Atlanta Parent_April 2022

Atlanta Parent April 2022 / atlantaparent.com

BEST Guide to Day Camps Spring Break Fun All Week Long

How to Have a GREEN HOUSE

SUMMER CAMP Planning Starts Here!

ZOOATLANTA.ORG/camp 404-624-5822

MontessoriAcademySharonSprings.com 770-258-6877

HighMeadowsCamp.org 770-993-7975

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BAPA.US 770-578-8272

678-236-8772

AMISCHOOL.COM

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Cliff Valley: 404-602-0553 Druid Hills: 404-531-2067

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mtparanschool.com/

SummerPrograms / mtparanschool.com SummerPrograms

MontessoriVickery.com 770-268-2642

MYEVOLUTIONARTS.ORG

sunshinehouse.com 28 metro Atlanta locations

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RichmondHillMontessoriPreschool.com

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ncchristian.org/camps

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OakGroveAcademy.org

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404-624-5295

Phase.Center 470-239-2481

noc.com 800-232-7238

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EndeavorMontessori.com Parker Chase Preschool

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East Cobb: 770-285-0429 East Roswell: 770-670-6291 North Peachtree City: 678-940-9755

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Turn your next Party into an Outdoor Theme Park in your back yard.

All Inflatables are coated in an anti-microbial coating for the best sanitation and cleaned daily.

We provide the WOW and FUN factor at your party for all ages

AREAS SERVED: Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Marietta, Canton, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, and Atlanta.

Call about other locations.

BounceHouseAtlanta.com • 404-999-9978 Inflatable water slides, Bounce houses, Bounce house and slide combos, Games, Obstacle courses, Mechanical games, Cotton candy machine rentals, Sno Kone machine rentals, popcorn machine rentals, table and chair rentals, we can help coordinate with cakes, cookies, cupcakes, specialty design cakes, characters such as Chewbacca from Star Wars, Iron Man, Superman, Spiderman, Elsa and Anna can be provided as well.

Inside 38 April

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Publisher’s Note / 8

Good Stuff / 10

12

A-Choo! It’s Allergy Season

20

LEGO: Beyond-the-Brick Fun

Spring pollen is here! Expert tips on recognizing and treating seasonal allergies.

Creative ways to play with the childhood staple, and locations for amazing LEGO displays and shows.

40

Go Green

42

Autism: What You Need to Know

54

For the Fridge / 58

Check out these changes your family can make to live in an energy-efficient home.

Learn more about this disorder, and read our Q&A with the mother of an autistic child.

Spring Break Staycation: 7 Days of Fun!

From roller coasters to nature centers, there’s plenty to do for spring break, right here in Atlanta.

Family Fun Guide: Top April events, Easter egg hunts, spring festivals and where to have fun with toddlers. Page 47

23

Get Ready for Camp It’s time to sign up for day camp!

Start your search with our Day Camp Guide.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Five Great Vacation Destinations / Page 15 Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine atlantaparent.com

April 2022

Atlanta Parent 5

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY!

We need healthy children 6 to 36 months of age to participate in a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) intranasal vaccine study.

PUBLISHER Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

• Children 6 to 36 months of age will receive 2 doses of a new RSV vaccine or placebo • 5 in 6 chances of receiving the vaccine; 1 in 6 chance of placebo • Parents will be compensated for the time spent bringing their child to 15 clinic visits over about 13 months

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION: PHONE: 404-727-4044 EMAIL: ECC.VACCINE@EMORY.EDU

Carolyn Haushalter chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Genie Lockeretz EXECUTIVE glockeretz@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Christy Craig ccraig@atlantaparent.com

STAFF WRITER Emily Webb and DIGITAL ewebb@atlantaparent.com CONTENT CREATOR

COPY Mary Williams EDITOR

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

MARKETING Felicia Barman MOM

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Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699.

Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge throughout the metro area and as a digital issue at atlantaparent.com. Atlanta Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from its readers and the community. Atlanta Parent magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission.

© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2022

6 Atlanta Parent

April 2022

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An Academy for the Gifted and Talented Genesis Innovation Academy is a state charter school in south Atlanta serving boys and girls in grades K-11, providing a new model for a higher-standard, valuesbased education.

We know that focusing on test scores alone is not the endgame. In place of a heightened focus on test preparation, teachers elevate expectations by engaging scholars in relevant, rigorous, and applied problem-solving.

Based on the E5 Core (Economics, Engineering, Ethics, Expression, Entrepreneurship), our curriculum emphasizes comprehension, problem-solving, and realworld, culturally relevant application to ensure scholars become critical thinkers and exceptional leaders.

Now accepting applications for 2022-2023, while open seats remain.

atlantaparent.com

April 2022

Atlanta Parent 7

VOTE NOW!

Publisher’s Note

W KIDS AND PETS ONLINE PHOTO CONTEST presented by

Voting Ends April 15.

atlantaparent.com/pets

elcome Spring! The weather is warmer and flowers are blooming around Atlanta. This spring is especially exciting, since so many of our Spring festivals have returned. Whether your family enjoys tasting local foods, carnival rides, hunting for Easter eggs or art, there’s something for everyone.

The Dogwood Festival will be back April 8-10 in Piedmont Park; it’s one of Atlanta’s oldest and most popular festivals. Atlanta Parent is excited to be part of the Kids Village on Saturday and Sunday. Stop by and say hello, spin our prize wheel and pick up summer camp info.

We’ll see you there!

Of course, the only downside to Spring is all the pollen that comes with it! We asked local experts for tips on recognizing and treating common allergies. If you or your kids suffer from seasonal allergies, you’ll find our story on page 12 helpful.

Many families are making their spring break plans. Whether you’re headed out of town or staying at home, Atlanta Parent has lots of great ideas for making it a fun week. Check out this month’s story on spring break staycations; we’ve put together a list of the best outdoor adventures, immersive experiences and fascinating exhibits. Want more ideas? Read our online post, 250 Things to Do in Atlanta With Kids.

As an avid recycler, I’m always looking for ways to stay “green” and do my part to help the environment. This month, in honor of Earth Day, I’m resolving to do a better job knowing what I can and can’t toss in my recycling bin. Look for helpful tips this month on atlantaparent.com.Also, read this month’s Green House story on page 40 on ways to be more energy efficient around your home.

The nice weather also makes it a great time to head out to a playground with the kids. There are so many playgrounds to enjoy, with new ones popping up all the time. Our May issue will showcase the best playgrounds around Atlanta. If you have a favorite, we’d love to hear about it – visit atlantaparent.com/voteplaygrounds and tell us what makes it special.

Wishing you a happy Spring.

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

We welcome your views and comments. Letters that appear in the magazine may be edited for content and space.

8 Atlanta Parent

April 2022

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by Emily Webb

Good StUff

Dinner Is Served

Find adorable plates, cups, bowls and utensils for your kids’ meals with Re-Play.

Re-Play features affordable, durable and sustainable children’s tableware in a wide color palette manufactured from recycled, food-safe plastic. With tons of colors, you’ll be sure to find appealing tableware for your child. Available for $2-$100 at re-play.com, and you can also buy collections from $64.60-$146.40.

THINGS WE LIKE

EARTH Y DL FRIEN S FIND

Time to Towel Off

Prepare for any spring or summer adventure with Nomadix. These sustainable towels are designed to replace your separate towels for camping, yoga, beach and travel so you can pack less.

They also have hats, mini towels and ponchos. Nomadix’s towels are made out of post-consumer recycled material, and the company partners with organizations that protect the planet and are working toward carbon neutrality in 2022.

Towels available for $39.95-$44.95 at nomadix.co.

Green Décor

Want to refresh your home? Check out Fab Habitat for beautiful rugs, doormats, hammocks, pillows, throws, placemats and baskets. These stylish products are designed to put up with the wear and tear of children, pets, shoes and everyday life. Made from recycled plastics, products are also GoodWeave certified and made using fair trade principles.

Rugs come in tons of colors, designs and sizes and are available at fabhabitat.com for $10-$581.

Recyclable Playtime

Sea Creatures

Bring part of the ocean home with Shore Buddies, stuffed animals made from recycled plastic bottles. Stuffed animals include Finn the Dolphin, Stephen Seagull, Shelly the Sea Turtle, Sammy the Seal and Emma the Whale. You can also purchase the animals as keychains, or shop their reusable straws. $1 from every product purchase goes to help save marine life and keep plastics out of the ocean. Available at shore-buddies.com for $24.95.

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April 2022

Shop Green Toys for 100% recycled toys, down to the sustainable packaging. All kinds of kids will love these toys, as they have trucks, cars, boats, tea sets, planes, flowers and more, and younger kids can play and learn with shapes, stacking toys and blocks. Toys are also safe for playtime in the bath, and when they get too dirty, you can even wash them in the dishwasher.

Available at greentoys.com for $5.99-$69.99.

atlantaparent.com

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April 2022

Atlanta Parent 11

How many times have you Around the same time that the dogwoods bloom, the chorus of “achoo!” starts to ring out, too. Learn how to spot seasonal allergies in children and hear from the experts on the best ways to treat symptoms (or avoid them altogether).

by Sarah Cook McBride

“Depending on a child’s specific allergy triggers, they may have symptoms seasonally or year round.”

and dark circles under the eyes, referred to as ‘allergic shiners.’”

To avoid the aforementioned salute, rabbit nose and shiner, Hwang often recommends patients begin treating seasonal allergy symptoms before the pollen count begins to rise, which can be as early as mid to late February in the Southeast. But if children are already experiencing symptoms, Hwang says there are plenty of over-thecounter medications that can help keep the sneezing and sniffling at bay. These include oral antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra (or their generic counterparts).

Anti-inflammatory steroid nasal sprays are also effective, she says. These might include Rhinocort, Nasacort or Flonase. Saline nasal sprays can alleviate some discomfort, too.

Dr. Tricia Lee, MD, pediatric allergist and immunologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine, says while there’s not “a significant amount of data to support that

it’s going to improve symptoms more than taking medications,” alternative therapies include acupuncture or even integrating cinnamon bark extract into the diet.

Other natural alternatives like using warm compresses to relieve sinus pressure, cold compresses for itchy eyes, breathing in humidified air to help clear nasal passageways, drinking more water, and getting extra rest can help alleviate allergy symptoms. Simply removing rugs and curtains (which can trap allergens) and keeping windows closed can help, too.

If over-the-counter medication doesn’t help, Lee says, the next step is to seek out professional help from your child’s pediatrician or a specialized allergist.

Specifically, Lee recommends testing a child through skin testing or blood work to see which allergens are causing symptoms.

“Ultimately, getting tested is of interest because that will solidify what (the child) is actually allergic to so we can predict when we need to do medications instead of acting retroactively,” Lee says. Seasonal allergies usually require one season of exposure for the immune system to develop an allergy, Hwang notes. So babies may not develop allergies until 12 to 15 months depending on the time of year they were born. Also, allergies tend to run in families.

Both physicians emphasized the importance of alleviating seasonal allergy symptoms in children because, well, kids

I should serve up some honey.

My child will just grow out of it.

There’s no pollen at the beach.

Local honey is often credited as a delicious way to combat seasonal allergies, but does it actually work? Compared with over-the-counter medication and prescribed medicines, honey shouldn’t be the go-to solution, both doctors say. “Local honey can help soothe cough and throat discomfort due to its humectant property, but clinical studies have not shown it to alleviate seasonal allergies,” Hwang says.

This is because bees collect flower pollen, no tree, grass or weed pollen, which causes symptoms.

You may have also heard a wise old parent tell you “your kid will simply grow out of it,” when it comes to seasonal allergies. This, according to the experts, is also not entirely true. “Most children with allergic rhinitis will not outgrow symptoms on their own unless they are treated with allergy immunotherapy,” Hwang says. “The symptoms may come and go depending on their specific allergic triggers and the seasonal changes throughout the year.”

While it’s true that breathing in that wonderful ocean air can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, pollen is still present at the beach, so don’t leave the nasal spray at home. Also, physicians warn against other allergies that may flare up at the seashore like extra sun exposure (always, always pack the SPF), “swimmer’s itch” and barbecue smoke, which can actually harbor more allergy triggers that may be swimming in the air.

S

easonal allergies can be frustrating for all ages, perhaps especially young children, who can only let us know through a runny nose or red eyes that they aren’t coping well with the changing seasons. More formally known as “allergic rhinitis,” hay fever or allergies, rears its ugly head when our bodies overreact to allergens that are usually a harmless substance (such as pollen, dust or pet dander).

Thanks to warmer winters that allow plant life to bloom as early as February, Georgia – sometimes referred to as “the pollen belt” along with the rest of the southeast region – is known for high pollen counts, leading to more itchy eyes, runny noses and all of those pesky seasonal allergy symptoms.

Dr. Lily G. Hwang, MD, an allergist with Atlanta Allergy & Asthma, is an expert when it comes to recognizing persistent symptoms related to seasonal allergies in children.

“Frequent rubbing of their nose, known as the ‘allergic salute,’ sniffling or wrinkling their nose (rabbit nose), pulling on their ears and clearing their throat,” are all common symptoms in children who may have seasonal allergies,” Hwang says. “They may also develop sleep issues, mouth breathing due to nasal congestion

Debunking the myths

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April 2022

Dr. Lily G. Hwang, MD, allergist with Atlanta Allergy & Asthma

atlantaparent.com

sneezed today?

A Guide:

Which months trigger which allergies?

February through May: tree pollen May through late summer: grass pollen August through first freeze: ragweed Year-round: dust, pet dander, mold

need to be kids. And when they’re too irritated by a runny nose or itchy eyes to focus in school or enjoy the outdoors, then seasonal allergies really become a problem that need to be addressed.

“Children with allergic rhinitis have increased risk of ear infections,

Allergies can’t happen in the winter.

