Charlotte, NC

Discovery Place
DESCRIPTION: An ever growing and changing museum containing 150,000 sq. feet of hands-on science exhibits that provide an family entertaining variety of experiences in science

ADMISSION: $7 museum; $13 museum + IMAX Discovery film; $18 museum + IMAX Feature-length Film;

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 9a-4p, Sat 10a-6p, Sun Noon-5p

ADDRESS: 301 North Tryon Street

PHONE: 704-372-6261

WEBSITE: http://www.discoveryplace.org

Bank of America Stadium
DESCRIPTION: Home of the NFL Panthers football team; notice the rousing monument to the late Sam Mills, who played linebacker for the Panthers; seats 73,000

ADMISSION: matrix of ticket prices during Carolina Panthers NFL games

ADDRESS: 800 South Mint Street

PHONE: tickets 877-228-1352

WEBSITE: http://www.panthers.com/stadium

Charlotte Bobcats Arena
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 2005 and home to the newest NBA franchise, the Charlotte Bobcats; this 18,500-seat arena features the latest amenities for fan comfort and great sightlines; you might even catch a glimpse of Bob Johnson, principal owner and Michael Jordan, part owner

ADMISSION: matrix of ticket prices during Charlotte Bobcats NBA games

ADDRESS: 333 East Trade Street

PHONE: 704-262-2287

WEBSITE: http://www.nba.com/bobcats/arena.html

ImaginOn
DESCRIPTION: A innovative and collaborative joint venture of the Public Library and the Children's Theatre of Charlotte; features cutting-edge services, architecture, library collections, award-winning professional theatre and education programs that bring stories to life that challenge and excite young minds

ADMISSION: varies by event; check website

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 9a-9p,
 Fri-Sat 9a-6p,
 Sun 1p-6p

ADDRESS: 300 East Seventh Street  MAP

PHONE: 704-416-4600

WEBSITE: http://www.imaginon.org

Charlotte Nature Museum
DESCRIPTION: A small urban nature center that features live animal rooms, a nature trail and puppet theater

ADMISSION: $6; ages 60+ and age 1 and under enter Free

DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Fri 9a-5p, Sat 10a-5p, Sun Noon-5p

ADDRESS: 1658 Sterling Road

PHONE: 704-372-6261

WEBSITE: http://www.discoveryplace.org/naturemuseum.asp

Reedy Creek Park Environmental Center
DESCRIPTION: Small, remote nature center located on a 700-acre nature preserve; hands-on exhibits, one-mile nature trail, naturalist guided walks, naturalist lab, environmental programs and science workshops

ADMISSION: Free

DAYS & HOURS: 9a-5p, Sunday 1p-5p

ADDRESS: 2900 Rocky River Road  MAP

PHONE: 704-598-8857

WEBSITE: http://www.charmeck.org

Paramount Carowinds
DESCRIPTION: An 83-acre theme park features Vortex, the thrilling stand-up rollercoaster, Borg, and the Paladium outdoor amphitheatre

ADMISSION: $25 online

DAYS & HOURS:a matrix of seasonal days and hours open; see their website

ADDRESS: 15 minutes south of Uptown Charlotte

PHONE: 800-888-4386

WEBSITE: http://www.carowinds.com

Rockwell, NC

Metrolina Wildlife Park
DESCRIPTION: Large primates, exotic birds, bears, llamas, cats and snakes are the featured attraction at this mid-size zoo; the zoo also acts a refuge for injured animals

ADMISSION: small

DAYS & HOURS: Spring to November 1, 9a-5p

ADDRESS: 4400 Cook Road

PHONE: 704-279-6363

WEBSITE: http://www.metrolinawildlifepark.com

Huntersville, NC

Carolina Raptor Center
DESCRIPTION: One of the largest raptor collections in the country; over 20 species of eagles, hawks, owls, vultures and falcons as you meander along an inviting nature trail; center features the only eagle aviary in the Carolinas

ADMISSION: Adults $5, Seniors/Students $3, Children under 6 free

DAYS & HOURS: recorded guided tours Tue-Sat 10a-5p, Sun Noon-5p

ADDRESS: 6000 Sample Road in Latta Plantation Nature Preserve

PHONE: 704-875-6521

WEBSITE: http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org

Concord Mills, NC

NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway
DESCRIPTION: Stock car simulators run by 700 horsepower engines; reaching speeds of 200 mph for Racing so real you can feel it

ADMISSION:  $8 Adult, Seniors $7, Students $6, age 4 and under 5 enter Free

DAYS & HOURS: October 1 - March 1 Wed-Sat 10a-5p, Sun Noon-5p

ADMISSION: Concord Mills Mall at 8111 Concord Mills Road

PHONE: 704-979-7223

WEBSITE: http://www.smsonline.com/centers/cms_racingcenter1.html