Thursday, February 19
Preschool Ballet Classes
Twirl, leap, and dance! This class introduces little dancers to movement through imaginative games, music, and simple ballet steps to build coordination, confidence, and creativity.
📍Mallard Creek Recreation Center, 2530 Johnston Oehler Rd
🕒 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
👶 Best For: Preschoolers (ages ~3–5)
💡 Parent Tip: Comfortable clothes and bare or ballet shoes work great for first classes.
Cost: Free
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Toddler Time at Big Air
Little ones get a turn to bounce and jump in a toddler-focused open jump session with softer pacing and a safer, calmer environment.
📍Big Air Charlotte, 2408 Sardis Road North
🕒 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
👶 Best For: Toddlers (ages ~1–3)
💡 Parent Tip: Grip socks are required!
Cost: $23+
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Newborn Class
A gentle, supportive class designed for babies ages 0 to 4 months and their caregivers, with sensory play, music, tummy time, and baby massage built in. It is also a great chance to connect with other parents and talk through sleep, feeding, and early development.
📍The Bunny Hive Charlotte, 1207 East Blvd
🕒 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
👶 Best For: Newborns 0–4 months
💡 Parent Tip: This short class length makes it very nap-friendly and ideal for first outings with a newborn.
Cost: $30 drop-in
Register Here
Friday, February 20
Betty Bookworms: Storytime + Coffee
This cozy weekly storytime invites little ones to enjoy a free book reading while caregivers sip coffee and connect. A relaxed, welcoming way to start your Friday morning together.
📍Betty by Moxie Mercantile, 1219 Thomas Ave
🕒 9:30am – 10:30am
👶 Best For: Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive a few minutes early to grab coffee before storytime begins and snag a comfy spot for your kiddo.
Cost: Free
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SCNP: Friday Fire and S’mores (Drop-In)
Stop by the fire pit at Stevens Creek Nature Center for a cozy winter evening of s’mores and campfire vibes. No registration needed, just come ready for gooey fun.
📍 Stevens Creek Nature Center, 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill
🕒 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: all ages
💡 Parent Tip: Dress warmly and bring wipes for sticky marshmallow hands.
Cost: Free
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SCNP: Owl Prowl
If you have a kid who loves anything slightly mysterious or mildly gross, this is their moment. You’ll explore Stevens Creek, dissect an owl pellet inside the nature center, then head out at dusk to listen for real owl calls, which feels very storybook in the best way.
📍Stevens Creek Nature Center, 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill
🕒 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
👶 Best For: Ages 4+
💡 Parent Tip: It will get dark and chilly fast, so layer up and bring a flashlight for the walk back to the car, even if your child insists they are “not cold.”
Cost: $5
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Open Demo at Hot Glass Alley
Watch live glassblowers shape molten art right before your eyes, which is way more magical in person than anything you’ll see on a screen. The studio provides light snacks and beverages and it’s totally okay to wander around with curious kids who love watching creative work unfold.
📍Hot Glass Alley, 438 Atando Avenue
🕒 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages who don’t mind standing and watching for a bit
💡 Parent Tip: Try to get there early so little ones can grab front-row views of the blowing demos before it fills up.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
Saturday, February 21
February 21
Cows & Kids Clinic at USNWC
Highland cow themed crafts, cookie decorating, an educational session, and 15 full minutes with the cows makes this one feel extra special. It’s equal parts hands-on learning and sweet farm moment, which is such a fun change of pace from our usual Saturday routine.
📍Overlook Barn at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
🕒 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages, all children must be accompanied by an adult
💡 Parent Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty. Give yourself extra time to park and walk over to the barn.
Cost: $40 per child, $10 per adult (no craft)
Register Here
Ebony Lynn Mudd Discusses Her New Book Just Like Tina
This is a sweet, interactive story time and discussion where the author brings her picture book to life with live reading, music moments, and a brief look at Black music legacy through the eyes of young readers. Kids will likely bop along, and there’s a signing after if you want a keepsake copy.
📍Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road
🕒 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: Ages 4-8 but open to the whole family
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive a few minutes early so you can snag seats near the front and get books preordered ahead of time.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
FREE Community Canvas: Van Gogh Inspired Mural
This is the kind of art project that feels bigger than just a Saturday activity. Kids and grownups will work side by side on a collaborative sunflower mural inspired by Van Gogh, which means messy hands, shared paint, and something beautiful you helped create together. I love anything that lets siblings of different ages all participate without anyone feeling left out.
