Charlotte, North Carolina is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for families with children. One of the best ways to spend a day with your little ones is by visiting one of the many kid-friendly museums in the area. With over 50 museums in and around Charlotte, there are plenty of options to choose from.
From science and nature exhibits to interactive art installations, Charlotte's children's museums offer a wide range of activities that are both educational and entertaining. Some of the most popular museums include Discovery Place Science, Discovery Place Nature, and the Mint Museum. These museums offer hands-on exhibits and programs that encourage children to explore and learn through play. With so many options to choose from, families are sure to find a museum that fits their interests and budget.
Understanding Charlotte's Museums
Charlotte, North Carolina, is a city with a rich history and a vibrant arts community. As such, it is no surprise that the city is home to a variety of museums that cater to different interests and age groups. In this section, we will provide a brief overview of some of the museums in Charlotte that are popular with families and children.
Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science is one of the most popular museums in Charlotte, and for good reason. This museum offers visitors of all ages a chance to explore the world of science through interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and video clips. The museum is open daily, and visitors can spend hours exploring the many exhibits and learning about everything from physics and chemistry to biology and ecology.
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
ImaginOn is a unique museum that caters specifically to children and families. This museum is a collaboration between the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and the Children's Theatre of Charlotte, and it offers visitors a chance to explore the world of literature and the performing arts. The exhibits at ImaginOn are interactive and engaging, and visitors can participate in a variety of activities, including puppet shows, story time, and more.
The Charlotte Museum of History
For those interested in learning more about the history of Charlotte and the surrounding area, the Charlotte Museum of History is a must-visit. This museum offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the city and the state of North Carolina through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. Visitors can learn about everything from the Native American tribes that once lived in the area to the role that Charlotte played in the Civil War.
The Mint Museum
The Mint Museum is a world-class art museum that is located in Charlotte. The museum is home to a vast collection of art from around the world, including American art, European art, and contemporary art. Visitors can explore the many galleries and exhibits at the Mint Museum and learn about the history of art in North America and beyond.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
The Schiele Museum of Natural History is located just outside of Charlotte in the city of Gastonia. This museum offers visitors a chance to explore the natural world through exhibits, live animals, and fun activities. Visitors can learn about everything from dinosaurs and fossils to American Indians and the animals that call North Carolina home.
Overall, there is no shortage of museums to explore in Charlotte and the surrounding area. Whether you are interested in science, history, art, or the natural world, there is sure to be a museum that caters to your interests.
Top Museums for Kids in Charlotte
Charlotte is a great place for kids to visit, with plenty of museums and interactive exhibits that offer a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Here are some of the top museums for kids in Charlotte:
Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science is a popular interactive museum that offers a learning experience for kids of all ages. The museum features hands-on activities and exhibits that cover a wide range of topics, from physics and chemistry to biology and earth science. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of live shows and demonstrations, including science experiments and planetarium shows.
Schiele Museum of Natural History
The Schiele Museum of Natural History is a great place for kids to learn about the wildlife of North Carolina and North America. The museum features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore the natural world, including a planetarium show that takes visitors on a trip through the universe. Visitors can also enjoy a walk on the Nature Trail and learn about the local flora and fauna.
North Carolina Transportation Museum
The North Carolina Transportation Museum is a unique museum that offers a hands-on experience for kids who love trains and other forms of transportation. The museum features a collection of historic locomotives and rail cars, as well as exhibits that cover the history of transportation in North Carolina. Visitors can also enjoy train rides and other special events throughout the year.
Discovery Place Kids
Discovery Place Kids is a museum designed specifically for children ages 0-10. The museum features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that allow kids to explore and learn about the world around them. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of live shows and demonstrations, including puppet shows and story time.
Overall, Charlotte offers a wide range of children's museums and interactive exhibits that provide a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages. Whether you're looking for hands-on activities or a learning experience, there's something for everyone in Charlotte.
Specialized Museums
Charlotte has a wealth of specialized museums that cater to a wide range of interests. Here are some of the best specialized museums in Charlotte that are perfect for kids.
Discovery Place Science
Discovery Place Science is a premier science museum in Charlotte that offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that are perfect for kids. The museum features a range of exhibits that cover various scientific disciplines, including physics, biology, chemistry, and more. Kids can explore the wonders of the natural world, learn about the human body, and discover how technology has changed the world we live in.
Mint Museum Uptown
The Mint Museum Uptown is one of the premier art museums in Charlotte and is perfect for kids who love art. The museum features a range of exhibits that cover various art forms, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Kids can explore the museum's galleries and learn about different art styles and techniques. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops that are perfect for kids who want to learn more about art.
Charlotte Museum of History
The Charlotte Museum of History is a must-visit museum for kids who want to learn about the history of Charlotte. The museum features a range of exhibits that cover various historical events and periods, including the American Revolution and the Civil War. Kids can explore the museum's galleries and learn about the people and events that shaped Charlotte's history.
