CAROLINA RAPTOR CENTER
704-875-6521See Bald and Golden Eagles, owls, hawks and other birds of prey at this center.
www.carolinaraptorcenter.org
PARAMOUNT’S CAROWINDS
704-588-2600Visitors of all ages will enjoy this amusement park.
www.carowinds.com
UNC CHARLOTTE BOTANICAL GARDENS
704-687-2364Visit all three green spots: the Van Landingham Glen, a rhododendron garden; the Susie Harwood Garden with year-round displays; and the McMillan Greenhouse which includes a rain forest and orchids.
gardens.uncc.edu
REED GOLD MINE
704-721-4653Cabarrus County was the site of the nation’s first authenticated gold find.
www.nchistoricsites.org/reed/reed.htm
AMAZING MAIZE MAZE
704-875-3113Open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in late summer through mid-October. The Maze will challenge your skills in problem solving as you explore the nooks and crannies of the schoolhouse clock with a little “readin’, writin’ and arithmetic”, game boards and puzzle pieces.
www.ruralhill.net
LAZY FIVE RANCH
704-663-1500The Lazy Five Ranch drive-through safari takes you through gently sloping pastures as you watch more than 700 animals from six continents in a natural habitat. Feed animals from your car or take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the park. A truly unique experience for kids of all ages!
www.lazyfiveranch.com
CAROLINA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
704-896-5544The Festival performs for seven weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) October through November. You can mingle with royalty, townspeople, equestrians and artisans; enjoy endless entertainment, tasty and savory foods, rides and games.
www.carolina.renfestinfo.com