Navigating the bustle of South End, the Queen City’s demographic can feel skewed towards young business professionals. Despite young adults making up the largest group now calling Charlotte home, there is no shortage of activities or places to go for older adults to enjoy.
Get fit
If you’re not planning on slowing down in your retirement, keep moving with fitness classes designed for older Charlotteans.
- Check out Special Event Senior Classes at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
- Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation hosts fitness classes for adults 60+ ranging from gentle chair yoga to advanced hiking.
- Want to pickle? Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation provides indoor and outdoor pickleball leagues.
There’s no wrong way to get fit. Your first step could be as easy as finding walking trails at a local park or exploring one of the Charlotte area’s easier hikes.
The great outdoors
Speaking of getting outside... you don’t have to travel far to experience the natural beauty of the Charlotte area.
- Wing Haven — Spend an afternoon getting lost in enclosed-brick gardens and a bird sanctuary, featuring ambient pathways and landscaped greens.
- Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden — Marvel at the natural beauty of this 380-acre botanical garden + wander through Scarecrow Hollow this October.
- Lake Norman — Consider renting a boat, hiking a trail, or taking a fishing trip along the largest lake in North Carolina.
- US National Whitewater Center — This outdoor paradise offers trail hiking, a restaurant and brewery, concerts, and ample waterfront space astride man-made rapids.
- Carolina Raptor Center — Get an up close look at birds of prey native to the Charlotte region, including eagles, hawks, and owls.
Calling all sports fans
Where’s your team spirit? The Queen City is jam-packed with professional sports teams offering games year-round.
- Carolina Panthers — Grab your tickets to catch a home game for Charlotte’s NFL team.
- Charlotte Hornets — Snag your chance to see the Queen City’s NBA team play at the Spectrum Center.
- Charlotte Checkers — experience the thrill of professional hockey. Opening weekend is set for Saturday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Oct. 19.
A dash of culture
The Queen City is an arts destination for all ages.
- Blumenthal Performing Arts — Catch a touring Broadway show or musical.
- Betchler Museum of Modern Art — Marvel at this Uptown exhibition of mid-20th-century modern art.
- Mint Museum Uptown — Spend a day viewing international art + live performances and educational programs.
Journey into history
Calling all history buffs. Learn about the many incredible people, events, and cultural moments tied to the Queen City.
- The Billy Graham Library — Tour the exhibits, films, and memorabilia of the renowned evangelist and Charlotte native Billy Graham.
- NASCAR Hall of Fame — Explore this shrine to the history and heritage of NASCAR under one roof.
- North Carolina Music Hall of Fame — Learn about North Carolina’s musicians, composers, and artists that have made a significant impact in the music industry.
- Sullenberger Aviation Museum — Located on the grounds of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, this air and space museum chronicles the history of air travel in the Queen City + the “The Miracle on the Hudson.”
- The Charlotte Museum of History — Learn about the settlement of the Piedmont Backcountry and the history of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region.
Now... what did we miss?
We know, we know — we couldn’t possibly include them all. Did we miss your favorite activity? Shoot us a note, and we’ll add to our list to keep this guide updated regularly.
