Archive for the ‘Featured’ Category

Kid-Friendly Fall Festivals in Charlotte, NC (2025 Edition)

What you’ll find here: A list of Fall Festivals in Charlotte, NC that are perfect for the kids.

Looking to plan some family fun this fall?

We’ve rounded up the best fall festivals in and around Charlotte that offer plenty of entertainment for kids — from rodeos to hands-on science zones to dance parties in the park. Here’s what to add to your calendar!

Fall Festivals for Families near Charlotte, NC

Cabarrus County Fair

Date: September 5–13, 2025
Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, Concord, NC
Details: Nine days of rides, games, animals, food, and entertainment. Includes four nights of rodeo action, plus themed discount nights.
Kid Highlights: Rides, petting zoo, fun fair food, and plenty of family shows.
Cabarrus County Fair Website

Charlotte Soul Fest

Date: September 6, 2025 (11 am – 9 pm)
Location: First Ward Park, Charlotte, NC
Details: Celebrate culture with music and dance including hip hop, line dancing, afrosass, and more.
Kid Highlights: Free entry, family-friendly performances, and lots of energy.
Charlotte Soul Fest Website

Festival in the Park

Date: September 19–21, 2025
Location: Freedom Park, Charlotte, NC
Details: A longtime Charlotte favorite featuring local artists, food vendors, music, and community fun.
Kid Highlights: Open spaces to run and play, art booths, and free admission.
Festival in the Park

6th Annual Kanntoberfest

Date: September 27, 2025
Location: Downtown Kannapolis, NC
Details: All-day family fun with live music, carnival rides, games, food, and drinks.
Kid Highlights: Affordable rides and plenty of activities geared toward younger kids.
Kanntoberfest Website

Charlotte Kids Fest

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 (11 am – 4 pm)
Location: Shoppes at University Place, Charlotte, NC
Details: This free event features interactive zones: Create, Dance, Discover (STEM), Go (vehicles!), and more! Rain or shine, no pets allowed.
Kid Highlights: Hands-on learning, crafts, games, and big vehicles to explore.
Charlotte Kids Fest Website

Learn more about the Charlotte Kids Fest.

Carolina Renaissance Festival

Date: Weekends in October & November 2025
Location: Huntersville, NC (just outside Charlotte)
Details: A 25-acre Renaissance village with 16 stages of entertainment, costumed characters, jousting, artisan booths, and more.
Kid Highlights: Mermaids, games, food, performances, and a fairytale-like experience.
Carolina Renaissance Festival Website

Get more on the Carolina Renaissance Festival from Kidding Around.

Planning Your Fall Fun

Which festivals are going on your list? Let us know your favorites — or if we missed one your family loves, send it our way! Looking for even more things to do this fall? We’ve got you covered with guides to pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and more.

Visit the Kidding Around Charlotte, NC Guide to Fall

Charlotte’s Premier Guide to Fall Fun

Oh, Noodles! Best Ramen in Charlotte, NC

Are you looking for the best ramen in Charlotte, NC? We were! We asked around, visited some restaurants, and came up with this list of Charlotte’s very best ramen. Enjoy!

Charlotte, NC’s Best Ramen

Sheng Ramen

15201 John J Delaney Drive, Charlotte: Ballantyne
Sheng Ramen

We asked over 55 people about their favorite ramen and so many people answered Sheng Ramen. We stopped by to give them a try and my teen loved their Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen. He ordered extra noodles and was super glad he did. I enjoyed Chicken Paitan Ramen which was not spicy at all. We took it to go and drove a minute over to Stream Park where we found a table and enjoyed our ramen.

Other diners recommended the Spicy Miso Ramen and also said that the Curry Ramen was really excellent. Portions are large!

Jinya Ramen Bar

SouthPark: 4401 Barclay Downs Drive, Charlotte
Ally Charlotte Center: 601 S Tryon Street, Charlotte
Jinya Ramen Bar

Lots and lots of people recommended we give Jinya a try for really good ramen. Both restaurants get great reviews for service, though diners love the extra space at the SouthPark location. Many recommended the Tonkatsu Black Ramen. They also have a kids’ menu, which we love. Other diners mentioned that the vegetable ramen was particularly flavorful.

SilverLake Ramen

Concord Mills: 8694 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord
Charlotte South End: 2041 South Boulevard, Unit 107, Charlotte
SilverLake Ramen

Several people we talked to recommended SilverLake for their flavorful ramen broth. Try “The Blaze” Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen and the Crispy Rice.

Bao and Broth

Optimist Hall: 1115 N Brevard Street, Charlotte
Bao and Broth

We grabbed some ramen at Optimist Hall’s Bao and Broth and WOW. My son is a big ramen fan and according to him, this was the most flavorful ramen he’s ever had. The noodles were plentiful and the pork cooked perfectly.

Check out more about our visit to Optimist Hall.

It’s a nice option if some people in your group want awesome ramen and others would rather have a burger, pizza, sandwich, or really just about anything else!

More Ramen: Charlotte, NC

Here are a few more ramen spots that popped up in our conversation about great ramen in Charlotte. We wanted to include them in case you were looking for a few more options with great reviews.

Also, note a couple of favorites that sadly closed permanently.

Futo Buta: Permanently Closed
SARU Ramen at Camp North Evn: Permanently Closed
YUME Ramen and Sushi Bar: 1508 S. Mint Street, Charlotte
Menya Daruma: 1941 E 7th Street, Charlotte
Roppongi Ramen Bar: 9626 Monroe Road, Charlotte

Want to see more restaurants in Charlotte? We have a guide for that!

Here’s our guide to great places to eat out in Charlotte, NC

Dinner Solved: Family Meal Deals To-Go in Charlotte, NC

Inside: A list of family meal deals from restaurants in Charlotte, NC

Need a little help with dinner tonight in Charlotte?

The busy days of the year are here, and you might be looking for ways to get food on the table for your crew without the stress.

We are, anyway.

We know family dinner time is so important for families and kids, but with all the activities and school things to do, family dinner time can be really, really hard to pull off.

So, to help you feed the family before you’re off to soccer, dance class, or homework time, we made this list of restaurants with take-out family meal deals in Charlotte, NC.

Own a restaurant that offers family meal deals? Email Maria to be considered for inclusion on this list.

Family Meal Deals: Charlotte, NC

These Charlotte-area restaurants offer family-style takeout meals that are big on flavor and easy on planning. It’s even easy to order since you’re just ordering one large family pack, not individual meals.

