I have a friend who just adopted two children. I was trying to think of a list of all of the things in Lake Norman area available to do with kids. It inspired my to write it as a post so that anyone who is new to the area has a resource. I texted some of my friends and between us all, I compiled the following list (in no particular order.) Please add anything I may have missed in the comments below so that they are all in one place.
- The Davidson Playhouse
I think this place may be one of the more inconspicuous spots in the area. The first time I heard about it was from another mother at a park. I always make sure to spread the word, because this place is amazing. It’s basically just a place set up with a bunch of activity centers. The rooms are large, but the place is small enough that you feel comfortable letting your child explore. This is definitely the perfect spot for the mornings you want to grab a coffee and play on your phone. We all have those mornings.
2. Kilwin’s & The Singing Bears of Birkdale Village
During the Christmas season, the singing bears of Birkdale are a huge attraction for the kids. In the other months, we like to simply walk around and explore. Every trip MUST be accompanied by a visit to Kilwin’s. Their ice cream and chocolate are amazing.
3. Snip-Its
THE place to go for kiddie haircuts. They have fun music playing, lollipops, bubbles, iPads for the kids to play on while getting a haircut…and here’s a little secret I learned. They keep your child’s haircut on file with notes. So any time a husband takes a child for a haircut, and say, tries to go a little shorter in the length, the person cutting your child’s hair already knows how the mother wants it from the notes. (Cue the evil laughter. Sorry honey.) Kids also get a token at the end of the haircut to get a gift.
4. Cocoa with Santa
Another holiday tradition, Cocoa with Santa is one of our favorite things to do. My friends and I would plan every year to attend the event at the Cornelius Art Center and follow it with pizza at Brixx. (Don’t you know the staff at Brixx LOVED us walking in with about 20 kids under 3?) It typically is on the first Friday of December, but be sure to check the event calendar on their website.
5. Joe Gibbs Shop
For free, you can go to Joe Gibbs Racing and watch the cars being worked on. They have huge glass wall where kids can stand and observe the every day activities. The kids are completely amused…and did I mention, it’s free? website
6. Airplane Overlook
Head over to Charlotte-Douglas Airport and watch the planes take off. There are picnic benches, making it the perfect spot for an impromptu lunch.
7. Jetton Park
There are tons of gorgeous parks in the Lake Norman area, but Jetton is especially fun for us. We can eat dinner on the beach and walk over to the manicured playground nearby. The shady walking trails wind around this portion of the lake, making it truly majestic.
8. Latta Plantation
We have yet to tour the actual plantation house, but we have had our share of use of the grounds. This particular sunny day, the kids and I packed a picnic lunch and drove through the plantation. We found this gorgeous, lakeside spot that seemed made for relaxing.
9. Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble in Huntersville has a wonderful play area for the kids, with Storytime once a week. (Bonus points that moms can grab Starbucks in the store.)
10. Bounce U
Located on the Charlotte/Huntersville line, this place is full of inflatables…and you know how that goes. While it gets a little mundane for the adults, the kids are thrilled to bounce to their hearts’ content. The upside for moms? Your child is basically guaranteed to nap afterwards. Call or check the website for “open-play”-they have designated mornings for drop-in guests.
11. Chick-Fil-A
I almost forgot it. But how could I? My friends and I relied on the Huntersville location to pass time on every Friday, “pre-naptime” stretch we had. I had several moments of panic at the idea of my kids being in the play area (GERMS) but ironically, it was one place we went where they never seemed to catch a thing!
12. Discovery Place Kids
This entire place is built for children to run through a “mini-town” that is appropriate for them to play in. There are so many activities dedicated to sensory development and learning. Frankly, I just feel lucky to have it close-by on a rainy day. Two hours at this place=nap.
13. W8less
This is the place to go for birthday parties! The indoor park is loaded with trampolines and foam pits. If you book a party here…you barely have to lift a finger.
14. Storytime at the Cornelius library
There is a Storytime at every one of the area libraries. But nothing can compete with that of Mr. George’s hour at the Cornelius library. Call in advance to secure your spot.
15. Charlotte Light Rail
Once your little ones are 5+, this is the ideal day out. Take the “TRAIN!!!” to ImaginOn in Charlotte or just ride around the beautiful city. (Kids under 5 still enjoy it, but I would rather poke my eyeball out than go on the Light Rail alone with tiny kids.)
16. The Fountains at Birkdale
The legendary fountains. Every mother waits for the day that Birkdale announces “the fountains are open!” The area has a gate enclosure, so none of the littles can plan a quick escape. You can sit back and relax while they do…whatever it is kids do in fountains.
17. Lazy 5 Ranch
While this picture is a terrible representation of anything to do with Lazy 5, I had to use it. It’s one of my favorites and our reality. It was taken at Lazy 5, by the way. You can drive through the ranch and spend an hour feeding exotic animals from your car. Afterwards, kids can play at the park and see the bird and kangaroo exhibits.
18. The Rock Quarry at Carrigan Farms
I grew up nearby, yet never went to this place. I don’t know how. It is unbelievably gorgeous. I would not recommend it for kids under 5, as you are jumping off some very high cliffs into the water below.
19. Lake Norman
With all of the organized activities at our fingertips, it’s often hard to remember how easy it is to just go and enjoy the lake. Whether you choose a spot lakeside or go out on a boat, Lake Norman is the perfect spot for a family day.
