Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: 7/31-8/02

After some technical glitches, here is Smarty Scoop. This weekend I am highlighting a day of activity at ImaginOn for all ages. My kids love a day out at ImaginOn, a visit to Discovery Place or just wonder around downtown to see the sites. Of course, the favorite way to get there is light rail. Hopefully the weather will clear so that you can get out and enjoy the weekend and the great thing is, on a rainy day what better places to go. If you have an event you would like to share with our Smarty readers, please post in comments or email me at Courtenay@charlottesmartypants.com. Have a great weekend!

Discovery Place IMAX Movie – Under the Sea
Discovery Place
July 31-August 2, check website for showtimes
Splash into the sea and explore marvelous marine life in IMAX Under the Sea, a new adventure, transports moviegoers to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth, including South Australia, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Triangle islands of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Through the magic of IMAX, come face-to-face with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea. Discover the habits and habitats of Great White Sharks, Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Leafy Sea Dragons, Giant Stingrays, Jellyfish and Green Sea Turtles and watch as they play out the daily dramas of their lives amidst the vast coral formations of the ocean floor.

Fireside Folklore
Reedy Creek Nature Center
July 31, 7:00pm-8:30pm
How did the bat come to be? Why is the moth referred to as a fire dancer? Come out and relax by the fire as we explore some of these wildlife folklores! Ages 5 and up. Cost is $3-$4. Held at the Amphitheatre.

Party with Monkey Joe’s and Birthday Blessings
Monkey Joe’s: Matthews: 10101-C E. Independence Blvd.; Pineville: 601 N. Polk Street; University: 10215 University City Blvd.; Lake Norman: 20310 Sefton Park Rd.
July 31, 10:00am to 8:00pm
Bring the kids to any of the four Charlotte Monkey Joe’s locations to bounce for Birthday Blessings, a nonprofit organization that throws birthday parties for local homeless children. Birthday Blessings will gladly accept birthday presents, gift cards and party and goody bag supplies, all to benefit children living in seven area shelters and homeless CMS students. Cost is $5 per person.

IMAGINON

Family Fun Time!
July 31, 10:00am, 11:00am, 2:00pm
Stories, music and fun for the whole family!

Cuddle-ups
July 31, 10:30am
Stories for children 3-16 months

Waddlers
July 31, 11:30am
Story time for children 17-24 months.

Kids Club Surprise!
July 31, 3:00pm, 4:00pm
Come explore hands-on fun. Maybe Art? Maybe Technology? Maybe A Mystery? Elementary School Ages

Boogie Woogie Books
August 1, 11:00am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm
Kids can really get their groove on with this program!

Nature: Live Animal Talk
McDowell Nature Center
August 1, 4:00pm-4:30pm
What does a snake feel like? Can turtles trade shells? Explore the secret lives of animals while you get up close and personal with several animals that call McDowell Nature Center, the Preserve, and even your backyard home.

CMPD Pet Adoption
Southpark Mall
August 1, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Held the first Saturday of each month, the public can meet orphaned dogs and cats available for adoption. Shelter staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions.

Living History Sunday
The Charlotte Museum of History
August 02, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Participate in interactive historic demonstrations of colonial skills. Demonstrations are included in regular museum admission, and will take place in various locations around the museum and homesite. Cost is $3-$6.