Things to do with kids in Charlotte, NC
Checked · All times are local Eastern Time (Charlotte time)
Coming up in Charlotte: Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade (Nov 25), CPI Security Charlotte Turkey Trot & Tot Trot (Nov 26), WinterFest at Carowinds (from Nov 27) and 2 more events. 6 always-open places, led by Discovery Place Science. Prices and hours come from each official site.
Thanksgiving events in Charlotte
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade
- When
- Wed, Nov 25 · Steps off 5:30pm
- Cost
- Free (optional VIP bleacher seats $40)
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Charlotte’s big Thanksgiving parade on the night before Thanksgiving, along Tryon Street from 9th Street to Good Samaritan Way. Bring chairs and line Tryon Street; it happens rain or shine and airs live on WCCB.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
CPI Security Charlotte Turkey Trot & Tot Trot
- When
- Thu, Nov 26 · 8K 8:10am · Tot Trot 8:30am · 5K 9:10am
- Cost
- 8K/5K $50 ($45 ages 18 and under, rises after Oct 31); Tot Trot free for ages 8 and under
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Charlotte’s big Thanksgiving-morning race starts and finishes at SouthPark Mall, with an 8K, a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile fun run and a free 50-yard Tot Trot (bib and medal) for kids 8 and under. Tot Trot sign-up closes Nov 25 at 6pm or when full.
✓ Checked Oct 27, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Christmas & holiday events: Santa and lights
WinterFest at Carowinds
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Sun, Jan 3 (Select dates Nov 27–Jan 3) · Evenings on select dates (see park calendar)
- Cost
- Included with park admission (live shows, light displays, select activities and most rides); food, drink and some holiday experiences cost extra
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Holiday festival with live shows, light displays, Santa, holiday treats and up to 29 rides and attractions, including the new Snoopy’s Racing Railway.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
New Year's events in Charlotte
New Year’s Eve at WinterFest (Carowinds)
- When
- Thu, Dec 31 – Fri, Jan 1 · Evening; early countdowns plus midnight fireworks
- Cost
- Park ticket required (see site)
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
A family-friendly New Year’s Eve at Carowinds WinterFest, with several early-evening countdowns for little ones with early bedtimes and a midnight countdown with fireworks.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Storytimes
Family Storytime at ImaginOn
- When
- Wed, Oct 28 – Thu, Dec 31 (Most days) · 10:30–11am
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- Ages Young children with a grown-up · Indoor
Stories, songs and movement activities that build early literacy skills; parents and caregivers join in.
✓ Checked Oct 26, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Always-open family places
Most popular first: zoos, aquariums and museums, then nature spots, parks and libraries. Prices come from each official site; "Not stated" means the site doesn't list one.
Discovery Place Science
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Uptown hands-on science museum with an IMAX Dome theatre, live science shows, animal encounters and KidScience for ages 0–7
Mint Museum Uptown
- Price
- Adults $15 (plus admission tax); youths 18 and under free; free admission Wednesdays 5–9pm
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Art museum in Uptown; closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
✓ Price verified Oct 26, 2026 · source
Carowinds
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Theme park on the NC–SC line; open select dates, with WinterFest from Nov 27
Charlotte Museum of History
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
History museum in east Charlotte; check the site for hours and tickets
Freedom Park
- Price
- $ (estimated price level)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
98-acre Mecklenburg County park between Dilworth and Myers Park, centered on a 7-acre lake with paved trails
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
- Price
- $ (estimated price level)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s children’s and teen library, with storytimes most mornings
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do with kids in Charlotte this weekend?
This weekend (Oct 30–Nov 1) we list 1 family event in Charlotte: Family Storytime at ImaginOn (Fri & Sat).
What time is trick-or-treating in Charlotte?
Sunset on Halloween in Charlotte is at 6:29 p.m. Charlotte doesn't list official trick-or-treat hours, so plan around dusk.
What are free things to do with kids in Charlotte?
These are free according to their official sites: 1 upcoming event in Charlotte, including Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade (Wed, Nov 25).
Where can kids play indoors in Charlotte when it's too hot or rainy?
We list 3 indoor places in Charlotte: Discovery Place Science, Mint Museum Uptown (kids 18 and under free) and ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center.
What Thanksgiving events can I take my kids to in Charlotte?
We list 2 Thanksgiving events in Charlotte, 1 free: Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade (Wed, Nov 25, free) and CPI Security Charlotte Turkey Trot & Tot Trot (Thu, Nov 26). Our Thanksgiving weekend guide for the Charlotte area has more nearby.
When and where can kids see Santa in Charlotte?
We list 1 event with Santa in Charlotte: WinterFest at Carowinds (Nov 27 – Jan 3).
Where can I take my kids to see Christmas lights in Charlotte?
We list 1 holiday light event in Charlotte: WinterFest at Carowinds (Nov 27 – Jan 3).
Are there storytimes or regular kids' programs in Charlotte?
We list 1 everyday program in Charlotte: Family Storytime at ImaginOn (Most days).
How much do Charlotte family attractions cost?
Prices from the official sites for 1 place in Charlotte: Mint Museum Uptown (adult $15, kids 18 and under free). Confirm before you go; prices change.
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How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. Prices marked verified were copied from the venue's official site; others show an estimated price level or "Not stated". A place is called free only when its official site says so. Read how we verify listings · Arizona weekend search.
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