ImaginOn
A vibrant hub where a free library meets a professional children's theatre, sparking imagination and learning for kids.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
ImaginOn
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub where a free library meets a professional children's theatre, sparking imagination and learning for kids.
"This is a gem in the city. You can make a day of it. Take the train with your child, come here to this fabulous free library and go around the corner for lunch."
🚗 Parking Validation
Get 90 mins free parking with validation! Park in the 7th Street Market garage for validation with coffee/lunch.
🎭 Book Theatre Tickets
Shows at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte are popular. Book tickets in advance to secure your spot!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Curious George Exhibit
Main exhibit area
Interactive play and learning zones inspired by the beloved monkey, perfect for little explorers.
Children's Theatre of Charlotte
Inside ImaginOn
Engaging and professional live performances designed for young audiences, offering a magical theatrical experience.
Interactive Learning Spaces
Various zones throughout the library
Hands-on exhibits and creative areas that encourage exploration, building, and imaginative play for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
+1Beyond the Books
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Validation
Get 90 mins free parking with validation! Park in the 7th Street Market garage for validation with coffee/lunch.
🎭 Book Theatre Tickets
Shows at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte are popular. Book tickets in advance to secure your spot!
📚 Explore All Zones
Don't miss the teen room and various interactive play areas beyond just the books!
📅 Check Event Schedule
ImaginOn hosts story times, workshops, and special events. Plan your visit around these activities!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Validation
Get 90 mins free parking with validation! Park in the 7th Street Market garage for validation with coffee/lunch.
🎭 Book Theatre Tickets
Shows at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte are popular. Book tickets in advance to secure your spot!
📚 Explore All Zones
Don't miss the teen room and various interactive play areas beyond just the books!
📅 Check Event Schedule
ImaginOn hosts story times, workshops, and special events. Plan your visit around these activities!
🚇 Consider Public Transit
Taking the train to Uptown Charlotte can be a convenient alternative to dealing with parking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
ImaginOn is widely praised as a gem in Charlotte, offering a free, engaging, and imaginative space for children. Visitors love the interactive exhibits, vast book collection, and the added bonus of the Children's Theatre. However, some guests have expressed frustration with the parking fees and a few have reported negative experiences regarding inclusivity and staff attentiveness.
"Parking here is a scam. Came for summer camp play. Was charged $20 for 2 hours. 90 min was supposed to validated and then $5 per half hour. Was overcharged and they wouldn’t let me out unless I paid the full 20. Took pics of the signs and will be disputing the charge."
Tali Zessi
"My granddaughter loved this place. We had such a great time visiting."
Hope
"This is a gem in the city. You can make a day of it. Take the train with your child, come here to this fabulous free library and go around the corner for lunch. Our toddler loved it here. It’s nice, clean, free and fun. What an amazing place for children."
Ruby Scales
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
ImaginOn is located at 307 E 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors recommend using public transportation like the train to reach Uptown Charlotte, which can be more convenient than parking.
Yes, there is parking available. The library offers 90 minutes of free parking with validation. However, rates can increase significantly after that, with weekday parking costing $5 per 30 minutes (max $30) and weekend parking a flat $10 after validation. Some visitors suggest parking in the 7th Street Market garage and getting validation with a purchase.
Absolutely! Taking the train to Uptown Charlotte is a popular and often recommended option for visiting ImaginOn, helping to avoid parking hassles.
Parking rates are: 90 minutes free with validation. Weekdays: $5 every 30 minutes after validation (Max: $30). Weekends: $10 flat fee after validation. Lost tickets incur a higher fee.
Yes, ImaginOn is designed to be very family-friendly and is generally considered stroller-friendly, with ample space to navigate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ImaginOn library itself is free to enter and explore. However, tickets are required for performances at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte, though they are generally considered affordable.
Entry to the library and its interactive exhibits is free. You only need to purchase tickets if you plan to see a show at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte.
ImaginOn is typically open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 8 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book tickets for the Children's Theatre of Charlotte plays in advance, especially for popular shows, to ensure availability.
ImaginOn often features special exhibits, such as the popular Curious George exhibit, which offers interactive and educational fun for children.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
ImaginOn offers a wealth of activities for kids, including interactive exhibits like the Curious George play area, a vast collection of books, art classes, and live performances by the Children's Theatre of Charlotte.
Yes, ImaginOn has regular story times for toddlers and young children. It's a popular activity, so check the schedule for daily timings.
ImaginOn is very toddler-friendly, with dedicated play areas, story times, and engaging exhibits designed for young children.
ImaginOn is primarily designed for children aged 0-18, with specific areas and programming catering to different age groups, from toddlers to teens.
Yes, ImaginOn includes a dedicated teen room with resources and activities tailored for older children and adolescents.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
ImaginOn does not have a full-service restaurant. However, there are often vending machines available, and visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy in designated areas.
Yes, there are several dining options in the Uptown Charlotte area near ImaginOn. The 7th Street Public Market is a popular spot with various food vendors, and many other restaurants are within walking distance.
Visitors are generally permitted to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy within ImaginOn, though it's best to consume them in designated areas to keep the exhibits clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed at ImaginOn for personal use, especially in the library areas. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in exhibit areas or during performances.
Photography, especially with flash, is typically not allowed during theatre performances to avoid disturbing the actors and audience. Check with the venue staff for specific policies.
ImaginOn's colorful and imaginative design offers many great photo opportunities, from the interactive exhibits to the unique architecture. The Curious George exhibit is particularly popular for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Don't miss the daily story times, which are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. +1 The entire library is designed with little ones in mind, making it a safe and engaging place to explore. Remember to check the parking situation to make your visit as smooth as possible. 💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
🎭 Theatre Enthusiasts
They offer high-quality, engaging productions specifically for young audiences. It's recommended to book your tickets in advance as popular shows can sell out quickly. Combine a theatre visit with exploring the library for a full day of creative immersion.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual Nature of ImaginOn: Library and Theatre
+1This dual focus means visitors can spend an entire day immersed in creative activities. You can borrow books, participate in story times, and then catch a matinee performance, all under one roof. The facility itself is designed to be inspiring, with vibrant colors and imaginative layouts that appeal to children of all ages.
It's important to note that while the library is free, tickets are required for theatre shows. Planning your visit to include both aspects can offer a comprehensive and enriching experience for families.
Navigating Parking and Access
To mitigate parking costs, many recommend utilizing the 7th Street Market garage, where a purchase can validate your parking for a longer period. Alternatively, considering public transportation, such as the train to Uptown Charlotte, is a popular strategy to avoid parking fees and the stress of finding a spot altogether.
When planning your visit, factor in the parking situation. If you intend to stay for an extended period, exploring alternative transport or budgeting for parking fees is advisable. The convenience of the location is undeniable, but understanding the parking nuances can significantly enhance your visit.
+1Community and Inclusivity at ImaginOn
Despite these isolated incidents, the core mission of ImaginOn is to provide a safe, enriching, and accessible environment for every child. The library's design and programming are geared towards fostering creativity and learning for a diverse audience.
For families with children with disabilities, it's advisable to communicate any specific needs in advance if possible, or to be prepared to advocate for a positive experience. The majority of visitors find ImaginOn to be a welcoming and valuable resource for their families.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit