.png?width=150&height=90&name=CM%20Trans%20(300%20x%20400%20px).png "CM Trans (300 x 400 px)")
Indoor Activities with Kids and Families in Charlotte, NC
Top Indoor Activities for Kids and Families in Charlotte, NC
When the weather isn’t ideal or you’re looking for something fun and educational indoors, Charlotte offers an amazing variety of activities for kids and families. From interactive museums and engaging story times to indoor playgrounds and innovative recreational centers, there’s something for every interest and age group. Explore our ultimate guide to the best indoor activities in Charlotte to make the most of your day with the kids!
Discovery Place Science - Interactive Science Museum
Location: 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Admission: Admission is $19 for adults (ages 13-64), $15 for children (ages 2-12), $17 for seniors (ages 65+), and free for children under 2.
Description: Discovery Place Science in Charlotte offers hands-on exhibits and educational programs for families. Explore the aquarium with jellyfish, tree frog displays, and a tropical rainforest enclosure with live birds. The first floor features a toddler section with a water table for interactive play. This family-friendly museum also includes a cutting-edge IMAX theater, making it a top destination for fun and learning in Charlotte.
Insider Tip: Make a day of it by grabbing lunch at Monarch Market or visiting nearby Playground at Fourth Ward Park, both just a 6-minute walk from Discovery Place
ImaginOn - Free Indoor Library and Play Space in Charlotte
Location: 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Admission: Free
Description: ImaginOn is a free indoor library and play space in Charlotte with interactive exhibits for children, including pretend cars, buses, a puppet show area, building blocks, and more. It connects to Sprenger Library and the Children’s Theater, offering storytimes and live performances. Families can enjoy creative play in interactive reading areas and play zones. The first 90 minutes of parking are validated in the deck beneath ImaginOn (entrance on 6th Street), with all-day parking available at Seventh Street Parking.
Insider Tip: Make a day of it by visiting the seasonal splash pad at First Ward Park across the street or enjoying dining options at 7th Street Station, including Geno Pizza and Not Just Coffee at Market at Seventh Street.
Sullenberger Aviation Museum - Aviation History Exploration
Location: 4672 First Flight Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208
Admission: Adult tickets (18+) are $24, seniors (65+) are $20, and children (5-17) are $18. Tickets for children under 5 are free. Active military, veterans, aviation professionals, and educators can purchase tickets for $20.
Description: A must-visit for young aviation enthusiasts, this museum on the Charlotte Douglas Airport campus features over 40 aircraft displays, flight simulators, and hands-on STEAM activities. It’s the perfect place for kids to learn about aviation history in an engaging and interactive way.
Sullenburger Instagram Reel Here
Playland Indoor Playgrounds - Indoor Fun for Kids
Location: 1. 11812 Carolina Pl Pkwy, Pineville, NC 2. 2700 Gray Fox Rd, Monroe, NC 3. 122 Trade Ct, Mooresville, NC
Description: Playland offers safe, exciting play spaces for kids to climb, jump, and explore. Parents can relax with a cup of locally brewed coffee while the kids enjoy hours of active fun. It’s the perfect indoor escape for rainy days!
Activate Gaming Center - Interactive Gaming Fun
Location: 1848 Galleria Blvd, Suite 9B, Charlotte, NC 28270
Admission: $24.99 (Mon-Thurs), $29.99 (Fri-Sun)
Description: For families looking to test their agility and skills, Activate Gaming Center offers an interactive experience filled with physical and mental challenges. Great for kids aged 6 and up, this gaming center is a fun way to bond and create lasting memories.
Ray’s Splash Planet - Indoor Waterpark in Charlotte for Families
Location: 215 N Sycamore St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Admission: County residents pay $8 (ages 17 and under, 55 and up) and $10 (ages 18-54). Non-county residents pay $10 (ages 17 and under, 55 and up) and $15 (ages 18-54).
