4 Rainy Day Family Fun Activities in Charlotte, NC

Summertime is a fun time. The kids are out of school. Pools are open. There are lots of outdoor activities in Charlotte that families can have fun with, whether it be a neighborhood barbecue or a trip to Paramount's Carowinds. The problem seems to come when those rainy days come. Then the sound you are most likely to hear from the kids is "I'm bored!" If you don't hear those words, chances are they have their hands wrapped around a game controller spending countless hours in front of a video game screen. While there is nothing wrong with playing an occasional video game, it isn't a good idea for kids to spend all of their time doing that. The good news is that Charlotte is filled with lots of fun indoor activities for families, and there is no reason for rain to put a damper on summer fun.

Here are a few of Charlotte's great indoor activities for families.

Mecklenburg County Public Library. The library is a great place, and kids of all ages enjoy going. They can look at books and magazines or play computer games. Many of the Charlotte area libraries have special events during the summer months, such as story time or special movie days. The great things about the library is that while the kids are browsing, the adults can browse as well. The library has something for everyone. I remember spending many rainy days at the library with my children. We would leave happy with armfuls of books, movies, and CD's to take home with us.

Discovery Place. Discovery Place is one of Charlotte's science museums, and it has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The exhibits are fun and many are hands-on. There is a tropical rain forest and there are also special presentations where you can pet animals and reptiles. My kids were thrilled when they got to touch a live snake. Everything at Discovery Place is about learning and fun. There is also an IMAX Theatre at Discovery Place. For an additional cost, you can see breathtaking films.

Ray's Splash Planet. Ray's Splash Planet is Charlotte's Indoor Waterpark. The park has water slides, a huge pool, a water tubing ride, and other attractions. It's a great way to spend a rainy day together. There is even a fitness center for those who are over the age of 18.

Zuma Fun Center. Zuma Fun Center has both indoor and outdoor fun, but on rainy days there is plenty of fun if you do nothing but play indoors. Zuma has video games, rides for small children, and lots of good food to eat. My kids and I have spent many rainy days at Zuma, and it is still one of our favorite places to go.

Don't despair if you find yourself on a rainy summer day with kids who are complaining about being bored. Charlotte is a great place to find that perfect rainy day activity.