Kidgits Club Book Blast at SouthPark Mall is a free and fun time for kids

March 12, 9:17 AMCharlotte Parenting ExaminerJanet Cooper Haas

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The Simon Kidgits Club is hosting their 2009 Book Blast this Saturday, March 14, from 11 am.m. to 1 p.m.  This free event will take place in the Macy's wing of SouthPark Mall.  WBTV anchor Tonia Bendickson and Mrs. NC 2009, Marietta Burke, and others will be leading storytimes, and there will be fun activities for the kiddies.

Make sure to bring new or gently used books to donate to Classroom Central, a free store for teachers who work in low-income schools.  The more books you donate increases your chances to win a prize.

My kids became members of the Kidgits Club last year (only $5 to join), and all the events we've attended have been fun, with good giveaways.

To read about our experience at last year's Book Blast and to learn more about the Kidgits Club, keep reading...

March 29, 2008, was a special day for families at SouthPark mall. Kidgits, SouthPark's first official kids' club, hosted a free, inaugural Book Blast.  As I approached Center Court, I saw DJ Denny from Radio Disney spinning the tunes, as two boys swished hula-hoops on their hips.

A variety of books were read throughout the event. Mrs. North Carolina 2007, Kathryn Hancock Stuart, read "Bedtime Safari" and said she would love to participate again.

Tonia Bendickson, anchor for WBTV news and mother of four, read "Vote for Me: All About Civics" and announced the results of the cookie election. Chocolate chip beat sugar cookies, hands down.                                                                                                                                    

In between story times and giveaways, Radio Disney led the children in activities and games relating to the books. After Susan Goode, child life coordinator at Levine Children's Hospital, read "It's Earth Day!", Natalie Steen, promotions manager at Radio Disney, engaged the children in a game about recycling.

With Center Court events planned year-round, Kidgits focuses on health and wellness, education, safety and entertainment. A good combination, if you ask me.

Most Kidgits events will include a charitable component. On March 29, families were asked to bring gently used books to the Book Blast. A total of 40 books were donated by the 60 to 70 families who attended. About half of those children joined Kidgits, said Nicole Bostic, director of marketing at SouthPark. The books will be given to Levine Children's Hospital and the Harris
YMCA.

"Up until now, SouthPark hasn't had programming catered to children," Bostic said. "The Kidgits Club gives something for children to do while shopping." The event was a win-win for the entire family.

The Kidgits Club is marketed to 3- to 8-year-olds, but I noticed children of all ages enjoying the two hours of constant activity. My 22-month-old son, normally a whirling dervish, was intrigued by the scene and didn't stray for nearly an hour. That, my friends, is saying something.

Cheryl Gullo of Waxhaw, mother of five ranging from 20 years old to 7 months old, said her family "stayed for a long time. The kids had wonderful time."

The $5 membership includes access to members-only events throughout the year, a Kidgits T-shirt and a quarterly newsletter. Around the child's birthday, Kidgits will send a special card, and a present will be awaiting your child at the mall.

Parents receive coupons, redeemable all over SouthPark mall. On our way home, my son enjoyed a free meal, compliments of Chick-fil-A.

"You want to provide your kids with fun activities, educational activities, but you need to put food on the table too," Gullo said. "It's hard to find things that are family friendly and not costing a million dollars."