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25+ Family Friendly FREE Things to Do in Charlotte, NC

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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, North Carolina for families.

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.

Things to Do at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Center in Charlotte

The Playground at Reedy Creek Park, Nature Center, and Preserve is so unique!

Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium near Gastonia, North Carolina

The Schiele Museum in Gastonia, NC has a free Tuesday night each month.

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!

Village Park Kannapolis

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!

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 $12 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.

The Anne Springs Close Greenway in York, South Carolina

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.

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.

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.

Home Depot has a FREE kids workshop each month that your kids will love bonding with you over.

Home Depot kids workshop

Cinergy Cinemas in Charlotte offers 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.

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.

Legos at ImaginOn

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.

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 Charlotte, NC

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!

Draper wma sunflower fields

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.

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!

Celebration of Lights in Kannapolis, North Carolina

The Celebration of Lights has thousands of lights, a Venetian Carousel, train rides, and more!

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.


Things to Do in Charlotte, NC

Don’t miss our full guide to things to do in Charlotte, NC!

5+ Places for FREE Sledding: Charlotte, NC

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Hoping for some snow for a little sledding? Charlotte, NC doesn’t get a lot of snow so if you’re tired of waiting, you can plan a totally free little day trip up to the mountains for some sledding. Really! These spots are just a couple of hours’ drive from Charlotte, and they are A LOT more likely to have snow.

Places for Snow sledding, Charlotte, NC

Of course, if you want a “guaranteed” snow-ish experience you can visit any of the snow tubing places near Charlotte, NC. But if there’s snow in the mountains, and you come armed with a sled and a good sense of fun (and maybe a thermos of hot cocoa and some favorite snacks) you can have a great time without spending any more money than the gas it takes to chase down that snow.

Check out these free sledding hills you can visit.

Free Sledding Hill in Beech Mountain, North Carolina

About 2 1/2 hours from Charlotte, NC

In addition to the Beech Mountain Ski Resort, the city offers a free sledding hill behind the Brick Oven Pizzeria at 110 Bark Park Way, Beech Mountain. This new sledding hill location is considered much safer than the previous hill behind the visitor’s center. There is more parking, the hill is fenced in, and there is no longer a power pole in the middle of the run. You’ll also find a bathroom and playground, so you can stay all day.

The Sledding Hill is open seven days a week, weather permitting. And, the city will often make snow for this hill, giving you lots more opportunities for sledding even if nature isn’t being cooperative. This is the only free sledding hill we know about that makes snow.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina Sledding

1 hour and 45 minutes from Charlotte, NC

Blowing Rock, North Carolina has several parks that offer a great opportunity for snow play!

Boone, North Carolina: Sledding Spots

2 hours from Charlotte, NC

Boone, NC sees a fair bit of snow, which means they have several parks used for winter fun. If snow is on the ground, these parks would be fun to visit for sledding. Of course Boone is a fun town for a day trip anyway, so just pack your sleds and boots and be ready for an adventure.

Check conditions before you go: Use the town of Boone’s webcam so you can check up on the snow status in real-time!

  • Moses H. Cone Memorial Park: Hills for sledding and even cross-country ski trails
  • Daniel Boone Park is a public park that offers sledding on Strawberry Hill. (Be sure to stop for a bathroom break before you head to the park because the restrooms are closed during the winter months.

Getting to some of these spots can be a challenge at times due to weather. The Blue Ridge Parkway often closes during inclement weather, making spots along this highway difficult to access.

But, this road closure can actually be really fun. When the road closes to traffic, it is open for walking, using snow shoes, and it even offers families a unique opportunity to sled right on the road. For road closure information, visit the Road Closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway page. To take a peek at what Milepost 241 on the Parkway looks like, head to the Bluffs Restaurant Webcam.

For more safety tips and info about The Blue Ridge Parkway in winter, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway Facebook page.

Brevard, North Carolina: Sledding Spots

2 1/2 hours from Charlotte, NC

Channel Your Inner Ninja Warrior at Ninja Nation in Huntersville, NC

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Have you been looking for a place to sharpen up your ninja warrior skills? Ninja Nation: Huntersville has courses for all ages! Even your kindergartener can climb, jump, and burn off some energy while fitting in a little hidden exercise. Their open gym is a great way to dip your toes into the world of parkour, but they also have specialized classes, birthday party packages, and even summer camps!

