The Drift
6 Family-Friendly Spots for Summer Fun

6 Family-Friendly Spots for Summer Fun

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These affordable attractions and activities are the perfect way to spend summertime together.

June 20, 2025

With so many attractions and activities for all ages to enjoy, Cabarrus County is an exciting destination for family summer vacations in North Carolina. Whether your crew is looking for fun in the sun or creative ways to beat the heat, here a few activities to enjoy together this summer season.

Fun in the Sun

Frank Liske Park is a local favorite community park that’s ideal for family outings. With hundreds of acres to roam, there’s plenty of room for little ones to stretch their legs. Summer is a great time to enjoy the paddleboats and walking trails, disc golf course, and more. The miniature golf course here is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through July and is just $3 for ages 6 and up, and kids 5 and under are free with an adult.

For an outdoor adventure behind the wheel, head to The Speedpark at Concord Mills. Start with a race on any of the four go-kart tracks, and keep the fun going with 18 holes of mini-golf, bungee jumping on trampolines, and a ride down the 110-foot fun slide. More adventure awaits inside Concord Mills at SEA LIFE Aquarium, Dave & Buster’s and The Escape Game which invites multiple players to take on the challenge of escaping five different themed rooms designed for all skill levels.

Take the whole family out to the ballgame at Atrium Health Ballpark in beautiful Downtown Kannapolis. The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers are the Class A affiliate in the Chicago White Sox minor league system and have games throughout the spring and summer. Stadium highlights include a splash pad and playground, local food and beer, fun promotional nights and fireworks after select games.

family walking in a tunnel

Beat the Heat

When the Carolina summer sun gets a little too hot, head underground. Reed Gold Mine is a state historic site that offers tours of restored gold mine tunnels. Even when outdoor temps approach triple digits, tunnels stay about a cool 50 degrees. At the site of America’s first discovery of gold, you can also pan for gold for just a few dollars per person. Find gold, and it’s yours to keep!

Looking for water park fun without the sizzling sun? Great Wolf Lodge in Concord offers 80,000 square feet of excitement, kept at a comfortable 84 degrees year-round. The Lodge is packed with activities including bowling, a 100-game arcade, a high ropes course, an interactive 18-hole outdoor miniature golf course and much more.

Get up close and personal with fish, rays, seahorses and sharks without getting wet! Inside Concord Mills, SEA LIFE Aquarium has more than 20 display tanks, 5,000 sea creatures and a mesmerizing 180-dgree ocean tunnel. Don’t forget to visit the interactive touchpool and take the Behind-the-Scenes tour. Educational talks and feed times are also listed on the website.

Summer Your Way

Indoors or out, fast-paced or relaxed to the max, no matter how you plan to enjoy summer, Cabarrus County, North Carolina has the perfect place to stay. Start planning your getaway and visit this summer season.

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Destination Guide