Snow Days: Winter Experience
Escape the ordinary with this immersive indoor winter experience at Discovery Place Science. Enjoy sock skating, explore winter wildlife, build an igloo, design virtual snowflakes, and unwind in a cozy Hygge-inspired space. Runs every day through Feb 1.
đź“Ť Discovery Place Science
đź•’ 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
👶 Best For: all ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring socks for skating and plan extra time, there’s a lot to explore.
Cost: Museum admission (Adults $24, children $19, under 2 free)
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PreK Storytime: Yoga
This playful preschool program combines stories with simple yoga poses and breathing exercises to support both movement and mindfulness. It’s a calm, engaging way for kids to stretch, move, and enjoy storytelling together.
đź“ŤPineville Library, Programming Room
🕒 11:00am – 11:30am
👶 Best For: Ages 3–5
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a yoga mat or towel if you have one, but don’t stress, the program is designed to be flexible and welcoming.
Cost: Free (registration required)
➡️ Register Here
Baby Lapsit Storytime
This gentle storytime introduces babies to books, songs, and rhymes that support early brain development and social connection. Designed specifically for non-walking infants.
đź“ŤSouthPark Regional Library
🕒 11:00am – 11:30am
👶 Best For: Babies 0–17 months
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive early and check in at the Children’s Desk to receive your ticket, space is limited.
Cost: Free
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STEM Night at The Schiele Museum
Enjoy a free community evening of science and discovery at The Schiele, with interactive activities, exhibits, and a planetarium show for curious young minds.
đź“ŤThe Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054
🕒 5:00pm – 8:00pm
👶 Best For: All ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: You can reserve free tickets at the link below, but RSVP is not required.
Cost: Free
Tickets
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.
đź“ŤMoxie Mercantile, 1219 Thomas Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
🕒 9:30am – 10:30am
👶 Best For: Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
đź’ˇ 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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Ice Sculptures at Stowe
Bundle up and explore stunning ice sculptures displayed throughout the gardens at Daniel Stowe. This seasonal favorite pairs art with fresh air and makes for a memorable winter outing.
đź“ŤDaniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012
đź•’ 5 PM - 9 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Dress kids in warm layers and plan extra time to explore the gardens beyond the sculptures.
Cost: $30
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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.
đź“Ť Stevens Creek Nature Center, 15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill
đź•’ 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: all ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Dress warmly and bring wipes for sticky marshmallow hands.
Cost: Free
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Babies, Brains & Bodies
A hands-on workshop with Dr. Abby Schroeder exploring how movement supports early brain development, with practical take-home ideas for parents of littles.
đź“ŤGrow Cafe, 5342 Docia Crossing Rd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28269
🕒 9:30am – 10:30am
👶 Best For: Infants and toddlers with caregivers
💡 Parent Tip: If your baby is in a “wiggle season,” this is a great one, movement is part of the point.
Cost: $14.99 (free for Premium VIP members)
Reserve Your Spot
Story Time with Barbara Peters and Her Dog Britan
Enjoy a sweet storytime featuring local author Barbara Peters and her therapy dog, Britan. Kids will love meeting the dog after the reading and learning about kindness and connection.
đź“ŤPark Road Books, 4139 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
🕒 10:30am – 11:30am
👶 Best For: All ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Pick up a copy of the book so kids can relive the story at home.
Cost: Free (books available for purchase)
RSVP Here
Uptown Farmers Market – Winter Market
Stroll through the winter Uptown Farmers Market to shop local produce, baked goods, and artisan finds. A great low-key Saturday morning outing with kids.
đź“Ť300 S Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28202
🕒 10:00am – 12:00pm
👶 Best For: All ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Bring a reusable bag and let kids help choose something fun to try for lunch.
Cost: Free to attend
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Family Workshop: Pottery Pinch Pot Platters
Kick off 2026 with hands-on clay play during this family pottery workshop designed for all ages. Family members will work side-by-side using a simple pinch-pot technique to create a collaborative platter or nested bowls that will be kiln-fired for pickup about 10 days later.
đź“ŤSmall Hands, Big Art, 7415 Waverly Walk Ave., #F2A Charlotte, NC 28277
🕒 12:00pm – 2:00pm
👶 Best For: Ages 4 – 99
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Register every child and adult individually and set a calendar reminder to pick up finished pieces.
Cost: $40 for first family member, $36 for each additional participant (10% family discount applied automatically)
Register Here
Mom Walk at Freedom Park
Join other moms for a casual walk and conversation at Freedom Park. A simple way to get fresh air and community time with your little one in tow.
đź“ŤFreedom Park, 1900 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
đź•’ 12:00pm
👶 Best For: Moms with babies and toddlers
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Park near the playground so kids can play afterward and bring water for yourself.
Cost: Free
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Bird-Day Bash
Celebrate the raptors’ “shared birthday” with hands-on activities, games, and special programs, perfect for kids who love animals and the outdoors.
đź“ŤCarolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
🕒 11:00am – 3:00pm
👶 Best For: All ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Wear comfy shoes, the grounds are great for exploring between activities.
Cost: Included with admission
Buy Tickets
Kids’ Night Out – Party with a Sloth
Drop the kids off for a creative evening full of art projects, games, pizza, and snacks while they paint a sleepy sloth with a flower crown and enjoy a pajama party theme. It’s a fun way for kids to get messy and social while adults enjoy a little free time.
