Thinking about moving to Gaston County or already living in Gastonia? This charming city of 80,000 is proof you don’t need to be in the big city to enjoy world-class amenities and outdoor attractions. Gastonia and the greater Gaston County area is part of the Charlotte metro area and known for its gorgeous parks, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions. Get inspired to explore your community: here are 23 of the best things to do in Gastonia NC, and surrounding Gaston County for adults, kids, and couples.
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Great Parks in Gastonia NC & Gaston County
Looking for free things to do in Gastonia, NC? Start with the region’s best parks! You’ll find everything from imaginative playgrounds and horseshoe courts to sand volleyball, hiking, and kayaking in the state and city parks in Gastonia North Carolina.
#1. Climb, dig & imagine @ Martha Rivers Park (Gastonia)
This 48-acre Gastonia park is one of the best Gaston County parks for families, with a Youth Sports Complex, horseshoe courts, sand volleyball, and a one-acre park built by volunteers and designed by kids. The wooden playground structure has several levels of fun with a fort, race car, ship, slides, swings, dinosaur dig pit, and more with interconnecting catwalks and ramps.
Martha Rivers Park, 1515 Neal Hawkins Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056 (704) 866-6839
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#2. Swim, splash & float @ Lineberger Park (Gastonia)
Lineberger Park was the first park in the city and within walking distance of downtown Gastonia. There are more than 18 acres of open green space, mature trees, and recreation amenities to enjoy. Stroll along the Avon/Catawba Creek Greenway cutting through the park and enjoy a picnic while the kids play in the playground and ride the miniature train.
Lineberger Park is one of the top things to do in Gastonia NC in the summer. The Lineberger Park swimming pool is a mini water park with zero-depth entry, a lazy river, waterslide, lap swimming, splash features, and aqua domes. There’s even a concession stand, lounge chairs for rent, and clean changing rooms. Admission is just $4 per person, and the pool can be rented for parties. There are also two Lineberger Park splash pads open during the summer!
Lineberger Park, 632 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 866-6839
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#3. Take a scenic hike @ Crowders Mountain State Park (Kings Mountain)
Just on the outskirts of Gastonia in Kings Mountain is the 5,217-acre Crowders Mountain State Park, home to The Pinnacle and Crowder’s Mountain peaks. There are miles of hiking trails to fantastic viewpoints and the Ridgeline Trail, which connects to the Kings Mountain State Park in South Carolina. There’s fishing and paddling at the Sparrow Springs access, rock climbing at Linwood, and bouldering at the Boulders access point.
Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 (704) 853-5375
#4. Go fishing, boating & pedal boating @ Rankin Lake Park (Gastonia)
One of the crown jewels of the Gastonia Parks and Recreation Department, a visit to Rankin Lake Park is one of the best things to do in Gastonia this weekend with the whole family. The lake clubhouse offers a warming kitchen, restrooms, and space for rentals. The park offers disc golf, picnic areas, horseshoe courts, trails, Kaylor Creek boardwalks, and lake activities like fishing piers and rentals of pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and jon boats.
Rankin Lake Park, 1750 Rankin Lake Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 866-6849
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#5. Play disc golf @ the Bradley Center and Park (Gastonia)
The Bradley Community Center & Park is one of many great community amenities in Gastonia with programs throughout the year like cheerleading, martial arts, STEM programs, and athletics. The park features not only lighted tennis courts and a playground but also an 18-hole disc golf course.
Bradley Community Center, 1200 Modena St, Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 866-6847
What to Do in Gastonia NC for Outdoor Adventure
The great outdoors is one of the best things Gastonia and Gaston County have to offer! Here are some ways to enjoy nature while exploring fun outdoor attractions near Gastonia NC.
#1. Go tubing @ The Chutes at Crowders Springs (Gastonia)
Crowders Camps operates two retreat centers and camps at the base of Gastonia’s Crowders Mountain. Every winter, one of the most anticipated Gastonia winter activities returns with snowless sledding on the camp’s custom-made dry tubing chute. All the fun of sledding and tubing without the cold!
Chutes at Crowders Springs, 4914 Linwood Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 915-1096
#2. Take a stroll @ Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (Belmont)
One of the top attractions in Gaston County, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden offers 380 acres of lakefront grounds, woodlands, meadows, and manicured gardens to enjoy. There are 30 acres of gardens, including a tropical conservatory, children’s garden, four seasons garden, canal garden, and the white garden.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-4490
#3. Go kayaking @ Aquatic Adventures (Mount Holly)
Whether you’re interested in kayaking as a couple or with the family or you’re interested in a group kayaking trip, Aquatic Adventures delivers fun on the water with everything you need to kayak the Catawba River.
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#4. Unwind @ HangTime Golf (Gastonia)
HangTime Golf is more than just a driving range; it’s a fun experience for families and friends! HangTime has a full bar and kitchen with regular drink specials, contests, and competitive games.
