Have you visited Grandad’s Apples? Fall is just around the corner, and your family might be hunting for the perfect apple orchard! We checked out Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such and had so much fun. You’ll find activities for kids at Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such, with beautiful views, and, of course, apples.
U-PICK: U-pick is open. Grandad’s asked that you follow their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Hendersonville, North Carolina is known for its delicious apples and it’s easy to see why on the drive up to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such. There are a handful of orchards within a few-mile radius and several farm stands all selling the delicious fruit. On my quest to find the perfect apple orchard experience, I headed on over to Grandad’s, which I heard was pretty awesome.
Fall will be here before we know it, and you may be planning an apple-picking trip in Charlotte with your family. Use these apple-picking tips to make your apple-picking adventure a fun and memorable day for everyone! Let your expectations for “perfect” be low and your expectations for “enjoyable” be high.
One of our family’s favorite fall traditions is heading to an orchard and picking apples together. Plucking your food from a real live tree is no longer a daily experience for most of us. And, it’s just simply amazing what kids will be willing to eat if they have procured it for themselves.
Remember – you want the adventure to be fun and memorable. Let your expectations for “perfect” be low and your expectations for “enjoyable” be high.
Here are five apple-picking tips we’ve learned over the years to help make your actual apple-picking experience be as cute and fun as those Instagram photos might make it look.
Prep your kids ahead of time for apple picking
For toddlers and preschool children, visit the library and check out books about apples.
For elementary-aged kids, look through cookbooks and Pinterest for apple-inspired recipes. Pick a few apple-heavy dishes and plan to bake them together after your trip. (Call Grandma or their Aunt Sharon over to help. It’s an easy way to keep the fun going.)
Do a little research before you go
With so many choices, decide what you want most from your apple-picking adventure. Do you want great views? A hayride? A particular apple variety? Do you want to bring your dog? Are you craving the famed warm apple cider doughnuts? A delectable apple slush?
Also, consider details such as cash only. Nothing can spoil a good apple-picking day like finding out you can’t use your credit card to buy your thirteen hard-earned bushels of apples when you realize you only have $2 in your wallet.
If your household cannot bear to skip the precious afternoon nap time for the tinies at your home, get out of bed and get to those shiny red apples first thing in the morning.
It is wise to avoid weekends if you can. The orchards naturally become very crowded on Saturdays and Sundays. Your best bet is mid-week if you can wrangle it.
Maybe a mid-morning option is best for you and yours. Pack a picnic for after you’ve filled your belly and your baskets with apples. A pb&j never tastes as good at home as it does in a picturesque orchard, with fresh, cold apple cider to wash it down, an apple to go with it, and an apple donut for dessert.
All things apple – am I right?
Invite a friend to join you to pick apples
Sometimes it is just good to have company.
A good buddy can wait with some kids while other kids inevitably have to use the bathroom as soon as you arrive. (And, that good friend can snap a picture that you are actually in with your children to prove that mom, in fact, does go fun places with her children.)
Let apple picking be fun
Yes, take cute pictures.
Yes, pick apples.
But, for goodness sake, have fun.
Let your kids have fun.
If you find out that you somehow didn’t actually pick enough apples while in the orchard, just buy the apples already picked in the shop. (Often the price is not all that different, sometimes pre-picked apples are actually cheaper.)
On the other hand, if you find out that you picked too many apples with your exuberant pickers, buy them anyway. Share them with your friends and your family. Give a bag to the mailman or your child’s school teacher. Who doesn’t love the gift of local apples happily harvested?
Do you have a tip on making apple picking with kiddos fun to add to our list?
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Have you visited the absolutely beautiful Pineville Lake Park in Pineville, NC?
With tons of playground space, a splash pad, and lovely grounds, a lake, and scenery, this is a park you don’t want to miss.
Here’s what you’ll enjoy at Pineville Lake Park.
Things to Do at Pineville Lake Park
Play on the Playground
The park’s playground is a highlight for families visiting with young children. With multiple play structures and accessibility features like solid surface ground cover and ground-level equipment options, everyone can play!
There are swings, tons of slides, various climbing structures designed for young children and older children, even some dinosaur bones to climb.
Where else can you climb on some dinosaur bones?
