Charlotte Parent

12/09/2022

Camp Harrison Overnight Camp Dates & Rates

Give your child the gift of overnight camp in 2023! There’s no shortage of FUN at YMCA Camp Harrison! Your child will enjoy water activities like sailing, kayaking, swimming, sports, mountain biking, art, dance, drama, and so much more. Limited Time Offer: Get the Lowest Rates for Summer 2023 thru 12/31! Book Today:

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12/09/2022

Expect breakfast, Santa (bring your wish list!), a silent auction, raffle, face painting, fairy hair, and crafts.

Proceeds benefit Mitchell's Fund which provides counseling and play therapy for children with a serious illness, their siblings, and parents.

Use promo code HOLIDAY to take $10 off tickets. Children under 2 are free.

12/08/2022

SAVE THE DATE: Our 2023 Summer Camp + Activity Fair will be held on THURSDAY, FEB. 23, 2023. Join us at this virtual event to discover fun summer camps, activities and classes throughout the Charlotte area and beyond by popping into a virtual video chat to interact face-to-face with program representatives. Representatives will be on hand to answer your questions, provide availability and help you decide which programs are the best fit for your child. Join by video or live text chat.

Interested in having your camp represented? Email [email protected].

12/08/2022

Holiday Events Across Charlotte: 2022 - Charlotte Parent

Tree and home lightings, Christmas villages, concerts, holiday shopping and more.

Concerts|!!| lights|!!| gingerbread displays|!!| and more

12/08/2022

GUIDE: Celebrating the Holidays in Uptown - Charlotte Parent

When the illuminated snowflakes line Tryon Street, Charlotte families know the holidays have hit Uptown. This year, the district is teeming with holiday decor, shows, and activities—ranging from Charlotte Ballet’s spin on a classic to a twirl on Truist Field’s ice rink. The entire month of December has family-friendly outings that’ll keep Charlotteans coming back, as each experience offers its own particular flavor of Christmas joy:

In Partnership with Charlotte Center City Partners

12/08/2022

You can rest comfortably in 10 years.
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12/07/2022

GUIDE: Christmas Light Displays in Charlotte - Charlotte Parent

From free, family-made efforts to professional experiences.

Free Light Displays by Families Harbin Family Christmas Lights 10223 Summer House Ct.2 Dec. 1-31 Donations go to Make-A-Wish Central & Western Carolina Queen Family Christmas 3943 Black Sycamore Dr. Nov. 23-Dec. 25 Benefits Charlotte Rescue Mission and Bethany’s Butterflies. Hillside Holiday Hunge...

12/07/2022

CAROLINA HOLIDAY LIGHTS SPECTACULAR: Spirits will be bright this December when a NEW Holiday Walk-Thru Experience arrives in Ballantyne, Dec. 12-Dec. 31! Bring your friends and family and immerse yourself in the wonder of the season with over a million Christmas lights along a half-mile walking trail, located in Ballantyne's Backyard. See spectacular Light Displays, dozens of oversized snow globes, larger-than-life holiday scenes, the Alpine Avalanche Snow Tube Slide, magical interactive wand elements throughout the event, hundreds of decorated trees, a Christmas Village complete with boutiques, shops, rotating food trucks and so much more! Find more info at ncholidaylights.com. 🎄

12/06/2022

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: 2022 - Charlotte Parent

It’s that time again, so we caught up with our resident expert Dan Weiss, owner of Harper & Skyler’s Toys & Sweets, to find out which items have been flying off his shelves this season. Our gift guide also includes familiar brands you can find around Charlotte and online. Remember to shop now and place your orders early!

LEGO® Holiday Main Street SetIt’s that time again, so we caught up with our resident expert Dan Weiss, owner of Harper & Skyler’s Toys & Sweets, to find out which items have been flying off his shelves this season. Our gift guide also includes familiar brands you can find around Charlotte and o...

