July 2015 by Atlanta Parent

Atlanta

PARENT July 2015 / atlantaparent.com

Summer Just Got a Lot Cooler Nearby Sandy Shores Fountains and Spray Parks Backyard Water Fun Like Us on FACEBOOK

Sandy Springs/ Lawrenceville-Suwanee

4 Atlanta Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; July 2015

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Inside 31 July Vol. 32 / Number 7

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Departments

Features

SUMMER JUST GOT WAY COOLER!

n On the Beach in Atlanta: No need to

drive five hours – take the family to one of these nearby sandy shores. n Spray Park Cooldown:

Atlanta’s list of spray parks keeps growing – here’s where you can find a cool spray on a hot day. n Backyard Fun: July in

Georgia is just plain hot, so cool off with these fun games involving water play.

20 24 38

Vacation at Home

When the kids do their school essay on “How I Spent My Summer Vacation,” they’ll have plenty of highlights from a staycation in Atlanta, if you follow our guide.

8 Publisher’s Note 10 News You Can Use 26 Kids Activity Guide

Special Advertising Section

66 Humor

The Eye Roll Gold Medalist

Family Fun Guide 41 42

Not-to-Miss Events Eating Out: Atlanta’s Food Truck Scene

43 Free Fun: Summer Concerts

44 The Secret Garden

at Serenbe Playhouse

Riding the Rails

Parent Volunteers

49 50 51

Indoor Jump Places and Trampoline Parks Treetop Quest K1 Speed Brain: The Inside Story

52 54 55

Six Flags Two Ways July Calendar Fourth of July Events

Children are fascinated with locomotives and train travel, Take them on an adventure to a train museum or climb aboard a passenger train. Helping out at your child’s school is a must, but volunteer duties have a way of ballooning. Here’s how to set limits without feeling stingy with your time.

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner atlantaparent.com

at Fernbank Museum

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine July 2015 Atlanta Parent 5

Does your child have ASTHMA? Take part in a Clinical Research Study!

PUBLISHER Liz White

lwhite@atlantaparent.com ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

Consider joining a research study at Emory University / Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to improve asthma treatments for African Americans/Blacks.

BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT MGR asmith@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

To participate in this study, you must: Be 5-21 years old Have at least one grandparent of African descent Qualified participants will receive:

Alice Bruce | 404-712-1773 alice.bruce@emory.edu Shanneka Douglas | 404-727-7687 sdougl5@emory.edu

Asthma medications

SPECIAL EVENTS & Jordan Lisvosky DIGITAL SALES jlisvosky@atlantaparent.com

Pulmonary evaluation Compensation for time and travel

Can You Imagine Your Child Loving To Go To The Dentist? SPECIALTY PRACTICE IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY:

DENTAL & ORTHODONTIC CARE FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS

b Gag Proof X-Rays: no probes in your child’s mouth b One location for all your child's dentistry & braces b We offer both Porcelin and invisible Lingual braces (tongue side of teeth) b Parents accompany children for all visits b Saturday appointments available b Located off GA-400 between Sandy Springs & Roswell

Children’s Dental & Orthodontic Care of North Atlanta Michael P. Healey, DDS,FAAPD 1145 Hightower Trail b Sandy Springs 770-993-9395 b dochealey.com

6 Atlanta Parent July 2015

JR. ACCOUNT Diane Radloff EXECUTIVE dradloff@atlantaparent.com

CONTRIBUTING Amanda Miller Allen EDITOR

CALENDAR Hayley Markowitz EDITOR calendar@atlantaparent.com

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

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

OPERATIONS Caroline Ward MANAGER cward@atlantaparent.com

MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

SPECIAL EVENTS Madison McClellan INTERN East Carolina University

Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699. Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations throughout the metro Atlanta area. First class subscription only $30 per year. Subscription orders must include check or money order made out to Atlanta Parent magazine. 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.

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Publisher’s Note Summer in Atlanta: So Much Family Fun CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS COWS THA THAT T TYPE TYPE

Based on the book by Doreen Cronin with illustrations by Betsy Lewin Adapted for the puppet stage by Jon Ludwig and Jason Hines Directed by Jon Ludwig Used with permission from Pippin Properties, Inc.

NOW - JULY 26 Supported in part by:

THE RELUCTANT DRAGON

By Tears of Joy Theatre of Portland, OR

JULY 28 - AUG 9

404.873.3391 puppet.org

Limited FREE Parking • MARTA Accessible

1404 Spring Spring Street Street NW NW 1404 Atlanta, GA GA 30309 30309 Atlanta, Advance purchase is highly recommended as many shows sell out quickly. Season supported in part by: Fulton County Board of Commissioners; the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs; and Georgia Council for the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Images: Betsy Lewin; Tears of Joy Theatre

8 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Can you imagine Atlanta without the Children’s Museum, the Tellus Science Museum, the World of Coca-Cola, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or the Georgia Aquarium? When my daughter Laura was growing up, none of these places existed. There were no food trucks, no zip lining and no movies in the park, yet we still found plenty to do as a family with Stone Mountain Park, Zoo Atlanta and the Atlanta Braves. I had lists every summer of places around the city we wanted to visit and we made a lot of memories. So get out of your neighborhood and explore all that the metro area and beyond has to offer. Our article on Spectacular Staycations (Page 20) will help you plan out-of-the-ordinary outings your family will talk about for years – or simple pleasures in your own backyard (a night under the stars tent camping, a block party with the neighbors). If a week-long trip is not in the family budget, maybe a splurge to stay overnight in a downtown hotel with a nice pool is – you could attend a Braves game or visit one of the many downtown attractions you’ve been intending to take the kids to for months (or years!). A trip to a sandy “beach” is just a short jaunt to Lake Acworth, Big Beach at Lake Lanier or The Beach at Clayton County International Park (Page 14). The end-of-summer clock is already ticking, with schools starting in early August, but you still have time for fun activities, and Atlanta Parent can help. Every week you’ll find playgrounds, events and attractions to cross off your summer bucket List at atlantaparent.com. You’ll find archived articles, as well, of places to go to explore the best of Atlanta’s many neighborhoods. Atlanta ranks among the top family-friendly cities for events and attractions in survey after survey, and many of those experiences are free. Hurry up and start exploring – as metro Atlanta grows and adds attractions, that bucket list just keeps getting bigger.

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.

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ON THE

WEB

BIKINI

SEASON

is on! n NetNanny.com Keeping young eyes safe on the Internet feels like a full-time job. That’s where Net Nanny can help. It uses technology to filter offensive material, and allows parents to control Internet access by keywords, games and websites for each user, get email alerts when a child visits inappropriate websites, and monitor Facebook and other social media posts. Up to five devices (PCs, Macs, smart phones, tablets) are included in the Family Protection Pass for $59.99/year. Individual plans are also available.

Complimentary

Consultation visit website for details code AP

www.perimeterplasticsurgery.com

n Mochu Pop App Babies and toddlers make all sorts of sounds as language skills develop and this free game app from Kadho takes advantage of that. Pop the balloons and hear consonant and vowel sounds in English, French, Spanish and Italian. One user says it feels like his 2 year old is interacting with four nannies from different countries while playing the game. The app was the 2015 Platinum Award winner in the Best Mobile App Awards. Download at iTunes, Kindle and Google Play.

n AtlantaParent.com Looking for family fun in the dog days of summer? You’ll find new ideas every week on Atlanta Parent’s Summer Bucket List. And don’t forget to check out Mom-Approved Doctors online to read about some of the best pediatricians in metro Atlanta and why families love them.

atlantaparent.com

• Read Dr. Mark Deutsch’s Credentials • See Before and After Pictures • Mommy Makeover Details • Liposuction, Tummy Tucks • Breast Implants • Injectables • Facial Plastic Surgery

ACTUAL PATIENT

Patient - Before

Patient - After

Mark F. Deutsch, MD, FACS Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

(404) 255-0886 Atlanta/Fayetteville www.perimeterplasticsurgery.com

Big or Small Save Them All July 2015 Atlanta Parent 9

News You Can Use

by Hayley Markowitz

Atlanta is No. 7! Atlanta has been ranked No. 7 in a list of the Most Playful Cities in America for Families. The top 10 most playful cities represent communities with a high population of families and children and ample access to both outdoor and indoor family-friendly amenities. Denver ranked No. 1 and others in the top 10 were Minneapolis-St. Paul; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; Washington, D.C.; San Diego; San Fancisco; Sacramento; and Virginia Beach. Source: Quaker Chewy.

Win a Springfree Trampoline! This summer, jumpers can experience the Springfree Trampoline Atlanta store when it opens at the Collection at Forsyth shopping mall in Cumming. In celebration of their opening, Springfree Trampoline will be giving away a trampoline valued at $1,800 to a lucky Atlanta Parent reader. Springfree Trampoline provides families with a way to stay active and safe by eliminating 90 percent of product-related injuries associated with traditional trampolines. It offers a safe jumping environment by removing impact areas that can cause injury on traditional trampolines. Learn about Springfree Trampoline at springfreetrampoline.com. Enter to win at atlantaparent.com/giveaways by Aug. 31.

Get Ready For Tax Free Weekend Georgia’s annual sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping starts 12:01 a.m., July 31 through midnight, Aug. 1. The tax holiday exempts sales taxes on clothing and footwear, priced at $100 or less per item; computers, computer components and computer software for home or personal use, priced at $1,000 or less per item; and school supplies, school art supplies, school computer supplies and school instructional materials for noncommercial use, priced at $20 or less per item. dor.georgia.gov

$675 million Shoe Drive Fundraiser The Atlanta Ronald McDonald House seeks new and used shoes to recycle this summer. The shoes must be in pairs; however, they can be any type and size – from tennis shoes and cleats to sandals and flip-flops. Donations can be delivered to 795 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta and are accepted until July 30. For more about the fundraising campaign, visit armhc.org/blog.

Amount Americans spend on fireworks for the Fourth of July.

Cont’d on page 12

10 Atlanta Parent July 2015

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News You Can Use

Talented Kids Wanted! We are adding a new office in Downtown Atlanta! GROWING TO SERVE YOU BETTER!

TAKE A THIRD OFF! Crash Course Divorce Workshop for the opening of our third location!!

Can your child sing, dance or just likes to be the star of the show with an awesome act? July 17 is the deadline to enter your child in Atlanta Parent’s Talent Showdown. Winners will perform at this year’s Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival on Oct. 10 at the Mercer University Atlanta campus. Enter through our online audition form at www.atlantaparent.com/talentshowdown. Submit the application, non-refundable application fee ($25 for up to four performers, $50 for larger groups and $75 for dance companies) and demo link. Each application will receive entry and activity tickets for four to Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival (formerly the Family Block Party).

Christmas in July at LEGOLAND! Bring a new, unwrapped and unopened toy valued at $10 or more and receive a Kids Go Free voucher. The voucher is valid for one free child ticket with the purchase of an adult walk-up ticket. LEGOLAND Discovery Center will match the donation with a LEGO® toy, all benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Donations accepted until July 31. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta.

K’NEX Wants Creative Builders K’NEX is looking for young builders to design and submit a creative, original model made entirely from K’NEX parts. It will be judged on originality, creativity, and the complexity of the model. Age groups are: 5-6 year-olds; 7-8 year-olds; 9-11 year-olds; and 12-14 year-olds. A winner from each age group will receive a prize package valued at $1,000. The deadline is Aug. 28; see bit.ly/knexpertrules2015 for official rules.

Use Code: ATLPRT www.2StepDivorces.com

(470) 252-3305 2StepDivorces.com Atlanta • North Atlanta • Fayetteville 12 Atlanta Parent July 2015

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Ah, the beach – sand, sun, water – right here in metro Atlanta. Relax on the shore without the five-hour drive.

Where to Build a Sandcastle

Beach Checklist Don’t let trouble hitch a ride to the beach. Make sure you pack: n Sunscreen, the higher the SPF the better, and apply it often, to prevent sunburns n Sunglasses, to protect kids’ eyes and your own n Umbrella and sunhats, to provide shade and prevent sunburn n Towels, to dry off and protect car seats n Flotation devices and sand pails and toys, to keep kids playing n Snacks, lots of water and sodas (if allowed) or money to purchase, to keep everyone hydrated n Patience and alertness, to make sure everyone has fun and stays safe

14 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Acworth Beach

If You Go

As the camp director of this household, one of my go-to activities year after year is a day out at Acworth Beach. You’ll find long wide stretches of sandy white beach, so even on the busiest of days, you can still get a spot to sun and swim. If the kiddos are still excited after a day at the Beach, adjacent to the beach itself are two well-equipped playground areas, a volleyball net, and boating and fishing options. For more fun in the sun, kids can ride the “world’s longest waterslide” at Dallas Landing Beach about a five-minute drive from Acworth Beach. The 175-foot waterslide costs $4 a slide. Acworth Beach at Cauble Park is definitely a boredom-buster for the dog days of summer. – Melissa Williams

Acworth Beach at Cauble Park 4425 Beach St. NW, Acworth 770-917-1234; acworth.com/attractions/acworth-beach n Hours: Cauble Park is open year-round, but Acworth Beach opens for swimming on Memorial Day weekend and closes on Labor Day. The beach is open until dusk; park is open 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. n Know Before You Go: Ample beach parking is free Monday through Friday and $10 per car for non-Acworth residents on weekends, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Bring your own beach accessories such as towels, chairs, umbrellas and sand pails. Picnic baskets and non-alcoholic beverages allowed in plastic containers; no food available for purchase on-site but restaurants are within a short drive. Public restrooms and picnic tables available.

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Big Beach at Lake Lanier Not being a short drive from the Georgia coast can be a bummer in summertime, so we loaded up the SUV to explore a great substitute, Big Beach at Lake Lanier Islands and Waterpark. Sara, age 11, was excited to just relax on the beach while Alexander, age 9, and the adults were ready to explore. This beach has the best of three worlds; a beach, a lake and a waterpark. A large stretch of beach is set aside for volleyball and more, and parents will find a lifeguarded section reassuring. The Wibit is a newly expanded floating playground right off the beach. Both adults and kids will challenge themselves on it and will be ready to rest in a beach chair afterward. We brought some beach toys to play with and will definitely bring a football or Frisbee to throw around next time. We copied another family and had some sand-filled fun covering Alexander in the sand. Then we tested nine fun water slides – our favorites were the new Cat 4 and Fast Down. Bucky’s Fun Zone has lots of mini slides and splash areas perfect for young children. Big Beach was perfect for a fun day trip. – Jordan Lisvosky

If You Go Big Beach at Lake Lanier Islands 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford 770-945-8787; lanierislands.com n Cost: Big Beach only, $10 Mon.-Fri., $15 Sat.Sun. LanierWorld slides and beach: Adult/Child over 42 inches tall, $39.99; under 42 inches, $28.99; younger than age 2, free. Parking: $10. n Hours: Big Beach is open daily until Oct. 31. LanierWorld open daily until Sept. 13.

n Know Before You Go: Outside dry snacks and water are allowed, but coolers are not. Food and drinks are available for purchase at several restaurants on the boardwalk and throughout the park. Two restrooms are on site, one directly behind the beach and one in the Family Fun area near the wave pool. You can bring your own towels, chairs and umbrellas, but beach chairs are provided free of charge on a first-come basis.

Clayton County’s ‘The Beach’ Our son Sidney was excited and ready to play, but showers temporarily had closed “The Beach.” No matter – he was content in the indoor playground until the skies cleared for a great day in the sand. My husband and I sat under a shaded table and ate lunch, from the on-site concession stand that serves Sonny’s BBQ, while our son played with his sand pail. Then we gravitated to the Kiddie Pool, which has basketball hoops, small slides, water features and water cannons. Sidney primarily played basketball, but enjoyed sliding and splashing around in the pool, too. Afterwards, we headed back to the beach and my husband and son waded through the beach water, among the crowd, to get to the other side. They both gave me a huge wave after they made it. For their final beach activity, they raced each other back to me. As we walked back to the car, our son talked about how much fun he had. Days later, he’s still eager to go back to the beach! – Ayanna Hawkins

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If You Go Clayton County International Park “The Beach” 2300 Hwy 138 SE, Jonesboro 770-603-4165; claytonparks.com n Cost: Adults, $11; ages 3-12, $9; age 2 and younger, free. Season passes for adults $50; children $40; family of three, $125; non-Clayton County residents subject to an additional fee. n Hours: Open Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day; Wed.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m.-7 p.m.; closed Mon.-Tues.

n Know Before You Go: Large water slides are for children and adults 4 feet tall or taller; no outside food or alcohol but non-alcoholic beverages in plastic containers allowed; no glass containers; no pets allowed. Parking is free. Party rooms and pavilions available for rent; picnic tables and cabanas for use on first-come basis; bicycle rentals and a fitness center on-site; dressing rooms in the main building; indoor playground to wait out showers. Bring your own or rent beach chairs, umbrellas and floats.

