Whether you’re preparing to teach, learn, or move back to campus, the end of summer marks the end of summer vacation for those in school. Before summer comes to a close, we’ve made a list of things to do in Charlotte that are fun for the whole family. No matter your age, these activities are sure to spark the child-like joy inside everyone and create lasting memories.
Local Attractions and Museums
The Charlotte area is dotted with many local event halls, interesting attractions, and educational museums for families to enjoy. Discovery Place, one of the most popular area attractions with locations Uptown and in Huntersville, is a hands-on science and nature museum. With rotating interactive exhibits, an IMAX Dome Theater, and countless educational programs, Discovery Place is a one-stop-shop for a day filled with inspiration. Additional museums to check out include ImaginOn, the Mint Museum, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Levine Center for the Arts, and the Charlotte Museum of History.
If you’re looking to stretch your legs, explore the city, and support local businesses, check out the multi-use spaces and food halls around town. Places like Optimist Hall and Camp North End have grown in popularity due to their wide variety of food and gift shops and indoor-outdoor seating options. Some of the city’s best restaurants and pop up shops are located in these spaces and are sure to keep the whole family entertained for hours.
The professional sports scene in Charlotte will briefly overlap with your end of summer festivities, too. With games running through October, the Charlotte Knights baseball games are a must-do activity. Check out their schedule and head out to the ballpark for a hot dog, popcorn, and great view of Uptown Charlotte. HAR tip: Opt for a weekend home game and stick around for the fireworks show afterwards. The Panthers season also offers a fun weekend activity, kicking off in August with Fan Fest followed by three preseason games, two of which are at our own Bank of America Stadium.
Playgrounds, Pools, and Parks
The Charlotte area is packed with nature reserves, outdoor entertainment spots, and lakefront parks to satisfy anyone’s outdoor adventure craving. Check out any of the three local lakes around town ranging from upstate South Carolina’s Lake Wylie, out to Mountain Island Lake west of Charlotte, and up through Lake Norman which is north of Charlotte.
In all directions, our area has beautiful parks to enjoy including various walking trails, playgrounds, and courts. Freedom Park, an in-town staple, spans over 98 acres with no shortage of space for things to do. North Mecklenburg Park, in Huntersville, offers a soccer and baseball field, basketball court, mountain biking trails, and six tennis courts. Cherry Park is Rock Hill’s premier baseball and softball facility and features a 1.5-mile trail.
The US National Whitewater Center often hosts races, festivals, and a busy schedule of daily activities and weekly outdoor concerts. Whether your crew is interested in running a themed marathon, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, or just spending time outdoors, the Whitewater Center is a must-see. Anne Springs Close Greenway is an area staple with a 2,100 acre nature preserve in Fort Mill offering countless outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnics, kayaking, and more. Read more about Helen Adams Realty’s partnership with the nature preserve here. Learn more about outdoor places to explore around town in our previous blog.
Whether you’re hoping to get outside and get active, learn something new, or cheer on our local sports teams, the end of summer is a great time to enjoy time with family and friends before the school year starts back up. Use this list as a guide next time you’re looking for some weekend family fun.