Things To Do With Kids in Matthews, NC

This SouthPark Barnes & Noble offers families much more than just books, with a welcoming children's section featuring cozy reading nooks, educational toys, and regular story time events that bring stories to life. The in-store café makes it easy to extend your visit with treats while kids browse their next favorite book, turning a simple bookstore trip into a relaxing family outing.

Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park is a spacious community gem that offers something for the whole family. With well-maintained playgrounds for different age groups, scenic walking trails perfect for stroller-pushing or bike-riding, and plenty of open green space for picnics and active play, it's an ideal spot for both quick outings and extended family gatherings.

SouthPark offers more than just shopping,it's a go-to destination for Charlotte families seeking a comfortable indoor environment with dedicated play areas, seasonal events, and a wide variety of family-friendly dining options. With its upscale yet welcoming atmosphere, parents can browse stores while kids stay entertained, making it perfect for rainy days or a break from outdoor activities.

While primarily a grocery store, this Harris Teeter location anchors a family-friendly shopping area that serves as Weddington's community gathering spot. It's a convenient one-stop destination where parents can tackle errands while keeping kids engaged with the bakery's free cookies, fresh flower displays, and the friendly atmosphere that makes even routine shopping trips more enjoyable for little ones.

This Chick-fil-A location in the SouthPark shopping area offers the chain's signature kid-friendly menu and play equipment, making it a convenient pit stop during shopping trips. While it provides the familiar favorites families expect, the low rating suggests service or facility issues at this particular location may not meet typical Chick-fil-A standards.

Piedmont Row Drive offers families a pleasant outdoor space to relax and play in the heart of SouthPark's shopping district. Kids can run around the green spaces, play near the interactive fountains during warmer months, and enjoy seasonal outdoor events while parents appreciate the convenient proximity to dining and shopping options.

Crooked Creek Park is a welcoming neighborhood gem in Indian Trail that's perfect for families seeking a low-key outdoor adventure. With well-maintained playground equipment, paved walking paths for stroller-friendly exploration, and plenty of open green spaces for picnics and play, it's an ideal spot for burning energy without the overwhelming crowds of larger parks.

Park at Blakeney offers a fantastic free splash pad that's become a summer favorite for Ballantyne families. The interactive water features provide hours of refreshing fun, and the convenient location in the heart of Blakeney's shopping district means you can easily combine water play with lunch or errands,making it a practical and enjoyable outing.

This classic Dairy Queen location in the Eastway Crossing Shopping Center serves up all the frozen treats kids crave, from signature Blizzards to dipped cones and sundaes. It's a reliable spot for a quick sweet reward after sports practice, a casual family dinner with burgers and fries, or an impromptu ice cream celebration that won't break the bank.

Ballantyne's Backyard is a spacious neighborhood park that delivers on its name, offering families a welcoming outdoor retreat in the heart of Ballantyne. With multiple playgrounds for different age groups, shaded walking trails, and plenty of open green space for running around, it's the perfect spot for everything from quick playground visits to full afternoon picnics.

Kilborne Park is a charming neighborhood gem in Charlotte's SouthPark area that perfectly balances active play with peaceful green spaces. With its well-maintained playground equipment and scenic walking paths, it's an ideal spot for families seeking a relaxed outdoor outing away from the busier, more crowded parks in the area.

Myers Park Country Club provides an excellent introduction to tennis for kids in a welcoming neighborhood setting. With dedicated youth programs and professional lessons tailored for young learners, it's an ideal spot for families looking to get their children active in a structured sport while enjoying quality time together through family memberships.

Booty's Street Food brings a laid-back, family-friendly vibe to Myers Park with its casual taco menu and welcoming outdoor seating area. The relaxed neighborhood atmosphere means parents can enjoy quality street food while kids feel comfortable being themselves, and the approachable menu makes it easy to find something everyone will eat.

Sir Edmond Halley's is an all-in-one entertainment destination where families can enjoy laser tag battles, mini golf courses, arcade games, and batting cages all under one roof. With its combination of active attractions and a full restaurant menu, parents can grab a bite while kids burn off energy, making it perfect for birthday parties or rainy-day entertainment.

