Halloween Treat Trail
Kids 2 to 12 trick-or-treat past local businesses at Bailey Road Park on Oct. 24. Register for a 30-minute slot; free for Cornelius residents, $3 otherwise.
We find the best family activities around Lake Norman
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This Week's Picks
LANO's Slightly Haunted Hike
Flashlight-guided evening hike at Lake Norman State Park to spot nocturnal wildlife, hear night sounds, and get candy; costumes welcome.
Tricks and Treats at Carowinds
Daytime, family-friendly Halloween at Carowinds on select days through Nov. 7, with costumes, treats, and entertainment; see the park website for details.
2026 Fall Season at Outlaw Acres
Outdoor Old West–themed fall season with a corn maze, pumpkin picking, animals, live western shows; Saturdays 11–5 and Sundays 12–5 through Nov. 1.
Family Guides & Ideas
Guides
Fall Fun That Gives Back: Small Ways to Help Around Charlotte
From an outgrown costume to a park cleanup, here are three doable ways Charlotte families can look out for neighbors this fall.
Things to Do
Best Outdoor Adventures and Hikes with Kids in Charlotte
Looking for fresh air, trails to wander, and places your kids can run wild in nature? You’re in luck. Charlotte and its surrounding towns offer a variety of fam
Things to Do
Best Splash Parks in Charlotte and Surrounding Areas for Kids This Summer
When summer temperatures rise in the Queen City, nothing beats a splash park for family fun. Whether you're looking to let toddlers burn off energy or planning
Things to Do
Breweries with Play Areas in Charlotte That Parents (and Kids) Will Love
Gone are the days when heading to a brewery meant finding a babysitter. In the Charlotte area, breweries and taprooms have evolved into family-friendly hangouts
Health
Easy Lunches for Kids: Simple, Healthy Ideas Parents Actually Use
If packing your child’s lunch feels like a daily negotiation, you’re not alone. Between picky eaters, time constraints, and the pressure to make lunches “health
Things to Do
Free & Cheap Things To Do in Charlotte with Kids: 20+ Family-Friendly Ideas
If you're looking for exciting, affordable ways to entertain your kids in Charlotte without breaking the bank, you're in luck. The Queen City is packed with fre
Health
Healthy Snacks for Kids: Easy, Nutritious Ideas Parents Can Rely On
Snacks can make or break a day. They can prevent meltdowns—or cause them. For many parents, the challenge isn’t whether kids need snacks (they do), but what act
Health
Kids’ Mental Health Resources: A Parent’s Guide to Support, Signs, and Local Help
Parenting has never been simple—but today’s kids are growing up in a world that can feel especially overwhelming. Anxiety, stress, emotional regulation challeng
Parenting
Managing Toddler Tantrums: What Helps, What Doesn’t, and When to Worry
If you are parenting a toddler, tantrums are not a sign that something is wrong—they’re a sign that your child is developing exactly as expected. Toddlers have
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