Charlotte Parent May 2014

May 2014 • Free CharlotteParent.com

Fab Finds for Mom

Pamper Yourself for Mother’s Day

Be a Super Fit Hero The Fit Family Challenge Continues

Make Summer Magic at Day Camp

PLANES, TRAINS &

Automobiles PACK YOUR BAGS FOR FAMILY JOURNEYS

special advertising section

summer camps

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BOONE, NC

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Family Vacations for Generations.

Remember riding Tweetsie Railroad for the first time?

Or your first trek acro ss the Mile-High Swinging Bridge at Gr andfather Mountain?

The Boone Area has been a part of your family vacation memories for generations. Pass those traditions on and watch little eyes light up as they experience our amazing mountains.

800-852-9506

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Summer Is Coming ... Are You Ready?

Our award-winning Summer Camp program offers performance experiences for students ages 3-18 in a fun, interactive environment. Full-day and half-day camps, one-week and two-week sessions, run June 2 - Aug. 8 at ImaginOn, Charlotte Latin School and UNC-Charlotte.

704-973-2828 ctcharlotte.org

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David H. Moore, DDS, MS, PA

Our 3 Locations: Cotswold/Midtown University & Davidson Phone: 704-377-3687

Wishing all our moms a Happy Mothers Day!

www.CltPediatricDentistry.com

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools

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Faith Tradition Academic Excellence

For over 80 years, Catholic Schools have provided a faith based education dedicated to academic excellence to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Children learn in an environment where the teachings of Jesus are promoted and upheld as core values of both school and life.

Visit one of our nine schools and see what a Catholic education can mean to your child.

MACS admits students of any race, color, religion or ethnic origin

Admissions: (704) 370-3273

Visit us at: www.charlottediocese.org/macs Charlotte Catholic High School Christ the King Catholic High School Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School St. Ann Catholic School St. Gabriel Catholic School St. Patrick Catholic School St. Mark Catholic School St. Matthew Catholic School Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School

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m a y 2 014 24

features 24 Planes, Trains and Automobiles

7 kid-friendly summer vacation destinations

30 Fit Family Challenge: Part 2

Meet the second Spotlight Family and tips for creating healthy habits that stick

35 Day Camp Countdown

9 things not to forget for summer camp

in every issue

35

4 from the editor 9 family fyi 12 doc says 14 chalk talk 15 step up 19 food for thought 21 mother of style 22 growing up 39 getting out 40 daily calendar 48 excursion 51 daddy derek 52 carolina smiles

21

30 May 2014 • Free CharlotteParent.com

Photo by Maura MacKinnon macphotography9.weebly.com.

21

Fab Finds for Mom

30

Be a Super Fit Hero

35

Make Summer Magic at Day Camp

24

Pamper Yourself for Mother’s Day

The Fit Family Challenge Continues

PLANES, TRAINS &

Automobiles PACK YOUR BAGS FOR FAMILY JOURNEYS

special advertising section

summer camps

CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

3

FROM THE EDITOR MICHELE HUGGINS GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek

Time to Travel

O

ne of my fondest memories of a family vacation was our big trip to the Grand Canyon when I was 14. We took Amtrak from Charlotte to New Orleans, and after an overnight there, it was on to Phoenix. The train ride was long, but it was exciting to see new landscapes as we whizzed across the country.

The return trip we flew home, another first for me. Though I’d always loved our regional ventures to Carolina beaches and mountains, I was hooked on exploring after that trip.

From the time I graduated college until the time I had a child, I traveled to almost 10 different countries. It opened my eyes to many cultures, places, food and lifestyles. It built my confidence, and taught me how people are so similar despite their differences.

Before I had my son, I told myself, that the travels wouldn’t stop because I became a mom.

Almost five years into parenthood, we’ve flown on a plane twice, taken a cruise to the Bahamas (more on that in the June issue), crossed the Mississippi and been to the Outer Banks numerous times. The travels are smaller now, but I blame that on bigger bills and responsibilities, not being a mom.

With that, I introduce you to our travel issue. We know vacation time goes fast, and that means the journey should also be enjoyable. In our feature Planes, Trains and Automobiles (page 24) we share tips on how to make the most of the time in airports, sites to explore off the beaten path when taking a roadtrip, and best trips for train travel from Charlotte.

May is also for Moms. Treat yourself with some of the finds on page 21. Or plan a special mom-daughter outing with ideas on page 17. May is the last full month of the school year, too. Summer means lots of free time for the kids. Help fill those restless days of summer with a summer daycamp. Check out our Camp Fair at CharlotteParent.com/ camps, and read our article on page 35 for some reminders on how to get them ready before that first day of camp.

We are a few weeks into our Fit Family Challenge. More than 475 Charlotte-area families are signed up and working toward healthier lifestyles. Our team of experts is serving up great tips for the Spotlight Families, including the Cram family who we profile on page 30. Read what the experts have to say, and how the Zappley and Cram families are doing during the challenge at CharlotteParent.com/blogs. If you’ve not already joined the Fit Family Challenge, it’s not too late. Sign up at CharlotteParent.com/fitfamilychallenge. By logging in your family’s healthy activities, you earn points to some great prizes, including a grand prize trip to Universal Orlando® Resort. Get all the details on page 30.

Cheers to summer adventures to come,

PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR Eve White

EDITOR

Michele Huggins

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Mikala Young

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Resa Goldberg

ART DIRECTOR Melissa Stutts

DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Susannah Carpenter

SR. MEDIA CONSULTANT Leslie Hatheway

lhatheway@charlotteparent.com

MEDIA CONSULTANTS Jen Byrum

jbyrum@charlotteparent.com

Dawn Field dfield@charlotteparent.com

ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Kia Moore

ads@charlotteparent.com

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR CHER WHEELER

MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT KAREN RODRIGUEZ

PRESIDENT

DONNA KESSLER

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING DONALD HORTON

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR MARY KATE CLINE

PUBLICATION MANAGER KRIS MILLER

CONTACT US

Phone: 704-344-1980 | Fax: 704-344-1983 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302 | Charlotte, NC 28203 advertising@charlotteparent.com | editorial@charlotteparent.com Circulation 109,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Charlotte Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

A Publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 Chairman and CEO William S. Morris III

President Will S. Morris IV PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

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2014 Bronze Award Winner

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Editorial Awards Competition

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what’s new at …

HOME WITH KIDS

CHARLOT TEPARENT.COM

Make your home beautiful and functional for the family with tips from blogger and design diva Barbara Green. …/blogs

Pin-spiration:

R A I N B O W F LO W E R Brighten up for spring with these colorful paper flowers. Find it and more on Pinterest/ CharlotteParent.

PREGNANCY MOVES

MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

FIT FAMILY CHALLENGE

Moms-to-be give up a lot during pregnancy, but exercise doesn’t have to be one of those things.

Get inspiration for a fit and healthy pregnancy with eight tips and techniques.

We know moms know best.

From good bedside manner, to making mom and dad feel at ease, tell us who your favorite doctor is in town?

Game on! Join other Charlotte families on a journey to a healthier lifestyle, and a chance to win a trip to Universal Orlando® Resort.

…/pregnancy

Pinterest.com/ CharlotteParent

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Facebook.com/ Cltparent

…/fitfamilychallenge

@CharlotteParent

CONTEST:

S KY H I G H F U N AIRPLANE GLIDER SET Just in time for breezy spring days, win this Guillows Foam and Balsa Wood Airplane set! … /contests

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GET FIT EAT RIGHT HAVE FUN

& t i y l F i m a f

with your family

The Fit Family Challenge is a healthy lifestyle program that offers free fitness classes, expert advice, nutritional information and a mobile-friendly activity tracker. Sign up to earn participation points for fun family rewards!

E G N E L CHAL

join the challenge

It’s easy!

&

ATTEND EVENTS

WIN PRIZES

MAY 3 // Girls on the Run 5K, Huntersville MAY 3 // Bike LUCK Benefit Ride, Atherton Market

A family vacation to enjoy two amazing theme parks at Universal Orlando® Resort.

Plus... weekly giveaways and bonus prizes!

THROUGH JUNE 9 APRIL 15-JUNE

MAY 3 // University City Duathlon, University City Research Park

Universal elements and all related indicia ™ & © 2014 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

MAY 4 // Kids Bicycle Safety & Educational Rodeo, Johnston YMCA

earn bonus points!*

MAY 9 // Right Moves for Youth Twilight 5K, Uptown MAY 10 // Hello Huntersville, Downtown MAY 17 // Run! Ballantyne, Morrison and Ballantyne Village YMCA Don’t forget to pick up your event code card to earn points!

Register at CharlotteParent.com/FitFamilyChallenge

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HEALTHCARE PARTNER

fyi

FAMILY Students from local nonprofit The Learning Collaborative.

Ph

o to

by Pat

ri c k S c h n e i der

Mother’s Day at the Garden

A One-Stop Shop for Sharing

y!

T

hree years ago on a chilly Christmas Eve morning, Olivia Brooks, now 11 years old, was inspired to set up a hot chocolate stand to raise money for children in Charlotte who didn’t have a home.

“That was the beginning of our annual Christmas Eve Hot Chocolate Stand and last year we raised almost $600 for A Child’s Place,” says Kelly Brooks, Olivia’s mom and cofounder of Share Charlotte.

Kelly Brooks’ passion for volunteering as a family morphed into the idea of making it easy for other families in Charlotte to find fundraising opportunities.

Brooks and her partner,

Kimberly Paulk, found it was virtually impossible to navigate through all of the city’s nonprofits because there was no one-stop shop.

Thus, the two moms launched Share Charlotte as a place to find a consolidated collection of Charlotte’s volunteer opportunities.

Share Charlotte’s launch included information from 80 local nonprofits, and has grown to include 225 organizations. Families can search the site by nonprofit sector, age, types of opportunities and skills needed for ongoing opportunities or specific events. For example, by searching for a nonprofit

that helps children and is appropriate for ages 5 and older, Promising Pages, a group that provides books as wrapped presents to children who don’t have any, is an ongoing option that appears on the site. For families with children 15 and older who want to work with animals, the opportunity to help prepare animal food for the Carolina Waterfowl Rescue pops up in the search return.

Brooks and Paulk would like to take Share to other cities. “We strongly believe that the success of our country is based on the health of our local communities,” says Brooks. Check it out at sharecharlotte.com.

Make time for Mom May 10 at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont. Enjoy the beauty of spring blooms and special Mother’s Day events, including complimentary yoga sessions, free potted plants for the first 250 moms, picnic baskets available for purchase, carriage rides and Italian ice, a wine walk, and the Garden Store jewelry sale. dsbg.org.

60% of NC registered voters reject raising taxes to improve education.

Source: Best Schools NC poll 2014

CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

9

fyi : : COMMUNITY

*

good deed: Sarah Plunkett

get real with

Sarah Plunkett wanted a unicorn toy, LEGOs and dolls for her birthday, perfectly reasonable requests for a 5-year-old. But by the time her party rolled around she had a new idea, one that would make other kids happy too. She talked to her parents about asking her friends to donate basic hygiene items and Target gift cards to A Child’s Place.

Twenty friends came to her birthday celebration at the Harris YMCA’s gymnastics center carrying items such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and new books in lieu of presents. “It’s important to think about people,” says Sarah. “My friends gave me things and I gave them to people who don’t have things.”

Stacey Simms Quick stats: age 42, president Stacey Simms Media, appearing on 102.9 The Lake and WTVI, diabetes blogger and speaker …

Family tree: lives with husband Slade, and children Lea, 12, and Benny, 9, and dog Bounce … Favorite indulgence: dark chocolate … Favorite outing: golf with my husband or dinner out with girlfriends … Favorite local eats: Dressler’s at Birkdale … iPod: interviews, news and podcasts, all the music is my kids! … Latest read: “The Interestings” by Meg Wolitzer … DVR: “Once Upon a Time,” “Meet the Press,” and the other 98 percent is what my kids are watching … In your bag: my son has type 1 diabetes so I always have food or juice in case he goes low, plus extra meter and insulin pump supplies … Can’t live without: sleep! I changed my life last year by leaving a job with a 3 a.m. wake-up call. We fool ourselves thinking we can get by with a few hours but eventually, it catches up … Stress buster: playing catch with our dog or talking a walk. Spa time works, but it has been way too long.

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Sarah Plunket t asked friends to bring hygiene items to donate to A Child ’s Place instead of presents for her bir thday.

SWOP it for Good First there were yard sales, then classifieds, then Craigslist and EBay. But what if you could buy and sell online and your child’s school benefits?

Swopboard, founded in Seattle by single mom of two Natalie Angelillo, makes it possible. Now available in Charlotte, each time a parent sells an item on Swopboard, the school of choice receives at least 10 percent of the sale, up to 100 percent. swopboard.com.  Swopboard founder Natalie Angelillo

Speed Street Celebrates 20 Years The NASCAR-inspired Coca-Cola Speed Street has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition in Uptown Charlotte, growing into a family destination festival since its humble beginning in 1994. Expect live musical entertainment, NASCAR driver appearances, show cars and simulators, and lots of activities for kids. 600festival.com.

MAKE A SPLASH Dive into summer at the Y! Cool off at one of our 11 outdoor pools and water parks, where you can kick, jump, swim and splash the days away. The Y is the perfect place to safely enjoy sun-soaked summer thrills.

Get wet with us at the Y! To learn more, visit ymcacharlotte.org/pools

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fyi : : WELLNESS Beat Behavior Issues With a Healthy Meal Plan

I

s your child hyperactive or irritable after missing meals or consuming cookies, pasta, or foods and drinks that contain the additive FD&C Red No. 40? Diet DOC SAYS plays a large role in your child’s

BY DR. BARBARA KISSAM behavior. The saying, “You are what you eat” has much truth to it. While a healthy diet is not the magic cure for kids who struggle with distraction or hyperactivity at home or school, it can improve behavior.

The following healthy eating tips can positively affect your child’s behavior.

Don’t skip breakfast. Food is our body’s fuel, and your child’s mental energy will drain without it. Kids need energy to get through the school day and need even more to stay on task.

