In addition to balancing school work and a busy social life, many of us also have jobs on or around campus. Although there is a wide range of jobs in Chapel Hill, it seems that babysitting is one of the more popular options. Many students babysit or nanny after school for families near campus. So on those rainy days or when the kids are bored, what is there to do? Well with the right resources, such as transportation, there are plenty of fun and inexpensive activites around Chapel Hill.
Kidzu Children’s Museum
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.); Sunday (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
Cost:Â Adults and children 24+months ($5), children 12 to 23 months ($2), children under 11 months (free), FREE ADMISSION SUNDAYS
Kidzu Children’s Museum is a local favorite among kids and parents. Kidzu is a non-profit interactive children’s museum geared towards ages 0 to 8. Kids will really enjoy the different areas of play that Kidzu has to offer (kitchen/garden area, construction zone and art room — just to name a few!). Kidzu also has various special programs throughout the month, and some of them are even free. Kids tend to enjoy children’s museum because they get to interact with other kids as well as learn through play. Kidzu is conveniently located on Franklin Street, so after visiting the museum, take the kids and grab a bite to eat at some of the great restaurants Chapel Hill has to offer.
Ackland Art Museum
Hours: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m), Thursday (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Sunday (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Cost: FREE
The Ackland is located on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus, and its art gallery ranges from European art to North Carolina pottery. Although parts of their exhibits may be better suited for an older audience, the Ackland includes education as part of their mission. The Ackland holds special programs (usually on weekends) for kids such as “Drawing for Kids.” The Ackland is a good option for kids who enjoy doing art and helps them discover their own methods of creativity. Franklin Street is within walking distance so some sweet places like YoPo or Sugarland could top off the day!
Morehead Planetarium
Hours: Sunday (1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Tuesday through Thursday (10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), Friday and Saturday (10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Cost: Free admission (Science Stage and Exhibits only)
The Morehead Planetarium aims to inspire and teach its visitors about the innovations of scientific discovery. Most kids can spend the whole day exploring the planetarium, especially when there are special events or programs going on. On the planetarium’s Web site, they mention a program called “Lego-Palooza.” It showcases thousands of LEGO models and is sure to be a hit for the kids! Not to mention, it’s free, which is always a plus.
If you’re a babysitter and you’re at a loss at what to do around Chapel Hill, be sure to visit these fun places. Even if you are not in the Chapel Hill area, be sure to check the town’s Web site, which has a list of resources. Most local museums and attractions have inexpensive admissions, and typically the parents will reimburse you.
Exploring the town beats sitting at home and having the kids drive you crazy. After spending the day at a museum or planetarium, the kids will rant and rave at what a great time they had with you (which will definitely help your credibility as a babysitter). And, who knows, you might end up having fun at some of these places, too.
Sources
http://www.kidzuchildrensmuseum.org
http://www.ackland.org/index.php
http://www.moreheadplanetarium.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=calendar
Photo Sources
Kidzu (Photo) http://www.kidzuchildrensmuseum.org/Kidzu_Photos.php
Ackland (Photo) http://deimos3.apple.com/indigo