Midwood Smokehouse

What to Order: Group To-Go Meals (feeds 4–6) and Party Packs that feed more
Includes: Meats by the pound, large sides, buns, and sauces
Why Families Love It: Great variety, generous portions, easy curbside pickup
Address: 1401 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205
Other locations: Park Road, Birkdale, and more
Midwood Smokehouse Website

Viva Chicken

What to Order: Family Meal (feeds 3-4)
Includes: Chicken, Tacu, yucca, rice, plantains, and more
Why Families Love It: Healthy and flavorful options, quick online ordering
Location: 11641 Waverly Center Drive K1, Charlotte, NC, 28277
Other locations: Huntersville, Elizabeth Avenue, and more
Viva Chicken Website

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café

What to Order: Family Feasts (feeds 4–6)
Includes: Choice of grilled meats, rice or potatoes, salad, and pita
Why Families Love It: Lighter fare with bold flavors; allergy-aware
Location: 7107 Waverly Walk Avenue, Suite 5, Charlotte, NC 28277
Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Website

Sabor Latin Street Grill

What to Order: Family Meal Packs (Taco or Nacho kits feeds 4-6)
Includes: Proteins, rice, beans, tortillas, toppings
Why Families Love It: Build-your-own, kid fun, and picky eater friendly
Location: 300 N College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Other locations: Elizabeth, South End, and more
Sabor Latin Street Grill Website

Mama Ricotta’s

What to Order: Pasta Family Meals (feeds 5-6, 10-12)
Includes: Various pastas (see menu for details)
Why Families Love It: Italian comfort food + generous servings
Location: 601 S Kings Drive AA, Charlotte, NC 28204
Mama Ricotta’s Website

Shane’s Rib Shack

What to Order: 1 of 5 meal deal options with different protein choices, sides
Includes: Chicken tenders and/or bbq with classic sides
Location: 5220 New Fashion Way, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC
Shane’s Rib Shack Facebook

More Family Meal Deals Near Charlotte, NC

Bisonte Pizza Co. – Matthews

What to Order: Family Meal Specials (feeds 3-6)
Includes: Pizza and wings
Why Families Love It: Affordable, easy to order, and consistently delicious
Location: 1381 Chestnut Lane, Matthews, NC 28104
Bisonte Pizza Co. Website

Specials in August 2025

Calle Sol Latin Cafe & Cevicheria

What to Order: Family Meal Deal feeds 4 for $35
Includes: Protein choice, rice, beans, salad and bread
Location: 1205 Thomas Avenue, Charlotte, NC
Calle Sol Latin Cafe August Meal Deal

Tips for Ordering

Order ahead online for faster pickup during busy hours
Check websites and social media for rotating specials or seasonal bundles
Most offer curbside pickup and delivery through services like DoorDash or UberEats

What’s your favorite family meal deal in Charlotte? Tell us in the comments or tag us in your next takeout night!

Want to see more delicious restaurant options in Charlotte? We have a guide for that!

The Kidding Around Restaurant Guide to Charlotte, NC

Find more great family deals!

Here’s where kids eat free (or cheap) in Charlotte, NC

Ballantyne’s Stream Park is Amazing!

Have you been to the new Stream Park in the heart of Charlotte’s Ballantyne community?
We stopped by and were blown away by how pretty this little 6-acre park is. We absolutely loved how the children’s playground is incorporated right into the park’s attractive landscape, and the playscape is so unique and fun.

In this review, we’re focusing on Stream Park itself, but the whole Bowl at Ballantyne area that surrounds the park is so walkable and fun. There are several eateries within easy walking distance, plus gelato. It’s got all the ingredients for a perfect afternoon out with the kids.

Watch! Our Visit

Here’s a little of what our experience at Stream Park looked like!

The Playground at Stream Park in Ballantyne

There are so many awesome things about Stream Park’s playground. We love that it’s built right into the hillside, taking advantage of the natural elevation change for the slides and steps.

The climbing wall blends right into the covered picnic area, and under the whole play space is green artificial turf and cushioned rubber ground cover.

Stream Park climbing wall in Charlotte NC

Nature at Stream Park

Even though this park is located right in the middle of the busy Ballantyne area, it is full of lots of pretty plants, flowers, paths, and a water feature with a patio. A bridge crosses high above the space so you can enjoy an ariel view of the whole park, too.

There are spaces to relax and enjoy the view including lounge chairs beside the water feature and even a small field of hammock posts beside the creek.

Stream Park water feature in Charlotte NC

And, the covered area right in the center of the park has small tables perfect for lunch. Pack your own, or grab something from a nearby restaurant or eatery. We picked up Ramen from Sheng Ramen and drove to the park, but there are also several places within easy walking distance like Flower Child, Honeysuckle Gelato, and Harriet’s Hamburgers (opening soon!).

The Amp

Across the street from the park is The Amp. This is the Bowl at Ballantyne’s new outdoor amphitheater concert space. When we were visiting, there were people hard at work setting up for a concert, food trucks were arriving, and it looked like visitors were in for a nice evening. You can see what’s coming up soon on The Amp’s calendar.

It is important for parents to note that public restrooms are located at The Amp. There are no other public restrooms at Stream Park.

Parking for Stream Park

While Stream Park is located right behind The Ballantyne Hotel, parking is not permitted at the Ballantyne Hotel. Instead, there is a large lot located beside The Amp that you access off of Corporate Place. This is likely the easiest place to park, but also a longer walk to Stream Park.

There is also a parking lot off of Bowl Street where the shops and eateries are located, which is closer to Stream Park. However, the area right now is under quite a bit of construction and that parking lot can be a little tricky to find.

Here is a helpful parking map for the Bowl at Ballantyne. Stream Park is not labeled on the map, but it is located where you see the stream and oval water feature.

Visit Stream Park

Stream Park is open dawn to dusk.

10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte

Free things to do in Charlotte, North Carolina for families.

Find more amazing free things to do in Charlotte, NC.

Parks in Charlotte NC, Great playgrounds in Charlotte, NC

The parks and playgrounds in Charlotte are super fun!

Check out the Kidding Around® Guide to Parks in Charlotte, NC.

Spend the Day: Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park in Belmont, NC

Are you thinking about a visit to Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park in Belmont, NC? With a recently updated playground and a beautiful riverfront location, this park has a lot to offer families and anyone who loves the outdoors. Put a kayak in the water, enjoy the wooden bench swings on the dock, or pack a picnic, whatever you choose you can make a full afternoon of fun out of your visit to Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park.

Playground at Riverfront Park in Belmont, NC

The Playground at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park

The recently updated playground has a fun treehouse theme that my kids enjoyed, with lots of climbing structures and equipment for all ages. We absolutely love the solid ground cover and the ground-level equipment that make much of this playground accessible for all kids.

Playground at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park in Belmont, NC

The playground is fully fenced, with a larger playground for older kids to one side, and a smaller climbing structure for younger kids on the other side. Swings take up the space in the middle.

Restrooms are conveniently located beside the playground just outside the fence and up the short path. You’ll also find a large pavilion here that can be rented out.

Playing at the playground, Riverfront Park in Belmont, NC

Picnic Spots

In addition to the large pavilion, there are two smaller picnic shelters that can be rented for your events in the park. They are spread out along the park’s sidewalk across from the playground with a view of the river through the trees.

Restrooms at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park

If you don’t need a whole picnic shelter, there are several other spots where you can enjoy your picnic. Bring a blanket and spread it out on the grass beside the playground or head down to the dock and enjoy your meal from there.

