Top Family Vacation Spots in Charlotte, United States

1. Carowinds Amusement Park

Enjoy thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly attractions at this massive amusement park spanning both North and South Carolina.

Thrill Rides: Home to some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the region.
Family-Friendly Attractions: Offers a variety of rides suitable for children of all ages.
Events and Shows: Hosts seasonal events and live shows throughout the year.

Explore interactive exhibits and educational programs dedicated to science, technology, engineering, art, and math at this popular museum.

Interactive Exhibits: Provides hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
Educational Programs: Offers workshops, classes, and camps to inspire curiosity and learning.
IMAX Dome Theater: Screens documentaries on a giant dome screen for an immersive viewing experience.

Get up close and personal with local wildlife and learn about the environment at this museum dedicated to nature and conservation.

Live Animals: Features a variety of live animals, including reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Nature Trails: Offers outdoor nature trails for visitors to explore.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs and workshops focusing on conservation and environmental education.

Explore the natural world, from dinosaurs to local ecosystems, at this museum with a focus on paleontology and natural history.

Dinosaur Exhibits: Features one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils in the Southeast.
Local Ecosystems: Offers exhibits showcasing local ecosystems and wildlife.
Planetarium: Features a planetarium for stargazing and learning about the universe.

Experience white-water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and zip-lining at this outdoor adventure center located along the Catawba River.

White-Water Rafting: Offers white-water rafting on a man-made river for all skill levels.
Kayaking and Canoeing: Provides opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on various difficulty levels.
Rock Climbing and Zip-lining: Includes rock climbing walls and zip-lines, perfect for adrenaline junkies.

Learn about the life and legacy of evangelist Billy Graham at this museum and library dedicated to his work.

Exhibits and Artifacts: Displays memorabilia, artifacts, and exhibits related to Billy Graham's life.
Guided Tours: Offers guided tours of the museum and library for an in-depth look at Graham's life.
The Chapel: Features a beautiful chapel where visitors can reflect, pray, or attend services.

Catch a minor league baseball game and enjoy family-friendly entertainment at this spacious ballpark.

Baseball Games: Watch the Charlotte Knights play against other minor league teams.
Family-Friendly Entertainment: Offers activities and entertainment for children, such as face painting, balloon animals, and mascots.
Concessions and Food: Serves a variety of food and beverages at concession stands throughout the park.

Take a scenic bike ride or walk along this paved trail that runs through the heart of the city.

Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of Charlotte's skyline and surrounding nature.
Biking and Walking: Ideal for biking, walking, jogging, or rollerblading.
Accessibility: Mostly flat and paved, making it accessible for all ages and ability levels.

Explore beautiful gardens, waterfalls, and fountains at this picturesque botanical garden.

Gardens and Landscapes: Features a variety of themed gardens, including azaleas, roses, and Japanese gardens.
Waterfalls and Fountains: Includes several waterfalls and fountains throughout the garden.
Events and Workshops: Hosts events, workshops, and classes focused on gardening, nature, and conservation.

Experience the history and excitement of NASCAR racing at this museum dedicated to the sport.

Exhibits and Artifacts: Displays memorabilia, cars, and exhibits related to NASCAR's history.
Simulators and Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive experiences, including simulators that let visitors race virtual cars.
Guided Tours: Provides guided tours of the museum for an in-depth look at NASCAR's history and culture.

Appreciate modern and contemporary art at this museum with a focus on Swiss-American artist, Ernst Wilhelm Nay.

Modern and Contemporary Art: Features a collection of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on Swiss-American artist, Ernst Wilhelm Nay.
Temporary Exhibitions: Hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing the work of other modern and contemporary artists.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs, workshops, and classes focused on modern and contemporary art.

Discover art from around the world at this museum with two locations in Charlotte.

World Art Collections: Features a collection of art from different cultures and time periods, including European, Asian, and American art.
Temporary Exhibitions: Hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing the work of various artists and themes.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs, workshops, and classes focused on art history and culture.

Experience the beauty of dance at this professional ballet company that offers performances and educational programs.

Performances: Offers a variety of performances throughout the year, including classics like The Nutcracker.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs, workshops, and classes focused on dance and ballet.
Community Engagement: Engages with the community through outreach programs, collaborations, and performances.

Enjoy classical music at its finest with this professional orchestra that offers performances and educational programs.

Performances: Offers a variety of performances throughout the year, including symphonies and special concerts.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs, workshops, and classes focused on music and orchestral performance.
Community Engagement: Engages with the community through outreach programs, collaborations, and performances.

Catch a soccer match and support your local team at this professional soccer club.

Soccer Matches: Watch the Charlotte Independence play against other professional teams.
Family-Friendly Entertainment: Offers activities and entertainment for children, such as face painting, balloon animals, and mascots.
Concessions and Food: Serves a variety of food and beverages at concession stands throughout the stadium.