Tricks, Treats & Free Fun: 100+ Halloween Events in Charlotte NC 2026

Charlotte goes big for Halloween—and so should you!

Our 2026 guide to the best Halloween events in Charlotte NC covers it all: safe spots for trick or treating in Charlotte, spooky haunted attractions, and plenty of free Halloween events in Charlotte. With 100+ ways to celebrate, you’ll find something for every ghost and goblin.

It’s Halloween 2026 in Charlotte!

What Halloween Events are you looking for? Charlotte is completely loaded with Halloween fun from spooky to family-friendly cute and crafty. Use the buttons below to find exactly what you’re looking for!

If you’re thinking WOW! This is too much info! Just click below for a quick list organized by date.

🎃Charlotte’s Halloween Events by date

Trick or Treat & Trunk or Treat Charlotte, NC Events

Haunted Houses & Trails

Halloween Travel and Day Trips

Carowinds Halloween: Scarowinds and Tricks & Treats

Do you want your Halloween event on this list? Submit your information here.

2026 Halloween, Trick-or-Treating & Trunk-or-Treat Events: Charlotte

Where is all the candy? Right here! We will be adding to this list all season long with all of the coolest trunk-or-treat and trick-or-treat events in Charlotte, NC. Bookmark this list and check back soon. Many of the local events won’t be announced until the end of September.

	Date/Time	Event
	October 25, 2026 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm	Halloween in Huntersville at Huntersville Athletic Park, Huntersville NC
	October 25, 2026 4:00 pm	Trunk or Treat at Boger at Boger Reformed Church, Concord NC
	October 25, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Trunks & Treats at Vanderburg Methodist Church, Charlotte NC
🆓	October 27, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm	TRUNK OR TREAT + DINNER at St. Marks Episcopal Church, Huntersville
🆓	October 27, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm	Trunk or Treat at Christ Church Charlotte at Christ Episcopal Church Charlotte, Charlotte NC
🆓	October 28, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am	Itty Bitty Halloween Storytime & Costume Parade! at Myers Park Library, Charlotte NC
🆓	October 28, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Trunk or Treat at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, Huntersville
	October 28, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Trunk or Treat at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, Huntersville NC
	October 28, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm	Trunk or Treat Fall Festival at Christ UMC, Charlotte NC
🆓	October 28, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm	Fall Festival at Independence Hill at Independence Hill Baptist Church, Huntersville
	October 28, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm	Trunk Or Treat - Life Point Church at Life Point Concord, Concord NC
	October 29, 2026 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm	Trunk or Treat at The Learning Experience (Ballantyne) at The Learning Experience – Ballantyne, Charlotte NC
🆓	October 30, 2026 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm	Downtown Concord’s Candy Crawl at Downtown Concord, Concord
🆓	October 30, 2026 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm	Candy Crawl + Monster Market 2026 at Urban District Market, Charlotte NC
🆓	October 30, 2026 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm	Candy Crawl + MonsterMarket 2026 at Urban District Market, Charlotte NC

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When is Trick-or-Treating in Charlotte?

Trick-or-treating in Charlotte-area neighborhoods is always October 31st! If you’d like to attend a trick-or-treat event, use the list above to find one at a convenient time for you!

Haunted Houses and Trails

Ready to be scared? We have a whole guide just for haunted houses in Charlotte.

Haunted Houses and Trails in Charlotte, NC

Halloween Travel and Day Trips

Ready to make this Halloween season extra special? Check out these super cool travel and day trip ideas.

Kidding Around® Halloween Travel Guide

This guide includes travel options all over the Southeast in South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina, including a list of haunted hotels and cabins where you can spend the night!

We also have our Halloween Guide to Greenville, SC and Trick or Treating in Columbia, SC.

Halloween at Carowinds

Scarowinds

It’s one of Charlotte’s most popular Halloween destinations, Scarowinds at Carowinds. And, we got to go! Find out all about Scarowinds in our Kidding Around Scarowinds Review! (This is from our 2025 visit.)

Included with general park admission, guests can enjoy daytime rides, scare zones, live shows, and nighttime coaster rides. (Note: Access to the specialized indoor haunted mazes requires an add-on Haunted Attractions Pass).

SCarowinds offers spooky live shows, haunted trails and mazes, night rides, scare zones, and lots more!

SCarowinds runs select nights from September 11th through November 1st, 2026. Get Scarowinds tickets.

Tricks & Treats at Carowinds

The family-friendly Halloween event at Carowinds is called Tricks & Treats. It runs weekends September 12th through November 1st, 2026. Enjoy spooky midway games, shows, all the rides, and event trick-or-treating! Come in costume! Get all the details on Tricks & Treats. This fall event is included with regular admission.

2026 Halloween Events: Charlotte, NC

Here’s your quick and easy local Halloween events in Charlotte list, organized by day.
(More events coming soon!)

