If you have kids that get bored easily, need constant entertainment and love to be outside then this may be the best weekend of the year. This Saturday you can enjoy 12 hours of nonstop fun while participating in the following activities; moonbounce, giant slide, cornhole, obstacle course, hot shot basketball, hot shot volleyball, kid Fit, food (a chili cook-off), movie night – the Croods, and live music all for FREE!. Saturday is the 3rd annual Ballantyne Festival brought to you by The Morrison YMCA, the Ballantyne Breakfast Club and the Ballantyne Chamber of Commerce and several other sponsors. Click here for all the details.
That’s tough to top but there are other great family friendly events taking place this weekend. Keep reading…
THURSDAY, October 3
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
The Fillmore Charlotte
1000 NC Music Factory Boulevard, Charlotte, NC (704) 916-8970
October 3, 8:00pm, Adults, $25
Summary: If you are not familiar with Grace Potter you might want to become familiar. She has an amazing voice and she ROCKS! Guaranteed to be some of the the best live music you’ve ever seen for $25.
FRIDAY, October 4
Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate!
Time Warner Cable Arena
333 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 688-9000
October 4, 10:30am and 7:00pm, All ages, $15-$75
Summary: See Disney like you’ve never seen before!
Latta Haunted Trail
Latta Equestrian Center
6201 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 992-1550
October 4, 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.
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!
Paws to Read
Morrison Regional Library
7015 Morrison Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 416-5400
October 4, see schedule for times and availability, Ages 5-11, Free
Summary: How do you make reading more enjoyable, just add a puppy. Enjoy some special quiet time while reading with a puppy. Registration is required and slots fill far in advance.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
9:00am – 5:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: click on the links below for show times and ticket prices.
Animal Grossology – introduces scientific concepts in ways that make kids giggle. Get a fresh take on some of the more disgusting things animals do and how blood, vomit, pellets and more can be fun, funky and fascinating.
Nano – a special limited mini exhibition. This interactive exhibition engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology.
Sub-Zero – The coolest thing in Charlotte this side of -321 degrees. Join our resident physicist at “The Stage” to chill out and explore a world below freezing. With materials so cold they can only be touched with cryogenic gloves, you’re in for an icy treat.
Fired Up! Join us for Fiery fun. Oxygen, heat and fuel form the fire triangle! Join us for some explosively fun experiments.
Animalopolis will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun.
Flight of the Butterflies – Experience the most incredible migration on earth. It’s a natural history epic. It’s a compelling detective story. It’s a scientific adventure at its best.
Foodtruck Friday
Southend
1613 Camden Road Charlotte, NC
October 4, 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!
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 5
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Marshall Park
800 E. Third Street, Charlotte, NC
October 5, 6:00am, All ages, $10-$35, Registration required
Summary: You know the name, you know the cause and you know there will be a cure someday. Join the cause and walk with the family to help raise awareness.
Paws to Read
Morrison Regional Library
7015 Morrison Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 416-5400
October 5, see schedule for times and availability, Ages 5-11, Free
Summary: How do you make reading more enjoyable, just add a puppy. Enjoy some special quiet time while reading with a puppy. Registration is required and slots fill far in advance.
Kids Workshops at Home Depot
All Hope Depot Stores
October 5, 9:00am – 12:00pm, Ages 5-12, Free
Summary: Celebrate Fire Safety Month with The Home Depot and build our awesome Fire Rescue Plane! Every child will receive a buildable mini LEGO City Toy & Fire Safety Tips (while supplies last)! Please do not arrive before 9:00 a.m.
Leaf Man
Discovery Place Kids
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
October 5, 11:00am & 2:00pm, All ages, Free with admission to DPK
Summary: A special reading of Lois Ehlert’s Leaf Man at Town Hall will lead into an art activity in I CAN Create using leaves, sticks and more.
Hope for All Dogs at Blakeney
Blakeney Shopping Center
on the green across from Brixx
October 5, 11:30am – 2:30pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Adoption Fair and Micro Chip Clinic at Blakeney on the green across from Brixx Pizza the 1st Saturday of each month from 11:30AM to 2:30PM Dates subject to change: Please stop by to see our dogs that are available for adoption and get your dog or cat micro chipped.
