Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: July 15-July 17

Happy HOT Wednesday Smarties! Stay cool by heading indoors to ImaginOn for the Musical Petting Zoo, or taking a trip over to the Nature Museum. Include the dog in the weekend plans, visit Dogtopia for a wash, vaccines and other goodies. Have fun, get out and enjoy!

Symphony Guild Musical Petting Zoo
ImaginOn
July 15, 11:15am-1:30pm
Bring the kids, and join us for laughter, delight and clarinet squawks! A children’s hands-on introduction to the instruments of the orchestra provided by Symphony Guild volunteers at a special location in ImaginOn.

Britax Fitting Station
Britax North American headquarters, 13501 South Ridge Drive
July 15, 8:00am-noon
A car seat checking station is where certified child passenger safety technicians assist you with car seat installation. There they will teach you the correct way to install your child seat, provide safety recommendations, and answer any questions that you may have. For best results, please bring: your child, your vehicle and vehicle owner’s manual, your child safety seat and all parts, accessories, and instructions, a second adult to assist with watching your child while you learn how to install your car seat . No appointment is needed, and seats from all manufacturers are welcome. Instruction lasts approximately 30 minutes per car seat. Cost is free.

Autism Awareness Night at Knights Stadium
Knights Stadium
July 15, 7:15pm
Players will be wearing special Autism Awareness jerseys on Friday, July 15th that fans can bid on. Winners receive jersey autographed by corresponding player. Proceeds from the auction and a portion of ticket sales will benefit the Autism Society of North Carolina.Cost is $8-$14.

Movies in the Park at Ballantyne
Ballantyne Corporate Park, Brixham Green Connector Tent
July 15, Movie begins at dusk
Fun for the whole family! Bring a blanket, come early and get a good spot!! FREE: Movie, Popcorn, Bottled Water, Face Painting!! Movies start at dark! This week’s is “How to Train Your Dragon”.

Rockin’ and Reelin’ Summer Concert and Movie Series
Pineville Lake Park
July 15, 7:00pm. Movies begin at dusk
Bring the family out for movies at the park. This week’s movie is “Yogi Bear”.

Creature Feature: N.C. State Symbols
Charlotte Nature Museum
July 16, 10:00am-1:00pm
From the vast marshlands of the coastal tidewater area to the lakes of the Piedmont and the mountains of the Appalachian regions, North Carolina’s natural treasures and cultural heritage make up a state that is like no other. Official state symbols play an important role in spotlighting what is so special about North Carolina — and you might find a few symbols in your own backyard! Celebrate what makes the Tar Heel State unique at Charlotte Nature Museum’s July Creature Feature: North Carolina State Symbols Day. Cost is $6, under 2 and members free.

Wild Life
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
July 16, 9:00am-3:00pm
Gardens can be “wild” places! Discover some of the wildlife living in and around healthy garden habitats through this fun, activity-filled family adventure day. Learn about bees, insect pollinators, and discover other winged residents living in the Garden. Kids will even have an opportunity to meet Smokey the Bear and learn how they can be safe and help prevent forest fires. Admission is free with general Garden admission- Members free, $12 adults, $11 seniors 60+, and $6 children 4-12.

Charity Dog Wash
Dogtopia, 616 Springbrook Road
July 16, 11:00am-4:00pm
We’ll be raising money again this year for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Canine Unit. Last year we washed 93 dogs and raised $1,429 to provide each handler and his dog a K-9 Tactical Field Kit, which provides the essential equipment to render care to an injured K9 when veterinary care is not immediately available. For a $10 donation your dog will get a bath that includes a shampoo, towel-dry, fragrant spritz and bandana. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control will be on-site providing low-cost microchips for just $10. Dr. Micheal Thomann will provide a low-cost vaccine clinic where you can get all your dog’s yearly vaccines for just $69. You’ll also be able to get a luau-themed family portrait from Life Through The Lens Photography! We’ll also have canine and human massages available for a donation and a great raffle with prizes from all of our wonderful vendors!

Busy Bees
Latta Plantation Nature Center
July 16, 10:30am-11:30am
Join us for an interactive lesson about honey bees. We will learn how bees make honey and what we can do to attract them to our garden. Includes a game and a craft. For more information, contact Anne-Marie Stevenson at Anne.Stevenson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-875-1391. Cost is $2.

Sunday Family Fun Day
Mint Museum
July 17, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Third Sundays are family-time at the Mint Museum Uptown! Try out scavenger hunts , see a performer or artist demonstrator, and enjoy kid-friendly activities. This month’s theme is “Journey to Ireland”. Cost is $5-$10; free 4 and under.