Located just 12 miles outside of Uptown Charlotte on the North Carolina/South Carolina border, Carowinds is the city's own 398-acre amusement park. With rides like the thrilling 232-foot high 'Intimidator', inspired by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, to Planet Snoopy, a 'Peanuts' themed area for the smaller kids, there is sure to be something for everyone. 
 
At no additional cost, the family can also beat the heat with a day at Boomerang Bay, Carowind's 20-acre water park, which just added two brand new water slides in 2014.
 
The US National White Water Center truly has it all. From whitewater rafting, kayaking and paddle boarding, to zip-lining, ropes courses and mountain biking, be prepared to have more than a few sore muscles after a day full of activities.  Looking for something a little more relaxing? Grab some friends and come out for the weekly River Jam, a concert series every Thursday and Saturday night between the months of May and September.