This FAMILY TO DO in CHARLOTTE series is sponsored by CEENTA.
This is the perfect time to take a day trip as a family – the weather is good and gets better every day, the weekends provide a welcome break from school routines, and the change of season presents some ‘only in the fall’ family traditions to establish. There are so many great options within an hour or two of Charlotte ~ we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best day trip locations to help you make your fall weekend plans.
Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, NC
Tweetsie Railroad is a Wild West Theme Park located in Blowing Rock, NC which is just under two hours from Charlotte. The huge steam train is the highlight and your admission includes unlimited rides. Most of the amusements rides are great for toddlers and preschoolers making Tweetsie a good option for young families. There are also a handful of rides that older kids would enjoy too. Generally this park is ideal for ages 2-10 yrs and this year they opened three new rides: Barrels for Fun, Buckaroo Drop, and Mini Swing.
Hours and dates: Open April through late December. Currently open Thursday – Monday 10am-6pm (closed Tues and Wed)
Patterson Farm in Mt. Ulla, NC
Patterson Farm is one of the larger farms in our area and will have pick your own pumpkins this fall. They also have a ton of family activities on their farm including a playground, barnyard, barrel train ride, corn maze, wagon ride, and more! They also offer weekday pumpkin patch tours that include education on the pumpkin life cycle and a hands-on seasonal activity. The fall season begins Sept 23rd and runs through Nov. 4th.
Greensboro Science Center in Greensboro, NC
The Greensboro Science Center is a science museum, aquarium, and zoological park all in one and can easily entertain a family for 3-4 hours. There is an aquarium, outdoor zoo and farm, outdoor treehouse style play area, indoor play areas, butterfly garden, Imax theater, science exhibits, carousel, and more! It has a great layout which makes navigating the exhibits easy. It is open daily 9am-5pm.
Anne Springs Greenway in Fort Mill, SC
Anne Springs is a 21-acre green space and nature preserve just across the NC line in Fort Mill. The property offers tons of outdoor activities including walking and hiking trails, a beautiful pond and creek, fishing, and kayaking, historic houses, animals (horses, cows, and other wildlife), and lots more.
The public can enjoy all the property has to offer by buying a day pass or becoming a member for a monthly or yearly fee. It’s open 7 days a week from 7am – sunset.
North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC
Fall is one of the best times to visit the zoo and did you know that the NC Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo? They have more than 1700 animals in the park plus a carousel, kidzone, and animal feedings. The zoo is divided into two sections – North America and Africa and you can either walk or take a tram between the areas.
Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury, NC
Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury is an awesome park with tons of family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect distance for a day trip from Charlotte and there are enough activities to fill a half or full day. We recently visited for the first time and had so much fun! My kids especially loved the carousel, train, and Wildlife Adventure. Some of the activities require a small fee and many are free. Activities include: Carousel, splash pad, train ride, large playground, barnyard, wildlife adventure, mini golf, paddle boats, gem mining, camping, and a nature center.
Nido and Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum in High Point, NC
Opened in 2022, the Qubein Children’s Museum offers 75,000 square foot of learning and fun for families. It has a range of hands-on exhibits, outdoor adventure zone, and interactive programming. Tickets include unlimited carousel rides and parking. Reservations are encouraged as many times sell out.
Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock, NC
Sky Top Orchard is one of the largest orchards in NC and offers tons of family activities in addition to pick your own apples. They have a children’s train, large playground, animal barn, gem mining, and a tractor pull. They also have delicious apple cider donuts, cider, caramel apples and more! Admission is free and reservations aren’t required.
Day Out with Thomas at the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC
Thomas and Percy are coming to the NC Transportation Museum the last two weekends in September. The Day out with Thomas event includes a train ride, pictures with Sir Topham Hat and lots of fun around the museum including music, lawn games, model trains, and more!
*For more fall activity ideas in Charlotte follow House of Hensen on Instagram.
Thanks to our presenting sponsor Ceenta!
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (CEENTA) has nearly 140 providers in almost 20 locations bringing specialty care to the community. CEENTA provides comprehensive pediatric and adult eye, ear, nose and throat care, and highly specialized care, too.
These services include but are not limited to: audiology, allergy treatment, cataract surgery, cochlear implants, cornea diseases, diabetic eye care, glaucoma treatment, head and neck cancer, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, optical and contact lenses, pediatric airway care, sleep medicine, thyroid treatment, and voice and swallowing care.
To schedule an appointment with any of CEENTA’s board-certified physicians, please call 704-295-3000.
