I know it’s only October and you probably haven’t even thought about what your kids are going to be for Halloween and definitely haven’t figured out who’s hosting Thanksgiving so it’s doubtful holiday gifts are even on the radar. Don’t do what so many people do and wait until the last minute to shop for holiday gifts or try and convince yourself that you will participate in the Black Friday madness even though you never have in the past. Instead head over to one of two Toys & Co. locations and get a sneak peak of their “Top 100” for the 2013 holiday season. As an added bonus it just so happens that everything in the store is 20% off from October 5 – October 12. You may not be able to knock-out all your shopping but you can certainly put a big dent in the kid’s wish lists.
Cotswold Village Shopping Center
242 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 (704)365-7890
Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm | Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm
Park Road Shopping Center
4217 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209 (704) 527-1921
Monday – Friday 9 am – 7 pm | Saturday: 9 am – 6 pm | Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm
Since this sale is going on all week you will have the entire weekend free to partake in dozens of other family fun events taking place around the Greater Charlotte area.
THURSDAY, October 10
JWV Artists Home Show
3330 Cambria Road, Charlotte, NC
October 10, 10:00am – 2:00pm, Kids welcome, Free
Summary: Can’t finding an original painting, made by a real artist, sold by a friendly person in a casual environment, and not costing a fortune exist? Stop by the JWV Artists home show and we will prove to you that it does exist and that it’s actually enjoyable. Original art and limited edition fine art photographs for sale.
Cannon School Admission Open House (JrK-12)
Cannon School
5801 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC (704) 721-7199
October 10, 7:00pm, Adults, Free
Summary: How do you prepare a child to thrive in a fast-moving, unpredictable world? Please join us as we bring to life something we care deeply about – preparing students to lead lives of meaning and purpose. Let our students, teachers, and leaders show you what learning looks like in the life of a Cannon students.
2013 Wing Haven Fall Plant Sale
248 Ridgewood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209 (704) 331-0664
October 10, 9:00am – 7:00pm, Adults, Free
Summary: If you enjoy plants than you must come see the huge selection we have this year at the Wing Haven Annual Fall Plant Sale. In addition to the plants there are several free informational sessions where subject matter experts will cover a number of different topics. For more information click here.
FRIDAY, October 11
Cannon School Lower School Information Session (JrK-K)
Cannon School
5801 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC 28027 (704) 721-7199
October 11, 10:00am, Adults, Free
Summary: How do you prepare a child to thrive in a fast-moving, unpredictable world? Please join us as we bring to life something we care deeply about – preparing students to lead lives of meaning and purpose. Let our students, teachers, and leaders show you what learning looks like in the life of a Cannon students.
JWV Artists Home Show
3330 Cambria Road, Charlotte, NC
October 11, 10:00am – 2:00pm, Kids welcome, Free
Summary: Can’t finding an original painting, made by a real artist, sold by a friendly person in a casual environment, and not costing a fortune exist? Stop by the JWV Artists home show and we will prove to you that it does exist and that it’s actually enjoyable. Original art and limited edition fine art photographs for sale.
2013 Wing Haven Fall Plant Sale
248 Ridgewood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209 (704) 331-0664
October 11, 9:00am – 5:00pm, Adults, Free
Summary: If you enjoy plants than you must come see the huge selection we have this year at the Wing Haven Annual Fall Plant Sale. In addition to the plants there are several free informational sessions where subject matter experts will cover a number of different topics. For more information click here.
Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 874-3113
Click here for days and times, All ages, $10-$15
Summary: There’s more than enough fun and confusion for all! Get lost in our giant seven acre corn maze featuring over two miles of interconnecting paths. One of the largest in the Southeast, our maze is sure to please! Looking for an even bigger challenge? Traverse the maze in the dark during one of our famous Family Friendly Friday Night Mazes! Bring your own flashlight and an appetite for adventure, there’s even music and bonfires! (weather permitting) The whole of Rural Hill’s 265 acres is available to you and your group during maze hours- take a hayride around the farm, play a round of corn-hole, explore our historic site, play in our mini-mazes, have a picnic, hike our trails, pick a pumpkin (in October) & much, much more!
