Things to do in Charlotte: Based on NeemTime research from most popular to just popular.
Carowinds, Charlotte
Overview: Carowinds is a large amusement park straddling the North Carolina-South Carolina border known for thrilling rides and family attractions.
History: Opened by Earl Patterson Hall as a vision to create a Disneyland of the South.
Since When: Opened in 1973.
Review: Visitors enjoy the exciting roller coasters, water park, and seasonal events.
When to Go: Best to visit in spring and fall to avoid extreme summer heat.
How to Go: Accessible by car via Interstate 77, just south of Charlotte.
What to Do: Ride coasters, splash in the water park, attend special events, and enjoy live shows.
Free or Paid: Paid (tickets required for entry).
SouthPark, Charlotte
Overview: SouthPark is Charlotte’s upscale shopping destination featuring luxury brands, dining, and entertainment.
History: Developed in the 1970s to serve the growing suburban community of South Charlotte.
Since When: Opened in 1970.
Review: Shoppers love the elegant atmosphere, wide variety of stores, and fine dining options.
When to Go: Best to visit during weekdays for a less crowded shopping experience.
How to Go: Accessible by car, located about six miles south of Uptown Charlotte.
What to Do: Shop, dine, and attend special events and seasonal attractions.
Free or Paid: Free entry (shopping and dining are paid).
Charlotte Premium Outlets, Charlotte
Overview: Charlotte Premium Outlets is a large outdoor shopping center offering discounts on popular designer brands.
History: Developed by Simon Property Group to provide affordable luxury shopping.
Since When: Opened in 2014.
Review: Visitors appreciate the wide selection of brands and good deals.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekdays or early mornings on weekends to avoid crowds.
How to Go: Located off Interstate 485 and easily accessible by car.
What to Do: Shop discounted designer items, dine at restaurants, and relax at cafes.
Free or Paid: Free entry (shopping and dining are paid).
U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte
Overview: The U.S. National Whitewater Center is an outdoor adventure facility offering whitewater rafting, kayaking, climbing, and more.
History: Established to promote outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
Since When: Opened in 2006.
Review: Outdoor enthusiasts praise the center for its range of activities and beautiful natural setting.
When to Go: Best to visit from spring to fall for full access to outdoor activities.
How to Go: Accessible by car, located about 20 minutes west of Uptown Charlotte.
What to Do: Raft, kayak, mountain bike, zip line, and attend concerts and festivals.
Free or Paid: Entry to the grounds is free; activities require paid passes.
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
Overview: Bank of America Stadium is a major sports venue and home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and MLS’s Charlotte FC.
History: Built as a dedicated football stadium to boost the city’s professional sports presence.
Since When: Opened in 1996.
Review: Fans enjoy the energetic atmosphere, excellent sightlines, and modern amenities.
When to Go: Best to visit during football or soccer season, typically fall to early winter.
How to Go: Located in Uptown Charlotte, accessible by car, light rail, or on foot.
What to Do: Attend games, concerts, and special events or take a stadium tour.
Free or Paid: Paid (tickets required for events and tours).
Freedom Park, Charlotte
Overview: Freedom Park is a scenic 98-acre urban park popular for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
History: It was developed after World War II as a tribute to veterans.
Since When: Opened in 1948.
Review: Visitors love the peaceful environment, beautiful lake, and family-friendly activities.
When to Go: Best to visit in spring and fall for comfortable weather.
How to Go: Accessible by car or public transport from Uptown Charlotte.
What to Do: Walk, bike, picnic, attend festivals, and enjoy playgrounds and sports facilities.
Free or Paid: Free.
Spectrum Center, Charlotte
Overview: Spectrum Center is a modern indoor arena hosting sports events, concerts, and shows.
History: Originally opened as the Charlotte Bobcats Arena to support the city’s NBA team.
Since When: Opened in 2005.
Review: Guests enjoy the lively atmosphere, great acoustics, and convenient location.
When to Go: Best to visit during major NBA games or headline concerts.
How to Go: Located in Uptown Charlotte, accessible by car, light rail, or on foot.
What to Do: Attend NBA games, concerts, family shows, and special events.
Free or Paid: Paid (tickets required for events).
NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte
Overview: The NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive museum honoring NASCAR history and legends.
History: Established to celebrate the heritage of stock car racing, deeply rooted in the Carolinas.
Since When: Opened in 2010.
Review: Racing fans appreciate the engaging exhibits, simulators, and memorabilia.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
How to Go: Located in Uptown Charlotte, easily accessible by car or light rail.