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 15

CELEBRATING THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER, EVERYDAY.

Unplug & reconnect – that’s what ACWORTH is all about. Whether you’re looking to connect with friends, family or yourself, it’s the perfect place to recharge and find some time just for you. From its scenic lakes, trails and parks, to its quaint shops, exciting restaurants and vibrant nightlife, Acworth helps you re-energize with its unique local flair. And with an array of outdoor events as well as several challenging golf courses, that connection you long for will be there for the taking.

visitacworth.com

Experience the welcoming atmosphere that makes this city feel so personal, and discover the natural connection that is Acworth!

Experience the welcoming atmosphere that makes this city feel ACWORTH IS 35 MILES NORTHWEST OF ATLANTA, MINUTES OFF I-75 FROM EXIT 277. so personal, and discover the natural connection that is Acworth!

visitacworth.com

Join the Fun! October 10th

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mercer University Atlanta Campus Images By N’Neka and Butler Family Photography

Over

activities!

Exhibit, Volunteer, Donate Contact Jordan for more information: 678-222-1911 JLisvosky@atlantaparent.com 16 Atlanta Parent July 2015

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Get Splashin’! We’ve rounded up 13 free and low-cost splash zones and fountains to help your family beat the heat this summer!

Fountain Fun! Legacy Fountain Splash for free in the Legacy Fountain with more than 70 jets that can reach up to 30 feet in the air. n Where: 1320 Monroe Dr. NE, Atlanta; 404-875-7275; piedmontpark.org.

Fountain of Rings, Centennial Olympic Park Get sprayed, surprised and chilled to the bone in these dazzling fountains, and stick around for the water show that’s synchronized to music; showtimes are 12:30, 3:30, 6:30 and 9 p.m. daily. Best: it’s all free. n Where: 265 Park Ave. NW, Atlanta. 404-222-7275; centennialpark.com

Duluth Town Green Fountain In the middle of Duluth’s Town Green, this free kidfriendly fountain spews water two stories in the air. n Where: 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-497-5291. duluthga.net

Suwanee Town Center Park: Big Splash Interactive Fountain The largest interactive fountain in Gwinnett County is free to play in and uses 1,400 gallons of recycled water every minute. n Where: 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee. 770-945-8996. suwanee.com

Village Pavilion in Mall of Georgia This free fountain surrounded by shops and restaurants is a sweet spot for kids to splash around. n Where: 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 770-271-9458. simon.com/mall/mall-of-georgia

Splash Around! Spray Station at East Roswell Park This premier sprayground offers hours of fun and extravagant features for kids and toddlers n Where: 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell. 770-594-6188. roswellgov.com, go to “Recreation and Parks” n Cost: $2

Riverside Park Splash ‘N’ Play Cool off beneath a spinning mushroom and try to dodge the in-ground spray jets at this Roswell sprayground. n Where: 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-594-6158. roswellgov.com, go to “Recreation and Parks” n Cost: $2

Perkerson Park Splash Pad This free water zone features spectacular fountains for great water fun. Park offers tennis and basketball courts, too. n Where: 770 Deckner Ave. SW, Atlanta. 404-756-1859. beltline.org/parks/perkerson-park

Center Hill Park & Splashpad Kids will love playing in a water tunnel and hurdling over in-ground spray jets to fight the heat at this free city park splashpad. n Where: 2305 Bankhead Hwy. NW, Atlanta.

D.H. Stanton Park and Splash ‘N Play

Historic Fourth Ward

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This free splash pad is the first solar-powered park in the city. Kids love the spray jets, stationary water cannons and structures to hide behind. n Where: 1052 Martin St. SE, Atlanta. beltline.org/parks/d-h-stanton

Historic Fourth Ward Park and Splash Pad Prepare to leave with soaking-wet kids because this free splash pad has jets that stream water from all directions. n Where: 680 Dallas St., Atlanta. 404-590-7275. beltline.org/parks/historicfourth-ward-park

Laurel Park Sprayground A great spot for kids to expend their energy running through the numerous sprinklers and water sprayers. n Where: 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy., Gainesville. 770-535-8280. hallcounty.org, go to “Parks and Leisure” n Cost: $2

Lillian Webb Park A fab free fountain, waterfall and interactive splash pad for kids to play in all summer long. n Where: 5 College Street, Norcross; 678-421-2000. norcrossga.net, go to “Parks and Facilities” – Hayley Markowitz * Did we miss your favorite splash pad or fountain? Make sure and let us know by emailing calendar@atlantaparent.com

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 17

Easy, Cheap, Summer Water Activities by Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

Kids love to cool off by playing in water, but they get tired of the same old sprinkler or kiddie pool. Try these eight easy and inexpensive DIY outdoor activities to keep kids of all ages occupied and cool. Liquid Chalk Paint

Squirt Gun Target Practice

For outdoor art that is a step above sidewalk chalk, try making your own liquid chalk paint. First, purchase jumbosized washable chalk from a discount store, then break up the chalk into a powder by putting the chalk into a sealed plastic bag and pulverizing the chalk with a hammer, or grating the chalk using the smallest holes of a cheese grater. Add the powdered chalk to a food storage container, and mix in water (about one-half cup of water per jumbo size piece of chalk makes a nice consistency). You will have a few chunks, but the mixture should be mostly liquified. Repeat the process with different colored chalk until you have several different colors of chalk paint, each in it’s own container. Give the kids paint brushes and let them paint the fence, concrete porch, or sidewalk, then turn the hose on their creation to wash it away and begin again.

When the kids get tired of squirting each other, set up targets for them to hit. One way is to simply draw targets with washable sidewalk chalk onto a fence. Draw several circles, starting with a small “bull’s eye” in the center, then add three or four more circles around the bull’s eye, each one bigger than the last. Assign each circle a point value and let the kids compete to see who can get the most points! Plastic disposable drinking cups also make great targets. Line up plastic cups side-by-side onto a deck railing or stack upside down into a pyramid shape and shoot away!

Soda Bottle Sprinkler Take a clean, two-liter plastic bottle and drill holes all over the sides of the bottle using a handheld drill. Use a smaller bit and drill lots of tiny holes, or use a larger bit and drill fewer holes. Next, attach a hose connector to the end of a garden hose, then attach the bottle to the hose by screwing it into the connector. Turn on the hose and let the kids play! This sprinkler is fun just laying on the grass, or toss the hose with the attached sprinkler over the swingset or a tree branch to make a “shower.”

Water Pinata Let the kids release some pent-up energy and cool off with a pinata filled with water. Take a plastic grocery sack and fill about halfway with water. Using the handles of the bag, tie the water-filled bag over a tree branch. The bag doesn’t need to be sealed. Let the kids hit the water bag with tennis rackets, plastic baseball bats or a wrapping paper tube. These water pinatas won’t last long, but getting wet is the point of this activity, so who cares?

18 Atlanta Parent July 2015

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Sponge Balls

a gutter shape and put on the grass in a place where the ground slopes gently. You can use the hose to create the waterway, or let the kids pour water down your river with a cup or bucket.

Make fun “sponge balls” from dollar store sponges. Cut two rectangular sponges lengthwise into four pieces each, then stack the strips into two layers of four pieces each. Wrap a rubber band tightly around the midpoint of the stacked sponges. “Fluff” and pull the sponge strips until you have a ball shape. To play, give kids a bowl or bucket of water to dip the sponge balls into. Wet sponge balls are great for tag, target practice, or just tossing back and forth between kids!

Ice Excavation Freeze plastic toys into blocks of ice for kids to excavate! Fill plastic cups or small food storage containers about two-thirds full with water, and then drop one or two small toys into each container. Freeze each container until the water is a solid block of ice, then remove the ice block and place outside in a large plastic bowl or metal baking dish. Now, let the kids figure out how to get the toys out of the ice. Offer options such as squirt guns filled with warm water, salt, or cups of warm water. Older kids can chip away at the ice with metal forks or butter knives. For a fun twist, try tinting the water blue with food color and using ocean-themed toys, or pair green water with tiny dinosaur toys.

Colored Ice Cubes

Water Race Track or Lazy River Kids love to watch stuff float down a stream. Here are two ways to create a mini river or water race track. For a race track, purchase a short length of a gutter (the kind on roofs) from a home improvement store. Set the gutter up against the seat of a lawn chair in the backyard so that the gutter slopes down to the ground. Place a garden hose at the top of the gutter and turn on the water. Kids can float leaves, dandelions or bathtub toys down the waterway. Set up two “tracks” side-by-side to hold a race. Make a lazier river by shaping aluminum foil into

Take an ice cube tray and add several drops of food coloring to the bottom of each section of the tray, and then fill the entire ice cube tray with water. Once the cubes are frozen, dump the colored ice out into a baby pool or plastic bowl filled with water. Preschoolers will enjoy playing with the colored ice, and watching it melt and turn the water pretty colors. Since the water is tinted with food coloring, ice cubes will be safe to nibble on. Of course, parents should always supervise children when near any water. c

FACT:

85% of core brain structure is developed by age four. PRIMROSE WAY:

Recommending the right activity at the right time is child’s play. CALL FOR A TOUR. 39 Atlanta Metro-Area Schools 1.800.PRIMROSE | PrimroseSchools.com/Atlanta atlantaparent.com

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and The Leader in Early Education and CareSM are registered trademarks and service marks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2015 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 19

SPECTACULAR

STAYCATIONS How to Vacation Without Leaving Home by Alyssa Chirco

etting off to an exotic destination in the Caribbean may sound like the perfect family vacation, but there are many more ways to rest, relax and spend quality time together as a family. If an expensive trip is not in your family budget, why not consider a vacation that’s a lot closer to home? With some creativity, you can plan a spectacular staycation that requires minimal travel, yet allows you to make plenty of special summer memories.

l Bring the Beach to You Atlanta is a short drive to numerous lakes with sandy beaches. A staycation can be as simple as packing up the whole family and heading out to enjoy the sand and sun. Take a daytrip to Lake Lanier, Callaway Gardens’ Robin Lake, Lake Allatoona or Atlanta Beach in Clayton County. You can also bring the beach home: Fill a kiddie or blowup pool with water in your backyard, and then surround it with several bags of sand from a home improvement store. Add a few beach balls for playing catch and pails and shovels for building sandcastles. Bring out the lounge chairs and sunscreen, and don’t forget to whip up some fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas for the ultimate beach day experience.

l Have an Outdoor Adventure Really close to home, Stone Mountain Park has campsites for tent or RV camping, for as little as $25 a night. You’ll have to get in line to try out one of the park’s three new yurts – a way to camp with more comfortable accommodations than a tent (heat and air conditioning, electricity and ceiling fans); the yurts are popular and have limited availability until fall. Find out more at stonemountainpark.com or call 800-385-9807. Take a daytrip to a nearby state park or plan a couple of days there – park rentals are inexpensive and a day or two spent fishing, hiking and geocaching in the fresh air and sunshine will feel like a true vacation. Yes, you can still reserve campsites at gastateparks.org or by calling 800-8647275 (cabins at some 20 Atlanta Parent July 2015

state parks may already be reserved, but cancellations happen). If your kids are strong swimmers, plan a daytrip for a family float down the Chattahoochee, the Nantahala or Ocoee rivers – no need to own a raft, you can rent one from an outfitter or take a guided raft trip. Or, save the gas and pitch a tent in your backyard to spend a couple of nights sleeping under the stars. Spend your days going on outdoor scavenger hunts to collect objects like leaves and insects and your evenings roasting marshmallows and telling spooky stories around the campfire. In this scenario, you also enjoy the added benefit of indoor plumbing when nature calls.

l Be Tourists in Your Hometown You love the city where you live, but how much time do you spend taking advantage of all it has to offer? Pretend you are tourists. Here are some ideas: Visit local museums, parks and attractions. Atlanta’s list of great museums and attractions is a long one, from the newest – the SkyView Ferris Wheel, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and College Football Hall of Fame – to longtime favorites, Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola Museum, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Atlanta History Center and many more. Find a complete list at atlantaparent.com. Attend a sporting event and root for your hometown team. Tickets to the Atlanta Braves, Gwinnett Braves, Atlanta Dream, Atlanta Silverbacks or Atlanta Rollergirls will make for a memorable afternoon or evening. atlantaparent.com

What Is a Staycation? A staycation is, essentially, a vacation that revolves around staying home. Some families choose staycation activities that don’t even require them to leave the house, while others prefer to explore their local community with daytrips or an overnight stay at a local hotel or campsite. These guidelines will ensure it feels like a true vacation for everyone: Take time off from work. Whether your staycation lasts for a full week or just a long weekend, resist the urge to check in with the office. Unplug. Your staycation does not have to be entirely screen-free, but put away the smartphones and tablets in favor of games, conversations and connections with loved ones. Make a meal plan. Take a vacation from your kitchen, too, by stocking up on sandwich fixings for simple, nocook meals or dining out at restaurants where someone else will do the dishes. Avoid non-essential household tasks. Fight the urge to do laundry or clean out your closet. If it isn’t a task you normally do on vacation, you shouldn’t be doing it on a staycation either. Think about what you want to achieve. Is your goal to have a relaxing, do-nothing staycation that is all about staying home? Or do you want to get out of the house and enjoy new experiences together? Staycations are supposed to be fun, not stressful, so be sure to customize yours for your family.

For the thrill of an amusement park, purchase tickets to White Water or Six Flags Over Georgia for a family fun day. Bike local trails. Pack a picnic or stop at a locally-owned restaurant or ice cream stand along the way. Atlanta Parent’s June issue, also online at atlantaparent. com, has all you need to know to plan a route. Splurge on tickets to a concert or musical. Upcoming events at the Fox Theatre include the CocaCola Summer Film Festival and the Sound of Music Sing-A-Long; at the Cobb Energy Centre, kids might enjoy the musical Cats. And don’t forget community theater productions and family-rated films with special pricing at local movie theaters. Learn some hometown history by visiting historical sites and monuments such as the Atlanta History Center or Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Many metro Atlanta communities hold parades, carnivals and festivals throughout the summer months. Mark your calendar and atlantaparent.com

make plans to attend one or several. Some families say spending a few nights at a local hotel can make a hometown staycation feel more like a vacation. Look for one with a pool where the kids can swim. Make your stay memorable by ordering room service and enjoying breakfast in bed before you head out to explore the city.

l Enjoy the Comforts of Home Sometimes, the best staycations are all about staying home: Turn your house into a spa by lighting aromatherapy candles, sipping on spa water infused with fruit and mint and pampering each other with mud masks and massages. Throw a pajama party and spend a few days lounging on the couch in your most comfortable jammies, enjoying a marathon of your family’s favorite movies. Host a family board game tournament or backyard field day with prizes for the winners. Start a family book club and spend your staycation reading the same books, then discussing them together over ice cream sundaes. Conclude your at-home staycation by inviting the neighbors for a block party. Get creative with a Mexican fiesta or Hawaiian luau theme or keep it simple by planning a few fun games like kickball and water balloon toss and making it a potluck. c July 2015 Atlanta Parent 21

Summer Boredom Busters You’ve been to the library, the pool, and the park and now you need a day at home. But it isn’t long before the kids complain that they are bored. Here are some boredom busters that will entertain younger (and maybe even older) kids. Zoo Walk Draw a road on the driveway, sidewalk or patio with arrows drawn to point the way. Every few feet, draw a cage or habitat and add a stuffed animal. Have kids walk, ride a scooter or trike along the path, stopping at each habitat and acting out the animal inside. For example, at the Teddy Bear, do a bear walk, at the stuffed rabbit, hop like a bunny, at the lion, roar!

Cereal Box City Build a city from the contents of your recycle bin. Take clean boxes and cans and cover with construction paper. Let the kids draw on doors, windows and other details with markers. Cut pictures of people out of old magazines and glue on the windows with a glue stick. Set up your city, and play in it with dolls, cars, or stuffed animals.

Scrapbook Gather some pictures of your family vacation or fun family field trips. Take several pieces of colored construction paper and make holes along the left, vertical side with a three-holepunch. Give kids safety scissors and glue or a glue stick and let them paste in pictures to tell a story about the event. They can embellish their pages with stickers, glitter, markers or crayons. When they finish, stack the pages so that the holes line up and tie ribbon or yarn through the holes to make a book.

