Kid’s Activities & Play Time

A child’s world is filled with wonder and fascination. There’s so much to experience and explore while developing the senses. Giving children the opportunity to guide that development in an educational and fun environment is what Charlotte Jr. Gym is committed to. We provide a safe and fun place where exploring is encouraged and making the connection between the imagination and actually doing is part of the experience. More than merely a gym for children, we’re a place that helps build your child’s coordination, confidence and imagination.
Charlotte Jr. Gym offers a wide range of fun activities to be involved with. We have adult/child Stay’N'Play classes for 18-30 month old children and their caregivers. We also teach pre-gymnastics to children ages 2 1/2- age 4, have holiday and summer camps, and do birthday parties.

Cara Zara Hula-Hoop Entertainer and Teacher offers on-site afterschool “Hula-Hoop Kid-Fit” classes throughout Charlotte Mecklenburg. Hooping is a modern spin on the classic fun of the hula-hoop and is perfect way to stay fit for boys and girls. Students will learn how to bring the hoop up, down and off the body all while moving to music. Hooping improves large and small motor skills, increases balance, coordination, flexibility and strength and brings a smile to everyone’s face!

“Hula-Hoop Kid-Fit” program encourages physical activity for the pure pleasure of movement and isn’t based on repetition or competition. It fosters cooperative team building and high self-esteem. Cara Zara entertains at parties and festivals throughout NC & SC. You may have seen her spinning hoops at First Night Charlotte, Festival in the Park, Matthews Alive Festival and many other local events.

Cara Zara is available for group lessons, enrichment programs and motivational speaking/performing at school assemblies. She also loves to performing and teaching children, parents & teachers at school festivals!

Connect. Immerse. Engage. Walk among free-flying butterflies in Butterfly Pavilion, observe live animals in Creature Cavern, buzz by Insect Alley, hang out in our Big Backyard or explore the Paw Paw Nature Trail in the 100-year-old forest. While focusing on ages 3-7, ever-changing, hands-on programming provides the opportunity for structured learning and informal play for kids of all ages. Plan your visit today!

Looking for a fabulous family activity that everyone can enjoy? Discovery Place is the ticket, Smarties!! Visitors have made this one of the top attractions in the Carolinas and one of our nation’s premier science museums. Discovery Place is conveniently located in the heart of uptown Charlotte close to dining, the Light Rail and so much more. Step into a world where science is brought to life featuring interactive exhibits and explosive experiments during daily programs. Innovate, explore, tinker and try with hands-on activities and dynamic demonstrations for all ages. Or become immersed in the movies at the giant IMAX Dome Theatre. From nature to neurons and birds to beakers, science is in your hands at Discovery Place.

Discovery Place KIDS-Huntersville is located in 24,000 square feet of fun right in the heart of downtown Huntersville. Leave it up to the Smarty team at Discovery Place KIDS to design an entire museum of exhibits around the concept of “I CAN”: Build, Create, Explore, Grow, Be Healthy, Move & Work and so much more! 

Wanna be part of the Discovery Place family? Join now! Visit their website for more information on Discovery Place KIDS and Membership. When you check out this new gem in our community, be sure to tell em Charlotte Smarty Pants sent ya!

KidzArt is for those who love to draw and even for those who think they can’t! Classes are full of inspiring drawing and art projects for every ‘lil Smarty to enjoy all year long. Through fun interactive exercises using quality art materials, your child will learn exciting techniques at their level and strengthen their creative muscles in a whole new way with KidzArt! And best of all, it’s super FUN! KidzArt Charlotte primarily focuses on Elementary and Preschool classes (see website for details on school locations). They recently introduced their first TeenzArt class at Randolph Middle School. Call 704-843-5439 to bring KidzArt weekly classes to your child’s school.

My Gym Children’s Fitness Center is dedicated to improving the lives of the children and families of this community. Our classes and parties are designed to empower youngsters by helping them acquire the skills, confidence and positive self-image needed to become healthy young adults. Our state-of-the-art facility, extensively trained staff, award-winning class programs, and excellent student/teacher ratio have earned My Gym Children’s Fitness Center the reputation as the best early learning program of its kind. Imaginations soar and children thrive at My Gym! Our My Gym Birthday Parties are action-packed and exciting! The children are active throughout the event, and the birthday child is the center of all activities. Our experienced teachers handle everything, as they make sure everyone has a blast – parents and children alike!

At small hands big art, the glitter is both plentiful and colorful, and children are encouraged to sprinkle it liberally as they unleash their creativity! Small hands big art provides art enrichment classes, camps and parties for children & young adults, with classes running in six week sessions (although children can join at any time during the session, space permitting). They like to expose children to a wide variety of artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, clay, collage, printmaking and construction. A low teacher/student ratio is maintained, with classes typically averaging between eight to twelve kids, with two adults at all times. 

Call the studio today to register your children for a complimentary trial class! And don’t forget to consider this fun and creative venue for your next birthday party!

Sports Connection’s Sports & Family Entertainments Centers offer every kind of fun under one roof. They offer Jump ‘n Play Inflatable’s, Bowling, Mini Bowling, Laser Tag, Rock Climbing and Arcade Games & Rides. There is also the Connection Café that offers a variety of tasty food from Pizza’s to Panini’s & Wraps and offers Beer & Wine for the adults. Friday Nights are KIDS NIGHT OUT. Parents can drop kids off between the ages of 6 to 13 years to a night of fun for $30. Times and activities vary by location as not all activities are available at all locations.