Whitewater, NASCAR And Carowinds: Our Guide To Family Vacations In Charlotte
Family vacations in Charlotte, N.C., can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on pre-trip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation.As part of a Huffington Post Travel serieson traveling with children, here are recommended attractions for those planning Charlotte family vacations.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Address:5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214.
Phone:704-391-3900
Hours:The main gate and trails are open, weather permitting, 365 days a year, from dawn until dusk. Activity availability and related hours of operation vary by season. Check the schedule on the center's website before your visit.
Price:AllSport Daily Pass – $49 adult (10 years old and up), $39 child (9 years old and under); the AllSport Pass is the most inclusive option, providing unlimited access to various activities.
Carowinds
Address:14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte NC 28273
Phone:704-588-2600
Hours:Park hours are generally 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but are subject to change. Check Carowinds' website before your visit.
Price:Regular single day, ages 3 to 61 and 48 inches or taller in shoes: $41.99 online or $52.99 at the gate
Discovery Place Kids!
Discovery Place Kids!I Can CreateI Can Be Healthy
Address:105 Gilead Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078
Phone:704-372-6261
Hours:Monday, closed; Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m. Closed New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and Day
Price:$8 for all visitors except those under 1 year old (free)
Lake Norman
Located just minutes from downtown Charlotte, visitors toLake Normancan enjoy various water sports and boating. Golfing, fishing and shopping are also popular activities in this area.
Address:Cornelius, NC 28031
Phone:704-987-3300
Hours:N/A
Price:N/A
Christmastown, USA
Address:McAdenville, NC 28101
Phone:N/A
Hours:From December 1 to December 26: Monday to Friday 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 5:30 to 11 p.m.
Price:Free admission
Harvey B. Gantt Center For African American Art + Culture
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Art + Culture
Address:551 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone:704-547-3700
Hours:Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday, closed; Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price:Adults $8; seniors (62 and up) $6; teachers/military/students with ID $6; children (6 to 17) $6; children (5 and under) free
NASCAR Hall Of Fame
Familes should start their engines and head over to theNASCAR Hall of Famefor a day of fun-filled activities. Patrons can even learn about the sport and try their hands at a pit-crew tire change.
Address:400 East Martin Luther King Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone:704-654-4400
Hours:Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Christmas. Extended hours: October 14 to 16 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Price:Adult $19.95; senior (60 and up) / military $17.95 ; children (5 to 12) $12.95
What are your favorite vacation spots in Charlotte?
Check out moreFAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
