Having fun with your family is always easier when you have free things to do! Charlotte, NC has a lot of options, from adventurous to educational. You don’t need expensive tickets to enjoy these activities, just bring your family and have a fantastic time, all without breaking the bank.
Free Things to Do in Charlotte, NC
Finding something to do with your kids that doesn’t cost an astronomical amount in today’s economy can be difficult. Luckily, we gathered some of the best free things in Charlotte, NC that are both family-friendly and fun.
The Playground at Reedy Creek Park, Nature Center, and Preserve is so unique!
There are LOTS of free outdoor movies happening in Charlotte, NC. What a great way to spend some free time with your family.
Free Things to Do Outdoors in Charlotte, NC
Pack your bag and explore the beautiful outdoors at Reedy Creek Park, Nature Center, & Preserve in Charlotte, NC. They regularly have free events where your kids can meet and greet with animals and learn about nature. Plus, they have a nature center that is indoors, so you can visit any time of year. You’ll also find these events at the Latta Nature Preserve, McDowell Nature Preserve and Center, and Stevens Creek, all of which are part of the Mecklenburg County Nature Centers and Preserves.
Village Park in Kannapolis, NC has a gorgeous park with lots of trees, a playground, a splash pad in the warmer months, a huge greenspace, a paved walking trail, and even a Venetian carousel (only $1.50) that is stunning!
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Village Park in Kannapolis, NC has a free splash pad, paved trails, lots of green space, and a pretty cheap pass to ride a train!
Speaking of splashpads, there are a lot of splashpads in Charlotte to visit. The majority of them are totally free. If splash pads are what you seek, just check out our list. Kidding Around Guide to Splash Pads in Charlotte, NC
You can also find an abundance of trails and greenways in Cabarrus County, many of which are paved. You’ll even find mountain biking on some of the trails.
Freedom Park is a beautiful park just outside of downtown Charlotte that has a huge playground area, shaded walking trails, and even a Play 60 NFL playground you can explore as well.
Head to Belmont, NC to check out the new tree house-themed playground at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park along the Catawba River. Enjoy the beautiful wide, paved walking paths, and public dock where you can put in a canoe or kayak and enjoy the river. We love the bench swings along the dock! Pack a picnic and make a full-day adventure out of this free park.
Looking for a day outdoors? This one isn’t totally free but they offer a lot for cheap. Get a family membership for just $13 a month to Anne Springs Close Greenway In York County, SC, just south of Charlotte. The Greenway has hiking, biking, and paddle sports!
You can spend the day outdoors at the Anne Springs Close Greenway in York County, SC, only 25 minutes from Charlotte. Family memberships start at $12 per month.
Interested in the history of Charlotte? Take a self-guided tour through the Fourth Ward, with stunning historic homes painted in pinks, blues, greens, and purple. The tour is something you can do time and time again, picking out different areas to explore each time.
Take a stroll around the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens and enjoy the sights and smells of a beautifully maintained garden while teaching your little ones about plants and how to care for the environment.
Looking to get your steps in? Take an Art Walk in Charlotte! To find an Art Walk visit the Art Walk CLT website.
Free Things to Do Indoors in Charlotte, NC
The Schiele Museum offers Free admission on the second Tuesday of each month from 4 – 8 pm, so you can explore all of the fun science exhibits, including dinosaurs, critters, and even a mineral exhibit.
The Levine Museum of The Deep South offers free admission. You can learn about Charlotte’s past history and how it has shaped the present. They have self-guided tours of the exhibitions.
Visit your local Home Depot on the first Saturday of each month for a FREE project. Projects are usually themed for upcoming holidays or seasons, and your kids can build and make something they will love.
Listen to a story at Barnes & Noble toddler time! They have a whole list of events on their website for adults and kids!
Take a trip to the Carolina Place Mall to play at the indoor children’s play area. This is a free playground inside of the mall geared for kids ages at least 48 inches tall. The playground is on the lower level near Southern Lion.
Home Depot has a FREE kids workshop each month that your kids will love bonding with you over.
Cinergy Cinemas in Charlotte offers FREE sensory-friendly screenings of a kid-friendly movie one Saturday per month! The theatre will brighten lights, reduce sound, and make space for people to move, talk, dance, and sing during these movies.
