Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
Life isn’t all fun and games so before we tell you about the fun and games we need to remind you of the “important” stuff. January 15 was the deadline for first-round applications at most independent schools. However, many schools don’t fill all of their classes during the first round, and continue to accept applications after the January 15th deadline. If you are considering an independent school, call the Director of Admission at the schools you are considering and schedule an appointment to learn more about their admissions process.
Now on to the “fun” stuff!
FRIDAY, January 17
Red Earth
Cornelius Arts Center
19725 Oak St. Unit 1, Cornelius, NC (704) 896-8823
January 10 to February 28, See website for times, All ages, Free
Summary: Red Earth features beautiful ceramic forms and pottery created by local artist, Amy Sanders. Her pieces use textures, layers, color and form to engage the viewer with a nostalgic sense of comfort. Sanders designs functional and sculptural pieces that conjure childhood memories and portray a strong sense of femininity. Natural patterns, groupings and an emphasis on her creative process of working with clay allow her work to speak volumes on nature and community.
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.
Featured Exhibitions: For information on all exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: For information on all featured shows click here.
IMAX: For 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: For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete listing of all featured 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: For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete schedule of show times click here.
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
Summary: Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. As a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CRC relies on public financial support to fulfill our mission. Supporters can release a raptor, adopt a bird, make a charitable donation, purchase a membership or sponsor a capital improvement project. CRC’s environmental education programs reach approximately 40,000 students each year. Our Raptor Trail hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. Visit our calendar page for event times or just come and enjoy our nicely maintained trails and see all the amazing birds of prey.
The Ice Park
The Speedpark at Concord Mills
8461 Concord Mills Blvd. , Concord, NC (704)-KARTING
December 20 – January 20, See website for details, All ages, $12
Summary: Bringing North Carolina families, race fans and tourists an outdoor ice skating rink located at The Speedpark Concord Mills. This holiday season when shopping for gifts, take time to chill on ice and go ice skating at The Icepark. Located directly behind Concord Mills at The Speedpark, it’s the perfect pit stop with ice skating, go karts, mini golf and more for you and your family. The Icepark will be open the week before Thanksgiving thru out the holidays into January. Groups, holiday parties and birthday parties are welcome.Ice Skating tickets are just $12 and include skate rentals. Packages with mini golf and unlimited go karts are available.
Foodtruck Friday
Southend
1613 Camden Road Charlotte, NC
January 17, 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!
St. Ann Concert to Feature Piedmont Baroque Consortium
St. Ann Catholic Church
3635 Park Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 523-4641
January 17, 7:00pm, All ages, $8-$12
Summary: The newly-formed Piedmont Baroque Consortium is a collective effort by four independent ensembles to bring together the best possible baroque musicians from throughout the North Carolina Piedmont, for ongoing collaborative projects. The consortium consists of Centenary United Methodist Church’s Chamber Choir (Winston-Salem), the Greensboro Vocal Consort, the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra (Davidson), and VOX (Charlotte). Together, they will present an evening of Baroque music for full chorus, orchestra and soloists, including Bach: Cantata, BWV 1 “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern,” George Muffat’s Passacaglia from Sonata V of Armonico Tributo, and the modern-day premiere performances of two works by 18th century, Venetian composer – Antonio Lotti: his Gloria in C No. 1 and a Dixit Dominus.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Texas Stars
Time Warner Cable Arena
333 East Trade St.
January 17, 7:00pm, All ages, $15-$50
Summary: Great entertainment for a great price. Come out and cheer on the Charlotte Checkers. See website for complete game schedule.
SATURDAY, January 18
MLK Holiday Parade
Uptown Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
January 18, 11:00am, All ages, Free
Summary: Join the City of Charlotte as we Honor & Celebrate The Life & Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Complimentary Junior Chef Class
Williams-Sonoma
6401 Morrison Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 364-8886
January 18, 9:30am, all kids welcome, Free
Summary: Every kid loves the kitchen and helping you “cook”. Bring your future chef to Williams-Sonoma this weekend and let them have at it. Call the store for details (704) 364-8886
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
Summary: Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. As a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CRC relies on public financial support to fulfill our mission. Supporters can release a raptor, adopt a bird, make a charitable donation, purchase a membership or sponsor a capital improvement project. CRC’s environmental education programs reach approximately 40,000 students each year. Our Raptor Trail hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. Visit our calendar page for event times or just come and enjoy our nicely maintained trails and see all the amazing birds of prey.
