Explore things to do near Matthews, from Carowinds to the Mint

Booking a room or suite at the Country Inn & Suites, Charlotte/Matthews, NC places you near a wealth of family-friendly things to do, like riding roller coasters at Carowinds and exploring exhibits at Discovery Place Science in downtown Charlotte. Racing fans can get their adrenaline pumping at Charlotte Motor Speedway or learn more about the history of motorsports at the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame. Want to stay closer to the hotel? Let your kids burn off energy at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex, or enjoy a relaxing walk along the Four Mile Creek Greenway. To cap off the perfect day, head to Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts for the latest dinner theater production.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Food & Drinks
  • Landmark
  • Nature

Carowinds

14.32 mi / 23.04 km from the hotel
Watch live shows and climb aboard the thrill rides at the theme park, or spend the day cooling off in the water park. You can stop by Camp Snoopy for plenty of PEANUTS™-themed attractions for the little ones.

Charlotte Motor Speedway

17.7 mi / 28.49 km from the hotel
This speedway hosts NASCAR racing, including the Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400. The complex is also home to zMAX Dragway, the only concrete, four-lane drag strip in the US.

Discovery Place Science

12.39 mi / 19.94 km from the hotel
Both children and adults love this interactive museum, where you can design and conduct your own experiments, journey through the human body using virtual reality, and meet unique animals face-to-face.

Uptown Charlotte

12.38 mi / 19.92 km from the hotel
With its eclectic mix of businesses, entertainment, and cultural attractions, downtown Charlotte (“Uptown” to locals) is well worth your time. You can shop, dine, browse museums and galleries, and experience the city’s dynamic nightlife.

Fourth Ward

12.56 mi / 20.21 km from the hotel
Stroll along the streets of one of Charlotte's most historic neighborhoods. The Fourth Ward features restored Victorian houses and a number of art and entertainment venues.

Historic Rosedale

12.43 mi / 20.01 km from the hotel
Make time for a guided tour of this Federal-style plantation house that offers a glimpse of how Charlotte appeared in the early 1800s.

North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame

35 mi / 56.32 km from the hotel
With over 40 cars housed in its museum and a variety of rotating displays and showcases, the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame offers a thorough look into the history of motorsports.

Richard Petty Driving Experience

17.7 mi / 28.49 km from the hotel
Have you ever dreamed of being a race car driver? Sit behind the wheel of a 600-horsepower NASCAR race car and take some laps around Charlotte Motor Speedway with the guidance of a professional driver.

Mint Museum

12.44 mi / 20.02 km from the hotel
The Mint is North Carolina’s oldest art museum, featuring one of the largest collections of ancient and contemporary works in the Southeast. Look around the city for even more of the museum’s sculptures.

Mecklenburg County Sportsplex

0.92 mi / 1.48 km from the hotel
Host to a variety of sports tournaments year round, this public complex offers 12 fields, including a 2,500-seat stadium. The park’s picnic shelter, paved trails, and two playgrounds also make it a great spot for an afternoon with family.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts

2.33 mi / 3.75 km from the hotel
You can take an acting class, send your kids to theater camp, or score tickets to a dinner theater production at this thriving community theater founded in 1995.

Four Mile Creek Greenway

1.69 mi / 2.71 km from the hotel
Rent a bike or take to this well-surfaced trail on foot to enjoy the beautiful woods around Matthews, NC. Kids love playing in the creek along the trail, and you can stop to enjoy a picnic at Squirrel Lake Park.