Browse kids activities near Charlotte

Search by name, then narrow by town, category, season or free vs paid. Your selections are saved in the link, so you can share or bookmark them.

Categories

Seasons

124 activities match your filters

Hours, prices and seasonal dates change often — always check the official website before you go. Info last reviewed November 2026.

U.S. National Whitewater Center
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Seasonal
Huge outdoor adventure park on the Catawba River. Warm months: whitewater rafting, ziplines, climbing, ropes courses, Wildwoods family play area and 50+ miles of trails. Winter at Whitewater (mid-Nov to mid-Feb): the Southeast's largest outdoor ice rink (24,000 sq ft), a free illuminated Winter Trail, Highland cows, a Christmas tree lot and night zips.
Free entry; parking $13/vehicle. All Access Day Pass $79; Wildwoods pass $18; ice skating $25 incl. rentals
Good to know: The Winter Trail and trails are free with parking.
Year-roundVisit official site for U.S. National Whitewater Center (opens in a new tab)
Carowinds
Paid
Charlotte / Fort Mill, NC/SC
Seasonal
Amusement park straddling the NC/SC state line with Camp Snoopy for little kids, big coasters for teens, and seasonal events. Now open year-round on select dates.
Year-roundVisit official site for Carowinds (opens in a new tab)
Great Wolf Lodge Concord
Paid
Concord, NC
WaterRainy day
Indoor waterpark resort kept at 84°F year-round — slides, wave pool, a giant tipping-bucket treehouse — plus MagiQuest, arcade and ropes course. Day passes available.
Day passes from about $55 (varies by date)
Year-roundVisit official site for Great Wolf Lodge Concord (opens in a new tab)
Ray's Splash Planet
Paid
Charlotte, NC
WaterRainy day
Mecklenburg County's indoor water park uptown: 3-story Blue Comet slide, lazy river, Saturation Station kids' play structure, beach entry and lap lanes. Open Fri evenings and weekends.
Low-cost county admission
Year-roundVisit official site for Ray's Splash Planet (opens in a new tab)
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
Paid
Concord, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Indoor aquarium at Concord Mills with an ocean tunnel, sharks, rays, touch pools and Lego-themed play.
Year-roundVisit official site for SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium (opens in a new tab)
Discovery Place Science
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Uptown hands-on science museum with labs, live demos, an IMAX Dome theatre, a rainforest and aquarium exhibits. Field-trip planner for groups.
Year-roundVisit official site for Discovery Place Science (opens in a new tab)
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
Paid
Huntersville, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Play-based STEAM museum for toddlers to early elementary: pretend-play town, building zones, water play and live shows.
Year-roundVisit official site for Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville (opens in a new tab)
Discovery Place Nature
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Small nature museum beside Freedom Park with live animals, a butterfly pavilion and kid-height exhibits — great for little ones.
Year-roundVisit official site for Discovery Place Nature (opens in a new tab)
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Uptown racing museum with race simulators, a pit-crew challenge, historic cars and the 'Glory Road' banked track display.
Year-roundVisit official site for NASCAR Hall of Fame (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
Sullenberger Aviation Museum
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Aviation museum at Charlotte Douglas Airport featuring the 'Miracle on the Hudson' plane, hands-on flight exhibits and dozens of aircraft.
Year-roundVisit official site for Sullenberger Aviation Museum (opens in a new tab)
Museum of Illusions Charlotte
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Rainy day
Interactive optical-illusion rooms and photo spots — a crowd-pleaser for tweens and teens on a rainy day.
Year-roundVisit official site for Museum of Illusions Charlotte (opens in a new tab)
Schiele Museum of Natural History
Paid
Gastonia, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Natural history museum with dinosaurs, NC wildlife halls, a mineral gallery, planetarium, a Catawba Indian village and an 1700s backcountry farm on a nature trail. Free 2nd Tuesday evenings (4–8 pm).
Good to know: Free admission the second Tuesday of each month, 4–8 pm.
Year-roundVisit official site for Schiele Museum of Natural History (opens in a new tab)
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Paid
Concord, NC
Homeschool
Iconic NASCAR track offering speedway tours, race weekends, and seasonal family events like Speedway Christmas.