Beautiful Bubbles Pick up all kinds of bubble-blowing paraphernalia at the local dollar or drug store. If your children are too young to blow bubbles, then a battery operated bubble blower can give a tired parent a break. Turn the kids loose in the backyard to make bubbles of all different sizes. Be ready to stand by with refills by mixing up a batch of homemade bubble solution. n Recipe: Mommy’s Magic Bubbles ½ C Liquid Dish Soap 2 C water 1 Tbsp. liquid glycerin (optional – available at pharmacies) – Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

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Nature’s Gift

l Everywhere Butterflies Summer is the perfect season to visit butterfly gardens. Outdoor space at the Chattahoochee Nature Center and the Dunwoody Nature Center is full of plants that butterflies love. The Freedom Park Bird and Butterfly Garden hosts a variety of butterflies and birds (freedomparkbirdandbutterflygarden. blogspot.com). And Atlanta Botanical Garden’s pathways are surrounded by plants that attract Southeastern butterflies. Don’t miss the 12-foot stainless steel Swallowtail butterfly atop an arched pavilion in the Children’s Garden (atlantabg.org).

Nothing beats butterflies for natural beauty. These graceful insects lift the heat of summer as they float though our lives, inspiring Atlanta Parent’s butterfly potpourri. l Celebrating

Butterflies

The Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Butterfly Encounter tented exhibit continues through July 31, with hundreds of native butterflies floating all around visitors. Kids and adults can use a nectar stick to feed the butterflies while learning about butterfly biology. Find out more at chattnaturecenter.org. The Dunwoody Nature Center’s annual Butterfly Festival is Aug. 15 and the highlight is two enormous tents filled with hundreds of butterflies. Families also can enjoy a Birds of Prey show, animal encounters, games, books, crafts, music, food and drinks. It’s best to purchase tickets in advance for a timed admission to the tents, though same-day tickets will be sold. For more information, visit dunwoodynature.org.

l 1,000 and 1 Butterflies Calloway Gardens’ Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center is one of North America’s largest tropical butterfly conservatories, with more than 1,000 butterflies fluttering in its glass-enclosed space. The center’s butterfly population of more than 50 species changes throughout the year. In summer, join butterfly experts in a discussion of “Gardening for Butterflies.” September is Blue Morpho Month, when visitors can see a huge display of the iridescent blue butterflies. Find out more at callawaygardens.com.

l Grow

l Backyard

Butterflies

Invite butterflies into your yard by planting flowers and bushes that attract them, including fennel, Spicebush and Passionflower for caterpillars. Adult butterflies love parsley, butterfly weed, butterfly bush, lantana and zinnias, according to gardening expert Walter Reeves. Burying a plastic basin in the ground filled with wet sand or mud will give the butterflies a moist place to land, drink and bask in the sun, he says. Other plants that attract adult butterflies are Narrow-leafed Sunflowers, Goldenrod and Asters. For a link to identifying the Southeast’s butterflies, visit walterreeves.com.

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Your Own Butterflies

You can plant caterpillar-friendly plants and wait for butterflies to lay their eggs, then keep watch as caterpillars turn into chrysalis then butterflies. Atlanta Parent tested the easier route: Insect Lore’s Live Butterfly Kit arrives with four or five caterpillars and their own diet in a plastic, see-through jar. Once the caterpillars become chrysalis, they can be transferred to the mesh habit that comes with the kit. When they emerge as Painted Lady butterflies, the family can release them into the backyard. Our 4-year-old tester was fascinated with the process and wowed when the butterflies emerged. Kits cost $19.99. Find out more at insectlore.com. – Amanda Miller Allen

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ALL ABOARD! For train-loving families we tracked down trains for full-day excursions or for a weekend trip and museums to learn all about locomotive history.

Get the boarding passes ready for a full-day excursion.

SAM Shortline Excursion Train

n Great Smoky Mountain Railroad: Enjoy one of two scenic round trips to Nantahala Gorge or Tuckasegee River with a layover for time to explore. 45 Mitchell St., Bryson City, N.C. 800-872-4681; gsmr.com n Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Visitors learn about the importance of the railroad industry and how it helped create the modern world. Many train excursions available throughout the year. 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-894-8028; tvrail.com n Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: The total excursion is 26 miles (4 hours roundtrip) along the Toccoa River. Passengers have two hours to explore McCaysville, Ga., and Copperhill, Tenn. 241 Depot St, Blue Ridge. 877-413-8724; brscenic.com n SAM Shortline Excursion Train: A vintage train, operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources under the guidance of the Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Authority, travels from Cordele to Archery (former President Jimmy Carter’s boyhood home), with stops at Georgia Veterans State Park, Leslie, Americus and Plains. 105 9th Ave E, Cordele, Ga. 229-276-0755; samshortline.com

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Don’t Miss! Dinosaur Train. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will operate Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train from the PBS series. A one-hour, 45-minute layover includes a meet-and-greet with costumed Buddy the T-Rex, dino putt-putt golf, bouncy slide and games. July 17-19, 24-26 and July 31- Aug. 2 . Fri. and Sat., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. 45 Mitchell St., Bryson City, N.C. 800-872-4681; gsmr.com. Adults, $39-$59; ages 2-12, $30-$40; ages 23 months and younger, free-$10. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

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Closer to Home n Stone Mountain Scenic Railway: A restored train with open air passenger cars takes passengers on a 30-minute loop around the base of the mountain. This summer be prepared for old fashion gun fights, exploding outhouses and more with the Georgia Justice Wild West shows until Aug. 2. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407; stonemountainpark.com n North Georgia Live Steamers: Enjoy a miniature train ride at Georgia International Horse Park once a month. Upcoming dates: July 11 and Aug. 15. Trains run 1-4:30 p.m. 1632 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. northgeorgialivesteamers.org n MARTA: Explore Atlanta a different way and stop wherever the day takes you. Various locations, one-way fare is $2.50, day passes are $9, kids 46" and under ride free (maximum of two kids per adult). itsmarta.com

Stone Mountain Scenic Railway

In a Class By Themselves n Southeastern Railway Museum: Explore over 90 pieces of retired railroad equipment from steam to diesel locomotives. Kids can roam around, peak into the cabins, pretend to be an engineer, ring the bell and more. Parent and tot programs offer arts and crafts, circle time and other hands-on activities the second Thursday of every month. Mark your calendar for Trains, Trucks & Tractors on Aug. 1-2 for a full day of locomotive fun. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth, 770-476-2013; srmduluth.org n The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History: Experience the history of railroads and their role in the War Between the States with handson and interactive activities. The kids can learn to send a message in Morse Code, how to be an engineer and for the younger kids there is a pillow train they can climb on, wooden trains and tracks, puzzles and games. Throughout the month attend the Mommy and Me preschool class that focuses on different themed activities each week. Celebrate the history of railroads on July 18 with the special event Railroad Rendezvous. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117; southernmuseum.org.

Small Scale Fun n Thrasher Park: As real trains chug by, kids play in a bright red choo-choo train that’s just for them. This playground has an array of features for all ages, and young kids who love trains will be in heaven here. 93 Park Dr., Norcross. 678-421-2069; norcrossga.net

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

Learn from Home! One special big blue tank engine has been around for more than 70 years and is still chugging along. Younger kids can learn all about friendship and trains from Thomas. Watch a movie or check out a book about Thomas and Friends at your local library.

n Ashford Park: See the trains whooshing down the tracks and play with the community collection of toys, bicycles and scooters and other playground toys. 2980 Redding Rd. NE, Atlanta. aroundbrookhaven.com n Heritage Park: See the 1934 steam engine locomotive, the home of the Veterans Wall of Honor, Heritage Park Veterans Museum and historic village. 101 Lake Dow Rd., McDonough. co.henry.ga.us Heritage Park

– Hayley Markowitz

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kids activity guide

FRENCH CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Saturday program ages 18 mo-12 yrs • Buckhead location at Atlanta International School Bébé et Moi (Baby and Me) for children ages 18-36 months

NOW!

770-634-6228

Enrich your child’s mind and life with extracurricular activities. In our Kids Activity Guide, you’ll find listings for a variety of programs including acting, dance, music and sports. Special Advertising Section

Art Vinings School of Art www.viningsschoolofart.com ALL 1-hr. classes ages 2-14 are $15 or less. Fine Arts: Drawing, painting, sculpturemaking, clay. Spanish (6 levels). Dramatic Arts: kids develop own characters. Music: 1-hr group piano. 678-213-4278.

Classes Tournaments Summer Camps Pre-K and up

www.KidChess.com 770-575-5802 “Chess makes you smart . . we make it fun”

Dance & Arts Showcase Ages Two-Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Piano • Guitar • Adult Ballet & Tap

OPEN HOUSE

AUGUST 1 & 2: 10am-4pm

770-934-5010 www.danceandarts.com

Chamblee/Tucker - 2861 Henderson Mill Rd.

10 OFF

REGISTRATION FEE Must mention this ad. Expires 10/1/15

26 Atlanta Parent July 2015

GAS-ART Gifts www.gas-art.com/ Offering a variety of classes ranging from beginner to experienced in both crafts and fine art including bookbinding and mixed media. All materials included. Classes at North DeKalb Mall. 404-801-4926.

Dance Academy of Ballet www.academy-ballet.com Celebrating 22 years. Ages 2 1/2 to adult. Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Tumble, Hip Hop. For more information, visit website or call 770-2426379. Dance and Arts Showcase www.danceandarts.com 47 years in Dance Excellence, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Piano & Guitar. Ages 2 to Adult. Open House: Aug. 1 & 2, 10 a.m.4 p.m. 2861 Henderson Mill Rd. Call 770-934-5010 to sign up for fall classes. The Bush Centre for Ballet www.bushballetcentre.com A classical ballet studio for kids, adults ages 3+ for ballet, pointe, pre-pointe, jazz, beginner, intermediate, advanced with annual recital and camps. Sandy Springs. Open House and Registration August 15, 1-5 p.m. 404-256-5542.

Good Moves Dance www.goodmoves.org Excellence in dance education. Creative Movement, Ballet, Modern. Currently registering for fall classes, beginning Aug. 11. 1015 Edgewood Ave. NE. Register online or call 404518-1646. Lee Harper Studios www.leeharperanddancers.com Excellent dance instruction. Ages 3 and up. Creative movement, Pre-Ballet, Modern, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz and Tap. Over 35 years experience. “Lexus Leader of the Arts.” 3080 East Shadowlawn Ave., Atlanta. 404-364-9555

Educational Enrichment Big Thinkers Science Exploration bigthinkersscience.com Big Thinkers is excited about science and are experts at making it fun for children! Offers afterschool programs, in-school field trips, preschool classes, camps, special events and birthday parties. It’s so much fun, that you’ll forget that you’re learning! 678-392-1500. Kid Chess www.kidchess.com Kid Chess is the most popular after-school program in metro Atlanta where children improve skills such as focus, critical thinking, decisionmaking, concentration, memory and planning. Chess makes you smart and Kid Chess makes it fun. Kid-friendly coaches provide engaging and fun lessons, and utilize professionally-produced cartoons containing entertaining additional instruction. 770-575-5802. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta Jump into the biggest box of LEGO® bricks ever at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta! 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-848-9252. atlantaparent.com

MJCCA Club J www.atlantajcc.org/afterschool The safe, fun, and meaningful after-school experience featuring supervised homework time, science discovery, rock climbing, swimming, crafts, laser tag, and much more. Marcus Jewish Community Center 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. Contact 678-812-3899 or clubj@atlantajcc.org. Robotic Explorers www.roboticexplorers.com Robotic Explorers offers fun, interactive, high-quality enrichment to help students from preschool to high school develop science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills through robotics-based afterschool programs, in-school enrichment, customized workshops, summer camps, birthday parties, and competitions. Visit our website at roboticsexplorers.com or contact us at 770-772-6622. Timothy Ministry at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church www.jfbc.org Enrichment classes for homeschool students. All subject areas covered along with French, Drama and Music. Classes are held on Mondays from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Call 678-7845238 or email timothyministry@jfbc.org to register today!

Language Ecole Du Samedi www.frenchschoolatlanta.org French classes for children 18 months - 12 years every Saturday, on the campus of the Atlanta International School in Buckhead. For information visit the website or call Marc Mallet 770-634-6228.

Music Atlanta Boy Choir atlantaboychoir.org The Atlanta Boy Choir now in its 58th season, under the direction of Maestro Fletcher Wolfe, is now auditioning for its 2015-2016 season. Wanted: Boys ages 6-13 who love to sing. 404-378-0064. Atlanta Young Singers www.aysc.org Love to Sing? Internationally renowned Atlanta Young Singers, celebrating 41 years, welcomes boys and girls ages 7-18 to audition and join 200+ singers! Call 404-873-3365 for an appointment or visit www.aysc.org.

European School of Music and Chess Euroschoolmusic.org Program “Beyond Tutoring…Improving Academics!” Our method of teaching piano, violin, guitar, saxophone, drums, voice, language, math, chess, etc. significantly develops musical and intellectual abilities, focus, attention – all of which help students to reach their full academic potential. Buckhead/Sandy Springs. 404-255-8382. Music & Arts MusicArts.com Music & Arts is the nation’s largest private lesson provider. Every student, child and parent can benefit from music education - music makes you smarter! To learn more about Music & Arts’ private lesson program e-mail your lesson coordinator, Hannah Best: lessons@musicarts.com. For more information about Music & Arts or to find your neighborhood location visit MusicArts.com. The Music Class www.themusicclass.com/atlanta Rob Sayer’s fun filled classes of singing, dancing, movement and instrument play. Parents learn how to enrich their child’s music environment, increase music potential and understand music development. Ages birth - six years. Over 150 classes offered metro-wide. Buckhead, Kirkwood, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Toco Hills, Cumming, Woodstock, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, East Cobb, Smyrna, Suwanee. 770-645-5578. Cont’d on page 28

call or click today: 678-233-3207 atlantaparent.com

www.AtlantaBSA.org/CubScouts July 2015 Atlanta Parent 27

kids activity guide

Sandy Springs Music www.sandyspringsmusic.com Your home for music lessons and instrument rentals. Ages 4 - adult. All instruments and genres. Band and orchestra rentals available! 5920 Roswell Road Suite D-201. 404-2500406.

Scouting Cub Scouts www.atlantabsa.org/cubscouts Cub Scouts is a fun, educational, family based program that gets your kids outdoors with their friends. Visit www.atlantabsa.org/cubscouts or call 678-269-7775 to find out more today. Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta www.gsgatl.org

Turn boring days into days you’ll remember all your life with Girl Scouts – now with more choices – and more reasons than ever to join. Call 770-702-9100.

Sports

SUMMER CAMP Summer Camp is a hands-on adventure in Georgia’s largest engineering lab for children. Programs for children ages 6 to 12. Schedule a tour today

RoboticExplorers.com 770.772.6622 Visit the lab See our ad in Atlanta Parent’s Camp Guide 2015

28 Atlanta Parent July 2015

EXPLORE DISCOVER CREATE

After School Sports Academy www.afterschoolsports.org Enroll your child into a high quality afterschool sports programs that your child will love while staying active! Call and enroll today. Ages 5-12. Two locations: Decatur and Union City. 678-705-2275. McDonough Taekwondo Center www.mcdonoughtkd.com Offers after-school, camps, and evening classes for ages 4 years old and up. Mention ATL Parent and receive 8 weeks for $99. 5886 E. Lake Pkwy., McDonough. Call Now! 770-320-8858. Treetop Quest www.treetopquest.com Family friendly treetop obstacle course and zip-lining, starting at 4 years old. In Buford and Dunwoody. 770-904-3547.

Advertise in our

Kids Activity Guide in August.

Listings start at $100 Call 770-454-7599

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Spotlight: Activity Guide Music & Arts, Private Music Lesson Program

esearch shows that students involved in music achieve higher grades in school and excel overall, socially and academically. Not to mention, playing an instrument is fun and expresses creativity while building a lifelong skill and passion. Every student, child and parent can benefit from music education.