You may get a break from seasonal allergies if you choose to be a snowbird and travel north, but if you plan on staying put in the south year-round, then you can count on seasonal allergies sticking around, too.

Wherever there are warmer winters, there are higher pollen counts (since plants don’t die or go dormant). This results in airborne allergens making a year-round appearance.

atlantaparent.com

colds and more sleep disturbances than children without allergies,” Hwang says.

“Oftentimes, children are treated for each occurrence and the underlying allergies are overlooked.”

With early diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified allergist, a plan can be put

in place to help improve the overall health and quality of life of the child, Hwang says. This translates into less school absences, a shorter trail of tissues and an overall happier child whose ready to welcome the season of longer days and sunshine.

Could it be COVID? As long as children aren’t experiencing fever, body aches, loss of smell, nausea and vomiting, COVID-19 can usually be ruled out, Hwang says. However, as new variants emerge, both doctors encourage patients to identify their specific allergy triggers and monitor the daily pollen counts (found at atlantaallergy.com/ pollen_counts) to help clarify what might be causing the symptoms that overlap. “Allergies tend to be much more ‘itchy,’” Lee says. “I don’t expect to see those symptoms as commonly with COVID as I do with allergies.”

April 2022

Atlanta Parent 13

888-559-2267

TheRidgeOutdoorResort.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

5 Great Vacation Destinations

Plan a visit to make summer memories at these family-friendly spots.

Photo by Todd Bush

n Outdoor

Adventures for the Whole Family At a cool elevation of 3,701 feet in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort town of Banner Elk offers lots of outdoor adventure.

Get a rush at speeds up to 27 mph at Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster and enjoy a walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain.

Banner Elk visitors can see a real live elk in the animal habitats at Grandfather.

Hiking, mountain biking, rafting, swimming and great restaurants, too. 828-8988395; bannerelk.com

n Experience

Nature’s Beauty

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel, is a unique destination on the Alabama Gulf Coast with nature at its doorstep.

Located within beautiful Gulf State Park, The Lodge offers direct beach access, delicious dining outlets and miles of white sand beaches. Connect with the outdoors on a whole new level. While enjoying the 28 miles of trails in the state park, experience the hotel’s conservation efforts to restore and maintain the beauty of this truly distinctive property. 251-540-4000; lodgeatgulfstatepark.com Cont’d on next page

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April 2022

Atlanta Parent 15

SPONSORED CONTENT

5 Great Vacation Destinations n The Ultimate

Smoky Mountain Experience The Ridge Outdoor Resort offers the ultimate Smoky Mountain vacation experience, located just three miles from Dollywood and all the family fun of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville.

Enjoy a luxury glamping experience in a Tiny Home Cabin or Luxury Canvas Tent, or choose an upscale RV site; some include a private hot tub and outdoor entertainment area. Amenities include two pools, a Lazy River (opening 2022), fitness room, kid’s camp, golf simulator, fishing pond and never-ending family activities. 865-505-3111; theridgeoutdoorresort.com

n Your Kids Can Live Like A Sailor

n Explore South Carolina

Operation Overnight lets your group of kids explore, learn, and sleep aboard an authentic WWII aircraft carrier. Charleston is home to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, where crews of young sailors can experience the stories of American heroes during Operation Overnight. Mount Pleasant, S.C. 843-884-2727; patriotspoint.org/operation-overnight

Get ready for a road trip with scenic state parks, historic sites, friendly farms and more. South Carolina’s Old 96 District is a great road trip destination for making memories. This guide showcases favorite places to stay, eat and explore. Featuring the counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick. visitold96sc.com/family-fun

16 Atlanta Parent

April 2022

on a Road Trip

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WHERE DOING NOTHING...IS REALLY SOMETHING.

Here at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, you can reunite with nature. Enjoy relaxing views of the sugar white sand beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or walk or bike our 28 miles of trails through 6,150 acres covering nine ecosystems.

The Lodge is a resilient, environmentally-friendly coastal development where sustainability and connectivity to the outdoors are a central focus.

Come experience the reasons why your visit is really something.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT LODGEATGULFSTATEPARK.COM 21196 EAST BEACH BLVD. GULF SHORES, ALABAMA 36542 | 251.540.4000 HILTON RESERVATIONS: 800.774.1500

22-LODGE-0145 - Atlanta Parent Ad 7.5x9.75.indd 1

3/10/22 9:38 AM

UNEXPECTED WONDERS.

South Carolina’s Old 96 District invites you to make family memories at our 3 scenic lakes, 6 state parks, and several historic sites, and more.

VisitOld96SC.com

Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick Counties

18 Atlanta Parent

April 2022

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LEGO, LEGO EVERYWHERE!

by Emily Webb and Mary Williams

There is so much to do with this classic childhood staple. Check out our ideas for making the most of the brick experience!

hunnyimhomediy.com

GET CREATIVE

Kids can use their imaginations and go wild with LEGO bricks. Some kids prefer a little structure; here are some ideas to get them started. n Drop your Minifigures from great heights with a coffee filter parachute. Start by coloring the parachute with water-based markers, and then paint water over the markers to help them blend together. Punch two holes in each side of the parachute.

Cut two pieces of equal length string, and tie to your parachute and your Minifigure before launching. Find full instructions at hunnyimhomediy.com. n Build a LEGO catapult with Little Bins for Little Hands. You’ll need a large base plate; a small plate; 2x2, 2x4 bricks; 1x2, 1x4, 1x6 bricks; rubber bands; 4x4 plate; 2x12 flats; 2x8 bricks and 2x2 brick. After building, see how far you can launch marshmallows.

Find full instructions at littlebinsforlittlehands.com. You can also download a free brick-themed calendar for a daily building challenge for one month. n Use LEGO bricks, a LEGO Minifigure and a piece of thick string to create a zipline. Build a cage to hold the Minifigure and include a hole on the top for the string. Tie the string to areas that are stationary and higher up; check out the different ideas for making the zipline a science experiment. Find full instructions at mombrite.com. n Have a tween or teen who really loves LEGO bricks and is interested in a challenge?

Find building instructions for a typewriter, grand piano, pop-up book, globe, flower bouquet and more at lego.com. n For creativity anywhere: Build wherever you want with the Peel-and-Stick Baseplates.

Stick these 10x10 plates anywhere – on a table, a laptop desk or storage box – to entertain your kids with LEGOs wherever they want to play.

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April 2022

Ole Kirk Christiansen created the first wooden LEGO bricks in 1932 in Denmark. The current plastic brick was patented in 1958, and these 50-year-old bricks still fit with today’s sets!

Resources: lego.com; natgeokids.com; yahoo.com

atlantaparent.com

PUT THEM AWAY

Are bricks taking over your home? When your kid is finished playing or building for the day, these products will help you store them in an organized way. n From Creative QT, the compact SlideAway Toy Storage Organizer & Play Mat allows your kids to spread out the mat for play, and then pull the drawstring handles together when finished for easy storage. $52.99 at amazon.com. n Store LEGOs and other toys with the TROFAST from IKEA. This wooden bookcase comes with plastic boxes for storing that you can also remove and carry around the playroom. $75.99 at ikea.com.

n The Container Store’s LEGO 3-Tier Drawer Organizer with Baseplate allows your kids to store LEGOs in the attached drawers, while building creations on the baseplate on top. $49.99 at containerstore.com. n Display your kid’s favorite Minifigures with the KKU Display Case. The case can exhibit up to 35 Minifigures, and the clear acrylic makes them easy to see while keeping them dust-free until your child is ready to play again. $17.99 at amazon.com.

containerstore.com

The LEGO brick was elected “Toy of the Century” in 1999. In 2021, The LEGO Group was the largest toy company in the world.

AROUND TOWN

One of the coolest things about LEGO is that the small pieces can be become enormous and elaborate builds! This spring, metro Atlanta has some awesome and inspiring larger-than-life LEGO spots to visit. n Head to Cobb Galleria Centre on April 9-10 for Brick Fest Live. See life-sized LEGO builds, participate in interactive shows, build part of Brick Fest Live’s Mystery Mosaic, and shop new, vintage, rare and custom LEGO merchandise. Find out more at brickfestlive.com. n Find tons of LEGO-themed excitement at LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Buckhead.

Play with the interactive Atlanta cityscape in MINILAND, zap trolls and skeletons and save the princess with Kingdom Quest, race brick-built cars in The Great LEGO Race VR Experience, discover insider tips to building at LEGO Master Builder Academy, and so much more. Ticket information is available at legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

BUY, SELL AND TRADE Here’s a great shop for LEGO lovers.

n If your child is looking for a specific set or Minifigure, look no further than Atlanta Brick Company. This retailer allows you to buy, sell or trade sets and parts, including vintage and hard-to-find sets. Shop online at atlbrick.com or instore at their Newnan location.

n Artist Sean Kenney’s “Nature Connects” is an amazing exhibition made with LEGO bricks.

The sculptures include bonsai trees, Koi fish, a hummingbird and other whimsical, nature-inspired pieces. On display through May 3 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Gainesville campus. n Sean Kenney’s “Nature POP!” exhibition features 40 sculptures made from more than 800,000 LEGOs of colorful and stylized works. It will be on display at Zoo Atlanta from May 13-August 8. For more information on these opportunities, visit seankenney.com. seankenney.com

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Atlanta Parent 21

HI G H M U S EUM O F A R T AT L ANT A

Color your summer with fun!

Registration is now open!

Visit high.org/camp for details.

Register your young artist for week-long art camps at the High! Camp sessions for rising first through eighth graders. Campers will explore the museum collections, experiment with a multitude of artistic media, create art projects in our themed workshops, and make new friends!

CAMP CARLISLE 2022

AGES 3 – 7 JUNE 6 – AUG. 12  UNLEASH YOUR

IMAGINATION: Nature Artist

 BORN TO BUILD: Young Architect

 ENDANGERED ANIMALS: Wildlife Ranger

 PASSPORT TO CULTURE: Young Traveler

 MYSTERIOUS COSMOS: Future Space Explorer

1036 Lindbergh Drive NE | Atlanta 30324 404-949-0053 | carlislemontessori.com 22 Atlanta Parent

April 2022

Camp 2022

atlantaparent.com

Summer Day Camps 2O22

On the look out for the perfect day camp?

Your search starts here with a camp for every interest.

Day Camps are Back!

Sign up now for an exciting summer of fun. Check with each camp to learn about their safety precautions.

Many camps offer extended hours for an additional fee.

Art Camps ART Station Summer Arts Camps. Stone Mountain. Ages 5-14. June 6-17. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore creativity through performing, literary and visual arts. $170-$180/ session. artstation.org Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Atlanta. Ages 4-18.

June 6-July 29. One-day to one-week sessions.

Full- and half-day. Themed arts camps, dance, jazz, teen summer studios and more. $50-$425/session. callanwolde.org Camp Carlisle. Carlisle Montessori School, Atlanta. Ages 3-7. June 6-Aug. 12. One- and twoweek sessions. Times vary. Hands-on activities, art and Montessori education. $225-$390/session. carlislemontessori.com Camp Carlos. Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory, Atlanta. Ages 7-17. June 6-July 29. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. In-person art-making camps. $250-$300/session. carlos.emory.edu/camp Full Steam Ahead. The Art Place, Marietta. Ages 6-18. June 6-July 29. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. Full STEAM Ahead Arts Camps in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. artplacemarietta.org

High Meadows CAmp

Academic Camps.................... 23 Art Camps............................... 23 Dance/Music Camps............... 24 Drama Camps......................... 24 General Camps....................... 25 History Camps......................... 30 Language Camps.................... 32 Nature Camps......................... 32 Parks & Recreation Camps..... 34 Special Needs Camps............. 35 Sports Camps......................... 35 STEM/STEAM Camps.............. 36 Theme Camps......................... 38

atlantaparent.com

Academic Camps Junior Achievement Summer Camp. Multiple locations. Ages 10-14. June 6-24. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Develop an understanding of basic business principles and the world of work. $260 and up/session. georgia.ja.org/summer Squirrel Hollow Camp. The Bedford School, Fairburn. Ages 6-14. June 13-July 8. Twoweek sessions. 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. Academic boost in a recreational setting. $1,375/session. thebedfordschool.org Swift School Summer Explorations. Roswell.

Ages 7-11. July 5-22. Three-week session.

8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m. A learning adventure with fun academic reinforcement. $2,100/session. theswiftschool.org Wealthy Habits Money Camps. Multiple locations. Ages 11-18. May 31-July 22. Two- and five-day sessions. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saving, budgeting, credit, investing and more. Virtual options available. $125-$299/session. wealthyhabits.org/ inperson-camps/atlanta-summer-camp.

Camp 2022

High Museum of Art Summer Art Camp. Atlanta.

Ages 6-14. June 6-July 29. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Campers will learn about the Museum’s collection while honing their skills in drawing, painting and design. $450/week. high.org/camp Johns Creek Art Center Summer Camps. Johns Creek. Ages 5-18. May 31-July 29. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ceramics, drawing, mixed media, jewelry, painting and more. $265 and up/ session. johnscreekarts.org Splatterdash Studios Art Camp. Peachtree City and Newnan. Ages 5-12. May 31-July 27. Oneweek sessions. Half- and full-day. Painting, drawing, ceramics, mixed media and more. $200-$375/ session. splatterdash.com Spruill Arts Summer Camp. Dunwoody.

Ages 3-18. May 23-Aug. 5. Four- and Five-day sessions. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Visual arts, performing arts, creative and studio arts. $230-$265/session. spruillarts.org/summercamp.

Vinings School of Art Camp. Smyrna.

Ages 6-14. May 31-Aug. 10. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Clay, mosaics, sculpture, painting, drawing; multiple age groups. $330/week. viningsschoolofart.com Cont’d on next page

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Summer Day Camps 2O22 Zone of Light Studio. Atlanta. Ages 5-12.