Year-roundVisit official site for Charlotte Motor Speedway (opens in a new tab)
iFLY Indoor Skydiving Charlotte
Paid
Concord, NC
Rainy day
Indoor skydiving wind tunnel near Concord Mills; kids as young as 3 can fly with an instructor.
Year-roundVisit official site for iFLY Indoor Skydiving Charlotte (opens in a new tab)
Sports Connection
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Rainy day
Big family entertainment center in Ballantyne: bowling, laser tag, ropes course, rock climbing, bumper cars and arcade.
Year-roundVisit official site for Sports Connection (opens in a new tab)
Sparetime Entertainment
Paid
Huntersville & Pineville, NC
Rainy day
Bowling, large arcade, escape rooms and restaurant under one roof at two locations.
Year-roundVisit official site for Sparetime Entertainment (opens in a new tab)
Urban Air Adventure Park
Paid
Mint Hill & Cornelius, NC
Rainy day
Trampolines, climbing walls, ropes courses and indoor playgrounds.
Year-roundVisit official site for Urban Air Adventure Park (opens in a new tab)
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Paid
Charlotte (Northlake) & Pineville, NC
Rainy day
Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam zones, dodgeball and toddler time.
Year-roundVisit official site for Sky Zone Trampoline Park (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
Altitude Trampoline Park Gastonia
Paid
Gastonia, NC
Rainy day
Trampoline courts, ninja course and foam pits in Gastonia.
Year-roundVisit official site for Altitude Trampoline Park Gastonia (opens in a new tab)
Adventure Air Sports Rock Hill
Paid
Rock Hill, SC
Rainy day
Trampoline park with the area's largest ninja course, foam pits, flying trapeze and dunk zone.
Year-roundVisit official site for Adventure Air Sports Rock Hill (opens in a new tab)
Carolina Ninja Academy
Paid
Huntersville, NC
Rainy day
Indoor ninja/parkour gym with open-play passes and kids' classes.
Year-roundVisit official site for Carolina Ninja Academy (opens in a new tab)
Xtreme Play
Paid
Concord, NC
Rainy day
Indoor inflatable playground with bounce houses, obstacle courses and a toddler area.
Year-roundVisit official site for Xtreme Play (opens in a new tab)
Playland Indoor Playground
Paid
Monroe, NC
Rainy day
Clean, spacious indoor playground with ball pits and climbing structures.
Year-roundVisit official site for Playland Indoor Playground (opens in a new tab)
High Five Playhouse
Paid
Matthews, NC
Rainy day
Indoor playground for kids 10 and under with ball pits, climbing structures and slides.
Year-roundVisit official site for High Five Playhouse (opens in a new tab)
Monster Mini Golf
Paid
Gastonia, Charlotte & Monroe, NC
Rainy day
Glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf with monster-themed holes.
Year-roundVisit official site for Monster Mini Golf (opens in a new tab)
Dave & Buster's
Paid
Concord & Pineville, NC
Rainy day
Big arcade and restaurant — good for rainy-day treats.
Year-roundVisit official site for Dave & Buster's (opens in a new tab)
Stars & Strikes Concord
Paid
Concord, NC
Rainy day
Bowling, laser tag, arcade and bumper cars.
Year-roundVisit official site for Stars & Strikes Concord (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
Extreme Ice Center
Paid
Indian Trail, NC
Rainy daySeasonal
Indoor ice rink with public skating sessions year-round.
Year-roundVisit official site for Extreme Ice Center (opens in a new tab)
Pineville Ice House
Paid
Pineville, NC
Rainy daySeasonal
Indoor ice rink with public skate sessions and learn-to-skate classes.
Year-roundVisit official site for Pineville Ice House (opens in a new tab)
Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Professional theatre for kids at ImaginOn, staging family shows and classes.
Year-roundVisit official site for Children's Theatre of Charlotte (opens in a new tab)
Mr. Putty's Fun Park
Paid
Fort Mill, SC
Outdoor fun park with mini golf and family activities.
Visit official site for Mr. Putty's Fun Park (opens in a new tab)
Canaan Zipline Adventures
Paid
Rock Hill area, SC
Zip from a 70-foot tower more than 900 feet across the Catawba River; night zips offered.
