Hey there, fabulous seniors! Are you ready to explore all the amazing senior-friendly activities Charlotte has to offer? Well, get excited because the Queen City is bursting with fun things for seniors to do! As Oprah would say, "Live your best life," and Charlotte is the perfect place to do just that.
First up, let's talk about the incredible food scene. Charlotte is a foodie's paradise, consistently landing on "Best Of" lists from top publications like Food & Wine Magazine and OpenTable. Embark on a delicious adventure with FEAST Food Tours, Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours, or even a Southern Food Bicycle Tour. You'll savor the flavors of the city while learning about its rich history and culture.
For all you sports enthusiasts, Charlotte has got you covered. Cheer on the home teams, like the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Hornets (NBA), Checkers (AHL), Charlotte Knights (MLB), and the Charlotte Independence (USL). Feel the exhilaration of NASCAR at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where you can take behind-the-scenes tours and feel the need for speed!
Now, let's talk about the great outdoors. Charlotte is a nature lover's dream, with stunning options like Lake Norman for fishing, paddleboarding, and soaking up the sun. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden or the UNC Botanical Gardens, where you can reconnect with nature and even take a painting or meditation class. For a little adventure, head to Crowders Mountain State Park and hike the trails while taking in the breathtaking views.
But wait, there's more! Charlotte is also a cultural hub, with an array of museums and performing arts centers that will ignite your imagination. Visit the Levine Museum of the New South, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, or the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. Indulge in the magic of Broadway shows, festivals, and concerts at the Blumenthal Performing Arts center.
History buffs, you won't be disappointed either. Explore the Carolinas Aviation Museum, The Charlotte Museum of History, the Wells Fargo History Museum, and the Billy Graham Library. Learn about the fascinating stories and people that shaped the region and the world.
And last but not least, let's raise a glass to Charlotte's thriving brewery scene. With over 30 breweries to choose from, you'll find the perfect pint to suit your taste. Visit local favorites like Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, NoDa Brewing Company, Triple C Brewing Company, and Wooden Robot for a refreshing brew and a lively atmosphere.
So, there you have it, my fellow seniors! Charlotte is a city that truly has it all. Whether you're into food, sports, nature, culture, history, or beer, you'll find endless senior-friendly activities to keep you engaged, entertained, and living your best life. Grab your loved ones and start exploring all the fantastic things Charlotte has to offer. As Oprah would say, "The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams." And that adventure starts right here in Charlotte!
Connect with Caring Helpers Providing Reasonably-Priced Care
By bringing in some part-time private duty caregivers a few hours a week through a reputable service like CareYaya, you can take a lot of daily burdens off your aging loved ones' shoulders. These assistants can lend a hand with basic chores or personal care tasks that have gotten difficult to manage solo, whether due to dementia or physical frailty. CareYaya college students training to be nurses or doctors get special instruction on compassionately caring for seniors before being matched with local clients needing a boost. This way, they can help with assisted daily living care for your aging parents.
Starting rates at $15 per hour provide a reasonable price point for Charlotte's aging population compared to traditional home care agencies that often charge double or triple the hourly rates. Scheduling visits from one of those medically-savvy helpers means your Charlotte parents always have someone responsible checking in on them, without breaking the bank!
If grandma needs overnight assistance too, CareYaya can arrange vetted overnight caregivers in her Charlotte home as well. Having that reliable overnight care support prevents risky middle-of-the-night mobility mishaps and gives family caretakers well-deserved rest knowing she's in good hands. Rates for overnight elderly care through CareYaya run approximately $120 per night for an 8-hour session – less than half the cost of comparable local care agency options.
Food Tours & Foodies
Charlotte is always on the top of the list of Food & Wine Magazine, OpenTable and Thrillist "Best Of" lists. Check out some Charlotte Food Tours:
FEAST Food Tours is a walking tour allowing you to sample the amazing cuisine of several Charlotte neighborhoods. These tours are expertly guided informing you of the yummy culinary delights you’re devouring.
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours allows you to explore Uptown Charlotte with two excursions: The Spirit of Charlotte or the Local to Charlotte, rooted in North Carolina. Either excursion will allow you to not only sample chef creations but also learn about the Queen City’s rich history.
Taste and Glide Segway Tour if you’re looking to try some of Charlotte’s most popular culinary delights. You will savor Mert’s Heart & Soul and all that 7th Street Public Market dishes out.
Southern Food Bicycle Tour any bicycle enthusiast among us? Try this three-hour bike food tour stopping to savor Charlotte’s best-fried chicken and bbq restaurants.
Halcyon Flavors for the Earth why not explore a bit of art and their small plate samplings at the Mint Museum Uptown? After your dining experience, you will be taken on a one-hour, guided tour that explores the museum’s art collections.
Calling All Sports Fans!
Charlotte is home to nearly every level of popular sports. Support the home team no matter your favorite sport.
Carolina Panthers (NFL) Check out the football team that has won six division titles as they play home games at the Bank of America Stadium. Interesting fact, the Panthers are one of the few teams that own the stadium in which they play.