May 31-Aug. 12. One-week sessions. Full- and half-day. Focus on holistic learning through enrichment in the arts. $295-$395/session. zoneoflightstudio.com

Dance/Music Camps Atlanta Academy of Ballet & Dance Summer Intensive. Atlanta. Ages 4-19. June 6-July 15. Sessions and times vary. Ballet, jazz, choreography, modern and more. $102-$398/ session. aabdstudios.com Atlanta Ballet Summer Day Programs.

Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education.

Multiple locations. Ages 5 and older. June and July. One-week sessions. Times vary. A variety of dance classes for beginner and intermediate levels. $445/session. centre.atlantaballet.com Atlanta Dance & Music Academy Summer Camps. Atlanta. Ages 3-18. June 13-July 15. One-and two-week sessions. Times vary.

Dance and music programs include ballet, hip-hop, contemporary and jazz. $195-$650/ session. atlantadanceandmusic.com British Academy of Performing Arts. Marietta.

June 6-July 22. Ages 3-16. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Musical theatre camps featuring Encanto, Peter Pan & Tinkerbell, Frozen, Trolls and more. $390/session. bapa.us Community Music Centers of Atlanta.

Multiple locations. Ages 5-18. May 31-Aug. 5. One-week sessions. Full- and half-day.

Themed music and instrument camps, music academies and more. $225-$325/week. cmcatlanta.com Dancentre South Dance Camps. Woodstock.

Ages 3-12. June 6-9, 20-23; July 11-14. 4-day sessions. 9 a.m.-noon. Fun dance camps include Enchanted Ballerina, Imagination Station and Magical Mysteries. $169/session. dancentresouth.com Eclectic Music Summer Camp. Atlanta. Ages 5-12. May 31-July 29. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn an instrument and jam with new friends. $425/ session. eclecticmusicatlanta.com Georgia State University College of the Arts. Atlanta. Ages 11-18. June 20-24. Oneweek sessions. Times vary. Intensive learning experiences for musicians, including Summer Music Institute and Jazz Workshop. $450/ session. thearts.gsu.edu/educational-outreach

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Camp 2022

Integrity 360 Dance Studio Dance Camps.

Marietta. Ages 3-18. June 6-July 14. Three- and Five-day sessions. Full- and half-day. Encanto Extravaganza, Frozen Fantasyland, Daring Descendants, Summer Sampler and more. $139$299/week. integrity360dancecenter.com Lotus Performing Arts Summer Dance Camp.

Atlanta. Ages 3-18. June 6-July 15. One-week session. 9 a.m.-1 or 1:30 p.m. Themed dance camps include fairytale, princess and more. $280/session. lotusperformingarts.com Moving in the Spirit. Atlanta. Ages 8-13. July 18-29.

Two-week session. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Modern dance, hiphop, choreography workshops and performances. $250/session. movinginthespirit.org School of Rock East Cobb Summer Music Camps. Marietta. Ages 7-17. June 6-July 29. Oneweek sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn and perform songs throughout the week. All experience levels. $425/week. eastcobb.schoolofrock.com Summer of Evolution Dance. Atlanta. Ages 8-16.

June 29-July 1. Three-day session. June 29-July 1.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Offering ballet, African fusion and jazz; in-persona and virtual options. $95-$295/session. myevolutionarts.org

Drama Camps The Actor’s Scene Summer Camps. Buford.

Ages 8-18. June 13-July 22. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Campers will learn character creation or develop improv skills. $249/session. theactorsscene.com Alliance Theatre Drama Camps. Multiple locations.

Ages 9-18. May 31-Aug. 5. One- and two-week sessions. Times vary. Creative, acting and drama camps. $365-$425 and up/session. alliancetheatre.org Atlanta Workshop Players Performing Arts Camp.

Brandon Hall School, Sandy Springs. Ages 7-18.

July 10-23. One- and two-week sessions. Times vary. TV/film acting, improv, theatre, dance, musical theatre and performances. $450-$2,295/session. atlantaworkshopplayers.com Été des Rêves Summer Camps. Synchronicity Theatre Annex, Atlanta. Ages 7-18. June 6-17. Oneweek sessions. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A theater summer camp for French lovers and learners. $400/session. theatredureve.org/education/camp Forefront Arts Summer Camp. Multiple locations.

Ages 3-18. May 31-Aug. 12. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Encanto, Descendants, Harry Potter and more drama camp themes.. $299-$369/week. forefrontarts.com

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Kids World Performing Arts. Atlanta and Jonesboro. Ages 5-17. May 29-Aug. 5. Five-week sessions. Full- and half-day sessions. Acting, African dance, Taekwondo, outdoor rec, field trips and more. $179-$250/week. praada.org/kids-world NextGen Broadway Summer Camps.

Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Ages 7-14. June 13-17, June 27-July 1. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Musical theatre camps for the next generation of artists. $300/session. citysprings.com/summer Shakespeare Superheroes and Superhero Sidekicks Camps. Decatur and Midtown. Ages 4-12. May 31-July 22. One- and two-week sessions. 9 a.m.-1 or 3 p.m. Creative play, acting, musical theatre, playwriting and performance. $295-$595/session. atlantashakespeare.org Stagedoor Theatre Summer Camps. Dunwoody.

Ages 3-18. June 6-July 29. Four- and five-day sessions. Half- and full-day. Ballet, musical theatre, acting and more for all ages. $155-$285/session. stagedoortheatrega.org Synchronicity Theatre Summer Camp. Two locations. Ages 4-14. June 6-July 29. Oneweek sessions. Full- and half-day. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Drama games, ensemble building activities and crafts based on the Synchronicity Family Series. $234-$360/session. synchrotheatre.com Woodstock Arts Summer Camps. Woodstock Arts, Woodstock. Ages 5-15. June 7-July 29. Oneweek sessions. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Singing, dancing, acting, the world of theatre and performing arts. $279/session. woodstockarts.org

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General Camps Atlanta Academy Summer Camps. Ages 5-13.

June 6-July 1. One-week sessions. Times vary.

Music, dance, programming, basketball, STEAM, art, Lego, volleyball and more. $200-$400/ session. atlantaacademy.com Atlanta Montessori International School.

Atlanta. Ages 3-12. May 31-July 22. One-week sessions. 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Art, cooking, science and more. $208-$299/session. amischool.com Blessed Trinity Catholic High School Summer Day Camps. Roswell. Ages 5-18. June 6-July 29.

One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-noon. Sports, sports medicine, musical theater and drama. $175-$300/ week. btcatholic.org Big Blue Marble Academy Summer Camp.

Multiple locations. Ages 5-12. May 31-July 29.

Weekly or drop-in sessions. 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Global learning with hands-on experiences, field trips and language, plus STEAM, music, drama, arts and more. $195/session and up. bbmacademy.com Brandon Hall Summer Programs. Brandon Hall School, Atlanta. One-, two- and threeweek sessions. June 6-July 24. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Global leadership, English, Spanish, rockets and robotics, fashion and crafting, finance, sustainability and academics. $2,500-$4,000/ session. brandonhall.org Camp Arrowhead at Stonecreek Church. Milton.

Ages 5-12. May 31-July 30. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Over 15 different adventure elements. $199/session. camparrowhead.camp

Camp 2022

Vinings School of Art Camp

Camp Faith. Faith Lutheran School, Marietta. Ages 2-12. May 31-July 22. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Specialty camps, including a Disney-themed camp. $180-$200/session. faithmarietta.org Camp Ruach! Etz Chaim Preschool, Marietta. Ages 14 mos.-5. June 8-July 29. One-week sessions. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Daily water play, crafts, music, sports, games and much more. $90-$260/session.

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Summer Day Camps 2O22 Carrington Academy Summer Camps. Multiple locations. Ages 5-12. May 31-Aug. 5. Oneweek sessions. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Explore science, nature, creative and performing arts, and participate in sports and games. $236/session. carringtonacademy.com Endeavor Montessori. Dunwoody. Ages 3-10.

June 6-July 29. One-week sessions. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Arts, humanities, science and STEM. $239-$329/ session. endeavormontessori.com Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Summer Camp.

Camp Timber Ridge. Mableton. Ages 5-15. June 6-July 29. One-week sessions. 7:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m.

Coding, engineering, kayaking, swimming, hiking and more. $155-$450/session. girlscoutsummer.com High Meadows Summer Day Camp. Roswell.

Ages 9-14. May 31-July 29. Three-week sessions.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Outdoor activities directed at selfimprovement, environmental awareness and non-competitive achievement. $1,350/session. highmeadowscamp.org Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Bear Camps.

Atlanta. Ages 4-18. May 31-July 22. One-week sessions. Full- and half-day. Soccer, cheer, art, LEGOs, basketball and more. $165-$325/session. hies.org Holy Spirit Preparatory Summer Camp.

Atlanta. Ages 2-12. May 31-July 29. One-week sessions. Full- and half-day. STEAM, academic, athletic and creative arts. $150-$280/session. holyspiritprep.org/summerprograms In the City Camps. Decatur and Sandy Springs.

Ages 6-14. June 13-July 29. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Progressive programming allows campers to choose their own daily activities. $385/session. inthecitycamps.org Josh Powell Summer Camp. Acworth. Ages 5-10.

May 31-Aug. 5. Four- and five-day sessions. Bus 8 a.m.- 3 p.m., Car 9:15 a.m.- 2:15 p.m. Classic summer camp for getting kids to play outdoors. $340-$425/week. joshpowellcamp.com KinderCare Learning Center Champ Camp.

Multiple locations. Ages 5-12. May-Aug. One-week sessions. Full- and half-day. STEM, art, teamwork and discovery. $200 and up/week. kindercare.com Landmark Christian School Summer Camps.

Fairburn. Ages 6-18. June 6-July 23. One-day and one-week sessions. Times vary. STEM, art, athletics, music, academics and more. $50-$785/ session. landmarkchristianschool.org Lovett School Summer Camps. Atlanta.

Ages 5-18. June 6-July 22. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Academic, art, athletic camps and more. $250 and up/session. lovett.org Marist School Summer Camps. Atlanta. Ages 5-17. June 6-Aug. 5. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sports, sports medicine, music technology, ceramics, and science. $250/session. maristsummercamps.com McGinnis Woods Country Day School.

Alpharetta. Ages 4-13. May 31-Aug. 5. Oneweek sessions. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Weekly themes, STEM, arts and crafts, field trips. $225/week. mcginniswoods.org MJCCA Summer Day Camps. Multiple locations.

Ages 4-18. May 23-Aug. 12. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Theme, sports, teen, performing arts and more. $415-$525/session. mjccadaycamps.org Cont’d on page 28

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Spotlight on DAY CAMPS ATLANTA GIRLS’ SCHOOL SMART GIRLS CAMP

404-845-0900 | atlantagirlsschool.org/camp

Each camper chooses her own adventure during SMART Girls Camp at Atlanta Girls’ School! From STEM challenges to creative writing to cooking and beyond, this day camp is the perfect opportunity for girls entering grades 1–9 to try new challenges and learn more about their interests in science, technology, and the arts!

Each camper selects four classes to create a customized camp experience. June 13–17 or June 20–24. $450/session. After care available. Register today!

Spotlight on DAY CAMPS

BRITISH ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS 770-578-8272 | bapa.us

Actors, dancers, singers - an incredible experience awaits!

Full of skills, fun, and friends. Everyday is FUN day, Wednesday’s costume day, Friday’s Filming day! Camps are taught by regular BAPA instructors, with years of experience and expertise to inspire your child. Making memories to treasure! Extended Day available.

Themes: Younger: Encanto / Peter Pan / Descendants / Barbie Ballet / Hip Hop. Older: Hamilton / Wicked / Greatest Showman.

Dancers Training Program.

Spotlight on DAY CAMPS CAMP ARROWHEAD

678-992-2119 | camparrowhead.camp Camp Arrowhead is an adventure-fueled, Jesus-centered, funpacked day camp in the heart of Milton, GA. It is filled with low rope elements, team competitions, theme days, and highly trained counselors to make every day at camp awesome. Camp Arrowhead teaches kids to adventure bravely, grow their faith, and help them learn how to follow Jesus. Weeks of camp are scheduled to begin in May and continue through July. Check out the Instagram and Facebook pages for more! Instagram.com/camparrowhead.camp; facebook.com/camparrowhead.camp 2 Atlanta Parent

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CAMP CARLISLE

404-949-0053 | carlislemontessori.com Creative camps for children ages 3-7 designed to inspire independence, personal responsibility and a love for learning through play. Choose from five exciting themes: Unleash Your Imagination, Born to Build, Endangered Animals, Passport to Culture and Mysterious Cosmos. Register for one or more of these two-week sessions today and keep your kids learning all summer long! Full- and half-day options. Extended care available.

June 6 – August 12. atlantaparent.com 2 Atlanta Parent

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Summer Day Camps 2O22 Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs.

Cumming. Ages 3-12. May 31-July 29. Oneweek sessions. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Art, cooking, science and more. $188-$285/session. montessoriacademysharonsprings.com Montessori Academy at Vickery. Cumming.

Ages 3-10. June 1-July 29. 8 am.-6 p.m. One-week sessions. World cultures, science, outdoor fun and more. $171 and up/session. montessorivickery.com Mount Paran Christian School Summer Programs. Kennesaw. Ages 3-13.

June 6-July 22. One-week sessions. Full- and half-day. Academic, arts, and athletics, including fishing and Falcons football. $200-$250/session. mtparanschool.com/summerprograms North Cobb Christian School Summer Camps.

Kennesaw. Ages 3-18. June 5-July 29. One-week sessions. Full- and half-day. Lego, American Girl, Minecraft, crafting, sports and more. $110-$450/ session. ncchristian.org/camps Oak Grove Academy. Alpharetta. Ages 5-11.