Aw Shucks! Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
3718 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe, NC (704)709-7000
Open to the public September 13 – November 17, For times and cost click here, All ages
Summary: Corn maze, hayrides, animal barn, grain bin slide, 1800s train car, kid’s play area, tumbleweed roll (new for 2013), horseshoe and corn hole, boys’ club house and girls’ castle, kiddie corral (for 5 and under). Need I say more?
Hodges Farm Pumpkin Patch
Hodges Farm
3900 Rocky River Road E., Charlotte, NC (704) 494-0107
Opened 7 days a week in October, 9:00am – dark, All ages
Summary: “Pick Your Own Pumpkin” patch, hayrides, hay mountain, farm animals, corn maze, pony rides (Sat. & Sun only)
Regal Farm Corn Maze
Regal Farm
347 Bell Farm Road, Statesville, NC (704) 348-1648
See website for times, All ages, $8 – $15
Summary: Our 7 ACRE Corn Maze is fun for ALL AGES! If you are bringing little ones, you may need to bring a stroller for them. There is a good chance they may get tired of walking. Remember you will be walking on FARM LAND, therefore, there may be places where the land is uneven, and yes there is a good chance you may get your SHOES DIRTY. We recommend you wear sneakers or closed toe shoes.
Carrigan Farms Pumpkin Patch Tour
Carrigan Farms
1261 Oak Ridge Farm Highway, Mooresville, NC (704) 664-1450
See website for days and times, All ages, $10
Summary: Pumpkin patch and hayrides.
Scarrigan Farms
Carrigan Farms
1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC (704) 664-1450
For schedule click here, 6:30pm, Ages 12+, Cost $20
Summary: On select October nights our 130 acre farm is transformed into the scariest haunted trail in the region. If you are looking for a new and out of the ordinary way to get your heart pumping and adrenaline rushing this October, Scarrigan Farms is the place for you.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs. Connect with the past and visit the future with groundbreaking exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX Dome films and hands on activities that let you explore more. Plan your visit today. Click on the links below for detailed information on special events, featured exhibitions, featured shows and IMAX.
Special Events: Fossil Day
For more information on Fossil Day click here.
Featured Exhibitions: Animal Grossology, Fantastic Frogs, Families of Abraham
For more information on all featured exhibitions and exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: Sub-Zero, Fired Up!, Aquarium Feeding Tour
For more information on all featured shows and shows click here.
IMAX: Flight of the Butterflies, Jerusalem
For more information on all featured movies and showtimes click here.
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Explore the theme of I CAN at Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. The children’s museum features developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination and offer the opportunity to build confidence while testing skills by trying new things. The exhibits, themed around a small town, allow children to learn through play.
Theme Areas: I CAN
For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows and Shows:
For a complete listing of all featured shows and shows click here.
Current and Upcoming Events:
For all current and upcoming events click here.
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Bring little ones for just an hour or the whole day and experience wildlife through live animal exhibits and interactive education programs. The Museum is easy to navigate with fun surprises around every corner. Kids can roam The Great Hall and visit Beginnings, an area filled with young animals and information on their lifecycles.
Featured Exhibitions & Exhibits: Beginnings, Fort Wild, Butterfly Pavillion, Our Big Backyard, Paw Paw Nature, Trail, Creature Cavern, Insect Alley, Peetie’s Place
For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: Don’t Make a Pet of Me, Turtles on the Twos, Autumn Woods, Animal Feedings & Encounters
For a complete schedule of show times click here.
Foodtruck Friday
Southend
1613 Camden Road Charlotte, NC
October 11, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Every Friday night, Charlotte’s favorite food trucks gather on the lot at the corner of Park and Camden in the Historic South End. These aren’t the roach coaches of yesteryear! The nationwide revolution of the food truck industry has hit Charlotte, and we’ve got an ever-growing community of trucks that cater to your every taste. From burgers to tacos to soul food to cupcakes to ice cream and everything in between…there’s something for everyone. Meeting every Friday night since February 2012, Food Truck Fridays have taken the city by storm. Periodically featuring entertainment as well, the crowds have swelled to over 1,000 each week. We’re family and dog-friendly, too! So bring a chair, bring a blanket, BYOB, bring the kids, take the dog…it’s a neighborhood night out in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Most of the trucks accept credit cards as well as cash. Accessible by public transportation…take the light rail to Bland Station. A good time and great food are guaranteed!
