Have you visited Cabarrus County in North Carolina? The area offers tons of fun for kids from a historic gold mine you can tour, to a famous NASCAR speedway and NHRA dragway. In this article, we’ll share more than 10 places we’ve visited that are great for kids. Plus, we’re sharing all the tips you need to make these fun, family memories you will never forget. Find it all here in this list of things to do in Concord, NC with kids.
Thank you to Explore Cabarrus for providing lodging and some of these experiences.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
The Charlotte Motor Speedway should definitely be on the list of places to take your kids. This famous superspeedway and other tracks are massive and it’s an impressive place to not just visit but to also tour.
About the Charlotte Motor Speedway:
- Hosts 3 NASCAR events a year, plus many other events and races
- The superspeedway is 1.5 miles with 24-degree turns
- 84,000 people can sit in the superspeedway stands
- The Dirt Track at Charlotte hosts Monster Truck events and World of Outlaw events
- The record speed on the zMAX Dragway is over 300 mph
Speedway Tours and Experiences
During our visit, we took the Feel the Thrill Tour — and the good news is that this tour is available daily!
Check out our visit for the Feel the Thrill Tour at the Charlotte Motor Speedway!
The guided van tour takes you through the NASCAR Cup Series garage, two infield race tracks, Pit Road, Winner’s Circle, zMAX Dragway, and The Dirt Track at Charlotte (approximately 45 minutes to one hour). They also offer the Infield Experience Tour for a more relaxed pace, and the Fast Pass Tour where you can take your personal car around the Charlotte Motor Speedway with your tour guide leading you through your radio. Visit the Charlotte Motor Speedway tours page or call 704-455-3223 for current pricing and availability.
The Charlotte Motor Speedway also offers an annual Christmas event and there are some interesting driving experience options for adults. The NASCAR Racing Experience, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, and the Mario Andretti Racing Experience are just some of the options available if you’re looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Kidding Around age recommendation: 5 and older for tours
ZMAX Dragway
If you get an opportunity to visit ZMAX Dragway for an NHRA national event, make sure you take it! Every ticket is a pit pass so you can watch from your seats, get closer to the action hanging out with other fans along the fence, or hang back in the pits and watch crews work on their cars. We visited in September 2022 for the Carolina Nationals and had a blast! when you go, you’ll get a chance to see cars from a huge variety of classes each with its own unique body types, fuel, and speeds.
Kids 12 and under get in FREE!
Check the 4 Wide Nationals event page for upcoming dates — this is a must-see spectacle when all 4 lanes of the dragway are used simultaneously.
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord 28027
800.455.FANS
Reed Gold Mine
Learn about the first gold ever discovered in the United States. It was right in Cabarrus County in 1799. Today you can visit the site, explore the mine that operated here and learn about gold mining history. You can also try panning for gold from the same creek where that first gold was discovered! We loved our visit to Reed Gold Mine.
Reed Gold Mine Website
9621 Reed Mine Road
Midland, NC
Great Wolf Lodge
This lodge includes a full indoor waterpark (and outdoor pool for the warmer seasons), daily programming, multiple dining options, and other attractions.
One of the benefits that I loved about our room was that the couch was a pull-out bed in a separate sitting area giving us extra room to spread out at night. You can also reserve special rooms that have bunk beds for the kids.
Day Passes at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge offers day passes for families that want to visit for a day. However, lodging is typically a better deal, especially if you look for reduced rates via the Great Wolf Lodge emails or online deals sites such as Groupon.
Waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge
The waterpark is extensive and includes multiple waterslides, a small children’s wading area, a children’s water playground, a wave pool, and more. Waterpark admission is included in your stay.
Magiquest (or Compass Quest & Shadow Quest)
We also purchased a Magiquest game for our children. To play Magiquest, you must purchase a wand and game activation. Once your wand is activated, you can use it to complete quests and adventures around the lodge. The game is quite a bit of fun for kids and is really active.
