Charlotte Parent April 2019 by Morris Media Network

April 2019 • Free

EASTER HOPPENINGS

Sports for the NOTSO SPORTY KID

What’s on the Menu? Ideas to make healthy choices when dining out

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Co-Parenting in the Digital Age charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019 1

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CONTENT › APRIL 2019

Redefining Kids Meals Making menu choices for healthier dining out experiences

The Not-So-Sporty Kid Ideas to keep children active when they just aren’t into athletics

Get Going on a Greenway Explore the great outdoors and different parts of the city on a greenway

Co-parenting in the Digital Age Finding common ground for technology use

14 IN EVERY ISSUE 4

Editor’s Letter

FYI

Photo by Peter Zay

11 Growing Up 12 Thrive 13 Families Managing Media 22 Excursion

32 Daddy Derek

CALENDAR 23 Our Picks 25 Daily Calendar 27 Festivals and Fairs 28 Easter Events 30 On Stage

18 charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Time to Give Something New a Try

ids menus have always tripped me up. You can count on chicken tenders, the ubiquitous grilled

morrismedianetwork.com

EDITOR Michele Huggins

ART DIRECTOR Melissa Stutts

GENERAL MANAGER

cheese and usually some form of

Allison Hollins • allison.hollins@morris.com

burger and fries at just about any

DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR

type of restaurant. Kids menus are consistent with the assumed favorite foods of children, but where’s the variety? Dining out can be a battle of wills, but what if you veer away from the kids menu? Many restaurants have vast menu choices with large enough portions that it’s possible to order a variety of items to share. Some children are picky eaters, but by encouraging the “give-it-a-try method,” kids are introduced to flavorful new foods. They may balk at the idea of trying something different from the usual, but upon tasting might find they actually like something other than bread, cheese, chicken and well-done burgers. The feature “Redefining Kids Meals” on page 14 offers suggestions for making a dining out plan with ideas on how to break habits and break into new cuisine. If you have a child who doesn’t particularly love athletics, the “Not-So-Sporty Kid” feature on page 16 offers ideas for how to help him or her keep active without the push to join a sports team. One tidbit of advice from the experts: Live by example. Kids learn by watching their parents, so get moving and chances are they will follow suit. Whether it’s walking the dog after dinner, biking or jogging around the block, give it a try. An active family lifestyle can help keep your children — and you — moving and healthy. When you need a change of scenery for outdoor exploration, lace up your walking shoes, pack the scooters and bikes, and head to a local greenway. Mecklenburg County has more than 50 miles of existing greenways. Let the feature story “Get Going on a Greenway” (page 18) be your guide to the different types of terrains and distances you can find on the county’s greenway system.

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CONTACT US charlotteparent.com 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302, Charlotte, NC 28203 phone: 704-344-1980 • fax: 704-344-1983 email: info@charlotteparent.com advertising@charlotteparent.com Circulation 35,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Charlotte Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Easter is April 21. There are plenty of Easter events and egg hunts happening in the weekends leading up to the actual holiday. Find the big list of happenings on page 28. Happy Easter, Earth Day and happy spring.

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

HAVE IDEAS TO SHARE? Email editor@charlotteparent.com.

APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

Make Your Travel Plans From spontaneous day trips to planning the next big family vacation, we share handpicked destinations, plus ideas for what to do once you arrive.

.../travel

The Digital Issue Connect to Charlotte Parent when you are on the go with the magazine’s tablet edition available via magzter.com. It’s free with a quick sign-up. magzter.com.

Special Connection CLT Because all parents need a village, especially those touched by special needs, parents, therapists and educators share their real-life experiences, challenges and triumphs of journeys with children with special needs.

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Have Fun and Learn to Read Learn fun ideas and activities you can use to support early literacy at home with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Learn how to use the ABCs of Active Reading one-on-one with your child. Parents and caregivers come prepared to play and learn together with your child. Find a workshop near you at cmlibrary.org/active-reading

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APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

Dancers from Nrityangan Cultural Academy perform a Bollywood dance drama May 4 at Ovens Auditorium. Photo by Monica Pradhan

Journey to India at Bollywood Dance Drama On May 4 at Ovens Auditorium, more than 150 dancers from Nrityangan Cultural Academy, a modern Bollywood training academy located in Ballantyne, take the audience on a journey to India through the Bollywood dance drama “Bandhan — An Eternal Bond.” Narrated in English, the drama tells the story of the magical bond of sisters and the emotions shared through sisterhood. In addition to the high-energy dance drama, local jewelry, clothing and food vendors, and a henna designer will be on site for shopping before and after the performance. Lobby doors open at 2:30 p.m. with the performance beginning at 4 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit Maiti Nepal and The Treehouse Children’s Advocacy Center. Maiti Nepal is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of young girls subjected to human trafficking in India and Nepal. The Tree House Children’s Advocacy Center is a locally based community organization dedicated to helping child victims of sexual or physical abuse in the Charlotte area. Advance tickets are $15-$20, $20-$25 at the door. Call 704-699-0177 or email classicbolly@ gmail.com to purchase tickets in advance. All tickets are general admission.

RainbowMe Kids Play Brings Disney Themed Mardi Gras Party to Charlotte RainbowMe Kids, the video on-demand platform for children, is bringing its RainbowMe Kids Play interactive entertainment event to Charlotte’s C3 Lab on April 13 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. A mix of technology and fairy tale comes together at the event, which includes three vignettes designed to bring scenes from “The Princess and the Frog” movie to life. Children can feel like they are part of the movie through unique photo experiences visiting locations in the movie, including Tiana’s restaurant, the French Quarter, and the swamp where Tiana and Prince Naveen spend their time traveling to see Mama Odie, the Voodoo Queen of the Bayou. Following the interactive portion of the event, children can eat a meal, grab a bag of popcorn and head to theatre for a viewing of the movie. Each child receives a complimentary three-month subscription to RainbowMe Kids and a pair of customized virtual reality goggles to experience the 360 and VR videos on RainbowMe at home. Tickets are $30 for one child, $25 for each additional child in a family. Parents and caregivers are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased online at rainbowmekids.com/rainbowme-play.

Expecting and new parents can treat themselves while also mapping out a few essentials for the new family member at The Mother of All Baby Showers at Discovery Place Science, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. The adults-only event is filled with educational sessions that cover topics related to women’s pediatrics, car safety and baby gear. Health care practitioners from Atrium Health share their knowledge, and The Test Before You Invest area gives attendees the chance to interact with exceptional maternity, juvenile and family-focused national and local companies. The evening includes food from Shake Shack and Maggiano’s, mini spa treatments, and The Mother of All Swag Bags and giveaways valued at over $20,000. Tickets for the event are $20 for general admission and $50 for VIP admission. VIP admission is limited to 100 people and includes an OXO Complete Mealtime Prep Set, swag-filled bag and early admission to the event at 6 p.m. Register to attend at themotherofallbabyshowers.com. Charlotte Parent is proud to be a media partner.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

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Posture Problems in the Device Era: What to Know Most parents know that when children have poor posture, it can lead to slumped shoulders and a rounded back. What you might not know is that incorrect posture can also lead to back and neck pain, and have lasting effects on a person’s posture throughout their lives. Because young bones are still developing, they have the capacity to mature into a bad posture, meaning they are more difficult to correct as the child ages. Children are often looking down at phones and other devices, which can aggravate posture even more because the weight of their heads pulls on their neck as they stare down at the screen. Debra Myhr, a physical therapist with OrthoCarolina Ballantyne, suggests parents avoid “text neck” and encourage children to maintain a healthy posture with these things in mind.

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Make sure your child is in a proper chair when using a digital device. If they are slouching over with rounded shoulders, place a pillow under their arms to retain

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slumping and slouching. Don’t allow your child to play with the device/phone in or on a bed because it is more conducive to poor posture. Have your child exercise to develop muscles that give device ensure they take breaks every 20 minutes.

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them strength to prevent slouching. When they’re on a

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For younger kids, attach their device to the wall or fridge in order to have them standing in front of it to prevent

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better posture through the thoracic spine.

APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

The Very Hungry Caterpillar 50TH Anniversary Tour and Birthday Bash The iconic preschool picture book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” hits a milestone 50th anniversary in 2019. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is celebrating with a cross-country tour in The Very Hungry Caterpillar car (a cleverly decorated Volkswagen Beetle). Kicking off at the Los Angeles Times Book Festival, the Very Hungry Caterpillar car is making its way across the United States, traveling through 20 states and over 4,500 miles with a stop in Charlotte at Barnes & Noble at The Arboretum on Thursday, April 25. Enjoy a fun-filled story time event with coloring sheets, tattoos, games, raffles, special birthday surprises and a meet-and-greet with the Very Hungry Caterpillar. Find apps and activities at vhc50.com.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

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FYI | people started our family later in life and except for pets, I never took on much responsibility before getting married four years ago. When Kim became pregnant, I was nervous about being a good father, but the second our daughter arrived, my world changed. My dad passed away three months before we found out we were expecting. Remembering the way he and my mom raised me, my brother and sisters inspires me. I’m always thinking, what would they do?

Tim and Kim Parati with their daughter Ava Luna who turns one in August. Photo by Heather Liebler.

Get to Know: Tim Parati BY MICHELE HUGGINS

im Parati is a scenic artist, set designer and actor at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. He also is the artist behind the mural “Wilmore Gold Mine” on the wall at Max and Lola’s Bodega on Mint Street in The Gold District. He and his wife Kim Parati are parents to Ava Luna, who turns 1 in August. Where in Charlotte do you live? Where did you grow up? We live in Wesley Heights, which we love. It’s a historic district, so new construction is very limited. The neighborhood is diverse and close to uptown. We are both Charlotte natives. I grew up in what is now Madison Park, went to Olympic High School and worked at the Park Terrace Theatre.

What’s the hardest part of juggling family life and work life? Scheduling is difficult. My job is flexible, but also changes all the time. I can work very long days or even overnight. Kim, being a realtor with Savvy and Co., is working all the time. She can have showings in the evenings or open houses on the weekends, so we have to be flexible and juggle shifts.

Tell us about your job. What do you like most about it? What are the challenges? I have worked as the resident scenic artist and sometime set designer at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte for 15 years. It can be very challenging depending on the show. It’s a wonderful place to work as we are always creating different worlds, such as Neverland, Narnia or Wonderland. My favorite moments are opening nights when we get to sit back and go on the journey with the audience. It feels great when the crowd reacts to a scenic element.

Best advice ever received? My mother used to always say “be careful” when we were leaving the house or at the end of a phone call. I find myself repeating it to Kim all the time, and will no doubt pass it on to Ava Luna. I easily get distracted, so “be careful” reminds me to focus. It makes me stop, look, listen, breathe and be aware of my surroundings.

APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

Proudest parenting moment? We are still very new to parenthood, so each day is filled with pride, however, the proudest moment of my life is the day Ava Luna was born. We

What is your favorite thing about raising a family in Charlotte? The arts scene in Charlotte is thriving and we want her to be exposed to culture from all walks of life. Ava Luna has already attended a few shows at Children’s Theatre, a performance by Play!Play! Theater, and went to the Arts and Science Council’s CultureFeast. We plan to take her to art galleries and performances at Charlotte Ballet. Lowest parenting moment? Sleep training. It’s heartbreaking when the baby cries. We try to be strong and let her self soothe. She’s making progress. What are three things you can’t live without? The obvious answers are my wife, my daughter and our pup Zydeco. They bring me joy, love and happiness. Favorite Instagram account: I follow a lot of local artists and muralists to see the creativity and amazing work out there. And @thedogist makes me smile. Last book read? “What to Expect When You Are Expecting” has been a solid prescience in our house. What inspires you? The strength of family. Amazing visual art, dance, music and theatre. Traveling to somewhere new. The leaves of an oak tree blowing in the wind. Jazz. Memories of my parents. Success stories. The determination in our pup’s eyes. Our daughter’s smile. Love. Michele Huggins is the editor of Charlotte Parent magazine.

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GROWING UP

reading. Offering kids choices may even help keep less enriching activities in check. Researchers propose that caregivers might be able to use these findings to limit the time kids spend on less desirable activities, like watching TV or playing video games, without nagging or setting timers. Instead, simply allow kids to choose from a large menu of shows or games. Science says they may lose interest more quickly with no parental intervention required. TEEN YEARS

Choice Matters Guiding good decisions at every stage BY MALIA JACOBSON

ant to avoid power struggles, defuse tantrums and raise kids who become confident, capable adults? Give them choices. Research shows that allowing kids to make their own decisions — beginning much earlier than many parents think — helps build skills that support making better decisions through adulthood. But when and how should parents start letting kids choose for themselves? And is it possible to give too many options? Read on for age-by-age guidance on raising choice champions.

EARLY YEARS

Wonder Years Want to avoid the “terrible 2s”? Try offering your child choices, starting at age 1. According to clinical psychologist Michelle P. Maidenberg, a family therapist in New York City, allowing young toddlers to make some of their own decisions provides a sense of self-efficacy and identity. “With repeated opportunities to make their own decisions, there’s less of a chance children will experience ‘the terrible 2s’ and try to assert their control aggressively,” Maidenberg says. Parents can avoid power struggles by offering a couple of options that keep their desired result in mind. If you need your child to leave the park, ask “Do you want to walk, or do you want me to carry you?” instead of “Do you want to leave or stay?” When giving choices is, be sure to

follow through, be very specific and give limited choices — and usually two choices is enough. “For young children, or any child who is easily overwhelmed, becomes anxious or is easily agitated, an either/or choice works best,” Maidenberg says. ELEMENTARY YEARS

Decision Fatigue Kids can be overloaded with choices. A recent study from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University found that when it comes to choices, more isn’t better. Too many options can result in less engagement with the item or activity they choose. So asking kids to choose a title from a stack of a half-dozen books leaves them with less time and energy to actually read the book, while selecting from just two books results in more time spent

Choices on Call For parents of teenagers, supporting good choices is a balancing act. You want to help kids successfully navigate bigger decisions — from choosing how much to spend on a pair of sneakers, to deciding which colleges, scholarships or jobs to pursue — without sabotaging their decision-making process. The key to supporting growth in this area is listening to your teen, says therapist Kate Paquin, a family coach based in Raleigh. Consider whether your child has asked for your help and whether he or she wants your help making this decision, she says. “We all have thoughts on how our children should do things, but during the teen years we move from 100 percent manager to 50 percent manager and 50 percent consultant,” Paquin says. “It can be hard to know when to use which skill set, but ask yourself ‘why does this matter to me, and what is their goal?’” That might mean smiling and allowing your child to make a lavish purchase he or she has saved for, even if it doesn’t make sense to you. Allowing teens to find their own way through bigger decisions helps them discover their own strengths, boundaries and values, as well as when and how to ask for a parent’s help when needed. Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health journalist and mom. Her latest book is “Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.”

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

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THRIVE anything and everything. With guidance from occupational therapists and work with sensory integration, we quickly learned that when he has a sensory craving, it is best to have something that he can safely chew. We invested in chewy tubes and, as he got older, gum was an easy transition. As he got older, chewing turned into crashing and climbing on furniture. His athletic abilities and lack of fear combine to make him quite the daredevil. We have nicknamed him the furniture destroyer.

Jacob Moise ready in uniform for tae kwon do. Photo courtesy of Bea Moise

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder BY BEA MOISE

y son Jacob has many talents. Being on the autism spectrum presents unique brain wiring that requires more guidance and fine-tuning of his abilities. A gift he has is his athletic ability. A challenge he has is sensory processing disorder. When you pair a child that is physically active and a brain wired to seek out constant physical input, you get a little boy that is constantly moving who needs an outlet for his energy.

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder Just like cars jammed up in traffic, sensory processing disorder is an information jam in a person’s nervous system that blocks the brain from properly signaling a response to particular senses. According to Carol Stock Kranowitz, author of “The Outof-Sync Child,” there are three different

APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

ways an individual can display sensory discrimination: 1. Sensory over-responsivity. 2. Poor sensory discrimination. 3. Sensory craving. Jacob is a sensory craver. From a very young age, he wanted to chew on

Alternative Therapy As Jacob grows, we realize it’s important for him to have activities that he can safely do that also meet his sensory needs. Swimming and taekwondo have been the best investments outside of a therapeutic setting. In the water, he is a fish. The deep pressure of the water seems to give him a sense of calm that he loves. When I signed up to do baby swimming classes with him, he was only 3 months old. I had no idea how impactful it be for him long-term. After swim classes, Jacob always sleeps well and seems most at ease. Taekwondo provides him the ability to move. It has proven to be an excellent way to keep him physically fit and meet his sensory needs, and he was awarded most physically fit at the taekwondo studio where he takes classes. If you have a child who has sensory needs, explore various activities and tools to help unravel the nervous system information jam. It’s good for them, as well as good for you. Bea Moise is a Charlotte-based, boardcertified cognitive specialist, parenting coach and founder of the company A Child Like Mine that educates parents of children with unique learning needs on tools to achieve success at home. She has two children, Jacob and Abigail

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FAMILIES MANAGING MEDIA WHY REAL SPORTS BEAT SCREEN SPORTS 1. Exercise. Sports are hard work. Children need to move in order to release energy, get

Winning With Sports Trade virtual time for the real game

2. Expanded social opportunities. Developing multiple friend groups on

BY MELANIE HEMPE ot every child needs to play sports, right? After all, maybe sports just aren’t his or her thing. Maybe he isn’t gifted in sports like he is at gaming and coding. Sports also can be a huge time commitment on a family, especially when multiple siblings are involved. My family has not always been sports focused. Our oldest of four children was really into sports until he wanted more time to play video games. At that time, I didn’t understand the role that sports play in a child’s life, so my son got his wish, which meant less carpooling for me. Now I know that letting him quit sports to spend more time gaming was one of the most significant parenting mistakes I ever made. After the mistake with our oldest son, we took the video games away and put our younger daughter and sons in sports. Our daughter went on to become a college athlete at a Division 1 school. She didn’t play video games and we did not allow her to have social media. I often wonder what her trajectory would have been like had she spent four hours a day distracted by a screen. When it came to her younger brothers, we focused on the discipline of sports and not on their skills when they were young. In fact, one of our sons once made it through a whole basketball season without making a single basket until the playoff game when he finally scored. You bet he still remembers sinking that one.

focused, learn and be healthy.

teams is highly beneficial as Did we take him out of basketball because he was not the best player on the team? No. We installed a nice driveway rim and put one over the door in his bedroom. He is now on his middle school basketball team. Sports are a long-term investment. Physical activity is important for all children, even those who may not be the highest scorer on the team. With heavy activity, including chores and play, muscles and joints meet resistance that results in an “energy dump.” This energy release is needed to reduce hyperactivity and aggression. Exercise is also required for healthy brain development. Research says that oxygen must be carried to the brain in order for it to reach its highest potential. It doesn’t matter how you try to slice it, phrase it, YouTube it or sell it: Video games do not test a child’s physical and mental limits the way real sports do. Even if children don’t feel like athletes, they are. Remove the gaming system for a season and get your children on the court, field, dance studio or just outside. The season of childhood only happens once, but the lessons learned through sports and being active can last a lifetime.

kids get older. 3. Respect and commitment to a coach and team. When a child is motivated to respect a coach and committed to a team, character development follows. 4. Grit. Children need challenges and opportunities to push to their highest potential while learning to keep their cool, control their impulses, and build patience. The feeling of winning a Fortnite battle and winning a basketball game is very different. 5. Empathy and compassion. Sports teach humility. Kids need opportunities to build real-life empathy. Participating in sports is a wonderful way to take the focus off self and learn to think of others. 6. Memories. All of the beginnings and endings in a sports season follow a natural order and create meaningful

Melanie Hempe is the founder of Families Managing Media, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families reduce screen overuse. She also has a nursing degree and is Mom to four children. familiesmanagingmedia.com

stories of shared experiences. Remembering the day you killed a bad guy in your video game rarely makes it to the family scrapbook or family holiday card. charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

Making healthier choices at restaurants begins at home BY CHRISTA HOGAN Many families struggle with making healthy food choices as their schedules grow increasingly hectic. As a result, restaurant meals often fill the gap. According to a 2017 Gallup poll, 45 percent of Americans reported eating out one or two times within the previous seven days. My family of five fits that profile. We dine out at least once a week — and more often than that when sports seasons are in full swing. When we’re rushing home from work and school to get to the fields two or more nights a week, restaurants provide us with much-needed breaks and precious family time. And, in all honesty, we get tired of struggling with our kids over home-cooked meals. Sometimes a restaurant that provides what everyone wants makes life a little easier. But we’re feeling the impact of all those restaurant meals, and not just in our wallets. Too often, kids menus feature only fried foods, and adult menus come with portions large enough to feed a small country. We enjoy eating out as a family, but we’d like to make more health-conscious choices — without busting our budget.

s Redefining 14

APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

PARENTS VERSUS KIDS: THE DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITY To get help, I spoke with Tracy Owens, a board-certified dietitian and owner of Triangle Nutrition Therapy in Raleigh. Owens customizes nutrition plans for her clients in order to improve their health and optimize their athleticism. She begins with their diet and habitual ways of eating. Owens says many of her clients also want help improving their families’ nutrition.

“Too often, we let our kids dictate what they’re going to eat and when and where,” she says. This approach begins in the home and naturally spills over into ordering at restaurants. Instead, Owens advises parents to use the Ellyn Satter Division of Responsibility model when feeding their kids. Satter, a registered dietitian, is author of the book, “Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family: How to Eat, How to Raise Good Eaters, How to Cook” (Kelcy Press, 2008). In her model, Satter encourages parents to decide the what, when and where of feeding their families. Kids from toddlers to teens can then decide how much and whether they will eat what’s provided. “You do your job of feeding, and let your child do her job of eating,” Satter says. “It’s a different way of thinking,” admits Owens, “but it can bring a lot of peace to the table. We are our kids’ food guides, not the food police.”