Ninja Nation in Huntersville, North Carolina

Ninja Nation: An Epic Arena for All Ages

Get ready to watch your kids perform some amazing stunts that may even surprise you. If you are wondering “What exactly is a Ninja course?”, then you’re in for a treat, because it is pretty unique.

The gym is huge, with over 11,000 square feet of space filled with warped climbing walls, ropes challenges, high-quality soft mats, padded foam blocks, obstacle courses, stationary rings, and so many more interactive features. If you have seen the show Ninja Warrior, then you have some sort of idea of what a course can look like.

The full course at Ninja Nation in Huntersville, North Carolina
Arena and large foam blocks at Ninja Nation near Charlotte, North Carolina

Open Gym at Ninja Nation

Kids 5 and older are welcome at Ninja Nation, and the Open Gym courses are designed for beginners, intermediate, and advanced participants.  Open Gym is a time where you can explore the course without instruction.

Younger kids will have a blast stacking the foam blocks and creating their own obstacles. Older kids will get a fantastic upper body workout trying out all the equipment as well. Plus, they’ll have to opportunity to push themselves and boost their self-esteem when they master the warped wall!

There are coaches available to help spot and give advice, but it’s more informal during these times. You and your kids will need clean tennis shoes to wear while at the gym, so make sure to pack your most comfortable pair. 

Drop in Classes

If your kid needs a little more guidance, drop-in classes at Ninja Nation are recommended. With classes like Ninja Basics, Girl Power Ninja Class, and even a Mini-Heroes Class for preschoolers, you can find a drop-in class for every skill level.

Ninja & Parkour Program

Maybe your kid is super dedicated and wants to take it to the next level! The Ninja & Parkour Program is where you should look. These 8-week courses focus on helping your kid learn the skills they need, while also strengthening their body and learning how to control their body movement.

Homeschool Program

It can be difficult to find programs for kids that fit the requirement for physical education when it comes to Homeschooling. Ninja Nation’s Homeschool Classes are a great way to help keep your kids fit while also having a lot of fun. Kids 5 – 15 are welcome, and classes are once per week for an hour.


Hours and Cost at Ninja Nation: Huntersville

You can visit Ninja Nation every day of the week if you want. They are open Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm, Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm, and Saturday through Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. 

The Huntersville location has several pricing options to choose from. Drop-in rates for open gym are $20 per hour $30 per hour for two hours, and an all-day pass is $35. Children must be 5 and older to participate. Bring clean shoes, they are required!

If you plan to visit more than once, a punch pass would be a smart option. They have a 5 or 10 punch pass. The 5 punch pass (5 hours total) is $80 while a 10 punch pass (10 hours total) is $160.

Class passes are also available, and are helpful if you are in Ninja Nation’s Development, Homeschool Ninja Basics, Teen&Adult, or Mini Heroes classes. A 4 class pass is $100, 8 class pass is $200, and 12 class pass is $300.

You can also get a monthly membership! They have two options, an Open Gym Membership for $125 (plus a $39 initiation fee) or the Unlimited Access Pass that is $210 per month (plus a $79 initiation fee). The memberships are a great option if you have kids who are very serious about honing their ninja skills.


Birthday Parties at Ninja Nation

Looking for a birthday party that your kid will never forget? How about a ninja birthday party at Ninja Nation? Your party will have access to the open gym arena for 90 minutes along with a party room to enjoy birthday treats.

Prices start at $395 for a Standard Party, with other options available. They have an add-on pizza and drink package to help make it easier on you when planning out your kid’s party.


Ninja Camp

Have an energized kid who needs to do something epic on their days off from school? Ninja Nation has camps for most “no school” holidays throughout the year. They also have summer camp! Your kids will do ninja activities, have open gym time, work on their teamwork, and play games.

Camps are full-day, and you can purchase day camp passes or week-long passes depending on what you’re looking for.

14120 Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC

How excited are you to visit Ninja Nation?

stuck at home things to do

These 25+ Ideas For Things to Do While Stuck at Home will keep everyone happy!

Enjoy Winter in Charlotte, NC: The Premier Guide

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Are you looking for things to do this winter in Charlotte, NC? Winter has arrived! That means it’s time for all the activities the cooler weather lets us enjoy, from winter hikes to snow tubing, great family dining to awesome indoor play places. We created our Kidding Around Charlotte Winter Guide to help you plan your family’s fun! No reason to stay home and be bored!