Provide protein. A high-protein diet can help a child feel more energized and full, and have better cognitive function. Eggs, chicken sausage, lean turkey, cheese, apples, or almond or peanut butter elevate dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters in the brain more than a high-carbohydrate breakfast of cereals with sugar, orange juice, and bananas or processed foods, which elevates insulin, increases serotonin, and can make your child feel foggy or mentally drained.

More omega-3, vitamin B complex and vitamin D. A 2008 study showed that an increase in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B and vitamin D in a child’s diet had impact on children’s vocabulary, reading scores and attentiveness. Kids ages 4 to 6 should take 500 milligrams of omega-3 daily and a multivitamin with vitamin B. They should also play outside regularly to get vitamin D exposure.

Be aware of gluten, dairy or processed foods. Some kids are sensitive (not allergic) to these types of foods. This sensitivity can cause gastrointestinal problems, which can lead to behavioral issues.

Eliminate food dyes. If your child becomes hyper or aggressive after consuming red dye contained in fruit drinks without real fruit or becomes irritable after consuming chemical additives found in soda or drinks that are the same color as antifreeze, serve water instead.

Family meals are important. Families that eat together produce successful adults.

Create traditions such as technology-free Tuesday or family fun night Friday. Be a good listener and talk about family and personal goals to help kids thrive.

Dr. Barbara Kissam is a developmental behavioral pediatrician at Novant Health. She lives in Charlotte with her three kids and dog, Gus.

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Research published in the journal Pediatrics found certain feeding and television habits could increase a child’s likelihood of becoming obese. Habits such as putting babies to sleep with bottles, not engaging in “tummy time” and exposing children to TV before the age of 2 could lead to unhealthy weight gain in later childhood.

According to a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, children who took daily omega-3 supplements experienced about­one additional hour of sleep each night. Those children also had seven fewer waking episodes per night, compared with children who did not take daily omega-3 supplements. The study says sleep problems in children are associated with poor health, as well as behavioral and cognitive issues, and these issues are associated with deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids.

As youth participation increases in high-demand sports such as football, basketball and soccer, so is the number of ACL injuries. A new study presented by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons concluded that universal training, which focuses on the best ways to bend, jump, land and pivot the knee, is the most cost-effective strategy for reducing ACL injury risk.

WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR SECOND LOCATION

CROSSWAY PEDIATRIC THERAPY OPENING IN MAY 2014 8401 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 150 Charlotte, NC 28262 For more information call: 704-847-3911 or visit our website

www.crosswaytherapy.com

occupational therapy • speech therapy physical therapy • feeding clinic learning support “working together to bridge the gaps on the journey to success”

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CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI CLASSROOMS4/15/14 FOR INFANTS THROUGH SIXTH GRADE.

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fyi : : EDUCATION

School News Five Charlotte schools were recently honored for their participation in the anti-bullying campaign, Stand Up and Speak Out. Garinger High, Jay M. Robinson Middle, and Stoney Creek, Olde Providence and McAlpine elementary schools returned the highest number of pledges. cms.k12.nc.us.

Keep Minds Active During Summer App Alert From private and preschool tuition and enrollment to stats on area public schools, all you need to know about Charlotte-area schools is ready and available at your finger tips via our new 2014 Education Guide app. iPad, free.

Tip If your child struggles with reading, put the morning paper on the table opened to the section that holds the most interest for him.

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M

ost parents recognize the need for education to continue throughout the summer so that come fall, CHALK TALK

BY MARGE EBERTS AND PEGGY GISLER

their kids won’t be starting school at a disadvantage.

What’s more difficult to determine is how to find a quality summer learning program, and what opportunities parents can provide at home.

The Summer Matters campaign suggests looking for a welcoming, positive program where kids are happy, engaged and active.

Moving and playing and being creative allows them

CharlotteParent.com

to take pride in what they have learned. The range of activities they are involved in should include arts, sports, science and service work, and compliment — but not repeat — school-day learning curriculum. Utilizing community resources, such as parks, universities and museums is a bonus and something that parents can also do on their own.

For example, sign children up for the local library’s Summer Reading Program or encourage them to read books recommended by their teachers or online summer reading lists.

Teachers may also be able to suggest online educational worksheets and activities

that can be downloaded for free. Summer day camps are another way to keep young minds engaged.

At home, play fun math and word games that turn everyday activities into learning opportunities. Don’t forget to turn off the TV (or at least limit the amount of screen time). And keep kids moving with activities that encourage learning, as well as physical activity.

For more tips from the Summer Matters campaign visit summermatters2you.net.

Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts are experienced teachers who have more than 60 publications to their credit.

LIFE

Blended Family Summer Planning Made Easy

S

ummer vacation is almost here! For many people that phrase conjures images of flip-flops, sandy beaches and long afternoons at the pool. But for single parents and people in blended families, the two words can create instant tension.

STEP-UP

BY KAREN M. ALLEY Working on a summer schedule involves a lot of communication on the part of both biological parents and often stepparents.

For some parents this is easy, for others it can be very difficult.

Planning and need for communication and ultimate compromise can lead to many headaches, and sometimes heartaches. Try the following tips to help make summer planning work go as smooth as possible.

All in. When planning a vacation, whether you want to visit Disneyworld

or take the kids to see the grandparents, remember it’s important to include all the children in the trips. Especially if you have biological children who live with you and stepchildren who are not with you fulltime, it is important that no member of the family is left out of the fun.

Plan in advance. Once you have an idea of where and when you want to go, communicate with the other parents involved. The earlier schedules are planned, the better. When talking with the other parents, try to remain flexible. Begin the conversation with a few options about when you would like to schedule your trips.

If there is something you can’t budge on, for instance, you absolutely have to be at a family reunion over the Fourth of July, be prepared to compromise on other trips you might have planned.

::

fyi

Summer camp. When a child is at overnight camp, whichever parent happens to have custody during that time will be giving up some of his allotted time. The important thing to remember is that in all things, the priority should be the child.

The chance to attend an overnight camp is a wonderful experience that can give children educational opportunities, an opportunity to meet new and possibly lifelong friends and a time of independence from an ever-present family. If possible, try to share the costs of camp between parents, both financial and custodial. If one parent typically only sees her biological child only during the summer months, it might be an option to replace the lost time during a break in the school year.

Karen Alley lives in the Triad and is proud to be part of a blended family.

Take the Ride of Your Life!

Join the Charlotte Tour De Cure!

Register. Ask a Friend. Start a Team. Stop Diabetes.

May 31st

Ballantyne Corporate Park Visit www.k1047.com for more information

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CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

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fyi ADHD? Learning disability?

Don’t address the symptom.

Address the cause.

6 MomDaughter Outings As little girls grow into tweens and teens, it’s a great time for just mom and daughter to do some biggirl playful adventures. Just in time for Mother’s Day, these six outings require little or no planning.

For over a decade, the Brain Balance programÂŽ has helped kids overcome their academic, social and behavioral challenges by addressing the root cause, not just treating the symptoms.

1. Squeeze in a movie matinee. This works well for a spontaneous escape on a bad weather day that has you both snipping at each other. Next time you squabble, calmly walk away and pull up the local movie show times. Then breeze back into the room and tell her you’ll call a truce, if she will go to the movies with you. Popcorn and a favorite beverage included.

CALL 919.851.2333 LEARN MORE Brainbalancecenters.com

2. Venture out for lunch. Think of an upscale neighborhood or part of town you’d love to explore and target a lunch spot you’ll both enjoy. After lunch, spend the afternoon windowshopping boutiques.

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3. Pop in for pedicures. You may find the chair massage is almost worth the price of the pedicure itself. Bonus idea: Take her to a CLTPM_140500_BrainBalance.indd drugstore on the way to the salon and let her purchase the hottest new color. Then she can take care of her own touch-ups.

Cross the Bridge 1

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and discover all that’s waiting for you at MillBridge.

4. Forage for treasure at a flea market. The key is to make the trip about her, not you. Give her 10 bucks to spend on an item for herself, and spend 10 bucks on enough snacks to keep you both going for a couple hours.

5. Go on your favorite type of tour together. This could be a home tour, a farm tour, a historical tour or a museum tour, just to name a few possibilities. It’s fun and engaging to learn new things together, and you’ll be amazed how much more you can appreciate any experience the experience when it’s fueled with interesting information and stories.

6. Express yourselves at an art studio. Sit side-by-side and create pots or tiles at your local glaze-it-yourself shop. The yarn shop may offer a basic knitting class, the bead shop likely has a braceletmaking opportunity, and the art supply may have painting or collage workshops. Be sure to do this on a day that is otherwise unscheduled, so you can relax into the experience and enjoy the creative process thoroughly. — Christina Katz

New homes from the $180s to the $400s in Waxhaw, NC Learn more at MillBridge-NC.com

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fyi : : LIFE Parenting Toolbox: 5 Tips for First-time Family Camping

TOP 5 National Park Family Programs 1. Horseback riding at Shenandoah National Park 2. Stargazing inside Denali National Park

Camping isn’t just for kids. Parents can enjoy it right along side their children if they take time to plan. Here are some suggestions for making it an adventure to remember.

1. Reserve a campsite. Pick somewhere within easy driving distance and reserve a site before you go. Look online for county and state parks that offer campsite reservations.

2. Pack proper gear. Make a list of items you’ll need and borrow the rest from friends, family or neighbors. You can rent big items, such as tents, from stores such as REI. You’ll also need sleeping bags/pads, firewood/ starter, flashlights, drinking water, sturdy shoes and garbage bags.

3. “Beetlemania” lectures at Rocky Mountain National Park

3. Plan simple meals. A cooler filled with drinks, hot dogs, along with breakfast bars, instant oatmeal, fruit and nuts will do the trick. Don’t forget ingredients for s’mores!

4. Cruise the shoreline of Acadia National Park

4. Go over safety rules. Remind kids to stay away from the fire, not to eat anything growing in the wild, and to be aware of animals indigenous to the area.

5. Sing about animals at Yosemite National Park Source: travelchannel.com

5. Let kids explore. Task your children with finding a special rock or stone to make into a necklace or create a treasure hunt with prizes.

Source: education.com

choices ... CAMP GEAR FOR KIDS

Camp sleeping bags don’t just have to be durable; they can be fun too. LL Bean has sleeping bags with floral graphics and a full-length zipper that goes around the toe box so kids can join two bags together. $69.95, llbean.com.

A lantern, a room light and high-beam flashlight all in one. The Terra Kids LED Lamp is just what kids need for camping or playing at home. Convenient clasp options for easy carrying. $14.95, fatbraintoys.com.

With a roll-top seal just like an adult outdoor bag, contents inside the waterresistant PaddlePak stay dry whether dropped in a creek or tossed in the bottom of a canoe. The tail functions as a small pocket for little items. $25, trunki.com.

LIFE

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

BY HEIDI BILLOTTO

French Toast with Fruit and Vanilla Egg Custard

L

et your springtime family brunching kick off with a celebration in honor of Mom. This rich French toast recipe uses store bought croissants, local eggs and honey and fresh organic fruit – a great way to start the day.

•• 1 cup organic whole milk

•• 4 tablespoons butter

•• 3 local eggs

•• Fresh fruit, such as local berries, cubed mango, cherries and/or melon

•• 2 tablespoons local honey •• 1-2 tablespoons vanilla extract •• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Share -ASit ter P r o g ra m

After School Sitters Available!

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•• 3 tablespoons orange juice concentrate, defrosted but not diluted

•• 12 mini croissants

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1 Whisk together the milk, eggs, honey, vanilla, and salt.

2 Slice croissants almost in half to make a pocket of sorts.

3 Combine your favorite mix of local or organic berries with melon or cherries, and toss well with the orange juice concentrate to blend.

4 Soak the cut croissants in the milk and honey mix for a minute or two on each side, and then remove to a sauté pan ready with hot melted butter.

5 Brown the croissants on both sides. Then, remove from the pan, if you need to, keep them warm in oven until ready to serve.

6 Toss fresh fruit to blend well. Stuff toast with fruit and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar.

*

Buy local berries this time of year at any one of Charlotte’s area farmer’s markets.

Find a farmers market near you at CharlotteParent.com/ directories.

momapproved

DOCTORS Finding a doctor you can trust is a top priority, but not always an easy task. That’s why we are asking you (the experts) who you think provides the best health care for children and families in the Charlotte area.

Make a recommendation for other parents by telling us the doctors that have earned your trust, admiration and respect; and why they deserve to be on Charlotte Parent’s Mom-Approved Doctors list.

charlotteparent.com/favedocs

Heidi Billotto is a culinary expert who hosts cooking classes throughout the Charlotte area. Find more at heidibillottofood.com.

CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

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10 days. 3 services. $99.

Mark your calendars for Charlotte magazine’s Salon and Spa Week!

The best salons and spas in the Charlotte area will be offering 3 services for the ďŹ xed price of $99 for only 10 days! Visit us online to learn more. Service packages will be posted in May for you to book your appointments early!

Presented By:

JUNE 13-22, 2014 charlottesalonandspaweek.com Participating Businesses:

*Matthews Location

LIFE

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fyi

MOTHER OF STYLE »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» BY WHITLEY ADKINS HAMLIN Writer Whitley Adkins Hamlin with her sons in The Cat’s Pajamas, $92, available at I.C. London.

The Spa at Ballantyne

Treat Yourself

If there were ever a debate, the most expensive gift in the world could likely never trump the meaning fulness of a simple handmade card from a child. That doesn’t mean, however, that you don’t deserve to treat yourself to something special this Mother’s Day. Here are a few of my own personal suggestions.

for Mother’s Day

Lounge in style. Whether a mother to one newborn or that to a house full of children,

every mother deserves something comfortable and pretty in which to lounge around the house. Break out of your flannel pajama and T-shirt habit and into something a little more stylish like a nice new pair of pajamas. Liking what you see on the outside makes you feel pretty on the inside too.

A day at the spa. I recently attended a baby shower at the Spa at Ballantyne at the request of the mama-to-be. It was by far the most relaxing day of my life. If you do nothing more than lounge at the pool all day and order drinks from the pool staff, you are pampering yourself the way every mama should be pampered! ballantynehotel.com.

