AtlantaParent
July 2021 / atlantaparent.com
From Art Classes Museums Trampoline Parks Dance Private Schools Birthday Parties Pediatricians Travel Preschools Nature Centers Tutoring Special Needs
To the Zoo
and much, much more
TOP
10
LISTS
for Everything Family
Great Info Mom, Dad,
the Kids can use
ALL YEAR LONG
2021
PLUS: Get Ready for Back to School / More Summer Fun
Nestled between Savannah and Charleston, Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort is situated on Beaufort’s most beautiful barrier island. Swept by warm trade winds and soothed by the sound of the surf, Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort remains and escape for people of all ages and ways of life. Experience our two breathtaking golf courses, a full-service marina, professional racquet club, outdoor pool complexes, and 3.5 miles of unspoiled beach.
844.546.2586
WWW.FRIPPISLANDRESORT.COM
4 Atlanta Parent July 2021
atlantaparent.com
Inside 37 July
YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT
Publisher’s Note / 8 Good Stuff / 9 For the Fridge / 58
TOP
10
LISTS
for Everything Family
From museums and attractions to pediatricians and classes, use our curated Top 10 lists all year to explore everything Atlanta has to offer.
Page 10
42
It’s Time for Back to School
49
Family Fun Guide
54
Everyone is excited about the new school year. Use our tips and strategies to get ready. Plus, how homeschool families can find their group. Fourth of July parades and fireworks, free movies under the stars and not-to-miss July events.
It’s the World of Van Gogh A one-of-a-kind light and sound show brings the artist’s paintings to life. Read our review and ideas for introducing his work to your kids.
Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine atlantaparent.com
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 5
PUBLISHER Liz White
lwhite@atlantaparent.com ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com
ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com
ACCOUNT Melinda McGuire EXECUTIVE mmcguire@atlantaparent.com
ACCOUNT Genie Lockeretz EXECUTIVE glockeretz@atlantaparent.com
ACCOUNT Christy Craig EXECUTIVE ccraig@atlantaparent.com
STAFF Emily Webb WRITER ewebb@atlantaparent.com
COPY Mary Williams EDITOR
EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com
PRODUCTION Robin Mintz
MARKETING Felicia Barman MOM
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It’s Time to Evaluate Your Financial Wellness Plan As a fee-only firm, Marietta Wealth provides you with a personalized strategy based on what is right for you. Let us help you: • Make sure your finances are on the right track • Develop a tailored investment strategy • Put a college savings plan in place • Plan for retirement
Contact us today and let one of our experienced advisors build a plan for your family’s financial future.
404-549-6930 472 Sessions St NW #24 Marietta GA 30060 www.mariettawealth.com Investment advice offered through Marietta Wealth Management, LLC a registered investment adviser.
Publisher’s Note
B
eing a parent is serious business. That’s why it’s so important to play with your kids whenever you get the chance. Atlanta Parent loves bringing you family fun. This month’s issue is packed with ideas for doing just that, starting with our “Top 10 Lists for Everything Family” (page 10). It’s a resource you can use all year long to find some of the best places in Atlanta to entertain your family, from nature centers to museums to places to play all day, and everything in between. You’ll also find help with some of the more challenging aspects of family life – use our lists to find pediatricians and specialists, childcare providers, schools and more. We want you to make the most of your summer with the kids this year, whether you’ll be staying in Atlanta as hometown tourists, or heading to a beach for fun in the sun. If you’re staying close to home, make sure you experience the best of Atlanta with our list of four must-do activities. From tubing on the Chattahoochee to exploring the new twilight program at Zoo Atlanta, there are plenty of things every family can do before summer is over. Hometown tourists will also love the special events happening around town, including festivals, theater productions and much more. Check out the new attraction Illumanarium at the BeltLine. There’s plenty of free fun, too; enjoy a family night out with a movie under the stars. And though it’s still July, families are already looking forward to the start of the new school year – opening day for most metro school districts is Aug. 2. We asked an expert from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life about easing the anxiety kids might have about going back to school (page 45). Plus, use our tips and strategies to be ready for the first day of school. How’s your summer going so far? Drop us a line at Facebook.com/AtlantaParentMagazine and tell us about the fun adventures with your family.
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We welcome your views and comments. Letters that appear in the magazine may be edited for content and space.
8 Atlanta Parent July 2021
atlantaparent.com
by Emily Webb
Good StUff
THINGS WE LIKE
An Attitude of Gratitude
Celebrate small acts of kindness as a family with The Jar from Afar. Each time something great happens to one of your family members, drop small trinkets, change or money into the gold tower. Once it’s full, deliver the jar to a neighbor or person in your community to spread the gift of gratitude to someone else. The accompanying storybook shares the background behind the tradition. Available at thejarfromafar.com for $39.95.
Eating in Atlanta
Creative in the Kitchen
Embark on an edible adventure that combines food and STEAM with I’m The Chef Too! Explore outer space with galactic donuts, erupt a volcano cake, create cupcake geodes and more. Each box includes a recipe card, activity guide, STEM-themed project, supplies, an adventure card and premeasured dry ingredients. Available for $38.95 for one box or purchase a monthly subscription at imthecheftoo.com.
Explore the delicious offerings of metro Atlanta’s restaurants with “Unique Eats and Eateries of Atlanta.” Writer Amanda Plumb showcases Southern, Australian, Malaysian, Mexican, Venezuelan and more cuisines as she details the diverse and innovative restaurants throughout the city. Read about the chefs and restaurant owners as they detail their stories of family, failure and reinvention. Available at amandaeplumb.com for $22.50.
Get Fit
An Artistic Masterpiece
Inspire kid’s artistic skills with Jean Van’t Hul’s “Invitation to Draw: 99 Drawing Prompts to Inspire Kids’ Creativity.” Art prompts and questions will inspire children to draw and think more creatively. The book’s pages are perforated to allow kids to easily tear out prompts for on-the-go fun. Available at penguinrandomhouse.com for $19.95.
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Enjoy the outdoors and an exercise competition with the American Ninja Warrior Family Agility Set. The obstacle course is easy to set up and includes an adjustable hoop and hurdle, five agility poles and a crawl through tube. Set up the course in different ways for new challenges each time you compete. Available at b4adventure. com for $89.99.
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 9
TOP
10
LISTS
for Everything Family
OUT & ABOUT
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Family Attractions l Center for Puppetry Arts puppet.org Atlanta, 404-873-3391 l Fernbank Museum of Natural History fernbankmuseum.org Atlanta, 404-929-6300
l Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park nps.gov/malu Atlanta, 404-331-5190 x5046 l Six Flags Over Georgia sixflags.com/overgeorgia Austell, 770-739-3400
l Georgia Aquarium georgiaaquarium.org Atlanta, 404-581-4000
l Skyview Atlanta skyviewatlanta.com Atlanta, 678-949-9023
l High Museum of Art high.org Atlanta, 404-733-4400 l Illuminarium illuminarium.com Atlanta, 404-341-1000
l Stone Mountain Park stonemountainpark.com Stone Mountain, 800-401-2407 l Zoo Atlanta zooatlanta.org Atlanta, 404-624-9453
2021 Our curated lists will help you explore all Atlanta has to offer, from schools to attractions and more. Zoo Atlanta
10 Atlanta Parent July 2021
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OUT & ABOUT Museums
l Atlanta History Center atlantahistorycenter.com Atlanta, 404-814-4000
l College Football Hall of Fame cfbhall.com Atlanta, 404-880-4800
l The Booth Western Art Museum boothmuseum.org Cartersville, 770-387-1300
l Fernbank Museum of Natural History fernbankmuseum.org Atlanta, 404-929-6300
l Center for Civil and Human Rights civilandhumanrights.org Atlanta, 678-999-8990 l Center for Puppetry Arts puppet.org Atlanta, 404-873-3391
l Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center gwinnettehc.com Buford, 770-904-3500 l High Museum of Art high.org Atlanta, 404-733-4400
l Children’s Museum of Atlanta childrensmuseumatlanta.org Atlanta, 404-659-5437
l Tellus Science Museum tellusmuseum.org Cartersville, 770-606-5700
Southeastern Railway Museum
Special Interest For thrills
iFLY Atlanta iflyworld.com Atlanta, 678-803-4359
For train lovers
Southeastern Railway Museum train-museum.org Duluth, 770-476-2013
For puppet lovers
Center for Puppetry Arts puppet.org Atlanta, 404-873-3391
For little builders
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta legolanddiscoverycenter.com Atlanta, 404-848-9252
For renaissance fans
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament medievaltimes.com Lawrenceville, 888-935-6878
College Football Hall of Fame
For tree lovers
Treetop Quest treetopquest.com Dunwoody, 770-365-0356 Buford, 404-277-6113
Smaller Museums l Computer Museum of America computermuseumofamerica.org Roswell, 770-695-0651 l Delta Flight Museum deltamuseum.org Atlanta, 404-715-7886 l Fernbank Science Center fernbank.edu Atlanta, 678-874-7102
l Marietta Museum of History mariettahistory.org Marietta, 770-794-5710
For the little firefighter
Marietta Fire Museum mariettaga.gov/189/ fire-museum Marietta, 770-794-5466
l Michael C. Carlos Museum carlos.emory.edu Atlanta, 404-727-4282
For alpaca adventures
l Museum of Design Atlanta museumofdesign.org Atlanta, 404-979-6455
Creekwater Alpaca Farm cwafarm.com Snellville, 877-465-5181
l Funk Heritage Center reinhardt.edu/funkheritage Waleska, 770-720-5970
l Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History southernmuseum.org Kennesaw, 770-427-2117
L&R Alpaca Haven Farm lralpaca.com Douglasville, 404-408-4635
l Interactive Neighborhood for Kids inkfun.org Gainesville, 770-536-1900
l Southeastern Railway Museum train-museum.org Duluth, 770-476-2013
Atlanta Selfie Museum atlantaselfie.com Atlanta, 404-566-5778
For the model family
Museum of Design Atlanta
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Cont’d on next page
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 11
OUT & ABOUT Get Your Nature On Enjoy trails, exhibits, programs, and events on 127 acres of forest, wetland, and river habitat at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Connect your family with nature all year at this Atlanta attraction.
