Originally established before the Revolutionary War, Charlotte, North Carolina, grew into a vibrant, bustling city while maintaining a small-town feel. Whether you like to spend your free time outdoors or gazing at art, there's something in this ever-growing hub to make any active adult feel at home. From awe-inspiring mountainscapes to NASCAR tracks and museums galore, these 10 activities will show you why there are plenty of things to do in Charlotte for active adults.

Charlotte Activities for Outdoor Lovers

1. UNC Botanical Gardens

Explore the vibrant beauty of nature at UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. Take a walk through McMillan Greenhouse and marvel at exotic orchids, spices, and the rare Titan Arum flower, which only blooms once every 10-15 years. Step outside to enjoy native Carolina plant life in Van Landingham Glen or find some garden inspiration in Susie Harwood Garden with its mild climate plants. Admission is free, plus they offer classes and events throughout the year perfect for adults and seniors. Come get lost among lush flora and fauna at this botanical garden.

2. Crowders Mountain State Park

Adventurers can explore southeastern beauty at Crowders Mountain State Park, roughly 30 miles outside of Charlotte. Take a quick drive west on I-85 and you'll find yourself surrounded by majestic wildflower meadows, fragrant laurel ridges, and a serene seven-acre lake. If you can, scale the two peaks; you’ll be rewarded with 25-mile views from the top. Of course, you can also delight in canoeing, fishing, and camping activities to fill any day with adventure.

3. U.S. National Whitewater Center

If outdoor adventure and music are your hobbies, the U.S. National Whitewater Center has you covered. There are 1,300 acres of thrilling experiences waiting for you. Whitewater raft on the largest manmade river in North America, or snag an aerial view from a zipline course. This attraction in Charlotte is sure to get everyone’s adrenaline pumping. The center also hosts a River Jams series during the summer, bringing together amazing outdoor musical talent of different genres. Affordable passes are available for either single activity days or full-access, season-long adventures.

Charlotte Activities for Cultural Connoisseurs

4. Charlotte Museum of History

Charlotte’s rich history goes all the way back to its settling in 1755. The Charlotte Museum of History is your one-stop shop for learning more about all things Charlotte. Learn from exhibits focusing on Colonial times as well as ones dedicated to contemporary topics, such as music and conservation. Seniors age 62 and older get discounted admission, which is always a perk, especially if you want to visit more than once. Explore centuries’ worth of stories at the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite. Built in 1774, this home is Mecklenburg County’s oldest standing structure–walking through is sure to be an experience you won’t forget.  

5. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Get ready to explore and be inspired at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, located in the Levine Center for the Arts. It’s home to an incredible array of artwork from artists like Giacometti, Miró, and Picasso. It also features regularly changing temporary exhibits as well as events, including Jazz Night and special guest talks. Seniors 65 and older may be able to get discounted admission. The Levine Center for the Arts housing the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is truly a cultural playground as it also includes Mint Museum Uptown and Knight Theater, making it a premier activity spot full of fun things to do in Charlotte.

6. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

If you’re a fan of the performing arts, catch a show at Charlotte's Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. From Broadway hits to ballet classics and everything in between, their showings capture it all. The center also offers plenty of other events, like movie screenings, comedy shows, and open-mic nights for the braver souls. Keep up-to-date with each season’s events by checking their online calendar.

Sporting Events in Charlotte

7. Bank of America Stadium

Football fans are in for a treat at the Bank of America Stadium, home to the Carolina Panthers. It’s an impressive 75,000-capacity arena that has historically played host to some well-known showdowns, such as the ACC Championship Game and Belk Bowl. Visitors can join one of their stadium tours to explore the behind-the-scenes sights, such as the luxurious suites and broadcasting booths. If you’re going to watch a game, get to the stadium early for pregame festivities, including the “Panther's Den” tailgating.

8. Charlotte Motor Speedway & NASCAR Hall of Fame

Get ready for the ultimate NASCAR experience at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Beyond the races, you can join fellow fans from around the world in a thrilling simulator, using industry-level iRacing technology, or get a behind-the-scenes look by exploring ever-evolving interactive exhibits that trace back through history in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. You and the grandkids can compete in an interactive pit crew challenge against as many as 15 competitors with real-time events projected onto an epic 50+ foot screen, or even drive a real race car on the track.

9. Charlotte Golfing

Charlotte is a golfer's paradise. With warm days practically the entire year, this city offers the best weather for golfing, plus you can pick between stunning public or semi-private courses to hit your perfect shot. Grab your clubs and get ready for an unforgettable round in one of America’s most beautiful cities.

Winner of the 2022 Charlotte Magazine’s People’s Choice Award for Best Golf Course, Quail Hollow Club opened in 1961. Originally designed by George Cobb, it had improvements made throughout the years by Arnold Palmer and Tom Fazio. Don’t miss your chance to watch some of the world’s best compete at Quail Hollow in the annual Wells Fargo Championship.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Charlotte

While Charlotte has plenty of activities for all ages, you might want to find something family-friendly for the littlest ones to enjoy. Look no further.

10. Discovery Place Science

Come to Discovery Place Science in Charlotte with the grandkids and have some out-of-this-world fun. Younger kids will enjoy touching starfish at an aquarium touch tank, while older grandkids would get a kick out of launching objects using chemical reactions. This three-story museum also has virtual reality experiences and an IMAX dome theater. Don't forget about the sister museums as well: Discovery Place Nature, where kids can interact with wildlife, and Discovery Place Kids, a children’s museum.

Experience all of these moments and attractions when you live at one of Del Webb’s exclusive active adult communities in Charlotte. Explore today!

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