12/05/2022

THE PINT-SIZED FOODIE: An introduction to Stagioni - Charlotte Parent

Each month, our 9-year-old resident foodie visits a different Charlotte-area restaurant that’s kid-friendly—but not a kid-topia. He orders something he’s never tried before and reports back with his recommendations for kids and their parents. Here is his review of Stagioni.

Stagioni is located on Providence Road in EastoverEach month, our 9-year-old resident foodie visits a different Charlotte-area restaurant that’s kid-friendly—but not a kid-topia. He orders something he’s never tried before and reports back with his recommendations for kids and their parents. H...

12/03/2022

Create lasting memories with family & friends at Holiday Pops with the Charlotte Symphony! Enjoy festive tunes, falling snow, & fun with Santa. Dec. 16-18 at Knight Theater. >> bit.ly/csoholidaypops

12/03/2022

Elf On The Shelf Is Back! - Charlotte Parent

Last month, we asked readers for their feelings on Elf on the Shelf. 15% of you think it’s fun, 34% find it fun for the first few days, and a whopping 52% of you consider it your holiday nightmare.

So we compiled a list of ideas to help ease the pain, or add some fun, to your Elf on the Shelf adventures.

Last month, we asked readers for their feelings on Elf on the Shelf. 15% of you think it’s fun, 34% find it fun for the first few days, and a whopping 52% of you consider it your holiday nightmare. So we compiled a list of ideas to help ease the pain, or add some fun, to your Elf on the...

12/02/2022

GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month - Charlotte Parent

Gingerbread, mistletoe, nutcrackers, and lights.

Charlotte Ballet performs Nutcracker at the Belk TheatreSTROLL DOWN GINGERBREAD LANE Visit The Ballantyne Hotel from December 1-26 to see Gingerbread Lane. The annual holiday baking event features novice and professional bakers who compete in this gingerbread house contest. Families can also enjoy h...

12/01/2022

Holiday Pops with the Charlotte Symphony Returns in December - Charlotte Parent

Create lasting memories with family and friends at the Charlotte Symphony’s all-new immersive holiday concert experience! Holiday Pops features festive musical selections with the Charlotte Master Chorale, fun with Santa, and the Symphony’s signature snowfall in the theater:

In Partnership With Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

12/01/2022

Where to Find Santa Claus in Charlotte's Malls - Charlotte Parent

Have a holly-jolly visit with the man in red at these shopping centers—there's even a stop at Whoville to meet the Grinch!

From socially distanced photos to virtual visits

11/29/2022

5 Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms, an Hour or Less From Charlotte - Charlotte Parent

Pile the crew in the car and bring home a stunning North Carolina Christmas tree.

2020 is the perfect year to get outside with the family and visit a choose and cut farm

11/26/2022

Thank you for seeing us.
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11/23/2022

Bluey Balloon Debuting in 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade - Charlotte Parent

A Macy’s Parade balloon is one of the highest honors in children’s entertainment, and the global hit show Bluey is the latest to garner an addition to the line-up with tomorrow's event.

Another debut for Bluey and her family: a brand-new stage show, Bluey’s Big Play, which is coming soon to Belk Theater. Find out more:

And soon, she and the whole fam are making their live Charlotte debut!

11/23/2022

The circus meets the Symphony! Stunning aerial feats, mind-boggling contortions, & jaw-dropping juggling acts are fun for the whole family at Cirque de Noël. BOGO 50% off select performances through Nov. 30! >> bit.ly/csocirque22

11/23/2022

LILY BAKES: Cinnamon Biscuit Clusters - Charlotte Parent

The latest from our resident kid baker makes for a great family breakfast or, add a scoop of ice cream for a dessert.

Lily BarnesLily Barnes is our 11-year-old resident kid baker. Each month she shares an original recipe that kids can make at home with their parents, plus a few behind-the-scenes tips and tricks to make your treat extra special. Here is Lily’s recipe for Lily’s Cinnamon Biscuit Clusters: CINNAMO...