GOOD NUTRITION STARTS AT HOME Husband and wife Joe and Katy Kindred own two restaurants outside of Charlotte: Kindred and Hello, Sailor. Katy, a mom of three, agrees with Owens that healthy restaurant dining with kids can be tough. So she and Joe decided to make things a little easier on parents. At Kindred, the waiter offers kids homemade dough to play with before their meal arrives. “Instead of filling up on our signature milk bread, which makes it easier for them to turn down healthier foods, we keep their minds and hands busy until food arrives,” Kindred says. But, she quickly adds, “In all transparency though, getting kids to eat outside the typical chicken nuggets and macand-cheese choices starts at home.” Kindred’s own kids learned to be adventurous eaters through experience. The Kindreds cook together as a family, especially on days when Joe and Katy are off work. They also frequently travel and often have to eat in restaurants that don’t offer kids menus. As a result, their kids have tasted different foods they otherwise might not have tried.

This isn’t always easy, Kindred admits. Like most families, her kids vary in their openness to exploring new foods. Alba, her oldest, has always been an adventurous eater, willing to try new things. Meanwhile, her younger boys are still coming along. “We don’t put a lot of pressure on them though,” Kindred says. “It’s like potty training. If you force it, it becomes an issue.” Instead, Kindred advises that parents foster a genuine curiosity about foods while with their children and try not to worry too much in the meantime. Kids learn by osmosis, she says. “When we eat out as a family, we order a lot of little things to share,” she says. “Even as grownups we like to try lots of things. We always engage the kids in conversation about the foods we choose. We use descriptive words, so they can see how much we’re enjoying it. Eventually, they’ll try it too.” If parents make healthy choices and truly enjoy the foods they order, kids will want to try them, too. If kids really struggle to try new foods, however, parents may also want to talk to their pediatrician, Owens says. A pediatric occupational therapist can help parents rule out any sensoryprocessing concerns.

THE ULTIMATE TEST I decided to put all this great information to the test with my family. My husband and I chose the when and where — dinner at an Asian bistro. I informed our three boys before leaving the house that we were trying a different approach to eating out. Everyone would order water — Mom and Dad included — and share several items. They were skeptical. I was, too. Once we arrived at the restaurant, the kids looked over the menu. They named items that intrigued them. Then, while they enjoyed the playground outside, my husband and I ordered (the what part of Satter’s model). The kids wandered in and out, trying different rounds of food (the whether and how much). Chicken lettuce wraps. A California roll. A bowl of steamed

TIPS FOR ORDERING HEALTHIER RESTAURANT MEALS When it comes to ordering family meals at restaurants, dietitian Tracy Owens advises parents to invite their children's input, but in the end, parents make the final decision about where they eat and what foods they order. Rather than choosing something from the kids’ menu, consider sharing an entrée with your child to offer more variety and typically a healthier choice. Other tips: • When ordering, steer clear of fried foods, or order a side of fries for everyone to share instead of individual portions. • Choose a variety of lean proteins such as chicken or fish along with healthy carbohydrates, such as milk, yogurt, fruit, vegetables like edamame or peas, and grains like quinoa or rice. • Avoid sugar-heavy beverages like soda and juice, and order water or white milk instead. • If parents decide that it’s OK to order dessert, consider sharing one between the family, and make sure the kids receive kid-sized portions.

edamame. Mongolian beef on brown rice. The verdict? First of all, every restaurant should have a play area designed for kids of all ages. Second, the kids tried everything, though each preferred something different. My husband was still hungry, so we ordered a final plate of steamed gyoza before leaving. When the bill came, we were pleasantly surprised. The meal didn’t cost any more than if we’d let the kids order from a kids menu. To celebrate our new, healthier way of dining out, we walked over to Whole Foods and let the kids each pick out a cookie. Hey, baby steps. Christa Hogan is a local freelance writer and mom to three boys who take turns being picky eaters.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

The Not-So Sporty Kid Ideas for keeping children active when they just aren’t into athletics BY JULIA PELLY

APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

The No Sporty

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. For many kids, this activity is met through a combination of gym class, outdoor play and sports practice. Not all kids like traditional sports though. If you have a child that’s not into soccer, basketball or hockey, you might be pondering how to make sure they get the physical activity they need to grow up happy, healthy and strong. Instead of stressing about getting them moving or pushing them to join teams they're just not into, check out the ideas below for helping kids who aren't into athletics stay active.

Investigate What They Don’t Like Some kids make it clear that they aren't into athletics from an early age. Other kids might seem to like sports one day and then have what feels like a sudden change of heart. If your child has suddenly stopped enjoying a sport they’ve enjoyed in the past, it’s important to do some investigating. Perhaps your child doesn't get along with the coach, is having trouble making friends with teammates or is intimidated by just how competitive a certain sport is. If your formerly athletic child tells you that he or she is done with sports, have a heartto-heart to find out what’s going on and,

5 INCENTIVES FOR KIDS TO KEEP ACTIVE If you’re looking for some fun incentives to help encourage your kiddo to move, consider these options.

if possible, make changes to get them back onto the court or field. Sometimes, something as simple as switching to a less competitive league or trying out a different team sport can bring the joy back into athletic pursuits.

Move it Together

Explore Nature

If your child isn't interested in playing sports, you have to be intentional about creating lots of opportunities for him or her to move. One of the best ways to get kids going is to see their parents exercising. “Children learn from their parents' behavior, so it is important to go for walks and bike rides as a family,” says Dr. Catherine Ohmstead, a pediatrician with Dilworth Pediatrics. Whether it’s a nightly walk or jog around the block, a weekly trip to the pool or a regular post-dinner dance party, an active family lifestyle can help keep your children — and you — moving and healthy.

“Children are naturally playful,” Ohmstead says, “so if parents can just get their children outside for an hour everyday they are likely to get plenty of exercise.” While outdoors, make a point to introduce your kid to games that involve a lot of movement like tag or capture the flag, or activities like geocaching that involve longer stretches of movement. When planning time outdoors, make it a group activity from time to time and encourage your child to invite a few friends. “Children tend to energize each other, so spending time with friends outside encourages physical activity,” Ohmstead says.

Be Unconventional

Set a Goal

When kids say they don’t like sports, they may be referring to competitive team sports or activities they’ve tried and not loved in gym class. Introduce a range of different activities that don’t involve the same elements as team sports. Individual sports like yoga, karate, boxing and dance classes are excellent forms of exercise that may be a better fit. “Yoga is a great alternative to traditional team sports,” says Nina Yu, who teaches kids yoga at YogaOne, “We often have kids in class who might not feel successful in or enjoy other sports, but they do great [at YogaOne] where they’re able to focus on themselves and their own growth.” When trying out a new activity, keep it low key and let your child know that your happy when they’re happy.

No matter what the goal, kids are often energized when they have something to work toward. Work together as to identify a goal and then let your child take the lead as you break it down into smaller, more achievable steps. Consider things your child naturally enjoys, such as the outdoors, exploring or spending time in the sun, and then set goals around the things that interest him or her. Be creative. For example, while running a 5k as a family is a great goal, so is collecting rocks from every hiking trail in the city or being able to swim the length of the pool and back without stopping. Julia Pelly works full time in positive youth development and writes about parents, families and children. She lives with her husband and two young children in southeast Charlotte.

Family Fitbit challenge. Instead of competing, set a goal and work hard to help each family member achieve it.

Choose the activity. Help your child meet their movement goals, but let them choose the weekend’s activity or outing.

Park explorer. If your family likes to head outdoors, let your children pick a park for a weekend picnic or other activity they love to do outdoors after they meet their movement goals.

New equipment. Sometimes a new pair of running shoes or awesome yoga pants are all that’s needed to keep motivation high.

Invite a friend. Give your child a little extra inspiration by letting them invite a friend on your next outing. Bike the greenway or go for a hike in a new location, or consider a play date at a trampoline park.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

GET GOING ON A GREENWAY

Enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and joys of spring on a local greenway. BY TIFFANY WOLFF

ecklenburg County’s public greenways connect people and places, and provide access to the great outdoors. Warm temperatures and longer days invite bird watchers, running groups and young training-wheel cyclists to shake off the winter chill. According to Mecklenburg County’s website, “Greenways promote water quality, help reduce the impacts of flooding and provide wildlife habitat. Greenway trails provide recreation, transportation, fitness and economic benefits for all to enjoy.” There are more than 50 miles of existing greenways with more active projects in the works. A list of existing greenways and planned greenways can be found on Mecklenburg County’s website (mecknc.gov). One planned greenway connects Huntingtowne Farms Park to Interstate 485. Huntingtowne Farms Park offers a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and community garden. The existing greenway in that location is part of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway and offers approximately .75 miles more of paved path. The trail is currently under construction, which includes both renovation and extension. As exciting as future greenways are, existing greenways deserve attention now, Four Mile Creek, Lower McAlpine Creek and McMullen Creek Greenways — which connect — plus three popular sections of Little Sugar Creek Greenway are family favorites.

SOUTH CHARLOTTE GREENWAYS Four Mile Creek, Lower McAlpine Creek and McMullen Creek Greenways feature almost 6 miles of connecting paved, gravel and boardwalk paths. Parking can be found on Bevington Place, Johnston

APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

Road and Pineville-Matthews Road. Also off Bevington Place are the Shops at Piper Glen, which include Trader Joe’s, Starbucks and Great Harvest Bread Company. Bailie Kopco, mom to Anders, 4, and Blake, 2, says she loves how Four Mile Creek Greenway quickly takes residents from a suburban setting into a wooded natural area. “It is very peaceful and a great place to take my two young children,” Kopco says. Four Mile Creek Greenway in Matthews connects downtown Matthews with Squirrel Lake Park. Squirrel Lake Park offers a pond, parking, picnic shelters and a playground. The asphalt and boardwalk path totals approximately 2.25 miles, and there are stretches that are adorned with sculptures and artwork of residents that live along the path. It is ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, bikes and in-line skates.

LITTLE SUGAR CREEK GREENWAY Little Sugar Creek Greenway includes portions that are still in development stages, but existing paths already have a lot to offer. The 1-mile stretch from Cordelia Park to 12th Street connects Cordelia Park and Alexander Street Park. Cordelia Park features the newly revitalized basketball court, outdoor swimming pool, sprayground, picnic shelters and play equipment. Alexander Street Park has soccer fields, outdoor shelters, basketball and tennis courts, and play equipment. The East 7th Street to Morehead Street section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway is 1.3 miles long and is popular with commuters. It is good for bicycling, in-line skating, pushing a stroller or riding a scooter. The path connects Central Piedmont Community College, Elizabeth

Park, Thompson Park and Carolinas Medical Center. It also offers great views of the uptown skyline and passes by Metropolitan, which houses Trader Joe’s, Marshall’s, Zoe’s Kitchen, Vivace and other retail stores and restaurants. Little Sugar Creek Greenway between Morehead Street and Brandywine Road is a popular choice for Charlotte families. If walking from Morehead Street, continuing on Brandywine Road, the greenway passes by Discovery Place Nature and Freedom Park and ends at Park Road Shopping Center. Freedom Park features sports fields and courts, a lake, an amphitheater, playgrounds, outdoor shelters and a pavilion. “I love how it connects places my kids and I love like Metropolitan, Freedom Park, the Nature Museum, and all the restaurants on East Boulevard,” says Kelly Davis, mom to Elliot, 5, and Coralyn, 3. “There’s enough to do to keep kids busy for an entire day.”

