Ready for summer? There are plenty of things to do for summer in Charlotte, NC!
Lakes, beaches, fireworks, summer camps, VBS, and so much more in our handy guide!
Summer 2026 Highlights:
- Swim & Splash: Rope swings (like the Quarry at Carrigan Farms), wave pools, & splash pads across the Charlotte area. Plus, Carolina Harbor Waterpark at Carowinds opens May 24, 2026!
- Pick Your Own: Local farms with blueberries, blackberries, and more!
- Summer Camps: Charlotte’s biggest camp guide!
- Movies & Bowling: Free outdoor movies and bowling + $5 movie deal info
- Free Summer Fun: Summer reading, kids eat free deals, 4th of July events, & VBS info!
Swimming & Splashing Summer Fun
From swinging into the quarry at Carrigan Farms and splashing on Lake Norman to riding the lazy river at Ray’s Splash Planet and hitting the waves at Carowinds’ Carolina Harbor, this guide has 35+ places to swim and cool off around Charlotte this summer.
With a FREE fenced splash pad at Latta Park to Boomer’s Splash Pad at Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis, or the splash fountain at Birkdale Village in Huntersville, this guide has 20+ spots to keep the kids cool and happy all summer.
Local Picking: Summer Charlotte, NC Produce
Whether you’re filling buckets at McLawland Farms in Charlotte, going U-pick at Wise Acres in Indian Trail, or making a little day trip out to Bush-N-Vine in York (yes, they have ice cream too!), this guide has all the berry patches worth knowing about this summer.
Summer has the juicy berries!
Go to the Beach!
From hunting shark teeth at Edisto Beach in SC and climbing the Oak Island Lighthouse for free, to spotting wild horses in the Outer Banks, NC, and swinging into the Quarry at Carrigan Farms (opening May 16th, 2026) on a rope, this guide rounds up the best beaches and lake spots within an easy drive of Charlotte.
Or, try one of these gorgeous mountain beaches near the Upstate and in Western North Carolina.
Celebrate the 4th of July
There are dozens of July 4th celebrations happening from the end of June into July, and we’ve rounded up all the best in our guide to where to find fireworks and July, including huge displays like the Charlotte Knights Game at Truist Field at the end of June.
Time for Fireworks!
Here’s Where to Celebrate 4th of July in Charlotte
Head to Carowinds for Rides + Water Fun
Carowinds is one of the best places to spend a day near Charlotte! Check out our review of Camp Snoopy, which is perfect for kids 10 and under, and parents can sneak away for some of the big rides. Here are 10 things to know before going to Carowinds.
Have & Learn Something New
Look through over 100 summer camps, organized by category, to help keep your kids busy this summer!
Don’t let them be bored this summer!
Take a Break From the Sun
Sometimes, sunny is just too hot to be outside. Check out these indoor places to hang out.
Too hot? Play indoors!
Check out all your options with Charlotte’s Biggest Indoor Guide.
See a movie!
Catch a free movie at one of these outdoor movie events! Many have concessions set up, and start right at dark. Camp North End regularly hosts outdoor movies, or check out Movies in the Park in Belmont from April to November.
Or, head to the Big E for a super summer movie deal.
$5 Movies In Gaffney, SC at The Big E
More than just a movie ticket! The $5 package includes one summer series movie viewing, popcorn, soda, and a $2 game card, making this one well worth the hour drive from Charlotte!
The $5 Summer Movie Series at The Big E in Gaffney returns in May 2026. The promotional series will begin on May 26th, 2026. Movie showings occur Monday-Saturday at 10:30 am.
Kids Bowl Free: Your Kids Can Go Bowling for Free All Summer Long: The Big E is also a Kids Bowl Free location! Get your Kids Bowl Free Coupons now.
2026 Summer Movie Titles at The Big E
Free Summer Fun in Charlotte
Do some summer reading and win prizes at these Summer Reading Programs in Charlotte, NC!
Attend a VBS! Here’s a list of VBS programs in Charlotte, NC. Most of them are totally free.
Tight budget this summer? You can still have SO MUCH FUN!
Check out this list of totally FREE Things to Do in Charlotte!
- Get free dinner with Kids Eat Free, Charlotte, NC
- Wander sunflower fields for free at Draper Wildlife Area
- Cool off at Splash Pad
- Visit a fun park, like Play 60 Kids Zone at Freedom Park
