WNC Parent April 2023 Calendar: Things to do for kids and parents
Find weekly updates and highlights online at wncparent.com. Send your organization’s family events to chris@worthyplace.com.
Saturday, April 1
Naturalist Niche: Spring Wildflower Walk is 9 – 11 a.m. at Chimney Rock Park. Join a Park naturalist on a moderate hike and see Hickory Nut Gorge come alive as spring wildflowers emerge along the trails. Registration is required. Visit chimneyrockpark.com/event/naturalist-niche-spring-wildflower-walk.
Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” program allows cardholders free admission to Asheville Museum of Science today. For details, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/arts-and-culture#museums-on-us.
Saturday STEAM and NC SciFest – Science: Microscopes is at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org.
The Wonders and Science of Radio Waves, part of NC SciFest, is at The Asheville Radio Museum at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College. For details, visit ncsciencefestival.org and avlradiomuseum.org.
Nature Art in the Park, part of NC SciFest, is at 2 p.m. at The Park at Flat Rock. For details, visit ncsciencefestival.org and muddysneakers.org.
JazzGirls Day – Hendersonville Theatre invites area middle and high school female-identifying musicians to an afternoon of fellowship and learning at 3 p.m. JazzGirls Day, presented in conjunction with North Carolina Central University, is a free event that will allow area student musicians to converse with professional jazz musicians and other jazz students. Students can register by visiting hendersonvilletheatre.org or by calling the box office at 828-692-1082. All area music educators are also invited to attend.
Saturday Night POPS, featuring the Brevard Philharmonic, is at the Porter Center at Brevard College. Reserved seat tickets are $37 each. Student tickets are $10 each. Call 828-884-4221 or visit brevardphilharmonic.com.
Sunday, April 2
Bank of America’s “Museums On Us” program allows cardholders free admission to Asheville Museum of Science today. For details, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/arts-and-culture#museums-on-us.
Nature Art in the Park, part of NC SciFest, is at 2 p.m. at The Park at Flat Rock. For details, visit ncsciencefestival.org and muddysneakers.org.
Tuesday, April 4
Teen Creative Writing Club for grades 6 – 12 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Join other teens interested in creative writing, storytelling, connecting with other teen writers, and getting feedback on your work. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Wednesday, April 5
Little Explorers Club is at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org.
Pre-K Story and Craft time is at 11 a.m. at Leicester Library. Call 828-250-6480 or email leicester.library@buncombecounty.org.
Four O’Clock Club: Let’s Build It for grades K – 5 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Thursday, April 6
The Amazing World of Plants, an ecoEXPLORE program with the North Carolina Arboretum, is at 4 p.m. at the North Asheville Library. For details, call 828-250-4752 or email northasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.
LEGO Club is at 3:30 p.m. at the Fletcher Library. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Teen Advisory Board for grades 9 – 12 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Make a difference in teen programming at the library and earn volunteer hours. Find the application online at hendersoncountync.gov/library or stop by any branch.
Saturday, April 8
Second Saturday arts events are in the River Arts District. Events include artist demos, exhibits and more. For details and locations, visit riverartsdistrict.com.
Saturday STEAM and NC SciFest – Tech – Take-Apart Technology and Junk Bot Creation is at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org.
Makerspace: Second Saturday is 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Asheville Art Museum. Free for members or included with museum admission. Registration is not required. All ages and abilities are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult). To ensure all participants have time and space to create, participants may be asked to limit time. For details, visit ashevilleart.org.
Monday, April 10
Garden Club is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Help plant and take care of the library’s sensory garden. Grades K – 5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Tuesday, April 11
Toddler Open Play Family Social is at 10 a.m. at Enka-Candler Library. Space is limited. Tickets are available at the front desk. Call 828250-4758 or email enka.library@buncombecounty.org.
Book Bandits Book Club for grades 3 – 6 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Do you love to read? Do you enjoy talking about books? Join the Book Bandits to meet new friends and share recommendations. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Wednesday, April 12
Tiny Tots Yoga is at 11 a.m. at the Swannanoa Library. Call 828-250-6486 or email swannanoa.library@buncombecounty.org.
Four O’Clock Club: What a Ranger Does, featuring North Carolina State Park rangers, for grades K – 5 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Author Jennifer Nielsen will speak at the Henderson County Main Library at 5:30 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required. Sign up at hendersonpl.libcal.com or call 828-697-4725.
Thursday, April 13
Solar Observing is 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the UNC Asheville Quad. For details, visit ncsciencefestival.org and lookoutobservatory.unca.edu.
