When parents need to cool down, here’s 5 indoor toddler activities in Charlotte that will cost you $8 or less

Somehow they are (mostly) well behaved when in the presence of others and the stimulation and activity outside of the house should guarantee a good nap once you’re back home.

Charlotte offers many amazing spraygrounds and parks, but if you’re like me and are over the constant applying of sunscreen, check out these five inexpensive indoor activities for toddlers.

ImaginOn

You could keep your toddler occupied for an entire morning here – there’s so much to do. Start on the main level at the Park Family Story Lab where you can explore interactive, hands-on exhibits.

From there, move into the Spangler Library which is full of age appropriate books and toddler friendly activities. This is also where Storytime takes place.

Wrap up your trip with a visit to the wooden truck on the second floor.

Location: 300 E. 7th St.
When: Open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Sundays until after Labor Day.
Cost: Free

Discovery Place Nature

This is a great place to go if you need an indoor activity for an hour or so.

The museum isn’t huge, but there are a lot of toddler friendly activities – nature themed toys, tunnels and slides, live animals and a small water table.

Location: 1658 Sterling Rd.
When: Tuesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Closed Monday. 
Cost: $8, under 2 free

Storytime at one of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches

Most Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches offer Storytime for babies, toddlers and families. These aren’t your traditional book-only storytimes, instead they incorporate music, puppets, toys and learning throughout the session. Your toddler will go nuts over the bubbles at the end.

Location and times: Here
Cost: Free

Tunes with Tommy at Toys & Co

Toys & Co offers a couple of free activities in their store and this one is the most toddler friendly.

Tommy is energetic, engaging and an extremely talented musician. The store also has toys out to play with so you may want to plan to arrive early or stay late for some play time.

Location: Toys & Co in Cotswold Shopping Center (242 S. Sharon Amity Rd.)
When: Thursdays at 11 a.m. through the rest of July. Double check their Facebook page for future dates.
Cost: Free

Open Play at Superior Play Systems

This manufacturer of playground equipment has a large indoor playground that is open to the public. They are open daily.

Location: 11415 Granite St., Suite C
When: Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. $8 and Sunday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Price: $6 during the week and $8 on the weekend.