Although it isn't known as a destination for families, there are a surprising mix of things to do with kids from little toddlers on up to teens. Charlotte is also a very walkable and stroller-friendly downtown, or "center city." There are many museums, attractions and cafes.
The downside is there is very little shopping in the heart of the city, so little in fact that it actually feels glaringly missing. There are plans for a new shopping and entertainment center in the future, which could help with that.
Charlotte, NC Attractions for Kids
One of the premier kid attractions in Charlotte is the hands-on and interactive Discovery Place. If you have kids, this must simply be at the top of your to-do list. It's as simple as that. This science-themed museum is entertaining for kids of all ages.
Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy a free learning/play area for ages 6 and under only. There are also several small child-friendly exhibits such as an area for building structures with wooden sticks (or, in the case of some precocious toddlers, destroying them). Older kids will enjoy watching rats play basketball (yes, rats playing basketball) or riding up high in an air-powered chair.
Also be sure to visit:
- Raceworld USA - It could be more baby-friendly (those with strollers need an employee to operate the elevator, there's a sign asking them to seek a staff member for a changing table), but kids will love seeing each stage of the building of a racing car unveiled.
- Carowinds - Just south of Charlotte at the South Carolina border, this theme park is perfect for those kids who love Nickelodeon (as in, well, all kids, right?) and Scooby Doo.
- U.S. National Whitewater Center - This complex features the world's largest artificial whitewater river and a wide array of activities for kids and adults alike.
Charlotte Dining with Kids
Charlotte has a wide range of dining options. Simply wander the center city and you can happen on any number of inviting restaurants. An enjoyable meal for kids and adults alike can be had at the funky Brixx Pizza.
This wood fired pizza restaurant uses quality ingredients (the tomatoes on a chicken florentine pizza tasted both fresh and local, or certainly of high quality). The children's menu features mini kid-sized pizzas. The building itself of the uptown Charlotte location has a funky and colorful design inside and out that is fun for the kids.
Charlotte Accommodations with Kids
To be in the heart of the city, the Marriot Center City is a nice choice for families. At check-in, the front desk staff tosses a small, soft ball to any kids arriving at the hotel. The rooms are also if a nice size for popping open travel playpens. It would be nice to have even a mini-bar refrigerator for keeping milk or juice in the rooms, however.
You can also order children's movies (for a price $12) or, for just under $3, order Disney TV shows. The room service menu has a nice selection of reasonably priced ($5 each) children's menu meals that are actually the size of an adult meal. They are certainly robust enough for most kids. The lobby store features a nice selection of healthy snacks, baked goods, juices and a Starbucks coffeeshop.
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