Top 5 Family-Fun Attractions in Charlotte
Our top picks for family-fun in the greater Charlotte area.
1. Carowinds
Stretching across the border of North and South Carolina, the 398-acre amusement park features more than 50 rides, including 13 hair-raising roller coasters and a 20-acre water park. New in 2013 – Dinosaurs Alive! See 32 roaring, moving, life-sized dinosaurs and interactive attractions. carowinds.com.
2. U.S. National Whitewater Center
An urban mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers kayaking and whitewater rafting instruction, but that’s not all. Mountain bike, soar through the canopy tour, climb to the top of the climbing wall, or paddleboard on the Catawba River. usnwc.org.
3. Discovery Place
Science comes to life through hands-on adventures, groundbreaking exhibitions and films shown at the larger-than-life IMAX Dome Theatre, summer camps and educational programs. One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, your first visit likely won’t be only visit. discoveryplace.org.
4. NASCAR Hall of Fame
Experience the thrill of racing at the iRacing Simulator Refuel, take the Kobolt Pit Challenge to see how quickly you can jack up a car and change a tire, watch a film about the history of NASCAR at the High Octane Theater, then refuel at the Pit Stop Café. nascarhall.com.
5. Great Wolf Lodge
With more than 11 water slides, a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket and four pools, children of all ages can splash and plunge to their hearts’ content at this 80,000 square-foot indoor waterpark. The full-service family destination resort features more than 400 all-suite guest rooms, kid-friendly spa, and much more. greatwolf.com.