View of the river at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park

The Dock

The dock has both benches and wooden bench swings so there are plenty of places to sit, relax, and enjoy the view. When we visited this seemed to be one of the most popular spots in the park, and for good reason. It was quite beautiful and spacious.

If you like paddling, there is a wide dock where you can put a kayak, canoe, or even paddleboard to explore the river. Access to the Catawba River here is free.

Dock for kayaks at Kevin Loftin Park in Belmont, NC

More at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park

This park also offers a short but paved walking trail that is accessible, perfect for taking in the river views after a bit of playtime or lunch. Plus, there’s an amphitheater for public events.

The annual event, RiverFest, is hosted annually in May at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park with live music, kayaking, local vendors, food trucks, and more.

The parks and playgrounds in Charlotte are super fun!

Check out the Kidding Around® Guide to Parks in Charlotte, NC.

Find lots more FREE Things to Do in Charlotte, NC in our list!

Here’s Where to Get Free School Supplies in Charlotte, NC (2025)

Inside: A comprehensive list of where you can get free school supplies in Charlotte, NC for your kids!

Do your kids need new school supplies?

With the new school year starting in just a few weeks, the answer is probably “yes.” Affording school supplies can be quite a challenge, especially as families combat the rising costs of just about everything.

The good news is that there are quite a few back-to-school drives run by community organizations, churches, and businesses. They are stepping in to help out with everything from pens and pencils to paper, backpacks, lunch boxes, and even clothing. Here’s where you can get free school supplies in Charlotte, NC.

This list is growing fast! Are you running a school supply event you want to share with Charlotte? Send an email.

Free School Supplies at Back-to-School Bash and Supply Drive Events

Back to School Bash

Tuesday, July 23, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
5535 Albemarle Rd., Charlotte, NC 28212
Hosted by Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy

Free school supplies and backpacks
Free food and games
Community resources

Back to School SPLASH

Friday, August 1, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
205 Swink Street, China Grove, NC
Hosted by Town of China Grove and Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Center

Free hot dog meal and snow cones
School supplies
Slip and slide
More fun activities for all ages

All activities are free.
Wear a swimsuit and bring a folding chair, blanket, or towel to sit on.
Back to School Splash

Keith Clinic Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

Friday, August 1, 2025 | 5 pm
402 E. Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC
6859 South Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
Hosted by Keith Clinic North & South

Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 10 am
5344 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC
405 N Chester Street, Gastonia, NC
Hosted by Keith Clinic East & Gastonia

Free backpacks filled with school supplies (while supplies last)
Follow Keith Clinic on Facebook for more information

TLP 5th Annual Back 2 School Kickball Jam

Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 | 2 pm – 5 pm
2310 Cindy Lane, Charlotte
This event offers free activities like music and kickball, and of course free school supplies.
TLP 5th Annual Back 2 School Kickball Jam

2025 Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway

Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 1 pm – 5 pm
1600 West Trade Street, Charlotte
This free event offers fun-filled activities, food, games, good vibes, community love, and lots of fun!
2025 Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway

National Night Out & Back to School Bash

Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 | TBA
24 South Main Street, Belmont
National Night Out

Back-to-School Bash

Thursday, August 7, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
309 Griffin Cir, Concord, NC 28025
Hosted by Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Centers, Inc.

Free school supplies (while supplies last)
Free food
Games and more!

C.W. Williams Community Health Center’s 10th Annual Back to School Community Health Fair

Saturday, August 9th, 2025 | 10 am – 2 pm
3333 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte
This event will offer free food, school supplies, health screenings, music, and games.
C.W. Williams Community Back to School Health Fair

Mecklenburg County B2SB

Saturday, August 9th, 2025 | 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
220 Coronation Boulevard, Charlotte
Any student in Mecklenburg County Schools can be registered to receive a free backpack, school supplies, socks, and unbranded sneakers.
Register for the Mecklenburg County B2SB.

Back to School Giveaway

Sunday, August 10th, 2025 | 3 pm – 6 pm
Heads Up for Our Youth at Aviation Institute of Maintenance
7421 East Independence Boulevard, Charlotte
Free full aviation tour for grades 9 to 12, and free backpack and school supplies.
Register in advance: Back to School Giveaway

Back To School Family Friendly Marketplace

Sunday, August 10, 2025 | 12 pm – 3 pm
10210 Berkeley Place Drive #suite 260 Charlotte
Free school supplies and activities!
Back To School Family Friendly Marketplace

BaCK 2 SCHooL BaSH

Saturday, August 16th, 2025 | 11 am – 2 pm
3907 Old Charlotte Highway, Charlotte
Free school supplies, food, games, and music.
Register in advance

Back 2 School Bash

Saturday, August 16th, 2025 | 12 pm – 2 pm
Kingdom Builders Church Intl. 2352 Dr Webber Avenue, Charlotte
Register in advance: free backpacks and school supplies, plus music and food.
Kingdom Builders Church

Back to School Block Party

Saturday, August 16th, 2025 | 11 am – 3 pm
14008 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville
Free fun games, music, and food with giveaways!
Register in advanc e: Back to School Block Party

Back to School Block Party

Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 2:00 pm
2838 Queen City Drive, Charlotte, NC
Hosted by United Nations Church International Charlotte

Games, music, and food
Fun for students, parents, and teachers
Free school supplies, sneakers, haircuts

More Events with Free School Supplies

See more school supply events in Greenville, SC
See more school supply events in Columbia, SC

Want to Help?

Check out Classroom Central for ways you can help put school supplies in the hands of kids and teachers.

Find more events in Charlotte on Kidding Around Calendar.

27 Awesome Beaches Near Charlotte, NC: Your Next Family Vacation

Inside: Beach-loving parents share their favorite things about the best beaches closest to Charlotte, NC with links to real parent reviews.

If you are looking for beaches near Charlotte, NC, then you’ve found our list of the top beaches for your next family trip.

We gathered some wonderful beaches on the SC and NC coast with kid-friendly attractions and things to do, perfect for planning your itinerary. Though finding beaches within 3 hours of Charlotte, NC is pretty tough, most of these beaches are within a 3 to 4-hour drive.

What is the closest beach to Charlotte, NC? Myrtle Beach and the beaches of the Brunswick Islands in North Carolina are the closest by drive time and mileage. They are just over 3 hours away and totally worth the trip. Want more options and all the details? Use the buttons below to navigate our list.

South Carolina Beaches Near Charlotte

North Carolina Beaches Near Charlotte

Stay Home! Lake Beaches and Swimming Holes Near Charlotte

Quick Summary: Beaches Closest to Charlotte

Whether you’re dreaming of soft sand, kid-friendly attractions, or dolphin sightings at sunset, our list of the 🌴 Best Beaches Near Charlotte, NC is packed with must-visit spots just a short drive away.

