39 Fun Indoor Activities in Charlotte NC for 2024

Looking for Indoor Activities in Charlotte NC?

We live just north of Charlotte, and there have been many times when we have been looking for just something to do indoors, sometimes due to the weather, whether it’s raining or cold. Today, we’ll focus on all the indoor activities you can find.

Charlotte is a city of many stories, intriguing activities, and a rich history. It is the most populated city in North Carolina and has enough activities to last a lifetime.

While this bustling city is known for its outdoor charm, there are plenty of amazing indoor activities to keep you entertained, rain or shine. Whether you’re a local resident looking for a new experience or a visitor searching for some indoor fun, Charlotte has got you covered!

So, dust off your sense of wonder and get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Charlotte’s indoor attractions. We’ll highlight the best activities and experiences that this vibrant city has to offer. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable indoor adventure in Charlotte, NC!

Short on Time? Great places to stay in Charlotte:

📍Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel Set in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, this Kimpton hotel offers crafted cocktails and shareable bar snacks at Merchant & Trade, a Modern-style rooftop bar 19 levels above Romare Bearden Park.

📍Best Luxury Option: The Ritz-Carlton, Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, offers luxurious rooms. Facilities include an indoor pool and spa.

Indoor Activities in Charlotte NC & Nearby

Figuring out what activities to do during your trip to Charlotte can be challenging! Since there is so much to do, we’ve created this guide to help you see everything there is to offer and what best fits your vacation. So, let’s dive into indoor activities in Charlotte NC.

1. Discovery Place Science

Address: 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Discovery Place Science is located in Uptown Charlotte. It is a thrilling science and technology museum for people of all ages with many hands-on activities and even an IMAX Dome Theatre.

2. NASCAR Hall of Fame

Address: 400 M.L.K Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is one of Charlotte’s most popular attractions. The museum honors all the legendary people who have driven in NASCAR and the history of NASCAR racing. This is a great thing to add to your list of indoor activities in Charlotte NC.

3. Mint Museum Uptown & Mint Museum Randolph

Address: 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC & 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207

The Mint Museums are leading cultural museums of art and design. With the two museums combined, there are hundreds of works of art showcased from all over the globe. The Mint Museum is the largest art museum in Charlotte.

4. Levine Museum of the New South

Address: 401 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Levine Museum of the New South is a history museum focused on telling stories from all walks of life after the American Civil War.

5. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Address: 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is the premier performing arts complex in Charlotte, containing four main theaters. This beautiful center holds symphonies, operas, live music, dance performances, and screen films.

6. Knight Theater

Address: 430 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Knight Theatre was originally built as a movie theater and is now home to the Charlotte Symphony and the North Carolina Dance Company.

7. Belk Theater

Address: 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Belk Theatre is the largest and most grand theater out of the four. The venue is beautiful, the atmosphere is grand, and the shows are always breathtaking.

8. Ovens Auditorium

Address: 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205

Ovens Auditorium is directly across from Bojangles Coliseum. This large theater has been open since 1955 and has hosted over 7,500 events.

9. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Address: 420 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Bechtler Museum of Art is a beautiful museum and only the second building in the country designed by Mario Botta, a Swiss architect. The museum showcases mid-20th-century works of art.

Statue outside of the Bechtler Art Museum

10. Optimist Hall

Address: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206

Optimist Hall is a modern, artistic food hall with tons of dining options, bars, and specialty shops. There is lots of comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.

11. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture

Address: 551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Harvey B. Gantt was the first African-American mayor of Charlotte. This center, named in his honor, is full of art, cultural exhibits, live shows, educational programs, and history lessons.

12. Puttery

Address: 210 Rampart St, Charlotte, NC 28203

Mini-golf is an age-old date idea that always brings couples together. However, in the heat of the summer or on rainy days, mini-golf usually isn’t an option. Until now. Puttery is Charlotte’s best, 21+, upscale indoor mini-golf venue. The atmosphere is similar to that of an elegant cocktail bar but with seven themed mini-golf courses.

Reservations are encouraged for larger parties, otherwise it is first come, first served.

13. Spectrum Center

Address: 333 Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Home of the Charlotte Hornets NBA basketball team, the Spectrum Center is a 20,000-seat arena located in Uptown Charlotte. In addition to hosting NBA games, the Spectrum Center frequently hosts large concerts and a variety of events such as Monster Truck shows, wrestling, circuses, and more.