Visit official site for Canaan Zipline Adventures (opens in a new tab)
Museum of York County
Paid
Rock Hill, SC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Natural history museum with an Ice Age Carolinas exhibit, the Settlemyre Planetarium, trails and gardens.
Year-roundVisit official site for Museum of York County (opens in a new tab)
Main Street Children's Museum
Paid
Rock Hill, SC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Pretend-play museum for ages 0–6 with dress-up, farm and kitchen exhibits.
Year-roundVisit official site for Main Street Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
Historic Brattonsville
Paid
McConnells (near Rock Hill), SC
Homeschool
Living-history plantation site with 30+ historic structures, heritage-breed animals and Revolutionary War history.
Visit official site for Historic Brattonsville (opens in a new tab)
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
Free
Midland, NC
Homeschool
Site of the first documented gold find in the U.S.; underground mine tours, exhibits, and seasonal gold panning. Free admission.
Good to know: Gold panning is seasonal and has a small fee.
Year-roundVisit official site for Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
President James K. Polk State Historic Site
Free
Pineville, NC
Homeschool
Birthplace of the 11th president with reconstructed log buildings, a visitor center and free guided tours.
Year-roundVisit official site for President James K. Polk State Historic Site (opens in a new tab)
Historic Rural Hill
Paid
Huntersville, NC
HomeschoolSeasonal
265-acre historic Scottish-heritage farm with trails, animals and events, home of the Amazing Maize Maze each fall.
Year-roundVisit official site for Historic Rural Hill (opens in a new tab)
Latta Place (Historic Latta)
Paid
Huntersville, NC
Homeschool
1800s living-history farm inside Latta Nature Preserve with heritage animals, a restored home and history camps.
Year-roundVisit official site for Latta Place (Historic Latta) (opens in a new tab)
Carolina Raptor Center
Paid
Huntersville, NC
Homeschool
Walk a wooded trail past eagles, hawks, owls and vultures in Latta Nature Preserve; live bird programs.
Year-roundVisit official site for Carolina Raptor Center (opens in a new tab)
Charlotte Museum of History
Paid
Charlotte, NC
HomeschoolRainy day
Home of the 1774 Hezekiah Alexander rock house, Mecklenburg's oldest home, plus exhibits on Charlotte history.
Year-roundVisit official site for Charlotte Museum of History (opens in a new tab)
Mint Museum (Uptown & Randolph)
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
North Carolina's first art museum. Free admission Wednesday evenings 5–9 pm, often with family crafts.
Good to know: Free Wednesdays 5–9 pm.
Year-roundVisit official site for Mint Museum (Uptown & Randolph) (opens in a new tab)
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Modern art museum uptown; Wednesday Night Live (5–9 pm) adds music and workshops.
Year-roundVisit official site for Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (opens in a new tab)
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Uptown museum celebrating African-American art and culture with frequent free family programs.
Year-roundVisit official site for Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture (opens in a new tab)
Billy Graham Library
Free
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Free self-guided tour through the life of Billy Graham, starting with a talking-cow animatronic in a barn-shaped building.
Year-roundVisit official site for Billy Graham Library (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
Gaston County Museum of Art & History
Free
Dallas, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Free museum in historic Dallas, NC with local history exhibits and a carriage collection.
Year-roundVisit official site for Gaston County Museum of Art & History (opens in a new tab)
Native American Studies Center (USC Lancaster)
Free
Lancaster, SC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Free galleries on Catawba Nation history and pottery — great for NC/SC history units.
Year-roundVisit official site for Native American Studies Center (USC Lancaster) (opens in a new tab)
Andrew Jackson State Park
Paid
Lancaster, SC
HomeschoolPlaygrounds
Park at the birthplace of Andrew Jackson with a museum, replica 1700s schoolhouse, playground, trails, fishing and boat rentals.
Small SC state park entry fee; kids under 5 free
Year-roundVisit official site for Andrew Jackson State Park (opens in a new tab)
Museum of the Waxhaws
Paid
Waxhaw, NC
HomeschoolRainy day
Local history museum on the Waxhaws region and Andrew Jackson's early life.