Gardens and Nature Centers l Atlanta Botanical Gardens atlantabg.org Atlanta, 404-876-5859 Gainesville, 404-888-4760
l Autrey Mill Nature Preserve autreymill.org Johns Creek, 678-366-3511 l Blue Heron Nature Preserve bhnp.org Atlanta, 404-946-6394
Roswell / 770-992-2055 chattnaturecenter.org
l Callaway Resort & Gardens callawaygardens.com Pine Mountain, 844-512-3826
sponsored
l Chattahoochee Nature Center chattnaturecenter.org Roswell, 770-992-2055
l Elachee Nature Science Center elachee.org Gainesville, 770-535-1976
l Reynolds Nature Preserve claytonparks.com/reynolds-nature-preserve Morrow, 770-603-4188
l Dunwoody Nature Center dunwoodynature.org Dunwoody, 770-394-3322
l Gibbs Gardens gibbsgardens.com Ball Ground, 770-893-1880
l Smith-Gilbert Gardens smithgilbertgardens.com Kennesaw, 770-919-0248
Places to Splash Outdoors l Acworth Beach acworth.com/attractions/acworth-beach Acworth, 770-917-1234 l Big Splash Interactive Fountain at Suwanee Town Center suwanee.com/services/parks Suwanee, 770-945-8996 l Margaritaville at Lanier Islands margaritavilleatlanierislands.com Buford, 470-323-3440 l Buccaneer Cove at Malibu Grand Prix Norcross malibunorcross.com Norcross, 770-416-7630 l Elizabeth Porter Park Sprayground mariettaga.gov/parksrec Marietta, 770-794-5073 l Piedmont Park Aquatic Center piedmontpark.org/aquatics-pool Atlanta, 404-875-7275 l Riverside Park Splash ‘N’ Play roswellgov.com Roswell, 770-594-6158 l Six Flags White Water sixflags.com/whitewater Marietta, 770-590-4097
12 Atlanta Parent July 2021
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
l Six Flags Hurricane Harbor sixflags.com/overgeorgia/hurricane-harbor Austell, 770-739-3400
l Swift-Cantrell Park Splash Pad kennesaw-ga.gov Kennesaw, 770-422-9714
atlantaparent.com
OUT & ABOUT Trampoline Parks l Adventure Air Sports adventureairsports.com Kennesaw, 678-839-9928
l Altitude Trampoline Park altitudetrampolinepark.com Marietta, 770-693-7627 l Get Air getairsports.com Multiple locations l Launch Trampoline Park launchtrampolinepark.com Cumming, 678-807-7772 Dawsonville, 706-391-6553 l Nitro Zone nitrozone.com Peachtree Corners, 470-636-3230
l Rockin’ Jump rockinjump.com Buford, 678-324-9590; Smyrna, 770-224-0310 l Sky Zone Trampoline Park skyzone.com McDonough, 770-914-9444 Roswell, 678-745-9900 l Urban Air Adventure Park urbanairtrampolinepark.com McDonough, 678-552-1908 Newnan, 470-381-2117 Lawrenceville, 678-210-5442
Places to Play All Day
l Adventure Air Sports adventureairsports.com Kennesaw, 678-839-9928 l Andretti Indoor Karting & Games andrettikarting.com Marietta, 678-712-4972 Buford, 470-646-3278 l Funopolis Family Fun Center funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com Commerce, 706-335-3866
l XDrenaline xdrenaline.com Marietta, 770-604-1367
l Fun Spot America – Atlanta funspotamericaatlanta.com Fayetteville, 407-363-3867
l Xtreme Hopp xtremehopp.com Johns Creek, 470-339-4677
l Lakepoint Station lakepointstation.com Cartersville, 678-719-0921 l Main Event Entertainment mainevent.com Atlanta, 770-995-0717 Alpharetta, 770-521-9100 Suwanee, 770-945-7111 l Malibu Grand Prix malibunorcross.com Norcross, 770-416-7630 l Metro Fun Center metrofuncenter.com Atlanta, 404-724-8826 l Oodazu oodazu.com Atlanta, 404-565-0259 l Stars and Strikes starsandstrikes.com Multiple locations
Rollerskating/Ice Skating l The Alpharetta Family Skate Center coolerathletics.com Alpharetta, 770-649-6600
l Golden Glide goldenglide.com Decatur, 404-288-7773
l Atlanta IceForum iceforum.com Duluth, 770-813-1010
l Hot Wheels Skate Center hotwheelsskatecenter.com Woodstock, 770-592-4688
l Atlanta Ice House atlantaicehouse.com Marietta, 404-800-2150
l Skate-A-Long USA skatealongusa.com Lilburn, 770-921-0800
l Cascade Skating cascadeskating.com Atlanta, 404-996-0078
l Sparkles Family Fun Center sparklesfamilyfuncenters.com Multiple locations
l Center Ice Arena centericearena.org Sandy Springs, 404-549-8425
l Stone Mountain Skates stonemountainskates.com Stone Mountain, 770-469-9775
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Lakepoint Station Cont’d on next page
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 13
OUT & ABOUT
Road Trip Resorts
Attractions
l Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort frippislandresort.com Saint Helena, SC, 888-741-8974
l Lauderdale-By-The-Sea discoverlbts.com Lauderdale by the Sea, FL, 954-640-4200
l Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center gaylordopryland.com Nashville, TN, 615-889-1000
l Naples, Marco Island and Everglades paradisecoast.com Naples, FL, 800-688-3600
l Callaway Resort & Gardens callawaygardens.com Pine Mountain, 844-512-3826
l Lanier Islands Resort lanierislands.com Buford, 770-945-8787 l Reynolds Lake Oconee reynoldslakeoconee.com Greensboro, 855-661-6270
l Daytona Beach daytonabeach.com Daytona Beach, FL, 386-255-0415
l Tampa Bay visittampabay.com Tampa, FL, 813-223-2752
Best Travel Destinations for Families with Kids atlantaparent.com/ travel-kids/
l Visit Central Florida: Lakeland and Winter Haven visitcentralflorida.org Davenport, FL, 800-828-7655
Stay and Play in Georgia l Alpine Helen helenga.org Helen, 706-878-2181
l Cordele-Crisp County visitcordele.com Cordele, 229-273-1668 l Farmview Market farmviewmarket.com Madison, 678-729-1458 l Lake Lanier discoverlakelanier.com Gainesville, 770-536-5209 l The Lilly Pad Village lillypadvillage.com Blue Ridge, 706-534-1317 l Macon maconga.org Macon, 478-743-1074 l The Museum of Aviation museumofaviation.org Warner Robins, 478-926-6870
14 Atlanta Parent July 2021
l Peachtree City visitpeachtreecity.com Peachtree City, 678-216-0282
l Rabun County explorerabun.com Clayton, 706-960-9865
l Villa Rica visitvillarica.com Villa Rica, 678-840-1442
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TOP
10 LISTS
CHILDCARE
Independent Childcare Centers l Akers Academy akersacademy.com Alpharetta, 678-730-0218; Cumming, 678-303-4326 l Atlanta First Day School a1kids.org Atlanta, 404-333-0270 l Chastain School at St. John Children’s Center thechastainschool.com Atlanta, 404-843-8375 l Dunwoody Prep dunwoodyprep.com Dunwoody, 770-396-2973 l Haygood Child Development Center haygoodwcm.org Atlanta, 404-872-5806
Large Childcare Centers
These childcare centers all have multiple locations. Find one in your neighborhood by visiting the websites. l Big Blue Marble bbmacademy.com
l Kids R Kids kidsrkids.com
l Bright Horizons brighthorizons.com
l Kindercare Learning Center kindercare.com
l Carrington Academy carringtonacademy.com
l Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool littlesunshine.com
l Discovery Point discoverypoint.com
l Primrose Schools primroseschools.com
l The Goddard School goddardschool.com
l Sunshine House sunshinehouse.com
atlantaparent.com
l O2B Kids o2bkids.com Alpharetta, 770-360-8260; Johns Creek, 770-360-1375 l Peachtree Prep peachtreeacademy.com/ec Conyers and Covington, 770-860-8900 l Phase Family Learning Center phase.center/school Alpharetta, 470-239-2480 l Princeton Academy princetonacademymarietta.com Marietta, 770-432-0059 l Toddler University toddleruniversity.org Marietta, 770-299-9901
Cont’d on next page
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 15
CHILDCARE
NANNY ROSE AGENCY Welcoming
NEW FAMILIES
Recruiting
FULL & PART TIME NANNIES AND SITTERS
470-462-8561 NANNYROSE.ORG
NANNYROSE40@GMAIL.COM
Nannies & Babysitters
l College Nannies + Sitters collegenanniesandsitters.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Early Education Showcase
l Georgia’s Dream Nannies gadreamnannies.com 770-517-0443 l Nanny Pod nannypod.com 843-819-3840 l Nanny Rose nannyrose.org 470-462-8561 l Platinum Sitters platinumsitters.com 877-594-5530
O2B Kids
770-599-5567 / o2bkids.com We improve self-confidence, develop social skills, open minds, and strengthen bodies. We help children discover hidden talents and promote a passion for discovery with our nationally accredited Preschool & SchoolAged programs.
KinderCare Learning Centers 833-90-LEARN / kindercare.com At Kindercare teachers help every child build the confidence they need to try new things and explore the world around them. Ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Enroll now in your neighborhood KinderCare.
Let Atlanta Families Know About Your Childcare Program For more information e-mail
l Signet Nannies signetnannies.com 678-637-5559 l Sitter Tree sittertree.com 678-310-8412 l Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency twinkletoesnanny.com 404-625-4278 l Urban Sitter urbansitter.com l Your Happy Nest yourhappynest.com 678-365-0188
Genie at glockeretz@atlantaparent.com 16 Atlanta Parent July 2021
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TOP
10 LISTS
CLASSES
A Studio Dedicated to the Art of Dance
Dance
Ballet • Tap • Jazz Hip Hop • Piano • Guitar Adult Tap and Ballet • Ballroom • Yoga Ages 2 and older Adult classes, too
l Academy of Ballet academy-ballet.com Peachtree Corners, 770-242-6379 l Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education centre.atlantaballet.com Multiple locations l Atlanta Dance & Music Academy atlantadanceandmusic.com Atlanta, 404-877-0005
Dance & Arts Showcase
l Atlanta Dance Central atlantadancecentral.com Roswell, 770-992-0170 l Ballethnic Dance Company ballethnic.org East Point, 404-762-1416 l Dance and Arts Showcase danceandarts.com Chamblee/Tucker, 770-934-5010 l Fleetwood Dance Center fleetwooddance.com Alpharetta, 770-442-5229
The Arts
Open House: Aug. 7 & 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. sponsored
l Moving in the Spirit movinginthespirit.org Atlanta, 404-624-5295
Visual Arts
Performing Arts
l Johns Creek Arts Center johnscreekarts.org Johns Creek, 770-623-8448
l Alliance Theatre alliancetheatre.org Atlanta, 404-733-4650
l Spruill Center for the Arts spruillarts.org Atlanta, 770-394-3447
l The Watson Academy kidslovewatson.com Smyrna, 678-929-8289
l Vinings School of Art viningsschoolofart.com Smyrna, 678-213-4278
l Atlanta Workshop Players atlantaworkshopplayers.com Atlanta, 770-998-8111
l Zone of Light zoneoflightstudio.com Atlanta, 678-948-8059
l Act3 Arts Academy act3productions.org Sandy Springs, 770-241-1905
l La Dee Da Children’s Art Studio ladeedastudio.com Sandy Springs, 404-963-7391
Chamblee/Tucker 770-934-5010 DanceAndArts.com
l Forefront Arts forefrontarts.com Multiple locations, 770-864-3316
l The Neighborhood Ballet theneighborhoodballet.com Atlanta, 470-309-0803
l Rhythm Dance Center rhythmdancecenter.com Marietta, 770-998-6507
Music
l Artz for the Harp artzfortheharp.org Smyrna, 678-902-2789 l Atlanta School of Musical Arts atlantamusicalarts.com Atlanta, 404-490-5391 l Bach To Rock Music School – Alpharetta alpharetta.b2rmusic.com l Community Music Centers of Atlanta cmcatlanta.com Multiple locations l Dunwoody School for the Arts dbc.org/schoolforthearts Dunwoody, 770-280-1200 l Eclectic Music eclecticmusicatlanta.com Atlanta, 404-537-1382 l European School of Music euroschoolmusic.org Sandy Springs, 404-255-8382 l The Music Class themusicclass.com Multiple locations l Sandy Springs Music sandyspringsmusic.com Sandy Springs, 404-250-0406 l School of Rock schoolofrock.com Multiple locations, 866-695-5515 Cont’d on next page
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July 2021 Atlanta Parent 17
Dance & Arts Showcase
CLASSES Sports
Ages Two-Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Piano • Guitar • Adult Ballet & Tap
Sign Up Now for Fall Classes!
OPEN HOUSE
AUGUST 7 & 8: 10am-4pm
770-934-5010 www.danceandarts.com
Chamblee/Tucker - 2861 Henderson Mill Rd.
10 OFF
$
REGISTRATION FEE Must mention this ad. Expires 10/1/21
Best of
2020 Atlanta
l Agape Tennis Academy agapetennisacademy.com Decatur and Tucker, 404-636-5628 l Atlanta Diving Association atlantadiving.com Multiple locations, 770-844-7710 l Atlanta Junior Rowing Association ajracrew.com Roswell, 770-835-5769 l Atlanta Volleyball Academy avageorgia.com Suwanee, 404-775-5005
l Hi Five Sports – N. Atlanta hifivesportsclubs.com Alpharetta, 470-397-2255
l Family Martial Arts successwithfma.com/sandy-springs Sandy Springs, 404-256-4400
l i9 Sports i9sports.com Multiple locations
l Georgia Soccer Association georgiasoccer.org Atlanta, 770-452-0505
l Intown Stars Gymnastics intownstarsgymnastics.com Decatur, 404-330-8988
Swim Lessons Now you can become one with the music
Our unique instructional method develops both musical and intellectual abilities, memory focus, creativity and critical thinking which help students reach their full potential.
Take Advantage - Online Options!
