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F R E E
GO PLAY SEE
The Parent’s Guide to Charlotte
Where to Explore Outdoors PAGE 14
Hip Hoods and Sweet Suburbs PAGE 2
8 Must-Visit Creative Outlets PAGE 17
A PUBLICATION OF
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Art & Music
programs register now @
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EDITOR
Michele Huggins
ART DIRECTOR Melissa Stutts
DIGITAL DIRECTOR
Allison Hollins • allison.hollins@morris.com
DIGITAL EDITOR
Myra Wright • mwright@carolinaparent.com
SALES TEAM LEADER • MEDIA CONSULTANT Leslie Hatheway • lhatheway@charlotteparent.com
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Fawn Anderson • fawn.anderson@morris.com
ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR
Photo credits: shutterstock.com, Discovery Place Kids, Mike O’Bryon/Wells Fargo Championship
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contents FEATURES 2 CHARLOTTE
NEIGHBORHOODS
From hip to historic, the Queen City offers something for everyone
4 CLT SUBURBS What you need to know about living in towns north, south, east and west of the city
17 CREATIVE OUTLETS Arts and cultural opportunities for children
Julianne Clune • julianne.clune@morris.com
24 PLUG IN TO COMMUNITY
MARKETING & EVENT COORDINATOR
A guide to volunteering as a family
Elizabeth Stacks
MORRIS MEDIA NETWORK PRESIDENT
26 PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES
Donna Kessler
Where to explore all things transportation
DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton
DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING SERVICES Karen Fralick
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Cher Wheeler
30 BEYOND THE BOOKS
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BEST BETS FOR EXPLORING OUTDOORS
CONTACT US
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10 library learning resources to know
32 SCHOOLS BY THE NUMBERS A snapshot of education options in Charlotte
39 INFLUENCER INSIGHT Advice for newcomers from parents in the know
Resource Listings 15 GARDENS, NATURE CENTERS AND ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS
21 ART MUSEUMS AND PERFORMANCE ARTS A Publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901
Chairman William S. Morris III
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President & CEO William S. Morris IV
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BIG-LEAGUE SPORTS ACTION FOR FAMILIES
2018 CHARLOTTE PARENT READERS’ FAVORITES
29 CHILDREN’S MUSEUMS HISTORICAL SITES AND SCIENCE CENTERS
❱ CLT NEIGHBORHOODS
Located between Dilworth and Myers Park, Freedom Park has a 7-acre lake, playgrounds, tennis courts and ballfields, and is home to the annual Festival in the Park.
Charlotte by the Neighborhoods From hip to historic, Charlotte is a city of neighborhoods that mingle a variety of lifestyles BY MICHELE HUGGINS
Cotswold: A mix of 1950s brick ranch and split-level homes — some renovated, some not — share space with newly constructed two-story homes. The neighborhood is convenient to uptown and to many of Charlotte’s private schools.
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Cotswold Village Shopping Center is the retail anchor with a grocery store, toy and pet stores, yoga studio and restaurants.
Dilworth: Shady streets with sidewalks and large craftsman-style bungalows and townhomes give this neighborhood charm. Freedom Park — home of Dilworth Little League and where many Charlotte Junior Soccer games are played — Discovery Place Nature, Latta Park and Little Sugar Creek Greenway are
draws for families. Atrium Health’s campus and uptown are in easy biking distance. Many families with kids of varying ages call Dilworth home.
Elizabeth: One of Charlotte’s first street-car suburbs, Elizabeth is a historic neighborhood with large, stately homes. Families enjoy Independence Park for a sunny day of play and a mix of restaurants along Seventh and Hawthorne streets. Annual Easter and Halloween events
Photo courtesy of Mecklenburg County
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harlotte’s neighborhoods each have their own unique feel and flair, and many are rapidly growing. Read on to see which neighborhood fits your family’s lifestyle.
❱ CLT NEIGHBORHOODS
Catch a ride from NoDa to uptown, south Charlotte or UNC Charlotte via the Lynx Blue Line extension.
IN THE KNOW
Queenly Confusion
bring families together. It’s also a stone’s throw from Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center and Central Piedmont Community College.
Myers Park/Eastover: This is one of Charlotte’s oldest neighborhoods, and boasts some of the most majestic houses and trees in the city. It is home to Queens University, Myers Park High School and Myers Park Country Club, as well as Park Road Shopping Center. Find the south end of Little Sugar Creek Greenway behind Park Road Shopping Center that connects to Freedom Park. Just west of Park Road Shopping Center are the neighborhoods of Montclaire and Montford that draw many young families for its convenience to uptown and more affordable homes.
NoDa:
Photo by Andy Smith
Known as Charlotte’s arts district, NoDa, and neighboring Villa Heights, is a mix of renovated millhouses and new apartments. Following the art galleries that revived the area in the early 2000s, craft breweries, bakeries, music venues and new restaurants, as well as the expansion of the LYNX light rail north corridor and its close proximity to uptown, make NoDa attractive to artists and young professionals, as well as soon-to-be or new parents with babies.
Plaza Midwood:
From quirky to contemporary, Plaza Midwood attracts families and young professionals for its mix of architecture and quick commute
to uptown. Country Club Heights is Plaza Midwood’s next-door neighborhood with smaller, brick houses with smaller price tags that attract many young families. Shady, sidewalk-lined streets make for easy strolls to coffee shops, the library and a plethora of restaurants. Midwood Park is the hub of numerous community festivals each year.
Southpark:
Anchored by Southpark mall, this area boasts high-end retail boutiques and restaurants, and gated communities. It’s also home to Symphony Park where the Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops concerts take place. Harris YMCA, one of Charlotte’s largest Ys, is nearby and is a mecca for children’s activities and summer camps.
Southend: If apartment living is appealing, Southend is for you. The area south of uptown is built around the Lynx Blue Line making it appealing to uptown workers who can avoid parking fees. New restaurants and breweries fill the gaps between apartments. Dilworth and its parks are a quick walk or bike ride away when you need more than a patch of grass to take out your pooch or let the toddler runaround.
Uptown: Uptown Charlotte is booming with business throughout the week and draws crowds in for nightlife on weekends. High-rise luxury apartments have popped up throughout uptown in the past few years with more on the horizon. Third, Fourth and First Ward
While driving around Myers Park, you may encounter three Queens — Queens Road East, Queens Road West and Queens Road. But if you stay on them long enough, they become another street entirely. Roads can change names even if you don’t turn. We recommend using Waze or Google Maps to help navigate the Queen City.
neighborhoods also are a draw for residents who like living near the city’s hub but prefer a house or townhouse to an apartment. Uptown is filled with parks and open spaces like First Ward Park and Romare Bearden Park, as well as many of the city’s top cultural venues. Top ranked private school Trinity Episcopal School and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ First Ward Creative Arts Academy are located in First Ward.
Wesley Heights:
West of uptown, Wesley Heights has historic homes in a mix of architectural styles as well as newly constructed townhomes and apartments. A big draw is the mature tree canopy comparable to Myers Park. It is part of the growing west-side redevelopment. There aren’t any major retail centers and stores here, but it is home to the infamous Pinky’s Westside Grill (get the fried pickles), Rhino Market and is a quick walk to Bank of America Stadium and uptown. Michele Huggins is the editor of Charlotte Parent. She grew up in Charlotte and is happy to raise her children here.
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â?ą CLT SUBURBS: NORTH
Ramsey Creek Park offers a public beach area on Lake Norman with swimming and lifeguards.
Life Near the Lake A popular playground for families, the towns north of Charlotte beckon
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first became aware of the Lake Norman when my husband was relocated to a new corporate headquarters in Mooresville. With an infant in tow, we only had a few weekends to explore the suburbs north of Charlotte and decide where we wanted to settle. While we loved the lake property in Mooresville and Cornelius, we eventually settled on Huntersville because we liked the outdoor recreation areas, proximity to shopping and the city of Charlotte, and the variety of neighborhoods with single-family homes. Fifteen years later, we still call this area home.
Huntersville The town of Huntersville has an ever
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evolving downtown with local businesses and restaurants, and the children’s museum Discovery Place Kids. Downtown Huntersville is home to the popular Christmas in Huntersville and Hello Huntersville! festivals. Birkdale Village provides a popular blend of places to eat, shop and take in a movie. Families who love the outdoors can find plenty to do throughout the year at Latta Plantation Nature Center and Preserve, located off Beatties Ford Road. The center includes a discovery hall, live native animals and outdoor amphitheater. Admission is free. Explore the hiking trails and see creations left behind each year
from the annual Fairy House Festival. For an additional fee, you can tour Historic Latta plantation house, a 19th-century living history home, and visit the Carolina Raptor Center.
Cornelius A town that originally was developed as a mill and farming community, Cornelius has embraced its roots while also keeping up with the numerous residents that embrace it for its laid-back environment. Cornelius offers recreation and home sites on 54 miles of shoreline. The downtown area, known as Old Town Cornelius, is quickly becoming a hub for a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Photos courtesy of Mecklenburg County; and Town of Davidson
BY RENEE ROBERSON
❱ CLT SUBURBS: NORTH Residents attend regular food truck rallies and street festivals, live music venues, breweries, boutiques and dine at farm-to-fork restaurants. Visit the Cornelius Public Library, part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library System for family-friendly programming year round. Sign up for an art, athletics or fitness class through the Cornelius PARC program, which also puts on popular annual events such as the All-American Dog Show and Symphony in the Park Fireworks at Bailey Road Park. Bordering the popular Peninsula neighborhood, Jetton Park is a 104-acre lakefront park with paved trails for walking, running and biking. Visitors can pack a picnic and relax on the sandy beach area. A few miles down the road, Ramsey Creek Park offers a public beach area with swimming from late spring into early fall, plus a playground, picnic shelters, nature trails and fishing piers.