10+ Best Beaches Near Charlotte, NC (Coastal)

Your Best Beach Options:☀️ Most of these beaches are 3–4 hours from Charlotte and perfect for a family getaway. Here are 10 best beach options to get you started:

Myrtle Beach, SC – Popular with tons of attractions
Folly Beach, SC – A Charleston favorite with surf and charm
Edisto Beach, SC – Peaceful, nature-filled, and great for shark tooth hunting
Hilton Head Island – Packed with activities and natural beauty
Carolina Beach, NC – Boardwalk fun and nearby Kure Beach
Wrightsville Beach, NC – Watersports and nature education
Holden Beach, NC – Family reunions and ferry adventures
Topsail Beach, NC – Pristine and quiet with marsh views
Bald Head Island, NC – Car-free nature fun with crabbing and kayaking
Outer Banks, NC – A little further, but totally worth it

South Carolina Beaches Within 4 Hours of Charlotte

Believe it or not, many of the beaches of South Carolina are closer to Charlotte than the ones in NC! Plus, the SC coastline offers many family-friendly beaches with lots of things to do with. We have details on ocean excursions, hotels to stay at, and even some of the best attractions at these SC beaches.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Distance: Myrtle Beach is 3.5 Hours from Charlotte

People travel from across the country to come to Myrtle Beach, SC. Over the years it has transformed many times, and the area is very family-friendly with lots to do. Plus, it is the closest beach to Charlotte, NC.

From attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium Website and the epic SkyWheel to fun activities for nature lovers like Myrtle Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens Website, you’ll have a full itinerary in no time. There are also luxury golf courses to check out if that’s your kind of thing. Our Travel Guide to Myrtle Beach offers ideas for great hotels and family-friendly activities.

Wonderworks at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Check out our Travel Guide to Myrtle Beach, with information about things to do, places to stay, and even places to eat!

Huntington Beach State Park

Distance: Huntington Beach State Park is about 3.5 Hours from Charlotte

Staying on the beaches of an SC State Park offers something magical, the chance to see some amazing wildlife! Plus, the earthy smell of a protected beach and the small crowds make for a relaxing time. Kids can hunt for seashells and play in the sand or head to the nature center to learn about coastal wildlife. explore.

Check out our parent review, Visiting Huntington Beach State Park. This coastal state park has beach camping, perfect for nature lovers.

Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina

Folly Beach and the Beaches Near Charleston, SC

Distance: Folly Beach is 3.5 Hours from Charlotte

This beach, located just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, SC, is my personal favorite. You’ll find surfers lining up along the break every morning, a cute downtown area with total beach vibes, and proximity to several other beaches and the major cities of Charleston and Mt. Pleasant.

While you’re visiting Folly Beach, check out our Travel Guide to Charleston, SC! You’ll find places to stay and things to do that are worth the hype.

Isle of Palms

Distance from Charlotte: about 3 1/2 hours
Believe it or not, we actually really love Isle of Palms for a day trip. It’s a long one to be sure, but the Isle of Palms County Park has a large parking lot, beach access, showers and restrooms, and there are lots of shops and restaurants nearby if you need anything. We usually stop at the grocery store across the street on the way out for car snacks on the trip home.

Here’s our Isle of Palms Guide.

More Beaches Near Charleston

These beaches are also about 3 1/2 hours away from Charlotte.

Our Guide to Sullivan’s Island
Our Guide to Kiawah Island

Edisto Beach

Distance: Edisto Beach is 3.75 Hours from Charlotte

Wanting a more nature-based vacation? Edisto Beach has tons of wildlife to see, quiet beaches to look for seashells and crabs, and trees lined in Spanish moss that make your vacation feel so dreamy! Quaint restaurants make find a great meal easy. We really enjoyed our dinner plus pie at the SeaCow Eatery.

Kids (and adults!) will love looking for shark teeth on the beach.

Personally, I had never found any shark’s teeth on any beach anywhere until we visited Edisto!

And the sunsets, sometimes with dolphins, are simply stunning!

Hilton Head Island

Distance: Hilton Head is 4 Hours from Charlotte

Hilton Head Island is considered one of the most family-friendly and beautiful areas on the South Carolina coast, making it one of the best places to visit near Charlotte, NC. Our Guide to Hilton Head Island has over 20 kid-friendly vacation ideas, from pirate excursions and dolphin tours to parks and arcades.

Things to do on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Find out why Hilton Head Island is an excellent beach destination with these 20 Kid Friendly Vacation Ideas!

Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort

Distance from Charlotte: 4 hours from Charlotte

Looking for a coastal escape with serious charm? Fripp Island Beach & Golf Resort is a private island just outside of Beaufort, South Carolina, and it’s got all the good stuff: quiet beaches, breezy bike trails, and a lush forest that feels like a storybook come to life. You’ll have to rent a house, villa, or condo on the island to be able to access it.

One of the best parts? The wildlife is wildly impressive. It’s not unusual to spot deer strolling by as you bike or head to the beach. The island is full of fun ways to relax and play—think two golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, a marina, and plenty of spots to grab a bite, from laid-back cafes to waterfront dining with a view.

Escape to the private island of Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort.

North Carolina Beaches Near Charlotte, NC

The beaches of North Carolina are loaded with things to do! We rounded up the best NC beaches near Charlotte with watersports, beach excursions, ocean charters, and family-friendly beaches to relax on.

Brunswick Islands Beaches

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands are a laid-back coastal escape where families can enjoy wide beaches, lighthouse climbs, boat tours, and tasty seafood—all with fewer crowds. From Oak Island’s scenic pier to Ocean Isle’s splash pad and mini golf, each island offers simple, memorable fun for kids and parents alike. It’s the kind of spot where you can explore or just kick back and enjoy the ocean breezes together.

Watch! What you’ll see in the Brunswick Islands

Get all the details about the super family-friendly things to do in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands in our spotlight guide: Kidding Around’s Guide to the Brunswick Islands

Holden Beach

Distance: Holden Beach is 3.25 Hours from Charlotte

Just south of Wilmington, you’ll find Holden Beach near Ocean Isle. Holden Beach offers small-town charm and unspoiled beauty, making it a great option for a vacation with kids. My family got together with all my siblings, nieces and nephews, and grandparents for a week at Holden Beach and everyone had a great time. It was the perfect place for a trip like that.

Holden Beach offers fewer extra activities but lots of beach space, as there are mainly beach homes to rent on the island and few public parking lots.

Our family enjoyed driving into Southport for the day. We took the ferry across to Fort Fisher and visited the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The aquarium is small but very informative and was a great place to spend a couple of hours. The otters were particularly fun to watch. Make sure you purchase your tickets in advance. People were turned away who did not.

Pro-tip: The closest grocery store is Food Lion, just over the bridge from the island. As such, it is a very busy store. We used Walmart delivery from the Walmart in nearby Shallote and it was so worth it. We arranged for the delivery while we drove to the island and the groceries arrived about 2 hours after our arrival right to our beach house.

Bald Head Island

Distance: Bald Head Island is 4 hours from Charlotte

Head to this island on the coast of NC if you are looking for kayaking, hiking, nature adventure with your kids, and learn about crabbing with the Conservancy staff at Village Creek Access. They also have a cool Bald Head After Dark program, where you can learn all about the night creatures that call the island home. You’ll find lots of kid-friendly things to do in the camps and recreation center website as well!

