This 2017 Summer Survival Guide was created by Jessica Moore, owner of Spirit Solutions. Jessica has a passion for FUN & is very talented in planning creative fun times to be had by those lucky enough to call her a friend or family. No doubt, you’ll find this extensive guide will be your go-to source for fun times this Summer in Charlotte and within a short drive outside of Charlotte. Save yourself some time and bookmark this link now! Thanks, Jessica!
Read through the entire guide and use this as your Summer to-do list to get those play dates & outings scheduled! Take advantage of all that this city and surrounding areas have to offer. If you have something to add or find an error, let everyone know in the comments.
CONCERTS:
- Bailey Road Park Bandshell: Bring your picnic baskets and blankets. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks immediately following the performance.
- June 24 @ 8:15 p.m. Symphony in the Park – Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Celebrate America!
- Davidson Concerts on the Green: Concerts on the Green are every Sunday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., on the Village Green in front of the Public Library at the intersection of Main Street and Concord Road. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and family, comfy chairs, a blanket or a picnic and to come early to find seats.
- June 11 – Band of Oz
- June 18 – Emily Minor Band
- June 25 – Moondance Orchestra
- July 4 – Da Throwback Band
- August 6 – Radiojacks
- August 20 – Gospel Sing
- August 27 – Kids in America
- Energy Explorium at McGuire Nuclear Station: Join us on the lawn of the EnergyExplorium to hear the sounds of the Charlotte Symphony. Enjoy a picnic with your family under the stars. Or join us by boat and anchor in our cove at the southern end of Lake Norman. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
- June 16 @ 8:15 p.m., Charlotte Symphony Concert
- Kannapolis Summer Concert Series: Summer concerts at Village Park, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. at 700 W. C St., Kannapolis.
- June 17 – Confederate Railroad
- June 30 – Charlotte Symphony (with fireworks)
- July 15 – Trial by Fire/On the Border
- July 29 – Too Much Sylvia
- August 12 – Diamond Rio (with fireworks)
- LangTree Live: At LangTree Lake Norman, every Thursday night. Live music starts at ~ 7:00 p.m.
- Mingling on the Greens Summer Concert Series – Birkdale Village: Live music every Friday and Saturday from 7pm – 9pm and Sundays 4pm – 6pm.
- July 1 – Matt Stratford Band
- July 2 – The Kevin Jones Experience
- July 7 – Shelley Ruffin & Soul Revival
- July 8 – onceblind
- July 9 – Nita B and her Soiree
- July 14 – Stella Rising
- July 15 – Soundbarrier
- July 16 – Chuck Johnson and Charlyhorse
- July 21 – The Hawthornes
- July 22 – Exit 54
- July 23 – Matt & John Acoustic Duo
- July 28 – Bonfire Country
- July 29 – Borderlyne
- July 30 – Holly Hopkins Jazz
- Music on Main – Mooresville: Every 1st Friday of each month from May through October, beginning at 6:30PM at Town Hall Lawn and July 3 at the YMCA.
- Rockin the Burg Concert Series – Harrisburg: Live music and local food vendors the 3rd Saturday of each month starting June 17. 6:30-9pm. Free. Town Center, 4100 Main St., Harrisburg.
- Romare Bearden’s Party in the Park: Free concert series at Romare Bearden Park on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
- USNWC River Jam: “A talented line-up of national musical acts provide the perfect back drop for a fun summer evening outdoors. Bring your friends, enjoy our large food and craft beer selection, and take in the sights and sounds of River Jam.” Thursday and Saturday nights from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Free concerts ($5 per vehicle parking fee).
CRAFT/BUILDING PROJECTS:
- Home Depot Kids Workshop: Free hands-on workshops offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.
- Michael’s In-Store Events
- Paint Your Own Pottery:
FARMS, ZOOS & ALL THINGS ANIMAL:
- Bird Brain Ostrich Ranch: You will be able to visit the birds up close and feed them their dinosaur food.
- Carolina Raptor Center: The center rehabilitates injured and orphaned raptors. The center also has programs on strange bird behavior and a behind-the-scenes tour that includes the bird hospital.
- Lazy 5 Ranch: You can pet exotic animals including giraffes and ostriches at this privately owned drive-through park near Mooresville.
- North Carolina Zoo: Located about 90 miles from Charlotte in Asheboro, the zoo is nationally recognized as one of the nation’s finest. It offers expansive habitats for the animals – great for the animals, but be prepared to walk.
- Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia: A sanctuary for more than 2000 animals, this zoo is smaller than the N.C. Zoological Park, making it more manageable for little ones. Don’t miss the petting zoo, penguin aquarium and animal feedings.
- SEA LIFE Aquarium: Charlotte-Concord Aquarium will transport you into the amazing underwater world. Come nose to nose with sharks and prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble starfish and seahorses to graceful rays.
- Tiger World: An animal conservation educational center dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation and preservation of exotic animals. See live tigers at your own pace or request an educational tour guide. Open every day, 9am-5pm, except Wednesdays. I-85 North to Rockwell.
- Whispering Hope Farm: “Young and old alike enjoy coming in our Milk House and trying their hand at milking!”
- Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary: Connect with nature as you stroll through this 3 1/2 acre garden and bird sanctuary in the heart of the city. Self-guided tours are sure to delight adults and children alike.
- Zootastic Park : Located in Troutman is a trip to the zoo. Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sundays, 1-5pm.
MOVIES:
- Family Movie Day @ Mooresville Library: Movie starts at 2:00pm
- June 29 – Sing (PG)
- July 27 – LEGO Batman Movie (PG)
- August 7 – The Boss Baby (PG)
- Movies @ Cornelius Library: Movie starts at 2:00pm
- June 16 – Cars (G)
- June 23 – Moana (PG)
- June 30 – Sing (PG)
- July 7 – Finding Dory (PG)
- July 14 – Jumanji (PG)
- July 21 – Monster Trucks (PG)
- July 28 – LEGO Batman Movie (PG)
- August 4 – Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (PG)
- August 11 – Middle School: The worst years of my life (PG)
- Movies @ Davidson Library: Movies start at 12:00pm. Bring your lunch and watch a movie.
- June 16 – Moana (PG)
- June 23 – Sing (PG)
- June 30 – Storks (PG)
- July 7 – Finding Dory (PG)
- July 14 – LEGO Batman Movie (PG)
- Movies @ Mountain Island Library: Movie starts at 2:00pm
- August 15 – Moana (PG)
- Movies at the Park – Kannapolis: Movies begin at dusk. Free. Village Park, 700 W. C St., Kannapolis. 704-920-4343.
- June 24 – Peanuts (G)
- July 21 – Pete’s Dragon (PG)
- August 4 – Moana (PG)
- Movies in the Park – Huntersville: The movie will begin at dusk. Snacks and candy available for purchase.
- June 29 – Storks (PG) @ Richard Barry Park
- August 24 – The Secret Life of Pets (PG) @ North Mecklenburg Park
- Outdoor Cinema Series – Cornelius: All movies will be shown on our state-of-the-art, inflatable “blimp” screen. Weather permitting, movies will begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 pm), are free and open to the public. Movie dates, time, and location are subject to change. Some movies are edited for general content. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs & blankets!
- July 8 – LEGO Batman Movie PG @ Robbins Park
- August 1 – Moana PG @ Smithville Park
- Regal Summer Movie Express: “Moviegoers of all ages can climb aboard the Summer Movie Express to enjoy a great selection of films. During this 9-week festival, theatres will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only $1 on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m.” Birkdale Stadium 16 – Starts June 13th!
- June 13/14 – Kung Fu Panda, Ice Age: Collision Course
- June 20/21 – Trolls, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
- June 27/28 – Monster Trucks, Penguins of Madagascar
- July 4/5 – Rio 2 Wed July 5 The Boxtrolls
- July 11/12 – The Secret Life of Pets, Sing
- July 18/19 – Kubo and the Two Strings, Ratchet and Clank
- July 25/26 – The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, The Adventures of Tintin
- August 1/2 – Happy Feet Two, Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
- August 8/9 – Storks, The LEGO Batman Movie
- Summer Kids’ Flicks!: Movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Box Office opens at 9:30 a.m. Only $4.00 per person and includes a free box of popcorn and kid’s soda. Mooresville 14 – Starts June 13th! 206 Norman Station Boulevard
- June 13-14 The LEGO Batman Movie
- June 20-21 Storks
- June 27-28 The Iron Giant
- July 11-12 The Angry Birds Movie
- July 18-19 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
- July 25-26 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
- August 1-2 Hotel Transylvania 2
- August 8-9 The Secret Life of Pets
- August 15-16 The LEGO Movie •
- Summer Movie Releases:
- June 2 – Captain Underpants
- June 16 – Cars 3
- June 30 – Despicable Me 3
- July 28 – The Emoji Movie
- August 4 – Blazing Samurai
- August 18 – The Nut Job 2
MUSEUMS/EDUCATIONAL TRIPS:
- Carolinas Aviation Museum: The museum is conveniently located adjacent to Charlotte Douglas International airport, so your visit will include watching all types of commercial and private aircraft land and takeoff. Open Tuesday – Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm.
