Top 5 Best Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
5 Fun Things to Do in Charlotte with Kids
5 Romantic Things to Do in Charlotte, NC, for Couples
5 Unique Outdoor Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
5 Free Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
5 Family Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
5 Things to Do in Uptown Charlotte
Charlotte is best known as the nation’s second-largest banking hub after New York City, but it’s far from all work and no play in the Queen City. Charlotte manages to combine big-city amenities with plenty of green space, a high-energy atmosphere, and laid-back Southern charm, all at once.
Whether you’re moving to Charlotte or simply planning your next outing, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Charlotte for every interest. From exploring scenic trails to cheering on major league sports teams and discovering one of Charlotte’s many museums, here are our favorite activities in the Queen City.
Best Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte has so much to offer that deciding what to do can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, we’ve put together this list of the 30 best things to do in Charlotte, NC.
Top 5 Best Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Wondering how to spend a day in Charlotte, NC? Whether you’re visiting for the first time or just looking for something new to do over the weekend, Charlotte has plenty to fill your day. From our top 30 list, here are five of our favorite ways to spend a day in Charlotte.
1. Learn How to Whitewater Raft: The U.S. National Whitewater Center is full of outdoor adventures, from beginner and advanced whitewater rafting to ziplining and more.
2. Visit Birds of Prey at the Carolina Raptor Center: This is a one-of-a-kind experience in Charlotte, where you can learn about falcons and other birds as they fly overhead.
3. Explore Charlotte’s Art, Science, and History Museums: There are several museums in Charlotte to choose from, including the Mint Museum and Discovery Place Science, which is perfect for kids seeking a hands-on experience.
4. Enjoy Charlotte’s Diverse Foodie Culture: Simply going out to eat is one of our favorite fun things to do in Charlotte. Around the city, you’ll find everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine and trendy brunch spots.
5. Visit ImaginOn with the Whole Family: At this free library and entertainment center, you can browse new books, enjoy interactive exhibits, or catch a show at one of its theaters.
If you want even more ideas for what to do in Charlotte, read on for the 30 best things to do in Charlotte, NC.
5 Fun Things to Do in Charlotte with Kids
Charlotte has plenty of family-friendly things to do, from rainy-day museums to full-on theme-park adventures. Here are five favorites worth adding to your list.
1. Explore Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science in Uptown Charlotte is a hands-on science museum packed with immersive and interactive exhibits. Here, kids can run their own experiments and interact with tropical birds and marine life.
2. Take a Tour of Charlotte’s History
At the Charlotte Museum of History, you can walk through a Revolutionary-era 1774 homesite, explore rotating exhibits, and give the kids a chance to learn something new outside of school.
3. Chase Thrills at Carowinds
With live entertainment, a waterpark, and over 60 roller coasters, Carowinds is a great amusement park for kids of any age. Camp Snoopy, with its splash pad, kid-friendly rides, and PEANUTSTM characters, is a favorite for families with young children.
4. Let Loose at Freedom Park
With a playground, sports courts, and plenty of space to run around or have a picnic, spending the afternoon in Freedom Park is one of the best things to do in Charlotte with kids. There’s also ample parking, so it’s easy to load up your snacks and gear and make a day of it.
5. Get up Close with the Animals at Lazy 5 Ranch
At Lazy 5 Ranch, you can hop on a wagon ride and feed hundreds of farm and exotic animals along the way (over 750 and counting). It’s one of those experiences kids tend to remember long after the trip.
5 Romantic Things to Do in Charlotte, NC, for Couples
In Charlotte, date night can mean a fancy night on the town, a relaxed pub crawl, or a fun, creative experience together. Here are our favorite things to do in Charlotte for your next night out together.
1. Enjoy an Evening with the Charlotte Symphony
As the oldest symphony in the Carolinas, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is a major cultural presence that offers more than 150 concerts a year, both indoors and outdoors.
2. Dine at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
If you’re looking for a romantic fine-dining experience, check out counter-, one of the best restaurants in Charlotte, hands down. This Michelin-starred spot is a chef-counter dining experience with story-driven menus that shift with the seasons.
3. Pedal off Your Drinks on the Trolley Pub Tour
The Trolley Pub is a pedal-powered bike party that’s perfect for a date night or group outing. It’s a fun way to cruise around and explore the city, while stopping at local bars and breweries along the way.
4. Explore Art Galleries and Exhibits
There are several art museums in Charlotte worth seeing, but the Mint Museum is one of the best. Its rotating exhibits and wide range of modern and classic art make it worth visiting again and again.
5. Take a Glassblowing Class at Hot Glass Alley
If you want a more unique and hands-on date idea, consider enrolling in a date night class at Hot Glass Alley. You’ll not only learn how to create your own glass piece but also enjoy complimentary drinks and cheese platters throughout the evening.
5 Unique Outdoor Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Is there anything cool to do in Charlotte? Absolutely, especially if you like spending time outdoors. The city has lots of city-specific entertainment like art galleries, bar crawls, and sporting events, but there are also plenty of ways to get outside. Some of our favorite outdoor activities include the following.
1. Visit the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Arguably one of the coolest and most unique things to do in Charlotte, NC, is visiting the U.S. National Whitewater Center, an outdoor recreation facility that offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, ziplining, and mountain biking across its manmade whitewater courses and trail network.
