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!
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.
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.
- Stay local: Visit Anne Springs Close Greenway for a winter season hike.
- At night: Enjoy the lit-up Canyon Night Trail at the Whitewater Center. No pass or reservations are required! You’ll find two suspension bridges, obstacles, and even play spaces.
- Head for the mountains. The Upstate, SC area has some great winter season hikes with stunning views as a reward. One of our favorites is at Table Rock. You’ll find the information for that and other Upstate hikes on the Kidding Around Greenville list of winter hikes.
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.
Here’s our full review of Gibson Mill.
Still Need More Options?
Discover lots more things to do in our HUGE Charlotte, NC Things to Do Guide