Looking for weekend plans beyond the usual spots? This weekend, Charlotte has everything from digging up dinosaur bones to complex paper sculpture for tweens! Don't miss the hands-on fun before these unique events disappear.
Quick Picks
Free Play Day at ImaginOn Studio I
ImaginOn
A whole day dedicated to free, interactive building and exploring for younger kids.
Pop-Up Papercraft Workshop
2401 N Davidson St
A focused, indoor workshop where older kids master advanced origami techniques.
Sensory Snowflakes: Toddler Drop-In
1500 S Mint St
The perfect morning for your 2-5 year old to explore fake snow and themed sensory bins.
· January 31
3DINOSAUR DIG EXPLORATION (LIMITED RUN) : This is a one-day pop-up where kids get to sift through sand to find hidden dinosaur fossils. Sounds like they’ll be getting seriously hands-on with history!It’s a one-day-only pop-up event! Kids aged 4-10 get to dig for fossils—super cool and active fun.
POP-UP PAPERCRAFT WORKSHOP : If your older kid loves detailed crafts, this is it. They are focusing on advanced origami and paper sculpture techniques here.It’s a focused workshop for older kids (up to 14!) teaching advanced paper sculpture—definitely more unique than a general craft table.
FREE PLAY DAY AT IMAGINON STUDIO IFREE : This is a special free-access day centering on the super interactive Studio I area. Great for younger kids to build and explore without normal weekend crowds.It’s a genuinely free day dedicated to ImaginOn's most interactive space, perfect for the under-8 crowd.
· February 1
3WINTER NATURE HIKE: IDENTIFYING EVERGREENS : Get the older kids outdoors to learn about local trees by identifying what stays green in the winter. Good structured movement for Sunday afternoon.A guided walk focusing on local flora—it’s educational, outdoors, and perfect for school-aged kids on a Sunday.
MAGICIAN 'MYSTIC MIKE' FAMILY SHOW : Mystic Mike is doing a Sunday matinee specifically geared toward younger audiences, and it promises lots of audience participation.A classic, easy-win Sunday activity with a show that explicitly aims for high audience interaction for the 4-12 set.
SENSORY SNOWFLAKES: TODDLER DROP-IN : This is a specialized sensory morning for littles, focusing on safe bins themed around fake snow and glitter jars. Great for the 2-5 range.It's a specialized, short session tailored perfectly for toddlers (2-5) to get messy with a specific winter theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free, hands-on events for young kids this weekend?
Yes! ImaginOn is hosting a Free Play Day on Saturday (Jan 31) focusing on Studio I for ages 3-8, which is great for building and exploring at no cost.
What can my tween do that is educational and creative on Sunday?
The Winter Nature Hike (ages 5-14) on Sunday afternoon teaches kids how to identify local evergreens, or for an indoor option, the Papercraft Workshop on Saturday is great for ages 6-14.
Where can I find a unique Saturday activity that sells out fast?
You need to move fast for the Dinosaur Dig Exploration in Piedmont Heights on Saturday (Jan 31) where kids dig for fossils, or book the specialized Sensory Snowflakes session in South End early Sunday morning.