Discovery Place is a paradise of kid-friendly interactive science exhibits and presentations. Visit the Cool Stuff exhibit which, true to its name, is full of interesting interactive activities like lying on a bed of nails that help making learning physics fun. Next, experience a rainforest by crossing a rope bridge and looking down at exotic plant life and animals. See aquatic life at the large aquarium and take a unique guided feeding tour of the aquarium. Children 7 and under need to stop by KidScience with hands-on fun geared towards the younger kids. Make sure you save time to see a short movie at the Discovery 3D Theatre or get immersed in the action at the IMAX Dome Theatre. The museum also offers a number of live programs, plus there are seasonal attractions so there's always something new to see!
Romare Bearden Park is a community facility great for some recreation and relaxation. Named after the renowned Charlotte resident and artist, this 5.4-acre (2.19-hectare) park is located a short distance from the Mint Museum. It is replete with gardens, courtyards, children's playgrounds and picnic spots. The manicured lawns feature waterfalls and over 10,000 varieties of flora that are inspired by Bearden's work. The gazebo is used to host an array of cultural programs like workshops, exhibitions, the RomareFest, Party in the Park and Music Box Lunch Series.
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at the Belk Theater, the largest auditorium at the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The theater is constructed so that there are no seats more than 135 feet away from the stage, providing an intimate setting even with over 2,000 people in the audience. In addition, a fiber-optic network with thousands of multi-colored pinpoints of light is placed throughout the audience chamber for spectacular light displays. Call or visit the Blumenthal Center's website for information on upcoming events and tickets.
A proscenium theater that displays cabaret, musicals, dance and orchestra is what The Booth Playhouse is all about. In addition to all this, the theater can also be used for holding seminars, trainings, meetings and conferences. This 434-seat theater can also be rented out for holding wedding receptions and other functions along with catering facilities.
The Foundation for the Carolinas is a hub of philanthropy. This foundation brings many different people from the community together and encourages all to do good and to pay it forward. The Luski-Gorelick Center for Philanthropy is home to an art gallery on the first floor that features works from local artists. Admission to the gallery is free.