CHARLOTTE RAIL TRAIL The Charlotte Rail Trail provides 3.5 miles of urban trail that connects the neighborhoods of Sedgefield, Southside Park, Brookhill, Dilworth, Wilmore, South End and uptown Charlotte. The wide, concrete walkway connects from 12th Street to the northern section of Little Sugar Creek Greenway and Alexander Park. The section alongside the Blue Line follows a path of unique destinations, including restaurants, breweries and museums. Make a pit-stop in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture or 7th Street Public Market. Children enjoy dropping in at ImaginOn Library, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and First Ward Park. Find Instagram-worthy magic carpet murals on the trail at 301 S. College Street, behind One Wells Fargo and the Hilton Charlotte Center City, another beside the building at 2151 Hawkins Street, and across the tracks from Atherton Market. The last mural lies at 2833 Griffith St., north of New Bern station.

CAROLINA THREAD TRAIL The Carolina Thread Trail connects greenways, trails and blueways — a water trail that is developed with launch points and points of interest for canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking — in 15 counties and two states, and includes more than 260 miles of public trails and 170 miles of blueway. Some of Mecklenburg County’s greenways include sections of the Carolina Thread Trail. According to the Carolina Thread Trail website, One popular local blueway is the Mountain Island Lake Section of the Catawba River Blueway. Four boat launches can be found along its course, and two of which are located in Latta Plantation’s Nature Preserve. The Latta Plantation Nature Preserve offers family fun, including but not limited to events, the Carolina Raptor Center and Historic Latta Plantation. Another great spot for families is the Harold B. McEachern Greenway, a section of Carolina Thread Trail, which connects to the 4-mile Downtown Greenway Loop in Concord. This trail offers a series

ACROSS THE STATE BORDER

Boardwalks and paved paths are great for trikes, bikes, scooters and strollers. Courtesy of Tiffany Wolff of Lifetrail exercise stations, covered picnic tables and access to a playground in McGee Park. Just over one mile of Bakers Creek Greenway and 8th Street Greenway that connect near Bakers Creek Park are marked as Carolina Thread Trail. The trail runs alongside Village Park, a wonderful family destination in Kannapolis. Village Park features a playground, rotary train, events and splash pad. Find an interactive map of the Carolina Thread Trail online at carolinathreadtrail.org. Tiffany Wolff is the calendar editor for Charlotte Parent and a mom to two active boys.

The Anne Springs Close Greenway lies just south of the border in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Though a greenway in name, it’s more of a nature preserve. The hiking trails total 40 miles with more to come. In addition to hiking and biking trails, horseback riding and water activities, family events, camps and festivals take place at Anne Springs Close Greenway. There is a $5 daily usage fee.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

n i n i g g n i t n e r a P e P g o o e CC A l a t i g i D D e e h h tt s when n e p p a h t a Wh gree a ’t n o d s t n re divorced pahnology use? on tec

BY MEAGAN CHURCH Marie Foshay’s stepdaughter lives 700 miles away, which means she and her husband don’t get to see her as much as they would like. It also means that they have to watch from a distance as the 14-year-old accesses technology that they prefer she not. “Her mom wanted her to have a phone when she was 12,” Foshay says. “She is deaf, so the phone gave her a way to communicate, which is great, but we feel it is a responsibility she’s not fully equipped to handle.” Since receiving the phone two years ago, Foshay has watched with concern as her stepdaughter has joined social media platforms and has shared questionable content. Foshay’s husband’s has reached out to his ex-wife to express concerns about their daughter’s social media use. Those conversations have only led to more conflict, Foshay says, which leaves her wondering, “How do you police from afar and hope that nothing bad happens?”

APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

FINDING COMMON GROUND Jonathan Hetterly, a licensed professional counselor at Southeast Psych and the father to two teenage girls, understands Foshay’s predicament. He helps parents navigate this topic in his practice. “Technology use can be a hot topic for parents who are no longer together, as they take issue with each other’s differing philosophies and feelings about technology and its use,” he says. “It’s also a hot topic for parents who are still married, but obviously, an additional dimension of conflict and working through the differences arises when they are not together as a couple.” Hetterly advises parents to take this approach when discussing their child’s technology use with the other parent. Don’t put the child in the middle. Before any discussion takes place, it’s important to remember to not place the child at the center of the potential conflict. “Whether this is an intact family unit or a co-parenting situation where the parents aren’t together in a relationship, disagreements and differing opinions are common and normal, and kids can learn to navigate different parenting styles and beliefs,” Hetterly says. “But deception and hiding or aligning a child against a parent is not a healthy behavior and will have consequences far beyond just the issue of technology.” Hetterly warns that if a parent models, endorses or coerces kids to hide something from the other parent, the child can learn that being dishonest is acceptable. Be the role model. If you take issue with your child’s technology use, be sure to first examine your own habits. “Parents need to model their own healthy use around technology,” Hetterly says. “Kids tend to model and internalize what they are exposed to more than what they are told. Another key thing is that we

lose our high moral ground or authority when we don’t emulate that desired behavior in our own life.” Understand why your child uses that technology. Start with asking yourself why your child uses or desires to use the technology to begin with, whether it’s a specific device, social media platform or game. There may be positive reasons behind technology use, such as if the child and parents are separated by geographical distance. “Kids could rely on social media to communicate and stay connected with friends, family and peers away from them for a sustained period.” A parent can lose footing with their child if the child views them as irrational and reactive, but by asking why their child is using social media and other digital platforms, there is opportunity to open a line of dialogue to see what is positive and negative about their digital activity. That doesn’t mean that a child always gets what they want, but it does help them to feel heard and that their opinion matters, which is important, Hetterly says. Don’t sweat the small stuff. “Everything tech is not equally objectionable, risky or problematic,” Hetterly says. “Parents can’t lump all technology together and react the same way to each topic or area.” He recommends that parents differentiate the majors and the minors or the positives and negatives of the technology in question. More and more research is coming out about the effects of screens, gaming and social media, so take some time to read up on what the “majors” and “minors” might be, and share pertinent information with the other parent. Find the compromise. Once ground rules are established and there is an informed understanding of the technology

in question, open a collaborative line of dialogue with the other parent. “When it comes to the parents and co-parenting, start with what you already agree on,” Hetterly says. “Perhaps you agree on curfew, turning in the smartphone at night and not having it in bedroom, specific social media platforms that are allowed or not allowed. Whatever those areas of agreement are, start with a foundation of what you agree on before tackling the area of differences because that can help diffuse potential conflict.” Of course, the hope would be that finding common ground and having a conversation will resolve the issue, but sometimes that will not be the case. Sometimes the best approach is to agree to disagree, especially if the disagreement is over the small stuff. “When the parents are not on good terms, it’s more common that each home has different rules. It’s not ideal, but often it’s the best-case scenario if they experience high levels of conflict.” Seek remediation. If the conversation is leading to conflict and you feel that technology is negatively impacting your child, Hetterly advises professional help. “I recommend remediation over hiding, deceiving or putting the kid in the middle where they get mixed messages and they don’t know who to trust when it comes to their parents.” Hetterly reminds us that, “Compromise is a mature strategy when it makes sense. Don’t be afraid to bend your position. You aren’t losing.” Meagan Church a freelance writer. She lives in Charlotte with her high school sweetheart, three children and a plethora of pets. Connect with her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @mchurchwriter, or visit her website www.meaganchurch.com.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

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EXCURSION

12 Ways to Enjoy the North Carolina Zoo BY VANESSA INFANZON

he world’s largest natural habitat zoo is just 90-minutes from Charlotte in Asheboro, North Carolina. The North Carolina Zoological park is designed to give animals room to roam in spaces that look and feel like the typical environment where they would live in the wild. The zoo is 2,600 acres with two regions – Africa and North America. Asia is planned for 2023. Animals on site include polar bears, gorillas, lemurs, giraffes, zebra, rhinoceros, buffalo, elephants, wild cats and many species of birds. Plan on spending a few hours in each region or split it up over two days. There are 5 miles of walking trails, and a transportation system that transports guests to various tram stops throughout the zoo. Strollers are allowed and are also available for rental. Here are 11 ways to spend your day at the zoo. Ticket prices for experiences are in addition to zoo admission. 1. Discover the North American Lake on a Dragonfly Paddle Boat. Explore the lake for 30 minutes on a paddle boat. Tickets are $3. 2. Hang on at Air Hike Ropes Course. Challenge the family to this 23-obstacle course in the Africa region. Can you get through the swinging logs and spider web? Check for minimum age and height requirements. Tickets are $12. 3. Fly around the Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden. This new installation opens in midMay. Gardens with flowers and butterfly exhibits will be available for viewing. Tickets are $3. 4. Play at Kid Zone in the North America region. Build a fort, make mud pies, climb tree tops and look for animal encounters with one

APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

Meet the resident polar bears at the North Carolina Zoo. Photo courtesy of N.C. Zoo of the play leaders staffing Kid Zone. Free with zoo admission. 5. Explore hiking trails. For a scenic view, hike to the top of Purgatory Mountain (.7 miles) or Middle Mountain (.6 miles). The trailhead begins at the north end of the zoo’s North America Region. Admission to the zoo is not needed to use the hiking trails. 6. Experience rhinos, gazelles, ostriches and more on the Zoofari. Hop on an open-air bus for a 45-minute tour of the 40-acre Watani Grasslands. Catch baby Rhino Bonnie with her mom, Kit, or one of the other dozens of animals frolicking in the grass. Tickets, which sell out quick, cost $25 for ages 2 and older, and are available at Junction Plaza. 7. Feed lettuce to a giraffe at the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck. Access the deck from April through October for a bird’s eye view of the giraffe habitat. Tickets are $3. 8. Learn about the zoo’s conservation projects. The NC Zoo has been involved in elephant conservation for the past 20 years in Cameroon, Africa. They’ve collared 40 elephants to track migration patterns all to save elephants from poachers and other human conflict. Read the kiosks and ask the zoo staff. 9. Borrow a sensory backpack from the zoo. The NC Zoo partnered with Kulture City, a North Carolina-based organization, to provide noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools and a

comfort toy for children who may need them. The backpacks are free and may be checkedout at the entrance. 10. Plan for a picnic or eat at one of the zoo’s restaurants. Look for picnic tables outside the gates of the Africa and North American regions. Chicken, burgers, salads, hotdogs, pizza and snack foods are available at various locations inside the zoo. 11. Schedule your visit around a special event. The NC Zoo coordinates workshops and activities throughout the year. Look for the Eggstravaganza in the spring, Boo in the Zoo in October and the Polar Express in December. Check out the daily feeding schedule and see what alligators, sea lions and gorillas eat. The Zookeeper is available to answer inquisitive children’s questions. 12. See the zoo in a golf cart. Ride-and-aGuide is a special golf cart tour offered through the Zoo Society. Several different packages are available based on interests and needs. Zoo admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (age 62+), $11 for children (ages 2-11) and free for children under age 2. Some experiences are only available April through October. For more information about specific programs and hours of operation, go to nczoo.org. Vanessa Infanzon is a freelance writer in Charlotte and a zoo enthusiast. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @morethanVMI.

