Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
FRIDAY, October 10
Race to End Bullying Music Festival
Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Zone
5555 Concord Pkwy., Concord, NC
October 9-11, See website for times, All ages, Free
Summary: The Teen Nation Tour is a peer-to-peer community service program to educate and entertain youth about bullying in a way students can relate – through music. The tour is for schools and features young emerging recording artists from around the country who perform Top 40 country, pop, and rock hits. Artists share personal bullying experiences, discuss the types of bullying, and prevention options. The group also performs concerts on weekends and evenings at non-school venues such as concert halls, arenas, and more.
Baby Palooza
Romp n’ Roll – Harrisburg
4200 Main Street, Ste 100, Harrisburg, NC (704) 455-2623
October 10, Call for times, Ages 3-12 months, Free, Registration required
Summary: Give us a call and schedule your free class today! Space is limited.
Scarrigan Farms
Carrigan Farms
1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC (704) 664-1450
The month of October, See website for times, Ages 12+, $20
Summary: On select October nights our 130 acre farm is transformed into the scariest haunted trail in the region. If you are looking for a new and out of the ordinary way to get your heart pumping and adrenaline rushing this October, Scarrigan Farms is the place for you. This is not a trail for kids. If you’re under 12 come back when you’re old enough. We’ll be waiting. If someone hasn’t peed in their pants by the end of the night we know we haven’t done our job. (cash only accepted for all ticket payments)
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!
Foodtruck Friday
Southend
1613 Camden Road Charlotte, NC
Every Friday, 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, October 11
Race to End Bullying Music Festival
Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Zone
5555 Concord Pkwy., Concord, NC
October 9-11, See website for times, All ages, Free
Summary: The Teen Nation Tour is a peer-to-peer community service program to educate and entertain youth about bullying in a way students can relate – through music. The tour is for schools and features young emerging recording artists from around the country who perform Top 40 country, pop, and rock hits. Artists share personal bullying experiences, discuss the types of bullying, and prevention options. The group also performs concerts on weekends and evenings at non-school venues such as concert halls, arenas, and more.
Walk With Me
Freedom Park
1900 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC
October 11, 9:00am, All ages, $25, Registration required
Summary: Join the Easter Seals UCP for a family fun walk that benefits the programs and services that help individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges.
Lowes Build and Grow
Lowes Home Improvement locations, Charlotte, NC
October 11, 10:00am – 11:00am, Ages 10 and under, Free, Registration required
Summary: Halloween’s right around the corner. Get your kids in the spirit by bringing them into Lowe’s to build their own spooky Haunted House!
Bank of America 500
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord, NC (704) 455-3200
October 11, 7:30pm, All ages, $13.25 and up
Summary: A critical battle in the Contender Round of NASCAR’s newly formatted Chase for the Sprint Cup Series championship. Pre-race festivities include the biggest entertainment lineup featuring three hours of music with The Band Perry, Parmalee and Jimmy Wayne as part of the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Birthday Pit Party presented by BI-LO. It’s the only Saturday night race in the Chase, and it’s right in NASCAR’s back yard.
American Girl Store Grand Opening
SouthPark Mall
4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 364-4411
October 11-12, See website for details, All ages, Free
Summary: Discover the newest American Girl store, coming soon to Southpark Mall! You and your girl are invited to join in the fun during our grand-opening weekend. She’ll enjoy free crafts, exciting activities, and doll drawings, and receive a FREE gift—just for attending! Gift available while supplies last.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand & Bake Sale
Kindercare Learning Centers-Myers Park
1700 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 366-7180
October 11, 8:00am – 1:30pm, All ages, Free
Summary: All proceeds from the Lemonade Stand & Bake Sale will go to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to help fund childhood cancer research.
St. Ann’s Parish Carnival
St. Ann Catholic Church
3635 Park Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 523-4641
October 11, 10:00am – 6:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Full day of rides, including Jitter Bug, Swings for Tots, Mega Slide, Bounce House. Other fun activities consist of a Bake Sale, Silent Auction, Ceramic Sale, Face Painting and Bingo.
Fall Frolic Weekends on the Greenway
Anne Spring Close Greenway
1604 U.S. Highway 21, Fort Mill, SC (803) 548-7252
October 4 – 26, See website for times, All ages, $10-$12
Summary: Each weekend includes wagon wides, pick your own pumpkin, corn maze, and music.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 896-5544
October 4 – November 23, Saturdays and Sundays, All ages, $10 – $25, free for ages, 5 and younger
Summary: It is not recommended that you use any internet mapping programs to find the Festival. There seems to occasionally be some discrepancy between the existing streets and the directions provided by such services.
The Renaissance Festival is a 16th century European style art and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, circus entertainment, arts and crafts marketplace, a jousting tournament, a feast fit for royalty, and much much more. The 21st annual season opens in the fall Saturdays and Sundays, from October 4th to November 23rd, 2014.
The Carolina Renaissance Festival was introduced in 1994 with six acres of exhibits, attractions and entertainment. The event has grown into a twenty acre theme park filled with charming cottages and castles, kitchens and pubs, and a most unusual collection of people powered rides and games of skill – all nestled in 325 acres of pristine woodlands just north of Charlotte, NC.
Scarrigan Farms
Carrigan Farms
1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC (704) 664-1450
The month of October, See website for times, Ages 12+, $20
Summary: On select October nights our 130 acre farm is transformed into the scariest haunted trail in the region. If you are looking for a new and out of the ordinary way to get your heart pumping and adrenaline rushing this October, Scarrigan Farms is the place for you.
This is not a trail for kids. If you’re under 12 come back when you’re old enough. We’ll be waiting. If someone hasn’t peed in their pants by the end of the night we know we haven’t done our job. (cash only accepted for all ticket payments)
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!
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, October 12
American Girl Store Grand Opening
SouthPark Mall
4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 364-4411
October 11-12, See website for details, All ages, Free
Summary: Discover the newest American Girl store, coming soon to Southpark Mall! You and your girl are invited to join in the fun during our grand-opening weekend. She’ll enjoy free crafts, exciting activities, and doll drawings, and receive a FREE gift—just for attending! Gift available while supplies last.
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!
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.