đź“ŤKidcreate Studio South Charlotte, 16709 Orchard Stone Run Suite 310, Charlotte, NC 28277
🕒 5:00pm – 8:00pm
👶 Best For: Ages 4 – 10
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Pack a nut-free snack and drink for your child and let them wear favorite jammies for extra fun.
Cost: $59
Register Here
Guinness World Record: Official Attempt
Be part of history as local puppeteer Cheralyn Lambeth attempts to reclaim her Guinness World Record for the largest collection of finger puppets. Kids will love watching the live count and cheering her on from ImaginOn’s balconies and ramps.
đź“ŤImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center
🕒 1:00pm – 1:45pm (official count at 1:30pm)
👶 Best For: All ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Get tickets to the 2pm showing of Topsy-Turvy Cinderella - it's in the same building!
Cost: Free
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Topsy-Turvy Cinderella
This playful, British-style pantomime puts a silly spin on the classic Cinderella story with audience interaction, humor, and colorful costumes that keep kids engaged.
📍Children’s Theatre of Charlotte at ImaginOn, 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
đź•’ 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM (Sensory friendly performance)
👶 Best For: Ages 5+
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Arrive early to watch the Guinness World Record attempt before going to the show!
Cost: $33 - $38
Get Tickets
Dream Big Like MLK Play Day
Celebrate MLK Day with open play and activities centered on kindness, creativity, and big dreams. A meaningful and playful way to spend the holiday with kids.
đź“ŤGrow Cafe, 5342 Docia Crossing Rd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28269
🕒 9:00am – 10:30 PM, 10:30 - 1 PM , 1 - 2:30 PM, 2:30 - 4 PM
👶 Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: This is a great choice for kids who thrive in open-ended, low-pressure play environments.
Cost: $12.99 per child
Register Here
MLK Day 2026: Instruments for Change
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy with a full day of family-friendly art, music, performances, story times, crafts, film screenings, interactive music activities, dance, panel discussions, and tours at the Gantt Center.
đź“ŤHarvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
🕒 9:00am – 5:00pm
👶 Best For: All ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Plan your visit around storytime sessions or the "instrument petting zoo" time to make it especially engaging for young kids.
Cost: Free
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MLK Family Day 2026
Honor Dr. King’s legacy with storytimes, hands-on crafts, and high-energy performances including jazz and drums at this free family celebration.
đź“ŤLevine Museum of the New South, One Independence Center, 101 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
🕒 10:00am – 1:00pm
👶 Best For: All ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Arrive early for the first storytime and then stay to explore crafts and performances throughout the morning.
Cost: Free
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Counting Academy Class
Get ready to count, create, and get messy in this hands-on art class where young artists explore numbers through fun, art-based projects like sculpting with clay and counting with marshmallows. Caregivers attend with children in this playful early learning experience.
đź“ŤKidcreate Studio South Charlotte, 16709 Orchard Stone Run Suite 310, Charlotte, NC 28277
đź•’ 10:00am
👶 Best For: Ages 18 months – 6 years
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Bring a change of clothes for messy exploration and plan to stay and create alongside your child in this interactive session.
Cost: $25 drop in
Register Here
¡Hora del Cuento! Family Storytime en Español
Families are invited to enjoy stories, songs, and activities entirely in Spanish, supporting early literacy while introducing children to language and culture in a warm, welcoming environment. Designed for both Spanish-speaking families and those exploring a second language together.
📍South Boulevard Library, Children’s Programming Room
🕒 11:30am – 12:00pm
👶 Best For: Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Sit close so little ones can see picture books and gestures, it helps even non-Spanish speakers follow along.
Cost: Free
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Culinary Exploration
Little ones explore early “cooking” skills through sensory play using pretend food, kid-safe utensils, and hands-on activities like pouring, mixing, and measuring. The class includes Bunny Hive’s signature songs, aprons, and even a bonus tasting.
đź“ŤThe Bunny Hive Charlotte, The Classroom, 1207 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
🕒 4:00pm – 4:30pm
👶 Best For: Prewalkers, toddlers, and preschoolers
💡 Parent Tip: Skip nut-based snacks that day and dress kids in clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy, even pretend cooking gets enthusiastic.
Cost: $30 drop-in (intro offers available)
Register Here
SCNP: Squirrel Appreciation Day Hike
Celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day with a staff-led walk through the woods where kids can learn all about squirrels’ habitats, behaviors, food sources, and the important role they play in the environment. Keep your eyes up, you might spot a few darting through the branches.
đź“ŤStevens Creek Nature Center, 15700 Thompson Road
🕒 January 21, 2026, 10:00am – 11:00am
👶 Best For: All ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Bring binoculars if you have them and toss a few squirrel-safe snacks for kids (like apple slices) for a themed post-hike treat in the car.
Cost: Free
Register here
Littlest Artist: Toddler Art
Toddlers explore art through simple, hands-on activities designed just for ages 1–2. A short, sweet program that encourages creativity and sensory play.
đź“ŤUniversity City Regional Library
🕒 11:30am – 12:00pm
👶 Best For: Ages 1–2
💡 Parent Tip: Tickets are available 15 minutes before start time at the Children’s Desk, arrive early to snag one.
Cost: Free
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Snow Much Fun Storytime Series: Sensory Snow Dough
This evening family storytime includes winter-themed stories followed by a hands-on sensory activity featuring snow dough. A cozy midweek option for families.
đź“ŤWest Boulevard Library
🕒 6:00pm – 7:00pm
👶 Best For: Preschool and elementary-aged kids
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Expect a little mess and a lot of fun, bring wipes and lean into the sensory play.
Cost: Free (registration required)
Register Here