What to Do: Explore exhibits, try racing simulators, and learn about NASCAR history.
Free or Paid: Paid (admission ticket required).
Breakout Games, Charlotte
Overview: Breakout Games offers immersive escape room experiences with different themed adventures.
History: Part of a national chain, it brought interactive entertainment to Charlotte’s urban scene.
Since When: Opened in Charlotte in the mid-2010s.
Review: Participants enjoy the creative puzzles, teamwork challenges, and exciting themes.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekends or evenings for group activities.
How to Go: Accessible by car with multiple locations around Charlotte.
What to Do: Solve themed puzzles, escape rooms, and team-based missions.
Free or Paid: Paid (booking required).
Romare Bearden Park, Charlotte
Overview: Romare Bearden Park is a vibrant urban park named after the famous artist, offering green space and public art.
History: Created to honor Romare Bearden, a Charlotte-born artist celebrated for his cultural work.
Since When: Opened in 2013.
Review: Visitors love the beautiful landscaping, open lawns, and cultural installations.
When to Go: Best to visit during spring and fall or during community events.
How to Go: Located in Uptown Charlotte, easily reachable by car, light rail, or walking.
What to Do: Relax, attend concerts, enjoy fountains and art, and participate in community events.
Free or Paid: Free.
Discovery Place Science, Charlotte
Overview: Discovery Place Science is a hands-on science and technology museum perfect for curious minds.
History: It was established to bring interactive science education to the Charlotte community.
Since When: Opened in 1981.
Review: Visitors praise its engaging exhibits, IMAX theater, and fun for all ages.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekdays to avoid school and weekend crowds.
How to Go: Located in Uptown Charlotte, easily accessible by car, light rail, or bus.
What to Do: Explore science exhibits, watch IMAX films, and join workshops.
Free or Paid: Paid (admission ticket required).
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord, Charlotte
Overview: SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is an interactive aquarium featuring a variety of marine creatures.
History: Part of the SEA LIFE global brand, it was created to educate and entertain about marine life.
Since When: Opened in 2014.
Review: Families love the underwater tunnel, touch pools, and colorful sea creatures.
When to Go: Best to visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
How to Go: Located inside Concord Mills Mall, accessible by car via I-85.
What to Do: View marine animals, walk through the ocean tunnel, and enjoy interactive displays.
Free or Paid: Paid (admission ticket required).
Frankie’s of Charlotte, Charlotte
Overview: Frankie’s of Charlotte is a family entertainment center offering games, rides, and attractions.
History: Opened as part of the Frankie’s Fun Parks chain to bring all-ages entertainment to the area.
Since When: Opened in 2018.
Review: Visitors appreciate the variety of activities, clean facilities, and lively atmosphere.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekday evenings or early weekends for fewer crowds.
How to Go: Located off Interstate 485, easily reachable by car.
What to Do: Play arcade games, ride go-karts, mini-golf, and laser tag.
Free or Paid: Free to enter, pay per activity.
Truist Field, Charlotte
Overview: Truist Field is a minor league baseball stadium and home to the Charlotte Knights.
History: Built to bring baseball excitement to Uptown Charlotte and replace the old stadium.
Since When: Opened in 2014.
Review: Fans love the modern facilities, skyline views, and family-friendly vibe.
When to Go: Best to visit during the baseball season (April–September).
How to Go: Located in Uptown Charlotte, accessible by car, light rail, or walking.
What to Do: Watch a baseball game, enjoy stadium food, and attend special events.
Free or Paid: Paid (tickets required for games and events).
Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte
Overview: The Charlotte Convention Center hosts conferences, conventions, trade shows, and special events.
History: Opened to support Charlotte’s growth as a major business and tourism hub.
Since When: Opened in 1995.
Review: Visitors compliment the spacious layout, modern amenities, and central location.
When to Go: Visit when attending conventions, expos, or public events.
How to Go: Located in Uptown Charlotte, accessible by car, light rail, or walking.
What to Do: Attend trade shows, conferences, and community events.
Free or Paid: Free entry for some public events; paid registration for specific conferences.
Camp North End, Charlotte
Overview: Camp North End is a vibrant hub for art, innovation, shopping, dining, and community events.
History: Originally built as a Ford factory and later used by the U.S. Army, it has been redeveloped into a creative space.
Since When: Opened to the public as a creative venue in 2017.
Review: Visitors love its industrial-chic vibe, local shops, murals, and weekend events.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekends for special markets, food events, and live music.
How to Go: Located just north of Uptown Charlotte, easily accessible by car or rideshare.
