Charlotte, North Carolina is a popular commercial area in the state, which explains why there are so many fun things to do. A lot of this city’s attractions are unique, educational, and charming. Even if you’ve never considered Charlotte as a vacation destination before, you’re sure to fall in love with it. After all, North Carolina is known for its many family-friendly activities. So, what fun things are there to do in Charlotte?
These 12 attractions might help you complete your itinerary.
#1 – Billy Graham Library
You’re probably wondering why a library is listed as one of the most fun things to do in Charlotte. But as it turns out, this is actually a historical experience rather than a modern-day library. Religious figure Billy Graham once lived in this home, and it includes his book collection and an impressive mural. This barn-shaped house was restored using many of the Graham family’s original furnishings. The structure is open for tours, and it’s surrounded by a beautiful garden space. It’s certainly worth a visit!
#2 – Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary
Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful outdoor experience that’s open year-round. It has a beautiful public garden for guests to admire, along with a bird sanctuary with plenty of feathered friends. The park is full of paths that twist and turn, which pass a lot of plant species, including perennials, shrubs, and trees. One of the most notable installations on-site is a sundial that’s centuries old. If the weather is warm and sunny, this is the ideal stop for you and your family.
#3 – NASCAR Hall of Fame
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is easily one of the most popular destinations in Charlotte. It covers anything related to racing, including simulations, history, and memorabilia. Some famous drivers you’ll find in this Hall of Fame include Dale Earnhardt, Fireball Roberts, and Terry Labonte. You’ll also see a wide variety of historical race cars, such as a 1952 Hudson Hornet and a 1967 Chevelle. There’s even a theater and a behind the scenes tour, which shows how racers prepare on race day. If you’re a car enthusiast, this is a one-of-a-kind attraction with lots to explore.
#4 – Discovery Place
Discovery Place is a hands-on experience that’s to enthralling that you won’t even realize you’re learning! It’s one of the most fun things to do in Charlotte for all ages, especially if you have children with you. The museum is ever changing, with new interactive exhibits on a regular basis. Some experiences you’ll find at this attraction include exploring an indoor rainforest, creating stop-motion animation videos, and testing physics properties with everyday objects. It’s one thing to hear and see educational topics, but when you get to work with them yourself, it’s even more rewarding.
#5 – U.S. National Whitewater Center
Are you looking for some adventures during your Charlotte vacation? Visiting the U.S. National Whitewater Center is a favorite choice for thrill-seekers. It has unforgettable whitewater rafting experiences. But if that’s not your thing, there are also other outdoor activities there, including hiking, biking, ziplining, paddle-boarding, canoeing, and kayaking. This space has 1,300 acres of woodlands and 40 miles of trails. So, if you love spending time exercising outside, then you’ll never run out of fun things to do in this Charlotte park.
#6 – The Mint Museum
Contrary to assumptions, this museum is not decorated in a minty green color. Nor is it dedicated to the history of breath mints. Instead, it’s the longest-running art museum in the entire state. It has two separate locations: Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph. That way, if you can’t get enough of looking at art, you can check out both. These locations are home to thousands of art pieces from all over the world. Some of the styles that it’s known for are 19th-century landscape paintings and 20th-century Realism works. But of course, you’ll also find a wide variety of other art, like textiles, fashion, and modern art.
#7 – Carolinas Aviation Museum
The Carolinas Aviation Museum is located on the grounds of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. So, if you’re flying into the city, you should check it out before you come or go. It has lots of displays that showcase history, technology, and evolution related to air travel. You’ll find many impressive aircrafts on display, which includes a replica of the famous Wright Flyer. You’ll also see many private aircraft and military aircraft displays. Depending on the weather, you can also tour the planes located outside, allowing you to get a close up look at them. This educational museum also has classes, programs, and classroom resources on a regular basis.
#8 – Carowinds
Don’t worry, Charlotte isn’t only about learning and nature. There’s also an exciting amusement park for all ages. Carowinds is packed with a wide variety of attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, family rides, shows, and even a dinosaur exhibit. It’s a family favorite in North Carolina and it even has one of the best water parks in the South. It has 407 acres of fun activities, so you and the family could spend the entire day there if you wanted!
#9 – Freedom Park
This 100-acre park is relaxing and free! It’s one of the most fun things to do in Charlotte if you’re looking to spend the day in the sun. It has paths to walk on, along with batting cages, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, baseball fields, and playgrounds. While there are bathrooms on-site, there are no options for food or drink. However, about a mile away, you’ll find a wide selection of restaurants and shops to check out. Freedom Park isn’t anything out of the ordinary, but sometimes we need to blow of some steam by playing games outdoors.
#10 – The Funny Bus
The Funny Bus isn’t just a way for tourists to get around, but it brings a whole new experience to public transportation. It’s primarily used as a tour bus, where you can learn about the city in a comedic way. Your tour guide will be sure to crack you up with plenty of jokes while you ride around the beautiful city of Charlotte. Of course, drinks are even allowed on the bus so you can make the most of your experience. Some of the jokes are mature, so it’s more on an adult experience rather than a family one. But it can be an exciting and amusing way to get to know Charlotte.
#11 – Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for peace and beauty during your trip, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is the place to go. It has 110 acres of gardens, which are beautiful during every season. Most of the displays are outdoors, but it also has a glass structure with five stories of gardens, which include waterfalls and an orchid wall. Some other must-see areas are the Four Seasons Garden and Cottage Garden, which both have vibrant collections of flowers. This attraction also has seasonal displays throughout the year, including a popular holiday lights celebration in the winter. The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is sure to help you appreciate nature.
#12 – Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Theater enthusiasts love to visit the well-known Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. During your stay in Charlotte, be sure to check out what shows are currently going on and buy tickets to any that sound interesting. This performance hall hosts a wide range of shows, including plays, musicals, ballets, and symphonies. Throughout the year, this structure also has a variety of classes and events related to performing arts.
Does North Carolina seem like the vacation getaway you need? If so, you should consider these 12 fun things to do in Charlotte for your plans. These exciting attractions will provide the ideal variety and excitement for your upcoming trip.
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