Happy Wednesday Smarties! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so celebrate as a family with one of the Smarty activities in our Queen City. Build fairy houses, sit around a campfire, check out the amphibians, make a dragon puppet or see what happens if “You Take a Mouse to School”! Have fun, get out and enjoy.
Fairy Houses
McDowell Nature Center
February 11, 10:30am-11:15am
Fairy Houses are whimsical habitats built by children, families, gardeners and nature lovers! This is a fun activity that everyone can enjoy and building fairy houses reconnects people with nature. For more information call McDowell Nature Center at 704.588.5224.
Nature at Night Open House: Nocturnal Animals
McDowell Nature Center
February 11, 6:00pm-8:00pm
McDowell Nature Center stays open late under the cool glow of Moonlight (blacklight). Listen to stories around our indoor campfire, prowl for owls on a short ¼ mile night hike and learn how wildlife hear, see, and feel to get around in the dark. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate during your visit. For more information contact McDowell Nature Center at 704.588.5224.
Daddy and Daughter Date Night
SouthPark Mall
February 11, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Charlotte-area fathers are invited to bring their little sweetheart out for an evening of daddy and daughter fun (moms and sons are welcome too, of course) at SouthPark. SouthPark Kidgits Club and Chick-fil-A are teaming up to offer a special pre-Valentine’s Day evening of fun daddy and daughter style! Stop in to create great Valentine’s Day arts and crafts and maybe pick up a special something for Mom. Please RSVP for this event to Lauren Kidder at Lkidder@simon.com.
RACE: Are We So Different?
Discovery Place
Ongoing
Are we all different? Or just variations of the same? Is race an idea? Or is it a reality? These and other questions about the perceptions and experience of race and racism will be explored when Discovery Place presents RACE: Are We So Different? February 5 through May 8, 2011. This exhibit presents a powerful combination of artifacts, historic and contemporary photography, multimedia and interactive activities appropriate for all audiences.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Discovery Place
Ongoing
Join the Discovery Place Explore More Life lab team for a special unit during the month of February all about reptiles and amphibians. Get up close to the Pacman, Mossy Tree and Whites Frog while participating in hands-on activities about frog calls and reptile and amphibian habitats and movement.
Fairy House Festival
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve
February 12, 10:00am-4:00pm
Fairy Houses are whimsical habitats built by children, familites, gardeners and nature lovers! This is a fun activity that everyone can enjoy and buildling fairy houses reconnects people with nature. Join us for this FREE third annual festival that inspires appreciation of the environment. Dress in your best fairy or gnome costume as we enjoy storytelling, activities and games, all focused on fairies and nature! No registration necessary!
Art Studio Saturday: Dragon Puppets
Mint Museum Randolph
February 12, 10:00am-3:00pm
We provide the art supplies, you provide the creativity! Families can drop in anytime to explore new materials and ideas inspired by the museum collections. Art projects are appropriate for children and adults. Prepare to get messy! Use crayon resist, markers, and embellishments to construct a dramatic dragon puppet to celebrate Chinese New Year. Cost is $5-$10; free ages 4 and under.
If You Take a Mouse to School
Wachovia Playhouse, ImaginOn Theatre
February 11-13, Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 11:00am(sold out), 1:00pm(sold out), 3:00pm; Sun., 2:00pm(sold out), 4:00pm
In this rollicking romp, Laura Numeroff’s beloved Mouse protagonist heads into the classroom for a day of school like no other! Because if you take a Mouse to school, first he’ll ask you for your lunchbox – and then he’ll want to get his paws on everything, from spelling and math to a messy science experiment. Adapted from the wildly popular picture book, and full of physical comedy and visual delights, this production is a hilarious treat for young audiences. Performed by the Tarradiddle Players. Ages 3+. Cost is $14-$18.
SPAFA “Meet and Greet”
Luisa’s Brick Oven Pizza (www.luisasbrickovenpizza.com), 1730 Abbey Place, Charlotte, NC
February, 20, 5:00pm-7:00pm
New to SPAFA? Just curious about adoption? “Waiting” or already adopted? All are welcome! Come join us and hear about our events for the new year! Kid friendly location for dinner. Luisa’s will donate 10% to SPAFA!
KidZ Exchange.com Consignment Sale
Metrolina Tradeshow Expo
March 11-13
It’s where consignors and shoppers come together in a buying frenzy you will want to return to time and time again. It’s the easiest most sensible way to save money and make money at the same time. There are thousands upon thousands upon thousands of new and gently-used kids items looking for new homes. Become a seller or a savvy shopper by joining us for an addictive experience you will not want to miss!
