Fun And Family Friendly Things To Do In Charlotte With Kids

As a Charlotte mom of two young kids, I’m constantly scouting out places where little ones can run, climb, explore, and burn off their endless energy (without totally draining the adults in the process). Off the Eaten Path’s guide to kid-friendly activities in Charlotte, NC is packed with tried-and-true kid friendly outings across the Queen City, from splash pads and playgrounds to hands-on museums, nature preserves, and farms— places where both kids and parents can have fun.

The Best Activities to Do with Kids in Charlotte NC 

No matter the age, kids can be exhausting, and “kid stuff” isn’t always designed for the adults to have fun, too. And that makes kid activities even more exhausting. You feel me?

I’ve lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for almost fourteen years, but what once was a website about exploring a new-to-me city one bite at a time, we now have two kiddos of our own, so we’ve been in the business of testing all the kid corners of the Queen City (including places like farmers markets, restaurants and more!). Our two little ones are currently four and two, and we all have a deep appreciation for toddler activities that are fun, flexible, and don’t end in a meltdown (for them or me).

My kids are toddlers now (and you know I have a guide to the best toddler activities in Charlotte NC), but I know they won’t always be! So I’ve always kept my eye on the things the older kids are up to, wherever we go, pocketing that information for later (and to share with you!). Plus some of my friends have older kids, so it’s easy to keep my pulse on the things kids and teens are loving in our city.

If you’re a fellow parent, grandparent, caregiver, or just someone Googling “things to do with kids in Charlotte before I lose my mind,” this post is for you. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the Queen City with kids of all ages, I’ve rounded up the top spots that kids will love and bigger kids won’t outgrow — fun, easy adventures the whole family can enjoy.

ANNE SPRINGS CLOSE GREENWAY

2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill SC 29715

Daily 7:00am to sunset

Daily admission fee: $14 for adults, $7 for children (annual membership options available)

Recommended Ages: All Ages!

Just a short drive from Charlotte, the Anne Springs Close Greenway is a 2,100-acre nature preserve with tons to do and explore for families. The Schroering Forest Playground encourages imaginative play with a natural play area, a fairy trail, a shrub maze, and a mud kitchen. 

Kids can also meet friendly animals like alpacas, goats and pigs at the Crandall Bowles Children’s Farm. The farm hosts family farm day events with animal feedings and themed activities.

The Lake Haigler Loop provides a stroller-friendly 2.5-mile trail around the lake, perfect for introducing little ones to nature.

BIG ROCK NATURE PRESERVE

6500 Elmstone Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277

Recommended ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers, School Aged

Big Rock Nature Preserve is a natural hidden gem tucked among the hustle and bustle of South Charlotte near Stonecrest at Piper Glen. The preserve protects the Big Rock Rock Shelter, home to the largest exposed boulders in Mecklenburg County and an important archaeological site used by Native American communities as early as 7,000 years ago. Easy walking trails wind through the 22-acre preserve, with interpretive signs explaining the site’s geological and historical significance—making it a quick, low-effort, adventurous outing.

THE BOWL AT BALLANTYNE

15119 Bowl Street, Charlotte, NC 28277

Pictured above are my little ones and I exploring The Bowl at Ballantyne, which is on the newer side (opened in 2024). We love the Stream Park with its Hillside slides, hammocks, and other fun playground equipment. We also adore that the park is walkable distance to kid-friendly food like Harriet’s Hamburgers and Honeysuckle Gelato. (Pro tip: grab a pre-playground iced latte at Fly Kid Fly.)

We love that the bowl is kid- and dog-friendly. All of the restaurants have great patios for wiggly kids to run around, and kid-friendly menus too. There are even more spots scheduled to open in the next year, so there is plenty to check out every time you visit. Although the Bowl now required paid parking, it’s free to park for 2 hours in the surface lots or parking garages, which is honestly the perfect amount of time for a quick bite and playground hang.

For bigger kids who like to dress up, it might be fun to enjoy afternoon tea at the Ballantyne Hotel. The holiday tea especially is fun for kids and adults alike. But beware: You’ll need a reservation.

BOWLING

Recommend Ages: All Ages!

