Family Day Trips for Charlotteans to Cap Off the Summer
All are within two hours of the city
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COOKING WITH KIDS: Summer Fun Fruit Salad
Summertime is when peaches, berries, and melon are in their prime. Depending on where you live and shop, you may also find local plums, grapes, and figs. Take your kids to any local farmers market to meet the farmers who…
Autumn at Oz Festival
The Autumn at Oz Festival has returned to Beech Mountain’s Land of Oz for three weekends in September for more than 30 years. This season marks 85 years since the MGM classic, “The Wizard of Oz,” was released. “It’s a…
HIT THE ROAD: 5 family-friendly driving destinations that are 4 hours or less from Charlotte
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,…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
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…
What’s Blooming at the South Carolina Festival of Flowers?
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…
COOKING WITH KIDS: Homemade Pesto
It’s May. If you haven’t already planted some sort of herb garden, it’s time to get digging! You’ll love being able to send your kids to pick a pinch of this and a sprig of that to use in nearly…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
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…
Neurodivergent Travel: 3 Destinations That Are 4 Hours or Less from Charlotte
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…
Where to Pick Strawberries in Charlotte
Check out these pick-your-own farms that offer sweet strawberries and farm fun for the kids.
COOKING WITH KIDS: Emory’s Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream for Spring
I don’t know about you, but when springtime hits, my food thoughts go to strawberries. Heavy rainstorms notwithstanding, we’re lucky to have a long strawberry season here in the Queen City with lots of pick-your-own options. While strawberries are normally…
SPRING TRAVEL: Palm Beach, Florida
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…
WEEKENDER: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort
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…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
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…
Easter Egg Hunts in Charlotte: 2024
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…
WEEKENDER: Boone
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…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
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…
Weekender: Winterplace Ski Resort
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…
COOKING WITH KIDS: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
This chill in the air—with or without snow—means it’s time to bake cinnamon rolls. I usually bake them around the holidays and gift them as a Christmas morning treat to all of my neighbors, but they continue to be a…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
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…
Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Charlotte
We all want our kids to get out and play in the great outdoors. But when Mother Nature interferes, there are plenty of indoor play options all over town. Sky Zone Trampoline Park Charlotte 7325 Smith Corners Blvd. 704-709-9050 Pineville…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
PLAY NERF GAMES On Friday, January 5, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation invites kids ages 7 to 12 to play Nerf games like Red vs. Blue, Capture the Flag, Last Man Standing, and more. Pizza, snacks, and drinks are provided.…
ASK A MOM: Holiday travel, affordable stocking stuffers, and underage drinking at home
Q: Should I let my teen drink alcohol as long as it's under my roof? A: I knew this question would come at some point. This month marks my 40th column—more than three years of answering your questions!—and here it’s…
Places to Ice Skate in Charlotte: 2023
Take to the ice at one of these local ice-skating rinks.
4 Things to Know: Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland in Concord
Holiday-flavored components that add to the excitement at Great Wolf Lodge.
