guides

25 Free & Fun Activities to Keep Young Kids Busy

Where to Play around the Queen City for Little to NO Cost with Kids

By Union County Macaroni Kid April 5, 2023

Keeping kids entertained lately can get pricey, so we've rounded up 25 Free and Inexpensive ways to play around the Charlotte Metro Area. From Center City to Rock Hill, check out these free and nearly free activities PLUS museums that offer membership - which makes it more affordable for those who love them.

  • Outdoor Breweries
  • Free Museum Days:
    • Mint Museum 
      • Wednesdays: 5-9P, both locations
      • Party in the Park @ Randolph location: The last Sunday of each month from 1-5PM
      • Wild Wednesdays begin 6/14: 5-9P both locations
      • NextGen Teen program - must register
    • Schiele Museum
      • Duke Energy Free Tuesdays, 4-8PM, second Tuesday of each month
    • Bank of America Museums on Us
      • First weekend of every month is free for all Bank of America and Merrill Lynch patrons 
      • Mint Museums, Bechtler Museum, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and Levine Museum of the New South
    • Matthews Heritage Museum
      • Free for children 10 and under

SEASONAL (Summer)

And, if you know that you’ll use it, we recommend looking into a museum membership or two. These make for great holiday gifts from family members as well! Museum Memberships pay off in the long run because the fee is absorbed once for the whole family and most account for two adults and all minors living in a household. Many also come with additional perks, such as discounted guest passes, parking and birthday party discounts. Here are some of the kid-friendly museums within a short drive from Union County to consider and their currently listed pricing. We always recommend you contact the museum directly to confirm pricing and perks: