Feb 4, 2016

Whether you are planning a vacation to Charlotte, North Carolina, or have lived there for years and are looking for new activities to do with your family, read on to find out where you can go for fun, no matter what the weather looks like outside.

Ray’s Splash Planet

This indoor water park is spacious, with 29,000 square feet of waterslides, lazy rivers, and deck space for relaxing. It also shares its space with a fitness facility. The best part about Ray’s Splash Planet is that you can enjoy it throughout the year, whether it is rain or shine.

Discovery Place

One of the top attractions in the state, Discovery Place truly has something for everyone. Exhibits include a spacious aquarium and rainforest, an IMAX three-dimensional movie theater with educational films, and lots of hands-on learning labs. The museum also has a designated children’s area with space to play for kids of all ages. Admission costs between $10 and $25, depending on whether you plan to stay for a couple of hours, a half day, or a full day. There is definitely enough to see to stay all day, and an on-site restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a bite.

Carolinas Aviation Museum

North Carolina is known around the world for the Wright brothers, who flew the first airplane successfully. The Carolinas Aviation Museum actually focuses on other highlights in the aviation world, but it is still interesting for those who want to learn more about flight. This museum houses a large collection of helicopters, equipment, and aircrafts. It is also the home of various private and military crafts, and the USAirways Flight 1549, a.k.a. the Miracle on the Hudson, a plane flown by Captain “Sully.”

Reed Gold Mine

If you want to try your luck at panning for gold, pay a visit to the Reed Gold Mine. This location was the site of the first documented gold find in the country, and it has remained as a historical site for many years. It is open year-round from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. If you do want to pan for gold, be sure to visit between April 1 and October 31. Group tours are also available.

Charlotte Nature Museum

If you enjoy learning more about the world around you, spend some time at the Charlotte Nature Museum. One of the top attractions there is the Butterfly Pavilion, where visitors can walk through free-flying butterflies. Other exhibits include Creature Cavern, which provides a look into the natural habitats of various animals, puppet shows, and the Grandpa Tree, a talking tree that shares special stories.

Time Warner Cable Arena

During basketball season, grab tickets to a Charlotte Hornets game and enjoy a fast-paced, action-packed match between some of the leading athletes in the country.

Charlotte is a fun place for visitors of all ages, and with plenty of indoor attractions in the area, you can plan your next vacation without worrying about what time of year you will be there.

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