Private Lessons: Music & Chess 4 years– adult Piano Violin Guitar Drums Pan Flute Recorder Voice Chess
l A5 Volleyball Club a5volleyball.com Roswell, 770-346-8878
MusicLessonsATL.com EuroSchoolMusic.org SANDY SPRINGS
404-255-8382
18 Atlanta Parent July 2021
l Aqua-Tots Swim Schools aqua-tots.com Multiple locations
l SeaVentures seaventures.com Alpharetta, 770-992-3772
l Big Blue Swim School bigblueswimschool.com Johns Creek, 770-308-8227
l Sharkies Swim & Scuba sharkiesswimandscubaacademy.com Smyrna, 678-827-2822
l British Swim School britishswimschool.com Multiple Locations l Goldfish Swim School goldfishswimschool.com Johns Creek, 770-637-0707 Roswell, 770-691-1776 Sandy Springs, 770-766-0237 l Dynamo Swim School dynamoswimschool.com Multiple locations
l Swim Atlanta swimatlanta.com Multiple locations l The Swim Revolution theswimrevolution.com Atlanta, 404-354-1180 l Swimmerman Swim School swimmerman.com Atlanta, 678-515-3793 Stockbridge, 678-271-2001
atlantaparent.com
NFL FLAG FOOTBALL Designed For Boys & Girls Ages 4 - 14
PLAY FLAG FOOTBALL THIS FALL! - Develop football fundamentals without the contact - Kids of all abilities can play - no experience needed - Buddy requests are encouraged
SEASON BEGINS OCTOBER 10TH - NFL FLAG reversible jersey & flags included - Games and practices played on Sunday afternoons - Trained and screened volunteer coaches
The LARGEST league in the state REGISTER BY AUGUST 1ST & RECEIVE $20 OFF
returns to play this September!
Several Locations Available: Cumming - Lawrenceville - Marietta Powder Springs - Snellville - Sugar Hill
SIGN UP TO PLAY! REGISTER ONLINE: www.FALCONSFLAGFOOTBALL.com QUESTIONS? (678) 210-3253
atlantaparent.com
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 19
Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive
WHY WESLEYAN?
EXPLORE WESLEYAN AT WWW.WESLEYANSCHOOL.ORG/ADMISSIONS 20 Atlanta Parent July 2021
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TOP
10 LISTS
EDUCATION
Where Authentic Christian Mission and Academic Excellence Aren’t Mutually Exclusive
Largest Secular Private Schools Private schools with an enrollment of more than 550 students. l The Paideia School paideiaschool.org Atlanta, 404-377-3491
l Atlanta International School aischool.org Atlanta, 404-841-3840 l Fulton Science Academy fultonscienceacademy.org Alpharetta, 678-366-2555 l The Galloway School gallowayschool.org Atlanta, 404-252-8389 l The Lovett School lovett.org Atlanta, 404-262-3032 l Pace Academy paceacademy.org Atlanta, 404-262-1345
l Saint Francis Schools saintfrancisschools.com Milton, 678-339-9989 Roswell, 770-641-8257 l Trinity School trinityatl.org Atlanta, 404-231-8100 l The Walker School thewalkerschool.org Marietta, 770-427-2689 l Woodward Academy woodward.edu College Park, 404-765-4000 Johns Creek, 404-765-4490
Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child.
Peachtree Corners • 770-448-7640 WesleyanSchool.org sponsored
Where Students are Challenged, Supported and Most of All, Known
Largest Faith-Based Private Schools Private schools with an enrollment of more than 1,000 students.
l Blessed Trinity Catholic High School btcatholic.org Roswell, 678-277-9083 l Greater Atlanta Christian School greateratlantachristian.org Norcross, 770-243-2000 l Hebron Christian Academy hebronlions.org Dacula, 770-963-9250
Meaningful relationships inspire transformative learning for PK3-12th grade students at The Walker School. Offering an engaging educational experience within an intimately scaled, caring and diverse community. Walker is metro Atlanta’s top college-preparatory school open to all faiths. Marietta 770-427-2689 TheWalkerSchool.org sponsored
Parents are more satisfied with private schools, teachers and standards than parents whose children attend public schools. atlantaparent.com
l Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School hies.org Atlanta, 404-255-4026 l Marist School marist.com Atlanta, 770-457-7201 l Mount Paran Christian School mtparanschool.com Kennesaw, 770-578-0182 l Mount Vernon School mountvernonschool.org Atlanta, 404-252-3448 l St. Pius X Catholic High School spx.org Atlanta, 404-647-4129 l Wesleyan School wesleyanschool.org Peachtree Corners, 770-448-7640 l Westminster westminster.net Atlanta, 404-355-8673
Cont’d on next page
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 21
EDUCATION Oldest Private Schools
Noteworthy Schools l Capstone Academy capstoneacademy.com Atlanta, 404-458-5160
Forming Tomorrow’s Leaders
l Cornerstone Christian Academy cornerstonecougars.org Peachtree Corners, 770-441-9222
l Woodward Academy, 1900 woodward.edu l Marist School, 1901 marist.com
l The Davis Academy davisacademy.org Atlanta, 770-671-0085
l Berean Christian Junior Academy, 1904 bcjaschool.org
l High Meadows School highmeadows.org Roswell, 770-993-2940
l The Lovett School, 1926 lovett.org
l Holy Spirit Preparatory School holyspiritprep.org Atlanta, 678-761-7992
l Christ the King School, 1937 christking.org l Atlanta Speech School, 1938 atlantaspeechschool.org l St. Thomas More School, 1950 stmga.org l The Howard School, 1950 howardschool.org
l McGinnis Woods Country Day School mcginniswoods.org Alpharetta, 770-664-7764
Serving grades 7–12, Marist School provides a Catholic education where achievement exists within a spirit of humility and generosity. Students are challenged by an extensive college-preparatory curriculum and an array of extracurricular activities to prepare them to be faith-filled, global-ready servant leaders.
l Mt. Bethel Christian Academy mtbethelchristian.org Marietta, 770-971-0245 l Mount Pisgah Christian School mountpisgahschool.org Johns Creek, 678-336-3400 l St. Benedict’s Episcopal School stbs.org Smyrna, 678-279-4300
l Westminster, 1951 westminster.net l Trinity School, 1951 trinityatl.org
l St. Martin’s Episcopal School stmartinschool.org Atlanta, 404-237-4260
770-457-7201 • Marist.com sponsored
Independent STEM and STEAM School Programs Create Your Own Path At Woodward, students at all levels experience STEAM-driven learning opportunities in their arts, science and mathematics classes as well as special attention through an interdisciplinary STEAM curriculum. We focus on using tech tools while also leveraging technology and technical skills to find solutions.
l Atlanta Academy atlantaacademy.com Roswell, 678-461-6102 l Atlanta International School aischool.org Atlanta, 404-841-3840 l Atlanta Speech School atlantaspeechschool.org Atlanta, 404-233-5332
404-765-4001 • Woodward.edu
l Fulton Science Academy fultonscienceacademy.org Alpharetta, 678-366-2555
sponsored
l Mount Vernon School mountvernonschool.org Atlanta, 404-252-3448
l SORA Schools soraschools.com Virtual, 470-517-3619
l Wesleyan School wesleyanschool.org Peachtree Corners, 770-448-7640
l North Cobb Christian School ncchristian.org Kennesaw, 770-975-0252
l The Walker School thewalkerschool.org Marietta, 770-427-2689
l Woodward Academy woodward.edu College Park, 440-765-4000; Johns Creek, 440-765-4490
22 Atlanta Parent July 2021
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EDUCATION Boarding Schools l Academy at SOAR North Carolina soarnc.org, 828-456-3435
l Forman Connecticut formanschool.org, 860-567-8712 l Indian Springs School Alabama indiansprings.org, 205-988-3350 l Kimball Union Academy New Hampshire kua.org, 603-469-2000
Go to AtlantaParent.com for the best education resources
l The Knox School New York knoxschool.org, 631-686-1600 l McCallie Tennessee mccallie.org, 423-624-8300
Riverside Military Academy
l Rabun Gap Nacoochee School Georgia rabungap.org, 706-746-7467
l Tallulah Falls School Georgia tallulahfalls.org, 706-754-0400
l Riverside Military Academy Georgia riversidemilitary.com, 770-532-6251
l The Vanguard School Florida vanguardschool.org, 863-676-6091
Boarding Schools Charter Schools n Homeschooling n Montessori Schools
Preschools Private and Public Schools n Special Needs Schools n School Tours Directory
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Cont’d on next page
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July 2021 Atlanta Parent 23
EDUCATION Language Schools
Schools with full and partial-immersion programs.
Broadening Students’ Horizons
As a K-5 State Charter School, International Charter Academy of Georgia offers an innovative Dual Language immersion program in both English and Japanese while forming global citizens. Peachtree Corners 770-604-0007 internationalcharteracademy.org sponsored
l Atlanta International School aischool.org Atlanta, 404-841-3840 l The GLOBE Academy Charter School theglobeacademy.org Atlanta, 404-464-7040 l International Academy of Smyrna iasmyrna.org Smyrna, 678-370-0980 l International Charter Academy of Georgia internationalcharteracademy.org Peachtree Corners, 770-604-0007 l International Charter School of Atlanta icsatlanta.org Alpharetta, 470-222-7535 Roswell, 470-222-7420
l Little Linguists International Preschool littlelinguistspreschool.com Decatur, 404-370-3828 East Point, 404-768-2111 l Omni International School omnischoolatl.com Atlanta, 404-865-1463 l The Quadrilingual Academy thequadacademy.com Smyrna, 404-777-7823 l The Spanish Academy thespanishacademy.com Multiple locations, 770-751-3646 l Tabula Rasa Academy trlanguages.com Lawrenceville, 678-985-8080 Sandy Springs, 404-847-0829 Cont’d on next page
24 Atlanta Parent July 2021
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•
CHINESE, JAPANESE, AND SPANISH IMMERSION Taught by Native Instructors | PK-2 Years Old – 6th Grade
Trilingual Students | Rigorous Academics Above Average Test Scores STEA2M for All (Science Technology Engineering Arts/Agriculture Music)
“In a time of drastic change it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.”–Eric Hoffer
3940 Cascade Road, Atlanta 30331
| 404-865-1463 | omnischoolatl.com
Meet the Founder “Children have a higher capacity to learn advanced concepts much sooner than we give them credit, but they must be in developmentally appropriate environments that are conducive for learning to take place. OMNI has raised the bar in teaching children how to become critical thinkers and competitive in a global economy. We understand learning begins at home, which means schools have a responsibility to partner with parents and empower them to engage with their children in meaningful ways. Schools also have a responsibility to make learning enjoyable from the onset while cultivating a sense of self and community. On day one, OMNI works jointly with families to foster a love of learning and pride in belonging ... in multiple languages.”
Dr. TJ Bell Marks Founder & Head of Schools
— Enrolling Now —
EDUCATION
Preschools
l Benjamin Preparatory School benjaminprep.com Atlanta, 770-436-5200 l The Garden School thegardenmarietta.org Marietta, 770-765-2036
l MJCCA Preschools atlantajcc.org/preschool Multiple locations, 678-812-3833 l Oak Grove Academy oakgroveacademy.org Alpharetta, 770-659-7150
l Cambridge International Preschool cambridgeintlschool.com Atlanta, 678-705-9091
l Parker-Chase Preschool parker-chase.com East Cobb, 770-565-2220 East Roswell, 770-993-8684
l Da Vinci International School dvischool.com Atlanta, 678-510-1214
l The Willow School willowschoolga.com Decatur, 404-620-8225
l Ivybrook Academy ivybrookacademy.com Alpharetta, 678-379-5353; Cumming, 470-705-0099
l Seeds of Wonder Journey School roswellchildcare.com Roswell, 770-500-4178
26 Atlanta Parent July 2021
What to Look For When Choosing
A PRESCHOOL You’ve researched and narrowed your preschool choices – now it’s time to visit. Here’s what to pay attention to: n Look for a warm interaction between the teacher and the kids. n Make sure the classroom has different activity areas for reading, art, naps, books and toys. n Check the preschool’s daily routine and pacing.
n Find out how parents and teachers communicate. n Learn about the school’s policies on illness and discipline. n Consider whether the preschool is convenient to your home and/or office.
atlantaparent.com
Diverse, International Community Promoting Academic Excellence Our respectful and peaceful Montessori environments are thoughtfully designed to develop the whole child from infancy through middle school.
