Happy (cold) Wednesday Smarties. After a few days stuck at home, it will be great to seek out some family fun in our hopefully thawing city. People are raving about Discovery Place KIDS in Huntersville, take the kiddos and check it out! It is also a holiday weekend and Uptown is host to the MLK Parade. Parks and Rec. is kicking it into high gear and has really great programming for all ages. I visited the Mint Uptown on Sunday with my family and we had a fantastic time. Take the Light Rail and visit for Sunday Fun Days. Get out and enjoy!!
Butterfly Pavilion
Charlotte Nature Museum
Exhibit now open, Museum Hours are Tues.-Fri., 9:00am-5:00pm; Sat., 10:00am-5:00pm; Sun., noon-5:00pm
Walk among free-flying butterflies. Watch butterflies grow in the chrysalis’ house and get close when they land to taste their favorite flowers with their feet. Cost is $6, members free.
Critters in Winter
McDowell Nature Center
January 14, 10:30am-11:15am
Join us with your preschooler as we read a fabulous animal tale and then enjoy crafts and activities related to winter critters. Ages 3-5. Cost is $3. Call McDowell Nature Center, 704-588-5224 for more information.
Kids Night in Nature: Astronomy
McDowell Nature Center
January 14, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Have a night to yourself and leave the kids with us. With winter upon us we will enjoy a indoor campfire with stories about the sky above followed by some stargazing and an astronomy craft. Dinner will be provided. Ages 7-13. Cost is $15. For more information call McDowell Nature Center at 704.588.5224.
NASCAR Hall of Fame Open House
NASCAR Hall of Fame
January 8-14, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Haven’t had a chance to check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame yet? Well here’s the perfect opportunity. The Hall is hosting a free open house where you can experience 150,000 square-feet of high octane fun!
Charlotte Folk Society Gathering featuring Bluegrass by The Snyder Family
Great Aunt Stella Center
January 14, 7:30pm-10:00pm
Price: Free; donations appreciated
The Snyder Family showcases prodigious talents of siblings Zeb (age 15) and Samantha (age 11). Zeb won first place in the Adult Guitar Competition at Mt. Airy in 2009. Samantha won the title “Fiddler of the Festival” at Union Grove in 2008, the youngest ever. Doors open at 7 PM. Free; donations appreciated. Free parking. Refreshments, song circle, jam sessions, and lap dulcimer club follow the hour-long concert.
Chicken Day
Charlotte Nature Museum
January 15, 10:00am-1:00pm
Join Charlotte Nature Museum for Chicken Day. Meet live species of this domesticated animal that is a popular pet and food source. The event will include a special craft and story time.
MLK Parade
9th and Tryon streets to MLK and Tryon streets
January 15, 11:00am
On Dr. King’s actual birthday, January 15, a brief but symbolic wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the MLK statue in Marshall Park at 10am, kicking off the annual celebration. On the same day, the City of Charlotte will host the MLK Holiday Parade which starts at 9th and North Tryon streets and ends at Martin Luther King Boulevard and North Tryon Street. Crowds of 3,000 or more are expected to come out and enjoy the floats, high school and university marching bands, steppers, community organizations, performers and VIP guests.
Nature Nook: Owl Moon
Latta Plantation Nature Center
January 15, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Listen to the story, make a craft and learn all about nature in this monthly offering. Ages 3-8. Cost is $2.
Letterboxing
McDowell Nature Center
January 15, 1:00pm-2:30pm
Join us for a letterboxing hike and discover how your family can participate in this modern day treasure hunt at parks throughout the Charlotte region. Letterboxing journal and stamp included in price. All ages. Cost is $3. For more information call McDowell Nature Center at 704.588.5224.
Sunday Fun Days: Glass Magic
Mint Museum Uptown
January 16, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Third Sundays are family-time at the Mint Museum Uptown! Every Sunday Fun Day try out a new scavenger hunt in the museum galleries, see a performer or artist demonstration, and enjoy kid-friendly activities. Each month we’ll celebrate a new theme! This Sunday we are featuring glass. Cost is free with admission, $5-$10.