The Young (and not-so-young) Person’s Guide to the Orchestra is at 4 p.m. at Tryon Fine Arts Center. Learn online or in person from Clarinetist Igor Begelman. For tickets, visit tryonarts.org/events.
Friday, April 14
Messy Science is 1 – 3 p.m. at the Waynesville Library. For details, visit haywoodlibrary.org.
Yoga with a View is at 7 p.m. at Chimney Rock Park. Enjoy the quiet of the Park after the gates have closed at this outdoor class led by Namaste in Nature. Enjoy a practice suitable for all levels of expertise as you overlook Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. Registration is required. Visit chimneyrockpark.com/event/yoga-with-a-view-series-8.
Saturday, April 15
Saturday STEAM and NC SciFest – Engineering – 3D Printing and Engineering Challenges is at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org.
The Wonders and Science of Radio Waves, part of NC SciFest, is at The Asheville Radio Museum at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College. For details, visit ncsciencefestival.org and avlradiomuseum.org.
Monday, April 17
Space Lander Mission with Zaniac (registration required) is at 4 p.m. at the Etowah Library. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Wednesday, April 19
Little Explorers Club is at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org.
Pre-K Story and Craft time is at 11 a.m. at Leicester Library. Call 828-250-6480 or email leicester.library@buncombecounty.org.
PAWS for Reading is at 3:30 p.m. at the Mills River Library. Sign-up to read to a therapy dog. To register, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Four O’Clock Club: Earth Day Recycled Crafts for grades K – 5 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Thursday, April 20
Story Explorers: Bird Talk with WNC Nature Center is at 4 p.m. at Pack Memorial Library. Grades K – 5. Call 828-250-4720 or email library@buncombecounty.org.
Makerspace: Third Thursday is 5 – 8 p.m. at Asheville Art Museum. Free for members or included with museum admission. Registration is not required. All ages and abilities are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult). To ensure all participants have time and space to create, participants may be asked to limit time. For details, visit ashevilleart.org.
Friday, April 21
Stewart/Owen Dance – (Student Series) is at 10 a.m. at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Experience an exciting collection of contemporary choreography from the nationally renowned, Asheville-based company, Stewart/Owen Dance. Recommended for grades 4 – 12. Friday, April 21. Tickets are $12 each for individuals and $11 each for groups of 11 or more. Call 828-257-4530 or visit worthamarts.org/events/stewart-owen-dance-student.
“The Little Mermaid” is performed by The Learning Community at 6 p.m. at the Owen High School Theater. For tickets and details, visit tlc-tickets.org.
View the Lyrids Meteor Shower at PARI – Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. Overnight options are offered. For details, visit pari.edu/events/lyrids-meteor-shower.
Join a Statewide Star Party at 8:45 p.m. at the Lookout Observatory at
UNC Asheville. Registration is required. Visit lookoutobservatory.unca.edu.
Saturday, April 22
Celebrate Earth Day with Hendo Earth Fest 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in downtown Hendersonville, on Main Street between 4th and 6th Avenues and 5th Avenue between N. Wall Street and King Street. For details, visit hvlnc.gov/HENDOEARTHFEST.
The Friends of the East Asheville Library’s Bag O'Books Sale is 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the library. Fill up a bag for $5. For details, email eastavlfriends@gmail.com. Proceeds benefit the East Asheville Public Library. Click here for details.
Spring Fling is at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Events include demos, live music, paddles sessions and more. Children’s activities are 11 a.m. – noon. For details, visit noc.com.
Saturday STEAM and NC SciFest – Art – Sidewalk Chalk and Pendulum Creations is at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org.
The Wonders and Science of Radio Waves, part of NC SciFest, is at The Asheville Radio Museum at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College. For details, visit ncsciencefestival.org and avlradiomuseum.org.
Asheville Maker Faire is at A-B Tech. The day includes a wide variety of events, including children’s activities. Admission is free, but registration is requested. For details and registration, visit asheville.makerfaire.com.
Egg Drop Extravaganza is at 1 p.m. at Hands On! Children’s Museum. Included with museum admission. For details, visit handsonwnc.org and ncsciencefestival.org/events/hands-1st-annual-egg-drop-extravaganza.
“The Little Mermaid” is performed by The Learning Community at 4 p.m. at the Owen High School Theater. For tickets and details, visit tlc-tickets.org.
Sunday, April 23
The Running of the Goats 5K and Nature Walk, hosted by the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, is in and around the WNC Nature Center with several options for runners and walkers. Learn more and register at wildwnc.org/runwild.
“The Little Mermaid” is performed by The Learning Community at 2 p.m. at the Owen High School Theater. For tickets and details, visit tlc-tickets.org.
