5 Family Staycation Hotspots in Charlotte, NC

If the price of gas in Charlotte is keeping your family from even thinking about going on vacation this summer, perhaps you should consider a family staycation. Charlotte is filled with some wonderfully fun and entertaining places to go that will make you feel like you have traveled miles away. Here are some of the best places in Charlotte to go for a family staycation:

Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect family getaway. You'll feel as if you've traveled hundreds of miles away because you'll be having so much fun. The Lodge hosts a huge indoor water park that is included with the price of admission to the lodge. The rooms are actual suites that comfortably sleep 4 to 8 guests. Whereas Great Wolf Lodge is located in several areas across the country, its nice to know that there is one in Charlotte. You can have a great family vacation without having to leave the city.

McDowell Park Camping. McDowell Park and Nature Preserve is one of the area's most beautiful parks. Located beside of Lake Wylie, it hosts over 7 miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a nature center. Another wonderful feature of the park is the camping area. The camping area hosts 56 camping sites that range from primitive to RV, depending on what your family is looking for. McDowell Park has always been one of my family's favorite places to go -- whether we just spent the day grilling out and walking the trails or whether we took advantage of the camping facilities.

Carowinds. Carowinds is the area's theme park, host to many different rides, attractions, and shopping. There is also a huge outdoor waterpark that is included in the price of admission. For your convenience, there is a campground which is perfect for a family staycation. To get the best value for your money, buy a family season pass. This way you can enjoy the park during your staycation as well as throughout the entire summer.

Explore uptown Charlotte. Uptown Charlotte is filled with fun activities for the family. Take a ride on the Lynx Blue Line lightrail system, and spend the day visiting some of the places that uptown has to offer. Some of these include Discovery Place, Imaginon, the Epicenter, and the Nascar Hall of Fame. There are a variety of restaurants as well for every price range, including street vendors and entertainers for your enjoyment.

US National Whitewater Center. The US National Whitewater Center is a wonderful way to spend time with your family. If your family loves adventure, then this is the place for you. There is whitewater rafting, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. There are zip-lines, rock-climbing, mountain biking, and trails to walk on. There is also a restaurant for when those hunger pangs take over. Check on their website for a list of upcoming events.

Don't give up on the thought of a vacation this summer. With so many fun activities here in Charlotte, you can have a staycation that you will always remember.