Year-roundVisit official site for Museum of the Waxhaws (opens in a new tab)
Kings Mountain National Military Park
Free
Blacksburg, SC (west of Gastonia), SC
Homeschool
Revolutionary War battlefield with a free visitor center, film and a 1.5-mile paved battlefield trail.
Year-roundVisit official site for Kings Mountain National Military Park (opens in a new tab)
Energy Explorium (Duke Energy)
Free
Huntersville / Lake Norman, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Free hands-on energy science center at McGuire Nuclear Station on Lake Norman, with a nature trail. Walk-ins Tue–Thu 12–3 pm; groups by appointment.
Year-roundVisit official site for Energy Explorium (Duke Energy) (opens in a new tab)
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Free
Charlotte, NC
Homeschool
Free gardens and greenhouse with rainforest plants, orchids and carnivorous plants.
Year-roundVisit official site for UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens (opens in a new tab)
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Paid
Belmont, NC
HomeschoolSeasonal
Gorgeous gardens with fountains, a children's garden, and an orchid conservatory; spring blooms and holiday lights.
Year-roundVisit official site for Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)
Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Homeschool
Historic Myers Park garden and bird sanctuary with kids' programs.
Visit official site for Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
Free
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Kids' and teen library uptown with free storytimes, puppet shows, and a stop-motion studio.
Year-roundVisit official site for ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center (opens in a new tab)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches
Free
Throughout Mecklenburg, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
20+ branches with free storytimes, STEM programs and homeschool resources.
Year-roundVisit official site for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches (opens in a new tab)
Gaston County Public Library
Free
Gastonia & Gaston County, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Free kids' programs, storytimes and maker activities across Gaston County branches.
Year-roundVisit official site for Gaston County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Cabarrus County Public Library
Free
Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, NC
Rainy dayHomeschool
Free storytimes and family programs at branches across Cabarrus County.
Year-roundVisit official site for Cabarrus County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Reedy Creek Park, Nature Center & Preserve
Free
Charlotte, NC
PlaygroundsHomeschoolRainy day
Indoor nature center, easy trails, and a unique fenced nature playground; frequent free family programs.
Year-roundVisit official site for Reedy Creek Park, Nature Center & Preserve (opens in a new tab)
McDowell Nature Center & Preserve
Free
Charlotte (Steele Creek), NC
HomeschoolPlaygrounds
Nature center on Lake Wylie with live animal exhibits, trails, playground and weekly animal meet-and-greets.
Year-roundVisit official site for McDowell Nature Center & Preserve (opens in a new tab)
Latta Nature Preserve & Quest
Free
Huntersville, NC
HomeschoolRainy day
1,460-acre preserve on Mountain Island Lake; Quest nature center has a big aquarium and interactive exhibits, plus trails, horseback riding and paddling.
Year-roundVisit official site for Latta Nature Preserve & Quest (opens in a new tab)
Freedom Park
Free
Charlotte, NC
Playgrounds
Charlotte's beloved central park: large playground, lake, ducks, trails and a Play 60 NFL playground.
Year-roundVisit official site for Freedom Park (opens in a new tab)
Little Sugar Creek Greenway
Free
Charlotte, NC
Paved greenway linking uptown, Freedom Park and beyond — great for bikes and scooters.
Year-roundVisit official site for Little Sugar Creek Greenway (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
Charlotte Rail Trail
Free
Charlotte, NC
Paved trail alongside the light rail through South End with public art and murals.
Year-roundVisit official site for Charlotte Rail Trail (opens in a new tab)
Historic Fourth Ward self-guided walk
Free
Charlotte, NC
Homeschool
Stroll a colorful Victorian neighborhood uptown with Fourth Ward Park at its heart.
Year-roundVisit official site for Historic Fourth Ward self-guided walk (opens in a new tab)
Crowders Mountain State Park
Free
Kings Mountain / Gastonia, NC
Homeschool
Hiking with big views from Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle, plus a lake for fishing and paddling. Free entry.
Year-roundVisit official site for Crowders Mountain State Park (opens in a new tab)
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Paid
Fort Mill, SC
Homeschool
2,100-acre preserve with hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, farm animals and the Greenway Canteen.
