Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
THURSDAY, April 3
AutoFair
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy. S, Concord, NC (800) 455-3267
April 3-6, All ages, $10, Children 13 & under are free
Summary: The world’s largest automotive extravaganza returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway April 3-6. The Charlotte Motor Speedway AutoFair Hosted by OldRide.com brings together thousands of automobiles, collector car auctions, 10,000 vendor spaces, a massive manufacturer midway and a kids’ play zone, as well as lawn mower racing presented by the USLMRA. There is something for every member of the family to enjoy.
FRIDAY, April 4
AutoFair
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy. S, Concord, NC (800) 455-3267
April 3-6, All ages, $10, Children 13 & under are free
Summary: The world’s largest automotive extravaganza returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway April 3-6. The Charlotte Motor Speedway AutoFair Hosted by OldRide.com brings together thousands of automobiles, collector car auctions, 10,000 vendor spaces, a massive manufacturer midway and a kids’ play zone, as well as lawn mower racing presented by the USLMRA. There is something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Drop-in Art at the Community Arts Project
The Community Arts Project
20700 N. Main St., Ste. 112, Cornelius , NC (704) 896-8980
April 4, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Ages 2-12, $6/hr first hour, $4/hr second hour
Summary: let your little one show his/her creative side during this open-ended session.
Statewide Star Party: UNC Charlotte
UNC Charlotte Observatory, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC
April 4, 8:00pm and 9:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Join us for the Statewide Star Party, on Friday April 4 at the UNC Charlotte Observatory. With our state-of-the-art telescopes, we will be able to see details of the Moon’s surface, Jupiter and its moons, star clusters and more! Great for all ages. There will be two session starting at 8PM or 9PM and you are welcome to join us for either. Please indicate which in the registration form. This event will be cancelled in the event of cloudy weather. Space is limited so please register using the form below:
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.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2013-2014 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has grown to become one of the top theatre and education organizations for young people in the United States. Nationally recognized for the breadth and strength of its programs, the Theatre serves 300,000 children and families a year with technically imaginative productions and wide-ranging education programs for young people.
Nothing is more valuable than the time you spend with your family. We are committed to providing your family with unforgettable memories that only live theatre can offer. On stage and in our classrooms, we will inspire wonder and excitement, nurture confidence and ignite imaginations.
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.
Foodtruck Friday
Southend
1613 Camden Road Charlotte, NC
April 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!
SATURDAY, April 5
AutoFair
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy. S, Concord, NC (800) 455-3267
April 3-6, All ages, $10, Children 13 & under are free
Summary: The world’s largest automotive extravaganza returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway April 3-6. The Charlotte Motor Speedway AutoFair Hosted by OldRide.com brings together thousands of automobiles, collector car auctions, 10,000 vendor spaces, a massive manufacturer midway and a kids’ play zone, as well as lawn mower racing presented by the USLMRA. There is something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Elizabeth Community Easter Egg Hunt
Upper Independence Park
300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC
April 5, 10:00am, All ages, Free
Summary: The Annual Elizabeth Easter Egg Hunt brings out families of all ages. There will be an assortment of live bunnies that can be placed laps for photo opportunities. Face painting, and balloon animals also brighten the experience. The Easter egg hunt starts at 10:00 sharp. Don’t be late–it doesn’t take long for the eggs to disappear! Petting Zoo provided by Whispering Hope Farm.
Family Fun Day
The Bechtler Museum
420 S. Tryon Street, NC (704) 353-9200
April 5, 12:00pm – 4:30pm, All ages, $4 for adults, Kids free
Summary: Kids and families can explore the art and artists in the Bechtler collection through special art activities and family-focused museum tours during Family Day Saturday, April 5 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Drop in anytime during the afternoon.
HINTS Home School Informational Tea
Christ Covenant Church
800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews, NC (773) 454-4177
April 5, 2:00pm – 4:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Do you have friends or neighbors who are curious about home education? This is their opportunity to investigate the homeschooling world by asking questions and meeting home educating parents. How to get started, as well as NC’s Homeschool Law will be addressed, curriculum will be displayed, Charlotte area resources will be available, and veteran homeschoolers, including representatives from NCHE (North Carolinians for Home Education), a state organization, will be on hand to answer questions and offer free advice. Light refreshments will be served. There will be a main speaker to encourage those in attendance. This event is open to anyone who needs information and encouragement about beginning homeschooling,
so mark your calendars and spread the word.
