If you're anything like me, you've been deep in the trenches of indoor winter entertainment. I'm talking the same two Tonies on repeat, the same three books read so many times you could recite them in your sleep, and a toddler who is over it. So I did what any desperate mom does and hit up Facebook Marketplace.
I snagged a sensory table for $75 (it retails for $100, so not exactly the steal of the century, but it came with extra bins AND it was already assembled, which honestly might be worth the $25 alone). And guys - it has been a HUGE hit.
We've kept it super simple so far: oatmeal, rice, pom poms, and toy dinos. Jamie has been loving it, although he does keep trying to eat the pom poms like he's Buddy the Elf with the cotton balls, so we're keeping a close eye over here. We've also been working on fine motor skills by tossing in some kitchen utensils so he can practice scooping, pouring, and transferring things into cups.
I'm working on putting together a full roundup of sensory table filler ideas, so stay tuned for that. But in the meantime, let's get into what's happening around Charlotte this week!
🌱 What We’re Doing
Your roundup of family-friendly events and activities happening this week.
This week is full of fresh air, festive fun, and meaningful ways to connect as a family. Whether you’re leaning into Valentine’s Day crafts, celebrating Lunar New Year, or just looking for an easy excuse to get everyone out of the house, there’s something for every age and energy level. I love when the calendar gives us a mix of cozy and lively options, the kind of week where you can choose a slow morning outdoors or dive into music, culture, and hands-on activities.
✨ Don’t miss these favorites this week:
Great Backyard Bird Count at Wing Haven, a chance for kids to get outside, join a guided walk, and help count birds as part of a nationwide citizen science project.
Valentine’s Day at Wildwoods, with scavenger hunts, crafts, and festive fun woven throughout the trails at the Whitewater Center.
Chinese American Association Lunar New Year Celebration, featuring lion dances, crafts, cultural performances, and a vibrant community fair.
Your featured park, playground, or indoor play spot.
Jamie has finally hit the age where he can actually play at the SouthPark Mall playground, and it turned a regular mall trip into one of our favorite family outings. The West Plaza play area is covered in turf, packed with slides and tunnels and little hills to climb, and Suffolk Punch is literally steps away so you can grab a coffee or a glass of wine while the kids burn energy. Jamie loved the playground but ultimately abandoned it for the Little Free Library next door, because of course he did.
Also sharing my underrated tip for expecting parents: why Suffolk Punch might be the best place in Charlotte to research baby gear.
Still need valentines for school or daycare? As of yesterday, the Arboretum Walmart still had plenty of valentine packs in stock. If you've been procrastinating, this is your sign to go grab some before they're picked over
The Improper Pig opens its new Plaza Midwood flagship on February 16. It's taking over the corner of Central and Thomas, and this one becomes their main location. Think smoked meats with Asian-inspired twists (pulled pork egg rolls, kimchi burger). We'll be reporting back.
Whitewater Center ice skating is about to wrap up for the season. If you haven't made it out yet, now's the time. $25 per person includes skate rental, and the ice trails are genuinely unlike any other rink setup around here. Grab hot chocolate from the Airstream on the ice and call it a winter memory.
Pollen season is basically here. If you're a daily allergy med person, now's the time to start. Your future self will thank you when everything turns yellow in three weeks.
💚 What We're Loving
A few things making our days a little easier, tastier, or more fun lately.
Sensory Table — This is the sensory table I was talking about above! I grabbed mine off Facebook Marketplace, but if you want it new, the FLISAT is the gold standard. The bins are removable and interchangeable, it's sturdy, and it's endlessly versatile. Worth every penny if you're drowning in the winter indoor activity rut like I was.
Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese— If your toddler is in a mac and cheese phase (is there ever NOT a mac and cheese phase?), this recipe is a game changer. Veggies blended right into the cheese sauce and they have no idea. We are big fans over here, plus it freezes really well!
Chris Haughton Books — We are fully obsessed with Chris Haughton books right now. Jamie's favorite is Shh! We Have a Plan - he keeps bringing it to me and just saying "SHHH!" over and over, which is the cutest thing ever. My personal favorite is Little Owl Lost - it's basically Are You My Mother? but somehow less sad? A little owl falls out of his nest and goes searching for his mama with the help of a squirrel. The illustrations are gorgeous, the stories are not too long while still being funny for kids AND adults.
📅 What We’re Looking Forward To
A sneak peek at upcoming events and seasonal fun around Charlotte.
The Fairy House Festival is back at Latta Nature Preserve on Saturday, February 28th and it's one of those events that just feels like magic. If you haven't been before, picture this: kids (and adults, no judgment) building little whimsical fairy houses out of natural materials, storytelling, crafts, games, and a whole lot of running around outside in the fresh air. Fairy and gnome costumes are encouraged, so yes, I will be digging through Jamie's dress-up bin. There will also be food vendors on site, which is always a win in my book.
It runs from 10 AM to 3 PM and tickets are $7/person for ages 5 and up (free for 4 and under with a paid adult). Heads up that you do need to buy tickets in advance - don't show up thinking you can grab them at the gate!
Wishing you a week of fully stocked valentine boxes and zero forgotten class party snacks. I'll be back in your inbox next week with new places to explore and probably a story about Jamie reading a book in the middle of a walkway somewhere.
Until then, happy Valentine's Day to you and your tiny, sticky, wonderful humans. And to you, specifically, for keeping everyone alive and mostly on schedule.
💚 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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