	Date/Time	Event
	October 25, 2026 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm	SUNDAY FUNDAY HALLOWEEN EDITION at Gibson Mill, Concord
	October 25, 2026 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm	Trunk or Treat at St James Lutheran at St James Lutheran Church, Concord NC
🆓	October 25, 2026 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm	GGDM Trunk or Treat at God’s Glory Deliverance Ministries, Charlotte NC
	October 25, 2026 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm	Halloween in Huntersville at Huntersville Athletic Park, Huntersville NC
	October 25, 2026 4:00 pm	Trunk or Treat at Boger at Boger Reformed Church, Concord NC
	October 25, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Trunks & Treats at Vanderburg Methodist Church, Charlotte NC
	October 25, 2026 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm	8th Annual Haunted Trail at Matthews Playhouse at Matthews Community Center, Matthews NC
	October 25, 2026 7:15 pm - 10:45 pm	Haunted Car Wash at Tiger Xpress at Tiger Xpress Car Wash, Mount Holly NC
	October 26, 2026 10:15 am - 11:00 am	LNP: Young Explorers – Bats & Spiders at Quest Nature Center, Huntersville NC
🆓	October 26, 2026 10:30 am - 11:30 am	Halloween Family Storytime at Independence Regional Library, Charlotte NC
	October 26, 2026 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm	LNP: Nature Detectives – Bats & Spiders at Quest Nature Center, Huntersville NC
🆓	October 27, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm	TRUNK OR TREAT + DINNER at St. Marks Episcopal Church, Huntersville
🆓	October 27, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm	Trunk or Treat at Christ Church Charlotte at Christ Episcopal Church Charlotte, Charlotte NC
	October 27, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm	LNP: Bat Week - Night Hike at Quest Nature Center, Huntersville NC
🆓	October 28, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am	Itty Bitty Halloween Storytime & Costume Parade! at Myers Park Library, Charlotte NC
🆓	October 28, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Trunk or Treat at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, Huntersville
	October 28, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm	Trunk or Treat at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, Huntersville NC
	October 28, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm	Trunk or Treat Fall Festival at Christ UMC, Charlotte NC
🆓	October 28, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm	Fall Festival at Independence Hill at Independence Hill Baptist Church, Huntersville
🆓	October 28, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm	KVRC: Fall Fest 2026 at Knights View – Gymnasium, Charlotte
	October 28, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm	Trunk Or Treat - Life Point Church at Life Point Concord, Concord NC
🆓	October 29, 2026 6:00 am - 8:00 am	NDRC: Halloween Event at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center, Charlotte
🆓	October 29, 2026 10:30 am - 11:00 am	Family Storytime: Fall Festival at ImaginOn, Charlotte
	October 29, 2026 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm	Trunk or Treat at The Learning Experience (Ballantyne) at The Learning Experience – Ballantyne, Charlotte NC
🆓	October 29, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm	Pet Costume Contest at King Canary Brewing, Mooresville

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Apple Picking Charlotte NC – Top U-Pick Apple Orchards (2026)

Inside: Discover the best apple picking in Charlotte, NC, with our updated 2026 guide to apple orchards near Charlotte. Find fun for families and the freshest apples. Explore Charlotte apple picking this fall – the best apple orchards Charlotte, NC has to offer are right here!

Fall’s sweetest family outing-just a short drive away. Updated for 2026!

There are many wonderful orchards to go apple picking near Charlotte, NC. You’ll find most of them towards the Upstate or in Western North Carolina.

But one local favorite, Windy Hill Orchards, is just an hour from Charlotte, which is perfect for apples without the long drive to the mountains.

If you need some tips, don’t miss our list of tips for picking apples with kids. Have fun!

Watch!

First, get into the apple spirit. Here’s our trip to Sky Top Orchard near Flat Rock, NC.

The Season: Apple Picking Charlotte NC

When does the apple-picking season start in the Charlotte area?
The Charlotte apple season usually starts early to mid-August and runs through October. Go later in the season if you also want pumpkins and a better chance at crisp fall air.

What’s Picking? The apples near Charlotte
This is something that just changes a lot based on the weather and the overall apple growing season. Before you go, be sure to call ahead to check on hours and apple varieties available or check the orchard’s Facebook page for updates as many of the orchards will list upcoming events, changed hours, and an updated list of apples available both for u-pick and available pre-picked.

Sky Top Apple Cider Slushie — Apple Orchards have outdone themselves when it comes to apple treats in 2026. This apple cider slushie from Sky Top was AMAZING!

Apple Orchards Near Charlotte, NC

The apple orchards below are all within a couple of hours of Charlotte. But, if you just want to head out to the closest orchards to Charlotte, skip the list below and try these 3.