Music & Arts is the nation’s largest private lesson provider, teaching 1.5 million lessons to more than 30,000 students every year including 2,200 students right here in Georgia. Since Music & Arts was founded in 1952 their mission has been focused on bringing music into families’ homes across the country. In addition to their industry leading lesson program Music & Arts is also the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the country. This provides students the ability to pick out their instrument, related books accessories and learn to play in any 1 of 9 locations across the greater Atlanta area – Conyers, East Cobb, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, North Fulton, Peachtree

Atlanta Boy Choir

rammy Award Winning Choir Now Auditioning. Atlanta’s world famous singing boys have just returned from Poland and the Czech Republic where they thrilled sold out audiences. The Atlanta Boy Choir now in its 58th season under the direction of Maestro Fletcher Wolfe boasts some 8,000 metro boys who have gone through their ranks over the years. Many of these boys, now men, are on the world’s musical scene in Broadway performances, television and movie productions. Some of these include Broadway Tony winner Schuler Hensley, multiple Grammy Award winner Richard Clement, Metropolitan Opera star Morris Robinson, and Emmy Award winning “Mad Men” TV producer Dwayne Shattuck. Parents interested in their son becoming a part of Atlanta’s most prestigious musical group should call the choir at 404.378.0064 or email info@atlantaboychoir.org. Also inquire about the “Singing and Soccer” summer camp July 20-24. Boys 6-13 are now being accepted for the 2015-16 season. Each year the choir concertizes in various countries around the world. “They Sing and the World Listens.” atlantaparent.com

City, Snellville, South Forsyth or Woodstock. Every instructor at Music & Arts is handselected from the communities where they teach. All instructors complete an extensive interview process and background check to ensure students receive a high-quality and safe learning experience. Because each instructor is a musician, they make sure every lesson is customized based on a student’s individual needs, goals and experience level. More importantly, every lesson is fun and engaging. Each student at Music & Arts has the opportunity to share what they’ve learned with their friends and family with performance opportunities, whether it’s through recitals, group performances or open stage nights. To learn more about Music & Arts’ private lesson program email your lesson coordinator, Hannah Best: lessons@musicarts.com. For more information about Music & Arts or to find your neighborhood location visit MusicArts.com

Dance and Arts Showcase

ance and Arts Showcase offers an exciting array of classes including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Piano, Guitar, Middle Eastern, Karate, Hip Hop and Ballroom. Classes are offered for ages 2-adult. They offer an outstanding Broadway Dance Recital at the Gwinnett Civic Center. Jean Shapiro, director and owner, is a native Atlantan and has been teaching dance and gym classes for 47 years. She was the principal dancer of The Atlanta Playhouse Theatre, and produced-directed her own original T.V. show called “Exercise And Health” which won a cable award. Winner of The Golden Peach Award for Best Teacher-Director of The Georgia Tech Ballet Club and listed in the World Of Who’s Who Of Women, she has dedicated her life to helping children and adults learn beauty through the art of dance. Dance and Arts Showcase teachers are experienced, wellqualified and share a wonderful teacher-student relationship. Dance and Arts Showcase can come to your daycare center and teach there.To sign up for fall classes, register online at www.danceandarts.com or call 770-934-5010. 2861 Henderson Mill Rd., near Northlake Mall.Open Houses: August 1 & 2, Chamblee; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

[Special Education Guide ] Advertising Section

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 29

Ways to Make Summer Time Learning Fun by Christa Melnyk Hines

ondering how to help your child retain reading, writing and math skills she gained over the school year this summer without making it feel like work? Weave learning into daily errands and interactive activities found in your own backyard. n “Summer is a great opportunity for parents to participate and come up with projects on their own and learn what their kids are interested in,” says Dr. Ashley Norris, assistant dean, University of Phoenix College of Education. n According to the National Summer Learning Association, students who don’t participate in any summer enrichment or educational activities lose about 22 percent of knowledge and skills gained during the school year. Teachers generally spend the first two months of school reviewing past material. n Help your children make the connection between what they learn in school and how the material relates to the real world. They’ll retain more of their new skills and grow into more engaged, enthusiastic learners.

Visit the farmers market

Journal Purchase an inexpensive journal or notebook that your child can personalize. Write a prompt or a question at the top of the page. Take turns writing messages and stories back and forth.

Calculate tips Next time you and your family eat dinner out, help your child determine the tip when the bill arrives.

Grocery shop Dictate your grocery list to your child and have him keep track of the list. As you shop, talk about prices, sales and healthy choices.

Cook together

Peruse seasonal produce native to the area. Ask about fruits and veggies you and your kids have never heard of before. Practice math skills by giving your child a list, a budget and some money to shop at the market.

Involve your child in meal planning and preparation. Depending on your child’s age, Jessica Velazquez, a healthy living director for the YMCA, suggests putting him in charge of a meal once a week. “I remember being in third grade and having one night a week where I was in charge of dinner,” she says. “And yes, we often had cereal or mac ‘n’ cheese.” Following a recipe also helps your child practice fractions and reading.

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Grow a garden

Go digital

Your child can learn more about her environment by cultivating her own fruits and vegetables. No room in your yard? Grow a container garden together. Your child can take pictures or make notes in a daily gardening notebook detailing the life cycle of the plant, any problems encountered and how she worked to solve those issues.

Got a bug or plant enthusiast? Have him grab the camera and go on a scavenger hunt for different species. When he’s done he can make a digital presentation of his discoveries. “Many elementary kids know how to use multi-media even more than parents. They find it fascinating and think it’s fun,” Norris says.

Play travel agent Thanks to the Internet, your child can easily research your family’s vacation or a hometown field trip. Give her a list of questions to answer about the location, cost and hours of a specific site she wants to visit. Continue the learning when you arrive at your destination. Catherine Elder says she and her 8-year-old daughter like to observe and talk about the tides, climate and sea life on their annual beach vacation.

Tune in If your child is passionate about music, attend local concert series in parks, which are often free. Encourage her to learn about the history of the music she’s interested in and read biographies of favorite musicians.

Explore nature

Nurture creativity

Apply what your child has learned in life science to your backyard. “We always talk about different birds, bugs, and how flowers and trees grow. My daughter actually teaches me some things that she’s learned in school. It makes her feel good to know she is helping me learn, too,” Elder says. Science museums and nature outreach centers also offer inexpensive classes and camps.

Art education enhances creative thinking, motor skills and social and emotional development. Have a splatter paint party on canvas in your backyard. Water color on textured paper. Make collages out of old magazines. Further explore the visual arts at pottery cafes and art museums. Cont’d on page 32

imagine Your Child? What do you want for

IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE YOUR CHILD LEARNS…

• By Individual Instruction An • A Love of Learning Authentic • To Think Outside the Box AMI Accredited Montessori • Independence School • Respect for Others • A Solid Foundation • Foreign Language, Music, Cooking, Gardening and More HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

E MIDDL L O O H SC G

OPENIN 2015 August ting ep (Now acctions) applica

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Montessori School at Emory 3021 N. Decatur Road Decatur, GA 30033 MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com 404-634-5777

Montessori School of Cumming 4601 Post Road Cumming, GA 30040 MontessoriSchoolofCumming.com 770-205-6773

Now enrolling children ages 15 months – 12 years July 2015 Atlanta Parent 31

Summer Time

Learning

Read together “Children often say they don’t like to read because they’ve only read things chosen for them by others,” says Helma Hawkins, a children’s librarian. Summer is the perfect time to help your child find books and magazines that match his interests. Read together or start an informal book club with your child and a few friends. Schedule an afternoon to discuss the selection over milk and cookies.

Practice time management Assign a weekly project for your children with a deadline to help them practice time management skills. “Base it on their interest so it doesn’t feel like work,” Norris says. They can select and research a specific topic, create a digital slide show about what they learned and then present it to you or extended family. c

Click into your virtual backyard Download a creative app or head to the web for educational sites and resources for kids: n Create comic strips: pixton.com or download the free app makebeliefscomix.com n Nature and art projects: artfulparent.com or artprojectsforkids.org/ n Home science experiments: sciencebob.com/experiments/ n Writing prompts: scholastic.com/teachers/story-starters/

32 Atlanta Parent July 2015

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Spotlight on

Education

Greater Atlanta Christian School

Hebron Christian Academy

hristian education, especially GAC, has a special obligation to live out all that is superb – never just adequate. With Jesus as the model toward whom GAC strives every day, we are being more intentional than ever about how we can be excellent as a school and as a community by continually adding new programs and facilities – all for our students and families. One unique thing about GAC is that children experience stellar academic learning daily and have on-campus access to opportunities such as dance classes, music lessons, drama groups, over 70 athletic teams, swim lessons, over 20 annual missions trips, an Environmental Center, international study abroad programs, 22 AP classes and 21 Honors classes. With over 1,800 students in K3-12, the 81-acre campus provides vast resources from state-of-the-art facilities, new programs for all ages, and project-based learning initiatives. Your child can have a full educational and extra-curricular experience on one campus. See why kids come from 90 zip codes to be at GAC. Call Mary Helen Bryant in Admissions at 770243-2274 or mbryant@greateratlantachristian.org. Visit www.greateratlantachristian.org.

ocated in Dacula, HCA serves the NE Gwinnett area. HCA’s mission is to help parents prepare their children spiritually, academically, physically, and socially to become disciples of Jesus Christ. JUST THE FACTS • Since 1999 • About 900 students in K-12 • Small class sizes • Dual SACS/AdvancEd + ACSI Accreditation • Caring, involved, trained teachers with a minimum of a B.A. • 12 year outcome-based curriculum design • No common core • Accelerated academics including AP and Dual Enrollment classes • 100% college acceptance rate • Integrated technology • Microsoft Surface Pro 3 for students • Flipped classrooms • PC and Mac labs • Biblical worldview • Developing servantleaders who care about others, locally and globally • Prefect system • Student mentor programs • Award-winning athletics, academics, and fine arts programs • Close knit community of caring peers and involved parents • Value-priced tuition • 2014 & 2015 Readers’ Choice award Get more info at HebronLions.org or call 770.963.9250.

Mill Springs Academy

Montessori Schools of Georgia

ill Springs Academy is an SACS/SAIS accredited college preparatory, independent school community dedicated to the academic, physical and social growth of those students who have not realized their full potential in the traditional classroom setting. Since 1981 Mill Springs has been supporting student learning by raising expectations and developing self motivation, while providing skills and values for life. The population consists of average to superior ability students in grades 1-12. Small classes and an individualized curriculum help them to capitalize on their strengths while learning compensatory strategies. Mill Springs offers a broad range of fine arts and competitive sports options, as well as an extended day program. In the summer months they offer summer school, summer camp and sport workshops. Their 85-acre campus is nestled in the beautiful rolling hills and pasture land of Alpharetta. For more information, please visit www.millsprings.org/visitus or call (770) 3601336. Mill Springs is a participant of the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship program. Follow them on Twitter.com (@millspringsacad) and Facebook.

ontessori Schools of Georgia offers you two conveniently located schools: the Montessori School at Emory, and the Montessori School of Cumming. Montessori provides the finest quality education available for children ages 15 months to 12 years. Three specific educational programs designed for Toddler, Primary and Elementary age children are based on the developmental needs and characteristics of each age group. Children are given one-on-one instruction from their teacher which creates an individualized program that engages their interests and skill levels. The Montessori Schools of Georgia offer several options. Full day, half day, 10 month or year round formats are available. Afternoon enrichment programs are also offered from 3pm to 6pm, in which children enjoy experiences in the creative arts and sciences such as music, art and foreign language. Also, early morning drop-off is available at 7 a.m. For more information about the Montessori School at Emory, call 404-6345777 or visit www.MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com. For more information about the Montessori School of Cumming, call 770-205-6773 or visit www. MontessoriSchoolofCumming.com.

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Special Advertising Section

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 33

Pose your child standing next to mom or dad in front of the house. Bring enough books for your child to stand on until he is as tall as his parent. As the years go by and your child grows, the child will need less and less books to stand on. In his high school pictures, mom might be the one standing on the books. Don’t forget to get a picture of mom and dad on the first day of school. Capture mom’s tears as the bus drives away and don’t miss mom and dad high fiving as the last child leaves the house.

n Cook

up something good

Back-to-School

TRADITIONS to Start this Year by Pam Molnar

This year you are putting your child on the bus for kindergarten and before you know it, they are walking across the stage at their high school graduation. Don’t let those years go by in a blur. Capture the first day of school with a tradition the kids will look forward to every year. n Freeze

a memory

Go to your kid’s school a few days before school starts. Capture a picture of your child standing by the marquee or in front of the building near the front door. You can also take a picture of your child gazing up at the school while wearing his back pack. Taken every year, this makes a great collage of photos to display at their high school graduation party. 34 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Every year before school starts, purchase a Time magazine and a People magazine. Have him pose with the covers to show what was in the news that year. Buy a T-shirt from the high school spirit store in an adult size. Take a picture of the child wearing the shirt with her backpack on the ground next to her. It is a great way to show how she and her choice of backpacks change over the years.

The night before school starts, bake a round loaf of bread and place a clean penny in the dough before it bakes. Before dinner, have all the kids hold on to a piece of the bread and break it off. The one that gets the penny will have extra good luck this year at school. Start the day off right with breakfast. Choose a traditional breakfast of eggs and toast, whip up a smoothie for a light and healthy meal or lighten the mood with something silly like cookie cutter pancakes with whipped cream. Pack a special lunch for the first day of school. Go beyond the sandwich to find yogurt parfaits, fruit pizza or ham and cheese kabobs. Don’t forget a note from mom and a Hershey’s kiss. When your child comes home from school, he will want to tell you all about his teacher, his classes and his day. Prepare a special after school snack like an ice cream sundae bar or a colorful fruit trifle.

n Watch

them grow

On the first day of school, measure your child from head to toe with a piece of string cut to his height. Put the string in an envelope and mark it with the date. At the end of the year, measure him again and see how much he grew this year. atlantaparent.com

Make a Time Capsule

Plant a tree in celebration of your child starting kindergarten. Every year, take a picture of your child in front of the tree and watch them both grow.

It’s never too late to make a time capsule. Decorate a box with a lid and store it away with the other special items in the basement or attic. Here are a few things you can add to the capsule each year.

Make a back-to-school flag out of white cloth to hang in front of the house. Every year, add your children’s handprints using different color paints. Include the date and their age to create a treasure that you look forward to showing off every year. Make concrete stepping stones with your child’s footprint and the date. Let your child decorate and add the stones to your yard to create a wonderful memory garden.

n Celebrate Host a back-to-school bash. This is a great way to reconnect with all the kids you did not get to see over the summer. Rent a large slip and slide or a bounce castle, cook up some hot dogs and pass out the popsicles. Enjoy one last hoorah before school starts.

n A picture of your child n A sample of their handwriting with the date n A family letter written by mom or the child n A questionnaire about their favorites – food, friends, activities, etc. n A trending item like a rainbow loom or cool eraser n A weekly news or entertainment magazine

Your teens and tweens will be happy with an evening bonfire to mourn the end of summer. Bring out the speakers and let them plug in their own music. Provide a fire, plenty of snacks and enough seating for everyone. Don’t forget a party for the moms. A first day of school potluck breakfast is a great opportunity for the moms to celebrate the return to routine. c

n A penny from the current year n A letter from their new teacher welcoming them to school n A favorite book that you read over the summer n A small favorite item like a keychain or earring.

Where Will They Go Today? FREE REGISTRATION when you mention this ad!

Find a local KinderCare near you at kindercare.com or visit our Windward Child Development Center at cclc.com. Regular tuition rates and program fees apply. Free registration offer is for new families only. Offer expires 8/31/2015 and attendance must begin by 9/18/15. Offer is non-transferable, has no cash value, and is subject to center participation, age acceptance, space availability. Maximum discount limited to registration fee at center where family enrolls. Additional restrictions may apply. See Center Director for details. 600473 MKT © 2015 Knowledge Universe Education LLC. All rights reserved.

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July 2015 Atlanta Parent 35

CHOSEN GENERATION CHRISTIAN ACADEMY • Phonics Curriculum & Hands on Math • Monthly Educational Field Trips • P.E. • Low Student / Teacher Ratio • Two Years – 3rd Grade • Accept CAPS

The mission of The Bedford School is to maximize the potential of students with learning differences and develop foundations for success. 770-774-8001

How to Avoid Back-To-School Morning Chaos

5665 Milam Rd. Fairburn www.thebedfordschool.org

NOW ENROLLING

3800 Big Miller Grove Way Lithonia 30038 • 770-322-1414

Have a school preparation plan, work the plan and reward the plan. Set clear expectations and follow through. n Go to Bed On Time and Set a Personal Alarm: Kids and adults can’t get up for school on time without going to bed on time. Establish positive bedtime rituals and keep them. (Reading books is ideal.) Buy your child his or her own alarm and offer praise when they use it to get up. n Backpack Preparation: Backpacks should be packed the night before school. When they are, reward that positive behavior with special praise or colored pencils or stickers.

3340 Chestnut Drive Atlanta, GA 30340

Conveniently located in Doraville

Call 770-457-7261 Northwoods Montessori welcomes students of all races, faiths & cultures.

