Thrill-seekers of all ages and comfort zones will love what Mooresville, NC, has to offer when it comes to adventure.
I’m excited to share more of these family-friendly adventures that you can add to your list, less than an hour from Charlotte.
Thanks again to Visit Mooresville for hosting my visit. This article contains affiliate links.
Race to Victory at Trackhouse Motorplex
130 Motorplex Drive in Mooresville, North Carolina (40 minutes from Charlotte)
Thrill seekers will love the adrenaline of pushing the limits at this premium outdoor karting facility.
Trackhouse Motorplex is a great experience for both novice and skilled drivers with professional aspirations.
Karts can reach speeds of 55 mph on the 0.7-mile, 11-turn track, inspired by the historic Kartdromo Parma circuit in Italy.
Racing fans will appreciate that the historic track in Italy played a part in the careers of Formula One drivers Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton.
You don’t need previous go-kart experience to race, but kart renters must be at least 16 years old.
It’s also impressive when you watch the pros race each other on the track. It’s wild to watch how close they hug the corners of the track.
Staff will brief you on the rules and safety regulations before your race, so you feel comfortable with the equipment and know what to expect on the track.
Racers are on the track for a 10-minute session, which is the perfect amount of time in the course, especially on a hot day. On a cold day, it’s recommended for drivers to wear gloves.
I got more confident on the track with each lap as I became more familiar with each turn on the course.
My competitive juices kicked in because I didn’t want to be in last place…and I had another racer slide past me when I slowed down because I thought it was time to head back in.
Pay attention to the time left on the track and your racing position.
I enjoyed seeing how fast I could go on the straightaway and challenging myself to take the turns quicker for each lap.
A rental helmet and neck brace are included with your kart rental.
A headsock must be worn underneath your helmet, and they can be purchased for a fee. Riders must wear closed-toed shoes, and the use of alcohol before driving is prohibited.
All drivers under the age of 18 must have their legal guardian sign the Trackhouse Motorplex Consent Form in person or have it notarized if the legal guardian is unable to accompany the driver.
Drivers are charged per race, with greater savings for multiple races. I’d recommend deciding if you want to do additional races after your first one, and you’ll still save.
Trackhouse Motorplex is open 7 days a week. Race pricing is discounted Monday-Thursday.
If you’re visiting with a group, there are plenty of areas for drivers and observers to watch and relax between races.
There is also a cafe onsite where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink.
Don’t forget to stand on the podium blocks for bragging rights after your race.
Just keep in mind what Ricky Bobby from “Talladega Nights” says, “If ain’t first, you’re last!”
Swing, Jump, and Swim at The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
103 W. Center Ave., Mooresville, NC (39 minutes from Charlotte)
Carrigan Farms offers open swim at The Quarry, a former granite quarry recommended for guests ages 2 and up.
The water in the quarry is 25 ft deep and has an acre and a half in surface area.
The rope swing area is a popular spot where thrill seekers can show off their flipping skills and others can face their fears.
You must be able to complete one overhand grip, dead hang pull-up to go on the rope swing.
I’m grateful for the test pull-up bar that showed me I had no business trying that rope swing.
But it was fun to watch the kids and the adults who did!
This family-friendly quarry requires life jackets for everyone in the water, regardless of age, unless you pass the swim test.
The swim test is available for guests ages 12 and up and includes an assessment of your endurance, treading water, and the quality of your stroke. You must complete the swim test with a lifeguard each visit.
Guests can bring one-person floats/ rafts and chairs, too.
The quarry has areas where you can jump in or gradually go into the water, according to your comfort zone.
Reservations are recommended in advance, especially on the weekends/holidays, and require a non-refundable deposit with the remaining balance paid onsite.
Open swim sessions can sell out, and the restaurant and admission are cash only, so plan ahead.
The Quarry has a bathroom, changing areas, lockers, life jackets, sand volleyball, and concessions for guests.
No outside food or drinks are permitted, but you can dine in the shade of the pavilion next to the quarry with your meal.
You’ll find many fresh, farm-to-table options to choose from on the menu.
During our visit, we enjoyed fresh corn and a frozen drink made with fresh strawberries from the fifth-generation family-owned farm.
Fishing isn’t permitted at The Quarry, but guests with an open swim reservation, who bring their own gear, are allowed to catch and release fish at the two farm ponds during the open swim timeslot.
Carrigan Farms also offers pick-your-own produce experiences, field trips, and seasonal events.
Two-Hour Wake Surfing Lessons with Ride Wake & Surf Co.
114 Bowfin Cir, Mooresville, NC (42 minutes from Charlotte)
When was the last time you tried something for the FIRST time?
I’ve always thought that wake surfing looked fun, but I questioned if my body could realistically do it, especially with my past knee issues.
I decided to face my fears and go first during our lesson with Ride Wake and Surf Co. because I didn’t want to overthink it.
Our instructors, Marty and Wyatt, guided us with each step in the wakesurfing process. They communicated in a way that was easy to understand and so encouraging.
I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to get up on the board so quickly, but it only took a few tries to get to the best part, which is riding the wave.
Everyone in our group was able to get up on the board and experience riding the wave that day.
It was so amazing to actually surf the wave…for any amount of time.
It’s so easy to make excuses for not trying new things as we get older, but I encourage you to embrace the unfamiliar, try it scared, and be okay with looking awkward when you try something new.
I also absolutely LOVED that another rider taking a surf lesson on the lake was in her 70s.
Fear of failure can rob us of so much fun, and I highly recommend this adventure for all ages.
This top-rated charter company also offers wakeboarding, tubing, and cruising experiences for all skill levels and ages.
If you prefer a slower pace or have a split group, you may also want to consider one of their pontoon boat charters.
Reach New Heights at Cliff Hangers
326 Oates Rd, Mooresville, NC (34 minutes from Charlotte)
You can literally climb to new heights at Cliff Hangers.
This rock climbing gym is very impressive from every angle and floor.
Cliff Hangers also has bragging rights with the only indoor 15-meter speed wall in North Carolina.
And there is even a 35-foot outdoor climbing wall accessible on the second floor.
The main floor has 50-foot-tall rock climbing walls with routes for beginners to experts.
Kids can climb too, and there are specially designated areas that are designed just for them.
Day passes and rental gear are available for those who don’t have climbing equipment.
There are several bouldering walls where you can practice your skills without a harness or rope.
The main bouldering wall is 15 feet high and has a variety of handholds.
Non-climbers or those who need a break can enjoy the relaxing space at the Fireplace Lounge on the second floor.
The cafe on the second floor serves snacks, coffee, smoothies, energy drinks, and local craft beer with views of the rock climbing gym.
Where I Stayed in Mooresville, NC
Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/Mooresville
159 Gateway Blvd, Mooresville, NC
(20 minutes from Lake Norman State Park)
I enjoyed a relaxing stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mooresville, which was conveniently located a short drive from area attractions.
The hotel has an indoor pool, a fitness center, and free parking. Their restaurant has all-day dining, including made-to-order breakfast for a fee, and the Pavilion Pantry is stocked with snacks.
Golfers can practice on the putting green at the hotel, too.
