Programs at The Nest
The Nest by The North Carolina Children’s Museum is more than just a place to play—it’s a growing hub for creative programs that support families, spark curiosity, and connect our community. From hands-on gardening and drop-off care to parent meetups and camps, explore the many ways your family can grow with us.
Parents’ Night Out
Ages 4–8 | Select Saturdays from 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Kids enjoy a night of play, crafts, and pizza while parents enjoy a well-earned night off. Staff-led and secure—spaces fill quickly!
Laughing Monitos Free Language Screening
Ages 0–2 | Select Dates and Times in May
Join Laughing Monitos during our Nest session for free speech and language developmental screenings for children ages 0–2. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions about communication milestones, early language development, bilingualism, and strategies to support communication skills through play.
Laughing Monitos: Bilingual Preschool Readiness
Toddlers | Mondays, 8:30am-10:30am starting June 15th
Our Bilingual Preschool Readiness program is designed to give them a strong, confident start! This 8-week summer drop-off group is led by a licensed bilingual speech-language pathologist and a Multilingual Learner Teacher. Children build the communication, cognitive, and social skills they need for preschool success — all in an immersive English & Spanish environment. Investment is $120/week.
Breastfeeding Café
Mondays from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join La Leche League in The Nest for a meet-up where mothers can ask one another questions, offer and receive support, and make connections. Bring your babies and toddlers along with you! This program is FREE and does not require registration.
Garden Parties
Third Saturday of every month beginning in April from 10 - 11 AM
Join us as we welcome spring and wake up the garden after its long winter nap! Children will dig into hands-on fun by planting seeds, exploring soil, making crafts, and discovering the first signs of spring. Little gardeners will learn how plants grow, help prepare the garden for the new season, and take home their own planted seed to watch sprout. This program is FREE and does not require registration.
Garden Parties
Every Thursday from 10 - 11 AM beginning April 2nd
Explore the garden, get your hands dirty in the dig plot, participate in hands-on activities, and more! Help The Nest care for our garden at this informal, drop-in event for caregivers and their children. This program is FREE and does not require registration.