Druid Hills Campus - Now Open! 1215 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-531-2067
•
AMI-accredited, child-centered Montessori curriculum individually tailored and focused on fostering independence
•
Traditional Montessori materials used to develop sensorial, language, math and practical life skills
•
Global awareness cultivated by our enriching Cultural Studies program
•
A strong sense of community and excellent communication with parents
•
Low student-to-teacher ratios and passionate, AMI-certified teachers
Cliff Valley Campus 1970 Cliff Valley Way NE Atlanta, GA 30329 404-602-0553
Serving students ages 8 weeks through 15 years Accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), AdvancED (SACS CASI) and Bright from the Start.
For more information, visit www.amischool.com
Globally Aware, Socially Responsible, Academically Driven Delivering individualized academic and emotional development from infancy through middle school: • Engaging, holistic and authentic Montessori approach • Individualized academic programs, addressing specific needs and goals of each child • Incredibly engaged and diverse parental community • All lead guides are MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) certified • Accredited by the American Montessori Society, AdvancED and Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 2830 Old Atlanta Road Cumming, GA 30041 770-258-6877 montessoriacademysharonsprings.com Serving ages 6 weeks through 12 years
Please see our other location:
Montessori at Vickery 6285 Post Road Cumming, GA 30040 770-268-2642 montessorivickery.com Serving ages 13 months through 9 years
flipped for dark backgrounds
EDUCATION Montessori Schools
Inspiring Independence and Creativity
Infant/Toddler/Primary
At Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead we provide your child with an authentic Montessori education – where real lessons prepare them for the real world with a unique hands on curriculum. 12 months – 6 years.
l Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead (12 mos.-6 yrs.) carlislemontessori.com Atlanta, 404-949-0053 l Children Today Montessori (6 wks.-6 yrs.) childrentodaymontessori.com Alpharetta, 770-817-8200 l Decatur Montessori (6 wks.-6 yrs.) decaturmontessori.com Decatur, 404-370-0620
Atlanta 404-949-0053 carlislemontessori.com
l Guidepost Montessori at Deerfield (6 wks.-6 yrs.) guidepostmontessori.com Milton, 678-667-4999
sponsored
l Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia (8 wks.-6 yrs.) jcmsog.org Johns Creek, 770-814-8001
l Montessori School of Dunwoody (2.5 yrs.-6 yrs.) montessorischoolofdunwoody.com Dunwoody, 770-804-1444
l Smyrna Montessori School (18 mos-6 yrs.) smyrnams.org Smyrna, 404-530-9081
l Meadows Montessori (6 wks.-6 yrs.) meadowsmontessori.com Marietta, 770-218-6347
l Montessori Unlimited (12 mos.-6 years) montessori.com Multiple locations
l The Suzuki School (3 mos.-6 yrs.) suzukischool.com Multiple locations, 404-351-0012
Montessori schools may also include elementary through high school programs. l Arbor Montessori School (18 mos.-14 yrs.) arbormontessori.org Two Decatur locations, 404-321-9304 l Atlanta Montessori International School (8 wks.-12 yrs.) amischool.com Druid Hills Campus, 404-531-2067 Cliff Valley Campus, 404-602-0553
What Sets Montessori Apart
Aside from multi-age classrooms and self-paced learning, Montessori schools have hands-on materials to highlight an idea or concept. Teachers don’t lead in front of a classroom, but guide each student individually. Some Montessori schools do not assign homework or give grades.
28 Atlanta Parent July 2021
l Covered Bridge Montessori (14 mos.-12 years) coveredbridgemontessori.com Norcross, 770-446-2397 Smyrna, 770-801-8292 l Endeavor International School (12-18 yrs.) endeavorinternationalschool.com Atlanta, 770-802-2194
l Endeavor Montessori (6 wks.-12 yrs.) endeavormontessori.com Dunwoody, 770-637-1242 l Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs (6 wks.-12 yrs.) montessoriacademysharonsprings.com Cumming, 770-258-6877 l Montessori School at Emory (15 mos.-14 yrs.) montessorischoolofdecatur.com Decatur, 404-634-5777 l Montessori In Town (14 mos.-12 years) montessoriintown.com Atlanta, 404-784-1038 l Montessori at Vickery (13 mos.-9 yrs.) montessorivickery.com Cumming, 770-268-2642 l Princeton Preparatory School (18 mos.-11 yrs.) princetonprepschools.org Kennesaw, 678-813-5266 l Springmont School (18 mos.-8th grade) springmont.com Atlanta, 404-252-3910
Cont’d on page 30
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July 2021 Atlanta Parent 29
EDUCATION
1 FREE LESSON of Online Tutoring in Math, Science, Spanish, and More! *50% Off Tutoring
equal to 1 free lesson. During Checkout, use code: 25Plus25
learnplustutor.com • 866-760-2736 *2 uses per customer. Limited time only. While supplies last.
30 Atlanta Parent July 2021
Tutoring
l C2Education c2educate.com Multiple locations, 888-312-3814 l Eye Level Learning Centers myeyelevel.com Multiple locations, 888-835-1212
l Learn+Tutor learnplustutor.com 866-760-2736 l Learning RX learningrx.com Atlanta, 404-458-8419 Alpharetta, 404-334-7913
l Huntington Learning Center huntingtonhelps.com Multiple locations, 800-226-5327
l The Math Doctor Learning Center mathdoctor123.com 770-757-1468
l In-Home Tutors inhometutors.com 770-645-8750
l Mathnasium mathnasium.com Multiple locations, 877-601-6284
l Kumon kumon.com Multiple locations, 800-222-6284
l Sylvan Learning Center sylvanlearning.com Alpharetta, 404-301-2390
atlantaparent.com
EDUCATION Learning Differences Schools that specialize in providing education to students with language and auditory challenges. l Atlanta Speech School atlantaspeechschool.org Atlanta, 404-233-5332 l The Bedford School thebedfordschool.org Fairburn, 770-774-8001 l Brookwood Christian School brookwoodchristian.com Acworth, 678-401-5855
Unlock a Love of Learning Dyslexic students are bright, creative and possess immense potential that too often goes unrealized. Swift School serves grades 1–8 with an educational approach designed to enhance the unique strengths of dyslexic learners and remediate the specific learning challenges they face. Roswell • 678-205-4988 • TheSwiftSchool.org
l The Cottage School cottageschool.org Roswell, 770-640-8037
sponsored
l GRACEPOINT School gracepointschool.org Marietta, 678-709-6634
l The Schenck School schenck.org Atlanta, 404-252-2591
l The Howard School howardschool.org Atlanta, 404-377-7436
l Sage School sageschool.net Suwanee, 678-318-3588
l Mill Springs Academy millsprings.org Alpharetta, 770-360-1336
l Swift School theswiftschool.org Roswell, 678-205-4988
48% of parents incorrectly believe children will outgrow learning difficulties.
AN EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS WE’RE EXCEPTIONAL . . . “At Cumberland, we study college prep academics or prepare for a vocational career, try a sport or a club for the first time – ever. We learn we’re not so different after all.”
650-A Mt. Vernon Hwy NE • Atlanta 30328 cumberlandacademy.org • 404-835-9000 atlantaparent.com
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 31
WELL VISITS and IMMUNIZATIONS
Now is the Right Time! Schedule your office visit today with one of our trusted pediatricians ATLANTA 490 Bill Kennedy Way SE BROOKHAVEN 705 Town Boulevard NE, S560 Call (404) 446-4726 to schedule your appointment today.
intownpediatrics.com
32 Atlanta Parent July 2021
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TOP
10 LISTS
Single Locations
HEALTH
l Children’s Wellness Center childrenswellnesscenter.com Atlanta, 404-303-1314
Pediatricians
l Dare2Care Pediatrics dare2carepediatrics.com Alpharetta, 770-615-7000
Multiple Locations
l Kennesaw Pediatrics kennesawpediatrics.com Kennesaw, 770-429-1005
l CentreSpringMD centrespringmd.com/pediatrics Brookhaven and Johns Creek, 404-814-9808
l Monroe Pediatrics monroepediatrics.net Monroe, 770-207-7916
l Children’s Medical Group cmg-pc.com Atlanta, Decatur and Johns Creek
l North Fulton Pediatrics northfultonpediatrics.com Roswell, 770-442-1050
l Gwinnett Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine gwinnettpeds.com Four locations, 770-995-0823 l InTown Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine intownpediatrics.com Atlanta and Brookhaven, 404-446-4726 l Johns Creek Pediatrics johnscreekpediatrics.net Johns Creek and Cumming, 770-814-1160 l Northeast Georgia Physicians Group ngpg.org/pediatrics Multiple locations l Northside Pediatrics northsidepediatrics.com Sandy Springs, 470-444-9506 Woodstock, 470-885-1183
Pediatric Specialists l Atlanta Allergy & Asthma atlantaallergy.com Multiple locations, 770-953-3331 l Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates atlantagastro.com Multiple locations, 1-866-468-6242 Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center l atlantaallergydoctor.com Multiple locations, 678-668-4688
l One Family Pediatrics onefamilypediatrics.com Cumming, 678-962-7337 l PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine pampapediatrics.com Multiple locations l Pediatric Physicians, PC pediatricphysicianspc.com Roswell, 770-518-9277 Alpharetta, 678-527-1555 l WellStar Pediatric Network wellstar.org Multiple locations
l Pediatric Associates of North Atlanta, PC panapc.com Peachtree Corners, 770-476-9885 l Piedmont Pediatrics piedmontpediatrics.org Atlanta, 404-351-6662 l Sandy Springs Pediatrics sspediatrics.com Atlanta, 404-252-4611 l Trinity Medical & Dental Pediatric Centers trinity4kids.com Fayetteville, 470-278-2300
PENTA: Where Children are FirstTM Pediatric ENT of Atlanta (PENTA) has nine area locations, including four Rapid ENT Care Centers and four Hearing Centers of Excellence. More Atlanta parents choose PENTA than any other Pediatric ENT provider.
l Children’s Cardiovascular Medicine childrenscvm.com Marietta and Atlanta, 404-943-0289 l Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta choa.org Multiple specialties, 404-785-5437
9 Locations 404-255-2033 childrensent.com
l Children’s Specialty Services at Emory emoryhealthcare.org Atlanta, 404-778-7777 l PANDA Neurology and Headache Specialists pandaneurology.com Atlanta, 678-705-7341 l Pediatric Orthopedic Associates mypedsortho.com Multiple locations, 404-321-9900
sponsored
l PENTA: Pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat of Atlanta childrensent.com Multiple locations, 404-255-2033
l The Rubin Center for Autism and Developmental Pediatrics therubincenterforautism.org Atlanta, 404-303-7247 Cont’d on page 35
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July 2021 Atlanta Parent 33
Dr. Azi Nia Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
With safety still as a top priority, life is beginning to look a lot more familiar in 2021! Schedule your child’s checkup today and get back on track with your dental visits. Nia Pediatric Dentistry 1111 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30068 770-479-9999 l www.NiaDentistry.com
The Children’s Dental Group Dr. Ida L. Rose • Dental exams and cleanings • Sedation dentistry • Mouthguards and sports dentistry • Preventive care, including fluoride and sealants • Pediatric dental emergencies • Treating children and teens • Now Welcoming Adult Patients
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
770-745-5886 • tcdgonline.com 540 Thornton Rd • Lithia Springs 30122
Tongue and/or Lip-Tied baby? Specializing in laser frenectomy. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Schwartz to learn more about this condition.
• Top laser provider in Georgia
• Trained in the
Lightscalpel CO2 Laser
• Treating Infants to 15 months old
• Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dental care focused on prevention, while building trust and foundations that will carry forward through life. IV sedation services partnered with medical anesthesiologists to treat children with significant dental treatment needs.