DEVELOPING EACH CHILD’S POTENTIAL

SUMMER OPEN HOUSE July 18 10 am-12 noon

www.northwoodsmontessori.org

n School Clothes Preparation: Setting clothes out the night before with all the accessories (including socks) helps avoid the morning rush. Reward children when they do so by allowing a special privilege when they get home that afternoon. n Practice What you Preach: Modeling the behavior you want is foundational to morning routine success. “See, I got my laptop bag ready for work ahead of time; I am so proud of myself!” Mom says. n Allow the Natural Consequences to Occur: If a child forgets his homework, don’t bring it to him at school. Let him take the bad grade and ask what might help him remember to put the homework in the backpack the night before. n Keep a Behavior Chart and Reward System: Behavior Charts help kids take responsibility for their own behavior. Instead of parents reminding or nagging, did you brush your teeth? Or did you remember to pack your homework? Put the behaviors needed to be accomplished before leaving for school on a poster board in list form. Put a check or gold star on the behaviors when kids do them without being reminded. When the checks, stars or points add up, reward the kids every Friday. It is truly amazing what kids will do for a sticker book or what tweens will do for movie tickets. c – Laura Reagan-Porras

36 Atlanta Parent July 2015

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www.SugarHillChristian.org GAC ACCREDITED ESTABLISHED 2002

Helping your child grow in character and faith while being successful in the modern world. • ITBS scores in the top 2% nationwide • K4-8th Grade • Extended Care • ACSI & SACS Accredited • Low Student / Teacher Ratio • Mother’s Morning Out, Preschool • SUMMER CAMPS

G FR A P EE re K

• Year-round open enrollment Infants - 12 Years • M-F 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM • Certified and Experienced Montessori Teachers • Fully Equipped Montessori Classrooms

• Full Service Childcare • Summer Camp, Field Trips, ASP • Ballet, Karate, Music, Piano, Spanish, Chinese • Full & Part Time, Mother’s Morning Out ARSHIPS Franchising Opportunity Available • SCHOL YEARS OLD FOR 4/5 tails!

www.CrescoMontessori.com

Call for D

678-745-4121

4600 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Sugar Hill, GA 30518

NOW ENROLLING! Success In School Success In Life 9:00A.M. OPEN

HOUSE

September 9, 2015 October 7, 2015 November 11, 2015

For Reservations for our OPEN HOUSE please call 770-360-1336

Grades 3-12 5496 Hwy 92, Acworth, GA 30102

678.574.6488 www.furtahprep.org GACS Accredited

“I’ve always believed that if a student can’t learn the way we teach ... we should teach the way a student can learn.”

Tweetie Moore, Founder

13660 New Providence Road • Alpharetta Visit our website: www.millsprings.org/visitus Mill Springs Academy is a non-proﬁt school which does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs and other school-administered programs.

FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS IS HERE TO HELP FAMILIES… For any child age 3 or older, the school system can evaluate for a suspected disability, at no cost. • DIAGNOSTIC AND EVALUATION SERVICES • SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPY • SPECIALIZED COMMUNITY-BASED AND SCHOOL-BASED EDUCATION We serve students with disabilities such as developmental delays, speech/language delays, autism spectrum disorders, hearing and vision impairments, orthopedic impairments who are three to ﬁve years of age and reside within the Fulton County School District. It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice,educational program, or any other program, activity, or service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 470-254-0402 OR VISIT WWW.FULTONSCHOOLS.ORG

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July 2015 Atlanta Parent 37

Parent Volunteers

Help Out at School Without Burning Out by Malia Jacobson

ccording to the nonprofit research center Child Trends, parent involvement in school is linked to better grades and fewer behavior problems in students, particularly for those in elementary school. Parent involvement also boosts teachers’ job satisfaction. And parent involvement at schools is on the rise: Parent participation in school events increased nearly 10 percent between 1999 and 2012. But here’s the downside: Parent volunteering can quickly snowball from a few hours to an avalanche of emails, committee meetings and late nights sewing 24 bluebird costumes for the spring carnival. Some ambitious volunteers log hundreds of hours at the school and get burned out. It’s possible to find balance as a volunteer, whether you have hundreds of hours to give or just a few minutes. Here’s how.

Boundary Map School volunteer duties have a way of ballooning, Loper says, so it’s essential to set boundaries, especially for officers, room parents and others in time-intensive volunteer roles. She learned the hard way: “I saw all these needs at the school and I tried to fill them all. I definitely got burned out.” At the peak of her school volunteering, Loper would whisk her kids past the school’s playground after school instead of stopping to let them play, because the minute she set foot on the playground she was flooded with parent questions about meetings, events and other school business – the same types of questions she fielded night and day via email, text and phone. Set limits on your time and energy, because nobody else will do it for you. Loper got a handle on her volunteer load by designating two days per week as “off” days for school volunteering: no school-volunteer-related emails, activities or phone calls on those days. Rivka Caroline, a time-management expert, mom of seven and author of From Frazzled to Focused: The Ultimate Guide for Moms (and Dads) Who Want to Reclaim Their Time, Their Sanity and Their Lives, recommends sticking to a set number of “pro bono” hours per month: “Once those hours are used up, you know that volunteering has to wait until next month.” 38 Atlanta Parent July 2015

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Eyes on the Prize

Banish Guilt

Dip a Toe In

If you feel as though the parent-volunteer pressure has been mounting in recent years, you’re not alone. “I think the requests are increasing because we want to give so much more for our children than we had,” says Lela Davidson, mom of two and author of Blacklisted from the PTA, a tongue-in-cheek collection of essays about, among other things, her love-hate relationship with school volunteering. “At a recent PTO meeting at my kids’ high school, an organizer asked for help with a theme, food, music and games for the after-prom party,” she says. “When we were kids, that was called the prom. In our constant quest to make every event in our kids’ lives unforgettable, we’re creating a whole lot of work for ourselves.”

Maybe fundraising isn’t your thing, supervising the second-grade field trip to the zoo leaves you drained, or you can’t leave work to help your child’s class make risotto. Don’t waste time and energy feeling bad about it.

After she was “swept into” the role of PTA treasurer and then copresident, Lisa Steele Haberly, a mom of two, noticed something: The kindergarten classes at her children’s elementary school had plenty of parent help, but not the upper grades. “I realized that the parents of the older kids were burned out,” she says. “They’d put in their time.” That kind of thinking is common, but upper elementary and secondary grades need parent help, too, Loper says. Parent volunteering takes a different shape as kids get older, but parental help is still needed and appreciated. And as Child Trends notes, parent volunteering benefits kids in middle school and high school, too.

Prioritize volunteer Burnout activities that have the impact on your Buster biggest child’s success in school, and put the rest in the “not now” pile. For example, that might mean spending more time assisting with the track team or supervising the lunchroom, and cutting back on other volunteer pursuits.

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If there’s one key to volunteer satisfaction, it might be this: Find the one volunteer activity you really enjoy (or at least, don’t hate) and do that. Extroverted parents may love staffing school dances and helping out in the classroom, but that won’t work for everyone. Play to your strengths and schedule: Tech-savvy parents can update the school website or facilitate a class Facebook page; those who can’t get away until after the kids are in bed can help clean up after a school event, instead of working the entire thing. Parents who can’t attend daytime events can stay connected to teachers and coaches via e-mail, Caroline says. Stick to a regular check-in schedule, every two weeks or every month, and ask what your child can focus on that month to help support her success.

Burnout Buster

Think of parent volunteering as a marathon, not a sprint, Loper says. Instead of signing up for everything at that first PTA meeting, try out a single volunteer commitment. Pace yourself, and you’ll be better prepared to serve your kid’s school community through his high school years. 

Burnout Buster

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 39

Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

Free Fun

Exhibits

Reviews

Calendar

Not-to-miss events for July

Fourthy of Jults Even

55 Page

Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade Dunwoody Village July 4. 9:30 a.m. Celebrate America with marching bands, floats, animals, clowns and mascots in this classic parade. This year’s theme is “Honoring Our Educational Stars.” The parade begins at Mt. Vernon and Jett Ferry roads and ends at Dunwoody Village, where the celebration continues with a festival. Free. dunwoodyga.org

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Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade

Science Saturday

“Shrek, the Musical”

Tellus Museum / July 18. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Georgia Public Broadcasting is coming to Tellus to celebrate 45 years of Sesame Street. Enjoy crafts, games, meet and greet with the Sesame Street characters, story time and more. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org

Sesame Workshop

Family Fun Guide

The Grand Theatre July 24-26. Fri. & Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. Shrek, a grumpy yet lovable ogre, reluctantly rescues and then falls in love with Princess Fiona. The hour-long show includes costumed characters, music, and kid-friendly humor. The senior summer music theatre camp presents this Broadway favorite based on the original movie. 7 North Wall St., Cartersville. 770-3867343. Adults, $10; ages 17 and younger, $7. thegrandtheatre.org

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 41

Family Fun Guide EATING OUT

Atlanta’s

Food Truck

Scene:

Something for Everyone A tasty adventure awaits you this month. Visit the popular Atlanta Food Truck Park, a smaller food truck park in your neighborhood or explore a foodie’s dream at the Atlanta Street Food Festival.

Atlanta Street Food Festival

Grab your lawn chairs and sunscreen, and then head out to the Southeast’s largest food truck gathering. The festival kicks off with 60 food trucks whipping out tasty treats all day long while local artists provide live family entertainment.

If You Go Atlanta Street Food Festival Piedmont Park 1342 Worchester Dr. NE, Atlanta; 404-888-9348; atlantastreetfoodfestival.com Hours: July 11; noon-10 p.m. Cost: Festival, free; food and beverage wristbands, adults, $12; ages 12 and younger, free.

Get your food truck fix satisfied at these spots. Most stay open through October. n Atlanta Food Truck Park & Market 1850 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta. Hours: Fri., noon- 9 p.m.; Sat., noon- 10 p.m. Sun., noon-7 p.m. Up to 15 trucks daily; atlantafoodtruckpark.com n Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays Brook Run Park 4770 N. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody. Hours: Thurs., 6-9 p.m. 12-13 trucks weekly; facebook. com/pages/Dunwoody-FoodTruck-Thursdays n Smyrna Food Truck Tuesdays Taylor-Brawner Park 3180 Atlanta Rd., Smyrna. Hours: Tues., 5-9 p.m. 9-14 trucks weekly; facebook.com/ SmyrnaFoodTruckTuesdays

42 Atlanta Parent July 2015

n Suwanee Food Truck Fridays Suwanee Town Center Park Buford Hwy. and Lawrenceville Suwanee Rd., Suwanee. Hours: Fri., Aug. 7 & Sept. 4. 5:30-9:30 p.m. 7 trucks at each event; Suwanee.com n Avondale Estates Food Truck Wednesdays Tudor Square 119 Center St., Avondale Estates. Hours: Wed., 6-9 p.m. 6 trucks weekly; facebook. com/AEfoodtruckwednesdays n Duluth Food Truck Friday 3167 Main St., Duluth. Hours: Fri., 6-9 p.m. 11 trucks weekly; facebook. com/fridaysnduluth

Helpful tips n If the food trucks gather in a local park, bring blankets and lawn chairs to spread out on the grass. n If you want to know which food trucks will be on hand on any given date, check the sponsoring website or Facebook page. Most food truck operations post information prior to each event. n If the weather is iffy, check the sponsoring website or Facebook page for news about closings or delays. Duluth Food Truck

n Decatur Food Truck Mondays 104 Cambridge Ave., Decatur. Hours: Mon., 6-9 p.m. 3-5 trucks weekly; facebook. com/decaturfoodtruckmondays

Family Fun Guide

n Brookhaven Food Truck Night Blackburn Park 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. NE, Atlanta. Hours: Wed., 5-9 p.m. 12-15 trucks weekly; facebook.com/ BrookhavenFTN

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FREE FUN atlantaparent.com

Summer Songs Free concerts series around town! Riverside Sounds at Riverside Park Who’s Performing: Enjoy some bluegrass by River Whyless in the park with food trucks available for dinner. Tune Info: July 11. 7-9 p.m. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3705; roswellgov.com

Concerts by the Springs at Heritage Green Who’s Performing: Listen to some beach tunes with The Tams. Tune Info: July 12. 7-8:30 p.m. 6110 Bluestone Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111; heritagesandysprings.org

Pickin’ on the Square in Newnan Who’s Performing: Acoustic musicians of all genres and skill levels are welcome to join in. Tune Info: July 4 and 18. 11 a.m. Historic Downtown Newnan Courthouse Square at LaGrange St. and E. Broad St., 770-253-8283; mainstreetnewnan.com

Brown Bag Concert Series at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Who’s Performing: Various artists perform music on the lawn of the Historic Gwinnett Courthouse. Tune Info: July 10. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 185 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450; gwinnettparks.com

Family Fun Guide

Heritage Green

Music at Noon at Centennial Olympic Park Who’s Performing: Everything from pop and R&B to classic jazz. Tune Info: Every Tuesday and Thursday in July. noon-1 p.m., 265 Park Avenue West, Atlanta. 404-223-4412; centennialpark.com For more summer music fun see the calendar section.

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 43

Finding the

“Secret Garden”

he Serenbe Playhouse production of The Secret Garden is a classic story that comes to life nestled in the community of Serenbe. As we arrived, we were directed to follow a gravel path that took us into the woods. It felt as if we were Mary Lennox ourselves, searching for the gardens. The If You Go English garden set was sown and carved out The Secret Garden of a wonderful spot deep within the forest. Serenbe Playhouse, 10496 Serenbe Flowers were planted and paths were cut to Lane, Chattahoochee Hills. make space for the stage and seating. n Hours: Through Aug. 2. Natalie, 9, and Kate, 6, enjoyed meeting Fri. -Sat., 11 a.m. and Sun. 2 p.m. the cast as we made our way through the n Cost: Adults, $20; path. They were all in character, helping younger than 12, $10. collect tickets and sell concessions. The n What to Know Before You Go: stage is set in the center of a circle of seats Performances are rain or shine. so everyone had a great view of the play. Concessions available: Popcorn, $3; The ensemble was amazing, staying in Children Bellini, $5; Adult Bellini, $7. character before and after the performance. Wear comfortable shoes, bring bug spray. They even signed their autographs using Only port-a-potty available. their character name. There were no set changes and minimal props so it was their acting that transported you into the garden or into the estate. It was easy for my girls to follow along with the story. If you have time, consider spending the day discovering Serenbe. It is a wonderful opportunity to show your children how a sustainable community thrives. – Jennifer Joyner

44 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Family Fun Guide

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SUM MER FUN

On the Big Screen:

JUST FOR KIDS

Local theatres bring budget family fun. All titles are rated ‘G’ or ‘PG”. Here is the July line up. n Aurora Cineplex Summer Family Flicks 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell auroracineplex.com Through Aug. 7. Mon.-Fri., 10:15 a.m.; $2 July 3-9, “Despicable Me” July 10-16, “Rio 2” July 17-23, “Penguins of Madagascar” July 24-30, “Rise of the Guardians” July 31-Aug. 7, “Hotel Transylvania” n Cinemark Fayetteville 10 Summer Movie Clubhouse 157 Banks Station, Fayetteville Cinemark.com Through July 30. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m. $1; $5 for 10 movie-package July 7-9, “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” July 14-16, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” July 21-23, “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” July 28-30, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” n Georgia Theatre Company Multiple Locations including Merchant’s Walk Stadium Cinemas, Marietta, Park 12 Cobb Stadium Cinemas, Marietta and Cherokee Stadium Cinemas, Woodstock. georgiatheatrecompany.com Through July 30. Tues. and Thurs., 10 a.m.; $1 July 2, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” July 7 & 9, “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” July 14 & 16, “Penguins of Madagascar” July 21 & 23, “Rio 2” July 28 & 30, “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” n Regal Summer Movie Express Multiple Locations including Alpharetta, Austell, Buford, Kennesaw, Johns Creek, Snellville, Marietta, Dacula, Duluth and Douglasville regmovies.com Through July 30. Tues. & Wed. 10 a.m.; $1 July 1, “The Book of Life” July 7 & 8, “Muppets Most Wanted”, “Alexander and the Very Bad Day” July 14 & 15, “Paddington”, “Turbo” July 21 & 22, “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb”, “Penguins of Madagascar” July 28 & 29, “The Lego Movie”, “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water”

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AT FERNBANK

New Brain Exhibit • Daily Activities New Films in the IMAX® Theatre • Fun Family Events

Coming Soon: Reptile Day—July 11 FernbankMuseum.org/Summer

Specializing in the Detection and Treatment of Pediatric Digestive Disorders

Expert GI Care for Your Children At Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, our Board Certified pediatric gastroenterologists care for infants, children,‘tweens, and teens with any type of digestive or liver condition, including: • Abdominal Pain • Colic • Acid Reflux • Celiac Disease

• Feeding Difficulties • Crohn’s Disease • Ulcerative Colitis • Lactose Intolerance

• Hepatitis/Liver Disease • Constipation/Diarrhea • Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Eosinophilic Esophagitis

5445 Meridian Mark Road NE | Suite 490

Dr. Nirav R. Patel Dr. Tejas R. Mehta

Conveniently Located Near Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite

404.843.6320 www.atlantagastro.com/pediatrics AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.

Family Fun Guide

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 45

p m JuTo It! by Hayley Markowitz

Grab the socks and let the kids get their jump on. These indoor play places and trampoline parks will keep the kids bouncing all summer long.

Leapin’ Lizards

46 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Indoor jump places and playgrounds Leapin’ Lizards 185 Sams St., Decatur; Moving to North DeKalb Mall mid- July. 404-537-3030; leapinlizardsplay.com l Cost: Ages 3 and older, $8; ages 2 and younger, $5 l Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Offers parent’s night out and two large rooms with inflatables for all ages, especially for ages 4 and older.

