There are no more trolley rides, it has been replaces by the light rail system. However, you can use the light rail to get to the trolley museum. This is a free museum. It is very small, just one large room, but they have a restored trolley inside as well as pictures and memorabilia. You can get inside the car and take pictures wearing a conductor hat. It is a fun museum to stop in and spend 20 minutes. They have limited hours and you can rent it out for special events. The staff was extremly friendly and knowledgable.
Kids love riding on the vintage trolley from the Historic South End up to (or past) ImaginOn on 7th Street. It just runs on the weekend, and is a fun way to get into the city for weekend activities. Learn about each stop on the website http://www.charlottetrolley.org/. There's even a trolley museum, where you can see trolleys that played a part in Charlotte's past (and maybe future.)