Wednesday Night Live at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is from 5-9 and is an excellent option for parents with older children or children who love the arts to explore the exhibits, listen to live music, and participate in an available workshop.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Culture Arts+Culture always has free exhibits and demonstrations you can check out.
ImaginOn
Check out our whole story on ImaginOn.
Head to ImaginON, where you will find a plethora of free, family-friendly events. They have specialized events for younger kids like storytime, music performances, puppet shows, and so much more! Check out the ImaginON calendar to find out what’s happening the day you want to visit.
You will also find free events and storytime at all 20 of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries, many of which occur weekly and are a great way to socialize as a parent with young kids!
Check out a FREE Live Story Time at the Ballantyne Arts Center, part of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. These events happen a couple of times a month and you will want to register ahead of time.
You will also find that the Mint Museum has Free admission on Wednesday Nights from 5-9. The exhibits feature permanent collections along with some rotating exhibitions. This is a great option to explore with older kids and teens who can learn while also enjoying the arts. They usually have a craft section set up on Wednesday night as well.
Visit the Billy Graham Library! This interactive library takes you on an adventure through the life and legacy of “America’s Pastor” Billy Graham. They have a Christian bookstore at the end of the tour. Admission here is FREE!
Kids Eat FREE!
Looking for Kids Eat Free deals in Charlotte, NC? These restaurants offer meal deals throughout the week, so you can save a little money on your kid’s meal while indulging in some delicious food!
Kids Eat FREE throughout the week at these Charlotte, NC area restaurants.
Seasonal Free Things to Do
These seasonal things to do near Charlotte, NC are completely free! You’ll find fun summer activities like spraygrounds and flower fields in addition to winter activities like holiday lights and sledding.
Free Summer Activities in Charlotte, NC
These Apple Store Classes and Camps for Kids are FREE. Your kids will learn design, inventing, and other STEAM-style lessons at this summer camp.
You can explore the Draper WMA Sunflower Fields at the end of June, the beginning of July each year. The fields are filled with sunflowers that you can take epic photos with. Just please, pack out what you pack in!
Draper Sunflower Fields in York County, SC has 24 acres of gorgeous sunflowers you can visit each summer!
Spraygrounds: Free Water Fun!
You will find nine spraygrounds operated by the Mecklenburg Parks and Rec that are a pretty great way to beat the heat. One of the most popular, Veterans Park, even has a cover so your little ones won’t get burned while they run around in the water.
Romare Bearden is another noteworthy park since it’s located on the outskirts of the city skyline, so you have an amazing view!
First Ward Park is right beside Discovery Place, so you can add a visit to the sprayground after visiting the science center.
Here’s our full guide to Splash Pads in Charlotte with more than 20 options!
- Veterans Park
- Clarks Creek Park
- Latta Park
- West Charlotte Park
- Cordelia Park
- Nevin Park
- Elizabeth Park
- Romare Bearden Park
- First Ward Park
Winter in Charlotte, NC: Free Activities
Though Charlotte doesn’t see much snow, just west in Western North Carolina you can check out these places for FREE sledding near Charlotte if you’re looking to take a day trip!
You’re in for a treat at this epic light display in Christmas Town USA! McAdenville, NC is home to a town that lights up during the holiday season, with almost every home participating for miles.
If you need a boost to your holiday spirit, check out the FREE display of lights at the Celebration of Lights in Kannapolis, NC. Seeing the lights are free, and there is even a firework display and tree lighting on opening night!
Belmont Festival of Trees
Stowe Park, Belmont, NC
December 1st, 2026-December 30th, 2026
Admission cost: Free
Enjoy lots of decorated trees throughout the park during the month of December.
The Celebration of Lights has thousands of lights, a Venetian Carousel, train rides, and more!
Free Events! Charlotte, NC
Wondering what’s happening for free? Well, wonder no longer. These events are FREE.
Looking for FREE family-friendly Halloween fun near Charlotte? Bring the whole family to China Grove A.M.E. Zion Church’s Harvest Festival & Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Pineville, NC!
This free community celebration offers a fun, welcoming environment where children, parents, grandparents, and neighbors can enjoy an afternoon together.
What families can enjoy:
- Trunk-or-Treat with creatively decorated vehicles and candy
- Family-friendly games and activities
- Prizes and giveaways
- FREE hot dogs, chips, and drinks
- Music and entertainment
- Fall photo opportunities
- Community fellowship
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: China Grove A.M.E. Zion Church
Address: 9401 China Grove Church Road, Pineville, NC 28134
Admission: Completely FREE!
