Find Fast-Paced Fun in Charlotte
Charlotte is a rare city that offers activities to keep all ages entertained. Whether you have young children or teenagers, are traveling solo, or are looking for a great couples adventure, there’s something for everybody here.
After you visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, you’ll be inspired to get your hands on the wheel at Victory Lane Indoor Karting Center.
Carowinds theme park has age-appropriate attractions for the whole family, but thrill-seekers will go straight to The Intimidator, the area’s longest, fastest and tallest roller coaster.
For a more educational and less hair-raising day, try the Charlotte Nature Museum, Discovery Place and Discovery Place KIDS for tots.
Go out on the town at EPICENTRE to find live music, nightlife, restaurants and shopping right in the heart of Charlotte. Nearby you’ll find the Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena and the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
When you visit Charlotte, you’re also only a couple of hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains and Biltmore Estate in Asheville and about 4 hours away from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The University of North Carolina Charlotte gardens includes the 7-acre Van Landingham Glen with over 1,000 species of native Carolinas plants, the 3-acre Susie Harwood Garden with colorful plants from around the world, and The McMillan Greenhouse with over 1,000 orchids as well as rare and exotic plants. The garden is open during daylight hours, 7 days a week.
ImaginOn brings stories to life to guests of all ages through a children’s library with activities and resources for ages birth through 5th grade, the children’s theatre and classes, the Teen Loft library, and Studio i, where teens and families can produce music videos, stop motion animations, use the blue screen for live action videos, and much more.
Explore a neighborhood overflowing with art, music, culture, restaurants, craft breweries, and entertainment. This historic district is one of the coolest places to live and visit in Charlotte, with an eco-friendly, walkable atmosphere allowing you to see all the shops and vendors. Visit on the first and third Fridays of each month from 6-9 PM for the NoDa Gallery Crawl.
Learn about the history of the gold mining in North Carolina, the iconic stagecoaches, and banking in the 19th century. You can climb aboard a stagecoach, try out a telegraph and crank phone, and play banker with hands-on activities and technology.
The world’s most recognized evangelist, Billy Graham was known for his broadcasted sermons and rallies as well as for being a friend and advisor to many Presidents and political leaders. The Billy Graham Library includes a self-guided tour through Graham’s life, beautifully maintained grounds, the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar restaurant, Ruth’s Attic bookstore, and changing events and attractions.
Charlotte is rich in history, and one of the best ways to learn about the city’s history, including past racial tensions, mid-century architecture, and sites dating back to the Civil War. You can also try the driving tours to spend hours discovering a side of Charlotte you might not have known about.
Price’s Chicken Coop The best fried chicken in town
1614 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Zada Jane’s Hometown breakfast all day long plus vegetarian and vegan options
1601 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Mr. K’s Old-fashioned mom & pop burger and ice cream shop
2107 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phat Burrito Large portions of fresh Tex Mex flavors
1537 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Viva Chicken Authentic Peruvian-inspired fare including Pollo a la Brasa
1617 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204
Sunflour Baking Company Sandwiches on freshly-baked bread, pastries and desserts
2001 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Zack’s Hamburgers Charlotte’s favorite fast food burger joint since 1975
4009 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Queen City Brewers Festival (January)
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March)
Queen’s Cup Steeplechase (April)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Coca-Cola 600 (May)
NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race (May)
Speed Street (May)
Taste of Charlotte (June)
Skyshow July 4th Spectacular (July)
Festival in the Park (September)
Q-City BBQ Championship (October)
Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade (November)
First Night (December)