Mooresville The town of Mooresville is growing due to a toprated school system, beautiful neighborhoods and year-round opportunities to play and explore, both on land and the water. The downtown heart of Mooresville provides a small-town feel with coffee shops, ice cream stores, and restaurants featuring a variety of cuisine to boutiques, antique stores, galleries and specialty stores. Signature events include the Festival of Food Trucks, a Weiner Race featuring local dachshunds sprinting toward the finish line and a Holiday Light Spectacular. Live music events, as well as productions for The Mooresville Community Children’s Theatre, shine on stage at the spacious auditorium at The Charles Mack Citizen Center on Main Street. Families can see exotic animals at the Lazy 5 Ranch, go on a hike or swim at Lake Norman State Park, do some go-kart racing at The Pit, or visit one of the many racing museums in the area, such as the North Carolina Racing Hall of Fame.
Trying out the ELF bicycle at Davidson’s Earth Day Fair.
Davidson With its college-town vibe courtesy of Davidson College, wooded neighborhoods and eclectic culture, Davidson is welcoming to entrepreneurs and artists alike. Most days of the week you’ll find residents running, walking and driving through the downtown streets, or grabbing a cup of coffee at Summit Coffee. Foodies love trying the cuisine at Kindred, Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse, Carrburritos and Mestizo. The independent bookstore Main Street Books features free story times and other activities for children, and the Davidson Public Library is right in the middle of town. Reminiscent of movie theaters from another time period, you can order a burger or pizza and have it served to you while you enjoy
Where to Explore The Carolina Renaissance Festival Every fall the Carolina Renaissance Festival returns and lures visitors with its magical Medieval castles, performances and revelry. carolina.renfestinfo.com.
your movie at Our Town Cinemas. Budding young actors can take a class or summer camp at the nonprofit theatre company Davidson Community Players, or get tickets for one of three youth shows (including two musicals) performed throughout the year by actors ranging in age from 8 to 20. Roosevelt Park sits just a half-mile away from the college,
Queen’s Landing in Mooresville Take a sight-seeing cruise on Lake Norman on The Catawba Queen or Lady of the Lake and finish off your day with a round of mini golf. queenslanding.com.
with its walking trail, pond and playground. There also are many greenways that connect neighborhoods, including one at Fisher Farm Park that has trails for mountain-biking enthusiasts, dog walkers or runners. On warm days you’ll often find families tossing a football or Frisbee on the town green, and in the summertime it is home to a popular weekly live music and concert series. Renee Roberson is an award-winning freelance writer who lives with her family in Davidson. Find her work at finishedpages.com.
Carolina Cones Choose from a brownie sundae, soft-serve cone or one of the 50 flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt at Carolina Cones in Cornelius, now in its 30th year of business. facebook.com, search for Carolina Cones.
Head to the Davidson Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, from 8 a.m.-noon, to pick up a hot, gooey doughnut, fresh produce, flowers and other baked goods. davidsonfarmersmarket.com.
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❱ CLT SUBURBS: EAST
The Old Courthouse Theatre located in historic downtown Concord hosts performances throughout the year.
Pavilion, which hosts big-name performers, including Jimmy Buffett, Chris Brown, Dave Matthews Band and Counting Crows in 2018.
Harrisburg
Affordability, accessibility to uptown draw young families to put down roots in towns east of Charlotte BY ALEIGH ACERNI
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ome of Charlotte’s most popular neighborhoods, including NoDa and Plaza Midwood, sit on the east side of the city. Travel a bit further from center city, and you’ll find that the east-ofCharlotte suburbs are growing in popularity and for good reason. If you’re looking to put down new roots, here’s why you shouldn’t overlook these eastside suburbs.
University City Although technically within city limits, University City has the feel of a suburb, anchored by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Its busy, young vibe
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— the average median age of University City residents is 29.5, according to University City Partners — is fueled by the more than 25 research, technology and energy-related companies that are based here. University City homes are still affordable, especially relative to some other nearby suburbs, with a median listing price hovering around $200,000, according to recent data from realtor.com. It’s easily accessible via Interstate 85 and Interstate 485, and less than half an hour from Charlotte’s center city. Bonus: A new, easy commute option for uptown workers opened in mid-March 2018 with
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the extension of the Lynx Blue Line, making this “suburb” likely to become even more popular with young professionals and young families. Not that you would need to head to uptown, though. There’s plenty to do right here, including more than 12 miles of stroller-friendly paths for walking, biking and jogging; and 850 acres to explore at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve, with playgrounds, fishing ponds, disc golf, a nature center and trails. The University City library is the busiest branch in Mecklenburg County’s award-winning library system. University City also is where you’ll find PNC Music
Concord With its quaint downtown and easy proximity to Charlotte (it’s about 25 miles northeast of center city on I-85), Concord, located in Cabarrus County, is the second-largest city in the greater metropolitan area, with more than 85,000 residents. Although it may have built a reputation as the
Photo courtesy of Cabarrus County CVB
On the East-Side
With roots dating back to the mid-1700s, Harrisburg is a fastgrowing community that has managed to preserve its tight-knit, small-town feel. Sitting between Concord and Charlotte along I-85, about 10 minutes north of UNC Charlotte, the town has about 14,000 residents — and counting. New-construction homes are popping up at a fast pace, and residents enjoy a lot of green space for a town that makes up nine square miles. The two largest parks are 33-acre Harrisburg Park and 37-acre Pharr Mill Park. Harris Depot Park hosts the Harrisburg Farmers Market (April through October) and Stallings Park includes a grove of more than 50 Yoshino cherry trees. The money to purchase and plant the trees was raised by a local Boy Scout as an Eagle Scout project. Visitors or potential new residents get the best glimpse at the town’s wholesome, Americana atmosphere during the town’s Fourth of July festival that includes a parade, rides, food, entertainment, a beauty pageant and — of course — a fireworks show.
❱ CLT SUBURBS: EAST home to two of the state’s mostvisited tourist destinations — Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills — its charming historic downtown is also a draw, filled with art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants. There’s plenty to explore outdoors. Don’t miss the sprawling Frank Liske Park, which covers almost 240 acres, including ball fields, picnic shelters, nature trails, 18 holes of miniature golf, and a 10-acre lake for fishing and paddle boating.
Kannapolis Kannapolis straddles the Cabarrus-Rowan county line. The North Carolina Research Campus, located on the fringe of downtown Kannapolis, is a public-private partnership focusing on food, nutrition and biotech research, with
contributions from eight universities, health care organizations and corporations. The benefits of having such a research hub often spills over into the surrounding community. A 2017 collaboration at the facility funded the creation of learning gardens for 11 Cabarrus County schools. Popular neighborhoods include Pickwick and Windsor, both of which include new construction and homes built in the past 30 years. Kannapolis is also the home of the Kannapolis Intimidators, a Class A affiliate team of the Chicago White Sox — a popular activity for local families. Aleigh Acerni lives and writes from a tiny bungalow in Plaza Midwood, but often daydreams about the suburban life.
Where to Explore UNCC Botanical Gardens With more than 10 acres of outdoor garden “rooms” (some shaded, some full sun) are open daily during daylight hours, plus an eight-room greenhouse complex with more limited availability, UNCC Botanical Gardens on the UNCC campus is an excellent — and free — destination year-round. gardens.uncc.edu.
Cabarrus Creamery This family-run ice cream shop scoops up house-made
ice cream in a multitude of flavors including southern favorites like banana pudding and Moon Pie. cabarruscreamery.com.
Old Courthouse Theatre Concord is an arts-minded community, and they’ve worked hard to maintain their thriving community theatre. The group’s original home was inside an historic courthouse, which residents saved from demolition in the 1970s. It now draws crowds to a renovated 1920s church. octconcord.com.
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❱ CLT SUBURBS: WEST
Enjoying the view from the top of Crowders Mountain in Gaston County.
Go West Drive away from the hustle and bustle to these communities west of Charlotte BY ALEIGH ACERNI
Belmont A history-meets-contemporary mindset reins here, where historic homes mix with newer construction, and modern amenities include free outdoor Wi-Fi. The picturesque town sits about 14 miles directly west of Charlotte just off Interstate 85 and is home to Belmont Abbey College, founded in 1876 on the site of a former
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plantation by Benedictine monks. The town’s leafy charm is due in part to Stowe Park, a beautiful Main Street park on 8.5 acres, including a natural playground, walking trail, picnic tables, athletic fields and a natural amphitheatre. The park is a family-friendly destination year-round, especially during its summer concert series and festive Christmas village. Families who enjoy water activities can find a lot to love here. The town sits at the end of a large peninsula. Lake Wylie, the Catawba River and the South Fork Catawba River are all nearby, and a new riverfront boat dock and park were completed in 2017. After a day of paddling, stop in at Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, the kid-friendly restaurant named for the great-grandmother of the Jonas Brothers, who spent her life in Belmont. Music is served up alongside
Southern cuisine and the restaurant has a house band and frequent performances by special guest entertainers.
Mount Holly Home to the world’s second-largest threadmaker, American and Efird Mills, Mount Holly’s local economy is still very much driven by the textile industry that spurred growth throughout North Carolina in the 20th century. The town sits in northeast Gaston County, just west of Charlotte and the Catawba River, with a 20-minute commute to uptown Charlotte via I-85. Mount Holly’s downtown strip includes restaurants, cafes and shopping. Kids will definitely want to stop at Queen Bee Bakery for a peanut-butter brownie or a chocolatechip cookie. On the weekends, May through August, Mount Holly hosts “the largest all-volunteer market in the state,” with
Photo courtesy of Gaston Outside; Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park courtesy of The Lyerly Agency
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esidents of suburbs to the west side of Charlotte in Gaston County have some of the easiest commutes in the area, as they can often avoid the continuous construction and ongoing congestion of Interstate 77 to the north of the city center. There are other benefits to living in this part of town, including convenient access to the beautiful Catawba River. Here’s why you might want to consider going west.
❱ CLT SUBURBS: WEST
Launch a kayak or just enjoy the playground at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park, located on the Catawba River in Belmont.
a chef-in-residence program, annual Independence Day parade and a special Kids Day at the market, with activities and stations for kids throughout.