3 Closest Apple Orchards: Charlotte, NC

Carrigan Farms- Mooresville, NC (About 30 minutes from Charlotte)

U-Pick opens September 2, reservations required, hayrides, petting zoo
Get more information: Carrigan Farms

Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill- York, SC (About 50 minutes from Charlotte)

Opens mid-August, cider donuts, hard cider, live music *need reservations
Get more information: Windy Hill Orchard

Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill – Morganton, NC (About 80 minutes from Charlotte)

Offers pick-your-own apples (with a required Orchard Access Pass), a farm market, award-winning bakery items like cider donuts, and a cider mill
Get more information: Apple Hill Orchard

More Great Orchards Within 3 hours of Charlotte, NC

Family Friendly Fall Things to Do in Charlotte, NC

🍂Fall in Charlotte, NC has arrived, and with it comes endless ways to enjoy the season.

We’ve gathered all the best fun fall activities near Charlotte, NC in into one easy guide, so planning your fall is as easy as an autumn breeze.

You’ll find local orchards and farms, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and special events, organized by category!

✨Want to be listed on our guide? Submit your listing here.

Are you looking for fall things to do in Charlotte, NC? Searching for fall activities for kids in Charlotte, NC? You’ve come to the right place. This fall guide is all about getting out and enjoying fall with your kids, family, and friends. We have great day trip ideas, farms to visit, pumpkin patches and corn mazes you’ll love, where to see animals, fall hiking ideas, and so much more. Have fun this fall in Charlotte, NC!

Included in this Guide of Charlotte, NC Fall Activities

🍂 Fall Hiking Near Charlotte, NC
🍂 Fall Day Trips from Charlotte, NC
🍂 Popular Events and Fall Festivals Near Charlotte, NC
🍂 Apple Cider Donut Tour
🍂 Farms with Fall Activities Near Charlotte, NC

Go on a Hike This Fall in Charlotte, NC

As the weather cools, heading out on a hike is a great activity to do with the kids. Fresh air, lots of space, time to chat or just listen to the birds, de-stress, and have fun on a hike.

Hike close to Charlotte at Anne Springs Close Greenway in York County, SC.

Just a few miles from Downtown Charlotte is Reedy Creek Nature Preserve with hiking trails, playgrounds, and lots more. FREE

Hike the Revolutionary War Battlefields at Kings Mountain.

Enjoy the Amazing Views Hiking up Crowders Mountain!

Take a drive to one of these gorgeous waterfall hikes while peeping at the leaves near Charlotte, NC.

If you want to head out to the mountains, don’t miss our Kidding Around® Hiking Guide.

Portion of the Anne Springs Bridge on the Anne Springs Close Greenway.

Fun Fall Day Trips

Seeking a fabulous outdoor adventure? Fall weather is perfect for outdoor day trips, and there are a lot of fun, educational, and adventure-filled things to do that are an easy day trip from Charlotte!

Take a drive for fall-colored leaves near the mountains.
Spend the day at Carowinds Amusement Park.
Head up to Hendersonville, NC, for apples, free fun things to do, great food, and lots more in this mountain town. If you go with young kids, do not skip the Park at Flat Rock. You’ll thank us later.
Explore history in a “most charming small town,” Newberry, SC.
Spend the day in Landrum, SC. Enjoy the small-town downtown plus fabulous food, hiking, and more!
Check out Revolutionary War history in historic Camden, SC.
With cooler temperatures, a trip to the North Carolina Zoo would be perfect this fall.
Learn about raptors at the Raptor Center.
Visit Greenville, SC, and see the gorgeous leaves change along the Reedy River.

Revolutionary War Visitors Center in Camden, SC

For more great day trips, don’t miss our list of South Carolina Day Trips and WNC Day Trips. If you’re exploring small towns, don’t miss this list of Upstate, SC Day Trip Towns.

Thinking a weekend getaway might be fun? Here’s a list of Incredible Vacation Rentals Where You Can See Fall Colors and Vacation Rental Cabins With Private Indoor Pools.

Don’t Miss These Fall Events Near Charlotte, NC

These events are some of the best in the area, and you do not want to miss out!

Love a good festival? We do, too!

Grab your festival adventure crew and get all the details for these festivals and more!

Family-Friendly Fall Festivals in Charlotte, NC

You’ll find a lot more upcoming fall events on our Kidding Around® Event Calendar for Charlotte.
Plus, find other activities to have a fun week ahead!

Apple Cider Donut Tour

If you can’t pick just one orchard or farm to visit, try this delicious Apple Cider Donut Tour through Western North Carolina.
We have this particular tour leaving from Greenville, SC (our sister site), however, you can adjust the included Google map to leave from Charlotte, NC, so that you can spend a day exploring the orchards of WNC while eating delicious apple cider donuts!

