Eeek out the last bits of summer with Scoop’s picks for fun with plants, yoga and music in the park, air-conditioned fun at local museums, weather fun and even a beach party in the mountains.
Preschool Community Program
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Preschoolers can participate in nature-themed literature activities, crafts, hikes, and use their imaginations! Parent or guardian must be present throughout the program.
Candy Art
Town Hall (Indian Trail)
Have fun turning wafers of chocolate and other sweet treats into beautiful candy art. Create marshmallow animals and sculptures that are fun for all ages. All materials, tools and supplies are provided. Registration required.
Story Time and More
Children’s Garden, Wing Haven
Join Rutherford Rabbit to enjoy a seasonally themed story and craft activity in the Children’s Garden. Children can water vegetable plants, dig for worms, and explore the sensory and butterfly gardens. Feel free to bring a snack or picnic lunch to extend your stay in the garden. Recommended for children younger than 10, but all are welcome! The cost is per family, not per participant.
The Lion and the Little Red Bird
Children’s Theater of Charlotte
This delightful play tells the story of an inquisitive bird and a compassionate lion, an unlikely friendship to say the least. Why does Lion’s tail keep changing colors? Little Red Bird’s curiosity is piqued, and she sets out to unravel the mystery! Preschoolers will love this charming story, told with a mix of actors and puppets — perfect for ages 3 -5.
Both locations of The Mint Museum offer free admission every Wednesday and is a great way to introduce kids to the world class collections.
Native Snakes of NC
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Learn about the native snakes of North Carolina, their adaptations, and why snakes are essential to the food chain. The program will include a live native snake demonstration and is great for the entire family to attend. Meet at Group Check-in. Afterwards, stick around for live music and craft beer at River Jam.
This annual event features a frisbee dog show and an automobile show, live music, arts and crafts and food vendors, and a kids zone with a splash area. Friday hours are 5-10pm, and Saturday hours are 8am-2pm.
Live on the Green Concert Series
First Ward Park
Unwind with bluegrass and Americana music, food trucks, beverages, and more. See website for times.
Mingling on the Greens
Birkdale Village
Join Birkdale Village for live music every Friday and Saturday night. Bring a chair or a blanket.
Charlotte Area Kids Expo
Carolina Courts
The expo is a celebration of the best products, services, and entertainment for children and families featuring local businesses and resources focusing on education, health and wellness, safety, special needs, child care, entertainment, and other important topics. Free activities include bounce houses, face painting, video game truck, demos, character meet and greets, balloon art and more.
Weather Proof
The Schiele Museum
Discover the fascinating, interesting, and wacky world of meteorology in a one-of-a-kind, rain-or-shine, weather event. Meet local meteorologists, climatologists, and emergency managers. See weather instruments up close, debunk weather myths, find out what the weather is like on other planets, and learn how you can help the weather community from your own backyard.
BeachBlast
Gazebo at Patriots Park
Kings Mountain will feel like Ocean Drive during this all-day concert featuring some of the hottest beach music bands at the Gazebo at Patriot’s Park. Enjoy the water games, a Woodie car show, vendors, and crafts.
Passport to the Queen City: Continental Kickoff
The Charlotte Museum of History
Join the Charlotte Museum of History to learn more about the many people who make up Charlotte’s unique cultural landscape. Attendees will even get to create their own three-dimensional continents!
Learn and Play Sensory Storytime
Mooresville Public Library
Saturday, August 25, 11:00 a.m.
A fun and interactive 30-minute story time for children with autism, developmental challenges, or sensory sensitivities. A parent or caretaker must be present during the program. Siblings welcome.
Kaleidoscope Zombie Walk
Downtown Kannapolis
Celebrate Halloween early with the third annual Kannapolis Arts Zombie Walk and Arts Festival, which will include people dressing up in costume and a zombie walk around the North Carolina Research Campus.
Raptor Encounters
Carolina Raptor Center
Enjoy a variety of “nose to beak” encounters with some of the most interesting raptor species. Purchase tickets online until 24 hours, and in the Visitor Center until 30 minutes prior. Participants must be 7 or older; children 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Mammal Discovery
Latta Nature Center
Uncover the secrets of the furry wildlife that live right here in our nature preserves and back yards. A second Mammal Discovery session takes place from 3-3:30 p.m.
Free Yoga at the Park with King of Pops
Independence Park
Beginner and experienced yogis are all welcome to join the free practice at the southeast end of Independence Park in front of King’s College Bring a mat or towel, some water and a few friends.
*Images sourced from Facebook pages of events listed or free sources.
