The leaves are beginning to turn, the wind is picking up and you can finally put on that sweater. From pumpkin patches to ghostly adventures, there’s lots to do in the Charlotte area for families with children of all ages. Check out the list below:
Knights and medieval magic at Carolina Renaissance Fair
Calling all folklore and fantasy lovers, the Carolina Renaissance Fair is in town! The fair’s Village of Fairhaven is bustling and back in action. Complete with knights, jousting, turkey legs, and action-packed entertainment, guests can visit now through November 20th. The renaissance-themed amusement festival features medieval games, storytelling, shopping, food, and adventure for all ages. The fair promises to have guests travel back in time to experience the “magic of the middle ages.”
Best for ages five and older.
Pumpkin patch at Hodges Family Farm
Nothing feels more like a fall family outing than visiting a local pumpkin patch. Hodges Family Farm has been in operation for over 100 years, providing the area with an affordable selection of pumpkins and autumn fun. In addition to pumpkins, the farm invites guests to enjoy a picnic area, treats like kettle corn and baked goods, and kid-friendly activities like hayrides. Plus there are lots of photo opportunities throughout the farm.
Best for all ages.
“Annie” at Children’s Theater of Charlotte
Enjoy the classic story of “The Little Orphan Annie” and how her life- and circumstances- changed. The story “Annie”, reimagined by Children’s Theater of Charlotte, is a great way to engage and inspire the entire family. The cast and producers promise costume designs and sets onstage that add an intriguing flare to the story most know and love. Before show time, check out Imaginon, Charlotte’s children’s library for a story to take home with the family. Annie is showing now through Oct. 23rd.
Best for all ages.
Local legends and ghost sightings with Carolina History & Haunts
If you’re a history lover that enjoys the occasional spook, this walking ghost tour might be just what you’re looking for. Beyond the Graveyard, Charlotte’s spookiest history tour, begins in Uptown and guides guests through eerie local history and landmarks. Guests on this tour have a chance to learn the dark history of the city. Tour guides, donned in full Victorian garb, invite guests by lantern light to enjoy, or be terrified, with the entire family.
Best for pre-teens, teens, and adults.
Ghosts, ghouls, and rollercoasters at Scarowinds
Experience the Carolina’s most popular amusement park as its completely reimagined for fall enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. With haunted house and Halloween-themed shows, Carowinds has something for everyone in October when it becomes “Scarowinds”. For older groups, like pre-teens and beyond, the haunted houses and mazes are sure to add an element of Halloween fright. Younger children, and those less keen on haunts, can are able to wear special light up necklaces that signal “don’t scare” to Scarowinds’ monsters.
Best for pre-teens, teens, and adults.
Day out at McDowell Nature Reserve
With over 1,000 acres of land, the McDowell Nature Reserve has all a nature-wanderer could ask for. The reserve has seven miles of hiking trails, 56 reservable campsites and a Nature Center with gardens and a playground. Visitors can explore the land, checkout lots of fall hues, collect leaf favorites for a personal collection, and more. The reserve has select fall programming as well as self-guided activities guests can enjoy.
Best for all ages.
Apple picking and warm cider at Apple Hill Orchard
Nestled between Asheville and Charlotte, Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill features apple-picking, a farmhouse bakery, a market and plenty of photo opportunities to commemorate a family day out. Find fall-favorite treats, like cider or caramel apples, and even fresh baked apple pie at the farm’s market. Then, hand-select apples like Red Delicious, Gala and Rome apples from the orchard. Guests can also choose to pick flowers like seasonal flowers like Cosmos and Zinnias with a “picking pass” available on their website.
Best for all ages.
