We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like Carowinds to hidden gems like the North Carolina Transportation Museum, there's something in the Queen City for children of all ages. You'll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 12 kid-friendly activities around Charlotte.

🎨 All about the arts

Mint Museum, 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte

Visit the Lewis Family Gallery for hands-on space to create your own art and pose for pictures, or explore the museum at large to see everything from American to decorative arts. Kids will remember giant canvases and sculptures.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St., Charlotte

No young artist’s education is complete without some modern art. Kids will remember the giant, shiny “Firebird” sculpture outside the museum.

🧠 Educational activities

Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte

This nonprofit science museum is the perfect place to give the kiddos a hands-on experience. Kids can make elaborate castles in Project Build, learn more about biodiversity through exploration, and lie on a bed of 5,000 nails. Kids will remember floating in the vacuum-powered Air Chair.

North Carolina Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Dr., Spencer

Tiny train enthusiasts will charge full steam ahead through this museum which features passenger cars and locomotives. Pro tip: Add a train ride to your ticket purchase. Kids will remember exploring the full-size replica Wright Flyer.
Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia

Bring your future paleontologist to gawk at dinosaur fossils and explore natural history. Don’t miss out on the planetarium. Kids will remember the replica Catawba Indian Village.

Catawba Science Center, 243 Third Ave. NE, Hickory

This nonprofit boasts hands-on science exhibits, displays, aquariums, and daily planetarium shows. Kids will remember getting messy in the Gross Lab.

Sullenberger Aviation Museum, 4108 Minuteman Way, Charlotte

This aeronautical museum transports guests through a timeline of aviation history. Kids will remember piloting a plane in the flight simulator.

Museum of Illusions, 601 S. Tryon St., Charlotte

This museum is packed with illusions, holograms, and mirrors that will have you questioning what’s up and what’s down. Kids will remember appearing to hang upside-down.

🎢 Thrill-seeking fun

Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte

Big fun awaits those kids brave enough to ride the roller coasters or splash in the waterpark. Kids will remember conquering Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster.

Skyzone, 7325 Smith Corners Blvd., Charlotte

Adolescent acrobats will feel right at home at this play park. Kids will remember nailing their first backflip.

🌳 Great outdoors

Freedom Park, 1908 East Blvd., Charlotte

Let’s be real — you may enjoy the scenic lake views, but the kiddos only have eyes for the NFL Play 60 KidZone. And who could blame them? Kids will remember ripping through the obstacle course.

Clarks Creek Community Park, 5435 Hucks Rd., Charlotte

This park near the nature reserve is perfect for when you want to bring the dog. Kids will remember splashing around the water features.

Chantilly Park, 222 Wyanoke Ave., Charlotte

Swings, slides, and a picnic area. What more could a kid ask for? Kids will remember climbing the big blue dinosaur.
Flat Branch Nature Preserve, 11833 Tom Short Rd, Charlotte

This hidden gem offers an escape into nature with trails surrounded by wetlands and woodlands and picnic areas. Kids will remember walking the trails and spotting various wildlife.

Big Rock Nature Preserve, 6500 Elmstone Dr., Charlotte

Trek across the Big Rock Rock Shelter that's made of the largest exposed boulders in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Kids will remember climbing the massive rocks surrounded by trees.

🤝 Sensory-friendly activities

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th St., Charlotte

Most mainstage productions at the theater have a sensory-friendly version of the show. The lights and sound will be softer and there will be extra room in the seats. Kids will remember the bright costumes and eclectic characters.

Charlotte Ballet, 701 N. Tryon St., Charlotte

The ballet offers sensory friendly performances throughout its season. These performances typically include a shorter run-time, controlled sound, and house lights at half-brightness. Kids will remember the elegant choreography.

Quest at Latta Nature Preserve, 6345 Sample Rd., Huntersville

Experience educational programs about our area within a 3,000-sqft interactive exhibit hall. Kids will remember the 6,000-gallon aquarium.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook, 5130 Airport Overlook Dr., Charlotte

This outdoor park and viewing area boasts scenic views for planes arriving and departing from CLT Douglas + learn how runways are built and the types of planes found at the airport. Kids will remember climbing on a plane-shaped playground while planes soar overhead.

🧃 Be prepared

Shop some of our favorite kid-friendly essentials to keep the whole family happy, hydrated, and ready to make memories.

Owala Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler | This tumbler has a spill-resistant straw (yes, that’s a thing) and is top-rack dishwasher safe.
Bentgo Kids 5-Compartment Lunch Box | Pack snacks for kids in a popular Bentgo box that’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
Nintendo Switch | You just can’t beat a handheld gaming device for keeping kids quiet, happy, and entertained during car rides around town.
Hap Tim Travel Backpack | Keep everything in a backpack that’s got good padding on the straps, plenty of compartments, a wide mouth opening, and a rain-resistant exterior.
Kids sketch pad | Kids can sketch, take notes, and feel connected to your adventures with a sketchbook meant to inspire creativity.
Disposable cameras | Kids will have a ton of fun + stay entertained by taking their own pictures of what they see during your adventures.
KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids | Be prepared for minor scrapes or bruises that could slow your day down — this kit contains 60 pieces of essential first aid supplies.
Sunscreen stick | Have a portable sunscreen stick handy for outdoor adventures.