11/23/2022

7 Things to Know About the 34th Annual Charlotte Turkey Trot - Charlotte Parent

The 34th Annual Charlotte Turkey Trot has become a local family tradition, where friends, old classmates, neighbors, and families gather to kick off Thanksgiving Day.

The Charlotte Turkey Trot has been a local family tradition for the past 33 yearsThe 34th Annual Charlotte Turkey Trot has become a local family tradition, where friends, old classmates, neighbors, and families gather to kick off Thanksgiving Day. The Charlotte Turkey Trot was named #13 on the list....

11/22/2022

The Polar Express™ in Concert Returns to the Belk Theater - Charlotte Parent

The Tom Hanks-led adventure The Polar Express comes to life again for two days in uptown, with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s The Polar Express™ in Concert at Belk Theater. The performances arrive on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25-26:

In Partnership with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

11/21/2022

Thanksgiving Takeout Options Around Charlotte - Charlotte Parent

Get a little side help, or go full turkey to pie.

courtesy Table & TwineAngeline’s has Pumpkin, Bourbon Pecan, and Dutch Apple pies available for $30 each. For each pie sold, Angeline’s will make a $5 donation to No Kid Hungry Charlotte. Order online by November 18 for pickup on November 22 – 23. Babe & Butcher is offering Thanksgiving charcu...

11/18/2022

Check out photos from the Charlotte Parent School Fair last month! The fair will return in 2023 to Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas! Thank you to all participating schools and vendors for making this event a success! If you are interested in participating, email [email protected].
Photos by Grant Baldwin Photography.

11/18/2022

ASK A MOM: Fidgety students, healthy eating, and Thanksgiving etiquette - Charlotte Parent

WBTV's Molly Grantham finds the answers to your parenting questions.

Q: My son’s teacher is always sending home a report that he can’t sit still and stay focused. I talk to him about being respectful of his teacher and classroom, and have tried to offer him some breathing strategies when he feels antsy. But ultimately, he’s 7! What testosterone-filled young boy...

11/17/2022

Celebrate Christmas Admidst the Old 96 District's Small-Town Charm - Charlotte Parent

If you’re looking for holiday festivities and events without the crowds and chaos of the season, visit South Carolina’s Old 96 District! Encompassing the counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick, there are so many opportunities to enjoy the upcoming events—you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a small-town holiday movie!

In Partnership With Old 96 District

11/16/2022

Thanksgiving Takeout Options Around Charlotte - Charlotte Parent

Get a little side help, or go full turkey to pie.

courtesy Table & TwineAngeline’s has Pumpkin, Bourbon Pecan, and Dutch Apple pies available for $30 each. For each pie sold, Angeline’s will make a $5 donation to No Kid Hungry Charlotte. Order online by November 18 for pickup on November 22 – 23. Babe & Butcher is offering Thanksgiving charcu...

11/15/2022

All aboard! 🚂 Join the Charlotte Symphony as they play the score to The Polar Express while the full film plays on the big screen at Belk Theater on Nov. 25 & 26. BOGO 50% off with code HOLIDAY22 >> bit.ly/csopolar

11/11/2022

A Step-By-Step Guide to Hitting the Slopes with Kids - Charlotte Parent

Just three hours west of Charlotte, there's a family-friendly slope with one 1600-foot run, a chair lift, and an introductory slope with a moving carpet. It’s ideal for first-time and beginner skiers.

Photos courtesy of Nick BreedlovePlanning a ski trip puts fear into the hearts of many parents. Between safety concerns and deciding where to go, what equipment to rent, and when to book ski school, it can feel like a logistical nightmare. Ski Sapphire Valley at the Sapphire Valley Resort in Jackson...

11/11/2022

Holiday Events Across Charlotte: 2022 - Charlotte Parent

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Concerts|!!| lights|!!| gingerbread displays|!!| and more

11/10/2022

Feel the Roar, Charlotte! 🦖 For two weeks only, November 18th - 27th, join us for a dinosaur walk-thru encounter at Ballantine’s Backyard. It's an epic dinosaur attraction - for every dinosaur enthusiast! Head to feeltheroar.com to get your tickets.

