With our massive indoor water park, amazing attractions, complimentary daily events and activities, and delicious dining options, there’s no shortage of ways to play.
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Charlotte / Concord, NC
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THINGS TO DO IN
CHARLOTTE
Did you know that Concord’s history dates back over 200 years? The city was actually established as a compromise between German and Scotch-Irish settlers. Its name even means “harmony,” with the main downtown throughway having been named in the same spirit.
Today, Union Street is home to scores of boutiques, restaurants, galleries and more. Of course, you can’t mention Concord without a nod towards all things NASCAR. The Charlotte Motor Speedway Check is a must-see destination for motocross fans everywhere.
Other attractions include the Sea Life Aquarium, the Billy Graham Library, and of course, our very own Great Wolf Lodge! Read on for more things to do in Concord, North Carolina!
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BEST THINGS TO DO
Things To Do in Charlotte, NC
Outdoor & Adventure
Museums & Culture
Food & Neighborhoods
- Camp North End
- The Rail Trail
- Midwood Smokehouse
- Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
- The Asbury at the Dunhill Hotel
Things To Do in Concord, NC
- Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord
- Charlotte Motor Speedway
- SeaLife Aquarium
- Frank Liske Park
- North Carolina Music Hall of Fame
- Mustang Owners Museum
- The Concord Museum
- Cabarrus Brewing Company
- Legacy Biplane Rides
- Bost Grist Mill
- Carolina Thread Trail
- Carowinds
- Carolina Raptor Center
- Concord Mills
- Motor Speedway Tours
- Dover Vineyards
- Old Courthouse Theatre
- Rocky River Golf Club
Things To Do in Greensboro, NC
- International Civil Rights Center & Museum
- Greensboro Science Center
- Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden
- Ambleside Gallery
- Novant Health Fieldhouse
Things To Do in Winston-Salem, NC
Things To Do in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte to Concord, NC is not far at all! Just a quick 25-minute drive (roughly 15 miles) from Great Wolf Lodge Concord, Charlotte brings the energy of a major city—full of culture, sports, and outdoor adventure—within easy reach of your stay.
Outdoor & Adventure
From scenic greenways to adrenaline-packed urban centers, the Charlotte area offers outdoor fun for all ages. Explore river trails, parks, and adventure hubs that combine fitness with the thrill of discovery.
Located in Charlotte, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is an outdoor recreation hub offering whitewater rafting, zip-lining, rock climbing, and over 50 miles of trails. It’s a favorite for both thrill-seekers and casual visitors looking to enjoy nature, live music, and seasonal festivals.
Known as “Charlotte’s Central Park,” Freedom Park spans 98 acres with walking trails, playgrounds, athletic fields, and a scenic lake. It’s a popular spot for family picnics, community events, and fall festivals just minutes from Uptown Charlotte.
Home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer, Bank of America Stadium is a landmark for sports and major events in Uptown Charlotte. The open-air venue also hosts concerts and special events throughout the year.
Museums & Culture
Charlotte’s diverse cultural scene includes world-class museums, galleries, and performing arts venues all within the city’s vibrant Midtown and Uptown neighborhoods.
Located in nearby Charlotte, the Billy Graham Library offers a 40,000 square-foot experience for visitors to discover the life and legacy of the famous American pastor.
Visitors can explore Graham’s childhood home and beyond through multimedia presentations, interactive kiosks, photos and memorabilia. The property also offers a bookstore, a dairy barn and a memorial prayer garden.
Located in Uptown Charlotte, the NASCAR Hall of Fame celebrates the history and heroes of stock car racing with interactive exhibits, racing simulators, and legendary memorabilia. It’s a must-visit destination for motorsports fans of all ages.
The Mint Museum, with locations in Uptown and Randolph, is Charlotte’s premier art museum, featuring diverse collections of American, contemporary, and craft art. Visitors can explore everything from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge installations.
Discovery Place Science is an award-winning museum in Uptown Charlotte that makes science fun through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and an immersive IMAX theater. It’s perfect for curious minds and families looking for an engaging day of exploration.
Food & Neighborhoods
Charlotte’s neighborhoods serve up a dynamic food scene—from upscale culinary experiences to authentic global flavors. Stroll through lively districts rich in local shops, cafes, and dining gems.