Ocean Isle Beach

Distance: About 3 1/2 hours from Charlotte

Ocean Isle offers a lot of old-fashioned family beach fun like go-karts, mini-golf, hunting sharks’ teeth, sunshine, and splashing. We really enjoyed our visit to Ocean Isle!

We visited Ocean Isle Beach and have a whole article on how amazing our trip was! Check it out: The Kidding Around Guide to Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Sunset Beach

Distance: about 3.5 hours from Charlotte, NC

Looking for an easy getaway that’s big on relaxation and family fun? Just across the NC state line, Sunset Beach is part of the beautiful Brunswick Islands and offers a peaceful coastal vibe perfect for slowing down, soaking up sunshine, and making sweet memories with your crew.

Oak Island and Caswell Beach

Distance: about 3.5 hours from Charlotte, NC

You can visit and climb the Oak Island lighthouse for free. It’s also free to walk the pier, though there is a fee for fishing. Then snag a delicious cup of coffee at Ruby’s right on the pier. Parking is free. The beaches are beautiful. What more do you need?

Get the full story on the Oak Island Lighthouse and things to do nearby!

We Climbed the Oak Island Lighthouse!

Carolina Beach

Distance: Carolina Beach is 3.5 Hours from Charlotte

Deemed the perfect family-friendly beach, Carolina Beach on the southern coast of North Carolina is a great beach for families with kids. The quaint boardwalk has a Ferris wheel and lots of beach vibes. Smaller crowds make this beach a great weekend trip without the hassle of finding a spot on the sand to park your things.

Kure Beach is less than a 15-minute drive, so you can bounce between beaches on your vacation.

Things to do in Carolina Beach, North Carolina

See why we think Carolina Beach is an excellent family-friendly beach for your next vacation!

Wrightsville Beach

Distance: Wrightsville Beach is 3.5 Hours from Charlotte

With watersports like surfing and SUP being very popular, Wrightsville Beach is great for the family looking for adventure! There are also scenic tours of the island and an awesome nature center at the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center website your kids will enjoy learning about the wildlife the area has and the importance of protecting it.

Topsail Beach

Distance: Topsail Beach is 4 hours from Charlotte

Located on the southern end of the 26-mile barrier island, Topsail Beach is worth the 4-hour trip from Charlotte. Enjoy a few hours on the expansive beach. Then head to the marsh to watch seabirds and catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two! We recommend the southern tip of the island’s pristine undeveloped beach, Serenity Point Sandbar. Here, you’ll find a peaceful day away from the busy part of the island.

Drive a Little Further: 4+ Hours Beaches in NC Worth the Drive

Outer Banks

Distance: The Outer Banks are about 6 Hours from Charlotte

The stunning chain of barrier islands located off the coast of North Carolina is an excellent beach vacation destination. Especially if you are looking for natural beauty. You can stay in Corolla and catch of glimpse of wild horses, Nags Head, or Roanoke, or head down the dunes to Avon or Cape Hatteras website for a relaxing vacation. There are tons of watersports on the sound side of the islands, boating tours, lighthouses to check out, and more!

Our kids love watching the kitesurfers tearing up the waves on the sound. The islands have mostly home rentals and smaller crowds, with lots of affordable options.

We’ve visited the Outerbanks area lots and lots of times. It’s a family favorite! Check out our Kidding Around Guide to the Outer Banks, NC.

Outer Banks boardwalk and crab in Avon, North Carolina

Atlantic Beach

Distance: Atlantic Beach is 5.25 Hours from Charlotte

Head to the barrier island of Bogue Banks and visit Atlantic Beach if you need a little escape from the day-to-day. With watersports galore, shopping, and a pretty neat skatepark/mini golf combo to check out, Atlantic Beach is a great option for your family. There are several beaches in the area, including Emerald Isle, so you can beach-hop for a few days during your vacation.

Want to stay closer to home? Lake Beaches Near Charlotte

Lake beaches aren’t the same as the coastal beaches, but they really can be a blast and a great place to spend a warm summer day. Get all the details on these lake beaches in our Guide to Lakes, Swimming holes and pools near Charlotte, NC.

Volleyball at Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, North Carolina — Sandy beach at Carrigan Farms Quarry swimming hole

8 Lake Beaches Near Charlotte

Cane Creek Park: Waxhaw, NC
Ramsey Creek Beach: Cornelius, NC
Rock Hill Lake Park: Rock Hill, SC
Ebeneezer Park Beach: Rock Hill, SC (Open Now for 2025!)
Windjammer Park: Tega Cay, SC (Swimming in Lake Wylie- Parking permit required to access)
Carrigan Farms: Morresville, NC (Swimming hole)
Lake Norman State Park: Troutman, NC
Lake James State Park: Nebo, NC

Carrigan Farms: We had an amazing time swimming in the quarry at Carrigan Farms—it’s truly one of the coolest places around and yes, there is a sandy beach at the swimming hole! From swinging into the water on a rope and relaxing on the sandy beach to playing sand volleyball and enjoying a picnic, there’s something for everyone. Just be sure to reserve your spot online ahead of time!

Want more beaches? Check out these Sandy Mountain Beaches that are just a day trip away!

Discover lake beaches, swimming holes, pools, and water parks near Charlotte, NC in our HUGE Guide to Swimming in Charlotte, NC.

The Playground at CLT Airport Overlook is Amazing!

If you’re looking for a fantastic way to spend a fun-filled day out, we’ve got just the spot for you: the overlook and playground at Charlotte Douglas International Airport! We checked out all the fun aviation-themed playground equipment and loved the view of the airport with all the planes landing and taking off at one of the world’s busiest airports.

Watch! Our Visit to the CLT Airport Overlook

A Special Airport Park: Charlotte

We’ve visited several airport playgrounds at smaller municipal airports, like Greenville, South Carolina’s Runway Park, or Spartanburg’s Airport Park. But we’ve never been to an airport park at a large, busy airport like CLT, and what a view you get from the park. You can see everything including the huge jets that you don’t get to see at the smaller airport parks. They were so cool to watch!

The park is set up high above the airport tarmac and runways. It was so fun watching the large jets land and take off. No matter which direction you look you’ll see runways, parked planes, taxiing planes, and planes landing and taking off.

Aviation Playground: CLT Airport Overlook, Charlotte NC

The new airport overlook includes a really lovely airport-themed playground space. Designed with the spirit of aviation in mind, it features everything from airplane-themed climbing structures to slides and even a mock runway with a mini baggage cart and fuel truck to explore.

Little pilots can navigate through jet bridges and the control tower, climb, slide, and take a break to watch the planes coming in.

Things to Know: The Quick Details About the Charlotte Airport Overlook Park

Bathrooms are on site
Shade is limited! Wear sunscreen and bring lots of water to drink.
A picnic shelter is adjacent to the park.
There are 2 playgrounds, one for kids under 12 and one for kids under 5. They are side by side and both are aviation-themed. Playgrounds are NOT fenced in but parents can keep an eye on both playgrounds at the same time.
The playground is on a rubber solid surface, with artificial turf extending out into the open areas of the park.

