Spectrum Center, home of the NBA Charlotte Hornets; (c) Soul Of America
Charlotte Family Attractions
Spectrum Center
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 2005 and home to the NBA Charlotte Hornets. The former owner, Michael Jordan, is often seen in attendance at this 18,500-seat arena. The venue features the latest amenities for fan comfort and great sight lines for all basketball games. It also hosts large concerts, the circus, wrestling, and other touring events throughout the year. The nearby Charlotte Transit Center makes it highly accessible too.
ADMISSION: matrix of ticket prices during Hornet games
ADDRESS: 333 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
PHONE: 704-262-2287
WEBSITE: http://www.nba.com/bobcats/arena.html
Discovery Place
DESCRIPTION: An ever-growing museum that contains 150,000 square feet of hands-on science exhibits. This family-oriented venue is beloved for providing innovative and entertaining experiences;
ADMISSION: See website for a range of pricing options that include museum + IMAX Discovery film
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 9a-4p, Sat 10a-6p, Sun Noon-5p
ADDRESS: 301 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
PHONE: 704-372-6261
WEBSITE: http://www.discoveryplace.org
ImaginOn
DESCRIPTION: A collaborative joint venture of the Public Library and the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, ImaginOn features cutting-edge services, architecture, library collections, award-winning professional theatre, and education programs that bring stories to life. Every visit challenges and excites young minds.
ADMISSION: varies by event
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 9a-9p,
Fri-Sat 9a-6p,
Sun 1p-6p
ADDRESS: 300 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC
PHONE: 704-416-4600
WEBSITE: http://www.imaginon.org
Bank of America Stadium
DESCRIPTION: Home of the NFL Carolina Panthers football team. Take a moment to notice the rousing monument to the late Sam Mills, who played linebacker for the Panthers. Given he led the team to its only Super Bowl, perhaps former QB Cam Newton will earn a statue beside old Sam Mills. The outdoor stadium seats 73,000 and more than 100 suites.
ADMISSION: See website mfor ticket prices options
ADDRESS: 800 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
PHONE: tickets 877-228-1352
WEBSITE: http://www.panthers.com/stadium
Discovery Place, Charlotte; (c) Soul Of America
Charlotte Nature Museum
DESCRIPTION: A small urban nature center that features live animal rooms, a nature trail, and a puppet theater. If your child scares easy, this may be the perfect venue to introduce them to the animal kingdom.
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, Charlotte, NC
PHONE: 704-372-6261
WEBSITE: http://www.discoveryplace.org/naturemuseum.asp
Reedy Creek Park Environmental Center
DESCRIPTION: A small, remote nature center located on a 700-acre nature preserve; hands-on exhibits, a one-mile nature trail, naturalist-guided walks, a naturalist lab, environmental programs, and science workshops.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: 9a-5p, Sunday 1p-5p
ADDRESS: 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC
PHONE: 704-598-8857
WEBSITE: http://www.charmeck.org
Carowinds Theme Park
DESCRIPTION: An 83-acre theme park that is the largest in the Carolinas. It features Cirque Imagine, Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare: 3Z Arena, Fury 325 – the world’s fastest and tallest rollercoaster, Vortex stand-up rollercoaster, Borg, and Palladium outdoor amphitheater. The park is also fun for little kids by featuring Carolina Harbor Waterpark, Planet Snoopy, Dinosaurs Alive, and various live shows. An ample number of eateries dot all corners of the park as well. A separate ticket is required for Carowinds’ Halloween Haunt, a PG-13 event too intense for young children. If you can’t leave your pooch at home, no worries. The Pet Kennel is located to the left of the Main North Gate, in front of parking section #9.
ADMISSION: see the website for pricing and note that the waterpark has a separate fee
DAYS & HOURS: hours vary from Spring to Fall, so check website
ADDRESS: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
PHONE: 800-888-4386
WEBSITE: http://www.carowinds.com
McDowell Nature Preserve
DESCRIPTION: This 956-acre park features interpretive displays and environmental programming. A playground, picnic areas with shelters and decks, hiking trails, boat ramps, canoe and paddleboat rentals, and motor boat launching at Copperhead Island; newly installed insect displays and interactive games, plus eight miles of hiking trails among wooded hills.
DAYS & HOURS: daily March 1 – November 30; Dec-Feb weekends only
ADDRESS: 15222 York Road, Charlotte, NC
PHONE: 704-588-5224
WEBSITE: Link
Bank of America Stadium, the Carolina Panthers home field; (c) Casey Calhoun-UN
Tiger World
DESCRIPTION: Formerly called Metrolina Wildlife Park, visitors see large primates, exotic birds, bears, llamas, cats, and snakes featured at this mid-size zoo. This caring zoo also acts as a refuge for injured animals.
ADMISSION: Adults $12, Ages 2-12 and 62+ $10, Active Military $8
DAYS & HOURS: Spring to November 1, 9a-5p Sun-Tue and Thu-Sat
ADDRESS: 4400 Cook Road, Rockwell, NC
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 704-279-6363
WEBSITE: http://www.tigerworld.us
Carolina Raptor Center
DESCRIPTION: This park features one of the largest raptor collections in the country, with over 20 species of eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, and falcons. Meander along an inviting nature trail and note the only Eagle Aviary in the Carolinas – a joy!
ADMISSION: Adults $8, Seniors $7, Students $6, Children under 5 Free
DAYS & HOURS: recorded guided tours Tue-Sat 10a-5p, Sun Noon-5p
ADDRESS: 6000 Sample Road in Latta Plantation Park, Huntersville, NC
PHONE: 704-875-6521
WEBSITE: http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org
Checker Flags
DESCRIPTION: Stock car simulators run by 700 horsepower engines and reach 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: 8111 Concord Mills Road, Concord Mills, NC
PHONE: 704-979-7223
WEBSITE: http://www.smsonline.com/centers/cms_racingcenter1.html