This FAMILY TO DO in CHARLOTTE series is sponsored by CEENTA.
Looking for fun things to do with your family this summer? We have a list of 10 family-friendly activities in the Charlotte and surrounding area that will help you put together your summer bucket list.
1. Visit a Nature Preserve
Did you know Mecklenburg County has over 20 nature preserves that the public can enjoy for free? This includes four nature centers that have regular programming for families and the preserves have nature trails, access to lakes and ponds and picnic areas. Most also offer natural play spaces and playgrounds. I’ve listed our favorites in the caption to help plan your next outdoor adventure.
Nature Center programming schedules can be found on the Meck Parks Website and most offer animal encounters, outdoor sports classes, camps, and hiking.
Our favorites:
- McDowell Nature Center and Preserve in South Charlotte is a 1132 acre property. At the nature center they have live animals and a natural play area for kids. The preserve has a nice playground, trails, and beautiful views of Lake Wylie.
- Latta Nature Preserve in Huntersville is also home to the Quest Nature Center and Carolina Raptor Center. Quest has live animals and a 3,000 sqft interactive exhibit hall that includes an aquarium. The preserve has walking trails and beautiful views of Mountain Island Lake.
- Big Rock Nature Preserve in South Charlotte has several wooded trails plus huge stones that are believed to have served as a campsite and lookout post for Native Americans. You can climb on and under the rocks which is a huge hit with my kids.
- Stevens Creek Nature Preserve and Center in Mint Hill has live animals and an exhibit hall at the nature center and walking trails throughout the preserve.
- Reedy Creek Nature Preserve and Center in North Charlotte has a nature playground, basketball courts, walking trails, and NFL Playground.
- Flat Branch Nature Preserve in South Charlotte is a short .4 mile loop walking trail that is great for small kids. It’s mostly shaded and has a small area of rocks that kids can play on. This is a nice simple option for toddlers and it’s stroller friendly.
2. Swim at a Local Beach on the Lake
The Charlotte area has several lake beaches that are open to the public and they are a great way to enjoy a beach experience without the drive.
Ramsey Creek Beach Cornelius, NC is a 43-acre lakeside park with a half-acre sandy beach. Parking is $10 for Mecklenburg County residents and $15 for non-county residents.
Lake Norman State Park has a 125-yard sand beach with a concession stand, bathhouse, restrooms and lockers. The cost is $4-$6/per person. The main park is free to access.
Ebenezer Park Lake Wylie has a public beach, campsites and outdoor sports courts on the edge of Lake Wylie. Day passes are $3 for York country residents and $5 for non-York county residents.
3. Go See Animals at Lazy Five Ranch
Lazy 5 Ranch located in Mooresville is an animal park that offers a drive-thru experience to feed and see the animals which includes antelope, cattle, deer, elk, giraffes, sheep, and more. You can drive your own vehicle through the park or ride their wagon. The animals tend to come up to the vehicles so it’s easy to pet and feed them.
4. Watch a Charlotte FC Match
The Charlotte FC game day environment is so much fun and matches are only 90 minutes making them very kid-friendly. Most games this summer begin at 7:30pm.
5. Visit Playland Indoor Playground
Playland is one of our favorite indoor playgrounds in the area and we love the variety of fun play structures including tunnels, a ball pit, several slides, and a toddler area. The best part is that they offer gourmet coffee and lots of tables where parents can sit and watch their kids with a nice drink.
6. Explore Science and Nature at the Schiele Museum
The Schiele Museum of Natural History is a fun and educational experience for a wide range of ages. Permanent exhibits include the largest collection of mounted land mammals in the Southeast, galleries of natural history, and a working farm and planetarium.
7. Take a Hike at Crowders Mountain
Crowds Mountain State Park in Gaston County includes the peaks of Crowder’s Mountain and The Pinnacle. You can hike to either peak for amazing views or enjoy several easy family-friendly hikes that range from 0.8 to 1.8 miles.
8. Play in the Creek at Anne Springs Greenway
Anne Springs Greenway 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 creek by the swinging bridge has a sand bar and is very shallow making it perfect for kids to swim and play.
9. Go See Super Hero’s at Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science Uptown has the new Marvel: Universe of Superhero’s exhibition where you’ll see artifacts, like the actual suits worn in popular movies, interactive installations, and life-size superhero statues. Admission includes full access to the museum and the exhibition area.
10. Take a Day Trip to the Zoo
There are two great zoos located about 1.5 hours from Charlotte – The Riverbank Zoo in Columbia, SC and The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC. The biggest difference between them is size. The NC Zoo is huge with very natural habitats for the animals while Riverbank is much more compact and easy to navigate. Both are worth a visit and are a fun day trip with the family.
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.
