Kannapolis’ Village Park, 700 West C Street, Kannapolis, North Carolina, is well worth the drive from Charlotte (it’s 38 miles to the northeast) for the unique, affordable, kid-friendly attractions.
Village Park’s Carousel and the Rotary Express Train are about to open for the 2026 season.
April 4 to May 23: Weekends only
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sundays: 12 to 6 p.m.
Then, from May 23 to August 15, 2026, they’ll be open daily. The splash pad will also open daily from May 23 to August 15.
Photo: City of Kannapolis
What makes the carousel and train so special?
The Carousel is the only double decker carousel in North Carolina. It was manufactured in Italy and features 1,800 lights and hand-painted Venetian murals.
Photo: City of Kannapolis
The Rotary Express Train is a g-24 scale replica CP Huntington engine with three coaches.
Tickets for the train and carousel are only $1.50 each.
The park also features an amphitheater, playground and walking trails. There’s an ice cream place, The Sweetest Thing, across the street, at 823 West C Street.