- Catawba Science Center
- Charlotte Museum of History: The museum offers a glimpse into colonial life and has rotating exhibits. 3500 Shamrock Drive.
- Charlotte Nature Museum: A wonderful hands-on learning experience with a Butterfly Pavilion, Creature Cavern, Insect Alley. Adjacent to Freedom Park which has a wonderful play area and stroller friendly walking trails around a large lake. Open Tuesday – Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12-5pm.
- Discovery Place: Hands-on science and technology museum. Permanent exhibits include a three-story rain forest, aquarium and The Charlotte Observer Omnimax Theatre showing IMAX movies. Open Monday – Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12-5pm. Located at 301 N Tryon Street. Uptown.
- Discovery Place Kids: Children’s museum features developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination and allow children to learn through play, Huntersville.
- Edventure Children’s Museum: Largest children’s museum in the south. Hands on learning. Located on Gervais Street in Columbia, SC.
- Energy Explorium: at Lake Norman Located at McGuire Nuclear Station, the Explorium features hands-on exhibits and interactive games designed to introduce kids to the wonders of electricity and nuclear power. They can even use the power of a treadmill to operate a TV. The explorium also offers a mile-long nature trail, a picnic area, and a large deck that overlooks Lake Norman, the Cowans Ford dam and two nuclear silos. 13339 Hagers Ferry Road in Huntersville.
- Kaleideum Downtown
- Kidsenses Childen’s Interactive Museum: The museum is located at 172 North Main Street in Rutherfordton (about 90 minutes from Charlotte). Creative stations and hands-on play stimulate the imagination and educate the mind. Hours are Tuesday – Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-8pm and Saturday 9am-5pm.
- Mint Museums
- Nascar Hall of Fame
- North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame
- North Carolina Transportation Museum: Located in Spencer, a fun museum with lots of train stuff. Take rides on the train and/or in the roundhouse.
- Reed Gold Mine: The site of the first documented gold find in the United States is just north of Mecklenburg County in Midland, N.C. Watch an orientation movie about the discovery, check out the museum and take an underground tour for free. But the best part is panning for gold, which costs $3 per person.
- Schiele Museum of Natural History: American Indian culture, early Piedmont history, interactive permanent galleries, special hands-on exhibits and programs interpreting more than 400 years of Piedmont history. 1500 East Garrison Blvd., Gastonia.
PARKS, SPRAYGROUNDS, NATURE PRESERVES & BOTANICAL GARDENS:
- Airport Overlook Park: Pack a lunch and come here to watch the planes take off and land at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. There are no restroom facilities. GPS address: 4355 Airport Overlook Drive
- Bailey Road Park: 11536 Bailey Rd, Cornelius
- Beatty’s Ford Park: 22-acre park in Denver includes a pavilion with picnic tables, trail, kids splash pad, playground and more. A public park on Lake Norman off Unity Chruch Road.
- Birkdale Village Fountain Beat the heat at Birkdale Village, fountain hours are: 9am – 10pm.
- Blythe Landing: 15901 NC Highway 73, Huntersville
- Caldwell Green Tot Lot: A fully enclosed neighborhood park featuring a kids play lot with a shaded sandbox, trike path, tunnel and grass mound. There are no restrooms on-site, however a small water fountain is available. Located at 320 Caldwell Lane, Davidson.
- Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: All-seasons gardens on more than 110 acres, featuring 12 fountains and a natural woodland trail. South New Hope Road, Belmont.
- Dan Nicholas Park: At this amazing park in Rowan County, about 45 minutes from uptown, your kids can ride an old-fashioned carrousel and train, play mini-golf, climb on cool playgrounds, splash in the water play area, ride the paddleboats and more.
- Freedom Park: 1900 East Boulevard, Charlotte. Kids can climb, slide, balance on rope swings and more. There’s also the ever-popular NFL Play 60 KidZone that features a one-of-a-kind obstacle course, 40-yard dash with automated timing device, plus boulders to climb. Bring bikes and scooter to ride around the sidewalk that circles the 7-acre pond. Playdate tip: Save time for a trip to the Charlotte Nature Museum, a learning center for young children that is adjacent to the park.