Home Depot: Build a Birdbath/Birdfeeder
Home Depot Locations, Charlotte, NC
April 5, 9:00am – 12:00pm, Ages 5-12, Free
Summary: Inspired by the new film “Rio 2” out in theaters April 11, this hands-on workshop will teach kids do-it-yourself skills. Kids will receive a commemorative pin, an apron, and a certificate of achievement.
Reptile & Exotic Animal Show
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
4751 Hwy 49 North, Concord, NC (863) 268-4273
April 5, 10:00am – 4:00pm, All ages, $5-$10, children 4 and under free
Summary: Two years in the making, Repticon Charlotte is reality! In 2007, Repticon scrapped original plans to come to Charlotte, North Carolina. However, demand for that barely announced show was high, as was the need for a premium reptile & exotic animal show in the largest metro area of the Carolinas. An excellent new venue was found just north of Charlotte, and in February 2009 Repticon held a Valentine’s Day weekend show! The show was a smashing success and very popular with the large local reptile community. The show returned that fall, and again in following years to great acclaim. This show is now a new Repticon regular, so check back for further updates as Repticon Charlotte develops into 2014 and beyond for Charlotte area herpers!
Open Gym
Carolina Flipz
11812 Carolina Place Parkway, Suite B, Pineville, NC (704) 544-4511
April 5, 5:00pm – 7:00pm, All ages, Members $10, non-members $15, or save money and ask about our 6 Month Pass.
Summary: We will be holding our Open Gym on April 5th, from 5pm – 7pm. Open Gym is a chance for all kids, both members and non-members, to work and focus on the gymnastics skills of their choice. Coaches are available throughout to instruct and spot the child if needed.
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.
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.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2013-2014 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has grown to become one of the top theatre and education organizations for young people in the United States. Nationally recognized for the breadth and strength of its programs, the Theatre serves 300,000 children and families a year with technically imaginative productions and wide-ranging education programs for young people.
Nothing is more valuable than the time you spend with your family. We are committed to providing your family with unforgettable memories that only live theatre can offer. On stage and in our classrooms, we will inspire wonder and excitement, nurture confidence and ignite imaginations.
SUNDAY, April 6
AutoFair
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy. S, Concord, NC (800) 455-3267
April 3-6, All ages, $10, Children 13 & under are free
Summary: The world’s largest automotive extravaganza returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway April 3-6. The Charlotte Motor Speedway AutoFair Hosted by OldRide.com brings together thousands of automobiles, collector car auctions, 10,000 vendor spaces, a massive manufacturer midway and a kids’ play zone, as well as lawn mower racing presented by the USLMRA. There is something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Charlotte Youth Cycling Race
North Mecklenburg Park
16131 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC
April 6, see link for times and details, Ages 6-18, $15-$20, Kids 6 and under free
Summary: The weather is looking like it’s going to be wet this weekend and hopefully be a really nice day for the race on Sunday. The trails will most likely be too wet to ride without causing damage to the trail. So if the trails are too wet we will be changing things up a bit and we will mark out a cyclocross style course (without barriers) using the meadows and greenway trails at Fisher Farm. It should be a fun day of racing.
Family Fun Day Open Studio
Morrison Family YMCA
9405 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 716-4650
April 6, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, All ages, $5-$10
Summary: Join us for a fun and unique way to spend time with your family while exploring your creative side! this is the perfect opportunity to make creative gifts such as plates, mugs and more!
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.
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.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2013-2014 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has grown to become one of the top theatre and education organizations for young people in the United States. Nationally recognized for the breadth and strength of its programs, the Theatre serves 300,000 children and families a year with technically imaginative productions and wide-ranging education programs for young people.
Nothing is more valuable than the time you spend with your family. We are committed to providing your family with unforgettable memories that only live theatre can offer. On stage and in our classrooms, we will inspire wonder and excitement, nurture confidence and ignite imaginations.