Bowling is an activity for the whole family, and Bowlero on South Boulevard is our go-to spot in Charlotte (fun fact, my husband, AJ, has several bowling medals so we love bowling). With bumpers, lightweight balls, ramps, and kid-friendly lanes, even first-time bowlers can jump right in without frustration, while older kids love the lights, music, and built-in screens that keep things feeling fun and modern. Add in arcade games, easy food options, and a casual atmosphere, bowling is perfect for rainy days, birthdays, or a low pressure family outing. 

CAMP NORTH END

300 Camp Road, Charlotte NC 28206

Recommended Ages: All Ages!

The industrial creative space at Camp North End caters to people of all ages and is super family friendly. 

We love to spend a weekend morning at Camp: listening to live music (bonus if it’s my kids’ favorite band, the Jolly Lollies), building with life size legos on the lawn, and popping into a family story time at That’s Novel Books or participating in a free art workshop with the Broken Crayon (they offer free workshops every other month featuring art activities like planter painting and tote bag tie dye, which you have to register for in advance.) 

Before heading home, we grab lunch at one of the food stalls or other restaurants, and do a little shopping (our three year old loves books so we shop around That’s Novel Books and I love plants so there is a must stop at Grow too).

Camp North End also has fun seasonal events like the North End Farmers Market in the spring and summer, the Mistletoe Market and Ice Skating in the winter, and Crossroads Cinema (outdoor movies) in the summer.

CAROLINA RAPTOR CENTER

6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078

Daily 10:00am – 4:00pm

Recommended Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers and School Aged

If your kid is into birds, bugs, or just being outside, this combo outing of the Carolina Raptor Center followed by a visit to the Quest Nature Center at Latta Nature Preserve should be at the top of your list.

You can meet hawks, owls, and eagles up close at the Raptor Center, then pop into the Quest center for indoor educational exhibits and a cool nature-themed play space.

CAROWINDS

14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte NC 28273

Open daily in the summer at 10am

Recommended Ages: All Ages!

Big theme parks don’t always scream “kid-friendly,” but Carowinds actually has an entire section called Camp Snoopy designed for little kids (and an entire section on their website full of tips for families). With kid size rides, splash pads, shaded areas, and character meet and greets, this is the perfect place for family friendly fun with littles. Camp Snoopy also has a Family Care Center, a quiet, air-conditioned space for families with infants and toddlers, including diaper changing stations and nursing areas. 

Kids under 2 are free, and daily passes for children three and up (and adults) run about $40. Carowinds also offers an annual Pre K pass for kids aged 3 to 5 (with the purchase of a Gold or Prestige Season Pass ) which includes admission to two special events (Tricks and Treats and Winterfest).

Admission to Carowinds also includes admission to Carolina Harbor (Carowinds’ waterpark which is home to a lazy river and wave pool) which opens Memorial Day weekend.

CHARLOTTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY

3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215

Recommended: School Aged

Located on a wooded campus just outside Uptown, the Charlotte Museum of History brings Charlotte’s past to life through interactive exhibits, engaging storytelling, special events and outdoor spaces where kids can move and explore. Families can tour the historic Hezekiah Alexander House, participate in kid-friendly programs and seasonal events, and check out exhibits that make local history feel approachable rather than stuffy.

CLT Airport Overlook 

5130 Airport Overlook Drive, Charlotte, NC

Daily 8:00am-10:00pm

Recommended Ages: Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, School Aged

The recently redesigned Charlotte-Douglas International Airport Overlook features two aviation themed playgrounds, informative exhibits featuring aviation history in the Carolinas, and the highlight, a clear view of the Charlotte skyline and airport runways to watch planes take off and land. 

The playgrounds are mostly in the full sun, but there are shaded areas with benches and trees, covered picnic tables (and a rotation of visiting food trucks) and restrooms with baby changing stations.

DANIEL STOWE CONSERVANCY

6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012

Recommended ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers, School Aged

Daniel Stowe Conservancy has become an especially great destination for families thanks to its thoughtfully designed nature-based playground the Prairie Castle Playground. Tucked within the gardens, this three-story castle-inspired play structure invites kids to let their imaginations run wild, with towers, bridges, and plenty of space for creative, open-ended play. Thoughtfully designed for accessibility, the first two levels are wheelchair accessible, making it a genuinely inclusive place for kids of all abilities to explore together.

