Atlanta Parent June 2020

AtlantaParent

June 2020 / atlantaparent.com

Summer Your Way Get Wet, Stay Cool

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It’s Dad’s Day!

Atlanta Fathers on Their New Normal

4th of July at Home

Mom-Approved Pediatricians

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FITNESS CHALLENGE | FAMILY FUN CHALLENGE TEAM CHALLENGE | PRIZES | MEDALS Lauren’s Run and the CURE Family Picnic has gone virtual!

Join us for a fun-filled weekend, complete with a fitness challenge with medals for 5K top finishers, a family friendly challenge (including a surprise scavenger hunt, sidewalk chalk competition, and more), and the chance to win exciting prizes, all while supporting CURE Childhood Cancer!

PLEASE JOIN US (VIRTUALLY): LAURENSRUN.COM

50 FLOOR ALLIANT KELLER KNAPP PwC THE DAKER TEAM

4 Atlanta Parent    June 2020

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Inside 36 June

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Publisher’s Note / 8 Good Stuff / 10 For the Fridge / 50

16

Family History for Kids

22

Life with Father

28

Go-To Summer Recipes

37

Summer Fun Guide

46

Fourth of July at Home

Take a kid-friendly approach to learning more about your family’s geneaology and heritage.

Nine Atlanta dads share their perspectives on balancing work, home and staying safe.

Refresh your menu with these favorites from Atlanta Parent staffers.

Get out: see animals, visit a blueberry farm and more. Or create your own backyard beach!

These activities and crafts are great ways to celebrate the red, white and blue at home.

Pediatricians We Love / 31 Pediatricians are the most important doctors in the lives of metro families. Find a great one recommended

by Atlanta Parent readers.

SPONSORED CONTENT

n Destination

Florida / 20 n These Camps are a Go: Sign Up Now! / 9 n Virtual Camp Directory / 12

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine atlantaparent.com

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 5

Supporting Effective Instruction at Home We help busy parents use reading strategies to increase their child’s academic performance at home.

Our 4-week online course, “The Teacher Parent,” provides critical strategies via Zoom sessions and live video chats.

• Home-based learning activities that support school instruction • Authentic and relevant material • Tips for effective collaboration with teachers

LaVoulle Group, LLC.

International Education Consultants

www.Lavoullegroup.com • lavoullegroup@gmail.com

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 STAFF Emily Webb

WRITER ewebb@atlantaparent.com

COPY Mary Williams

EDITOR

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

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

OPERATIONS Caroline Ward MANAGER cward@atlantaparent.com ADMINISTRATIVE Amelia Ramirez

ASSISTANT MARKETING Felicia Barman MOM

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Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by

Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699.

Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge

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© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2020

6 Atlanta Parent June 2020

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PHOTOS FROM OUR READERS

Working from home is an adventure! P A R T

2

Molly Kosiak

Boy, this commute is a breeze!

Amy Ann Quick Kelley

Mandatory staff meeting.

Amy Weatherly Shaw

Oops, the boss just walked in.

Better pretend I’m working.

Charmain Harrison Franklin

Shannon Labine Ross

I may never go back into the office again.

Someone is not holding up their end on this group project.

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June 2020 Atlanta Parent 7

Atlanta Parent’s Must-Read Online Stories Bringing our readers the resources and information they need during the coronavirus pandemic.  Pediatric Telemedicine  Best Grocery Delivery Services  Book Characters Come Alive  Fun Things to Do This Week  Best Scavenger Hunts  Date Night at Home  Pregnancy and COVID-19: What You Need to Know  Atlanta’s Best KidFriendly Takeout  Tips for Working at Home with Kids  Best Family Movies and Shows to Stream This Month  Host a Virtual Playdate

Publisher’s Note

What Will Summer Look Like?

This summer is not the same, that’s for sure. With social distancing, gone are Atlanta summer concerts, Movies under the Stars and visits to local splash pads. But families still need to have fun, whether it’s at home or out and about.

Our Summer Fun Guide has places to go and things to do, plus plenty of at-home fun. Use our “Backyard Fun” story for ideas on giving your backyard new life with outdoor games and activities or to transform it with a beach-at-home theme.

We’re glad to see that some of Atlanta’s favorite attractions and parks are opening up with new protocols in place and following safety guidelines. If you’re ready to venture out, support area attractions while making sure to do your part by social distancing and wearing a mask.

If camp is on your list of summer activities, some area camps are offering on-site sessions with extra safety measures in place, such as staggered drop-off times, temperature checks and scaled-down class sizes. If in-person camp isn’t right for you, consider one of the many virtual camps that are available. Use them on their own or as part of your own “Camp at Home” program; it can be as simple or elaborate as you like.