All planned activities, food, and refreshments are free. No tickets, purchases, or advance registration are required for families attending the festival.
The event is open to the public and welcomes guests of all ages. Families are welcome to wear family-friendly costumes.
Want to participate? China Grove is also welcoming volunteers, decorated trunk participants, and donations of individually wrapped candy. Registration and candy donations close Sunday, October 25, 2026.
For more information, visit https://chinagroveamezion.org/harvest-festival
We look forward to welcoming families from Pineville, Charlotte, and surrounding communities for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and connection!
Saturday, October 31st
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Stumptown Park, Matthews, NCJoin the Town of Troutman for a Halloween celebration that’s all treats and no tricks at the Annual Trails & Treats, brought to you by House Doctors of Mooresville and Maid Right! The wooded trail at Troutman ESC Park will transform into a festive route where children and families in costume can trick-or-treat from participating local businesses and non-profits. This free event is a fantastic way to engage with the community and enjoy a safe, memorable Halloween experience.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Troutman ESC Park, 338 North Ave, Troutman, NC 28166
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Come join us for the 6th Annual S.T.T.Z safe trick or treat zone a fun and safe Halloween event for the whole family!
6th Annual S.T.T.Z safe tricka treat zone
Come join us for the 6th Annual S.T.T.Z safe trick a treat zone at the
Revolution Park Football Field! Get ready for a spooktacular time filled with treats, games, Live DJ, and fun for the whole family. This event is perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy a safe and festive Halloween celebration. Don’t miss out on the chance to dress up in your favorite costume and collect goodies in a safe environment. Mark your calendars and get ready for a fa-boo-lous time at the S.T.T.Z safe trick or treat zone!
Sweet Street is a trunk or treat and festival held annually in Downtown Kannapolis, NC to provide a fun, safe, family friendly event for the children in our community.
Grab your friends, grab your chairs or blanket, and head down to Stowe Park for a fun movie night under the stars!
Aurora Star Lit Cinema will be featuring a jumbo outdoor screen & epic immersive sound.
Plus FREE arcade games and cornhole to enjoy!
Popcorn, candy, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Location: Stowe Park Pavilion – 24 South Main Street Belmont, NC
The movies are FREE to attend! Bring your own blanket or chair.
Learn more here!
- May 23rd | Homeward Bound | 8:30 PM
- June 6th | Back to the Future | 8:30 PM
- June 27th | The Incredibles | 8:30 PM
- July 11th | Beauty and the Beast | 8:30 PM
- July 25th | Super Mario Galaxy | 8:30 PM
- August 8th | The Emperor’s New Groove | 8:30 PM
- August 29th – Title Coming Soon!
- September 5th – Title Coming Soon!
- September 19th – Title Coming Soon!
- October 10th – Title Coming Soon!
- October 31st – Title Coming Soon!
- November 7th – Title Coming Soon!
- November 21st – Title Coming Soon!
- November 28th – Title Coming Soon!
Meet some of the nature center’s resident turtles up close during one of these live animal shows.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Quest Nature Center at Latta Nature Preserve, 6345 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
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🧒 Ages: All ages
Share your writing, swap ideas and feedback, and meet other local writers. All experience levels are welcome.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Mountain Island Library, 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way, Charlotte, NC 28214
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🧒 Ages: Teens
Homeschoolers ages 9-12 are invited to a bonus Pre-teen Homeschool Rally where they’ll learn the basics of American Sign Language with a guest from UNC Charlotte. No prior knowledge or fluency is needed.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: ImaginOn, 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: 9-12
Connect with other homeschooling families at this casual Homeschool Hangout, where kids play, explore and learn together through crafts, group games, STEM challenges and creative projects.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Steele Creek Library, 13620 Steele Creek Road, Charlotte, NC
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Homeschool families
Stuck at Home? Free Fun With What You Have!
Sometimes, we all get stuck at home because of the weather or just don’t feel like leaving the house today (we don’t judge). These 25+ Things to Do When You’re Stuck at Home are just what you need to make the day special with the things you already have on hand.
Don’t miss our full guide to things to do in Charlotte, NC!
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