Will this rainy weather ever let up?! Let’s hope so because there is so much to do this weekend with the fam! If the rain continues, try Kids Bowl Free at 10 Park Lanes or The Studio Movie Grill’s Children’s Summer Series with the Muppets Take Manhattan.
Carowinds is hosting a special experience with Return to Pirate Island in Boomerang Bay for the little ones. This event is now through Sunday, so don’t wait! Also, Britax is having their popular carseat check this weekend.
Get out and enjoy!
FRIDAY, JULY 12
Kids Bowl Free
10 Park Lanes
1700 Montford Drive, Charlotte, NC (704) 523-7633
July 12, 9:00am-5:00pm, Ages k-8th grade, Free, Registration required
Summary: Register for kids bowl free and enjoy 2 free games of bowling every day all summer long!
Kids Bowl Free
StrikeCity
210 E Trade St., Charlotte, NC (704) 716-9300
July 12, 11:00am – 5:00pm, Ages 13 and under, $5/person food and drink minimum
Summary: Are you a mom, dad or nanny looking for something to do this summer? Look no further because we are free bowling for kids all summer long. Come in, cool off and enjoy some family bowling. Kids 13 and under are welcome to come into StrikeCity anytime between 11am until 5pm, Monday through Friday.
Return to Pirate Island
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC (704) 588-2600
July 12, 11:00am – 4:00pm, All ages, Free with park admission
Summary: Argh matey! Get set for ye journey for buried treasure and more in Boomerang Bay! This event transforms Kookaburra Bay into the world of a pirate’s life tailored for young children’s activities from 11am until 4pm each day! Pirate Magic Show, Bermuda Triangle Foam Zone, A Pirate’s Ship Interactive Play Area, Games, Prizes, Treasure Maps and MORE!
Studio Movie Grill
Children’s Summer Series – The Muppets Take Manhattan
EpiCentre – Studio Movie Grill
210 East Trade Street, Ste. D-290, Charlotte, NC (704) 972-1062
July 12, 11:00am, All ages, Adults $2, Kids $1
Summary: Studio Movie Grill (SMG) is the pioneer of the in-thaeter dining concept, offering first-run movies and alternative programming alongside an American Grill menu and full service bar.
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
July 12, 9:00am – 5:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: click on the links below for show times and ticket prices.
Animal Grossology – introduces scientific concepts in ways that make kids giggle. Get a fresh take on some of the more disgusting things animals do and how blood, vomit, pellets and more can be fun, funky and fascinating.
Nano – a special limited mini exhibition. This interactive exhibition engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology.
Sub-Zero – The coolest thing in Charlotte this side of -321 degrees. Join our resident physicist at “The Stage” to chill out and explore a world below freezing. With materials so cold they can only be touched with cryogenic gloves, you’re in for an icy treat.
Fired Up! Join us for Fiery fun. Oxygen, heat and fuel form the fire triangle! Join us for some explosively fun experiments.
Animalopolis will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun.
Flight of the Butterflies – Experience the most incredible migration on earth. It’s a natural history epic. It’s a compelling detective story. It’s a scientific adventure at its best.
Britax Car Seat Check
Britax North American Headquarters
4140 Pleasant Road, Fort Mill, SC
July 12, 8:00am -11:30am, Free
Summary: Please help us keep babies and kids safe on the road, especially as we approach summer travel season!
Statistic: Improper car seat installation — and lack of a car seat altogether — is responsible for the death and injury of thousands of children each year. Approximately 96 percent of parents believe their child seats are installed correctly. However, research shows that seven out of 10 children are either not securely fastened in their car seat or are in a car seat that is not properly secured to the vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). No appointment needed.
Cow Appreciation Day
Any Chick-fil-A across the country
July 12, All day, All ages, Free meal (see details below)
Summary: For one day only, black and white spots, cow bells and furry ears will be appropriate attire at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the nation. In celebration of July 12, Cow Appreciation Day, Chick-fil-A will award a FREE Meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who comes to one of our 1,700+ restaurants fully dressed as a cow.
