{Giveaway} Jurassic Quest in Charlotte

Gigantic animatronic dinosaurs have been spotted migrating toward Charlotte, NC for Jurassic Quest at the Park Expo and Conference Center on Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd.

This is a special chance to get the dino-lover in your family up close and personal, interacting with these life-sized creatures. Sharing time at school just got WAY cooler when your kiddo recounts that your family journeyed to the Jurassic and rode a dinosaur over the weekend! 

Along with the dinosaur exhibit, families can explore the fossil digs, inflatables, Jurassic Jeeps, bungees, crafts, dino theater, science stations and more! Kids 2-12 are $20 for a regular ticket and $29 for a V.I.P ticket. Under 2 are free and adults are $25. Military and law enforcement families receive a $5 discount on each ticket. The V.I.P ticket is the best value, and you know your kids will want to experience everything there! **Socks are required for ALL inflatables!**

You can purchase tickets by clicking here, and follow Jurassic Quest on Facebook here. 

{Giveaway}

We're doing a giveaway of 4 tickets for Jurassic Quest. 

1. Like MomAboutCharlotte on Facebook. 

2. Share this Facebook post publicly (change privacy setting for the share to public) 

3. Comment on this Facebook post with your kiddo's favorite dinosaur

We will pick our winner randomly on September 23rd! 

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{Giveaway} LEGO KidsFest Comes to Charlotte, NC

It's time to get excited kids, moms and dads! Those tiny colorful bricks that ignite imaginations are headed to Charlotte in the biggest, most LEGO-ist way possible! When I was a kid my siblings and I spent HOURS constructing and playing in our LEGO worlds. Now as a mom, my seven-year-old daughter and I love spending time creating and building LEGO projects together. My three-year-old son is just starting his experiences building with LEGOS, and is particularly fond of making cars and then smashing them. Boys.. ;). So I'm just as excited as they are to check out this one-of-a-kind LEGO experience that's rolling into the Queen City February 19th - 21st, 2016. Don't be left out of this awesome event, tickets have sold out in other cities -  pick up tickets now by clicking here .  Want more details about LEGO KidsFest click here. 

Now for the {Giveaway} Info - our winner is Paige Gallelli! I encourage you to LIKE and Follow LEGOKidsFest on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram for all the latest ticketing updates as this event has been selling out in prior cities. Must be 18 to enter, 1 entry per day allowed, random drawing by USFG! Winner will be randomly chosen by USFG on Tues Jan 15 and announced on my Blog and notified via email. 

The LEGO KidsFest national tour stops at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC, from February 19 - 21, 2016, for the very first time, bringing all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in this three acre activity- and entertainment-packed family event. 

LEGO KidsFest is for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests. 
Among the many LEGO attractions, families will find: 

* LEGO Model Museum: life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks 
* LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play 
* Race Ramps: build a custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family  
* LEGO Star Wars: build and display a Star Wars model
* LEGO Disney Princess: create a princess scene to add to a LEGO story book 
* LEGO Super Heroes: pose with a life-sized Spiderman model and more
* LEGO DUPLO: younger visitors can explore imagination through building
* LEGO Retail: purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods
* LEGO Friends: build for the five empowered friends from Heartlake City 
* LEGO Ninjago: spin the way to being a Spinjitzu member 
* LEGO Mindstorms: build and program robots and snakes 
* LEGO Technic: get hands-on with the cool, realistic vehicles at the booth
* Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S. 
* Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment
* Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color foster group creativity

"Our 2016 LEGO KidsFest tour is going to delight both new and returning audiences," said Vince Rubino, Events Manager for LEGO Systems, Inc. "We've still got some favorites on the show floor, like the Big Brick Pile, Creation Nation and the Race Ramps. There are also many new and unique activities designed for building, learning and fun." 
Five sessions - all identical and 4 1/2 half hours in length - are held at each tour stop. LEGO KidsFest tickets can be purchased at www.LEGOkidsfest.com. Tickets are $19 for the Friday and Sunday afternoon sessions, and $22 for both sessions on Saturday and the Sunday morning session.
On tour since 2009, previous LEGO KidsFest tour stops have included major cities such as Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Atlanta, San Jose, Cleveland, Richmond, Phoenix, Portland and more.

LEGO KidsFest North Carolina: February 19 - 21, 2016
Three Acres of Hands-On Educational Fun for All Ages

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Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella

Photo Credit: Children's Theatre of Charlotte

The Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella at the McColl Family Theater from December 4th - December 20th. Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella is a unique take on the Cinderella story set in the roaring 20's. Ella is a designer and creates beautiful gowns for her wicked step mother and step sisters who don't want to include Ella in their glamorous lifestyle. When the Duke proves her step-family wrong it's up to Ella to chose her path by looking inside and sharing her adventure in song. Join Ella and her cast as they live it up in the roaring 20's by purchasing tickets here.

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Atherton Market in South End

Atherton Market is nestled in Atherton Mills in the quickly growing trend-tactic South End. So trendy it's right next to the newly opened Anthropologie. We went on a Saturday morning to check out the market and enjoy the energy of South End. 

Atherton hosts about 20 vendor booths. Their wares run the gamut - offering specialty coffee, organic produce, meats and fish, high end chocolate unique cheeses, hand poured soy candles and more. 

Several booths offer samples of their tasty fares, we enjoyed Carolina Artisan Bread's raisin walnut bread samples. The fam liked walking around and exploring the culture-forward options that you can't find at Wal-mart. 

Artists are also on the scene with unique terrariums, water color canvases and hand crafted jewelry. 

The price points for items run closer to that of a Whole Foods, so be prepared to pay a pretty penny if you plan to purchase their quality goods. 

Atherton market is family friendly, I suggest rocking the single stroller or baby wearing on busier days, a double stroller would be doable if you're patient. The market is open 9am-6pm Mon - Sat. More information at: http://www.athertonmillandmarket.com/retailers/mill/atherton-market/ 

There are also lunch/dinner options with tasty experiences like Luna's Living Kitchen and a BBQ restaurant in walking distance. 

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Discount SEA LIFE Aquarium Charlotte/Concord Admission

Looking for a great way to beat the 100+ degree temperatures this week in Charlotte? SEA LIFE Aquarium in Concord is offering adult and child admission for only $11.95 for visits Monday-Friday between 12p-7p until July 17th 2015. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, click here to purchase! 

This is a great chance to check out Ruby the Giant Pacific Octopus during her octopus enrichment at 2:15p each day. Learn more about Ruby here. There's plenty for your little guppies to enjoy and explore in the 26,000 square foot indoor (AIR-CONDITIONED) aquarium, including a touch pool where kids get up close and personal with amazing sea creatures.

My kids enjoy collecting stamps for their guide books as they rove around the aquarium, learning about the importance and beauty of the ocean and its inhabitants. They can show their punches at the end for a special surprise.

Plus there are sharks! My son was amazed as this sharp toothed beauty swam over the top of him and his dad during our last visit.


To honor our country's service men and women this 4th of July weekend, SEA LIFE is offering free admission to military members with a valid military I.D. Accompanying family members will also receive a discounted admission of $18. Walk up tickets only.

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