Fun things to do in Charlotte

From thrilling theme parks and outdoor adventures, Charlotte is full of activities for tourists and locals. Here's a list of fun things to do in Charlotte that the whole family can enjoy.

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 
130 N Tryon St.
704-372-1000

Catch a show at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. The theater is a must-visit to see the latest Broadway plays, musicals, ballets or touring comedians. Ticket prices vary based on performance. For the center's full season schedule visit blumenthalarts.com.

Carowinds
300 Carowinds Blvd.
704-588-2600

Adrenaline junkies from all over come together at Charlotte's popular theme park, Carowinds, where there's everything from stomach-dropping roller coasters and drop towers to a six-story water slide and kiddie rides. The amusement park also offers several exciting performances and shows throughout the day for guests who want to keep their feet on the ground. There's a wide variety of restaurants and eateries conveniently spread throughout the park for a quick bite to eat between rides or shows. Daily passes start at $45.

>>Carowinds' newest attractions

Discovery Place Science Museum
301 N Tryon St.
704-372-6261

For something family-friendly, visit Discovery Place, which boasts its own small aquarium, countless interactive exhibits, kids' play stations and more. Once a month, Discovery Place even hosts an adults-only night that gives "big kids" a chance to indulge in a few science experiments of their own. As an added bonus the museum has the largest IMAX theater in the state, which reaches three stories high, giving viewers the ultimate place to take in a movie. Tickets to Discovery Place are $17 for adults and $13 for children ages 2-13. Tickets for the IMAX only are $10 for adults and $9 for children. Combo tickets for the museum and IMAX are $22 for adults and $18 for children.

NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd.
704-654-4400

Take a step back in time and follow NASCAR all the way back to its moonshine origins at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which spans 40,000-square feet and is home to thousands of the sport's most coveted artifacts including 18 historic cars. Guests can explore the museum's two floors that are filled to the brim with interactive and hands-on exhibits. Stop by the Hall's gift shop to purchase your own piece of NASCAR memorabilia. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children.

U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.
704-391-3900

Rounding out the list of fun things to do in Charlotte is the U.S. National White Water Center, where there's no shortage of outdoor adventures to enjoy, including whitewater rafting, rock climbing, zip lining, and stand-up paddle boarding. The USNWC also hosts several free events throughout the year including their weekly outdoor music series, River Jam. For an entire calendar of events visit usnwc.org.

Cox Media Group