Rockin’ & Reelin’ Concert and Movie Series
Pineville Lake Park
1000 Johnston Drive, Charlotte, NC (704) 889-2400
July 12, 7:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: The Amazing Spiderman (PG-13). Enjoy a movie on the lawn and under the stars.
James Gregory
The Comedy Zone
900 NC Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte, NC
July 12, 6:30pm and 8:30pm, Ages 18+, $19 and up
Summary: For over twenty years, the unforgettable caricature of veteran comic James Gregory has stood grinning: his blue shirt untucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a down-home, hilarious storytelling experience. The trademark caricature is the essence of James Gregory´s comedy: whimsical reflections on life from the front porch. Gregory tours 48 weeks a year, entertaining sold-out crowds in comedy clubs from Atlanta to Chicago, Seattle to New York. “The most famous comedian America has never heard of,” James Gregory entertains over 10 million people annually.
Blakeney Summer Concert Series – Natty Boh (Acoustic, Folk)
Blakeney Shopping Center
Ardrey Kell and Rea Road Charlotte, NC (704) 523-0272
July 12, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, free
Summary: Chill out and enjoy the tunes of Natty Boh.
Summer Music Concert Series Stonecrest
Piper Glen
I-485 and Rae Road
July 12, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: two stages, two musicians and two nights (July 12 & 13) of family fun!
SATURDAY, JULY 13
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
July 13, 10:00am – 6:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: click on the links below for show times and ticket prices.
Animal Grossology – introduces scientific concepts in ways that make kids giggle. Get a fresh take on some of the more disgusting things animals do and how blood, vomit, pellets and more can be fun, funky and fascinating.
Nano – a special limited mini exhibition. This interactive exhibition engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology.
Sub-Zero – The coolest thing in Charlotte this side of -321 degrees. Join our resident physicist at “The Stage” to chill out and explore a world below freezing. With materials so cold they can only be touched with cryogenic gloves, you’re in for an icy treat.
Fired Up! Join us for Fiery fun. Oxygen, heat and fuel form the fire triangle! Join us for some explosively fun experiments.
Animalopolis will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun.
Flight of the Butterflies – Experience the most incredible migration on earth. It’s a natural history epic. It’s a compelling detective story. It’s a scientific adventure at its best.
Charlotte Nature Museum
1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
July 13,10:00am – 1:00pm, All ages, Activities are free with museum admission
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.
Exhibits: Wander Charlotte Nature Museum and encounter the finned, furred and feathered. Little ones will experience the natural world in a fun environment that encourages hands-on exploration and self-directed learning.
Shows: Charlotte Nature Museum’s professional Puppet Theatre offers nature-based puppet shows and coordinated programming especially designed for young viewers. Grandpa Tree can be found in the Nature Dome by the “nighttime campfire”, with his forest friends. Join us in the woods and enjoy captivating tales of wildlife.
Return to Pirate Island
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC (704) 588-2600
July 13, 11:00am – 4:00pm, All ages, Free with park admission
Summary: Argh matey! Get set for ye journey for buried treasure and more in Boomerang Bay! This event transforms Kookaburra Bay into the world of a pirate’s life tailored for young children’s activities from 11am until 4pm each day! Pirate Magic Show, Bermuda Triangle Foam Zone, A Pirate’s Ship Interactive Play Area, Games, Prizes, Treasure Maps and MORE!
Live Bird Presentation
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
July 13, 11:00-11:30, All ages, Free with regular admission
Summary: Docent volunteers present 3-4 species of birds on glove and discuss the natural history of featured birds in our Festival Area.
Vulture Feeding
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
July 13, 12:30-1:00, All ages, Free with regular admission
Summary: Vultures are smart! Come see them play with their food at our weekly vulture feeding presented by our knowledgeable docent volunteers.