Charlotte, NC Winter Things to Do

Outdoor Things to Do This Winter: Charlotte, NC

Snow Tubing

The ultimate family-fun winter day, snow tubing. There are lots of places about a 2-hour drive from Charlotte where you can head for a day of winter fun on a snow tube.

Here’s our list of places to go snow tubing near Charlotte, NC.

Ice Skating

Charlotte’s Whitewater Center is the place to go for ice skating in the winter. They offer skating from mid-November through mid-February, making it a true winter season offering. Day tickets for skating are $25 and that includes the skate rental and use of the 24,000 square foot skating space. The ice is unlike other rinks and is made up of 4 distinct skating areas, connected by ice trails.

Ice skating at the Whitewater Center

Sledding

Even if there’s no snow on the ground in Charlotte (and let’s face it, there probably isn’t), you can still enjoy some free winter fun with a day of sledding. You’ll just have to drive into the mountains a bit. So toss those sleds in the car and grab the kids’ winter coats. It’s time to go find some snow.

❄️Here’s where to go sledding near Charlotte, NC.

Winter Hikes

Cooler weather can make for some much more enjoyable hiking conditions- less sweat, no humidity, and open views without leaves on the trees. There are places near Charlotte where you can enjoy a cooler weather hike or walk, and of course there are some fabulous day trip hikes you can take in the mountains.

Want to check out some of our winter hikes and see what you’re in for? We made a video for that, because these hikes are seriously gorgeous.

Indoor Things to Do This Winter: Charlotte, NC

Unwind Indoor Play Cafe

With a climbing wall, sandbox, and loads of sensory spaces, the Unwind Indoor Play Cafe is definitely a spot to check out for indoor play time. They even have snacks, coffee and other tdrinks available for purchase so you can make a whole afternoon of it.

Kidding Around Charlotte got to visit to review the play cafe, and we had a great time! Check it all out in our review: Unwind Indoor Play Cafe

Ninja Nation

Head up to Huntersville, NC for open gym time at Ninja Nation. Kids (and adults) can try out all their ninja skills on Ninja Nation’s course equipment in their super clean gym. We loved the friendly staff.

Here’s our full review of Ninja Nation.

Open Gym at Ninja Nation is for ages 5 and up. They offer open gym Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm and Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Open gym prices start at $20 for an hour of gym time with options for 2 hours and a full day pass.
14120 Statesville Road Huntersville, NC 28078

Discovery Place Science Museum

Any Charlotte area indoor list would not be complete without Discovery Place. The kids (and adults) will enjoy playing and learning here for hours.

You’ll save a few dollars if you purchase your tickets online. If you plan to visit more than once, a family membership is probably the way to go.

Online ticket prices: $18-19 for children, $23-24 for adults (Children under 2 are free)
Buy tickets online
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte

Gibson Mill

Get everyone something to eat that they’ll love at the food hall at Gibson Mill. Hang around and play games or visit the small arcade for a little family fun.

Gibson Mill outdoor seating

Here’s our full review of Gibson Mill.

Still Need More Options?

Things to Do in Charlotte, NC

Discover lots more things to do in our HUGE Charlotte, NC Things to Do Guide

25+ Things to Do When You’re Stuck at Home

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Looking for things to do when you’re stuck at home? Whether you’re home because of illness in the family, school closings, or because gas is too expensive, you need ideas to help you not lose your sanity and entertain your kids. If you’re looking for things to do at home with kids, we have lots of ideas (because that’s what we do here). This may be the perfect time to cross off some of your bucket list items.

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Unwind Indoor Play Cafe: This Indoor Playground Has a Giant Sandbox!

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If you are looking for an epic indoor play place, then Unwind Indoor Play Cafe is an excellent idea for your next play day! The indoor playground in Pineville, NC has a play structure, ball pit, and several other sensory-enriching features that will keep your young kids busy while you enjoy something delicious from the cafe.

Unwind Indoor Play Cafe near Charlotte, North Carolina

Special thanks to Unwind Indoor Play Cafe for providing play passes for this review!

Check out these 20+ Things to Do Near Charlotte, NC to have some wonderful family fun!

Things to Do in Charlotte, NC

What to Expect at Unwind Indoor Play Cafe: Review

When you enter the play cafe, you’ll head straight to the counter to purchase your tickets and socks. If you have been before, you can bring along the socks from your first visit to save you a few bucks. The play area is open to kids 7 years old and younger, so keep that in mind before your visit.

At the counter, you can also purchase yummy snacks and treats while your kids get their wristbands and head through the gate to play. The entire play area is visible from the cafe area, or you can find a seat inside that’s comfortable.

