Discover a whole new side to Charlotte when you explore the many activities the city has to offer.
Charlotte is a rapidly expanding city that strikes an excellent balance between being family-friendly and fun during a night out. That’s why there’s always fun things to do, no matter what day of the week it is. If you’re searching for a little inspiration before your next big family adventure or your next night out uptown, check out our list below to find our top picks for things to do in Charlotte, NC:
Visit the Discovery Place
Where: Uptown Charlotte
Cost: $19 for adults, $15 for children, free for members
The Discovery Place has always been a pioneer when it comes to bringing innovation and excitement to the way we interact with science, which is why we recommend it as one of our top family-friendly things to do in Charlotte, NC. As a huge supporter of STEM programs and outreach, The Discovery Place is an excellent place to get children interested in these topics early on. Kids won’t have all the fun, though—you can attend one of their after-hours events geared exclusively toward adults.
Tour the Mint Museum
Where: Uptown Charlotte and Randolph Road
Cost: $15 for adults, $6 for children aged 5-17, free for children under 4
Art is for everyone—and The Mint Museum has always done its best to uphold that ideal. This museum, a beloved staple in Charlotte’s art community, takes pride in making art as accessible as possible for visitors of all ages, as well as for visitors with disabilities. The Mint Museum has two locations: Uptown and Randolph. You can learn about their upcoming exhibits and any things to do there this weekend by visiting their website.
Test your Skills at Duckpin Bowling
Where: various Charlotte neighborhoods
Cost: varies by bar
Sometimes, you just want fun things to do that don’t necessarily take up your whole night—and don’t take much skill to be fun, either. Enter duckpin bowling. Instead of heading to a full-sized bowling alley with your crew, you can head to one of your favorite bars to test your luck with smaller pins and shorter lanes. And the best part? No shoe rentals required. Our top choices for duckpin bowling include Pinhouse in Plaza Midwood and Pins Mechanical Co. in South End.
Stroll through the Wing Haven Gardens
Where: Myer’s Park
Cost: $10 for people aged 11 and older, free for people aged 10 and under, $5 for all on Wellness Wednesdays
Interested in finding historical things to do outside in Charlotte’s excellent weather? A stroll through the gardens on Ridgewood Avenue might be just what you need. These gardens were founded by close friends Elizabeth Clarkson and Elizabeth Lawrence as they turned their home street Ridgewood Avenue into the premier destination for Southern horticulture. Decades later, their personal gardens remain open to the public. Guests can visit Clarkson’s Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary, as well as the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden. The SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden is also open and provides a fun interactive experience for kids.