Gastonia West of Belmont and about 35 minutes from Charlotte on I-85, Gastonia has also maintained its status as a manufacturing hub — it’s the home of Parkdale Mills, the largest producer of spun yarn in the U.S. That hasn’t been a boon for growth in recent decades, but it has remained one of the most affordable suburbs in the area, with a median listing price of $155,000, according to realtor.com. That’s not to say Gastonia doesn’t have bragging rights. The largest city (and county seat) of Gaston County, it’s the third-largest city in the area, behind Charlotte and Concord. Affordable housing includes two historic districts: York-Chester is the city’s oldest neighborhood, with 1920s architecture
including bungalows, Victorians and New England saltbox homes. Brookwood dates to the mid-1930s and ‘40s, with many Tudor and craftsman-style homes. Residents may feel less of a pull to head to Charlotte from Gastonia than some other Charlotte suburbs; there are plenty of well-established activities for families here. Soak up some culture at Arts on Main, a 2,200-square-foot art gallery and gift shop managed by the Gaston County Art Guild, that also offers arts classes. Or stock the pantry at the Gastonia Farmers Market. Launched in the 1970s, it moved into its current downtown space in 1995, with room for 20 vendors. In addition to fruits and vegetables from the surrounding area, it offers a Kidz Club program to teach kids about gardening and healthy food. Aleigh Acerni lives and writes from a tiny bungalow in Plaza Midwood, but often daydreams about the suburban life.
Where to Explore Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden With its beautiful orchid house and well-planned gardens, this botanical garden in Belmont has long been a favorite destination for Charlotteans. It also has Lost Hollow, a 3.5-acre, kid-friendly garden with a medieval theme. Check the website for a calendar of events throughout the year. dsbg.org.
Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium With 60,000 square feet of scienceminded exhibits to explore, including a large collection of gemstones and minerals and a collection of dioramas, Schiele is a great rainy-day destination for families. With an 18th-century backcountry farm, Catawba Indian village staffed with actors in period costumes and a nature trail on the grounds, there’s a lot to explore when the sun is out, too. schielemuseum.org.
Lake Wylie
DSBG photo by Michael Trznadel
Cool off in the fountains at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, North Carolina.
This man-made lake on the North Carolina-South Carolina state line sits at the confluence of the South Fork and Catawba rivers. With six public boat access points and 325 miles of shoreline, it is popular with fisherman and boaters alike. On the Mecklenburg County side of the lake, there are more than 1,000 acres to explore at the McDowell Nature Center and Preserve, including a campground, playgrounds, picnic areas and more than seven miles of trails.
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❱ CLT SUBURBS: SOUTH
Grab a cup of coffee and a sweet treat at Brakeman’s in downtown Matthews.
A Guide to Charlotte’s Southside Towns and ’Burbs Charm and wide-open spaces are a draw for living down south
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ocated 30 to 40 minutes from uptown Charlotte, the southside communities of Ballantyne, Matthews, Pineville and Waxhaw combine big-city amenities with smalltown appeal. Ripe with history and rich with outdoor adventures, these areas continue to develop and attract families moving to the area.
Matthews A historic, family-friendly town, Matthews blends charms of the past with trends of today. Located near Interstate
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485 and US Highway 74, 30,000 residents live here. Homes range from historic to new-builds, with many well established, tree-filled neighborhoods. Downtown Matthews is located at the intersection of Trade and East John streets. It offers a farmers market each Saturday and boasts historic buildings, including Renfrow’s Hardware and General, which was established by 1900 and provides the community with home essentials. With recent development, Matthews continues to add locally owned eateries and craft-beer bars, along
with typical chain offerings. The town hosts Matthew’s Alive Festival each Labor Day Weekend. Visitors can also enjoy live music at Food Truck Fridays on the second and fourth Fridays from April to September. For outdoor lovers, the Four Mile Creek Greenway and Colonel Francis Beatty Park are popular destinations. Matthew’s Playhouse of Performing Arts provides theater for residents of all ages and is housed in the Matthews Community Center, which was the town’s first public school when it opened in 1907.
Photos by David Johnson; Erin Wilwert Photography; and Burke Communications
BY MEAGAN CHURCH
❱ CLT SUBURBS: SOUTH Below: Cane Creek Park in Union County is a great destination for fishing, canoeing and boating. Right: You can’t go wrong with a chocolate doughnut with sprinkles at Sugar Handmade Gourmet Donuts.
Where to Explore Brakeman’s Coffee and Supply
Ballantyne
Waxhaw
Located between I-485 and the South Carolina border, Ballantyne is inside the Charlotte city limits and home to nearly 25,000 residents, newer construction homes and apartments, as well as office complexes, shopping centers, chain and upscale restaurants. Ballantyne is a popular golf destination. The Golf Club at Ballantyne is an 18-hole championship PGA golf course that is open to the public. Family-friendly amenities include Small Hands Big Art children’s art studio, Sports Connection, greenways, Big Rock Nature Preserve, and Ballantyne District Park that features over two miles of mountain bike trails.
Waxhaw combines quintessential historic-
Pineville Named for the large and abundant pine trees in the area, Pineville offers small-town charm with close proximity to Charlotte. The historic downtown has quaint antique and home décor shops, a board-game hangout, craft-beer pubs and hosts a yearround Saturday morning farmers market. Pineville is also home to Carolina Place Mall — a 1.2 million-square-foot mall with four anchor stores. Favorite spots for kids to hang out around town include Pineville Ice House, Skyzone, Monkey Joe’s and Funtasticks Charlotte.
town elements with typical suburban amenities. The downtown mixes historic elements with modern additions. An iconic pedestrian walking bridge crosses the railroad tracks that run alongside Main Street. The downtown features antique shops, fine dining, a military wall of honor, and a farmers market that is open each Saturday mornings throughout the year. Home to nearly 12,500 residents, the town hosts annual events such as the Kaleidoscope Fest arts fair in the spring, concerts by the tracks in the summer, an Independence Day parade and fireworks, an autumn festival, and a Christmas parade. Waxhaw is located about 40 minutes outside Charlotte’s city center at the intersection of US-16 and US-75. Home buyers can find a selection of properties, ranging from charming bungalows to new construction, upscale homes, in new neighborhoods or on sprawling multi-acre lots. Meagan Church is a writer, children’s book author and the brainpower behind unexpectant.com, which explores the story of modern motherhood. She lives in Charlotte with her high school sweetheart, three
In the heart of downtown Matthews, Brakeman’s Coffee Shop has alaid back, home-like atmosphere. Brakeman’s features sustainably sourced coffee, and menu items include coffee, tea, milkshakes, smoothies and pastries. brakemanscoffee.com.
Sugar Handmade Gourmet Donuts Made the old-fashion way with a modern flair, Sugar Handmade Gourmet Donuts is sure to delight the sweet tooth. No mixes or synthetic ingredients are used in crafting these artisan doughnuts with flavors that include maple bacon and Southern banana pudding, plus gluten-free and vegan options. sugardonuts.com.
James K. Polk Historic Site Learn more about the 11th president of the United States through a film, exhibits and touring reconstructed buildings on what used to be his family’s 450-acre homestead. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday and is free to visit. nchistoricsites.org/polk.
Cane Creek Park Cane Creek Park park’s 350-acre lake is ideal for swimming, fishing and canoeing. Perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay, the park has hiking, horse and mountain biking trails, boat rentals, disk golf, a playground, baseball field and miniature golf. www.co.union. nc.us/departments/parks-andrecreation/cane-creek-park.
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❱ CLT SUBURBS: ACROSS THE BORDER
Across the Border Why nearby South Carolina attracts families to put down roots BY MICHELE HUGGINS
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rive 30 minutes south down Interstate 77 from Charlotte’s Center City and you’ll find yourself in South Carolina. With lower taxes and a laid-back surburban community vibe, Fort Mill, Rock Hill and Lake Wylie draw families to call these communities home.
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Tega Cay/Lake Wylie The waterfront community of Tega Cay attracts those who love lakeside living with plenty of parks, biking and hiking, golf and boating opportunities. Catch a live musical concert at Runde Park during the summer. Explore Lake Wylie on a pontoon boat, kayak or jet ski rented from Lake Wylie Boat Rentals.
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Rock Hill South of Fort Mill is the town of Rock Hill. It is the largest city in York County and fifth largest in the state of South Carolina. Rock Hill has one of the top school districts in the state and is home to Winthrop University. Old Town Rock Hill features unique restaurants, a vibrant art scene, live music, street festivals and plenty of history, Catch a concert at the Old Town Amphitheater on a Food Truck Friday during summer months.
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Fort Mill The town of Fort Mill is home to approximately 15,000 residents. Its schools get some if the highest marks in the state. Anne Springs Close Greenway is a gem for the city. The 2,100-acre nature preserve offers hiking and biking trails, lakes for canoeing and programming for children throughout the year. Fort Mill Community Playhouse offers drama camps for kids and produces musicals, a youth production and a dinner theater production each year.
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704.341.9673 info@charlotteaquatics.com
sons in Cha
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❱ OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Take it Outside Best bets for where to hike, bike and explore the great outdoors with the kids BY MICHELE HUGGINS
HIKE
BIKE
SMELL THE ROSES
PADDLE
Latta Plantation and McDowell Nature Preserves each have lakeside trails. Trails at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve follow along Mountain Island Lake while McDowell Nature Preserve trails follow along Lake Wylie. All offer easy hiking and places to stop and skip a rock from the lake’s sandy beaches. Hike to the a 25-foot suspension bridge and two 200-year-old log cabins and an orchard of blossoming peach trees at Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill. Open seven days a week. Admission is $5 per person (nonmembers), and free for ages 4 and younger. ascgreenway.org. Crowders Mountain State Park in Gaston County offers multiple levels of hiking trails with the Crowders Trail being one of the most popular for its summit views at the top of Crowders Mountain. Part of the hike includes 336 wooden steps to the summit, so we don’t recommend this one for little hikers, but the Fern Trail is a nice, easy trail the tykes can hike.
