Weekend Plans: Science festival, Kidzu reopens, Mudcats home games, Raulston Blooms

Wow! It’s a big weekend with a lot of activities. So let’s get started. As always, check WRAL.com’s Out & About section for more ideas.

Kidzu Children’s Museum in Chapel Hill, which I wrote about earlier this week, will celebrate the grand opening of its new space at University Mall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday. The museum will offer some special activities. Visitors also will get a chance to check out the new space, which includes a large, indoor treehouse, climbing wall, play stage and more.

The N.C. Science Festival, a two-week festival with events across the state that I also wrote about earlier this week, starts Friday. Events in the Triangle include a stargazing program, a family science fair at Marbles, and the UNC Science Expo, among others.

The Carolina Mudcats in Zebulon has its first home games of the season from Thursday to April 15. The baseball team will have fireworks after the Thursday, Friday and Saturday night games.

JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh will hold its annual Raulston Blooms festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, at the arboretum that’s part of N.C. State. The day includes nature activities, shopping, outdoor fun and information to get your garden off on the right foot. The arboretum’s 15th annual Birdhouse Competition also is planned. Creations by kids ages 4 and up and adults will be judged.

The Children’s Cooperative Playschool in Chapel Hill will hold its consignment sale from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday.

Cedar Creek Gallery’s spring festival in Creedmoor, which I wrote about last week, continues this weekend with glass blowing and pottery demonstrations and more.

Raleigh Little Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty is on stage this weekend. This show has been so popular that three more shows have been scheduled through April 18.

N.C. State’s Center Stage series will present Teatro Hugo & Ines with shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Peruvian puppeteers use their hands, feet, knees and elbows, along with a few props, to create characters. The pictures are pretty spectacular!

Park West Village in Morrisville will host its third annual spring fling from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, in front of Stone Theatre - Park West 14. The free event includes an illusionist, face painters, balloon artists, train rides and more.

The second Safe Kids Day in Wake County is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, in the Apex Super Target parking lot at 1201 Beaver Creek Commons Dr. The free event includes interactive displays and games about childhood injury prevention and safety. Music, local mascots, emergency vehicle tours, a bike rodeo and more are part of the fun. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available while supplies last.

Crowder District Park in Apex will host its annual Frog Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The free event includes crafts, games, music, food trucks and lots of opportunities to meet live frogs and reptiles. Free offsite parking and shuttle is at Middle Creek High School, 123 Middle Creek Park Ave.

The Friends of the Chapel Hill Library will hold its book sale with lots of deals on books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks and more on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Hillsborough Street in Raleigh will host the fourth annual Hillsborough Street Earth Day Music Fest from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. (or later), Saturday. The free, family-friendly event features three stages, the Campus Farmers’ Market, an Alternative Fuel Vehicle showcase and a recycled art workshop.

The annual Touch a Truck is noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, at University Mall in Chapel Hill. The event features a variety of trucks and vehicles that kids can climb on and explore. Tickets are $6 per person, with a maximum of $25 per family. Children under 2 are free. Boy Scout Troop 39 holds the annual event, which supports the troop and UNC Children’s Hospital.