Regain focus. I like to think that I am a fairly organized person, but as a working mother of two small children, stacks and piles remain in every room across our home.

Simplicity to the rescue. The professional organizing company is committed to making maintainable organizational systems to help de-clutter your possessions, and more importantly, your mind, so you may regain your focus on what’s most important, you and your family. mindsimplicity-organizers.com.

Rodan + Fields Put on a youthful face.

If you have been pregnant, you’re likely familiar with those tan skin discolorations commonly known as the mask of pregnancy, or melasma. Enter Rodan + Fields skincare. Smooth the Reverse Regimen on to visibly brighten skin and reduce brown spots and dullness, as well as reduce fine lines and wrinkles while also defending against sun exposure. rodanandfields.com.  Rodan+Fields Revere Regimen, $161 for a 60-day supply, rodanandfields.com.

Whitley Adkins Hamlin is a local stylist and mom to two boys under age 5. Read her Mother of Style blog at CharlotteParent.com/blogs.

CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

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fyi : : LIFE

Growing Up: Safe, Happy Airplane Travel With Kids

W

hoever said “Getting there is half the fun,” never flew cross-country with a needy newborn, a boisterous toddler, or a moody tween. Not to mention a GROWING UP purse full of wrinkled airline

BY MALIA JACOBSON tickets and coloring books, snacks for every member of the family and a caravan of luggage.

At best, airplane travel with children can be educational and exciting. At worst, it’s an all-out nightmare. Here’s how to plan for a memorable (in a good way) trip that starts before you land.

Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health and parenting journalist, and mom of three.

0-4 years

PLANE PLAN

Air travel with tots in tow takes planning, patience and more planning.

Celebrity travel expert and mom Amy Graff recommends using a packing list.

“You might not find the right kind of diapers or that exact baby food your little one loves at your destination. This is the time when you don’t want to forget anything.” Prep for a smooth takeoff and landing by planning to feed baby — by breast or bottle — during the plane’s ascent and descent; the sucking motion helps equalize pressure inside their tiny ears to minimize painful popping (and the resulting screams).

Pack a few more diapers than you think you’ll need on flight, and a change of clothes. And don’t forget to pack extra clothes in your carry-on for a toddler or preschooler, especially anyone that is just potty trained. Also bring snacks, and load up your digital device with a cartoon or new app to keep their mind off the fact that they need to stay seated for the flight.

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5-12 years

FUN FARE

Elementary-age children usually love plane travel, but can be notoriously slow to get through airports. Yelling “Let’s go!” at the top of your lungs may turn some heads, but it won’t make your poky preteen move any faster. Instead, make the most of kids’ pre-vacation excitement by treating the airport like a fun destination. Start by turning the dreaded security screen into a race; have kids unload their luggage onto the conveyer belt as fast as they possibly can, says Graff. “It’s a game of speed and it can be a lot of fun.” School-age kids respond well to delegation, so assign each child a responsibility before take-off and in-flight, like carrying the family’s flight snacks or marshalling carry-ons as they come through the security conveyor.

Grade-schoolers are also old enough to take responsibility for their personal belongings, both in the airport and in-flight.

Before boarding and disembarking, gently remind your child to gather her things — but don’t do it for her.

TIME TRAVEL 13-18 years

A long flight layover with bickering teen siblings is a recipe for vacation disaster. Quell squabbles by allowing each sibling to take charge of a family decision (one sib can pick a lunch locale at the airport, while another gets to select dinner fare at the destination). Bring a deck of cards, teen-friendly snacks, and an extra set of batteries and AC adapters to keep electronics charged up while you wait. On the trip, avoid the “teen tune out” during travel by creating a connection to your destination before you leave. Did your family’s ancestors hail from the region?

Do you have any childhood stories about the area? Any major historical happenings?

Young teens may get a kick out of an on-flight scavenger hunt with landmarks to watch for during take-off and landing.

Appointing a teen “trip historian” with responsibility for documenting the trip with photos ensures that you’ll have plenty of memorabilia — and gives you a chance to view the trip through your teen’s eyes.

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BY

Plane, Train, Automobile

BY SARA KENDALL

FROM BUSTLING URBAN MOUNTAINTOPS AND BREATHTAKING BEACHES, THERE’S A DESTINATION FOR EVERY INTEREST AND DESIRE, AND GETTING THERE SHOULD BE HALF THE FUN. BELOW IS OUR ROUNDUP OF SEVEN

UP IN THE SKY Managing children in a confined space for an extended period of time is no easy task — especially when you’re flying through the air, but nonstop flights are the fastest means of transportation for long-distance destinations. When traveling with young children, load up digital devices with new games for in-flight entertainment. Pack plenty of snacks and extra clothes for mishaps. Eliminating potential crankiness helps ensure a smoother, saner flight for all.

DESTINATIONS FOR FAMILY

BOSTON

VACATIONS, AND HOW TO MAKE

Airport 411: Boston likes kids and it becomes clear the moment you arrive at Boston Logan International Airport. There is a special area with kids in mind. Kidport is an aviation-themed play area featuring climbing structures and slides where kids can burn off energy while parents can relax. The airport is conveniently located with great access to mass transit. To get to your hotel, just jump on the subway, affectionately called “The T”.

THE MOST OF THE JOURNEY WITH KIDS, WHETHER BY PLANE, TRAIN OR AUTOMOBILE.

The Boston Duck Tour

When your children have had their fill of history and museums, author Eileen Ogintz suggests in her book “The Kids’ Guide to Boston” a visit to the Charles Bank Playground nearby the Museum of Science, or head to the public garden adjacent to Boston Common to ride the famous Swan Boats.

They really look like swans! For more ideas, visit bostonusa.com. 

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on your own. Download The Freedom Trail® • Join actors in period costumes to relive the Boston Tea Party by dumping tea overboard Official App for more guidance. one of the authentically restored tea ships at • Ride a Bobcat in the Construction Zone or Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. scale a three-story structure made of flowing, • Lace up your sneakers and walk The Freedom curved platforms at New Balance Climb at the Trail, a 2.5-mile red path that leads to 16 (13 Boston Children’s Museum. of which are free to visit) American Revolution • After exploring the Museum of Science along sites including the Paul Revere House, USS the Charles River, take a Boston Duck Tour Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument. on a vehicle that travels on roads and in the Follow costumed guides representing the 18th water. For more ideas, visit bostonusa.com.

Century on a 90-minute tour or venture out

CHICAGO Airport 411: Watch out for the 40-foot high replica of a Brachiosaurus dinosaur looming over Chicago O’Hare Airport in Terminal 1 and a replica of a World War II Wildcat Fighter Plane in Terminal 2. Take the little ones to Kids on the Fly play area to learn the inner workings of an airport through an interactive exhibit. And the “L” train is the easiest way to get into town from the airport — no need to rent a car and pay for parking.

• Experience the iconic Navy Pier, a landmark • Enjoy incredible views of the city at Skydeck extending nearly 1 mile into Lake Michigan Chicago where you can step onto The Ledge, where visitors can ride on a 150-foot Ferris a glass balcony extending 4 feet outside the wheel and enjoy restaurants, shops and 103rd floor, if you dare. fireworks extravaganzas.

• Pack your swimsuits to play in the fountain • Adjacent to the Navy Pier, explore the and cool off at Millennium Park, a gathering Chicago Children’s Museum. Build a spot in the heart of downtown Chicago. Have skyscraper, tinker with real tools or climb on a your photograph made in front of The Bean, rope-suspended schooner. an outdoor sculpture resembling an enormous

Photo Credits: Toys from Toys & Co., photo by Derek Selles metalempireproductions.com; The Boston Duck Tour

CITIES TO AWE-INSPIRING

7

FAMILYPLEASING

VACATION DESTINATIONS

 See more destinations for families online at CharlotteParent.com/lifestyle.

metal bean. In the summer, kids can splash around in Crown Fountain, an interactive work of public art.

• Take Chicago’s First Lady Cruise to learn about 50 famous Chicago buildings. You can also choose from other cruise outings such as fireworks cruises, nighttime tours and dinner cruises.

• Visit Museum Campus to explore The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. A must-see for dinosaur lovers, The Field Museum is home to Sue, the most complete T-Rex ever found. If you plan to visit more than one museum and the Skydeck Chicago, check into buying a Chicago CityPASS to save some bucks. For more ideas, visit choosechicago.com.

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum The Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, Chicago

RIDE THE RAILS Taking a train is safe, comfortable and affordable. When the journey is part of the experience, kids are entertained by watching the world go by.

Prevent restlessness by roaming around the train to explore and burn off energy. Bring a carry-on bag packed with entertainment and snacks to curb boredom and hunger.

On Amtrak, kids ages 2 through 12 ride half-price and infants under 2 ride free.

Photo Credits: Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum; Choose Chicago; Williamsburg Virginia Visitors Bureau

WILLIAMSBURG AND VIRGINIA BEACH Why take the train? There is an afternoon layover in Richmond, Va. Take the time to explore Maymont Park — a 15-minute taxi ride from the train station — a 100-acre park with a Children’s Farm and Nature Center, complete with trams and carriage rides. There is a snack bar at the nature center and ice cream man located past the Fox habitat towards the Japanese Garden.

When you arrive into Williamsburg, the train station is perfectly located just a few steps away from Colonial Williamsburg hotels. gentle rides for the little ones make this a fun • Visit the Jamestown Settlement to destination for the entire family. experience America’s 17th-century Colonial • Beat the heat at Water Country USA, the beginnings and board replicas of the three mid-Atlantic’s largest water park, where a ships that brought America’s first permanent 1950-60s surf theme entertains all ages. Get English colonists to Virginia. wet on water slides, falls and water cannons.

• Interact with costumed Native Americans • Need more soaking? Virginia Beach offers in the Powhatan Village through live beautiful beaches, a lively boardwalk, a historic demonstrations of cooking and tool-making. lighthouse and outdoor activities. Hike or bike • Take a Tavern Ghost Walk to learn about around First Landing State Park to discover ghosts who still haunt Colonial Williamsburg’s cypress swamps and nesting grounds for a taverns and historic buildings. This earlyvariety of birds. For more ideas, evening activity is suitable for all ages. go to visitwilliamsburg.com and • Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers 100 visitvirginiabeach.com. acres of family fun. Roller coasters and The Discovery at Jamestown Settlement

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My sandy stage offers two performances daily.

–The Beaches of The Crystal Coast

When the sun comes up, I’m there to greet it.

When it slowly sets in the evening, I’m there to say bon voyage. I’m a uniquely positioned south facing beach on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. So I give you not one, but two sunny moments to cherish every single day.

ATLANTIC BEACH

EMERALD ISLE

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BEAUFORT

MOREHEAD CITY

CAPE LOOKOUT

Call 800-786-6962 or visit crystalcoastnc.org

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WASHINGTON, D.C. Why take the train? Amtrak Trains arrive at a stunning gateway to our nation’s capitol, Union Station. The beautiful Beaux-Arts style building captures the traveler’s attention and can stop them in their tracks just admiring the beautiful domed structure. In the heart of the city, this location offers easy access to hotels within walking distance or a short taxi ride away.

Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, • This budget-friendly destination offers more and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial while than 100 free attractions. The most famous walking along this pedestrianaddress in the U.S. is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., friendly boulevard. where the U.S. president resides. White • Often called America’s treasure chest, House tours take visitors through the East the Smithsonian consists of 17 separate Wing; State Dining Room; and Red, Blue and museums. The most popular museum in Green Rooms. Visit whitehouse.gov to find the world, based on attendance numbers, is out how to book a tour.. the Air and Space Museum. Other popular • Watch millions of dollars being printed at the Smithsonian museums include the American Bureau of Engraving and Printing as you History Museum, the Museum of Natural overlook the production floor during this free, Sciences and the National Zoo, where baby 40-minute experience. panda Bao Bao and her parents, Mei Xiang • The National Mall is a 2-mile green space and Tian Tian, are the zoo’s most popular spanning along the banks of the Potomac attraction. For more ideas, visit River, from the U.S. Capitol Building to the washington.org.

Lincoln Memorial. View the Washington

ON THE ROAD

The White House

Take the Metro rail system to the Smithsonian Metro Station and walk to the recently renovated Washington Monument and Smithsonian Museums. 

Biltmore Estate, Asheville

Minimize how many times you hear, “Are we there yet?” by using roadtrippers.com.

Just upload your destinations and interesting places pop up on the site’s map to make your road trip more entertaining. Choose from a variety of offbeat attractions, scenic points or historic monuments.

Photo Credits: White House photo by Mary A. Behre; Destination DC; ExploreAsheville.com

ASHEVILLE Roadtrip bonus: A quick two-hour drive from Charlotte, Asheville is a great vacation getaway for families who don’t want the expense of long-distance travel. Before crossing into the city limits of Asheville, take a ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, commonly known as America’s favorite drive. It’s a perfect place to take in stunning vistas and have a relaxing picnic. while on your stomach using webbed gloves.

• This lively mountain city offers an active This provides a great way for beginners to outdoor community with a bustling art and explore a river. Riders advance to their knees, music scene that possesses a cosmopolitan then feet. flair and a laid-back mountain vibe.