Farms near Charlotte, NC

Fall is a great time to visit a farm, and there are lots of farms near you in Charlotte, NC. You can sort your farm options by activity in the links below. There are a lot of farms within an hour of Charlotte, and some, especially apple orchards, will be a little farther away! But that’s ok. Make it a day trip. Head to the mountains and enjoy the fall leaves. Or, pick a farm close to home and spend time with the kids on a hayride or finding that perfect pumpkin.

Try this list of Petting Zoos and Farms where you can pet and play with animals.
You may also like to have this handy guide of Tips for Apple Picking With Kids, so you can make your orchard time the best time!

The Ultimate Guide To Kids’ Classes & Activities in Charlotte, NC

👀 What’s Inside
Quick Answer: Kids Classes near Charlotte, NC
This guide includes art classes, sports programs, music lessons, STEM activities, dance studios, martial arts, swim schools, and enrichment programs for babies through teens in Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill, Gastonia, and nearby towns.

This is our Kidding Around® Ultimate Guide to Kids Classes & Activities in Charlotte, NC. We have compiled the best classes and activities in Charlotte for you to check out. From dance lessons to art lessons, swim classes and sports, and so much more, you will find a local class or activity that your family will love! Our guide is growing, so let us know what we missed!

Last updated July 2026

Choose a Category to Navigate Our Guide to Charlotte Classes!

Search Classes & Activities in Charlotte- By County

Search Classes & Activities in Charlotte- By Category

All Classes & Activities in Charlotte, NC

Quick FAQ: You Charlotte Kids Class Questions Answered

👉Join This Guide! Submit Here

HOW TO NAVIGATE: To use this guide, click the orange buttons above to take you to the category you want, or scroll down to the purple & blue buttons below to narrow your search for Charlotte, NC classes. While some of these classes are seasonal, we have still included them to help you find the perfect classes for your kids year-round.

Search by County: Classes in Charlotte, NC

Here, you can search for classes for kids near Charlotte by county using the orange boxes. Currently, you will find classes in Mecklenburg County and Cabarrus County.

Mecklenburg County Classes & Activities

Cabarrus County Classes & Activities

Search by Category: Classes in Charlotte, NC

We have all of the best classes in Charlotte for kids categorized into 10 categories right below! You’ll find dance classes, academic classes, art classes, theatre classes, sports, music, swim classes, and more.

Art Classes for Kids in Charlotte

Art Classes for Kids in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte art classes for kids offer recurring lessons and drop-in classes for painting, drawing, ceramics, mixed media, and creative enrichment programs for toddlers through teens across Charlotte and surrounding towns.

Best Baby and Toddler Classes in Charlotte

Best Baby and Toddler Classes in Charlotte, NC

Families can find baby and toddler classes in Charlotte that focus on music, movement, sensory play, and early learning. Almost all classes are parent-and-child led and focus on improving bonding for ages newborn through preschool.

Dance Classes for Kids in Charlotte

Dance Classes for Kids in Charlotte, NC

Dance classes for kids in Charlotte have a wide range, from ballet, tap, and hip-hop to jazz and contemporary. Many of these studios offer competitive dance, with classes starting at preschool age and going through adulthood.

Top Sports Leagues for Kids Near Charlotte

Top Sports Leagues for Kids Near Charlotte, NC

Youth sports leagues near Charlotte offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, football, lacrosse, and more. These classes can be both recreational and competitive (especially for older kids and teens). Younger kids have introductory options.

Swim Lessons: Baby to Adult

Swim Lessons in Charlotte, NC: Baby to Adult

Swim lessons in Charlotte are available for all ages, from infant water acclimation and toddler swim classes to youth stroke development and adult swim instruction.

Gymnastics Classes in Charlotte

Gymnastics Classes for Kids Near Charlotte, NC

Gymnastics classes near Charlotte are typically both recreational and competitive (for older age groups). These classes help build strength, coordination, and confidence for kids from toddlers to advanced athletes looking to compete.

Horseback Riding Lessons Near Charlotte

Horseback Riding Lessons Near Charlotte, NC

Horseback riding lessons near Charlotte give kids hands-on experience with horses through beginner riding instruction, equestrian programs, and horsemanship education in nearby rural areas. Many of these classes are not far from the city and can be found in Fort Mill, Mooresville, and Indian Trail.

Martial Arts & Karate Classes in Charlotte

Martial Arts & Karate Classes in Charlotte, NC

Martial arts and karate classes in Charlotte focus on teaching discipline, boosting confidence, and improving self-defense. Programs include karate, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, and other forms of mixed martial arts that begin generally at ages 3 and older with intro classes.

Music Lessons in Charlotte

Music Lessons for Kids in Charlotte, NC

Music lessons in Charlotte include piano, guitar, violin, drums, voice, and early childhood music classes designed to nurture creativity and musical skills from beginners to advanced students. Some studios offer programs like Kindermusik for babies and toddlers as an introduction.