Dr. Aaron Schwartz SCHWARTZ DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN
770-436-0802
500 Concord Rd. SE Smyrna 30082 SchwartzKidsDentistry.com 34 Atlanta Parent July 2021
atlantaparent.com
HEALTH
Creating Smiles One Child at a Time
Pediatric Dentists l A to Z Pediatric Dentistry atozsmiles.com Atlanta, 404-937-3888
l Brookhaven Children’s Dentistry brookhavenchildrensdentistry.com Atlanta, 404-719-4300 l The Children’s Dental Group tcdgonline.com Lithia Springs, 770-745-5886 l Cumming Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics cummingpedoortho.com Cumming, 678-578-5384 l David Kurtzman, DDS hospitaldentistry.org Marietta, 770-980-6336
l Nia Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics niadentistry.com Marietta and Canton, 770-479-9999
Dr. Judy Christianson with Brookhaven Children’s Dentistry provides comprehensive care for children, teens and young adults in a state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Christianson has been practicing in the Atlanta area for more than 18 years.
l Pediatric Dentistry of Johns Creek pdjohnscreek.com Johns Creek, 678-822-9818 l Schwartz Dentistry for Children hospitaldentistry.org Smyrna, 770-436-0802 l Susan H. Lee, DMD atlantakidsdentist.com Atlanta, 404-355-8557 l Wonderland Pediatric Dentistry wonderlandpediatricdentistry.com Roswell, 678-878-3711
404-719-4300 BrookhavenChildrensDentistry.com sponsored
Cont’d on next page
$500 off Braces
new patients only. cannot combine offers
& Invisalign
678-207-5040
atlantaparent.com
expires 09/30/2021
| mydecaturortho.com July 2021 Atlanta Parent 35
HEALTH
Improving Smiles Through Orthodontics
Orthodontists
l Brookhaven Orthodontics brookhavenorthodontics.net Brookhaven, 404-343-0677 Johns Creek, 678-775-1600 l Chamblee Orthodontics chamblee-orthodontics.com Atlanta, 678-554-3143 l Crabapple Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics crabappleortho.com Alpharetta, 770-664-1999
Dr. Oral Francis always dreamed of improving people’s smiles. He loves helping his patients through their orthodontic treatment and watching their transformations to a perfect smile. Providing outstanding orthodontic treatment for more than 15 years, his top priority is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment.
l Eisenstein Orthodontics eisensteinorthodontics.com Lithia Springs, 770-739-1111 l Enoch & Lamei Orthodontics thesmilesoluton.com Marietta, 770-977-0377 l Kaplan Orthodontics jkaplanortho.com Dunwoody, 770-458-5561
l Decatur Orthodontics mydecaturortho.com Decatur, 678-207-5040
l Quest Orthodontics questorthodontics.com Atlanta, 470-440-7330
l Dentistry for Children & Teens childteendentistry.com Atlanta, 770-934-5900
l West Paces Ferry Orthodontics westpacesferryortho.com Atlanta, 404-620-3099
An estimated 4 million Americans — most of them children and teenagers — wear braces.
678-207-5040 mydecaturortho.com
Coming Soon!
678-961-4203 beltlineorthopedo.com
sponsored
COME SMILE WITH US! Where Oral Health, Teeth Straightening, and Confidence Align Give us a call & schedule a visit today!
Caroline Ceneviz DMD, MS, MS
36 Atlanta Parent July 2021
(678) 554-3143 info@chamblee-orthodontics.com 5070 Peachtree Blvd. Suite E150, Atlanta 30341 chamblee-orthodontics.com atlantaparent.com
HEALTH OB/GYNs
l Atlanta Gynecology & Obstetrics atlantagynob.com Lilburn, 770-923-5033; Decatur, 404-299-9724 l Atlanta Premier OB/GYN drtosharogers.com Atlanta, 678-705-4900 l Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists cherokeewomenshealth.com Canton and Woodstock, 770-720-7733 l Complete Women’s Healthcare womenscareonline.com Cumming, 770-622-9810 l Emory Clinic emoryhealthcare.org/gyn Multiple locations, 404-778-3401 l Gynecology & Obstetrics of DeKalb goodobgyn.com Decatur, 404-299-9307 Stone Mountain, 770-469-9961 l New Beginnings Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare P.C. nbcwh.org Conyers and Lithonia, 678-413-0858 l WellStar OB/GYN wellstar.org Multiple locations
l Women’s Group of Gwinnett womensgroupofgwinnett.com Lawrenceville and Suwanee, 770-979-4700
l Women’s Health Associates of Atlanta whaatlanta.com Atlanta, 404-252-3898
Now O p e n Atlanta Premier OB/GYN 764 Memorial Drive Suite #101 Atlanta, GA t: 678.705.4900
Accepting VIP Appointments
Call today to schedule your appointment
atlantaparent.com
Accepting NEW Appointments
Now Accepting Kaiser Insurance
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 37
TOP
10 LISTS
PARTY
Jack ‘N’ Elle Playhouse
Best Party Places: Ages 2-5
Parents looking for parties look here! #1 Online Search for birthday parties in Atlanta
l The Art Barn theartbarn.com Canton, 678-319-0286
l Interactive Neighborhood for Kids inkfun.org Gainesville, 770-536-1900
l Catch Air catchairparty.com Multiple locations
l Jack ‘N’ Elle Playhouse jacknelleplayhouse.com Decatur, 404-975-3767
l Center for Puppetry Arts puppet.org Atlanta, 404-873-3391
l The Little Gym thelittlegym.com Multiple locations
l Dunwoody Nature Center dunwoodynature.org Dunwoody, 770-394-3322
l Ready Set FUN! readysetfun.com Sandy Springs, 404-596-5566
l Gymboree Play & Music gymboreeclasses.com Multiple locations
l Tumbles johnscreek.tumbles.net Johns Creek, 678-691-4072
Best Party Places: Ages 6-10 l Chattahoochee Nature Center chattnaturecenter.org Roswell, 770-992-2055 l Circus Camp circuscamp.org Decatur, 404-370-0001 l Georgia Aquarium georgiaaquarium.org Atlanta, 404-581-4000
email lpowell@atlantaparent.com 770-454-7599 38 Atlanta Parent July 2021
l Sparkles Family Fun Centers sparklesfamilyfuncenters.com Multiple locations l Stars and Strikes starsandstrikes.com Multiple locations
l Sweet & Sassy sweetandsassy.com Cumming, 678-931-8356 l Tiny Towne – Drive Safely tinytowne.com Norcross, 470-265-6665 l Treetop Quest treetopquest.com Dunwoody, 770-365-0356; Gwinnett, 404-277-6113 l Young Chefs Academy youngchefsacademy.com/georgia Multiple locations l Zoo Atlanta zooatlanta.org Atlanta, 404-624-9453
Treetop Quest
Cont’d on page 40
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Ben and Kelly Photography
PARTY
Best Party Places: Tweens
l Dream Friends Entertainment dreamfriendsentertainment.com 404-319-0180 l Jason’s Music Party jasonsmusicparty.com 678-708-2321
l College Football Hall of Fame cfbhall.com Atlanta, 404-880-4845
l Laser Sporting lasersporting.com 770-253-0407
l iFLY Atlanta iflyworld.com Atlanta, 678-803-4359
l MSM Events & Parties msmeventsandparties.co 678-768-7479
l Main Event Entertainment mainevent.com Multiple locations
l Piccadilly Puppets piccadillypuppets.org 404-636-0022
l Netherworld Laser Adventure netherworldlaser.com Stone Mountain, 404-608-2484
l Pretty Princess Spa Boutique prettyprincessspaboutique.com 404-490-2415
l Nitro Zone nitrozone.com Peachtree Corners, 470-636-3230 l Sky Zone Trampoline Park skyzone.com McDonough, 770-914-9444; Roswell, 678-745-9900
Mobile Party Services / Entertainers
l Sam’s Path Mobile Petting Zoo samspathpettingzoo.com 706-717-8837 l Science Creations sciencecreations.com 404-863-7080
Top Golf
l SS Airsoft ssairsoft.com Sugar Hill, 678-714-6001
l Top Golf topgolf.com Multiple locations
l Southern Belle Princess Parties southernbelleprincessparties.com 678-228-4077
l Stone Summit ssclimbing.com Multiple locations
l Ultimate Escape Game ultimateescapegame.com/atlanta Atlanta, 770-629-7067
l Sweet Dream Sleepovers sweetdreamsleepovers.com 678-653-0677
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Tiny Towne – Drive Safely TinyTowne.com
Drive a car at your next party! Choose from three different size cars, ride the train, play in the Arcade and eat at the Grill. Book your party today and let Tiny Towne take care of the planning! Call or Text 470-265-6665.
BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNER
Jason’s Music Party jasonsmusicparty.com
A Birthday Concert for Your Child. Interactive live kids music for all occasions. Performing classics and new favorites, percussion jams, singing, dancing and more. Options for every budget. Easy set-up, best for ages 1-8.
Sweet Dream Sleepovers
Pretty Princess Spa Boutique
Southern Belle Princess Parties
Atlanta’s premier slumber party company offering indoor and outdoor party options. Choose from Signature Sleepovers, Gorgeous Glamping, Pretty Boho Picnics, Dreamy Tea Parties and Marvelous Movie Nights.
The BEST place to have a birthday party fit for a princess. Choose between a spa, dance, or art party. We can customize any birthday package. Pick a theme and leave the rest to us.
Atlanta’s highest quality character entertainment company is making dreams come true by bringing your favorite fairytale, mascot, and superhero characters to life! Singing, dancing, face-painting and more!
SweetDreamSleepover.com
40 Atlanta Parent July 2021
PrettyPrincessSpaBoutique.com
SouthernBellePrincessParties.com
atlantaparent.com
Begins and Where The Fun r All Ages! Never Ends fo
Book No Great Birthdw for a ay Party!
Buy One 3-HOUR Wristband & get another for Half Price! INCLUDES UNLIMITED: Go Karts • Mini Go Karts • Mini Golf Tornado Ride • Pirate Ship • Rock Wall • Bumper Cars Spider Zone • Bumper Boats • 1 Session of Laser Tag 10 Water Balloons • 2 Down Pour Derby Recommended for 44” or over. Cannot be combined with other offers.
Challenge your mind and figure out the mystery of the Egyptians and escape the tomb! $25/person • 6 max. / session Reservations must be made in advance at 706-335-3866
$20 off a Birthday Party Expires Dec. 31, 2021
(see website for party details)
Can book online
706-335-FUNN
40155 Hwy 441 • Commerce, GA • Interstate 85@ Exit 149
www.FunopolisFamilyFunCenter.com atlantaparent.com
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 41
IT’S TIME FOR BACK TO SCHOOL! by Emily Webb
Get Your Kids Excited Create anticipation for back to school by bringing back traditions you’ve had in the past, or making some new ones: n Say farewell to summer with their choice of a fun day out. n Make shopping for new school supplies special by going out for lunch or ice cream after. n Make an annual time capsule with photos, handwriting samples and drawings. Open it at the beginning of every school year. n Do a back-to-school interview. Record height, weight, friends, favorite movie and foods, and what they want to be when they grow up. Keep them in a notebook to read the day before school starts. n Plan a special back-to-school dinner with your kids’ favorite foods. Break out the decorations and dress up for the occasion.
Teachers are Excited About School, Too! “Nothing can replace the impact, relationships and joy of in-person learning environments,” says Katie Blum, a second grade teacher at Sugar Hill Elementary and Gwinnett County Public 42 Atlanta Parent July 2021
Schools’ Teacher of the Year. “Having all of our students in the same classroom allows teachers to develop a closer community, or class family, and nurture not only academic skills, but also behavior and social skills.” “I’m excited about returning to campus for many reasons. The most important part of it is that I can see the emotion from each face,” says Yao Li, a Chinese Instructor at OMNI International School. “Face-to-face interaction helps me see students’ learning experience and tells me instantly what I should do next. My students told me that they love going back to school, too.”