• Experience a unique aerial • A must-see is America’s largest home: obstacle course at Asheville Biltmore Estate, a French Renaissance-style Treetops Adventure Park. mansion with 250 rooms. Marvel at the twoKayaking through the trees or story library, gilded elevator, indoor swimming snowboarding on open air are just pool and bowling alley. Children can pet two of the 50 unique challenges baby animals in the estate’s farmyard, or drive offered, which range from beginner across obstacles on the Land Rover Kid’s to advanced skill levels. Kids as Adventure Course. young as age 7 have tried Go Bellayaking, a new way to travel down a the challenges. river that was created in Asheville, by paddling

“Planes, Trains and Cars”

by Simon Abbott is a fun fact book about different ways to travel the world. Filled with animated illustrations and cultural history. Perfect for any long distance trip. $8.99 

CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

27

Fa m i l y Ad v e n t u r e s SC Strawberry Festival May 2 & 3, Ft. Mill, SC 8th Annual Arts on the Ridge May 2 & 3, Ridgeway SC Hog on the Hill May 2 & 3, Chester, SC Living History Saturdays, Historic Brattonsville near Rock Hill SC Photography Collections Chester Cty. Hist. Soc. Museum, Chester, SC Beard Gun Collection, Camden Archives & Museum, Camden, SC Wings & Wheels Annual Air Festival May 10, Winnsboro SC Yard Sale of the Carolinas, May 10, Chesterfield, SC Porches, Patios & Paths Garden Tour May 10, Cheraw, SC Red Rose Festival May 16 & 17,Downtown Lancaster SC Hot Rods & Guitars May 16 & 17, Union County Dragway, Union, SC FREE Ag+Art Tour June 21 & 22 Photo: Historic Brattonsville

Olde English District South Carolina

1.800.968.5909

oldeenglishdistrict.com

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Have a Big Vacation in a Small Town

Children love to play or float on tubes in our mountain streams, visit the Cherokee Indian Reservation, ride a family-themed excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and learn how to play with mud on a potter’s wheel. And that’s just for starters.

GreatSmokies.com The Travel Guide to Bryson City, Cherokee, Nantahala Gorge, Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains. On your computer. On your smartphone.

800-867-9246

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(Plane continued from page 27) • In nearby Pisgah National Forest, take a slide • You’ll find 60 species of animals including down Sliding Rock. This 60-foot all natural river otters, bobcats, cougars, and red and gray well-worn rock has delighted young and old wolves at Western North Carolina Nature for years and offers a great way to cool off on a Center. Children can also snuggle up to farm hot summer afternoon. There is a nominal $1 animals and hop on a red tractor. For more parking fee. ideas, visit exploreasheville.com.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA Roadtrip bonus: A trip to Charleston means access to historic attractions, as well as three great nearby beach towns all within three hours of Charlotte. Take a short drive off I-26 to explore Cypress Garden Ruins in Monck’s Corner, S.C, a 170-acre preserve and garden where many big-screen movies, including “The Patriot” starring Mel Gibson were filmed.

Great Ocean Tank, extends from the first to • Clippity-clop down cobblestones streets atop the third floor. a carriage ride to learn about the city’s history • Grab a swing and enjoy the view from and culture, and see antebellum mansions, Waterfront Park. On hot days, kids can play historic churches and enchanting side streets. under the streaming water at Splash Fountain.

• Take a 30-minute tour with a period• Go on a treetop adventure at Wild Blue costumed guide through the Old Exchange Ropes, Charleston’s first open-air ropes and Provost Dungeon where George course. Once the family is tired from a Washington was entertained and patriots and day of activity, hop on a pedicab rickshaw pirates were imprisoned. for an exhilarating ride back to your • Visit the South Carolina Aquarium accommodations. For more ideas, visit on historic Charleston Harbor, home to charlestoncvb.com. loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, jellyfish and sharks. The aquarium’s largest exhibit, The

CRYSTAL COAST

Photo Credits: S.C. Aquarium; ExploreCharleston.com; Crystal Coast Tourism Authority

Roadtrip bonus: The Crystal Coast is for those who love fewer crowds and more natural beauty of North Carolina beaches. Whirligigs Park, a public sculpture garden featuring works from famed folk artist, Vollis Simpson whose whimsical windmills have been featured in museums across the country, makes for an interesting stop along the way; or take a break in Raleigh for a visit to the N.C. Museum of Natural Science or Marbles Kids Museum.

• See wild horses and go shelling with Port City • View artifacts from the pirate Blackbeard’s flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, and Tour Company. After a 15-minute ferry ride interactive exhibits at the North Carolina to Shackleford Banks on the Cape Lookout Maritime Museum in Beaufort.

National Seashore, see wild horses, and go • Get up close and personal with marine life shelling on one of the best shelling beaches. at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine • Surrounded on three sides by water — the Knoll Shores. While you’re there, check out Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort Inlet and Bogue the 300,000-gallon tank featuring a replica of a Sound — Fort Macon is free and offers nature sunken World War II German U-boat. trails, opportunities for surf fishing and a • Experience an aqua adventure, such as protected swim area. dolphin cruises, sunset sails, moonlight • Climb to the top of the 150-year-old Cape cruises and sport-fishing daytrips. For more Lookout Lighthouse to enjoy endless ocean ideas, visit crystalcoastnc.org. views. Nicknamed The Diamond Lady, it’s one of North Carolina’s most iconic lighthouses.

Sara Kendall is a freelance writer who loves to travel with her husband and two daughters. She has discovered fun and learning happen together when exploring our beautiful country.

South Carolina Aquarium Downtown Charleston

Cape Lookout lighthouse on the Crystal Coast

: E G N E L L A H C Y L I FIT FAM

CHALLENGE

Be a Super Fit Hero!

Register your family at CharlotteParent.com/ Fitfamilychallenge.

Then, log 150 minutes for three consecutive weeks in our online activity tracker to be entered into a special drawing just for Super Fit Heroes like you!

CRAM

FAMILY STATS

WHO: Charles (Chuck), 38; Kathleen, 38; Kelleen, 10; Breanna, 8; Regan, 5; Neave, 3 LIVE IN: Matthews OCCUPATION: Chuck is a project manager for pharmaceutical company and Kathleen is an occupational therapist in a local school system.

GOALS/CHALLENGES: • Increase overall activity levels and lose weight • Workout as a family twice per week • Build consistent healthy eating habits despite busy schedules

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The Cram family. Left to right, Breanna, 8; dad Chuck, Kelleen, 10; Regan, 5; mom Kathleen; and Neave, 3.

Photo by Maura MacKinnon | macphotography9.weebly.com.

&

2

PART

t i F i fam ly

BY LISA HASSELL

Making Time for a Healthy, Active Family Lifestyle

L

ast month we introduced you to our first Spotlight Family, the Zappleys. This month we introduce you to the Cram family. Charles “Chuck” and Kathleen Cram are the busy parents of four busy children — daughters Kelleen, 10; Breanna, 8; and Neave, 3, and their brother Regan, 5.

A typical weekday consists of the six family members getting out the door before 7 a.m. then back for dinner together at 6 p.m. before the bedtime routine begins around 7 p.m. Besides school, the children are involved in a combination of church, Girl Scouts, Girls on the Run, soccer and lacrosse activities. Chuck attends a volunteer firefighter training class one evening per week and plays hockey another evening. Kathleen joins a running group on Saturday mornings.

In the midst of their busy schedules, the Crams find it hard to be consistent in making healthy eating choices, especially on the weekends when sports schedules leave little time for meal preparation. “We tend to do OK for a

CharlotteParent.com

short duration with exercise or healthy eating.

Sometimes we are able to do both at the same time,” says Kathleen. “But the efforts seem to be short lived as our busy lives seem to get in the way … If we don’t plan ahead for meals, exercise, etc., it is hard to incorporate it into our schedule.”

Neither Chuck nor Kathleen grew up in families focused on fitness, but both played sports in high school and college, and learned better time management skills and had lower stress levels as a result.

Chuck and Kathleen would each like to lose a little weight and tone up, while the kids just need to increase their activity levels. They also worry about their children later spending free time in unhealthy ways, so they believe staying busy and active will help deter that. Despite their busy routines, the Crams are committed to being an active family. “... An active lifestyle versus a sedentary lifestyle can impact your functioning as you age,” says Kathleen. “We are committed to creating an active lifestyle now so that we can hopefully stay active in our retirement years.”

Lisa Hassell is a freelance writer and former elementary school teacher. She lives just outside Charlotte with her 4-year-old son.

ft to huck, mom ve, 3.

MEET THE EXPERTS Last month we introduced you to Dr. Samuel Adkins, registered dietitian Tonda Gridley, and balance expert Kim Jacobs, three of the seven health professionals that make up our Fit Family Challenge team of experts. This month we introduce you to four others that round out the team. For eight weeks these experts are working with our local Spotlight Families — the Crams and Zappleys — to help them create healthier, happier lifestyles.

TARA

BRANTON, MD

Tara Branton, MD, is a physician with Carolinas HealthCare System’s Weddington Family Medicine, located in Charlotte’s Blakeney neighborhood. With board certification in family medicine, Dr. Branton’s clinical interest lies in patient wellness. She earned her medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University and completed her residency at the Naval Hospital Pensacola.

Kelsey Knasel is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with Carolinas Medical Center-Pineville, part of Carolinas HealthCare System. She provides health education, focusing on treatment of individuals dealing with chronic illness and those who are working to maintain healthy lifestyles. She has a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Kentucky.

Devan Kline is certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist and owner of Burn Bootcamp Fit Community of Moms. He was drafted in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, where he played three seasons. He has a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University.

KELSEY KNASEL, RD

DEVAN KLINE

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CHRIS BRYAN

Chris Bryan is a personal trainer, nutritionist, yoga instructor and owner/operator of Burn Bootcamp Fitness Facilities. His goal is to teach people how to become the healthiest — mentally, emotionally and physically — that they can be.

{

This is your kids’ classroom

and here’s their teacher.

}

We encourage laughter and talking and waving in class. Because when you experience nature on such a grand scale, the learning kind of sneaks up on you.

GRANDFATHER® MOUNTAIN www.grandfather.com | WONDERS NEVER CEASE LUNA Grandfather Mountain Charlotte Parent_May_Luna.idml Charlotte Parent 1

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1/4 page 3.475”x4.5” Art: Katie Casella | MAY 2014 31 CharlotteParent.com 4/8/14 10:42 AM Contact: Katie Casella 828-733-2013

4/9/14 3:08:37 PM

Virginia State Parks

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800-933-PARK (7275) | www.virginiastateparks.gov

We get a lot

in the summer!

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10 OFF

$

Learn to Skate Registration First time registrants only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. For Learn to Skate registration only.

Expires: 8/31/14

Plan your visit today!

Learn to Skate • Play Hockey • Public Skate Summer Camp • Figure Skating • Broomball • Curling Corporate & Group Outings • Birthday Parties

4705 INDIAN TRAIL-FAIRVIEW RD. INDIAN TRAIL, NC 28079 /XICENTER 704.882.1830 WWW.XICENTER.COM

Just down the road...

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and a world away.

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Imagine getting away to South Carolina’s best kept secret and most beautiful barrier island.

Two championship golf courses, tennis, Z^PTTPUN Ä ZOPUN biking, Camp Fripp for kids, and miles of unspoiled beach are all waiting for you.

Call our vacation planners today and discover what will soon be your favorite place to get away from it all Fripp Island.

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Fit family CHALLENGE // PART 2

5 TIPS

KID FIT:

1 // Pick one.

Choose one habit to add or change to your normal routine and focus on just that one until it truly becomes a habit.

Changing too much at once will lead to frustration and giving up.

FOR CREATING HEALTHY HABITS

2 // Schedule it. Choose specific times when you will exercise and write it on your calendar. Make specific meal plans for weeknight dinners. Find child care, if necessary, and plan ahead so you can keep your commitment to yourself.

3 // Grab a partner. You’re even more likely to stick to your plan if it means you’d have to otherwise cancel on a friend or colleague for your weekly yoga class.

4 // Make it manageable. If you’re new at this, think small bites, like running for 30 minutes two or three times per week or giving up one soda per day.

5 // Reward yourself. Use gold star stickers on a workout chart whenever you complete a small task. Treat yourself to that pedicure or smaller-sized pants when you’ve reached a bigger goal.

PB&J Push-Ups Who doesn’t like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Why not pretend to make some yummy PB&J with your kid, while making your upper bodies strong.

How to do it: Kneel on the floor and pretend to spread lots of peanuts on the floor.

Stay on your knees and put your hands under your shoulders. Slowly bend your elbows and lower your chest to the floor. CRUSH those peanuts to make peanut butter. Raise your chest and then lower again to make it creamier. When you’re done making peanut butter, go ahead and sprinkle some berries on the floor.

Repeat the push-up to crush the berries to make jelly.

Nut allergy? Imagine crushing sunflower seeds to make sunbutter instead.

Big kid challenge: Give each other high fives while staying in push-up position.

Kid Fit move provided by Cherie Berens, owner of Launch Your Kid. Find more fun exercise moves for kids at launchyourkid.com.

Maddie Behrens, 6, demonstrates how to do the PB&J Push-up.

300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane • Blowing Rock, NC 28605

JUNE 6-15 ADULTS .......................$39* KIDS 3-12 ....................$26* KIDS 2 and UNDER ... FREE *Includes 6.75% NC Admission Tax

tweetsie.com or call 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874)

Advance purchase of tickets is recommended. Ticket sales are final. Events are rain or shine.

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CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

33

4/17/14 2:32:00 PM

Race Cars

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Go Karts

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Driving!

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Tech Camps held at NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, and 80+ Universities Ages 7-18

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Day Camp Countdown

9 tips the su before fun b mmer egins

BY DENISE YEARIAN

Camp season is around the corner. Before sending your child to day camp to make those magical summer memories, here is a reminder checklist to make sure each day is smooth and successful.

1. Fill’er up. Bring one bottle of water

that has been cooled in the refrigerator and a second one that has been in the freezer.

2. It’s a scorcher. Apply sunscreen to your child’s skin before he leaves home and send the tube along for later application. Consider sending along a hat for extra protection.

3. Bug off. If your child is going to be

out in a natural environment, he should wear insect repellent. Look for a lotion form that is safe for children; avoid sprays. When camp is over, follow up with a tick check for safe keeping.

4. All decked out. Some kids want

to pick out their own clothes, but if they have chosen black jeans and a dark T-shirt, it may not be the best option. Dress your child for comfort, safety and appropriate temperatures. Proper shoes are important too, particularly if he is playing outside.

Avoid strappy sandals and flip flops; opt for tennis shoes.

5. Name it and claim it. Any item brought to camp should have your child’s name, address and phone number on it in case it gets left behind. It also avoids confusion if identical items are brought by two children.

6. Time out from tech toys. Do not bring valuable items such as handheld games or cell phones. Day camp programs are designed to provide an enriching experience, and your child should be engaging in these activities rather than playing with electronics.

