Take the kids to the Duke Energy EnergyExplorium (duke-energy.com) to learn about electricity, nuclear energy and tracking weather through presentations and several hands-on, computer exhibits. During your visit, your child receives a complimentary backpack, field guidebook and binoculars for use on the walk along the mile-long nature trail. After the learning experience, you can enjoy a lakeside picnic. The EnergyExplorium is closed on Sundays, New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Your child can apply for free library card in Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (cmlibrary.org) at North County Regional and gain access to dozens of free resources. The library offers free tutoring for elementary school children by a high school tutoring club. Children can participate in free programs such as storytime and arts and crafts class. Additionally, library card holders have access to computers, books, audio cassettes, CDs, CD ROMs, DVDs and online resources, including homework assistance, language learning programs and research tools. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is closed on Fridays and Sundays.
Created by Duke Energy, Lake Norman (visitlakenorman.org) is the largest man-made lake in the Carolinas and is a place where you and your children can do things for free year round. Take your family to the lake, where you can go boating with your own boat, canoe or kayak. Water sports such as swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding and fishing are allowed on the lake. Other free activities that you and your children can enjoy include going for a bike ride or for a walk around Lake Norman.
Children have free access to dozens of parks in Huntersville where they can run around and play all day. Children can walk their dog; walk along trails; play baseball; enjoy a picnic; and play in two playgrounds at Huntersville Athletic Park (huntersville.org). Take your kids to Abernathy Park (huntersville.org) to play in the playground or to play basketball or softball. Kids can play tennis; hike along a nature trail; play in the playground; and enjoy a picnic in Holbrook Park (huntersville.org). North Mecklenburg Park (huntersville.org) has softball fields, mountain bike trails, soccer fields, playgrounds, basketball courts and a picnic area.
