Stories

Looking for ways to keep your kids curious, active, and smiling all summer long? We’ve assembled some of the best summer family activities in and around Charlotte—recommended by our very own Charlotte Prep teachers! Whether you’re looking for hands-on science fun, scenic day trips, or a quiet afternoon with books and ice cream, there’s something here for every family.

Katherine Slayton Buhler, our curriculum director, recommends a full day in Uptown:
Take the light rail into Uptown and go to Discovery Place, ImaginOn, lunch at the 7th Street Market, and end with a romp around the splash pad at First Ward Park.

Or head south to nature:
Use the Lake Haigler entrance of Anne Springs Close Greenway to have lunch at their café, play on their new playground, walk the trails, and cool off in the river under the hanging bridge.

And middle school humanities teacher Dawn Tenev recommends checking out Ballantyne Reading’s summer programming—a great mix of storytelling, book clubs, and literacy games that keep kids engaged while giving you some air conditioning reprieve.

Here’s a round-up of other activities that come highly recommended!

Museums to Inspire

Beat the heat and spark young imaginations with these local treasures:

• Discovery Place Science (Uptown): Always a favorite, with exhibits to fascinate kids and adults.

• Schiele Museum of Natural History (Gastonia): Dinosaurs, a planetarium, and an outdoor farm. Great for young children!

• Mint Museum: Charlotte’s foremost art museum with locations in Uptown and on Randolph Road.

• The Harvey B. Gantt Center (Uptown): Celebrate African-American art and culture.

• Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (Uptown): Perfect for a quiet hour of modern inspiration.

• Charlotte Museum of History (East Charlotte): Step back in time with hands-on exhibits and historic grounds while learning more about our unique hometown.

Farm Fun & Animal Encounters

For a taste of the country just outside of town:

• Carolina Raptor Center (Huntersville): Up-close encounters with birds of prey in an expansive nature preserve.

• Hunter Farm (Weddington): Animal barn, tractor rides, and produce stands.

• Lazy 5 Ranch (Mooresville): A drive-through safari full of zebras, giraffes, and camels!

• Carrigan Farms (Mooresville): A beautiful active farm with a rock quarry for swimming and diving!

• Why Not an American Ark (Monroe): A unique sanctuary with animals, hiking, and weekend events.

Great Parks for Outdoor Play

Stretch your legs and soak up the summer:

• Anne Springs Close Greenway (Fort Mill): A sanctuary for nature with trails to hike, ponds to paddle, and more.

• U.S. National Whitewater Center (West Charlotte): Adventure for every age—bike, raft, climb, zipline, or just enjoy free live music during their River Jam concert series. And their new Wildwoods treehouse forest is a playground like you've never seen before!

• Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve (East Charlotte): Shaded trails, a nature center, and a fishing pond make for a relaxing afternoon.

• Cane Creek Park (Waxhaw): A perfect, calm place to rent kayaks where motorboats are prohibited. Fishing, swimming, and hiking are other ways to enjoy this refuge.

Day Trips Worth the Drive

• Dan Nicholas Park (Salisbury): A hidden gem with a historic carousel, petting zoo, mini train, gem mining, and more.

• Murray’s Mill Historic Site (Catawba): Step back into history and enjoy peaceful grounds by the water and a general store.

• Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (Columbia, SC): A bit farther, but worth it for a full day of zoo animals, botanical gardens, splash zones, and a sky-high ropes course.

Create summer memories that last right here in our own backyard. From ziplining over rivers to quiet corners with a good book, Charlotte and its surrounding areas are full of opportunities for discovery, connection, and joy.

At Charlotte Prep, students can be children longer and leaders sooner. Learn more about our PreK-8 approach.