This week brings cozy winter fun for families with free museum days, ice skating adventures, gentle newborn classes, hands-on library programs, and seasonal outings that make it easy to get out and enjoy Charlotte together.
January 2
Light the Knights Festival
Enjoy a holiday tradition at Truist Field featuring ice skating, snow tubing, holiday lights, festive decor, local makers, and more family fun at this interactive winter festival.
📍Truist Field, Uptown Charlotte
🕒 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Book tickets in advance since ice skating and tubing have limited capacity.
Cost: $45 for activity pass, $14 for admission only
Get tickets
Outdoor Movie Night at Seoul Food Mill District
Settle in for a festive outdoor movie night featuring Jumangi: Welcome to the Jungle! With free admission and plenty of food options, it’s an easy Friday outing with built in entertainment for kids.
📍Seoul Food Mill District Courtyard, 421 E 26th St, Charlotte
🕒 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Seating is first come, first served. Kids will love the playground area but be sure to keep them in sight since it’s shared space and can get busy.
Cost: Free
More Details
January 3
DramaRama: Cinderella's Having a Ball!
Using characters and situations from Children's Theatre of Charlotte's production of Topsy-Turvy Cinderella, you'll play acting games and create some new endings to this popular story!
📍Imaginon Library, Uptown
🕒 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
👶 Best For: 4+
💡 Parent Tip:
Cost: Free
More info
Museums on Us Free Weekend
Explore some of Charlotte’s favorite museums for free during Bank of America’s Museums on Us weekend, now including the Sullenberger Aviation Museum! A great, budget-friendly way to spend a winter weekend with curious kids.
📍• Sullenberger Aviation Museum, Mint Museum Uptown, Mint Museum Randolph, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Charlotte Museum of History
🕒 Saturday–Sunday, January 3–4 (during each museum’s regular hours)
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring your Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card plus a photo ID - admission is free for cardholders, and lines can be shorter earlier in the day.
Cost: Free with eligible Bank of America card
Learn More
January 4
Epiphany Celebration (Día de los Reyes Magos)
Celebrate the festive tradition of Three Kings Day with music, dance, storytelling, crafts, photo ops with the Magi, and a taste of traditional Rosca de Reyes at the Mint Museum Randolph.
📍Mint Museum Randolph
🕒 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: This event ties into the Art of Devotion exhibit so plan extra time to explore the galleries afterward.
Cost: Free
More details
Ice Skating at The Bowl
The last day of The Bowl’s outdoor ice skating rink under twinkling lights, where skate rentals are included and families can sip cocoa while making memories in Ballantyne.
📍The Amp at The Bowl at Ballantyne, 11115 Upper Avenue
🕒 All day
👶 Best For: 3+
💡 Parent Tip: Show your skating ticket at Postino for free Donut Dots while supplies last.
Cost: ~$20 general, ~$12 for ages 5 and under (includes skate rental)
Get Tickets
Museums on Us Free Weekend
Explore some of Charlotte’s favorite museums for free during Bank of America’s Museums on Us weekend, now including the Sullenberger Aviation Museum! A great, budget-friendly way to spend a winter weekend with curious kids.
📍Sullenberger Aviation Museum, Mint Museum Uptown, Mint Museum Randolph, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Charlotte Museum of History
🕒 Museum’s regular hours
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring your Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card plus a photo ID - admission is free for cardholders, and lines can be shorter earlier in the day.
Cost: Free with eligible Bank of America card
Learn More
January 5
Nature Book and Look
An outdoor storytime and nature exploration program featuring books, crafts, and hands-on learning.
📍McDowell Nature Center, 15222 South York Road
🕒 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
👶 Best For: Preschoolers
💡 Parent Tip: This is not a drop off program, so plan to participate alongside your child.
Cost: Free with registration
Register here
Whitewater Day Camp Session (Ages 4+)
Give your little adventurer a day to explore the great outdoors! This special Thanksgiving-week camp at the U.S. National Whitewater Center includes nature-based games, crafts, and plenty of fresh air.
📍 U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte
🕐 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
👶 Best For: Ages 4+
💡 Parent Tip: Drop off your camper for a day of fun, then grab a coffee and stroll the trails while they play and create. Spots are limited!
Cost: $79
Baby Massage
A calm, nurturing class designed as a gentle first activity for newborns, focusing on massage techniques that can support better sleep, digestion, and comfort for both baby and parent.
📍The Bunny Hive Charlotte, The Classroom, 1207 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
🕒12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
👶 Best For: Newborns (as young as 2 weeks old)
💡 Parent Tip: Bring a swaddle or baby blanket and socks for yourself - this class is slow-paced and cozy, perfect for easing into outings with a brand-new baby.
Cost: $30 drop-in (intro offers available)
Sign Up
January 6
Ed’s Dinosaurs Live!
Meet life-like dinosaur friends and interact with prehistoric pals as Ed Bounds brings this engaging STEAM event to life with pettable dinos, hands-on fun, and even a hatching dino surprise.
📍ImaginOn
🕒 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
👶 Best For: Ages 3+
💡 Parent Tip: Younger siblings will love watching and touching the dinos too so bring the whole crew.
Cost: Free
More info
January 7
Winter at Whitewater
Winter at Whitewater transforms the U.S. National Whitewater Center into a snowy playground with ice skating, winter trails, night activities, and a festive winter market perfect for families ready to embrace the chill and make new seasonal memories
📍U.S. National Whitewater Center
👶 Best For: All ages
💡 Parent Tip: Bring gloves and warm layers and plan to walk the illuminated trails after skating - it’s a great way to keep little legs moving between activities. Don't forget to pet the highland cows that are visiting for the winter!
Cost: $13 to park, Activity passes starting at $25 needed for skating and select experiences.
More Details