May 31-Aug. 5. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.

STEM, movement, creativity and more. $208-$329/ session. oakgroveacademy.org Pace Academy Summer Programs. Atlanta. Ages 5-16. June 6-July 22. One-week sessions. Full- and half-day. Adventure begins at Pace – academic, athletic and enrichment camps. $250-$425/week. paceacademy.org Parker-Chase Preschool. East Cobb, Roswell and Peachtree City. Ages 3-12. May 31-Aug. 5.

One-week sessions. Times vary. Creativity, games, science and more. $156-$275/session. parker-chase.com

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Wesleyan School Summer Camp

Phase Family Learning Center. Alpharetta.

Ages 5-12. May 31-Aug. 5. One-week sessions.

Times vary. Summertime Madness camp with water play, science, extreme Olympics, art and more. $275/session. phase.center

SMART Girls Summer Camp. Atlanta Girls’ School, Atlanta. Ages 6-15. June 13-24. One-week sessions.

8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Girls can choose their own adventure in STEM, the arts and more. $450/session. atlantagirlsschool.org/camp

Richmond Hill Montessori Academy.

Richmond Hill. Ages 5-12. May 31July 22. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. One-week sessions. Games, movement, creativity, science and more. $112-$155/session. richmondhillmontessoripreschool.com

St. Benedict’s Episcopal School Summer Camps.

Smyrna. Ages 3-13. May 31-July 29. One-week sessions. Full- and half-day. Over 75 camps in academics, STEAM, sports, art and cooking. $170 and up/week. stbs.org/summer-camps Cont’d on page 30

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Spotlight on DAYCAMP CAMPS Atlanta Parent’s PREVIEW CIRCUS SUMMER CAMP

circuscamp.org | Decatur, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs Children will jump for joy when you sign them up for Circus Summer Camp! They’ll learn real circus skills – trapeze, tightwire, juggling, magic, even throw a pie in a clown’s face!

Campers choose what they want to perform and work together to present a grand finale Circus Show! All skill levels are welcome! June 6-July 29. Ages 5-teen. circuscamp.org

Spotlight on DAY CAMPS ECLECTIC MUSIC

404-537-1382 | eclecticmusicatlanta.com/summer Led by some of Atlanta’s finest musicians and teaching artists, Eclectic Music camps are routinely a top pick for Atlanta Parent families. Rising 1st-6th graders get creative playing instruments, singing, dancing, and diving into the world of music. Beginners and musically seasoned kiddos alike jam as a band; with activities that range from performing the perfect summer playlist to composing original songs to making their own music videos! One of Atlanta’s most creative, fun, and nurturing camp programs, Eclectic Music camps are top-notch, year after year.

Atlanta Parent’s CAMP PREVIEW FOREFRONT ARTS DRAMA CAMPS 770-864-3316 | forefrontarts.com

Unlock your child’s talent this summer with Forefront Arts! Week-long drama camps for ages 3-18 include “Encanto”, “Frozen”, “High School Musical” and “Descendants” Musical Theatre camps, “Harry Potter” and “Pixar” acting camps, Improv, Princess Camp, Imaginators STEAM Inventing, “Marvel” Movie Acting, Show Choir, Dance Camps for various ages featuring “Encanto”, “Trolls”, “Chicago” and “Newsies”, AND a “Matilda” summer stock production for 6th-12th graders.

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HIGH MEADOWS CAMP

770-993-7975 | highmeadowscamp.org Since 1973, High Meadows Camp has offered a rich, traditional outdoor day program on more than 40 acres of meadow and woodland. Campers entering kindergarten through ninth grade have opportunities for self-discovery, while gaining confidence through ageappropriate activities and a program that focuses on self-improvement, personal responsibility, and environmental respect. Three-week sessions offer campers the opportunity to develop strong relationships with peers and staff role models, giving time for projects and skill development.

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Summer Day Camps 2O22 Steve and Kate’s Camp. Atlanta.

Ages 5-12. June 13-Aug. 5. One-week sessions. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sewing, stop-motion animation, music, performing arts, makers crafts, bread making and more. $99/day and up. steveandkatescamp.com/atlanta Summer Academy at UGA. Athens. Ages 11-17.

June 6-July 22. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. Day /overnight. Camps for students who want to do amazing things: film, medicine, science, art and more. $440 and up/session. uga.edu/youth/summer-academy Summer@Galloway. The Galloway School, Atlanta. Ages 3-18. June 1-July 29. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Half and full day. Summer fun starts at Galloway! Open to the community. $195-$445/session. gallowayschool.org/summer Summer Remix Adventure Camp. The Sunshine House. Multiple locations. Ages 5-12. Dates, sessions and times vary by location. Dive into a world of imagination, entertainment and field trips. $185 and up/week. sunshinehouse.com Trinity School Summer Camp. Atlanta.

Ages 4-13. June 6-July 1; Aug. 1-5. One-week sessions. Times vary. Academics, specialties and sports, including before-/after-care. $325-$365/week. trinityatl.org Walker School Summer Programs. Marietta.

Ages 3-14. June 6-July 29. One-week sessions.

Full- and half-day. Offering an extensive variety of academic, athletic and artistic camps. $150-$350/week. thewalkerschool.org Wesleyan School Summer Camp. Peachtree Corners. Ages 3-14. June 6-July 22. One-week sessions. Full- and half-day. Day and specialty camps, including arts, athletics, STEM and life skills. $150-$400/session. wesleyanschool.org Westminster Summer Camps. Atlanta.

Ages 3-17. May 31-July 29. One- and two-week sessions. Full- and half-day. A wide variety of day, specialty and sports camps for ages. $275-$860/week. westminster.net

WESLEYAN

Whitefield Summer Programs. The Whitefield Academy, Smyrna. Ages 5-18. May 29-July 28.

One-week sessions. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Offering a Christ-centered environment for your child. $240-$300/week. whitefieldacademy.com

SUMMER CAMPS

Woodward Academy Summer Camps. College Park and Johns Creek. Ages 5-18. May 31-July 29.

One-week sessions. Full- and half-day. Academics, sports, arts, technology, robotics, writing and more. $240-$400/session. woodward.edu YMCA of Metro Atlanta. Multiple locations.

Ages 5-15. May 31-Aug. 4. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Traditional camp activities, academic support, sports, field trips and more. $191-$375/session. ymcaatlanta.org

SCAN TO LEARN MORE!

YWCA of Greater Atlanta. Atlanta. Ages 5-12.

June 6-July 22. One-week sessions. 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fun and interactive camps with hands on-activities. $245/week. ywcaatlanta.org

History Camps JOIN US FOR SUMMER FUN! REGISTER TODAY: W E S L E YA N S C H O O L . O R G / S U M M E R C A M P S 30 Atlanta Parent

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Atlanta History Center Summer Camps.

Atlanta. Ages 6-14. June 6-July 1. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fun, educational and creative history and writing camps. $325/session. atlantahistorycenter.com Cont’d on page 32

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Spotlight on DAYCAMP CAMPS Atlanta Parent’s PREVIEW LEADING EDGE GYMNASTICS ACADEMY 678-975-7469 | legawinder.com

Join Leading Edge Gymnastics Academy for an exciting summer of camps! LEGA camps are committed to providing a week of fun and knowledgeable instruction for kids ages 3-12 (must be potty trained), with a goal of growing each child’s love for gymnastics. Each week of camp has a different theme and campers move through gymnastics event rotations, arts and crafts, games, relays, and water play (on select days). Register today at legawinder.com/camp

Spotlight on DAY CAMPS MOVING IN THE SPIRIT

404-624-5295 | movinginthespirit.org Moving in the Spirit’s Summer Dance Camp combines dance instruction with leadership training for young people ages 8-13.

Rooted in the principles of positive youth development, the program provides campers with a safe space to build confidence while learning choreography from various dance genres and styles: creative dance, improvisation, contemporary, hip-hop, and fusion.

At the end of camp, students perform a special show for family and friends. Sliding scale tuition is available. July 18-29, 2022.

Spotlight on DAY CAMPS

NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER ATLANTA SUMMER CAMP

800-232-7238 | noc.com/chattahoochee-youth-programs

Experience paddle sports in this multi-day camp. Campers explore the Chattahoochee River, while having fun and learning the fundamentals of different river crafts like sit-on-top kayaks, SUP, and for our four-day camps, whitewater rafts and canoes. Professionally trained guides fit campers with gear and PFDs and teach them the proper techniques.

Introduction to paddling for kids and teens, beginners young adventure enthusiasts that want to try out different boats.

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STEVE AND KATE’S CAMP

470-703-6391 | steveandkatescamp.com/atlanta Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge of their own learning experience. Campers choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, coding, film, sports, and more!

Families can buy any number of days, and use at any time – no weekly reservations required. Or, buy a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. If your plans change, they’ll automatically refund any unused Passes at summer’s end. Lunch, snacks and all hours (8 a.m.-6 p.m.) included.

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Summer Day Camps 2O22 Camp Flashback. Donaldson-Bannister Farm.

Dunwoody. Ages 7-12. June 13-July 22.

One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Come have fun on the farm not far from home. $250-$300/session. dunwoodypreservationtrust.org

Language Camps Brilliant Bilingual Summer Camp. Pure Hope Church, Mableton. Ages 5-11. June 13-July 22.

One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn about countries, their languages, traditions and more. $190-$235/week. brilliantbilingual.com Spanish Academy Summer Camps. Multiple locations. Ages 2-9. May 31-Aug. 12. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Camps are highly interactive, lively, fun and full of Spanish. $225/session. thespanishacademy.com Yi Hwang Academy Summer Camp. Suwanee.

Ages 4-11. June 6-July 1. Four-week session. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mandarin, Korean, taekwondo, Singapore math, technology and art. $200-$263/session. yhale.org

Nature Camps Atlanta Botanical Garden Summer Camp. Atlanta.

Ages 4-12. June 6-July 22. One-week sessions. Halfand full-day. Discover the Gardens at themed camps – Habitat Explorers, Adventures in the Garden and Garden Chefs. $275-$400/session. atlantabg.org Blue Heron Nature Preserve Summer Camp.

Atlanta. Ages 4-12. May 30-July 29. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Explore different themes each week with naturalists and special guests. $275-$405/session. bhnp.org

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Camp Kingfisher at Chattahoochee Nature Center

Camp Autrey Mill. Johns Creek. Ages 4-13.

May 31-Aug. 5. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.noon; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn about history and nature through crafts, games, puzzles and historical artifacts. $200-$300/week. autreymill.org

Camp Kingfisher. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell. Ages 4-14. May 31-Aug. 5. One- and two-week sessions. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hikes, animal encounters, science explorations, canoeing, swimming, arts and more. $230 and up/session. chattnaturecenter.org

Camp Elachee. Elachee Nature Science Center, Gainesville. Ages 5-10. May 31-July 22. One-week sessions. 8 a.m.-noon or 3 p.m.

Explore creeks and woodlands, make crafts, sing camp songs, and more. $200/week. elachee.org

Critter Camp. Amphibian Foundation and The Friends School, Atlanta and Decatur. Ages 6-15.

June 6-Aug 12. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-3 or 4 p.m.

A science-based look into the world of amphibians and reptiles. $285-$375/week. critter-camp.org Cont’d on page 34

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Spotlight on DAY CAMPS Spotlight on DAY CAMPS

SUMMER SAFARI CAMP AT ZOO ATLANTA 404-624-5822 | zooatlanta.org/camp

Want something wild for your young explorer? Try the camp experience that invites 1,000 of your closest animal friends! Each week of Summer Safari Camp, campers embark on a different Zoo expedition, exploring wildlife and wild places. Connections made at Safari Camp help children begin a journey of conservation stewardship in an outdoor oasis that naturally educates and inspires.

Activities are age and grade-appropriate, and Zoo exploration themes change weekly for an always-fresh experience.

Spotlight on DAY CAMPS VININGS SCHOOL OF ART

678-213-4278 | viningsschoolofart.com/summer-camps.html Vinings School of Art instructors teach children to create with clay, about famous artists and how to paint large canvas paintings, grout mosaics into wooden trays, sculpture-making with plaster, and drawing techniques such as perspective and portraiture. Separate age groups of 10 students per room: 6-8, 8-10, 10-14 years. Check-in 8 a.m.-9:15 a.m. Optional piano, guitar or violin available 3:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m. for an additional fee. Choose any week May 31-Aug. 10, $330/wk, late pick-up $40/week additional. Enroll at viningsschoolofart.com/summer-camps.html

Spotlight on DAY CAMPS

WHITEFIELD ACADEMY SUMMER PROGRAMS 678-305-3000 | whitefieldacademy.com/summer

Whitefield Academy Summer Programs help children in their spiritual, physical, educational, and mental growth in a loving, caring, safe, and Christ-centered environment. It is a Christ-centered summer camp for rising PreK4 through 12th–graders offering all-day programs and specialty sports, arts, and academic camps. Campers are challenged to learn new skills, make new friends, see new places, and develop their God-given gifts…all while having tons of FUN! For a full list of dates and offerings, visit the website to learn more and enroll for a summer of fun!

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ZONE OF LIGHT STUDIO

678-948-8059 | zoneoflightstudio.com Zone of Light Studio offers the most unique and memorable art programs in the southeast! Eleven weeks of Summer Art Programs are for those who love to be creative, make friends and have fun! This year’s themes have a “literary” spin, like “Fantastic Fables & Fairy Tales” and “Tales from Far Away Lands.” Programs are for ages 5-12, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, with Extended Care available. Conveniently located near Emory/Morningside. atlantaparent.com

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Summer Day Camps 2O22 Dunwoody Nature Center Camp. Dunwoody.

Ages 4-13. May 31-Aug. 5. One-week sessions.