Greenways wind through Charlotte neighborhoods with some parts tucked in wooded areas and others running parallel to major thoroughfares like Kings Drive, but all are easily bikable. Jump on Little Sugar Creek Greenway behind Park Road Shopping Center and bike to Freedom Park and then on to Metropolitan for lunch with a view of the uptown skyline. Four Mile Creek Greenway in Matthews is easily accessible from Squirrel Lake Park and connects to Matthews Elementary and East John Street in Matthews. Many more greenways connect throughout the area. Check the Carolina Thread Trails website for a comprehensive list and locations. carolinathreadtrail.org. And for an urban spin, hit the Rail Trail. You can bike from uptown through Southend along the Rail Trail that follows along the Lynx Blue Line tracks. You’ll see some interesting sculpture art along the way. Various restaurants along the way make for an easy lunch stop.
The McGill Rose Garden on North Davidson Center is like a secret gem nestled in between NoDa and uptown. More than 500 rose bushes decorate the landscape. It’s open and free to the public Tuesday through Saturday. Wing Haven Gardens is tucked in the middle of Myers Park. The garden is a tranquil in-town reprieve with fountains and a variety of wellmarked plants and trees, plus a children’s garden. The children’s garden is made for hands-on play with a rain barrel stationed beside small watering cans that children can use to water the raised vegetable gardens and flowers, plus opportunities to dig for worms, enjoy the butterfly garden and bird watch. Open Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $10, free for children age 10 and younger. Check the schedule for special story times. winghavengardens.org. Lost Hollow at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, located in Belmont, is a magical garden sanctuary created just for children. A spinning aviary and sunken pond, fountains and garden sculptures, an orchid conservatory plus special events make Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden a great place to visit any season. Admission is $6.95-$12.95, free for children under age 2. dsbg.org.
You wouldn’t expect whitewater rafting in Charlotte, but the U.S. National Whitewater Center makes it possible. Ride the rapids on the manmade river, or rent a stand-up paddleboard or flatwater kayak for a slower float on the Catawba River. In addition to the paddling options, the U.S. National Whitewater Center has hiking and mountain biking trails, plus zip lines, a canopy tour, rock climbing and obstacle courses to challenge all ages. usnwc.org. Catawba River Expeditions in Rock Hill, South Carolina offers kayak, tube and canoe trips along The Catawba River Canoe and Kayak Trail that begins at the Lake Wylie Dam area in Fort Mill, S.C. This trail includes Landsford Canal State Park (where the annual Spider Lily Festival is held each spring), the Catawba Indian Reservation and River Park. catawba-river-expeditions.com
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â?ą OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Gardens, Nature Centers and Animal Attractions OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Anne Springs Close Greenway 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill, S.C. 803-547-4575 ascgreenway.org Catawba River Expeditions 1782 Quality Circle, Rock Hill, S.C. 803-493-4069 U.S. National Whitewater Center 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte 704-391-3900 usnwc.org
GARDENS AND NATURE CENTERS
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont 704-825-4490 dsbg.org Discovery Place Nature 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte 704-372-6261 nature.discoveryplace.org Historic Rosedale Plantation 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-335-0325 historicrosedale.org Latta Plantation Nature Center and Preserve 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville 704-875-1391 parkandrec.com McDowell Nature Center 15222 York Road, Charlotte 704-588-5224 parkandrec.com McGill Rose Garden 940 N. Davidson St., Charlotte Reedy Creek Nature Center 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte 704-432-6459 parkandrec.com UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte 704-687-0720 gardens.uncc.edu Wing Haven Gardens 248 Ridgewood Ave., Charlotte
704-331-0664 winghavengardens.com
ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS AND ZOOS Carolina Raptor Center 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville 704-875-6521 carolinaraptorcenter.org Charlotte-Concord SEA-LIFE Aquarium 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord 866-229-1573 visitsealife.com/charlotte-concord Greenville Zoo 150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville, S.C. 864-467-4300 greenvillezoo.com Lazy 5 Ranch 15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville 704-663-5100 lazy5ranch.com North Carolina Zoo 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro 800-488-0444 nczoo.org
For the wonderer in everyone Discover the wonder of science, beauty of nature and excitement of technology at at Discovery Place’s three museums. Filled with exciting exhibitions, explosive experiments and extraordinary live programs, a day at Discovery Place inspires curiosity in all ages. We wonder. Do you?
Riverbanks Zoo 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia, S.C. 803-779-8717 riverbanks.org Tiger World 4400 Cook Road, Rockwell 704-279-6363 tigerworld.us Why Not an American Ark 3224 Medlin Road, Monroe 704-226-5407 wnaaa.com Zootastic Park of Lake Norman 448 Pilch Road, Troutman 888-966-0069 zootasticpark.com
Find where to pick a pumpkin at charlottparent.com/pumpkins.
discoveryplace.org
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get a Library card and discover a world of possibilities.
704-416-0101 | cmlibrary.org
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ARTS + CULTURE
The Mint Museum Uptown welcomes families with ARTventure scavenger hunts and ART Packs.
Creative Outlets for Families BY LIZ ROTHAUS BERTRAND
Photo by Daniel Coston
L
ocal arts and cultural organizations can provide the perfect antidote that enable families to slow down and explore the world together. From art and science museums to theaters and cultural centers, the Queen City has top-notch creative outlets, including these eight must-visit venues.
merchandise in the museum store. BONUS: Admission to The Bechtler is $4-$8, and free for ages 10 and younger. If you plan to visit the Mint Museum or Gantt Center too, check out the Levine Center for the Arts Access Ticket for $20. It’s valid at all three locations for two consecutive days. bechtler.org.
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Mint Museum
The Bechtler Museum is located at Levine Center for the Arts, uptown’s cultural campus, and features works by many of the most influential mid-20th century artists, including Picasso, Giacometti and Warhol. FAMILY FUN: Throughout the year, the museum hosts Family Days that feature hands-on activities and special tours. On these special days, children under age 18 are free and there’s a 10 percent discount on children’s
Next door to the Bechtler is the Mint Museum Uptown. Known for its diversity of collections, the Mint Museum encompasses everything from American art and fashion to African art, craft + design and ceramics. FAMILY FUN: The Mint Museum Uptown is home to the Lewis Family Gallery, where kids can learn about the museum collection and create their own masterpieces. ARTventure scavenger hunts or ART Packs help kids explore specific works in the galleries, and
monthly Sunday Fundays with hands-on activities are designed especially for families. The Mint Museum Randolph sits within a beautiful park in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood and hosts frequent MiniMasters Workshops, and Bilingual Stories and Music events. BONUS: Regular admission is valid for two days, or come on Wednesday evenings from 5-9 p.m. when the Mint Museum is free for everyone. mintmuseum.org. If you think you’ll be a frequent visitor, many arts and cultural organizations offer subscriptions or memberships that reduce the cost. Reduced price tickets are also often available for families with demonstrated financial need.
Good to know before you go:
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❱ ARTS + CULTURE
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture Across the street from The Bechtler and the Mint Museum Uptown, the Gantt Center celebrates the culture, art and history of African Americans and people of African descent. Featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions of art, it also hosts films and special events throughout the year. FAMILY FUN: Monthly Family First events feature art-making workshops for creative fun. Kids and adults can discuss, dance, sing and explore themes inspired by current exhibitions. BONUS: Explore the 58 exceptional works from the Hewitt Collection of African-American Art — the centerpiece of The Gantt’s permanent collection — on its website. ganttcenter.org.
Levine Museum of the New South A couple blocks east of Discovery Place Science along Seventh Street is the Levine Museum of the New South, which brings the region’s post-Civil War past to life with interactive exhibits. On permanent display, Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers, gives kids and adults the chance to walk through a replica mill house, hear the words and music that influenced past generations, walk down main street and visit replicas of shops and gathering places to discover what Southern life was like for past generations. It also helps visitors understand the ways the Civil Rights movement transformed the South as well as Charlotte’s important role during this period of tumultuous change. Temporary exhibits delve into contemporary or historical topics tied to life in the South.
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Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has two theater spaces located inside ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s outstanding children’s library. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte produces highquality, professional theatrical productions, as well as numerous classes and camps (scholarships are available). FAMILY FUN: Theatre 360 offers a variety of ways for families to extend their experience with talk backs, demonstrations, backstage tours and story times. For families with special needs, the theatre also offers an ASL sign-interpreted performance and a sensory-friendly performance for each Mainstage production. BONUS: Download free resource guides with engaging activities and background information on each production from the website. ctcharlotte.org.
The Charlotte Museum of History East of uptown, The Charlotte Museum of History focuses on the region’s history over the span of several centuries. Exhibits and programs range from the original settlements in the Carolina Backcountry to the history of professional sports teams in the area. On the museum’s grounds, you’ll also find the Hezekiah Alexander House, built in 1774, and the oldest surviving structure in Mecklenburg County. Learn about pre-revolutionary war life in the Carolinas by exploring the home of one of the people who signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. FAMILY FUN: In the Backcountry Gallery, hands-on exhibits let kids experience replicas of Colonial era homes for several distinct cultures
that lived here, including the Catawba Nation, European immigrants and African Americans. BONUS: The museum offers a wide variety of social and educational events throughout the year, including special Homeschool Days and a Fourth of July Celebration. charlottemuseum.org. Liz Rothaus Bertrand loves exploring arts and cultural destinations with her husband and two sons, ages 5 and 9.
FOR THE LOVE OF EXPLORATION Discovery Place Science Lie on a bed of nails, experiment with magnetic force, visit an indoor rainforest and so much more at Discovery Place Science, located on North Tryon Street. Visitors can also experiment with laser cutters, 3D printers and robotics in the new Thinker Space or try other tech tools in labs throughout the museum. FAMILY FUN: Daily events include opportunities to meet animal residents, check out explosive scientific demos, or interact with scientific or artistic geniuses of the past through character portrayals and story times. BONUS: Discovery Place is celebrating the Year of the Engineer with creative challenges and opportunities to meet hundreds of engineers at special Saturday events throughout the school year. science.discoveryplace.org.
Discovery Place Kids Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville is organized as a mini-town where kids can discover the world through play. Whether it’s shopping at the pint-sized Town Market, pretending to be a veterinarian, climbing a real fire truck, creating art or splashing in the water areas, everything here is interactive and imaginative. FAMILY FUN: Check the website for daily live shows, incorporating everything from puppets and dance to scientific exploration. BONUS: The museum hosts workshops, fun special events throughout the year as well as great summer camps for kids ages 3 and older. kids.discoveryplace.org.
Photo by John Merrick
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte produces professional theatrical performances like “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure.” The company opens its 71st season in September 2018.
FAMILY FUN: Access History brings even more interactive and engaging experiences to families, like scavenger hunts and personal history workshops for participants to trace their own roots as well as family friendly pricing. BONUS: The museum offers 50 percent off admissions on Sundays. museumofthenewsouth.org.
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❱ ARTS + CULTURE PERFORMANCE ARTS: GROUPS AND VENUES
Actor’s Theater of Charlotte Hadley Theater, Queens University 2132 Radcliffe Ave., Charlotte 704-342-2251 atcharlotte.org Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-372-1000 blumenthalarts.org
Family First events at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture are filled with hands-on experiences for children.
Art Museums + Performance Arts ART MUSEUMS
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art 420 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-353-9200 bechtler.org Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-547-3700 ganttcenter.org Iredell Museums 134 Court St., Statesville 704-873-7347 iredellmuseums.org LACA Projects 1429 Bryant St., Charlotte 704-837-1688 lacaprojects.com
Photo by Tyrus Ortega Gaines Photogrpahy
The Light Factory 1817 Central Ave., Charlotte 704-333-9755 lightfactory.org McColl Center for Art and Innovation 721 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-332-5535 mccollcenter.org Mint Museum Uptown: 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte Randolph: 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte 704-337-2000
mintmuseum.org
ARTS COUNCILS
Arts and Science Council 704-333-2272 artsandscience.org Arts Council of Lincoln County 704-732-9044 artslincolnnc.org Arts Council of York County 803-328-2787 yorkcountyarts.org Cabarrus Arts Council 704-920-2787 cabarrusartscouncil.org Gaston Arts Council 704-853-2787 gastonarts.org Iredell Arts Council 704-873-6100 iredellartscouncil.org Union County Community Arts Council 704-283-2784 unionarts.org Waxhaw Arts Council 704-843-5060 waxhawartscouncil.org
Central Piedmont Community College Performing Arts Dale F. Halton Theater 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte 704-330-6534 tix.cpcc.edu Charlotte Ballet 701 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-372-0101 charlotteballet.org Charlotte Children’s Choir 345 N. College St., Charlotte 704-377-4187 charlottechildrenschoir.org Children’s Theatre of Charlotte ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St., Charlotte 704-973-2828 ctcharlotte.org Charlotte Symphony 301 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-972-2000 charlottesymphony.org Community School of the Arts 345 N. College St., Charlotte 704-377-4187 csarts.org The Choir School at St. Peters 115 W. Seventh St., Charlotte 704-749-6146 thechoirschool.org Davidson Community Players Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson 704-892-7953 davidsoncommunityplayers.org Fort Mill Community Playhouse 220 Main St., Fort Mill, S.C. 803-548-8102 fortmillcommunityplayhouse.org Knight Theater 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-372-1000 levinecenterarts.org
Levine Center for the Arts Between Stonewall Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte levinecenterarts.org Little Theater of Gaston County 238 S. Clay St., Gastonia 704-865-0160 littletheaterofgastonia.com Matthews Playhouse 100 McDowell St. E., Matthews 704-846-8343 matthewsplayhouse.com Mooresville Community Children’s Theatre Charles Mack Citizens Center 215 N. Main St. Mooresville mooresvillechildrenstheatre.org Northwest School of the Arts Theater Arts Guild 1415 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte nwsatag.com Old Courthouse Theatre 49 Spring St. NW, Concord 704-788-2405 octconcord.com Opera Carolina • Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte • Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte operacarolina.org Ovens Auditorium 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte 704-372-3600 ovensauditorium.com Spectrum Center 333 E. Trade St., Charlotte 704-688-9000 spectrumcentercharlotte.com Spirit Square 345 N. College St., Charlotte 704-372-1000 blumenthalarts.org Theatre Charlotte 501 Queens Road, Charlotte 704-376-3777 theatrecharlotte.org
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❱ SPORTS
Charlotte Knights
Hometown Sports League Action Spectator sports with something for all ages abound year-round BY MEGAN FINKE
Carolina Panthers Fans purr with pride when football season rolls around each year. At home games, “keep pounding” chants grow louder each year, even from the youngest fans. Children ages 3-14 can sign up for the Panthers Kids Club to receive unique branded goodies, a personalized birthday card, and a free public tour of Bank of America Stadium. Fans younger than 3 can join the Little Purrs Newborn Club and receive age-specific items to ensure they are joining in Panthers pride, too. Fans of all ages can get pumped up before home games at Panthers in the Park presented by Atrium Health at Romare Bearden Park. This free, high-energy game day tradition is free for families and features the Fuel Up to Play 60 Kids
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Combine with kid-style football skills and drill stations. Bank of America Stadium 800 S. Mint St. panthers.com
hot dogs and three drinks for a discounted price. Spectrum Center 333 E. Trade St. nba.com/hornets
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Checkers
“Buzz City” fans can enjoy lots of family-friendly fun during home games. Throughout the basketball season, promotional giveaways and in-game entertainment, including Hugo the Hornet, the Honey Bees and T-shirt tosses are part of the fun at The Hive at the Spectrum Center. The Hornets Hoops Program offers camps, clinics and training for young basketball fans on game days or during holiday breaks. Be on the look out for Hornets Family Nights that offer three tickets, three
Charlotte Checkers hockey at Bojangles’ Coliseum offers some of the most affordable family fun in Charlotte, including family skate nights throughout the season. Discounted family packs with savings of 40 percent on groups of four tickets are available for select games. Birthday party packages feature appearances by Charlotte’s oldest mascot, Chubby, and are available throughout the season. Bojangles’ Coliseum 2700 E. Independence Blvd. gocheckers.com
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Charlotte Hounds The Charlotte Hounds is the city’s Major League Lacrosse team. Blue the Plott Hound, a fun-loving canine and the team’s mascot, is at all Charlotte Hounds home games, which take place at American Legion Memorial Stadium. In his spare time, he enjoys dancing and fetching lacrosse balls. Games are family-friendly and affordable, with a fun tailgate scene. Stick around after the game, as the players always hang out to sign autographs and talk to fans. American Legion Memorial Stadium 310 N. Kings Drive charlottehounds.com
Photo by Charlotte Checkers
Charlotte Checkers’ hockey games are action packed. Be on the lookout for family skate nights throughout the season.
The Knights continue to host sell-out crowds at many games, bringing the excitement of minor league baseball to uptown Charlotte. Before home games, families can toss a few balls at Romare Bearden Park, just across the street from the ballpark. Inside the ballpark, enjoy time at the Charlotte Knights Kids Zone area that features a giant Homer the Dragon inflatable bounce house. Each Sunday home game, children can join in kid-friendly activities and promotions, including a chance to run the bases after the game. Knights mascot Homer the Dragon also brings fun to games. Check the schedule for a Princess and Pirates Day and Superhero Day at the ballpark, and come dressed to join the fun. BB&T Ballpark 324 S. Mint St. bbtballparkcharlotte.com
❱ SPORTS
Charlotte Independence The Charlotte Independence Professional Soccer team joined the United Soccer League in September 2014 and began play in spring 2015. In January 2018, the USL was granted Division II status, a great step for the growth of professional soccer in Charlotte. Along with this change, the team is excited to play 17 league games at the recently expanded Sportsplex at Matthews. The past two years, the team has made the playoffs and the current roster features professional players from 13 international countries. As part of the Charlotte Independence Junior Jack’s program, fans ages 12 and under can attend all home games, get a birthday pack, a discount on merchandise and a chance to meet favorite players. Family four-packs of tickets are available. Check the schedule for post-game fireworks following some home games. Sportsplex at Matthews 1505 Tank Town Road, Matthews charlotteindependence.com
NASCAR Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts NASCAR, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and World of Outlaw racing car shows. Charlotte Motor Speedway offers special kids’ pricing for visitors 13 and under. Many events include a dedicated kids’ play zone, complete with bounce houses, face painting, carnival rides and games. The Southeast’s largest drive-through Christmas light show also takes place at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Fans can experience more NASCAR fun at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in uptown Charlotte through interactive
driving simulations, hands-on activities and exhibits. Charlotte Motor Speedway 5555 Concord Parkway S., Concord charlottemotorspeedway.com
Make Lasting
Memories...
Carolina Energy Charlotte welcomes the Carolina Energy, a professional indoor American football team. The Energy are members of the American Arena League, and as of the 2018 season, play home games at the Bojangles’ Coliseum. Affordable home games feature family fun, such as select youth nights with halftime family-versus-family challenges. Bojangles’ Coliseum 2700 E. Independence Blvd. carolinaenergyfootball.com
Wells Fargo Championship The spring golf tournament hosts a youth exhibition during event week. Young golf fans can get autographs from the pros at the youth-only autograph zone by the practice facility. Youth View offers a childonly seating area at the practice tee for children to watch players warm up before tee off and practice after their rounds. The Community Courtyard has kid-friendly activities provided by some of the tournament’s charitable partners. The First Tee of Greater Charlotte also provides a SNAG putting course and chipping/pitching challenge. Children age 12 and under get in free on tournament dates with a paying adult. Quail Hollow Club 3700 Gleneagles Road wellsfargochampionship.com
Ag and Art
every weekend in June www.agandarttour.com
Four-legged Farm Fun Historic Brattonsville June 18
Twilight Paddle at Chester State Park June 27, July 27, August 25, September 24 & October 23, 2018
SC Jazz Festival in Cheraw October 19-21st
Revolutionary War Field Days at Historic Camden November 3rd & 4th
Pig on the Ridge in Ridgeway November 3rd & 4th
Indian Land Fall Festival Nov 3rd
Big Buck Grand National Cross Country ATV and Motorcross TBA bigbuckracing.com
www.sctravel.net 800.728.1842
Megan Finke is a local freelance writer who enjoys rooting for hometown teams. charlotteparent.com |
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❱ COMMUNITY Ministry. Volunteers provide food and beverages for customers in line in the morning or in the lobby awaiting critical support services. All ages. crisisassistance.org. FOR THE FAMILY THAT LOVES THE OUTDOORS Volunteer at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont, North Carolina. Small groups are needed to help in the gardens and learn about horticulture while having fun outdoors. All ages. dsbg.org.