Once a Ford factory and military depot, Camp North End is now a vibrant creative hub filled with art installations, food stalls, and live events. It’s a go-to spot for exploring Charlotte’s innovation scene and eclectic culture.
Stretching alongside Charlotte’s light rail line, the Rail Trail is a lively urban pathway for walking, biking, and discovering public art. Cafés, breweries, and parks along the way make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Midwood Smokehouse is known for its wood-smoked, pit-style barbecue, serving up Carolina classics with rich flavor and hearty portions. It’s a beloved spot for anyone craving authentic Southern comfort food.
Charlotte’s oldest craft brewery, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery specializes in German-style beers brewed according to tradition. Visitors can enjoy a pint in the spacious Biergarten or take a brewery tour to see how it’s made.
Located inside the historic Dunhill Hotel, The Asbury blends Southern ingredients with modern techniques, creating inventive dishes in an upscale yet approachable setting. It’s a standout destination for food lovers in Uptown Charlotte.
Things To Do In Concord, NC
Right at your doorstep, Concord offers its own local charm—from motorsports excitement to historic districts and shopping destinations—making it a perfect complement to your Charlotte adventures. Learn more about some top activities in Concord, NC.
Located in Concord just outside Charlotte, Great Wolf Lodge is a premier family getaway known for its massive indoor water park and resort-style amenities. Guests can race down thrilling slides, float along a lazy river, or let little ones splash in interactive play areas—all under one roof.
Beyond the water attractions, the lodge features themed suites, a ropes course, an arcade, and multiple dining options to make vacations effortless. Its year-round, weatherproof fun makes it a favorite destination for both local families and visitors to the Charlotte area.
Whether you're seeking a weekend escape or an extended stay, Great Wolf Lodge delivers nonstop entertainment and relaxation in one convenient location.
Motorsports are huge in Concord, so much so that the city is known as “Where Racing Lives.” Legendary driver Dale Earnhardt was actually born just a short drive away! The Charlotte Motor Speedway houses NASCAR races, racing schools, monster truck bashes and more!
The venue has even hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race every year since 1985, with just one exception. There are also camping facilities available onsite for those who don’t want to miss a minute of the action!
Located in the popular Concord Mills shopping center, the Sea Life Aquarium houses over 5,000 creatures including sharks, rays, seahorses and more. It’s also got tons of interactive experiences for guests to enjoy. Guests can explore the shipwreck exhibit, walk through the underwater ocean tunnel or splash around the interactive touch pool!
Take in some fresh air at Frank Liske Park! The area spans over 230 acres and contains a lake for fishing and paddle boarding, picnic shelters, picnic sites, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, playgrounds and a lighted tennis court.
Other outdoor activities include sport camps, nature camps and classes, tennis classes, nature workshops, road races and tons of other community activities!
The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame was designed to honor artists, composers and musicians from around the state. Visitors can learn about the region’s musical heritage and explore exhibits of artifacts, items, memorabilia and more!
Any Mustang aficionados out there? You’re in luck! Concord has an entire museum dedicated to the automobile. The Museum Owners Museum showcases upwards of 25 Mustangs including classics, modified, racing and a few unique versions.
Originally known as Memorial Hall, the Concord Museum was founded back in 1939. There, you can find artifacts, documents and books of historical significance to the community. Special exhibits revolve around Women’s Suffrage in North Carolina, pioneer days, servicemen and more.
Time for a drink! The Cabarrus Brewing Company boasts a delicious selection of craft beers, from blonde ales to dark stouts. You can also expect to get a taste of local history, character and traditions while there.
See Concord from above! Legacy Biplane Rides offers visitors a spectacular view of the area from their 1943 Stearman N2S-5 aircraft. They also offer lessons for those interested in learning how to fly. Real adventurers can learn how to do barrel rolls, loops, hammerhead turns and other kinds of aerobatics.
Bost Grist Mill has been serving Cabarrus county since the early 1800s. Watch corn get ground up into meal and grits using the same stones and techniques used during the 1800s. Visitors can also learn more about the mill’s historic past through re-enactments and living history exhibits.
The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of connected greenways, trails and blueways that covers over 260 miles of trails. It’s a landmark project designed to bring the legacy of conversation to every member of the community, regardless of their background.