Theatre and Acting Classes in Charlotte

Theatre and Acting Classes for Kids in Charlotte, NC

Theatre and acting classes in Charlotte help kids build confidence and performance skills through drama classes, musical theatre training, auditions, and youth productions for elementary through high school students.

All Kids Classes & Activities: Charlotte, NC

Not sure what exactly you are looking for? Scroll through all of our current listings for classes near Charlotte for kids below. Want to submit your own listing? Fill out this guide submission form!

The Ultimate Guide To Private Schools in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC is home to 60+ private schools, from Christ-centered academies to Montessori and special-education programs, spread across Mecklenburg, Iredell, Gaston, York, and Cabarrus counties. This guide sorts every school by grade level, philosophy, and county so you can find the right fit fast. Last verified July 2026.

Ultimate Private School Guide: Private Schools near Charlotte, NC

Find Your Fit! Private Schools in Charlotte, NC & the Surrounding Area

Private Schools by County: Private schools in Mecklenburg, Iredell, Gaston, York, and Cabarrus counties
Private Schools by Philosophy: Secular private schools, religious/Christian private schools, special education private schools, and Montessori private schools
All Private Schools Near Charlotte, NC: Not sure what you’re looking for? Browse our full list of private schools to find a match that works for your family.

✨Join Our Guide! Submit your listing here.

Disclaimer: This list is intended for informational purposes, and none of the contents should be considered a specific recommendation or endorsement from Kidding Around or its staff.

The Ultimate Guide To Preschools and Daycare: Charlotte, NC

Are you searching for the best preschool in Charlotte, NC, or looking for trusted daycare in Charlotte, NC? We’ve put together a comprehensive list of 60+ preschools and daycare centers to help you find the perfect fit for your family. Our guide includes both religious and non-religious programs, full-day and half-day options, and is organized by county to make your search as easy as possible.

Choose a Category to Search Preschools and Daycare Near Charlotte, NC

Preschools By County

Preschools by Time/Philosophy

All Preschools and Daycare Near Charlotte, NC

👉Join This Guide! Submit Your Listing

By County- Preschool or Daycare Near Me

Whether you live near Downtown Charlotte, or need a preschool or daycare located closer to the counties surrounding Mecklenburg, we have options for you!

Preschools & Daycare: By County–

Preschools in Mecklenburg County

Preschools in York County

Preschools in Cabarrus County

Preschools in Alexander County

Preschools in Rowan County

Preschools in Stanly County

Preschools in Iredell County

Charlotte Preschools Near Me- By Schedule & Type

Maybe you are searching for “half day preschool near me” or need a full day preschool or daycare. Perhaps you want a church preschool program, or need a bilingual preschool? Use the blue or orange buttons below to search!

Half-day or full-day preschools and daycare near Charlotte-

Half Day Preschools and Daycare Near Charlotte

Full Day Preschools and Daycare Near Charlotte

Charlotte Preschools Near Me- By Type

Bilingual Preschools

Church Affiliated Preschools

Submit your listing to the Kidding Around Charlotte preschool guide

60+ FUN Indoor Activities for 2026: Charlotte, NC

What’s Inside: Over 60 indoor things to do in Charlotte, NC for kids and families to enjoy, including indoor playgrounds, arcades, bowling, and unique indoor activities.

Are you looking for indoor activities in Charlotte, NC? You are in luck because there are a lot of indoor things to do in Charlotte, including indoor playgrounds, museums with interactive exhibits, trampoline parks, and so much more! There are so many, in fact, that we’ve organized our list by category, so you can find exactly what you want to do. Want to join this guide? Submit your listing here!

How to Use This Guide:
Use the clickable buttons to explore by category.
Or just scroll the full list to find new spots to try.

Indoor Things to Do in Charlotte, NC: By Category

Awesome Arcades

Bowling in Charlotte

Best Escape Rooms in Charlotte

Indoor Mini Golf

Indoor Playgrounds Near Charlotte, NC

Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries

Museums

Theaters in Charlotte

Trampoline Parks

Unique Things to Do Indoors Near Charlotte

Top Indoor Activities in Charlotte, NC

Have fun indoors! Scroll through all our indoor things to do ideas.

Don’t forget you can use the buttons in the orange box above to sort these listings by category.
Some of our favorite indoor places in Charlotte, NC:
IFLY Indoor Skydiving– This is the closest you’ll get to flying without having to jump out of a plane!
The Museum of Illusions– The museum was on another level of entertainment and had unique exhibits.
Playland Pineville– Our kids had a blast playing in the ball pit, and the venue is so clean and spacious.
Discovery Place in Charlotte- One of the area’s best places to play if you love STEM.

Playland indoor playground in Pineville — iFLY

Quick FAQ about Indoor Activities near Charlotte

What are the best indoor activities in Charlotte for kids?

