There’s no denying the summer heat has made its home in the Queen City. Take a look at some of our favorite ways to beat the heat indoors.

Enrich Your Mind

Staying cool indoors doesn’t mean your mind can’t have a workout! Invigorate the senses with these activities:

• Take a seat in one of the theaters at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte’s premier performing arts venue. View the schedule of events on the website today.
• Captivate your mind at the Mint Museum. Housing a vast collection of art and design, from timeless masterpieces to contemporary works, visitors are invited to explore and appreciate the beauty and creativity.
• Experience a remarkable collection of optical illusions, mind games, and immersive exhibits at Charlotte’s Museum of Illusions. This museum is an interactive destination that stimulates curiosity and challenges visitors’ perception.

Embrace Your Inner Child

Some of our fondest memories are of summer break, so why not embrace that feeling? Check out these locations to stay cool and let your inner child loose:

• Visit Spare Time, an indoor entertainment center with locations in Huntersville and Pineville that offers bowling, arcade games, laser tag, escape rooms, and more.
• Frankie’s Fun Park in Huntersville offers arcade games, indoor rides, games such as laser tag, and plenty more. Looking for an adult only experience? Only adults 18 and up are permitted at Frankie’s after 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
• If your childhood consisted of visits to the arcade, we suggest visiting Super Abari Game Bar. With over 90 games to choose from, weekly events, and a full bar this is a great place to cool off and embrace your inner kid.

Move Your Body

It might be hot out, but you can still remain active by doing some indoor sports! We recommend checking out any of these locations below depending on how you’re in the mood to move:

• Enjoy a round of indoor mini golf at Stroke or Puttery located in Uptown! In addition to both having full courses, they both offer light fare and a full bar.
• Try your hand at axe throwing at one of BATL Axe’s Charlotte locations or at Bad Axe axe throwing. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and follow all safety rules to ensure everyone has a good time.
• Pickleball enthusiasts can visit Rally, Charlotte’s new indoor/outdoor pickleball bar, restaurant and cafe, located in Lower South End. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, this is a great place to enjoy the sport while staying cool.

Grab a Bite to Eat

When all else fails to keep you cool, head out with some friends and family and enjoy some local eats:

• Indoor food hall, Optimist Hall, offers a variety of culinary options and a lively atmosphere. In addition to the various food options you can order an ice cold drink at one of their specialty bars.
• Gibson Mill Market in Concord, NC features 10 restaurant stalls from ice cream to pizza to a brewery. In addition to their food options, this is a popular destination for vintage and antique enthusiasts as it shares a space with The Depot at Gibson Mill, the largest antique mall in the south!
• The Power House is a brand new food hall located in Rock Hill, SC. Head out and try the restaurants, bar, and in-house brewery for something new.

There are plenty of indoor activities to keep cool this summer. From visiting museums, to playing arcade games, or trying an indoor sport, there are plenty of options for everyone. So beat the heat and enjoy the season with these fun and refreshing activities across Charlotte.