Day passes or family memberships (from about $12–13/month)
Year-roundVisit official site for Anne Springs Close Greenway (opens in a new tab)
Lineberger Park
Free
Gastonia, NC
WaterPlaygroundsSeasonal
Big city park with a splash pad, playgrounds, occasional train rides, and holiday lights in December.
Year-roundVisit official site for Lineberger Park (opens in a new tab)
Rankin Lake Park
Free
Gastonia, NC
Playgrounds
City of Gastonia lakeside park with walking trails, fishing and a playground.
Year-roundVisit official site for Rankin Lake Park (opens in a new tab)
Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park
Free
Belmont, NC
Playgrounds
Treehouse-themed playground on the Catawba River with wide paved paths and a public dock with bench swings.
Year-roundVisit official site for Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park (opens in a new tab)
Tuckaseege Park
Free
Mount Holly, NC
Playgrounds
Riverside park on the Catawba River with a playground and walking trails.
Year-roundVisit official site for Tuckaseege Park (opens in a new tab)
Village Park
Free
Kannapolis, NC
PlaygroundsWaterSeasonal
Shady park with a playground, seasonal splash pad, paved trail, a $1.50 Venetian carousel and a small train.
Good to know: Carousel and train rides cost a small fee.
Year-roundVisit official site for Village Park (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
Frank Liske Park
Free
Concord, NC
Playgrounds
Large Cabarrus County park with playgrounds, ballfields, a lake and walking trails.
Year-roundVisit official site for Frank Liske Park (opens in a new tab)
Jetton Park
Free
Cornelius, NC
Playgrounds
Lake Norman peninsula park with paved trails, playground and lake views.
Year-roundVisit official site for Jetton Park (opens in a new tab)
Ramsey Creek Park
Free
Cornelius, NC
PlaygroundsWater
Lake Norman park with a small beach, playground and fishing pier.
Visit official site for Ramsey Creek Park (opens in a new tab)
Pineville Lake Park
Free
Pineville, NC
PlaygroundsWater
Lakeside park with a large splash pad and three playgrounds.
Year-roundVisit official site for Pineville Lake Park (opens in a new tab)
Stumptown Park
Free
Matthews, NC
PlaygroundsSeasonal
Downtown Matthews park with a playground, summer concerts and community festivals.
Year-roundVisit official site for Stumptown Park (opens in a new tab)
Glencairn Garden
Free
Rock Hill, SC
Seasonal
Free 11-acre garden with azaleas, fountains and a pond — stunning in spring.
Year-roundVisit official site for Glencairn Garden (opens in a new tab)
Riverwalk Carolinas / Rock Hill trails
Free
Rock Hill, SC
Paved Catawba River trails and nearby parks at Riverwalk.
Year-roundVisit official site for Riverwalk Carolinas / Rock Hill trails (opens in a new tab)
Cane Creek Park
Paid
Waxhaw, NC
WaterPlaygrounds
Union County park with a lake, fishing, campground and trails (entry fee applies).
Visit official site for Cane Creek Park (opens in a new tab)
Carolina Place Mall play area
Free
Pineville, NC
Rainy dayPlaygrounds
Free indoor kids' play area inside the mall — handy on rainy days.
Year-roundVisit official site for Carolina Place Mall play area (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
Concord Mills
Free
Concord, NC
Rainy day
Huge outlet mall home to SEA LIFE, Dave & Buster's and more — easy rainy-day walking.
Year-roundVisit official site for Concord Mills (opens in a new tab)
Home Depot Kids Workshops
Free
Multiple locations, NC
Rainy day
Free hands-on build projects for kids on the first Saturday of the month.
Year-roundVisit official site for Home Depot Kids Workshops (opens in a new tab)
Hall Family Farm
Free
Lancaster, SC
SeasonalHomeschool
Award-winning family farm (USA TODAY 10Best #9 corn maze 2026). Fall: 7-acre puzzle corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkins, hayrides, goat walk ropes course, gem mine and play areas. Spring: u-pick strawberries. Homeschool days and field trips.
No admission; pumpkins ~$0.70/lb, large maze ~$12–13, hayride ~$4.49; strawberries ~$3.99/lb
Good to know: Fall 2026 season ran Sept 18 – Nov 1; strawberries return spring 2027.