Charlotte has so many great options for kids. Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville is a wonderful hands-on STEAM museum with live shows and exhibitions, perfect for toddlers through early elementary age. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park has locations in both Mint Hill and Cornelius, with multi-story adventure hubs, VR, and indoor playgrounds. Sports Connection in south Charlotte has bowling, laser tag, a ropes course, rock climbing, bumper cars, and VR all under one roof. Carolina Ninja Academy in Huntersville is a fun indoor parkour gym with free play passes and classes. Xtreme Play in Concord is a great inflatable playground with bounce houses, obstacle courses, and a toddler area. For younger kids (under 6), Play House Indoor Play Cafe in Fort Mill is a cozy spot with a bakery on site.

Best rainy day activities Charlotte NC?

Rainy days are a great excuse to try something new. Discovery Place uptown is a tried-and-true favorite with interactive science exhibits that keep kids busy for hours. Tickets are a bit cheaper when you buy online ahead of time. Bowlero Charlotte uptown is a solid choice for all ages with 18 bowling lanes and arcade games. Sparetime Entertainment has two locations (Huntersville and Pineville) with bowling, a large arcade, escape rooms, and a restaurant, so it works well for a longer outing. Adventure Air Sports in Rock Hill has trampolines, a ninja course, foam pits, and a zipline. The Sullenberger Aviation Museum and the NASCAR Hall of Fame uptown are both great for older kids and anyone who loves history. The Museum of Illusions is a real crowd-pleaser, especially for tweens and teens.

Indoor things to do in Charlotte on a hot day?

When the Charlotte heat gets serious, these are the spots families love. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is always a hit, with fully air-conditioned locations in Mint Hill and Cornelius packed with things to do for all ages. Sports Connection on Ardrey Kell Road is a great full-day option with bowling, laser tag, VR, and arcade games. Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville is a calm and cool choice for younger children. Carolina Ninja Academy in Huntersville is great for kids who need to burn some energy with indoor parkour and free play. Play House Indoor Play Cafe in Fort Mill is a wonderful spot for families with toddlers, where kids can play and parents can relax with a coffee or treat.

What are the best indoor playgrounds in Charlotte?

There are some really good indoor playgrounds in and around Charlotte. Xtreme Play in Concord is a popular choice with bounce houses, inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and a toddler area inside the Concord Mall. Play House Indoor Play Cafe in Fort Mill is wonderful for younger kids, with play structures and a cafe so parents can take a breath. Playland Pineville is a local favorite with a ball pit and clean, spacious play areas. Urban Air in Mint Hill and Cornelius has multi-story adventure hubs, climbing structures, and VR for kids who want a bigger challenge. Adventure Air Sports in Rock Hill brings in trampolines, foam pits, and ninja courses too.

What are good indoor activities for toddlers in Charlotte?

Charlotte has some lovely options for toddlers and their grownups. Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville was built for little ones, with STEAM exhibits, live shows, and hands-on activities that are fun without being too much. Play House Indoor Play Cafe in Fort Mill is a favorite for this age group. Kids under 6 have a safe space to play while parents can sit down with a coffee or something from the bakery. Xtreme Play in Concord has a dedicated toddler area alongside the larger inflatables. Altitude Trampoline Park in Gastonia has a soft play area that works well for younger kids too. And never underestimate your local Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch. Many offer free story times and toddler activities throughout the week.

What are the most affordable indoor activities in Charlotte?

There are some great low-cost options if you know where to look. Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries are free and offer story times, activities, and events for kids all week long. Create Your Splat is a pay-per-session art experience that kids love and is very reasonably priced. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art uptown hosts regular Family Days with free admission. For trampoline parks and play places, weekday visits tend to cost less. Altitude Trampoline Park in Gastonia and Xtreme Play in Concord are both on the more affordable end. Discovery Place offers a small discount when you buy tickets online before you go. If you find a spot your family visits regularly, check whether they offer an annual membership. It often pays for itself quickly.

Which indoor activities in Charlotte are educational?

Charlotte is a great city for kids who love to learn. Discovery Place uptown is the go-to science museum, with interactive STEM exhibits that work well for school-age kids. Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville brings that same hands-on approach to younger children with STEAM activities and rotating exhibitions. Discovery Place Nature on Sterling Road is a nature-based museum with live animals and outdoor trails, though it is currently closed for construction. Check their website for updates on reopening. The Sullenberger Aviation Museum is wonderful for kids who love planes, history, or engineering. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is a great introduction to modern art with family-friendly exhibits and programming. Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries also run free STEM programs and educational events year-round at branches across the city.

What are unique or different indoor activities in Charlotte?

