Neurodivergent Travel: 3 Destinations That Are 4 Hours or Less from Charlotte
If you’re looking for easily accessible, neurodivergent-friendly destinations for your family, here are three that are a short drive from Charlotte.
With plenty of parks, trails, and museums, this pedestrian-friendly city has plenty to offer families for a day or weekend excursion. Food options are abundant, museums are sensory-inclusive, and Falls Park on The Reedy has breathtaking views. If you venture outside the downtown area, visit the sensory-friendly zoo to see creatures from around the world any day of the week.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
300 College St.
PRICING & HOURS
TUES-SAT 9 am-5 pm
SUN 11 am-5 pm
$3-$19. Children under 1 are free
150 Cleveland Park Drive
PRICING & HOURS
Spring/Summer Hours
Zoo hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily from March 9 – November 5
Last admission is at 4 pm.
$9-$15. Children 2 and under are admitted free with an adult.
601 S. Main St.
PRICING & HOURS
Opens at 5 am
FREE
206 S. Main St.
PRICING & HOURS
Opens at 5 am
FREE
Falls Park on The Reedy
Families that love nature can become outdoor explorers here. The myriad of trails, gardens, and arts is endless, and the North Carolina Arboretum is easily accessible via the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway or Interstate 26. If you need an indoor activity, check out the Asheville Museum of Science.
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
PRICING & HOURS
- April – October Hours: 8 am – 9 pm daily
PARKING FEES
- Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
- Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
- Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
- Members: Free
43 Patton Ave.
PRICING & HOURS
Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm
Monday: 10 am – 5 pm
Tuesdays: CLOSED
Wednesday-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
All visitors 3 years and up are $10
Members and children 2 and under are free
The North Carolina Arboretum
This magical southern city puts you right on the coast, with a world-class aquarium and endless dining options. If you venture into Isle of Palms, which is a short 15-minute ride and right past the bridge, visit Vickery’s Shem Creek to enjoy beautiful marsh views and dolphin sightings.
100 Aquarium Wharf
PRICING & HOURS
Open daily, 9 am–5 pm; last entry time is 3:30 pm.
The South Carolina Aquarium utilizes a ticket calendar to determine daily admission prices. This model allows guests to plan their visit on a date that fits their schedule and budget. Tickets are available for purchase up to 60 days in advance. Buy your tickets early, as prices increase closer to your selected date.
1081 Morrison Dr.
PRICING & HOURS
Full-service indoor dining Sunday-Thursday 5–9 pm, Friday and Saturday 5–10 pm
Outdoor bar service 11 am – 10 pm
$-$$$
1313 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mt. Pleasant
PRICING & HOURS
Open daily 11 am-9 pm
Happy Hour, Monday–Friday 4-7 pm
$-$$
The South Carolina Aquarium
