Looking for a fun and exciting way to keep your kids (and yourself) entertained this summer? From thrilling theme parks to fascinating museums, there's something for everyone in the Queen City! Read on to learn more about some of the best family-friendly destinations that the Charlotte area has to offer.

Anne Springs Close Greenway  |  Fort Mill

Visit the Anne Springs Close Greenway and experience 2,100 acres of nature where the kids can hike, run, and play outside to their heart's content. If you’re looking for something more structured, check out their events page and register for kayaking or mountain biking clinics, the Kids’ Nature Trek, concerts in the park, and more.

Mr. Putty’s Fun Park   |  Tega Cay

For a fun family outing, visit Mr. Putty’s Fun Park! This locally-owned attraction is great for kids of all ages and offers activities such as mini-golf, an aerial ropes course, a timber climb, and more. Be sure to stop by the snack bar as well to fill up on ice cream, pizza, and delicious foods while you’re there.

Carowinds Amusement Park  |  Charlotte

For over 45 years, Carowinds has been a must-see for kids and families over the summer! Featuring a variety of thrilling rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions, the park also offers live shows, games, and a water park. Now open year-round, Carowinds is a great place for the whole family to enjoy together.

Charlotte Knights Baseball  |  Charlotte

Grab the family and head to the ballfield to take in a Charlotte Knights baseball game! The baseball season runs from March through September and features different events such as Kids Run Bases, Family Night, fireworks, and more! Purchase tickets and view the game day schedule on their website. If your kids are older, take it one step further and ride The Light Rail into Uptown and take leisurely stroll to the stadium.

ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center  |  Charlotte

Located in Uptown Charlotte, ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center is a one-of-a-kind collaborative venture of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children's Theatre of Charlotte. This center is a unique must-visit that offers a variety of educational and cultural programs, performances, and activities for children and families. Including two state-of-the-art theaters, a multi-use rehearsal space, classrooms, studios, and interactive exhibit areas, this is a great place to nurture creativity, imagination, and learning in children and adults alike.

U.S. National Whitewater Center  |  Charlotte

Enjoy the outdoors at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Located in west Charlotte, the USNWC offers activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, zip-lining, and mountain biking. In addition to these activities, there are also plenty of planned events and programs, such as live music, holiday events, and more. Visit their website to plan your visit today!

Discovery Place Museums |  Charlotte & Huntersville

The Discovery Place Museums are a great way to spend your days exploring. This non-profit organization features 4 museums, 3 of which are in the Charlotte area. Let's take a look at our local locations:

Discovery Place Science is Uptown Charlotte’s hands-on museum that encourages scientific exploration and creativity. This museum features a diverse aquarium, state-of-the-art lab spaces, an indoor rainforest, and more. Enjoy the IMAX theater while you’re there with showings of new movies and educational documentaries. 

Head to Huntersville and visit Discovery Place Kids to explore the museum’s many exhibits and classes. Offering interactive exhibits and activities that encourage learning through play, this museum is designed to stimulate creativity, curiosity, and imagination in children. Great for kids aged 0-10, this museum is a great way for families to spend a fun and educational day together.

Located in Freedom Park, Discovery Place Nature is a family-friendly museum that focuses on the natural world. It features interactive exhibits, live animal encounters, and outdoor nature trails where visitors can learn about the ecosystems of the region, from the Piedmont to the Appalachian Mountains. This is a great place to explore and discover more about the environment and wildlife of North Carolina.

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium  |  Concord

Walk through North Carolina’s only ocean tunnel at the SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium! Located in Concord Mills, this aquarium houses a variety of sea creatures including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and more. Visitors can explore different habitats and learn about marine conservation through interactive exhibits and educational programs, as well as behind-the-scenes tours and special events.

Lazy 5 Ranch  |  Mooresville

Head to Mooresville and visit the Lazy 5 Ranch drive-thru animal park! View over 750 animals from six continents from the comfort of your vehicle. Once you’re done cruising through the exhibits, end your trip by visiting the petting zoo and enjoying a wagon ride. Note: in the event of extreme weather or heat, the ranch recommends calling ahead to confirm their hours.

Make the most of your summer by visiting any of these locations! Whether it's a trip to the Lazy 5 Ranch, a picnic in the park, or a visit to a local museum, there are plenty of fun activities to keep your kids entertained. Planning to visit any of these places? Snap a picture and tag us on Instagram at @helenadamsrealty!