We are only a few weeks into summer and many of the Smarty Moms are already hearing the dreaded b-word…BORED. To help combat the summer wiggles, our Smarty team has compiled a list of our favorite free {or almost free} activities around the Queen City.
1. Uptown Historical Tour – Few people realize how historical Charlotte really is. We recommend doing the Historical Tour, The Green, and the Gold Rush Trolley together for a fun-filled day. Read all about it here.
2. Romare Bearden Lunchtime Music Series – Held every Tuesday and Thursday, this is a great place to hang out with the kids for the afternoon and listen to some live music. Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen so the kids can splash in the fountain. Our Smarty team loves to cross the street and get slurpees at the new 7-11. Tip – bring an umbrella. Shade is limited at this park. Looking for a night activity? They also have the big Party in the Park every Wednesday night from 6-9 pm.
3. $1 Movies – Throughout the summer several theaters in the Charlotte region are offering $1 movies. Regal has the most participating theaters and are offering 9 weeks of $1 movies. You can find participating theaters, times and movies on their Summer Movie Express website.
Cinemark will also have $1 movies at their Matthews and Salisbury locations. You can find more information on their Summer Movie Clubhouse website here.
4. The Green Uptown – One of our favorite spots is the Green Uptown. The park is beautiful; the splashpad is rarely crowded; there are shaded benches for Mom and the perfect spot for a picnic. Bring a lunch or enjoy one of the restaurants right next to the Green.
5. Kate’s Skating Rink in Indian Trail – Skating prices seem to be through the roof. Smarty Mom Cheryl has loved taking her kids to Kate’s Skating Rink where you pay a flat fee to skate as long as you want! (Hallelujah) Check out their events calendar with different deals throughout the summer. Sounds like a great day to beat the heat in the AC.
6. Free Night at the Mint – On Wednesdays from 5-9 pm the Mint Museum is Free! I love the idea of visiting the museum for free because I don’t feel obligated/guilty if we have a tantrum after only 15 minutes of proper museum behavior. It’s a wonderful museum and a great opportunity to teach your children about art.
7. Duke Energy Explorium – We have heard amazing things about the Explorium. It is a great way to have fun while educating your children about energy and engineering. It is always free to visit but they also offer some great fun, free summer activities. Check it out here.
8. Summer Concert Series at Blakeney –That place is a blast. We are itching to get out to their Summer Concert Series held each Friday and Saturday. Grab dinner and enjoy fun music amid fireflies. Sounds dreamy. You can see the full schedule here. You can also try out the splashpark in the middle of the shopping center. A fun filled night for the whole family.
9. Food Truck Friday in SouthEnd – Food Truck Friday is a favorite of the Smarty Moms. One of our favorite spots isthe King of Pops cart. Try it out. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is wonderful.
10. Food Truck Wednesday in SouthPark – The food trucks have hit SouthPark! You can read Smarty Jen’s review here. A fun outing when you just don’t have it in you to make one more lunch.
11. Birkdale Village Splashpad – This one is a little bit of a trek for some South Charlotte Mom’s but definitely worth it. The shopping center has a splashpad in the center that is fun for younger kids and shopping, restaurants and more surrounding it. A new Clean Juice bar just opened that offers acai bowls and green juices. It’s a must try. We also like to grab Bad Daddy’s and a Nothing Bundt Cake and set up shop for the day at the splashpad. Smarty Mom Jen V. said she loves it because it’s gated, sunny but shaded and has great benches for Moms! More info here.
12. Jetton Park – After leaving California, Smarty Mom Karly is always itching for that beach feel. Lake Norman has totally curbed her beach craving. She loves Jetton Park. You can walk to a lookout over the lake and enjoy a fun playground while you are at it. A fun place to check out while you are in Huntersville. Be prepared – no swimming from this beach entrance.
13. AMF Free Summer Bowling – AMF is offering free bowling for kids on weekdays this summer. That means 10 Park Lanes is your go-to spot! Cornhole, free bowling and more! You can register for free bowling here and Smarty Zack’s tips here. We are definitely taking advantage of this steal!
14. Splashpads – Charlotte offers quite a few splashparks. Some of our favorites are Latta Park, Nevin Park and Veteran’s Park.
15. Ray’s Splash Planet – On those occasional rainy days, Ray’s Splash Planet is a lifesaver!
16. Reading Prizes – Are your kids on a reading plan for the summer? If so, they can earn reading prizes for each book they complete from various book stores around town. We love this idea – thanks to our Smarty friends at Charlotte on the Cheap for this tip!
17. Imaginon – ImaginOn is a Charlotte Smarty Pants favorite! We like to take the train (it drops off right at the entrance of the library) and pop into the 7th Street Market after for lunch. It’s a great outing! The library is also offering free performances on Tuesday but tickets go fast so be sure to sign up!
18. Beatty’s Ford Park – This splashpad can also be a little bit of a trek for people in South Charlotte (it’s located in Denver, NC) but definitely worth the drive. Not only is it a splashpad but it also overlooks the access area to Lake Norman. A different outing to see the beauty around us here in the QC.
19. Pops in the Park – Named the best summer activity since 1983, this Charlotte classic is a must in the Queen City. The Charlotte Symphony puts on a great show in Symphony Park, SouthPark. You can find out how to get tickets here. Adults tickets are $12-15 but kids under 18 are free. Only 2 more shows left this summer so hurry on over!
20. Charlotte B Cycle Rentals – For Smarty Moms with older kids, get out and see the city by bike! The Charlotte Bike Share (Bcycle) program allows you to inexpensively rent bikes and return them at a different destination. Try riding along side the Lynx train and checking out some of the new and exciting things popping up along booming Rail Trail.
Get out and enjoy this amazing city that we all share! And please share anything that we missed in the comments below!