If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary, Charlotte has some great options. iFLY Indoor Skydiving is one of the most memorable things you can do in the area. A wind tunnel lets kids and adults experience what real freefall feels like, with instructors guiding the whole way. The Museum of Illusions uptown is unlike anything else in Charlotte. The exhibits play with your senses and perception in ways that genuinely surprise people of all ages. Create Your Splat is a fun art studio where kids get to sling paint on canvas and take home something they made themselves. Escape rooms are a great pick for older kids and families who enjoy a challenge. Good options include Speedway Escapes in Harrisburg, Timed Out in south Charlotte, and the escape rooms inside Sparetime Entertainment. Build-A-Bear in Pineville is always a hit with younger kids and makes for a special afternoon out.

100+ Birthday Parties and Party Venues in Charlotte, NC

🥳What’s Inside This Guide: Carolina Panthers, Playland Indoor Playground, Sea Life Aquarium, and 100+ birthday party places in Charlotte, NC, categorized by theme so that you can plan the perfect party the easy way!

Planning a birthday party in Charlotte, NC? If you’re on the hunt for the best birthday party places in Charlotte, NC, an exciting birthday party package, like obstacle courses at Mission Grit or with the Carolina Panthers, or even the perfect entertainer to bring the fun to you, you’re in the right place! From toddlers to teens, we have party ideas for you! Want to join this guide? Submit your listing here!

Our easy-to-use, category-sorted list features over 100 birthday party places in Charlotte, NC.

Scroll down and click the orange or blue buttons below to explore and find the perfect spot for your celebration!

⭐Submit Your Birthday Party Listing

Search for Birthday Party Places in Charlotte, NC: By Category

Art Birthday Parties

Cooking Birthday Parties

Dance Birthday Parties

Horse & Farm Parties

Princess & Dress-Up Parties

Sports Birthday Parties

Theater & Music Parties

Trampoline Park & Jump Parties

Unique Birthday Parties in Charlotte, NC

Entertainers and Birthday Party Venues in Charlotte, NC

Play Venue Parties

Trampoline Park & Jump Parties

Charlotte Attractions for Birthday Parties

Birthday Party Entertainers in Charlotte

Party Pavilion and Shelter Rentals

Discovery Place Dinosaurs — Playland Pineville

Finding a birthday party that will give your kid the time of their life, that’s packed with action and creativity, is made easy with these Charlotte area birthday party venues. Imagine your kids racing through an obstacle course, bouncing in giant bounce houses, or enjoying a private party room for their celebration, with themed décor and games.

Quick answer: best birthday party venues in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte has 100+ places to host a kids’ birthday party – from trampoline parks and science museums to a real NFL stadium and a professional recording studio. Here are 10 of the top picks to get you started, sorted by what they do best. You can also jump down to the bottom of our page for additional quick FAQ’s to help you choose.

Venue	Best for
Discovery Place Science– Downtown Charlotte	Curious kids ages 3-12; themed party packages like “Shocking Science” and “Our Ocean Friends” with animal meet-and-greet add-ons
Discovery Place Kids– Huntersville	Indoor play parties for younger kids (toddler, early elementary)
Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium	Sports-loving kids; includes a stadium tour, 75-min visit with mascot Sir Purr, birthday bags, and an autographed card (max 15 kids)
Urban Air Adventure Park	Kids who want a lot to do – VR, bumper cars, climbing walls, trampolines, and ropes courses; packages from $255 for 10
Adventure Air Sports	Ninja and trampoline fans; packages from $349 include 120 minutes of jump time, ninja course, foam pits, and party room
Sky Zone (2 locations)	Toddlers through teens – Little Leapers package for ages 7 and under; Glow and Freestyle packages for older kids
Charlotte Knights at Truist Field	Baseball fans; package at $367 for 12 includes seats, pizza, ice cream, drinks, and an in-game video message
BounceU	Younger kids who want a fully private party – your group is the only one in the building; parties from $239
Reserving Royalty / Fairytale Palace	Princess-loving kids; visit their Fairytale Palace venue or book a princess to come to you
Mission Grit	Active, team-oriented kids; obstacle courses and climbing led by instructors – great for groups who want a challenge or kids who like parkour

130+ Summer Camps in Charlotte, NC (2026 Guide for Kids & Teens)

Looking for the best summer camps in Charlotte, NC? We’ve rounded up day camps, sports camps, STEM camps, arts camps, and specialty summer programs for kids and teens across the Charlotte area. Whether you need full-day care or a themed enrichment camp, this guide to Charlotte summer camps makes it easy to compare options and register early.

