Last Updated on May 17, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
Tucked away just north of Charlotte, Mooresville, North Carolina, is a small town with big family appeal. Nicknamed “Race City USA” thanks to its deep NASCAR roots, Mooresville offers more than just engines and adrenaline. From hands-on animal encounters that little ones love to outdoor adventures for teens, Mooresville is a family destination with something for everyone.
Small towns tend to be easy on the wallet, but still offer plenty of fun for making family memories. Bring your pit crew, pack your boat shoes, and get ready for family vacation that’s the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. These are the best things to do in Mooresville that kids will love!
Lodging Options In Mooresville, North Carolina:
1. Trackhouse Motorplex
It’s hard to believe that Mooresville, NC, and Parma, Italy have a connection, but they do! Trackhouse Motorplex is a premier Outdoor go-kart facility, with a track that’s modeled after the historic kart track in Parma, Italy. The Italian track, known as Kartdromo Parma, was considered one of the finest, but most challenging karting circuits in the world. Now, visitors can try kart racing by experiencing the 11-turn, 0.7-mile track at Trackhouse Motorplex.
It’s the perfect thrilling attraction for families with tweens and teens who want to experience some speed. The asphalt surface provides an authentic racing experience that feels like the real deal.
Rental karts are available for drivers 16+, and the karts are capable of reaching speeds up to 55 mph. Safety gear is included, and single races start at just $25 USD. Don’t miss the chance to put it on social media. Opt for a GoPro helmet mount!
2. Lake Norman State Park
Photo Credit: Visit Mooresville
Lake Norman State Park spans 1,942 acres along the northern shoreline of Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. It features over 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the popular Itusi Trail, as well as opportunities for fishing, paddling, and seasonal swimming at the park’s sandy beach. Check the park’s event calendar for educational youth workshops.
Go for a boating day on the lake (reserve your Lake Norman Boat Rentals) or plan a memorable extended weekend by booking the park’s lodging options. Lake Norman State Park offers 44 paved campsites that include RV hookup, or use the sites for primitive tent camping. If you want a step-up from tent camping, opt for one of the park’s Camper Cabins, which are temperature controlled and sleep up to six people. Reservations for lodging open six months in advance.
3. Lazy 5 Ranch
Photo Credit: Visit Mooresville
My kids love up-close animal encounters, and Lazy 5 Ranch is the perfect Mooresville destination for little animal lovers. What started as a small venture and dream has turned into one of the most popular Mooresville attractions today.
Lazy 5 Ranch is a privately owned exotic animal park that is home to over 750 animals from six continents, including giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, llamas, and more. Visitors can embark on a 3.5-mile safari through gently sloping pastures, choosing between driving their vehicle or enjoying a guided horse-drawn wagon ride.
Have your cameras ready, be ready to feed the animals, and even pet a few! It’s a unique animal attraction that kids love, and the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
4. Hope Park
Photo Credit: Mooresville Parks and Rec
Hope Park is a popular Mooresville green space, with two playground areas for kids to enjoy. Pack a picnic and enjoy some outdoor time as a family. The park is conveniently located, just one mile south of the downtown Mooresville area. Bike or walk from downtown to Hope Park.
The Tot Lot playground is designed for kids (ages 2-5), which includes a play structure with steps, a slide, a bouncing bridge, a tunnel, a balancing board, and a pretend wooden race car. Older kids can burn off energy at the Race Park (ages 5-12), which has a larger play structure with multiple slides, climbing areas, a rock wall, ropes to walk, monkey bars, two wooden race cars, and a playhouse.
During the summer, beat the heat with the Hope Park Splash Pad. It features multiple sprayers from both above and on the ground, dump buckets, and spinning sprayers. The splash pad operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, typically from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
5. The Pit Indoor Kart Racing
Rain doesn’t have to halt your family fun in Mooresville. Head to The Pit Indoor Kart Racing and fulfill your need for speed. Spanning over 140,000 square feet, The Pit Indoor Kart Racing offers high-octane fun. The track is 70,000-square-foot long, featuring 20 challenging turns and 22-foot-wide straightaways, accommodating up to 14 racers per session. There are two different kart options, one designed for kids ages 8-15 (reaching up to 35 miles per hour) and the other is an adult kart (reaching up to 45 miles per hour).
When you’re off the track, enjoy arcade games, billiard tables, a black-light mini-golf course, a laser tag arena, Spin Zone bumper cars, and even axe throwing. There’s always a reason to plan a trip to The Pit, whether it’s rain, humidity or a family night out.
