9 places · near Charlotte
West of Charlotte, Gastonia anchors a lot of Gaston County family plans. The Schiele Museum of Natural History is the rainy-day and homeschool standout; Crowders Mountain State Park (listed with Kings Mountain / Gastonia in the data) is the hiking day. Lineberger Park, Rankin Lake Park, and the Erwin Center splash pad cover free outdoor time, and the Gaston County Public Library is the no-cost indoor backup. Altitude Trampoline Park and Monster Mini Golf are the paid energy-burners.
Gastonia, NC
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.
Gastonia, NC
Trampoline courts, ninja course and foam pits in Gastonia.
Gastonia, Charlotte & Monroe, NC
Glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf with monster-themed holes.
Blacksburg, SC (west of Gastonia), SC
Revolutionary War battlefield with a free visitor center, film and a 1.5-mile paved battlefield trail.
Gastonia & Gaston County, NC
Free kids' programs, storytimes and maker activities across Gaston County branches.
Kings Mountain / Gastonia, NC
Hiking with big views from Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle, plus a lake for fishing and paddling. Free entry.
Gastonia, NC
Big city park with a splash pad, playgrounds, occasional train rides, and holiday lights in December.
Gastonia, NC
City of Gastonia lakeside park with walking trails, fishing and a playground.
Gastonia, NC
Free City of Gastonia splash pad in the Highland community.
More ideas: free activities, rainy-day fun, this weekend or all things to do with kids in Charlotte.
Lineberger Park, Rankin Lake Park, the Erwin Center Splash Pad (in season), Crowders Mountain State Park and the Gaston County Public Library are free.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History, Altitude Trampoline Park, Monster Mini Golf and the library are indoors.
Hours, prices and seasonal dates change often — always check the official website before you go. Info last reviewed November 2026.