DISCOVERY PLACE

Discovery Place is a local non profit organization focused on education and exploration with three locations in Charlotte, each of them a little bit different: 

DISCOVERY PLACE KIDS-HUNTERSVILLE

105 Gilead Road Huntersville, NC 28078

Monday Closed
Tuesday to Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm
Friday to Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm

Recommended Ages: Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers

Discovery Place Kids is the ultimate children’s museum: colorful, hands-on, and chaotic in the best possible way.

This children’s museum is the perfect place where kids can learn through play and using their imagination. It’s one big zone for curious little hands, full of hands on exhibits like driving a firetruck or shopping at a grocery store where kids can explore everything by touching, climbing and pushing all of the buttons.

Discovery Place Kids also offers special daily activities like story times and science shows, and also has sensory friendly hours.

DISCOVERY PLACE SCIENCE

168 W. 6th Street, Charlotte NC 28202

Monday to Friday 9:00am – 4:00 pm
Saturday 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 10:30 am – 4:00 pm

Recommended Ages: All Ages!

Discovery Place Science is often thought of as a place for “big kids;” and while the main museum is geared towards older children, it is a great place for kids of all ages!

Children will love the KidScience zone; a gated area for ages 0 to 7 with soft blocks, water tables, tunnels and plenty to touch. After all, hands on learning is fun!

CHARLOTTE MUSEUM OF NATURE

Recommended Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers, School Aged

Writers note: The former site of Discovery Place Nature (which has newly been named the Charlotte Museum of Nature) is currently under construction with plans to re-open in 2026.

In the heart of Dilworth near Freedom Park, kids can meet live animals, visit a butterfly pavilion, explore a shaded nature trail and play in a natural play area outdoors.

FRANKIE’S FUN PARK

10621 Bryton Corporate Center Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078

Recommended Ages: School Aged, Teens

Inside Frankie’s Fun Park, families will find 120+ arcade games, bumper cars, a two-story laser tag arena, an indoor Drop Zone ride, and 24 bowling lanes, making it the largest Frankie’s in the Carolinas. At Frankie’s, it’s easy to keep kids entertained for hours–dlder kids especially love the high-tech attractions like the Hologate virtual reality experience, where players team up to battle enemies and rack up points, and the Dark Ride, a fully immersive 7D motion ride that makes kids feel like they’re inside the movie. 

FUN ON THE FARM

Recommended ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers, School Aged

Visiting local farms with kids is the perfect blend of fresh air, hands-on fun, and animal encounter.  Spots like Sweetwater Farms in Huntersville are kid gold: kids can meet animals like pigs, goats, donkeys, and ducks, then burn off energy on natural playgrounds complete with sandboxes, swings, and a water play area. Another favorite in our family is The Hunter Farm in Weddington, which offers a tractor-pulled wagon ride to their petting barn, where you can feed their goats! 

A variety of local farms also offer seasonal pick-your-own adventures: strawberries in the spring, flowers in the summer, apples in the late summer and early fall, and pumpkins in the fall. Our favorites to visit are Wise Acres, The Hunter Farm, Carrigan Farms, Windy Hill Orchard, and Aw Shucks Farm.

IMAGINON: THE JOE & JOAN MARTIN CENTER

300 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Monday to Thursday 9:00am – 8:00pm
Friday to Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Recommended Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers and School Aged

Looking for a magical mix of educational play and creative wonder? ImaginOn is part library, part theater, and part interactive play space—all wrapped up in a beautiful, stroller-friendly building right in Uptown at E. 7th St.

ImaginOn is a joint venture between the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. The building includes a kid-friendly library zone, cozy reading nooks, costume corners, and sensory play areas. Check their schedule for daily and weekly interactive story times, or buy tickets to one of several award-winning, professional theater productions (several of which are kid appropriate with shorter runtimes and lively storytelling) hosted in The McColl Family Theatre or Wells Fargo Playhouse.

INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS AND PLAY PLACES

Recommended Ages: Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, School Aged, Teens

Indoor playgrounds and play places are the perfect places for energetic kids who want to bounce, build and burn off energy (they can throw themselves in ball pits or foam pits, explore an obstacle course, bounce on a trampoline or slide down slides), and tired adults (many serve coffee, food and other treats!). An indoor playground is perfect for a rainy day and many host birthday parties!

Here are some of the best in the greater Charlotte NC area:

• Grow Play Cafe (University): Modern space with great coffee and imaginative play 
• Funtown Play Cafe (Lake Wylie): Clean, bright, and built for kids 
• Spirited Sprout (Waxhaw): Montessori-style play and baby zone 
• High Five Playhouse (Matthews): Open gym plus pretend play areas 
• Playland (Pineville & Lake Norman): Big play structures and sensory zones 
• The Playhouse (Fort Mill): Unique climbing structures and themed rooms 
• Confetē Play and Soirée (Huntersville): Stylish and sweet with great photo ops 
• Big Air Trampoline Park (Charlotte): Toddler time is safe, enclosed jumping fun (and stroller-friendly)
• Inner Peaks (NoDa, Matthews, South End): For the more adventurous rock climbers

LAZY 5 RANCH

15100 Mooresville Rd, Mooresville, NC 28115

Recommended Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers

Located in Mooresville near Lake Norman, this drive-through animal sanctuary lets families get unbelievably close to hundreds of free-roaming animals—so close that zebras, deer, and goats will happily stroll right up to your car window looking for snacks. Feed buckets are sold on-site and kids love helping hand-feed animals from the backseat while spotting everything from antelope and elk to water buffalo and pot-bellied pigs. There are also camels, llamas, kangaroos, and a giraffe enclosure to explore.

MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS UPTOWN

601 S Tryon St #138, Charlotte, NC 28202

Recommended Ages: Preschoolers, School Aged, Teens

Get ready for a fun, mind-bending experience that’s especially popular with kids. The museum features over 60 interactive exhibits, including illusion rooms, holograms, and optical tricks that flip perspective and challenge what your eyes think they’re seeing. Best of all, the exhibits don’t just wow—they explain the science behind the illusions, making it equal parts fun and educational. Plan to spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours exploring, snapping photos, and letting kids test every trick.

NASCAR HALL OF FAME

400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202

Recommended Ages: All Ages!

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is high octane fun for the whole family. Kids can climb into interactive exhibits, try racing simulators, and test their skills with hands-on challenges like changing a tire or spotting race flags, all while surrounded by real race cars that feel larger than life. The museum mixes just enough history with lots of buttons to push and things to try, making it a surprisingly engaging Uptown stop for kids who learn best by doing—and pretending they’re behind the wheel.

NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

1 Samuel Spencer Dr, Spencer, NC 28159

Recommended Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers, School Aged

The North Carolina Transportation Museum is a dream destination for kids who love trains, big machines, and hands-on exploring. The museum is packed with kid-friendly fun year-round: seasonal train rides (including a Polar Express experience which is one of the best Christmas activities in Chalrotte), massive locomotives to explore, antique cars and fire trucks, planes, and wide-open spaces perfect for curious kids who want to see how things work. It’s immersive and interactive, making it well worth the short drive from Charlotte.

OUTDOOR PLAYGROUNDS

Recommended Ages: All Ages!

Sometimes the best outings are free, close, and reliably fun. Charlotte is packed with amazing playgrounds, and we’ve tested a lot of them.

Our three year old personally hasn’t met a slide he didn’t love. Several playgrounds have a picnic area, so you can pack lunch and eat outside. These are our top picks for kids in the Charlotte area:

