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, Charlotte, NC 28203
🕒 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
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, Charlotte, NC 28269
🕒 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
More Details
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, Charlotte
🕒 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
👶 Best For: Toddlers (ages ~1–3)
💡 Parent Tip: Grip socks are required!
Cost: $23+
Get Tickets
Fresh Air Hour at Anne Springs Close Greenway
Breathe in the beauty of the Greenway during this monthly evening of free access, live music, and relaxed outdoor fun. Families can explore scenic trails, unplug in nature, enjoy the DTs Duo live music, and grab snacks at the Greenway Canteen.
📍Anne Springs Close Greenway, 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill, SC
🕒 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Dress in layers for cooler evening temps and bring flashlights for the walk back to the car.
Cost: Free
Learn More
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, Charlotte, NC 28205
🕒 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
Learn More
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
Learn More
Parent & Child: Valentine’s Day Craft Party-X’s and O’s Sensory Play
Get creative with your little one at this Valentine’s Day inspired art class where kids and caregivers make heart-themed crafts and sensory art projects together. This class is all about fun, messy art and making keepsakes for loved ones.
📍Kidcreate Studio South Charlotte, 16709 Orchard Stone Run #310, Charlotte, NC 28277
🕒 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
👶 Best For: 18 months – 6 years
💡 Parent Tip: Siblings are welcome and the studio provides all materials, but dress kids in clothes that can get a little messy.
Cost: About $25 per child
Register Here
Free Art Kits: Pastel Landscape at The Mint Museum
Pick up a free all-ages art kit inspired by European art to create at home with pastels, available while supplies last during museum open hours.
📍Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC
🕒 During Museum Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Go early in the week to snag your kit before supplies run out.
Cost: Free
More Details
Books & Beats at James + Joy
Snuggle up for a cozy music and storytime featuring the beloved Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton, paired with interactive songs and movement led by Music Bugs CLT. This drop-in experience blends early literacy and music in a playful, welcoming setting for little ones and their grownups.
📍James + Joy, 715 E 36th St #113
🕒 11:30 am
👶 Best For: Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (all ages welcome)
💡 Parent Tip: This is a true drop-in, so arrive a few minutes early if your child likes to sit up front for songs and stories.
Cost: Free
➡️ Learn More
Flip the ‘Fit: Free kids’ clothing exchange and STEM activities
This free event combines a kids’ clothing swap (take home up to two free bags of clothes) with hands-on STEM activities like balloon rocket races, slime science, and paper airplane design.
📍Grace Communion Steele Creek, 3120 Whitehall Park Drive, Charlotte, NC
🕒 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: Kids of all ages (activities cover a range of ages)
💡 Parent Tip: Bags are provided so you don’t need to bring anything except curious kids and comfortable shoes for exploring activities.
Cost: Free
Details
Puppet Palooza at ImaginOn — all-day puppet festival
Enjoy an all-day celebration of puppetry with giant roaming puppets, puppet karaoke, balcony exhibits, and simple puppet crafts to take home.
📍ImaginOn, 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC
🕒 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (with a Puppet Procession at 9:45 AM)
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Get there early for the Puppet Procession and stay through midday for a good mix of performances.
Cost: Free
More Info
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
This colorful puppetry spectacle brings Eric Carle’s beloved stories to life with more than 75 puppets and dazzling visuals that delight young audiences. It’s a sensory-rich theatrical experience families will remember.
📍McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn, Uptown Charlotte
🕒 11 AM and 3 PM
👶 Best For: ages 3 and up
💡 Parent Tip: Plan to arrive early for best seats and pair it with a visit to ImaginOn play spaces.
Cost: $26+
Get Tickets
Inspire Your Heart With Art Day
A free, drop in art celebration featuring heart themed art activities and the chance to meet and create alongside local Charlotte Studio Artists. It's an easy, welcoming way to let kids explore creativity together.
📍Johnston YMCA, 3025 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
🕒 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: This is a true drop in event, so it works well before or after naps, and it pairs nicely with a stop in NoDa for lunch or a treat.
Cost: Free
Learn More
Free Open Play Session
Enjoy a fun hour of open play at Grow Cafe with your kiddos, sponsored by Mommyvents. While the kids explore the indoor play space, you can learn about upcoming community events and connect with other families. Registration is required because space is limited.
📍Grow Cafe, 5342 Docia Crossing Rd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28269
🕒 11:00 am – 12:00 pm and 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
👶 Best For: 0 – 6 years
💡 Parent Tip: Don’t forget grip socks for the kids and sign the play waiver before arrival to make check-in smooth.
Cost: Free (registration required)
Reserve Your Spot
Epiphany Lutheran’s Annual Chocolate Festival
Make sweet memories at this beloved community chocolate festival featuring chocolate chili, a chocolate fountain, baked treats, bounce houses, raffles, and hot dogs for purchase. Proceeds benefit Area 11 Special Olympics and local causes.
