Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Charlotte - 2021

The Gem Theatre originally opened on December 31, 1936. A few years later, in 1942, The Gem Theatre was gutted by fire and the theatre was reduced to ashes. The theatre was rebuilt in 1948 and featured a beautiful lobby and 916 seats, including the balcony section. The Gem has been open ever since and is one of the oldest single-screen movie theatre in continuous operation today. The Gem is also one of only a few movie theatres that offers balcony seating.

Discovery Place is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides STEM education and learning opportunities to the Carolinas through four distinct museum experiences at Discovery Place Science in uptown Charlotte, Discovery Place Nature adjacent to Freedom Park in Charlotte and Discovery Place Kids locations in both Huntersville and Rockingham, interactive educational programming, professional development training and community outreach initiatives. Discovery Place is supported, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council.

The N.C. Transportation Museum, is a historic site once home to Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair facility and a museum featuring all types of transportation history – railroading, automotive, trucking, aviation, and more. Meander through The Bob Julian Roundhouse, the largest remaining roundhouse in North America. It is home to locomotives, passenger rail cars, and a full-size replica Wright Flyer. The massive Back Shop, where steam locomotives were once completely overhauled, now houses vintage rail cars, antique automobiles, fire trucks, and the restoration of the Piedmont Airlines’ Potomac Pacemaker DC-3. The Flue Shop houses the museum’s automotive exhibit. Weekend train rides, lasting 20-25 minutes, are available on the 60-acre property pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Special exhibits and events take place all year! Plan your visit today for a trip into the past at the museum that moves you!

Our 84-degree indoor water park offers the best in weatherproof North Carolina family resort fun with over 80,000 square feet of indoor waterpark action including a massive water fort tree house with a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket! Experience jaw-dropping thrill rides like the Howlin' Tornado along with zero-depth-playgrounds including Cub Paw Pool for smaller kids. Make your family vacation unforgettable when you swim and splash the day away here.

The Schiele Museum is a natural adventure waiting for you! Our mission is to inspire curiosity and understanding of science and the natural world through exceptional educational programs and exhibits. Permanent galleries feature Native Americans, North American wildlife and habitats including live animal displays, and an exhibit hall dedicated to the biodiversity of North Carolina. The planetarium offers a 360-degree immersive experience to discover the wonders of our universe. Go outside and explore the museum’s farm, nature trail, and Catawba Indian Village. There’s something for everyone to enjoy during a visit to The Schiele!

Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey, through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is the Carolinas’ Garden for all seasons, providing guests a chance to reconnect with nature and to create lifelong memories with friends and family. Located within 380 acres on the banks of Lake Wylie, spectacular gardens, sparkling fountains, a conservatory dedicated to the display of tropical plants and orchids, a visitor pavilion, a children's garden, a garden store and nature trails await the visitor.

Big Air Charlotte is Charlotte’s premier trampoline park with over 15 different attractions!  Climb any of our unique climbing features, navigate through North America’s largest Laser Maze, harness your inner Ninja Warrior on The Gauntlet obstacle course or try your best to hold on in The Bull Pen!  We also offer 30+ Virtual Reality experiences in our 3 state-of-the-art virtual reality booths! At Big Air Charlotte, we are more than a trampoline park with attractions for all ages and skill levels! Want to make our child’s birthday unforgettable?  Be sure to check out our award-winning Big Air Birthday Party packages!

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is the go-to spot for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens, to have fun all year long! From unforgettable adventures at summer day camp, experiencing the magic of summer at two overnight camps, becoming part of a team in youth sports, gaining lifelong skills in swim lessons, preparing for kindergarten and beyond at preschool or learning without limits in afterschool, they’ll have a blast as they become their best selves at the YMCA.

Founded in 1953, the purpose of the Rowan Museum Inc. is to collect, preserve, research, exhibit, and educate the public about the history of Rowan County and Piedmont, North Carolina through the use of its properties, programs, and collections.

Proud to be family owned and operated for over 70 years. We have fresh strawberries in the spring and gorgeous pumpkins in the fall. We also offer a fun family experience with hayrides, covered picnic tables, and activities for kids of all ages.

After pickin’ and playin’, come visit the sales tent for a refreshing cold slushie or unwind with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. And while you’re there check out our cafe with hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, chicken tenders , fries, doughnuts, funnel cakes, ice cream and other snacks.

Nationally recognized for the breadth and strength of its programs, Children's Theatre of Charlotte provides more than 250,000 experiences for children and families a year with technically imaginative productions and wide-ranging education programs for young people and families. Each year they mount professional productions, with the curtain rising more than 600 times during a season – more than any other theatre company in the state.  Children's Theatre of Charlotte enrolls more than 2,300 young people in classes and camps per year, teaching confidence and self-esteem while encouraging creativity and self-expression.

The Schiele Museum is a natural adventure waiting for you! Our mission is to inspire curiosity and understanding of science and the natural world through exceptional educational programs and exhibits. Permanent galleries feature Native Americans, North American wildlife and habitats including live animal displays, and an exhibit hall dedicated to the biodiversity of North Carolina. The planetarium offers a 360-degree immersive experience to discover the wonders of our universe. Go outside and explore the museum’s farm, nature trail, and Catawba Indian Village. There’s something for everyone to enjoy during a visit to The Schiele!