For a sixth year, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, is offering ice skating. In addition, enjoy an expanded Winter Trail, which features more lights and climbing elements, as well as two 600-foot suspension bridges.
Both the ice skating and the Winter Trail will be available from November 15, 2024 through mid-February, 2025. The Winter Trail is free (after paying $12 for parking.) Skating requires an Activity Pass.
Wildwoods (the adventure play area) and the Off Leash will be available at night. Both require an Activity Pass.
Wildwoods
Wildwoods is new this year. It’s a massive adventure playground with several very large, connected tree houses, and tons to climb on, as well as seesaws and swings. It’s unlike any other playground in the Charlotte area. The structures are big and sturdy enough for adults.
During the winter, it’s illuminated, lending even more adventure to the experience.
You do need an activity pass to access Wildwoods, which is $18. It’s also included in the All-Access Pass. Learn more here.
But, remember, there are play structures along the Winter Trail, and you don’t need a pass for that.
Ice Skating
Once again the Upper Pond of the whitewater channel has been converted into a 24,000 square foot ice skating rink. It includes both ice trails and free skating.
Skating requires a pass, which is $25, including skate rental. It’s also included in the All-Access pass.
In the middle there’s an on-ice Airstream that serves hot and cold beverages. Off-ice, sandwiches, salads, soup, drinks and desserts are also available for purchase.
Enjoy skating or just relaxing by the fires watching skating.
New this year is Cask Curling. Slide mini kegs across the ice to compete for points. Cask Curling is included with an Ice Skating Pass (Single Activity, Day or Annual Pass.) Lane reservations are required and can be made in advance or on-site.
The ice skating program includes an outdoor 3 v. 3 pond hockey.
Skating is available whenever Pass Activities are available. Check the schedule to see Pass Activity Hours.
Learn about all the places for outdoor ice skating this season in the Charlotte area!
Winter Trail
The Canyon Night Trail opens once it gets dark, around 5 p.m., until the end of operating hours, which is 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. depending on the day. See the schedule for hours.
It features a half-mile walking trail and play structures like swings and see-saws that are big enough for visitors of all ages.
In addition, the trail includes the two 600-foot suspension bridges.
Dogs are allowed on the trail, but use caution on the suspension bridges. The motion can be scary to dogs, and they’re very high off the ground.
More Winter Activities
This winter the Whitewater Center will host several events, including A Shot in the Dark, Pond Hockey, We Believe (Santa 5K Trail Race and Dog Jog), Rocky Road Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, Frigid Trail Race and Plunge, Dog Days of Winter Dog Jog 5K and 1 Mile Walk and more. See all the races here.
Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Holiday Events
Check out our growing day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area or check out a few upcoming holiday events here:
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