Who said that you have to be outside to have fun? Whether it's rainy, gloomy, or an extremely hot day, there are still plenty of ways to have fun in Lake Norman. We listed our favorite activities to get you out of the house and make the best of your day!
Retail Shops & Downtown Finds
There’s nothing better than relaxing in bed reading your favorite book with the rain gently falling outside your window. Out of books to read? Main Street Books offers the best selection of books for all ages and interests. This charming and cozy shop even offers a sitting area if you can’t wait to dive into your next book. There is plenty of shopping to be done around here, whether that's in Downtown Davidson at places like The Village Store, in Downtown Cornelius at establishments like Sweet Magnolia, or at one of the many great shops at Birkdale Village in Huntersville.
The Village Store
Break out of an escape room
The best way to escape bad weather, you ask? Do an escape room. Solve puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategy to unlock your way to freedom! Escape 109 features two exciting rooms, "Lollipops and Lemon Drops" and "Derailed. It's located in the heart of Davidson just steps away from Main Street Books and the famous Kindred Restaurant. Another great option is United Escapes of America in Cornelius where you can discover the secrets of Aladdin, walk the grounds of Uwharrie Forest for a Bigfoot encounter or learn the truth of the Pirate's Keep!
Beer hop around town
The craft beer scene in Lake Norman has ramped up the last few years. Lost Worlds has become a fun spot for a couple of beers and live music. They have unique artifacts from around the world hanging on the walls to create the perfect environment. Just 10 minutes away from Lost Worlds, you'll find Ass Clown, Eleven Lakes and D9 Brewing, all within a 1-mile radius. Eleven Lakes also brings in live music performers just about every weekend as well as countless happenings throughout the week to keep you busy. King Canary just opened in October and offers something new, but if you are a sour beer aficionado, D9 is for you, as they are known for their sours. They also have several seasonal beer options depending on the time of year!
Primal Brewery, 760 Craftworks and Neoteric rounds out the seven local breweries in the lakeside of Charlotte. You can't miss Primal's cool wooden totem standing by the road, and they consistently have food trucks on-site and a fun atmosphere to gather with friends. If it's your first time checking out any of the breweries, we recommend getting a flight to sample several of their brews. Have fun hopping around town with our Beer and Wine Trail Map!
Enjoy a glass (or bottle) of wine
Enjoy some Exclusive Wines, Custom Cocktails/Beers & bites at the lake, and a very relaxed atmosphere! Lake Norman Wine Cottage has quickly become one of the favorite spots for Lake Norman wine connoisseurs desiring a unique concept with an old-fashioned, homey feel. It's a wine shop within a shop! One side of the business caters to tasting and trying new wines, offering the best homemade cookies, the other side carries gifts to purchase! The Wine Room is always offering current releases and new arrival wines.
Family Fun - Arcade, bowling, and more
Lake Norman's largest amusement park features more than 100 different arcade games along with bowling, laser tag, virtual reality games, and an indoor drop zone. It's the largest Frankie's in the Carolinas! Adults 21+ can grab mixed drinks or beer from the bar or if you're feeling a bit hungry, you can grab a bite to eat from their full-service cafe. You'll want to keep this spot in mind as you plan birthday parties, celebrations, or your next night out. Don't forget to try Dive Bar the next time you're out as well. Located in the bustling area of Shops On The Green, Dive Bar Cornelius is LKN's newest late-night spot! It's open 6 days a week until 2 am, so stop by whenever! If you're looking for a fun place to take your younger children, Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville is the perfect spot. It's a great learning-based activity to keep the kids engaged while having a great time. There are even live shows to further enhance the kiddos' experience!
Frankie's of Charlotte
Spare Time Entertainment
Head to the Northern Regional Recreation Center to get active inside! This is a state-of-the-art facility that includes a fitness area, athletic courts, an indoor pool with a waterslide and more! So no matter the weather, you can enjoy time with the whole family. This center is open to the public and daily pool pass pricing starts at $8/person, however the pool is closed until March for repairs.
