Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary
248 Ridgewood Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28209
Once a private residence, Wing Haven features four acres filled with woods, formal gardens and walks. The gardens, designed as a bird sanctuary, provide plenty of food and shelter for numerous species of birds. Visitors can also tour the home and visit the garden shop.

UNC-Charlotte Botanical Gardens
9201 University City Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28223
704-547-2555
These gardens feature hundreds of varieties of flowers, from roses to rhododendron to crepe myrtles to cymbidium orchids. The Van Landingham Glen, one of the leading rhododendron gardens in the Southeast, and the Susie Harwood Garden with its Oriental gazebo, winter garden, and plants from around the world, are both open to the public daily during daylight hours. A special highlight of the Greenhouse is a two-story simulated rain forest. The Greenhouse also offers a number of other climate areas which house desert plants, winter-flowering orchids, carnivorous pitcher plants and many others.

The Energy Explorium at Lake Norman
13339 Hagers Ferry Rd
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-875-5600
Located at McGuire Nuclear Station, the Explorium features a a number of hands-on exhibits and interactive games designed to introduce and educate kids about the wonders of atomic power generation. The Explorium also offers a mile-long nature trail, wildflower garden, and picnic area.

Paramount's Carowinds Water and Theme Park
14523 Carowinds Blvd
Charlotte, NC
704-588-2600
Paramount's Carowinds Water and Theme Park commands over 100 acres and includes more than 50 roller coasters and thrill rides. The WaterWorks boasts water slides, a river ride, and a wave pool. The Drop Zone hoists you and your loved ones up 100 feet and (safely) drops you. The Carolina Cyclone coaster includes four consecutive 360-degree loops and a 450-degree uphill helix. Top Gun: The Jet Coaster is an inverted steel coaster (the only one in the Carolinas) with floorless cars suspended below the track. For a break from the thrill seeking, visitors might want to head to the Family Fun area that features child friendly attractions and rides, with several life-size Hanna-Barbera and Nickelodeon cartoon characters roaming the streets.

Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Rd
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-875-6521
Visitors to the Carolina Raptor Center can watch these magnificent wild birds. Located within the Latta Preserve complex, the Raptor Center is an outdoor recreation spot. The center focuses on research and rehabilitation, helping injured birds heal and return safely into the wild. Indoor facilities house a visitor center and exhibits, while outdoor attractions include aviaries.