Weddington Optimist Park offers the perfect escape from North Carolina's summer heat with its seasonal splash pad featuring interactive spray features that keep little ones entertained for hours. Beyond the water play, families can enjoy athletic fields and plenty of green space for picnics and active play, making it a well-rounded destination for outdoor family fun.

Easy Like Sunday is a Myers Park neighborhood gem that welcomes families with open arms and a menu designed to please both health-conscious parents and picky eaters alike. The relaxed, casual atmosphere means you won't stress about noise levels while your little ones enjoy breakfast favorites, and the quality ingredients ensure everyone leaves happy and fueled for the day.

Weddington Athletic Association is a well-maintained community sports complex that's perfect for active families. With multiple baseball fields, soccer pitches, and playground equipment, it offers a welcoming space whether your kids are enrolled in youth leagues or you're just looking for open play areas and fresh air on a weekend afternoon.

ACE No. 3 brings wood-fired pizza magic to Myers Park in a relaxed, neighborhood setting where kids are genuinely welcome. This isn't just another pizzeria,it's a local favorite where families can enjoy quality food without the fuss, featuring kid-approved pizzas alongside burgers and other casual fare that satisfy even picky eaters.

Morrison Family YMCA in Ballantyne is a comprehensive family recreation hub perfect for active families. With swimming pools, youth sports programs, summer camps, and drop-in childcare, it's a one-stop destination where kids can burn energy while parents get a workout or families can enjoy activities together.

Creamistry Ballantyne turns ice cream into an interactive science show that kids absolutely love. Using liquid nitrogen that creates dramatic fog clouds, children watch in amazement as their custom ice cream is flash-frozen right before their eyes in about 90 seconds. The made-to-order approach means everyone gets exactly what they want, from adventurous flavors to classic favorites with endless topping combinations.

Queens Road West playground in the heart of Myers Park offers families a charming neighborhood retreat with modern play equipment nestled among beautiful shade trees. The well-maintained playground features updated structures perfect for active play, while the surrounding open green spaces give kids plenty of room to run, practice sports, or enjoy a family picnic in this peaceful Charlotte neighborhood.

Wesley Chapel Elementary School offers a fantastic community playground that welcomes families after school hours. The modern play equipment is thoughtfully designed with younger children in mind, providing a safe and engaging space for active play in the Weddington area.

Park Road Books is a beloved independent bookstore in Myers Park that welcomes young readers with open arms. Their dedicated children's section features carefully curated titles for all reading levels, while regular story time events create a warm community atmosphere where kids can discover their next favorite book and meet fellow young book lovers.

Ballantyne Village is a beautifully landscaped outdoor gathering space that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere. Throughout the year, families can enjoy free concerts, seasonal festivals, and special events in the central commons area, all while exploring the pedestrian-friendly walkways lined with shops and restaurants.

Colonial Park is a peaceful neighborhood oasis in Myers Park perfect for families seeking a relaxed outdoor experience. With open greenspace ideal for running around, picnics, and ball games, plus walking paths for stroller-friendly adventures, this quiet park offers a wonderful escape from busier Charlotte playgrounds when you want a more low-key afternoon.

Step back in time at the Charlotte Museum of History, where kids can experience Colonial life through interactive, hands-on activities. The historic Hezekiah Alexander House (Charlotte's oldest dwelling) and engaging educational programs bring local history to life in ways that captivate curious young minds, making this a perfect blend of fun and learning for families.

Mint Hill Athletic Association is a well-maintained community sports complex that's perfect for families looking to get their kids involved in organized youth sports or enjoy outdoor recreation together. With dedicated fields for baseball, softball, and soccer, this facility serves as the heart of youth athletics in the Mint Hill area, offering both league play and open spaces for family practice sessions.

Smoothie King in Pineville offers a quick and healthy refreshment stop perfect for families on the go or after youth sports activities. Located in the family-friendly Ballantyne Village area, this smoothie café specializes in nutritious blended drinks that kids actually enjoy, making it easy for parents to sneak in fruits and vitamins without the usual mealtime battles.

