Thanksgiving Takeout Options Around Charlotte
Get a little side help, or go full turkey to pie
Author: Amanda Pagliarini Howard
14 Birthday Party Venues for Kids in Charlotte
Updated October 2025 Charlotte Allstars 11011 Monroe Rd. Matthews Charlotte Allstar’s offers use of their gym which includes an inflatable obstacle course, slides, trampolines, foam pit, swinging rope and more. Birthday parties include a party hostess, setup and cleanup, one…
Where to Find Halloween Costumes Around Charlotte
Getting kids to decide on their Halloween costume is half the battle. Not changing their minds in late October is the other. Finding the costume should be easy with these local shops: Morris Costumes 800-522-2956 4300 Monroe Road Spirit Halloween …
Top Family Photographers in Charlotte for Fall Photos
Who to call for your family photos this fall
Best Pediatricians in Charlotte
Each year, our sister publication, Charlotte magazine, releases a list of the Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Charlotte, based on a peer survey conducted by Castle Connolly. Doctors are selected through a peer nomination process, and then evaluated by a physician-led research…
Cosmetic Surgery For Moms: 5 Things to Consider Before You Go Under The Knife
For moms, cosmetic surgery comes with extra considerations
5 Things to Do Over Labor Day Weekend in Charlotte
Labor Day family fun around the QC
PARENT TO KNOW: Ashley Ausman
A Q&A with the mom of three and essay architect
PARENT TO KNOW: Dr. Seti Byrd
Dr. Seti Byrd is the founder of the uptown luxury dental practice, Skyview Dentistry. Here, the mom of three talks to us about emotional regulation in parenting, the importance of couple trips, and how to get kids excited about brushing…
7 Things To Do With Dad on Father’s Day in Charlotte
Father's Day is June 15th, so we've pulled together a list of events and gifts fit for a Charlotte dad. South End Eats Father's Day Food Tasting June 15, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. A free, family-friendly event filled with music,…
Last Minute Charlotte Summer Camps
Many Charlotte summer camps open for registration as early as January. But if you struggle to make summer plans while still in a winter coat, don’t panic. Here are some camps that still have some availability. For a full list…
Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Charlotte Moms
Moms do the most, so Mother's Day is not an occasion to squander. Whether your Mother's Day includes wrapped gifts, breakfast in bed, or activities and experiences, one thing is a must: all Charlotte Moms should be task-free on the…
Where to go for Mother’s Day Brunch in Charlotte: 2025
Where to celebrate Mom with reservation links
PARENT TO KNOW: Mindy Vergakis
Mindy Vergakis is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, working with children, adolescents, and families. Formerly a counselor at Charlotte Latin, she specializes in ADHD, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and behavior challenges and offers individual and family counseling, as…
10 Places to Donate Kid’s Items in Charlotte
Where your gently used items can do good
What To Do With Kids In Charlotte During The Winter
What to do when it's cold outside in the post-holiday months
A Guide To Allergy-Friendly Restaurants in Charlotte
A list of local spots that are friendly to families with food sensitivities
Holiday Catering & Takeout Options In Charlotte 2024
From party plates to full roast beef dinners
Holiday Decorating Tips, Tricks, and Tools
DIY ways to make your home magical this holiday season
PARENT TO KNOW: Nidhi McVicar
Nidhi McVicar is a new Charlotte transplant, by way of Philadelphia. The mom of twins relocated this summer to serve as the new Head of Upper School at Charlotte Country Day. Here, she talks learning to navigate Charlotte roads, her…
Need Breastfeeding Support? These Lactation Consultants in Charlotte Can Help.
A list of certified consultants to support your breastfeeding journey.
10 Products and Ideas for Back-to-School Organization
Get your kids and your home ready for school routines
PARENT TO KNOW: Karly Barker
Karly Barker is the founder of Courtside Kids - an activewear brand for boys and girls ages 2 - 14. Prior to starting her family, the Utah native was a broadcast news reporter and anchor. Karly and her husband moved…
PARENT TO KNOW: Brad Panovich
He's everyone's favorite weatherman (says the voters in Charlotte magazine Best of the Best Awards) but at home with his wife, Tammy, Brad Panovich is simply, Dad. The WCNC meteorologist has amassed a sizable following for his admitted geeky weather…
PARENTING AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Why I Stopped Posting Photos of My Social Life
I want my kids to be thoughtful and self-assured. My own social media habits demonstrated the opposite.
PARENT TO KNOW: Caitlin Thielen
Here, she talks to us about adjusting to a new city for the first time, giving kids individual attention, and her favorite Charlotte spots.