Red Earth
Cornelius Arts Center
19725 Oak St. Unit 1, Cornelius, NC (704) 896-8823
January 10 to February 28, See website for times, All ages, Free
Summary: Red Earth features beautiful ceramic forms and pottery created by local artist, Amy Sanders. Her pieces use textures, layers, color and form to engage the viewer with a nostalgic sense of comfort. Sanders designs functional and sculptural pieces that conjure childhood memories and portray a strong sense of femininity. Natural patterns, groupings and an emphasis on her creative process of working with clay allow her work to speak volumes on nature and community.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Texas Stars
Time Warner Cable Arena
333 East Trade St.
January 18, 12:00pm, All ages, $15-$50
Summary: Great entertainment for a great price. Come out and cheer on the Charlotte Checkers. See website for complete game schedule.
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.
Featured Exhibitions: For information on all exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: For information on all featured shows click here.
IMAX: For 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: For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete listing of all featured 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: For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete schedule of show times click here.
The Ice Park
The Speedpark at Concord Mills
8461 Concord Mills Blvd. , Concord, NC (704)-KARTING
December 20 – January 20, See website for details, All ages, $12
Summary: Bringing North Carolina families, race fans and tourists an outdoor ice skating rink located at The Speedpark Concord Mills. This holiday season when shopping for gifts, take time to chill on ice and go ice skating at The Icepark. Located directly behind Concord Mills at The Speedpark, it’s the perfect pit stop with ice skating, go karts, mini golf and more for you and your family. The Icepark will be open the week before Thanksgiving thru out the holidays into January. Groups, holiday parties and birthday parties are welcome.Ice Skating tickets are just $12 and include skate rentals. Packages with mini golf and unlimited go karts are available.
SUNDAY, January 19
Red Earth
Cornelius Arts Center
19725 Oak St. Unit 1, Cornelius, NC (704) 896-8823
January 10 to February 28, See website for times, All ages, Free
Summary: Red Earth features beautiful ceramic forms and pottery created by local artist, Amy Sanders. Her pieces use textures, layers, color and form to engage the viewer with a nostalgic sense of comfort. Sanders designs functional and sculptural pieces that conjure childhood memories and portray a strong sense of femininity. Natural patterns, groupings and an emphasis on her creative process of working with clay allow her work to speak volumes on nature and community.
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
Summary: Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey through education, research, and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. As a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CRC relies on public financial support to fulfill our mission. Supporters can release a raptor, adopt a bird, make a charitable donation, purchase a membership or sponsor a capital improvement project. CRC’s environmental education programs reach approximately 40,000 students each year. Our Raptor Trail hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. Visit our calendar page for event times or just come and enjoy our nicely maintained trails and see all the amazing birds of prey.
Charlotte Checkers vs. Norfolk Admirals
Time Warner Cable Arena
333 East Trade St.
January 19, 5:00pm, All ages, $15-$50
Summary: Great entertainment for a great price. Come out and cheer on the Charlotte Checkers. See website for complete game schedule.
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.
Featured Exhibitions: For information on all exhibitions click here.
Featured Shows: For information on all featured shows click here.
IMAX: For 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: For a complete description of all nine theme areas click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete listing of all featured 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: For complete details on exhibitions and exhibits click here.
Featured Shows: For a complete schedule of show times click here.
The Ice Park
The Speedpark at Concord Mills
8461 Concord Mills Blvd. , Concord, NC (704)-KARTING
December 20 – January 20, See website for details, All ages, $12
Summary: Bringing North Carolina families, race fans and tourists an outdoor ice skating rink located at The Speedpark Concord Mills. This holiday season when shopping for gifts, take time to chill on ice and go ice skating at The Icepark. Located directly behind Concord Mills at The Speedpark, it’s the perfect pit stop with ice skating, go karts, mini golf and more for you and your family. The Icepark will be open the week before Thanksgiving thru out the holidays into January. Groups, holiday parties and birthday parties are welcome.Ice Skating tickets are just $12 and include skate rentals. Packages with mini golf and unlimited go karts are available.