7. Pills, pains and other problems.

All camps have forms for parents to list medications their child is on. But if you take your child off a medication for the summer, the camp needs to know that too, because it could cause an extreme change in behavior. Allergies are another issue to make counselors aware of, be it insect or food related. Equally important is to share other concerns with camp staff, such as if your family is going through a divorce or has experienced a recent death, as this might affect how your child interacts throughout the day. Camps look out for the physical and emotional needs of a child, so the more information you provide, the better equipped he will be.

9. Read the fine print. Read the materials the camp gives you — policies, procedures and planned activities. If you know what to expect and what is expected of you, things will run much smoother. Most camps have a weekly schedule so parents know what the upcoming activities are. Talk with your child about the activities planned.

Finally, encourage your child to enjoy the experience. Mark the first day of camp on the family calendar and do a countdown.

Help your child develop a checklist of items needed. And don’t forget to share your own camp stories. Remind your child to do his best, obey the rules, be respectful of others and have a great time!

Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

8. Help is on the way.

Having an emergency contact person is vital. Even more important is that the designated person knows you have written his or her name down.

CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

35

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

guide to

C MPS

Find more camp options at CharlotteParent.com/camps Please note camp rates are on a weekly basis unless otherwise noted.

Acting Out Studio

Huntersville and South Charlotte 704-290-9054 actingoutstudio.com 7-12 years | $175 Acting Out Studio is a place for actors, models, and singers. A variety of summer programs are available. Every week has a different acting theme, so there will always be something different to do.

Belmont School of Ballet

116 S. Main St., Belmont 704-829-7929 belmontballet.com 3 years and older | Call for session rates Technique classes, theme camps and performance workshops offered for dancers of all ages and abilities.

Carolina Dance Capital

Adopt-A-Horse Camp at Leg Up Equestrian

8801 Collins Road, Fort Mill, SC 803-230-8121 legupequestrian.com 7-14 years | $310-$360 per session “The Complete Horsemanship Experience!”

Adopt your own horse for a week and care for the more than 20 horses in our herd.

Riding lessons, mounted pony games, trail rides, grooming and bathing. Flexible summer lessons.

Breakaway Sports

3917 Trailer Drive 704-918-1346 breakawaysports.info All ages | Call or visit website for session rates Breakaway Sports offers multiple sports and summer camps. Camps are indoors in an air-conditioned facility. Camps include, but are not limited to, inline hockey, basketball, flag football, field hockey, dodge ball, volleyball, lacrosse and indoor soccer.

Carolina Kids’ Voices

12210 Copper Way 704-542-4998 carolinadancecapital.com 2.5-12 years | Varies per session Themed dance camps in June and August for ages 4-12. Monday-Friday, 9am-noon. $125 per session. Two-day Mini Dance Camps in June for ages 2.5-3. Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30-11am. $30 for two days.

Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Road 704-374-1564 carolinavoices.org/showchoircamp.asp Rising Grades 1-8 | $160 If you’re looking for a creative and fun musical experience for your child this summer, join us for Show Choir Camp.

Rock Mania, June 23-27; TV Hit Parade, July14-18; Broadway Stars, July 28-Aug. 1.

Charlotte Latin School

Charlotte School of Ballet

9502 Providence Road 704-846-7277 charlottelatin.org/camps 3-18 years | $150-$450 per session At Charlotte Latin Summer Programs, our goal is to provide an environment that promotes a joy for learning. Our campers develop cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically through growth-promoting experiences.

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CharlotteParent.com

627 S. Sharon Amity Road 704-622-8252 charlotteballet.com 3 years and up| Call for session rates Themed camps and classes offered throughout the summer in ballet, jazz, modern and musical theatre. Intensive Ballet workshop with internationally recognized teachers from leading companies.

Performance opportunities available.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

First Baptist West, 1801 Oaklawn Ave. 704-372-3742 fbcwest.org Rising grades 1-9| $150 A six-week fine arts/academic program.

Violin, piano, chorus, art and dance in the morning. Literacy, math and science in the afternoon. Field trips are every Friday. June 23-Aug. 1. Theme: All That Jazz.

Gaston County YMCA

201 S. Clay St., Gastonia 704-460-5715 gastonymca.org Grades K-8 | $85-$125 Say hello to summer. Register now for summer camp. Spend the summer with us and enjoy 10 weeks of camp at one of our five camp locations.

Gaston County Family YMCA.

Latta Equestrian Center Day Camp

6201 Sample Road, Huntersville 704-992-1550 lattaequestriancenter.com/summer-camp.html 7 years and up | $300 Enjoy a week with Mary Lyons, well-known horse show judge and educator. Beginner/intermediate week-long riding camps beginning June 16 through Aug. 18. Build self-confidence while learning safety, good horsemanship, proper grooming and riding skills.

Mountain Island Charter School

13440 Lucia Riverbend Hwy., Mount Holly 704-827-8840 micharter.org 4 years and older | See website for rates MICS is pleased to offer a variety of summer camp options: Raptor Day Camp, half-day specialty camps, and Camp Invention (week of June 23).

The Speech Garden Institute

3016 Providence Road 704-609-8255 speechgarden.org 24 mos.-rising grade 5 | $288 Specialized therapy program for children with expressive, receptive, fluency, social and/or articulation disorders in a highly structured, innovative classroom setting where learning is meaningful and fun. Heavy focus on sensory needs. Runs during July.

Cool Camp

4705 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail 704-882-1830 xicenter.com 5-12 years | $225/half-day; $275/full-day Cool Camp gets kids active for the summer through ice-skating lessons, on/off ice activities and team-building in a fun environment (without the heat). Camps are available in fullweek packages for half- and full-day programs.

Kate’s Kids Club Summer Camp

1530 Celeanse Road, Rock Hill, SC 803-329-5283 katesofrockhill.com 5-15 years | $100 We are now accepting 2014 summer camp registrations. We are very excited about our summer camp this year. Our program will run from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Lenux Stables & Riding Academy, Inc.

10610 Kerns Road, Huntersville 704-947-7433 lenuxstables.com 3-18 years | See website for rates Exciting, educational and safe, our horseback riding camps are a summer hit. Sessions offered June-August for Tiny Tots, Horsemanship and Advanced camps. Visit our website for information and registration.

Morrison Family YMCA

9405 Bryant Farms Road 704-716-4650 ymcacharlotte.org/branches/morrison/ youthdev/camp/camp.aspx Grades 2-11 | Call for rates Summer Camp is a great way for kids to explore new activities, cultivate friendships and create lasting memories. We offer over 50 unique camp options including, ceramics, cooking, dodge ball, preschool, slime, sports, theatre and more.

STEM Summer Experience

704-330-6731 stemsummerrxperience.com Grades 4-12 | $250-$825, includes supplies Is your child interested in science, technology, engineering or math?

Spice up their summer with the STEM Summer Experience at CPCC. Choose from nine different camps, from CSI to Building Your Own 3D printer.

CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

37

CAMPS

Clara H. Jones Summer Institute

Epic fun for families in Uptown Charlotte, brought to you by EPICENTRE. There’s lots for families to do in Uptown Charlotte and EPICENTRE wants you to know about it.

EPIC KIDS CLUB EVENT Kids Club Central Celebrates Mom EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St.

■

Sun., May 11, 1-3 p.m.

Enjoy the day making crafts and dancing with Charlotte Parent, Disney Radio and friends. All dedicated to Mom. Free.

The EPICENTRE also recommends the following Uptown family events

free and fun!

The EPICENTRE Kids Club Central was created with one idea in mind: having more fun in Uptown Charlotte as a family! Each event features music, games, crafts, and fun.

Better still, your family receives a special Kids Club Central card that can be redeemed for special discounts and free offers every time you visit EPICENTRE. For details, visit www.EPICENTREnc.com/kids-club

Family First: Jewelry Making Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, 551 S.Tryon

■

Sat., May 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Learn how to create original jewelry using various materials, beads and metals. Bring special beads and babubles to include in the design, just in time for Mother’s Day. $7-9, includes museum admission

Romare Fest Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St.

■

May 3-4, Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., Noon-4

Family-friendly activities throughout the day along with musical entertainment. Free.

The Hundred Dresses Wells Fargo Playhouse, 300 E. 7th St.

■

Thurs., May 8, 7:30 p.m.

Wanda proudly claims to own 100 dresses, all lined up in her closet at home. When their teacher holds a class contest, things suddenly begin to change. $10. Ages 8 and up

Swim Mac Presents: Charlotte Grand Prix Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, 800 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

■

Sat., May 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Watch National Champions, Olympians from the USA and other countries, the best college teams and accomplished high school athletes dive into Charlotte’s waters. $15-$20.

Sunday Fun Day: National Geographic Photography and Art Museum Day Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St.

■

Sun., May 18, 1-4 p.m.

Enjoy family-friendly art projects, Let’s Move! Healthy living activities, artist demonstrations, gallery tours and more.

Special exhibition admission fees for Women of Vision will be waived in honor of National Art Museum Day. $5/adults; Free for Children.

HomeSchool Day Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St.

■

Fri., May 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Enjoy a discounted admission fee and check out the newest exhibition, Van Gogh Alive with more than 3,000 images and watch an IMAX film. $17, includes museum admission, Van Gogh Alive entry and one IMAX discovery film.

LYNX BLUE LINE: Your low cost route to EPIC UPTOWN FUN Roll into one of these Park and Ride Stations: Scaleybark, Woodlawn, or Tyvola and jump on the Lynx Blue Line Light Rail. Your next stop-- EPICENTRE Kids Club Fun! EPICENTRE has a walkway from the CTC/Arena Station (Charlotte Transit Center Station) that makes for an easy walk to your family’s favorite Uptown destinations.

Make every weekend EPIC family fun at the EPICENTRE!

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G O! ETTING UT

COMPILED BY MIKALA YOUNG

Don't Tell Me I Can't Fly Original artwork by Della Wells. | Mini Masters Workshop: Royal Africa photo courtesy of Mint Museum. | International Polar Bear Day photo courtesy of Discovery Place.

May 2014 go. see. play.

3

10

18

23-25

Leatherman Lane 3175 Odell School, Concord 336-422-7604 leathermanlane.com/events.html

Downtown Huntersville 704-875-6541 huntersville.org

Queens University of Charlotte 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-560-303 festaitalianacharlotte.org

Mint Hill Veterans Park 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill 734-635-1206 minthillmadnessfestival.org

Spend your Saturday at Horse Lover’s Day and enjoy horsedrawn carriage and pony rides. It’s an all-day affair of eating, playing and shopping. This year there are a few different vendors so shop around for clothes, boots, jewelry and even hats. Stick around for demonstrations and exhibitions, as well as contests and prizes.

Noon-5pm. Free.

Dance to live music, enjoy food and take a spin on a few rides at Hello Huntersville. Kids can show off their creative side by making sidewalk chalk drawings, and mom and dad can shop local artists wares and meet local business owners. Huntersville Growers’ Market will be open too!

Stop by the Charlotte Parent table to learn how you can be a part of this year’s Fit Family Challenge.

Free.

Spend the day exploring the Ninth Annual Fiesta Italiana.

Kids can engage in cultural experiences like learning Italian words and phrases associated with activities, food and play. And get your feel of Italian treats with unlimited food and drinks. This event benefits those with special needs and developmental disabilities through support of the Nevins Center. 1-7pm. $25 and up.

Enter the wild ride of Mint Hill Madness and experience an all-American parade, spectacular fireworks and a family carnival.

There’s music for all ages and tastes, from country to rock. This event is all about celebrating the birth of the town. Bring your running shoes for the family 5K. Free.

CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

39

1 THURSDAY Art-Rageous Books. Join Miss Amy and use an illustrator’s style to inspire unique creations. Ages 6-8. Free.

4:30-5:30pm. York County Library, 138 E. Black St., Rock Hill, SC. 803-981-5858. yclibrary.org.

Crazy Play Days- Mother Goose Day. Hear Mother Goose poems and play games. Make a craft to take home.

Parent participation and registration required. Ages 2-5. $2. 10:30-11:30am.

Ivory/Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court. 704-432-4580.

Family Storytime: For Me, for You, for Later. The whole family can learn how people, things and money have

value. Free. 10:30am. Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-416-4800. cmlibrary.org.

Onstage: Peter and the Starcatcher.

See page 46.

2 FRIDAY Evening Campfire. Enjoy stories, eat S'mores and sing songs with family and friends. Free. 7-8pm. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704588-5224. parkandrec.com.

Middle School Madness. Enjoy music, dancing, hoops, contests and video games. Ages 11-13. $5, members; $8, nonmembers. 8-11pm. Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St., Cornelius.

704-716-4400. ymcacharlotte.org.

Movies in the Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and cozy up for some pre-movie entertainment, giveaways and a great film. Free. 6pm.

North Mecklenburg Park, 16131 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. 704-7662220. huntersville.org.

Preschool Storytime: For Me, for You, for Later. Learn about financial literacy skills and how people, things and money have value. Ages 3-5.

Free. 11am. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704416-5000. cmlibrary.org.

OnStage: Drama Kids at Langtree Charter Present: Storyland Idol; The Reluctant Dragon; Peter and the Star Catcher. See page 46.

3 SATURDAY

on exhibit DISCOVERY PLACE

Hubble. Watch as the Hubble Space Telescope provides unprecedented views of the universe. At the IMAX. See page 44 for details. $5-$10. Through May 30. Call or go to website for showtimes. 704-372-6261 discoveryplace.org.

Van Gogh Alive. Synchronized to a powerful classical score, more than 3,000 Van Gogh images at an enormous scale create a display that fills giant screens, walls, columns, ceilings and even the floor. $18-$20. Through June 1. Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm; Sat., 10am-6pm; Sun., noon-5pm. 704-372-6261. discoveryplace.org.

301 N. Tryon St.

LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH Faces of Freedom Summer. View 102 photographs taken by Herbert Randall in Hattiesburg, Miss. that document the struggles and triumphs of Civil Rights activists and African-American voters during the summer of 1964. $5-$8, includes museum admission. Through Aug. 17. Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm; Sun., noon-5pm.

704-333-1887. museumofthenewsouth.org.