Visit official site for Hall Family Farm (opens in a new tab)
Almond Farm
Paid
Concord, NC
Seasonal
Fall festival with pick-a-pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayride, farm animals, u-pick wildflowers, jump pad and weekend candy drops.
Fall festival admission about $21.99
Visit official site for Almond Farm (opens in a new tab)
Outlaw Acres
Paid
Monroe, NC
Seasonal
Old West town farm attraction with corn maze, animals, live shows and the Super Mega Slide (fall weekends).
About $16 (ages 3 and under free)
Visit official site for Outlaw Acres (opens in a new tab)
Lineberger's Farm
Free
Dallas, NC
Seasonal
Fourth-generation farm with 100+ varieties of pumpkins and gourds, tire mountains and slides. Admission always free.
Visit official site for Lineberger's Farm (opens in a new tab)
Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze
Paid
Huntersville, NC
Seasonal
One of the Southeast's largest corn mazes (5 acres, 2 miles) with hayride, pumpkin patch and night maze in October.
Visit official site for Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze (opens in a new tab)
Cherry Place Farm
Paid
Rock Hill, SC
Seasonal
Fall festival weekends with a 2-acre corn maze, hayrides, farm animals and pumpkin patch.
Visit official site for Cherry Place Farm (opens in a new tab)
Hodges Family Farm
Free
Charlotte, NC
Seasonal
Century-old east Charlotte farm (Rocky River Rd) with a free-admission pumpkin patch, barnyard animals and $5 weekend hayrides.
Visit official site for Hodges Family Farm (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
Wise Acres Organic Farm
Paid
Indian Trail, NC
SeasonalHomeschool
Organic farm with spring strawberry picking and fall pumpkin season.
Visit official site for Wise Acres Organic Farm (opens in a new tab)
The Hunter Farm
Paid
Weddington, NC
Seasonal
Family farm with spring u-pick strawberries and fall pumpkins.
Visit official site for The Hunter Farm (opens in a new tab)
Bush-N-Vine Farm
Paid
York, SC
Seasonal
U-pick strawberries and peaches, farm market, ice cream and a fall pumpkin patch.
Visit official site for Bush-N-Vine Farm (opens in a new tab)
Springs Farm
Paid
Fort Mill, SC
Seasonal
Family farm with spring strawberries, summer produce and a fall pumpkin patch.
Visit official site for Springs Farm (opens in a new tab)
Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery
Paid
York, SC
Seasonal
Apple orchard with cider donuts and fall apple season.
Visit official site for Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery (opens in a new tab)
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Paid
Huntersville, NC
Seasonal
Weekend fall festival with jousting, acrobats, artisans and giant turkey legs (Oct–Nov).
2026: adults $37.99, kids 5–12 $23.99, 4 & under free; free parking
Visit official site for Carolina Renaissance Festival (opens in a new tab)
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
Free
Charlotte, NC
Seasonal
Charlotte's big uptown holiday parade on Tryon Street with floats, bands and balloons — free to watch (reserved seats sold separately).
Good to know: 2026: Wednesday, Nov 25 at 5:30 pm.
Visit official site for Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade (opens in a new tab)
Repticon Charlotte
Paid
Concord, NC
SeasonalHomeschool
Repticon is a family-oriented reptile and exotic-animal expo with vendors, educational exhibits and animals to see. It's a good indoor outing for older kids who like animals. Purchases are made from independent exhibitors, and always ask before touching any animal. Tickets are sold online only.
Online only. Super Ticket (both days) $20 adult; Saturday or Sunday all day $15 adult; Saturday after 1 p.m. $12 adult. Ages 5–12 $7; ages 4 and under free.
Good to know: Next show: December 12–13, 2026, at Cabarrus Arena in Concord. Kids 4 and under are free; ages 5–12 are $7.