Freedom Park is Charlotte's beloved 98-acre urban oasis that offers something for every age, from its expansive modern playground to paddle boat adventures on the scenic lake. With wide open fields perfect for kite flying, well-maintained walking trails, and plenty of shade trees for picnicking, it's an ideal spot for families looking to spend quality outdoor time without leaving the city.

Freedom Park is a sprawling 98-acre urban oasis in Myers Park that offers everything families need for a perfect day outdoors. With multiple playgrounds, a scenic lake filled with ducks eager for feeding time, wide walking trails ideal for strollers and bikes, and plenty of open green space for running wild, it's become Charlotte's go-to spot for families seeking outdoor fun without leaving the city.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Ballantyne offers wall-to-wall bouncing fun that will have your kids jumping for joy,literally! With dedicated dodgeball courts, foam pits for dramatic cannonballs, and special toddler jump times designed just for the littlest bouncers, this indoor park provides high-energy entertainment rain or shine.

Nothing Bundt Cakes in SouthPark is a delightful bakery destination where families can pick up beautifully decorated bundt cakes in various sizes, from personal-sized Bundtlets to celebration-worthy full cakes. Kids love choosing their favorite flavors like Chocolate Chocolate Chip or Confetti, and the sweet-smelling bakery makes for a quick, enjoyable stop when celebrating birthdays, special achievements, or simply treating the family to something special.

Carolina Place is more than just a shopping mall,it's a family-friendly destination in Pineville where kids can burn energy at the indoor playground while parents browse over 100 stores. Year-round special events like seasonal character photo opportunities make this a go-to spot for creating family memories alongside running errands.

Spare Time Pineville is a one-stop entertainment destination that takes the stress out of family fun planning. With everything from classic bowling and an exciting arcade to cutting-edge laser tag and virtual reality experiences, plus their own restaurant serving pizza and more, you can easily spend an entire afternoon or evening here without anyone getting bored.

This Chick-fil-A location in Pineville's Carolina Place area offers the chain's signature chicken menu alongside an indoor playground that keeps little ones entertained while parents enjoy their meal. The welcoming staff and kid-friendly atmosphere make it a convenient stop for families looking for a quick, affordable meal where children can burn some energy.

Step back in time at President Polk's birthplace, where history comes alive through hands-on activities and engaging living history demonstrations. Kids can explore replica log cabins, see how families lived in the early 1800s, and participate in special programs that make learning about North Carolina history fun and interactive.

Pineville Ice House is a vibrant community recreation center that brings winter fun year-round to the Charlotte area. With its indoor ice skating rink, this multi-purpose facility offers public skating sessions perfect for first-timers and experienced skaters alike, plus birthday party packages that make celebrations memorable without the hassle of home party planning.

Pineville Elementary School offers a wonderful neighborhood playground that becomes a community resource after school hours. Parents appreciate the well-maintained equipment, spacious open fields for running and playing ball games, and the safe, quiet neighborhood location that's perfect for letting kids burn off energy without the chaos of larger public parks.

Marvin Efird Park is a spacious community gem in Weddington that offers everything families need for a perfect outdoor day. With well-maintained playgrounds for multiple age groups, scenic walking paths, open sports fields for pickup games, and shaded picnic areas, this park consistently earns rave reviews from local families who appreciate its clean facilities and welcoming atmosphere.

Main Event in Charlotte is the ultimate one-stop entertainment destination where families can spend hours enjoying bowling, laser tag, an exciting gravity ropes course, and a massive arcade under one roof. With dining options on-site, parents can easily make this an all-day adventure without having to worry about multiple stops or hungry kids.

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.

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.

Copper Modern Indian Cuisine offers families a welcoming introduction to Indian flavors in a relaxed Ballantyne atmosphere. With a dedicated kids menu featuring mild options and accommodating staff who understand parents' needs, it's the perfect spot to expand your children's culinary horizons without the stress of traditional fine dining.