9 Things to Do with the Family in South Charlotte
Getting out and about with the family in South Charlotte.
FAMILY DINING
Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
4310 Sharon Road
704-365-1922
thecowfish.com
The whimsical food and atmosphere in this Southpark restaurant has made it a favorite for people of all ages. Menu items range from giant hamburgers, including one called the "Hunka Hunka Burning Love," to sushi to "Burgushi," a fusion of a hamburger and sushi. The interactive sushi bar is outfitted with inlaid screens, where customers can place their orders and then track their progress on a giant screen behind the bar. Scaled-down portions of kids’ favorites are available on the kids’ menu, including a peanut butter and jelly roll and macaroni-and-cheese.
Brixx
7814 Fairview Road
704-295-0707
brixxpizza.com
The fountain and sizable patio at Brixx’s Southpark location has become a regular hangout for families, whether it’s Saturday afternoon or weekdays after school. The outdoor courtyard has plenty of room for strollers and toddlers on the move. The $4.95 kids’ menu features popular items such as cheese pizza and penne pasta.
Big View Diner
16637 Lancaster Highway
704-544-0313
xeniahospitality.com/big-view
A traditional 1950s diner with a modern edge, Big View Diner is known for its breakfast and brunch menus and extensive offering of baked goods that greet patrons as they walk in the door. The kids menu includes healthy choices such as gluten-free hotdogs and whole-wheat pasta with vegetables, and the casual atmosphere is welcoming for families and children. Big Diner hosts occasional family nights with live entertainment and movies for kids in its party room while parents enjoy drinks and dinner specials in the dining room.
FAMILY FUN
Main Street Children’s Museum
133 E. Main St.
Rock Hill, S.C.
803- 327-6400
chmuseums.org/childrens
Geared for children ages birth through 6 years old, a visit to the Main Street Children’s Museum encourages kids to use their imaginations and creativity. The museum is based on the work of illustrator Vernon Grant, who lived in Rock Hill, and includes a pumpkin house, magic ship and tree house. Interactive exhibits, such as a kitchen, dress-up room and train, encourage kids to play.
Cinebarre at The Arboretum
8008 Providence Road
704-543-4581
cinebarre.com/locations/charlotte-nc
While oriented toward the 18-and-older crowd, Cinebarre – Arboretum regularly hosts events for children and families. The theater offers meal service during a movie, children can eat free there all day on Mondays. Menu items are named after movies, and kids’ choices include the "All Dogs Go To Heaven" hot dog and fries and "Chicken Little" chicken fingers and dipping sauce. Kids younger than 3 are welcome on occasional "Cry Baby Days."
Inner Peaks Climbing Center
9535 Monroe Road #170
704-844-6677
innerpeaks.com
Inner Peaks indoor and outdoor rock climbing center offers 13,000 square feet of climbing terrain with challenges for all ages and skill levels. The center offers memberships and day passes, as well as climbing training for the under-12 set and an adult. Youth ages 7-17 can join a climbing "team" that competes in local and regional climbing competitions. Beginning climbers can hone their skills at week-long summer camps.
OUTDOOR FUN
Squirrel Lake Park
1631 Pleasant Plains Road
Matthews
704-841-4458
matthewsfun.org
The recently renovated Squirrel Lake Park features one of the area’s premier disc golf courses, with 12 holes winding through shaded woods. Kids enjoy the large playground and lake, where people regularly fish from its wooden observation dock. Eat lunch at one of several covered picnic tables or take a walk on the Four Mile Creek Greenway, which has an entry into Squirrel Lake Park and includes more than two miles of paved trails lined with informational plaques about local flora.
McDowell Nature Center
15222 York Road
704-588-5224
parkandrec.com
The McDowell Nature Center is the hub of educational and fun programs built around the 1,100-acre McDowell Nature Preserve in southwest Mecklenburg County. The center’s regular exhibits include live animals and butterfly gardens. Playground and picnic tables are outside the center, and families can observe nature in action on one of McDowell’s numerous hiking trails. The center regularly offers programs for all ages of children, including geocaching and night sky observation.
Hall Family Farm
10713 Providence Road West
704-562-4021
hallfamilyfarm.com
Owned by the Hall family for 70 years, Hall Family Farm has become a local destination for pick-your-own strawberries. The farm usually opens around mid-April for the season, and the low-growing berries are just the right height for little hands to pick. The farm has added funnel cakes to its snack bar this year, and kids also can enjoy musical hayrides and other activities. In the fall, the farm is open for hayrides, pumpkin picking and a 5-acre corn maze. Admission is free.
