Looking for something to do with your loved one this autumn? You’re in luck: With pleasant weather, vibrant foliage and plenty of activities, Charlotte is a fantastic place for seniors to enjoy the fall with family.

From corn mazes and sports games to haunted trails and arts festivals, there’s a wide variety of fun, memorable things to do around Charlotte this fall. Even better, many of them are designed specifically to be enjoyed together by the whole family. 

A little planning goes a long way. By taking the time to sit down with your family and plan an outing together, you can ensure everyone feels engaged and ready to enjoy themselves.

Plan Ahead To Make Sure Everyone Has Fun

It’s easy to find multigenerational fun during the fall in Charlotte. But while there’s no shortage of options for things to do in Charlotte this fall, not everything is going to be right for your loved one. It pays off to sit down with your family to schedule an outing that works for everyone. 

Make sure to start planning early. Involve your family member in the decision-making process so they can bring up their needs and wants ahead of time.

When choosing a destination, make sure it’s senior-friendly (and kid-friendly as well, if anyone plans to bring children), considering its accessibility, transportation options and overall amenities.

Here are some particulars to keep in mind:

• Think ahead about what might be needed throughout the day, like a spot to rest, wheelchair access or specific snacks.
• Check ahead of time for accessibility features like ramps, elevators and loaner wheelchairs. 
• What are the parking options? If parking is nearby or there’s a shuttle, you won’t have to walk too far.
• List everything each person will need and pack ahead of time and as efficiently as possible. Ask younger and stronger family members to carry things for seniors and children.
• Build in some downtime, especially if you’re planning an all-day adventure together. Some people may need a little more rest than others in the group, so make sure to account for that. It can help to prepare a few activities for more energetic family members to do while others take a break.
• Be prepared to be flexible and adjust the itinerary as needed. Remember that it’s okay to go home early and that doing so doesn’t mean anyone did anything wrong.

Most importantly, focus on connecting. Remember that the primary goals are to enjoy time together as a family and to create meaningful memories together, so make sure to relax and enjoy yourself. 

Things to Do With Older People in the Fall in Charlotte, NC 

You don’t have to head out of town for a family gathering: There’s a huge number of senior-friendly sights to see and things to do right here in Charlotte. Here are a few of our favorites: 

Pumpkin Patches and Fall Farm Fun

• Hodges Family Farm: Located in northeast Charlotte, this farm offers pumpkin picking, a hay mountain, a hayride, barnyard animals and delicious treats.
• Hall Family Farm: This family-friendly farm in Lancaster is known for hayrides, corn mazes and donuts hot out of the fryer. 
• Carrigan Farms: This Mooresville farm offers apple and pumpkin picking, a hayride out to the patch, a market and the scariest haunted trail in the area.
• Patterson Farm: This farm in Mount Ulla has a corn maze, a barnyard, a playground and other attractions.
• Wise Acres Organic Farm: This Indian Trail farm is known for its wood-fired pizza, U-Pick parties, animals and hayrides.
• Hunter Farm: This farm in Weddington boasts a petting zoo and wagon rides.

Parks and Gardens

• Marion Diehl Park: This park and recreational center has plenty of things for the whole family to do – inside and outside.
• Whitewater Center: This adventure park has fall concerts and fun outdoor activities to do or watch.
• Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens: This collection of picturesque themed gardens and walking trails recently opened a huge wooden play structure for kids to enjoy.

Sporting Events 

• Carolina Panthers (NFL Football): Their next home game is September 21st. The full schedule is here.
• Hornets Games (NBA Basketball): Their first two games this season are on October 15th and 22nd. Here’s the full schedule.
• Checkers Games (AHL Hockey): Their season starts October 11th, but their first home game is on the 17th. Here’s their schedule. 

Attractions and Sightseeing

• Blumenthal Performing Arts: Catch a live play or a musical at one of the Blumenthal theatres in the area, such as Immediate Family or Broadway’s Songs For a New World.
• Discovery Place Science: This uptown science museum hosts interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and IMAX films.
• Visit and Explore Downtown Kannapolis or Downtown Concord: Both towns have been newly revamped with new food halls, breweries, theatres and restaurants. With easy parking and full event calendars, they’re great spots for the entire family to enjoy.

Fall Festivals in September

• Carowinds Tricks and Treats Event: The theme park decks itself out for Halloween, with spooky parades, dance parties and live performances.
• Charlotte International Arts Festival: All through September, downtown Charlotte becomes a celebration of all forms of creative expression throughout the word.
• Mecktoberfest: For four weekends between September 12th and October 10th, OMB Brewery hosts Charlotte’s original Oktoberfest.
• Festival in the Park: The third weekend of September, Freedom Park hosts an arts festival, with artwork on display, live music and food vendors.

Companion Care Can Help With Fall Festivities 

We know from personal experience that when you’re focusing on taking care of your loved one during an outing, it can be hard to focus on genuinely connecting with them as a family member.

Companion care from FirstLight Home Care of Charlotte can help. Caregivers can handle much of the logistics of care during an outing so you can focus on what really matters: Being present with family.

Want to learn more about how we can support your family this fall? Contact us today.