14. 7th Street Public Market

Address: 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

7th Street Public Market is an indoor food hall with everything from sushi to pizza, coffee shops, bakeries, and more. They are a non-profit with a mission to support and promote local farmers and artisans.

15. ImaginOn

Address: 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

ImaginOn is the grandest children’s library in the United States. They have two theaters, dedicated library spaces for kids of all ages, multi-use classrooms, an art studio, and an interactive exhibit space.

16. Museum of Illusions Charlotte

Address: 601 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Museum of Illusions is the most mind-bending museum you’ll ever visit. They have an incredible collection of perspective-changing rooms, optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and more. Everyone of all ages will have a blast.

17. Bowlero Charlotte

Address: 210 E Trade St D-164, Charlotte, NC 28202

Bowling is a classic indoor activity that practically everyone loves. Bowlero has 18 pristine bowling lanes and combines classic bowling vibes with new-age designs. With plush lounge seats, black lights, and large video walls displaying scores and videos, you are sure to have a fantastic time. Bowlero also offers a sports bar packed with bites and drinks. You can also visit the arcade after a game.

18. District 57

Address: 1526 Alleghany St B, Charlotte, NC 28208

District 57 is a warehouse-style entertainment center, including a large lounge area, Bordertown (tactical laser tag), and The Grid, a 30-room challenge area. There are also handmade pizzas and alcoholic beverages. Designed for teens and adults, for safety reasons, guests must be ten years and up. Friday and Saturday nights are for guests 16 and up.

19. Take a Cooking Class

Address: 4001-C Yancey Rd #100 Charlotte NC 28217

Stop by Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen for an adult cooking class. Here, you will find a state-of-the-art kitchen located in Charlotte’s historic Lower South End neighborhood. They have many different classes.

20. SouthPark Mall

Address: 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

Five miles away from Uptown sits the SouthPark Mall. This is an upscale indoor shopping center with all your favorite luxury brands, retail shops, and dining options.

21. The Charlotte Museum of History

Address: 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215

The Charlotte Museum of History educates those on the Piedmont Backcountry and the history of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. There are seven museums on the grounds, making it one of the more fascinating history museums. Guided tours of all or any of the museums are available.

22. The Comedy Zone

Address: 900 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd B3, Charlotte, NC 28206

The Comedy Zone is the best comedy club in Charlotte for a night full of laughter. Almost every night, there is someone new and exciting giving you the best laughs around. If you and your date enjoy laughing, drinks, and small plates, this is the perfect place to go and spend the evening. It is also a great place to bring groups.

23. Bojangles Coliseum

Address: 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205

Bojangles is a multi-purpose arena that holds everything from Broadway Shows to live performances. Bojangles is the home stadium to the Charlotte Checkers, a minor league, professional ice hockey team.

24. Billy Graham Library

Address: 4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217

The Billy Graham Library is a large museum and library dedicated to the religious leader Billy Graham. Tours of his home and the library are available, and you can also stop by the Dairy Bar for a bite to eat.

25. Timed Out Escape

Address: 12239 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

Timed Out Escape is one of Charlotte’s premier escape rooms. They have four thrilling escape rooms with different themes and intriguing stories. They also serve alcoholic beverages and food.

26. Sullenberger Aviation Museum

Address: 4672 1st Flight Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208

Formerly known as the Carolina Aviation Museum but renamed in honor of Sully Sullenberger, the captain who saved the lives of everyone onboard US Airways Flight 1549 when he made a successful landing in the Hudson River.

This museum is located on the grounds of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and features dozens of aircraft and historical artifacts. Currently closed for major renovations, the museum is expected to reopen by summer 2024.

27. Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

Address: 6424 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217

Sleepy Poet Antique Mall is a one-story brick building packed full of antiques and collectibles. They host over 250 vendors that all have their own unique items and trinkets.

28. Hendrick Motorsports Museum

Address: 4425-4471 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd, Concord, NC 28027

Hendrick Motorsports Museum is a stock-car racing museum that has a great display of race cars and lots of little history lessons behind the sport. They also have a fantastic gift shop with clothing and souvenirs.

29. Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium

Address: 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC 28027

Sea Life is an interactive water discovery museum in the Concord Mills Mall. The aquarium has thousands of different species of aquatic life, a huge interactive touch pool, and a 180-degree tunnel.

Book your tickets now for Sea Life Charlotte Aquarium

30. Mission Laser Charlotte

Address: 10403 Park Rd Unit J, Charlotte, NC 28210

Mission Laser Tag is a wonderful, family-friendly laser tag area. They have a variety of different themes, one-on-one game opportunities, and great deals on tickets like $1 day and more.

31. Escape Tactic Escape Room

Address: 130 Southside Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217

Escape Tactic Escape Room is a unique escape room experience that has amazing decor and professionally designed rooms, including a room where you can go face-to-face with your opponents.

32. Breakout Games – Charlotte

Address: 11025 Carolina Pl Pkwy, Pineville, NC 28134

Breakout Games is an excellent escape room option. You have only one hour to solve the puzzle and make it out of the locked doors.

33. DEFY Charlotte

Address: 8116 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213

DEFY Charlotte is an extreme air sports center with ball pits, ninja courses, trampolines, trapeze lines, and more!

34. Ray’s Splash Planet

Address: 215 N Sycamore St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Ray’s Splash Planet is a one-of-a-kind indoor water park that has water tunnels, slides, and lots of pools of water. Designed for kids ages 3-12, this is a great stop for the family.

35. Victory Lane Indoor Karting

Address: 2330 Tipton Dr, Charlotte, NC 28206

Victory Lane Indoor Karting is a thrilling indoor karting ring with a ⅓ mile track. They also have bowling, virtual reality, axe throwing, and a large event space.

36. iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Charlotte

Address: 7840 Lyles Ln NW, Concord, NC 28027

iFly has been in business since 1998 and has taught thousands of people the fun and the safety of skydiving. If you have always wanted to go skydiving or are a little scared of heights, this is a perfect way to ease into the experience. They welcome flyers from ages 3 – 103, an experience that is fun for the entire family.

37. Charlotte Regional Farmers Market

Address: 1801 Yorkmont Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

Charlotte Regional Farmers Market is a large indoor venue open year-round. Vendors from all over the state come to share their produce, farm goods, baked goods, soaps, clothing, and more.

38. Super Abari Game Bar

Address: 1015 Seigle Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Super Abari Game Bar features over 50 classic arcade games and 35 pinball machines. They serve alcohol and are mostly a 21+ establishment but have all-ages hours between noon and 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

39. Topgolf

Address: 9110 Drivers Way, Charlotte, NC 28262 & 8024 Savoy Corporate Dr, Charlotte, NC 28273

Topgolf stands as a premier destination for individuals seeking a unique and enjoyable indoor leisure activity. Boasting an innovative concept that combines the thrill of golf with a social and entertainment atmosphere, Topgolf offers an experience that transcends traditional golfing boundaries.

Topgolf’s climate-controlled bays provide an exceptional indoor activity that is not only shielded from adverse weather conditions but also offers a conducive environment for honing golfing skills and fostering social connections.

With its unmatched blend of golfing excitement, comfortable ambiance, and year-round accessibility, it’s an inviting haven for golf enthusiasts and entertainment seekers alike.

Aerial view of Topgolf, indoor activities in charlotte nc

Breweries in Charlotte NC

There are so many amazing breweries in Charlotte, NC, that we can’t list them all here, but these are some of our favorites if you are looking for something else besides the indoor activities in Charlotte NC, above.

✅ The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten
Address: 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is the oldest craft brewery in Charlotte. Set on an 8-acre property in LoSo (lower south end), their massive beer garden offers lots of comfortable seating and freshly brewed beers served daily. They also serve food and brunch on weekends. Catch a live show, and stop in for a classic brewed beer.

✅ NoDa Brewing Company – North End
Address: 150 W 32nd St, Charlotte, NC 28206

NoDa Brewing Company is a staple brewery in Charlotte. They have three locations. However, their North End location is where it all began. This is their main production facility, taproom, and beer garden. This is a beautiful and comfortable spot to bring the family and enjoy food and drink.