Visit official site for Repticon Charlotte (opens in a new tab)
Clarks Creek Dog Park
Free
Charlotte, NC
Dog Parks
Mecklenburg County off-leash dog park at Clarks Creek Park in the University area, with standard county hours and rules.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Year-roundVisit official site for Clarks Creek Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
Davie Dog Park at William R. Davie Park
Free
Charlotte, NC
Dog Parks
South Charlotte county dog park with separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, about 5 acres in all.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Year-roundVisit official site for Davie Dog Park at William R. Davie Park (opens in a new tab)
Frazier Dog Park
Free
Charlotte, NC
Dog Parks
Smaller urban county dog park (about 1.3 acres) with sections for small and large dogs, connected to the Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek greenways.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Year-roundVisit official site for Frazier Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Ninth Street Dog Park
Free
Charlotte, NC
Dog Parks
Uptown Mecklenburg County off-leash dog park with standard county hours and rules.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Year-roundVisit official site for Ninth Street Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Shuffletown Dog Park
Free
Charlotte, NC
Dog Parks
Larger county dog park in the west Charlotte / Mountain Island area, with areas for small and large dogs at a 54-acre park that also has a playground and picnic shelter outside the dog area.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Year-roundVisit official site for Shuffletown Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Barkingham Park at Reedy Creek Park
Free
Charlotte, NC
Dog Parks
About 4 acres of off-leash space at Reedy Creek Park, which also has a nature center, playgrounds and trails (dogs on leash outside the dog park).
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Year-roundVisit official site for Barkingham Park at Reedy Creek Park (opens in a new tab)
Swaney Point K-9 Park at Ramsey Creek Park
Free
Cornelius, NC
Dog Parks
About 4 acres with sections for small and large dogs at this Lake Norman county park.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Year-roundVisit official site for Swaney Point K-9 Park at Ramsey Creek Park (opens in a new tab)
Ray’s Fetching Meadow at McAlpine Creek Park
Free
Charlotte, NC
Dog Parks
About 1 acre with sections for small and large dogs at McAlpine Creek Park near the Matthews area, with greenway and trails nearby (on leash).
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Year-roundVisit official site for Ray’s Fetching Meadow at McAlpine Creek Park (opens in a new tab)
Poston Dog Park
Free
Gastonia, NC
Dog Parks
Five acres at the back of George Poston Park near Lowell: 1 acre for small breeds (25 pounds or less) and 4.5 acres for large breeds. Free.
Good to know: Open 7 a.m. to sunset daily. No one under 14 without an adult.
Year-roundVisit official site for Poston Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Dallas Dog Park
Free
Dallas, NC
Dog Parks
Gaston County dog park at Dallas Park, behind the old animal shelter and next to the lake, with separate fenced areas for small breeds (25 pounds or less) and large breeds.
Good to know: Open 7 a.m. to sunset daily. No one under 14 without an adult.
Year-roundVisit official site for Dallas Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
Bradley Station Dog Park
Free
Gastonia, NC
Dog Parks
City of Gastonia dog park with two areas: one for dogs under 25 pounds and one for dogs more than 25 pounds.
Good to know: Open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Handlers must be 16 or older.
Year-roundVisit official site for Bradley Station Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Goat Island Dog Park
Free
Cramerton, NC
Dog Parks
Off-leash dog park at Goat Island Park, a 30-acre island park on the South Fork River with playgrounds, a 0.5-mile walking trail and picnic shelters.
Good to know: Park in the public lot across from the pedestrian bridge — not at the fire department or Cramerton Drug.
Year-roundVisit official site for Goat Island Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Tuckaseege Dog Park
Free
Mount Holly, NC
Dog Parks
The City of Mount Holly lists a dog park at Tuckaseege Park (“Tuck Park”), which also has ballfields, a playground, picnic shelters, a skate park and a walking trail.
Good to know: Hours and layout aren't listed on the city page — follow posted rules.
Year-roundVisit official site for Tuckaseege Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Daniel Stowe Conservancy Dog Park
Free
Belmont, NC
Dog Parks
A fenced-in dog park in a forest setting directly behind The Trailhead Store at The Village at Stowe. This is a Conservancy amenity, not a city park.
Good to know: Dogs aren't allowed inside The Farmhouse Garden Center or the Gardens.
Year-roundVisit official site for Daniel Stowe Conservancy Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Weddington Road Bark Park
Free
Concord, NC
Dog Parks
City of Concord bark park with a 0.5-acre small-dog park and a 1.5-acre large-dog park, at a 56-acre site with a playground, restrooms and Hector Henry Greenway / Riverwalk parking (Exit 49 area).
Good to know: Park hours are dawn to dusk.
