There are so many things to do in and around the Charlotte/Lake Norman area, but not everything is appropriate for younger kids.
Compiled below is a list of attractions and things to do that are age appropriate for elementary aged kids, 5-11 years old.
One of the most impressive things about living in and around Charlotte is the number of parks and playgrounds that can be found throughout the city. The same can be said for the suburbs as well. Not only does the Lake Norman area have a beautiful lake, but there are many places for the young and old to play.
Parks
Lake Norman State Park
759 State Park Road, Troutman
Covers almost 2,000 acres on the northern shore of Lake Norman. Families can rent pedal boats and canoes, hike, fish, mountain bike, picnic, or camp.
Jetton Park
19000 Jetton Road, Cornelius
Found in Cornelius, this is another spacious park, encompassing 104 acres of wooded paved walking and biking trails, tennis courts, formal garden, a waterfront beach area (no swimming allowed) and plenty of places to spread out, relax, or have a picnic. Take a towel if you plan to go to the beach area. You won't be able to resist building a few sandcastles while you're there
Robbins Park
17738 West Catawba Avenue, Cornelius
Built as part of The Preserve at Robbins Park neighborhood, Robbins Park has grown to include paved trails for walkers, bikers, scooters, a sand volleyball pit, a disc golf course, a fun "treehouse" playground for the little ones, and athletic fields for lacrosse and soccer.
Many more local parks are found and can be located on the county websites:
Lincoln County Parks (Denver, Lincolnton Area): http://www.lincolncounty.org/index.aspx?NID=216
Mecklenburg County Parks (Huntersville/Charlotte Area): http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/Parks/Pages/default.aspx
Iredell County Parks (Mooresville): https://www.co.iredell.nc.us/276/Parks-Recreation
Zoos
Lazy 5 Ranch
http://lazy5ranch.com/
5100 Mooresville Rd, Mooresville, NC 28115
Drive through animal park and Zoo with domestic & exotic animals from 6 continents, with wagon rides & petting areas.
Zootastic Park
http://www.zootasticpark.com/
Zootastic Park is an educational, interactive zoo that is hands on for both children and adults offering lots of cherished family memories!
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (about 1.5 hours from Charlotte)
https://www.riverbanks.org/
500 Wildlife Pkwy
Columbia, South Carolina
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is the southeast's premiere destination for family fun, adventure, education, and wild animals. Located in the heart of South Carolina, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is the home to over 2000 animals from around the world. In addition to animals, the Riverbanks Botanical Gardens is recognized by HGTV as one of the best manmade gardens in the world.
Amusement/Fun/Attactions
Monkey Joes
www.monkeyjoes.com/ (multiple locations)
10215 University City Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28213
Phone number
(704) 549-1588

Carowinds
https://www.carowinds.com/
Complete with over 60 rides and attractions, live entertainment, authentic regional cuisine and Carolina hospitality – you’ll see why Carowinds is frequently recognized as one of the best theme parks in the nation.
14523 Carowinds Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28273
704-588-2600
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Fans and nonfans can get a sense for why Nascar is such a sensation in the Carolinas!
400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28202
888-902-6463 | 704-654-4400
Renaissance Festival (Late Fall)
Very fun for the entire family but only seasonally open.
16445 Poplar Tent Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is an interactive aquarium located at the Concord Mills mall in Concord, NC. Found insid eare thousands of fish and other aquatic creatures, plus interactive touch pools and the signature 360° ocean tunnel where you get a unique perspective of the daily doings of sea life.
https://www2.visitsealife.com/charlotte-concord/
8111 Concord Mills Boulevard
Concord, NC 28207
866-229-1573

Museums/Educational Attractions

Discovery Place Kids
Great for increasinsg your child's imagination! Be a firefighter, a banker, or top chef, or a jungle explorer. Ride a firetruck, visit a farm or run a grocery store. So much to do and see, plus let your kid let there energy out on the giant playplace.
www.discoveryplace.org/105 Gilead Road
Huntersvile, NC 28078
704-372-6261

Discovery Place Science
Hands-on museums for visitors of all ages. This is a FAVORITE for elementary kids, often coming on field trips to experience all that Discovery place has to offer. Also enjoy educational iMax films here.
www.discoveryplace.org/
301 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-372-6261

Historic Latta Plantation
Historic Latta Plantation is the last remaining Catawba River plantation open to the public! Offered there are education programs, special events, daily tours, summer camps, and more to over 42,000 visitors a year!
https://www.lattaplantation.org/
5225 Sample Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-875-2312

ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
ImaginOn is a collaborative venture of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and the Children's Theatre of Charlotte. ImaginOn brings stories to life through extraordinary experiences that challenge, inspire and excite young minds.
https://www.imaginon.org/
300 East 7th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-416-4600


Charlotte/Lake Norman Special Events for Elementary Aged Kids
For staying up to date with special events for kids, here are a few resources to bookmark.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/health-family/moms/article9025355.html * VERY THOROUGH GUIDE MADE BY A MOM.
https://lakenorman.macaronikid.com/
http://www.charlottesgotalot.com/family-friendly
http://www.charlotteparent.com/CLT/Calendar/
Here is a video that admittedly is dated, but does show some of the attractions offered in the Charlotte area.
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