My Gym South Park Parents’ Night Out
My Gym South Park
5110 Park Rd 2d Charlotte, NC 28209 (704) 522-6966
October 11, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Ages 2.5 and up, $40 (Siblings – $20) *Call or email to RSVP!, Early Bird Special! Sign Up by Wednesday, 10/9 and get $5 off each child!
Summary: Where your kids get to enjoy a FUN night out and you do too! Drop your kids off for FOUR hours of My Gym fun and excitement! Your kids will have a blast in our safe, clean, state of the art facility. They’ll be tuckered out when you come to pick them up. Perfect for children ages 2.5 and up! What to bring: A pillow and a blanket for the movie! We will be watching “Hotel Transylvania”! Pizza and juice provided.
Latta Haunted Trail
Latta Equestrian Center
6201 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 992-1550
Every Friday & Saturday in October, 8:00pm – midnight, All ages, $15
Summary: Not all haunted trails are created equal. This one is sure to scare the bravest people in the crowd. Small kid activities from 7-9.
Scarowinds Halloween Haunt – Now opened!
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704)588-2600
Every weekend from September 14 – Halloween, 7:00pm – midnight, Ages 13+
Summary: DARKNESS FALLS. EVIL RISES. Every weekend night, Carowinds transforms into a horror-filled nightmare. From mazes with terrifying creatures around every corner to thrill rides that’ll haunt your dreams, it’s everything you fear and can’t wait to experience. Not for anyone under 13.
SATURDAY, October 12
UMDF Energy for Life Walkathon – Team Alex
Freedom Park
1900 East Blvd Charlotte, NC
October 12, 8:30am, All ages, Free
Summary: Contributing to this cause is literally a walk in the park and it’s free! There is a 1 mile walk, a 3k or a 5k route.
1. Show up at Freedom Park and walk 1 mile, 3K or 5K. There is no fee to participate.
2. If you can’t make it, simply join Team Alex as a virtual walker.
3. Make a monetary contribution (no amount is too small) to Team Alex.
JWV Artists Home Show
3330 Cambria Road, Charlotte, NC
October 12, 10:00am – 2:00pm, Kids welcome, Free
Summary: Can’t finding an original painting, made by a real artist, sold by a friendly person in a casual environment, and not costing a fortune exist? Stop by the JWV Artists home show and we will prove to you that it does exist and that it’s actually enjoyable. Original art and limited edition fine art photographs for sale.
Sharon Presbyterian’s Annual Fall Festival
Sharon Presbyterian Church
5201 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC
October 12, 3:00pm – 6:00pm, All ages, Free, Food for purchase
Summary: Please join us for a free Fall Festival in the South Park community. We will have our world famous cake walk, bounce houses, hay and pony rides, games and more! Come hungry and enjoy BBQ too.
2013 Wing Haven Fall Plant Sale
248 Ridgewood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209 (704) 331-0664
October 12, 9:00am – 5:00pm, Adults, Free
Summary: If you enjoy plants than you must come see the huge selection we have this year at the Wing Haven Annual Fall Plant Sale. In addition to the plants there are several free informational sessions where subject matter experts will cover a number of different topics. For more information click here.
Fall Festival
Stowe Park
7 South Main Street, Belmont, NC
October 12, 2013, 11:00am – 6:00pm
Summary: Arts, crafts, merchandise, inflatables, live music, dance and more.
Hodges Farm Pumpkin Patch
Hodges Farm
3900 Rocky River Road E., Charlotte, NC (704) 494-0107
Opened 7 days a week in October, 9:00am – dark, All ages
Summary: “Pick Your Own Pumpkin” patch, hayrides, hay mountain, farm animals, corn maze, pony rides (Sat. & Sun only)
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs. Connect with the past and visit the future with groundbreaking exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX Dome films and hands on activities that let you explore more. Plan your visit today. Click on the links below for detailed information on special events, featured exhibitions, featured shows and IMAX.
Special Events: Fossil Day
For more information on Fossil Day click here.