Times vary. Island Ford and Outdoor Nature Camps offer canoeing, hiking and STEM and nature programs on the Chattahoochee River. $190-$350/session. dunwoodynature.org EnviroVentures Camp. Piedmont Park, Atlanta.

Ages 5-10. June 6-July 29. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn, play, and explore outside at this environmental education camp. $310/session. piedmontpark.org/camp Summer Safari Camp at Zoo Atlanta. Atlanta.

Ages 5-14. May 31-July 29. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Weekly themes encourage campers to engage in ways they can save wildlife and wild places while having fun. $300-$400/session. zooatlanta.org/camp

Parks and Recreation Camps Camp Acworth. Acworth Parks and Recreation.

Ages 6-14. May 31-July 29. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sports, hiking, field trips, arts and crafts, and more. $150/week. campacworth.org Alpharetta Parks and Recreation Camps.

Multiple locations. Ages 6-15. May 31-Aug. 5.

One-week sessions. Full- and half-day. Summer fun with arts and crafts, swimming, field trips, hiking, sports and more. $150-$525/session. alpharetta.ga.us City of Decatur Summer Camp Programs.

Multiple locations. Ages 5-17. June 6-July 8.

One-week sessions. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Day and enrichment camps, sports, swim and teen leadership. $150 and up/session. decaturga.com Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Summer Camps. Multiple locations. Ages 4 and up. June 6-July 29. Four- and Five-day sessions.

Times vary. Outdoor recreation, sports, art, cheer, specialty and more. $125 and up/session. parks.forsythco.com Gem City Camp. Custer Park Sports and Fitness Center, Marietta. Ages 6-12. May 30-July 29. Oneweek sessions. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Camps designed to promote healthy and active lifestyles for youth. $75-$100/session. mariettaga.gov/parksrec Gwinnett Parks and Recreation Summer Camps. Multiple locations. Ages 5-13. June 6-July 29. One-week sessions. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Themed adventure camps include art, sports, swimming, dance, games and more. $126/ session. gwinnettparks.com Peachtree City Parks and Recreation.

Kedron Fieldhouse and Aquatic Center, Peachtree City. Ages 2-18. June 6-Aug. 3.

Four- and 5-day sessions. Times vary. Sports, games, art, LEGO, Playball, Tame the Brain and more. $90-$200/session. peachtree-city.org Roswell Recreation and Parks Summer Camps.

Multiple locations. Ages 3-14. May 31-Aug. 5. Oneto five-day sessions. Times vary. Creative and performing art, athletics, aquatic, specialty and more. $90 and up/session. roswellgov.com Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks. Multiple locations. Ages 7-14. June 6-July 29. Oneweek sessions. Times vary. A variety of themes includes All Star, Super Sports, Active Kids, STEAM and more. $65-$210/session. registration. sandyspringsga.gov

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Special Needs Camps Camp Dream. Speak. Live. Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Research, Atlanta.

Ages 4-16. July 18-22. One-week session.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Intensive and fun therapy program for children who stutter. Free. moody.utexas.edu/centers/lang-stuttering-institute Clay White Summer Day Camp. Atlanta.

Ages 5-12. June 13-July 29. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A therapeutic camp for kids receiving occupational therapy. $750/session. claywhite.us Cumberland Academy Summer Camp. Atlanta.

Ages 9-18. June 6-July 22. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Summer camps for students with autism, ADHD and more. $380-$400/session. cumberlandacademy.org Lekotek Summer Computer Camp. Tucker.

Ages 4-11. June 27-July 14. Four-day sessions.

9:30 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. Fun, challenging activities develop literacy, communication, fine motor, cognitive, and recreational abilities. $100-$125/session. lekotekga.org/camp Social Skills Today Summer Camps. Multiple locations. Ages 4 and up. June 7-July 30. Oneweek session. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Social skills instruction, summer fun activities, friendships and more. $350-$385/week. socialskillstoday.com TCP Summer Program. Threshold Community Program, Decatur. Ages 10 and older. June 6-July 29. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-noon and noon-6 p.m. Enrichment for adolescents and young adults with developmental challenges. $150-$500/session. thresholdcommunity.org

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Intown Stars Gymnastics Travel the World Camp

Sports Camps A5 Volleyball Club. A5 Sportsplex, Roswell. Ages 8-18. June 1-July 27. Three-day sessions. Full- and half-day. Camps and clinics for beginners to advanced players. $125-$325/session. a5volleyball.com Agape Tennis Academy. Decatur and Alpharetta.

Ages 4-18. May 31-July 29. Four- and five-day sessions. 9 a.m.-noon or 3 p.m. Camps cover all aspects and skills of the game in a fun environment. $140-$340/session. agapetennisacademy.com

Camp 2022

Atlanta Extreme Volleyball. Suwanee. Ages 6 and up. June 6-July 21. Four-day sessions.

Skills camps focus on hitting, passing, setting and blocking; advanced beach volleyball camps. $120 and up/session. aevc.org Atlanta Junior Rowing Summer Camp. Roswell.

Ages 12-18. June 6-Aug. 5. One-week sessions.

7:30-9:30 a.m.; 10 a.m.-noon. Learn-to-Row camps teach the fundamentals of rowing. $165/session. atlantajuniors.com Cont’d on next page

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Summer Day Camps 2O22 Baseball Camp. D-BAT. Multiple locations.

Ages 7-13. May 30-July 29. One-day to one-week sessions. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Baseball camp focusing on all skill levels. $100-$300/session. dbatatlanta.com Challenger Soccer Camps. Multiple Locations.

Ages 2-16. Dates vary. One-week sessions. Halfand full-day. Engaging, age-appropriate instruction inspired by the world’s leading soccer nations. $99-$250 and up/session. challengersports.com FMA Summer Camp. Family Martial Arts, Sandy Springs. Ages 4-14. May 31-July 22. One-week sessions. 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Karate camp with ​ activities changing every hour for maximum fun. $170/session. campfma.com H20 Swim Camp. Seaventures, Alpharetta.

Ages 5-13. May 31-Aug. 5. One-week sessions.

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Camp includes swim lessons and open swim daily, no experience necessary. seaventures.com High Five Summer Camp. High Five Sports Zone, Alpharetta. Ages 5-14. June 6-Aug. 5. One- and Five-day sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Basketball, dodge ball, football, soccer, arts and crafts and more. $80-$375/session. hifivesportsclub.com

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Intown Stars Gymnastics Travel the World Camp. Decatur. Ages 4-12. May 31-June 17. Fourand five-day sessions. Full- and half-day. Go “back to the future” with each week with gymnastics, free play and arts and crafts. $320/session. intownstarsgymnastics.com Leading Edge Gymnastics Academy. Winder.

Ages 3-12. June 6-July 29. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.- 3 p.m. and 9 a.m.-noon. An exciting week of fun and knowledgeable gymnastics instruction. $225-$325/session. legawinder.com Lotus Fencing Academy. Chamblee. All ages.

May 31-Aug. 5. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Develop speed, endurance, precision, and flexibility while poking others and having fun. $295/session. lotusfencing.com Nellya Fencers Beginner Camp. Atlanta.

Ages 7-10. May 30-June 10, July 25-29.

One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-noon. Learn sabre fencing at Atlanta’s most prestigious facility. $225/session. nellyafencers.com NOC Atlanta Summer Camps. Multiple locations.

Ages 12-15. June and July. Two- and four-day sessions. Times vary. Paddling sit-on-top kayaks, SUP, canoes and rafts, mountain biking. $160 and up/session. noc.com/chattahoochee-youthprograms

STEM/STEAM Camps Camp Invention. Multiple locations. Ages 5-12.

June 6-July 14. One-week sessions. Times vary.

STEM summer camp where kids build creative inventions and friendships. $245 and up/session. invent.org/local MODA Summer Camps. Museum of Design Atlanta. Ages 7-18. June 6-July 29. Weekly sessions. Times vary. LEGO engineering, envirobots, digital art, podcasting, filmmaking and more. Virtual options available. $325-$550/session. museumofdesign.org Club SciKidz STEM Summer Camps. Nine locations. Ages 4-13. June 6-July. 29. One-week sessions. Times vary. Fun science camps include Grossology, Emergency Vet, Minecraft, Robotics and more. $349/session. clubscikidz.com

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Circus Camp

Code Ninjas. Multiple locations. Ages 7-14. May 30-July 29. One-week sessions. Full- and half-day.

Coding and game building, STEM, robotics and more. $229 and up/session. codeninjas.com Code Wizards HQ Virtual Summer Camps.

Ages 8-18. May 31-Aug. 5. One- and three-week sessions. Times vary. Live, interactive camps in Roblox, Minecraft and accelerated coding. $447-$499/session. codewizardshq.com Coding With Kids. Multiple locations. Ages 5-18. May 30-Aug. 26. One-week sessions.

Times vary. Live online and in-person camps with comprehensive coding curriculum, including 11 Coder’s Pathways. $215 and up/session. codingwithkids.com Computer Museum of America Summer Camps.

Roswell. Ages 8-14. June 6-July 29. One-week sessions. Times vary. Activities and projects in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. $250-$500/week. computermuseumofamerica.org Engineering For Kids of East Atlanta.

Multiple Locations. Ages 5-14. June 6-July 29.

One-week sessions. Full- and half-day sessions.

Robotics, Minecraft, Esports, Space, Engineering, STEAM and more. $250-$375/session. engineeringforkids.com/east-atlanta

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Friends School of Atlanta Summer Camp.

Decatur. Ages 5-14. June 6-July 22. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. STEAM-inspired summer camp fun! $290/week. friendsschoolatlanta.org/summer-camps iD Tech. Multiple locations. Ages 7-19.

May 30-July 29. One-week sessions. Times vary. On-campus and online programs sharpen coding, game development and creative skills. $949 and up/session. idtech.com Kids 4 Coding. Norcross and Roswell. Ages 7-12.

June 6-July 1. One-week sessions. Full- and halfday. Minecraft, game design, programming, mobile and web development, robotics and drones. $389-$679/week. kids4coding.com Science Akademia STEM Camps. Alpharetta.

Ages 3-14. May 30-Aug. 5. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. A fun opportunity for kids to enjoy science. $249-$349/session. satapos.com Science of Fun STEM Camp. Decatur. Ages 5-10.

May 31-July 29. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Weekly themes include construction, STEAM, chemical reactions and science of food. $349-$399/week. scienceoffun.com Cont’d on next page

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TiTan Summer CampS Summer Fun with the Blessed Trinity Titans! Join us during June and July for camps run by Blessed Trinity coaches, teachers and students.

Camp offerings include: Baseball, Basketball (Girls and Boys), Cheerleading, Football, Lacrosse (Girls and Boys), Soccer (Girls and Boys), Sports Medicine, Tennis (Boys and Girls), Volleyball and Musical Theater/Drama Scan the QR Code to sign up Today!

Summer Day Camps 2O22

Spike Studio Summer Steam Academy.

Kennesaw State Univ., Marietta. Ages 13-17.

July 11-15, 18-22. One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Students will develop and present creative solutions to real-world problems. $220/session. spikestudio.org STEAM Robotics Summer Camp. Atlanta.

Ages 5-12. June 6-24. One-week sessions.

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn how to design, build and program various robotic equipment. $399-$420/session. make555.com STEM Advancement Training. Robotic Explorers, Alpharetta. Ages 6-16. June 5-July 15. One-week sessions. 9-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m.

Code and design machines and robots like an engineer. $250/session. roboticexplorers.com Stemtree. Atlanta. Ages 5-14. June 6-Aug. 1.

One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All STEM subjects in a single camp! 1-1 instruction. $460/session. stemtree.com/buckhead Summer Tech Evolution. Evolution Arts, Atlanta. Ages 8-16. June 29-July 1. Threeday session. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Girls-only tech, AI, engineering and goal setting; in-person and virtual options. $95-$295/session. myevolutionarts.org

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School 11320 Woodstock Rd. Roswell GA 30075 www.btcatholic.org

STEM Summer Camp. National STEM Academy, Museum of Aviation, Robins AFB. Ages 6-18. June 6-July 22. One-week sessions.

9:30 a.m.-noon. Hands-on, STEM and History focused learning experiences. $130/session. museumofaviation.org

Theme Camps Camp Sparkles. Sparkles Family Fun Center, Hiram. Ages 5-13. One-week sessions. May 31-July 29. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Campers will enjoy awesome attractions, activities and more! $160/week. sparklesfamilyfuncenters.com Circus Camp. Decatur and Sandy Springs.

Ages 5-18. June 6-July 29. One- and twoweek sessions. Times vary. Trapeze, juggling, clowning, magic, unicycle and more.

Virtual show each Friday. $300-$380/week. circuscamp.org Fabricate Studios Sewing Summer Camps.

Atlanta. Ages 7 and older. June 6-July 29. Oneweek sessions. 9 a.m.-noon; 1-4 p.m. Beginner to advanced sewing camps; including supplies. $350/week. fabricatestudios.com Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios. Alpharetta.

Ages 5-12. May 31-Aug. 5. One-week sessions.

Cooking camp where kids can stir up fun – Iron Chef, Chocolate Factory and more. $299-$379/ session. flourpowerstudios.com Horse Camp and Adventure Camp.

WildeWood Farm, Inc., Cumming. Ages 3-18.

May 30-July 29. One-week sessions. 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Get your own horse for the week. $425/session. wildewoodfarminc.com Kid Chess Summer Camp. Multiple locations.

Ages 5-12. June 6-July 22. One-week sessions.

Full-and half-days. Improve chess skills and challenge top-rated, kid-friendly coaches. $285 and up/session. kidchess.com Young Chefs Academy Culinary Camp.

Multiple locations. Ages 5-15. May 26-Aug. 12.

One-week sessions. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Fully-immersive culinary camp experience. $275/ session. youngchefsacademy.com/georgia

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Camp 2022

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Atlanta Parent 39

The Green House:

How to Have an Energy-Efficient Home

by Emily Webb

In April, we celebrate Earth Day, an annual event supporting environmental protection.

