Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Charlotte - 2019

Discovery Place is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides STEM education and learning opportunities to the Carolinas through four distinct museum experiences at Discovery Place Science in uptown Charlotte, Discovery Place Nature adjacent to Freedom Park in Charlotte and Discovery Place Kids locations in both Huntersville and Rockingham, interactive educational programming, professional development training and community outreach initiatives. Discovery Place is supported, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council.

The Gem Theatre originally opened on December 31, 1936. A few years later, in 1942, The Gem Theatre was gutted by fire and the theatre was reduced to ashes. The theatre was rebuilt in 1948 and featured a beautiful lobby and 916 seats, including the balcony section. The Gem has been open ever since and is one of the oldest single-screen movie theatre in continuous operation today. The Gem is also one of only a few movie theatres that offers balcony seating.

Of course, the libraries in the Charlotte area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them #3 in best places to take kids this year!

Big Air Charlotte is Charlotte’s premier trampoline park with over 15 different attractions!  Climb any of our unique climbing features, navigate through North America’s largest Laser Maze, harness your inner Ninja Warrior on The Gauntlet obstacle course or try your best to hold on in The Bull Pen!  We also offer 30+ Virtual Reality experiences in our 3 state-of-the-art virtual reality booths! At Big Air Charlotte, we are more than a trampoline park with attractions for all ages and skill levels! Want to make our child’s birthday unforgettable?  Be sure to check out our award-winning Big Air Birthday Party packages!

Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve is a nonprofit 501c3 animal conservation and educational center dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and preservation of exotic animals. We are open to the public for educational guided tours and walkabout self-guided tours in Rockwell, NC. Our goal is to provide the best environment in captivity for the animals while also providing a stimulating learning environment for visitors. The intimate setting is a great place to bring the family and learn about the animals up close and personally.

From toddlers to teens, the YMCA is the go-to spot for kids to have fun all year long! Whether they go on unforgettable adventures at day camp, experience the magic of summer at overnight camp, become an important part of a team in youth sports, gain a lifelong skill in swim lessons, prepare for kindergarten and beyond at preschool or learn without limits in afterschool, they’ll have a blast as they become their best selves.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is the Carolinas’ Garden for all seasons, providing guests a chance to reconnect with nature and to create lifelong memories with friends and family. Located within 380 acres on the banks of Lake Wylie, spectacular gardens, sparkling fountains, a conservatory dedicated to the display of tropical plants and orchids, a visitor pavilion, a garden store and nature trails await the visitor.

Visitors can explore a variety of permanent and featured exhibits, enjoy a show in the planetarium, walk along the nature trail, and even see live animals at The Schiele Museum of Natural History! Special events held throughout the year encourage visitors of all ages to learn through up-close and interactive experiences. There’s something for everyone to enjoy during a visit to The Schiele!

Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey, through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors.

A ballet company performing a diverse repertoire ranging from full-length classical ballets to innovative, contemporary works. The organization also operates a school, Charlotte Ballet Academy, which trains 700 students annually, and has nationally recognized educational and community programs. In 2010, the organization built the Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance in uptown Charlotte, N.C. The Center for Dance houses administrative and rehearsal spaces, as well as a 200-seat theater. For more information, visit charlotteballet.org.

Sun Valley 14, located in Indian Trail at Old Monroe and Wesley Chapel Stouts near Sun Valley High School is an all digital, state-of-the-art movie theatre. Stadium luxury seating, gourmet concessions, birthday party rooms and a large format PDX and 3D auditoriums. Tuesday bargain specials, Matinee prices run until 6pm each day as well. Sun Valley 14 is a part of the Stone Theatres group of theatres.

From toddlers to teens, the YMCA is the go-to spot for kids to have fun all year long! Whether they go on unforgettable adventures at day camp, experience the magic of summer at overnight camp, become an important part of a team in youth sports, gain a lifelong skill in swim lessons, prepare for kindergarten and beyond at preschool or learn without limits in afterschool, they’ll have a blast as they bec