Other Things to Do at Great Wolf Lodge
In addition to the waterpark and Magiquest, the lodge has daily programming including a bedtime story each night, dance party, laser tag, a ropes course, mini-golf, and much more. The attractions other than the daily programming and waterpark are all offered for additional fees. You can purchase special bundle passes to save money.
10175 Weddington Road, Concord, NC 28027
866.925.WOLF (9653)
Visiting in the winter? Read our review of Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge.
Concord Mills
Even if you are just passing through the area, Concord Mills is a fun place to visit in Concord. This massive mall has 200 stores, a dining pavilion with 14 restaurants, and attractions such as SEA LIFE (see below), a movie theatre, Dave & Busters, and The Speedpark (see below).
Stores that children might enjoy in particular at Concord Mill are The Disney Store, the Lionel Retail Store (see below), the LEGO store, and Bass Pro Shop.
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
SEA LIFE Aquarium is adjacent to Concord Mills and offers 10 interactive zones to explore.
While this aquarium is smaller than some of the other aquariums in the area, it still offers plenty to explore. Plan on 45 minutes to an hour for your visit. At the end, there is a play space (and fortunately plenty of parent seating) where smaller kids can get some energy out.
Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time online starting at $19.99 depending on the day you plan to go. Purchasing online will secure your entry spot in case they are crowded.
8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC 28027
Concord Mills – Entry 7
855.450.0512
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium Website
The Speedpark
The Speedpark is located directly outside the Concord Mills mall. You can purchase an unlimited wristband that will allow you unlimited activities for the entire day. Unlike many wristbands too, this one actually includes all the activities from the bungee jumping to the multiple go-kart tracks.
The Speedpark offers:
- 4 Go-Karting Tracks (including a 2-seater track and junior track)
- 18-Hole Mini-Golf
- 110 Ft. Fun Slide (you slide down on a burlap sack)
- Bungee Jump
- 8 Story Spider Climb (my kids loved this)
The Lionel Retail Store at Concord Mills
The Lionel Retail Store is the perfect addition to the Concord Mills Mall for train enthusiasts, and it’s more than just a store as it has several model train displays. In the store, collectors will find both model trains and NASCAR collectibles.
The Escape Game at Concord Mills
Test your family’s puzzle-solving skills at The Escape Game at Concord Mills. With 5 rooms to pick from, your family is sure to find an escape room challenge they’d like to take on.
Our family with one adult, and 3 kids ages 10-13, played “Playground” and had a blast.
You can book in advance at The Escape Game Concord Website.
The Percantile & Creamery
This ice cream/coffee shop located near Concord Mills doesn’t only just sell fresh cups of coffee but also a premium ice cream brand and treats. For families with children, the coffee shop also has a small play area with toys and books.
8635 Concord Mills Blvd.
Concord, NC
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
At iFLY you can fly (like really fly) in a wind tunnel.
7840 Lyles Lane NW
Concord, NC
iFLY is an indoor skydiving simulator where you enter a wind tunnel that is strong enough to allow you to float on the air. In fact, experienced flyers can even perform tricks such as flips.
Read our full review including information on taking your kids to iFLY.
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Hendrick Motorsports Museum and Team Store
4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
Hendrick Motorsports Museum and Team Store Website
This free museum includes race cars and other memorabilia that celebrate the history of Hendrick Motorsports. Our children in particular enjoyed watching a display that showed how the body of the car could be lifted on and off. It’s a small museum, but it’s free and allows you to see a number of race cars up close.
K1 Speed Indoor Karting
The K1 Speed Indoor Karting in Concord has a super track which is the longest track of any K1 Speed location. This location offers electric go-karting which means that the go-karts can be turned on and off quickly by the staff making it a safer place to kart.
K1 Speed Indoor Karting Website
800 Derita Rd #K
Concord, NC
We were impressed by how fast the go-karts could drive and the attention to safety by the staff. Everyone wears helmets and there was a full safety presentation by the staff before karting began. Driving rules were enforced on the track and feedback was offered to help drivers not run into each other or the track.