Year-roundVisit official site for Weddington Road Bark Park (opens in a new tab)
Sunset Park Dog Park
Free
Monroe, NC
Dog Parks
City of Monroe park with a dog park, playground and picnic shelter.
Good to know: Hours aren't listed on the facility page; city parks are commonly dawn to dusk — confirm first.
Year-roundVisit official site for Sunset Park Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Mint Hill Founders Park Dog Park
Free
Mint Hill, NC
Dog Parks
A 1.3-acre dog park at Mint Hill Founders Park with separate areas for small and large breeds, a shaded seating area and lighting.
Good to know: Playground and dog park are open daily 7:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Year-roundVisit official site for Mint Hill Founders Park Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Purser-Hulsey Park Dog Park
Free
Matthews, NC
Dog Parks
Town of Matthews dog park at Purser-Hulsey Park with two separate areas for small dogs and large dogs.
Good to know: Closed Wednesday mornings for maintenance; reopens at noon.
Year-roundVisit official site for Purser-Hulsey Park Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Dogwood Park at Wesley Chapel
Free
Wesley Chapel, NC
Dog Parks
Village of Wesley Chapel park (Dogwood Park) with a fenced dog park. The mailing address is Waxhaw.
Good to know: The village doesn't publish dog-park details — check posted rules.
Year-roundVisit official site for Dogwood Park at Wesley Chapel (opens in a new tab)
Advertisement
Ad space · In-feed
Crooked Creek Dog Park
Free
Indian Trail, NC
Dog Parks
Indian Trail's membership dog park at Crooked Creek Park, with water listed as a feature. A gate code is required.
Residents free (1–3 dogs); non-residents $10 for 1 dog, $15 for 2 or 3 dogs.
Good to know: Membership and gate code required. Free for residents; non-residents pay $10 (1 dog) or $15 (2–3 dogs).
Year-roundVisit official site for Crooked Creek Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Spencer Park and Dog Park
Free
Rock Hill, SC
Dog Parks
City of Rock Hill park with a dog park. See posted signs for the small-dog and all-size areas.
Good to know: Check the official city listing for hours.
Year-roundVisit official site for Spencer Park and Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Mary Warner Mack Dog Park
Paid
Fort Mill, SC
Dog Parks
Members-only dog park on the Anne Springs Close Greenway: more than 12 acres of enclosed natural space with a small-dog area, a mile-long off-leash trail with lakefront access, a dog washing station, hydration stations and benches. Open seven days a week.
Dog Park membership is an upgrade to a Greenway family or individual membership: $156 a year or $14 a month.
Good to know: Members only. Children 12 and under are not permitted inside the park.
Year-roundVisit official site for Mary Warner Mack Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Canine Commons Dog Park
Free
Pineville, NC
Dog Parks
Town of Pineville dog park. The official page is explicit: “The Dog Park is NOT a Place for Children!” — children under 12 are not allowed.
Good to know: Closed Tuesday mornings for maintenance. No children under 12.
Year-roundVisit official site for Canine Commons Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
Rosedale Dog Park
Free
Huntersville, NC
Dog Parks
Huntersville Parks and Recreation operates one town dog park, at Rosedale Nature Park, 9519 Rosewood Meadow Lane.
Good to know: Follow posted rules and confirm details with the town.
Year-roundVisit official site for Rosedale Dog Park (opens in a new tab)
U.S. National Whitewater Center Off Leash
Paid
Charlotte, NC
Dog Parks
70 fenced acres for dogs with 3 ponds, 2.5 miles of trail, beaches, a dock and a dog wash station. No cost to enter without a dog.
Dog pass (onsite only): $15 single day or $35 monthly. Annual Pass holders add one dog free; up to two more for $50 each.
Good to know: Each dog needs a pass, sold onsite only. Hours vary seasonally.
Year-roundVisit official site for U.S. National Whitewater Center Off Leash (opens in a new tab)
The Preserve Dog Park (Davidson residents only)
Free
Davidson, NC
Dog Parks
Davidson's only off-leash park, with picnic tables, trash cans and water bowls. Open only to Davidson residents.
Good to know: Davidson residents only. Register at Town Hall with your dog's rabies certificate.
Year-roundVisit official site for The Preserve Dog Park (Davidson residents only) (opens in a new tab)