Carolinas Aviation Museum
The Carolinas Aviation Museum is perfect for kids who love aviation and aircraft. The museum features a range of exhibits that cover various aspects of aviation, including the history of flight, the Wright Flyer, and modern aircraft. Kids can explore the museum's galleries and learn about the science and technology behind aviation.
Carolina Raptor Center
The Carolina Raptor Center is perfect for kids who love live animals. The center features a range of birds of prey, including hawks, owls, and eagles. Kids can explore the center's exhibits and learn about the different species of birds of prey, their habitats, and their behavior. The center also offers educational programs and workshops that are perfect for kids who want to learn more about birds of prey.
Levine Museum of the New South
The Levine Museum of the New South is perfect for kids who want to learn about the history of the American South. The museum features a range of exhibits that cover various aspects of Southern history, including the Civil Rights Movement and the changing economy of the region. Kids can explore the museum's galleries and learn about the people and events that shaped the history of the American South.
Planning Your Visit
If you're planning a visit to one of the many kid-friendly museums in and around Charlotte, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Hours and Admission
Before heading out, it's a good idea to check the museum's website for their hours of operation and admission prices. Some museums, like Discovery Place Science and Discovery Place Kids, offer free admission on certain days of the week, such as Tuesday evenings and the first Sunday of every month. Others, like the Mint Museum Uptown and Randolph, offer free admission to visitors under the age of 18.
Getting There
Most of the museums in Charlotte are easily accessible by car or public transportation. The Discovery Place Science and Discovery Place Kids are both located on North Tryon Street, while the Mint Museum Uptown and Randolph are located on South Tryon Street. The Schiele Museum of Natural History is located in nearby Gastonia, and the North Carolina Transportation Museum is located in Spencer, about an hour's drive from Charlotte. Visitors can also take advantage of the Lynx light rail system, which runs from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to the South Carolina border.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about your visit, most museums have a Frequently Asked Questions section on their website. You can also call or email the museum's organization for more information. Some museums, like the Levine Museum of the New South, offer guided tours for adults and school groups. And if you're planning a visit with young children, be sure to check out Discovery Place Kids on Shamrock Drive, which offers interactive exhibits and activities designed specifically for kids ages birth to 7 years old.
Programs and Events
Charlotte is a city with a plethora of kid-friendly museums that offer a wide range of programs and events throughout the year. These museums provide opportunities for children to learn and explore science, art, history, and more through interactive exhibits and engaging activities.
One such museum is Discovery Place Science, which offers a variety of educational programs and events for children of all ages. From science camps to hands-on workshops, Discovery Place Science provides an immersive experience that encourages children to explore and discover the world around them. Some of the popular programs and events at Discovery Place Science include:
- Science Summer Camps: These camps offer children the opportunity to explore science through hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, and engaging activities.
- Science on the Rocks: This is an adults-only event that allows visitors to explore the museum after hours with cocktails and science experiments.
- Homeschool Days: These special days are designed for homeschool families to explore the museum and participate in hands-on activities.
Another museum that offers a variety of programs and events is the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. This museum features modern and contemporary art from around the world and offers a range of educational programs and events for children. Some of the popular programs and events at the Bechtler Museum include:
- Family Day: This is a free event that takes place on the second Saturday of each month and offers hands-on art activities for children and families.
- Summer Art Camps: These camps offer children the opportunity to explore different art techniques and create their own works of art.
- Art Lab: This is a drop-in program that allows visitors to explore different art materials and techniques.
Overall, the kid-friendly museums in Charlotte offer a wealth of programs and events that provide children with unique and engaging experiences. Whether it's exploring science, art, or history, these museums provide a fun and educational environment for children to learn and grow.
Hello, explorers! I’m Judith Eve, the founder and principal writer for HeyFamilyTravelers and CruisingtonPost.
My home is nestled in beautiful South Florida, where the sun kisses the waves and the beach stretches out like an endless welcome mat. It’s a gorgeous place that brings joy and inspiration, but my spirit has always been captivated by the allure of distant shores and unique cultures. The thrill of packing a suitcase, stepping aboard a plane or a ship, and waking up in a new destination never fails to ignite my soul.
I started my life’s adventure as a mother of two wonderful children who have since blessed me with three delightful grandchildren. The memories we’ve built exploring the globe together are the treasures of my heart. This love for family and travel is the core of HeyFamilyTravelers, a place where I share our stories, tips, and experiences, aiming to inspire other families to embark on their own adventure-filled journeys.
Over the years, my family and I have discovered our shared passion for cruising. There is something incredible about floating on the endless sea, with world-class service, fabulous entertainment, and the excitement of exploring multiple destinations in one trip. My love for this unique form of travel led me to establish CruisingtonPost, another platform where I focus on sharing our sea-borne adventures, cruise reviews, and travel advice.
My objective is simple. I want to encourage everyone, especially families and seniors, to step out of their comfort zones, explore the world, and create their own cherished memories. Life’s journey is full of beautiful places and moments waiting to be discovered. I hope that through my stories and articles, you’ll find the inspiration and practical guidance you need to set sail on your own grand adventure.
Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to sharing our family’s escapades with you and hearing about your own travels!
Happy Travels,
Judith Eve