Paved Path, Memorial, and Educational Signage

The park also features a nice paved path around the overlook’s perimeter allowing you to see all angles of the tarmac and runways. This is lined with signs about the types of planes that fly in and out of CLT, plus how runways operate. Along the path there is also a memorial to USAir Flight 1016 that crashed at CLT 1994.

F4 Phantom II

The airport overlook park in Charlotte also has a real F-4 Phantom II located beside the picnic shelter near the playgrounds. The F-4 Phantom II is a retired military jet that saw extensive service in the United States Air Force (USAF), Navy (USN), and Marine Corps (USMC) as well as with many other air forces around the world.

This plane was used in the Vietnam War and the Cold War. It was a versatile aircraft known for its speed, maneuverability, and ability to carry a wide range of weapons.

The plane is a static display allowing visitors to get up close to the aircraft. There are several signs and plaques that will tell you more about this plane and its history. In our opinion, this is one of the special highlights of this park and something both kids and adults will enjoy.

Plus, imagine being a little kid playing on an aviation-themed playground with a real fighter jet sitting just across your pretend runway. It really doesn’t get much better than that.

Picnics and food trucks

The Overlook park has plenty of space to enjoy a picnic while playing and watching the planes. Or, if you’re lucky enough to visit the park when one of Charlotte’s local food trucks is on-site, you can enjoy something delicious. Find the schedule of food trucks at the CLT Overlook.

Visit the CLT Airport Overlook

The overlook has lots of paved parking.

The overlook is open 8 am to 10 pm daily and it is FREE to visit.

CLT Airport Overlook
5130 Airport Overlook Drive, Charlotte

More Planes Nearby

Make the day complete with a visit to the Sullenberger Aviation Museum, just 10 minutes down the road, where you’ll see 40+ planes and learn all about aviation history, planes, flight, and more!

The parks and playgrounds in Charlotte are super fun!

Check out the Kidding Around® Guide to Parks in Charlotte, NC.

Find more fun things to do in Charlotte, NC!

21+ Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free (or Cheap): Charlotte, NC

Are you wondering where Kids Eat Free in Charlotte, NC?
We have got you covered!
This list of Charlotte-area restaurants offers free or discounted kids’ meal deals on various days of the week, so you won’t have to cook dinner!

Note: Restaurants frequently alter their promotions and many of these restaurants have multiple locations. We encourage you to check with the location you are visiting beforehand to confirm that the promotional deal is still active.

Quick Links for Charlotte, NC Kids Eat Free deals on the specific day you are looking for!

Sunday Kids Eat Free
Monday Kids Eat Free
Tuesday Kids Eat Free
Wednesday Kids Eat Free
Thursday Kids Eat Free
Friday Kids Eat Free
Saturday Kids Eat free

Kids Eat Free Sunday

Zapatas

Offer: Free kids menu meal with the purchase of an adult entree.
Confirmed with 8927 J M Keynes Drive, Charlotte location.
Age: One free child per kid
Time: All day
Locations:
15105 John J Delaney Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277
8927 J M Keynes Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262
9905 NC Hwy.73 West Catawba Avenue, Suite 102. Cornelius, NC 28031
Visit Zapatas Mexican Cantina Website

Suffolk Punch Brewing South Park

Offer: Kids eat free on Sundays from 4 pm to 9 pm with purchase of $15 or more
Age: 12 and under
Time: 4 pm to 9 pm
Locations:
Southpark: 4400 Sharon Rd., Unit G23D Charlotte, NC 28211
South End: 2911 Griffith St. Charlotte, NC 28203
Visit Suffolk Punch Brewing Website

Slim Chickens

Offer: $1.99 Kid’s Meal with the purchase of any adult meal
Age:
Time: All Day
Locations:
948 Concord Parkway N, Concord, NC 28027
5535 Prosperity Ridge Road, Charlotte, NC 28269
5118 Old Charlotte Highway, Indian Trail, NC 28110
415 Mercantile Place, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Slim Chickens Website

Golden Corral

Offer: Kids under 3 eat free from the buffet every day with an adult purchase.
Age: 3 and under
Time: All day
Locations:
7701 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28262
11025 East Independence Boulevard Matthews, NC 28105
2300 East Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28054
1540 US Highway 29 North Concord, NC 28025
2370 Cherry Road Rock Hill, SC 29732
2507 West Roosevelt Boulevard Monroe, NC 28110
120 Gallery Center Drive Mooresville, NC 28117
1712 East Dixon Boulevard Shelby, NC 28152
1053 Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard Hickory, NC 28602
Golden Corral Charlotte Locations Website

Monterrey Mexican Restaurant

Offer: Kids eat for $2.99 with an adult combo purchase.
Age: 12 and under
Time: All day
Locations:
1001 E W.T. Harris Boulevard Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28213
10707 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
9623 E Independence Fwy S, Matthews, NC 28105
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant Website

Back to the top: Kids Eat Free in Charlotte, NC

Kids Eat Free Monday

VooDoo Wing Co.

Offer: Kids eat free on Mondays
Age: 10 and under
Time: 5 pm-9 pm

Locations: 1646 Highway 160, Suite 106, Fort Mill, SC, United States, South Carolina

Hawthornes NY Pizza & Bar

Offer: Every Tuesday KIDS EAT FREE at every location with the purchase of an adult meal.
Age: 10 and under
Time: All day

Location: 8420 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
4100 Suit A Carme Road, Charlotte, NC 28226
14205, 4 Reese Blvd. Suite E2, Huntersville, NC 28078
427 E. Statesville Avenue, Mooresville, NC 28115
25 N. Union Street, Concord, NC 28025
5814 Highland Shoppes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28269
1701 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204
6215 Old Post Road Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28212
7319 Matthews Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227
1515 S. Tryon Street Suite 104, Charlotte, NC 28203

Hawthornes NY Pizza & Bar’s website

Cabos Mexican Cuisine & Cantina

Offer: Kids meals are half-priced on Mondays.
Age: 12 and under
Time: All day
Location: 6676 Carmel Road, Charlotte NC 28226
Cabo’s Mexican Cuisine & Cantina Website

Golden Corral

Three Amigos Mexican Kitchen and Cantina

Offer: Kids eat free all day with the purchase of an adult entree.
Age: 12 and under
Time: All day
Locations:
2917 Central Avenue A, Charlotte, NC 28205
7741 Colony Road Suite A 1, Charlotte, NC 28205
Three Amigos Mexican Kitchen and Cantina Website

Afton Tavern

Offer: Kids eat free Monday night with a paying adult
Age: 12 & Under
Time: All day
Location: 355 John Galt Way, Concord, NC 28027
Afton Tavern Website

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille

Offer: Kids eat free Monday-Thursday from the kid’s menu with an adult entree purchase.
Age: 12 & under
Time: Monday through Friday all day until 10 pm
Location: 911 E Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille Website

Fresh Off the Grill

Offer: One free kids meal for every adult meal purchased ($5 minimum).
Age: Kids 12 and under
Time: Monday and Tuesday 4 pm to 9 pm
Locations:
5303 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC
9900 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC
Fresh Off the Grill Website

Denny’s

Offer: Kids eat free with an adult entree of $6 or more. Valid at participating restaurants and you can get up to two free kids entrees. Dine in only.
Age: Kids 12 and under
Time: All day every day
Location: 4541 Sunset Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Denny’s Website

Back to the top: Kids Eat Free in Charlotte, NC

Kids Eat Free Tuesday

Johnny Roger’s BBQ and Burger

Offer: Kids eat free all day with the purchase of an adult meal. Good at either location.
Age: Kids 12 and under
Time: All day
Locations:
3709 Concord Parkway South, Concord
Gibson Mill Market, 305 McGill Avenue, above High Branch Brewing Co.
Johnny Roger’s BBQ and Burger Website

Find out more about Gibson Mill Market. They have a small arcade which makes kids eat free family dinner that much more fun!