Description: Ray’s Splash Planet, located in Uptown Charlotte at Irwin Creek Academic Center, is an indoor waterpark and recreational facility operated in partnership with Park and Recreation and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. This family-friendly water playground offers a variety of attractions, including the thrilling Blue Comet three-story slide (must be 48 inches tall to ride), the relaxing Lazy River, and the toddler-friendly Saturation Station with interactive water play, slides, and a tumble bucket. Additional features include the Vortex pool with a quick current, Meteor Showers with brightly colored buckets, and Moon Beach with a gradual beach-like entry. For active families, the Sea of Tranquility offers lap lanes, water basketball, and volleyball. Rain or shine, Ray’s Splash Planet provides hours of fun for the entire family. Be sure to check hours before arriving.
Museum of Illusions - Mind-Bending Fun
Location: First Floor, Ally Center, Charlotte, NC
Admission: Check online for ticket details
Description: The Museum of Illusions is an interactive experience that challenges your perception with mind-bending exhibits and fun photo opportunities. Ideal for kids 5 and up, it’s a great spot to have some fun and explore the world of optical illusions.
Bowling at Sparetime Pineville - Family Bowling Center
Location: 9600 Pineville Matthews Rd, Pineville, NC
Admission: $19.99 per hour, $39.99 for two hours
Description: Sparetime Pineville offers an exciting family-friendly bowling experience with weekly specials, laser tag, and a game zone. With a variety of packages and kid-friendly meals, it’s a great spot for family fun and friendly competition.
High Five Playhouse - Indoor Play Area
Location: 10101 E Independence Blvd C, Matthews, NC 28105
Admission: $18.99/child for 2-hour play block, $25.99 for all-day pass
Description: High Five Playhouse is the ultimate play destination for younger kids! This indoor playground has a range of activities and is perfect for families looking to spend quality time together. With food options available and birthday party packages, it’s an ideal spot for playdates and celebrations.
Eastway Regional Recreation Center - Indoor Leisure Facility
Location: 3150 Eastway Park Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205
Admission: Check online for details
Description: Eastway Regional Recreation Center offers a variety of indoor activities, including a leisure pool, gym, and family-friendly changing rooms. It’s a great spot for families to stay active and enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including swimming and fitness classes.
Steele Creek Community Center - Indoor Playground
Location: 1920 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28217
Admission: Free
Description: A hidden gem in Charlotte, the Steele Creek Community Place offers a fantastic indoor playground where younger children can climb, slide, and explore. The cozy setting is ideal for parents looking for a low-key but fun spot for their kids to enjoy some indoor playtime. Located next to Javesca Coffee with serves lattes, breakfast and pastries.
SkyZone Pineville - Indoor Trampoline Park
Location: 10610 Metromont Parkway, Suite A, Pineville, NC 28273
Admission: Starts at $17 for one hour
Description: Sky Zone Pineville is the ultimate destination for high-energy fun! With trampolines for open jumping, dodgeball courts, and foam pits, it’s an adventure-filled experience for kids and adults alike. Perfect for those who want to get active and have a blast while doing it, Sky Zone offers a range of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Dish it Out Pottery - Drop-In Pottery Studio
Location: 3720 S Blvd, Suite D, Charlotte, NC 28209
Admission: Pottery items start at $10
Description: Dish It Out Pottery Studio offers a creative and relaxing environment for families to paint pottery together. Drop in any time to create personalized mugs, plates, or other ceramic pieces. No appointment necessary, making it perfect for a spontaneous family outing where everyone can let their imagination run wild.
SeaLife Concord Mills- Behind the Scenes Tour & Mermaid Makeover
Location: 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC 28027
Admission: General Admission: $23.50, Mermaid Makeover: $29.99
Description: SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord offers an amazing underwater adventure with its Behind the Scenes Tour, where you can see how the aquarium cares for its marine life. Kids can also enjoy a magical Mermaid Makeover experience, where they transform into a mermaid with fun makeup and costumes. It’s a great way to inspire curiosity and wonder about ocean creatures.
Urban Air - Indoor Adventure Park
Location: 6850 Matthews Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227
Admission: Starting at $17.99 for basic entry
Description: Urban Air Mint Hill is a must-visit for thrill-seekers! This indoor adventure park is packed with activities like trampolines, obstacle courses, a ninja warrior course, and even a ball pit. Whether your kids are bouncing, climbing, or swinging through the air, Urban Air offers hours of entertainment for all ages, making it a perfect family outing.