Photo: Paul Jensen
Photo: Concord Mills
Photo: Chiu-Lan Hsu
Concord Mills
★4.4(16,649 reviews)$Entertainment
🕑 4-6 hours for a full experience including shopping, attractions, and meals; 2-3 hours if focusing on just one or two activities👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Preschoolers and elementary-aged kids love the aquarium's touch pools and arcade games, while tweens and teens enjoy shopping for their favorite brands and competing at Dave & Buster's. Toddlers can handle a few hours but may get overwhelmed by the mall's size.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Concord Mills is a one-stop destination where shopping meets serious family fun under one massive roof. Beyond the 200+ outlet stores, kids will be thrilled with attractions like SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium, Dave & Buster's arcade, and a comedy club, making it the perfect spot for an all-day family adventure rain or shine.
Highlights
- ✓SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium with interactive touch pools and ocean tunnel
- ✓Dave & Buster's with hundreds of arcade games and prizes
- ✓200+ outlet stores including popular kids' brands at discount prices
- ✓Extensive food court with 15+ diverse dining options
- ✓Indoor climate-controlled environment perfect for any weather
Pro Tips
- 1.Park near the entrance closest to your main destination,the mall is enormous (1.4 miles around) and little legs tire quickly. Use the directory maps or download the mall app to plan your route.
- 2.Visit Dave & Buster's on weekday afternoons for shorter wait times and special pricing on gameplay cards.
- 3.Bring a stroller even for older kids who can walk,the sheer size of the mall means lots of walking between attractions.
- 4.Check SEA LIFE's website for combo ticket deals if you're planning to visit the aquarium plus other attractions.
- 5.Scope out the food court early,it gets packed during lunch hours (12-2pm). The diverse options make it easy to please picky eaters.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10am-12pm) offer the most relaxed experience with smaller crowds at both shops and attractions. Avoid weekends during holiday shopping seasons (November-December) when the mall is at its busiest. Rainy days make this indoor destination especially popular.
What to Know
Parking is free and plentiful, though you'll want to note your entrance location in this sprawling mall. Dining options range from quick food court bites to sit-down restaurants, and most attractions have separate admission fees beyond free mall entry.
Seasonal Notes
Back-to-school shopping (August) and holiday seasons (November-December) bring the biggest crowds and best sales. Summer offers a cool escape from North Carolina heat. Special holiday events and character appearances often happen during major shopping seasons,check the mall website for current schedules.
Nearby Eats
The mall itself has excellent dining with a large food court and sit-down options like Johnny Rockets and Cinnabon, so no need to leave for meals.
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