APRIL 2019 OUR PICKS

COMPILED BY TIFFANY WOLFF

Meet and mingle with friends and neighbors at Open Streets 704 festival. Courtesy of Open Streets 704

AspieCon | April 6 AspieCon merges comic book and pop-culture conventions with a community resource fair. The interactive event is dedicated to building a strong community and empowering individuals on the autism spectrum. Come dressed in costume and enjoy character meet-and-greets, video games, trivia, artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; alley, plus a cool-down tent when you need a break. Tickets range from $5 to $20. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Queens SportsPlex, 2229 Tyvola Road. aspiecon.com.

Loch Norman Highland Games | April 13-14 Experience Highland dancing, bagpipe bands, Highland athletics, a giant kids zone, Celtic Rock, historic re-enactments, whiskey tastings, kilted-running events and Scottish clan societies. Shoot long bows and blowguns, and throw a battle axe. Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. $6-20. lochnorman.com.

Open Streets 704 | April 28 Explore this sprawling festival by bike. Designed to promote everyday cycling in Charlotte, the festival route travels through four zones, including the arts-and-science zone, green zone, family-fun zone and wellness zone along a 4-mile route from Commonwealth and Plaza Midwood into NoDa. 1-5 p.m. FREE. openstreets704.com.

Come-See-Me Festival | April 4-13 With Teddy Bear tea parties, frog jumps, food trucks and fireworks, there is a lot to like about this 10-day festival in Rock Hill with more than 80 activities. Stroll the Glencairn Gardens, hear live music, join in a garden story time and much more. Event locations throughout Rock Hill. See website for full schedule of events and pricing. comeseeme.org.

Have loads of family fun at the various events of the ComeSee-Me Festival in Rock Hill. Courtesy Come-See-Me Festival

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

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1 MONDAY Family Storytime at International House. International House, 1817 Central Ave. 4-4:30pm. FREE. Enjoy stories, songs and activities that support early literacy development. cmlibrary.org. Owlets Nature Play Dates. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 3-6. 10-11:15am. FREE. Join in hands-on experiences, nature hikes, songs, stories and free play. parkandrec.com.

2 TUESDAY Dakota and Friends. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 3-11. 11am-2pm. FREE. Meet and interact with Dakota, pet a baby T-Rex. Read aloud to dinosaurs before taking a ride. cmlibrary.org. Special Needs Jump Time. Sky High Sports, 601 N. Polk St., Pineville. 3-6pm. $5.50. On the first Tuesday of the month, music is turned off and lights are dimmed to reduce distractions for guests with special needs. clt.skyhighsports.com.

3 WEDNESDAY African Dance Class. Sugar Creek Recreation Center, 943 W. Sugar Creek Road. All ages. 7pm. FREE. Charlotte Ballet’s Cultural Dance Program presents drop-in African Dance classes. charlottecultureguide.com. Health Fair for the Mind, Body and Soul. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 11-2pm. FREE. Free health screenings, participate in exercise classes and learn about healthy food preparation. cmlibrary.org.

4 THURSDAY Community Block Party. Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center, 2921 Tuckaseegee Road. Ages 5 and older. 11-2pm. $3. Enjoy food, dance, vendors and games. parkandrec.com. Charlotte Knights Opening Weekend. BB&T Stadium, 324 S. Mint St. 7pm. $12+. The Knights open against the Durham Bulls. Celebrations continue throughout the weekend with fireworks on Friday and Homer the Dragon’s 30th Birthday Celebration. charlotteknights.com.

5 FRIDAY On Stage: The Ghost of Splinter Cove, The Complete Works of William

› Shakespeare (Abridged), Into the Woods Jr., 101 Dalmations, and Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. See page 30. Easter Bunny Cake Pop Decorating Class. SAS Cupcakes, 9941 Rea Road, Ste. C. Learn to make Easter Bunny cake pops! Ages 5-12. 10:30am. $13 per child. sascupcakes.com. Movies under the Water Tower. Downtown Waxhaw under the Water Tower, Waxhaw. 7pm. FREE. Bring a chair and blanket and enjoy an outdoor screening of “Wonder.” waxhaw.com. Music with Holly. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 18 months-5 years. 11:30am-noon. FREE. Little ones can love learning and listening songs, playing instruments and expressing themselves. cmlibrary.org.

6 SATURDAY On Stage: The Ghost of Splinter Cove, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), Into the Woods Jr., 101 Dalmations, and Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert, Anne Frank and Me, and Queen City Improv Room: Family-Friendly Improv Show. See page 30. AspieCon. Queens Sports Complex, 2229 Tyvola Road. All ages. 9:30am-4:30pm. $5-$20. Everything there is to love about comic book and pop-culture conventions, combined with a community resource fair that celebrates the diverse interests of children on the autism spectrum. aspiecon.com. Bee the Change. Latta Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 10:30am-noon. $10. Create beeswax wraps to replace plastic bags and wraps at home. parkandrec.com. Come-See-Me Festival Healthy Kids Zone. Giordana Velodrome at Rock Hill Outdoor Center, 1000 Riverwalk Pkwy., Rock Hill. 10am-noon. FREE. Enjoy outdoor activities for kids, including tricycle and bike races, dance sessions, inflatables, face painting and a taste-testing table. comeseeme.org. Earth’s Treasures. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 10am-1pm. $6-$7, children 3 and younger free, included with admission. Celebrate Earth Day with a series of treasure

hunts illustrating conservation efforts. schielemuseum.org. Nurturing Parenthood Event. NODA Brewing, 2921 N Tryon St. 11am-2pm. FREE. New and expecting parents can meet infant, prenatal and postpartum specialists, plus food and entertainment for children. mindbodybabync.org. Open Studio Saturday. McColl Center for Art + Innovation, 721 N. Tryon St. Noon4pm. FREE. Explore the art space, meet artists-in-residence, participate in fun hands-on activities and create a work of art. mccollcenter.org. Paws in the Park. Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville. 10am-3pm. FREE. Meet rescue groups with dogs available for adoption, music, dog contests, demonstrations, food trucks, a playground and a dog walk. charlotteblackdogs.com. ‘Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival. Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius. 2-8pm. FREE. Enjoy live bands and performances, local artists, food trucks, craft beer, sidewalk shop specials, a kids’ zone and street art. visitlakenorman.org.

7 SUNDAY On Stage: The Ghost of Splinter Cove, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), Into the Woods Jr., Anne Frank and Me, and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! See page 30. Come-See-Me Festival Sundaes with Glen and Mother Goose. Glencairn Garden, 725 Crest St., Rock Hill. 2-5pm. Ice cream is $2 per cup. Enjoy an afternoon of ice cream sundaes, face painting, balloon twisting and kids’ activities. Mother Goose shares stories at 3:15 and 4:15 p.m. comeseeme.org. Front Porch Sundays. Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins St. 11-4pm. FREE. The fifth season brings more than 65 vendors, puppies, kombucha and food trucks. historicsouthend.com. The Jolly Lollies Family Concert. Main Library Rock Hill, 138 E. Black St., Rock Hill. 3-4pm. FREE. Enjoy a high-energy family concert by singer-songwriters Liz Corwin and Holly Johnson. yclibrary.org. What Comes from Eggs? McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. 1:30-4:30pm. FREE. Drop-in to hunt for (plastic) eggs in

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the woods, then compare real eggs at the interactive touch table. Kids craft included. parkandrec.com.

8 MONDAY Babes in the Woods. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages birth to 3. 10-11am. FREE. Hit the paved trail and experience nature with your little one. Registration required. parkandrec.com. Pajama Rama on the Plaza. Plaza Midwood Library, 1623 Central Ave. 7-7:30pm. FREE. Wear pajamas on for a family story time that is perfect for bedtime. cmlibrary.org.

9 TUESDAY Come-See-Me Festival Teddy Bear Tea Party. Richardson Ballroom at Winthrop University Campus Center, 2020 Alumni Drive, Rock Hill. Ages 3-6. 3:30-4:30pm. Free with donation of new or gently used children’s book. Bring a Teddy bear for this roaming festival-style party with stations for activities. Register online. comeseeme.org. Free Tuesday at the Schiele Museum. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 4-8pm. FREE. Get free entry to The Schiele Museum the second Tuesday of the month from 4-8pm. schielemuseum.org.

10 WEDNESDAY Nature Detectives: Snails, Slugs and Other Bugs. Latta Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 2-3, 10:15-11am, $4; and ages 4-6, 1:30-3pm, $6. Explore nature through stories, crafts and activities related to bugs. parkandrec.com.

11 THURSDAY Kitchen Chemistry. Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. Ages 13+. 2:30-3:30 pm. FREE. Teens explore chemistry as seen in cooking. cmlibrary.org. Manga Mania: Teen Anime Club. Scaleybark Library, 101 Scaleybark Road. Ages 10-18. 6-7pm. FREE. Meet other fans of anime, manga and Japanese culture. Snacks provided. cmlibrary.org.

12 FRIDAY On Stage: Lingua, The Music Man Jr., and Pete the Cat. See page 30. Little Achievers, an Adaptive Experience. South County Regional Library, 5801

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Rea Road. 10-11am. FREE. Participate in educational and therapeutic activities for children with special needs with Little Achievers, a sub-group of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte. cmlibrary.org. Matthews Food Truck Fridays. Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews. 5-9pm. FREE. Enjoy food trucks, kids’ activities and live music. matthewsnc.gov. NC Star Party Event: The Moon and Beyond. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. Ages 6 and older. 8-10pm. FREE. Enjoy astronomy activities, use a telescope, roast s’mores and explore on a night hike. Registration required. parkandrec.com. The Scene of Spring Outdoor Movie Series. Cane Creek Park, 5213 Harkey Road, Waxhaw. 6pm. FREE. Come for movies at Cane Creek Park. Family fun begins at 6pm and movies start at 8pm facebook.com/ unioncountync.

