The best things to do in Charlotte, according to a local

• Aside from the delicious eats and bustling nightlife, Charlotte is full of fun things to do.
• Science and nature enthusiasts can visit ImaginOn, Discovery Place, and the Carolina Raptor Center.
• Outdoorsy folks will love Camp North End, the US National Whitewater Center, and Freedom Park.

On top of the delicious restaurants and cafés, Charlotte is a hub for science museums, arts venues, and outdoor adventures.

Here are the best things to do there, according to a local:

Kids and teens alike can have a fun time exploring ImaginOn

ImaginOn in uptown, accessible via the 7th Street station on the light-rail line, is a library, children's theatre, and interactive exhibit space.

There's a teens-only spot and a multimedia production studio as well.

Tip: ImaginOn offers various workshops and classes throughout the year.

The botanical gardens are a free way to enjoy nature

The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte campus, were created for the college's biology students as a "living classroom."

There are 16 garden collections to explore. Admission is free, but the gardens do take donations.

Tip: The two outdoor garden areas are not wheelchair-accessible. The ground slopes and the terrain is uneven.

You never know what you might find at Camp North End

Camp North End, which started as a factory for the Ford Motor Co. in 1924, has gone through several transformations over the years, but the 76-acre property is now full of restaurants, bars, shops, and art.

You can sip a cocktail at Black Moth Bars, snack on a cheese plate at Babe & Butcher, or shop for unique items at Dupp & Swat. There's also usually live music to enjoy on the weekends.

Tip: Check the calendar for events like the Van Gogh art exhibit or outdoor yoga.

AvidXchange Music Factory is a fun nightlife option

This nightlife and live-music complex opened in 2006 under the name NC Music Factory, but it's since become the AvidXchange Music Factory.

Here you'll find concert venues, restaurants, bars, and a comedy club. VBGB Beer Hall and Small Bar are crowd favorites.

Tip: The Holiday Inn Center City offers a free shuttle to the Music Factory for its guests.

Get your science on at Discovery Place

Opening little minds to the wonders of science, technology, and nature, Discovery Place is an interactive children's museum in uptown.

Tickets start at $15, but there are up-charges for some of the traveling exhibits and events. Reservations are recommended, as time slots can sell out.

Tip: The museum offers accommodations for visitors with hearing, visual, and mobility impairments.

AvidXchange Music Factory is a fun nightlife option

This nightlife and live-music complex opened in 2006 under the name NC Music Factory, but it's since become the AvidXchange Music Factory.

Here you'll find concert venues, restaurants, bars, and a comedy club. VBGB Beer Hall and Small Bar are crowd favorites.

Tip: The Holiday Inn Center City offers a free shuttle to the Music Factory for its guests.

US National Whitewater Center offers outdoor adventures

There are over 30 land- and water-based activities to choose from at the US National Whitewater Center.

These activities include whitewater rafting, zip-lining, flat-water kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, hiking, yoga, and rock climbing. In the winter months, there's also ice skating.

Tip: The center hosts special events as well, like concerts, races, and competitions.

Carolina Raptor Center has more than 20 species of birds

The Carolina Raptor Center focuses on providing environmental education while rehabilitating injured birds.

Visitors can walk the trail to see over 20 species of birds. And it offers special exhibits and programs throughout the year.

Tip: The Raptor Center closes every day from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for cleaning, so you have to buy either a morning or afternoon ticket.

Explore the art district with a NoDa walk

North Davidson, or NoDa, is home to intimate music venues, eclectic shops, art galleries, and delicious restaurants.

Art lovers can travel the streets on the hunt for murals, tile work, and sculptures. Using the NoDa art-walk guide, you can find popular pieces like the "Bloom" mural and the "Smelly Cat."

The artsy neighborhood can be reached via the 36th Street station on the light-rail line.

Tip: The art is always coming and going in this neighborhood, so some pieces you've seen before may no longer exist, and new ones may have taken their place.

Adrenaline junkies should plan a day at Carowinds amusement park

If roller coasters are your thing, Carowinds amusement park on the border of North and South Carolina has nearly 60 rides to keep you busy.

On hot summer days, cruising down the water slides feels mighty refreshing, and if you visit in the fall, you can enjoy the annual Scarowinds Halloween event for spooky fun.

Tip: The amusement park offers a "Fast Lane" pass for an added fee that helps you skip some of the lines.

Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air at Freedom Park

After a couple of adrenaline-filled days, you may be looking for a chill one at Freedom Park.

You can picnic, play sports, or stroll around the lake, and you'll often find outdoor yoga classes, live music, and other happenings.

Tip: Parking can be hard to find on Saturdays because of the athletic events at the park, so it might be easier to visit during the week.