- Holbrook Park: Departments/ParksRecreation/Facilities/Parks.aspx Neighborhood park across from Huntersville Elementary School, offers the community tennis courts, a playground structure, swings, restroom facilities and a covered picnic shelter. 100 Sherwood Drive, Huntersville.
- Hope Park at the Lowe’s YMCA: This is a public, Town of Mooresville facility…all are welcome. Playground and Spray Park Hours: Dawn to Dusk. 170 Joe Knox Avenue, Mooresville.
- Jetton Regional Park: Park featuring a large playground, lakeside beach (not for swimming), walking and biking trails. 19000 Jetton Rd, Cornelius.
- Kannapolis Village Park: Located along A and C Streets and North Loop Road. Village Park offers an amphitheater, walking trail, the Rotary Express train, a splash pad, playground, picnic shelters and open space.
- Lake Norman Kiwanis Splashville Park: Hours of operation: 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 19710 South Ferry St., Cornelius
- Lake Norman State Park
- Latta Plantation Nature Preserve: At this 1,343-acre preserve, the largest in Mecklenburg, you can hike, canoe, ride horses, see a historic plantation house, check out live animals in its nature center and more. 6211 Sample Road in Huntersville.
- Lineberger Park: 632 W. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. Lineberger Park features a small-scale water park and has something for swimmers of all ages. Cool off in the lazy river, two-story waterslide, and splash pad with a bucket dump and three rainfall aqua domes. Bring a change of dry clothes to spend time on playgrounds and the miniature train to make for a full day of fun. Both the park pool and train have low admission fees per person. Playdate tip: Plan around the two sessions for public swim, 12:30-3 p.m. and 3:30-6 p.m.
- Mallard Creek Regional Park: This park has a shade tent and also a synthetic floor. 3001 Johnston Oehler Rd, Charlotte.
- McDowell Nature Preserve: This 1108-acre preserve along the banks of Lake Wylie in southwest Mecklenburg is a great place to take the kids hiking or on a nature walk. The preserve also has a great playground and a free nature center with snakes, frogs and other creatures.
- Nevin Park: This park has a sprayground with sprays, nozzles and spouts that spray water for children to run through and frolic under. Open seven days a week in the summer, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Also has a playground next door, making it a perfect place to spend hours. 6000 Statesville Road.
- North Mecklenburg Community Park: 16131 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville
- Ramsey Creek Park: 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius. Grab your beach chairs, sand shovels and pails before heading to Ramsey Creek Park. The swimming area covers half an acre and is staffed by lifeguards. Enjoy time in the sun, bring a lunch to eat at the picnic shelters and create a vacation right at home. Playdate tip: There is an entrance fee per vehicle and the beach has 128 parking spaces.
- Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve: 10 miles of hiking trails, as well as picnic shelters, a playground with a “swing garden, a dog park, a fishing pier, an 18-hole disc golf course and more. Located at 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte.
- Richard Barry Memorial Park: 13707 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville
- Robbins Park: Amenities include an open play meadow, a multi-purpose field, a custom built nature themed playground, picnic areas, one mile of paved walkways, over 1.5 miles of nature trails, tennis courts and restrooms. 17738 West Catawba Avenue, Cornelius.
- Romare Bearden Park: 300 S. Church St., Charlotte. Children can cool off in the interactive splash zone of this uptown park located just blocks from Charlotte’s skyscrapers. Run under cascading waterfalls or in and out of the “Childhood Muse Plaza” that squirts out mist through a set of pipes. Bring a Frisbee, soccer ball or baseball and glove for fun in the grassy field. It is located across the street from BB&T Ballpark, home of the Charlotte Knights.
- The Green: This charming park tucked in the middle of uptown features giant stone fish spouting water (bring your bathing suit and get wet!), “insects” that chirp as you walk amid the park’s paths and a lovely spot of green to play chase. Located between on Tryon Street, between Stonewall and Second streets.
- UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens: Consists of the 7-acre Van Landingham Glen, 3-acre Harwood Garden and eight-room McMillan Greenhouse complex. Outdoor gardens open during daylight hours daily. Located on the UNCC campus, at the corner of Mary Alexander and Michael Craver Rd.
PERFORMING ARTS:
- Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
- Annie the Musical: Davidson Community Players presents Annie the Musical at Duke Family Performance Hall on June 22 – July 2, 2017.
- Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach: CPCC Summer Theatre presents Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach at Halton Theater on June 28 – July 8 at 10:00 a.m.
- The Little Mermaid: Blumenthal Performing Arts presents The Little Mermaid at Belk Theater on July 18 – July 23, 2017.
- Into the Woods, Jr. Musical: The Mooresville Community Children’s Theater presents Into the Woods, Jr. at The Charles-Mack Citizen Center on July 27 – 30.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
- June 9-11
- Taste of Charlotte: Taste of Charlotte is a 3 day festival featuring over 100 samples from area restaurants along with live music and entertainment, interactive children’s activities, cooking demos, street performances and unique shopping. Times: Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-6pm Where: Located on Tryon Street, Taste of Charlotte now spans 6 city blocks from Stonewall to 5th Street.
- June 24
- Fire Truck Festival: The museum will pull out all the stops – along with a host of fire trucks, and turn out gear inviting our fire truck collecting friends to join in, and inviting the public to come see it all. See antique and classic fire trucks dating from the early 1900s through the late 20th century, turn out gear used by modern day firefighters, and other emergency response equipment and activities. Regular museum admission applies for exhibits and on-site train rides. Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Where: NC Transportation Museum
- July 1
- Denver Fireworks Spectacular: Collin Raye is scheduled to headline the annual fireworks festival in Denver NC which is Free Admission. Where: East Lincoln High School
- July 4
- Birkdale 4th of July Celebration: Come show your patriotism when Birkdale Village and the Town of Huntersville host the annual 4th of July Celebration on Tuesday, July 4th. There will be stage performances, face painting, balloon art, bike decorating, music, roaming entertainment and more! Plus, the annual Huntersville Fire Department water fight at 12:15 p.m. Time: 10am-1pm Where: Birkdale Village Cost: Admission and Parking Free
- July 11
- Cow Appreciation Day: Chick-fil-A awards a free Meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who comes to one of our 1,700+ restaurants fully dressed as a cow. Only until 7:00 p.m.
- July 21
- Summer Food Truck Rally: Music, Food, NC Beer and Wine, and Great Family Fun! Parking is $5.00 per vehicle. Time: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. Where: Historic Rural Hill
- July 29
- Hello Kitty Café Appearance The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will be making an appearance at Northlake Mall! Stop by and check them out at entry one near H&M. Enjoy yummy macarons, mini cakes, cookies, bow shaped water bottles and other goodies. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- August 1
- National Night Out – Cornelius: This FREE public event promotes community safety and crime prevention. Enjoy an evening filled with family fun, including children’s activities, food, entertainment and more! Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Where: Smithville Park, 19710 South Ferry Street
- National Night Out – Huntersville: National Night Out is a national neighborhood crime and drug prevention event occurring annually on the first Tuesday in August. In observance of National Night Out, the Huntersville Police Department in conjunction with our local lead sponsors, Target and the Northcross Shopping Center, will host our annual event at three locations this year. Location 1: 9801 Sam Furr Road, Huntersville (Target and Northcross Shopping Center) Location 2: 14200 Holbrooks Road (Waymer Park) Location 3: 12000 Tuscaloosa Road (Huntington Green) All locations will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please come and enjoy the events, music and rides.
- August 12
- Bubble Day!: This program will feature a series of activities including arts & crafts, bubble-making stations, water play areas …and more! Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Where: James K Polk Historic Site
- August 19
- Back-to-School Monster Truck Bash: Sparks will fly as the metal-mashing machines of the Circle K/Kangaroo Express Back-to-School Monster Truck Bash return to The Dirt Track at Charlotte for a night of high-flying action on the most diabolical outdoor course on the planet. Fans can come early to grab a photo beside the massive five-ton machines, meet the drivers who power the 2,000-horsepower beasts and enjoy all the pre-race festivities at The Dirt Track. Visit area Circle K stores and pick up any size Polar Pop and redeem at the gate for early entry into the Pit Party autograph session. Where: The Dirt Track – Charlotte Motor Speedway
SPORTS & RECREATION:
- Adventure Landing
- Bojangles Summer Shootout Series: The Bojangles’ Summer Shootout Series’ wheel-to-wheel action takes place under the lights on the speedway’s frontstretch quarter-mile oval. In addition to thrilling races and can’t-miss exhibitions like school bus races and drag-racing burnout exhibitions, fans can get driver autographs, take a picture with a Legend, Bandolero or NASCAR stock car and watch the future stars of motorsports duke it out. Adult tickets are $8, while children 13 and under get in free!
