15 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Charlotte

Don’t let Charlotte’s reputation as a financial powerhouse make you think there aren’t affordable things to do. In fact, there’s no shortage of free activities to add to your itinerary so you can have a fun-filled vacation without breaking the bank. 

Read on to discover our list of 15 free things to do in Charlotte. 

Courtesy of Visit NC

This fun spot includes a “sprayground,” where kids can splash and play, fitness stations and a giant globe for kids to climb. Summer ushers in a free concert series. Though there are numerous green spaces in Charlotte, this park ranks highly for both activities and walkability. It’s conveniently located across the street from ImaginOn, the Lynx light rail tracks and food places in the 7th Street Public Market.

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A guided tour is one of the best ways to explore any city since you can learn about the city’s history and get a local’s point of view. While in-person tours can cost a pretty penny, a self-guided audio tour or scavenger hunt is the best way to learn the ins and outs of the Queen City while staying within budget. Here are a few of our favorites to check out: 

Mint Museum / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Museums in Charlotte make seeing the city on the cheap quite easy. The Mint Museum of Art locations in Uptown and Randolph, as well as the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, are free from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Wednesday. Inside these museums, you can see various works of American, European and modern art. 

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Fourth Ward is one of Charlotte’s most beautiful neighborhoods, lined with historic Victorian homes. If you enjoy sightseeing and admiring architecture, consider downloading the self-walking tour of the neighborhood to learn about the details of each home. The neighborhood also has a park with walking paths, fountains and a children’s playground. 

Courtesy of VisitNC.com

One of the top Charlotte attractions, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is a 1300-acre outdoor center featuring hiking and biking trails, walking paths and plenty of outdoor activities. While the ropes courses, zip lines and whitewater rafting require activity passes, simply exploring the trails is free of charge. Plus, you can visit during the summertime for River Jam, which is a free outdoor concert series that occurs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

Courtesy of Visit North Carolina

Hiking Crowders Mountain is one of the top things to do in Charlotte if you love the outdoors—and it’s completely free! With over 10 trails with varying lengths and difficulties, it has some of the best hiking in Charlotte. The Crowders Trail is the most popular and spans 2.8 miles each way with a moderate difficulty. 

AAA / Sherry Mims

The Billy Graham Library is a complex that tells the story of evangelist Billy Graham. Sometimes referred to as the “Pastor to the Presidents,” Billy Graham had relationships with many former U.S. presidents including Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. During the free tour, guests will watch multimedia presentations, view exhibits and explore Billy Graham’s childhood home. 

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Previously a Ford Motor Company Factory, Camp North End has been transformed into a vibrant hub with boutiques, breweries, plant shops, art galleries and more. Additionally, many Charlotte locals come to Camp North End to simply hang out and relax. With swings, hammocks and games, it’s a great place to catch up with friends or relax and read a book. 

Camp North End also puts on events—many of which are free to attend. On their events calendar, you’ll find music performances, movie nights, farmers’ markets and kids activities. 

The ed17 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Looking for something budget-friendly to do on a warm sunny day? Why not tube down the Catawba River? It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, cool off from the heat and relax with friends. 

While renting a tube costs approximately $20, you can also bring your own for free. Just remember to wear a life jacket and consider bringing a paddle to help you navigate through the currents. Also, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, snacks and water for an enjoyable day on the river. 

istockphoto.com / mihailomilovanovic

This rebranded complex features numerous shopping and dining options—not to mention a convenient location by Lynx light rail and the Spectrum Center. Make time for snacks, gifts and a variety of drinks. One good place for a late-night snack is Insomnia Cookies. Or enjoy the entertainment on-site. Highlights include a dine-in theater and a bowling alley (for when you want to spend a little more).

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There’s many places to catch free live concerts in Charlotte, especially during the warmer months. For example, The Metropolitan shopping area puts on a “Music at the Met” free concert series every Thursday from the Spring to the Fall. Other surrounding towns in the Charlotte area such as Pineville, Davidson and Gastonia also offer free concert series during the summertime. 

Unknown / Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Charlotte with the whole family, consider the North Carolina Transportation Museum. Located 45 minutes from Charlotte, this is a fun and unique experience where you can learn about the history of railroading. For an additional fee, you can even go for a 25-minute train ride around the museum’s historic 60-acre property. 

The museum also puts on events and activities throughout the year such as summer fun days, auto shows and a winter Polar Express Train Ride. Check out the events calendar for more information.  

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Charlotte Motor Speedway is a racing complex that famously hosts the Coca-Cola 600—a 600-mile NASCAR Cup Series held on Memorial Day weekend. However, the race isn’t the only way to visit the speedway. Throughout the year, Charlotte Motor Speedway puts on a variety of events for fans. These events typically have very affordable admission costs and some are even free to attend. 

AAA / Sherry Mims

This expansive children’s library is one of the best places to see in Charlotte if you are looking for things to do with kids—and free to enter. Floors of books, daily story times and interactive activities provide plenty of diversions to keep tots to teens occupied. There’s also a performance hall on-site where you can catch a live act if your budget allows.

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There’s something peaceful about watching airplanes take off and land. If you agree, head to the CLT Airport Overlook. As a major airport hub providing service to over 180 destinations, airplanes are constantly taking off and landing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Consider bringing a blanket or chair and some snacks so you can get comfortable while watching the airplanes soar in the sky. 

Note that the Charlotte Douglas Airport is currently undergoing renovations, and a new Airport Overlook is expected to open in summer 2024. The new overlook will have the following new features and amenities: 

AAA Travel provides peace of mind when you travel—before, during and after your vacation! You can enjoy the benefits of membership including discounts, savings and planning services. Your next trip to Charlotte starts with AAA—your complete travel solution.