6. The Mooresville Museum
If you’re eager to learn more about the roots of Mooresville, head to The Mooresville Museum, which is downtown. The city might be nicknamed “Race City USA,” but there’s much deeper history that spans beyond racing. Exhibits showcase some of Mooresville’s most influential citizens and businesses that shaped the city throughout history.
Housed in a historic building, the museum captivates visitors of all ages. Interactive exhibits are engaging for young learners and help tell Mooresville’s story in a way they can understand. For a fascinating history lesson on the city, embark on a self-guided walking tour that begins and ends at the museum, exploring 12 historical sites around downtown.
7. Carrigan Farms
Photo Credit: Visit Mooresville
From pumpkin picking to a summer swimming hole, Carrigan Farms is a must-do for families that want seasonal fun. Carrigan Farms has been in operation since 1902 and it is a 5th-generation family farm today, transitioning from tobacco and cotton to a thriving fruit and vegetable farm. Today, visitors can enjoy u-pick pumpkins, apples, and strawberries, depending on the season. Asparagus is also grown on the farm and available for purchase in the spring, but picked by farmers.
Carrigan Farms Seasonal U-Pick Calendar:
- Strawberry Picking: Available from late April through mid-May, allowing families to enjoy fresh, hand-picked strawberries.
- Apple Picking: In September, visitors can harvest a variety of apples directly from the orchard.
- Pumpkin Patch & Haunted Trail: In October, families can pick pumpkins and experience the spooky Scarrigan Farms Haunted Trail, a popular Halloween attraction.
During the summer, Carrigan Farms has a 25-foot deep natural spring-fed swimming hole surrounded by 70-foot granite cliffs that is open from late May through mid-June. Known as The Quarry, it offers a refreshing escape with activities like rope swings, cliff jumps, and a sandy beach volleyball area. Safety is a priority, with lifeguards on duty and life vests provided. Reservations are recommended.
8. NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame + Walk of Fame
If you’re a motorsports fan and want to know more about the sport’s connection to Mooresville, then there are two must-see attractions. Start your stroll downtown with the NC Auto Racing Walk of Fame. Walk along the street where checkered race flag plaques adorn the sidewalks that honor famous NASCAR drivers and their commitment to the sport. Look for legends like Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, and Junior Johnson.
Just a short drive away, the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame takes the experience up a notch with over 35 historic race cars, interactive exhibits, and loads of memorabilia. The exhibits showcase decades of motorsports history. It’s packed with family-friendly displays and photo-worthy moments for race fans of all ages. Together, these two attractions sum up the racing spirit of Mooresville.
The Most Popular Mooresville, NC Festivals
Photo Credit: Visit Mooresville
- Mooresville Day Festival (March): Celebrate the warmer spring weather at the Mooresville Day Festival. The event showcases local artists, culinary delights and live music. It’s a family-friendly event that showcases the community’s spirit.
- Uncorked & Artsy (May & October): It’s a celebration of local art and beverages, combining wine and beer tastings with an art walk. Uncorked & Artsy showcases regional artists, live music, and special promotions from downtown businesses.
- Field of Flags Summer Celebration (July): Find your patriotic spirit at the Field of Flags Summer Celebration. It’s a 4th of July weekend event honoring veterans and first responders, featuring a flag display, a ceremony, concert, and nighttime fireworks.
- Bands, Brews & BBQ’s Festival (August): North Carolina is known for BBQ and you can try it all with the Bands, Brews & BBQ’s Festival.
- A Classic Christmas in Mooresville (December): Be amazed by twinkling holiday lights at the Classic Christmas event, which includes ice skating, horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa, and local artisan crafts. Downtown Mooresville is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Where to Eat in Mooresville with Kids
- Toucan’s Lakefront (pictured above): If you love waterfront views on Lake Norman, head to Toucan’s Lakefront Restaurant. The relaxed atmosphere is very family-friendly. Opt for a frozen drink, made-to-order sandwiches and fresh salads. Refuel the kids after a day on Lake Norman.
- Mooresville Family House: Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, enjoy Southern favorites at Mooresville Family House. They’re famous for fried chicken, fluffy biscuits and freshly-baked desserts.
- Lancaster’s BBQ: Dine on melt-in-your-mouth BBQ while enjoying race memorabilia, at Lancaster’s BBQ. They specialize in slow-cooked Eastern North Carolina BBQ.