The Playground Area

Let’s just say this playground is truly Instagram-worthy! The main playground features a climbing tunnel and twisty slide that my daughters loved going down over and over into the ball pit below. The ball pit is filled with hundreds of balls, so your kids can play along the ground and make ball snow angels if that’s their vibe. The area is lined with soft padded seating, making it easy for parents to sit along the edges and interact with their kids.

The Sensory Floor

This was my favorite! They have an entire section covered in sensory flooring. It’s like the floor is colorful lava that you can press and watch the colors morph. You will also see several Rody ride-on horses here, a color-changing wall, and several other things your kids (and you!) can enjoy playing with.

A Section Just for Babies!

Thankfully, Unwind wanted to make sure babies had a separate, safe section to play. There are developmentally appropriate climbing toys and soft blocks to enjoy. Parents can sit around the edges and watch their little ones explore without worrying that a big kid will come along and bump them.

The Sandbox

If you head toward the front corner of the play area, you’ll find a huge sandbox. The sand in the box is so soft, and my tactile toddler loved running her hands through the sand. You can get into the sandbox if you would like, but there is also space in front where parents can hang out and chat. Unwind has utility brushes right outside of the sandbox where you can brush down your kid’s clothes and feet so that they do not track sand to the other areas.

The Climbing Wall

In the back corner, there is a climbing wall I couldn’t keep my four-year-old out of. She loved it! The wall has rock climbing grips so your kids can climb and then jump into a pit of foam blocks. If you have younger kids, just be mindful of the bigger kids jumping off the walls onto them.

Large sandbox at Unwind Indoor Play Cafe
Climbing wall at Unwind Indoor Play Cafe in Pineville, North Carolina

Cost of Admission and Hours

Passes for Unwind Indoor Play Cafe are $12.99 per hour of play. Two adults are free per child. You will need to purchase socks if you do not already have Unwind-branded socks. Parents are required to fill out a waiver online or in person before their child can play. 

The play cafe is open Monday through Friday from 9 am – 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am – 7 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.

The Cafe at Unwind

It wouldn’t be a play & cafe without delicious snacks! The cafe has several options for prepackaged snacks, coffee, a selection of lattes, hot chocolate, tea, and a variety of drinks. They occasionally have some yummy items like empanadas, tequenos, and sweet treats like cheesecake and milhojas. If you forget your kid’s snacks, they have items like veggie straws and juice. There are several tables throughout the venue to eat your snacks.

Birthday Parties

Looking for a place to host your kid’s next birthday? Unwind has several birthday party packages to choose from. Prices range from $350 for a party rental room, to $1500 if you would like to rent out the entire venue. Party packages do not include play passes, so keep that in mind when budgeting your party. Contact Unwind directly if you have any questions or concerns before your next party!

Things to Know Before You Go

  • There are bathrooms at the venue, so no need to worry if you need to rush your potty-training toddler to the restroom.
  • The weekends are popular, and it gets very busy. This means that older kids may be running around, so keep that in mind if you want to put your baby in the ball pit.
  • If you live in the area, monthly memberships to Unwind Indoor Play Cafe are available and could save you money if you plan to attend regularly.
  • Outside food is prohibited.
  • Parents must stay with their children as the play area is not equipped for drop-off childcare.
  • You can find all the rules and policies on the Unwind regulations page.
Unwind Indoor Play Cafe playground

Unwind Indoor Play Cafe
601 North Polk Street Suite A
Pineville, NC 28134

8 Spots for Snow Tubing: Charlotte, NC

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Thinking about taking the kids snow tubing? Charlotte, NC is close to some great options that will make a wonderful family day trip. So, if you’re looking for a dose of epic winter family fun, just pick one of these snow tubing slopes near Charlotte. We’ve been to lots of these spots ourselves and you’ll find our reviews with each listing. We always have a great time and we’re fairly certain you can’t go wrong!

What’s so great about snow tubing?

Snow tubing is simple, family fun. Almost everyone can go and have fun, no special skills required. And we do mean you, parents. Watch the delight on your kids’ and teens’ faces when you join them at the top of the hill.

Snow tubing is vastly more affordable than a ski day, and (most of them) have snow. We realize that sounds weird, stick with us. Snow is a rather exciting and rare item in a southern winter. So, if you want to get out of the ho-hum-drum of January and get a change of scenery, snow tubing could definitely be the way to go.

