Welcome to 2026 - and to the 10th edition of The Charlotte Sprout!
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season! We spent ours at home with family, baking sugar cookies (with varying levels of success), finally getting Jamie's first haircut - full review coming next week! - and enjoying way too much ice cream since we somehow had 80 degree weather in December??
It's hard to believe we're already here, celebrating this little milestone together. When I started this newsletter just a few months ago, I wasn't sure what it would become. But what it's turned into is so much better than I imagined: a space where we can share honest recommendations, discover hidden gems around Charlotte, and navigate family life in this city together. And that's all because of you.
Thank you for opening these emails, for trying the restaurants we've recommended, for visiting the parks we've explored, and for being part of this growing community. Your support means everything.
Your roundup of family-friendly events and activities happening this week.
We’re easing into the new year with that welcome mix of fresh starts and slow, cozy days, when getting out of the house feels good but only if it’s truly worth it for everyone.
Thankfully, Charlotte’s calendar delivers this week with low-pressure outings that work for real life with kids. Think free museum days, winter skating spots, and gentle programs that are perfect for tiny humans and parents finding their rhythm again. It’s an easy way to add a little structure, movement, and fun without overloading your schedule.
✨ A few standouts:
• Museums on Us Weekend, offering free admission to six local museums including the Mint, Bechtler, and the newly added Sullenberger Aviation Museum. • Ice skating around Charlotte at The Bowl, Birkdale Village, and Winter at Whitewater for classic winter fun at a pace that works for families. • Baby Massage at The Bunny Hive, a calm, supportive class that’s ideal for brand-new parents and newborns.
To celebrate the 10th Sprout, I’m giving away a $100 gift card to Park Road Books, one of my favorite Charlotte spots for books, cozy finds, and thoughtful gifts. And if reading more books is one of your New Year's resolutions, this is meant to be!
If you’ve been around here for a bit, you may have seen the reel I shared at Park Road Books with Jamie’s current favorite books - it’s a place we truly love.
This giveaway is just for Sprout readers, because this community truly means so much to me.
How to enter:
You’re already entered just by being a subscriber 🤍
That’s it. No tagging, no sharing, no extra steps.
And if you’d like to share The Charlotte Sprout with another parent you think would genuinely love it, they’ll be entered in the giveaway too as long as they sign up before January 7.
I’ll randomly select one winner on January 7th and share it in the next Sprout!
2025 Sprout in review 🌱
Before we dive fully into a new year, I wanted to take a quick look back at a few Sprout favorites from 2025. If you’re newer here, this is a great place to start.
We have so much more to explore together in 2026. More neighborhood gems, more family-friendly spots, more honest reviews, and more of the real talk about navigating Charlotte with little ones. Here's to a year of discovery, community, and small adventures. Thank you for being here.
And if you ever have a favorite park, restaurant, or local spot you think Sprout should check out, feel free to hit reply and tell me about it. I read every note and love hearing from you.
With gratitude,
💚 Emily Founder, The Charlotte Sprout
P.S. If you try any of these spots, tag us on Instagram @charlottesprout! I love seeing your family adventures (and secretly judge how much better your kids behave in public than mine does).
Help The Sprout grow. If one idea made your week easier, please forward this email or tag @thecharlottesprout so more Charlotte parents can find us. 🌱
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