June 24, 2025
From making the most of a race day rain delay to beating the summer heat or a cold winter’s day, these options for indoor activities are ideal when Mother Nature isn’t. Each attraction offers hours of fun for the entire family all under one climate-controlled roof.
Great Wolf Lodge
Getting wet outside is no fun, but inside is a different story. Instead of being drenched by rain, stand under the giant Tipping Bucket at Great Wolf Lodge as it spills from atop the water fort treehouse! This themed resort also features 11 waterslides in the 80,000-square-foot indoor water park and plenty of dryland activities.
Concord Mills
North Carolina’s largest outlet and value retail shopping center is home to over 200 stores! But shopping is just part of what you can plan to do at Concord Mills. Shop for designer deals and the latest fashion trends, plus see a movie, enjoy arcade games and bowling, explore the aquarium and more all at one convenient location.
The Escape Game
Included in all the entertainment and shopping options at Concord Mills, this immersive escape room experience offers five rooms that feature unique theming. A different adventure awaits inside each room at The Escape Game and with puzzles suited for all skill levels, your whole crew will have a great time working together to solve the mysteries within.
SEA LIFE Aquarium
This underwater world features 16 different animal exhibits, a 180-degree Ocean Tunnel and over 5,000 creatures! SEA LIFE Aquarium also offers special exhibits and events seasonally. Along with festive activities, kids can enjoy underwater pumpkin carving at Halloween and a visit to see Scuba Claus during Christmastime.
K1 Speed
At K1 Speed, every lap is a race against your best time! This dynamic track features all-electric indoor karting which means minimal noise and no exhaust fumes making it the perfect spot to hang out. Challenge your friends on the track, take your picture on the podium and then stop at the Pit Café for a snack.
Sports fans can have even more fun out of the elements at Mulligan’s Golf Club. Their “Foresight Falcon” simulator immerses players with its overhead launch monitor experience. Play hundreds of world-renowned courses, practice on the virtual driving range, or enjoy a fun scramble with friends.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Fly through the air and feel the adrenaline rush! At iFLY Indoor Skydiving, certified instructors take the scary out of skydiving and help you soar confidently inside the wind tunnel. Plus, it’s an unforgettable experience the whole family can enjoy. Flyers can be as young as 3 years of age and no experience is needed.
The Slot Car Track
Spend the afternoon trying to beat your best lap time inside The Slot Car Track! In Downtown Kannapolis, this hidden gem features hours of fun. Pick a miniature electric-powered car to rent, place it in a slot, grab your controller, and maneuver around the track’s twists and turns.
Gem Theatre
Catch first-run films with affordable tickets and concessions at one of the only single-screen theatres still in operation today! Also located in Downtown Kannapolis, this historic art deco-style showplace offers affordable entertainment for the whole family. Capture the moment by taking a photo under the Gem Theatre‘s iconic marquee, then grab some popcorn and enjoy the show.
Visiting on a Tuesday or Thursday between the months of May and August? Check out the Summer Matinee Series for $2 shows twice each day.
Kingpin Underground
The elements won’t ruin your day here. Below Old Armor Beer Company and Tipsy Hare Ciderworks is an underground playground. Complete with karaoke rooms, arcade games and duckpin bowling, Kingpin Underground is perfect for family fun that all ages will enjoy. This spot is yet another Downtown Kannapolis favorite.
Gibson Mill
Gibson Mill is also home to a few options for indoor entertainment. Choose from over 1,000 games to play at Luck Factory Games board game cafe and shop endless treasures at The Depot at Gibson Mill antique mall. When all the fun works up an appetite, Gibson Mill Market food hall is just steps away.
Plan Your Indoor Adventure
This is just the start! More climate-controlled things to do in Cabarrus County include visiting race shops and museums, hanging out inside local craft beverage hot spots and savoring our area’s independent restaurants.
Start planning your adventure today. Learn more about Great Wolf Lodge and other accommodations in Cabarrus County, North Carolina with this list of places to stay.
