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Arts & Theater

🎭 Arts & Theater for Kids in Charlotte, NC

10 children's theater, art studios, and performing arts rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in Charlotte

10 of 10
Village Park park in Concord, NC🌳 Park
Photo: Village Park
4.8(2,621)Free22 mi · Concord

Village Park in Kannapolis offers families a peaceful neighborhood escape with all the essentials for a great outdoor day. With a well-maintained playground, scenic walking trail, and generous open lawn space perfect for running around, it's an ideal spot for letting kids burn energy while parents relax in the tranquil setting.

🕑 1.5-3 hours
Children's Theatre of Charlotte performing arts theater in Charlotte, NC🎭 Theater
Photo: Children's Theatre of Charlotte

Children's Theatre of Charlotte is a professional theater company dedicated exclusively to young audiences, offering Broadway-quality productions tailored for kids. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from hundreds of families, this beloved institution goes beyond just performances,they also offer theater camps and classes where budding performers can develop their skills on the same stages where professional shows come to life.

🕑 1.5-2 hours including pre-show arrival time and the performance itself
U.S. National Whitewater Center park in Charlotte, NC🧗 Adventure
Photo: U.S. National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is an adventure playground paradise where families can experience everything from gentle beginner activities to thrilling outdoor challenges. With over 1,300 acres along the Catawba River, this isn't just a one-activity stop,it's an all-day destination where toddlers can splash in calm waters while teens conquer zip lines and rock climbing walls, making it perfect for families with kids of varying ages and adventure levels.

🕑 4-6 hours for families doing multiple activities, or a full day if you want to experience everything. Single activities like rafting take 1-2 hours including safety briefings.
Mint Museum Uptown art museum in Charlotte, NC🎨 Museum
Photo: Mint Museum Uptown
4.7(2,452)$$$

Mint Museum Uptown brings art to life for young visitors through interactive family programs and hands-on activities that make exploring visual arts accessible and fun. Located in Charlotte's Levine Center for the Arts, this impressive museum features diverse collections and rotating exhibitions specifically designed to spark creativity and curiosity in children of all ages.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours
Matthews Playhouse performing arts theater in Matthews, NC🎭 Theater
Photo: Indranil Bhattacharya
4.7(407)$10 mi · Matthews

Matthews Playhouse is a welcoming community theater that brings performing arts to life for families through high-quality, age-appropriate productions and hands-on youth programs. Beyond entertaining shows, they offer year-round theater classes and camps where kids can develop confidence, creativity, and stage skills in a supportive environment.

🕑 Most productions run 90 minutes to 2 hours including intermission
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center tourist attraction in Charlotte, NC📚 Library
Photo: ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center

ImaginOn is a one-of-a-kind destination where a children's library meets a performing arts theater, creating an interactive wonderland for young minds. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits, attend live performances, participate in story times, and discover creative learning spaces all under one roof,making it Charlotte's premier indoor destination for curious children and families.

🕑 2-4 hours depending on whether you're attending a performance
Fort Mill Community Playhouse performing arts theater in Fort Mill, SC🎭 Theater
Photo: Skip Rowland
4.7(57)$16 mi · Fort Mill

Fort Mill Community Playhouse brings the magic of live theater to families in an intimate, small-town setting where kids can experience professional-quality shows without the big-city intimidation factor. This beloved local gem produces family-friendly performances throughout the year and offers excellent youth theater programs that let kids jump from audience member to stage performer.

🕑 2-2.5 hours including intermission for full productions; children's shows may be shorter at 60-90 minutes
Cornelius Arts Center art gallery in Cornelius, NC Activity
Photo: robert winokur
5.0(10)$18 mi · Cornelius

The Cornelius Arts Center is a charming community hub where kids can unleash their creativity through hands-on art classes, workshops, and rotating exhibitions. Housed in a historic building, this welcoming space offers an engaging introduction to visual arts with programs specifically designed for young artists, making it perfect for parents looking to inspire their children's artistic talents.

🕑 30-45 minutes for gallery viewing; 1-2 hours for workshops and classes
Discovery Place Science aquarium in Charlotte, NC🎨 Museum
Photo: John Collins

Discovery Place Science offers an incredible hands-on learning experience where kids can explore Carolina ecosystems, get up close with live animals, and walk through a magical butterfly pavilion. With both indoor and outdoor exhibits, a planetarium, and engaging puppet shows, this nature-focused museum keeps children entertained while sparking their curiosity about the natural world around them.

🕑 3-4 hours
Davidson Community Players point of interest in Davidson, NC🎭 Theater
Photo: Davidson Community Players
4.4(5)$19 mi · Davidson

Davidson Community Players brings live theater magic to families in an intimate, welcoming setting where children can experience the wonder of performing arts up close. This local gem offers both family-friendly productions perfect for introducing kids to theater, and youth theater programs that let aspiring young actors take the stage themselves.

🕑 Most family productions run 90 minutes to 2 hours including intermission

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