Take a peek at our trip to Black Bear Snow Tubing in this video if you still need to be convinced!

Where to Snow Tube Near Charlotte, NC

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park

9472 Highway 181, Jonas Ridge, NC
828.733.4155
2 hours from Charlotte, NC
Open now for 2024 season: requires reservations

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing offers snow tubing that even the little ones will love. Jonas Ridge allows kids to tube as long as they can sit up in their own tube, though they do recommend ages 3 and up. Parents or accompanying adults can go down with young children by hanging on to their tube.

This snow tubing destination has staff photographers to capture action shots of your family so you can remember your fun day without being stuck behind the camera on your phone.

  • $30/ages 7+ $20/age 6 and under for an hour of tubing
  • $45/person and $30/age 6 and under for two hours of tubing.
  • Kids must be able to sit up on their own to go down in a tube. No lap riding.

Black Bear Snow Tubing

373 Kerr Road, Hendersonville, NC
828.685.1155
2 hours from Charlotte, NC
Open now for 2024 season, reservations are recommended

We love Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC. The people are super friendly, there’s a pulley system that tows you to the top of the run, and then you’re ready to slide down the 600 feet of tubing lane that drops 80 ft. It’s a fast ride and our families love visiting here.

Kids must be 4 years old to ride down the slope, but they also have a small playground and snow area where little ones can enjoy the snow slope-side.

  • Tickets are $40 per 2 hours of tubing or $30 for one hour.
  • Children under 4 or under 40 lbs are not permitted to tube and kids ages 4-6 must be accompanied by an adult (on their own tube).
  • They accept cash and credit cards and, to save time, sign your waiver online.

Black Bear Snow Tubing

Check out our full review of Black Bear Snow Tubing.

If you’re headed to Hendersonville for either Black Bear Tubing or Moonshine Mountain, don’t forget to check out what else Hendersonville has to offer on your day trip! There are some really fabulous gems there like the awesome donuts at McFarlands Bakery and a super free model train museum. Find it all in our guide to Hendersonville, NC.

Moonshine Mountain

5865 Willow Road, Hendersonville, NC
828.696.0333
2 hours from Charlotte, NC
Open now for the 2024 Winter Season

Moonshine Mountain in Hendersonville, NC was is always mentioned by several Kidding Around readers when we ask you where to go tubing. 

  • Two hours of tubing for $40 per person. Cash only.
  • Be sure to check their current hours before making the trip.
  • Minimum height is 36″.

Read our Moonshine Mountain review for special tips on making the most of your time there.

Moonshine Mountain tubing

Crowders Ridge Chutes

4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain NC
35 minutes from Charlotte, NC
Open now, make reservations in advance

Remember when we said “most” of these places had snow? It was true. This place has snowless snow tubing at their camp, which they call Chutes. It looks really fun and it’s only about half an hour from Charlotte. So it’s perfect if you don’t have the whole day to dedicate to your snow tubing adventure. There are 4 lanes, 225 feet long and they’ll get you going pretty fast, up to 15 mph.

  • Each ticket includes 3 hours of tubing time and proceeds support the camp.
  • No official age limit but they suggest kids need to be at least five years old (younger kids can tube at the discretion of their parents).
  • Tickets are $25/person.
  • Open Friday & Saturday nights with slots at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 pm.

Hawksnest Snow Tubing

2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils, NC
828.963.6561
2 hours and 15 minutes from Charlotte, NC
Open for the 2024 winter season

Hawksnest Snow Tubing is a larger snow tubing park with 30 lanes. There is no hiking up the slopes here, just hook up to the magic carpets that allow you to save your energy for the tubing. Tubers must be at least 3 years old.

  • Tickets are $35/person on weekdays
  • Tickers are $40-47/person on weekends and holidays
  • One ticket is good for an hour and 45 minutes of tubing.

Sugar Mountain Resort: Tubing

1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain, NC
800.SUGAR.MT
2 hours and 15 minutes from Charlotte, NC
Open for the 2024 season

You’ll find four tubing runs at Sugar Mountain which also offers skiing on its 20 slopes. Its a good spot for a full ski trip close to home and they also offer multiple lodging options, some slope side, so you don’t have to pack up the car when you’re done in the snow for the day. But Sugar Mountain is also a good spot to head for some tubing higher up in the mountains.

Sugar Mountain Resort is just 10 minutes from Banner Elk, NC.

