Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
Presented by Northwestern Mutual, the 19th Annual CPCC Charlotte Skyline Run on Saturday, April 26th, is a great event for the whole family. Featuring a 5K run, a 5K Walk for Health, the Charlotte Smarty Pants Baby Jogger 5K Championship and new this year, a one mile timed run.
Following the run, the whole family can enjoy the Kids Zone, Health/Fitness Zone and Food Zones where vendors will be on hand to discuss everything from weight management and healthy food products to the hottest trends in running gear. Back again this year will be WTVI PBS Charlotte’s Curious George and Seemore Goodstuff mascots.
For more info about this event click here.
FRIDAY, April 25
Beach Fest Matthews
Stumptown Park
232 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC (704) 321-7275
April 25, 6:00pm – 10:00pm, April 26, 9:00am – 9:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Live Beach Music, Shagging, Boardwalk-style Food Vendors, Full-sized Carnival Rides, Hands-on Crafts & Activities for Kids, Interactive Sponsor Exhibits, and much more!
Best Buy Teen Movie Night
Morrison Family YMCA
9405 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 716-4650
April 25, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Ages 13-18, Free for members, $5 non-members
Summary: We will be showing a different movie each month courtesy of Best Buy in Blakeney, so join us for a fun night with your friends!
Tuck Fest
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC (704) 391-3900
April 25-27, See link for complete schedule, All ages, $5 parking fee
Summary: 24 hours of activities over three days, live music, 20+ competitions, and demos featuring outdoor sport recreations.
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 25, 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 26
Dash for Down Syndrome
8811 Blakeney Professional Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277
April 26, 8:30am – 12:00pm, All ages, $25 online, $40 day of event
Summary: Where’s a reason to exercise for a great cause. Come out and enjoy the fun and support Downs Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte.
Art on the Green
The Village Green
South Main Street, Davidson, NC
April 26, 10:00am – 5:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: This enormously popular event brings thousands of people to Davidson to enjoy art, live music, and food. This art festival features booths filled with top-quality art works from artists throughout the region. The weekend will include musical performances by a variety of local talents and a host of food choices from both on-site vendors and area restaurants. Join us for an exciting weekend filled with visual, musical and culinary arts!
Charlotte World Parade & Festival
Freedom Park
1900 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 246-7619
April 26, 11:00am – 6:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: The Parade of Nations is an authentic exploration of cultures and will showcase more than 45 countries from all over the world with vibrant, colorful, native dresses. They will demonstrate their folklore, heritage and history and delicious, exotic flavors from their region.
HFFA Kids Triathlon Series
Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics
11725 Verhoeff Drive, Huntersville, NC
April 26, 5:00pm, Ages 4-10, $5
Summary: A fun run, a bike race, and a swim race. Kids receive prizes and awards at the end of the race.
Middle School Madness
Morrison Family YMCA
9405 Bryant Farms Road , Charlotte, NC (704) 716-4650
April 26, 7:00pm – 10:30pm, Ages 11-13, $5-$8
Summary: Activities include a dance with music by SoundBiz DJ Service, basketball, a Dodgeball tournament, video games and hang-out time with friends in our Rachel Giblin Teen Center.
Queen’s Cup Steeplechase
Brooklandwood Race Courses, Mineral Springs (704) 843-7070
April 26, 10:00am – 7:00pm, All ages, $45-$75
Summary: The Queen’s Cup is like no other sporting and social event in the Charlotte region. A Saturday afternoon in the country each spring is greeted with great anticipation. Thousands come to see some of the most athletic thoroughbreds compete at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. The jockeys, dressed in bright colored silks, push their sleek steeds to clear four and a half foot jumps over a two and a quarter to as much as three mile rolling turf course. The prestige of over $100,000 in purse money to the winning owners and the opportunity to bask in the glory of the winner’s circle is what it’s all about from the horse’s connections.
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 27
KinderMourn’s 10th Annual Hope Floats Duck Race
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte, NC (704) 376-2580
April 27, 2:00pm – 5:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: One of the “quackiest” races in town. Prizes will be awarded to the first ducks who cross the finish line. Part of the tuck fest.
5th Annual Strawberry Festival
Bush-N-Vine Farm
1650 Filbert Hwy., York, SC (803) 684-2732
April 27, 9:00am – 4:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: You don’t want to miss our annual Strawberry Festival! Whether you’re a family with young children, a college student looking for something to do with friends on the weekend, or retired and wanting to enjoy a fun day outdoors, we know you’ll have a great time! Our pick-your-own strawberry patch will be open and there will be plenty of other activities too–live music, face painting, observation bee hive, bounce house for kids, and more! Mark your calendar!
Great Amazing Race: Adults and Kids Adventure Race
Pineville Lake Park
1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville, NC
April 27, 2:00pm, All ages, See website for fees
Summary: Modeled after the popular television show “THE AMAZING RACE”, teams of two people (adults & kids grades K-12) race around a one-mile cross course in competition with other teams, completing a string of up to eight fun-filled challenges. Clue Cards provided at each station directs teams to perform a task (game, relay, obstacle course, etc.) that requires teamwork, before proceeding to the next challenge station. Contestants strive to arrive at the finish line with the fastest overall time to be declared winners.
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.
