Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Day Out With Thomas
NC Transportation Museum
411 South Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC (704) 636-2889
September 26-28, See link for schedule, All ages, $22-$24
Summary: Take a 25-minute ride in a full size Thomas the Tank Engine, visit with a life-sized Percy, participate in storytelling, live music and build with Mega Blocks.
Bug Ball
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont, NC (704) 825-4490
September 26, 5:30pm – 9:00pm, All ages, $10 and up, Registration required.
Summary: This is one family friendly event that you don’t want to miss.
SCarowinds Halloween Haunt
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd. (704) 588-2600
September 19 – November 1, See link for schedule, Ages 13+ recommended, $26+
Summary: This event needs no explanation. but there are a few details that you need to know. A separate ticket is required for admittance to SCarowinds’ Halloween Haunt. This event is rated PG-13 and may be too intense for young children.
Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-3113
September 12 – November 2, See link for schedule, All ages, $7 – $15
Summary: This Fall starting September 12th and lasting until November 2nd! 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!
Meet The Octonauts
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC (866) 229-1573
September 6-28, See link for schedule, All ages, $14+ includes admission to aquarium
Summary: Sound the Octo-Alert! THE OCTONAUTS are diving under the sea at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord! Enjoy one on one meet and greet opportunities with Captain Barnacles and Peso from the hit TV show and Octo-themed activities throughout the day. Octonaut character meet and greets occur daily from 11:00am- 6:00pm in the SEA LIFE Education and Activity Room located next the Children’s Play area. Captain Barnacles and Peso will appear in rotation.
Foodtruck Friday
Southend
1613 Camden Road Charlotte, NC
September 26, 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!
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.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Walk Now for Autism Speaks
zMAX Dragway
6570 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord, NC
September 27, 10:00am, All ages, Free
Summary: Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event and is our single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead us to the answers we need. Experience the power of thousands united by a single cause by joining Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder in the U.S.
Sardis Under the Stars
Sardis Presbyterian Church
6100 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 578-9429
September 27, 5:00pm – 9:00am, Families, $10 includes hot dogs, s’mores and breakfast, Registration required,
Summary: Bring your tent or camper, lantern, camp chairs, sleeping bags, flashlight and bug spray for a backyard camp‐out in Francis Forest with the family.
One Direction: Where We Are Tour
PNC Music Pavilion
707 Pavilion Blvd., Charlotte, NC
September 27-28, 7:00pm, All ages, $95 and up
Summary: If you have a teenage girl you know One Direction. If you don’t, you aren’t interested in knowing. They will be rocking the QC for two days this weekend.
Charlotte Area FARM TOUR | Know Your Farms Tour
206 College St., Pineville, NC (980) 224-3710
Summary: September 27-28, All ages, $25 per vehicle, price good for both days, Registration required
Artfest of Matthews
Matthews Town Green
232 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC (704) 847-4411
September 27-28, 10:00am – 5:00pm & noon – 5:00pm, All ages, free
Summary: A Fine Arts and Master Craft Juried Art Show featuring over 50 artists from throughout the Southeast. ArtFest offers visitors an up-close opportunity to meet and interact with artists and purchase their art. Over $3,000 in Artist prizes. Live entertainment both days of festival
3rd Annual 5K Benefiting Levine Children’s Hospital
Showmars Park Cedar
9925 Park Cedar Drive, Pineville, NC (704) 752-1111
September 27, 8:00am, All ages, see website for fee and registration
Summary: Run in the Showmars Pediatric Hearts 5K. The event includes a 5K run, walk, complimentary kids fun run, pancake breakfast and entertainment for the whole family.
Day Out With Thomas
NC Transportation Museum
411 South Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC (704) 636-2889
September 26-28, See link for schedule, All ages, $22-$24
Summary: Take a 25-minute ride in a full size Thomas the Tank Engine, visit with a life-sized Percy, participate in storytelling, live music and build with Mega Blocks.