  • Tubings costs: $36 weekdays, $45 weekends and holidays
  • Kids ages 3 and 4 ride free!
  • The minimum age is 3, and kids 6 and under must ride with an adult sharing a tube.

Beech Mountain

1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC
828.387.2011
Open for 2024, tickets are first come first serve

Beech Mountain Resort, is the highest ski resort in the Eastern United States. They offer skiing, snowboarding, a terrain park, ice skating, and of course snow tubing.

Like Sugar, Beech Mountain offers multiple lodging options.

  • Tubing guests must be at least 42″ tall
  • Tickets are $34/weekdays and $42/weekends and holidays

BONUS! There is also a free sledding hill right in the center of town. You can’t miss it as it’s on the main road that goes through the small town.

Zip n Slip

10725 US Highway 23 North, Mars Hill, NC
828.689.8444
2 1/2 hours from Charlotte, NC
Open now for the 2024 season, reservations can be made online

Located just outside Asheville in Mars Hill, NC, Zip-n-Slip has snow tubing plus a solarium with a fireplace and views of the runs. You can also enjoy hot chocolate and sometimes even food trucks on-site.

  • Prices start at $30/pp for an hour (it’s $22.50 for military, police, fire, and EMS persons) and go up to $45/pp for two hours.
  • Kids 5 and under are free.
  • Zip-n-Slip allows kids ages 3-5 to ride in the same tube as an adult.
  • Kids must be at least 3 years old for tubing.

Light the Knights

Truist Field
Festival has concluded- check back for Holiday Season 2024

The Light the Knights Festival offered an ice rink for ice skating, snow tubing, and a walk-through lights display at Truist Field to celebrate the holiday season in 2023. The event concluded on January 1st, 2024.

Charlotte, NC Winter Things to Do

Love Winter?

Here’s our Kidding Around Winter Guide to Charlotte!



Gibson Mill in Concord, NC Has Delicious Dining & Unique Vintage Shopping All in One Place

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Have you experienced Gibson Mill? Concord, NC is no stranger to exciting shopping and dining, but Gibson Mill has all of that in one unique place, a refurbished textile mill! Learn about what dining options are available and more about the antique vendors, breweries, and entertainment you will encounter when visiting this wonderful gem in Concord, NC.

Gibson Mill and Market in Concord, North Carolina

We visited Gibson Mill to grab lunch at the market and were blown away by all of the vintage items at the antique depot and other things to do, including an escape room, breweries, and an ax-throwing venue.

Special thank you to Explore Cabbarus for recommending Gibson Mill as a dining option and putting together an excellent guide to the mill while we were visiting Concord, NC!

Breweries & Restaurants at The Market at Gibson Mill: Concord, NC

From pizza, burgers, and tacos to ice cream and even a board game cafe, Gibson Mill Market has a little bit of everything for diners looking for a meal. You can even grab a coffee and a beer here! Our family tried out Taco Street and loved their El Cabon and Calabonzitas tacos, which were fresh and had a delicious sauce to top it off. 

Plus, the food hall has both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can head outside on a nice day, or hang out inside when the weather isn’t so great. Indoor seating is cafeteria style, so your family can grab whatever you want from the vendor that looks the most appetizing, and meet up at a table in the center of the food hall. We’ve listed out each restaurant with a little about what they offer, so you can place your next visit with ease.

Dining Options

We tried out Taco Street when we visited Gibson Mill and were not disappointed. They have trompo tacos, Birria tacos, and a variety of other tacos to choose from. They also have specialty drinks that pair well with Latin-inspired foods!

Barco’s Sports and Seafood offers a relaxed vibe, snacks, steamers, salads, and boat rolls. A lot of their menu features seafood and they have a couple of kid-friendly options, including hand-breaded chicken tenders.

Craving a scoop or two of ice cream? Churn Buddies has several options that you can pick from their case of ice creams. They also have sundaes, yum!

Cara’s Cookie Co has a yummy selection of cookies, cookie push pops, and cookie cakes that look delectable. They take custom orders and also offer birthday party packages.

Need a pick-me-up? Defined Coffee has brewed coffee, craft lattes, espresso, seasonal drinks, and tea. They even have kid’s hot chocolate and kid’s steamers.

Johnny Roger’s has BBQ and burgers, so this would be an excellent option if you are looking for American cuisine.

Looking for a fresh, delicious slice of pizza? Livy’s Neapolitan Pizzeria has a lot of savory options, including Margherita, Siciliana, and several other specialty pizzas along with the traditional cheese pizza.