✅ Wooden Robot
Address: 1440 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203

Wooden Robot is an urban farmhouse-style brewery that blends the science of brewing beer with Charlotte’s artistic nature. They have two locations that both have to-go beers, beers on tap, and food options.

✅ Sugar Creek Brewing Company
Address: 215 Southside Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217

If you are on the hunt for Belgian-style beers, well, look no further. Sugar Creek Brewing Company is dedicated to serving the Carolinas the best Belgian-inspired ales. The flavors are traditional, with a twist that you’ll adore.

✅ Birdsong Brewing Company
Address: 1016 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206

Birdsong is a comfortable neighborhood brewery that serves growlers, flights, and pints. The atmosphere of Birdsong is relaxed and casual and will make you feel right at home. They hold many live events, and food trucks are parked outside every weekend.

✅ Lenny Boy Brewing Co
Address: 3000 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28217

Lenny Boy Brewing Company brews its own organic hard kombuchas, sours, and traditional beers, and they also have a menu with delicious snack foods. Their taproom is large, with plenty of seating and a great place to catch a live music show or group yoga.

✅ Devil’s Logic Brewing
Address: 1426 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Devil’s Logic serves 22 rotating tap beers on their beautiful rooftop bar. They have amazing views, delicious beers, and a diverse food menu.

✅ Heist Brewery
Address: 2909 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Heist Brewery originally opened in NoDa in 2012 as Charlotte’s only craft brewpub. They have since opened a second facility adjacent to Camp North End, Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts. Both locations feature large taprooms and outdoor seating areas, and each spot serves astoundingly good beer and food.

✅ Suffolk Punch Brewing
Address: 2911 Griffith St, Charlotte, NC 28203

Suffolk Punch Brewing is everything you could ask for and more. They are a brewery, a coffeehouse, an American eatery, and a fermentation lab all in one, and they do everything at a very high level.

✅ Resident Culture Brewing Company
Address: 2101 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Resident Culture Brewing Company serves up unique flavors of all your favorite varieties of beer. They have a sizable industrial-style taproom with an ample-spaced patio and food trucks on Fridays.

✅ Petty Thieves Brewing Co
Address: 413 Dalton Ave Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28206

Petty Thieves is fueled by passion and imagination. Upon entering their enchanting taproom, you’ll feel like you walked into a Harry Potter book. The atmosphere of their taproom is one of the most unique in Charlotte, and to top it all off, they have spectacular beers.

✅ HopFly Brewing Co
Address: 1327 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28203

Located in the South End of Charlotte, HopFly is a local favorite! They have 20 beers on tap in their large taproom, which also has a large patio. They serve beer, wine, seltzer, and non-alcoholic drinks. If you’re hungry, they have a great on-site food truck called Katsu-Kart.

✅ Take a Brewery Tour
Address: 601 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202

There is no better way to see some breweries in one day than by taking this Charlotte Craft Brewery Tour. A guide will drive you to four different craft breweries where you will sample beers and get an insider peek at the brewing process. The tour also stops at the Midwood Smokehouse for a warm, delicious meal.

Restaurants in Charlotte NC

There are so many amazing restaurants in Charlotte, NC. We cannot list them all here. Here are just a few favorites.

✅ Sea Level NC
Address: 129 E 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

This chic Charlotte restaurant serves a great selection of seafood and traditional Southern dishes. Stop in for an oyster happy hour and try a delicious handcrafted cocktail.

✅ Fin & Fino
Address: 135 Levine Ave of the Arts #100, Charlotte, NC 28202

Fin & Fino is an elegant establishment in Charlotte with the best selection of oysters and wine. Stop in for “The Treatment,” an interactive dining experience where guests hand the menu over to the servers and the kitchen, who then give patrons a tasting experience of the menu. This experience is fun and a great way to try a little bit of everything.

✅ Bardo
Address: 1508 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28203

Bardo is a chef-driven, new American-tasting menu restaurant meaning they serve only small plates. It is a very unique and fun experience. Reservations are highly recommended!

✅ Fahrenheit Charlotte
Address: 222 S Caldwell St, 21st Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202

Fahrenheit Charlotte is a fine dining experience unlike any other. They offer New American foods with an Asian-style twist and an extensive drink list, including wines and specialty cocktails. Each table has an amazing view of the city skyline. A business casual dress code is required for each guest.