Golden Corral

Denny’s

Offer: Kids eat free with an adult entree of $6 or more. Valid at participating restaurants and you can get up to two free kids entrees. Dine in only.
Age: Kids 12 and under
Time: All day every day
Location: 4541 Sunset Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Denny’s Website

Carolina Ale House

Offer: Kids eat for 0.99 on Tuesday nights
Age: Kids 10 and under
Time: Tuesdays from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: 7404 Waverly Walk Ave I-1, Charlotte, NC 28277
Carolina Ale House Website

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille

Offer: Kids eat free Monday-Thursday from the kid’s menu with an adult entree purchase.
Age: 12 & under
Time: Monday through Friday all day until 10 pm
Location: 911 E Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille Website

The Pizza Peel Tap Room

Offer: Kids eat for $1 on Tuesdays, with every $10 purchase.
Age: Kids 10 and under
Time: All day
Location: 4422 Colwick Road Charlotte, NC
The Pizza Peel Tap Room Website

Fresh Off the Grill

Offer: One free kids meal for every adult meal purchased ($5 minimum).
Age: Kids 12 and under
Time: Monday and Tuesday 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Locations:
5303 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC
9900 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC
Fresh Off the Grill Website

Mac’s Speed Shop

Offer: Starting at 5 pm, get a kid’s meal for $2.49 with the purchase of an adult entree.
Age: Kids 10 and under
Time: Tuesdays at 5:00 pm
Locations: 8021 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027
Mac’s Speed Shop Website

Back to the top: Kids Eat Free in Charlotte, NC

Kids Eat Free Wednesday

Golden Corral

Ikea

Offer: Get two free kids entrees when you buy one adult entree
Age: Kids 12 and under
Time: All day
Location: 8300 Ikea Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262
IKEA Charlotte Website

CiCi’s Pizza

Offer: Kids eat free every day
Age: Kids under 3
Time: All day
Locations:
10900 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28213
1804 Windsor Square Dr, Matthews, NC 28105
CiCi’s Pizza Website

Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ

Offer: Kids eat free on Wednesdays when you purchase an adult meal
Age: Kids under 10
Time: All day
Location: 282 South Sharon Amity Road Suite 336-A, Charlotte NC 28211
Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ Facebook

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille

Offer: Kids eat free Monday-Thursday from the kid’s menu with an adult entree purchase.
Age: 12 & under
Time: Monday through Friday all day until 10:00 pm
Location: 911 E Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille Website

Sabor Latin Street Grill

Offer: Kids eat for $0.99 cents on Wednesdays with a purchase of an adult meal
Age: 12 & under
Time: All day
Locations: They have 17 locations across Charlotte, NC
Sabor Latin Grill Website

Back to the top: Kids Eat Free in Charlotte, NC

Kids Eat Free Thursday

Golden Corral

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille

Back to the top: Kids Eat Free in Charlotte, NC

Kids Eat Free Friday

Golden Corral

Back to the top: Kids Eat Free in Charlotte, NC

Kids Eat Free Saturday

Golden Corral

Denny’s

Back to the top: Kids Eat Free in Charlotte, NC

Love Free Things to Do? Check out Kids Bowl Free, where kids bowl free at local lanes all summer long.

Kids Eat Free Lots of Places

Spending time in Greenville, SC? Here’s our list of Kids Eat Free in Greenville, SC.
Check out Kids Eat Free in Hendersonville, NC if you’re headed to WNC.

Traveling? Here’s where Kids Eat Free Across the US.

Do you know of any Kids Eat Free deals in the Charlotte area? Share them with us as a comment!

You’ve been reading kids eat free in Charlotte, NC. Want to see more great restaurants?

Here’s our Kidding Around Guide to Great Restaurants in Charlotte, NC

AND, our list of Restaurants with Family Meal Bundles in Charlotte, NC

Ride a Carousel & Train: Village Park in Kannapolis, NC

Inside: A parent review of all the fun things to do at Village Park, Kannapolis, NC.

Have you visited Village Park in Kannapolis, NC?

Not only does this park have two amazing playgrounds and multiple picnic shelters, but you’ll also find North Carolina’s only double-decker carousel lit with 1800 lights!

As if that weren’t enough, the park also has a real miniature train that families can ride around the park. Tickets for the carousel and train are very inexpensive.

Topping all that off is a free holiday light display and seasonal events. We loved our visit to Village Park in Kannapolis and we have all the information for you!

Village Park Carousel

Manufactured in Italy, this carousel is the only double-decker carousel in North Carolina. It features over 1,800 lights, hand-painted murals, and traditional carousel music. The classic carousel is set beside a green space as you enter the park in its own covered shelter, making this park feel whimsical and inviting.

Carousel at Village Green Park kannapolis

Tickets to ride the carousel at Village Park are $1.50 per person/per ride. Kids 12 months and under are free.

Think your kids are too big? Think again. Even my preteens enjoyed a whirl on this carousel.

Village Park Train Ride

The train shed at Village Park is located across from the carousel. From there, families can hop on board to ride the Rotary Express train around the park, past the splash pad, both playgrounds and across the paved and shaded walking paths. The train is a g-24 scale replica CP Huntington engine.

Tickets to ride the rail at Village Park are $1.50 per person. The train hours are seasonal as follows:

Weekends only from April 5th, 2025 to Memorial Day: Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m and Sundays noon to 6:00 p.m.
Beginning Saturday, May 24th, 2025 through August 10th, 2025, the train is open daily. Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6:00 pm.
August 16th through October 19th the train is open again for weekends only. Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6:00 p.m.
The train will be open on Labor Day (September 1st, 2025) from noon to 6:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets for both the train and the carousel at the exterior window of the main building at the park’s entrance.

City of Kannapolis, Village Park Playgrounds

Climb high, bounce, swing, and slide at both of Village Park’s playgrounds. Located side by side, one playground is intended for the 5 and under crowd, while the other is meant for older kids. We loved the climbing options and long slides at this park!

