10 things to do with a group in Charlotte

Whether it’s your college crew or a family reunion, there’s nothing like hosting a group in your own city.

Charlotte has no shortage of fun things to do with out-of-town visitors, but hosting a group opens up the doors to even more options.

Here’s why: There are some activities that are better (or only make sense) with more than two people.

So, we rounded up 10 things that are optimized for showing your crew a good time around Charlotte.

(1) Go golfing (in a cool way)

Puttery and Stroke are adult-focused indoor mini-golf centers that even serve cocktails. Since they’re indoors, it’s a great option if you need to escape the heat or rain.

• Both allow you to book online in advance (Stroke is $12 per person, while Puttery is $18).

Rather be outside? TopGolf is also great for groups. Each bay can accommodate up to six people and reservations are $5-$25 (not including the cost of playing).

(2) Order a “large format” drink

Group drinks are fun and they save money — a win-win in any book. Of course, almost any brewery serves beer pitchers, but you can also get more creative.

• Haberdish has a “Happy Go Lucky” punch starting at $25.
• Ed’s Tavern offers a mimosa tower for $60 (includes three bottles of champagne and one bottle of orange juice).

(3) Go on a scavenger hunt at a thrift store

Here’s how: Do a day trip up to Concord and spend the afternoon browsing the stalls at the Depot at Gibson Mill.

Gamify it: Split into teams and try to find items on this list (or make your own). The last team to complete the quest buys the first round at High Branch or Cabarrus Brewing nearby.

(4) Do a Pedal Pub tour

A brewery crawl is a staple for a reason: it’s fun, easy and pleases a crowd.

Okay, but: You can mix it up by doing a Pedal Pub tour through South End or Uptown. The guided two-hour tours include 2-3 stops at local establishments.

• You can book a private tour for 8-15 people starting at $428.

(5) Book a cabana at a rooftop pool

Beat the summer heat and show off the skyline with a visit to a rooftop pool at an Uptown hotel.

Coin bar at the top of the Omni offers day passes starting at $25 as well as reserved seating and VIP options.

• More info: Everything you need to know about Coin Bar.

Aura Rooftop and Pool at the top of the JW Marriott offers day passes starting at $100 and cabanas starting at $375. Learn more.

(6) Spend a day on the lake

Here’s the deal: You don’t have to be a sailor to spend the day on Lake Norman.

Pontoon boats are easy to drive and are designed to keep a large group comfortable. Check out this directory of boat rentals on the lake to find your ride.

• Pro tip: Pack some local brews and snacks in the cooler or dock at a lakefront restaurant like Hello Sailor to make a day of it.

(7) Go to a small plates restaurant and order one of everything

Some meals, like tapas, are best enjoyed with enough people to make a significant dent in the menu.

Charlotte has no shortage of small plates restaurants, but here are a few to get you started:

• Good Food on Montford
• The Stanley
• Kindred
• Soul Gasatrolounge
• Poplar Tapas

Bonus: Korean BBQ is also a great group meal. Bring your crew to MOA in Uptown or Let’s Meat in South End.

(8) Hire a private chef

Entertain your group at home without worrying about the shopping, planning and cleaning. Personal chefs will come to your home to make dinner or lead a cooking class for your crew.

A few local options:

• Heart & Soul: Offers served, gourmet dinner parties (including cleanup) starting at $125/person.

• Chef Jill Aker Ray: Offers tons of themed cooking classes taught in your home starting at $55/person.
• Your Farms Your Table by Chef Sam Diminich: Offers in-home dining experiences for groups of “2 to 200.”

(9) Go to a Knights game and watch from the porch

For a big group, the Home Run Porch at Truist Field is the way to go. Rather than assigned seats (that make it hard for your group to socialize), the Home Run Porch offers standing room at a bar with an elevated view of the field.

• Individual tickets start at $12.

(10) Go to a drive-in movie

Load up the car with snacks, drinks and your crew and watch a movie on the big screen under the stars.

• Right now, Hounds Drive-in is open in Kings Mountain. Stay tuned for seasonal drive-ins, like Charlotte Motor Speedway, in the summer months.

Here’s why: You pay by the carload, so bigger groups get the most bang for their buck.

• Hounds Drive-in is $20/car.

Whether you’re hosting two or 10 people, Charlotte is full of fun things to do. Check out charlottesgotalot.com for more itinerary inspo.

Produced in partnership with Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.