HangTime Golf, 3119 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056 (980) 550-3013
#5. Enjoy a festival @ Dallas Lavender Lane Farm (Dallas)
Dallas Lavender Lane is a family-owned lavender farm and a fun place to visit for the whole family. Enjoy lavender lemonade slushies and lavender-infused products, and be sure to visit during one of the regular festivals. The biggest event is Hippie Daze in May, with vendors, live music, and more, while Bloom Fest in June is the best time to see the lavender fields in full bloom.
Dallas Lavender Lane Farm, LLC, 937 Old Willis School Rd, Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 240-0906
#6. Learn how to scuba dive @ Sun’s Up Scuba (Belmont)
Looking for something different to do? Sun’s Up Scuba is a dive shop and scuba school in Belmont where you can learn to scuba dive and get your open water certification. They have youth programs and even organize travel for diving.
Sun’s Up Scuba, 900 S Fork Village Dr G-01, Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 829-3455
#7. See the lights @ Christmastown USA (McAdenville)
Christmas Town USA in McAdenville draws in 600,000 visitors every year with a half-mile route featuring over 375 decorated trees. It’s been ranked one of the Best Public Holiday Lights Displays in the USA!
Christmastown USA, 212 Wesleyan Dr, McAdenville, NC 28101 (704) 824-3190
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#8. Shop for fresh, local produce @ the Gastonia Farmers Market
Open year-round, the indoor Gastonia Farmers Market features only 100% vendor-produced goods with locally grown and made vegetables, fruits, and artisan goods.
Gastonia Farmers Market, 410 E Long Ave, Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 853-0049
Fun Indoor Things to Do in Gastonia NC
Want to stay out of the sun or enjoy rainy day activities? Here are some suggestions for what to do in Gastonia NC when the weather isn’t cooperating.
#1. Play mini-golf @ Adventure Landing Gastonia
The ultimate destination for family-friendly fun, Adventure Landing has mini-golf, arcade games, batting cages, and more.
Adventure Landing Gastonia, 2600 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28056 (704) 866-4242
#2. Play a round of indoor mini-golf @ Monster Golf (Gastonia)
One of the most fun things to do in Gastonia NC, Monster Golf is themed, glow-in-the-dark indoor miniature golf for the entire family. There’s even indoor bowling, laser tag, and arcade games!
Monster Mini Golf Gastonia, 3924 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28056 (704) 879-7794
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#3. Jump and play @ Altitude Trampoline Park (Gastonia)
A favorite for birthday parties, Altitude is an indoor trampoline park with 30,000 square feet of trampolines, tumble track, foam pit, and Kid’s Court for small kids. Locals can enjoy unlimited visits with memberships starting at $10/month.
Altitude Trampoline Park, 3940 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28056 (704) 550-4709
#4. Go bowling @ Liberty Lanes (Gastonia)
Liberty Lanes is a 32-lane bowling center with cosmic and bumper bowling, parties, and league bowling for all skills and ages.
George Pappas’ Liberty Lanes, 2501 S York Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 868-2695
Educational & Cultural Things to Do in Gastonia
It isn’t all about excitement and thrills: here are educational things to do in Gastonia, NC for adults and kids, including theaters and museums.
#1. See a show @ The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium (Gastonia)
The Schiele Museum focuses on the regional landscape and wildlife with a nature trail and planetarium. It’s one of the best things to do with kids in Gastonia NC, with interactive children’s exhibits, an outdoor maze, and a seasonal Catawba Indian Village.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium, 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 866-6900
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#2. Explore local art and culture @ African American Museum of History & Culture (Gastonia)
This new Gastonia museum is one of the best things to do in NC to learn about Black history in North Carolina and explore Black and African American art.
African American Museum of History & Culture, 300 S Firestone St suite P, Gastonia, NC 28052 (980) 888-4005
#3. Catch a concert @ Arts at the Abbey (Belmont)
Arts at the Abbey is a free concert series at Belmont Abbey’s Basilica. Local, national, and international musicians present free concerts to share cultural experiences with Belmont Abbey students and the community.
Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont Mt Holly Rd, Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 461-6700
#4. Try a community program @ the Erwin Community Center (Gastonia)
Gastonia recreation centers have more to offer than recreation; you can also sign up for clubs and classes to learn new skills. The Erwin Community Center offers everything from youth cooking classes and babysitting classes to senior citizen programs and card playing groups.
Erwin Center, 913 N Pryor St, Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 866-6844
#5. Catch a baseball game @ CaroMont Health Park (Gastonia)
The new CaroMont Health Park stadium is the home of the Gastonia Honey Hunters, a team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. You’ll love catching spring baseball games at the local ballpark!
CaroMont Health Park, 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 874-1810
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#6. See a show @ Little Theater of Gastonia
Chartered in 1950, the Little Theater of Gastonia presents a main season from spring to fall, with a youth program during the summer. Catch a musical or play at your local theater!
Little Theater of Gastonia, 238 S Clay St, Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 865-0160
Now that you know just how exciting life in Gaston County can be, are you planning to move to the area? Make a Move can help with a stress-free move. Call our dependable Gastonia movers today to get started with a free, personalized moving quote!