• Freedom Park (Dilworth) Home to a fenced toddler area, train engine, walking paths and nearby ducks in the pond. 
• Park Road Park (South Charlotte) Shaded with a dedicated toddler play structure 
• Marion Diehl Park (Madison Park) Fully accessible playground with a rubber ground 
• Stream Park at The Bowl (Ballantyne) Hillside slides, hammocks, and walkable to food like Harriet’s Hamburgers and Honeysuckle Gelato (pro tip: grab pre playground coffee at Fly Kid Fly) 
• Chantilly Park (Chantilly) A low key, neighborhood park with toddler-sized equipment.  
• Latta Park (Dilworth) Shaded playground, splash pad and Hornets’ themed basketball court. 
• Sedgefield Park (Sedgefield) Quiet and tucked into a neighborhood 
• William R. Davie Park (South Charlotte) We love the slide here!   
• Veterans Memorial Park (Plaza Midwood): Busy shaded play area and popular summer splash pad. 
• Crooked Creek Park (Indian Trail): Huge playground and nature trail 
• Pineville Lake Park (Pineville): Playground, paths around the lake and walkable to downtown Pineville restaurants and coffee shops 
• Squirrel Lake Park (Matthews): Explore the outdoors in the heart of Matthews with a fishing pond and walking trails. 
• Dan Nicholas Park (Kannapolis): splash pad, train rides, and farm animals 
• Romare Bearden Park: Skyline views, water fountains, and easy access to all of what Uptown has to offer.

ROLLER SKATING & ICE SKATING

Recommended Ages: School Aged and Teens

Sometimes it’s fun to put on a pair of ice skates, roller skates or ‘blades and let the big kids do loop-de-loops on the rink or ice. There are also several parks with skate parks for the skateboarders.

It’s too warm in NC for ice skating on a lake, but artificial ice rinks are available for ice skating is available during the holidays at the Whitewater Center and Camp North End, and some other pop-up places (see our full guide to ice skating in Charlotte). Pick up a pair of skates for your kiddo at Derby City Skates.

• Kate’s Skating Rink (locations in Indian Trail, Rock Hill and Gastonia)
• Pineville Ice House (Pineville)
• Extreme Ice Center (Indian Trail)
• Renaissance Park Skate Park (Yorkmount)
• Frye’s Roller Rink (Concord)

SCHIELE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

1500 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054

Monday to Friday 10:00am-4:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm

Recommended Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers, School Aged

The Schiele Museum in Gastonia is worth the short drive—it’s got life-sized dino models, hands-on science exhibits, a mini indoor play area, a working farm with real goats and chickens, and even planetarium shows for little ones.

SEA LIFE AQUARIUM

8111 Concord Mills Blvd Concord, NC 28027
Open daily 10:00am – 6:00 pm

Recommended Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers, School Aged

Sea Life at Concord Mills is stroller-friendly, and packed with fish, jellyfish, turtles, and a tunnel that feels like you’re walking under the sea. Your kids will love walking through a glass tunnel under sharks and stingrays and the interactive touch tank. Bonus: it’s right next to the food court and family restrooms.

SOUTHPARK MALL

4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

Recommended Ages: All Ages!

SouthPark Mall isn’t just one of Charlotte’s premier shopping destinations—it’s surprisingly great for families and kids, too. Two must stops if you have kids of any age are The LEGO Store where kids can linger at the build tables and check out new sets and CAMP, which feels less like a store and more like an experience, with curated toys, playful displays, and frequent interactive elements that keep kids engaged while parents browse. 

Beyond the polished, easy-to-navigate layout, families love the outdoor playground tucked right next door, which makes it an ideal spot to let kids burn off energy at the end of a shopping day. One of our favorite parent wins? Suffolk Punch is connected to both the mall and the playground, making it the perfect post-shopping pit stop: kids can play andparents can relax with a cold one.

SPLASH PADS

Recommended Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers, School Aged

As mentioned above, Charlotte is also home to several public splash pads which are perfect for water fun on hot afternoons. A few of our favorites:

• Latta Park (Dilworth)
• First Ward Park (Uptown)
• Urban District Market (NoDa)
• Veteran’s Memorial Park (Plaza Midwood)
• Blakeney Town Center (South Charlotte)
• Ray’s Splash Planet and Eastway Rec for winter, indoor water adventures

SPORTS CONNECTION

11611 Ardrey Kell Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

Recommended Ages: School Aged, Teens

Sports Connection is a go-to destination for high-energy family fun in Charlotte, especially for kids who like to move, climb, and compete. What started in 1995 as a volleyball facility has grown into a full-scale family entertainment center with something for every age and interest—from bowling, laser tag, and arcade games to a rock wall, ropes course, and organized sports leagues.

