Best Bets for Spring Break Adventure in and around Charlotte

Spring break is the perfect time to explore all Charlotte has to offer.

April 3, 2019

Courtney McLaughlin, Michele Huggins,

An entire week off with the kids? Enjoy the time to explore some of the best venues around Charlotte. Take a thrill ride, feed the animals, chill at a local beach and more all in one week without a drive! Best of all once it's all done for the day, you can sleep in your own bed.

Rider the Coasters at Carowinds

Carowinds is open weekends and weekdays April 6-16. Head to this classic amusement park and be one of the first to ride Copperhead Strike, the Carolinas' first double launch coaster. Take a trip back in time at the County Fair with four retro classic rides, let the little ones burn off some energy at Camp Snoopy and fill up with authentic Carolina cuisine.

The smallest amusement park enthusiasts get free admissions with a Pre-K Pass available for children age 3 to 5. The Pre-K pass includes unlimited visits for the entire 2019 season.

Copperhead Strike at Carowinds is the first double-launch coaster in the Carolinas.

Photo courtesy of Carowinds

The theme park is also hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza April 15-21. Spot Eggward the Easter Bunny and Snoopy the Easter Beagle who will be handing out Easter eggs filled with goodies and taking selfies with guests. Don't miss the return of The Marvelous Mutts live show for their limited Spring Break run.

Go on an Art Scavenger Hunt

Explore uptown like a tourist with the ASC Public Art Scavenger Hunt. It's a self-guided, free tour that is estimated to take 45 minutes. Download the brochure map or use the podcast. Cover as much or as little of the hunt as you like at your own pace. We recommend a stop at the Amelie's uptown or 7th Street Public Market, or jump on they Lynx and come down to Southend for a milkshake at Pike's Soda Shop.

Ride the Lynx

Speaking of the Lynx, take a ride on the Blue Line Extension to UNC Charlotte. Visit the UNCC Botanical Garden, walk around campus and stop off in NoDa on your way back.

Visit the U.S. National Whitewater Center

There are loads of land activities at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, just west of uptown. Choose from four novice ropes courses, zipline through alongside tree-tops or explore the woods on a canopy tour (must be at least 4 feet, 8 inches to do the canopy tour). Try bouldering, a climbing wall, or mountain biking on the trails. (Most land activities have a minimum weight requirement of 45 pounds).

Rent a flat-water kayak to glide on the Catawba River. Ages 4 and older can ride tandem in a kayak, and age 8 and older can go solo. Activity pass prices vary based on type of activities.

Courtesy of USNWC

Explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Hop into the driver's seat and enjoy interactive exhibits at the NASCAR Hall. Enjoy a new kind of bunny hop on April 20 with the Easter Egg 400. During this festive morning, little ones join the Easter Bunny for a morning full of entertainment and games, balloon twisting, face painting and egg relays, plus a photo opportunity. Tickets are also available for a full breakfast. Tickets start at $12.95 for ages 5-12. Operating hours are Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Go on a Safari at Lazy 5 Ranch

Drive north to Mooresville for a local safari adventure at Lazy 5 Ranch. See llamas, Watusi cattle, emus and the baby giraffes that were born this spring.

The 10th annual Easter Eggstravaganza happens April 13 and 20, and includes a Helicopter Egg Drop, coloring contest, live bunnies and scavenger hunt. All Easter activities are included in regular admission rates with the exception of food, ice cream, and T-shirts. Operating hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-one hour before sunset; Sundays, 1 p.m.-one hour before sunset. $8 for ages 2-11; $11 for adults. Bring cash as cards aren't accepted.

Sit on a Beach at Jetton Park

A lakeside beach is only 30 minutes north of Charlotte's center city at Jetton Park. Bring bikes and scooters to ride around the park's paved path. There are also tennis courts and a playground.

Courtesy of Visit Lake Norman

Bug Out at Discovery Place

Go all things buggy at Discovery Place Science during their Buzz-a-thon event April 13-20. Monday through Saturday kids can meet a bug up close and personal, stop by the Bug Bistro, make butterfly masks, watch the insects get down and jitterbug and much more. In addition to the Buzz-a-thon everyone can check out the Bug Lab before it flies away.

Plan a Park Day

If the sun is shining, pack a picnic in a backpack, load up the bikes and head to a nearby greenway. Bike for awhile, then stop and have a picnic before biking back. If you opt for Freedom Park venture over to Discovery Place Nature. Pack a soccer ball and Frisbee for some activity, or simply enjoy reading a book on a blanket. Pretend you are far from home, and let the chores wait.

Bounce at a Trampoline Park

There’s a certain freedom to ignoring the laws of gravity, and several Charlotte businesses capitalize on it. There are many options for places to jump, climb, soar and play, and many of these places are offering special spring break discounts and hours.