Adventure in Charlotte comes in all shapes and forms. For thrill seekers out there, there are plenty of places to experience the rush of a lifetime in or around the Queen City! Whether you are looking to race any vehicle you can imagine, plunge from the sky on a roller coaster, or even try skydiving, we have the thrill for you!
We’ve included a little bit of everything on this list to cover a wide range of options for every skill level and adventure style. Even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie, you can still have tons of fun on a visit to many of these places – watching the daring souls who take on the most extreme challenges can be exciting on its own!
1. Hornet's Nest BMX
Hornet's Nest BMX is located in Charlotte at Hornet's Nest Park. Hornet's Nest offers experienced and inexperienced BMX bikers a place where they can learn new skills and techniques and test the limits of BMX racing.
Hornet's Nest BMX offers programs for all ages; they have new rider clinics, practice times, and races for both kids and adults.
An annual membership costs $60 and includes access to the park, as well as a new membership kit that offers BMX educational materials, stickers, and a BMXer magazine monthly publication. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to try BMX racing, you must get out to Hornet's Nest and give it a go.
Address: 6301 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216
2. Inner Peaks Climbing
Inner Peaks Climbing is Charlotte's premier rock-climbing gym that gives guests the experience of a lifetime with its indoor climbing walls. It doesn't matter how experienced you are, there will be something for you at this gym. You can climb with experienced trainers who provide instruction the whole time, or you can take the walls yourself if you feel up to the challenge.
There are a variety of different walls for all skill levels. The gym has programs for kids who are just starting out and learning the ropes (literally and figuratively!) In addition to its rock climbing walls, Inner Peaks offers a full training gym for additional workouts.
Inner Peaks also hosts competitive rock climbing races that you can try-out for, or you can just come to watch the action as a spectator. If you are a rock climbing fan or have ever wanted to try it, head out to Inner Peak this weekend for an awesome thrill!
South End: 2220 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28203
Crown Point: 9535 Monroe Rd., Ste 170, Charlotte, NC 28270
3. U.S. National White Water Center
The U.S. National White Water Center is THE playground for thrill seekers in Charlotte. With activities like whitewater rafting, zip lining, mountain biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more, you can find any adventure you can imagine at this facility.
A day pass to the U.S. National White Water Center is $59 for adults and $49 for kids 9-years-old and under. This pass will give you access to all of the White Water Center's activities and is the best option for those who are looking to experience many different things throughout the day.
If you are an avid adventurer, season passes are also available for $199 for adults and $169 for kids 9-years-old and under. If you love outdoor activities and have not been to the U.S. National White Water Center in Charlotte, you must add this to your list.
Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214
4. Skydive Carolina
If you are looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, you take a ride out to Skydive Carolina in Chester, South Carolina. Only an hour's drive from Charlotte, Skydive Carolina offers thrill seekers skydiving experiences from 10,000 to 14,000 feet up in the air! All dives are tandem, so you'll be strapped to a professional instructor who is along for the ride.
Divers will jump out of a plane and plunge to the ground at speeds as fast as 120 mph! Skydiving prices range from $195 to $225 per ride. If you are ready to take the plunge, or if you just want to watch daring divers in action, head out to Skydive Carolina.
Address: 1903 King Air Dr., Chester, SC 29706
5. The Dirt Track
The Dirt Track in Charlotte is a dirt racing facility located right next to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Dirt Track hosts various racing events throughout Charlotte where visitors can watch everything from Sprint Cars, Monster Trucks, Motocross Racing, and the World of Outlaws Finals.
The track also offers driving school lessons for those who want to know what it's like to race around a speedway. With its close proximity to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, The Dirt Track is a great place for those NASCAR and race lovers, so it's a must-see if you want to check-out racing activities.
Address: 5500 Concord Pkwy. S, Concord, NC 28027
6. Victory Lane Indoor Karting
Victory Lane Indoor Karting offers indoor go karting for the whole family. It's a great place to spend the day, as activities include go kart racing, bowling games, and more.
After a day of racing and bowling, stop by Victory Lane's restaurant Pit Road for a bite to eat and a beverage. An entirely indoor facility, Victory Lane Karting is a great rainy day activity for adventurers looking to get out.
Address: 2330 Tipton Dr., Charlotte, NC 28206
7. Carolina Raptor Center
If observing some of North Carolina's most unique birds of prey sounds like an adventure to you, then you must take a trip out to the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, NC. Only a 45 minute drive from Center City, the Carolina Raptor Center gives visitors an up close and personal look at amazing birds you might never otherwise see in your lifetime.
The Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to educating the public about preserving endangered birds of prey. A walk down the Raptor Trail guarantees you'll see some incredible birds of prey, but you can also sit in on an educational demonstration, where a guide will teach you more about the raptors and the importance of preserving the environment that these animals live in.
Kids and adults alike will love the Carolina Raptor Center, so plan your visit today and learn about how you can do your part in protecting these amazing birds.
Address: 6000 Sample Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078
8. Carowinds
If you like your thrills in the form of amusement park rides, then Carowinds is the place for you! With ten of the fastest, loopiest, mind-bending coasters out there, this place is a dream for roller coaster and thrill ride enthusiasts. If coasters aren't your thing, don't worry - the park has many other rides that spin, plunge, and rock, so there will be something for everyone.
Carowinds also has a great water park that is open during the summer season. The huge wave pool is a big draw, and tons of water slides and splash rides keep the adventure going.
Carowinds day passes range from $44 to $139 per person depending on what of perks you want with your experience. This is definitely an all-day trip, so pack the sunscreen and shades and head out with the family for lots of fun.
Address: 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273
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