Talons: Birds of the World Flight Show
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
July 13, 1:00pm – 1:30pm & 3:00 – 3:30, All ages, Regular admission + $5.00
Summary: Watch for your opportunity to see these amazing birds in flight!
Summer Music Concert Series Stonecrest
Piper Glen
I-485 and Rae Road
July 13, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, All ages, Free
Summary: two stages, two musicians and two nights (July 12 & 13) of family fun!
James Gregory
The Comedy Zone
900 NC Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte, NC
July 13, 7:00pm and 9:30pm, Ages 18+, $19 and up
Summary: For over twenty years, the unforgettable caricature of veteran comic James Gregory has stood grinning: his blue shirt untucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a down-home, hilarious storytelling experience. The trademark caricature is the essence of James Gregory´s comedy: whimsical reflections on life from the front porch. Gregory tours 48 weeks a year, entertaining sold-out crowds in comedy clubs from Atlanta to Chicago, Seattle to New York. “The most famous comedian America has never heard of,” James Gregory entertains over 10 million people annually.
XTERRA Trail Run
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC (704) 391-3900
July 13, Ages: 18+, $30+, Registration required
Summary: The 3.5 & 8.25 mile trail runs will lead you through the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s extensive trail system and along the beautiful shores of the Catawba River and. Throughout the race, you´ll encounter roots, rocks, bridges and your fair share of climbing on these gorgeous single-track trails.
Whitewater River Jam – Mipso
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC (704) 391-3900
July 13, 7:00pm – 10:00pm, Ages 21+,
Summary: Rooted in the music of North Carolina’s mountains and Piedmont, Chapel Hill-based Mipso gives these traditional influences a distinctly modern twist. With an old-school combination of fiddle, mandolin, bass, guitar, and four voices in close harmony, Mipso’s Jacob Sharp, Wood Robinson, Joseph Terrell, and Libby Rodenbough mix bluegrass ingredients with a healthy dose of 21st century energy.
SUNDAY JULY 14
Return to Pirate Island
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC (704) 588-2600
July 14, 11:00am – 4:00pm, All ages, Free with park admission
Summary: Argh matey! Get set for ye journey for buried treasure and more in Boomerang Bay! This event transforms Kookaburra Bay into the world of a pirate’s life tailored for young children’s activities from 11am until 4pm each day! Pirate Magic Show, Bermuda Triangle Foam Zone, A Pirate’s Ship Interactive Play Area, Games, Prizes, Treasure Maps and MORE!
Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (704) 372-6261
July 14, 12:00pm – 5:00pm, All ages, free with museum admission
Summary: click on the links below for show times and ticket prices.
Animal Grossology – introduces scientific concepts in ways that make kids giggle. Get a fresh take on some of the more disgusting things animals do and how blood, vomit, pellets and more can be fun, funky and fascinating.
Nano – a special limited mini exhibition. This interactive exhibition engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology.
Sub-Zero – The coolest thing in Charlotte this side of -321 degrees. Join our resident physicist at “The Stage” to chill out and explore a world below freezing. With materials so cold they can only be touched with cryogenic gloves, you’re in for an icy treat.
Fired Up! Join us for Fiery fun. Oxygen, heat and fuel form the fire triangle! Join us for some explosively fun experiments.
Animalopolis will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun.
Flight of the Butterflies – Experience the most incredible migration on earth. It’s a natural history epic. It’s a compelling detective story. It’s a scientific adventure at its best.
Talons: Birds of the World Flight Show
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
July 14, 1:00-1:30, 3:00pm – 3:30pm, All ages, Regular admission + $5.00
Summary: Watch for your opportunity to see these amazing birds in flight!
Live Bird Presentation
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-6521
July 14, 2:00-2:30, All ages, others free with regular admission
Summary: Docent volunteers present 3-4 species of birds on glove and discuss the natural history of featured birds in our Festival Area.
