Drive-Through Activities In and Near Charlotte
Get the kids out of the house with these family-friendly, COVID-safe experiences
Bring your wild things to meet other wild creatures at Zootastic Park. The park offers both drive-through and walk-through options and does not require reservations. See exotic animals like big cats, primates, birds, and more. Walk-through visitors can stop and pet or feed some of the furry residents. For an additional fee, guests can experience a private animal encounter. Find options and pricing online. 385 Ostwalt Amity Rd., Troutman. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. All ages. $13-$15, ages 1 and younger free. info@zootasticpark.com.
Drive back in time and snap photos of more than 70 dinosaurs at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s zMax Dragway parking lot. The moving, life-like dinosaurs will amaze young paleontologists, especially the Megalodon and Spinosaurus, which each measure 50 feet long. The drive-through tour lasts approximately one hour, and guests may purchase “add-ons” at an additional cost. zMAX Dragway, 6570 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord. Feb. 12-21, closed Feb. 15-16. All ages. $49 per vehicle. 936-320-0030.
Meet some furry and feathered friends at this ranch that’s home to more than 750 domestic and exotic species. Purchase a feed bucket for $3 to feed the animals right from your car window. Due to COVID-19, wagon rides are currently closed. Lazy 5 Ranch closes for animal vaccinations in early February; check Facebook for updates on reopening date. 15100 Mooresville Rd., Mooresville. All ages. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m., arrive by 4 p.m. $8-$11, ages 1 and younger free, no credit cards accepted. 704-663-5100.
Hounds Drive-In, which lies west of Charlotte in Kings Mountain, is scheduled to re-open March 26. Tickets and schedules will be available online. Note that outside food and drink is not permitted. 114 Raven Circle, Kings Mountain. All ages. Schedule TBD. $20 per vehicle. 704-739-4424.
The last honorable mention is not drive-through, but walk-through, so stop and smell the roses:
Download the Art Walking Tour brochure to stroll through Charlotte at your own pace on your own time—or your little one’s nap schedule. Find additional instructions and a 45-minute walking tour podcast on the Art and Science Council’s website. See sculptures on the square, panther statues at Bank of America Stadium, and more. 227 W. Trade St. All ages. Free. asc@artsandscience.org.
