Recreation

• 1). Visit the amusement park Carowinds. It has roller coasters and other rides, as well as a large water park. Carowinds is more family friendly than many amusement parks, which makes it an excellent choice for people with children.
  
  
• 2). Go to the U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Center. The USNWRC has the largest artificial whitewater river in the world. In addition to full-scale whitewater rafting, the 307-acre park also offers kayaking, hiking trails and a rock climbing facility. Admission to the park is free, as is access to the hiking trails. Rafting trips for all skill levels and equipment rentals are provided for varying fees.
  
  
• 3). Plan a trip along the Charlotte Greenway. The Charlotte Greenway is a series of trails that extend through the entire city. The trails are open to walkers, cyclists and skaters (both in-line and skateboards). It is a terrific place for nature watchers and is home to a huge variety of wildlife.
  
  

Dining & Theater

• 1). Indulge your taste buds in Charlotte's surprisingly international mix of restaurants. Particular highlights include the Waldhorn (German), Copper (Indian), Brasas (Brazilian), The Counter (gourmet burgers) and Chris Ruth (steakhouse).
  
  
• 2). Take in a concert at the Blumenthal Center for the Performing Arts. This is the home of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and it also features a variety of other performing groups throughout the year.
  
  
• 3). During summer, take in the free Charlotte Symphony Pops concerts at the amphitheater behind South Park Mall. The concerts are typically held on Sunday evenings during June and July.
  
  

Museums

• 1). Take your children to Discovery Place. Located in the heart of the city, Discovery Place is a children's science museum with exhibits focusing on astronomy and the human body. The museum also has an IMAX movie theater with regularly rotating feature films.
  
  
• 2). Visit the Carolinas Aviation Museum at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The museum has a surprisingly good collection of vintage and modern aircraft. The all-volunteer staff is friendly and will give tours tailored to your specific interests. The museum also has an observation deck at the end of the runway, which offers a rare chance to watch commercial jets take off and land up close.
  
  
• 3). Visit the Mint Museum of Art and the Mint Museum of Craft & Design. Founded in 1936, The Mint Museum of Art was the first art museum established in North Carolina. Its exhibits range from ancient American art to colonial pieces to modern works by local artists. The museum is particularly known for its collection of ceramics. The Mint Museum of Craft & Design opened in 1999 and features a variety of exhibits form around the world in wood, glass, ceramics, metal and fiber.