Plus, all the park’s playground equipment is located along a pretty little lake. With several benches and places parents can relax and watch the kids play.
Shade is somewhat limited so you’ll definitely want those hats and sunscreen.
Cool Off at the Splashpad
When the weather warms up, the park’s splash pad is the perfect place to cool off. This water play area has lots of interactive water features and spray zones. Be sure to bring a change of clothes and a towel!
Enjoy a Picnic in the Park
Pineville Lake Park features several well-maintained picnic areas that are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors. There are 3 picnic shelters, plus lots of grassy space for picnics.
Relax by the Lake
For those looking to unwind, the park’s serene lake provides a beautiful setting for relaxation. Find a comfortable spot by the water’s edge, bring a blanket, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The lake is also a great spot for watching local wildlife, including ducks and birds, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a moment of tranquility.
Take a Leisurely Walk
The park offers scenic walking trails that meander through lush landscapes and around the lake. These trails provide a pleasant way to enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Attend Community Events
Pineville Lake Park often hosts community events and activities throughout the year. From seasonal festivals to fitness classes and educational workshops, there’s usually something happening that adds a special touch to your visit.
Check the park’s calendar or local community boards for information on upcoming events during your visit. When we were at the park we watched an RC boat group with boats on the lake right behind the park’s amphitheater.
Pack up your picnic basket, gather the family, and head to Pineville Lake Park for a day filled with enjoyment and adventure!
Inside: One family’s review of boating on Lake Norman with the Freedom Boat Club. Get all the details on how memberships work for families who want to get out on the water without the costs of owning a boat.
Want to head out on the lake but don’t have a boat? If you’re dreaming of a sunny day on the water without the stress of boat ownership, we’ve got a great tip: Freedom Boat Club at Lake Norman makes lake life super easy and family-friendly.
Recently, Kidding Around’s Crystal was invited to pack up the kids and go boating with her cousin. Crystal’s cousin has a Freedom Boat Club membership and they all had such a blast- fantastic from start to finish- that we just had to share it with you.
What It’s Like: Stress-Free, Family-Ready Boating
We reserved a spacious pontoon boat about two weeks ahead of time (highly recommend doing this if you’re aiming for a weekend or holiday). When we arrived, the boat was clean, fueled, and ready to go—talk about easy!
Before we headed out, the Freedom Boat Club team:
Answered all our questions
Helped us get loaded up
Made sure we were set with life jackets and basic safety info
Let us use the restroom in their office (very appreciated with kids on board!)
The pontoon itself looked almost brand new and was super roomy. We had plenty of space to stretch out, stash our gear, and just enjoy the ride. Honestly, it was one of the most relaxing boating experiences we’ve had.
We rented the 22 ft pontoon boat, but there are around 75 different options at the Lake Norman Freedom Boat Club location. You could choose anything from pontoons to wake‑surf boats, fishing boats, and even double‑deckers with slides.
🧼 The Best Part? They Handle Everything
One of the biggest perks of Freedom Boat Club membership is that you don’t have to worry about:
Cleaning
Fueling
Maintenance
Insurance
Storage
You just show up, hop on, and go. When we got back to the dock, we gathered our things, bagged up our trash (which they take care of), and walked away. That’s it!
Why Join Freedom Boat Club?
If you’re thinking, “OK, this sounds amazing, but how does it work?”—here’s what you get with membership at the Lake Norman club:
🚤 75 boats available (with a variety of types!)
📍 Access to 4 home marinas (Cornelius, Mooresville, Denver, and Davidson)
⛵ Unlimited on-water training with certified captains
🌎 Access to 400+ Freedom Boat Club locations worldwide
🧍♂️ Dockside support to help with loading and unloading
Whether you want a laid-back float or something a little more adventurous, they’ve got you covered. You can even switch up boat styles based on what kind of day you’re planning!
It’s just 30–35 minutes north of Charlotte, so it makes a perfect day trip destination.
Plan Your Family’s Lake Day!
Freedom Boat Club at Lake Norman takes all the logistics out of boating, so you can focus on what really matters: family time, sunshine, and memory-making.
Want to go boating without the hassle? Freedom Boat Club makes it easy.