Tuesday, April 25
Toddler Open Play Family Social is at 10 a.m. at Enka-Candler Library. Space is limited. Tickets are available at the front desk. Call 828250-4758 or email enka.library@buncombecounty.org.
Wednesday, April 26
Tiny Tots Yoga is at 11 a.m. at the Swannanoa Library. Call 828-250-6486 or email swannanoa.library@buncombecounty.org.
PAWS for Reading is at 3:30 p.m. at the Mills River Library. Sign-up to read to a therapy dog. To register, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Four O’Clock Club: Pressed Flower Journals for grades K – 5 is at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. Visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Thursday, April 27
Teen Book Club meets at 4 p.m. at the Henderson County Main Library. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Friday, April 28
Fri-Yay! With Bounty & Soul Kids: All Things Toilet Training is at 10 a.m. at the Black Mountain Library. The class is free but registration is required at bountyandsoul.org.
Saturday, April 29
Saturday STEAM and NC SciFest – Math – Tangrams and Math Movements is at Asheville Museum of Science. For details, visit ashevillescience.org.
The Wonders and Science of Radio Waves, part of NC SciFest, is at The Asheville Radio Museum at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College. For details, visit ncsciencefestival.org and avlradiomuseum.org.
Animalia with Hobey Ford is at 2 p.m. at the Fairview Library. Call 828-250-6484 or email fairview.library@buncombecounty.org. Hobey Ford’s production, “Animalia,” explores the world of animals through movement, music and visually stunning puppetry. Tickets are free and required to attend this event. Individuals may pick up a maximum of 6 tickets. Tickets will be available for pickup at Fairview Library starting Friday, April 14.
Sunday, April 30
The JCC Falafel 5K and new Splash+Dash are at the Asheville Jewish Community Center. The Adult Splash+Dash is at 8 a.m. The Kids Splash+Dash is at 9 a.m., and the Falafel 5K is at 10 a.m. Run the only race that ends with a falafel. New this year is an optional 600 yards in the “Splash” before heading over to the start line for the Falafel 5K “Dash.” For details and registration, visit jcc-asheville.org/2023-falafel5k.
GET READY FOR BABY
Mission Health offers prenatal classes, including a childbirth and hospital orientation class and a breastfeeding class. For details and registration, visit missionhealth.org/services-treatments/maternity-care/labor-delivery-mission.
Homegrown Families offers a variety of childbirth and prenatal classes. Learn more and register at ashevillehomegrownfamilies.com.
Prenatal Classes and a mom group are offered by Haywood Regional Medical Center. Call 828-552-8440 or visit myhaywoodregional.com/events.
ENJOY STORY TIME, FAMILY FUN AND MORE
Spring Break Animal Encounters are at 2 p.m. daily April 3 – 16 at Chimney Rock Park. Join a Park naturalist to meet some live Animal Ambassadors. Visit chimneyrock.com.
Tanglewood Spring Break Day Camp is 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. April 3 – 7 at Asheville Community Theatre. Students ages 6 – 12 will participate in a full day of creative play, including theatre games, improvisation, dance, and a script they will perform at the end of the day. Sign up for one day or more. The cost is $50 per day. For details and registration, visit ashevilletheatre.org/education/youththeatre/#springbreak.
Italian Renaissance Alive is open at Biltmore Estate. The multi-sensory experience immerses guests in the beauty and brilliance of the greatest artistic period in history as it comes to life all around you. Large-scale projections with 360-degree views set to a powerful operatic score tell the story of artists and the time periods within which they lived. Italian Renaissance Alive features Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, Caravaggio and more. It continues through Jan. 7, 2024. For details and ticket information, visit biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/italian-renaissance-alive.
Kolo Bike Park $5 after 5 on Thursdays – Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays for $5 after 5 p.m. Rentals are available for an extra charge. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. For details, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kolo-bike-park.
Homeschool Group Field Trip Discounts, Weekdays April 19 – May 26 – Choose one or more adventure activities for ages 4 and older: Asheville Treetops Adventure Park (ages 4 and older), KidZip (ages 4 – 10), Kolo Bike Park (all ages who can ride a mountain bike) with optional STEM NC/SC curriculum programs, Wilderness Skills Programs and team bonding facilitated group games. Reservations are required. For details, visit https://ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/groups/home-school-discount-days.
Register now for Zipping for Autism – June 4. All proceeds will be donated to Camp Lakey Gap, which offers recreational and therapeutic programs to children with autism, vocational training opportunities for adults with autism, educational presentations and respite opportunities for parents and families, and scholarships for summer camp programs. For details and registration, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/zipping-for-autism.