Featured Exhibitions: Animal Grossology, Fantastic Frogs, Families of Abraham
For more information on all featured exhibitions and exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: Sub-Zero, Fired Up!, Aquarium Feeding Tour
For more information on all featured shows and shows click here.
IMAX: Flight of the Butterflies, Jerusalem
For more information on all featured movies and showtimes click here.
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Explore the theme of I CAN at Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. The children’s museum features developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination and offer the opportunity to build confidence while testing skills by trying new things. The exhibits, themed around a small town, allow children to learn through play.
Fall Art Saturday
October 12, 11:00am & 2:00pm, All ages, Free with museum admission
Summary: Bring your little one to I CAN Create as we explore favorite art materials. Young artists will use their sense of touch as they participate in this fun fall painting activity.
Theme Areas: I CAN
For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows and Shows:
For a complete listing of all featured shows and shows click here.
Current and Upcoming Events:
For all current and upcoming events click here.
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Bring little ones for just an hour or the whole day and experience wildlife through live animal exhibits and interactive education programs. The Museum is easy to navigate with fun surprises around every corner. Kids can roam The Great Hall and visit Beginnings, an area filled with young animals and information on their lifecycles.
Featured Exhibitions & Exhibits: Beginnings, Fort Wild, Butterfly Pavillion, Our Big Backyard, Paw Paw Nature, Trail, Creature Cavern, Insect Alley, Peetie’s Place
For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: Don’t Make a Pet of Me, Turtles on the Twos, Autumn Woods, Animal Feedings & Encounters
For a complete schedule of show times click here.
The Great Pumpkin Fest
Carowinds – Planet Snoopy Area
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704)588-2600
Every Saturday and Sunday in October, 12:00pm – 5:00pm, 10 and under, Free with park admission
Summary: This is a great family and kid friendly outing. No scariness here, just tons of fun, even trick or treating and a costume parade. See website for full details https://www.carowinds.com/events/plan-a-visit/special-events/HowlOFests-Boo-Blast
49ers vs. UNC Pembroke
49ers Football Stadium
9201 University City Boulevard Charlotte, NC (704) 687-4950
October 12, 12:00pm kick-off, All ages
Summary: Last week in one of the most exciting games in all of college football this year, Charlotte’s first-year program ran off 29 consecutive points in the 4th quarter to rally past a Gardner-Webb team that had defeated top 15 foes Richmond and Wofford and boasted a defense ranked fifth in the nation. This week the 49ers look to improve their record to 5-2 if they can defeat UNC Pembroke.
Pumpkin Patch and Hayride
Hunter Farm
13624 Providence Road, Matthews, NC (704) 846-7975
See website for days and times, All ages, $7.50
Summary: Thousands of pumpkins to choose from, enjoy a hayride and feed the animals in the barn.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 896-5544
Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 – November 24, 10:00am – 5:30pm rain or shine, All ages, $11 – $21, kids under 5 are free
Summary: The Carolina Renaissance Festival is one of the most interactive entertainment shows ever created with wonderful amusements and antics on going all around you! Enjoy non-stop entertainment presented on 11 stages every event day. There is comedy, music, dancing, circus performers, jousting knights on horseback, and much more! Sit back and relax or become a part of the action as you are surrounded by over 500 costumed characters roaming the festival village!
Latta Haunted Trail
Latta Equestrian Center
6201 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 992-1550
Every Friday & Saturday in October, 8:00pm – midnight, All ages, $15
Summary: Not all haunted trails are created equal. This one is sure to scare the bravest people in the crowd. Small kid activities from 7-9.
Scarowinds Halloween Haunt – Now opened!
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704)588-2600
Every weekend from September 14 – Halloween, 7:00pm – midnight, Ages 13+
Summary: DARKNESS FALLS. EVIL RISES. Every weekend night, Carowinds transforms into a horror-filled nightmare. From mazes with terrifying creatures around every corner to thrill rides that’ll haunt your dreams, it’s everything you fear and can’t wait to experience. Not for anyone under 13.