Drinks & Breweries at the Gibson Mill Market

Right as you walk into the Gibson Mill Market, you’ll find The Market Bar. They have a large selection of draft cocktails, hand-crafted cocktails, beer, and wine to choose from.

High Branch Brewery is located on the bottom level of the market. It is a family-owned brewery with drinks, food, and space for special events!

Cabarrus Brewing Co. is where to be when looking for a great time. They have lots of special events, and an expansive outdoor seating area perfect for warmer weather. They consider themselves a “brewpub” with lots of delicious food available as well. The pig fries are calling my name!

Though technically not a brewery, Luck Factory Games has a decent selection of craft draft beer and canned beer for sale, along with a light snacks menu. This place is excellent because you can grab a drink and play some board games for a few hours.


Antique Mall: The Depot at Gibson Mill in Concord, NC

My daughter and I were immediately blown away when we walked into the doors of the antique mall. And it’s easy to see why this antique mall is considered the largest in the Southeast.  There is cool stuff everywhere! The Depot is home to over 750 vendors that take over the 88,000-square-foot sales floor. 

Everything is organized, clean, and purposely placed so that you can walk down the long aisle and browse, yet captures the “more is more” vibe of maximalism design. We visited during the Christmas season, so there were tons of vintage decorations, ornaments, and classic toys that caught our eye. My daughter was particularly drawn to a set of midcentury green glass reflector ornaments that screamed retro. I couldn’t be more proud of her design choices! 

You will find furniture, home goods, unique decor, art, and homemade goods, so you can easily spend hours here enjoying looking at all the neat stuff and finding pieces to curate every room in your home with your unique style. Another great furniture of the way the depot is set up is that it easily accommodates strollers, so you can lug along your toddler without having to worry about wandering hands. 

The Depot is open from Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 1 to 6 pm.


Entertainment and Things to Do at Gibson Mill

Though the food hall or the antique mall may be what draws you into Gibson Mill, they also have some other resident businesses that are fantastic! So, grab a bite to eat then head out to enjoy one of these resident entertainment venues.

If you have never tried ax throwing, you’re in for a thrill. Iron Ax Society at Gibson Mill has ax throwing starting at $26 per person per hour. One great thing is that when you play longer, you pay less. They offer group pricing if you want to take a group of 7 or more.

Looking for a mystery to solve or a way to show off to your boss? Then The Valcarol Missions Escape Room is where you should go for your next date night, family night, or team-building event. They have three escape room missions to choose from, along with a game show-style time travel mission that looks awesome! We recommend booking online so you don’t show up and have to wait.

Luck Factory Games is more than just a place to kick back, relax, and enjoy some friendly competition with your friends while you demolish them at your favorite board game. They also have snacks and beer to purchase, so you can enjoy game night with your friends. They do require reservations Tuesday through Sunday for larger groups planning to play (please reserve five days before!).

What’s your favorite thing to do at Gibson Mill: Concord, NC?

Gibson Mill
325 McGill Ave NW, Concord, NC 28027
704.787.9351

Lots of Winter Family Fun at Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC

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Are you thinking about snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC? Western North Carolina has great snow tubing and Black Bear Snow Tubing is a stellar option for families! They have a huge mountain to get your winter in high gear with a fun snow tubing trip for the whole family! We took a trip up to try out that snow-tubing mountain and it was so much fun! Now we have all the details to share so you can plan your trip!

Media tickets were provided for this review and the opinions are solely those of the author.

Snow tubing at Black Bear in Hendersonville, NC

While there aren’t any places to snow tube in the Upstate, SC, there are definitely options nearby and one of them is Black Bear Snow Tubing in nearby Hendersonville, NC, just over an hour from Greenville, SC. The snow tubing family-owned operation has been in business for over seven years and they really have a good thing going there, which I’m going to tell you all about in this story.

Scenes From the Slope

Take a sneak peek at this video at Black Bear Snow Tubing.

Snow Tubing at Black Bear

The slope at Black Bear Snow Tubing is 600 feet long with an 80-foot drop and it’s pretty fast. They make their own snow (unless they get a big snowstorm, which doesn’t happen too often) and the hill is well-maintained by their attentive staff.

How it works is that when you get to Black Bear, you go to a little shed to watch a short safety video, where you learn how to get out of your tube on the run and not to start snowball fights, sign a waiver, and head inside the cozy lodge to pay. Then you get your tubes and head to the hill.