Catch Air Cumming, Johns Creek, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Midtown and Snellville; catchairparty.com l Cost: Pricing varies by location, $6-$13. l Hours: Vary by location. Let the kids out on the dance floor or enjoy separate activities for their age group. Take a look at each locations’ Facebook page for discounts like a password or trivia question. Huge climbing maze and their good security is a plus.

Hippo Hopp 1936 Briarwood Ct. NE, Atlanta 404-634-4964; hippohopp.com l Cost: Ages 3 and older, $9; ages 1-2, $5; younger than 1, free. l Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy free coffee every morning until 11 a.m., a café with healthy choices, reusable discount card and a large toddler area for 3 and younger plus a nursing nook.

Monkey Joe’s Cumming, Duluth, Marietta, Morrow, Newnan, Roswell, Tucker; monkeyjoes.com l Cost: Pricing varies by location, $5-$13; discount for ages 2 and younger. l Hours: Vary by location. Offers the most locations around Atlanta and has a mini monkey zone for ages 3 and younger.

Jumpin Kritters Northlake Mall, 4800 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta 404-937-9234; jumpinkritters.com l Cost: Ages 2-12, $10; ages 1 and younger, $5. l Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. Come and go as you please all day after the $10 admission fee is paid. Enjoy story time, games and movies around lunch time for no additional charge. Kids can play on the swing set, ride on toys and more.

atlantaparent.com

Catch Air

Jump Jump 6315 Spalding Dr., Norcross. 770-558-1525; jump-jump.com l Cost: Ages 3-12, $9; ages 1-2, $5; younger than 1, free. l Hours: Mon.-Wed. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Has a big open area in the middle to play and you can see your kids at all times. Separate jump area for ages 2 and younger.

Know Before You Jump l Try and go on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. l Jumpers must wear socks, no shoes are permitted. l All offer birthday parties. l Trampoline parks are typically geared toward school age kids. l Check websites for special deal days and events. l Before going, check online for waiver options to save time.

Woody’s Jump n Play 1300 McDonough Pl., McDonough 770-914-2973; woodysjumpnplay.com l Cost: Mon.-Thurs., ages 1-3, $5; 4 and older, $8; Fri.-Sun., ages 1-3, $5.50; 4 and older, $8.50; ages 12 months and younger, always free. l Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. A designated play area for ages 3 and younger located near the parents lounge so you can see them.

Fun Forest 1630 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth. 678-648-6655; funforestduluth.com l Cost: Ages 3 and older, $8; ages 2 and younger, $5. l Hours: Mon.-Thur., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri.- Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Inflatable farm house for ages 3 and younger, basketball area, arcade and summer drop-off hours.

FunAthon

Kid’s Paradise

1097 Duluth Hwy., Lawrenceville. 678-478-7259; myfunathon.com l Cost: Ages 4 and older, $9.99; ages 3 and younger, $6.99; younger than 1, free. l Hours: Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Climbing maze, slides, inflatables, toddler area, pedal cars, video game, mini carousal, large ball pit and more. Daily admission includes come-and-go entry. Summer discounts available.

5050 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross. 404-445-7786; kidsparadiseparty.com l Cost: Mon.-Fri., Ages 3-10, $9.99; ages 2 and younger, $5.99; Sat. and Sun., Ages 3-10, $12.99; ages 2 and younger, $6.99. l Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Riding, jumping, climbing, obstacle courses with a separate toddler area and adult lounge. Make sure to get a punch card.

Turn the page for trampoline parks for older kids. ➤ ➤ ➤

Family Fun Guide

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 47

Have the best summer ever!

p m u J To It!

Atlantta’s Paren R SUMME

FBUUCKNET LIST

Atlanta Parent’s Online Summer Fun Bucket List will keep you busy every week with places to go, activities and giveaways! Go to atlantaparent.com

Sky Zone

Trampoline Parks Get Air

Sky Zone

3975 Lakefield Ct., Suwanee 404-260-1935; getairjohnscreek.com l Cost: Big Air, first hour, $14; second hour, $8; Small Air (under 46 inches), first and second hour, $8. l Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Small air is on the kiddie court that is available for kids under 46 inches. The Big Air includes the ninja course, dodge ball and basketball and foam pit.

Kennesaw, Roswell, Suwannee. Opening soon: Conyers, McDonough and Peachtree City; skyzone.com l Cost: Pricing varies by time, $10-$21 (pre-purchased tickets recommended) l Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-7 p.m. Watch the kids play basketball and hurtle themselves into the large foam pit. Toddler time offered during the school year. Also all jumpers will be separated by age and size.

JumpStreet

X-drenaline

5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville 678-847-0123; gotjump.com l Cost: Ages 8 and older, $8-$12; ages 4-7, $6-$8; ages 3 and younger, $4. l Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. The older kids can play on the tall climbing tower or a mechanical bull while the smaller kids have their own designated area.

1611 Roswell Rd., Marietta 770-604-1367; x-drenaline.com l Cost: Pricing varies by time, $10-$24 (pre-purchased tickets recommended) l Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun., 1-8 p.m. New to the area offering jump fun with batting cages, ninja obstacle course and race simulator to come in the fall.

X-drenaline

48 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Treetop Quest: The Sky’s the Limit

f you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, head over to the newest location of Treetop Quest, in the cool, shaded forest of Brook Run Park in Dunwoody. As my family approached the sprawling layout, we were in awe of the impressive obstacle course and zip lines that loomed 60 feet over our heads. Treetop Quest prides itself on having 50 obstacles, 12 zip lines, and four levels for thrill-seekers. Before guests embark on a treetop adventure, the friendly staff is available to help outfit all participants with harnesses and gloves, and they spend about 15 minutes giving detailed instructions on how to maneuver along the obstacle course. Parents will appreciate that the staff double-and triple-checks everyone’s harnesses for safety, including the adults, and there are three separate practice areas where each person can simulate the experience on the ground level prior to setting out into the trees. Not to be left out, even 4-6 year-olds can participate in Kiddie Quest, which is designed for youngsters who want to climb and bounce on a massive treetop trampoline that resembles a giant spider web. They can also do a mini obstacle course perfectly designed for their skill level. When it came time to do Level 1, I thought my 7-year-old would opt out of this treetop activity since he doesn’t love heights. He rose to the challenge and caught on very quickly as he joined my husband and 9-year-old in the trees. Before I knew it, I was watching them walk along tightropes, maneuver through nets and cross balance beams. I watched in amazement as they each traversed a wall while suspended in midair! I heard my boys yell, “I made it!,” as they conquered each obstacle. When parts of the course became extremely challenging, Treetop Quest guides were there to lend a hand. A pulley system is available to safely atlantaparent.com

retrieve scared children at any point in the course. My 3-year-old and I had snacks as we watched from the comfortable picnic area equipped with tables with umbrellas. We saw another dad lying cozily in a hammock while his children did the course on their own. After 2 ½ hours, my husband and boys completed Level 2. Before we left, my boys were already begging us to go back so that they could attempt the remaining levels. Treetop Quest was an extremely adventurous confidence-building activity in a safe environment, and I just may have to partake next time around! – Felicia Barman

Family Fun Guide

If You Go Treetop Quest Brook Run Park 4770 N. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody 770-365-0356 Gwinnett Environmental Heritage Center 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford 770-904-3547. treetopquest.com n Hours: Sun.-Mon., 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (July); check website for times n Admission: Ages 4-6, $22; ages 7-11, $32; ages 12-17, $42; ages 18 and older, $49 n Know Before You Go: There are no real restrooms nearby, so be prepared to use a port-a-potty, or go before you arrive.

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 49

EMBRACING ACCELERATION

at K1 Speed

ot even the coolest race car video game could prepare your family for the sensation of authentic racing at K1 Speed Atlanta, Duluth’s indoor go-kart center. The bright, clean interior is inviting, and the revving engines are just loud enough to thrill. K1 uses electric go-karts, so there are no fumes. Go-karts whiz by at 45 mph, and adrenaline levels soar. K1 karts are the fastest in the industry, with 20 horsepower engines. Racers enter the track on a staggered basis, and are ranked on time. A reverse gear enables drivers who spin out to reposition themselves. At other racetracks, kids drive on circular tracks. At K1, even the under-16 set races on a twisted track. Racers must meet minimum height requirements (48 inches for the junior karts, and 58 inches for the full-size karts). Registration at the kiosks took about 20 minutes for our group of 11 – my son, Nick, 11, and eight pals, ages 10-12, and my daughter Katrina, 14, and her 15-year-old friend. We waited about 25 minutes longer for a few other races to finish. We whiled away the time by snacking at the café and playing arcade games. Once called, we attended a training session, then strapped on the headsocks and helmets provided and entered our karts.

K1 recommends scheduling ahead for large parties of eight or more. At $44 a person for two races or $60 a person for three races, you will not have to wait in line, and you will race exclusively with your group. Each group member also gets a T-shirt. Choosing to “Arrive and Drive,” as we did on a weekend afternoon, the wait could range from 20 minutes to a couple of hours. A 12-lap race, which takes 10-20 minutes, costs $19.99 per person. The best deal is $39 per person for three races, Monday through Thursday, when K1 is less crowded. My son and his friends could not stop talking about K1. One texted me the next day to ask for pictures. Another said he could not wait to race his dad.

If You Go K1 Speed 1625 Pleasant Hill Rd. Ste. 240, Duluth 678-367-2857, k1speed.com n Hours: Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-midnight; Sat. 10 a.m.midnight; Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. n Cost: $19.99 and up.

Nick was surprised at how challenging it was to reach top speed in the beginning. “In the last two laps, the pit crew made our karts go faster, and that was the most fun,” he said. Not one kid said they wished they’d played Xbox instead. – Beth Burnett-Balga

Child Models We’ve booked kids for $2,000 per day and more, others at $50 - $60 per hour.

Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?

Atlanta, New York, LA

404-636-1974

www.williamreynoldsagency.com 50 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Family Fun Guide

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BRAIN: The Inside Story

Treetop Obstacle Course and Zip-Lines

Dunwoody

ncover the inner-workings of the brain in this new exhibit at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. As you enter, you walk into an archway of three-dimensional noodle looking webs. These webs represent the 100 billion neurons inside of our brain. Walking through the exhibit gives you a real sense of how the brain allows you to feel, think and move. The exhibit packs lots of great information about this 3-pound organ in fun and educational ways. My 6 year old had just as much fun as my 9-year-old twins. They gravitated toward the Build a Brain and Brain Training stations. They learned about the different parts and functions of the brain in The Build a Brain station. In Can We Talk? they practiced their foreign language skills. This area was quite popular during our visit, as people lined up to speak into the microphone and follow along with the virtual experience. My children also enjoyed the Brain Training station – it’s all about boosting your brain power. There were various games and

From 4 years old to adult!

Bufo r d

770 365 0356 770 904 3547 Open every day through the Summer! 10am - 5pm - call or email for availabilities

Info@treetopquest.com

www.TreetopQuest.com

puzzles set up to train the brain to process visual signals more quickly. Brain: The Inside Story has so much to offer all ages. Parents can appreciate how engaged the children become with the interactive stations and hands on learning. There is a great deal of information to take in, which requires lots of reading, but it’s well worth it. The exhibit is included with museum admission and runs until August 23. – Marteeta Cannon Spradling

If You Go Brain: The Inside Story Fernbank Museum of Natural History 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta 404-929-6300 fernbankmuseum.org n Cost: Adults $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free

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Family Fun Guide

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 51

Six Flags Two Ways

A trip to Six Flags Over Georgia is eagerly anticipated by all kids. However, the experience will be entirely different depending on the age of your kids. See what our two families discovered.

[ With Young Kids ]

If You Go Six Flags Over Georgia 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell 770-739-3400; sixflags.com/overgeorgia n Hours: Vary by day; opens 10 or 10:30 a.m. daily, closes 10 p.m. Sat., 9 p.m. other days; Hurricane Harbor, the waterpark within Six Flags, open noon-6 p.m. daily, except Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. n Admission: Single day passes, adults, $63.99; under 48", $43.99; 2 and younger, free. Season tickets start at $61.99.

n an absolutely perfect summer day, my son Aiden and I headed to Six Flags Over Georgia. My son is 6 and had been to Six Flags before, but I knew that this time would be different because he had reached 48 inches tall, surpassing the magical 42-inchtall mark, where he’d have access to more “big kid” rides. To my great surprise, he wanted to do some of the more daring rides. The Mindbender Roller Coaster was, in his words, “awesome!” The ride was very smooth, has two loops and the drops were not overly scary. The other big kid ride he rode was the Log Jamboree. The majority of the rides at Six Flags were best for those ages 6 and older because of the height requirements. But a kids’ area called Bugs Bunny World is great for ages 2-5, and my son has played happily there. Even though he’s now 6, he still enjoyed the “truck train” (the Convoy Grande, a train of mini-18-wheelers), the swings and the kids’ roller coaster in Bugs Bunny World. Younger kids also will be entertained by the Looney Tunes Dance Party where they can dance with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety Bird and other characters and We Got the Beat with Looney Tunes characters. After lunch at Johnny Rockets, we headed to Hurricane Harbor. We hit the kids’ play area, and I didn’t worry about Aiden’s safety. He also did all the slides in Hurricane Harbor including the Tsunami Surge (which even scared me a bit). I think we could’ve spent the whole day at Hurricane Harbor and never have gotten bored. This trip to Six Flags was so much fun, I would suggest families plan to spend the entire day! – Kim Curnutt

What to Know Before You Go Onsite parking costs $20. There is a Flash Pass purchase option, worth considering if lines are long. Pack only what is necessary to carry around. To help you plan your day, pick up a show schedule, available at all show facilities, stores and Guest Relations – the shows are fun, and you can cool off in air conditioning. At Hurricane Harbor, guests must wear swimsuits so bring one along. Be prepared to carry your credit cards with you so that you can leave your beach bag on a chair near the wave pool as a designated meetup place.

Height Requirements The minimum height for some rides is 36 inches, so really young children won’t qualify. Thrill rides require a height of 54 inches and somewhat tamer rides require 42, 44 and 48 inches. Six Flags’ website gives a complete list of rides and height requirements.

52 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

[ With Tweens ]

he biggest thing you have to worry about at Six Flags when you take older kids is how worn out you’ll be and how much food they can eat before they might be sick on a ride. Older kids are tall enough for all the rides and want to ride each and every one of the big coasters, sometimes as many times as they can if the lines aren’t too crazy. Emmaline and Ava, both age 11, love rides and we enjoyed comparing what was best about each ride while in line. Emmaline was a bit nervous about getting on Goliath for the first time but afterward was ready to ride many more times if we had let her. Everyone agreed that Goliath is our favorite of the big coasters and the Georgia Scorcher and Batman tie for second place. The big coasters have the highest height limits (54 inches) and we walked on with no worries that anyone wasn’t tall enough. Older kids also have a bit more patience when it comes to standing in line and realize that at the end of the line is a fun ride, so they only complain a little. Instead of waiting in line for just any ride we concentrated on the four big coasters (Batman, Georgia Scorcher, Goliath, and Superman: Ultimate Flight) and some of the “smaller” coaster favorites like Mindbender and Great American Scream

Machine. The new Joker Chaos Coaster looked like fun, but it’s popular so we saved it for next time. I’ll admit I was a little sad when no one wanted to ride Monster Mansion (the only ride with air conditioning) or my childhood favorite, the Dahlonega Mine Train. However, I did convince them to cool off on what they considered a “kiddie ride,” the Log Jamboree, a flume ride that sprays you with water. If you’re a roller coaster-riding parent, you’ll love going to Six Flags when the kids are older – just make sure you do a ride to cool off on during the hot summer days. – Jordan Lisvosky

We’re gearing up for some big improvements.

Older kids also have a bit more patience when it comes to standing in line and realize that at the end of the line is a fun ride, so they only complain a little.

Open through July 31. Temporary closure for renovations begins August 1.

We’re building a new world-literally-along with two floors of hands-on-exhibits that will get their motors running.

childrensmuseumatlanta.org atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 53

Calendar

July S M T W TH F S

Visit our Calendar at atlantaparent.com for calendar updates and ongoing events and attractions in Atlanta.

Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline.

Submit your family-friendly Calendar event at least 8 weeks prior to the event by visiting atlantaparent.com/event/submit.

Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

REPTILE DAY

classes

Fernbank Museum of Natural History JULY 11 10 A.M.-2 P.M.

Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Different activities each week. June 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30. Wed., 2 p.m.; Thurs.,10 and 11:30 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770427-2117. Recommended for ages 3-5. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; 3 and younger, free.