✅ The Fig Tree Restaurant
Address: 1601 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

The Fig Tree is a culinary experience in a restored 1913 Craftsman bungalow. They have unique Continental foods and a large wine menu.

39 Fun Indoor Activities in Charlotte NC for 2024

✅ Peppervine
Address: 4620 Piedmont Row Dr., Suite 170B, Charlotte, NC 28210

Peppervine is one of the few independent eateries in the area. The atmosphere is unlike any other, as you feel like you walk into a museum upon entry. There are high ceilings, funky lights, and abstract art fixtures. Peppervine serves a progressive menu of small plates and an extended tasting menu with flavors from around the world.

✅ Copper Modern Indian Cuisine
Address: 311 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

At Copper Modern Indian Cuisine, they serve elegant Indian foods in an updated historic bungalow. The atmosphere is relaxed and vibrant, and they offer some of the best Indian food you’ll ever try.

✅ Milkbread (Plaza Midwood)
Address: 1431 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Milkbread is an all-day casual restaurant that serves their famous milkbread donuts, crispy chicken, coffee, beer, and wine. Delicious!

Milkbread Restaurant in Davidson NC Original Chicken Sandwich and crispy cauliflower

✅ Noble Smoke
Address: 2216 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28202

Inside this industrial, comfortable setting, you’ll get an amazing hickory-smoked BBQ and all your favorite Southern-style sides.

✅ The Cellar at Duckworths
Address: 330 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Cellar at Duckworth’s is located downstairs of the Duckworth’s restaurant in the heart of Uptown. This prohibition-style speakeasy serves up an impressive selection of draft beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list featuring a variety of old-world and new-world wines.

Incredible Brussels Sprouts at The Cellar

Foodies will love the bar menu, which features items such as candied jalapeno bacon, caramelized Brussels sprouts, truffle mac and cheese, truffle fries, tuna tartare, short rib gyoza dumplings, and charcuterie boards with artisanal cheeses.

The Cellar at Duckworths entry, fantastic part of a Charlotte Weekend Trip

Where To Stay in Charlotte, NC

📍Best Western Sterling Hotel – Are you looking for something comfortable on a budget? The Best Western in Charlotte is your best option and is just a few miles from popular Charlotte attractions. The rooms are clean and comfortable and come with free breakfast, wifi, and access to the fitness center. It will be the perfect place for a family vacation or a couples’ weekend getaway.

📍Stylish Charlotte Home – This stylish home is only five miles from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, PNC Music Pavilion, Uptown Charlotte, and many more attractions. The house is modern and stylish, with a little artistic Charlotte flair. There are five bedrooms (sleeping up to 12 guests), three bathrooms, and a beautiful private backyard with a covered patio, hammock, and grill. This home is a splurge, but it is well worth it for the whole family to have a great vacation.

📍Best Luxury Option: The Ritz-Carlton, Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, offers luxurious rooms. Facilities include an indoor pool and spa.

Outside the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Uptown Charlotte NC

Charlotte NC: FAQs

📌 Is Charlotte, NC, worth visiting?
Yes, Charlotte is certainly worth visiting. You can easily spend a weekend or even a week exploring the city, learning, seeing, and experiencing new things that the whole family will enjoy.

📌 What is Charlotte, NC, known for?
Charlotte is known for being the largest city in North Carolina. It is also known for having excellent sports venues, fantastic culinary delights, amusement parks, and recreational areas, and for being an artistic city with a great music scene. And beer. There are lots of incredible craft beers.

📌 How do I get around in Charlotte?
Getting around Charlotte is easy, and you have plenty of options, including public buses, taxis, Uber, and Lyft. A popular choice for the locals includes The LYNX Blue Line, a light rail transit that stops off in NoDa at the 36th Street Station. For the South End, the stop would be East/West Station for Atherton Mill.

You can also rent a car for short trips or the entire stay. Biking and walking are efficient ways to explore the city and take in the sights.

If you want to experience Charlotte like a local, try out one of their scooter-sharing services, Bird or Lime!

Final Thoughts

Charlotte is a city of many faces, but there is always something unique and wonderful happening. It is well worth the visit, and you and the family will surely have the most exciting time seeing everything the big city has to offer. Have a wonderful vacation!