Last Updated: June 2026
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, you’ve come to the right place. Located just northeast of Charlotte, Cabarrus County is filled with charming downtowns, local restaurants, scenic parks, family-friendly attractions, unique coffee shops, and seasonal events that make it worth visiting year-round.
As a local family who loves exploring North Carolina, we’ve spent countless weekends discovering hidden gems, trying locally owned restaurants, attending festivals, and finding activities that teenagers actually enjoy. This guide brings together our favorite places so you can plan an unforgettable day or even a full weekend in Cabarrus County.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here for years, you’ll find plenty of inspiration below.
Why Visit Cabarrus County?
Cabarrus County offers a little bit of everything. You can spend the morning sipping coffee in a cozy downtown café, explore a local park in the afternoon, browse boutiques, enjoy a delicious lunch at a family-owned restaurant, and finish the evening with live music or dessert.
The county includes several unique communities, each with its own personality:
- Concord
- Kannapolis
- Harrisburg
- Mount Pleasant
- Midland
Together, they create one of North Carolina’s most underrated destinations for day trips and weekend adventures.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Whether you have toddlers, teens, or grandparents tagging along, these attractions are some of our favorites.
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
Perfect for families who love marine life. Walk through the underwater tunnel, get up close to sharks and rays, and enjoy interactive exhibits.
(Coming soon: Complete Visitor Guide.)
The Basement Arcade Bar (until 8pm)
An affordable family friendly arcade bar where you can pay once and play all day. Featuring 25+ vintage video games and 20 pinball machines for plenty of options your teens will actually love!
Check out my complete guide for everything you need to know about The Basement Arcade Bar.
Village Park
One of our favorite parks in the county featuring:
- Playground
- Splash pad (seasonal)
- Mini train rides
- Carousel
- Walking paths
- Seasonal festivals
It’s especially magical during the holidays where you get to walk through all the lights.
Frank Liske Park
If you’re looking for an inexpensive day outdoors, Frank Liske Park offers:
- Fishing
- Paddle boats
- Disc golf
- Walking trails
- Large playground
- Picnic shelters
Explore Downtown Kannapolis
Downtown Kannapolis has transformed into one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon.
Our favorite things to do include:
- Grab coffee at a local café
- Browse locally owned shops
- Visit Village Park
- Attend downtown events
- Enjoy dinner at one of the area’s restaurants
- End the evening with dessert
Read next: One Perfect Day in Downtown Kannapolis or Top 3 Locally Owned Coffee Shops in Kannapolis, NC
Explore Historic Downtown Concord
Downtown Concord is full of locally owned businesses and historic charm.
Don’t miss:
- Boutique shopping
- Coffee shops
- Local restaurants
- Ice cream
- Community events
- Seasonal decorations
Make sure to check out The Basement Arcade Bar and Dining at Havana Carolina.
Outdoor Adventures
Love spending time outside?
Cabarrus County has plenty of options.
Best Parks
- Frank Liske Park
- Village Park
- Vietnam Veterans Park
- Dorton Park
(Coming soon: Best Parks in Cabarrus County.)
Walking Trails
Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or somewhere to get your steps in, there are beautiful greenways and nature trails throughout the county.
Best Restaurants in Cabarrus County
One of the best reasons to visit Cabarrus County is the food.
Some of our current favorites include:
Breakfast
- Breakfastime
- The Breakfast Barn in Kannapolis
- Local diners
- Southern breakfast spots
Lunch
- Tickled Pickle Deli
- Havana Carolina
- East Coast Wings + Grill
Dinner
- Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant
- Local barbecue restaurants
- Italian favorites
(Coming soon: Best Restaurants in Cabarrus County.)
Cute Coffee Shops
If you’re anything like us, every adventure starts with coffee.
Some of our favorite coffee stops include:
- Editions Coffee & Bookstore
- Vendi, Vidi, Vici in Kannapolis (Black owned, LGBTQ friendly)
- Local downtown cafés
- Hidden neighborhood coffee shops
Check out: The 3 Best Coffee Shops in Kannapolis, NC
Sweet Treats
Don’t leave without dessert.
You’ll find:
- Lia’s Bakery in Kannapolis (Latina Owned)
- Ice cream shops
- Bakeries
- Donut shops
- Cookie stores
- Specialty dessert cafés
Free Things to Do
Exploring doesn’t have to be expensive.
Some of our favorite free activities include:
- Walking downtown Concord
- Exploring downtown Kannapolis
- Visiting local parks
- Community festivals
- Farmers markets
- Greenways
- Public art
Seasonal Things to Do
Cabarrus County shines during every season.
Spring
- Flower festivals
- Farmers markets
- Outdoor dining
Summer
- Splash pads
- Outdoor concerts
- Festivals
Fall
- Pumpkin patches
- Corn mazes
- Oktoberfest celebrations
Winter
- Christmas lights
- Holiday markets
- Tree lightings
- Seasonal train rides
Planning Your Visit
One of the best things about Cabarrus County is that you can easily make a full day of exploring.
A perfect itinerary might look like this:
- Breakfast at a local favorite
- Coffee downtown
- Visit a park or attraction
- Lunch at a locally owned restaurant
- Browse boutiques
- Grab dessert before heading home
It’s an easy day trip from Charlotte and one you’ll likely want to repeat.
Final Thoughts
Cabarrus County continues to surprise us with just how much there is to discover. Every visit seems to uncover a new coffee shop, a hidden park, a locally owned restaurant, or a fun event that brings the community together.
We’ll continue updating this guide as we explore more of the county, so be sure to check back often. If you have a favorite spot we should visit next, we’d love to hear about it!
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