📍Kidcreate Studio South Charlotte, 16709 Orchard Stone Run, Suite 310
🕒 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
👶 Best For: Ages 2 – 99
💡 Parent Tip: Space is limited, so register early. If you’re going with toddlers, dress them in clothes you truly do not care about, collaborative mural energy usually means enthusiastic paint coverage.
Cost: Free
The Camden Collective
If you love a good wander-and-see-what-you-find kind of Saturday, this is it. Camden Road is filling up with 120+ local small businesses, plus Vendor Bingo is back and the first 25 shoppers to complete their card get a limited “Dilly Dally Shop Small” tote, which feels like solid motivation to linger a little longer.
📍South End – Camden Road
🕒 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages, dog friendly
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a stroller you can easily maneuver in a crowd and plan to go earlier in the day if you want space to browse with little ones. Grab lunch in South End afterward and make it a full outing.
Cost: Free
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For The Culture Food Truck Rodeo
If you’ve got kids who love trying a little bit of everything, this is your Saturday plan. The Food Truck Rodeo celebrates Black culture and community with a lineup of food trucks, music, and a full afternoon outside at Knight Theater, which makes it easy to pop in or stay for hours depending on everyone’s mood.
📍Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts
🕒 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Go earlier in the window for shorter food lines and bring a blanket or lightweight chairs if you plan to hang out for music. Parking in Uptown can take a minute, so give yourself buffer time.
Cost: Free admission, food available for purchase
Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Horse
Resident Culture is going all in for Lunar New Year with dumpling making, lion dances, crafts, and even a live horse visit, which honestly feels like the kind of afternoon where you just settle in and stay awhile. It’s festive but still relaxed, so you can pop in for a performance or make it a full family outing.
📍Resident Culture – Plaza Midwood, 2101 Central Ave (with select programming at the 7th Street location)
🕒 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM (see highlights below for specific times)
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Plan your trip around these event highlights:
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1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Dumpling Class with The Dumpling Lady
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1:00 PM Lion Dance at 7th Street Taproom
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3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Horse Shadow Run Farm live horse visit
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3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Lunar New Year crafts
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6:00 PM Lion Dance at Plaza Midwood
Cost: Free
2026 Children’s Lunar New Year Showcase
Gather the whole crew for performances by young local artists featuring music, dance, cultural celebration, and community pride in honor of the Year of the Horse. This family-friendly showcase is lively and heartfelt.
📍Fullwood Theater, 100 E McDowell Street, Matthews
🕒 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages (little ones under 7 may sit on a lap)
💡 Parent Tip: RSVP ahead of time and plan to arrive a bit early for parking and seating with a group of friends.
Cost: Free
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Sunday, February 22
The Rock & Roll Playhouse: Music of the Grateful Dead + More for Kids
This feels like one of those mornings you’ll remember because the kids get to dance, sing, and move to slowed-down, kid-friendly versions of classic Grateful Dead songs while adults enjoy the shared joy of live music together. It’s interactive, energetic, and genuinely fun for families who want to introduce little ones to live music without overwhelming volume.
📍Neighborhood Theatre Tap Room, 511 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205
🕒 Doors 11:30 AM – Show 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: Families with kids (especially ages 10 and under), all children must be with a parent/caregiver
💡 Parent Tip: Little ears are protected because the volume is tuned down, and this also makes it easier to sing along and play. Consider earmuffs for super sensitive ears if you’ve got them on hand.
Cost: $27
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Monday, February 23
Art at The Bunny Hive
If you love an activity that doubles as a keepsake, this is such a sweet one. Each month brings a new theme and a simple guided project, so your little one can paint, collage, or create something special, even if “creating” mostly means enthusiastic finger smudges. Honestly, I will always say yes to art that results in something fridge worthy.
📍The Bunny Hive Charlotte, The Classroom, 1207 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
🕒 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
👶 Best For: Prewalkers, toddlers, and preschoolers
💡 Parent Tip: Leave nut snacks at home and plan for a quick outfit change afterward, especially if your toddler believes paint belongs everywhere.
Cost: $30 drop-in, intro offers available
Register Here
I Love The Library
This is such a simple, sweet way to spend part of your Sunday. Kids can write or draw notes about why they love the library, and their messages will be displayed on paper hearts throughout the children’s area, which feels very wholesome in the best way.