Make going green a family affair by changing your home habits to increase energy efficiency. Implement small or big changes to make a huge difference.

Office l Unplug electronics and chargers when not in use. l A new laptop uses 85% less electricity than a desktop computer. l Whenever possible, read documents on your computer instead of printing them.

Bathroom l Try a shampoo bar instead of liquid shampoo for less plastic packaging. l Turn off the water when brushing your teeth. l Invest in eco-friendly toilet paper, such as Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper. l Switch to a certified low-flow shower head to save 2,700 gallons of water a year.

Living Room l Light emitting diodes (LEDs) use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. l Look for window treatments that prevent heat loss in the winter and deflect the sun’s rays to keep your home cooler in the summer. l Energy vampires are devices that use energy and drain power, even when turned off. These include chargers, video game consoles and cable boxes. Put devices on a power strip, and flip them off when you aren’t using them. l Use a programmable thermostat to adjust the times you turn on the heating or air-conditioning according to a pre-set schedule.

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Garage

Laundry Room

l Looking into buying a new car? Reduce CO2 emissions with electric and hybrid cars.

l Add reusable wool dryer balls to your laundry instead of single-use dryer sheets.

l Check that the garage door has an intact gasket running its entire width, which helps seal the door to the floor and keeps the weather out.

l Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.

l Seal any potential leaks in the walls of your garage.

Bedroom l Decorate spaces using paint without volatile organic compounds, which are carbon-containing organic chemicals. Check for a Greenguard certification. l Cut down on energy usage by using your ceiling fan. l Inspect your bedroom windows every year, and re-caulk any gaps that you find. l Set up your television’s sleep mode, so your TV will turn off automatically.

Kid’s Bedroom/Nursery l Reduce waste by switching to cloth diapers (at least part time if you don’t feel you can commit). Find cloth diapers at greenmountaindiapers.com. l Think long-term. Invest in furniture that can adapt as your child ages. Some cribs can convert into bed frames. l Purchase fabrics made from eco-friendly and sustainable materials, such as cotton, hemp or linen.

Kitchen l Compost your food scraps, coffee grounds, leaves, paper towels and newspapers to turn them into soil for your yard. Learn how to compost at georgiarecycles.org. l Don’t peek at your meals – your oven’s temperature drops about 25 degrees every time you open the door. l Match your pots and pans to the burner. A six-inch pan on an eight-inch electric burner will waste more than 40% of the heat produced, and food will take longer to cook. l Use small electric pans, toaster ovens or convection ovens for small meals rather than your large stove or oven. A toaster or convection oven uses one-third to onehalf as much energy as a full-sized oven.

Learn more energy-saving tips and how to do a DIY home energy assessment at energy.gov.

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ALL ABOUT AUTISM

by Emily Webb

April is National Autism Awareness Month.

You’ve likely heard of the condition and know someone with a family member who is considered to be “on the spectrum,” but do you really understand what it means? Use this guide to learn more and gain perspective on how autism impacts families.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.

There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different from other people.

Signs and Symptoms May Include:

Avoids or does not keep eye contact Does not respond to name or show facial expressions by 9 months of age Does not play simple interactive games, like pat-a-cake, by 12 months of age Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age Does not share interests with others Does not pretend in play

Therapies, Treatments and Interventions: As ASD affects each person differently, treatment plans often involve multiple professionals and include different therapies to cater to the individual.

Applied Behavior Analysis: Training

methods that encourage desired behaviors and discourages undesired behaviors to improve a variety of skills.

Speech and Language Therapy: Improves the person’s understanding and use of speech and language, either through verbal communication or the use of signs, gestures, pictures or electronic communication.

Occupational Therapy: Teaches skills that help the person live independently.

Sensory Integration Therapy:

Shows little interest in peers Has trouble understanding other people’s feelings Exhibits restricted or repetitive behaviors

Improves responses to sensory input that may be restrictive or overwhelming.

Social-Relational Treatments:

Focus on improving social skills and building emotional bonds.

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: Helps

children with ASD cope with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues: it focuses on learning the connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Floortime: A relationship-based therapy

for children where adults play and interact with the child at their level.

Relationship Development Intervention: A family-based, behavioral treatment focused on building social and emotional skills.

Joint Attention Therapy: Improves specific skills related to shared attention, such as pointing, showing or coordinating looks between a child and an object.

Sources: cdc.gov; autismspeaks.org; nih.gov

Use Atlanta Parent’s online resource to find schools and services that serve families with autism.

About 1 in 44 children have been identified with ASD. 42 Atlanta Parent

ASD is four times more common in boys than girls.

April 2022

Minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often.

An estimated 40% of people with autism are nonverbal.

Nearly two-thirds of children with autism between the ages of 6-15 have been bullied. atlantaparent.com

Q&A: Talking to a Mom

AP: Are there common misconceptions

Kate Swenson, creator of the blog “Finding Cooper’s Voice,” wrote “Forever Boy: A Mother’s Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy,” which will be released on April 5. In the book, Swenson chronicles her family life after her son Cooper was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism. It is an eye-opening and inspirational look into the world of autism. Atlanta Parent spoke with her about her advice to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

you deal with regarding autism?

KS: My son is nonspeaking, which means he is unable to communicate verbally. A lot of people think nonspeaking means non-thinking, which is a sad, hard misconception. Cooper is a smart kid. He has a lot of thoughts, and he wants to share his thoughts, just in his own way. When I say, ”Just ask him,” people get nervous, or they think he’s deaf, and they speak really loud, but he can hear you just fine.

People also think people with disabilities don’t live full amazing lives just because they don’t do things most kids do – they might not be able to drive or have a job. Cooper is still going to have a really full life however he chooses to live.

AP: In the book, you talk about

AP: What advice do you have about

My fourth is 9 months old, and I would know now after having four kids what developmental milestones should look like. Autism is more understood now than it was 11 years ago. But there’s still a long way to go. I hear from parents every day who are going to the doctor, and the doctor says, “Let’s just wait until they’re 3,” or “Let’s just wait until they’re in kindergarten.” Early intervention is important, and we kept hitting those roadblocks with Cooper.

the struggle to get your worries about Cooper acknowledged.

Has awareness made being taken seriously as a parent easier?

KS: I think it was exceptionally hard because it was my first child. I had been around children my whole life. I started babysitting at age 11; I nannied; I worked at camps. I love, love kids. And I was still completely thrown for a loop because I wasn’t able to have that point of reference.

finding a community or creating a support system?

KS: It is the most vital thing you can do as a parent of a child with a disability. Find other families with disabilities like yours. I started Coop’s Troops online. It’s mostly moms, and every day, we ask questions and Zoom and chat and laugh and cry in this judgement-free, shame-free space where don’t have to explain ourselves or defend ourselves.

Cont’d on next page

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Atlanta Parent 43

ALL ABOUT AUTISM I don’t think there would have been a book if I had a support system earlier. We were made to feel like we had the only child with autism, and there were a lot of barriers to connecting with others.

Being online is a blessing, and it is definitely vital for moms, dads, siblings, the whole family unit.

AP: How can parents of children with autism learn to Supporting the Social, Emotional, and Educational Growth of Neurodivergent Individuals and their Families A unique therapeutic program for adolescence to adulthood to strengthen autonomy, emotional regulation, social communication, and the ability to build relationships. Tuition-based program (Aug-May)  Summer program (June-July)

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Working with struggling learners and emerging adults in a deliberate way that addresses processing challenges and supports logical problem-solving and critical thinking.

3516 Covington Highway | Decatur | (404) 308-8548 info@thresholdcommunity.org

advocate for their child?

KS: I try to write a lot about the struggles I had at the beginning.

I was scared to speak up. I grew up believing doctors are always right, and they’re going to help you, and teachers are always right, so you should fall in line. But I had this child who I wasn’t getting the right answers for. The first time I had to tell a doctor “I think you’re wrong,” I was practically crying. Do your research. Write down what you’re seeing, so you can explain it in a calm and rational way.

Connect with other parents who have done this before.

AP: How can you maintain self-care or making

yourself or your spouse a priority when parenting a child with autism?

KS: It really took a toll on our marriage. We had no help, and we didn’t prioritize ourselves at all. A lot of couples really struggle with that. It goes back to you can’t pour from an empty cup. There is pressure to be caregivers forever, to be strong and healthy to take care of our kids, and that includes mental health. Find another family to trade babysitting with, find respite services, and look for resources in your community. You have to prioritize yourself because you cannot burn out.

I grew up believing doctors are always right, and they’re going to help you, and teachers are always right. But I had this child who I wasn’t getting the right answers for.

AP: What other advice do you have for parents of

children with autism?

KS: It is so important to maintain hope. There’s going to be a lot of people who tell you the things your child may not ever do, and that’s hard to hear. You’re going to reach a lot of dead ends. We were told Cooper had the most severe case of autism his social worker had ever seen. But he’s growing up, and he’s figuring out this world. The child you have now won’t be the child you have three, five, 10 years from now. Try to maintain hope. Really believe in your child.

AP: What advice do you have for parents of

children without autism who want to be a better friend or advocate?

KS: To teach their children kindness. I know it sounds so simple, but teach kindness. It comes out of your children at school or in sports.

It’s the most important thing I do with my 9-year-old: say hi, smile, be friendly, wave. If parents are afraid, I see it in their children as well. People fear differences with any type of disability. People think different is bad, but it’s just different. It’s taken me a lot of years to understand that. I always welcome questions. Kids aren’t afraid to ask questions; parents are. If I educate a child, they’ll go home and educate their parents. By reading books like mine, you can be better about understanding and accepting autism.

Find more information about Swenson and her family at findingcoopersvoice.com.

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Kids’ Books: Representation Matters Share these books with your children to show them that those with autism aren’t that different.

l “I am Autism” by Blake Carter Desiree: Blake’s fellow classmates try to understand how a school day may be difficult for him. l “Trey the Chef: Cooking Camp” by Kira Parris-Moore: Trey is excited to start cooking camp, but he gets overwhelmed by the crowd and chaos of the kitchen. l “The Secret Life of Kitty Granger” by G. D. Falksen: 16-year-old Kitty Granger has always been known as peculiar – she hates noise and crowds, fixates on patterns and feels acutely aware of her surroundings. But these behaviors allow her to uncover a Russian spy ring in this chapter book. l “The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family” by Sarah Kapit: This middle grade novel about two autistic sisters follows the start of their own detective agency. l “All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism” by Shaina Rudolph: Zane the zebra feels different from the rest of his classmates and worries that they know he’s different. l “Nathan’s Autism Spectrum Superpowers” by Lori Leigh Yarborough: Nathan explains his superpowers, how they affect him and how friends can help him when his superpowers spiral out of control. l “My Brother Otto” by Meg Raby: This book follows crow siblings, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. l “The Bat Series” by Elana K. Arnold: This young middle grade trilogy follows Bat, a boy on the autism spectrum, who navigates his life with his divorced parents, sister and friends. l “The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin”

by Julia Finley Mosca: Follow the life of Temple Grandin, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age. No one expected her to learn to talk, but she has become one of the most powerful voices in modern science.

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Atlanta Parent 45

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Jason’s Music Party jasonsmusicparty.com

A Birthday Concert for Your Child. Interactive live kids music for all occasions. Performing classics and new favorites, percussion jams, singing, dancing and more. Options for every budget. Easy set-up, best for ages 1-8.

BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNER

SeaQuest at Stonecrest Mall Stonecrest.VisitSeaQuest.com

The ultimate birthday party experience at SeaQuest includes unlimited time to explore sea and land habitats, animal interactions, and other hands-on activities. Book your party now by visiting online or calling 404-793-2930.

Zone of Light Studio

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Zone of Light is THE place for any kind of party, you tell us what you want – we’ll make it a party! Plus, we have the coolest Black Light room. Check us out – we put the ART in parties!

Costumed, live, custom and themed entertainment for kids, adults and corporate events. Your child’s favorite character or theme at your location. Let us bring your Dream Event to life! Atlanta Based Since 2001.

EPIC Parties happen here! We do all the work, while you have all the FUN. Activities for all ages – Roller Skating, Laser Tag, Playground and Arcade. Call 770-943-4446 or book online today!

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Make your party POP with a magic bubble performance from Georgia’s BEST Bubble Artist! Indoor and outdoor shows. New BLACK LIGHT GLOW Bubble Show! 404-547-3867.

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IT’S ALWAYS SOMEONE’S BIRTHDAY!

Make sure party-planning parents know about your business.

Be a part of our Birthday Party Planner. In print, 24/7 and online for a full year.

For more info, contact Genie Lockeretz at 678-938-8116 or glockeretz@atlantaparent.com

Topplin’ Tots topplintots.com

Book your next event with Topplin’ Tots, Atlanta’s #1 Soft Play Rental Company.

Specializing in soft play activities, ball pits and bounce castles for your toddler. Call Today! 470-851-7131.

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APRIL: Things to do this month

Toddler Takeover, Woodruff Arts Center

Hop-A-Long Easter Egg Hunt, Avalon

Dunwoody Lemonade Days Festival

Pete the Cat, Center for Puppetry Arts

EcoTinker Science Stations at Chattahoochee Nature Center

Spring Break Staycation l Toddler Takeover l Festival Fun Easter Egg Hunts l Celebrate Earth Day l Top Events atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

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Atlanta Parent 47

APRIL TOP EVENTS

Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, most places are requiring advanced ticket purchase. Call or check websites for procedures.

Events may be cancelled or changed after our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com

The Princess Bride Movie

Strand Theatre / April 1, 8 p.m.

In this fun fantasy movie, Princess Buttercup and Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness. Listen to an organ pre-show before the movie starts. 117 N. Park Square, Marietta.

