June 5, 2023
When it comes to entertaining the tweens and teenagers in your family, Cabarrus County has you covered with adrenaline-fueled adventures, sporting events and family-friendly competitions. Check out this list of cool activities to enjoy together.
1. Take to the Skies
Slip into a flight suit for a one-of-a-kind indoor skydiving experience. At the iFLY Indoor Skydiving facility in Concord, you’ll learn how to maintain a stable flying position and practice maneuvers like turns, side-to-side slides and rolls that will have your teens begging for more zero-gravity fun. iFLY also offers birthday parties as well as STEM field trips where students can take science and technology lessons to new heights!
2. Cheer for the Home Team
Buy some peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and home team merch before finding your seats at Atrium Health Ballpark to watch the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers take the field. The Ballers are the Low-A affiliate team of the Chicago White Sox, and their games draw crowds with baseball fans of all ages. Take part in the fun during themed nights like Bark in the Park and Marvel night, snap a photo with team mascot, Boomer, and stick around for a dazzling show on nights with post-game fireworks.
3. Give Them Some Screentime
Located across from the ballpark, the Gem Theatre is one of the oldest single-screen movie theaters still in operation today and has been a favorite in town since it opened in 1936. The 900-seat theater plays popular first-run movies and still retains many of its historic features, including the iconic neon marquee and balcony. Order hot buttered popcorn, candy, and ice-cold sodas, and see why movie buffs have been coming back for generations.
4. Strike Up Some Fun
If you like your bowling paired with an arcade, laser tag, bumper cars and more, head to Stars & Strikes in Concord for endless indoor entertainment. Or compete for the title of “best bowler” at Kingpin Underground in downtown Kannapolis, a six-lane duckpin bowling alley. Reserve a lane for an afternoon of fun (it’s ages 21 and over after 7 p.m.), then head upstairs and out to West Avenue to discover everything else the area has to offer like racing at The Slot Car Track.
5. Take a Hike
Get outside and take advantage of the area’s temperate climate! The Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail in Mt. Pleasant is popular with hikers. If your teens are up for a longer trek, this and many other trails in Cabarrus County connect to the Carolina Thread Trail, a regional trail network that spans 300 miles across North and South Carolina. Rob Wallace Park in Midland and Harrisburg Park in Harrisburg also offer hiking and mountain biking trails.
6. Hit a Hole in One
Practice your short game at Jocko’s Mini Golf! You’ll need to maneuver around a volcano, cave and many water features located throughout the 18-hole course to sink your putt. Want to add to your golfing adventure? You’ll also find 18-hole miniature golf courses at fun spots like Frank Liske Park and Great Wolf Lodge.
7. Get Them Behind the Wheel
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a must for all thrill seekers! In addition to popular Speedway Tours, NASCAR fans who are old enough to drive can get behind the wheel of a race car and test their skills on the same track where their favorite drivers race as part of the NASCAR Racing Experience. Younger teens will love The Speedpark at Concord Mills as well as K1 Speed, an indoor kart-racing track designed for the entire family, no license required.
8. Roll the Dice
Located on the lower level of local food hall Gibson Mill Market in Concord, Luck Factory Games is North Carolina’s largest board game café, featuring a library of more than 1,000 game titles. There are games for all ages and there’s no need to worry if you don’t know how to play a game — the staff will teach you! And in addition to snacks and drinks, you can buy board games, gaming accessories and merchandise to enjoy at home.
9. Go for a Swim (No Matter the Weather)
Reserve a room at Great Wolf Lodge and take advantage of the indoor waterpark’s four swimming pools and 11 waterslides. Whether your crew prefers rushing waterslides or relaxing in the wave pool, the 80,000-square-foot waterpark has something for everyone. There’s also plenty to discover on dry land, too, with a 100-game arcade, Build-A-Bear workshop and interactive adventure games like MagiQuest.
Start Exploring
View the digital Destination Guide now for a full picture of everything there is to do with your teens in Cabarrus County!
