January 8, 2026
Storytime: Listen & Move
Bring the whole family to Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library for stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy while letting kids wiggle and participate.
📍 Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
🕒 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
👶 Best For: ages 3 – 11
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive a few minutes early to snag a spot with plenty of room to move.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
Playtime
Enjoy self-directed play with educational toys and manipulatives in a welcoming library space. A great option for low-pressure social play and exploration.
📍 ImaginOn
🕒 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
👶 Best For: ages 0 – 5
💡 Parent Tip: Pair this with a storytime earlier in the day if you’re already uptown.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
Baby RAVE!
A high-energy, music-filled storytime that blends books, rhymes, and beats to get babies moving and grooving. Expect lots of bouncing and big smiles.
📍 University City Regional Library
🕒 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
👶 Best For: babies up to 2 years
💡 Parent Tip: This is a great post-nap activity before heading home for dinner.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
Pajama Family Storytime
Slip into pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal for stories, songs, and rhymes in a cozy evening setting.
📍 SouthPark Regional Library
🕒 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
👶 Best For: birth – 5
💡 Parent Tip: Don't forget to pack cookies and milk!
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
January 9, 2026
Family Storytime: Yoga
This gentle, movement-based storytime combines books with simple yoga poses led by a certified instructor, helping kids connect literacy and mindfulness.
📍 South County Regional Library
🕒 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
👶 Best For: ages 2 – 5
💡 Parent Tip: Dress everyone in comfy clothes you can stretch and move in.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
Sprouts at Stowe Series: Snowmen + Snowflakes
Toddlers and their grown-ups are invited into the Gardens for songs, stories, and a themed craft focused on snowmen and snowflakes. A sweet blend of nature, art, and early learning.
📍 Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
🕒 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
👶 Best For: ages 2 – 5
💡 Parent Tip: Non-member adults will need to purchase garden admission in addition to the toddler ticket.
Cost: $5 per toddler
Get Tickets
MDNP: Preschool Explorers Series: Rolling Roly Poly (AM)
Preschoolers explore nature with an experienced Naturalist, starting with a story and rotating through discovery stations that may include crafts, games, songs, animal encounters, or outdoor exploration.
📍 McDowell Nature Center Classroom
🕒 9:30AM - 11:00 AM
👶 Best For: ages 4 – 6
💡 Parent Tip: This is a drop-off program and pre-registration is required, no walk-ins accepted.
Cost: $5
Register Here
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
Bingo Night (Family Friendly)
Bring the whole crew for a laid-back bingo night in Pineville. Cards are just $5 and all ages play (youth 15 and under must be with an adult), so it’s a fun, screen-free way to spend an evening together.
📍 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville, NC 28134
🕒 6:15 PM to 8:00 PM
👶 Best For: all ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a small snack to share and make it a mini family game night.
Cost: $5 per person
Learn More
January 10, 2026
Carolina Raptor Center Programs: Meet a Raptor + Keeper Chat
Spend part of your Saturday learning about birds of prey through live educational programs led by Carolina Raptor Center staff. Families can attend a Meet a Raptor presentation or stick around for a deeper dive during the Keeper Chat.
📍 Carolina Raptor Center
🕒 11:00 AM – Meet a Raptor
🕒 1:00 PM – Meet a Raptor
🕒 2:30 PM – Keeper Chat
👶 Best For: all ages (Keeper Chat best for ages 5+)
💡 Parent Tip: Plan to explore the trails between programs and arrive early for the best viewing spots.
Cost: Included with admission (Adults $16, children 3-12 $12, under 3 free)
Learn More
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.
📍 Discovery Place Science
🕒 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)
Get Tickets
KidCreate Studio: Art Class
Kids explore creativity through an instructor-led art class featuring themed projects with paint, clay, and mixed media. A confidence-boosting creative outlet.
📍 KidCreate Studio Charlotte, 16709 Orchard Stone Run
🕒 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
👶 Best For: 18m +
💡 Parent Tip: Dress kids in clothes that can get messy and arrive a few minutes early.
Cost: $15
Register Here
January 11, 2026
Paws to Read
Kids boost reading confidence by reading aloud to a friendly therapy dog in a calm, encouraging environment. Readers can sign up for a 15-minute slot at the desk starting at 2:00 PM.
📍 ImaginOn
🕒 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
👶 Best For: ages 5+
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a favorite short book so kids feel confident reading aloud.
Cost: Free
Learn More
January 12, 2026
Music Class at The Bunny Hive Charlotte
This interactive music class invites little ones and their grownups to dance, move, and explore musical instruments together. The class adapts to the ages in the room, making it welcoming for babies through preschoolers.
📍 The Bunny Hive Charlotte, The Classroom, 1207 East Blvd, Charlotte
🕒 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
👶 Best For: prewalkers, toddlers, and preschoolers
💡 Parent Tip: Leave nut-containing snacks at home and dress kids in clothes they can move freely in.
Cost: $30 drop-in (intro offers available)
Register Here
Baby Lapsit Storytime (0–17 months)
A cozy storytime designed just for babies not yet walking, with books, songs, and rhymes that support early language development. Caregivers participate alongside their little ones.
📍 SouthPark Regional Library
🕒 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
👶 Best For: 0 – 17 months
💡 Parent Tip: Check in at the children’s desk when you arrive to receive your ticket.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
MDNP: Nature Book and Look
Preschoolers and their grown-ups are invited to explore nature through stories, hands-on activities, crafts, or short exploratory hikes. Each session features a new theme designed to help little ones connect with the outdoors.
📍 Four Seasons Trail Picnic Area
🕒 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
👶 Best For: preschoolers and caregivers
💡 Parent Tip: Registration is required for both adults and children, and grown-ups must participate.
Cost: Free
Register Here
January 13, 2026
Family Storytime
Enjoy a mid-morning storytime filled with stories, songs, and movement that support early literacy and help foster a love of reading. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate alongside their children.
📍 Plaza Midwood Branch Library
🕒 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
👶 Best For: babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
💡 Parent Tip: This is a great option if you’re looking for something gentle and structured earlier in the day.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
Preschool Creating with Books: Clifford the Big Red Dog
Listen to stories and extend learning through hands-on activities, drama, and a take-home craft inspired by Clifford the Big Red Dog. Part of Pineville Branch’s weekly preschool series.
📍 Pineville Branch Library
🕒 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
👶 Best For: ages 3 – 5
💡 Parent Tip: Space is limited to the first 20 families, pick up a storytime ticket at the front desk 15 minutes before the program.
Cost: Free
RSVP Here
Parent Workshop: Social and Emotional Development Through Play
This virtual workshop explores how play supports emotional growth, empathy, and relationships, with practical ideas parents can use at home.
📍 Online event
🕒 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
👶 Best For: caregivers of young children
💡 Parent Tip: Register early to receive the Zoom link ahead of time.
Cost: Free
Register Here
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Paths to Pre-K Parent FAQ (Virtual)
Not sure which Pre-K option is right for your child? This free virtual session helps parents and caregivers learn about publicly funded Pre-K programs in Mecklenburg County, including eligibility, application timelines, and how to support your child through the process. Live panelists and Q&A included.
📍 Virtual meeting
🕒 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
👶 Best For: parents and caregivers of preschool-age children
💡 Parent Tip: Have a pen handy to jot down application deadlines and next steps during the session.
Cost: Free
Register Here