One way to survive summer is to take time for a family project, whether it’s building a treehouse or starting a garden. Don’t miss our family history project in this month’s issue – it’s something kids and parents can enjoy doing together. As a child, listening to my grandmother speak Polish piqued my interest in our family’s heritage.

Your kids may really get enthusiastic about the project – and you never know what you’ll find out about your family!

Like many Atlanta families, you’ll probably be spending July 4th at home, but there are still lots of ways to celebrate – enjoy the recipes and crafts in our “Red, White and You” story, decorate the kids’ bikes and have a parade or watch an online concert.

Let us know what your summer looks like. Send Atlanta Parent your photos and stories. Stay safe!

 Plan an At-Home Birthday Party  Workouts and Exercises to do From Home

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

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

8 Atlanta Parent June 2020

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Register Now! These Camps Have a Plan These fun and educational camps are up and running for Summer 2020, ready to give kids a safe and exciting camp experience. Each is taking extra safety measures and adhering to government guidelines, such as staggered drop-off times, temperature checks and scaleddown class sizes. Register now for summer fun! n Best Summer Yet! Every week at Phase Family Learning Center, children ages 5-12 will participate in their Best Summer Yet! Campers will learn about healthy lifestyles in Fitness Blend, be a master chef with Chef’s Corner, explore art mediums in Picasso’s Protégé, brainstorm with STEM challenges and much more. Special guests include the Alpharetta police department, My Reptile Guy and many others. Combined with on-site field trips, water competitions and nature encounters, campers experience fun and variety in their camp day. Spaces are crafted intentionally to cultivate the artist and scientist in every child in electrifying, fun-inspired learning environments. Nine sessions from May 26-July 31.

470-239-2480; phasefamilylearningcenter.com Phase Family Learning Center

n Hands-On Summer Learning KinderCare Learning Centers ignite curiosity with fun and hands-on summer camps. Oceanography, junior inventors, circus science and spy school are among the themes, which set up a summer of exploration and learning. Programs keep children’s minds and bodies active while they explore each subject. Even the youngest participants are engaged and stimulated by professionals who understand each stage of development. To add on to the camp experience, KinderCare also provides parents with ideas for learning activities at home. 23 Atlanta locations. May-August. Register for 1-12 weeks. Ages 6 weeks-12 years separated by age group. 888-525-2780; kindercare.com/summer KinderCare Learning Centers

n Get Active and Creative Whether your child is an athlete, artist or both, the City of Sandy Springs offers a variety of fun summer camps. Campers will have a blast being creative in STEAM and art camps, or getting active in a sports or traditional day camp. Kids will be immersed in the arts, sciences and sports and taught by experienced staff members.

Space is limited to 8 campers per camp. Your camper will have fun and learn new skills. Camps run July 6-July 31. One-week sessions for ages 9-11. Registration opens June 15th. 770-730-5600; registration. sandyspringsga.gov City of Sandy Springs

n Explore Artistic Talents

n Summer Camp Fun at Home

Creativity and imagination take center stage at Spruill Center for the Arts summer camps. Designed for ages 5-14 and led by certified instructors, camp offerings include creative arts, visual and performing arts, and studio arts. June 22-July 31. 770-394-3447; spruillarts.org

Nannies from Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency bring weekly themed summer camp programming right to the customer’s home. Children will have a summer they won’t forget while parents have the peace of mind that they are safe. 404-625-4278; twinkletoesnanny.com/summer-camp

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June 2020 Atlanta Parent 9

Photo by Paul Joyner

Good StUff

by Emily Webb

ER’S FATH DAY ON EDITI

THINGS WE LIKE

For the Outdoorsy Dad Give dad an amazing trip with Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stay in luxurious tents with amenities, including daily housekeeping, organic bath products, complimentary camp activities and more. Choose from national park hiking and driving tours, fly fishing, jeep safaris, zipline or whitewater rafting adventures. Rates vary; find details and the precautions they’re taking to slow the spread of coronavirus on undercanvas.com/camps/great-smoky-mountains.

For the Stylish Dad

For the Spirited Dad American Spirit Whiskey was started by three University of Georgia grads. Shop their online stores for spirits, glassware, home items, apparel and more. Spirits range from $37-$72 at aswdistillery.com.

Later this summer, enjoy a tasting and tour experience. Tours are free, but tastings, spirits or cocktails will be available for purchase.

When dad wants to look his best, he’ll need the right accessories from Admiral Row. Find him the fashionable and dapper bowties, sunglasses, ties, socks, pocket squares or vintage items to complete his look. This Atlanta-based company was started by husband and wife team, Gregg and Sharee. Prices range from $14-$38 at admiralrow.com.