13 SATURDAY On Stage: Lingua, The Music Man Jr., and Pete the Cat, and Stuart Little. See page 30. 2nd Saturday at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Science in Action. NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. $12$25, children 2 and younger admitted free, included museum admission. In celebration of NC Science Month, look at science’s role in different NASCAR careers. nascarhall.com. Family Opera: A Busy Bee. The Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill. 11-2pm. $5-$8, free for children younger than 3, includes museum admission. Hear a special performance of “A Busy Bee” by Carolina Opera Xpress at 11am. York County Beekeepers Association share information about honeybees, and family-friendly, bee-related activities throughout the event. carolinaopera.org. Carolinas Aviation Museum Community Day. Carolinas Aviation Museum, 4672 First Flight Drive. 10am-5pm. FREE. Learn about the history of aviation in North Carolina, plus STEM-related activities that introduce aviation careers. carolinasaviation.org. Come-See-Me Festival Everything Trucks. First Baptist Church, 481 Hood Center Drive, Rock Hill. 9am-noon. FREE. Explore

a variety of trucks while talking to drivers. comeseeme.org. Drum Circle. West Boulevard Library, 2157 West Blvd. 11am. FREE. No prior experience is necessary; Drums for Life provides instructions and instruments. charlottecultureguide.com. EarthFest. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 11am-3pm. $7-$13, includes garden admission. Celebrate Earth Day with lawn games, live music, guided hikes, horsedrawn carriage rides and a garden yard sale. dsbg.org. Spring Horse Show. Anne Springs Close Greenway, 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill. 9:30am. $5 per car. Ride or watch the equestrian classes. Open to riders of all skill levels, with more than 40 competitive classes. ascgreenway.org. Statewide Star Party. Discovery Place Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St. 7:30-10pm. FREE. Join Discovery Place and the Charlotte Amateur Charlotte Astronomy club for a free family star party on the top of Discovery Place Science’s parking deck. science.discoveryplace.org. STEM on the Wing Day. Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville. 10am-2pm. FREE. Enjoy interactive science, technology, engineering and math activities along the Raptor Trail, plus appearances throughout the day of various raptors. carolinaraptorcenter.org.

14 SUNDAY On Stage: Pete the Cat, and Stuart Little. See page 30. Nature Scavenger Hunt. Latta Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 1-4:30 pm. FREE. Work as a family to discover hidden treasures found in the nature preserve for prizes. parkandrec.com.

15 MONDAY Books Start Art: The Very Hungry Caterpillar. South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Road. 2-3pm. FREE. Make creations of your own with Eric Carle as your inspiration. cmlibrary.org. Now Showing: Lunchbox Theater. Myers Park Library, 1361 Queens Road. Noon1:45pm. FREE. Pack a lunch, and enjoy a family film. cmlibrary.org.

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16 TUESDAY 2019 Collegiate Baseball Series. BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St. 7pm. $10+. Watch North Carolina State University play University of South Carolina. charlotteknights.com. Story Time and More. Children’s Garden at Wing Haven, 260 Ridgewood Ave. Recommended for children younger than 10. 10-11am. $10 per family. Enjoy a story and craft activity in the Children’s Garden. Children can water vegetable plants, dig for worms and explore the gardens. winghavengardens.org.

17 WEDNESDAY Art-Making Workshop at Southview Rec Center. Southview Recreation Center, 1720 Vilma St. 10:30-11:30am. FREE. A professional artist teaches creating and celebrating artwork inspired by the Bechtler collection. charlottecultureguide.com. Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road and Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. mintmuseum.org.

18 THURSDAY Arts Delivered: Spring Open House. McDowell Arts Center, 123 McDowell St., Matthews. 1-2:30pm. FREE. Enjoy paintyour-own egg ornaments, potterywheel demo, and information about ceramics and pottery summer camps. artsdelivered.com/kids-classes. The Mother of All Baby Showers. Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. Adult. 6-9pm. $20-$60. This adults-only event for new and expecting parents features food, drinks, hands-on educational sessions, vendors and purchasing opportunities. themotherofallbabyshowers.com.

19 FRIDAY On Stage: Pete the Cat. See page 30. Animal Encounter. Latta Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 10:3011:30am. FREE. Meet some of the Nature Center residents in this wild encounter. parkandrec.com. Cute and Cudddly Animal Babies. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. Meet a variety of fuzzy and cute animal babies like goats, chicks,

ducklings, and bunnies! 11am-4pm. $5, does not include admission to museum. schielemuseum.org. MyGym Lake Norman Puppet Show. Barnes and Noble Birkdale Village, 8725 Townley Road, Huntersville. 10:30am. FREE. The local puppeteer troupe from MyGym Lake Norman leads an interactive and imaginative puppet show. barnesandnoble.com.

20 SATURDAY On Stage: Pete the Cat, and Tosco Music Party. See page 30. CML Presents: Discover Capoeira. Sugar Creek Library, 4045 N. Tryon St., Suite A. 2-3pm. FREE. Enjoy a live performance of the Afro-Brazilian art form delivered by Charlotte Capoeira. cmlibrary.org. Curious George Character Breakfast. Barnes and Noble Arboretum, 3327 Pineville-Matthews Road. 10am. FREE. Curious George will be stopping by for breakfast and a special story time in the store cafe. barnesandnoble.com. McDowell Outdoor Adventure Day. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. 10am-3pm. FREE. Kayak and stand-up paddle board, hike and try yoga. Some activities are age-restricted. parkandrec.com.

21 SUNDAY EASTER See Easter Events on page 28.

22 MONDAY EARTH DAY Little Bit Fit Time. Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics and Cheerleading, 11011 Monroe Road, Matthews. 10:30am-noon. $3-$5. Toddlers can jump on the trampoline, play in the foam pit and crawl through obstacles. Play time is for children just starting to walk through age 5 who are not yet in kindergarten. Cash only. charlotteallstars.net. Tot Time. Perfect Balance, 8850 Monroe Road. Ages 5 and younger. 11:30am-12:30pm. $5-$6. Bring your little one for an hour of free play in the gym. perfectbalancecharlotte.com/tot-time.

23 TUESDAY College 101: Resources to Help Pay for College. University City Regional Library, 301 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. Ages 12-18.

6-7pm. FREE. Learn about FAFSA and how to find resources to help pay for college. cmlibrary.org. Toddler Time at Sky Zone. Sky Zone, 10200 Centrum Pkwy., Pineville. Ages 5 and younger. 10-11am. $8. Bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from bigger kids. skyzone.com/charlotte.

24 WEDNESDAY Young Explorers: Fantastic Flowers. Latta Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 2-3. 10:15-11am. $4. Discover nature through stories, crafts and activities related to flowers. parkandrec.com.

25 THURSDAY On Stage: Spring Works. See page 30. Boom Art Festival. Plaza Midwood. $10, many events are free. Charlotte’s annual showcase of contemporary and experimental art created on the fringes of popular culture. boomcharlotte.org. Puppet Show at ImaginOn. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 11:30am-noon. FREE. See a puppet show with songs and activities that support early literacy. cmlibrary.org. Toddler Time at Big Air. Big Air Trampoline Park, 2408 Sardis Road N. Ages 6 and younger. 10am-1pm. $8. Little ones can jump at their own speed and comfort level. bigairusa.com/charlotte/toddler-time. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Appearance. Barnes and Noble, 3327 Hwy. 51 N. 11am. FREE. The Very Hungry Caterpillar visits the store for a very special story time. barnesandnoble.com.

26 FRIDAY On Stage: Junie B. Jones the Musical Jr., Pete the Cat, and Spring Works. See page 30. Tiaras and Tales Open Play. Tiaras and Tales, 921 Crossroads Plaza, Fort Mill. Ages 3 and older. 10am. $20. Sessions are structured and include a fairy host, tea party with light snack, dress-up clothes, craft, face painting or light makeup, and story time. tiarasandtales.com.

27 SATURDAY On Stage: A Night of Laughs With Jeff Allen, Pete the Cat, Picaro, and Spring Works. See page 30.

All Ages at Abari Game Bar. Abari Game Bar, 1721 N. Davidson St. Noon-5pm. Cost for games. On Saturdays and Sundays from noon-5pm, the arcade bar opens to all ages with a parent or guardian present. abarigamebar.com. Arthropod Day. Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. 9am-4pm. $13-$17, free for children younger than 2, included with admission. Investigate arthropods with crafts and hands-on activities. science. discoveryplace.org. Arts+ SpringFest. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 10am-10pm. FREE. An art and music festival that features illustrator Timothy Bush, ukulele workshops, collaborative art projects and a musical petting zoo. artsplus.org. Backyard Gardening Workshop. Wing Haven Gardens, 248 Ridgewood Ave. 10am-noon. $15-$20 per family. Join gardeners for a fun and educational class about vegetable gardening. winghavengardens.com. Earth Day Birthday. The Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill. 10am-3pm. FREE. Celebrate Earth Day with activities, games and planetarium programs. chmuseums.org. Earth Day Celebration. Anne Springs Close Greenway, 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill. 11am-3pm. FREE. Enjoy horse rides, canoeing, kayaking cane-pole fishing, Border Collie demonstrations, guided hikes, kids’ zone, farm animals and the Recycled Fashion Showcase. ascgreenway.org. Earth Jam 2019. Robbins Park, 17738 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 4-7pm. FREE. Enjoy Bluegrass music, food, vendors and family fun. cornelius.org. Garibaldi Festival. Stowe Park, 37 E. Woodrow Ave., Belmont. 11am-4pm. FREE. Celebrate local art, crafts and music, plus activities for children. cityofbelmont.org. International Sandwich Festival. Aldersgate, 3800 Shamrock Drive. Noon6pm. FREE. Enjoy food from around the world and a rich blend of musical entertainment and popular food trucks. facebook.com/isfclt. Kids in Nature Day. Four Mile Greenway, Matthews. 10am-2pm. FREE. Activities include eco-friendly exhibits and vendors, a limited amount of free rain barrels, hikes, scavenger hunts, kids’ crafts and fairy houses, music and more. matthewsnc.gov. Passport to the Queen City: Earth Day Celebration. The Charlotte Museum of

History, 3500 Shamrock Drive. Ages 5-12. Noon-4pm. FREE. Take a walking tour of the grounds to identify and discuss native plants and become a naturalist for the day. charlottemuseum.org. Pet Palooza Festival and Walk. McAlpine Creek Park, 8711 Monroe Road. Noon4pm. $25-$35. Enjoy a dog-friendly walk, adoption area, music, picnic pavilion, and food and beer trucks. petpaloozacharlotte.org.

28 SUNDAY On Stage: Pete the Cat. See page 30. Sunday Fun Day: Pay it Forward. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 1-4pm. $6, children free. Enjoy art projects, gallery experiences, artist demonstrations and family yoga. mintmuseum.org. UNC Charlotte Science and Technology Expo and Workshops. UNCC Union Plaza, 8812 Craver Road. Noon-4pm. FREE. More than 100 science activities for all ages, including hands-on educational presentations. ncsciencefestival.uncc.edu.

29 MONDAY Yoga Storytime. Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. Ages 5-11. 6-6:30pm. FREE. Enjoy stories coupled with easy yoga poses. cmlibrary.org. Family Storytime: Pajama Storytime. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 7-7:30pm. FREE. Enjoy stories, songs and movement activities. Wear pajamas. cmlibrary.org.

30 TUESDAY Lego Club. Plaza Midwood Library, 1623 Central Ave. Ages 5-11. 4-5pm. FREE. Drop in for Lego Club. cmlibrary.org. Shark Tank. Tom Sykes Recreation Center, 1501 Euclid Ave. Ages 5-11. 2:45-6pm. $6. Young entrepreneurs showcase their wares and talents as they create their own unique brand and product. parkandrec.com. Toddler Tuesdays at Barnes and Noble Arboretum. Barnes and Noble Arboretum, 3327 Pineville-Matthews Road. 9:30am. FREE. This weekly story time includes classic tales and new favorites. barnesandnoble.com.

