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Things to do with kids in Charlotte
This weekend · Nov. 13–15, 2026Family Things to Do in Charlotte This Weekend (Nov. 13–15, 2026)Free tree lightings in Kannapolis, the Renaissance Festival's free-kids weekend, Fiesta Friday, the Southern Christmas Show and more.Kids Eat Free in CharlotteRestaurant deals by day of the week, from Concord to Fort Mill.
By category
- Free ActivitiesBig fun, zero admission. Parks, libraries, nature centers, historic sites, free museum nights and holiday light displays across the Charlotte region.
- Paid AttractionsWorth-the-ticket outings: theme parks, museums, trampoline parks, ballgames and adventure centers for birthdays, staycations and special days.
- Water Parks & Splash PadsBeat the Carolina heat. Free county spraygrounds, lakeside parks and big waterparks — including indoor options that splash all year.
- Playgrounds & ParksTreehouse play structures, riverside trails, lakes with ducks and fenced toddler zones — the best places to let kids run.
- Seasonal Events & FarmsCorn mazes, pumpkin patches, u-pick strawberries, holiday lights and festivals. Dates shift every year, so check before you go.
- Homeschool Field TripsHands-on learning for history, science and nature units — gold mines, living-history farms, battlefields, planetariums and STEM museums.
- Rainy Day & IndoorStormy, freezing or way too hot? Indoor museums, play spaces, trampoline parks, ice rinks and libraries to save the day.
By season
By town
Also see free family events and Charlotte holiday events, this weekend's family guide, or browse every activity. For a fun extra, vote in our family pizza poll.
Frequently asked questions
What are free things to do with kids in Charlotte?
Parks, greenways, county splash pads, nature centers, libraries and many historic sites are free. See the free activities page or the free family events guide for the full list.
What can kids do in Charlotte on a rainy day?
Indoor museums, play spaces, trampoline parks, ice rinks and libraries — the rainy-day category lists every indoor option in the guide.
Which towns near Charlotte are good for a family day trip?
Concord, Huntersville, Gastonia, Rock Hill and Fort Mill have the most listings. Each town page lists its places and nearby towns.
What is happening with kids in Charlotte this weekend?
Our weekend guide is updated every week with free events first, plus festivals and holiday kickoffs, with times and official links.