Are you looking for a great playground or park in Charlotte, NC? This area has a lot of really awesome places to play and explore. In fact, some of our favorite playgrounds ANYWHERE are located in and near Charlotte. Check out this growing park guide and don’t forget to let us know if we’ve missed any of your favorite parks!
Parks & Playgrounds: Charlotte, NC
Sticking close to home? The parks below are all located in Charlotte.
The castle design at Martha Rivers Park in Gastonia is really fun! Plus, the playground has ample seating for parents, a restroom adjacent to the playground, and there are also fields for playing soccer and other sports.
Learn more about the Parks in Gastonia and more things to do in our Gastonia Guide.
If you’re looking to explore a pretty park with lots of nature and great picnic spots, this is a day-trip park to check out!
Summer-Time Parks with Splash Pads
The heat around Charlotte in the summer is no joke. If you’re heading out for a park, you’ll likely want one with a splash pad.
Be that the case, you’ll want to head over to our Splash Pads in Charlotte list. It has more than 20 area splash pads, and many of them are free at local parks.
Sunflowers, Wildlife, and Family Photos? Yes, Please! Have you heard the buzz about the sunflower fields at Draper Wildlife Management Area near Rock Hill? If your family is looking for a free outdoor adventure with serious photo potential, this summer stop is worth the drive.
These fields are only in bloom for a short window — usually from late June through mid-July, depending on the weather — so don’t wait too long!
Why Are There So Many Sunflowers?
We see the question pop up in local mom groups every year: “Where can we take family photos with flowers?” The sunflower fields at Draper WMA come up again and again — and for good reason.
The fields are planted by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), but not for photo ops. The sunflowers are actually grown to attract doves (and other wildlife) for hunting season prep. But while they bloom, the public gets to enjoy the view — completely free!
You’ll likely spot deer, turkey, quail, and more while you’re there.
Getting There (Without Getting Lost)
Here’s where it gets tricky. If your GPS takes you to a locked gate and you see other cars looking equally confused — you’re close, but not quite there yet.
📍 Use this address: 1080 Draper Road, McConnells, SC 29726
🚫 Do not use: 1080 Brattonsville Road (even if it shows up in your map app — that’s a different spot!)
Once you turn in at the correct entrance, follow the road back to the parking area. You’ll see signs pointing to two sunflower fields:
Right Side: Smaller youth field (also stocked fishing ponds!)
Left Side: Main sunflower fields — this is where the photo magic happens
🎣 Bonus Tip: Got a fishing license? Bring your rods and enjoy the ponds too!
Once you enter the gated area at Draper WMA, drive straight back to the main parking lot. From there, you’ll spot signs and two trails — one heading left and one to the right.
The right path leads to the smaller youth field, which has some sunflowers and even a few stocked fishing ponds. 🎣 If someone in your family has a fishing license, go ahead and pack those poles — it’s a great bonus activity while you’re there!
But if you’re after the big, bold sunflower views, head left from the parking area. You won’t see the fields right away, but don’t worry — it’s just a short, easy hike down the trail before the flowers come into view. Get your camera ready!
Make It a Day Trip
The fields are located near Historic Brattonsville, a living history site with 18th-century buildings and reenactments. While it wasn’t the main destination this time, it’s definitely worth exploring while you’re in the area!
Enjoying The Sunflowers: Draper WMA Sunflower Fields
Sunflower Season Recap 🌻
Bloom Time: Typically late June–mid-July, usually peak in early July
Cost: Free!
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Other Activities: Hiking, fishing (with a license), bird watching
Accessibility: Not stroller-friendly; terrain is uneven
Follow SC DNR and Visit York County on social media for bloom updates.
If you want to have professional photos taken here, the good news is there’s no extra fee! While commercial farms make money off the sales of flowers and the charging of photo shoot fees, you’ve already paid it in the form of taxes!
If a unique getaway or staycation is on your radar, Kristina stayed at a tiny house with the Saluda Outdoor Center on the Saluda River in Easley. It’s the perfect little overnight glamping trip to take a break from the world and she tells us all about it. Thank you to the Saluda Outdoor Center for hosting us.
Kidding Around Earns through an affiliate relationship with Stay22 when you book through links on this page.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
