ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center

ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center is one of Charlotte's most underrated family destinations and arguably the best use of a free afternoon in the city. Located at 300 E 7th St in Uptown Charlotte, it houses a purpose-built children's library and professional theater complex designed exclusively for young people — and it does both things exceptionally well.

The library floors (Spangler Children's Library and the StoryLab) are free to visit and far exceed what most people picture when they hear "children's library." Instead of rows of books behind shushing librarians, you'll find interactive storytelling installations, technology stations where kids can create digital stories, imaginative display areas themed around books and characters, and a genuine energy that mirrors a children's museum more than a traditional quiet library. Young children explore freely while parents browse or relax — it's one of the few places in Charlotte where supervision feels genuinely low-stress because the environment is so purposefully designed for kids.

The theater side of ImaginOn presents professional productions specifically written and performed for young audiences. These are not dumbed-down performances — they're crafted with care by the Charlotte Repertory Children's Theatre and visiting companies, and the quality regularly surprises parents who expected something more like a school play. Shows run throughout the year and typically cost $10–$20 per ticket.

For budget-conscious families, the library floors provide substantial value at zero cost. The theater requires ticket purchase but remains affordable relative to most ticketed family entertainment. The combination — free library exploration followed by a ticketed afternoon show — makes for a complete and enriching day without financial stress.

The free parking deck adjacent to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is convenient. The 7th Street Public Market, one block away, offers an excellent post-visit lunch option with kid-friendly variety.