Family Fun: Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Make the Most of Your Stay in Charlotte!
Once you’ve registered for the 2026 PTN National Conference, start planning your escape into the energy of Charlotte, North Carolina.
From bustling city vibes to must-see local gems, the Queen City is waiting.
Family-Friendly Adventures
The Queen City offers an endless array of family-friendly experiences suitable for all ages, starting with the 2,100-acre Anne Springs Close Greenway where families can hike around Lake Haigler, explore the Forest Playground, practice at the Mountain Bike Skills Park, or visit the Children’s Farm. Thrill-seekers can head to Carowinds for a mix of small rides for young children, massive roller coasters for adults, and a refreshing water park. For a more serene adventure, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden features 380 acres of themed gardens, sparkling fountains, the striking Orchid Conservatory, and over three miles of walking trails like the Persimmon Trail. Finally, fans of all ages can immerse themselves in racing history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which boasts more than 50 interactive exhibits. Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte/Concord is kept at 84 degrees year-round and includes specialized areas for different ages, including an 80,000-square-foot indoor water park and numerous “dry-land” attractions. Pins Mechanical Co. offers several activities designed for families and children, including Duckpin Bowling, free arcade games, and table games. Concord Mills Shopping Center is a premier family destination offering a vast array of entertainment and retail options specifically for children, including an indoor aquarium, a Toddler Pod, Elementary Pod, Tween/Teen Pod, Kids Jungle Playground, an indoor train, and youth-Centric retailers.
Daniel Stowe Conservatory
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Concord Mills Shopping Center
Families with Littles
Looking for ways to direct the energy of the 10-and-unders in your group? Try these adventures designed for younger kids and the grown-ups who love them. You can start with animal encounters by getting eye-level with giraffes and zebras on a self-guided drive-thru tour at Lazy 5 Ranch, exploring a 6,000-gallon aquarium at Quest at Latta Nature Preserve, or marveling at majestic eagles and hawks at the nearby Carolina Raptor Center. For an underwater journey, SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium offers an incredible ocean tunnel that is easily accessible for strollers. Spark curiosity with hands-on science and history at Discovery Place Science through interactive labs and IMAX shows, visit Discovery Place Kids for play-based learning, or walk through North American wildlife exhibits and the “Natural aMAZEment” outdoor trail at The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium. To burn off extra energy, head outdoors to Freedom Park to bike around the lake and hit the NFL Play 60 KidZone or visit Marion Diehl Park for an inclusive experience featuring a sensory-friendly “Tiny House” playhouse and the Braille Trail.
Lazy 5 Ranch
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Families with Middles
Families with kids 10 and older will love these adventures that allow them to explore and play with a degree of independence while still spending time together. At Frankie’s Fun Park, kids can spend all day riding amusement park rides, playing laser tag, zipping around the go-kart track, and battling friends in the arcade. If your kids are budding racing enthusiasts, you can choose from one of the daily tours at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, or head to District 57, where tweens and teens can have a full day of fun in an immersive, themed entertainment complex. Older kids will also get a kick out of the mind-bending installations at the Museum of Illusions, where you can discuss how the exhibits play with perspective and perception. For an active day out, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and ziplining that the whole family can enjoy together.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
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Kid Friendly Restaurants
These spots serve reliably good food in family-friendly atmospheres. Grab rotisserie chicken and fab sides at Viva Chicken, where the kids’ menu features choices like Kids Chaufa and Pulled Chicken. For burger lovers, Bad Daddy’s offers kid favorites and legendary tater tots, while ACE NO. 3 keeps it simple with a tight menu of burgers, fries, and shakes. Big View Diner is a retro go-to for all-day breakfast and homemade desserts, and Papi Queso delivers elevated grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and melts. If you need gluten-free options for the whole family, Burtons Grill & Bar is the place for consistent burgers, steaks, and seafood. For a lively vibe, head to Cabo Fish Taco for patio dining and outdoor games, or The Cowfish, where kids can enjoy custom bento boxes while parents get their sushi fix. Kid Cashew offers Mediterranean fare on a dog-friendly patio, and Pinky’s Westside Grill wins over little ones with their Viking Corn Dogs. Craving barbecue? Mac’s Speed Shop features delicious smoked meats and discounted kids’ meals. For a more casual sports bar feel, Dilworth Neighborhood Grille serves up no-frills wings and burgers. Finally, Piedmont Social House combines a meal of Pulled Pork Sliders with entertainment like pool, foosball, and yard Yahtzee.
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille
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