Learn about and get close enough to touch live lizards, turtles and salamanders and find out why these creatures are ecologically important. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Enjoy different themed crafts each week. Check inkfun.org for schedule and times. $1 with museum admission. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 1-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-5361900. Mon.-Sat., $8; Sun., $6. Mice Tours. Marietta Museum of History. Mascots Murray and Etta mouse introduce history through tours, story time and crafts geared towards ages 3-5. July 8. 10:30 a.m. 1 Depot St., Marietta. 770-7945710. Reservations required. $5. Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft. Ages 1-4. July 9. 10:30 a.m.noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770495-0253. $7 per child, one adult free, additional adult, $8. Turtle Tours. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Museum mascots Sandy the chipmunk and Spring the turtle introduce history through stories, hands-on exhibits and crafts. Second Saturday of the month. July 11. 11 a.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-8519111. Recommended for ages 2-5. Free. Donations encouraged. Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to compliment the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4. July 2, 9, 16 and 23. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free with admission. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free. Saturday Morning Art Classes. Vinings School of Art. Drawing, painting or pottery classes. Supplies included. Ages 2-13. Every Sat. 10 and 11 a.m. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678-2134278. Pre-register. $15, siblings $12. Build and Grow Clinics. Lowes. Clinics teach kids to build wooden crafts. Free apron, goggles and merit patch. July 11. 10 a.m. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for locations. 800-445-6937. Pre-register. Free.

54 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Crafts at Lakeshore Learning. Lakeshore Learning. Make a different craft each week. Every Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-578-3100. Free. Drop-In and Draw. Gas-Art Gifts at North DeKalb Mall. Make a different project each week. Sat. 1-8 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m. 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy., Decatur. 404-801-4926. $5. Little Acorns. Avalon’s Plaza. Every week offers new experiences including storytellers, magicians, face painters or arts and crafts. July 7, 14, 21 and 28. 10 a.m.- noon. 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000.Free. Tot Spot. Atlantic Station’s Central Park. A variety of activities are provided along with special experiences each month including storytellers, face painters or arts and crafts. July 7, 14, 21 and 28. 10 a.m.-noon. 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta. 404-733-1221. Free.

exhibits Anne Frank in the World: 19291945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family in Amsterdam. Includes replica of Anne’s room. Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-206-1558. holocaust.georgia.gov. Ages 10 and older, free.

Family Fun Guide

Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone. Georgia Aquarium. Educational journey through the Aquarium’s upper levels while completing a series of entertaining challenges. Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit. Adults, $38.95; ages 3-12, $32.95; ages 2 and younger, free. Brain: The Inside Story. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Explore how the brain controls our senses and emotions, powers our thinking, how the organ ages, and how technological advances may change our brains in the future with interactive activities. Through Aug. 23. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404929-6300. Adults $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free. Seriously Silly: the art & whimsy of Mo Willems. High Museum of Art. Explores the illustrations by the best-selling children’s book artist and author. Through Jan. 10, 2016. Tues.-Thurs. and Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Sun. noon- 5 p.m. closed Mon. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free. Resettling in America: Georgia’s Refugee Communities. David J. Sencer CDC Museum. Explore the challenges of resettlement and the resiliency of refugees living in metropolitan Atlanta as they build new lives, identities, and a sense of community. Opening July 13. Mon.Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-639-0830. Free.

atlantaparent.com

H Celebrate July 4th! H Photo by Jeff McPhail

Fantastic Fourth Celebration. Memorial Lawn at Stone Mountain Park. Enjoy a fireworks display following the Lasershow Spectacular. July 2-5. 9:30 p.m. Hwy. 78, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. Fireworks show, free; parking, $15. Cumming Fourth of July Celebration. Cumming Fairgrounds. Festivities begin July 3, 6-11 p.m., with music, inflatables and fireworks. Steam Engine Parade on July 4 at 10 a.m. with antique cars, tractors and floats. Celebration ends at 1 p.m. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-881-3491. Free. Sparks in the Park. E. E. Robinson Park. Fireworks, inflatables, food and drinks and live entertainment. July 3. 6:30-10:15 p.m. 850 Level Creek Rd., Sugar Hill. 770-831-7413. Free. Fourth of July Festivities. Peachtree City. Fourth of July parade begins in front of Village on the Green, travels up Peachtree Parkway and ends at McIntosh Recreation Complex. Food vendors and fireworks at dusk. July 4. Parade: 9-11 a.m. 151 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City. 770-631-2525. Free. Star Spangled Fourth. Mall of Georgia. Live music, kids’ zone, a movie and Gwinnett’s biggest fireworks display. July 4. Festivities begin at 5 p.m.; fireworks begin at dark; after the fireworks, “Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 1” will play. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-8788. Free. Cont’d on page 56

Mall of Georgia

RETURNING HOME: LIFE AFTER CIVIL WAR Saturday, July 18, 2015 J 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Enjoy participating in activities at Smith Family Farm and learning about this transitional period in history. Explore a Civil War encampment and become a part of the reenactment with simulations, crafts, and demonstrations. Major funding is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners

FAMILY PROGRAM AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/Family atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 55

H Celebrate July 4th! H ● SUMMER FUN ● BIRTHDAY PARTIES ● FIELD TRIPS Aspiring Drivers

Ages 3-15

www.tinytowne.com Norcross

470-545-7227

Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade. Dunwoody Village. Celebration features marching bands, floats, clowns and mascots who will march from Mount Vernon Rd. and Jett Ferry Rd. to Dunwoody Village where the fun continues with a festival. July 4. 9 a.m. Dunwoody Village Pkwy., Dunwoody. 770-354-7653. Free. Fourth in the Park. Glover Park. A parade, free live concerts, museum tours, arts and crafts show, food, carnival games and fireworks. Parade begins at Roswell St. Baptist Church and ends at North Marietta Pkwy. July 4. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 50 Park Square, Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free. Legendary Fourth of July. Lenox The Children’s Museum of Atlanta Square. Games and rides for kids in carnival area at 10 a.m., live music, Chamblee Fourth of July Celebration. food and the largest fireworks display in the Keswick Park. Activities for kids and adults, Southeast. July 4. Musical entertainment begins food vendors, live music and an elaborate at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:40 p.m. 3393 Peachtree fireworks show in the park. July 4. 5-10 p.m. Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-233-6767. Free. 3496 Keswick Dr., Chamblee. 770-986-5016. Fourth of July Extravaganza. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. March in the children’s parade around the museum floor, create flags to wave in the parade and take home, and see indoor “fireworks.” July 4. Noon and 2 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta. 404-6595437. Ages 1 and older, $12.75. Fourth of July Celebration. Centennial Olympic Park. Live music, food vendors, fireworks set to patriotic music. July 4. Gates open at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. 265 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-222-7275. Free. July Fourth Concert and Fireworks. Cauble Park. Live music in the afternoon, followed by fireworks at dark. Food, inflatables and more. July 4. 4-10 p.m. 4425 Beach St., Acworth. 770-917-1234. Free. July Fourth Festivities and Fireworks. Wills Park. Games, entertainment, local bands, food vendors and fireworks at dusk. July 4. 6-10 p.m. 1825 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta. 678-297-6133. Free.

Atlanta Braves Independence Day Postgame Fireworks. Turner Field. Celebrate the 4th of July with a Braves game and a fireworks display choreographed to patriotic music. July 4. Game starts at 7:15 p.m. 755 Hank Aaron Dr., Atlanta. 404-5227630. $10 and up.

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Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Fireworks extravaganza. July 4. 9:45 p.m. 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee. 706-896-4191. Free.

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770-720-5970

56 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Fourth of July Parade and Rotary Celebration. Downtown Newnan. A patriotic, hometown parade starts at Veteran’s Memorial Park through downtown at 9 a.m.; followed by entertainment and food at Newnan High School’s Drake Stadium; fireworks at dusk. July 4. Newnan. 770-253-8283. Free.

Red, White & View. Georgia Aquarium. Enjoy a the best view in town of the Centennial Olympic Park fireworks show with carnival games, arts and crafts, a live DJ,games and more. July 4. 7:30-10 p.m.; Fireworks, approximately 9:40 p.m. Downtown, Level 7 of Georgia Aquarium’s Parking Deck, 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta. Adults, $20; ages 3-12, $15; ages 2 and younger, free.

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Pied Piper Parade, Concert and Fireworks. Downtown Decatur. Decorate a wagon, ride your bike, skate or walk along with the parade that begins at First Baptist Church of Decatur. The Callanwolde Concert Band performs after the parade. Fireworks display at dark. July 4. Parade Line-Up, 5:30 p.m.; concert, 7 p.m.; fireworks, 9 p.m. Downtown Decatur. 404-371-8386. Free.

Pied Piper Parade

Family Fun Guide

Freedom Train. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Celebrate Independence Day all aboard in Bryson City. July 4. Departure 7:30 p.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800-8724681. Adults, $61-$82; ages 2-12, $39-$54; ages 23 months and younger, free-$15. c

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Calendar Once Upon a Time...Exploring the World of Fairy Tales. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Visit another time and place and interact with larger-than-life scenes from seven famous fairy tales. Through July 26. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.5 p.m., closed Weds. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Ages 1 and older, $12.75. Bruce Munro. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Inspired by Munro, an internationally acclaimed British artist known for his use of light. See installations created from hundreds of miles of fiber optics. Through Oct. 3. Wed.-Sun., 6-11 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Fri.-Sat., Adults, $22.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free; Wed., Thurs., Sun., Adults, $19.95; ages 3-12, $13.95; ages 2 and younger, free. Los Trompos. High Museum of Art. See the Spinning Tops, featuring more than 30 three-dimensional, larger than life tops in all colors throughout the Sifly Piazza. Through Nov. 29. Tues.-Thurs. and Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon- 5 p.m. closed Mon. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free. Toys: The Inside Story. Tellus Museum. See and learn the simple mechanisms commonly found in toys and your own toy-like combinations of gears, pulleys, linkages, cams and circuits. Through Jan. 4, 2016. Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free.

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FAMILY FUN AT THE WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER Woodruff Arts Center JULY 5, 12, 19 AND 26. NOON-5 P.M. The Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art are offering free fun days as part of CREATE ATL, activities such as art making, interactive musical story times, composersin-training sessions, instrument making, drop-in acting classes and more. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4200. Free.

Full Throttle: Evolution + Design of the Motorcycle. Tellus Museum. Learn all about vintage motorcycles, sidecars and mopeds from 1930s-1970s. July 18-March 2016. Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770606-5700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

movies Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival. Fox Theatre. Enjoy a different film each week. July 16, Jaws; July 18, The Breakfast Club and July 30, Ghost Busters. 7:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 800-278-4447. Tickets, $12.

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 57

RETURNING HOME: LIFE AFTER THE CIVIL WAR The Atlanta History Center JULY 18. 11 A.M.-4 P.M.

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After the Civil War life changed for those living in the South. Experience a Civil War encampment that explores these themes and become a part of the reenactment with simulations, crafts and activities. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; ages 3 and younger, free. atlantahistorycenter.com

Mysteries of the Unseen World. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Go places on the planet that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Through July 16. See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404929-6400. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; ages 2 and younger, free. Movies in the Park. Atlantic Station’s Central Park. Grab the kids and a blanket and enjoy a movie under the stars. July 2, Independence Day; July 9, Dirty Dancing; July 16, Casablanca; July 23, 101 Dalmatians; July 30, Airplane. 6:30-9 p.m. 1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta. 404-733-1221. Free. Movies on the Town. Town Brookhaven. Bring your blankets and watch a movie at dusk. July 9, The Goonies; July 16, Dirty Dancing; July 23, Notting Hill and July 30, Grease. 4330 Peachtree Rd., NE Atlanta. townbrookhaven.net. Free.

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58 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Movies Under the Stars. Mall of Georgia. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for a outdoor concert and movie every Saturday night. Also enjoy games, bounce houses, snack concessions and more. July 4, 11, 18 and 25. Concert, 6:30 p.m. Movie at dusk inside the Village Amphitheatre. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. Free.

music Wednesday WindDown. Centennial Olympic Park Amphitheater. Atlanta’s longest-running outdoor free concert series offers jazz and contemporary music performed by local and national touring acts. Bring blankets or chairs. July 8, 15, 22 and 29. 5:30 p.m. 265 Park Ave. West NW, Atlanta. 404-222-7275. $5. Riverside Sounds. Riverside Park. Outdoor concerts feature a variety of musical styles; food trucks are on site. Bring blankets or chairs. July 11. 7 p.m. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3705. Free.

Family Fun Guide

Concerts in the Park. Dunwoody Nature Center. Bring your chair, blanket, and picnic dinner for an outdoor concert. July 11. 7 p.m. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Adults, $5; ages 3 and younger, free. World Music Festival. Spivey Hall. Each concert features an instrumental artist, a vocal artist or an ensemble performing music that represents different regions and cultures around the world. July 1, America. July 8, Japan; July 15, Spain; and July 22, India. 11:15 a.m. 2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow. 678-466-4200. $2. Lawrenceville’s Summer Concerts. Lawrenceville Lawn. Bring chairs or blankets, pack a picnic dinner and enjoy a concert. July 31. 7 p.m. 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville. 678226-2639. Free. Summer Concert. Village Green. Open-air concert series features a wide array of talent from R&B, rock and soul. July 12. 7 p.m. 200 Village Green Circle. Smyrna. 770-434-6600. Free. Raccoon Creek Bluegrass Festival. Raccoon Creek. Over 13 bluegrass artists perform over two days. July 10-11. Fri., 6:30-10:30 p.m. Sat., 1-10:30 p.m. 332 Music Park Path, Dallas. 770-943-2721. Adults, $10-$25; ages 12 and younger, free. DeKalb Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops Concert. Marvin Cole Auditorium. Libby Whittemore performs a concert with the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra. July 17. 8 p.m. 555 North Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston. 678891-3565. Adults, $30; ages 18 and younger, $5-$15. Glover Park Concert Series. Glover Park. Pack a picnic and blanket to hear the Mike Veal Band. July 31. 8 p.m. 50 Park Sq., Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free. Music at Noon. Centennial Olympic Park. Enjoy lunch and live music performed by local artists – everything from pop and R&B to classic jazz. Every Tues. and Thurs., through Oct. noon-1 p.m., 265 Park Avenue West, Atlanta. 404-223-4412.

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Calendar

COOL DOWN WITH SOME ICE CREAM FUN!

Concerts by the Springs. Heritage Green. Bring picnic baskets, coolers and blankets for an outdoor concert. July 12. 7 p.m. 6110 Bluestone Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Free.

Ice Cream Festival Crooked Pines Farm JULY 18. 10 A.M. - 4 P.M.

nature Garden Stroller Strut. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Meet in the Hardin Visitor Center to explore the garden. July 3,10,17, 24 and 31. 10:30-11 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-8765859. Recommended for ages 1-2. Free with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free. Adventure Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Learn about great apes. July 8 and 11. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-5822. Recommended for ages 3-4. Reservations requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission. Stroller Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Programs for babies to 2 years and parents/caregivers. July 22 and 25. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-9453. Reservations requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission. Treasure Hunt. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Search for golden and sparkly treasures in the Children’s Garden. Meet in the Levy Parterre. July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. 10:30 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Free with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Atlanta Ice Cream Festival Piedmont Park JULY 25. 11 A.M.-6 P.M.

Watch an Ice Cream Queen pageant, a popsicle stick sculpture contest, a homemade ice cream competition, live entertainment and more. 355 Harmony Rd., Eatonton. 706-347-0274. Admission, $5 includes samples. crookedpinesfarm.com

Enjoy ice cold treats while you learn about fitness activities and health information. The festival includes an ice cream eating competition, live entertainment, vendors and games for children. 10th Street at Charles Allen Drive, Atlanta. 678-964-5944. Admission and activities are free, but vendors will charge a fee for ice cream samples. atlantaicecreamfestival.com

Hey Kids! So you think you can Dance? Sing? Perform? Enter Atlanta Parent’s Talent Showdown! You’ll compete for a chance to perform in front of thousands at our annual Family Festival, October 10th.

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Interested in exhibiting at the festival? Contact Jordan Lisvosky for more info, JLisvosky@atlantaparent.com or 678-222-1911 Family Fun Guide

July 2015 Atlanta Parent 59

Calendar Night Treks at the GEHC: Fireflies and Frogs. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Night hike in search of nocturnal animals. Pre-registration required. July 10. 8-9:30 p.m. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $6. Toddler Trek Tuesdays. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Interactive outdoor program is designed to give toddlers an opportunity to spend some time enjoying and experiencing nature. July 21. 11 a.m.-noon. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. $6. Butterfly Encounter. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Go inside and see hundreds of native butterflies and plants. Learn how to attract butterflies in your own backyard. Through July 31. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., noon-5 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.

special events Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo. Georgia World Congress Center. Peachtree Road Race kickoff event with vendors, a family zone for children, and race packet pickup. July 2-3. Wed., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thur., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., Atlanta. 404-231-9064. Free.