SEE MORE THINGS TO DO AT CHARLOTTEPARENT.COM/CALENDAR

ONGOING FESTIVALS AND EVENTS Queen Charlotte Fair. (Through April 14). Route 29 Pavilion, 5650 Sandusky Blvd., Concord. Mon.-Thurs, 4-10pm; Fri., 4-11pm; Sat., noon11pm; and Sun., noon-10pm. $5-$10, children 4 and younger admitted free. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, carnival rides, food and shows. queencharlottefair.com. Come See Me Festival. (April 4-13). Rock Hill. Event times vary. FREE. This festival features more than 80 activities. Take part in fun that includes beautiful gardens, a parade, a frog jump, teddy bear tea party, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, fireworks and more. Locations vary. See website for full schedule of events. comeseeme.org. Pennzoil AutoFair Presented by Advance Auto Parts. (April 4-7). Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord. 8am-6pm. $13, kids 13 and younger admitted free. See thousands of hot rods, muscle cars, exotic sports cars and classic automobiles, plus a massive manufacturers’ midway and a kids’ PlayZone. charlottemotorspeedway.com. Jurassic Quest. (April 5-7). The Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road. $23-39, plus $8 for parking, children younger than 2 admitted free. This unique dinosaur exhibit features more than 50 animatronic dinosaurs, interactive dinosaur digs, inflatable mazes and themed activities. Fri., 3-8pm; Sat., 9am-8pm; Sun., 9am-8pm. jurassicquest.com/events/charlotte-nc. Tuck Fest. (April 25-28). U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. Free admission, $6 parking fee. Try something new at this outdoor festival filled with competitions, exhibitions, demos and live music. Kids can participate in obstacle challenges, yoga and bicycle races. tuckfest.usnwc.org.

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EASTER EGG HUNTS AND HAPPENINGS CHARLOTTE Easter Egg Hunt with Uptown Church. (April 6). Independence Park, 300 Hawthorne Lane. Enjoy an egg hunt, face painting, MyGym, balloon artist, free giveaways and gift-card prizes. No registration required. 10am-noon. FREE. uptownchurch.org. Easter Hoppenings at Phillips Place. (April 6). Phillips Place, 6800 Phillips Place Court. Come see the Easter Bunny, along with a balloon artist, face painter and caricaturist. 1-3pm. FREE. paschalevents.com. 2019 Queen City Easter Festival (April 13 and April 20). Carole Hoefener Center, 615 E. 6th St. Enjoy face painting, games, dance performances, crafts, food and an Easter egg hunt and free Easter Bunny pictures. 1-5pm. Easter egg hunts are scheduled by age; see website for schedule. FREE. eventbrite.com, search for Queen City Easter Festival. Easter Egg Hunt. (April 13). West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2401 Kendall Drive. Search for Easter eggs outside the recreation center, plus crafts, games, food and photos with the Easter Bunny. Ages 6 and younger. $6. parkandrec.com. Easter at the Library. (April 13). Billy Graham Library, 4330 Westmont Drive. Go on the Resurrection Quest scavenger hunt, see baby animals and enjoy story time on the patio. Ages 12 and older can tie-dye a T-shirt. 9:30am-3:30pm.

Free admission, $10 for tie-dye shirts. billygrahamlibrary.org. Easter Egg Hunt. (April 13). Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center, 2921 Tuckaseegee Road. Enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt and celebrate with the Easter Bunny. Ages 3-11. 11am-1pm. $5. parkandrec.com. Historic Rosedale’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt. (April 13). Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St. Explore the gardens and hunt for Easter eggs during one of the four egg hunts, each starting at the top of the hour. Each participant gets a small take-away gift. Reservation required. 10am-2pm. $10. historicrosedale.org. Naturalist Egg Hunt at Wing Haven. (April 13). Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, 248 Ridgewood Ave. Make binoculars to help spot treasures during a naturalist egg hunt, learn about songbirds and enjoy seasonal activities and crafts. Registration is required. Ages 10 and younger. 10am-noon. $15-$20 per family. winghavengardens.org. Carowinds Easter Eggstravaganza (April 15-21). Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd. Snag a photo op with Eggward the Easter Bunny and Snoopy the Easter Beagle, see the Marvelous Mutts Canine Show and be one of the first to ride the new Copperhead Strike rollercoaster. Starting at $45, children ages 3-5 get free entry with a Pre-K pass. carowinds.com.

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Brunch with the Easter Bunny. (April 19). Berewick Recreation Center, 5910 Dixie River Road. Register online for fun activities, brunch and an Easter Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny. Ages 2-5. 10:30-11:45am. $5. parkandrec.com. Spring Fling at Hodges Family Farm (April 19-20). Hodges Farm, 3900 Rocky River Road E. Experience Easter egg hunts, raffles, yard games, hayrides (additional fee), farm animals and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Ages 6 and younger. 9am-2pm. $7 per child for the egg hunt, children 2 and younger free. hodgesfarmnc.com. Community Easter Egg Hunt. (April 20). Grayson Park, 750 Beal St. Participate in an Easter Egg Hunt, make crafts and enjoy breakfast. Ages 4-11. 9-11:30am. FREE. parkandrec.com. Easter Egg 400. (April 20). NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Join the Easter Bunny for a morning full of entertainment and games, including bubble performances, balloon twisting, face painting, a magic show, egg relays, an egg hunt, and photo opportunity. Each child takes home a carton of eggs filled with candy and prizes. Ticket required. 8:30-11:30am. Tickets start at $12, children younger than 2 admitted free. Early admission tickets that include brunch buffet available. nascarhall.com. Easter Egg Fun Hunt. (April 20). Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center, 440 Wesley Heights Way. Enjoy crafts, the Easter Bunny

and a fun Easter egg hunt. Ages 2-12 years. 11am-1pm. $5. parkandrec.com. Easter Eggstravaganza and StoryWalk. (April 20). Shamrock Senior Center, 3200 Shamrock Drive. Enjoy an Easter Bunny appearance, Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, games and prizes. Ages 12 and younger. 11am-2pm. FREE. parkandrec.com. Easter Extravaganza. (April 20). Ballantyne Village, 14825 Ballantyne Village Way. Visit the Easter Bunny, see live bunnies, make a craft, jump in a bouncy house, plus face painting and a balloon twister. 1-3pm. FREE. ballantynevillage.com. South Charlotte Presbyterian Easter Egg Hunt. South Charlotte Presbyterian Church, 15425 Scholastic Drive. Enjoy food, face-painting, candy and family fun. Children 8 and younger are invited to hunt for eggs. 10am. FREE. southcltpres.org.

BELMONT Peter Rabbit’s Garden Adventure. (April 6-7). Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. Bring the kids to meet with Peter Rabbit and his friends. The whole family will enjoy activities, crafts and live entertainment. Saturday and Sunday, 11am-3pm. $7-$13; children under 2 admitted free. dsbg.org. Belmont Easter Egg Hunt. (April 20). Linford Park, Caston St., Belmont and Stowe Park, 24 S. Main St., Belmont. Bring your own basket to hunt for eggs, and visit the Easter Bunny. Ages 10 and under.

Noon at Stowe Park and 2pm at Linford Park. FREE. cityofbelmont.org.

CONCORD Caring Bunny at Concord Mills. (March 31 and April 7). Concord Mills, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord. Children with special needs can participate in the Bunny Photo Experience in a subdued environment. 9-11am. FREE. Additional cost for photos. simon.com/mall/concord-mills. Easter Egg Hunt at the Speedpark. (April 13). The Speedpark at Concord Mills Mall, 8461 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord. Hunt for eggs, golden eggs and prizes. 10am. FREE. thespeedpark.com. Bunny Run 5K and Festival. (April 20). Downtown Concord, Means and Union Ave., Concord. Run the Fun Run at 9 a.m. or the 5K at 9:30 a.m. Stick around for the free festival with the Easter Bunny, arts and crafts, DJ, and an inflatable slide. 9-11am. $20. concordnc.gov.

CORNELIUS A Morning with the Easter Bunny. (April 12). Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak St., Unit 1, Cornelius. Celebrate the holiday with crafts, snacks and a photo with the Easter Bunny. Bring your own camera. 704-896-8823. 10am-noon. FREE. cornelius.org. Hop into Spring. (April 13). Robbins Park, 17738 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius. Enjoy an afternoon filled with egg-themed activities, arts and crafts, face painting, inflatables, music and photo opportunities with Peter Cottontail. Bring a basket for eggs and treats. Ages 3-12. 2-4pm. FREE. cornelius.org.

CRAMERTON Easter Egg Scramble. (April 13). Cramerton Middle School, 601 Cramer Mountain Road, Cramerton. Scramble to collect 3,000 eggs that have been spread on the lawn, see the Easter Bunny and jump on inflatables. Scrambles by age. Ages 12 and younger. 10am. FREE. cramerton.org.

HARRISBURG The Golden Egg Hunt. (April 12-18). Various parks in Harrisburg: Stallings Park, Harrisburg Park, Pharr Mill Park, Harris Depot Park and Veteran’s Park. Search for plastic eggs hidden in parks throughout Harrisburg. Redeem goldenegg prize tickets at the April 18 celebration at Harrisburg Park, from 6-8 p.m. that includes vendors, the Easter Bunny, face painting, food and inflatables. FREE. harrisburgnc.org.

HUNTERSVILLE Pictures with the Easter Bunny. (April 14). Holbrook Park, 100 Sherwood Drive, Huntersville. Come play in the park and get a photo with the Easter Bunny. 1-3pm. FREE. huntersville.org.

Easter Bunny. Purchase tickets online. Ages 2-5 years. $10. matthewsfun.com. Jesus Is Alive! Celebration. (April 13). Weddington United Methodist Church, 13901 Providence Road, Weddington. Children can participate in age-level egg hunts, create fun crafts, eat a snack, go on a hayride, visit the small petting zoo, play cornhole and more outdoor games. Ages 2-8. 10am. FREE. weddingtonchurch.org. Photos with the Easter Bunny in Matthews. (April 13). Matthews Community Center, 232 Matthew Station St., Matthews. Snap a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny. Pets welcome for photos. 10am-1pm. FREE. matthewsfun.com.

MONROE Latta Plantation Easter Egg Hunt. (April 20). Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. Enjoy photo opportunities with Baxter the Bunny, story time, crafts, farm animals and an Easter egg hunt for ages 1 to 10. 10am-3pm. $8 for one child and one parent, $8 for additional parent. lattaplantation.org.

GASTONIA Daylight and Flashlight Egg Hunts at Whispering Hope Farm (April 13 and 14). Whispering Hope Farm, 1405 Crowders Creek Road, Gastonia. Pet baby animals, play on the farm playground and ride a horse all before the big egg hunt. Ages 12 and younger. Daylight hunts: 10:30am-noon; Flashlight hunts: 6:30-8pm. $8 per person; cash only. ($5 additional to ride a horse). whisperinghopefarm.com.

