Smarty Scoop is proudly sponsored by Discovery Place, Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville and The Charlotte Nature Museum.
Q4KIDZ Launch Party
Free Range Brewery
2320 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC
July 26, 3:00pm – 5:00pm, All ages, Free, To register click here
Join us as we officially launch Q4KIDZ, by ParentsTogether in the Queen City! Come out and engage with other families in fun, creative conversation and activities around awesome Q4KIDZ questions like: If you could give your belly button a function, what would you make it do? or You’ve been asked to design a new kind of money (not dollars) what does it look like, what will you call it? And don’t worry about bringing your kids to a brewery, our friends at Free Range Brewing are explicitly family friendly. There’s a dedicated kids’ section and homemade sodas for the little ones.
FRIDAY, July 24
Peach Days
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
1801 Yorkmont Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 357-1269
July 24, 8:00am – 6:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Friday – Free peach ice cream from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm provided by the North Carolina Peach Growers Association and the North Carolina Dairy Producers. Saturday – Local vendors will be showcasing fresh local North Carolina peaches, peach jams, jellies, cakes, pies, salsa, recipes, and so much more.
Summer Food Truck Rally
Historic Rural Hill
4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-3113
July 24, 5:30pm – 9:30pm, All ages, $5 parking fee
Summary: The Rural Hill Food Truck Rally has something for everyone! Let your child play free in the Kid’s Zone, learn about cooking over an open flame at the historic Rural Retreat Cabin. Challenge your friends and family to a round of corn hole. Enjoy live music under the stars. Take a scenic and relaxing hayride around the property (fee applies), or hike off any culinary excesses with a quiet hike along our 2.5 mile trail. No pets.
Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein
Dalton F. Halton Theater
1206 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC (704) 330-6534
July 24, See website for times, All ages, $10-$22
Summary: It’s Alive! The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches. From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation The Producers comes this monster new musical comedy. The comedy genius Mel Brooks adapted his legendarily funny film into a brilliant stage creation – Young Frankenstein!
Summer Music Series at Blakeney
Blakeney Shopping Center at the Village Green
Friday, All summer long, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Summary: Join us every Friday and Saturday night from April-August for free live music at the Village Green. The concerts run from 7-10pm and are fun for the whole family!
StoneCrest Summer Concert Series
StoneCrest Shopping Center – Fountain Stage
7900 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC
All summer long, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Come out to StoneCrest Shopping Center every Friday and Saturday night this summer to enjoy their free Summer Concert Series.
Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog
ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC (704) 416-4600
June 5 – September 5, See website for schedule, Ages 3-11,
Summary: Visitors will start their journey to the exhibit aboard the Birdwell Island Ferry, complete with seagull sounds and clanking ship bells. As visitors pass by the lighthouse and enter Birdwell Island, they discover the world of Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and the people and places of Birdwell Island. Visitors can be restaurant workers at Samuel’s Restaurant, play in the sand box with T-Bone at the beach, slide down Clifford’s tail, write and mail letters to island residents, create art in Clifford’s dog house, put on a show in Mac’s backyard theater, engage in interactive activities in Cleo’s small tot play land, and of course read Clifford stories and learn about artist Norman Bridwell!
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. 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.
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: Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked The World
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.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2014-2015 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s home is ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, an amazing collaborative venture between the Theatre and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. It’s an amazing place for families – a really cool children’s library, plus two incredible theatre spaces for our productions, classrooms, computer labs, a Teen Loft and a lot more.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
1500 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC (704) 866-6900
The natural wonders of North America and North Carolina coupled with the rich history of our region are all reflected in The Schiele’s exceptional exhibitions and diverse programming. Whether you’re indoors or out, with the kids or your colleagues, by bringing you a lot closer to nature, The Schiele will bring you a little closer to yourself.
Featured Exhibits: For a complete listing click here
Planetarium: For a complete schedule click here
Events Calendar: For all events click here
SATURDAY, July 25
Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein
Dalton F. Halton Theater
1206 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC (704) 330-6534
July 25, See website for times, All ages, $10-$22
Summary: It’s Alive! The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches. From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation The Producers comes this monster new musical comedy. The comedy genius Mel Brooks adapted his legendarily funny film into a brilliant stage creation – Young Frankenstein!