Plug in to Local Nonprofits Get to know Charlotte with these volunteer opportunities for families BY ADDIE RISING
Whether new to Charlotte or just looking to invest in your home city, volunteering as a family with one of Charlotte’s many nonprofits is a great way to get to know the city and its people. If you’re unsure where to start, try these on for size. FOR THE ATHLETIC FAMILY Put all your energy to good use. In addition to the many 5Ks hosted by different organizations, your family can volunteer to lead a run group with RunningWorks, which works to improve the health, wellness and overall quality of life for Charlotte’s homeless
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neighbors. Ages 13 and older. runningworks.org. FOR THE FAMILY THAT LOVES ANIMALS Do you have furry family members that you love as much as the twolegged members? The Humane Society of Charlotte needs volunteers to feed breakfast to dogs and cats in the shelter, and clean and sanitize kennels. Ages 5 and older. humanecharlotte.org. Cats and dogs aren’t your jam? Consider working with horses. Shining Hope Farms provides horse therapy and welcomes volunteers to work in the barn
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grooming the horses, filling water buckets, mucking out stalls, tacking horses and sweeping. Ages 13 and older. shininghopefarms.org. FOR THE FOODIE FAMILY Loaves & Fishes provides a week’s worth of groceries to Charlotte families in need. Groups of up to 15 people are needed to work in the warehouse to sort food and grocery items, as well as a variety of other activities. Ages 10 and older. loavesandfishes.org. Grab your entire family and your neighbors and serve breakfast or lunch at Crisis Assistance
FOR THE FAMILY THAT LIVES FAR FROM GRANDPARENTS Friendship Trays, Charlotte’s Meals on Wheels program, delivers balanced meals to those who cannot get out due to age or disability. Pack up the minivan and help deliver meals. All ages. friendshiptrays.org. For more ways to volunteer in Charlotte, visit sharecharlotte.org. Addie Rising lives in Charlotte with her husband and two daughters, and is the content and communications director for SHARE Charlotte.
Photo courtesy of Loaves & Fishes
Children help sort canned goods at Loaves & Fishes.
FOR THE FAMILY THAT LOVES TO READ Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Promising Pages collects and distributes 100,000-plus upcycled books per year. Volunteers are needed throughout the year to count, clean, stamp and sort book donations. Ages 6 and older. promisingpages.org. Your family can also organize a book drive for Classroom Central, which provides books and school supplies for students without access. All ages. classroomcentral.org.
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❱ CHILDREN’S MUSEUMS AND SCIENCE CENTERS programs,” says Katie Swaringen, VP of visitor experience.
Charlotte Douglas Airport Overlook Pack a picnic, bring some chairs and head to the Airport Overlook to watch one of the world’s busiest airports in action. From your perch, you can observe planes of all shapes and sizes race down the runway and into the sky. Best of all, the overlook is free. There are picnic tables and benches available, but not much shade. Pair this stop with a trip to the Charlotte Aviation Museum and your day of flight is ready for take off. The overlook can get loud so consider packing earplugs. 7300 Old Dowd Road, Charlotte. charlotteairport.com.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles Explore these museums to experience these popular modes of transportation up close and personal BY COURTNEY MCLAUGHLIN
Whether your family gets excited about planes, is over the top about trains or loves a fast car, Charlotte and the surrounding area has something for everyone to do and see. From changing tires as part of a pit crew at the NASCAR Hall of Fame to riding the rails at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina, these places offer an interactive way to learn about all things transportation.
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PLANES
Carolinas Aviation Museum If you want to learn about the history of flight and get a look at those big metal birds, head to the Carolinas Aviation Museum located near the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. See a replica of the Wright Brothers plane, experience the evolution of military aircraft and view the award-winning “Miracle on the Hudson” exhibit featuring the actual passenger jet that landed
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safely in New York’s Hudson River in 2009. The museum is located in an airplane hangar, and while it has tons of cool things to see and do, it doesn’t have air conditioning. 4672 First Flight Drive, Charlotte. carolinasaviation.org. There’s more: “The museum has a wide variety of programming for the next generation of STEM professionals, including STEM field trip experiences, camps, summer workshops and flight simulator
There’s more: “The Airport Overlook is a wonderful community amenity that offers many children their first introduction to Charlotte and aviation,” says Jack Christine, Charlotte Douglas International Airport chief operating officer. “In addition to providing families a place to gather, we hope it also inspires children and young adults to enter the aviation industry as working adults.”TRAINS
Lynx Blue Line Spend a day exploring Charlotte by rail. Start your day by dropping your car at one of the 11 Park and Ride locations, then let the adventure begin. With 19 miles of track from Interstate 485 at South Boulevard to UNC Charlotte’s main campus, you are in for a full day of fun along the 26 light rail stations. Spend time at ImaginOn and First Ward Park at Seventh Street Station, tour the NASCAR Hall of Fame at Third Street and
Photo courtesy of N.C. Transportation
Take a ride on the rails at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C. Museum.
❱ CHILDREN’S MUSEUMS AND SCIENCE CENTERS Convention Center station. Hop off at Bland Station and walk to South Church Street for ice cream at Golden Cow Creamery. Children age 5 and younger ride for free. ridetransit.org.
cars all year round. It’s a day trip for everyone in the family,” says Mark Brown, information and communications specialist at N.C. Transportation Museum. AUTOMOBILES
There’s more: “Parents and kids alike will love riding the LYNX Blue Line light rail service from I-485 Station in south Charlotte to UNC Charlotte Main Station in northeast Charlotte,” says Krystel Green, public and community relations manager, Charlotte Area Transit System. “And parents are bound to find eats that satisfy even the pickiest palate, or use Lynx to connect to cultural events that will expand your child’s imagination.”
N.C. Transportation Museum If your brood is all about trains, a trip to the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina, is worth the one-hour drive from Charlotte. The 60acre site is filled with exhibits, educational activities and fun all dedicated to work, travel and life on the railroad. Learn about train whistle signals, take a ride around the grounds and explore vintage cars from a bygone era. Children also can check out classic fire trucks and learning about the history of aviation. 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. nctrans.org. There’s more: “The N.C. Transportation Museum is Charlotte and the Piedmont’s home for The Polar Express Train Ride and Day Out With Thomas, but you can also enjoy train rides, check out the interactive exhibits and see massive steam engines, classic fire trucks, airplanes and classic
NASCAR Hall of Fame If your family has the need for speed, an afternoon at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in uptown Charlotte is just the ticket. The hall is filled with action-packed, high-octane entertainment. See how racing and North Carolina have impacted each other through exhibits honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. Check out the cool artifacts from bygone days of racing and learn about the latest racing technology drivers and crews depend on to get to the finish line. When you are ready, jump into the action and test your skills in the racing simulator and the pit crew challenge. Plus with STEM-centered activities, kids can bring classroom lessons to life. 400 E. Martin Luther King Junior Blvd., Charlotte. nascarhall.com. There’s more: “The NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive entertainment attraction that offers fun for the whole family,” says Laura White, CRVA director of communications. “From realistic racing simulators and a pit crew challenge to an interactive Kids Zone and STEM experiences the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a must-see attraction in Charlotte.” Courtney McLaughlin is a freelance writer in Charlotte and enjoys exploring the city and beyond via plane, train or automobile.
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A PLACE‌ filled with light where each and every heartbeat begins where connections are made bringing health, hope and healing
FOR ALL
Carolinas HealthCare System is
wellsfargohistory.com/museums/ charlotte Liberty Walk Begins at Wells Fargo Plaza 301 S. Tryon St., Charlotte meckdec.org/charlotte-liberty-walk Millican Pictorial History Museum 35 E. Catawba St., Belmont 704-825-5391 millicanpictorialhistorymuseum.com Meet resident animals at Discovery Place Nature’s story times and animal encounter events.
