Not only is it sweater weather, it’s jacket, gloves and hat weather too. Let’s face it folks, it’s cold outside. But hey, it’s winter, it’s supposed to be that way!
However, if you’re not a fan of temperatures struggling to get above 55 (this is the south, that’s cold!), wind gusts that could possibly knock you down on your way to your car, or the constant chance of freezing rain or snow, don’t worry, I have you covered.
From sports to the arts and everything in between, Mecklenburg County offers many fun things that you can do INDOORS either solo or with friends and family. Here are eight great activities.
- Go swimming. Yes, I said swimming. Our Park and Recreation Department operates several aquatic facilities, some of which are indoors – the state-of-the-art Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, Marion Diehl Pool, and the newly renovated Ray’s Splash Planet. Come for open swim or sign up for one of their classes, such as water aerobics. Swim lessons are also available for your little ones so that they’re ready to dive right in when the weather is right!
- Learn about nature at one of our nature centers! Did you know we have three? From survival schools to reptile encounters, nature play dates and more, our centers have a variety of low-cost nature programs for the whole family. Visit them on Facebook to see all of their upcoming events!
- Check out a book and learn something new at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library. Don’t have a library card? Getting one is easy! As a card-holder you’ll have access to tons of digital content, (such as e-books and digital magazines), online resources, and of course, all 20 of their locations.
- Get fit at a Park and Rec fitness center. You didn’t know we had so many amenities now, did you? We have seven fitness centers (plus a few outdoor fitness zones for when it gets warm!) that have cardio machines and weights just waiting to be used. Our centers are also staffed with fitness experts to help you on your journey to a healthier life!
- Experience the arts. Our partners at the Arts and Science Council have many great opportunities to learn more about art and culture. For example, their Connect with Culture Days are a chance to explore the arts, science and history for FREE. Visit their website for a full list of events and programs.
- Participate in an activity at a Park and Rec recreation or senior center. Fitness, sports, arts, you name it. Our rec centers and senior centers offer a number of programs for residents of all ages. All you have to do is look and we bet you’ll find something that piques your interest!
- Reserve one of our beautiful indoor shelters or pavilions. They’re the perfect place to get a group together for a neighborhood or family event! For reservation information, visit Park and Rec’s facility rental page.
- Visit a museum. From arts and history to science and racing, Mecklenburg County is home to so many incredible museums. The Mint Museum (uptown or Randolph), the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Discovery Place and the Levine Museum of the New South are just a few. We are also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and even the Carolinas Aviation Museum.
So now that you have a few options, don’t waste a cold day at the house. Get out there, then go back in and enjoy all the wonderful things you can do indoors here in Mecklenburg County. You’ll be glad you did!