Things to Do Page

SPRING BREAK WEEKENDER: Key West

The two-by-four-mile island on the Florida Keys’ southernmost point is a bit of a departure from pristine resort towns like Palm Beach or Seaside. Pastel, conch-style houses dot the narrow streets where roosters are free to roam, and colorful murals…

SPRING TRAVEL: Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Virginia’s Blue Ridge encompasses the city of Roanoke and its surrounding communities, which include the city of Salem, Botetourt County, Franklin County, and Roanoke County. Roanoke remains so historically intact that it’s easy to imagine the city 100 years ago. Locally…

Charlotte’s Best Indoor Playgrounds

Updated March 2023 MULTI-ACTIVITY FREE PLAY Sports Connection 11611 Ardrey Kell Rd. 704-583-1444 Pricing: Varies by activity Enjoy bounce houses, laser tag, bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, a ropes course, virtual reality, and more at this Ballantyne mega center. The…

Beyond Soccer and Baseball

When Donna Meyer's two sons were little, she tried getting them involved in every sport available in her town. "They were very active kids,” she says. “I knew all the benefits they would get from playing sports, from physical exercise…

THE PINT-SIZED FOODIE: An introduction to Menya Daruma

Each month, our 9-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 Menya…

LILY BAKES: Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars

Lily Barnes is our 11-year-old resident kid baker. Each month she shares an original recipe that kids can make at home with their parents, plus a few behind-the-scenes tips and tricks to make your treat extra special. Here is Lily’s…

​​WEEKENDER: Reynolds Lake Oconee

Avid golfers flock to Reynolds Lake Oconee for its championship courses, but the gated resort community 85 miles east of Atlanta is also a great weekend destination for families with kids in tow. The property has 11 onsite dining options,…

11 Toddler-Friendly Restaurants in Charlotte

These Charlotte restaurants have the menu options, ambiance and entertainment to keep wiggly kids occupied while parents enjoy a satisfying meal. Cabo Fish Taco Find coastal Mexican cuisine in a laid-back Baja surfer environment. Guy Fieri visited the flagship NoDa…

LILY BAKES: Blueberry Pancakes

Lily Barnes is our 11-year-old resident kid baker. Each month she shares an original recipe that kids can make at home with their parents, plus a few behind-the-scenes tips and tricks to make your treat extra special. Here is Lily’s…

Where to Skate in Charlotte: 2023

Whether you want to glide across the ice or race across the boards, visit these spots for roller and ice skating in the Queen City. Roller Skating Frye's Roller Rink Open for matinee and evening skating, this rink offers a…

WEEKENDER: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

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…