to Charlotte with a Toddler

Old Aug 27th, 2006, 10:45 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
to Charlotte with a Toddler

We're heading to Charlotte for a 10 day vacation with an almost-two year old. Any suggestions on what to do? DS and I are tagging along on DH's business trip, so we're staying near the South Park Mall. I noticed there's a park to the west that seems big, the hotel has a pool. Are there any indoor playgrounds? Near home (Mpls, MN) we have playgrounds in most malls (slides and things to climb on), and a couple indoor parks with bigger playground equipment. Those are great for rainy days. How's the zoo? Is there an aquarium? Anything else the local toddlers enjoy? We leave in a couple weeks, so I hope to hear from some of you soon. Thanks so much!
travellingmom is offline  
Old Aug 27th, 2006, 10:39 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ttt
xrae is offline  
Old Aug 28th, 2006, 03:04 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I just topped another thread, "Charleston to Charlotte - Quick Trip - Ideas" for you. But hopefully as this goes to the top, you'll get more responses soon. Good luck with the planning!

Almost 2, huh, what a great age - and a challenge for dear mom. ;-)
BayouGal is offline  
Old Aug 28th, 2006, 04:43 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't know of any indoor playgrounds in Charlotte. I guess kids either sweat or shiver depending on the season. But I don't have kids and I don't live in Charlotte. I'm sure the city/county parks/recreation department could help you out.

The zoo is about 1 1/2 - 2 hours away in Asheboro, no aquarium except at a pet store Try Discovery Place and charlotte.com. Up in my part of the state is a publication called "Carolina Parent" might have a Charlotte edition.

If you go to the NC Zoo (there is also a zoo in Columbia, SC too) wear good walking shoes. It's spread out and the animals have a lot of room.
ncgrrl is offline  
Old Aug 28th, 2006, 06:46 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hey, thanks for the cross-reference to the other threads (topping? I'm new to this.) The raptor reserve sounds like something to check out. The zoo I was referring to is the Metro Zoo, supposedly downtown? Maybe I misread that. I've still got time to hear more options, so keep 'em coming, please
travellingmom is offline  
Old Aug 28th, 2006, 08:30 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
WOW 10 days in Charlotte....ummm.....good luck with that as this is not the most kid friendly place.

But I would do Discovery Place, there is a Children's Theature called ImagineOn....it is 3 blocks from D.Place...it has some neat things for kids.

The zoo is like 2 hours away but if you are willing to make the drive it is worth it.

charlotteguy is offline  
Old Aug 28th, 2006, 09:01 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
For a 10 day trip, a trip to the zoo would be worth it. Either Asheboro (75 miles, 1 1/2hours) or columbia (85 miles l 1/2 hours) will work.
Imaginon is a children's theater and library right downtown. Discovery Place is a science museum. It has some areas for toddlers--a very nice "play area" with some science applications.. There isn't any zoo here. Freedom Park is a good park with slides, etc. MacDonald's in various places have play areas--one at South Park. The Chick Fil-a restaurants also have play areas.
Toddlers are "tough". I used to take my DGS to various construction sites to watch the steam shovels!
AHHHHHH. Ray's Splash Planet--YES!!!! It is right downtown and is a great indoor swimming pool/playground in the water!!!
Gretchen is offline  
Old Aug 28th, 2006, 10:32 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
wow! just did a little more research on the Charlotte Metro Zoo... SCARY!! Here's a link for anyone tempted to go:
http://www.wildlifepimps.com/charlotte.html
travellingmom is offline  
Old Aug 28th, 2006, 10:38 AM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I definately will keep listening to you locals... what I'm finding on my own could be trouble
travellingmom is offline  
Old Aug 28th, 2006, 10:42 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Check out Carowinds Amusement Park. Open weekends only after Labor Day. Rays Splash Planet. The closest aquarium is in Charleston. Charleston makes for a decent day trip.

I can't think of any indoor playgrounds other than the usual Chuck E Cheese. We have Celebration Station which is similiar to CEC except they have mini golf, cars, batting cages. If I can think of anything else I'll post back.
DeborahB is offline  
Old Aug 28th, 2006, 01:59 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Is Celebration Station still open? This child is pretty little for Carowinds.
Gretchen is offline  
Old Aug 28th, 2006, 02:46 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you are already a member of your local science museum check to see if there is a reciprocal agreement with the Discovery Center. If so bring your pass. We did this in Tampa and saved a bunch of money.

A free place that to visit is the library. I don't know anything about Charlotte's library, but it worth asking.

If you want a weekend trip. You will be close to the mountains and not too far from the beach.
palmettoprincess is offline  
Old Aug 29th, 2006, 04:23 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Good idea about the library. Our library system is among the top ten of the country--AND Imaginon, which I mentioned, is a children's library with lots of activities. The downtown library is right across from the science museum.
At Latta Place, a Revolutionary War era historic site and house, there is a petting zoo. And just down the road from it is the Raptor Center with pretty incredible birds. It is just north of town.
Gretchen is offline  
Old Aug 31st, 2006, 08:49 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Imaginon is also downtown & caters to kids w/"hands-on" type activities. It is located on 7th Street, near 7th Street Station. Discovery Place would be my other suggestion. There is no Zoo or Aquarium. The Raptor Center is interesting & is located North of town, I don't recall the exit, 21 maybe ? Near Latta Plantation. Several of the Parks also have sprinkler parks which are free. Ask around, we always go to the one in Latta Park in Dilworth (different than the Latta Plantation area).
SAnParis is offline  
Old Sep 3rd, 2006, 01:04 PM
  #15  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You guys are fantastic! A petting zoo would be perfect! We leave on Friday and I'm getting a bit nervous about the rain, so thanks so much for the indoor options like the library, Discovery Place and Imaginon. And, for the McDonalds and Chick-fil-A... these places can be a lifesaver in a pinch. I'll keep checking in if more thoughts come to mind, and THANK YOU!!
travellingmom is offline  
Old Sep 4th, 2006, 03:43 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here is a place I have been trying to remember--Lazy 5 Ranch just north of Charlotte.
http://www.lazy5ranch.com/

For your toddler, and to explain Discovery Place a bit, on the ground floor there is a play area (with science overtones) and some fish tanks further back. I can't really think of much upstairs that he/she would particularly like except just punching buttons.
Gretchen is offline  
Old Sep 4th, 2006, 05:23 AM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
And one more idea--an ostrich ranch.

http://www.birdbrainranch.com/tour.htm
Gretchen is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ilovetulips
United States
9
Nov 20th, 2007 12:59 PM
bosox
United States
10
Oct 16th, 2005 10:19 AM
Weespxx
United States
15
Jun 20th, 2005 11:29 AM
yesu39470
United States
4
Jun 27th, 2004 10:54 AM
bonniebroad
United States
4
May 12th, 2004 03:42 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -