In any case, you've come to the right place, I'm about to share with you some of the most awesome facilities and drop-in activities for your little ones. There is TONS to do in Charlotte, so I've narrowed it down to ones geared toward the toddler through elementary schooler set, since those are the ages of my three kiddos and we recently spent 10 days exploring Charlotte with them while visiting family.
- Location: 601 N Polk St, Pineville, NC (locations also in CA, IL, OR, TN, & TX)
- Pricing: Offering various packages and discounts, prices range from about $7 - $14 per hour
- Location: Pineville, Matthews, University
- Pricing: Adults and non bouncers are free; children pay a flat fee (locations vary, Pineville was $10.99 or $6.99 for under 2 years if playing)
- Location: Huntersville (15 miles from uptown Charlotte)
- Pricing: $10 per person ages 1+
- Location: Concord Mills Mall (15 miles from uptown Charlotte)
- Pricing: $19.95 per adult and $14.95 per child (ages 3-12), $5 discount when ordered online; under 3 free.
Bounce U Charlotte & Matthews - a great nationwide bounce house chain with open bounce, parents night out events, toddler time, glow in the dark bounces, and more! Open bounce for about $7.99-10.99.
Carolina Place Mall - yes, great for shopping, but they have a FREE kids' play area on the ground floor just outside of Sear's. Shoes come off and tthere's a height limit, probably maxed out around age 6, though I've never seen it enforced. They also have really cool motorized toys to rent and ride around the mall on - for kids and adults!
Carowinds - a fabulous amusement park with kids' and family rides, exciting roller coasters, a water park, animatronic dinosaurs, live entertainment, and more! Open seasonally (May - September). Tickets from about $40.
Discovery Place Nature - a great place for kids to get hands on and learn about animals and nature both in- and outdoors. $8 per person ages 2 and up.
Discovery Place Science - a science museum in uptown Charlotte built for kids, more for older elementary schoolers and up but plenty of fun for the younger ones and adults, too, with an IMAX theater to boot! $13 for children, $17 for adults, under 2 free. Discount package for museum and IMAX tickets.
ImaginOn - an amazing 102,000-square-foot facility in uptown Charlotte that is a collaberation between the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, featuring free story times, great play centers, and more. Check their calendar for story times and other activities!
Lazy 5 Ranch - located 35 miles from uptown Charlotte, it's a bit of a drive but it's a cool place to get up close and personal with exotic animals by taking a wogon ride safari and feeding the animals! $11 per adult, $8 per child or senior, free for under 2.
Pineville Ice House - indoor ice skating rink in Pineville. $7 admission, $3 skate rental (size toddler through 15), $3 helmet rental.
Ray's Spalsh Planet - an indoor water park located in uptown Charlotte. Discount for Mecklenberg County residents. Admission $6/8 for children and seniors/disabled, $8/11 for adults, free under 1 year, $3/5 for dry ticket (non-swimmer).
Sky Zone Trampoline Park - jumping prices are about $13/hour and jumpers are separated by age and size, so jumping with your kids may not be allowed.
The Speedpark - located at Concord Mills, with go carts, mini golf, 110 foot fun slide, bungee jump, ice skating, and more.