- Bounce U: Play center with tons of inflatables. Located across I-77 from Northlake Mall. Check out the website for times and events.
- Bowling:
- Spare Time Entertainment at Lake Norman
- George Pappas’ Victory Lanes in Mooresville
- Dave & Busters at Concord Mills;
- Carowinds: 105-acre theme park straddling the North Carolina/South Carolina border off Interstate 77 with 60 rides, attractions and shows, including a water park and a Nickelodeon theme park.
- Dave’s Paddleboats: $10.00 per Boat for 30-Minute Ride . Each paddleboat accommodates up to 2 adults and 2 small children.
- Davidson Playhouse
- Kannapolis Intimadators Baseball: Enjoy a summer night of baseball in Kannapolis.
- Knights Baseball www.charlotteknights.com Enjoy a summer night out with the Charlotte Knights at BB&T Ballpark.
- Miniature Golf:
- Monkey Joe’s Parties and Play: Play center aimed at kids ages 1-10. Includes toddler zone, private party rooms and parents’ lounge. Locations in Gastonia, Matthews, Pineville and the University area.
- Ray’s Splash Planet: Indoor waterpark operated by Mecklenburg County’s parks department. Ride the slides, circulate in the current pool, get doused with buckets or do the dousing with squirt guns. Uptown.
- Roller Skating Rinks:
- Frye’s Roller Rink, Concord
- Kate’s Skating Center, Gastonia
- The Speedpark Concord Mills
- Sports Connection: Entertainment center with 100 video games, rides and attractions in a 7,000-square-foot arcade zone; 8,000-square-foot Jump-NPlay zone with inflatables for children; 6,000-square-foot, two-story laser-tag facility, believed to be the largest in the state; 14 regulation bowling lanes and six mini-lanes for children.
- Statesville Leisure Pool: Day Swim Hours are Monday thru Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Admission for Ages 12 and Under $4; Admission for Ages 13 and Over $5 Night Swim Hours are Monday thru Saturday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Admission for Ages 12 and Under $2; Admission for Ages 13 and Over $3 Located at 1877 Simonton Road within the same complex as the Statesville Fitness & Activity Center
- Stegall’s Arena Rodeo: Live rodeo for families with real bulls. Sundays at 7pm on Odell School Road Concord.
- Superior Play Systems: During Open Play, children can play on award-winning play sets, jump on safety tested trampolines or shoot baskets on their basketball systems.
- The Quarry Open Swim: The quarry is a private swim area that is rarely open to individuals, except at select times, where you may come as an individual, pay a $12 per person admission, and enjoy the quarry. Cash or check are accepted for payment, but not credit or debit cards.
- The Pit Indoor Kart Racing: Offers high-speed Go-Karts, over 65 Arcade Games, 4 Billiard Tables, Laser Tag Arena, Black Light Mini-Golf, Cannonball Air Blaster, Spin Zone bumper cars and a 24ft Rock Climbing Wall.
- Tweetsie Railroad
- US National Whitewater Center: Sure, it costs money to raft the whitewater. But for $5 to park, you can sit on rocks next to the rapids and wave to the kayakers and rafters that splash by. This one-of-a-kind center also has a walking trail that hugs the course and large rocks with plastic climbing footholds for young kids to scamper on. 820 Hawfield Road.
- War Memorial Pool: The War Memorial Center outdoor pool operates from Memorial Day weekend until early August. The pool is not open to the public during swim lessons or private rentals. • W8Less http://w8lesslkn.com/ Trampoline and ninja park located at 10442 Bailey Road, Cornelius.
- X-tra Ball: A premium ice cream and pinball parlor in the Mountain Island area. Located inside Spandex City, so you can enjoy comics, games, ice cream, and pinball under one roof!
STORY-TELLING PROGRAMS:
- Barnes & Noble Birkdale Storytime: Mondays @ 11:00 a.m. and Saturdays @ 11:00 a.m.
- Local Libraries: Check out their calendar of events!
- Imaginon Library: This uptown magnet of family fun is part children’s theatre, part library, and it’s always free. While Children’s Theatre productions require tickets, in other areas kids can put on a puppet show, play with trains, try on costumes, play computer games and, of course, check out books. The facility has lots of free story times each week, as well as rotating exhibits in its lobby. 300 E 7th St.