Things To Do

Picture Perfect Porches

Taylor Bowler,

Lori Shaw and Jennifer Dolan met eight years ago, when their kids were in preschool. Both had lived and worked in New York; now, they lived five minutes apart in south Charlotte. “We came from the northeast, where fall is,…

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By Train: 2 Family-Pleasing Vacation Destinations

Sara Kendall,

Taking a train is safe, comfortable and affordable. When the journey is part of the experience, kids are entertained by watching the world go by. Prevent restlessness by roaming around the train to explore and burn off energy. Bring a…

By Car: 4 Family-Pleasing Vacation Destinations

Sara Kendall,

Our picks for the best family vacation spots within driving distance of Charlotte.

Fun and Easy Day Trip: Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens

Elizabeth Day,

Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens makes for a fun and easy day trip for Charlotte area families.

Celebrate Spring at Come-See-Me Festival

Mikala Young,

For more than 50 years, the Come-See-Me Festival in Rock Hill has been attracting visitors from all over the Carolinas.

Playgrounds in Charlotte: Olde Providence Park

Heather Bailey,

If your older kids ask to go to the park, try out the trio of playgrounds at Olde Providence Park. On the grounds of Olde Providence Elementary School, these separate playground areas on different sides of the school are designed…

Charlotte-Area Library Storytimes

Carolina Parent,

Help get kids interested in books and reading at a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library as well as other area library story times.

Places to Play at Lake Norman

Amy Salvatore Reiss,

Three places in Lake Norman to get out and play.

Bike, Swim and Run in Lake Norman

Katy LeGrand,

Bike, swim and run in Lake Norman.

Discover New Bern, North Carolina

Eve White,

New Bern is a charming riverfront town with plenty of things for kids and families to do, while learning a little about North Carolina history.

Talk a Walk Under the Sea at Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium

Carolina Parent,

This 36,000 square-foot aquarium, located in Concord at Concord Mills, introduces 5,000 marine creatures to visitors.

Excursion: Arts and Science Council Public Art Scavenger Hunt

Bernie Petit,

Exposing kids to different art forms as they burn off excess energy is only a walking tour — or scavenger hunt — away in uptown Charlotte.

Whimsical Adventures at Fairy House Festival

Mikala Young,

Find out more about this magical annual event at Latta Plantation Nature Center.

Fun Places: NFL Play 60 KidZone

Michele Huggins,

While cheering on the Panthers in the play-offs, create a family competition of your own at the Play 60 KidZone at Freedom Park. The recently unveiled NFL Play 60 KidZone is a one-of-a-kind permanent play area that features an obstacle…

Breaking Down the Wall Between Music and Art

Michele Huggins,

Go behind the scenes with the Charlotte Symphony and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

Greensboro Science Center’s SciQuarium

Shannon Koontz,

Penguins, sharks and stingrays are a daytrip away.

Playgrounds in Charlotte: Hornets Nest Park

Carolina Parent,

There are two playground sets at Hornets Nest Park to accommodate big kids, as well as toddler and preschoolers with slides and monkey bars. The equipment is fairly new, and the ground is covered in mulch and recycled rubber to…