There are so many fantastic things to do around Lake Norman this time of year! As a mom of 2 energetic boys, I thought I would share a few family (kid approved) fan favorites…and the all time FAVORITE of the kiddos in our house is simple, fun, and FREE!
‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival
Sept. 22
This eclectic art crawl showcases local vendors, two stages of live performances, craft beer, food trucks and activities for kids. My boys love anything with a bounce house, and this event does not disappoint! It’s a great event to get out of the house, wander, enjoy some (hopefully) great fall weather with friends, and possible discover something new about Cornelius!
Location/Cost: Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius. Free.
Hours: 2-8pm.
Downtown Davidson Fall Arts Festival
Sept. 22
Stroll the historic streets of Downtown Davidson while browsing more than 40 of the area’s best artisans and enjoying live music and an interactive children’s art area. This event is another fun opportunity to get out and explore our town, but I won’t lie…the reason this is is my boys’ absolute favorite has nothing to do with art. They LOVE to ride the trolley! If you have plane, train, & automobile (and apparently trolley) enthusiasts in your house, hop on the trolley and let them ride until their hearts are content. If you’re lucky, the driver will let them ring the bell through town! We must have spent an hour or two just riding around, and they loved every second of it!
Location/Cost: Historic Downtown Davidson, 108 South Main St., Davidson. Free.
Hours: 5-9pm.
Lazy 5 Ranch Fall Festival
Sept. 29-Oct. 28
Try the pumpkin slingshot, and let children play in the giant corn box and the straw castle. Visit the pumpkin patch, and for an additional cost, enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride through the farm to feed the animals, such as giraffes, zebras and bison. My boys love the Lazy 5, whether we drive through to see the animals or not. They always put on a fantastic kid friendly event here…they know kids! There is so much to do and play, and they always learn new things as well! There is sometimes a wait to get in, but it’s well worth it once you’re there!
Location/Cost: Lazy 5 Ranch, 15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville. $7. No credit cards.
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9am-6pm; Sun., noon-6pm.
Kannapolis Fall Festival
Oct. 20
Come dressed in costume, and enjoy several games, treats, crafts and fun activities! Stick around after sunset for the feature film, “Scooby Doo.” My boys LOVE Village Park…they absolutely love riding the train and the carousel, and we have always felt like the events here have been perfectly kid friendly without being overly crowded and overwhelming. They put on an AWESOME holiday event as well! Check this out!
Location/Cost: Village Park, 119 North Main St., Kannapolis. Free.
Hours: 3-8:30pm.