PARENT TO KNOW: Corie Dulken
Corie Dulken is a massage therapist, skin care specialist, and owner of Nature's Spa in South Charlotte. The mom of three, who has always prioritized her physical and emotional health, found a lump in her breast in 2020 that was…
Charlotte Area Neighborhood Profiles for Families
Wondering what part of Charlotte is best for your family? Here are some highlights
PARENT TO KNOW: Autumn Stone
If you happened to see Autumn Stone alone, which is rare, you'd never guess that the petite, smiling, seemingly relaxed woman was the familial engine of a household of six children. Here, the Ballantyne wife and mom talks family organization…
Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Charlotte
We all want our kids to get out and play in the great outdoors. But when Mother Nature interferes, there are plenty of indoor play options all over town. Sky Zone Trampoline Park Charlotte 7325 Smith Corners Blvd. 704-709-9050 Pineville…
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Charlotte
These Charlotte restaurants accommodate kids and are loud enough that yours can't risk causing a disturbance. Bad Daddy's Dilworth and Ballantyne This burger spot has all the kid favorites - plus tater tots that will make you give up fries…
Best Parenting Advice We Received in 2023
A roundup of advice from our 2023 Parents to Know.
Holiday Decorators in Charlotte
These holiday pros can transform your home into the North Pole, and even disassemble and store your holiday decor for you. Peggy Johnson 704-880-7901 Peggy does interiors and exteriors, home or office, and can either use your own decorations, add…
PARENT TO KNOW: Liz Monterrey
Liz Monterrey's name likely looks familiar. You might have seen it plastered on signage all over Charlotte, or in the voting booth this past November where she made history as the first Latina elected to Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board. Here,…
PARENT TO KNOW: Justin Perry
Justin Perry is a therapist and founder of Perry Counseling Healing and Recovery PLLC. He has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma, and/or are managing mental health and substance use disorders.…
PARENT TO KNOW: Indre Buechler
It's rare to see Indre Buechler in front of the camera. Most often she is behind it at Nest Photo Studio in South Charlotte. Here, the business owner and mom of five talks the importance of capturing photos of children,…
PARENT TO KNOW: Katherine Hutchens
Katherine Hutchens is the mother of two, and the beloved art teacher at Endhaven Elementary in South Charlotte. In February of this year, she began to lose her vision when doctors diagnosed her with a benign pituitary adenoma. She had…
HOME ALONE: How to get rid of your husband and kids for two days
The obsession began this past holiday season. I am a Christmas decorating enthusiast and turn my home upside down in November in decorating mayhem. Until complete, it is a chaotic, divorce-worthy mess. Last year, I made my husband a deal:…
PARENT TO KNOW: Heather Obleada
Heather Obleada is the owner of Iron Butterfly Pilates in Southend. She grew up performing with The Charleston Ballet, and after graduating from Radford University, went on to The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and Martha Graham School in New York.…
Where to Find Maternity Clothes in Charlotte
5 local spots with new and consigned maternity wear
PARENT TO KNOW: Christina Murphy
Yes, you’re seeing double, double. Christina Murphy is mom to two sets of twins! And now Christina is preparing to double her workload. She’s taking her COVID side hustle, The Pearl Pagoda, from pop-up to permanent. Next month, The Pearl…
Hey Kids! Here are 15 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The Nature Conservancy defines our carbon footprint as the total amount of greenhouse gases that are generated by our actions. A carbon footprint is like a pair of muddy shoes. If you run through your house with muddy shoes, you’re…
Family and Kids Activities Guide to Charlotte
Sticking around Charlotte for spring break? Or just looking for a way to spend the day with your family? Here's a list of the best Charlotte has to offer for kids and families. It's not everything, but it's a great…
PARENT TO KNOW: Jen Kraus Rosen
Jen Kraus Rosen is the Chief Advancement Officer of Moishe House, a global organization that facilitates engaging communities for Jewish young adults. When she’s not traveling the globe for work, the Indiana University grad devotes her time to family and…
LET’S MOVE! The Best Streaming Fitness for Kids
Whether you are struggling with a couch potato or simply want to incorporate a healthy and active mindset, these free streaming video options have something for every kid. Cosmic Kids Yoga Age groups: preschool, elementary Master storyteller Jamie weaves…
Charlotte’s Best Indoor Playgrounds
Updated March 2023 MULTI-ACTIVITY FREE PLAY Sports Connection 11611 Ardrey Kell Rd. 704-583-1444 Pricing: Varies by activity Enjoy bounce houses, laser tag, bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, a ropes course, virtual reality, and more at this Ballantyne mega center. The…
PARENT TO KNOW: Esezele Payne
Esezele Payne has a refreshingly direct style, which might be out of necessity. Like most moms, she is very busy. Esezele is the Vice President of Operational and Environmental Services at Atrium Health and is active in several charitable organizations…
FAMILY PLANNING: Who Should Be Snipped?
You and your partner have decided your family is complete. Now the question you must answer: Who will take responsibility for making sure your bodies stick to the plan? We spoke to a urologist and gynecologist to get all the…
Best OB/GYNs in Charlotte
Each year our sister publication, Charlotte magazine, releases a list of the Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Charlotte, based on a peer survey conducted by Castle Connolly. Doctors are selected through a peer nomination process, and then evaluated by a physician-led research…
Baby Registry Must-Haves
I remember the day my husband and I, in all our naivete, went to create our baby registry. Four hours later, we emerged from the store anxious, bewildered, and in need of a very long nap. Attempting to stock yourself…