📍Epiphany Lutheran Church, 2370 West Main St W, Rock Hill, SC 29732
🕒 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Plan for cash or card for food and activity purchases and arrive early to enjoy the bounce house before lines grow.
Cost: Free admission
Learn More
Afro Legacy Fest at Harvey B. Gantt Center
Celebrate Afro-descendant culture through music, dance, workshops, and interactive experiences at this free Black History Month festival. The event brings community together to share traditions and creativity with performances and hands-on activities for all ages.
📍Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
🕒 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Pair this festival with a visit to the Gantt Center’s ongoing exhibits to make a day of exploring history and art.
Cost: Free
➡️ Register
India’s Republic Day Celebration at Hindu Center of Charlotte
Celebrate India becoming a republic with cultural performances, flag unfurling, music, food, shopping, and community fun. Guests are encouraged to wear the orange, white, and green colors of the Indian flag to honor the occasion.
📍Hindu Center of Charlotte, 7400 City View Drive, Charlotte, NC
🕒 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Let kids make or wear their own tricolor outfits to add to the festive spirit and take great photos.
Cost: Free
Learn More
Dog Days of Winter Festival at U.S. National Whitewater Center
Bring the whole family and your pup for a winter celebration full of dog-friendly activities including vendor booths, adoption events, obstacle courses, ice skating with dogs, and the Dog Jog 5K trail race and 1-mile walk.
📍U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC
🕒 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
👶 Best For: All ages and dogs
💡 Parent Tip: Parking is typically around $13 per vehicle and some activities like the ice skating with dogs and race entries require registration or a fee.
Cost: Free to attend
Learn More
Story Time & More at Wing Haven
Snuggle up for seasonal stories followed by hands-on exploration in Wing Haven’s SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden. After story time, kids can wander the garden paths, observe nature up close, and enjoy unstructured outdoor play in a calm, beautiful setting.
📍Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary, SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden, 260 Ridgewood Avenue, Charlotte, NC
🕒 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
👶 Best For: Toddlers through early elementary
💡 Parent Tip: This is mostly outdoors, so dress kids for the weather and bring a stroller for post-story wandering if you have younger siblings.
Cost: Free for Wing Haven members, $10 per non-member family
Register Here
Mix-It-Up Mondays
This weekly drop-in program invites little ones to create, play, and explore with a different activity or craft each week. It’s a low-pressure way to build routine while still offering something new every time you visit.
📍Steele Creek Library
🕒 9:30 am - 10:30 am
👶 Best For: Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (ages 0–5)
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive right at the start if you can, space is limited to the community room capacity and fills quickly.
Cost: Free
Learn More
Rise and Shine Storytime
Start the morning calmly with stories, music, and rhymes designed to support early literacy skills. This shorter storytime is perfect for younger attention spans.
📍University City Regional Library
🕒 10:15 am - 10:45 am
👶 Best For: Babies and toddlers (ages 0–3)
💡 Parent Tip: Pair this with a playground stop or stroller walk afterward while kids are still in a mellow mood.
Cost: Free
Learn More
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, Charlotte, NC 28212
🕒 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)
More Details
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
ImaginOn Love Fest
Celebrate love and kindness with a special Family Storytime followed by hands-on activities, crafts, and sweet candy stations spread throughout ImaginOn. It’s an easy, joyful way to spend a late morning with little ones in a space designed just for them.
📍ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, 300 E 7th Street
🕒 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
👶 Best For: Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (ages 0–5)
💡 Parent Tip: Start with storytime right at 10:30 am, then wander the building afterward so kids can explore activities at their own pace without feeling rushed.
Cost: Free
Learn More
Preschool Storytime
This engaging storytime uses books, songs, and activities to build early language and pre-reading skills for preschoolers. It’s structured, interactive, and starts promptly.
📍Myers Park Library
🕒 11:00 am - 11:45 am
👶 Best For: Preschoolers (ages 3–5)
💡 Parent Tip: Tickets are limited and distributed starting at 10:30 am, so plan to arrive early. Overflow parking is available across the street at Myers Park United Methodist Church.
Cost: Free
Learn More
Littlest Artist: Toddler Art
Toddlers can explore creativity through simple, hands-on art activities designed just for ages 1–2. A great way to introduce art in a playful, age-appropriate way.
📍University City Regional Library
🕒 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
👶 Best For: Toddlers (ages 1–2)
💡 Parent Tip: Tickets are released 15 minutes before start time at the Children’s Desk, so line up early to snag a spot.
Cost: Free
➡️ Learn More
Baby & Toddler Storytime
Babies and toddlers enjoy books, songs, and rhymes that support early brain development and socialization. Regular attendance helps little ones get the most out of this gentle, engaging program.
📍Matthews Branch Library
🕒 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
👶 Best For: Babies and toddlers (ages 0–2)
💡 Parent Tip: Registration begins 15 minutes before storytime at the Train Desk, arrive early if this is a favorite.
Cost: Free
Learn More