I have visited the Raptor Center several times since moving to Charlotte. The first few times were great- it was a quiet, but informative place. A place to go and commune with nature and enjoy the beauty of the birds. The last time I went they had turned it into some sort of "Guardians of Gahoole" rip-off. Kids were running around screaming and the set-up was terrible. The birds were all hiding in the back of their cages due to the noise level in the place (I wished I could have joined them) and it was hard to see them, much less enjoy the experience.

The changes they have made are unfortunate and take away from the atmosphere. Unless you want to deal with screaming, unruly kids and pay a grip of money to see a few tailfeathers, spend your money elsewhere.

Up close and personal with a wide range of birds. Hawks, falcons, vultures, owls, eagles, etc. Very good signing. Very visitor friendly.

I follow their eagle cam once eagle mating season gets going and always said I'd visit if I were in the area (I'm from Washington DC area). Well, I was and I did. The trail is really nice and easy to follow, lots of signage to explain each raptor and how they came to be at the Center. Not too much information, but enough to give you the basics of the species and short story of each raptor there. It looks like they are doing a bit to improve or build some areas more specific to children. It's already child friendly, but looked like they were adding to it.

What a wonderful sanctuary. Manicured grounds, humanely treated rapors, educational gift shop/book store. A delight for kids and adults...and a nice outdoor park-like setting.