Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Charlotte, North Carolina is a popular tourist destination and has a reputation as a family friendly city offering a variety of attractions for kids of all ages.
A good way to start your vacation is by seeing the sights of Charlotte by taking a trolley ride. The Charlotte Trolley Service will transport you from Center City Charlotte to the Historic South End. Let the kids experience the days of old with an old fashioned trolley ride, complete with bells and a friendly conductor.
Of the many attractions available in Charlotte, Rays Splash Planet is a favorite with families. The indoor water park operates year round and offers something for everyone. The state-of-the-art complex is not only architecturally pleasing but combines the elements of nature too, with a natural creek that runs through the outside foyer. The 29,000 square foot structure, which contains over 177,000 gallons of water, is designed to evoke dramatic water-like elements conveying the movement of water.
Once inside your family can choose which area to splash around in, with a variety of fun-filled areas including the Blue Comet - a three story giant slide shaped in the form of a double figure-8. Further thrills can be experienced at Saturation Station - with four slides and a tumble bucket, the Meteor Shower (colorful buckets that spill over) and for those who just want to float away, the Vortex will take you for a ride with its quick current pool.
But Rays is not just for kids, it also offers adult activities, such as a fitness center with aerobics, free weights, resistance equipment and a dance room. And, if after your workout you feel like splurging, there is a concession stand where you can snack on corn dogs, hot dogs, ice cream, smoothies and milk shakes.
Another major attraction in uptown Charlotte is the Discovery Place. The science center, which is hands-on, attracts nearly 700,000 visitors annually, and offers cutting edge exhibits from the frontiers of space to the depths of the sea. At the Discovery Place be sure to visit the Charlotte Nature Museum which features live animals and a butterfly gallery.
While you are in town, why not expose your family to a little culture? The area boasts a multitude of cultural events, including the Childrens Theatre of Charlotte, which provides entertainment for children between the ages of 3 to 18 in a nurturing environment.
Or, you may want to visit the Lollipops Program at the Charlotte Symphony, which could make music lovers out of your family. The child oriented series incorporates mime and a classical clown, as well as a program devoted to music from hit movies like E.T., Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park.
The Charlotte area also boasts several museums for children to explore. The Charlotte Museum of History will take you through the history of the region. Also located at the museum is the Hezekiah Alexander Historic Homesite, the oldest surviving structure in Charlotte, which was built in 1774.
At the Mint Museum of Art your family will be able to enjoy a diverse selection of work from regional artists as well as artists from around the world. The museum also offers activities for adults and children including art classes, tours, independent films and lectures.
There are also many places to enjoy nature in the Charlotte area, including parks and nature preserves, such as Latta Plantation, Reedy Creek, McDowell and Cowans Ford Wildlife Refuge (if you are a bird watcher be sure to visit Duck Cove). You may want to spend several hours or a whole day observing wildlife and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
If you are a festival seeker, the Festival in the Park is offered in September at Freedom Park. The family festival showcases local and regional arts, crafts and entertainers. The event, which is an annual happening, offers food for the family as well as a number of childrens activities.
And, if you just feel like getting out to the country for a bit, there are several farms within easy driving distance from Charlotte, including some that offer pick your own produce. Depending on what time of year you visit, you can pick both fruits and vegetables - with apples and pumpkins being favorites for children. Your family can take a hayride, pet farm animals and enjoy farm fresh apple cider.
When it is time to end your stay in Charlotte, most likely your family will have fond memories of a vacation filled with fun and enjoyment.
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