Free and cheap things for kids to do this summer around Charlotte

Your kids can have fun in the Charlotte area this summer without putting a hurting to your wallet. Most of these activities are free, and the ones that aren’t are pretty cheap. Follow the links for details on each. Bookmark this page and keep checking back. There will be more added.

This list is for 2021.

Also, scroll down for a huge, constantly updated, list of upcoming free and cheap events for kids.

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Summer Movie Programs for Kids

Regal is offering kids’ movies on Tuesday and Wednesday morning this summer for $1. There are five theaters in the Charlotte area that are participating. Most theaters will be presenting the program from June 1st to August 11th. Check out the list of the theaters, as well as the movie schedule.

Bowl for free (or cheap) All Summer

Color bowling balls — Photo: Depositphotos

There are two programs that are aimed at getting kids bowling this summer. Kids Bowl Free allows kids to bowl three free games every day. Just pay for shoe rental. And AMF Summer Games costs $25 to $35 per kid for the summer. This program includes show rental. Read about both bowling programs here.

Cheap Swimming

Check out our list of places to swim and splash in and near Charlotte this summer. The list includes pools and spraygrounds, as well as lakes and quarries where you can swim. Prices vary, but there are some very inexpensive options.

Enjoy an Outdoor Concert

closeup of guitarist and drummer at outdoor concert — Photo: Depositphotos

Outdoor concerts are back in full force this summer! Many are family-friendly. And most are free. Check out our day-by-day list of outdoor concerts in and near Charlotte.

Go Boating

There are many ways to get out on the water, even if you don’t own a boat of any kind. Read about opportunities to kayak, paddleboat, and more, in the Charlotte area.

Go on a Hike (near or far)

We have put together a detailed list of more than 50 walks and hikes in and near Charlotte. Explore a Greenway, nature preserve, state park, a historical neighborhood and more. The hikes range from extremely easy to very challenging. Pick the ones that’s right for you and your child!

Pick Berries

There’s nothing like picking your own produce. Check out our list of U-pick farms in the Charlotte area. This list spans the year, so you can see what you can pick, and when.

Visit a Garden

Learn about 8 beautiful public gardens in the Charlotte area. Each one is very different from the others. Most are free, and a few have a fee to visit, but none are very pricey.

Drive-In Movies

What says “summer” more than drive-in movies? We list all the drive-ins close to Charlotte, and we update the movie schedule at each every week.

Visit a Peaceful Farm

On Thursdays through Saturdays, Sweetwater Farm in Huntersville opens its gate to the public. Kids can meet the animals, play in nature, have a picnic and more. It costs $5 per person in advance and $6 at the gate. Learn about more animal encounters near Charlotte.

Climb on a Huge Rock

It seems unbelievable, but these giant rocks are right in Charlotte. Big Rock Nature Preserve is at 6500 Elmstone Drive, near Stonecrest at Piper Glen. These are the largest known exposed boulders in Mecklenburg County, by a long shot. It’s pretty majestic. Archaeologists have unearthed American Indian artifacts at this site from as early as 7,000 years ago.

Cool off at a Waterfall

The western part of North Carolina boasts some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Start exploring with our photo guide to 9 North Carolina waterfalls. Obviously, none of these waterfalls are in Charlotte, but they are worth the drive.

Shop at a Farmers’ Market

It’s fun and important for kids to learn how to plan and cook a meal. Start at one of these farmers’ markets and go from there.

Pick your own Lavender

Dallas Lavender Lane is a new family-run lavender farm in Gaston County. During the summer they will be hosting events where you can pick your own lavender. And they will be offering different activities through the summer. They even have animals, including a friendly pig, for you to meet. There’s even the “Lavender Express Train” and a carousel for small children.

Get discounts

Use Groupon to find discounts on everything from bounce houses to trampoline parks to summer camps.

Fly a kite

There are plenty of open places to fly kites. Try Freedom Park or Romare Bearden Park in Charlotte, or Frank Liske Park in Concord.

Pan for Gold

Go to Reed Gold Mine, at 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland, and visit the underground mine. It’s free to visit, and $3 per pan if you’d like to try your luck. Reed Gold Mine is the site of one of the first documented gold finds in the United States.

Go fishing

young boy fishing — Photo: Depositphotos

Use this map of fishing areas in North Carolina to find a place to fish. Adults need fishing licenses, but youth under age 16 do not. A 10-day license for inland fishing is $9 for North Carolina residents.

At-Home Activities

For times when you’re stuck at home, check out our list of 100 screen-free things to do with cooped up kids. None of them require any hard-to-find materials, and many don’t require a backyard.

Even more free and cheap stuff

Every Sunday night, Charlotte on the Cheap publishes a free and cheap event list for the week. Learn about festivals, special events, free food, and more. Subscribe to the email list, and follow on Facebook and Twitter so you don’t miss a thing.