60 Atlanta Parent July 2015

SOUTHEAST HOME SCHOOL EXPO Cobb Galleria Centre JULY 23-25. THURS., 10 A.M.-4 P.M.; FRI., 10 A.M.-9 P.M.; SAT.,10 A.M.-5 P.M. Experts on home schooling will give helpful advice on how to successfully educate children at home. The expo includes home school seminars, vendors, and a kid’s zone with an Atlanta Braves batting area, chess tournament, LEGO build zone, TreeTop Quest Obstacle course and rock climbing wall. The Homeschooling for Excellence 101 seminar starts the expo on Thursday. 2 Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-594-1266. Adults, $25; ages 17 and younger, free. Kid’s zone, $40. southeasthomeschoolexpo.com Fridays -N- Duluth. Duluth Town Green. Activities include movies, musicians, and children’s activities each Friday night. July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. 6-9 p.m. Food for purchase or bring a picnic. 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-476-3434. Free. Teen Arts Night. City Center. Teens can bring instruments, poetry, artwork, and short stories to share. Includes a slice of pizza and a soda. July 3. 6-8 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-4944251. Ages 12-15, $5.

Family Fun Guide

Family Fun at the Woodruff Arts Center. The Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art are offering free fun days as part of CREATE ATL, activities such as art making, interactive musical story times, composersin-training sessions, instrument making, drop-in acting classes and more. Every Sun., noon-5 p.m. July 5, 12, 19 and 26. 1280 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta. 404-7334200. Free.

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Summer Celebration. McDaniel Farm. Tour the 1930s McDaniel Farm property, see tools from early farming days, make and eat homemade ice cream and hear about daily farm life. Pre-register required at gwinnettehc. org. July 11. 10 a.m.-noon. and 1:30 p.m.3:30 p.m. 3251 McDaniel Rd., Duluth. 770904-3500. Ages 3 and older, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. Railroad Rendezvous. Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History. Locomotive fun with indoor and outdoor activities including interactive games, chance to climb on the trains, crafts, live railroad music and more. July 18. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 2829 Cherokee Street Kennesaw. 770-4272117. Adults, $7; ages 4-12, $5; ages 3 and younger, free. North Georgia Live Steamers. Georgia International Horse Park. Enjoy a miniature train ride. July 11. Trains runs 1-4:30 p.m. 1632 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. 770-860-4190. All ages, $2 per ride. Atlanta Street Food Festival. Piedmont Park. Sample from over 40 Food Trucks, kids zone, live music. July 11. Noon-8 p.m. 400 Park Dr., Atlanta. Adult wristbands, $12; wristbands for 12 and younger, free. Reptile Day. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Live reptiles including lizards, turtles, and salamanders are on display. July 11. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-9296300. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

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Giggles. Emory Point. Jungle-themed event with craft activities, live music, face painting and balloon animals. July 11. 10 a.m.-noon. 727 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 678-686-3106. Free. Exotic Bird Fair. North Atlanta Trade Center. Georgia’s largest exotic bird fair features numerous breeders displaying and selling parrots, finches, conures and more. July 1819. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1700 Jeurgens Ct., Norcross. 770-279-9899. $5; ages 12 and younger, free. Scrapbook Expo. Gwinnett Center. Scrapbooking seminars, vendors, and make and take demonstrations. July 17-18. Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-813-7600. $8$15; ages 12 and younger free; workshops and crop events, $20-$61. Civil War Living History. Barrington Hall. Explore this Civil War encampment with live reenactments, formal dancing demonstrations, a children’s play area and more. July 18-19. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell.770-640-3855. Free. Southeast Homeschool Expo. Cobb Galleria Centre. Homeschool seminars and vendors. Kids’ zone includes chess tournament, LEGO build zone, TreeTop Quest Obstacle course, and rock climbing wall. July 23-25. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2 Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 847-284-9999. Adults, $20$25; ages 18 and younger, free.

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Outdoor Blast. Gwinnett Center. Hunting show features Truck-Buck Shootout competition, deer scoring and display, and kids’ zone with DNR hunter education courses, face painting, and simulators. July 24-26. Fri., 1-8 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-813-7600. Adults, $8; ages 12 and younger, free.

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Family Fun Guide

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July 2015 Atlanta Parent 61

Family Block Party Is Now Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival! Same great festival, with a new name! Call now to exhibit! 678-222-1911

Back for our 12th year, it’s Atlanta’s favorite family festival! Join the fun October 10th at Mercer University Atlanta Campus.

Calendar Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. Piedmont Park. Ice cream samples and scoops for purchase, live entertainment, fitness activities, and children’s activities. July 25. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 10 Street at Charles Allen Dr., Atlanta. 678964-5944. Admission, free. Repticon. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. Thousands of reptiles, amphibians, spiders, invertebrates and small exotic animals take over the fairgrounds during a day of interactive shows and programs, as well as animal and accessory sales. July 25-26. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m-4 p.m. 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. Adults, $10; ages 5-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free. V103/WAOK Car and Bike Show. Georgia World Congress Center. Classic car and bike displays, live music by popular Hip Hop stars, and car competitions. 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., Atlanta. July 25. Noon-9 p.m. $15; ages 6 and younger free. Blub, Blub. Alliance Theatre. Toddlers can explore the textures of the sea with music, interactive games and more by the Theatre for the Very Young. Through Aug 2. Sat., 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.; Sun., 1, 2 and 3 p.m. 404-733-5000. Adults, $10; ages 6-17, $5; ages 3-5, free. End of Summer Bash! Children’s Museum of Atlanta. The last celebration before The Museum temporarily shuts their doors for renovation. Enjoy sidewalk chalk drawing on the carpet, writing goodbye on the shadow wall, dance parties, crafts, games and prizes. July 31. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Ages 1 and older, $12.75.

storytelling Children’s Storytime. FoxTale Book Shoppe. Storytimes are followed by dance and songs. Mon. and Sat. 11 a.m. 105 East Main St., Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free.

Images By N’Neka and Butler Family Photography

MORE THAN 50 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES! Camel And Pony Rides • Toddler-Only Play Area Storytelling • Animals • Interactive Games Live Entertainment • Trick or Treat Street • Crafts Food • Exhibitors & Much More! BENEFICIARIES: Page Turners Make Great Learners Georgia Center for Child Advocacy

Exhibit, Volunteer, Donate Contact Jordan for more information: 678-222-1911 JLisvosky@atlantaparent.com

www.atlantaparent.com/familyfestival 62 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Family Fun Guide

Storytime by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join the volunteer librarian as she uses books, puppets and songs to share stories about nature. Ages 3-5. July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free. Tadpole Tales. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Preschoolers will enjoy a story with a Fernbank educator along with an activity or song. July 18. 11:30 a.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Free with admission. Adults $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free. Magical Garden Stories. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Storytelling about animals and nature with puppets and songs by different performers. July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. 10:3011 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Free with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free. Children’s Storytime. FoxTale Book Shoppe. Story times are followed by dance and songs. Every Sat. 11 a.m. 105 E. Main St., Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free.

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CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PRESENTS VAREKAI Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories. Thurs. nights kids can come in pjs for milk and cookies. Tues. 11 a.m., Thurs. 7 p.m., and Sun. 3 p.m. 133 A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free. Wren’s Nest Storytelling. The Wren’s Nest. Ramblers host storytelling each Sat. 1 p.m. 1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404-753-7735. Adults, $8; ages 4-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free. (Price includes storytelling). Garden Stories. Smith Gilbert Gardens. Young Sprouts ages 3-6 years old and their caregivers enjoy a story on a garden-related topic, crafts, dancing and playtime. July 22. 10:30 a.m. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. Adults and ages 3-6, $7.

theater Rapunzel. City Center. Join Elm Street Theatre for a different take on a classic story. Rapunzel rediscovers the world with her new friends. July 15-29. Wed., 10 a.m. Sat. and Sun., 2 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock, 678-494-4251. Ages 2 and older, $10-$12.

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Gwinnett Center JULY 29-AUG. 2. WED. AND THURS., 7:30 P.M.; FRI.-SAT., 4 AND 7:30 P.M.; SUN., 1:30 AND 5 P.M. The story of Varekai begins deep in the rain forest as a young man explores and finds enchanted creatures. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-813-7500. Tickets, starting at $25. cirquedusoleil.com

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WWW.COPYCATSFORKIDS.COM

fUN-O-RAMA PARTIES Full Service Themed Parties

The Relucant Dragon

The Relucant Dragon. Center for Puppetry Arts. When a dragon moves into the neighborhood, a boy, the soft spoken dragon and a famous knight must use showmanship to stage a battle to calm the villagers’ fears. July 28- Aug. 9. Tues.-Fri., 10 and noon. Sat., 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Sun., 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Ages 2 and older, $16.50. Roswell Puppet Series. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Choose from seven different puppet shows for summer fun brought to you by nationally-touring puppeteers and their puppets, just right for ages 2-10. Through July 18. Visit roswellpuppets.com for showtimes. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-5946232. Tickets, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type. Center for Puppetry Arts. Join the barnyard fun in this new adaptation of the award-winning children’s book. Through July 26. Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m. and noon; Sat. 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun. 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Ages 2 and older, $16.50.

Inﬂatables & Party Rentals • Face Painting Creative Balloon Art • Characters & Mascots Puppets, Magic & MORE!

770-572-1737 www.funoramaparties.com

You invite the guests and we’ll supply the rest!

beyond atlanta Georgia Mountain Fair. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Weeklong festival featuring mountain crafts and live music. July 17-25. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee. 706-8964191. Adults, $12; ages 12 and younger, free.

Stay up to speed on the latest events.

Balloon Decor & Party Supplies throughout Atlanta. Multiple themes such as Mickey Mouse & Despicable Me.

678-708-2321

Packages starting as low as $29.99

470.355.8484 • www.celebrateatl.com balloons that change the room

To advertise please call DIANE at 678-222-1914 64 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

COMPLETE EVENT LISTINGS atlantaparent.com

Classified Pages Party Dinosaur Train. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train from the PBS series chugs along the Tuckasegee River Excursion route. A one hour and 45 minute layover includes costumed Buddy meet and greet, dino putt-putt golf, bouncy slide, and games. July 17-19, 24-26 and July 31- Aug. 2, Fri. and Sat., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sun., 3 p.m. 45 Mitchell St., Bryson City, NC. 800-872-4681. Adults, $39-$59; ages 2-12, $30-$40; ages 23 months and younger, $10. Explore the Rails Exhibit. Creative Discovery Museum. Join Thomas & Friends and travel to the Island of Sodor for hands-on, STEM activities based on the adventures of the children’s TV and book series. Through Sept. 13. 321 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, Tenn. 423756-2738. $12.75; younger than 1, free. River Giants Exhibit. Tennessee Aquarium. A collection of freshwater fish at legendary sizes, the “goliaths” of freshwater. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. One Broad St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 800-262-0695. Adults, $29.95; ages 3-12, $18.95; ages 2 and younger, free. Saturday Market on the River. Augusta Riverwalk. Browse local produce, baked goods, art and more on the banks of the Savannah River. July 4,11,18 and 25. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 8th St. Plaza, Augusta. 800-726-0243. Free. First Friday Night Concert Series. Hancock Park, Dahlonega. Bring friends, family lawn chairs and listen to entertaining bands. July 3. 6:30 p.m. North Park and Warwick Streets, Dahlonega. 706-864-6133. Free. Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hikes. Tallulah Gorge State Park. A 1 mile hike down the gorge steps, across the suspension bridge to the gorge. July 1. 8:30 p.m. July 30. 8 p.m. 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls. 706754-7981. Advance registration required. $5; parking, $5. Youth Fishing Days. Buck Shoals. Bring the kids out to the lake and stock up on catfish, bass and bream. Don’t forget your bait and rods. July 18. 8 a.m.-noon. Smithgall Woods State Park. 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen. 706-8783087. $5. T-Shirt Work Shop. BabyLand General Hospital. Be creative and make a Cabbage Patch Kid T-shirt. July 6-17. See babylandgeneral.com for schedule and reservations.300 N.O.K. Dr., Cleveland. 706-865-2171. $15. c

Glow-In-The-Dark Play Area Features: rties! Ages Science Pa 3-12 We o c me to YOU!  Bubbling Potions!  Rockets!  Cotton Candy!  Much More!

678-392-1500

minigolf football soccer basketball air cannons glow-in-the-dark inflatables lighted interactive game floor

PRIVATE PARTIES

Party Rooms with glow & regular lighting

6527 JIMMY CARTER BLVD. NORCROSS ❖ 770-368-3008

WWW.GLOWGALAXY.COM

BigThinkersScience.com

Open Play Times (See website for times)

MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% DISCOUNT!

Alligators, Monkeys, Farm Friends and more!

Live animals of all kinds! Hands-on, Fun, Educational

Home of the $99 Weekday Moonwalk Rental!! Free gift with party while supplies last. $

www.azootoyou.com

25 Off

Waterslide or Moonwalk

Jump Ovation Parties 678-463-9243 www.jumpovation.com

Reach party planning moms and dads with our Party Guide! To advertise call Diane at 770-454-7599.

Please Recycle Dinosaur Train

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

Pricing starts at $200 July 2015 Atlanta Parent 65

Humor

by Pam Molnar

The Eye Roll Gold Medalist

oms like to brag about their kids. It starts with how long the mother labored and how much her baby weighed. It moves on to the first tooth, earliest walker and the kid who potty trained before anyone else. And while many of those early stories are amazing, those are things we all do eventually. Moms with high school aged children have so much more to brag about. You see, only a small percentage of people will ever do what their child has accomplished. Varsity team as a freshman. Perfect score on their ACT. Accepted with a full ride to Julliard. It is impressive stuff and these moms can’t help but share with everyone. I am one of those parents. In fact, I have topped them all. My 17-year-old is a Junior Olympic Gold Medalist in Eye Rolling. Take that, you perfect ACT score mom! And you know what? My 15-year-old got the Silver Medal. How lucky am I? With so many teenagers vying for the Eye Rolling Gold Medal, the competition is fierce. My girls are truly gifted. They have been practicing the art of Eye Rolling since they were preteens. It was another average day when I noticed my oldest daughter’s talent. We were shopping for clothes and I suggested an outfit I thought was cute. Out of nowhere, my daughter produced a perfect eye roll. It happened so naturally that it took my breath away. From that moment on, she practiced as often as she could. Whenever I suggested a clothing combination, sang along to a song on the radio or asked for her help, she would work on her eye roll. We were so elated when she felt comfortable sharing her gift in front of her grandparents and, of course, her friends. Everyone got to see her impressive technique. A few of her friends tried to copy it, but they apparently 66 Atlanta Parent July 2015

Oly Gompic Me ld dal Eye Ro llin g

didn’t have as much inspirational material to develop their ability to produce the perfect eye roll. I guess it takes the right kind of mother to build that talent in their child. I really saw my daughter move to the next level when she added the complaint moan. You see, if your not looking at my daughter’s face, you might miss her eye roll. She soon discovered if she moaned in complaint along with the eye roll, she would have a much bigger audience. It’s hard to explain the beauty of it, but I will try to set the scene. Imagine a teenager sitting on the couch with the TV on. She is not actually watching the TV, but instead engaged in something on her phone. Her mother is in the kitchen, mixing ground beef for meatballs. The dog is standing at the back door wanting to go out. The dog barks but the teenager ignores him. The mother asks her daughter nicely, “Honey, the dog needs to go out and my hands are covered in meatballs. Can you let her out?” And the mother waits. And she waits. The mother repeats the request, a little louder this time. There is no movement from the teenager. The dog barks again. This time the mother replaces the word “honey” with her daughter’s first and middle names. And here it comes. The teen throws her head back for a second before inhaling deeply and sitting up straighter. Her jaw clenches as her eye ball rolls in the direction of the voice from the other room. Without blinking, her eyes come back to center and the teen turns her head toward her mother. Annoyed to be interrupted while scrolling through Instagram, the teen shoots a final death glare before standing up. Just in case her mother wasn’t looking, the teen lets out a moan that is a combination of disgust and aggravation before stomping her feet as she walks to the back door. Another perfect 10. I am so proud. I wonder if they make an Eye Roll Olympiad sticker for the back of my car? c

atlantaparent.com

Slimy kids meet slimy reptiles! We’re looking for slimy, spectacular kids to meet up with slimy, spectacular reptiles at Zoo Atlanta’s newest exhibit: Scaly Slimy Spectacular.

Show us that tongue Contest! Parents, enter your kid’s funny photo sticking out their tongue like Zoo Deadline Atlanta’s reptiles! to enter: July 20 Grand Prize: A family membership to Zoo Atlanta along with an Aldabra Wild Encounter Experience for four. Two runners-up will receive admission to the Zoo for four. Visit Atlantaparent.com/giveaways for more info and to submit your photo.

Mon.-Fri. July 20-24

• 10am - 2pm