Your guide to the week ahead – family fun for the week of May 10
Moms, we hope the kids are taking good care of you this weekend, whatever that looks like for you. (If it looks like adventure, see below.) Coming up this week, there are opportunities for shows, parents’ nights out, postpartum care, taking charge of your mental health and much more! And yes, there are loads of fun things to do with your children too.
Plan your week ahead and then be sure to check out WNC Parent’s full May calendar at wncparent.com – plus summer plans for Pigeon Forge, new children’s books, tips to calm and even avoid tantrums, and more!
Does your organization or business offer family-friendly events? Let us know! Stay in touch on social media @wncparent and get your events on our calendar by emailing [email protected].
Forest Friday for ages 6 – 8 and 9 – 12 is offered May 10 and 17 by Forest Floor Asheville. Spend a day in the forest with guided nature connection. For details and registration, visit forestfloorasheville.com.
Artisphere is May 10 – 12 in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The festival includes arts, food, music and more. Kidsphere activities, including crafts, music and more, are available throughout the weekend. For details, visit artisphere.org.
Parents Night Out is 5 – 8:45 p.m. May 10:
Ferguson Family YMCA (31 Westridge Market Place, Candler) – Kathy Lehman, [email protected], 828-575-2929.
Hendersonville Family YMCA (810 6th Ave. W., Hendersonville) – Adriana Argueta, [email protected], 828-697-9622
Reuter Family YMCA (3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville) – Brittney Gasperson, [email protected], 828-210-2263
If you chose to bring a snack for your child, the snack must be nut free. An extra change of clothes (and prepared bottles for infants) are recommended. Member cost is $30, nonmember cost is $50.
“Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.” is performed by Asheville Community Theatre May 10 – 12 at Odyssey Community School. For details, visit ashevilletheatre.org.
Anne of Green Gables continues through May 12 at Hendersonville Theatre. Adapted from the 1908 book by Lucy Montgomery, this classic faithfully follows Anne’s journey through all of her iconic moments. Ideal for ages 9 and older. For tickets visit hendersonvilletheatre.org/anne-of-green-gables.
Movies in the Park: “Wonka” is May 10 at Pack Square. The movie will begin about 8:45 p.m. For full details, visit ashevillenc.gov/news/what-to-know-about-asheville-parks-recreations-free-movies-in-the-park-series-starting-may-10.
PAWS for Reading is May 11 at the Henderson County Main Library. Children can sign-up to read to a therapy dog. Registration is required. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Second Saturday arts events are May 11 in the River Arts District. Events include artist demos, exhibits and more. For details and locations, visit riverartsdistrict.com.
Train Day at the Depot is 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. May 11 at the Hub City Railroad Museum in Spartanburg. For details, visit hubcityrrmuseum.org/train-day-2024-may-11.
Parents Night Out is 4 – 7:45 p.m. May 11 at Black Mountain YMCA (25 Jane Jacobs Road, Black Mountain). A small snack will be provided. If you chose to bring a snack for your child, the snack must be nut free. An extra change of clothes (and prepared bottles for infants) are recommended. Member cost is $30, nonmember cost is $50. Questions? Contact: Lizzy Wheeler, [email protected], 828-552-3624. Visit ymcawnc.org and search “parents” for more information.
Moms Climb and Kidzip free for Mother’s Day – Moms Climb ATAP and/or KidZip free May 12 at Adventure Center of Asheville with paying family. Reservations are suggested and can be made online or by calling 828-225-2921 and using code “Mom.” Visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/asheville-adventure-specials.
Rose Ink Plant Pigment Workshop with Annie Kyla is noon – 2:30 p.m. May 12 at Art Garden AVL. Appropriate for ages 10 and older. For details and registration, visit anniekylabennettart.com.
FORE! The Kids Golf Classic Fundraiser, benefitting Kidsenses Children’s Museum, is May 13 at Cleghorn Golf and Sports Club. For details and registration, visit kidsenses.org/golf.