Out of the Shadows: Undocumented and Unafraid. Explore how art can be a deliberative and imaginative forum for exploring complex issues about immigrant labor, education, and legal status. $5-$8, includes museum admission.

Through June 29. Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm; Sun., noon-5pm . 704-333-1887. museumofthenewsouth.org. 200 E. 7th St.

MUSEUM OF YORK COUNTY Way Back When: Ice Age Beasts of Carolina. Travel back in time to the Carolina Piedmont when massive mastodons browsed our woodlands, and giant ground sloths ambled along the forest edge. $3-$5. Through July 31. Tues.- Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 1-5pm . 803-329-2121. chmuseums.org. 4621 Mt. Gallant Road, Rock Hill.

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CharlotteParent.com

Family First: Jewelry Making. Learn how to create original jewelry using various materials, beads, metals and baubles, just in time for Mother’s Day. Registration required. $7-$9, includes museum admission. 11am-1pm.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture , 551 S.Tryon St. 704-547-3700. ganttcenter.org.

Family Storytime. Join in favorite stories, songs and movement activities that support literacy skills. Ages 3 and under. Free. 10:30am. Mountain Island Library, 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way. 704416-5600. cmlibrary.org.

Friendship and Music. Charlotte Children’s Choir Spring Concert. $10. 3pm. Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-374-1892 ext.22. charlottechildrenschoir.org.

Guiding Parents to Services ASD Workshop. An interactive program for families of young children with an autism spectrum diagnosis. Free.

10:30am. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 704-4164630. imaginon.org.

Home Depot: Build a Flower Planter.

Participants each build a planter

to take home. Ages 5-12. Free.

9am-noon. Home Depot Locations. workshops.homedepot.com/ workshops/kids-workshops.

Horse Lover’s Day. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, pony rides, shopping, art and great food. Free. Noon5pm. Leatherman Lane, 3175 Odell School, Concord. 336-422-7604. leathermanlane.com/events.

International House’s Children’s World of Play. Share culture through games, crafts, music and dance performances. Free. Noon4pm. ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. 704333-8099. imaginon.org.

Mother’s Day Tea. Enjoy an engaging performance, a first-glance look inside the lady’s wardrobe and custom tea served in a gracious Southern manner. Ages 7 and up. $15. 1pm.

Historic Rosedale, 3427 N. Tryon St. 704-335-0325. historicrosedale.org.

OnStage: The Reluctant Dragon; Peter and the Star Catcher.

See page 46.

4 SUNDAY Cinco De Mayo Fanta Festival.

Internationally known musical acts, celebrity appearances, folkloric dance performances, an open-air food court, as well as children’s games and activities. Free. 11am-7pm.

Route 29 Pavilion, 5650 Sandusky Blvd., Concord. 704-941-2557. latinamericancoalition.org.

Natural Beauty. Explore your artistic side and create some art using natural materials. Registration required. Free.

2-3pm. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

NWSA World Premiere Concert.

Watch advanced students feature the world premier of “Canzona for the Music Makers” by Dan Locklair.

Free. 3pm. Charles Laborde Theatre, Northwest School of The Arts, 1415

daily calendar Beatties Ford Road. 704-714-5110. charlottesymphony.org.

OnStage: The Reluctant Dragon.

See page 46.

5 MONDAY Babes in the Woods. Tuck the little one in the stroller for a walk along the paved nature trail. Ages 1-3. Registration required. Free.

10:30am-11:30am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-5885224. parkandrec.com.

Budding Adventures. Discover the awakening of spring plants and animals through crafts, games, stories and puppets. Ages 3-6. Free.

10-11am. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

Every Child Ready to Read: For Me, for You, for Later. Learn about the five early literacy practices, along with interactive math activities to help children learn about financial literary skills. Ages 3-5. Free. 10:15am. South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Road. 704-416-6600. cmlibrary.org.

First Monday Family Nights. Enjoy stories, songs and movement activities that support early literacy skills. Free. 6:30pm. Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road.

704-416-4400. cmlibrary.org.

Parent and Tot Splash Time. Parents and toddlers enjoy playtime in the splash park. Ages 1-5. $3. 10am-3pm.

Ray’s Splash Planet, 215 N. Sycamore St. 704-432-4729. raysplashplanet.com.

Spring Is Sprouting. Dig in the dirt and plant vegetables, enjoy a glass of lemonade. Take home a mix of seeds to plant a garden. Registration required. Free. $6. 3:30-4:30pm. Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, 248 Ridgewood Ave. 704-331-0664. winghavengardens.com.

6 TUESDAY

9 FRIDAY

A Night at the Library. Enjoy a pajama story time with a favorite stuffed animal. Limit one animal per child. Ages 3-8. Free. 6:30pm.

Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresvile. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us/225/Library.

JYO Spring Concert. Watch the Charlotte Symphony Junior Youth Orchestra and conductor Ernest Pereira perform. $8 adults, $6 students/seniors. 7:30-9:30pm. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave. 704-9722000. www.csyo.net.

Britax Car Seat Checks. Learn the correct way to install your child seat and safety recommendations from a certified child passenger safety technician. No appointment needed. Free. 8-11:30am. Britax North American Headquarters, 4140 Pleasant Road, Fort Mill. 704-409-1695. britaxusa.com.

Every Child Ready to Read: For Me, for You, for Later. Learn about the five early literacy practices, along with interactive math activities to help children learn about financial literary skills. Ages 3-5. Free. Noon. Morrison Regional Library, 7015 Morrison Blvd.

704-416-5400. cmlibrary.org.

Homeschool Woodland Story Walk.

After an eventful hike, children create imaginative stories using inspiration from nature. Pencil and journal provided. Ages 7-12. Registration required. $3. 10-11am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road.704588-5224. parkandrec.com.

Latta Homeschoolers: Hornets Nest Geocaching Adventure. Learn the functions of a basic GPS unit and the different types of caches and how to locate them. GPS units provided.

Ages 9-12. $6. 1-4pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com.

Screen Free Week: Stars and Dough Boys. Start the night with a treat around the campfire. Wait for the stars to come and see them up close through a telescope. Parent participation required. Ages 6 and up. $2. 6:30-7:30pm. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704432-6459. parkandrec.com.

Temple Israel’s Torah Tots. Share in the Shabbat experience. For families with preschoolers and toddlers. Free.

5:45-6:45pm. Temple Israel, 4901

7 WEDNESDAY Preschool Storytime: For Me, for You, for Later. Learn about financial literacy skills through making choices and decisions. Learn how people, things and money have value. Ages 3-5. Free. 11am. Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews - Mint Hill Road. 704-4165200. cmlibrary.org.

8 THURSDAY Screen Free Week: Fun By the Fireside. Learn how to safely build a campfire, roast a few marshmallows and chow down on S’mores. Come prepared with ghost stories. Ages 3 and up. Registration required. Free.

6:30-7:30pm. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704432-6459. parkandrec.com.

Stream Search. Wear water shoes and prepare to get wet while searching for aquatic critters in the stream. See what new animals emerge as the weather gets warmer. Ages 2-8. Free.

10:30-11:30am. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-5885224. parkandrec.com.

Onstage: The Hundred Dresses; Plexus Dance Presents: Poise.

See page 46.

Providence Road. 704-362-2796. templeisraelnc.org.

OnStage: The Hundred Dresses; Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing; Plexus Dance Presents: Poise. See page 46.

10 SATURDAY Bilingual Storytime and Music.

Features fun and interactive Spanish and English music, plays and stories.

Ages 2-8. Free-$5. 11am. Mint Museum, 2730 Randolph Road. 704337-2000. mintmuseum.com.

Blooms, Bees and Birds Family Day. Create crafts that involve all three B’s.

Explore the rain garden, fence garden and the new butterfly way-station with the naturalist staff. Wear long pants. $3-$5. Noon-2pm. Museum of York County, 4621 Mt. Gallant Road, Rock Hill, SC. 803-329-2121. chmuseums.org.

Mother’s Day at The Garden. Moms can pamper themselves with a complimentary yoga session in the White Garden each hour beginning at 10am. Also enjoy Italian ice and carriage rides. First 250 moms receive a potted plant $6-$12; free for moms.

9am-3pm. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. dsbg.org.

Paint the Night Blue. Enjoy a live concert with Too Much Sylvia, a kids fun zone, corn hole tournament and local vendors and artists, all in support of SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now). $8-$10; free for ages 13 and under.

5-9pm. 500 S. Main St., Mooresville.

704-878-2227. iredellscan.org.

PBS Charlotte Free Family Fun Day. Celebrate Seemore Goodstuff’s birthday with face painting, bounce houses, kids’ activities, photos with Seemore and prizes. Registration required. Free. 11am-3pm. WTVI-PBS Charlotte, 3242 Commonwealth Ave. pbscharlotte.org.

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HEALTHY FAMILIES

PHOTO CONTEST Upload a photo of your healthy family for the chance to win a family membership to the YMCA.

Facebook.com/CLTparent #FFChealthyfamily

Sammy James Spring for SIDS Spaghetti Dinner/Fundraiser.

Enjoy a spaghetti dinner and participate in a silent auction and bake sale. $5, free for children 5 and under. 4-8pm. Pineville United Methodist Church, 110 S. Polk St., Pineville. facebook.com/ thesammyjamesfoundation.

Share God’s Love Day. Kids can learn how to honor others through a Bible lesson and craft time. Free.

10am- Noon. Billy Graham Library, 4330 Westmont Drive. 704-401-3263. billygrahamlibrary.org.

Onstage: The Hundred Dresses; Plexus Dance Presents: Poise; Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing; Sleeping Beauty Suite.

See page 46.

11 SUNDAY

This is the Choir School Experience Music education and so much more

The Choir School at St. Peter’s

Offering talented young people the opportunity to study, perform, travel and grow. Tuition-free.

Join us for our Choir Discovery Night!

Meet The Choir School choristers • Attend rehearsal Sign up for auditions • Learn more about singing in The Choir Tuesday, May 20 at 6:00 pm St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 7th and Tryon in Uptown Charlotte Call or email today to reserve your spot!

704.749.6146 kjohnson@st-peters.org Spring concerts Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 pm.

More information on our website www.TheChoirSchool.org.

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Mother’s Day Kids Club Central Celebrates Mom. Enjoy the day dancing with Disney Radio. Stop by the Charlotte Parent table to make crafts and learn exciting news for the months ahead. Free.

1-3pm. Epicentre, 210 E. Trade St. epicentrenc.com.

Mother’s Day at The Planet. Show mom all the appreciation in the world. Featuring activities and games. $5-$11, mom is free. 1-6:30pm. Ray’s Splash Planet, 215 N. Sycamore St. parkandrec.com.

Mother’s Day Nature Hike. Celebrate mom by going on a 2-to 3-mile hike alongside wildflowers and birds. Ages 8 and up. Registration required. Free.

3-4:30pm. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.

The Deep Worship. A unique worship experience for children and their families with high-energy music, dancing and teachable moments for children to learn about God. Ages 4-11. Free. 9:30am. Matthews United Methodist Church Gymnasium , 801 S. Trade St., Matthews. 704-847-6261. matthewsumc.org.

Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing. See page 46.

CharlotteParent.com 4/8/14 3:09:48 PM

12 MONDAY Nature Story Corner. Hear a variety of nature-based stories, some accompanied by puppets. Ages 3 and up. Free. 10-11am. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road.

704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

13 TUESDAY Coffee With the Superintendent. Have coffee with superintendent Heath Morrison and share ideas about district initiatives, legislative action and how to improve education for students. Free. 7:30-9am. First Ward Creative Arts Academy, 715 N. Caldwell St. cms.k12.nc.us.

Community Service: Book Repair.

Help the community by fixing up old books. 12-18. Free. 6pm. Mountain Island Library, 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way. 704-416-5600. cmlibrary.org.

Family Storytime. Help foster a love of books by participating in favorite stories, songs and movement activities that support literacy skills.

Ages 3 and under. Free. 11:15am.

Mountain Island Library, 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way. 704-416-5600. cmlibrary.org.

Home School: Nourishing the Planet in the 21st Century. Part of a series, children discuss the topic “how does your garden grow soil.” Highly interactive. Ages 5-7. $3. 1:30-3pm.

Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

Homeschool Farm Kids Workshop.

Learn about farm life and meet farm animals at this interactive workshop.

Ages 5-7. Registration required. $12.

10am-Noon. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-8752312. lattaplantation.org.

14 WEDNESDAY Book Talk. Learn and discover fantastic reads by researching new and classic titles and authors. Ages 5-11.

Free. 4pm. ScaleyBark Library, 101 Scaleybark Road. 704-416-6400. cmlibrary.org.

Nature Detectives: Tree-mendous Trees. Investigate and learn about

fun things that are found in the woods. Featuring stories, games and activities. Ages 4-6. $3. 1:30-3:30pm.

Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-4326460. parkandrec.com.

15 THURSDAY I’m an American Girl. Meet other American Girl fans and create a craft to celebrate the doll of the month.

Grades K-5. Registration required.

Free. 4:30pm. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville.

704-664-2927. ci.mooresville. nc.us/225/library.

Muddy Boots Club Exploration Day. Spend part of the afternoon listening to a story and taking a nature hike.

Make a craft while exploring the waterfront area. Ages 4-6. $4. 1-3pm.

Latta Planation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-8751391. parkandrec.com.

Swim Mac Presents: Charlotte Grand Prix. Watch national champions, Olympians from the USA and other countries, the best college teams and accomplished high school athletes dive in. $15-$20. Thurs.-Sun., 9am-6pm. Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, 800 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. grandprixcharlotte.com.

OnStage: Cirque Dream Rocks.

See page 46.

16 FRIDAY Capture the Flag. Hide a flag in the woods and try to keep the other team from capturing it. Ages 7-12.

Registration required. Free. 4-5:30pm.

McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.

N.C. Education Lottery 200. Watch the stars of the NASCAR Camping World Truck series in tailgate-flying action. $25-$30; Children under 13 free with adult. 8pm. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord. 800-455-3267. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

OnStage: Cirque Dream Rocks.

See page 46.

17 SATURDAY Boating Fun. Design and build a miniature boat out of recycled materials then take the boats to the Dragonfly Pond and set sail. Parent participation required. Ages 6 and up. Free. 10:30am-noon. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road.

