I have made it a mission to discover low-cost, unique and fun activities for myself and my twinkies around our beautiful city. It is imperative for us to have a plan B on any given rainy day, a sweltering summer day or when boredom invades my lovelies and they begin to drop not-so-subtle hints that they are ready for some additional stimulation!
The list below reflects my opinions only and are places we have visited personally.
1. One of my absolute favorite spots is Dan Nicholas Park. It isn't technically in Charlotte but it's close (Salisbury) and is well-worth the drive. We were initially introduced to Dan Nicholas last year when we hosted their 2nd birthday party at this location. We paid a small fee to rent a covered shelter near a trail that leads to all the main attractions. There is no fee to enter the park but if you choose to participate in mini golf, paddle boats, the train, or carousel, you have to purchase tickets. Other activities that are FREE include their spray park and several playgrounds on site. This park literally has it all and children love it - there is something for everyone!
Pro: So many activities that are unique and fun...even in the hottest weather.
Con: it is not in Charlotte but is a short drive away, in Salisbury.
2. Another park that is fabulous for little ones is Stallings Park in the Charlotte area. It was even voted as one of Charlotte's Best in Charlotte Magazine - here is their description:
"Two years and $2.3 million later, Stallings Park is the best park and playground in the Charlotte area. Period. With a brand-new splash pad, soon-to-be-open walking trails, three different playground areas (one enclosed for the tiny tots), picnic areas, tennis courts, and an 18-hole disc golf course designed by a three-time world champion disc golfer, families love it here."
Technically, the park is in Matthews but, again, worth the drive - my babies absolutely adored the splash pad and the many different playground options! It's a great Spring and Summer option!
Pro: great summer location since the spray park is wet & wild!
Con: it is in Matthews.
3. Another favorite is the Huntersville Discovery Center. This venue is all about kids and they make exploring a blast! They specialize in real-life, hands-on, experiential opportunities - a fire truck, ambulance, grocery store, ATM/Bank, plane, race car, water tables, etc. The twinkies had so much fun interacting with each area and other children that were visiting as well. This is a fun option for rainy and/or cold days when the kids are confined indoors.
Pro: great place full of kid-friendly activities.
Con: sometimes it is really busy and kind of chaotic - take hand sanitizer and be prepared to have to dodge other kids as yours run to another area before you can blink! Also, it costs - check their website for current fees.
Pro: not too expensive and is an indoor space. Also offer games and prizes (for a fee).
Con: the lunch options aren't the healthiest: pizza, pretzels and nachos.
5. Believe it or not, one of my favorite places to take the twins is Concord Mills Mall! Not for shopping, of course, but because there is a carousel, train, play area, movie theater and a food court. Even my 2.5-year-old toddlers can sit through a movie with some popcorn and M&M's...they've watched Frozen twice now and would most definitely welcome a third opportunity!
Pro: an indoor space, several fun kid-friendly options.
Con: train and movies can be expensive. Bring cash!
6. The SeaLife Aquarium just recently opened and is also a part of Concord Mills Mall. My twinkies love all things sea and animals so a trip to this attraction was a no-brainer. We had previously visited Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach and our little ones relished their experience so I was excited to have this option in our area. It introduces children to the ocean's most popular creatures - fish, jellyfish, an octopus, a sea turtle, plenty of stingrays and a shark.
Pro: definitely geared toward children and includes a booklet that they can stamp at each stop for a prize at the end.
Con: this was a lot more expensive than I was expecting and the duration was quite short. The only exit is through the gift shop which I did not appreciate since the twins promptly picked up a variety of items they just had to have...which made our visit that much more expensive. (Score 1 for SeaLife).
7. My last spot is the most expensive since it is not in our area so travel has to be accounted for and there is also an entry fee but; nevertheless, it is one of our most favorite places to visit: The Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens in Columbia! We make sure to trek through this wilderness in the early Spring since a day at the zoo can get hot real quick. Anniston & Brayden LOVE the animals - the zebras, giraffes, apes, birds, elephants, meerkats, penguins, etc. What's not to love about the zoo?
Pro: there is a restaurant, ice cream, beverage machines, and even seasonal movies at the zoo!
Con: it's in Columbia - enough said.
I realize that there are several other possibilities in and around Charlotte that I haven't touched on (Lazy 5 Ranch, etc.) - however, there will be a follow-up post when we have visited them and had a chance to familiarize ourselves with these opportunities.
As the seasons transition and we begin to experience longer days and warmer weather, we will be adding places to our annual Spring/Summer bucket list. Please feel free to share your own opinions or to provide suggestions as to other fabulous kid-friendly hot spots in our area!
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