Children’s Museums, Historical Sites and Science Centers CHILDREN’S MUSEUMS
Discovery Place KIDS 105 Gilead Road, Huntersville 704-372-6261 kids.discoveryplace.org Discovery Place Nature 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte 704-372-6261 nature.discoveryplace.org
Main Street Children’s Museum 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC 803-327-6400 chmuseums.org/childrens
HISTORICAL SITES
Billy Graham Library 4330 Westmont Drive, Charlotte 704-401-3200 billygrahamlibrary.org
Photo courtesy of Discovery Place
Carl J. McEwen Historic Village 7601 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Charlotte 704-573-0726 minthillhistory.com Charlotte Museum of History and Hezekiah Alexander Homesite 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte 704-568-1774 charlottemuseum.org Bost Grist Mill 4701 Hwy. 200, Concord
704-782-1600 bostgristmill.com
704-843-6066 jaars.org
C. Grier Beam Truck Museum 111 N. Mountain St., Cherryville 704-435-3072 beamtruckmuseum.com
Kings Mountain National Military Park 2625 Park Road, Blacksburg, S.C. 864-936-7921 nps.gov/kimo
Fort Dobbs 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville 704-873-5882 fortdobbs.org Gaston County Museum 131 W. Main St., Dallas 704-922-7681 www.gastoncountymuseum.org Historic Brattonsville 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells, S.C. 803-684-2327 chmuseums.org/brattonsville Historic Rosedale 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-335-0325 historicrosedale.org Hugh Torance House and Store 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville 704-875-3271 hughtorancehouseandstore.com JAARS Museum 7405 Jaars Road, Waxhaw
Museum of the Waxhaws 8215 Waxhaw Hwy., Waxhaw 704-843-1832 museumofthewaxhaws.org Museum of York County 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill, S.C. 803-329-2121 chmuseums.org/myco
SCIENCE CENTERS
Latta Plantation 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville 704-875-2312 lattaplantation.org Levine Museum of the New South 200 E. Seventh St., Charlotte 704-333-1887 museumofthenewsouth.org President James K. Polk Historic Site 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville 704-889-7145 nchistoricsites.org/polk
Carolina’s Aviation Museum 4672 First Flight Drive, Charlotte 704-997-3770 carolinasaviation.org Discovery Place 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-372-6261 discoveryplace.org Energy Explorium 13339 McGuire Nuclear Station Road, Huntersville 980-875-5600 duke-energy.com/energy-education Schiele Museum of Natural History 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia 704-866-6900 schielemuseum.org
RACING MUSEUMS
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland 704-721-4653 historicsites.com/reed
NASCAR Hall of Fame 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte 704-654-4400 nascarhall.com
Wells Fargo History Museum Three Wells Fargo Building 401 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-715-1866
N.C. Auto Racing Hall of Fame 119 Knob Hill Road, Mooresville 704-663-5331 ncarhof.com
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❱ LIBRARIES ACTIVE READING WORKSHOPS Active reading involves reading a book with a child rather than reading a book to a child. This evidence-based approach improves children’s language skills, vocabulary and ability to understand what they read on their own. TUMBLEBOOKS A collection of animated, talking picture books, TumbleBooks can be read by you or to you. The collection includes storybooks, books in French and Spanish for language learning, nonfiction books, graphic novels, puzzles and games.
10 Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Learning Services You Need to Know In addition to stacks of books and story times, Charlotte’s public libraries offer a plethora of learning resources for kids of all ages BY KATY RUST Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has 20 locations throughout Mecklenburg County, and a digital branch online. In addition to its awesome stacks of books for all ages and story times that bring books to life, the library offers a plethora of learning resources for children from babies to big kids. All you need is a library card, unless your child is a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools student. Then all he or she needs is their ONE Access account that allows kids to use their student identification number as their library card number.
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STORYPLACE Young children can explore stories and interactive activities and games in English and Spanish at the StoryPlace bilingual website. GET SET 4 K Help your young child prepare for kindergarten with this month-by-month guide to school readiness. Get practical tips on skills to practice, activities you can do with your child, books to enjoy together, and helpful resources. LIVE, ONLINE HOMEWORK HELP Get up to 10 free tutoring sessions — in English or Spanish — each week with a live, online, qualified tutor through tutor. com. All you need is a library card or ONE Access account and an internet connection. Use tutor.com from home, school or the library. Subjects include math, science, English, social studies and essay review.
Photo by Robert Christopher/Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has 20 locations throughout the area and offers a plethora of learning resources.
❱ LIBRARIES Locals Know
ImaginOn: Library and Family Destination For more than 10 years, ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center has provided an engaging experience for young people and families through the common theme of storytelling. The 102,000-square-foot multimedia joint venture of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is as much a destination for parents and children as it is a library. The front of the building is engaging: bright colors, swooping roofline and lots of curves. A sculpture in front entitled “The Tools of the Writer” features a huge stack of books and an inkwell with a feather quill. Well-known quotations from famous children’s books are etched into the sculpture’s surface, and larger-than-life typewriter keys and stamp pads are designed to be climbed on. Inside, ImaginOn’s multimedia, multitouch environment engages learning at all levels through many senses. imaginon.org.
PAWS TO READ Children ages 5-11 can read aloud to a certified therapy dog during 15- to 20-minute sessions at different library locations. READING BUDDIES Children ages 4-8 can increase reading confidence, fluency and comprehension by reading aloud with a teen volunteer during 30-minute one-on-one sessions. EBOOKS AND EAUDIOBOOKS Picture books, youth fiction, youth nonfiction, and more are available in digital format via OverDrive. Browsing can be done by subject, reading level or interest level, and accessed from a computer using OverDrive Read or Listen. Smartphone and tablet users can download the OverDrive or Libby app.
STEM PROGRAMS Create a pipe-cleaner circuit bug, engineer your own parachute, test an aluminum foil boat to see if it will sink or float, or build a volcano. Do these things and more in free workshops at local library locations. SUMMER BREAK: READ, LEARN, EXPLORE The library’s perennial favorite summer reading program, Summer Break: Read, Learn, Explore, includes reading at its core, and encourages participation in writing, creating, playing, exploring and giving. Track your reading time and activities online, and earn incentives along the way. It’s for all ages, so parents and children can participate together. Katy Rust is a marketing and communications specialist with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
The Speech Garden Institute
(704) 890-0988
soccershots.org/charlotte
Boarding • Training • Sales • Leasing • Showing • Lessons • Special Events • Camps
Developing speech, language and social skills. Communication & Sensory Preschool and Summer Camp 424 Waxhaw Indian Trail Rd. Waxhaw, NC 28173 | 704-843-5215
www.speechgarden.org
PROVIDENCE EQUESTRIAN CENTER PROVIDENCEEQUESTRIAN@GMAIL.COM WWW.PROVIDENCEEQUESTRIAN.COM
HOME OF STONEHAVEN STONEHAVENNORTHCAROLINA@GMAIL.COM WWW.STONEHAVENNC.COM
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SCHOOLS BY THE NUMBERS
47 OF
176
18,282
schools in CMS are magnet schools
Students attend private schools in Mecklenburg County
A ministry of SouthLake Presbyterian Church (PCA)
147,359
students are enrolled in CharlotteMecklenburg Schools
27
Charter schools operate in Mecklenburg County
Welcome to South Lake Christian Academy! Come and explore ALL that SouthLake has to offer ‌
where Christ is preeminent and learning is fundamental 13820 Hagers Ferry Road Huntersville, NC
704-949-2200
Each school offers open enrollment and is tuition free.
Want to know more? Check out the Charlotte Parent Education Guide at charlotteparent.com/educationguide
www.southlakechristian.org Sources: CMS Fast Facts 2017-18; NC Public Schools website; NC Administration website.
Match your dreams to your school
CMS School Choice Lottery opens this fall!
Future enroll your 3+ child this October for 2019-20
Get started cmschoice.org Early College - Entrepreneurship - International Baccalaureate - Middle College - Military, Global Leadership & Public Safety - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM/STEM) Visual and Performing Arts - World Languages - Language Immersion
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2018 BY MICHELE HUGGINS
Photo courtesy of Patrick Schneider and Visit Charlotte.
As Charlotte and its surrounding communities grow, so do the options of places to play, explore and learn as a family. We know every family has their favorites, so each year we ask Charlotte Parent readers to share where they like to eat out with kids, destinations to explore and services that help make life a bit easier. From favorite place to get a sweet treat to summer camps and tutoring services, we hope these readers’ picks help you discover new places, as well as some long-standing landmarks not to be missed.
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DINING + DESTINATIONS
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ICE CREAM: Ben & Jerry’s. These guys know how to make ice cream, and the clever names for the vast assortment of unique flavor combinations are fun too. Some locations also host kids’ birthday parties. Davidson, Foxcroft, Myers Park and Parktowne Shopping Center. benandjerrys.com.
Amelie’s French Bakery and Cafe serves up sweet and savory pastry creations. Photo courtesy of Amelie’s French Bakery and Cafe
EATS AND TREATS FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT: Lupie’s Café. It’s known for its four different kinds of chili, but its menu of sides can easily be turned into a meal. Add in its burgers and daily specials, including spaghetti for the kids, and it’s a hit with families. Look for the stand-alone white brick building with the neon sign on Monroe Road near Plaza Midwood. lupiescafe.net BURGER JOINT: Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. When you crave a juicy burger with all the toppings and then some, Bad
Daddy’s Burger Bar can satisfy that craving with its menu of burgers, including the Classic Southern, Bacon Cheeseburger on Steroids and Sam I Am (with a fried egg on top). Don’t skip a handspun shake and truffle fries. Dilworth, Ballantyne, Birkdale and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. baddaddysburgerbar.com. PIZZERIA: Hawthorne’s Pizza. Hawthorne’s made headlines for The Inducer, its Buffalo-wing pizza thought to be spicy enough to push moms-to-be into labor. Its
authentic New York-style pizza can be covered with whatever toppings your family likes, with classic pepperoni being a top choice. Eight locations throughout Charlotte. hawthornespizza.com. DOUGHNUTS: Duck Donuts. Featured flavors like Vanilla Icing With Hot Fudge Drizzle and Sprinkles, and Maple Icing With Chopped Bacon are hard to beat, but you can also coat, top and drizzle a doughnut made-to-order your way. Dilworth. duckdonuts.com.
SWEET TREAT: Amelie’s French Bakery and Cafe. The bakery is known for its salted-caramel brownies, but its macrons, sticky buns and croissants are scrumptious too. Each location is loaded with quirky design elements, it a fun place to play I Spy with the kids. Carmel Commons, NoDa, Park Road Shopping Center, Rock Hill and Uptown. ameliesfrenchbakery.com.
MORE EATS + TREATS WINNERS
KIDS MENU: Chic-fil-A | chic-fil-a.com
FARMER’S MARKET: Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market | charlottefarmersmarket.com BREAKFAST SPOT: The Orginal Pancake House | theoriginalpancakehouse.com OUTDOOR BEER GARDEN: Old Mecklenburg Brewery | oldmeckbrew.com
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2018
DINING + DESTINATIONS
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DESTINATIONS AND OUTINGS PLACE TO PLAY WITH A TODDLER: Discovery Place Kids. Discovery Place Kids is a world of imagination for young visitors. From water tables to a real fire truck and its “I Can” theme rooms, including a doctor’s office and engineering lab, children can play, climb and pretend the day away. Huntersville. kids. discoveryplace.org. DAY TRIP + ANIMAL ATTRACTION: North Carolina Zoo. Just an hour-and-a-half drive from Charlotte to Asheboro, the North Carolina Zoo sits on a 2,200-acre tract of land with 500 acres developed into the largest “natural habitat” zoo in the United States. Animals, including elephants, zebras, giraffes, bison, polar bears, sea lions and cougars, live in areas that mimic natural habitats. There’s also an education center, kidzone and playground. nczoo.org.
