Summer is here and like many other moms I have been thinking about activities to get out of the house and enjoy the weather now that school is over. I really enjoy doing this type of research and have been working on a list for a couple of weeks so I wanted to share in case it will help other moms that are looking for the same thing.
My goal is to pick a few things to do each week and try to plan a day or two in advance so I can pack a bag the night before or purchase tickets in advance. I typically don’t plan activities any earlier that that because you just don’t know how the week is going to go and how the kiddos will be feeling.
I hope you’ll find this list of 19 activities helpful and please reach out if you think I’ve missed anything fun to do because I can always add it and share the list again. Cheers to a fun summer!!
The List:
1. Splash Pads
Maybe one of the best summer time activities and Charlotte has lots of options! This link will take you to a list of all spray grounds located at Mecklenburg County Parks including hours and dates of operation. Here is another link to a splash pad list that includes all areas of Charlotte and those that aren’t part of Mecklenburg parks. My personal favorites are Crooked Creek (Indian Trail), Weverly, Blakeney, and First Ward Park.
2. Outdoor Parks and Playgrounds
Playgrounds are a must for the summer months! Here is a link to the Mecklenburg County website for a full list of their parks and here is a link to another list that includes a few others. My personal favorites are William Davie, Freedom Park, Park Road Park, Chantilly Park, Stallings Municipal (+ splash pad), and Crooked Creek (+ splash pad).
3. Sea Life Aquarium
Small aquarium located in Concord Mills Mall. Perfect size for toddlers and preschoolers. Visit their website here.
4. Discovery Place (Science, Kids, Nature)
Family of museums focused STEM education with lots of fun activities for kids of all ages . Three different types and locations now available: Kids, Nature, and Science.
5. Carowinds
Carowinds is a theme park and waterpark that has activities for all ages. Kids 2 and under are free and then ages 3-5 can sign up for the free pre-k season pass.
6. Southpark Mall Outdoor Playground
Great for ages 1-4 and is almost completely shaded. Jump inside for lunch in the food court and pop into the Disney Store that is right by this area.
7. Library Storytime
Books read aloud, songs, dancing, instruments, and toys. I use these as a quick get out of the house activity that is pretty stress free and only 30 minutes. Most of the libraries also have little play areas for the kids.
This link will take you to the full calendar of storytimes across all Mecklenburg County Librarys.
8. Toys and Co/PetSmart
Toys and Co in Cotswold is a cute toy store that has lots of toys sitting out that the kids can play with. Pet smart is right next door and we’ve always enjoyed walking around and looking at all the animals. In the back they have all of their doggie daycare dogs behind a big glass and kids can watch them play. Panera is also right next door if you want to grab lunch.
9. Ice Cream Outing
Summer and ice cream go hand in hand and This site lists all the top ice cream spots in Charlotte.
10. Airport Overlook
Watch airplanes take off and land at the airport! Large open space with parking lot, picnic tables, and benches. Address is: 7300 Old Dowd Rd, Charlotte, NC. Open daily from 8am-10:30pm.
11. Imaginon, First Ward Park Splash Pad, 7th Street for lunch
These are all uptown and right across the street from each other. The light rail runs right by here too and you can sit and watch it from the 7th street market patio while eating lunch.
12. Superior Play Systems
Swing set and trampoline company that offers free play in their huge showroom. $6 Mon-Fri and $8 on weekends. This is an awesome rainy day or super hot day activity. Here is their website with more information.
13. Tot Time at Gymnastics Centers
Charlotte Allstars, Carolina Flipz, and Perfect Balance all offer unsupervised play time inside of their gyms for a small fee.
14. Riverbanks Zoo – Columbia, SC
This one is obviously not in Charlotte but makes an easy day trip to a nice zoo that is the perfect size for young kids. Visit their website here.
15. Ramsey Creek Park at Lake Norman
A nice park with a beach up at Lake Norman. Click here to the visit the site.
16. Chuck E Cheese
I enjoy a good old fashion trip to Chuck E Cheese and am going to stop by at some point this summer. Here is a link to the Charlotte location information.
17. Dan Nicholas Park
Located in Salisbury this park is home to a campground, lake, carousel, train, gem mine, aquarium and nature center, animal habitats, and more. Click here to visit their website.
18. Bounce U
This is an inflatable bounce house indoor playground known for hosting birthday parties. They also have toddler time and free play hours for a small fee. Check out their site here.
19. Carolina Raptor Center
Located in Huntersville, this is a large nature preserve and home to over 37 species of birds including Hawks, Vultures, Falcons and Owls. Check out their website here for more information.