704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

Every Child Ready to Read: For Me, For You, For Later. Learn about five early literacy practices, plus interactive math activities to help children learn about financial literary skills. Ages 3-5.

Free. Noon. Morrison Regional Library, 7015 Morrison Blvd. 704-416-5400. cmlibrary.org.

Fairy Festival. Don your fairy wings and enjoy the fairy- and hobbithouse building, dramatic story time and a live butterfly release in the Butterfly Pavilion. $6, includes museum admission. 10am-1pm.

Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road. 704-372-6261. charlottenaturemuseum.org.

Family Storytime: For Me, For You, For Later. The whole family can learn how people, things and money have value. Free. 10:30am. ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600. cmlibrary.org.

Get Out and Play Festival. Participate in activities that include canoeing, hunting for bugs, building sand castles and making mud art. Dress appropriately. Free. 10am-4pm.

Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-8751391. parkandrec.com.

Kids-to-Parks Day. Bring a Frisbee or borrow one from the park crew to play disc golf. Free. 9am-Noon.

Bradford Park, 17005 DavidsonConcord Road, Huntersville. huntersville.org.

Native Ways. A day of hands-on activities, demonstrations, and special displays designed to help celebrate the rich heritage of cultures of the American Indians. $3-$10, includes museum admission. 10am-2pm. The Schiele Museum, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-866-6900. schielemuseum.org.

festivals

Midwood Maynia. Enjoy all-day activities that include a kids’ fun run, a 5K, live music and a pet parade. This year, check out Kidswood featuring bird-house construction and bubbles galore. Free. May 3. 9:15am-6pm. Midwood Park, 2100 Wilhlmina Ave. plazamidwood.org/maynia.

Romare Fest. Family-Friendly activities throughout the day along with musical entertainment. Free. May 3-4. Fri., 5-8pm; Sat., 10am-8pm; Sun., Noon-4pm. Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St. parkandrec.com.

Mount Holly Springfest. Bring family and friends for a fun filled day. Over 115 vendors, food, music, a car show, and kids zone. Free. May 3. 10am. Downtown Mount Holly.

704-951-0159. mounthollyspringfest.org.

Spring Carnival and Day Camp Expo. A family fun event designed to enjoy activities throughout the evening. Parents can also learn all about different camp programs. Free. May 9. 5-7pm. Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road. 704-716-6800. ymcacharlotte.org.

Hello Huntersville. Featuring live music, local businesses, food, art, rides, chalk drawing and plenty of family based activities. Charlotte Parent will be in attendance. Be sure to stop by our table to learn how you can win cool prizes and sign up for the Fit Family Challenge. Free. May 10. 10am-2pm. Downtown Huntersville, 101 Huntersville Concord Road, Huntersville. 704-875-6541.

Mayfair Arts and Crafts Festival. Find the perfect gift for mom, participate in kids’ activities, including bouncy rides, play rooms, and paddle-boat rides. Bring canned food to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. Free. May 10-11. Sat., 11am-8pm; Sun., Noon-5pm. University Place, 8929 JM Keynes Drive. 704-962-8488. ucityevents.com.

Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Race. Learn about the various Asian cultures through food and activities. Watch teams race to the finish line in colorfully decorated boats.

Free. May 17. 11am-4pm; Boat races throughout the day beginning at 9am. Ramsey Creek Park, 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius. charlottedragonboat.com.

Fiesta Italiana Charlotte. Unlimited Italian food and a “Let’s Talk” kids zone. May 18.

1-7pm. Queens University of Charlotte, 1900 Selwyn Ave. festaitalianacharlotte.org/.

Coca-Cola Speed Street. Spend the day surrounded by family activities. Watch musical performances or explore all the food trucks. Free. May 22-24. See website for times.

Uptown Charlotte. 600festival.com.

Mint Hill Madness. Family fun with rides, arts and crafts, live music, food and a parade.

Free. May 23-25. 10am-10pm. Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill. 734-635-1206. minthillmadnessfestival.org.

Waxhaw Spring Fest. Enjoy musical performances by local bands and singers. Spend quality time with the kids in the kids zone complete with bouncy houses and entertainment. Free. May 17-18. Sat., 10am-6pm; Sun., Noon-6pm. Downtown Waxhaw, East N. Main St., Waxhaw. 704-843-2195 ext. 226. waxhaw.com.

USNWC Celebrates Memorial Day. Celebrate with trail races, food, music and fireworks. Registration required for trail races. Free, parking fees apply. May 25.

9am-10pm. USNWC, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. 704-391-3900. usnwc.org.

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A Space Adventure Through the Hubble Space Telescope

BY MIKALA YOUNG

N

arrated by awardwinning actor Leonardo DiCaprio, “Hubble IMAX® Space Adventure” gives an inspiring and rare approach to the Hubble telescope’s legacy, and highlights its life-changing impact on the way people have viewed the universe and themselves. Entering the Discovery Place IMAX Theater, it’s hard to miss the oval-shaped screen planted inside the ceiling, which is vastly different from a typical IMAX experience. It feels as though you are deep inside space consumed by the sounds of a rocket launch. Even better, every seat is reclined for the full astronaut experience. The 40-minute film switches back and forth between footage from the struggles Hubble and its crew encounter and an in-depth viewing of a cosmological documentary.

From beginning to end, the film and its view through the Hubble telescope illustrates the astonishing beauty of the universe through the re-discovery of galaxy clusters. Children, especially, will enjoy traveling through real space-time by following the fast movement of stars and tracing years of life before watching them slowly dissolve into hot air. Hubble’s exploration into the unknown world brings viewers through the Orion Nebula and around the Milky Way. James Neihouse, directory of photography and the astronaut crew trainer, gives a first-hand experience of breath-taking photos that scientists and experts claim as “once in a lifetime moments.” From the Ring Nebula to the Large Magellanic Cloud, this is probably as close as we’ll ever get to space.

Whether 80 years old or 4 years old, any moment from this documentary can spark a magical feeling inside. “Hubble IMAX® Space Adventure” runs through May 30. Visit discoveryplace.org or call 704-372-6261 for show times and pricing.

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Sailors With Special Needs. Sail with highly qualified volunteers for a 30-60 minute navigational expedition aboard a Flying Scot sailboat.

Registration required. Free. Noon-3pm.

Blythe Landing Park, NC Community Sailing and Rowing Center, 15901 NC Highway 73, Huntersville. 704-8968823. cornelius.org/parc.

What’s The Buzz. Learn about bee behavior and how to help these special pollinators. Read a story, plant a flower and enjoy a sweet treat. Ages 4 and up. Registration required. $15.

3:30-4:30pm. Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, 248 Ridgewood Ave., Charlotte. 704-331-0664. winghavengardens.com.

18 SUNDAY

20 TUESDAY

CSYO Spring Concert. Watch the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra and conductor Ernest Pereira perform. $8 adults, $6 students/seniors. 7:309:30pm. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave. 704-972-2000. csyo.net.

Mushroom Mania. Find out all about the fungus and go on a 1- to 2-mile hike.

Ages 10 and up. Free. 2-4pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com.

Sunday Fun Day: National Geographic Photography and Art Museum Day. Enjoy family-friendly art projects, Let’s Move! healthy living activities, artist demonstrations, gallery tours and more. $5; free for children.

1-4pm. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org.

Space Adventure. Discover space and see how things we know can teach us about galaxies, astronauts and space travel. Ages 9-12. Registration required.

Free. 4:30-5:45pm. York County Library, 138 E. Black St., Rock Hill. 803-9815858. yclibrary.org.

19 MONDAY Parent and Tot Splash Time. Parents and toddlers enjoy playtime in the splash park. Ages 1-5. $3. 10am-3pm.

Ray’s Splash Planet, 215 N. Sycamore St. 704-432-4729. raysplashplanet.com.

Preschool Storytime: For Me, For You, For Later. Learn about financial literacy skills through making choices and decisions. Ages 3-5. Free. 2pm.

Morrison Regional Library, 7015 Morrison Blvd. 704-416-5400. cmlibrary.org.

Tinker Lab. Use ingenuity and imagination to construct pom-pom launchers, marshmallow structures, recyclable art and more. Ages 5-8.

Registration required. Free. 4-5:15pm.

York County Public Library, 138 E. Black St., Rock Hill. 803-981-5858. yclibrary.org.

21 WEDNESDAY HomeSchool Wednesdays. Explore the wonders of space in the upgraded Settlemyre Planetarium featuring state-of-the-art digital projection.

Get up-close and personal with mounted specimens, skins and much more. $3-$5. 1-3pm. Museum of York County, 4621 Mt. Gallant Road, Rock Hill. 803-329-2121. chmuseums.org.

Preschool Storytime: For Me, For You, For Later. Learn about financial literacy skills through making choices and decisions. Ages 3-5. Free. 11am.

North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville. 704-4166000. cmlibrary.org.

Reader’s Theatre: DramaRama.

Develop reading and comprehension skills by using scripts adapted from children’s literature to increase presentation and public speaking skills. Ages 5-11. Free. 4pm. ScaleyBark, 101 Scaleybark Road. 704-416-6400. cmlibrary.org.

OnStage: Ethan Bortnick: The Power of Music. See page 46.

22 THURSDAY Book Tasting. Enjoy a feast of delicious titles in a fast-paced book-off. Ages 3-5. Registration required. Free. 3:304:30pm. Fort Mill Public Library, 1818 2nd Baxter Crossing, Fort Mill. 803-5474114. yclibrary.org.

23 FRIDAY Kids Boogie. Sing and bounce to music using instruments, props and developmentally appropriate movement. Ages 2-5. Free. 11am.

Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us/225/library.

Night Insects. Learn how and why insects are attracted to light and see these insects up close with a method called “sugaring.” Ages 4 and up. Free.

8-9pm. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 704-588-5224. parkandrec.com.

24 SATURDAY Build It, Make It, Take It: Time Fountain. Join Hackerspace Charlotte to build a remotecontrolled hovercraft. Ages 10 and up. $10-$12. 10:30am. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261. discoveryplace.org.

Community Service Sundays. Earn community service hours by getting involved with the community, making new friends and building leadership skills. Ages 12-18. Free.

2pm. North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville.

704-416-6000. cmlibrary.org.

Grist Mill Hike. View the remnants of a 250-year-old mill dam, visit a replica grist mill with a working water wheel and learn some of Fort Mill’s earliest history. Strollers are not recommended. Free. 10am. Anne Springs Close Greenway, 250 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill. 803-547-4575. ascgreenway.org.

Sensory Storytime. Filled with stories, songs, and activities specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues, or other developmental disabilities. Ages 3-7.

Registration required. Free. 10:15am.

South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Road. 704-416-6600. cmlibrary.org.

25 SUNDAY Recycled Flower Bouquet. Make a bouquet of flowers out of recycled materials. Ages 8 and up. Free. 2-3pm.

Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. 704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

26 MONDAY Memorial Day Memorial Day Ceremony. 12th Annual celebration featuring music and remembrances by local performers and dignitaries. Free. 7pm. Birkdale Village, 6805 Birkdale Commons Pkwy., Huntersville. huntersville.org.

Nature Story Corner. Hear a variety of nature-based stories, some accompanied by puppets. Ages 3 and up. Free. 10-11am. Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road.

704-432-6459. parkandrec.com.

27 TUESDAY Homeschool Everything Bees Workshop. Visit the Latta beehive, make beeswax candles and play games. Ages 7-12. Registration required. $15. 10am-1pm. Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.

28 WEDNESDAY Nature Detectives: Edible Plants.

Investigate and learn about fun things that are found in the woods. Features stories, games and activities. Ages 4-6. $3. 1:30-3:30pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-432-6460. parkandrec.com.

Young Explorers: Lady Bugs. Discover nature through stories, crafts and activities related to the program’s topic. Ages 2-3. $3. 10:15-11am.

Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-8751391. parkandrec.com.

PARENTS: Looking for last minute summer camps?

Browse 500+ summer camp options in the

2014 ONLINE

CAMPFAIR SOMETHING FOR EVERY CAMPER ACADEMICS • ARTS CHEER • DANCE • DRAMA EQUESTRIAN • MUSIC SPORTS • OVERNIGHT SPECIAL NEEDS TRADITIONAL • & MORE!

29 THURSDAY Party in the Park. Pack a picnic and enjoy live music, an outdoor movie screening, and more on the museum front lawn. Registration required.

6:30pm. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org.

Find the perfect camp for your child at

charlotteparent.com/camps CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

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on stage BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Ethan Bortnick: The Power of Music. The 13-year old prodigy composes his own music, plays the piano and even sings. With special guest Damian McGinty. $39.

May 21. 7pm. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St.

BOJANGLES COLISEUM Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing. When Elmo casts a spell with Abby Cadabby’s magic wand, there’s something in the air, and Sesame Street becomes a nonstop, all-singing, all-dancing musical montage. $18-$35. May 9-11.

Fri., 10:30am, 6:30pm; Sat., 10:30am, 2pm; Sun., 1 and 4:30pm. 704-372-3600. bojanglescoliseum.com. 2700 E. Independence Blvd.

CHARLES MACK CITIZEN CENTER Storyland Idol. Watch three main characters strive to be the next star of their own fairytale. Presented by Drama Kids at Langtree Charter. Free. May 2. 4-9pm. 704721-0932. Joe V. Knox Auditorium, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville.

30 FRIDAY Stay and Play. Drop in with the little one for some free play. Enjoy the tunnel, stepping stones, kitchen area and lots of other toys. Ages birth-3. Free.

10:30am. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main S., Mooresville. 704-6642927. ci.mooresville.nc.us/portal/library.

31 Saturday Education Workshop Day. Bring the kids and engage in hands-on activities that focus on an aviation topic. $8-$12. 11am-2pm.

Carolinas Aviation Museum, 4672 First Flight Drive. 704-359-8442. carolinasaviation.org.

Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival.