2. Picnic in Ballantyne’s Backyard
If you want a more relaxed outdoor experience, consider spending an afternoon in Ballantyne’s Backyard. The park has 100 acres of green space to explore and hosts events like outdoor movie nights and second-Saturday markets featuring live music, food carts, and local vendors.
3. Enjoy a Day on the Water
Lake Norman, about 30 miles north of Charlotte, provides opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or just kicking back and enjoying the lakeside views. If you’re a local, learn how to store summer vacation gear, like paddleboards and kayaks, so you can save space at home.
4. Bike Along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway stretches 19 miles through the heart of Charlotte. It’s fairly flat and fully paved, which makes it a beginner-friendly bike path and an easy, scenic way to get around town.
5. Camp at Crowders Mountain State Park
At Crowders Mountain, 30 miles west of the city, you can hike to the overlooks for gorgeous views or backpack to secluded campsites for an even longer escape into nature.
5 Free Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Luckily, Charlotte doesn’t charge admission for some of its best experiences. Whether you’re a local watching your budget or a visitor looking for free things to do in Charlotte, NC, these five things are worth adding to your list.
1. Spark Imagination at ImaginOn
ImaginOn blends a children’s public library with a full-scale youth theatre space and interactive exhibits. It’s considered one of the country’s best children’s libraries, thanks to how it mixes books with immersive, play-based experiences.
2. Hit the Disc Golf Courses
Charlotte has a surprising number of free-to-play disc golf courses throughout the city. Find a course near you, like Renaissance Park or Elon Park, and test your aim while enjoying some time outdoors.
3. Take a Walk in Romare Bearden Park
Honoring Charlotte-born artist Romare Bearden, this 5-acre public park features two gardens, a fountain plaza, and lots of green space. It’s also just two blocks away from some of Charlotte’s favorite museums and the Books Monument statue.
4. Take a Tour of the Fourth Ward
Considered one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, the Fourth Ward Historic District is a charming, 30-block pocket of parks and preserved Victorian-era homes in Uptown. Take a self-guided walking tour to see these restored 19th-century homes alongside new, modern condos.
5. Wander Through Charlotte’s Botanical Gardens
Admission is always free to the Charlotte Botanical Gardens and Greenhouse, cultivated by the University of North Carolina. Simply walk through the grounds at your own pace anytime from dusk to dawn. If you’re interested in learning about basic botany or painting native birds, classes are available for a fee.
5 Family Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Whether your family enjoys hands-on museums, outdoor adventures, or cheering on the home team, Charlotte has plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained. Here are a few fun, family things to do in Charlotte, NC.
1. Meet Birds of Prey at the Carolina Raptor Center
Located in the Latta Nature Preserve northwest of Charlotte, the Carolina Raptor Center is home to more than 30 birds of prey from around the world. During the live bird shows, you can watch hawks, owls, and falcons soar overhead for an unforgettable experience.
2. Stroll, Shop, Eat, and Repeat at Camp North End
Camp North End is a former industrial space reimagined as a community hub that now hosts farmers’ markets, local vendors, food stalls, and more. You might even catch an outdoor movie showing between snacking and shopping.
3. Race Through the NASCAR Hall of Fame
You don’t have to be a racing fan to enjoy the interactive and immersive exhibits at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Get behind the wheel in the racing simulators or be part of the crew in the Pit Crew Challenge for a day.
4. Challenge Your Brain at the Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is full of mind-bending exhibits, optical illusions, and fun photo opportunities. The whole family will enjoy determining what’s real and how the exhibits can trick your brain.
5. Cheer on the Family’s Favorite Sports Teams
Charlotte is home to several major league sports teams. Watch the Carolina Panthers play at Bank of America Stadium, catch a Hornets basketball game at Spectrum Center, or check out the newest team in the city: the Major League Soccer Charlotte Football Club.
5 Things to Do in Uptown Charlotte
Uptown Charlotte is at the city’s heart, where museums, restaurants, theatres, and nightlife are all just a short walk apart. Here are five of our favorite things to do in Uptown Charlotte.
1. Visit the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
One of Charlotte’s standout art museums, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, is dedicated to an impressive collection of European and American modern art. Wander through exhibits or catch a talk from one of the museum’s featured artists.
2. Enjoy Drinks with a Rooftop View
At the rooftop bar Merchant & Trade, you can enjoy panoramic skyline views from just about every seat. The cocktail menu is curated with local spirits and house-made mixers, and the dessert menu is definitely worth checking out.
3. Catch an Improv Show at Charlotte Comedy Theater
The Charlotte Comedy Theater is the city’s original improv theater. Catch a live comedy show for unpredictable laughs, or sign up for classes and give improv a try yourself.
4. Go Dancing at Prohibition
Prohibition is the perfect venue for a night out with friends to enjoy good music, drinks, and dancing. Reserve a table and enjoy the lively atmosphere, then head up to the second-floor terrace for a change of scenery.
5. See a Movie in the Historic Carolina Theatre
The Carolina Theatre, which first opened in 1927 as a silent movie house, was beautifully restored and reopened in 2025. Today, the historic venue hosts classic films, live music, comedians, town halls, and more.
Self-Storage for All the Best Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Whether you’re exploring scenic greenways, cheering on your favorite team, or discovering local art, Charlotte offers endless ways to stay entertained. If your free time is filled with cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other activities that require bulky gear, use Charlotte self-storage to keep it all organized and ready for your next adventure. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