INDIAN TRAIL Hop to It. (April 13). Chestnut Square Park, 320 Chestnut Pkwy., Indian Trail. Event features photos with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, games, crafts and prizes. Egg hunt is for 12 years and younger. 10am-1pm. FREE. indiantrail.org.

MATTHEWS Lunch with the Easter Bunny. (April 12). Matthews Community Center, 232 Matthew Station St., Matthews. Have lunch, make a fun craft and take a picture with the

Easter Egg Drop. (April 13). Aw Shucks Farms, 3718 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe. Be there when thousands of eggs drop from a helicopter at 11am, plus baby animals, photos with the Easter Bunny and prizes. 10am-1pm. $6. awshucksfarms.com.

MOORESVILLE Lazy 5 Ranch’s Easter Eggstravaganza (April 13 and 20). Lazy 5 Ranch, 15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville. Don’t miss the helicopter egg drop, plus a contests, live bunnies, a scavenger hunt and prizes. Food available for purchase. Egg drop from children with special needs at 5:30pm. Ages 11 and younger. See website for times slots for each age group. $8-$11; wagon rides cost extra. lazy5ranch.com. Easter Extravaganza. (April 13). Mazeppa Park, 645 Mazeppa Road, Mooresville. Hunt for 20,000 Easter eggs that scattered throughout the park. 1-4pm. FREE. ci.mooresville.nc.us/260/ Parks-Recreation.

MOUNT HOLLY Toddler Easter Egg Hunt. (April 17). Tuckaseegee Park, 165 Broome St., Mount Holly. Enjoy games, a visit from the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt. Ages 5 and younger. 10am. FREE. mtholly.us/ events.php.

Ongoing Easter Happenings Bunnyville. (March 29-April 20). Northlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive. Stop by Bunnyville on the lower level in Grand Court for a photo with the Easter Bunny. Mon.-Thurs., 11am-8pm; Fri.-Sat., 10am-9pm; Sun., noon-6pm. Free to visit; cost for photos. shopnorthlake.com/events. Easter Bunny Photos at Concord Mills (March 29-April 20). Concord Mills, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord. Visit the Easter Bunny, and take a photo. Mon.-Sat., 10am-8pm; Sun., 12-7pm. Cost for photos. bunnyfastpass.com. Easter Bunny Express (April 13, 14, 19 and 20). North Carolina Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. Take a 25-minute train ride with the Easter Bunny that includes candy and pictures. Also enjoy inflatables, crafts, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and face painting. Egg hunts on April 19 and 20. See website for schedule. nctrans.org.

ROCK HILL Egg-Stravaganza Family Storytime. (April 13). Main Library Rock Hill, 138 E. Black St., Rock Hill. Enjoy an egg hunt and activities about spring. Register online. Ages 11 and younger. FREE. yclibrary.org.

STALLINGS Easter Egg Hunt. (April 6). Stallings Municipal Park, 340 Stallings Road, Stallings. Enjoy age-based Easter egg hunts for ages 12 and younger, candy prizes and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. See website for schedule. In case of rain, hunts are rescheduled on April 13. 10am-12:30pm. Free. stallingsnc.org.

YORK York Church of God Easter Egg Hunt. (April 13). York Recreation Complex, 74 Fourth St., York, S.C. Hunt for eggs, jump on inflatables and enjoy a hot dog. Bring a basket for egg hunts. Ages 12 and younger. 11am. FREE. yorksc.gov/eventsschedules.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

CALENDAR ››CALENDAR

It’s a beautiful day for a Daniel Tiger Live show! Happening April 7 at Ovens Auditorium. Photo by Mills Entertainment

ON STAGE The Ghost of Splinter Cove. (Through April 7). A pair of siblings and a new friend unearth a mystery that transports them on the adventure of their lives. Along the way, they discover things about both their family and themselves that changes them forever. See website for show times. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Wells Fargo Playhouse, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 8 and older. $15+. ctcharlotte.org. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged. (Through April 7). Three madcap actors weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild, hysterical ride. Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. $12-$29. davidsoncommunityplayers.org. 101 Dalmations. (April 5-6). When Cruella De Vil sends two hapless heavies to steal Dalmation puppies, it is up to parents Pongo and Perdy to stage a daring rescue. Performance presented by the students of Matthews Playhouse’s School of Theatre. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street E., Matthews. $9-$10. matthewsplayhouse.com. Into the Woods Jr. (April 5-7). Featuring favorite characters, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and his beanstalk, and the Witch in this lyrically rich telling of classic Brothers Grimm fables. Ballantyne Arts

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Center, 11318 N. Community House Road. $10. ymcacharlotte.org. Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. (April 5-6). Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. Ages 6 and older. 7:30pm. $30+. 704-972-2000. Experience George Lucas’s 1977 classic film projected in high definition on a giant screen at Belk Theater as the Charlotte Symphony adds a breathtaking new dimension, performing John Williams’s Oscar-winning score live. charlottesymphony.org. Anne Frank and Me. (April 6-7). Travel with Nicole, a modern-day teen, to Nazi occupied Paris in 1942. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street E., Matthews. $9-$10. matthewsplayhouse.com. Queen City Improv Room: FamilyFriendly Improv Show. (April 6). This family-friendly night of improv comedy is sure to bring laughs to all ages. Stage Door Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 6pm. $10. blumenthalarts.org. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! (April 7). In Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE! King for a Day, audiences ride along on an exciting adventure as Daniel learns what it takes to be king. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 Independence Blvd. $25.75+. ovensauditorium.com. Lingua. (April 12-13). Through dance, circus arts, theater and music, this

production examines how people who speak different languages perceive time and space. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. $30+. blumenthalarts.org. The Music Man Jr. (April 12-13). The story follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize. Performance presented by the students of Matthews Playhouse’s School of Theatre. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street E., Matthews. $9-$10. matthewsplayhouse.com. Pete the Cat. (April 12-May 5). Everyone’s favorite rockin’ blue cat takes the stage in a musical performance. See website for show times. ASL sign-interpreted performance on April 27, and sensory-friendly performance on April 28. McColl Family Theater, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 4 and older. $19+. ctcharlotte.org. Stuart Little. (April 13-14). Stuart Little’s daily adventures in New York City are brought to life on stage. Performance presented by the students of Matthews Playhouse’s School of Theatre. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street E., Matthews. $9-$10. matthewsplayhouse.com. Tosco Music Party. (April 20). Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 7:3pm. $15.50$34.50. See an eclectic mix of music styles and join in singalongs. toscomusic.org.

Spring Works. (April 25-27). Spring Works highlights the power of human connection through British choreographer David Dawson’s Opus 11. Performances at 7:30 p.m. with a family matinee performance on April 27, at 2 p.m. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 S. Tryon St. $15–$85. charlotteballet.org. Junie B. Jones The Musical Jr. (April 26-May 5). Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store. First grade has never been more exciting. See website for showtimes. Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. Ages 4 and older. $12. davidsoncommunityplayers.org. A Night of Laughs With Comedian Jeff Allen. (April 27). Laugh, smile and have a great time with good, clean humor. NarroWay Theatre, 3327 Hwy. 51, Fort Mill. 4:30pm. $18-$40. narroway.net. Picaro. (April 27-28). Drawing from Central and South American folklore, this one-man show from accomplished circus acrobat Carlos Alexis Cruz follows a young boy who flees Guatemala and heads toward the United States for a better life. See website for show times. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Wells Fargo Playhouse, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 6 and older. $20+. ctcharlotte.org.

The Charlotte Parent calendar lists free and low-cost local and regional events for children and families. To submit an event for consideration, go to charlotteparent.com/calendar, then click on Submit an Event. Submission deadline for print is the 1st of the month prior to the next month’s publication. Time, dates and details of events are subject to change. Call venue to confirm.

APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

CPCC 2 019 SUMMER EXPERIENCE STEM

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NC’s single best resource for homeschooling families

The Speech Garden Institute Developing speech, language and social skills. Communication & Sensory Preschool and Summer Camp

www.speechgarden.org charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2019

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DADDY DEREK

An Idea to Sleep On BY DEREK JAMES

rowing up with siblings that are all about 15 years older than I am, I felt like I was the only kid in the house. Sleepovers with friends were my opportunity to enjoy playing with kids my own age, and are some of my best memories. Having a friend or two stay the night, sharing Doritos and drinking Mountain Dew while playing “Super Mario Bros. 3” until well past midnight was pretty awesome. Sleepovers at my friend Tim’s house were even better. His mom would let him have six or seven friends spend the night. We’d Rollerblade around town, eat frozen pizza and play Nintendo in the basement while listening to Nirvana. (It also didn’t hurt that I had a big-time crush on Tim’s older sister.) In 2019, I know many parents choose to do late-night hangouts instead of sleepovers. I understand any parent who chooses not to allow sleepovers. The most important job as parents is to make sure our kids are safe, and I’ve heard and read stories of disturbing things happening at overnighters — so no judgment. My sons are now 8 and 10, and we have hosted friends for sleepovers. The boys also have gone to sleepovers, mostly with the children of close family friends or with neighbors we know well. Going into a sleepover, it’s all about having the right information. This is true for the parents hosting and the parents doing the dropping off. Pick-up time, awareness of food allergies, and thoughts on which movies and games are appropriate are just a few of the things to discuss with the parents hosting or dropping off their children. It’s also helpful to know if anyone needs a nightlight or any other

APRIL 2019 | charlotteparent.com

A sleepover is a great opportunity for kids to work on their social skills, even if they stay up way past a normal bedtime. Courtesy of Derek James item for bedtime. My wife and I make sure we are both home when hosting a sleepover. We make clear that anyone can be picked up at bedtime, and a child can call home at any time if they decide they want to talk to their parents or go home. We only have full Internet access downstairs in an open area of our house, not in the playroom where the kids spend most of their time, and we do regular check-ins in the playroom to make sure everything is going OK. If you choose to host a sleepover, whether it’s a couple kids over or a dozen staying the night, it’s important to remember there is no way to have a set bedtime. How could there be? Even after “lights out,” there’s going to be a lot of giggling and conversation, and playing with flashlights if they’re around. It happens. As parents, the toughest part may be staying awake as late as the kids. I recommend finding something you really

want to binge on Netflix to keep from dozing off. Sleepovers also serve as a great opportunity for kids to work on their social skills. Whether at home or at a friend’s house, sleepovers require a kid to learn to adapt to new environments, activities and household routines, as well as how to play nice with others, take turns and develop a deeper layer of camaraderie all while being silly and having fun. Will your house be messy the next day? Will your kid(s) deal with a sugar and/or junk food hangover? Absolutely! But … so what? If that’s your reason for skipping sleepovers, pour yourself another cup of coffee and relish your first-world problems. Say yes to the sleepover Mom and Dad. Don’t snooze on fun. Derek James is a host on WCCB News Rising. He and his wife live in Charlotte with their sons who are ages 7 and 9.