As the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte offers a wide range of things to see and do. If you and your family are looking for an ideal destination for your next vacation, check out the following fun family attractions in Charlotte.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
If you and your family love adventure, head over to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Located near the Catawba River on 400 acres, this excellent recreational center boasts the largest man-made whitewater river in the world. Here, you can enjoy adventurous activities like whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, ziplining, obstacle courses and more. Additionally, you can participate in special events and fun learning programs. If you get hungry, the Center also provides dining options.
Discovery Place
Discovery Place packs so much fun that you may never want to leave. You and the kids alike can learn fascinating things about science you never knew through many exciting hands-on exhibits designed for all ages. You can enjoy other awe-inspiring experiences here also like walking through a recreated rainforest and watching specialists feed sharks and sting rays in the aquarium. Don’t miss the amazing shows presented in the IMAX theater.
McDowell Nature Center and Preserve
Covering more than 1,000 acres of forests, prairies, a huge lake, various animal habitats, bird-feeding stations and a butterfly garden, the McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers plenty of outdoor fun for families. You can enjoy the likes of fishing, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, camping and more.
Freedom Park
If you and your family are staying in the city, you won’t have to go far to enjoy outdoor fun at Freedom Park. Located downtown, this 98-acre park features a scenic lake, athletic fields, tennis and volleyball courts, a playground, walking trails, a children’s nature center and an outdoor theater. Don’t miss the historic locomotive steam engine on display. If you are visiting during the summer, Freedom Park often hosts free music concerts as well as its annual Festival in the Park where you can enjoy great music, food, art and crafts.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
You don’t have to be a NASCAR racing fan to have a ball at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Not only can you see a huge collection of inducted legendary race car drivers here, but you can also check out the interesting racing memorabilia and artifacts. Best of all, you can experience the thrill of racing yourself with rides on the simulators. Additionally, you can buy souvenirs in the gift shop and enjoy lunch in the cafe.
Home to the National Football League’s Carolina Panthers, the Bank of America Stadium is a great place to take the family to watch an exciting football game. If you have time, you can arrange a tour of the stadium where you can see the player’s locker rooms, training and weight rooms, the Panther’s Den and much more.