Paved Walking Trails

Taking a walk or a run? The paved walking trails at Village Park and connected to other trails in the area could be just the right place for you. You can take the 2-mile loop between Village Park and Bakers Creek Park on the 8th Street Greenway and the Bakers Creek Greenway.

Greenway Trail Map

Splash Pad at Village Park

The splash pad at Village Park is amazing. Great fun on a hot summer day. Tickets for the splash pad are $1.50.

There are lots more splash pads and places to cool off near Charlotte.

Village Park, Kannapolis
700 West C Street, Kannapolis

Village Park Kannapolis Website

Free and Cheap Holiday Fun at Village Park in Kannapolis

We love FREE and low-cost holiday fun, and Village Park is packed with it. They have a totally free holiday light display with thousands of lights! Walk through the displays at your own pace for a magical holiday experience. Check out the FREE Holiday Lights at Village Park.

Or, if you want to turn it up a notch, book tickets for the park’s holiday train, the Winterland Express! Tickets are $2 per person. Ride the train through the park’s lights and see them in a whole new way. End your evening with a ride on the two-story carousel for just $2 per person.

Tree Lighting Celebration for the Holiday Season

The Kannapolis tree lighting at Village Park is one of the park’s most exciting events of the year! Thousands gather throughout the park on Saturday evening before Thanksgiving to see the park illuminated by 250,000 lights strung through trees, along buildings, and adorning the Christmas tree in the green space of the park. To kick off the Celebration of Lights, there is an annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Kannapolis Tree Lighting Ceremony at Village Park

The Tree Lighting Ceremony

When the ceremony begins, various speakers say a little about the past year and the year that is to come. Then, the crowd is introduced to Santa Claus himself! As he counts down with the crowd, the large Christmas tree illuminates as the crowd hits 1, along with dozens of LED Christmas trees that surround the tree. This creates a gorgeous display of color, and the crowd begins to move and weave through the trees, now bright with the Christmas spirit!

Where to Gather Your Family for the Tree Lighting Ceremony

You can sit pretty much anywhere in the circumference of the tree to get a good view. If you plan to ride the carousel, train, or visit Santa right after the lighting, I would recommend standing toward the back closer to the lines for those activities. The lines grow long quickly, so anything you can do to get you closer to the front of the line, the better. The train lines seem to be the longest of the three attractions, so if that is on your holiday bucket list, stay close to that line during the tree lighting ceremony.

You can also choose to stand closer to the main stage area to hear the wonderful messages from community leaders. Here, your kids will get an up-close view of Santa as he greets the park! There are also a few carols sung, and you are best able to hear and enjoy the thrill of the countdown here (it’s a little hard to hear once you get closer to the tree).

Fireworks

My family’s favorite part of the tree lighting ceremony was hands down the fireworks that immediately preceded the lights. The fireworks rose into the sky behind and to the left of the main stage, so we were able to position ourselves so that the fireworks rose into the sky right above the Christmas tree.

The fireworks display lasted around 5 minutes and was a great way to start the celebration and helped stabilize the crowd movement for a few minutes. If you have little ones, be sure to bring ear protection (our two-year-old didn’t find the fireworks as thrilling as the rest of us).

Celebration of Lights

This free holiday light display in Village Park is daily from November 16th through December 30th, 2025. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 6 pm to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday 6 pm to 10 pm. The display will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

In addition to the lights, Santa will be on-site to visit with the kids every evening! Plus enjoy live holiday music, entertainment, crafts, and a miniature train display.

Celebration of Lights in Kannapolis, North Carolina

Here’s everything you need to know about Celebration of Lights at Village Park

Tickets for the Winterland Express and Carousel

Book your tickets in advance for the Winterland Express at the Celebration of Lights.

Carousel tickets can be purchased nightly on-site.

Places to see Christmas lights in Charlotte, North Carolina

Looking for more places to see Christmas lights? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s our list of more than 10 places to see Christmas lights near Charlotte, NC.

Kannapolis Holiday Events

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Saturday November 16th, 2025 6 pm in Village Park
Christmas Parade: December 14th, 2025 6 pm in Downtown Kannapolis

Village Park, Kannapolis
700 West C Street, Kannapolis

Village Park Kannapolis Website

The parks and playgrounds in Charlotte are super fun!

Check out the Kidding Around® Guide to Parks in Charlotte, NC.

Archive for the ‘Featured’ Category

Fall Festivals for Families near Charlotte, NC

Cabarrus County Fair

Charlotte Soul Fest

Festival in the Park

6th Annual Kanntoberfest

Charlotte Kids Fest

Carolina Renaissance Festival

Planning Your Fall Fun

Charlotte, NC’s Best Ramen

Sheng Ramen

Jinya Ramen Bar

SilverLake Ramen

Bao and Broth

More Ramen: Charlotte, NC

Family Meal Deals: Charlotte, NC

Midwood Smokehouse

Viva Chicken

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café

Sabor Latin Street Grill

Mama Ricotta’s

Shane’s Rib Shack

More Family Meal Deals Near Charlotte, NC

Bisonte Pizza Co. – Matthews

Specials in August 2025

Calle Sol Latin Cafe & Cevicheria

Tips for Ordering

Watch! Our Visit

The Playground at Stream Park in Ballantyne

Nature at Stream Park

The Amp

Parking for Stream Park

Visit Stream Park

The Playground at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park

Picnic Spots

The Dock

More at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park

Free School Supplies at Back-to-School Bash and Supply Drive Events

Back to School Bash

Back to School SPLASH

Keith Clinic Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

TLP 5th Annual Back 2 School Kickball Jam

2025 Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway

National Night Out & Back to School Bash

Back-to-School Bash

C.W. Williams Community Health Center’s 10th Annual Back to School Community Health Fair

Mecklenburg County B2SB

Back to School Giveaway

Back To School Family Friendly Marketplace

BaCK 2 SCHooL BaSH

Back 2 School Bash

Back to School Block Party

Back to School Block Party

More Events with Free School Supplies

Want to Help?

Quick Summary: Beaches Closest to Charlotte

10+ Best Beaches Near Charlotte, NC (Coastal)

South Carolina Beaches Within 4 Hours of Charlotte

Folly Beach and the Beaches Near Charleston, SC

More Beaches Near Charleston

North Carolina Beaches Near Charlotte, NC

Brunswick Islands Beaches

Watch! What you’ll see in the Brunswick Islands

Ocean Isle Beach

Sunset Beach

Oak Island and Caswell Beach

Drive a Little Further: 4+ Hours Beaches in NC Worth the Drive

Want to stay closer to home? Lake Beaches Near Charlotte

8 Lake Beaches Near Charlotte

Watch! Our Visit to the CLT Airport Overlook

A Special Airport Park: Charlotte

Aviation Playground: CLT Airport Overlook, Charlotte NC

Things to Know: The Quick Details About the Charlotte Airport Overlook Park

Paved Path, Memorial, and Educational Signage

F4 Phantom II

Picnics and food trucks

Visit the CLT Airport Overlook

More Planes Nearby

Find more things to do outside!

Spend the Day at Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia, NC