5 Family Fun Ideas
WinShape Camps now takes place in over 110 different locations around the country including our newest overnight location in the Carolinas! In all of our travels, we’ve learned a thing or two about where to have fun on the road.
Throughout this spring, we’re excited to share with you some of the most fun things we’ve found for you and your family to do around the country. And while we wish that campers could be a part of camp for every week during the summer, we know that’s not usually the case. We hope these tips can help your family fill in the blank spaces on the calendar in between camp and family vacations. Today we’re excited to share with you 5 Family Fun Ideas in Charlotte, NC.
1. Lazy 5 Ranch
This place is a ZOO! Well — sort of. If you find yourself in the north Charlotte/Mooresville area, take a day to go and see some of God’s most creative creatures at the Lazy 5 Ranch! Much like the Safari Village at our day camps, you get a chance to hand with the giraffes, rhinos and all sorts of birds. You may even get to pet a few! This experience offers wagon rides for little ones who might get tired of walking and is super affordable for the whole family.
Photo Credit Lazy 5 Ranch on Facebook
2. Charlotte Knights
We believe America’s favorite summer past time is actually going to summer camp, but a very close second is baseball. While there are no major league baseball teams in Charlotte, baseball fans can catch a glimpse of some current and future stars with a trip to the Charlotte Knights. A day out for the family with the Charlotte Knights is an absolute blast. Complete with a kid’s zone full of games and fun, your family is sure to enjoy entertainment for the entire game. And don’t forget to get your picture made with Knights mascot Homer the Dragon — a fan favorite!
Photo Credit MLB.com
3. Ray’s Splash Planet
Looking for a little summer fun in the pool without all the sunscreen? Ray’s Splash Pad is a great way for kids to get in some exercise while having a blast in the swimming pool. One of the best things about Ray’s is that it’s open year-round so if you crave a little summer fun in the middle of December as we do, Ray’s is the place to go. With rates around $10, this is a sure-fire way to get some energy out when camp’s not around.
Photo Credit: Brythonic via TripAdvisor
4. Crowders Mountain State Park
Located about halfway between Charlotte and WinShape Camps at Gardner-Webb University, Crowders Mountain is a great place to take the family for a hike. Crowders offers a truly choose-your-own-adventure type of experience with trails ranging from very difficult to pretty easy. For the younger campers, you’ll want to check out Fern Trail, a pretty flat loop that still lets you get out in nature. For campers who are a little more interested in a challenge, be sure to checkout Turback Trail. Crowders Mountain also offers great campsites if your family is looking for some extended “disconnect-to-connect” time.
Photo Credit Borris Budagyuan via Picasa
5. U.S. National Whitewater Center
Whitewater Center is kind of like if you took the awesomeness of camp, invited parents to join and opened all year long. Surrounded by natural beauty, National Whitewater Center is full of adventure. From rock walls to giant pools, bike racing and so much more, it’s definitely a full-days adventure waiting to happen. While there’s fun for all ages, your older campers who love the outdoors would especially enjoy a day at WWC. As if all of that adventure wasn’t enough, during Winter you can celebrate the colder temps by taking the family ice skating and checking out some of their awesome Christmas lights.
Photo Credit: CharlottesGotALot.com
These are just a few of the many awesome things you can do in the Charlotte area to have some fun when camp isn’t in town.