Expert Talk: Pregnancy and Postpartum is noon – 1 p.m. May 14 at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Join Zoe Martin, PT, DPT, AIB-VRC, as she discusses the changes to your body during and after pregnancy, and how you can take a more active approach to this time in your life in a safe, evidenced based way. This talk is for anyone who is pregnant, considering having a baby or just wants to know more information about changes to the body during pregnancy and into the postpartum period. This event is free and open to everyone. Questions? Contact Chris Lorenz at [email protected] or 828-575-2940 or visit ymcawnc.org/schedules/events/expert-talk-pregnancy-and-postpartum.
Spring Homeschool Day is 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. May 15 at Chimney Rock State Park. The day includes hands-on spring activities and programs led by the education team, then time to explore the park in the afternoon. For details and registration, visit chimneyrockpark.com/event/spring-homeschool-day-4.
Story Time is 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. May 15 at the Asheville YMCA (30 Woodfin St.). Join in for story time with Jen from the Leicester Library. Each month features a new theme with stories, crafts, songs, and interactive activities. This is a free event located in the Youth Development Center. Questions? Contact Jenn Lawing, [email protected], 828-552-3605. Visit ymcawnc.org/schedules/events/story-time-1.
Puppet Playtime is 10 – 11:30 a.m. May 15 at the East Asheville Library. Parental supervision required. Call 828-250-4738 or email [email protected].
Four O’Clock Club: Homemade Ice Cream is at 4 p.m. May 15 at the Henderson County Main Library. Grades K – 5. For details, visit hendersoncountync.gov/library.
Stewart/Owen Dance: Student Series is at 10 a.m. May 16 at the Tina McGuire Theatre at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Recommended for grades 6-12. The Student Series is open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families. Tickets are $12 each ($11 each for groups of 11 or more). Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A. Visit worthamarts.org/events/stewart-owen-dance-student-may9.
Kolo Bike Park $5 after 5 on Thursday May 16 – Ride Kolo Bike Park on Thursdays for $5 from 5 – 8 p.m. Rentals are available for an extra charge. For conditions, call 828-225-2921. Use code “$5after5” when booking online. For details, visit adventureavl.com.
For Parents: A free Mental Health Awareness Month Lunch and Learn series is offered throughout the month at Tryon International. Admission is free and anyone is welcome, but registration is required. Lunch will be provided. All Lunch and Learn events are noon – 1 p.m. Register at resort.tryon.com/press/may-is-mental-health-month.
May 16: Pavillon presents Bio-Hacking for Ultimate Mental Health Performance
May 23: CooperRiis - A guide to practicing Self Compassion for Perfectionists
May 30: St Luke's Mental Health and Wellness - Finding Your Balance: A Discussion on Mental Wellness.
In addition, “Every Brilliant Thing” will be presented at 7 p.m. May 9 – 10 at the Ridge, the third floor of the International Pavilion at Tryon International. This is a one-man show by Duncan MacMillian. While the show tackles the very serious topics of mental health, depression, and suicide, it is a show filled with humor, joy, and hope. Tickets are $20 per person, with $10 tickets available for all students. Each performance of “Every Brilliant Thing” will be followed by complimentary dessert and a panel discussion with mental health professionals from Pavillon, CooperRiis, and St. Luke’s Hospital Mental Health and Wellness. Get tickets here.
Looking ahead:
Asheville Sailing Club offers Youth Sailing Classes through the summer using its fleet of boats. Classes begin in June. The goal is to teach the basics, build skill levels, promote accomplishment, and nurture a sense of self-esteem on the water. Scholarships are available. For details, visit ashevillesailing.org/summer-sailing.
RSVP by May 24 – Family Group Night from St. Gerard House is 5:15 – 7 p.m. May 28 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville. The topic is Transitions to Adulthood presented by Margaret Gaffney, A Special Needs Plan. Sponsored by Colton Groome. To register, visit stgerardhouse.org/familygroupnight.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Your guide to the week ahead – family fun for the week of May 10
