Frankie's of Charlotte

Frankie's of Charlotte in Huntersville is the kind of place kids will ask to go by name — and with good reason. This large family entertainment complex brings together go-karts, laser tag, bowling, mini golf, a video arcade, and a food court into one destination that can genuinely occupy families for several hours without anyone running out of things to do.

The outdoor go-kart track is the centerpiece attraction, and it shows in the wait times — on weekend evenings, expect 20–45 minutes in line. The track is real, the karts have genuine speed for older kids and teens, and the experience feels more like an actual racing experience than a slow amusement ride. Minimum height and age requirements apply, so verify in advance if you have younger kids.

For the non-go-kart crowd, the options are plentiful. Laser tag is always a hit with the 7–13 set, bowling can absorb groups of mixed ages with less physical intensity, and the arcade has enough variety to keep kids busy between main attractions. Little kids in the 5–7 range often gravitate toward the softer arcade games and mini golf rather than the go-karts.

Food court offerings are exactly what you'd expect from a family entertainment complex — pizza, hot dogs, nachos — functional rather than memorable. If you're budget-conscious, eating before you arrive and just grabbing drinks during the visit saves $20–$30 easily.

Pricing is a la carte by activity, which means costs add up quickly if kids want to do everything. Activity bundles on the Frankie's website offer notably better value — bookmark the promotions page before visiting. Weekday afternoons (especially Monday through Thursday after school) offer shorter waits and sometimes discounted pricing.

Birthday parties are a major part of Frankie's business, so on weekend evenings expect a festive, louder-than-typical environment. If your family prefers a calmer experience, the Friday afternoon sweet spot (opens at noon) tends to hit the balance of open + uncrowded.