Can’t swing the airfare for a cross country trip this summer? Not to worry. Charlotte is accessible to plenty of family-friendly destinations that are four hours or less by car. Whether you want to see some wild animals, go glamping,…
VISIT THE NEW SULLENBERGER AVIATION MUSEUM The Sullenberger Aviation Museum officially opens its doors on Saturday, June 1, at 10 a.m. Captain C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger, who maneuvered the famed “Miracle on the Hudson” landing, will be in Charlotte to celebrate…
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…
Check out these pick-your-own farms that offer sweet strawberries and farm fun for the kids.
MILES FROM CHARLOTTE: 668 TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours NONSTOP SERVICE ON: American Airlines We made it. The cold, gloomy months of winter are behind us and the days are finally getting longer. It’s time to trade those puffer jackets and…
Whether your family excels at pitching a tent or needs step-by-step instructions, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Bostic, North Carolina allows everyone to experience nature at their own pace. The 600-acre site has a range of accommodations including luxury…
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…
Each month, our 10-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 Lebowski’s…
From events on church lawns to community-wide eggstravaganzas, there are plenty of Easter egg hunts in Charlotte this spring. Many of them also include visits from the Easter Bunny. So get hoppin', and don't forget your Easter basket! March 16…
Pining for some mountain air but don’t have time for an extended road trip? Pack up the car with your puffy coats and hiking boots and head to Boone for one last dash of winter. Explore the trails at Grandfather…
RIDE A SUGAR HIGH Stop by The Crazy Mason, the new dessert bar in Concord, for an over-the-top frozen treat. Splurge on towering, Instagrammable confections served in mason jars and topped with donuts, cupcakes, gummy bears, and more. GET CRAFTY…
SEE THE RAIL TRAIL LIGHTS The popular Rail Trail Lights return to South End February 2-18. See multiple public light art installations by local artists along the .7-mile stretch of the Rail Trail between Bland Street and Atherton Mill. Artwork…
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…
Free Light Displays by Families Arndt Christmas Lights 14904 Carbert Lane, Huntersville Through Dec. 31 Donations go to the Wounded Warrior Project. Ardrey Neighborhood Captain Ardrey Rd This festive South Charlotte neighborhood is known for their festive Charleston-style houses each…
ICE SKATE AT CAMP NORTH END Take the kids to Camp North End on Saturday, December 2, 9, or 16 from 3 to 8 p.m. and see the 76-acre site transformed into a winter wonderland. Experience larger-than-life holiday decor, live…
The entrance to Barnsley Resort looks like a vintage postcard, flanked with stone pillars and manicured flower beds. A narrow, winding road takes you through rolling green fields lined with wooden fences, and the smell of charred hickory and smoked…
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,…
Picture a classic family beach vacation: long stretches of sand full of seashells to collect, riding bikes—with bells and baskets!—to ice cream shops, playing putt-putt after a day of kite-flying, or a hammock nap with the sounds of the ocean…
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…
Known as “the jewel of the northeast coast,” Ponte Vedra Beach is an oceanfront retreat about 20 miles southeast of Jacksonville in northeast Florida. The area is synonymous with golf and home of the THE PLAYERS Championship, which is held…
CELEBRATE LABOR DAY AT THE U.S. WHITEWATER CENTER Celebrate Labor Day at U.S. National Whitewater Center Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3 with trail races, yoga, and live music. Admission is free; parking is $6. Lawn chairs and blankets…
CATCH A KID-FRIENDLY FLICK When you need a break from the heat, head to the nearest Regal cinema for a kid-friendly flick on the big screen. Regal’s Summer Movie Express runs every Tuesday and Wednesday through September 6. During the…