Buncombe County farmers markets are opening this month or shifting back to regular season hours. April opening dates and locations include:
Asheville City Market: 9 a.m.– noon April 1, N. Market St. between Woodfin and Walnut
North Asheville Tailgate Market: 8 a.m.– noon, April 1, UNC Asheville
River Arts District Farmers Market: 3 – 6 p.m., April 5, 350 Riverside Drive
Weaverville Tailgate Market: 3 – 6 p.m., April 5, 60 Lakeshore Drive
West Asheville Tailgate Market: 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., April 4, 718 Haywood Road
East Asheville Tailgate Market: April 7, 3 – 6 p.m. 954 Tunnel Road
WNC Farmers Market: daily, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Farmers Truck Shed #1, 570 Brevard Road
The Way I’m Wired: Artist Reflections on Neurodiversity is at The WCU Fine Art Museum through May 5. In this exhibition, artists share their experiences with neurodiversity and how these experiences have impacted their creative practice. For details, visit arts.wcu.edu/wired.
Roots + Wings offers weekly Art + Design classes for grades K – 5 and Teen Portfolio Development classes. For details and registration, visit rootsandwingsarts.com.
Custom Art Experiences for all ages are offered by Roots + Wings. For details, visit rootsandwingsarts.com/custom-experiences.
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is offered in-person for children 0 – 5 and their parents/caregivers in Buncombe County. KPL in-person is a once-a-week, 90-minute, adult-child group that features a mix of free play, outdoor play (where available), and group activities/circle time. It is free and open to ages 0 – 5 who reside in Buncombe County and are not enrolled in licensed child care. There are currently spaces in three preschool groups for ages 3 – 5: 9 – 10:30 a.m. Mondays at Hominy Valley Elementary School, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Burton Street Community Center (West Asheville) and 9 – 10:30 a.m. Thursdays at Johnston Elementary. Registration is required before attendance and registration is ongoing, either by emailing marna.holland@acsgmail.net or calling 828-350-2904. In-person infant and toddler classes are currently full.
Hands On! Children’s Museum offers free admission to families who present their adult WIC card. Zoom passes from the Hendersonville Library have limited day passes as well. For details, visit handsonwnc.org.
Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Black Bear Half Marathon and 8K Oct. 8 in Hendersonville. For details, visit blackbearhalfmarathon.com.
Story Times are offered at Henderson County Public Libraries. Get full details at hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Mills River and Edneyville (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Mondays
Etowah (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Tuesdays
Preschool story time at Main (ages 3 – 5) – 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays
Fletcher (families welcome) and Toddler Time at Main (ages 18 months – 3) – 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Green River (families welcome) – 10 a.m. Thursdays
Music and Movement at Main (families welcome) – 10:30 a.m. Thursdays
Bouncing Babies at Main (ages birth – 18 months with a caregiver) – 11:15 a.m. Thursdays
Story times are offered at Buncombe County Libraries. Get full details at buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library/services/story-times.aspx.
Baby Story Time – ages 4 – 18 months:
Oakley/South Asheville Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Leicester Library – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Weaverville Library – Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
Toddler Story Time – ages 18 months – 3 years:
North Asheville Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Fairview Library and Leicester Library – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Enka-Candler Library – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Preschool Story Time – ages 3 – 5 years:
East Asheville Library and West Asheville Library – Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Swannanoa Library – Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
Fairview Library – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
Black Mountain Library and Weaverville Library – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Pack Memorial Library – Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
Hora Del Cuento/Story Time
Skyland/South Buncombe Library – Friday at 10:30 a.m.
Oakley/South Asheville Library – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn 5 years old, creating a home library of up to 60 books and instilling a love of books and reading. For details and registration, visit imaginationlibrary.com.
Zoom D&D with Raj for teens is 3 – 6 p.m. Saturdays through the Buncombe County Library. Sign-up is required. Email Raj at raj.bowers-racine@buncombecounty.org to request attendance.
Kindermusik for ages birth – 5 is offered at We Rock the Spectrum. For details, visit kindermusik.com/studio/58207.
Nantahala Outdoor Center is now booking for 2023 adventure trips. For details, visit noc.com.
SUPPORT AND CONNECTION
Perinatal Loss Support Group – Homegrown Families Perinatal Bereavement Parent Support Group is for families who have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. For details, visit ashevillehomegrownfamilies.com.
The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is an evidence-based program that gives parents confidence and in turn, helps them raise confident children. Local parents and caregivers have access to this free, positive parenting course online. Access Triple P resources at triplepwnc.com or triplep-parenting.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: WNC Parent April 2023 Calendar: Things to do for kids and parents