Tips and Tricks For a Great School Year! n Work together to create an outline of your child’s school and activity schedules in a cute planner. Create a family calendar with everyone’s activities and commitments. n Refresh rules for screen time. When and for how long can they use electronics? Have a “bedtime” for electronics that is well before your child’s actual bedtime. n Shop for school supplies and clothes early. Before shopping, go through your kids’ wardrobes and last year’s school supplies, and toss or donate the items they’ve outgrown or no longer want. n Increase the independence of younger kids by practicing tasks before school starts: refilling a water bottle from a
water fountain or sink; opening a lunch box, snacks and containers; sitting, eating and cleaning up a meal at a table within 20-25 minutes; memorizing family or guardians’ real name, phone number and address; and focusing on an independent task for 10-20 minutes. n Have a backup transportation plan in case your kids miss the bus – make sure they know who to call if this happens. n Create an “inbox” for kids to leave sheets that need your attention, like permission slips. n Know how to ask about their day – “how was school?” may not be the best conversation starter. Ask open-ended questions, or share something about your own day before asking what the best part of their day was. If they come to you with a problem, brainstorm solutions together rather than immediately trying to fix it. n Serve a healthy breakfast that contains protein. Children who eat a nutritious breakfast function better. n Prioritize your family’s activities. Even though things are slowly returning to normal, use this time to evaluate the hobbies and activities your children enjoy, rather than overscheduling and signing your kids up for every available opportunity. n Create a quiet workspace for homework and projects. Remove distractions from the area, and keep school supplies organized nearby. atlantaparent.com
Advice from Experts
Make the transition back to school better with these ideas and advice from professionals. n Melisa Marsh, Cobb Schools’ Supervisor of School Counseling, Advisement and Crisis Response As children and families acclimate to shifting school schedules, many will struggle with changes in routine and the loss of whatever daily online habits they’d settled into during distance learning. Returning to school in-person will also mean navigating new or altered physical environments and following a variety of safety protocols. Some children could even feel like they’re experiencing withdrawals from their digital lives. To help with this, parents could ask their child to identify ways they might balance their media use.
n Lisa Kelly, Lower School Principal at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Parents should start establishing the morning routine a few days before school starts to help make the transition to getting up and out of the house easier. Identify who is responsible for each task, the parent or the child, including: packing lunch, snack and water bottle; ensuring homework and school items are in the backpack; and having a morning hygiene and breakfast routine. Having a solid plan in place that has been rehearsed will help make those first few early mornings go more smoothly, which greatly benefits the child. Students who feel rushed and out of sorts at the beginning of the day will be more anxious and unsettled in the classroom.
n Barbara Jacoby, Cherokee County School District’s Chief Communications Officer Cherokee County School District encourages parents of rising kindergartners to check out the information on our website that highlights the learning and fun planned for their child’s upcoming year, including a kindergarten guidebook and a “day in the life of a kindergartner” video at bit.ly/CCSDkindergarten. Resource webpages for each elementary school grade with printables, like flash cards and handwriting templates, is at bit.ly/ CCSDresourcesK.
n Dr. Andi Shane, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University In-school instruction is a personal choice, and every family needs to make a decision based on what works best for their child and their family. We have increasing evidence that secondary transmission (infections resulting from infections in children and staff at school) is rare. In addition, as more people 12 and older are being vaccinated, the risk of transmission in the school setting is reduced even further. We also know that the social, emotional and developmental opportunities afforded by in-person instruction far outweigh the risks of infection transmission. However, as a pediatrician specializing in infectious disease and epidemiology, we still need to be safe. This means ensuring that students and staff are completely asymptomatic before going into the school environment, emphasizing hand hygiene and masking, and reminding students about reporting symptoms immediately. Cont’d on next page
Dunwoody’s Premier IB School Now Enrolling Students From 7th-12th Grade
Now Accepting Applications for the 2021-2022 School Year!
Endeavor International School offers the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) in a student-focused, individualized setting. Our students benefit from: • Obtaining the prestigious IB World School diploma, which increases prospects of admission to Ivy League universities by 18%*
770-802-2194 endeavorinternationalschool.com 48 Perimeter Center East Atlanta, GA 30346
atlantaparent.com
• A rigorous and dynamic curriculum designed to create active, responsible global citizens • A holistic education that strengthens all aspects of a young mind • Highly trained and passionate faculty experienced in bringing out the best in students *According to Crimson’s 2018, “IB Student Acceptance Rates at the Top 25 US Universities”
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 43
Planning for a Changed School Environment Keep in mind schools and school systems are monitoring guidelines to determine what changes will be implemented for the year. n Parents may want to check their school’s policies on social distancing, masks, visitors, serving meals in the cafeteria, assigning seats on buses, health checks, using water fountains, after school programs, recess and playground protocols. n To help your child acclimate to socializing with more than just family members, choose a family you trust to have a playdate at a playground or park. n Know your school’s resources. “Since some students may be returning to in-person instruction from a year and three months of distance learning, teachers will do a COVID-19 debriefing with students during the first week of school to help get them acclimated back into the school building,” says Brent Shropshire, Bartow County School System’s Director or Counselors, College Readiness, Wellness and Fine Arts. “School counselors will also have a Trauma 101 Training prior to the start of the school year to help them recognize signs of trauma a student may have experienced during their time away from the school building.”
The Catalyst Your Child Needs to Reach Their Full Potential Endeavor Montessori offers a modernized and holistic educational approach designed for infants through middle school. Endeavor Montessori students will benefit from: • Distilled Montessori curriculum based on the experiences and knowledge of esteemed Montessori leaders and educators across the country • Lessons in leadership that create action-oriented individuals • STEAM topics and global languages integrated into a balanced curriculum • A community-based approach to learning that drives strong bonds between staff and families • Montessori-certified teachers who are passionate about the growth of each child • Beautiful outdoor learning spaces and purposeful play areas Schedule your tour today by calling 770-637-1242 or visiting our website at endeavormontessori.com. 48 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta, GA 30346
44 Atlanta Parent July 2021
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How to Cope With Back-to-School Stress by Emily Webb
AnxietyReducing Techniques
Many students and families are relieved to be returning to in-person classes, but your child may be anxious about the upcoming school year. Atlanta Parent spoke to Dr. Stephanie Walsh, the Medical Director of Child Wellness at Children’s Healthcare Walsh of Atlanta Strong4Life, about how you can help your child cope with back-to-school stress.
Here are some simple coping skills you can teach and practice with your child: n Take deep breaths n Close their eyes and count to 10 or backward from 100 n Imagine a happy place n Go for a walk n Tense and relax muscles n Listen to music
Talk to Kids About School Anxiety Regardless of a child’s age, start by asking open-ended questions to find out what’s on their mind and actively listen. Remove any distractions, like your phone, give them your full attention, and be careful to avoid statements such as “Don’t worry about that!” or “It’s going to be fine.” Even though you mean well, these types of responses minimize your child’s feelings and may make them less likely to share their thoughts or feelings in the future. Instead, let your child know you understand by repeating back what you hear and letting them know it’s OK to feel however they’re feeling. Once you know how they are feeling, help them work through those emotions rather than avoiding them.
Help Kids Deal With the Anxiety Around COVID-19 if They’re Returning to In-Person School It’s important to ask kids open-ended questions to get a sense of how they really feel, rather than making assumptions. Dismissing or minimizing their concerns doesn’t help them feel better. Instead, let them know it’s normal and OK to feel anxiety about in-person learning. Help your child learn to name, and work through, their feelings with healthy coping skills. If your child is feeling anxious about the unknown, help them focus on the facts and what we do know. If they are particularly overwhelmed thinking about the future and all the “what if” scenarios, try to shift their focus to what you know right now. Knowing what to expect can put their mind at ease. atlantaparent.com
n Write, journal, color or draw
Make the Transition Back to School Easier
Don’t Let Your Kid Pick Up On Your Own Anxiety
Create daily routines to help keep things predictable. Knowing what to expect can help create a sense of comfort and security. Although things can change from day to day, try to have some consistency with bedand wake-times to help your child transition back to school more easily. Encourage your family to prioritize healthy habits, such as drinking water, eating balanced meals and snacks, being active, getting enough quality sleep and limiting screen time. Practicing healthy habits will help support your child’s mind and body as they transition back to school and can have a positive impact on their mood, focus and behavior.
As a parent, you are human and have your own feelings, too. It’s normal and understandable to feel worried about your child returning to school, but keep in mind that kids look to adults to see how they should behave or react. If you are showing signs of anxiety, your kids will think they should feel anxious, too. Try to share your calm, instead of your anxiety. Consider talking to friends, family and other caregivers about how you feel. If any confusion or uncertainty is causing anxiety, talk with the school to get your questions or concerns answered. Find more helpful family and parenting resources at strong4life.com.
How to Talk to Kids About COVID-19 Safety Precautions As much as possible: n Stick to the facts, and tell your kids only what they need to know. n Use language that is clear, simple and developmentally appropriate. n Help them understand that regardless of changing guidelines related to masking, they can continue helping to keep themselves and others safe by washing their hands, keeping their distance and staying home if they are sick. July 2021 Atlanta Parent 45
HOW TO FIND YOUR HOMESCHOOL CIRCLE by Kerrie McLoughlin
WANTED: Group of local or online homeschoolers to form a community where we all feel relaxed and comfortable. Must naturally hit it off, and if our kids get along, that’s even better. Must share ideas, field trips, encouragement, tears, laughs, rides, curriculum, coffee, playdates and frustrations. Future possibilities include: starting a small learning co-op, holiday parties, book clubs for different ages, sports and more. Sound too good to be true? It can be your reality! If you are new to homeschooling and haven’t yet found your tribe, taking the leap could lead you (and your kids!) to homeschool zen. Everybody talks about homeschool socialization for your kids, but what about for you? Why can’t you have both at the same time? Homeschooling mom Angie Pemberton shares, “My tribe is our little group of kids about the same age. I think it gets a bit harder to homeschool as kids get older and they start feeling like they are missing out on some of the school stuff. This group helps us get the good stuff without the drama. We have our own little summer co-op and field trip group and love the support we get from each other.” So where can you find – or how can you start – your own homeschooling tribe? Here are my suggestions:
n JOIN AN EXISTING GROUP There are many homeschooling support groups in Georgia and the metro Atlanta area; a good place to start is the Georgia Home Education Association website (ghea.org), which has a list of names and regions. Start with a large support group meeting to see if it’s a good fit for both you and your children. You may jell with a few moms, and you can then branch off into your own weekly meetup and bring others in as you make connections. During school hours, go to places where homeschoolers hang out – libraries, parks, indoor play areas, zoos and children’s museums. Some libraries have a homeschooler lunch bunch; you can also search online for local co-ops and classes. Maybe you meet someone at the library who you think would fit into your group very well, and you invite him or her to your next park date or book club meetup. 46 Atlanta Parent July 2021
Unless you are a social butterfly, heading into a group of homeschooling parents might seem a little scary. Take a deep breath and do it anyway … it’s for you and for your kids, after all, and you deserve to find that special supportive set of people.
n START YOUR OWN GROUP Host a book club, nature hike or field trip and invite a variety of people you’ve collected using the methods above. Some might never come, some will come religiously, but soon enough you’ll start to figure out who your tribe is. My experience has always been that the kids will follow your lead and, if you get a large enough group going, they will find at least one person they also connect with.
n ONLINE For me, this is the easiest way to find and maintain your tribe. Start with social media sites like Yahoo Groups, Meetup and Facebook. You can start your own group online if you aren’t finding what you want, or if you just want to do your own thing. Invite tribe potentials and then they can invite friends they like. Your group might be full of homeschoolers from all over the country (or world!) or maybe you connect with a handful with whom you can meet locally.
Don’t forget you can have more than one tribe! I put together a great tribe of hippie-ish unschooling parents that met at a coffeehouse/gym combo for a long time, but then I also found a fantastic group of structured homeschooling women when my family started at a co-op. They are on entirely different ends of the homeschooling spectrum at times, but then so am I. You can, conversely, have one tribe that’s entirely online and one that only meets for field trips. The sky’s the limit. What about disagreements and problems? It’s true that there are going to be disagreements in any group. Sometimes you just need a break after a sticky situation with another mom or between the kids; sometimes there needs to be a full-on breakup with the entire group. Sometimes you just change and maybe outgrow the tribe and slowly and politely make your exit with no hard feelings. People in your tribe will move away, stop homeschooling altogether, have drama over things non-homeschool-related and more. Your tribe will grow, shrink and change. Be open to the tribe concept and I promise it will enrich the homeschooling experience for both you and your kids. Keep an open mind and collect your wonderful homeschool friends wherever you can find them. Then nurture those relationships, because you’re going to need the support on your homeschooling journey! atlantaparent.com
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ZooATL-Wild-Encounter-AtlantaParent-halfpage.pdf 1 6/11/2021 2:23:55 PM
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Behind-the-scenes experiences turn a trip to the Zoo into a chance of a lifetime. zooatlanta.org/wildencounters
MAKE A BLANKET
STATEMENT Come to paddle, bike, or play, then fill everyone’s tummies at one of our local farm-to-table restaurants. These are memories you can only make in Acworth.