Includes oil painters, jugglers, woodworkers, magicians, jewelry makers, musicians, pottery makers, live painting, writers and metal

CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE The Hundred Dresses. Wanda proudly claims to own 100 dresses, all lined up in her closet at home. When their teacher holds a class contest, things suddenly begin to change. Ages 8 and up. $10. May 8-10. Thurs.-Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 1, 3 and 7pm.

The Reluctant Dragon. Enjoy the heart-warming comedy based on the classic book by Kenneth Grahame about a peace-loving, poetry spouting dragon that prefers a cup of tea to a battle. Ages 5 and up. $12 and up. Through May 4. Fri.Sun., 7:30pm. 704-416-6000. ctcharlotte.org. ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St.

FULLWOOD THEATRE Sleeping Beauty Suite. Watch this classic fairy tale come to life as the ballerinas tell the story through dance of Princess Aurora, the wicked Carabosse, Prince Charming and all the fairy godmothers. $10-$12. May 10. 3 and 7pm.

704-321-7275. charlottecityballet.org. Matthews Community Center, 100 W. McDowell St., Matthews.

KNIGHT THEATER Cirque Dream Rocks. A one-of-a-kind variety show that unites generations through a mash-up of celebrated pop and rock tunes. $20. May 15-16. Thurs., 7:30pm; Fri., 8pm. cirqueproductions.com Peter and The Starcatcher. A prequel to Peter Pan, this musical play takes a hilarious romp through Neverland. Ages 10 and up. $20 and up. Through May 4. Tues.-Thurs., 7:30pm; Fri., 8pm; Sat., 2 and 8pm; Sun., 1:30 and 7pm., 704-3721000. blumenthalarts.org. 430 S. Tryon St.

SPIRIT SQUARE Plexus Dance Presents: Poise. A raw performance that captures the human experience and emotion through movement. Each piece delves into the interplay between emotion, restraint and the struggle between fear and hope.

Ages 8 and up. $15-$18. May 8-10. Thurs.-Fri., 8pm, Sat., 3 and 8pm. 704-3721000. carolinatix.org. 345 N. College St.

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workers. Free. Noon-4pm. Downtown Kannapolis, 216 West Ave., Kannapolis.

828-231-5037. kannapolisarts.com.

Sensory Storytime. Children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues, or other developmental disabilities can enjoy stories, songs and activities. Ages 3-7.

Registration required. Free. 10:15am.

South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Road. 704-416-6600. cmlibrary.org.

The Sound of Spring. A musical recital given by the students of NC Music Center. RSVP to be entered in a raffle for a grand prize. Registration required. Free. 12:30pm. CPCC, Overcash Building, Tate Hall, 1201 Elizabeth Ave. 704-299-9161. ncmusiccenter.com.

early june 1 SUNDAY Levine JCC Kids Triathlon. A competition of swimming, biking and running to benefit rehabilitation programs at Levine Children’s Hospital and the Adaptive Sports and Adventures program. Ages 5-14. Registration required. $25. 2pm. Levine Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road. 704-366-5007. ljcckidstri.org.

4 WEDNESDAY Comic Creations. Learn storytelling and cartooning techniques comic book artists use. Ages 8-11. Free. 2pm. Scaleybark Library, 101 Scaleybark Road. 704-416-6400. cmlibrary.org.

6 FRIDAY Movies in the Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and cozy up for some outside entertainment. Arrive early to participate in giveaways and pre-movie entertainment.

Free. 6pm. North Mecklenburg Park, 16131 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. 704-7662220. huntersville.org.

7 SATURDAY Beach Blast. Kids can enjoy the day with face paint, bouncy houses, obstacle courses and inflatable slides. Stick around for entertainers with special guests performances.

Free. 2-10pm. On the Green at Monroe Crossing, 2115-290 West Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe. shopmonroecrossing.com.

Super Duper Lil Chefs. Pint-sized food lovers and even the pickiest eaters can start building their culinary skills through a combination of fun demonstrations and interactive activities. $5, Free for Kidgits members. 11am-1pm. Concord Mills, Food Court, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord. simonkidgitsclub.com.

Charlotte Parent calendar lists free and CALENDAR POLICY: The low-cost local events targeted to children and

families. Time, dates and details subject to change. Call venue to confirm. Want to get listed? Go to CharlotteParent.com/calendar, then click on Submit an Event.

HAPPY, HEALTHY, FIT FAMILY EVENTS

FRee a publication

With the Fit-Family Challenge in full swing, we suggest these events for getting the entire family out BIKE! CHARLOTTE EVENTS // Break and active. Don’t forget to log your out your bike this May because we’re partnering activity for points to win cool prizes, with Bike! Charlotte for the Fit Family Challenge. and bonus points at select events.

Find the

symbol. bikecharlotte.org.

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Bike to Work Day. Go online for different bike routes. bikecharlotte.org.

3 SATURDAY 2014 Walk to Cure Arthritis. A kid zone and a 1- or 3-mile course.

Registration required. 8:30am.

U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. walktocurearthritischarlotte.kintera.org.

Autism Race to Solve the Puzzle 5K. Registration required. $10-$20.

8am. Providence Country Club, 6001 Providence Country Club Drive. 434989-5380. autismhorizonfoundation.org.

Bike LUCK Benefit Ride. Second annual ride for Camp Luck, for children with severe heart disease. Atherton Market, 2104 South Blvd. bikecharlotte.org.

Girls On The Run 5K. Charlotte Parent is proud to sponsor GOTR. Stop by our booth for prizes! $15-$35. 9am.

Blythe Elementary School, Huntersville.

704-837-0102. gotrcharlotte.org.

4 SUNDAY 13th Annual Charlotte Walk to End Lupus Now. Registration required.

Free. Check-in 1pm; Walk at 3pm.

CPCC King’s Green, 1201 Elizabeth Ave. http://walktoendlupus.kintera.org.

Kids Bicycle Safety and Educational Rodeo. Bikes for ages 7-12 provided. Training wheels not recommended. Limited free helmets provided. Free. 11am-2pm. Johnston YMCA, 3025 N. Davidson St. 704-5030138. bikecharlotte.org.

9 FRIDAY Twilight Run 5K. A 5K and a fun run for kids, plus bouncy houses and activities. Stop by the Charlotte Parent table! $12-$35. 7pm. The Wells Fargo Atrium, 301 S. Tryon St. rightmovesforyouth.org.

FRee

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= Earn 100 bonus points!

N S O R ED B Y

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Run Wild 5K and Wild Child Fun Run. A ChampionChip timed 5K run/walk with a 1-mile run/walk for kids. Registration required. $10-$25.

8am. Birkdale Residence Club, 8915 Devonshire Drive, Huntersville. 704799-1672. irunwild.org/.

17 SATURDAY

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CaroMont Community Challenge. Join a 1-mile fun walk, a 5K run and festival.

Free. 7am-2pm. Forestview High School, 5545 Union Road, Gastonia. caromontcommunitychallenge.com.

Run! Ballantyne. Stop by to win bonus points in the Fit Family Challenge. $10-$30. 10K, 7:30am; 5K, 7:50am, Fun Run, 9:15am. Ballantyne Corporate Park, Ballantyne Corporate Place. 704-716-4650. ymcacharlotte.org

23 FRIDAY Coca-Cola Family Track Walk. Race fans can win bonus points in the Fit Family Challenge with a walk around the track, followed by entertainment.

Free with Coca-Cola 600 ticket or donate to Speedway Children's Charities. 2:30pm. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy., Concord. Charlottemotorspeedway.com

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// 60,000 copies distributed // On-stands year-round // Available on desktop and mobile devices // The MUST-HAVE annual guide for families moving to and around the Charlotte region

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE BY MAY 27 Call 704-344-1980 or email advertising@charlotteparent.com.

faSCInating greensboroscience.org

way to

spend the day!

25 SUNDAY HFFA Kids Triathlon Series. Race two in the series. Ages 4-10. $5. 2pm.

Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoeff Drive, Huntersville. jonesracingcompany.com/hffa-kids-tri.

See page 30 for more information on how to get fit through the Fit Family Challenge.

Howler Monkey Animal Discovery Zoo CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

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Top photo credit: Photo by Streeter Lecka Getty Images for NASCAR. Bottom photo credit: Photo courtesy of CRVA/NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Excursion Plan a NASCAR-themed weekend

BY BETH SHUGG AND MICHELE HUGGINS

amilies who play together stay together. And in this NASCAR-crazed state, families who race together take playing to an entirely different level.

F

Feel the Thrill at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Built in 1959 by Bruton Smith and the late Curtis Warner, Charlotte Motor Speedway covers 2,000 acres and stretches 1.5 miles around, with 5-degree banking on the front and back stretches, and 24-degree banking on all four turns.

In addition to May and October race weekends, families can camp at the racetrack year-round. Choose from two daily tours at the speedway: Feel the Thrill Speedway and Over the Wall. The one-hour Feel the Thrill Speedway tour takes you on a behind-the-scenes for

a look at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Garage, as well as a trip down Pit Road and ultimately a picture in Victory Circle. Plus you get a comfy van ride around the Superspeedway to feel the full-tilt force of the 24-degree banking. The Over the Wall tour expands on the Feel the Thrill tour by adding tours of the Speedway Club and Performance Racing Network.

Tickets cost $10-$20 per person. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

After a tour of the Charlotte Motor Speedway, race each other at the NASCARthemed Speedpark at Concord Mills, just minutes from Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Speedpark features go karts, racing games, mini-golf and an arcade. Children as young as 3 and at least 36-inches tall can race on the Junior Racer Track.

The Pro Track is for anyone

From June through August, Tuesday night Summer Shootouts at the Charlotte Motor Speedway consist of races between Legends cars, Bandoleros and school buses (tickets cost $10; kids under age 13 get in free).

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54-inches or taller, and there are two other tracks for teens and adults. You can also race side-by-side down the three-lane, 100-foot Fun Slide! And beginning June 1, guests can ride a new course in The Speedpark’s Monster Truck. thespeedpark.com.

Celebrate Racing Legends at ‘The Hall’

The NASCAR Hall of Fame, located on East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in uptown Charlotte, honors stock racing’s history, drivers and racecars.

Plan to spend three or four hours there to fully experience all 50 interactive exhibits and activities. Refuel at the Pit Stop Café and take home a racing souvenir from the Gear Shop.

Here are more ways to enjoy “The Hall.” Get up close and personal with 18 racecars on the banked ramp of Sunoco Glory Road.

Watch a film about the history of NASCAR on the High Octane Theater’s 64-foot-wide curved screen.

TOP: Gazing at stock cars at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

BOTTOM: Kids can be a sports announcer for a day and call the race in the media section of Race Week at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Experience the thrill of racing an iRacing Simulator ($5). Take the Kobolt Pit Challenge to see how quickly you can jack up a car, change a tire or refuel. Walk through a transporter for a first-hand look at a racing team’s nerve center. Watch films and view artifacts from the pre-NASCAR era (1948-1971) and modern era (1972-1999). Learn about the technical and safety innovations of today’s racecars. nascarhall.com.

advertising pro Issue:

From:

April 2014

Telephone:

production@charlotteparent.com

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

1. Check the appropriate box below and note changes, if any. (Maximum two proofs.)

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DADDY DEREK

BY DEREK JAMES

How I Became A Soccer Dad Tyler, 5, on the soccer field.

I

t’s pretty easy for people to make fun of soccer if they’ve never experienced it. Soccer is often low scoring with long periods of little to no action and often ends in a draw (tie). “The Simpsons,” summed up professional soccer with “Halfback passes to center.

Back to the wing. Back to the center.

Center holds it. Holds it. Holds it.”

There’s also the blatant diving and fake injuries, plus the guy who gets indignant when you say, “I’m not a soccer fan.”

Whoever came up with the “Soccer Mom” label probably didn’t help the sport’s cool factor either.

Over the years I’ve had a few, but not all of those thoughts, when it comes to the sport of soccer. I’ve never had a problem with someone liking the sport.

For whatever reason, in high school you either liked football or soccer. You weren’t allowed to like both. For some

adults it seems to be the same way.

I guess because some countries call soccer “football” the two have to be constantly compared and contrasted. In recent years, friends have talked about watching English Premier League games so I gave it a try. It won’t replace the NFL in my house, but it’s better than watching an NBA game.

So, when my 5-year-old son Tyler told us he wanted to play soccer instead of baseball this year we said “Absolutely!” As long as he wants to try a sport that isn’t knife throwing, we are behind it. Tyler looks up to Matthew, a family friend and one of the big kids in the neighborhood who happens to be a great soccer player. He’s been trying to mimic Matthew’s moves in the backyard for a few years now. Matthew even gave him his first real soccer ball. We added a small goal in the backyard and Tyler has

been kicking goals for a while now. Keep in mind a lot of those probably came off his toes which is a no-no.

At his first practice, Tyler was raring to go. They worked on curing the toe kick and did some drills to get the kids aiming their shot and passing the ball. Tyler seemed to want to make sure most every kick was a goal so at times he was a little tentative before kicking or he’d dribble the ball all the way into the goal without ever taking a shot. The only time I got nervous is when he kicked a ball straight up in the air and it almost hit one if his teammates when it came back down.

A whole lot of rain meant only one practice before our first game. The kids play four-on-four with no goalie.

Matthew’s dad and I surprised Tyler by having his soccer mentor Matthew show up to watch Tyler’s first game.

He was pretty excited to see both of them. Tyler scored a goal on his team’s first possession. It happened so fast I almost missed it. He hustled and played aggressively but wasn’t too physical.

Most importantly, the scene from every TV show and movie where soccer is involved of a kid scoring in the wrong goal never happened.

I know he’s just getting started and next year he may want to try another sport, but I’m enjoying this ride. While I’ve taken many steps in my own enjoyment of soccer, seeing my son enjoy the sport has taken it to a new level. Who knows, people might start calling me “Soccer Dad” and I’m totally cool with that.

Derek James is a host on WCCB News Rising, and lives with his wife and two sons, ages 3 and 5. Read more from James in his Daddy Derek blog at CharlotteParent.com/blogs.

CharlotteParent.com | MAY 2014

51

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Upload your smiles at CharlotteParent.com/photogallery. Choose Reader Photos.

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598 education resources at the tip of your fingertips.

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2013-14

Education Guide

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