Young visitors can have handson fun at Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville. Photo courtesy of Discovery Place
LIVE THEATER FOR KIDS: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Seventy seasons and going strong, the professional production company showcases stage performances with dazzling costumes and stage props. Recent shows include “Mary Poppins” and “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure.” ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. Seventh St., Charlotte. ctcharlotte.org.
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Discovery Place Science. Think it up in the “thought studio,” take engineering to a new level at Project Build, hold a sea creature, lie on a bed of nails in the Cool Stuff area, and learn about what’s around you in World Alive. It’s also home to Charlotte’s IMAX dome theatre. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261. science.discoveryplace.org.
KID-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL: Renaissance Festival. An eclectic mix of performance stages, medieval-themed games, jousting tournaments, and costumed characters make Ren Fest a favorite. Kids love the rides, climbing tower, fairies and overall magical atmosphere. Huntersville. carolinarenfestinfo.com
OUTDOORS DESTINATIONS
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GREENWAY: Anne Springs Close Greenway ascgreenway.org
PLACE TO GO FISHING WITH KIDS: Lake Norman State Park | ncparks.gov/lake-norman-state-park
PLAYGROUND/PARK: Freedom Park and Park Road Park (tie) | parksandrec.com
PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS: US National Whitewater Center | usnwc.org
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EDUCATION + SCHOOLS
SEASONAL FAVORITES
PUMPKIN PATCH: Hall Family Farm. Just minutes from the urban hustle and bustle of Ballantyne, spend time on a hayride, challenge yourself with the 5-acre corn maze, sample doughnuts, funnel cakes and slushies, and pick out the perfect pumpkin at Hall Family Farm. 10713 Providence Road West. hallfamilyfarm.com.
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PRIVATE SCHOOL: Trinity Episcopal School. The independent school located in uptown Charlotte serves students in grades K-8. The curriculum supports difference and inclusion with a workshop approach to learning. Students participate in community service projects as an extension of classroom learning. 750 E. Ninth St. tescharlotte.org.
HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY: Speedway Christmas. Speedway Christmas features more than 3 million lights synced to music, plus a Christmas Village. Visitors get to drive the race track to see the 3.5 miles of lights. Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord. charlottemotorspeedway.com. PLACE TO SPLASH IN THE SUMMER: Ray’s Splash Planet. Head to Ray’s Splash Planet for year-round fun with a three-story high waterslide, lazy river, plus annual events like Swim with Santa and the Underwater Easter Egg Hunt. 215 N. Sycamore St., Charlotte. rayssplashplanet.com. FAMILY SPORTING EVENT: Charlotte Knights. Reasonably priced tickets, plus theme nights (think Star Wars and Princesses), a Homer the Dragon inflatable play area, and Friday night fireworks draw families to the BB&T Ballpark to see the Charlotte Knights play baseball. Kids can run the bases after Sunday home games, and the view of uptown Charlotte from the stadium is remarkable. BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St., charlotteknights.com.
First graders at Trinity Episcopal School plant seedlings in support of a school-wide garden initiative to grow an array of vegetables to later be harvested and served in Friendship Trays. Photo by Jessica Masanotti, Trinity Episcopal School
PRESCHOOL: Ivybrook Academy. The preschool curriculum for tots to transitional kindergarten provides intentional handson stimulation that sparks learning and interests for constructive knowledge. Charlotte, Weddington and Fort Mill. ivybrookacademy.com. TUTORING SERVICE: Kumon and Mathnasium (tie). Whether your child is looking for extra enrichment or help keeping up with important concepts in math or reading, Kumon helps students advance through programs at their own pace with individualized learning
plans. For students who need the extra push in math only, Mathnasium is the favorite choice for elementary, middle or high school math help. kumon.com and mathnasium.com. COLLEGE PLANNING SERVICE: WREN College Planning Resources. Locally owned and operated, WREN College Planning Resources works with families to plan ahead for the cost of college and be smart about savings at all stages of a child’s life. wrencpr.com
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ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
MUSIC LESSONS: Music Together of Charlotte. With classes described as playful, rich and engaging, Music Together brings parents and their little ones together for focused time using rhythm and new beats along with their voices, instruments and movement to boost development. Classes are available for infants to age 8. Various locations. musictogetherofcharlotte.com. ART LESSONS: Noah’s Art. Children as young as 22 months can explore their own creativity through a process-oriented art experience and lots of art supplies. Studios also host birthday parties and summer camps. Blakeney and Southpark. noahs-art.com. DANCE STUDIO: Miller Street Dance Academy. In addition to ballet, tap, jazz, acro and tumbling perfect for tiny dancers just starting out, students learn teamwork, healthy habits and how to think positive. 11532 Providence Road, Charlotte and Baxter Village, Fort Mill. millerstreetdanceacademy.com. SWIM LESSONS: YMCA of Greater Charlotte. Children as young as 6 months can learn the basics of being in water in private or group classes. Swim teams are
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YMCA of Greater Charlotte takes the top spot for summer day camps. Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Charlotte also available. Multiple locations in Charlotte. ymcacharlotte.org.
11011 Monroe Road, Matthews. charlotteallstars.net.
DRAMA/THEATER CLASS: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. With a year-round calendar of drama classes for all ages and summer theater camps that serve as an introduction to stage production, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is shining a light on performance art for kids. Imaginon: The Joe and Joan Martin Center. 300 E. Seventh St. ctcharlotte.org.
MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM: Firm Foundation Martial Arts and Urban Revolution Martial Arts (tie). Both of these family friendly dojos teach karate as well as leadership and life skills. Firm Foundation Martial Arts, Mooresville, mooresvillekarate. com. URMA, Arboretum, Charlotte, urbanrevma.com.
GYMNASTICS/CHEER PROGRAM: Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics and Cheerleading. Boasting national, regional and state championships, the gymnastics and cheering facility strives to build individual gymnastic and cheering potential with 90 classes each week. Specialized clinics and camps are also offered.
charlotteparent.com
STORY TIME: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Library branches throughout Mecklenburg County feature story times for all ages — from infants to children with special needs who seek a more subdued setting. Story times may include rhymes, songs, creative movement and the occasional puppet. Multiple locations. cmlibrary.org.
SUMMER CAMPS
SUMMER DAY CAMP: YMCA of Greater Charlotte | ymcacharlotte.org/camps SUMMER DAY CAMP/SPORTS: Queens College Soccer Camp | queensusoccercamps.com SUMMER DAY CAMP/ ARTS: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and Noah’s Art (tie) | ctcharlotte.org and noahs-art.com SUMMER DAY CAMP/ ACADEMIC: Ivybrook Academy | ivybrookacademy.com SUMMER SLEEPAWAY CAMP: YMCA Camp Harrison | campharrison.org
❱ PARENTS IN THE KNOW “My husband and I moved to the Charlotte area a year before I had our first child. Connecting with other moms who had children of a similar age to my child was crucial. They helped me find local hot spots like Discovery Place Kids, playgrounds, library story times, trampoline parks and more.” — Julie Fagan is a personal trainer, mom to 2 year-old son with a baby due June 2018, and blog owner of pbfingers.com. @pbfingers
“We live in South Charlotte. Since we are so far from the hipness of uptown, we make the trek there part of the fun. Jump on the light rail at the I-485 stop and take the train to 7th Street Market and beyond. Another thing we do: Pick a different food genre and make it a mission to try all of the good ones in the city. Doughnuts are a family fave and there are so many options all over CLT.”— Page Fehling, anchor on Fox 46 Morning Show and co-host with her husband Jake Fehling of the podcast Date Night With Jake and Page. @pagefehlingfox46 @jakefehling
INFLUENCER INSIGHT
HOW TO GET TO KNOW THE QUEEN CITY WITH KIDS
Having three boys, our family is very go-with-the-flow. Boating on Lake Norman is our favorite family activity. Being in a boat club has allowed us to have the boat-life luxury, without all the headache of owning. We love sports and going to Charlotte Knights games. If burning off energy is required, parks are plentiful in the QC. — Molly Wey, mom to three boys and blog owner of Stilettos and Diapers. @stilettodiapers
“I think it’s always awesome to ride the light rail from one end to the other. You see so much of Charlotte from the south or the north. Hop off when something looks like it would be fun to explore. I also think it’s super important to wander around uptown, read the historical plaques, go in and out of the buildings to see what gems are inside, and enjoy some of the amazing restaurants.”— Miranda Miller, a former bakery owner, mom to two daughters and blog owner of mirandaincharlotte.com. @mirandainclt charlotteparent.com |
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Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy Speech Therapy • Feeding Clinic Crossway Academy • Handwriting Tutoring • Adaptive Curriculum
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9129 Monroe Road, Suite 100-105, Charlotte, NC 28270 info@crosswaytherapy.com • www.crosswaytherapy.com
704·847·3911 Southeastern Gymnastics Team has established itself as a leader in performance through hard work, sportsmanship, and goal setting. The quality coaching and consistent training methods produce many team and individual champions on a local, regional, and national level. Our recreational programs offer instruction for all young gymnasts in a fun and safe environment. Our state of the art facility is fully equipped to offer exceptional instruction in all gymnastic events, including vault, bars, beam, and floor exercises. Contact us for information on recreational and team programs. 13601 Providence Rd Weddington, NC 28104 P: (704) 847-0785 | F:(704) 847-0587 www.southeasterngymnastics.com | segoffice@aol.com
PLANNING A BIRTHDAY PARTY?
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
CharlotteParent.com/partyplanning
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