6 things every 2000’s kid from Charlotte remembers doing with family

OK, except for maybe one million dollars and an endless supply of fries. No, but really — I think this city is one of the best places to raise a family. One day I want to come back, get married, and have my own (not for a while though, Dad).

Here are 6 things I remember doing with family growing up.

Going to the Library

Much to my own surprise, there was a time when I enjoyed, even LOVED going to the library. My mom used to take my sister (hi, Katherine) and I at least once a week.

Knowing what I know now, mom probably just needed to get out of the house. But it was a win-win because I genuinely enjoyed the trip. Like Discovery Place, you could spend all day here. I dare your kid to run out of books.

Side note: the Morrison Regional Library is currently undergoing major renovations until Fall 2017. Hello, revamped lib.

Exploring Discovery Place

This. Place. Is. Awesome. I remember running through the wondrous halls, “oohing” and “aahing” over everything I saw.

Each floor has something different to offer. And the fact that basically all the exhibits are educational is just an added bonus. The museum also doubles as the perfect rainy day activity.

Some of my favorite Discovery Place memories? The touch tank, rat basketball, IMAX theatre and mechanical dinosaurs on the top floor. The museum is constantly bringing in new exhibits, so it’s hard to get tired of it. Be sure to check out their newest exhibition, The Science of Ripley’s Believe it Or not, opening May 27.

Family walks around the neighborhood

We still do a lot of these, but they’re less hectic now. Fifteen years ago my dad would be holding our dog’s leash in one hand and walking my bike up the hill in the other.

Nowadays, he holds a beer in that other hand and we stroll along updating each other on our lives.

Fam walks have always been a time to catch up, work off our dinner, and socialize with neighbors along the way.

Feeding ducks at Freedom Park

It’s crazy how little kids get excited about the smallest things. “Feed the ducks!” was always my response when my mom asked what I wanted to do that day. It’s also a classic go-to of mine for when the kids I babysit need an outdoor excursion.

Along with feeding ducks, I also remember doing loops around the pond on my razor scooter. And being out of breath and my mom saying, “Good job, now see if you can do one more!” Nice try. I babysit. I know your tricks now.

Basketball games

I grew up going to Bobcats games. They were always a family affair and I loved every second of them.

From wearing my customized jersey with “HART” on the back (so extra), to parading around with my Emeka Okafor bobblehead, one might’ve called me a true fan. And I always made sure to get my face painted. Which I never rubbed off, because it made me look cool the next day at school, obviously. Can’t say I still do those things, but I will go crazy for a Hornets T-shirt toss.

Grilling out at the pool

I can’t tell you how many days and nights I spent at my neighborhood pool. I got really good at playing “Categories” and “Sharks and Minnows.” I was tight with the lifeguards. And I perfected the cannonball.

After a long day, mom and dad would arrive with dinner supplies. Dad grilled the meanest burgers (still does). We’d stay until close. Or until the lifeguards kicked us out. This year we canceled our pool membership because we weren’t using it enough. I’m sad, but not worried. I’ll be frequenting Foxcroft East Racquet and Swim Club when I babysit kiddos this summer.

As I write this, I feel myself getting a liiiiiittle too sentimental for my liking. I’m realizing some of the simplest things we do are the most memorable. I’ve made lifelong memories with my family in the Queen City. How will you make yours?