in the spring. Admission $2. Take I-
77 south to Exit 77 and follow US 21 south. Watch for signs. www.southcarolinaparks.com
NORTH CAROLINA AUTO RACING HALL OF FAME. Dedicated to all types of racing – from drag
racing to stock cars – more than 35 cars showcase motor sports heritage. Relive racing’s greatest
moments in the Goodyear Mini-Theater and browse the many displays. 119 Knob Hill Road (Lakeside
Park) Mooresville 704-663-5331 www.ncarhof.com
MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING. See what it takes to run a championship race team. This “all-access”,
behind-the-scenes experience can be found at Raceworld USA, headquarters of Michael Waltrip Racing
and JTG-Daugherty Racing. Cost?? 20310 Chartwell Center Drive, Cornelius 704-897-5555
www.michaelwaltrip.com
MEMORY LANE MUSEUM. Largest private collection of vintage stock cars in the US. More than 150
vehicles on display. View the history of the automobile. Unique collection of antique toys, pedal cars,
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icycles, gas pumps, movie cars, tractors and vintage motorcycles. 769 River Highway Mooresville 704-
662-3673 www.memorylaneautomuseum.com
RURAL HILL. Rural Retreat as it was first established was the home of Major John and Violet
Davidson. John Davidson served in the American Revolution and was one of the original signers of the
Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The small homestead ultimately developed into a thriving
plantation. Today, this 265 acre historic farm boasts some of the last remaining rural vistas in
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Rural Hill is open Monday-Saturday to the public and offers a
variety of activities such as guided tours, educational programs, walking trails, and even hayrides with a
prior reservation. There are also special events throughout the year. 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville 704-
875-3113 www.ruralhill.net
CATAWBA SCIENCE CENTER. Want to get your kids excited about science and nature? It’s easy to do
at the Catawba Science Center in Hickory. Hands on science experiments, aquarium and planetarium.
Admission $6 adults, $4 kids 3-18, and under 3 free. 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory 828-322-8169
www.catawbascience.org
PICK YOUR OWN FRUITS, BERRIES, APPLES AND PRODUCE:
Hall Family Farm – strawberries and corn. Ballantyne area 704-562-4021 www.hallfamilyfrarm.com
Quail Run Farm – strawberries. Cabarrus County 704-436-6963
Patterson Farm – strawberries and pumpkins. China Grove, NC 704-857-5242
www.pattersonfarminc.com
Summerberry Farm – blackberries. Concord, NC 704-721-0670
Springs Farm – strawberries, peaches, tomatoes and sweet corn. Fort Mill, SC 803-371-6256
Linebergers Maple Springs Farm – strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, pumpkins, greens. Dallas, NC
in Gaston County 704-748-1488 http://maplespringsfarm.home.mindspring.com/
Berry Farm – blackberry, peaches and plums. Huntersville, NC 704-948-6987
William’s Blueberries – blueberries. Indian Trail, NC 704-882-2968
Piedmont Produce – strawberries. Monroe, NC 704-753-2300
Carrigan Farms – strawberries, peaches, asparagus, pumpkins and apples. Mooresville, NC 704-664-
1450 www.carriganfarms.com
Rivers’ Blueberries – blueberries. Rock Hill, SC 803-366-5691
Hunter Farm – strawberries. Weddington, NC 704-846-7975
The Peach Tree – peaches. York, SC 803-684-9996
Windy Hill Orchard – apples. York, SC 803-684-0690 www.windyhillorchard.com
Sky Top Orchard – apple. Flat Rock, NC 828-692-7930 www.skytoporchard.com
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STUFF TO DO OVER $10 PER PERSON
DISCOVERY PLACE: Hands-on science and technology museum. Permanent exhibits include a threestory
rain forest, aquarium and The Charlotte Observer Omnimax Theatre showing IMAX movies. Open
Monday – Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12-5pm. Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for
children. Members are free. Located at 301 N Tryon Street. Uptown. www.discoveryplace.org
CAROWINDS. 105-acre theme park straddling the North Carolina/South Carolina border off Interstate 77
with 60 rides, attractions and shows, including a water park and a Nickelodeon theme park. Season
generally runs from March to November. 800-888-4FUN. www.carowinds.com
N.C. ZOO. Located about 90 miles from Charlotte in Asheboro, the zoo is nationally recognized as one of
the nation’s finest. It offers expansive habitats for the animals – great for the animals, but be prepared to
walk. www.nczoo.org
SCHIELE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. American Indian culture, early Piedmont history,
interactive permanent galleries, special hands-on exhibits and programs interpreting more than 400 years
of Piedmont history. 1500 East Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-866-6900. www.schielemuseum.org
TIGER WORLD. An animal conservation educational center dedicate to rescue, rehabilitation, and
preservation of exotic animals. See live tigers at your own pace or request an educational tour guide.