V ISITACWORTH.COM Acworth is just 35 miles northwest of Atlanta, minutes off I-75 from Exit 278.
48 Atlanta Parent July 2021
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JULY: Things to do this month
Top Events l Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience Fourth of July l Movies Under the Stars l Summer Theater atlantaparent.com
Family Fun Guide
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 49
JULY TOP EVENTS
Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, most places are requiring advanced ticket purchase. Call or check websites for procedures. Events may be cancelled or changed after our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com
WILD: A Safari Experience
Illuminarium Atlanta Opens July 1 This new Atlanta attraction on the BeltLine just south of Ponce City Market will feature amazing immersive experiences that change periodically. The first show, “WILD: A Safari Experience,” transports you to Africa. Imagine being face-to-face with the world’s most exotic animals in their natural habitat. Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tickets: $35-$50; ages 3-12, $30-$35; ages 2 and younger, free; on-site valet parking, $3. Online ticket purchase recommended. The Café is open daily from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Adults can enjoy an after-dark experience from Thurs. through Sat. from 8 p.m.-midnight. 404-341-1000. illuminarium.com 50 Atlanta Parent July 2021
Circo Hermanos Vasquez
Plaza Fiesta July 9-25. See website for showtimes. This amazing circus features dancers, magicians, clowns, acrobatics, stunt performers and more. 4166 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta. 404-982-9138. $35-$50; ages 2-10, $25; ages 1 and younger, free. circovazquez.com
Breakfast with Butterflies
Chattahoochee Nature Center July 11, 10 a.m.-noon Get exclusive access to the Butterfly Encounter with a light breakfast, a personal experience with butterflies and exploring the grounds prior to opening. For ages 4 and older. Register by July 8. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $25. chattnaturecenter.org
The FRIENDS Experience
Perimeter Pointe July 15-Sept. 6 Visit set recreations from the sitcom “Friends,” along with original props and costumes. 1155 Mount Vernon Hwy. NE, Sandy Springs. $32.50-$39.50; ages 3 and younger, free. friendstheexperience.com Circo Hermanos Vasquez
Summer NASCAR Weekend
Atlanta Motor Speedway / July 10-11 Watch drivers compete in these thrilling races – Xfinity Series and the Quaker State 400. 1500 Tara Place, Hampton. 770-946-4211. $35$109; ages 12 and younger, $0-$10; Weekend packages available. atlantamotorspeedway.com
Family Fun Guide
Reptile Day
Fernbank Museum of Natural History July 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Meet live reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, tortoises, lizards and more. Reservation required. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org
atlantaparent.com
Alpharetta Art in the Park
Brooke Street Park July 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and July 25, noon-4 p.m. This outdoor artists market features work by local artists, including pottery, woodwork, metalwork, jewelry and more. 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-296-2829. Free admission. awesomealpharetta.com
Twilight Tots
EXPLORE THESE EXHIBITS Get out and about to enjoy these creative and educational exhibits around Atlanta. Calder-Picasso
High Museum of Art / June 26-Sept. 19 View more than 100 works of twentieth-century art from creators Alexander Calder and Pablo Picasso. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. $16.50; ages 5 and younger, free. high.org
Zoo Atlanta / July 24 and 27, 5-6:30 p.m. Enjoy a mini-tour of the Zoo, sing songs, hear stories, observe animals and more at this program designed for younger kids. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-6249453. $20 for a parent/guardian and child; additional participant, $4. Admission not included. zooatlanta.org
High Museum of Art / July 2-Sept. 26 See how lighting and lamps have changed since the 1800s with these innovative designs. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. $16.50; ages 5 and younger, free. high.org
Back-to-School Bubblepalooza
Outside the Lines
Duluth Town Green July 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Play with bubbles, enjoy yard games, and dance to the tunes provided by a DJ. 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-4763434. Free admission. duluthga.net
Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting
Sifly Piazza / July 10-Nov. 28 Play in this accessible environment featuring tactile and interactive elements. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free admission. high.org
Candytopia Atlanta
Buckhead / Through July 31 Explore an imaginative fantasyland of candy with art installations, sensory experiences and samples. 3330 Piedmont Rd., Atlanta. $28; ages 4-12, $20; ages 3 and younger, free. candytopia.com
Nature’s Ninjas
Back-to-School Bubblepalooza
Opossum Breakfast
Chattahoochee Nature Center / July 30, 8 a.m. Enjoy a light breakfast in the company of an opossum, learn how staff take care of the animal and make a craft. Register by July 28. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $20. chattnaturecenter.org
Wild World Weekend
Zoo Atlanta / July 31-Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate cultures and biodiversity from around the world with special entertainment and activities that will transport you from the Americas to Africa to Asia. Reservation required. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $26.99-$29.99; ages 3-11, $20.99$21.99; ages 2 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org
Fernbank Museum of Natural History Through Sept. 6 Discover how different animals have evolved to protect themselves from predators, and view live animals. Reservation required. 767 Clifton Rd., Candytopia Atlanta Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org
Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World
Fernbank Museum of Natural History / Through Sept. 6 Explore the world and history of crocodiles, as well as their relationship to humans. Reservation required. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org
Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab
Children’s Museum of Atlanta / Through Sept. 7 Be inspired by Thomas Edison and his works with hands-on STEM experiments. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $11.95-$19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Masterpiece of Puppetry: Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
Center for Puppetry Arts / Through Oct. 31 Journey to the newly reimagined world of Thra with a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Jim Henson’s story. 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $15; ages 2-12, $10; ages 1 and younger, free. puppet.org
SUPERnatural: Aerial Art in Motion, Glass Art in Bloom
Wild World Weekend
atlantaparent.com
Atlanta Botanical Garden / Through Oct. 31 View more than 100 beautiful glass floral sculptures, and walk underneath an aerial skynet with multi-colored birds. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $22.95-$24.95; ages 3-12, $19.95-$21.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org
Family Fun Guide
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 51
CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY
Let freedom ring at these Fourth of July events with fireworks, music, parades and more. FIREWORKS: n Fantastic Fourth Celebration. Stone Mountain Park. July 1-5. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407. $29.95; ages 3-11, $24.95; ages 2 and younger, free; Lasershow, $20; parking, $20. stonemountainpark.com n Independence Day Celebration. Newtown Park. July 2, 6-10 p.m. 3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. Free admission. johnscreekga.gov n Fourth of July Parade, Festival and Fireworks. Glover Park. July 3, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 50 N. Park Sq. NE, Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free admission. marietta.com n Cumming Fourth of July Celebration. Cumming Fairgrounds. July 3, 4-10 p.m. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-781-3491. Free admission. cummingfair. squarespace.com n Red, White & BOOM! Lillian Webb Park. July 3, 5 p.m. 5 College St. NW, Norcross. 770-448-2122. Free admission. norcrossga.net n Duluth Celebrates America. Duluth Town Green. July 3, 5:30-10 p.m. 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-4763434. Free admission. duluthga.net n Salute to America. Downtown Kennesaw. July 3, 6-10 p.m. Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free admission. kennesaw-ga.gov n Sparks in the Park. E.E. Robinson Park. July 3, 6:30-11:30 p.m. 850 Level Creek Rd., Sugar Hill. 770-945-6716. Free admission. cityofsugarhill.com n Independence Day Celebration. Lake Peachtree. July 3, 9 p.m. 151 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City. 770-631-2525. Free admission. peachtree-city.org n Fourth of July Celebration. Dellinger Park. July 4, 3-10 p.m. 100 Pine Grove Rd., Cartersville. 770-5472157. Free admission; parking, $5. visitcartersvillega.org n July Fourth Concert and Fireworks. Cauble Park. July 4, 5:30-10 p.m. 2293 Beach St., Acworth. 770-917-1234. Free admission. acworth.com n 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza. Roswell Area Park. July 4, 5:30-10 p.m. 10495 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3727. Free admission. roswellgov.com n Sandy Springs Stars & Stripes Annual Fireworks Celebration. City Springs. July 4, 6-10 p.m. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600. Free admission. sandyspringsga.gov
Red, White & BOOM!, Norcross
PARADES: n Independence Day Celebration. Village on the Green. July 3, 9 a.m. 204 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City. 770-631-2525. Free admission. peachtree-city.org n Fourth of July Parade. Cartersville. July 3, 9 a.m. Douglas St., Cartersville. 770-423-1330. Free admission. visitcartersvillega.org n Marietta Freedom Parade. Roswell Street Baptist Church. July 3, 10 a.m. 774 Roswell St. NE, Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free admission. marietta.com n Salute to America. Downtown Kennesaw. July 3, noon. Main St., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free admission. kennesaw-ga.gov n Steam Engine Parade. Cumming Fairgrounds. July 4, 10 a.m. Tribble Gap Rd., Cumming. 770-781-3491. Free admission. cummingfair.squarespace.com n 4th of July Celebration. Avondale Estates. July 4, 10 a.m. Clarendon Ave., Avondale Estates. 404-294-5400. Free admission. avondaleestates.org n July 4th Parade. Downtown Newnan. July 4, 4 p.m. Temple Ave., Newnan. 770-253-8283. Free admission. mainstreetnewnan.com n Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade. Dunwoody Village. July 5, 9 a.m. Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody. 770-624-4825. Free admission. dunwoodyga.org n July 4th Spectacular. Woodstock. July 5, 10-11 a.m. Rope Mill Rd., Woodstock. 770-517-6788. Free admission. woodstockga.gov
n 4th of July Celebration. Lake Avondale. July 4, 9 p.m. 105 Berkeley Rd., Avondale Estates. 404-294-5400. Free admission. avondaleestates.org n July Fourth Fireworks. Wills Park. July 4, 9 p.m. 11925 Wills Rd., Alpharetta. 678-297-6123. Free admission. awesomealpharetta.com n July 4 Fireworks. Downtown Decatur. July 4, 9 p.m. 113 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. 678-615-0915. Free admission. visitdecaturgeorgia.com n July 4th Spectacular. Woodstock. July 5, 9 p.m. 575 Molly Ln., Woodstock. 770-517-6788. Free admission. woodstockga.gov
52 Atlanta Parent July 2021
Fourth of July Parade, Festival and Fireworks, Marietta
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ACTION! SUMMER THEATRE PRODUCTIONS Don’t miss these exciting shows with drama for all ages.