770-293-0080. $10. earlsmithstrand.org

Harlem Globetrotters

Gas South Arena: April 2, 7 p.m.

State Farm Arena: April 3, 3 p.m.

Enjoy the thrills of basketball with ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag and rim-rattling dunks. $23+. harlemglobetrotters.com

Pandora Presents Disney Princess: The Concert

Fox Theatre / April 2, 7:30 p.m.

This all-star quartet of Broadway and animated film icons celebrate the Disney princesses with an evening of songs, animation and stories.

660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-2100. $39.50+. foxtheatre.org

Pete the Cat

Center for Puppetry Arts April 5-May 29. See website for showtimes.

Based on the award-winning book series by Kim and James Dean, see the stories of Pete the Cat come to life with rod puppets, projected animations, original music and interactive elements. 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta.

404-873-3391. $22-$31. puppet.org

Brick Fest Live

Cobb Galleria Centre / April 9-10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Enjoy all things LEGO with life-sized builds, interactive shows, a Mystery Mosaic, shopping and more. 2 Galleria Pkwy. SE, Atlanta. $24.99-$49.99; ages 2 and younger, free. brickfestlive.com

Orchid Daze Atlanta Botanical Garden /Through April 10 Enjoy thousands of beautiful orchids as they’re on display. Reservation required. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $22.95-$24.95; ages 3-12, $19.95-$21.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

Snow White Gas South Theater April 15, 7 p.m.; April 16, 2 and 7 p.m. and April 17, 4 p.m.

Performed by Atlanta Ballet 2, this family ballet shows Snow White outwitting the Evil Queen.

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-626-2464. $15-$69. gassouthdistrict.com

Online Puppet Playdate: The Velveteen Rabbit

Center for Puppetry Arts April 16, 10 a.m.

A stuffed velveteen rabbit learns of a special kind of nursery magic that can someday make him real through the love of the little boy. 404-873-3391. $8. puppet.org

Stunt Dog Experience

Byers Theatre April 16, 2 p.m.

Watch mind-blowing dog tricks and incredible stunts at this Frisbee and trick dog show. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-206-2022. $20-$30. citysprings.com

Pete the Cat

Brick Fest Live

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Harlem Globetrotters

April 2022

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Lantern Parade: Take It to the River

Morgan Falls Overlook Park / April 16, 6-9 p.m.

Follow the giant lantern puppets and the marching band down the Chattahoochee River. Pre-parade fun includes food, entertainment and children’s activities.

600 Morgan Falls Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600. Free admission. sandyspringsga.gov

Disney On Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate

Gas South Arena / April 21-24. See website for showtimes.

Go on an adventure through 14 of the greatest Disney stories ever told with Olaf, Aladdin, Timon and Pumbaa and more. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth.

770-626-2464. $19-$114. gassouthdistrict.com

Illumine

Oakland Cemetery / April 21-May 1 See dozens of artistic displays throughout the cemetery including lanterns, light boxes, illuminated headstones and botanicals, along with learning more about the cemetery, live music, cocktails and a pop-up shop. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta.

404-688-2107. $20-$25; ages 3 and younger, free. oaklandcemetery.com

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: Latido

Byers Theatre / April 22, 8 p.m.

Connect with art and Hispanic heritage with flamenco dancing. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600. $30-$40. sandyspringsga.gov

In My Granny’s Garden

In My Granny’s Garden

Disney On Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate

Alliance Theatre / Through April 24. See website for showtimes.

Young audiences will explore the glory of growing your own food with corn, green beans, collard greens and more. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4600. $10; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. alliancetheatre.org

The Colorful Hat: Circus & Variety

Sylvia Beard Theatre / April 23-24, 2 and 6 p.m.

With high-flying acrobatics, balancing, juggling, extreme jump rope and amazing magic for an incredible show. 2200 Buford Hwy. NE, Buford. $25-$49. colorfulhat.com

THE NEED FOR SPEED

The Colorful Hat: Circus & Variety

Monster Jam

Atlanta Motor Speedway / April 9, 7 p.m. and April 10, 3 p.m.

The Grave Digger, Max-D and more compete in intense competitions of speed and skill.

At the Pit Party before the races, see massive trucks up close, take photos, and enjoy other family-friendly fun. 1500 Tara Pl., Atlanta. 720-468-0611. $20-$80+. monsterjam.com

MotoAmerica Superbikes

Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta April 22-24. Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Enjoy seven classes of road racing, meet riders in the open race paddock, and visit the Kids Zone for free carnival games. 5300 Winder Hwy., Braselton. 949-572-9495. $15-$80; ages 12 and younger, free; parking, $10-$75. motoamerica.com

Speeder Days

MotoAmerica Superbikes

atlantaparent.com

Southeastern Railway Museum / April 30-May 1 Ride the amazing pieces of history that used to service the rails across North America.

3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. $18; ages 2-12, $12; ages 1 and younger, free; rides, $1-$3. train-museum.org

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Atlanta Parent 49

EARTH DAY EVENTS Earth Week

Children’s Museum of Atlanta April 18-23. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Closed Wed. Little ones will learn how to reduce, reuse and recycle, listen to “10 Things I Can Do to Help My World,” play a trash, compost or recycle matching game, and make seed paper. Reservation required. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-6595437. $11.95-$19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Earth Day

Atlanta Botanical Garden / April 22, 10 a.m.-noon Celebrate nature and beautiful plants with family activities, musical performances, seed planting and more. Reservation required.

1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $22.95-$24.95; ages 3-12, $19.95-$21.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Earth Day Family Night Hike

Chattahoochee Nature Center / April 22, 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Explore the sights and sounds of the forest at night. Registration required.

9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $12. chattnaturecenter.org

Earth Day Event

Roswell Earth Fair

Earth Day Night Hike

Atlanta Green Market Fair

South Clayton Recreation Center / April 22, 5-7 p.m.

Make eco-friendly arts and crafts, visit family fun stations, and bring items to reuse or recycle. 1837 McDonough Rd., Hampton.

770-347-0200. Free admission. claytonparks.com

Dunwoody Nature Center / April 22, 8-9 p.m.

Hike through the woods to learn about nocturnal animals and their special nighttime adaptations. Registration required. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. $5. dunwoodynature.org

Mimosa Hall / April 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebrate all things Earth, outdoors and sustainability with hands-on activities and learning about the environment, wildlife, energy and more. 127 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-641-3705. Free admission. roswellgov.com

Ponce City Market / April 23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Listen to music from a DJ, taste food from food trucks, and enjoy demonstration workshops on DIY fermentation, natural tie dyeing and more.

675 N. Ave. NE, Atlanta. Free admission. atlgreen.market

GOLD MUSEUM • BIRTHDAY PARTIES & MUCH MORE! FIELD

TRIPS

AD SCENIC RAILRO

GOLD PANNING

APIARY

All Activites Except Hiking are by Reservation Only pinemountaingoldmuseum.com • 678.840.1445 50 Atlanta Parent

April 2022

Family Fun Guide

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IT’S A TODDLER TAKEOVER!

Photo by Daniel Parvis

The annual arts festival returns, with engaging activities and experiences for ages 5 and younger.

April 30-May 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. / Woodruff Arts Center A one-of-a-kind experience, Toddler Takeover features theater and dance performances, art-making, workshops and more. It all happens on the campus of the Woodruff Arts Center.

Event Highlights n “Peter and the Wolf,” Terminus Modern Ballet and the ASO

n “Songs to Grow On” live concert

n “The Lizard and El Sol,” Kathy & Ken Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young

n Family Storytelling Workshops

n Li’l Yogis Story Yoga

n Drop-in Artmaking at the High Museum of Art

n “Beautiful Blackbird Live” musical performance

n Art-Inspired play space

The Details n Location: Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta n Admission: $25-$50; ages 6-7, $5-$8; ages 5 and younger, free. n Info: Purchase of a one- or two-day pass includes admission to all events; they fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive early. 404-733-4600. alliancetheatre.org. See website for performance times.

Nominate your Pediatrician today!

BEST TODDLER-FRIENDLY PLACES IN ATLANTA If you’re looking for spots where your toddler can explore and play, check out these interactive places.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta: This hands-on museum encourages kids to explore through play, with permanent interactive exhibits and special programming. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta.

404-659-5437. childrensmuseumatlanta.org Interactive Neighborhood for Kids: Toddlers will love flying in an airplane, shopping for groceries, playing dentist, making music, and exploring the dairy farm at this hands-on museum. Playtimes can be booked in two-hour increments. 999 Chestnut St. SE, Gainesville.770-536-1900. inkfun.org SeaQuest: Kids can get up-close and personal with more than 1,000 land and sea animals! Take a journey around the world to learn about their habitats and ecosystems. 8020 Mall Pkwy., Stonecrest. stonecrest.visitseaquest.com Southeastern Railway Museum: Trains, trains and more trains!

Explore locomotives, cabooses, passenger cars and more; admission includes a train ride. The monthly preschool program for ages 2-4 has crafts, stories and games. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. train-museum.org

atlantaparent.com

ATLANTA PARENT’S

MOM-APPROVED

Have you found the perfect pediatrician for your family?

Nominate them today.

Tell us about your favorite pediatrician.

Go to atlantaparent.com/nominate

Family Fun Guide

April 2022

Atlanta Parent 51

THE BUNNY HOP: EASTER EVENTS AROUND METRO ATLANTA

This year, Easter is on April 17. Celebrate the holiday with these egg hunts and themed events. Call or check websites for COVID-19 safety precautions.

EGG HUNTS n Egg-Cellent Adventure & Egg Hunt.

Honeysuckle Park. April 2, 10 a.m.-noon. Egg hunts will be divided into age groups, with special prizes for finding the golden egg, photos with Mr. Bunny and arts and crafts. 3037 Pleasant Valley Dr., Doraville. 770-936-3850. Free admission. doravillega.us n Eggstravaganza Spring Festival.

Rex Park. April 2, 1-4 p.m. Ages 13 and younger will enjoy eco-friendly crafts, inflatables, live entertainment, face painting and egg hunts.

3499 Rex Rd., Rex. 770-477-5731. Free admission. claytoncountyga.gov n Flashlight Egg Hunt. Cherokee Veterans Park. April 2, 6 p.m. Meet the Easter Bunny, explore the kid’s zone, make and take crafts and more before going on an egg hunt using a flashlight. 7345 Cumming Hwy., Canton.

770-924-7768. $10. playcherokee.org n Acworth Egg Hunt. Acworth Sports Complex. April 8, 6-8:30 p.m. See the skydiving Easter Bunny arrive at this community egg hunt for ages 10 and younger. 4000 S. Main St., Acworth.

770-917-1234. Free admission. acworth.org n Eggstravaganza 2022. Warbington Farms. April 9, 10 and 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hunt for eggs, visit with the Easter Bunny and other characters, and play in the fun park area featuring a “hey”ride, petting zoo, inflatables and more.

5555 Crow Rd., Cumming. 770-889-1515. $5-$11. warbingtonfarms.com

n Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Midland Greenway.

April 9, 2 p.m. This Easter egg hunt is for ages 10 and younger. 682 Grove St., Gainesville. 770-531-2680.

Free admission. gainesville.org n College Park Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Bill Badgett Football Stadium. April 14, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. This annual egg hunt is for ages 3-6.

3636 College St., College Park. 404-767-1537.

Free admission. collegeparkga.com n Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza. Barrington Hall. April 15, 10 a.m.-noon. Visit with the Easter bunny and play games after three different egg hunts separated by age groups. Tickets required. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. 770-641-3727. $5; ages 4-12, $10; ages 3 and younger, free. roswellgov.com n Marietta Community Egg Hunt. Life University Athletic Complex. April 15, 5-9 p.m. Food, games, music, activities, and thousands of eggs across various hunts. 1415 Barclay Cir., Marietta.

770-423-1330. Free admission. marietta.gov n Hop-A-Long Easter Egg Hunt. Avalon. April 16, 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Children will collect ten eggs and bring them to the trade-in tent to receive a bag of treats. The 8:30 a.m. hunt is for ages 0-3, and the 9:30 a.m. hunt is for ages 4-7. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta.

770-765-2000. Free admission. experienceavalon.com n Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Smith-Gilbert Gardens. April 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Take photos with the Easter Bunny, spend time exploring the gardens, play games, make crafts and more. Reservation required.

2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. $10. smithgilbertgardens.com

n Easter Egg Hunt. Rossie Brundage Park. April 16, 10 a.m. Take photos with the Easter Bunny, and search for hidden eggs.

350 Autry St., Norcross. 770-448-2122. Free admission. norcrossga.net n North East Cobb Community Egg Drop. Sprayberry High School. April 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Food, games, activities and egg hunts for everyone as a helicopter drops thousands of eggs onto the football field. Free photos with the Easter Bunny.

2525 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. 770-4231330. Free admission. marietta.com n The Taste. Cumming Fairgrounds.

April 16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Three different egg hunts separated by age groups. Play in the kids’ zone and sample food from more than 25 restaurants. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-781-3491. Free admission. cummingfair.squarespace.com n Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt.

Rossie Brundage Park. April 16, 1 p.m. This event is designed for children with special needs in an inclusive and safe environment.

350 Autry St., Norcross. 770-448-2122. Free admission. norcrossga.net n Extravaganza Community Egg Hunt. Hapeville Memorial Stadium Football Field. April 16, 1-3 p.m. This event will feature egg hunts, the Easter Bunny, inflatables, face painting, balloon animals and refreshments.

3444 N. Fulton Ave., Hapeville. 404-6692116. Free admission. hapeville.org n Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza.

Cherokee County Aquatic Center. April 16, 2-4:45 p.m. Ages 1-3 will enjoy an outdoor hunt, while ages 4-10 will hunt for eggs underwater at different times. Also, enjoy inflatables, face painting, crafts, prizes and the Easter Bunny. Registration required.