Both adult and junior racekarts are available, though junior racing is not open at all times.
Explore Downtown Concord
Historic downtown Concord is a walkable gem that deserves an afternoon of its own. Union Street is lined with independent shops, galleries, and eateries — here are some family favorites worth seeking out.
The Bead Lady
With more than 3,100 square feet of beads and jewelry from around the world, The Bead Lady at 1 Union Street North is a delight for creative kids and adults alike. They offer workshops and custom jewelry services. Parking is available in the deck behind the store on Cabarrus Ave.
Goldberry Books
This beloved independent bookstore at 12 Union Street South carries new and used books, greeting cards, and specialty gifts. They also produce two bookish podcasts — Withywindle for kids and Close Reads for novel fans. A wonderful stop for book-loving families.
Cabarrus Arts Council
The Cabarrus Arts Council’s galleries are located on the first floor of the stunning 1876 historic Cabarrus courthouse at 65 Union Street South. Through October 10, 2026, they are hosting Flat Footed Truths: Stories of Lived Experiences, a juried quilt and fiber art exhibition. Admission is free; gallery hours are Tuesday–Friday 10 AM–5 PM and Saturday 11 AM–4 PM.
Buzz City Games
Game-loving families will love Buzz City Games at 4 Union Street North — a hobby shop packed with board games, puzzles (reportedly the largest puzzle section in the area), collector cards, and gaming accessories. The shop is housed in the former Concord National Bank headquarters — they still have the original vault! They also host regular tournaments and game nights.
Play Village Green Park in Kannapolis, NC
Not far from the cute walkable downtown of Kannapolis, NC is Village Park. Not only does this park have multiple playgrounds and multiple picnic shelters plus paved walking paths, but you’ll also find a splash pad open seasonally, a real running miniature train to ride, and a beautiful double-decker carousel.
The carousel, made in Italy, is the only double-decker carousel in the state of North Carolina. It has 1800 lights, plays that classic old carousel music, and features hand-painted Venetian murals. Tickets are $2 per person to ride the carousel, and also $2 to ride the train.
For the holidays, find a huge Celebration of Lights at the park. It’s totally FREE to walk through the lights, or you can reserve a ticket on the train and view the lights as you ride.
Want to see more in Kannapolis? We have a whole Guide to Things to Do in Kannapolis, NC.
- See a movie at the historic Gem Theater
- Walk the revitalized downtown
- See the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers baseball team in Atrium Health Ball Park
- Visit Dale Earnhardt Plaza, for a memorial to the race car driver from Kannapolis, NC
Trails in Cabarrus County
Are you looking for hiking trails, biking trails, or maybe just a paved trail for walking or running? Cabarrus County has a huge variety of trail networks moving through parks, natural areas, and urban areas. Pick a trail on our list of Cabarrus County trails and get outdoors!
Bonus: Where to Eat in Cabarrus County
The Eatery at Southern Strain Brewing
Set inside the beautifully restored former Cannon Textile Mill (dating to the 1880s) at 165 Brumley Avenue NE, Southern Strain Brewing is one of the most atmospheric spots in the county. The Eatery serves a full menu — burgers, salads, wings, soups — alongside small-batch craft beer and a Sunday Jazz Brunch. Open Tuesday–Thursday 11 AM–9 PM, Friday–Saturday 11 AM–10 PM, Sunday 11 AM–8 PM. Closed Monday.
Press & Porter Coffee & Pourhouse
A community-focused independent coffeehouse in the heart of historic downtown at 8 Union Street South. Press & Porter serves hot and cold brew coffee, espresso, Italian sodas, craft beer, cider, and wine. The name honors The Concord Register newspaper (late 1800s) and Porter Drug Co. (1920s) — two businesses that once occupied the same space.