Hornets (NBA) Professional basketball team plays their home games at Spectrum Center. Check out their upcoming schedule and get a season membership.
Checkers (AHL) See the Checkers score a goal! Watch them play their home games at Time Warner Cable Arena.
Charlotte Knights (MLB) Strike! The Season starts in April for this Triple-A team at the BB&T Ballpark home.
Charlotte Independence (USL) Founded in 2014, this professional league plays home games at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews.
NASCAR Feel the need for speed? Known for their stock car racing at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Take one of the daily behind-the-scenes tours of the Speedway, Dirt Track, and zMax Dragway.
Play Outside
Enjoy the beautiful fresh air while exploring all that Charlotte has to offer. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes there is a lot to see!
Lake Norman for a great place to fish, paddleboard, boat, kayak or just hang and soak up the rays. Beautiful Lake Norman will get you back on the water, just 20 miles north to Uptown and the largest man-made lake in the Carolinas.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden allows you to explore and reconnect with nature through breathtaking gardens, fountains and a beautiful oasis of tropical plants, orchids, and visitor pavilion. You can also sign up for a painting class or take a meditation class.
UNC Botanical Gardens is like a living classroom for those interested in learning about native and non-native plant life in North Carolina. They also offer gardening classes and other events during the year.
Crowders Mountain State Park located west of Charlotte offers 11 hiking trails ranging in difficulty levels while enjoying the views of flower-filled meadows and a 7-acre lake.
Queen’s Landing Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises dine while touring on the Catawba Queen Mississippi riverboat or Lady of the Lake luxury yacht on Lake Norman. Take in an open-air sightseeing tour while learning the history of Lake Norman.
Add A Little Culture to Your Life
There's a lot of culture in Charlotte and here are some of the best locations to engage those senses.
Levine Museum of the New South an interactive museum showing life in the region post-Civil and featuring the growth of Charlotte and the South. Talk with a historian, attend programs for different ages and interests.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is a stunning modern art museum displaying a 17-foot-tall ‘Firebird” or as the locals call him...Disco Chicken. Stroll the 36,500-square-foot space soaking up beautiful mid-20th-century modern art.
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is the community’s epicenter for celebrating the contributions of Africans and African- Americans to American culture. The center offers stunning music, dance, theater, visual art, film, arts education programs, literature, and community outreach programs benefiting Charlotte.
Mint Museum Uptown set in a beautiful park setting and once the original United States Mint, the now galleries showcase European, African and art of the Americas; including over 18,000 volumes in the reference library.
Blumenthal Performing Arts puts on more than 18 weeks of top Broadway shows each year, along with hosting fun festivals, concerts, comedy, and dance performances, including the Charlotte Jazz Festival.
Any History Buffs Out There?
Let the learning begin! Charlotte is filled with opportunities to learn more about its history by going to a museum or library. The choices are endless.
The Carolinas Aviation Museum is located at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Take a visit here to see what it was like to take flight in a variety of aircraft, some that played a major role in the Vietnam War.
The Charlotte Museum of History home to the county’s oldest surviving structure, Hezekiah Alexander Homesite and a place to learn about the Carolina Backcountry including the events leading up to the American Revolution.
Wells Fargo History Museum learn about the first gold rush in America, enjoy tales of the ‘49ers and how their experiences still have an impact on us today. Take a tour and learn the history of banking and how Wells Fargo played a huge role in the industry.
The Billy Graham Library experience through photos, memorabilia, presentations, and interactive kiosks how Billy Graham journeyed from a North Carolina dairy farm to an international pastor.
North Carolina Music Hall of Fame learn about some of North Carolina’s best musical composers and performers. Enjoy memorabilia from very well known entertainers who have North Carolina roots, like James Taylor, Charlie Daniels, Kellie Pickler, Randy Travis, Clay Aiken, and Ben Folds just to name a few!
Beer Anyone?
There are over 30 breweries in Charlotte...there truly is something for everyone.
See what’s on tap at these Charlotte breweries.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Always cold and always local! The Founder of OMB says “not everything can be made local, but beer can and should be”. Also, you will never get a beer that is room temperature. While you're there enjoy German fare, salads, and burgers.
NoDa Brewing Company. Open since 2011 and the second oldest brewery located on N. Tryon and Davidson, this taproom offers tours, live music and other entertainment for your enjoyment. Choose from seasonal, specialty and limited-release brews in locations on N. Tryon and Davidson Street.
Triple C Brewing Company. This two (2) bronze medals winning 3C IPA brewery in 2015 at the Great American Beer Festival opened in 2012, offers numerous IPA’s on tap. Triple C located in South End of Charlotte gives back and hosts events in support of the community.
Wooden Robot located in a 15-barrel urban farmhouse using 100% malt and specialty ingredients while supporting local farms. Rotating food truck at the South End location and Billy Jacks delivers to the NoDa location. Also, dogs are allowed.
Charlotte Activities for Outdoor Lovers
1. UNC Charlotte 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.
Grab your grandkids, family, and friends for some outdoor activities, cultural events, sporting activities, or things to do in Charlotte. No more excuses, time to get out there to explore and enjoy!