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Rootle Roadster Tour

Free Events for Children & Families in North Carolina

Join us as we play, explore and share free hands-on activities, games, demonstrations with community partners, PBS KIDS educational resources and more. Each stop of the Rootle Roadster Tour will feature learning experiences through purposeful play that families can enjoy together.

The Rootle Roadster Tour is brought to you by PBS North Carolina and the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education.

The 2023 Rootle Roadster Tour has concluded. Thank you to everyone who attended and made our events a success. Check back soon for our 2024 Roadster Tour dates!

Need ideas for educational (and fun!) activities for kids ages 0-8 years old? Subscribe to our monthly Rootle newsletter.

Previous 2023 Events

Saturday, October 14, 10 AM–1 PM &
Saturday, October 21, 10 AM–1 PM 

Rootle Roadster Tour at the North Carolina State Fair

Stop by the PBS North Carolina tent near Gate 2 to PLAY, EXPLORE and SHARE Rootle activities with the whole family.  

Join Read-a-roo and her friends in STEM on Saturday, 10/14, between 10 AM–1 PM.

And meet Hugo the Hornet from the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, 10/21, between 10 AM–1 PM.

Location:

North Carolina State Fair 
4285 Trinity Rd 
Raleigh, NC 27607 

The Rootle Roadster Tour is free after fair admission.

Saturday, 9/30, 9 AM—12 PM

Pembroke, Robeson County

Location:

UNC Pembroke
Belk Athletic Complex
University Road
Pembroke, NC 28372

Learn more on Facebook. >

Saturday, 8/12, 10 AM—1 PM

Gaston, Northampton County 

Location:

Gaston STEM Leadership Academy 
400 Broughton Street 
Gaston, NC 27832 

Saturday, 5/20, 10 AM—4 PM & Sunday, 5/21, 10 AM—1 PM

NC Potato Festival in Elizabeth City

Visit us at the NC Potato Festival to learn more about free educational resources from PBS & PBS KIDS. PBS North Carolina is partnering with the Museum of the Albemarle to provide hands-on activities, games, demonstrations and more. 

Location:

Downtown Elizabeth City
Museum of the Albemarle
501 S Water St.
Elizabeth City, NC 27909

Learn more about the NC Potato Festival. >

Saturday, 4/29, 9 AM—2 PM

North Carolina Pickle Festival in Mount Olive

PBS North Carolina will provide hands-on activities, games, demonstrations and more at the annual North Carolina Pickle Festival. Visit us to learn more about free educational resources from PBS & PBS KIDS. 

Location:

Downtown Mount Olive
123 North Center Street
Mount Olive, NC 28365

Learn more about the North Carolina Pickle Festival. >

Saturday, 3/25, 10 AM—1 PM

Highland Elementary School in Sanford

The Rootle Roadster Tour is kicking off our second season in Harnett County. Join us at Highland Elementary School in Sanford for a day full of hands-on activities, games, demonstrations and more!

Location:

Highland Elementary School
1915 Buffalo Lake Rd. 
Sanford, NC 27332

Learn more on Facebook. >

Family surfing through PBS Kids resources on a laptop

More Resources for Kids & Families

Find info about PBS KIDS resources you can use at home to watch, play and learn with your child. Connect on Instagram, subscribe to our Rootle eNewsletter and find more information about in-person family events.