Open everyday 9am-5pm except Wednesdays. I-85 North to Rockwell. Adults $12, Children (2-12) $10
and under 2 free. www.tigerworld.us
TWEETSIE RAILROAD. www.tweetsie.com
DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN. All-seasons gardens on more than 110 acres, featuring 12
fountains and a natural woodland trail. Hosts concerts and special events. 6500 South New Hope Road,
Belmont. 704-825-4490. www.dsbg.org
THE PIT INDOOR KART RACING, LASER TAG & ARCADE. Putting race fans behind the wheel on
indoor tracks. Adult Kart Racing. 9-horsepower motors for ages 16 and older. 5.5 horsepower motors for
ages 8 to 15. Arcade games, laser tag and more. 346 East Plaza Drive, Mooresville 704-799-3470
www.meetmeatthepit.com
NASCAR HALL OF FAME. Whether you want to cruise through the NASCAR Hall of Fame ® in a day or
lap back again and again throughout the year, there is something for everyone at the Hall. From the
down-home history of stock car racing to the legendary drivers and their race cars, we’ve packed in
everything that’s great about NASCAR®. Every time you visit, your senses will come to life by the sights
and sounds throughout the spectacular NASCAR Hall of Fame. And with amazing artifacts, interactive
exhibits, simulator rides and the ever-changing events at the High Octane Theater, you’ll always
encounter something new at the Hall. 501 S. College Street, Charlotte 704-654-4400
www.nascarhall.com
CHARLOTTE CHECKERS HOCKEY. Ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. Based in
Charlotte, the Checkers play their home games at Time Warner Cable Arena in downtown Charlotte.
www.gocheckers.com
CAROLINA PANTHERS FOOTBALL. Watch the Panthers a Professional American football team based
in Charlotte, representing North Carolina and South Carolina in the National Football Conference (NFC)
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in the National Football League (NFL). They play in the Bank of America Stadium in downtown Charlotte.
www.panthers.com
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS BASKETBALL. Watch the Bobcats a professional basketball team based in
Charlotte. The team plays in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball
Association (NBA). They play in Time Warner Cable Arena in downtown Charlotte.
www.nba.com/bobcats/
FESTIVALS:
Davidson Town Day – Carnival games, food, arts and entertainment for the family. Professional and local
talent. Local vendors offer a variety of food and items for sale. Davidson Town Green – first weekend in
May - www.downtowndavidson.com
Spring into Arts Festival – downtown Concord – May - www.springintoarts.com
Charlotte Pet Expo – an event for all pet lovers and their pets – Cabarrus Arena, Concord – May -
www.charlottepetexpo.com
Food Lion Speedstreet – May Race week - www.600festival.com
Rual Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games – Rural Hill, Huntersville – April -
www.ruralhill.net
Beachfest Matthews – Live Beach Music, shagging, sand volleyball, full-size carnival rides and activities
for kids. – Stumptown Park, Matthews – April/May - www.beachfestmatthews.com
Charlotte Dragonboat Festival & Asian Festival – Lake Norman – May - www.charlottedragonboat.org
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas – a celebration of humanity can universal freedom. Festival offers a
rich array of cultural traditions and diversity thought food, arts and music. Independence Park – June -
www.juneteenthofthecarolinas.com
Taste of Charlotte – The area’s largest food festival. Sample restaurant foods and beverages offered
from over 100 different vendors. Kids will love the inflatable jumpers, rock climbing, wall and more. Tryon
Street Uptown – June - www.tasteofcharlotte.com
Carolina Renaissance Festival – A medieval amusement park, a 10-stage theater, a 20-acre circus, an
arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament, an artisan marketplace and a feast all rolled into one non-stop,
day-long family adventure – Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville – October thru November -
www.royalfaires.com/carolina
McAdenville Christmas Lights – November thru December - www.mcadenville-christmastown.com
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WEBSITES
www.kidsincharlotte.com
www.charlottesmartypants.com
www.charlotteobserver.com/moms
www.charlottefamilybuzz.com
www.littleonesmagazine.com
www.charlotteparent.com
www.charlotte.momslikeme.com
www.bizymoms.com/charlotte
www.lakenormanmommies.com
www.360charlotte.com
www.wsoctv.com
www.kidsdirectorycharlotte.com
www.cabarruslivingmagazine.com
www.momscharlotte.com
www.uncorkthefun.com
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