Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: 1/29-1/31

Another fantastic weekend in the Queen City. There are many great events and since the weather is not supposed to be all that great, why not check out one of the fantastic plays by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. This group really does a fantastic job and my kids have loved everything they have seen. Don’t forget that Groundhog Day is on Tuesday, go see Queen Charlotte at the Nature Museum. Have a very Smarty weekend and get out and enjoy.

“The Emperor’s New Clothes”
ImaginOn
January 29-31, Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 11:00am; Sun., 2:00pm
This Grey Seal Puppets production uses playful puppetry and a cast of animal characters to give a whole new dimension to Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story. The Emperor just happens to be a pig; the crafty tailors are foxes; the prime minister a near-sighted camel; and the councilor, a befuddled old walrus. Even the audience takes part, as animals, of course. Recommended for preschool and elementary ages. Cost is $12-$14.

Friday Flick
Morrison Regional Library
January 29, 4:00pm
Please join us for a special viewing of Disney’s Jungle Book – complete with popcorn! Families welcome. Registration required. Call 704-416-5421. Cost is free.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
ImaginOn
January 29-31, check for times
Peter Hatcher’s life sure seems complicated for a 9-year-old. One of his biggest problems is dealing with his impossible little brother Fudge. Based on the best-selling book by perennial favorite author Judy Blume, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” is a hilarious portrait of family life guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Recommended for elementary and middle school students. Cost is $18-$24.

The Aluminum Show
Knight Theater
January 29, 7:30pm
A blended visual theater, dance, puppetry, illusion and special effects show for the whole family. Children under age 14 get a free ticket with a paying adult. Child’s ticket free with full-price adult ticket. (I have heard fantastic things about this show)

Your House, My House
ImaginOn
January 28-April 25
Journey into the homes of people around the world, through a traveling exhibition created by the Children’s Museum of Memphis. Explore how landscape, climate, resources, culture and lifestyle determine the way a house functions and what it looks like. Three model homes: a Mongolian herder’s ger, an m’bure from the tropics of Fiji and a stilt house from a Malaysian fishing village are featured. Hands-on activities throughout the gallery will encourage visitors to design their own houses, construct houses of different materials and compare and contrast houses from different parts of the world. Cost is free.

Living History Day and Brattonsville by Firelight
Historic Brattonsville, 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells, SC
January 30, 10:00am-7:00pm
Have you ever considered life without fire? For those who inhabited the Carolina Backcountry in the 18th century, fire was a matter of life or death. Costumed interpreters demonstrate the role fire played in the lives of those who came before us, from smoking meat in the smokehouse to cooking and washing laundry. After the sun goes down, torches and musket fire will light up the night. Cost is $6 adults, $3 youth 4-17, free 3 and younger.

Moonlight Owl Prowl
McDowell Nature Center
January 30, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Enjoy a leisurely hike with the family to explore the nature preserve and uncover the secrets of the season. Cost is free.

Behind the Scenes, Animal care
Reedy Creek Nature Center
January 30, 10:00am-11:30am
Curious about what goes on behind the scenes with our animal collection? Is your child interested in a career with animals? Join a naturalist and discover how we care for our animals. Ages 10 and older. You must register online.

Survival of the fittest: A lesson from nature
Reedy Creek Nature Center
January 30, 1:00pm-2:00pm
How do the trees and wildlife survive the dormant winter? What lesson can we learn from this? Join us as we hike and discuss survival in the forest! For ages 5 and older.

Heart Shape Frame Make-It Take-It
Michaels
January 30, 10:00am-1:00pm
Create a thoughtful frame for your sweetheart or loved one. Add your favorite picture for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. While Supplies Last. Purchase of a $1 Frame. At most participating Michaels locations.

Get Ready for Groundhogs
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve: Latta Plantation Nature Center
January 31, 2:00pm
Groundhog’s Day is Tuesday! Learn the facts about this cute ground-dwelling mammal and whether it really can predict winter’s end.

Groundhog Day
Charlotte Nature Museum
February 2, 3:00pm
Will it be an early a spring or six more weeks of wintery weather? Join us for our annual celebration featuring resident groundhog, Queen Charlotte. Don’t miss the live Shadow Check at precisely 4:30 p.m.