Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools have declared President’s Day, February 17th, 2020, a make-up day to replace the day missed due to tornados.
If your child IS lucky enough to be off school and if you’re lucky enough to be able to take the day off to spend with your child, here are some free things to do on President’s Day. Also, take a look at this list of free things to do with kids around Charlotte for more ideas.
If you haven’t signed up for Charlotte on the Cheap’s free daily email, it’s a great way to keep up with the free and cheap things to do around Charlotte, both for adults and kids.
Please also scroll down for a list of discounts on trampoline parks, skating rinks, and more fun kids’ activities.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Friday, February 14th, through Monday, February 17th
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day
Wing Haven, 260 Ridgewood Avenue
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a join project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. It takes place all over the world.
Members of the public watch birds, counting them and recording observations, which helps scientists in their study of birds.Volunteers from Wing Haven, as well as the Mecklenburg Audubon Society, will be on hand providing guided walks, sharing educational information, and enjoying the count alongside you or your group.
Light breakfast food will be provided.
More information on the Great Backyard Bird Count
Open Play at Springfree Trampoline
Monday, February 17th
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Springfree Trampoline Charlotte, 9848-E Rea Road
Kids can jump for free, as well as work on a Presidents-themed arts and craft project and enjoy snacks and refreshments.
More information on this event at Springfree Trampoline
Mecklenburg County Nature Centers
Mecklenburg County boasts three nature centers that are free to visit. Each of these is within a nature preserve, so you can visit and learn about animals, and then hit the trails to see what you can spot together.
The nature centers:
- Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road
- Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville
- McDowell Nature Center, 15222 South York Road
More information about Mecklenburg County Nature Centers
Mother Minter–Freedom Quilt Series
Monday, February 17th, 2020, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Beatties Ford Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road
Celebrate Black History Month with this storytelling event with Mother Minter. Listen to literature that describes the purpose of the Underground Railroad and the specialized quilts that were created to help enslaved people make their way to freed states. Participants will create personalized quilt squares during this program, and light refreshments will be served.
More information
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
9090 Craver Road
Many parents don’t know about this free resource, or might not know if it’s appropriate for kids. It is. Paths wind around Asian gardens, a butterfly garden, a waterfall pond, a 120 year old cabin and so much more. This is a place that will ignite kids’ imagination. Botany classes are also offered to both kids and adults.
More information on the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
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