Roswell Summer Puppet Series
Roswell Cultural Arts Center / June 29-July 3 and July 6-10. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. and Wed. and Fri. 1:30 p.m. See puppets perform exciting shows with “The Princess and the Pea, Y’all” and “The Zany Zoo.” Learn more about puppetry with workshops. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6232. $5; ages 1 and younger, free. roswellgov.com
Disney’s Newsies
Legacy Theatre /July 6-Aug. 1. Tues.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 2 p.m. See this Broadway show about the newsboy strike come to life on the lawn. 1175 Senoia Rd., Tyrone. 404-895-1473. $35-$45; ages 12 and younger, $15-$20. legacytheater.com
Once Upon a Time at Lionheart
Into the Woods
Byers Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center July 9-18. See website for showtimes. Fairytale characters Cinderella, Jack, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and more meet in this musical adventure. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 404-477-4365. $40-$100. cityspringstheatre.com
A Musical Tour Through Latin America
Lawrenceville Lawn / July 7, 11 a.m. Part of Aurora Children’s Playhouse, children are transported to Cuba, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Panama and Puerto Rico with music, dance and instruments. 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7. auroratheatre.com
Junie B. Jones
Once Upon a Time at Lionheart
Lionheart Theatre / July 15-18. Thur.-Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. This play festival features “Fractured Fairytales” by J.M. Wolf and is directed and acted by kids. 10 College St., Norcross. 678-938-8518. $12. lionhearttheatre.org
Elm Street Cultural Arts Village / July 7-21. See website for showtimes. Quirky Junie B. Jones must learn to survive the adventures of first grade in this musical based on the popular book series. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. $13.50-$16. elmstreetarts.org
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The Ugly Duckling
Center for Puppetry Arts / Through Aug. 1. See website for showtimes. An outcast doesn’t fit in with the other ducks in the pond, but when he sets out on an adventure, he discovers his true self with the help of new friends. 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $22. puppet.org
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VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
STEP INTO THE
S WHO IS
VINCENT VAN GOGH? n Van Gogh was born March 30, 1853, in the Netherlands. n Before his career as a painter, he was an art dealer, a minister’s assistant, a bookshop worker, a teacher and a missionary. n He only sold one painting, “The Red Vineyard,” during his lifetime for 400 francs in 1890. n He wrote a lot of letters to his close brother, Theo, and others, which is how we know a lot about his life and thoughts on art now. n In 2017, one of his works, “Labourer dans un champ,” sold for $81.3 million at Christie’s, New York. n During his lifetime, he created about 2,100 artworks, including 860 oil paintings.
urround yourself with masterful artwork at “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.” This oneof-a-kind light and sound show is on exhibit through September 26 at the Pullman Yards, and there’s plenty for visitors to see and do. Your visit to Van Gogh commences outside the building. Arrive early and grab a meal or a drink at one of the food trucks in the courtyard. The magic begins as you approach the façade of the building at Pullman Yards, which has been transformed to look like Van Gogh’s famous painting “Starry Night.” The first part of the experience is a minimuseum exhibit with digital and interactive displays where visitors can learn all about Van Gogh’s life, his influences and his painting methods. There is an impressive recreation of his bedroom in Arles, France, a subject Van Gogh revisited several times in his work during the fourteen months he lived there. When you leave the gallery, a world of wonder awaits as you step inside the two-story, 360-degree immersive experience of Van Gogh’s art. The presentation runs on a loop so there is no wrong time to enter. It’s similar to an IMAX movie but better, because it’s everywhere you look, including the moving images on the floor. Imagine the walls “raining” and droplets forming puddles at your feet. More than just a representation of the range of his work,
the accompanying narration also gives you insight into important periods in the artist’s life. The experience is accompanied by mesmerizing music that will stay with you just as much as the vivid images. In fact, once I made it to the gift shop, I immediately asked if there was a soundtrack CD for sale. (Sadly, no but you can find it on Spotify). There are a few chairs and benches for visitors, but most people choose to sit on the floor to relax and absorb the atmosphere. After you exit the immersive room, there is a unique coloring experience where you
BRUSH UP ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF VAN GOGH AND HIS WORKS Help your kids understand this artist’s legacy before visiting Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.
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VISIT VIRTUALLY Go on a virtual museum tour to see paintings and learn more about Van Gogh’s works. The Van Gogh Museum, located in Amsterdam, has a webpage with artworks, virtual tours, stories and more, along with coloring pages and a board game for kids at vangoghmuseum.nl. You can also explore this museum, along with collections of post-impressionism, oil paint and more, on artsandculture.google. com/partner/van-gogh-museum. Additionally, you can spot Van Gogh’s paintings in museums throughout the U.S. Find “Wheat Field with Cypresses,” “Irises,” “Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat” and more at The Met (metmuseum.org); “Houses at Auvers,” “Ravine” and more at Museum of Fine Arts Boston (mfa.org); “Flower Beds in Holland,” “La Mousmé,” “Self-Portrait” and more at National Gallery of Art (nga.gov); “The Bedroom,” “The Poet’s Garden” “The Drinkers” and more at Art Institute (artic.edu); and “The Starry Night,” “The Olive Trees,” “The Potato Eaters” and more at Museum of Modern Art (moma.org).
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WORLD OF VAN GOGH THE DETAILS Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience 225 Rogers St. NE, Atlanta vangoghexpo.com/atlanta n Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-11 p.m. n Admission: $35.40-$49; ages 4-12, $19.10-$35.90; ages 3 and younger, free. Parking, $5/ hour or $23 in advance (Premium parking for 4 hours).
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
can put your own touches on a Van Gogh work and digitally display it on the exhibit walls. It’s fun for both kids and adults. It’s well worth it to upgrade your ticket purchase to include the VR experience, where you can follow a day in the life of the artist. It’s the perfect complement to the immersive experience as you travel along a path through the countryside and village and learn even more about specific works by Van Gogh. Standard ticketholders can purchase the VR experience onsite for $5; it’s included in the price of a VIP ticket. It’s nice to be able to explore all of the areas of the exhibit at your own pace. Be sure to commemorate your visit by taking a photograph against the wall of painted sunflowers as you exit the gift shop. – Laura Powell
Online ticket purchase is required; tickets are available but plan ahead and have several date options in mind. Kids ages 5 and older will enjoy the experience; if you have young kids, consider making it a date night or girls’ night out. Small children may also have trouble with the one-size-fits-all VR headsets. There is plenty of space to socially distance from other families and masks are required inside. Plan to stay at the exhibit between 60-90 minutes.
SEE SUNFLOWERS
GET CREATIVE
Van Gogh painted a total of five large canvases of sunflowers in Arles in the south of France in 1888 and 1889. Experience the beauty of these bright flowers at Copper Creek Farm’s Sunflower Festival through July 24. Take a stroll in the sunflower field with thousands of blooms and pose for photos. 1514 Reeves Station Rd., Calhoun. 706-280-5592. $17.76; ages 2 and younger, free. coppercreekfarm.com Plant your own sunflowers that’ll bloom from mid-summer to early fall. These bright flowers need direct sunlight for 6-8 hours per day and can mature in 80-95 days. The Mammoth variety can grow more than 12 feet tall. Sunrich Gold flowers grow to be about 5 feet tall and are pollenless. The 2-3 foot Teddy Bear is perfect for smaller gardens. Find more about sunflower care at almanac.com.
Have your kids look at Van Gogh’s paintings and mimic his style. Use only shades of red to draw roses inspired by “Sunflowers,” draw your own star-filled sky inspired by “Starry Night,” head outdoors to sketch orchards or flowers, or create a post-impressionist portrait. For younger kids, try replicating Projects with Kids’ use of forks to resemble the texture of the paint; find instructions on projectswithkids.com/ paint-van-gogh-using-forks. Older kids might enjoy using oil pastels with this Van Gogh-inspired art project on fabercastell.com/blogs/creativity-for-life/ kids-art-lesson-van-gogh.
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July 2021 Atlanta Parent 55
UNDER THE STARS Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head out to one of these area parks for a free movie night.
Swift-Cantrell Park
Movies on the Town
Town Brookhaven Movies start at dusk; registration requested. July 1 – “50 First Dates” (PG-13) July 15 – “School of Rock” (PG-13) July 22 – “Raya and the Last Dragon” (PG) 4330 Peachtree Rd. NE, Brookhaven. townbrookhaven.net
Movies On The Square
Colony Square / 7-9 p.m. July 1 – “The Sandlot” (PG) Aug. 5 – “Grease” (PG) Sept. 2 – “The Lion King” (PG) Oct. 7 – “Hocus Pocus” (PG) 1197 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-879-2250. colonysquare.com
Flicks on the Green
Peachtree Corners Town Green / 7 p.m. July 3 – “Hook” (PG) Aug. 7 - “Thor” (PG-13) Sept. 4 – “Cars” (G) Oct. 2 – “Labyrinth” (PG) 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners. 678-691-1200. peachtreecornersga.gov
Movies Under the Stars
Honeysuckle Park Movies start at dusk. July 3 – “Onward” (PG) Aug. 7 – “Raya and the Last Dragon” (PG) 3037 Pleasant Valley Dr., Doraville. 770-936-3850. doravillega.us
Screen on the Green
Atlantic Station Movie trivia starts at 6:30 p.m.; movies begin at 7 p.m. July 8 – “Grease: Sing-a-long” (PG) Aug. 12 – “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (PG) Aug. 26 – “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (PG-13) 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-410-4010. atlanticstation.com
Movies at Newtown Park
Newtown Park Gates open at 7:30 p.m. for pre-show activities; movie starts at dusk on July 9 , Aug. 27 and Sept. 10. Check for titles. 3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. johnscreekga.gov
Movie Under the Stars
The Bowl at Sugar Hill Movies start at dusk. July 16 – “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (PG-13) Aug. 13 – “Shark Tale” (PG) Sept. 10 – “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” (PG-13) 5039 W. Broad St., Sugar Hill. 770-945-6716. thebowlatsugarhill.com
Outdoor Movie Series
Swift-Cantrell Park Arrive at 6 p.m. for pre-show activities; registration requested. July 24 – “Trolls World Tour” (PG) 3140 Old 41 Hwy. NW, Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. kennesaw.com
Feature Fridays
Lawrenceville Lawn 7-9 p.m.; registration requested. July 30 – “School of Rock” (PG-13) Aug. 27 – “The Pursuit of Happiness” (PG-13) Sept. 24 – “A League of Their Own” (PG) 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville. 770-963-2414. downtownlawrencevillega.com
Flicks on the Bricks
Duluth Town Green / 8 p.m. Aug. 6 – “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (PG) Sept. 3 – “The Wizard of Oz” (PG) 3142 Hill St. NW, Duluth. 770-476-3434. duluthga.net
56 Atlanta Parent July 2021
Family Fun Guide
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WE LOVE SUMMER IN THE ATL! Add these must-do Atlanta favorites to your family’s plans.
See Butterflies Up Close
Shoot the ‘Hooch
Surround yourself with hundreds of live butterflies at Chattahoochee Nature Center’s outdoor Butterfly Encounter. Learn about nectar and host plants, feed the butterflies, and take advantage of some amazing photo opportunities (chattnaturecenter.org). In July, visit the butterfly house at Smith-Gilbert Gardens; their Garden With Wings event lasts all month (smithgilbertgardens.com). The Day Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens is open year-round and houses more than 1,000 butterflies (callawaygardens.com).
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely float or ready to take on the rapids, a ride down the Chattahoochee River is a not-tomiss experience. For a DIY trip, head to one of seven launch sites at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (nps.gov/chat). All-inclusive outfitters make planning easy; at Cool River Tubing, rent your tube and lifejacket and take the shuttle to the put-in point for a scenic one- or two-hour trip (coolrivertubing.com).
Catch the Stone Mountain Laser Show
Watch the Braves in Action
During the summer, Stone Mountain Park takes fun to a new level with its Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision. The nightly show is an Atlanta tradition, with lights, music, special effects and fireworks, all against the backdrop of the world’s largest piece of exposed granite. Purchase a square online; one square accommodates four people (stonemountainpark.com).
Head to Truist Park to catch an Atlanta Braves Game, where every seat in the stadium has a great view of the field. Kids love the food and activities at Hope & Will’s Sandlot, which has a rock climbing wall, zipline and games. After the game, explore The Battery’s restaurants and activities. Score fun Braves swag on Kids Giveaway Sundays (July 18 and Aug. 29); check the website for more promotions and ticket packages (mlb.com/braves).
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Family Fun Guide
July 2021 Atlanta Parent 57
e h t r o f fridge
The more risks you allow children to take the better they learn to take care of themselves. ROALD DAHL 58Atlanta AtlantaParent Parent <ISSUE> July 2021 <DATE> 2
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Alpharetta’s Premier Preschool At Oak Grove Academy, we create a safe and nurturing environment where children thrive. Your child will benefit from: • Newly renovated campus designed to enhance safety and learning • STREAM program prepares young learners for future academic success • Curriculum based on “The Four Cs:” critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity • Highly trained educators experienced in nurturing children emotionally and intellectually • Adaptable nutrition program with organic and wholesome ingredients
Schedule Your Tour Today! 3460 Francis Road Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 874-8498 OakGroveAcademy.org
Programs for Ages 6 Weeks - 6 Years
Your Child’s Future Starts Here! An Active Learning Experience for Infants through Preschool • Individualized, developmental-based curriculum • Stimulating, enriching, and secure learning environment • Qualified and degreed teachers • Low student-teacher ratios • Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Schedule your tour today! Two Convenient Locations:
East Cobb 505 Johnson Ferry Rd Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 285-0429
East Roswell 2852 Holcomb Bridge Rd Alpharetta, Georgia 30022 (770) 670-6291
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