SUNDAY, October 13
Latin American Festival at Symphony Park
Symphony Park South Park Mall
October 13, 12:00 pm – 8:00pm, All ages, $5, children 8 and under are free
Summary: The Latin American Festival, Charlotte’s signature cultural event, is excited to announce performances by internationally recognized Mexican Pop StarJulieta Venegas and Uruguayan rock sensationNo Te Va Gustar. In addition to these spectacular musical performances, the festival, which attracts over 20,000 people to Symphony Park in South Park, offers authentic Latin American cuisine, a marketplace of local artisans, live visual art demonstrations, and folkloric dance performances. No other event in Charlotte attracts such a diverse mix of culture and international flavor.
Sunday Fun Day
Mint Museum
500 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 337-2000
October 13, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, All ages, Free for children & members, $5 for adults
Summary: Enjoy family-friendly art projects, healthy living activities, artist demonstrations, and more! This month, experience a sensory explosion via new digital installation art and contemporary paintings, explore radial symmetry and create your own kaleidoscope crafts.
Hodges Farm Pumpkin Patch
Hodges Farm
3900 Rocky River Road E., Charlotte, NC (704) 494-0107
Opened 7 days a week in October, 9:00am – dark, All ages
Summary: “Pick Your Own Pumpkin” patch, hayrides, hay mountain, farm animals, corn maze, pony rides (Sat. & Sun only)
The Great Pumpkin Fest
Carowinds – Planet Snoopy Area
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704)588-2600
Every Saturday and Sunday in October, 12:00pm – 5:00pm, 10 and under, Free with park admission
Summary: This is a great family and kid friendly outing. No scariness here, just tons of fun, even trick or treating and a costume parade. See website for full details https://www.carowinds.com/events/plan-a-visit/special-events/HowlOFests-Boo-Blast
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Step into a world where science is brought to life through interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs. Connect with the past and visit the future with groundbreaking exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX Dome films and hands on activities that let you explore more. Plan your visit today. Click on the links below for detailed information on special events, featured exhibitions, featured shows and IMAX.
Special Events: Fossil Day
For more information on Fossil Day click here.
Featured Exhibitions: Animal Grossology, Fantastic Frogs, Families of Abraham
For more information on all featured exhibitions and exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: Sub-Zero, Fired Up!, Aquarium Feeding Tour
For more information on all featured shows and shows click here.
IMAX: Flight of the Butterflies, Jerusalem
For more information on all featured movies and showtimes click here.
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Explore the theme of I CAN at Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville. The children’s museum features developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination and offer the opportunity to build confidence while testing skills by trying new things. The exhibits, themed around a small town, allow children to learn through play.
Fall Art Sunday
October 13, 2:00pm, All ages, Free with museum admission
Summary: Bring your little one to I CAN Create as we explore favorite art materials. Young artists will use their sense of touch as they participate in this fun fall painting activity.
Theme Areas: I CAN
For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows and Shows:
For a complete listing of all featured shows and shows click here.
Current and Upcoming Events:
For all current and upcoming events click here.
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
Summary: Bring little ones for just an hour or the whole day and experience wildlife through live animal exhibits and interactive education programs. The Museum is easy to navigate with fun surprises around every corner. Kids can roam The Great Hall and visit Beginnings, an area filled with young animals and information on their lifecycles.
Featured Exhibitions & Exhibits: Beginnings, Fort Wild, Butterfly Pavilion, Our Big Backyard, Paw Paw Nature, Trail, Creature Cavern, Insect Alley, Peetie’s Place
For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: Don’t Make a Pet of Me, Turtles on the Twos, Autumn Woods, Animal Feedings & Encounters
For a complete schedule of show times click here.
Scarowinds Halloween Haunt – Now opened!
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704)588-2600
Every weekend from September 14 – Halloween, 7:00pm – midnight, Ages 13+
Summary: DARKNESS FALLS. EVIL RISES. Every weekend night, Carowinds transforms into a horror-filled nightmare. From mazes with terrifying creatures around every corner to thrill rides that’ll haunt your dreams, it’s everything you fear and can’t wait to experience. Not for anyone under 13.
The Smarty Pants Scarowinds/Great Pumpkin Fest Giveaway!
Y-O-U could win a family 4-pack of tickets to either Scarowinds or The Great Pumpkin Fest, your choice! This is a $200 value! We’ll pick our lucky winner on Monday, October 14th at 5pm, so register now by clicking here. Boo y’all!