STORY TIME AT LOCAL LIBRARIES 

Recommended Ages: Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers

Most Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries offer Baby Time, Toddler Time, and Family Storytime, and some branches even include bubbles, songs, and simple crafts. All you need to do for this low-effort, free outing is check the online calendar of your local branch, as times vary by location.

SULLENBERGER AVIATION MUSEUM

4108 Minuteman Way, Charlotte, NC 28208

Monday Closed
Tuesday to Saturday 10:00am – 4:30 pm
Sunday 12pm – 4:30 pm

Recommended Ages: All Ages!

If your kid loves airplanes (what kid doesn’t?), they will love exploring the Sullenberger Aviation Museum (formerly the Carolinas Aviation Museum). It’s near the airport, and would be a good alternative to the overlook on a rainy day. It lets kids get up close to real aircraft—without ever needing to take a flight. 

Across from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the museum is home to 40 authentic aircraft and family friendly attractions (including the actual Miracle on the Hudson plane, a fenced outdoor observation area to watch planes land at the airport, paper airplane launch and more).

TAKE THEM OUT TO THE BALL GAME

Recommended Ages: All Ages!

Taking your kid to a game? Trust us, it can be fun. Charlotte is home to a variety of family friendly professional sports teams like the Charlotte Knights (baseball), Charlotte FC (soccer), Carolina Panthers (football), Charlotte Hornets (basketball), and Charlotte Checkers (hockey). As an added bonus, most of them play Uptown, so you can take the light rail which is an added adventure for the train lovers in your life.

TIGER WORLD

4400 Cook Rd, Rockwell, NC 28138

Recommended Ages: Preschoolers, School Aged

Located in Rockwell, NC, Tiger World offers a space that brings families face-to-face with big cats and other endangered species. The intimate size of the preserve makes it especially engaging for children, who can watch animals run, swim, and play up close. Tiger World offers families free admission every December and January if you donate your used Christmas tree; the tigers love to play with them!

TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENTS

Recommended Ages: Toddlers and Preschoolers

Touch-a-Truck events in the Charlotte area are a kid’s dream come true, offering hands-on experiences with a variety of vehicles and the opportunity to meet local heroes. These events are designed to be both fun and educational, allowing young children to explore fire trucks, ambulances, trash and recycling trucks, police cars, construction vehicles, and more. Many are hosted by local municipalities in Mecklenburg County and beyond, as well as local neighborhoods and churches.

URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK

9108 Lawyers Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227

Recommended Ages: School Aged

More than just a trampoline park, Urban Air Adventure Park a full-scale indoor adventure playground with attractions designed for a wide range of ages and comfort levels—so cautious kids and thrill-seekers alike can find their thing. It’s a safe, contained space to let kids burn off serious energy, whether you’re planning a birthday party or need a go-to rainy-day plan.

WHITEWATER CENTER

5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214

Opens daily at 9am (check calendar for special hours and events)

Recommended Ages: All Ages!

Explore the great outdoors with your family by spending a day at the US National Whitewater Center, which offers activities for kids of all ages. The centerpiece for young explorers is Wildwoods, a sprawling 2-acre nature-inspired play area designed with young kids in mind (an activity pass to Wildwoods is $18 and parking at USNWC is $12). 

Wildwoods features multi-level tree houses connected by swinging bridges, ropes course, and floating hammocks. Children can climb, slide, and explore to their heart’s content, while parents relax nearby with refreshments from the adjacent Wildwoods Cabin. For budding cyclists, Wildwoods also offers a balance bike course winding through a forested trail, complete with mini rollers and rock gardens. Families can bring their own bikes or check out balance bikes on-site.

As evening approaches, Whitewater’s River Jam concert series provides a lively yet family-friendly atmosphere. Held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from May through September, River Jam features live music ranging from Americana to soul/R&B, set against the backdrop of the world’s largest man-made whitewater river. Families often bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the performances, and you can grab food and beverages from one of the food trucks or Whitewater’s on site restaurant.

Beyond these highlights, the USNWC’s expansive grounds include shaded picnic areas, open spaces for free play, and over 40 miles of trails suitable for strollers and little legs. Whether you’re seeking active play or a relaxing evening under the stars, the USNWC offers a versatile and engaging environment for families with kids