If you're looking for a fun family outing that may be a bit off the beaten path -- as well as light on the wallet -- look no further than the Mint Museum of Art's Family Fun Saturday. The second Saturday of each month the museum hosts a workshop for kids on a drop-in basis anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

This Saturday, July 11, children will be encouraged to go on a sketching safari throughout the museum galleries where they can draw and paint their favorite animals. Admission for children is free when accompanied by a paying adult. Adult tickets are $10, but museum members are free.

Mint Museum of Art
2730 Randolph Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28207

The 2009 Charlotte Restaurant Week kicks off Friday, July 10 and goes through Sunday, July 19 at restaurants all over Charlotte. I love this opportunity to sample some of Charlotte's best restaurants for a fraction of the cost. Each participating restaurant will offer a three-course, prix fixe dinner menu for only $30 per person. Space is limited so make your reservations now.

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• Where in Charlotte Photo Gallery

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Photo © Addie Rising

Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year which means the city of Charlotte will be celebrating the 4th of July all weekend long. There will be no shortage of orchestrated fireworks displays in the Queen City including shows at SouthPark, Davidson, Matthews, Lake Wylie and of course, the big shows Uptown at Memorial Stadium, in Fort Mill, SC at Charlotte Knights Stadium and at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

But if the big displays aren't your thing and you'd much rather stay home and enjoy the holiday with a small gathering of friends and family, please follow Charlotte-Mecklenburg's fireworks safety guidelines to have a happy and healthy 4th of July.

• 4th of July Closings in Charlotte

Photo: Charlotte Center City Partners