If you’re bored with your normal weekend plans of running errands, check out this fun list of things to do in Charlotte! From riding roller coasters to strolling in parks to fishing, Charlotte has plenty of adventures waiting for you to discover.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
For outdoor fun, head over to the U.S. National Whitewater Center where you can whitewater raft and kayak, flatwater kayak, standup paddleboard, enjoy ropes courses, take a canopy tour, rock climb or bike, or run or hike on over 30 miles of dog-friendly trails. Outside food is not permitted, but they provide four restaurants for you to fill up after the action. Passes are required for activities but not the trails, and they offer three levels of passes. Parking is not included, and one-day parking is $6 for normal vehicles, $15 for oversized vehicles, and $50 for an annual pass. The canopy tour, a three to four-hour-long guided ropes tour, requires its own pass and is $89.
Love rides? Carowinds is the park for you with nine roller coasters, seven thrill rides, and various kids rides. If you have kids, Carowinds has a section all for them called Camp Snoopy where they can explore the endearing world of the Peanuts comics through rides. They also have a water park with plenty of slides, raft rides, and a wave pool. In addition to adrenaline-pumping rides, there’s also shows at the park from acrobats to music to Charlie Brown and the gang. They have season passes and daily tickets as well as admission add-ons, so gather up your group and get ready to scream!
Wing Haven: Gardens and Bird Sanctuary
Located in the Myers Park neighborhood between Selwyn Avenue and Westfield Road, Wing Haven includes two properties: the historic houses of Elizabeth Clarkson and Elizabeth Lawrence and their gardens. The gardens of the Clarkson property were built over three years, growing to almost three acres and playing host to over 150 bird species. The Lawrence Gardens host an array of plants, 60% of which are original to Elizabeth’s first garden and experimentation. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and appreciate the plants and birds, and those with young children can visit the Children’s Garden. Admission is $10, children 10 and under are free, and the gardens are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On a beautiful day, head out to Crowders Mountain State Park to connect with nature. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy lunch under the trees or hike to the top of the mountains to get a bird’s eye view of the park. If you love the water, bring your kayak or canoe, or spend the day fishing on their seven-acre lake. If you're not ready to leave after a day of outdoor adventure, just register at the Visitor’s Center and head to one of their camping sites!
Reedy Nature Center and Preserve
Covering 927 acres of forested habitat, Reedy Nature Center and Preserve provides visitors with exploration of a variety of terrains as well as scenic views. Go hiking, have a picnic, or go fishing, and bring along your furry friend so they can enjoy Barkingham Park dog park! Visit the nature center to see live, native animals as well as an exhibit hall and a gift shop. Outside at the Backyard Habitat Garden, see beautiful butterflies up close. As you’re walking the trails, keep your eyes open for the 109 bird, 15 mammal, 20 reptile, and 12 amphibian species that live in the preserve; make a game of it and count how many different animals you spot!
Gather up family or friends or just head out yourself and change up your boring plans with one of these fun things to do in Charlotte.
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Cover photo courtesy of Jon Flobrant on Unsplash