Looking for more things to do in Concord? Head over to Carowinds where you’ll find 14 world-class roller coasters, an original kid’s play area, and over 60 rides, shows and attractions. You can also explore Carolina Harbor while there.
The water park features wave pools, multi-story water slides and other exhilarating attractions. The amusement park has been serving the Carolina community for over 45 years.
The Carolina Raptor center is located on 57 acres inside the Latta Nature Preserve. The center has been around for over 30 years, helping introduce and educate visitors to their eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons and owls.
In total, the center contains over 30 species of birds. They host events and encounters throughout the year to broadcast the science and natural history of raptors and the science of flight.
In the mood to do a little shopping? Head over to Concord Mills for over 200 stores and dining options. The complex is the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in North Carolina.
At Concord Mills, you can expect to find name-brand outlets such as Coach, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren as well as budget retailers sprinkled around the property. Concord Mills also features four full service restaurants, several entertainment venues, changing stations and more.
That’s right, we’re back at the Charlotte Motor Speedway! Take a tour of the venue to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Dirt Track and the zMAX Dragway! Your guide will fill you in on the illustrious history of each track while you enjoy the sights and sounds of American racing!
Enjoy the finer side of Concord at Dover Vineyards. The vineyard planted its first vines back in 2009 that have helped give way to six unique wine blends. There’s also a farm on the property that produces some of the best kale and Swiss chard in the region! You can stop by for a tasting, host your own party, or even sign up for a yoga class on the farm!
Looking for more things to do in Concord? Head over to the Old Courthouse Theatre for some local talent. The Theatre puts on a total of four plays each season. The venue is conveniently located in downtown Concord, making it easy for guests to explore the historic district, shop around a few local boutiques or grab some dinner and drinks before the show!
There are over 600 golf courses sprinkled throughout the state of North Carolina. Concord offers some of the best. The Rocky River Golf Club was designed by Dan Maples, nationally known for having created some of the state’s top courses.
Rocky River is able to appeal to all skill levels, from beginners to scratch, with 4 sets of tees including PGA Junior tees on the front 9. It’s managed by the Embassy Suites-Concord, making it one of the only courses in the state able to offer stay-and-play packages. Stop by for the day, or even the night!
Things To Do in Greensboro, NC
Just about 73 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) north of Great Wolf Lodge Concord, Greensboro blends history, museums, and parks for an enriching day trip.
Located in downtown Greensboro, this museum preserves the legacy of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins and highlights key moments in the American civil rights movement through powerful exhibits and interactive displays.
A unique attraction combining an aquarium, museum, and zoo, the Greensboro Science Center offers hands-on learning experiences and family-friendly adventures all in one stop.
This beautifully landscaped garden is a peaceful retreat featuring winding paths, seasonal flowers, and statues that celebrate Greensboro’s history and heritage.
An intimate art gallery showcasing fine works from both regional and international artists, Ambleside Gallery is a cultural gem for art lovers visiting Greensboro.
Home to the Greensboro Swarm NBA G League team, Novant Health Fieldhouse hosts exciting basketball games and family-friendly sporting events throughout the season.
Things To Do in Winston-Salem, NC
An hour and a half northwest of Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord, Winston-Salem offers a mix of art, revitalized historic neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural attractions.
1. Old Salem Museums & Gardens
Step back in time at Old Salem, where restored Moravian buildings, costumed interpreters, and beautiful gardens bring 18th- and 19th-century life in Winston-Salem to vivid detail.
This historic Moravian cemetery is known for its serene setting and uniform gravestones, reflecting the community’s deep sense of equality and tradition.
The North Carolina Museum of Art showcases innovative contemporary works in a sleek, modern space.
A favorite outdoor escape, Salem Lake features a seven-mile trail and opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying peaceful waterfront views.
This upscale movie theater offers luxury seating, gourmet snacks, and an elevated cinema experience right in the heart of Winston-Salem.
We hope you enjoyed our list of things to do near Concord, North Carolina! Head on over to Visit Cabarrus for more ideas on what to do in Concord and the surrounding area. If you haven’t already figured out a place to stay, check out some of the room options at Great Wolf Lodge.
Remember, our newly renovated resort offers 11 waterslides, four pools, as well as a host of on-land activities for the entire family to enjoy. Make sure to check out our official site for our best deals!