Chocolatier Barrucand
Don’t leave Concord without a cannoli stop at Chocolatier Barrucand at 1 Union Street South — a French patisserie and chocolate shop that husband-and-wife team Jean Luc and Ann Marie Barrucand have been running since 2006. Expect bonbons, croissants, tarts, cakes, and rotating seasonal pastries. Note that the menu changes frequently; check their social media for current offerings.
Chocolatier Barrucand Facebook
Sunflour Baking Company
Breakfast and lunch are amazing at Sunflour Baking Company and so are the desserts, pastries, and breads. Breakfast was so good we went back for lunch the next day and then picked up some pastries for the car ride home. You’ll find a wide variety of breakfast sandwich choices, delicious coffee, and plentiful pastries at breakfast time, and equally delicious lunch sandwiches like BLTs, turkey with avocado, paninis, and lots more.
Harrisburg location: 5040 NC-49, Harrisburg, NC
Dilworth location: 220 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
Elizabeth location: 2001 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
Ballantyne location: 14021 Conlan Circle, #B-9, Charlotte, NC
Shopping in Cabarrus County
Nothing New Vintage + Provided Coffee + Curiosity Farm
The former Cannon Textile Mill at 165 Brumley Avenue NE (also home to Southern Strain Brewing) is worth a visit all on its own. Inside, you’ll find Nothing New, one of the largest vintage clothing stores in the Southeast, carrying vintage tees, denim, dresses, outerwear, shoes, books, vinyl, and racing jackets. While you browse, grab a latte from Provided Coffee, one of the largest coffee shops in the state, also right in the building. And if you love plants and flowers, stop by Curiosity Farm, a local farm that sells locally grown flowers, plants, and bud vases inside the store. It’s a whole afternoon in one historic mill!
Cut at an Angle Flower Shop
A beautiful floral artistry studio at 17 Cabarrus Ave W specializing in enchanted, mythical-inspired arrangements. Their resident cat has been known to greet visitors — a highlight for animal-loving kids! Open Tuesday–Friday noon–6 PM and Saturday 11 AM–4 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabarrus County with Kids
Is the Feel the Thrill Tour at Charlotte Motor Speedway still available?
Yes! The Feel the Thrill Tour runs daily and takes you through the NASCAR Cup Series garage, two infield race tracks, Pit Road, Winner’s Circle, zMAX Dragway, and The Dirt Track at Charlotte (about 45 minutes to one hour). Visit the Charlotte Motor Speedway tours page or call 704-455-3223 for current pricing.
What free things can families do in Cabarrus County?
Several great options are free! The Hendrick Motorsports Museum and Team Store (4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd, Charlotte) has free admission. Village Park’s playgrounds, paved walking paths, and picnic areas in Kannapolis are free to use (rides cost $2 per person). The Cabarrus Arts Council galleries in downtown Concord’s historic 1876 courthouse are free through October 2026. Cabarrus County also has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails.
How much does it cost to ride the carousel and train at Village Park?
Tickets are $2 per person for both the carousel and the train. Children 12 months and under ride free. During the holiday Celebration of Lights event, tickets are $2.50 per person.
Is downtown Concord worth visiting with kids?
Absolutely! Historic downtown Concord is walkable and full of family-friendly stops: Goldberry Books for readers of all ages, Buzz City Games for board game fans, The Bead Lady for creative kids, and sweet treats at Chocolatier Barrucand. Grab a coffee at Press & Porter and stroll Union Street — it’s a lovely couple of hours.
Quick Facts: Cabarrus County with Kids
- Location: Cabarrus County, NC (approx. 2 hours from Greenville/Upstate SC; ~25 min from Charlotte)
- Top Picks: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Reed Gold Mine, Great Wolf Lodge, Village Park (Kannapolis), Downtown Concord
- Best Ages: All ages; most experiences best for ages 5 and up
- Cost: Free – $$$; free options include Hendrick Motorsports Museum, Reed Gold Mine tours, Village Park grounds, and Cabarrus Arts Council galleries
- Plan Your Visit: explorecabarrus.com
Have you ever been to Cabarrus County? What did you enjoy doing?
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