Activities and Support at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital
The thought of staying in a hospital may be scary, especially to a child. At Levine Children's Hospital, we promote fun and family involvement through a variety of activities and special support programs. These are designed to not only help your child cope with their illness and make being in the hospital a more positive experience, but to help lower any family stress you may be experiencing. Check out the list below to see the many ways we support our families.
Spending time in the hospital can be a challenging experience for anyone, but it's especially difficult for an active child who may be going from the playground to a hospital bed. We have many ways to keep children engaged and entertained during their stay with us.
Levine Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in the Charlotte region to partner with Arts For Life to support pediatric patients and families using therapeutic arts engagement and education to encourage positive health care experiences. We use drawing, painting, poetry and so much more to help kids with coping, stress, expression and creativity.
CaringBridge enables you to create a free personalized website that your friends and family can access whenever they want when your child is in the hospital. You can post updates and photos, and they can send emails and well-wishes on a schedule that works for you.
Our non-denominational chaplains are happy to provide pastoral care at any time you need it. Find out how to request a chaplain or locate our chapel.
Hospitals can be overwhelming, especially for children. The Child Life team at Levine Children’s Hospital provides your child with access to child life specialists, who work alongside the clinical care team to help children cope while being in the hospital – and adding in some fun, whenever possible.
Social workers help with the day-to-day issues that many families face when their child is hospitalized, as well as the unexpected needs that may arise. This support can come in a variety of ways.
- Worried about cost?
- Need extra support?
- Need a place to stay?
- Need a ride home?
A social worker is here to help. Ask your nurse to reach out if you need assistance.
A family kitchen, with a refrigerator, microwave and ice machine, is located on all of our pediatric floors and in our pediatric intensive care unit waiting area at Levine Children's Hospital. We can also arrange for access to a washer and dryer and meal tickets for parents.
Our Family Resource Center Library is more than just a library. It's a gathering and meeting place for families to relax and unwind. Rather than reading about your health issue online, come see our librarian.
- Get free healthcare information in the library
- 2nd floor – Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 pm.
- You may also call the librarian at 704-381-2110
We want your child to concentrate on getting better, but we also know that education is important and also a way for kids to experience something familiar while in the hospital. We want our patients to stay on track with their schooling and provide the tools they need to keep learning.
Led by board-certified music therapists, music therapy provides many benefits to our patients and families. Participating in music therapy can shine a positive light on your child’s time in the hospital and help them find healthy ways of coping with difficult treatments. You can learn more about our music therapy program here.
It is our goal to provide you with excellent care and service. If, however, you have a complaint or concern while your child is a patient, you may contact your child’s nurse or the nursing supervisor. You may also call the 24-hour Customer Care Line at 704-355-8363 or visit AtriumHealth.org/Contact-Us.
The pet therapy program allows therapy dogs to enter the hospital to visit with patients and their families. All dogs are registered with Pet Partners or Alliance of Therapy Dogs and are always accompanied by their handler, who supervises all patient interactions to ensure safety. Learn more about pet therapy at Levine Children’s Hospital.
Playrooms
The playrooms at Levine Children's Hospital offer children the opportunity for fun, supportive play. They are filled with toys for all ages, games, arts and crafts supplies, and much more. The playroom is a "safe" zone where no medical procedures are performed. Patients and their siblings, accompanied by an adult, are welcome in the playrooms. Be sure to check out the schedule posted in the playrooms to find out about hours, as well as special activities in playrooms and throughout the hospital.
Teen Room
Teens and their siblings, 13 years and older, are welcome to visit the teen room, located on the 11th floor. This room is equipped with video games, a computer, a foosball table, a pinball machine and board games.
Bringing the Fun to You
If your child is unable to come to the playroom for activities, a child life specialist, child life assistant or volunteer will bring toys, games and other items to their bedside.
There's always something fun going on at Levine Children's Hospital! Thanks to the kindness of individuals and organizations in our community, we often have special group visits and entertainment to provide some fun and help pass the time in the hospital. These activities vary by day, so ask your nurse or child life specialist for the latest hospital happenings.
Seacrest Studios is an in-house multimedia broadcast center located in the lobby of Levine Children’s Hospital, thanks to generous donors, including the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. Patients can play bingo from their room, call 6RYAN (67926) to request a song, host their own show and much more! Some of our patients have even interviewed celebrities who come to visit. You can learn more about Seacrest Studios here.