1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. $10. playcherokee.org n Easter Egg Hunt. Sandy Springs Artsapalooza. April 17, 2:30 p.m. Go on a hunt for over 4,000 eggs and enjoy the children’s area afterwards.

6100 Lake Forrest Dr. NE, Sandy Springs. 404-614-0006. Free admission. sandyspringsartsapalooza.com

Hop-A-Long Easter Egg Hunt

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Bunny Breakfast

MORE EASTER EVENTS n Bunny Breakfast. Ben Robertson Community Center. April 2, 8-11:15 a.m. Enjoy breakfast, crafts and photos with the Easter Bunny. Registration required. 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw. 770-424-8274. $6. kennesaw-ga.gov n Easter Bunny. Avalon. April 7-10, 14-16.

See website for hours. Create moments and visit with the Easter Bunny. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000. $15+. experienceavalon.com n Easter Hiking Scavenger Hunt. Lewis Park. April 13, 6:30-8 p.m. Hop through the trails of Lewis Park for an Easter-themed scavenger hunt. 200 East Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock.

770-924-7768. $10. playcherokee.org n Drop-In Family Program: Natural Egg Dyeing. Atlanta Botanical Garden. April 15-16, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn more about plants that can create powerful dyes and decorate eggs. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-8765859. $6; Garden admission: $22.95-$24.95; ages 3-12, $19.95-$21.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

Porter Academy Enabling Children with Learning Differences to Succeed • Pre-K–8th • Small Groups • Individualized programs

n Spring Has Sprung – Family Easter Event. Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios.

April 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Create delicious recipes for Easter, including pasta primavera, egg chicks and a bunny Kit Kat cake. 131 S. Main St., Alpharetta. 470-760-6460. $40 for two participants; additional participants, $15. awesomealpharetta.com n Easter Sunrise Service. Stone Mountain Park. April 17, 7 a.m. Experience serenity and peace at two interdenominational Easter services.

Park gates open at 3 a.m. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407. Parking, $20. stonemountainpark.com n Easter. Children’s Museum of Atlanta. April 17, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Go on an Easter egg scavenger hunt, learn to Bunny Hop, and make bunny ears. Reservation required. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

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• Hands-on learning activities

770-594-1313 | www.porteracademy.org | 200 Cox Rd., Roswell

Advertise your family-friendly event to our 270,00 readers.

770-454-7599 Family Fun Guide

April 2022

Atlanta Parent 53

GO ON A

SPRING BREAK

STAYCATION Enjoy an entire week of play in and around metro Atlanta.

Chattahoochee Nature Center

SPOTS FOR SCIENCE These local venues have awesome displays for discovering the concepts of science. n Tellus Science Museum has galleries with gems, jeweled objects, vintage motorcycles, a fighter jet cockpit, simple machines, puzzles, germs and more. “Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab” features explorations of science based on the animated series, and “Hidden Secrets Mysterious World of Caves” has cave reconstructions and critters.

770-606-5700. $17; ages 3-17, $13; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org Zoo Atlanta

TAKE TO THE TREES Be a daredevil with a zip line adventure. n Zip line over Atlanta! Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventure has two courses for different ages and experience levels.

770-992-2055. $49-$59, plus CNC admission. cncziplines.com n Treetop Quest at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody (770-365-0356) and at Gwinnett Environmental Heritage Center (404-277-6113) challenges visitors with four difficulty levels. $54-$57; ages 12-17, $47-$50; ages 7-11, $37-$40; ages 4-6, $22-$25. treetopquest.com n Zoo Atlanta’s Treetop Trail allows you to see from the perspective of animal tree-dwellers. Zig, zag, climb, walk and balance across rope ladders, bridges, nets and foot lines on a two-level challenge. At the zoo, you’ll also spot African elephants, macaws, snakes, sloths and more, and enjoy the Splash Fountain, Petting Zoo, Endangered Species Carousel and Zoo Train. 404-624-9453. $14.95, plus Zoo admission. zooatlanta.org

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n Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s “STEAM Lab” features hands-on learning projects in aerodynamics, magnetism, geology and more. “Fantastic Forces” highlights the science of rockets, tornadoes, earthquakes and more. Temporary exhibits explore lichens and knights. 404-929-6300. $24.95; ages 3-12, $22.95; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

n “Step Up to Science” at Children’s Museum of Atlanta explores force and motion with an air cannon, a wind tube, a static dome, a gear wall and more. The current featured exhibit, “Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites,” has bookbased experiences of favorite kid’s books.

404-659-5437. $11.95-$19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org n Explore the connection between STEM and nature at Chattahoochee Nature Center’s “EcoTinker Science Stations.” These five interactive stations showcase the science of flight, and the Imagination Playground allows kids to engineer their own amazing playground.

While at CNC, enjoy a guided hike along the new River Boardwalk trail, as well as other activities specifically for Spring Break. 770-992-2055. $10; ages 13-18, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

GO ON A SCAVENGER HUNT Who in the family is the best at solving clues? n Compete to decipher clues, find answers and solve mysteries! Scavenger Hunt Atlanta has themes customized to Atlanta’s attractions. 678250-4386. Prices vary. scavengerhuntatl.com n Urban Adventure Quest offers a self-guided tour from Centennial Olympic Park to many city landmarks. Purchase the app to get started. 805603-5620. $30 per team. urbanadventurequest.com n Find miniature, handcrafted doors in spots throughout Atlanta, including Krog Street Tunnel, Old Fourth Ward Skatepark, King of Pops and more.

Tiny Doors ATL may even include tiny figurines and pets! Free admission. tinydoorsatl.com

Family Fun Guide

Tiny Doors ATL

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IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ART

SPLISH-SPLASH

Explore paintings, sculptures, displays and more at these spots – both for free fun and for cost.

Cool off with a dip in the water. n Head to a local aquatic center for water play. In Gwinnett County, Bethesda Park features a giant water slide, a lazy river, a pool and a play structure with dunking buckets, and at Bogan Park, splash around in the indoor leisure pool with zero-depth entry, slide the giant waterslide, and get wet with the water play structures. $4.25-$8.25; ages 3 and younger, $3.25-$6.25. gwinnettcounty.com.

In Cobb County, check out the South Cobb Aquatic Center for a spiraling enclosed slide, a tube Great Wolf Lodge slide and a lazy river. $3-$6.75. cobbcounty.org

n Step into the world of Pablo Picasso at the “Imagine Picasso: The Immersive Exhibition at Pullman Yards.” This exhibit includes digital displays, sound effects, artwork projects and special VR experiences. $31.50-$44.40; ages 5-12, $22-$31.10; ages 4 and younger, free. imaginepicassoexhibit.com n Head to the High Museum of Art for art-making experiences and beautiful exhibits. Exhibits on display in April include “What Is Left Unspoken, Love,” “André Kertész: Postcards from Paris,” “Disrupting Design: Modern Posters, 1900-1940” and “Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books,” along with permanent collections. Teens can enjoy artmaking, tours and more on April 2 at Teen Art Afternoon, and reserve free admission on Second Sunday on April 10. high.org n Search for art with a public art tour. Download the Parker’s Passport for a fun guide to the Suwanee SculpTour; also, drive around Suwanee for a drive-by art experience with the I Arted in the Car map (suwanee.com). Roswell Arts Fund has an interactive public art map (roswellartsfund.org). Go on seven different free self-guided street art walking tours in East Atlanta, Cabbagetown and more with Atlanta Street Art Map (streetartmap.org).

n Head to Great Wolf Lodge through May 1 for special spring-themed activities, like Yoga Tails, springtime crafts and stories, flowery new games and a dance party. Enjoy tons of water rides, slides and more for the whole family. There are even areas specifically for toddlers and an oasis that is adults-only. 844-473-9653. Room prices vary; codes for deals available online. greatwolf.com

High Museum of Art

GET OUTDOORS Stone Mountain Park

n Check out these nature spots for free fun: Cascade Springs Nature Preserve (atlantaga.gov), Dunwoody Nature Center (dunwoodynature. org), Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve (cshepherdpreserve.org), Lost Corner Preserve (visitsandysprings.org), Autrey Mill (autreymill.

Dunwoody Nature Center org), Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve (arabiaalliance.org), Blue Heron Nature Preserve (bhnp.org) and Newman Wetlands Center (ccwa.us). n Enjoy a game of disc golf at one of these metro Atlanta spots: East Roswell Park (roswellgov.com), Perkerson Park (perkersondiscgolf.com), Chamblee First United Methodist Church (chambleeumc.org), Oregon Park (cobbcounty.org), Wills Park (willspark.com) and Alexander Park (gwinnettcounty.com).

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Photo by Mariko Kajikawa

Enjoy the spring weather at an outdoor venue.

ALL-DAY FUN Plan a full day of excitement for entertaining the entire family. n Enjoy the great outdoors, the Scenic Railroad, Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf, the Lasershow Spectacular and more at Stone Mountain Park’s Spring FUN Break. Special attractions and performances include the One Wheel Wonder, a thrilling unicycle performance; Nascar Experience, a photo op with an authentic race car; and Wildlife Wonders Animal Babies, an introduction to adorable baby animals. 800-401-2407. $34.95; ages 3-11, $29.95. stonemountainpark.com n Have a daredevil adventure at Six Flags Over Georgia. Thrilling roller coasters and rides include Blue Hawk, Dare Devil Dive, Goliath and more.

Even the youngest in your family will have a good time with Daffy Duck Bucket Blasters, SUPERMAN: Tower of Power, Up, Up and Away and more.

Enjoy live music and entertainment during the Spring BreakOUT event.

770-739-3400. $39.99-$44.99; parking, $25. sixflags.com n Callaway Resort & Gardens boasts 2,500 acres of gardens, trails and natural beauty, featuring Birds of Prey shows and the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. 844-512-3826. $24.95; ages 3-11, $17.95; ages 2 and younger, free. callawaygardens.com

Family Fun Guide

April 2022

Atlanta Parent 55

SPRING IS IN THE AIR WITH FESTIVAL FUN Enjoy warmer weather, rides, games, music, food, kid’s activities and artist’s markets at these favorite festivals.

Kennesaw Big Shanty Festival

Downtown Kennesaw April 9-10. Sat. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. noon-5 p.m.

Why we love it: This festival begins with a parade through downtown Kennesaw featuring the North Cobb, Kennesaw Mountain, Allatoona and Kell High School marching bands.

After the parade, check out the festival area for more than 200 arts and crafts booths, food booths, entertainment stages and kid’s activities. Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-423-1330. Free admission. jrmmanagement.com

The Georgia Renaissance Festival

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Piedmont Park April 8-10. Fri. noon-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Why we love it: Visit the Kids Village for mural painting, face painting, inflatables, spider jump, puppet shows by Peter Hart and more. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy lots of pop-up play, including Topplin’ Tots play area, teddy bear hospital, testing circus skills with Circus Camp and make and take crafts. The festival includes one of the largest and most diverse juried arts festivals, and stop by the Artist Market to shop for paintings, mixed media and more. See international performances, and listen to music all weekend. Kids Village located at Oak Hill, inside the 12th Street entrance. Free admission. dogwood.org

Fairburn April 9-May 30. Sat.-Sun. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Why we love it: Travel to the past with Renaissance-themed entertainment at this wondrous festival. New performers this year include The Puppies of Penzance, the illusionists Judas & Magnolia, two-person comedy circus Acrobatrix and more. Experience the extreme sport of jousting as gallant knights fight on horses. Along with performances, shop an artisan marketplace, taste delicious food and more. 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd., Fairburn. 770-964-8575. $19.95$23.95; ages 6-12, $9.95-$11.95; ages 5 and younger, free. garenfest.com

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At Kindercare teachers help every child build the confidence they need to try new things and explore the world around them. Ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Enroll now in your neighborhood KinderCare.

Let Atlanta Families Know About Your Childcare Program For more information, e-mail Genie at glockeretz@atlantaparent.com

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April 2022

Family Fun Guide

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Inman Park Festival

Inman Park April 22-24. Fri. noon-4 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Why we love it: The best part of this festival is the Saturday afternoon parade, which will feature groups from Butterfly, Trash Monarch, Precision Attache Case Drill Team and more for eclectic fun. Drop by one of the three stages to listen to live music, see The Trolley Barn host a program of classical and contemporary dance, and the Little Gnomes Zone for kiddos includes slides, obstacle courses, crafts, reptiles and more. For those interested in learning more about the area, enjoy a historic home and park tour. Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta. Free admission; Tour of Homes, $25-$30. inmanparkfestival.org

Lemonade Days Festival

Brook Run Park April 20-24. Wed.-Fri. 4-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun. noon-6 p.m.

Why we love it: This five-day festival has full-scale carnival rides for amusing your whole family. Drop by the kid’s area for activities, see from amazing heights on the Ferris wheel, and view cute animals at the petting zoo. Grab sustenance from food and beverage vendors, watch the popular Dunwoody Idol contest and more. 4770 N. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody. 770-668-0401. Free admission; ride tickets, $1.25 each; ride wristbands, $20-$25. dunwoodypreservationtrust.org

For more festivals, go to atlantaparent.com

Pre-Season

Sale!

Starting

As low as $10499 Includes The Following for the 2022 Summer Season: • Water Park Admission • F&B Discounts • Parking Access • Full Moon Party Access • Beach Access • Rental Discounts

•Bring-a-Friend for 50% OFF Days • And More!

Purchase in the park or online at MargaritavilleAtLanierIslands.com atlantaparent.com

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April 2022

Atlanta Parent 57

for thee fridg

IT’S LIKE NO ONE IN MY FAMILY APPRECIATES THAT I STAYED UP ALL NIGHT OVERTHINKING FOR THEM. – ANONYMOUS

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April 2022

Family Fun Guide

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Family Fun Guide

April 2022

Atlanta Parent 59