If you’re looking for easily accessible, neurodivergent-friendly destinations for your family, here are three that are a short drive from Charlotte. GREENVILLE, SC  With plenty of parks, trails, and museums, this pedestrian-friendly city has plenty to offer families for a day or weekend excursion. Food options are abundant, museums are sensory-inclusive, and Falls Park on The Reedy has breathtaking views. If you venture outside the downtown area, visit the sensory-friendly zoo to see creatures from around the world any day of the week. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate 300 College St ..read more

The Thielen Family It’s been just over a year since Caitlin Thielen packed up her family and moved to Charlotte. Born and raised in Minnesota, the blogger, mom, and football wife left her hometown when her husband, Adam signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2023 (some might say he was the only one who showed up last season!). Here, she talks to us about adjusting to a new city for the first time, giving kids individual attention, and her favorite Charlotte spots. Tell us about your family. How many children do you have and what are their ages? There is my husband Adam, and our three kids Ash ..read more

From festivals to hikes and other sustainable activities, here’s your guide to celebrating Earth Day in Charlotte. Plus, a few Arbor Day events. Earth Day Events April 19 – 21 Anne Springs Close Greenway Earth Day Celebration  Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill Check the schedule online Get out and get active! This weekend-long celebration has outdoor recreation opportunities such as kayaking, beginner archery, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more. There is also an Earth Day Campout (registration required) and a speaker series. April 20 Earth Day Celebration at First Ward Park ..read more

I don’t know about you, but when springtime hits, my food thoughts go to strawberries. Heavy rainstorms notwithstanding, we’re lucky to have a long strawberry season here in the Queen City with lots of pick-your-own options. While strawberries are normally available all year round in grocery stores, there is nothing like the taste of a just-picked berry off the vine. If you don’t want to pick your own, farm stands and farmers markets all around Charlotte sell strawberries to go in pint- and quart-sized containers, or by the bucketful. If you’ve never enjoyed the sweet taste of a fresh picked ..read more

The gates of the Roman Coliseum have opened and you’re about to take your kids on a trip back in time…but to get here you had to go forward in time…and now no one is having a good time. Jet lag can ruin a trip faster than a toddler with a sharpie can ruin a wall. I speak from experience. I first took my children out of the country 10 years ago when they were in first grade. I listened to those who went before me and forced them to stay awake upon landing, bribing them in every way possible. While I’ve accumulated several more tricks over the years, there have also been some scientific and tech ..read more

The gates of the Roman Coliseum have opened and you’re about to take your kids on a trip back in time…but to get here you had to go forward in time…and now no one is having a good time. Jet lag can ruin a trip faster than a toddler with a sharpie can ruin a wall. I speak from experience. I first took my children out of the country 10 years ago when they were in first grade. I listened to those who went before me and forced them to stay awake upon landing, bribing them in every way possible. While I’ve accumulated several more tricks over the years, there have also been some scientific and tech ..read more

MILES FROM CHARLOTTE: 668 TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours  NONSTOP SERVICE ON: American Airlines We made it. The cold, gloomy months of winter are behind us and the days are finally getting longer. It’s time to trade those puffer jackets and rainboots for T-shirts and flip-flops and soak up some Vitamin D. If you’re looking to get out of town for spring break and feel the sand beneath your toes, pack up your swimsuits, your Lilly Pulitzer dresses, and plenty of SPF and head to Palm Beach. It’s a quick, 2-hour flight (or a 9.5-hour drive) from Charlotte, making it an accessible, family-friendly dest ..read more

In Partnership with Biltmore Biltmore Estate has welcomed children to its grounds since George Vanderbilt’s daughter, Cornelia, frolicked through its 8,000 acres more than a century ago. With each season, there are new family-friendly adventures available to Charlotteans. And since it’s never possible to see everything during a single visit with your whole crew, a special deal makes multiple visits easier and more affordable. Right now, a Biltmore Annual Pass is $90 off, and this deal only lasts until April 30. One perk for families with young kids: Passes come with free admission for your k ..read more

Whether your family excels at pitching a tent or needs step-by-step instructions, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Bostic, North Carolina allows everyone to experience nature at their own pace. The 600-acre site has a range of accommodations including luxury cabins and lodges, full hook-up RV sites, glamping tents with lake views, and premium tent sites. Spend the day in a kayak or canoe, ride an alpine coaster, explore the interactive water playground, or play a few rounds of mini golf. Jellystone is a 90-minute drive from Charlotte and a great spot to unplug and have an outdoor we ..read more

VISIT CHARLOTTE SHOUT! This multi-week festival has returned to uptown and runs through April 14. See more than 200 installations, performances, events, and activations. Nearly all the events are outdoors, free, and open to the public. charlotteshout.com HEAD TO THE ARTS+ SPRING FESTIVAL Arts+ is hosting a free Spring Festival on Saturday, April 13 from 1-4 p.m. at their future hub at 2304 The Plaza. The event features musical performances and interactive activities including a musical petting zoo and stop motion animation. Food will be available for purchase. artsplus.org CELEBRATE SPRING AT ..read more