11/10/2022

Holiday Gifts That Last All Year - Charlotte Parent

Rather than add to the slew of wrapped gifts they would receive for the holidays, consider these subscription kits that kids can enjoy all year long.

Last November, when I asked my sister-in-law for gift ideas for my nieces and nephew, she was stumped. My 9-year-old nephew had a few items on his list for me to choose from, but my twin 6-year-old nieces weren’t asking for anything specific. Rather than add to the slew of wrapped gifts they would...

11/08/2022

ROOM WE LOVE: Small Footprint, Big Style - Charlotte Parent

Designer Taylor Silverstein creates a gender-neutral nursery in her NoDa bungalow. taystefullymade

Heather Ison PhotographyWhen Taylor Silverstein and her husband Eric moved from New York to Charlotte in 2018, they fell in love with a 1946 bungalow in NoDa. At just under 2,000 square feet, the home was cozy, but that was hardly a deal breaker for this couple. “When you live in Manhattan for alm...

11/08/2022

Ways to Give Back in Charlotte - Charlotte Parent

Charlotte is home to so many local nonprofits that serve neighbors in need. Here are 10 ways your family can get into the spirit of giving this holiday season—and throughout the year.

Charlotte is home to so many local nonprofits that serve neighbors in need. Here are 10 ways your family can get into the spirit of giving this holiday season—and throughout the year. Thompson Child & Family Focus acts as a Secret Santa to nearly 800 children each year. See their wish lists to hel...

11/07/2022

This week’s truth award goes to

11/04/2022

WEEKENDER: Birmingham - Charlotte Parent

Birmingham, Alabama is home to museums, music venues, and some of the country’s best barbecue. It’s also a six-and-a-half hour drive from Charlotte (or a one-hour flight on American Airlines), making it a fun, educational, and accessible weekend destination for the whole family.

Birmingham, AlabamaBirmingham, Alabama earned the nickname “The Magic City” thanks to its vast supply of iron ore, coal, and limestone, the three elements needed to produce steel. It experienced rapid growth following the Civil War and into the 20th century, when it became synonymous with the Ci...

11/03/2022

The 2022 Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade: By the Numbers - Charlotte Parent

The Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade returns on Wednesday, November 23, at 6 p.m. The event, which was formerly held on Thanksgiving Day, continues its successful reimagining as an evening endeavor, garnering thousands from across the region. We’ve gathered all of the numbers you need to know surrounding this year’s celebration:

All of the details your family needs to plan for this year’s event

11/03/2022

Guiding Girls Through Pre-Puberty - Charlotte Parent

Though a mom may think her little girl is too young to be going through puberty, there's a stage that comes before the cramps and menstrual cycles; it's called pre-pubescence.

Tips to navigate the rollercoaster of changes.

11/02/2022

GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month - Charlotte Parent

There's lots of activities to be thankful for this month!

Novant Health Thanksgiving Day ParadeSKATE AT CAMP NORTH END Come to Camp North End on Saturday, November 5 and take a spin on the 2,400-square-foot skating rink inside the Ford Building at 400 Camp Road. The experience includes artwork by local artists, a concession stand, and a DJ spinning pop, hi...

11/01/2022

THE PINT-SIZED FOODIE: An introduction to IndiGrille - Charlotte Parent

Each month, our 9-year-old resident foodie visits a different Charlotte-area restaurant that’s kid-friendly—but not a kid-topia. He orders something he’s never tried before and reports back with his recommendations for kids and their parents. Here is his review of IndiGrille - Fast Fresh Indian.

IndiGrille opened in May in ParkTowne VillageEach month, our 9-year-old resident foodie visits a different Charlotte-area restaurant that’s kid-friendly—but not a kid-topia. He orders something he’s never tried before and reports back with his recommendations for kids and their parents. Here i...