PLAY TIME: 6 neurodivergent, kid-friendly activities in the Queen City
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 in Charlotte.
1. TOP GOLF
8024 Savoy Corporate Drive
Pricing & Hours
$30hr / Open-12:00 pm
$49hr / 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
$52hr / 5:00 pm-close
Tuesdays are half price
Top Golf is fun for our entire neurodivergent family. It’s an outdoor activity with seating, and we can go whether it’s raining or sunny. There is a $5 one-time fee for new members, and you can book a bay ahead of time (read: no waiting!). I highly recommend making a reservation because it’s often filled. A bay can accommodate only six people. We try to go on Tuesdays when it’s half price and we can stay and play for twice as long. Pricing is based on the time that you go.
Top Bay at Top Golf
2. SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK
10200 Centrum Parkway
Pricing & Hours
Sunday / 12:00 pm-9:00 pm
Monday-Thursday / 12:00 pm-8:00 pm
Friday / 12:00 pm-10:00 pm
Saturday / 9:00 am-10:00 pm
Little Leapers: Tuesdays from 10-11 am and Saturdays 9:00 am-10:00 am
$25.99-$169.00. Sky socks $4.99
Sky Zone is a sensory seeker’s dream destination. Jump in the Foam Zone, play dodgeball, or do a warrior course. Since it’s entirely indoors, you don’t have to plan around the weather. There are several pricing options; you can purchase an annual pass, standard all-day play, or Glow that’s available Friday and Saturday 8:00 pm-10 pm. Sky Zone requires you to purchase sky socks, which are sold directly at Sky Zone. For those with little ones, they have a designated time for a toddler called Little Leapers on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Open Air at Sky Zone
3. FREEDOM PARK
1900 East Blvd.
Pricing & Hours
7:00 am-7:00 pm
Free
Whether you want to walk on a trail, explore at the playground, or go on a bike ride, there is plenty to do at this 98-acre park. It’s a popular spot during the summer, but the park is big enough that it doesn’t feel too crowded. You can always check the schedule to see what activities are being held at the park to avoid or plan. The train was quite a hit when my son was obsessed with trains; we currently love attending the events held at the park.
Freedom Park
4. MINT MUSEUM RANDOLPH
2730 Randolph Road
Pricing & Hours
Children 4 and under / Free
Children 5-17 / $6
College Students and Seniors (65+) / $10
Adults / $15
Sunday / 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Monday / Closed
Tuesday,Thursday,Friday / 11:00 am-6:00 pm
Wednesday / 11:00 am-9:00 pm
The Mint Museum Randolph is my absolute favorite museum in Charlotte. It’s small but mighty. With minimal crowds to work around, this one is perfect for a child who prefers a quieter and calmer environment. Parking is always a breeze because it’s situated in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood instead of uptown. It’s in the middle of a beautiful park setting that allows you to have a picnic before or after your visits. Your admission gives you access to Mint Museum Uptown and the Randolph location for two consecutive days. The Mint also participates in the Bank of America Museum on US, which means free general admission during the entire weekend of every month. Another reason to add this to your list is it is very budget-friendly.
Mint Museum Randolph
5. ANNE SPRINGS CLOSE GREENWAY
2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill
Pricing & Hours
Youth 5-12 / $6
Adults / $12
Trailering In / $20 per horse
Sunday -Thursday / 7:00 am-7:30 pm
Friday & Saturday / 7:00 am-8:30 pm
We love Anne Springs Close Greenway because of the horses. There’s also kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking trails. If you love to be outdoors and need a screen-free day, this is your place.
Horseback riding at Anne Springs Close Greenway
6. SPORTS CONNECTION
Ballantyne: 11611 Ardrey Kell Road
Granite Street: 10930 Granite St.
Northlake: 8626 Hankins Road
Pricing & Hours
Games & Rides / $6 per ride
Attractions / $7-$40 per game
Combos Game, Ride Card / $18-$85
Sports Connection is a one-stop shop for a fun day, regardless of the weather. The Ballantyne location has all indoor activities like Laser tag, bowling, arcade games, a ropes course, bumper cars, and rock climbing. Whatever capabilities your child has, there is something that they can engage with and enjoy. For children 4 and under, Playland Adventure Center is $6 per session per child. The 30-minute session helps children learn through play by encouraging intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth.
Laser Tag at Sports Connection Ballantyne
BEA MOISE is a board-certified cognitive specialist, national speaker, and author of Our Neurodivergent Journey: A Child Like Mine. She and her husband are parents to Jake, who is awesomely autistic, and Abby, who is simply marvelous.
