Start the summer strong with a family road trip to South Carolina’s Old 96 District for its annual Festival of Flowers, which happens June 6-9. See more than 30 colorful topiaries designed in the form of cows, elephants, horses, and…
ENJOY FREE ADMISSION TO THE MINT MUSEUM Starting May 1, children in grades K-12 can enjoy free admission to both locations of the Mint Museum for an entire year with an adult admission. This opportunity was made possible through Mint…
If you’re looking for easily accessible, neurodivergent-friendly destinations for your family, here are three that are a short drive from Charlotte. GREENVILLE, SC With plenty of parks, trails, and museums, this pedestrian-friendly city has plenty to offer families for a…
VISIT CHARLOTTE SHOUT! This multi-week festival has returned to uptown and runs through April 14. See more than 200 installations, performances, events, and activations. Nearly all the events are outdoors, free, and open to the public. charlotteshout.com HEAD TO THE…
For skiers, snowboarders, tubers, and snow-loving families, winter in Charlotte is more of a concept than a reality within the climate constraints of the Queen City. Well-schooled QC moms and dads, however, know mountains of seasonal outdoor fun are only…
If you ever wonder where you can take your neurodivergent child around Charlotte, well, wonder no more. I’ve done the research with my own children to save you time and narrow down the search for sensory, budget-friendly, and fun places…
If a trip to Germany isn’t possible this season, head to Helen, a tiny town in northwest Georgia that goes big for the holidays. It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Charlotte and attracts millions of tourists who flock to find a…
Pile the crew in the car and bring home a stunning North Carolina Christmas tree
CELEBRATE FALL IN STATESVILLE Head to downtown Statesville on Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Statesville Pumpkin Fest. Look for a classic car show; a kids’ zone with inflatables; live entertainment; food vendors; and beer, wine,…
CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT OPTIMIST HALL Bring the family to Optimist Hall on Saturday, October 14 from 12 – 4 p.m. Enjoy live music, lawn games, and a seasonal flower cart, plus festive fall flavors from OH tenants. optimisthall.com TRICK…
High Point, just 90 minutes north of Charlotte, is known as the furniture capital of the world. It’s also the first Certified Autism Destination (CAD) on the East Coast, and the second in the country. Becoming a CAD means tourism,…
East Fork Farm is in Marshall, NC, about three hours from Charlotte and 25 miles outside Asheville. The property spans 40 acres and is home to sheep, chickens, cows, and farm dogs that kids can see up close. A weekend…
As Asheville’s population and tourism industry continue to grow, so does the cost of a weekend visit. You can access many of the same things you go to Asheville for—the Blue Ridge Mountains, outdoor activities, good food and drink, art—without…
Sticking around Charlotte for spring break? Or just looking for a way to spend the day with your family? Here's a list of the best Charlotte has to offer for kids and families. It's not everything, but it's a great…
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is often called the "gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains," and it sees more than 11 million visitors each year. It’s home to Tennessee’s only ski resort and puts you just a few miles from Dollywood and the…
Your kids may be too young to watch the R-rated 1987 movie “Bull Durham” before a visit to Bull City, but they’ll still appreciate the sights and sounds of Durham. Restaurants, markets, and shops are within walking distance of the…
Planning a ski trip puts fear into the hearts of many parents. Between safety concerns and deciding where to go, what equipment to rent, and when to book ski school, it can feel like a logistical nightmare. Ski Sapphire Valley…
If you drive toward the coast, about 4.5 hours east of Charlotte, you’ll find the waterfront town of New Bern, North Carolina. Nestled where the Neuse and Trent rivers converge, this small city is the state’s former colonial capital and…
Summer may already be in full swing, but that doesn't mean it’s too late to plan some family fun. We’ve got a roundup of outdoor adventures and weekend getaways you can still add to your calendar. *See approximate driving time from Charlotte listed…
When our son Ben grew too large to be carried from his wheelchair to the beach, we wondered how we’d manage future trips to the shore. His favorite pastime is splashing at the ocean’s edge, and we didn’t want him…
After two years of limited contact with extended family and friends, you’re probably overdue for a visit. If a beach vacation or mountain getaway is in your plans, consider these four destinations for a big group. Bald Head Island, North…
Myrtle Beach, also known as the Grand Strand, stretches 60 miles along the South Carolina coast and encompasses 14 different communities, each with their own identity and attractions. Kids can enjoy mini golf, pirate shows, and the beach boardwalk, while…
If a traditional family getaway isn’t in your plans this spring break, you can still have a week of fun and relaxation in your hometown. Below is a roundup of thematic staycations to help you ditch your day-to-day routine…
Each month, our 8-year-old resident foodie visits a different Charlotte-area restaurant that’s kid-friendly—but not a kid-topia. He orders something he’s never tried before and reports back with his recommendations for kids and their parents. Here is his review of Milkbread…