📍West Boulevard Library – Children’s Area
🕒 All Day
👶 Best For: Preschoolers (3–5) and school-age kids (5–11)
💡 Parent Tip: If your child is still working on writing, let them dictate their message while you jot it down. It still counts, and they will love seeing their words on display.
Cost: Free
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Tuesday, February 24
Mini and Me Yoga
An interactive, gentle yoga class where young children and their caregivers stretch, breathe, and connect through playful poses and mindful movement. This session blends fun partner exercises, balance challenges, and calming stretches to build strength, flexibility, and focus with lots of smiles and quality time together.
📍Ballantyne Studio (Ignite Dance Productions), 5107 Piper Station Dr Unit C2
🕒10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
👶 Best For: Ages 4 months and up (child + caregiver)
💡 Parent Tip: Drop-in pricing makes this a great way to try yoga together without a long-term commitment. Bring a mat and water to stay comfortable and hydrated.
Cost: $15 per class
Book Now
Storytime Sprouts
Head to Grow Café for Storytime Sprouts, an interactive early literacy experience designed for little learners. You’ll enjoy engaging read-alouds, movement, and hands-on fun that sparks imagination while the kids connect with other families in a friendly indoor play space.
📍Grow Café, 5342 Docia Crossing Rd Suite B
🕒 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
👶 Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers (approx ages 1-5)
💡 Parent Tip: Combine this with open play time at Grow Café before or after storytime so the little ones get extra wiggle time while you sip coffee.
Cost: $5
Reserve Your Spot
Homeschool Days at Carolina Raptor Center
This is one of those outings where learning doesn’t feel like homework. Homeschool families and co-ops get discounted access to the Raptor Trail to meet birds of prey and can join a private 10:30 AM program with avian ambassadors for a deeper look at the science of flight, feathers, and conservation.
📍Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville
🕒 Raptor Trail Open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Private Program at 10:30 AM
👶 Best For: All ages, especially curious kids and homeschool groups
💡 Parent Tip: Buy the private program ticket online ahead of time since space is limited and the up-close learning moment is worth it.
Cost: $14 per person (advance purchase required)
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Tot Time at Perfect Balance
Open, non-instructional playtime in a safe gymnastics gym where parents and toddlers explore basic mats and apparatus together under parent supervision.
📍Perfect Balance Training Center, 8850 Monroe Rd
🕒 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
👶 Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers
💡 Parent Tip: No instructor on the floor; adults play and explore with their kids in the gym space.
Cost: ~$5–$6 per visit (drop-in)
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Wednesday, February 25
Baby Massage at The Bunny Hive
If you are in that hazy newborn stretch where the days blur together, this is such a gentle way to get out of the house. Baby massage focuses on connection and calm, and it’s designed for little ones as young as two weeks old, with benefits that support sleep, digestion, and all the tiny discomforts that come with those early weeks. It’s truly one of the most peaceful classes they offer.
📍The Bunny Hive Charlotte, The Classroom, 1207 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
🕒 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
👶 Best For: Newborns
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a soft swaddle blanket for your baby to lie on and plan to feed either right before or right after class so everyone stays relaxed. Leave nut snacks at home.
Cost: $30 drop-in, intro offers available
Register Here
Puppet Show at ImaginOn
Midday puppets, songs, and movement is such a sweet reset in the middle of the week. This storytime style show supports early literacy skills while keeping little bodies engaged, and parents are encouraged to jump in too, which honestly makes it more fun.
📍ImaginOn
🕒 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: Preschoolers (3–5) and school-age kids (5–11)
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot and plan to explore the children’s library before or after. It makes the outing feel bigger without adding much effort.
Cost: Free
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Yoga Storytime
Stories plus simple yoga moves is such a genius combo for wiggly kids. Ms. Sarah leads this playful session where movement helps bring the story to life, and it’s especially great if your child listens better when their body is busy.
📍Independence Regional Library
🕒 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
👶 Best For: Ages 3–6
💡 Parent Tip: Participation is limited to 15 children, so get there early if this time works for you. This one can fill up quickly.
Cost: Free
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Evening Storytime
If mornings are chaos and you’re just trying to survive until dinner, this is your storytime. A relaxed, end-of-day read-aloud at West Boulevard that works beautifully for toddlers through early elementary kids.
📍West Boulevard Library
🕒 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
👶 Best For: Toddlers (2–3), Preschoolers (3–5), and School Age (5–11)
💡 Parent Tip: Pair this with a simple picnic-style dinner or grab something easy beforehand so you’re not rushing home to cook.
Cost: Free
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