SCarowinds Halloween Haunt
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd. (704) 588-2600
September 19 – November 1, See link for schedule, Ages 13+ recommended, $26+
Summary: This event needs no explanation. but there are a few details that you need to know. A separate ticket is required for admittance to SCarowinds’ Halloween Haunt. This event is rated PG-13 and may be too intense for young children.
Meet The Octonauts
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC (866) 229-1573
September 6-28, See link for schedule, All ages, $14+ includes admission to aquarium
Summary: Sound the Octo-Alert! THE OCTONAUTS are diving under the sea at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord! Enjoy one on one meet and greet opportunities with Captain Barnacles and Peso from the hit TV show and Octo-themed activities throughout the day. Octonaut character meet and greets occur daily from 11:00am- 6:00pm in the SEA LIFE Education and Activity Room located next the Children’s Play area. Captain Barnacles and Peso will appear in rotation.
Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-3113
September 12 – November 2, See link for schedule, All ages, $7 – $15
Summary: This Fall starting September 12th and lasting until November 2nd! 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!
USNWC River Jam
USNWC
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte, NC (704) 391-3900
September 27, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: One of the best nights out for the money. Great music, food and entertainment for the entire family.
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.
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, SEPTEMBER 28
Sunday Fun Day: Dots, Dashes and Paint splashes
Mint Museum Uptown
500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC (704) 337-2000
September 28, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, $6 for adults, free for kids,
Summary: Color “outside the lines” with splashy painting projects and ponder bold, brilliant abstract paintings in the American Art Collection.
One Direction: Where We Are Tour
PNC Music Pavilion
707 Pavilion Blvd., Charlotte, NC
September 27-28, 7:00pm, All ages, $95 and up
Summary: If you have a teenage girl you know One Direction. If you don’t, you aren’t interested in knowing. They will be rocking the QC for two days this weekend.
Charlotte Area FARM TOUR | Know Your Farms Tour
206 College St., Pineville, NC (980) 224-3710
Summary: September 27-28, All ages, $25 per vehicle, price good for both days, Registration required
Artfest of Matthews
Matthews Town Green
232 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC (704) 847-4411
September 27-28, 10:00am – 5:00pm & noon – 5:00pm, All ages, free
Summary: A Fine Arts and Master Craft Juried Art Show featuring over 50 artists from throughout the Southeast. ArtFest offers visitors an up-close opportunity to meet and interact with artists and purchase their art. Over $3,000 in Artist prizes. Live entertainment both days of festival
Day Out With Thomas
NC Transportation Museum
411 South Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC (704) 636-2889
September 26-28, See link for schedule, All ages, $22-$24
Summary: Take a 25-minute ride in a full size Thomas the Tank Engine, visit with a life-sized Percy, participate in storytelling, live music and build with Mega Blocks.
SCarowinds Halloween Haunt
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd. (704) 588-2600
September 19 – November 1, See link for schedule, Ages 13+ recommended, $26+
Summary: This event needs no explanation. but there are a few details that you need to know. A separate ticket is required for admittance to SCarowinds’ Halloween Haunt. This event is rated PG-13 and may be too intense for young children.
Meet The Octonauts
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC (866) 229-1573
September 6-28, See link for schedule, All ages, $14+ includes admission to aquarium
Summary: Sound the Octo-Alert! THE OCTONAUTS are diving under the sea at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord! Enjoy one on one meet and greet opportunities with Captain Barnacles and Peso from the hit TV show and Octo-themed activities throughout the day. Octonaut character meet and greets occur daily from 11:00am- 6:00pm in the SEA LIFE Education and Activity Room located next the Children’s Play area. Captain Barnacles and Peso will appear in rotation.
Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze
Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-3113
September 12 – November 2, See link for schedule, All ages, $7 – $15
Summary: This Fall starting September 12th and lasting until November 2nd! 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!
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.
