Need a family-friendly day trip or relaxing weekend near Charlotte? Head to Indian Trail! Enjoy beautiful parks, local events, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere just minutes from the city. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, charming downtown strolls, or local eats, Indian Trail offers a laid-back escape.
Indian Trail, NC Highlights:
- Crooked Creek Park: Explore playgrounds, splash pads, sports courts, and scenic walking trails in this expansive community park.
- Chestnut Square Park: Enjoy sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, and frequent community events like movies and concerts.
- Wise Acres Organic Farm: Visit this family-owned farm for seasonal strawberry and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and farm fun.
- Trail's Dynasty Miniature Golf & Creamery: Play mini-golf and cool off with delicious homemade ice cream — a local favorite!
- Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center: Attend art shows, workshops, and community theater performances in a cozy venue.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Indian Trail is during spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). Pleasant weather makes it perfect for parks, festivals, and outdoor family activities.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Indian Trail is easily accessible via U.S. Route 74 and Interstate 485, about 15 miles southeast of downtown Charlotte.
- By Air: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is about a 30–40 minute drive from Indian Trail.
- By Public Transit: Ride-sharing and regional bus services connect Indian Trail with the greater Charlotte metro area.
Where to Stay
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlotte Matthews – Comfortable accommodations close to Indian Trail with free breakfast and a pool.
- Hampton Inn Charlotte/Monroe – Modern, family-friendly hotel with easy access to local attractions and dining.
- Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Matthews – Upscale option nearby with stylish rooms and an onsite bistro.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Pick Sweet Berries and Enjoy Fresh-Air Fun at Wise Acres Organic Strawberry Farm
The Wise Acres Organic Farm in Indian Trail, North Carolina is a family-owned and operated, USDA-certified, u-pick pumpkin and strawberry farm just outside of the busy city of Charlotte.
Along with picking their own seasonal produce, visitors can find many other activities at the farm, such as wagon rides through the woodland area, barrel train rides for younger children, a wooded park and playground, and getting up close and personal with rabbits, chickens, pigs, and goats. Guests can also dine on a made-to-order, locally sourced Wise Pie Wood Fired Oven Pizza, or concessions, slushies, and other treats in the barn.
Wise Acres Organic Strawberry Farm, 4701 Hartis Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079, Phone: 704-628-6232
⮕ Solve Puzzles and Race the Clock at Masterpiece Escapes
Masterpiece Escapes strives to offer the “highest standard” of live escape room games. With this goal in mind, the business aims to create premier escape room experiences, while also broadening the appeal of the unique type of experiential entertainment to work groups as a way of team building, families and friends for fun, and other groups.
The team-oriented escape rooms focus on telling a story and present clear objectives, offering the “most exciting escape rooms in the Union County Area.” Once locked inside of the room, guests will need to work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and open locks.
Masterpiece Escapes, 14015 E Independence Blvd, Indian Trail, NC, 28079, Phone: 704-628-7469
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ If You Love Friendly Competition and Family Fun, Tee Off at Trail’s Dynasty Miniature Golf
Trail's Dynasty Miniature Golf is both a miniature golf course and creamery in Indian Trail where guests can play a round of miniature golf and end their visit with a delicious cup of ice cream. Opened by Scott and Amy Merritt in 2014, the Trail’s Dynasty course consists of eighteen holes and features automatic night lights, speakers, a waterfall, and a water wheel.
As for ice cream, customers can choose from more than thirty different Hershey’s Ice Cream flavors. Trail's Dynasty is typically open Sunday to Thursday from noon until 9:00pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00am until 10:00pm.
Trail's Dynasty Miniature Golf , 2228 Younts Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079, Phone: 704-893-0093
⮕ Saddle Up for Riding Adventures at Country Time Equestrian Events
Established in 1989, Country Time Equestrian Events offers horseback trail rides in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Guests can relax on a horse-drawn carriage ride, enjoy a sunset ride, celebrate special occasions with memorable and fun horseback riding parties, take a private horse ride or beginners lesson, or even pony rides for children.
The experienced staff and highly skilled equine professional take a great amount of pride as “Wranglers” and their ability to provide guided horseback trail rides, with experience and skills that include driving and riding horses, horse training, horseback riding adventures and events, riding lessons, boarding, and horse breeding.
Country Time Equestrian Events, 310 Joe Lee Helms Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079, Phone: 704-992-1550
⮕ Have Classic Fun at Kate’s Skating Rink
Kate's Skating Rink in the town of Indian Trail is a family-owned and operated roller skating rink consisting of roller skating, a full pro shop, game rooms, a redemption center, play area, and more. The skating rink business has been run by the same family for multiple generations since 1961, originally started in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Catering to skaters of all ages, Kate's Skating Rink hosts Christian music nights, adult skates, home school skates, kids skates, and other special nights and events. The skating rink also hosts both adult and kids roller derby teams, along with an extensive lesson program.
Kate's Skating Rink Indian Trail, 14500 E Independence Blvd, Indian Trail, NC 28079, Phone: 704-821-7465
Where to Eat
- Sun Valley Café – Local favorite serving Southern comfort food, burgers, and hearty breakfasts.
- Mama Mia Too – Family-owned Italian restaurant known for fresh pasta, pizza, and cozy atmosphere.
- Stacks Kitchen – Popular diner spot offering breakfast classics, sandwiches, and homestyle meals.
If you are interested in local events:
- Indian Trail Fall Festival (October) – Family-friendly event featuring vendors, food trucks, games, live entertainment, and crafts.
- July 4th Parade and Fireworks (July) – One of the largest Independence Day parades in the region followed by fireworks and festivities.
- Movies and Concerts in the Park (Summer) – Free outdoor family movie nights and live music events at Chestnut Square Park.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Indian Trail, North Carolina:
- Downtown Matthews (15–20 min) – Quaint downtown with farmers markets, shops, and historic charm.
- Charlotte Uptown (25–30 min) – Explore museums, theaters, shopping, and vibrant dining scenes in the heart of the Queen City.
- Colonel Francis Beatty Park (20–25 min) – Outdoor recreation area perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking.
- Stevens Creek Nature Center and Preserve (20–25 min) – New nature preserve with hiking trails, interactive exhibits, and wildlife viewing.
- Carowinds Amusement Park (30 min) – Thrilling rides, water park, and family attractions on the NC/SC state line.
- Rocky River Vineyards (20–25 min) – Relax at this family-owned vineyard offering wine tastings and peaceful countryside views.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Where is Indian Trail, North Carolina located?
- Located only around fifteen minutes away from Charlotte, the town of Indian Trail, North Carolina is a great place to visit with the whole family.
-
What family-friendly activities are available in Indian Trail?
- Visitors will find a variety of things to do in town, particularly when it comes to family-oriented activities, ranging from horseback riding and miniature golf to berry picking to escape rooms.
-
Does Indian Trail host any annual events?
- Along with several attractions, Indian Trail also hosts a number of annual celebrations, including a Christmas parade, Independence Day parade, and a Halloween Candy Crawl.
Map:
Plan Your Trip