Staycation Fun in Charlotte, North Carolina

With a little planning and creativity a “staycation” can feel like a real summer vacation. You’ll save a lot of money and actually get some rest too!  The following ideas are for the Charlotte, North Carolina area.  (Extra:  Find Kids Eat Free deals here or ideas for staycations in other cities across the country here).

FREE Staycation Ideas

1. Bass Pro Shop They have fish feedings, free 4X6 family photos, kid and adult workshops, crafts, and even a few family games such as a sleeping bag roll up challenge.
2. Billy Graham Library-  As children go through the Library they can use “Bessie’s Brainteaser” question and answer cards to follow along on the tour.  After the tour, they can bring the cards to Ruth’s Attic Bookstore to pick up a free prize.
3. Crowders Mountain State Park-  This destination has activities for the entire family.  Hike the lake trail which is an easy .8 mile loop around the park lake or pick a strenuous trail that ends at the summit of Crowders Mountain.  You can also rent canoes, fish, and picnic.
   

   Crowders Mountain

4. Geocaching-  Use your smart phone or GPS device to find hidden treasures in your area.  Once you start, you can’t stop.  Trust me!
   

   Geocaching in a Park

5. ImaginOn-  This amazing library brings stories to life through extraordinary experiences that challenge, inspire, and excite young minds.  Enjoy family storytime or created your own movies or videos in “Studio i”.  For added fun ride the Lynx light rail ($1.75/person) to 7th street which drops you off at the library.
   

   Riding the Lynx Light Rail to ImaginOn

6. Summer Movies- Enjoy movies, popcorn, and drinks totally free!
7. Superior Play Systems-  (Free open play Wednesday & Friday 10am-1pm) Playgrounds, trampolines, and basketball systems all inside make this place a perfect place to land on a hot or rainy day.
   

   Superior Play Systems

8. Lakeshore Learning Center-Free craft every Saturday
9. Lego Fun- The Concord Mills Lego store offers a free mini model build on the first Tuesday of every month.  Pottery Barn Kids is offering a free Duplo event for parents and preschoolers on June 18, 2011.
10. Lowes Build and Grow Clinic -Free clinic every other Saturday.  Each participant receives a wooden project, apron, goggles, project themed patch, and a certification of merit.
    

    Lowes Build and Grow

11. Spraygrounds- Five spraygrounds are located around the city with fun water features that you can run through, jump in, or just sit down and enjoy.
    

    Veteran's Park Srayground

CHEAP ($10 and under) Staycation Ideas

1. Carolina Raptor Center ($10/Adult, $6/Student)
2. Charlotte Knights ($7-$14/ticket; BOGO tickets on Tuesday & Wednesday)-  We have our very own minor league baseball team.  We like to go on Saturday to enjoy the free post-game fireworks.
3. Charlotte Aviation Museum ($7-$11/ticket, 6 and under free) View an amazing collection of aircraft, helicopters, and interactive displays.  It’s located adjacent to the Charlotte douglas International Airport so your visit will include watching all types of aircraft land and take off.
4. Charlotte Nature Museum ($6/person)  Walk among free-flying butterflies in Butterfly Pavilion, observe live animals in Creature Cavern, buzz by Insect Alley, hang out in Our Big Backyard or explore the Paw Paw Nature Trail in the 100-year-old forest.
   

   Charlotte Nature Museum

5. Dan Nicholas Park ($0.50-$6.00/activity) Super fun and super cheap this park packs in the fun! Activities include a carousel, water plaza, petting barn, nature center, train, aquarium, gem mine, mini golf, and paddle boats.
   

   Dan Nicholas Park

6. Discovery Place Kids ($8/person)- This children’s museum encourages imagination and offers the opportunity to build confidence while testing skills by trying new things.  The exhibits, themed around a small town, allow children to learn through play.
   

   Discovery Place Kids

7. Latta Equestrian Center ($8-$65/person)- Enjoy trail rides, pony rides, arena rides, bonfire, food, drinks, roasted marshmallows, tractor drawn hay ride, and horse drawn carriage.  You can even do a 2 hour “sunset” ride which includes a steak or chicken dinner.
   

   Latta Equestrian Center

8. Lazy Five Ranch ($8.50/adult, $5.50/child, $3.00 feed bucket)- A 3.5 mile tour of over 750 animals from all over the world.  You can view from the safety of your own car or an open air wagon (additional fee).
9. Plaza Fiesta- ($4/child)- A HUGE indoor playground.  Don’t forget your socks!
   

   Plaza Fiesta

10. Ray’s Splash Planet- ($8/adult, $6/child) An indoor waterpark with slides, current pool, moon beach, and more.
11. Main Street Children’s Museum ($5/person)  Make-belive in the pumpkin house, climb to the tip-top of the tree house and sail on the magic ship.  This museum offers fun and educational activities in downtown Rock Hill, SC.

SPLURGES ($10 or more) Staycation Ideas

1. Carowinds ($51.99/adult, $24.99/child)-  Amusement park full of rides, attractions, shows, and Boomerang Bay Waterpark.  Money saving tip:  Go after 4pm for the “Twilight” rate of $22.99/person.
2. Discovery Place –  ($12/adult, $9/child) Step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs.  Enjoy the larger-than-life IMAX dome films and many hands on activities that let you explore even more.
   

   Discovery Place. Adults have fun too!

    

    

3. NASCAR Hall of Fame ($18.95/adult, $11.95/child) This 5.5 acre Hall of fame complex has more than 50 interactive exhibits, video interactive touch screens and games, thousands of authentic artifacts, and more.  Money savings tip:  Buy the $20 Fame Coupon Book with more than $100 savings including free simulator rides and discounts off general admission!
4. Tweetsie Railroad- ($34/adult, $22/child) The rides, live entertainment, and wild west train are sure to make this day trip a success.  Easy 2 hour drive.
   

   Tweetsie Railroad

    

    

5. US National Whitewater Center ($15-$89 per person depending on the pass you choose)-  A great place to play outdoors and have fun this man-made whitewater river has many different water and land activities. Enjoy whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, whitewater kayaking, canyon crossing, rock climbing, mountain biking, mega zip, mega jump, adventure course, climb 2 zip, eco trekking, and the trail system.
6. Queen’s Landing ($14.99 adult, $6.99 child) –  Every Wednesday take 1.5 hour cruise on Lake Norman and enjoy an all you can eat Pizza Buffet.  Other cruise options available.