Summer Music Series at Blakeney
Blakeney Shopping Center at the Village Green
Friday, All summer long, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Summary: Join us every Friday and Saturday night from April-August for free live music at the Village Green. The concerts run from 7-10pm and are fun for the whole family!
StoneCrest Summer Concert Series
Stonecrest Shopping Center – Fountain Stage
7900 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC
All summer long, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: Come out to Stonecrest Shopping Center every Friday and Saturday night this summer to enjoy their free Summer Concert Series.
Blumenthal Performing Arts
130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-1000
To see the 2015 schedule click here
Summary: You can get all the best of the performing arts without buying a plane ticket to the Big Apple! Blumenthal Performing Arts is your source for all the best performing arts events in Charlotte and the Carolinas.
Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog
ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC (704) 416-4600
June 5 – September 5, See website for schedule, Ages 3-11,
Summary: Visitors will start their journey to the exhibit aboard the Birdwell Island Ferry, complete with seagull sounds and clanking ship bells. As visitors pass by the lighthouse and enter Birdwell Island, they discover the world of Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and the people and places of Birdwell Island. Visitors can be restaurant workers at Samuel’s Restaurant, play in the sand box with T-Bone at the beach, slide down Clifford’s tail, write and mail letters to island residents, create art in Clifford’s dog house, put on a show in Mac’s backyard theater, engage in interactive activities in Cleo’s small tot play land, and of course read Clifford stories and learn about artist Norman Bridwell!
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: Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked The World
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 Schiele Museum of Natural History
1500 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC (704) 866-6900
The natural wonders of North America and North Carolina coupled with the rich history of our region are all reflected in The Schiele’s exceptional exhibitions and diverse programming. Whether you’re indoors or out, with the kids or your colleagues, by bringing you a lot closer to nature, The Schiele will bring you a little closer to yourself.
Featured Exhibits: For a complete listing click here
Planetarium: For a complete schedule click here
Events Calendar: For all events click here
SUNDAY, July 26
Q4KIDZ Launch Party
Free Range Brewery
2320 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC
July 26, 3:00pm – 5:00pm, All ages, Free, To register click here
Summary: Join us as we officially launch Q4KIDZ, by ParentsTogether in the Queen City! Come out and engage with other families in fun, creative conversation and activities around awesome Q4KIDZ questions like: If you could give your belly button a function, what would you make it do? or You’ve been asked to design a new kind of money (not dollars) what does it look like, what will you call it? And don’t worry about bringing your kids to a brewery, our friends at Free Range Brewing are explicitly family friendly. There’s a dedicated kids’ section and homemade sodas for the little ones.
Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog
ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center
300 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC (704) 416-4600
June 5 – September 5, See website for schedule, Ages 3-11,
Summary: Visitors will start their journey to the exhibit aboard the Birdwell Island Ferry, complete with seagull sounds and clanking ship bells. As visitors pass by the lighthouse and enter Birdwell Island, they discover the world of Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, and the people and places of Birdwell Island. Visitors can be restaurant workers at Samuel’s Restaurant, play in the sand box with T-Bone at the beach, slide down Clifford’s tail, write and mail letters to island residents, create art in Clifford’s dog house, put on a show in Mac’s backyard theater, engage in interactive activities in Cleo’s small tot play land, and of course read Clifford stories and learn about artist Norman Bridwell!
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: Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked The World
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 Schiele Museum of Natural History
1500 East Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC (704) 866-6900
The natural wonders of North America and North Carolina coupled with the rich history of our region are all reflected in The Schiele’s exceptional exhibitions and diverse programming. Whether you’re indoors or out, with the kids or your colleagues, by bringing you a lot closer to nature, The Schiele will bring you a little closer to yourself.
Featured Exhibits: For a complete listing click here
Planetarium: For a complete schedule click here
Events Calendar: For all events click here
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
located @ Imaginon
300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 973-2800
To see the complete 2014-2015 schedule, special pricing and ways to save click here
Summary: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s home is ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, an amazing collaborative venture between the Theatre and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. It’s an amazing place for families – a really cool children’s library, plus two incredible theatre spaces for our productions, classrooms, computer labs, a Teen Loft and a lot more.