The Great Pumpkin Fest
Carowinds – Planet Snoopy Area
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704)588-2600
October 5 & October 6, 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 webiste for full details https://www.carowinds.com/events/plan-a-visit/special-events/HowlOFests-Boo-Blast
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.
49ers vs. Gardner Webb
49ers Football Stadium
9201 University City Boulevard Charlotte, NC (704) 687-4950
October 5, 12:00pm kick-off, All ages
Summary: 49ers look to improve their record to 4-2 if they can defeat Gardner Webb.
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!
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
October 5, 10:00am – 5:00pm, All ages, Activities are free with museum admission
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.
Exhibits: Wander Charlotte Nature Museum and encounter the finned, furred and feathered. Little ones will experience the natural world in a fun environment that encourages hands-on exploration and self-directed learning.
Shows: Charlotte Nature Museum’s professional Puppet Theatre offers nature-based puppet shows and coordinated programming especially designed for young viewers. Grandpa Tree can be found in the Nature Dome by the “nighttime campfire”, with his forest friends. Join us in the woods and enjoy captivating tales of wildlife.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
October 5, 10:00am – 6:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: click on the links below for show times and ticket prices.
Animal Grossology – introduces scientific concepts in ways that make kids giggle. Get a fresh take on some of the more disgusting things animals do and how blood, vomit, pellets and more can be fun, funky and fascinating.
Nano – a special limited mini exhibition. This interactive exhibition engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology.
Sub-Zero – The coolest thing in Charlotte this side of -321 degrees. Join our resident physicist at “The Stage” to chill out and explore a world below freezing. With materials so cold they can only be touched with cryogenic gloves, you’re in for an icy treat.
Fired Up! Join us for Fiery fun. Oxygen, heat and fuel form the fire triangle! Join us for some explosively fun experiments.
Animalopolis will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun.
Flight of the Butterflies – Experience the most incredible migration on earth. It’s a natural history epic. It’s a compelling detective story. It’s a scientific adventure at its best.
Live Bird Presentation
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
October 5, 11:00am -11:30am, All ages, Free with regular admission
Summary: Docent volunteers present 3-4 species of birds on glove and discuss the natural history of featured birds in our Festival Area.
Vulture Feeding
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
October 5, 12:30pm -1:00pm, All ages, Free with regular admission
Summary: Vultures are smart! Come see them play with their food at our weekly vulture feeding presented by our knowledgeable docent volunteers.
Talons: Birds of the World Flight Show
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
October 5, 1:00pm – 1:30pm & 3:00pm – 3:30pm, All ages, Regular admission + $5.00
Summary: Watch for your opportunity to see these amazing birds in flight!
SUNDAY, October 6
Leaf Man
Discovery Place Kids
105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 372-6261
October 6, 2:00pm, All ages, Free with admission to DPK
Summary: A special reading of Lois Ehlert’s Leaf Man at Town Hall will lead into an art activity in I CAN Create using leaves, sticks and more.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
October 6, 12:00pm – 5:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: click on the links below for show times and ticket prices.
Animal Grossology – introduces scientific concepts in ways that make kids giggle. Get a fresh take on some of the more disgusting things animals do and how blood, vomit, pellets and more can be fun, funky and fascinating.
Nano – a special limited mini exhibition. This interactive exhibition engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology.
Sub-Zero – The coolest thing in Charlotte this side of -321 degrees. Join our resident physicist at “The Stage” to chill out and explore a world below freezing. With materials so cold they can only be touched with cryogenic gloves, you’re in for an icy treat.
Fired Up! Join us for Fiery fun. Oxygen, heat and fuel form the fire triangle! Join us for some explosively fun experiments.
Animalopolis will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun.
Flight of the Butterflies – Experience the most incredible migration on earth. It’s a natural history epic. It’s a compelling detective story. It’s a scientific adventure at its best.
Talons: Birds of the World Flight Show
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
October 6, 1:00pm -1:30pm, 3:00pm – 3:30pm, All ages, Regular admission + $5.00
Summary: Watch for your opportunity to see these amazing birds in flight!
Live Bird Presentation
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
October 6, 2:00pm -2:30pm, All ages, others free with regular admission
Summary: Docent volunteers present 3-4 species of birds on glove and discuss the natural history of featured birds in our Festival Area.