Spare Time Entertainment is another great spot to have some fun! In addition to bowling, they have arcade games, laser tag, and four escape rooms. If you get a little hungry, then you can enjoy their full-service restaurant and bar.
Urban Air Adventure Park is a great spot to burn off some young energy. This trampoline park is full of attractions like a drop zone, tumble track, bumper cars, sky rider, ropes course, climbing walls, VR games, slam dunk, and more. If you get hungry stop by the indoor cafe with pizza, snacks, ice cream and drinks. Ninja Nation is the leading provider of world-class obstacle course arenas across the country and has now come to Lake Norman to see who is up for the challenge! Its great for kids as well!
Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park
Ninja Nation
Find comfort food
Rainy days call for great food and even better company. Bring your close ones around and satisfy your cravings with quality food at any of the waterfront restaurants. Cornelius is home to brand new Lakehouse Wine Bar and Grille and Hello, Sailor both offering a distinct yet welcoming atmosphere. Even with rainy weather, you're able to sit in their covered patios enjoying a delicious meal with stunning views. The lake itself is beautiful even with an overcast.
Birkdale Village in Huntersville is the perfect place for restaurants! With over 20 dining options, you can find the perfect restaurant for any day and any craving.
Downtown Davidson's Main Street, aka Restaurant Row, is home to Kindred Restaurant, Soda Shop, and Mestizo's. Kindred is the popular sister restaurant to Hello, Sailor. Joe Kindred is a 5-time James Beard semifinalist and locally sources the freshest ingredients. Because it's farm-to-table, Kindred changes its menu on a weekly basis providing you an opportunity to try something new each time you visit.
Soda Shop offers a nostalgic experience with historic town images and newspaper clippings on the walls. The booths and tile flooring brings you back to the golden days and their menu is sure to please. Their Philly Cheesesteak and curly fries are a local favorite and definitely worth the try! A few doors down, you'll find Mestizo Contemporary Mexican Restaurant. If you're looking for a recommendation, their Tacos Al Pastor are a local favorite.
Satisfy your sweet tooth
On a dull rainy day, rich delicious desserts are a must. Whether you love chocolate, cupcakes, pies, bundt cakes, or anything in between you'll find it here. Swing by Nothing Bundt Cakes in Huntersville or grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate to pair at Coffee Republic in Cornelius. Birkdale Village's new dessert pleaser, Mon Macaron is also must-try for french treats. If you like dessert drinks and boba tea of all kinds, be sure to check out Tsaocaa. Their ingredients are all meant to offer the sweet treat of boba tea in a healthier light, so treat yourself without the guilt!
Tempo Golf Simulator
Try Out a Golf Simulator
Don't let a rainy or cold day stop you from getting a round of golf out on the course! With golf simulators, you can play a round at Pebble Beach or Augusta like you're in the Masters without ever leaving Lake Norman.
Tempo Golf Club in Huntersville invites golfers of all skill levels to play at one of their 650+ courses from around the globe to choose from! Hook It Golf in Huntersville offers a relaxed atmosphere to hit the virtual driving range to see how far you hit your driver, as well as virtual courses from around the world to get a round in!
The Range at Lake Norman
The Range at Lake Norman offers safety training and coaching for handling firearms. With the knowledgeable and kind staff, you are sure to have a comfortable yet memorable experience. Adults of all ages are encouraged to learn and practice firearm safety, so if you are looking to fire up a gloomy day, this activity is sure to keep you busy!
Just because there is bad weather, doesn't mean you have to stay inside and do nothing all day. There’s so many fun and exciting activities to do in Lake Norman even if the sun isn’t shining. Be sure to check out our Weather blog to get a better idea of what it's like year-round at the lake. Tag us in your indoor adventures on social media @VisitLakeNorman!
