Musical Family Storytime with Opera Carolina
Bring your favorite stories to life with Opera Carolina singers at this interactive storytime featuring music alongside the book reading, perfect for young families who love arts and culture. This program is part of Culture Blocks, a community initiative bringing arts experiences to neighborhood spaces.
đź“ŤSouth Boulevard Library, Charlotte, NC
🕒 Thursday, January 22, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
👶 Best For: toddlers to school age (approx ages 2–11)
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Bring a small blanket or cushion to make storytime seating extra comfy for little ones.
Cost: Free
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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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Children’s Books are 25¢ Each at Backporch Treasures
All week long, children’s books are just 25 cents at this thrift boutique with a free book when you buy five. A budget-friendly way to stock up on books that encourage reading and imagination.
đź“ŤBackporch Treasures Thrift & Boutique, 119 N Ames St., Matthews, NC
🕒 January 20–27, 2026, daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
👶 Best For: all ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Go earlier in the week for the best selection and bring small bills or coins for checkout.
Cost: 25¢ per book
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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“ŤBetty by Moxie 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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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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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•’ 11 AM
👶 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
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Chinese Lunar New Year–Themed Storytime
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Chinese stories, music, movement, and a hands-on art activity that makes this cultural tradition fun for little learners and their families. Great way to introduce kids to another culture and welcome the Year of the Horse together.
đź“ŤSouthPark Library Community Room, 7015 Carnegie Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
🕒 January 24, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: all ages
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Arrive a few minutes early to find parking and grab a good seat for group activities.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
The Orchestra Games
Get into the Olympic spirit with this family-friendly Charlotte Symphony event where instruments face off in a playful musical competition. Kids can cheer on strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion while learning about the orchestra in a lively, engaging way.
đź“ŤKnight Theater, 430 S Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
đź•’ Saturday, January 24, 11:00 AM
👶 Best For: families with school-age kids and up
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Bring older siblings who might enjoy the playful format and stick around for a walk around Uptown afterward.
Cost: $23+
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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.
đź“ŤMcColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn, Uptown Charlotte
đź•’ 11 AM
👶 Best For: ages 3 and up
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Plan to arrive early for best seats and pair it with a visit to ImaginOn play spaces.
Cost: $26+
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Life-Sized Candy Land at Kannapolis Library
Step into a life-sized Candy Land adventure where kids can travel through colorful game zones, complete sweet challenges, and race to Candy Castle. It’s imaginative, active fun for candy lovers and game fans alike.
đź“ŤCabarrus County Library, Kannapolis Branch, 850 Mountain St., Kannapolis, NC
🕒 Saturday, January 24, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
👶 Best For: ages 3–10
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: This is drop-in and free, so show up early if you want the full hour before it fills up.
Cost: Free
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FREE Bumps and Bagels Event
Pregnant mamas in their second or third trimester are invited for light bites, refreshments, and real talk about labor, delivery, and early weeks with baby in a relaxed, supportive setting. Seats are limited so RSVP early.
📍The New Mom School – Ballantyne, Charlotte, NC
🕒 Sunday, January 25, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: expectant parents (2nd and 3rd trimester)
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: This is great for meeting other local moms-to-be and building a support network before baby arrives.
Cost: Free (waitlist available)
Register Here
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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Storytime Sprouts & Play
Interactive early literacy storytime with movement and play to spark imagination and support early development. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers with caregivers.
đź“ŤGrow Cafe, 5342 Docia Crossing Rd Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28269
🕒 Tuesday, January 27, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
👶 Best For: toddlers and preschoolers
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Bring a snack and stay afterwards for open play or coffee with friends.
Cost: $5 online, $7 in store
Reserve Your Spot
Stories in 2 Languages: ASL for Families
Engage your child with stories, songs, and activities in both English and American Sign Language that support early literacy while introducing children to a second language and culture. A welcoming, engaging experience for even the youngest attendees.
đź“ŤMountain Island Branch Library, Charlotte
🕒 Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
👶 Best For: babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (ages 0–5)
💡 Parent Tip: Perfect for parents who are incorporating sign language into their day-to-day routines, especially for babies who aren’t speaking yet.
Cost: Free
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Preschool Creating with Books: Winter Light!
Listen to stories and extend learning with hands-on activities, dramatic play, and a take-home craft as part of Pineville Branch’s weekly preschool series. This is a lovely afternoon option that invites caregivers to participate alongside their child.
đź“ŤPineville Branch Library, Pineville
🕒 Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
👶 Best For: ages 3–5
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Pick up a storytime ticket at the front desk 15 minutes early since space is limited to the first 20 families.
Cost: Free
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Toddler Storytime (19–36 months)
A lively storytime with books, songs, music, and movement designed to help toddlers build early language skills and discover the joy of reading. Registration is required for both children and adults.
đź“ŤNorth County Regional Library, 3rd Floor Program Room
🕒 Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
👶 Best For: toddlers (approx. 2–3 years)
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Register ahead of time and arrive a few minutes early to get settled before storytime begins.
Cost: Free
Register Here
Puppet Show
Enjoy a playful puppet show with songs and movement activities that support early literacy and spark imagination. Caregivers are encouraged to participate and join in the fun.
đź“ŤImaginOn, Charlotte
🕒 Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: preschool and school-age kids (ages 3–11)
💡 Parent Tip: Pair this with time in ImaginOn’s reading or play spaces for an easy half-day outing.
Cost: Free
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Littlest Artist: Toddler Art
A gentle, hands-on art experience for the youngest creatives, celebrating art through simple activities designed just for ages 1–2.
đź“ŤUniversity City Regional Library, Charlotte
🕒 Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
👶 Best For: ages 1–2
💡 Parent Tip: Tickets are available at the Children’s Desk 15 minutes before start time, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Cost: Free
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Yoga Storytime
Stories come to life through fun, easy yoga poses in this movement-based storytime led by Ms. Sarah. A great option for kids who love to wiggle while they listen.
đź“ŤIndependence Regional Library, Charlotte
🕒 Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
👶 Best For: ages 3–6
đź’ˇ Parent Tip: Space is limited to 15 children, so plan to arrive early and have kids wear comfortable clothes.
Cost: Free
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