Fun doesn't have to cost a lot in Charlotte.

It was a boy's weekend for me, with my sons Colton (2) and Christian (5). We took the light rail from south Charlotte into downtown and went exploring. Children under the age of 5 ride free and my round trip ticket was under $3. A visit to the Discovery Place was a highlight. We saw an exhibit on dinosaurs and had a blast looking and learning at all there was to see. The boys loved it, and I must admit that I was entertained as well. After a stop for ice cream, we walked to a park that was having an Irish Festival, with live music, food, dancing, and no admission charge. Then we made our way to the Mint Museum, where children under 5 get in for free and an adult ticket is only $6. We had a really good time, and didn't have to break the bank to to enjoy all that Charlotte, North Carolina has to offer.