You don’t need cash to have a good time in Charlotte! Check out this list of free activities and give your debit card a rest.

     

  1. Hiking trailsFreedom Park

    2. Charmeck.org

  2. Reedy Creek Nature Center and Nature Preserve

    3. Light off on wooded trails in the heart of Carolina’s wilderness. Check out the Robinson Rockhouse Ruins dating back to 1780. Nearby Reedy Creek Park offers swimming holes, fishing, a golf-course, a dog park, and much more! For more information about free stuff in Charlotte at the Reedy Creek Nature Center please visit: Charmeck.org.

     

  3. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture

    4. This free cultural museum documents the experience of African Americans in the U.S. and highlights the major contributions that African Americans have made to our country. For more information about the Center for African American Arts & Culture please visit: www.AACC-Charlotte.org.


     

  4. Charlotte Museum of History

    5. Check out the Charlotte Museum of History and the Hezekiah Alexander Homestead Site – top Charlotte historical attractions. Learn about Charlotte in the 1700s at the Homestead, view exhibits pertaining to Southern colonial settlement, and learn about the nation’s first gold rush. For more information about free things to do in Charlotte at the Museum of History please visit: www.CharlotteMuseum.org.

     

  5. Summer Pops Concert

    6. Every year, the Charlotte Symphony plays a summer concert series. Don’t miss the “Celebrate America” concert which is followed by fireworks for the 4th of July. Bring your family, a blanket, and a picnic lunch! To learn more about this free cultural experience please visit: www.CharlotteSymphony.org.

     

  6. Reed Gold Mine

    7. Visit the site of the nation’s first Gold Rush! At Reed Gold Mine, admission is free, but if you would like to pan for gold, you will be charged a fee. Walk through restored mine tunnels, view mining technology and mining history exhibits, and watch a video about the first American Gold Rush! For more information about one of North Carolina’s treasures please visit: www.ReedMine.com.

     

  7. Crowders Mountain

    8. It doesn’t cost a cent to hike the well groomed trails at Crowders Mountain, fish, climb, or relax! This North Carolina state park has it all! From swimming opportunities to educational exhibits, you are sure to have a good time. For more information about Charlotte free stuff at Crowders Park, please visit: www.CrowdersMountain.com.

     

  8. UNCC Botanical Gardens

    9. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Botanical Gardens is the home to the largest flower in the world: the Titan Arum! Offering educational opportunities in addition to a wonderful garden experience, the UNCC Botanical Gardens is also completely free! To learn more about the UNCC Botanical Gardens please visit: Gardens.UNCC.edu.

     

  9. Old Settlers Cemetery

    10. Tour the historic grave markers at Old Settlers Cemetery in Charlotte’s historic Fourth Ward. An historic landmark, the Old Settlers Cemetery is the final resting place of Charlotteans who died between 1776 and 1878. For more information about this Charlotte landmark please visit: www.FindaGrave.com.

  10. ImaginOn

    11. There is no charge to use ImaginOn’s children’s and teen’s library or to participate in kid’s events. This children’s library/theater offers numerous activities for kids and teens and houses an impressive collection of educational material which your kids can feel free to peruse. For more about free stuff in Charlotte at ImaginOn please visit: www.Imaginon.org.