Need family friendly suggestions to do in Charlotte this weekend (Oct. 15) (Raleigh: how much, things to do)

[rvjmoving2charlotte]

My sister and family are coming this weekend, and I'd love to know about things to do in and around Charlotte this weekend. We just moved 2 months ago and are still getting acquainted. I know that the Renaissance festival is this weekend, but wanted to know other options. The ages of kids range from 5-12. Thank you!

[alise007]

we loved Rural Hill last weekend! Great fun corn maze in Huntersville

[SunnyKayak]

Keep in mind heavy traffic in Concord area and expect delays on heavy traffic on highway 73 if you go to Renaissance festival due to the Race on Saturday.

Your kids will have a blast driving in the drive thru zoo at Lazy 5 Ranch North Carolina Animal Park | Lazy 5 Ranch

Also Discovery Place in either Huntersville or Charlotte

[Samana]

The RF is a definite must do! I was surprised at how much fun we had the first time we went there.

If you're willing to venture out a little, Asheville will be the place to be at this weekend! We're planning on going to Grandfather Mountain to enjoy the views.

Leaf-viewing? 3,500 feet is place to be | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/10/14/2691841/leaf-viewing-3500-feet-is-place.html - broken link)

[blueheronNC]

This is a huge weekend for celebrations all around the state of NC. Fall is in "full bloom" up in the mountains, so to speak,

http://www.grandfather.com/wp-conten...0/10-13-11.jpg

so you have a bunch of harvest festivals and arts&crafts bazaars going on all up and down the mountains (Wooly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, Valle Country Fair in Valle Crucis, etc).

Then over in Raleigh, the NC State Fair is going on.

Down on the coast, Beaufort County just south of Wilmington hosts the NC Oyster Festival.

This is one of the best weekends of the year in the state to get out and EXPLORE.

[Slakkie]

What about Rural Hill's Amazing Maize Maze? We go every year and it is a blast! It is right off Exit 23 or 25 depending on which works best for you.

[bs13690]

Pineville Days