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!

ttt

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. ;-)

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.

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:)

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.

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!!!

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

I definately will keep listening to you locals... what I'm finding on my own could be trouble :)

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.

Is Celebration Station still open? This child is pretty little for Carowinds.

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.

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.

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).

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!!

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.

And one more idea--an ostrich ranch.

http://www.birdbrainranch.com/tour.htm