101 Things to Do in Charlotte is brought to you in partnership with Museum of Illusions.
Get ready for an adventure like no other with your friends and family at Museum of Illusions Charlotte. Dive into a world where reality twists and turns, sparking laughter and awe at every corner. From defying gravity to mind-bending optical illusions, every exhibit is a shared journey of wonder. Brace yourselves for moments of surprise, discovery, and endless fun as you create unforgettable memories together.
Retrace Charlotte native and evangelist Billy Graham’s dynamic journey from a North Carolina dairy farm to stadiums across the globe at The Billy Graham Library.
Learn about the conservation and rehabilitation of nearly 40 birds of prey, like eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures, at the Carolina Raptor Center, one of the largest raptor medical centers in the country.
Careen down the tracks of one of Carowinds' adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like Fury 325, the fastest and tallest giga coaster in the world. Then stop by Carolina Harbor, the largest waterpark in the Carolinas.
Belmont’s 380-acre plant paradise, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, is about 20 miles from Uptown and provides the perfect way to enjoy a day outside. Visit the orchid conservatory to see unique exotic plants, grab the perfect social media-worthy photo op in the canal garden, or take a hike on the multiple trails that run through the property.
Conveniently located in Uptown, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, opened May 11, 2010. The goal of the facility is to honor NASCAR icons and create an enduring tribute to the drivers, crew members, team owners and others that have impacted the sport in the past, present and future.
Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. From this discovery, gold mining spread gradually to nearby counties and eventually into other southern states. Today you can still feel the cool dampness underground in an early gold mine, marvel at early 20th-century steam locomotives, and relive a colonial or Civil War battle.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is dedicated to the promotion of the active, outdoor lifestyle. Since 2006, the USNWC has been promoting access to the outdoors for all levels of participants through its all-day pass programs, instruction, leadership school as well as festivals, races and other outdoor events. Whether you visit the Center’s 1,300 acres on the Catawba River or participate in the offsite programs featured throughout the United States, the USNWC wants you to play, relax and learn outside.
The Sullenberger Aviation Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of aviation. Named after Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the museum showcases a wide range of aircraft and aviation artifacts, including military planes, commercial airliners and vintage models. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore the science and technology behind flight, offering educational experiences for all ages. The museum also features a flight simulator, giving guests the chance to experience what it feels like to pilot an aircraft.
Ballantyne's Backyard is a vibrant community space in the heart of the Ballantyne area, offering a lively mix of outdoor activities, dining, and entertainment. This popular destination hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year, featuring local and regional artists that bring music to life under the stars. Visitors can enjoy a range of delicious dining options from nearby restaurants, creating the perfect atmosphere for a fun day out.
When it’s time to refresh your physical and mental health, the Queen City has no shortage of wellness offerings to transform your body and soul. From stress-relieving massages to complexion-brightening facials to full-body salt therapy treatments, unwind at one of Charlotte’s local spas.
Here are the tips, deals and discounts that prove the Queen City is both fun and affordable. Charlotte has plenty of activities that don't cost a dime. Many options on this curated list are priced under $10, keeping your focus on the memories.