They have a pulley system to get you to the top of the hill, which works by slipping the handle of your tube on a cable that takes you, while sitting inside your tube, right up the hill to the top. Once at the top, you’ll wait for a few minutes before being situated into your group by the staff and then sliding down the hill.

On the snow tube pully at Black Bear in Hendersonville, NC
Black Bear Snow Tubing Pulley System

Why Black Bear is Different

I’ve snow tubed at many places in our area and I think Black Bear Snow Tubing is pretty fantastic. Here’s why:

  • You can (and should) make a reservation ahead of time, which is crucial for us in Greenville who need to travel out of state to go snow tubing. It’s quite a bummer to get to our snow tubing place and either find out that they are sold out or having to wait hours for an open slot.
  • The staff is attentive and efficient. They were always around watching the hill to make sure things were running smoothly and safely. When there was a slight backup at the top of the hill, they figured out how to manage to get us all down the hill and back up to keep snow tubing without interruption.
  • The lodge is super cozy and warm and has reasonable concessions. I got a $2 hot chocolate and it was amazing. Plus, they have food, including apple cider donuts, that is affordable and you can get warm by the wood-burning stove inside or watch on the deck if you don’t want to go tubing.
  • The setup takes into account smaller kids. There is playground next to the place where you wait in line to go up the hill so smaller kids can get out their energy and there is a big fire pit also near the waiting area where you can warm up.
  • If you forgot a hat or gloves, they have them for sale inside the lodge. I feel like us parents can relate when our kid gets out of the car to go snow tubing and forgot his or her winter hat.
  • The check-in is fast. This is important because you want to get on the hill and start having fun as soon as possible!
  • Black Bear has excellent communication. They post daily on their Facebook page about current snow conditions, which is super helpful when you’re unsure about the weather.
  • The snow is real. They don’t have any synthetic chemicals in the snow – it’s the real deal.

My kids, ages 11 and 8, and I had such a blast snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing. We went down the hill about 10 times (maybe more, I lost count honestly) and had so much fun together. I really love places where adults can carelessly be kids again. My kids are already asking to go back. The hill was super fast and seeing my kids faces light up with joy was special. I love those moments.

Tips on How to Enjoy Snow Tubing at Black Bear

Winter being winter, it’s usually cold when you go snow tubing. I’ve found that bringing hand and foot warmers is a really good trick to keeping everyone warm and comfortable. You can get them at Wal-Mart, Amazon, or most drug stores and they stay warm for hours.

Sliding down in a tube at Black Bear Tubing

It’s also really important to make a reservation when you know you want to go snow tubing. This is especially true during school breaks and holidays. Snow tubing is an awesome family activity on a day off but a lot of people also have the same thought. Don’t forget to make a reservation.

You don’t need to wear snow bibs or snow pants. I had on fleece leggings, hiking boots, and a couple layers of tops with a heavy coat (it was really cold when we went!) and I was fine. I saw people wearing all kinds of clothes that worked for them like pants, leggings, jeans, and sweatpants. The snow wasn’t wet at all when we went but if you go on a warmer day, you may want to bring a change of pants in case they get wet.

There are port-a-potties outside the lodge to use and no bathrooms indoors.

Double-check Black Bear’s Facebook page before heading out. Snow tubing is very dependent on weather, which changes often in the mountains. They will post current conditions and if they are open or closed most days.

Ticket Prices and Policies at Black Bear Snow Tubing

Tickets are $30/hour or $40/two hours for snow tubing. Kids must be 4 years old in order to go snow tubing. You can either sign a waiver when you get to Black Bear Snow Tubing or print one out online ahead of time. Either is fine.

While Black Bear Snow Tubing does take walk-ups, it is much better to make a reservation ahead of time instead of getting there and finding out they are full. Online reservations are fantastic for this very reason so definitely make use of them.

And be sure to check Black Bear Snow Tubing’s Facebook page before heading out to double check they are open and running. Winter tubing runs mid-December through February usually depending on the weather, of course.

And if you want to tube during other times of the year, you totally can! They have warm-weather tubing in the fall.

Black Bear Snow Tubing
373 Kerr Road, Hendersonville, NC
828.685.1155

Want to spend the day in Hendersonville? We’ve got lots of ideas on what to do in this fun town!

Things to Do in Hendersonville, North Carolina

Hendersonville is full of family fun.
Check it out!

Kidding Around Guide to Hendersonville