For the Georgia Native

For the Dad with a Sweet Tooth

The dad that wears his state pride on his sleeve needs a gift box from Georgia Crafted, which features more than 200 products made by local artisans from around Georgia. Themed gift boxes include The Deluxe (Quarantined) Snack Box, Lazy Sunday Morning Breakfast Gift Box, Grillin’ & Chillin’ Gift Box and more. You can also build your own box, choosing from soaps, kitchen towels, snacks, candles and more. Or gift dad with a one-, three- or six-month subscription box. Prices and details can be found at georgiacrafted.com.

Check out these local products to satisfy dad’s cravings. Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate is made from sustainably and ethically grown cacao.

Shop online for gift boxes, chocolate bars, chocolate hazelnut spread and more. Prices range from $9-$100 at xocolatlchocolate.com. Honey Next Door has flavored honeys, including elderberry, habanero and gallberry, and the company manages beehives across the metro Atlanta area. Sizes vary, and prices range from $4-$20 at honeynextdoor.com.

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CALLING ALL YOUNG INVENTORS Have Your Kids Enter These Contests n Your kids can turn their idea for a toy or game into a concept that could end up being sold with the CHITAG Spring Young Inventor Challenge.

The group has partnered with Mattel, Magformers, Scholastic and the American Specialty Retailer Association to help inspire kids stuck at home during COVID. Create an original prototype or game with a pitch video. For ages 6-18.

Deadline: June 15. chitag.com/yic n The Idea Tank for Kids at Home 2020 is an entrepreneurship competition seeking business pitches for any invention or business concept. You can win $1,000 as the grand prize, which will be awarded by a judging panel of successful executives and entrepreneurs, or $500 for the winner of the audience favorite. For ages 8-13. Deadline: June 25. ideatankforkids.com

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DID YOU KNOW? We enjoy these everyday things because of some smart, creative kids. n 11-year-old Frank Epperson came up with the popsicle in 1905 n 16-year-old George Nissen invented the trampoline in 1930 n 15-year-old Louis Braille invented Braille in 1824 n 6-year-old Robert Patch was granted the patent for the toy truck in 1963 n 17-year-olds Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Superman in 1933 n 11-year-old Ben Franklin created swim flippers in the early 1700s

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VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMPS Make the most of summer with these online camps. Sign up now for a summer of fun.

404-733-4650 alliancetheatre.org/dramacamp

Alliance Theatre Virtual Summer Camp: Don’t let staying home keep your young actor from performing. This summer, the Alliance Theatre is bringing its signature drama camps straight to your living room! Kids will collaborate with other artists, learn about performance, and make lasting memories – all from home. Having successfully delivered camps and classes virtually this spring, we know our virtual camps will engage and inspire your young actor.

470-323-9090 johnscreek.aopsacademy.org

AoPS Academy Johns Creek: Small, online and interactive math and language arts summer camps designed by PhDs from MIT, Princeton, Stanford and more. Motivated students will explore new ideas, develop critical skills, and get ahead for next year. Two-week sessions. Grades 3-9.

404-874-5299, ext 42 atlantashakespeare.org/ shakespeare-superheroes

470-375-3960 alpharetta.b2rmusic.com/camps

404-770-8332 brainybytes.biz/camps2020

470-499-4440 / brilliantbilingual.com

12 Atlanta Parent June 2020

Atlanta Shakespeare Company Shakespeare Superheroes Camps: Utilizing Zoom, Flip Grid, YouTube and Google Drive, a 6-hour camp day will include prerecorded video content, one-on-one instruction, collaborative online experiences and self-guided activities. Each camp will culminate in a final performance online!

Camp families will be mailed a package of activities, Shakespeare swag and necessary craft supplies.

Bach To Rock, Alpharetta: Offering Virtual Music Camps for Summer 2020!

These are an exciting opportunity for students from all over the country to gather together, play games, share music, and have fun! No experience necessary! Text/Call 470-375-3960 or Visit b2rmusic.com/camps to register!

Brainy Bytes: ONLINE mini-camps! Give your children an outlet to “hang out” with friends and learn at the same time! These fun instructor-led courses will plug your children into coding and technology and push their creativity! LEARN MORE at brainybytes.biz/camps2020.

Brilliant Bilingual: 100% Spanish, 100% Online. Watch your child’s creativity and Spanish soar! Camps are offered Monday-Friday LIVE for 2 hours each day. All proficiency levels welcome. Sign up today for interactive Spanish lessons, hands-on digital projects, free home practice access and weekly showcases. New theme each week.

atlantaparent.com

404-979-6455 museumofdesign.org/camps

404-377-9800 / colorwheelstudio.com

Camp MODA: Robotics, Minecraft, SK8, game design, architecture and engineering are just a few of the virtual camps offered. Online camps combine live instruction and self-guided exploration with challenges to encourage outdoor time.

During live instruction, campers will learn directly from an experienced Design and STEAM educator along with other campers.