What to Do: Explore art installations, shop from local vendors, attend events, and dine at food stalls.
Free or Paid: Free to enter; paid for some events or purchases.
Exit Strategy, Charlotte
Overview: Exit Strategy offers immersive and challenging escape room experiences.
History: Founded by puzzle enthusiasts, it became one of Charlotte’s first major escape room venues.
Since When: Opened in 2014.
Review: Guests enjoy the creative room designs, friendly staff, and exciting puzzles.
When to Go: Best to visit during evenings or weekends for a fun group outing.
How to Go: Located in South End and near University area, easily reachable by car.
What to Do: Solve themed puzzles and complete escape room challenges with friends.
Free or Paid: Paid (booking required per room/session).
McDowell Nature Preserve, Charlotte
Overview: McDowell Nature Preserve offers beautiful trails, campsites, and waterfront access to Lake Wylie.
History: It was established to protect one of the last natural areas on Lake Wylie’s shoreline.
Since When: Protected since the 1970s.
Review: Nature lovers appreciate the peaceful environment, well-kept trails, and diverse wildlife.
When to Go: Best to visit during spring and fall for comfortable weather.
How to Go: Located southwest of Charlotte, easily accessible by car via NC-49.
What to Do: Hike, camp, fish, kayak, and enjoy picnics.
Free or Paid: Free for general entry; paid for camping and certain activities.
Escapology Escape Rooms Charlotte, Charlotte
Overview: Escapology Charlotte is a premium escape room venue offering a variety of thrilling themed adventures.
History: Part of the global Escapology brand, it brought high-end escape experiences to Charlotte.
Since When: Opened in 2017.
Review: Players love the detailed settings, engaging storylines, and challenging puzzles.
When to Go: Best to visit with friends or family during weekends or evenings.
How to Go: Located in Charlotte’s South End area, accessible by car or light rail.
What to Do: Team up to solve mysteries and escape from themed rooms within a set time.
Free or Paid: Paid (advance booking recommended).
Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Charlotte
Overview: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a stunning public garden showcasing diverse plant collections and seasonal displays.
History: Founded with the vision of creating a world-class botanical garden in the Piedmont region.
Since When: Opened in 1999.
Review: Visitors rave about the beautiful gardens, orchid conservatory, and peaceful atmosphere.
When to Go: Best to visit in spring or early fall when the gardens are in full bloom.
How to Go: Located in Belmont, about 30 minutes west of Charlotte by car.
What to Do: Stroll through themed gardens, explore the orchid conservatory, and attend seasonal events.
Free or Paid: Paid (admission ticket required).
Museum of Illusions – Charlotte, Charlotte
Overview: The Museum of Illusions offers a fun and interactive experience with optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits.
History: Part of a global franchise, it brings a unique, hands-on experience of optical illusions and visual tricks.
Since When: Opened in Charlotte in 2020.
Review: Visitors enjoy the playful, interactive displays that challenge their perception of reality.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekends or during school breaks for family-friendly fun.
How to Go: Located in Uptown Charlotte, easily reachable by car or public transport.
What to Do: Explore interactive exhibits, take photos with optical illusions, and solve puzzles.
Free or Paid: Paid (admission required).
Billy Graham Library, Charlotte
Overview: The Billy Graham Library is a tribute to the life and legacy of the world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham.
History: Opened in 2007, the library houses exhibits related to Graham’s ministry and faith-based outreach.
Since When: Opened in 2007.
Review: Guests appreciate the historical exhibits, peaceful grounds, and the interactive multimedia experience.
When to Go: Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience or during special events and tours.
How to Go: Located just south of Charlotte, easily accessible by car.
What to Do: Explore the exhibits, tour the grounds, and watch a multimedia presentation of Graham’s life.
Free or Paid: Free admission (donations welcome).
DEFY Charlotte, Charlotte
Overview: DEFY Charlotte is a trampoline park offering a variety of extreme sports and activities for all ages.
History: DEFY is a popular chain of trampoline parks known for its extreme sports-focused experiences.
Since When: Opened in 2019.
Review: Visitors love the energetic vibe, variety of activities, and family-friendly atmosphere.
When to Go: Best to visit on weekdays for less crowd, or weekends for group activities and birthday parties.
How to Go: Located in the Charlotte area, accessible by car.
What to Do: Jump on trampolines, play dodgeball, practice parkour, or explore the foam pit.
Free or Paid: Paid (pricing based on activity time).
Escape Tactic Escape Room, Charlotte
Overview: Escape Tactic is an immersive escape room experience offering challenging puzzles and thrilling scenarios.
