Charlotte's outdoor activities include sightseeing in the beautiful countryside as well as a number of more structured events. Charlotte offers over 14,000 acres of parks and 17 designated recreation centers. Charlotte Metro Zoo prides itself on letting visitors "see the animals up close," especially its prized collection of large primates, bears, and big cats. The Lazy 5 Ranch allows visitors to drive through a real ranch and look at over 600 animals. Visitors can enjoy the 3 ½ miles safari drive in their own cars or in horse-drawn wagons. Other outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Balloons Over Carolina, offering one-hour balloon rides over Charlotte and the surrounding environs 7 days a week. Two large lakes nearby encourage all sorts of water sports including water skiing, boating and fishing.

The cities museums and galleries display many of the local crafts produced by area residents. The Brem House Artisans Gallery and the Fieldcrest Cannon Textile Museum offer visitors a look at local handicrafts from past times and the present. The First Light Fine-Craft Gallery and the Harris Holt Gallery also showcase local artists and their notable talents. For more traditional art offerings, visitors should seek out the Mint Art Museum, the first art museum in North Carolina. Kids will love Discovery Place, rated one of the top hands-on science museums in the country.