It’s Memorial Day, Smarties, and you know what that means: summer is here! As the temperature heats up and school finishes, it is time to plan your summer adventures. Charlotte has so many fun things to offer throughout the year, but summer in Charlotte takes the fun meter to its highest level. Pack your water bottles, grab your sunglasses, and kick start your family’s summer with these fun local adventures.
Visit one of Charlotte’s many splash pads
It’s that magical time of year when all the splash pads are officially open! Charlotte has a multitude of splash pad options and here are 10 of our favorites. Remember to pack your sunscreen and multiple snacks because you’ll inevitably be there longer than you planned!
Take a day trip to the zoo
On any given day you can make it to several different zoos within a two hour driving radius of Charlotte and still be home in time for dinner. Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, and The Greenville Zoo in South Carolina are all within easy driving distance and provide a dependably wonderful experience each time you go. Go early to beat the heat and the crowds!
Cheer on our teams
Catch a Charlotte Knights game or a Charlotte FC game all throughout the summer. The Knight’s have multiple games a week all the way through the end of September and Charlotte FC’s season stretches into October. Sporting events are great family outings to enjoy the summer weather while spending quality time together.
Have an adventure day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
There’s something to do for everyone at the USNWC. From watching zipliners to climbing the ropes course, grabbing dinner at the restaurant or a snack in between trail runs on a mountain bike, you can be as active or relaxed as you’d like while you’re there. There are hammocks just asking for someone to read a good book in them and the regularly scheduled live music is the perfect way to spend a warm summer evening as a family. Make sure to check their event calendar in advance to see what they have coming up!
Pick up local produce at the farmer’s market and make a meal.
Charlotte is teeming with amazing, beautiful produce at the farmer’s markets. Make an adventure out of going to one, picking up all the lovely food you can find, and creating a family meal from what you buy. Some of the best recipes are the ones you don’t plan for. If you need ideas of where to go North End Farmers Market or Charlotte Regional Farmers Market are great places to start.
As you check off all your adventures from the list, be sure to tag us on Instagram so we can see all the fun you are having!