Quick Look: Charlotte Summer Camps

Our 2026 Charlotte Summer Camp Guide is packed with 130+ amazing camps for kids of all ages and interests, right here in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.
📍 Locations throughout Charlotte and surrounding areas
📅 Most camps run late May–August
💵 Cost ranges from $150–$450 per week
👶 Ages: Preschool through high school
⏰ Options: Half-day & full-day

Summer Camps By Category

Summer Camps By Age

Summer Camps by Month & Time

Browse ALL Summer Camps Near Charlotte

👉Join Our Guide! Submit Your Camp Here

Sort camps by the types of camps you are most interested in, like dance camps or sports camps. Or, sort camps by age of the camper, which means you can see a list of camps just for teens or preschoolers! Do you need a full-day summer camp option? We have a list for that. And, we have camps by month! With this summer camp guide to Charlotte, NC you can truly find the best camps for your kiddos!

We are still updating this list for 2026. More camps coming soon! You’ll want to bookmark this list and check back soon.

Charlotte Summer Camps- By Category

Finding a summer camp, made easy! You’ll find listings for over 130 summer camps in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding area, all divided by category of interest.

Animal Camps

Art Camps

Cooking Camps

Dance Camps

Gymnastics Camps

Horse Camps

Music Camps

Sports Camps

STEM/STEAM Camps

Theatre Camps

Tutoring & Academic Camps

Free and Cheap Summer Camps

Summer Camps: Charlotte, NC- By Age

Whether you are looking for Charlotte summer camps for preschoolers, school-aged children, or teens, you’ll find them by navigating the buttons below.

Summer Camps for Preschoolers

Summer Camps for School-Age Kids

Teen Summer Camps in Charlotte

Summer Camps: Charlotte, NC- Month & Time

If you need a full-day or half-day summer camp, we have got you covered. You’ll also find camps categorized by month, with June, July, and August options available. Full-day Charlotte summer camps are abundant, so you don’t have to worry about your kids being bored this summer!

Full-Day Summer Camps

Half-Day Summer Camps

Camps in June

Camps in July

Camps in August

Summer Camps: Charlotte, NC- The Big Long List [Updated for 2026]

Just want to see some ideas? You can start by scrolling through this long list of summer camps Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding area offer. Each camp has a link for more information, so be sure to explore. Sponsored listings are located toward the top, and include additional camp information to help you make an excellent decision! Join this guide by submitting to this form.

Fresh Pine & Memories: 20+ Christmas Tree Farms in Charlotte NC

Are you searching for the perfect Christmas tree farm Charlotte NC families love? It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all, and finding that just-right tree is the first step to kicking off all those fa-la-la-la-las. At Kidding Around, we know farms. Kidding Around Charlotte readers loved our Apple Farm Guide, but now it’s time to track down the best christmas trees in Charlotte NC. So here we go with the biggest guide to Christmas trees in Charlotte, NC, brand-new for 2025.

Yep, it’s Christmas Tree time, and we’ve gathered up all the best places in Charlotte, near Charlotte, and even in the mountains. We did it all to help you find your family’s 2025 perfect Christmas tree, whether you’re searching for Fraser Firs or even garland and wreaths for extra holiday cheer.

🌲All the places to get a Christmas Tree Near Charlotte

🌲Choose and Cut Tree Farms Near Charlotte

🌲Pre-cut trees and lots near Charlotte

🌲Christmas Tree Farms in the Mountains: Day Trip Time!

Tips for Christmas Tree Farms

We asked parents for their best Christmas tree farm tips, and they delivered. These tips include things to look for when finding the perfect tree, things to remember to keep the kids entertained, and lots more.

Go at the right time in the season: “We always go to North Carolina so we can get a Fraser Fir and cut it ourselves. It’s best to go early enough so the trees aren’t as picked through, but late enough so it still looks good by the time Christmas comes around. We have found that going the week after Thanksgiving is perfect.” Also, remember that farm hours are always subject to change. This can be due to availability, weather, and lots of other things. So, always confirm the farm is open before you head out!
Tie Down That Tree: You’ll need to tie down your tree to your car, and if you have a long drive you’ll want to make sure you bring very secure straps, beyond what is offered with the trees at the farm. “I recommend your own straps if you are going far. My Honda Pilot actually fit our 7-foot tree in the car last year!”
Don’t Stress, have fun!: Keep that family tradition fun. Pick out your best ugly Christmas sweater and pile into the car with some Christmas music, hot coffee, and cocoa. Make finding the perfect tree a game, maybe play a little hide and seek at the farm if it is safe to do so.
Prep before you go: “Before we go, we already have our tree stand out and ready so we can get the fresh tree in water ASAP.” Also, keep the water filled all season long.
Find a healthy tree: “When searching for the perfect tree, we make sure all sides look good, no dry needles, and look at the trunk! Bend down and make sure the trunk isn’t crooked, or your tree will be too. The trees are usually on hills, so you can’t always tell if the tree is leaning.”
Being Frugal: “If you’re crafty, ask if they have any excess tree clippings that you can have. Some places will give them away for fre,e and they are perfect for making your own garland, wreaths, or just to lay around with your decor.”