History: A popular escape room venue in Charlotte, known for its high-quality game designs and engaging experiences.
Since When: Opened in 2016.
Review: Players enjoy the intricate puzzles and well-crafted storylines, which offer a fun and exciting challenge.
When to Go: Ideal for a fun night out, best to book during evenings or weekends.
How to Go: Located in South End, easily accessible by car or light rail.
What to Do: Solve puzzles, decipher clues, and work as a team to escape from themed rooms within a set time.
Free or Paid: Paid (advance booking recommended).
McAlpine Creek Park, Charlotte
Overview: McAlpine Creek Park is a serene, expansive green space with walking trails, creeks, and recreational facilities.
History: Originally developed to preserve natural green spaces while providing recreational opportunities for Charlotte residents.
Since When: Opened in the early 1990s.
Review: Visitors enjoy its scenic trails, peaceful atmosphere, and abundant wildlife.
When to Go: Best to visit during spring or fall for comfortable weather.
How to Go: Located in southeast Charlotte, easily accessible by car.
What to Do: Hike or walk on trails, picnic by the creek, or enjoy bird watching.
Free or Paid: Free entry.
Timed Out Escape, Charlotte
Overview: Timed Out Escape is a thrilling escape room offering immersive puzzle-solving experiences with unique themed rooms.
History: Established as part of Charlotte’s growing escape room scene, it’s known for its creative and high-quality games.
Since When: Opened in 2017.
Review: Visitors rave about the engaging puzzles and friendly staff, making it a fun group activity.
When to Go: Best to visit during evenings and weekends for group events or corporate outings.
How to Go: Located near Uptown Charlotte, accessible by car or public transport.
What to Do: Solve intricate puzzles, unlock clues, and escape themed rooms with your team.
Free or Paid: Paid (book in advance for better availability).
Metropolitan, Charlotte
Overview: Metropolitan is a lively shopping, dining, and entertainment complex offering a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
History: This development has served as a popular retail and dining destination for Charlotte residents since its opening in the early 2000s.
Since When: Opened in 2000.
Review: Visitors enjoy its mix of upscale shopping, casual dining, and entertainment options in a modern setting.
When to Go: Best visited during evenings for dining or weekend afternoons for shopping and events.
How to Go: Easily accessible by car, located in the South End of Charlotte.
What to Do: Shop, dine at restaurants, watch movies, or attend events in this vibrant complex.
Free or Paid: Free to explore; pay for dining, shopping, and events.
The Alley at Latta Arcade, Charlotte
Overview: The Alley at Latta Arcade is a unique indoor space in downtown Charlotte offering a variety of retail shops and eateries.
History: Located in the historic Latta Arcade, it has become a charming part of the city’s downtown retail experience since the early 20th century.
Since When: Opened in 1914.
Review: Visitors love the historic charm, the eclectic mix of shops, and the lively atmosphere.
When to Go: Ideal for weekday shopping or a quick bite, especially during lunch hours.
How to Go: Situated in the heart of Charlotte’s downtown, easily reachable on foot or by car.
What to Do: Shop at boutique stores, grab a coffee, or enjoy local dining options.
Free or Paid: Free to browse; paid for purchases.
Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park, Charlotte
Overview: Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park is a large park offering trails, lakes, and picnic areas, perfect for outdoor activities.
History: This park is a popular community space dedicated to outdoor recreation in southeastern Charlotte.
Since When: Opened in the late 1990s.
Review: Visitors appreciate the peaceful trails, natural beauty, and family-friendly atmosphere.
When to Go: Best to visit in spring or fall for the most pleasant weather.
How to Go: Located in southeastern Charlotte, accessible by car.
What to Do: Hike on trails, enjoy lakeside picnics, or play sports on the fields.
Free or Paid: Free to visit.
Victory Lane Indoor Karting, Charlotte
Overview: Victory Lane Indoor Karting offers thrilling indoor go-kart racing, an exciting activity for all ages and skill levels.
History: Established as one of Charlotte’s top indoor go-kart racing venues, it provides a competitive yet fun experience for everyone.
Since When: Opened in 2009.
Review: Known for its high-speed karts and a fun, competitive atmosphere, it’s a hit with both locals and visitors.
When to Go: Best for evenings and weekends when the track is fully operational and lively.
How to Go: Located just outside of Charlotte, accessible by car.
What to Do: Race go-karts, enjoy arcade games, and participate in special events or birthday parties.
Free or Paid: Paid (price per race or package deals).