Color Wheel Studio: Half day virtual art camp that includes optional family art experiences by appt. at Color Wheel Studio. A newly designed program that combines family creative connection and freedom to work from home. Weekly camps available for June 2020 in sculpture, fashion, ceramics & design. Full day in-studio camps for July TBD.

770-575-5802 / kidchess.com

Kid Chess Online: Leading innovator of virtual chess camps and classes for kids.

Beginner, intermediate, and advanced programs designed with flex-time scheduling for children to experience additional play time, at their pace. Utilizing the virtual playground, students adventure into fun, interactive animation-fueled live streams featuring Grandmasters, variety games, puzzles, coach challenges and beyond!

(800) 484-2664 / kids4coding.com

Kids 4 Coding Programs: Combat COVID19 Summer Slide with New Virtual Offerings including MMO Academics, Private Camps for Friends. This summer enrichment programs become more important than ever! Atlanta-based technology Kids 4 Coding has pivoted to develop new offerings that boost tech and general academic skills while creating fun, secure, online social connections.

404-441-6458 littlemedicalschool.com/atl

770-527-6966 merelyplayerspresents.com

888-906-0671 / techiekidsclub.com/at-home

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Little Medical School: Inspires young minds by sharing a passion for learning, health and careers in medicine. Through hands-on activities, role-play, and interactive demonstrations, children explore the exciting world of healthcare. All programs are written by experienced educators, board-certified physicians and trained healthcare professionals. Virtual and in-person classes are led by a trained Little Medical School® Instructor.

Merely Players Presents: Your favorite Fairy Tales come to life in this Virtual Drama Camp. Materials mailed directly to you and enjoy this drama camp from the comfort of your own home! Runs June 22-26. Two sessions available for ages 4 – 6. (10 a.m.-12 p.m. OR 2-4 p.m.); space is limited! Register TODAY!

Techie Kids Club @ Home: Virtual enrichment program offers coding and robotics classes for children 4–6. Monthly subscription includes 2 virtual class times every week, downloadable materials and access to recorded classes. Your child interacts live with the enrichment coach and other students. For a limited time, join free for 30 days.

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Learning in a BOX Subscription boxes are a great way to keep kids entertained and solve the “I’m bored!” complaint. The boxes deliver fun activities right to your door, based on your children’s interests and ages. Best of all, most companies can deliver a box in less than 10 days for a “we can afford it” price.

For STEAM Kids

For World Explorers

For Book Lovers

n xx Steve Spangler Science Club Parents and kids know STEM scientist Steve Spangler from his “DIY Sci” television series – his science club kits are just as entertaining. Each contains materials for up to 5 activities, experiments and design challenges. Step-by-step instruction cards help kids learn the science behind each experiment. STEM Lab Deluxe boxes contain materials for up to 10 activities.

Ages 5-12. $19.99-$29.99/month

n xx Little Passports Little Passports is a fun way for kids to learn about world cultures and geography.

Choose from World Edition, with a focus on one country each month through souvenirs, coins, activity sheets and photos, or USA Edition, which features two states each month and includes an activity journal, stickers and access to online resources.

“First time” box deliveries have extras such as wall-sized maps, guides, passport and a mini suitcase. Ages 6-10 (World Edition), 7-12 (USA Edition) $12.95-$17.95/month

n xx Literati Book Club Literati is a great way to explore what’s new in children’s books. There are subscription options for kids of all age ranges; each month you’ll receive five unique books, along with a frameable art print and personalized bookplate stickers.

Choose any of the books you’d like to keep and return the rest with the prepaid label. Ages newborn-12. $9.95/month, plus the cost of the books you keep

n xx Kiwi Crate Instill a love of STEAM with this highly-rated subscription service. Each Kiwi kit has the materials to make a kid-tested project focused on science, art or engineering, instruction booklet with more ideas for tinkering, a magazine and online tutorials with tips and tricks. Kiwi has boxes in seven additional themes for kids of all ages. You can also purchase individual projects on their website. Ages 5-8 (Kiwi Crate, other crates range from newborn-16 years). $16.95-$19.95/month n xx Green Kid Crafts These hands-on science and art kits feature a theme, such as Electricity, Ocean Science or Music, and contain instructions and materials for 4-8 STEAM projects. Also included is a 12-page booklet with more hands-on activities, parent resources and puzzles. Ages 2-4 (Junior Discovery) and 5-10 (Discovery). $24.95-29.95/month

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n xx Highlights Top Secret Adventures This worldwide detective game lets kids explore, capture a villain and solve a mystery every month. Each kit highlights the people, culture, history, terrain and geography of a particular country, with activities, games, puzzles and photographs. Also included are villain cards, guidebook and mission assignment letter. Ages 7 and older. $15.95/month, plus $2.98 shipping n xx Little Global Citizens Take your child on a journey though the countries of the world – all from home.

Each bi-monthly box includes a children’s guide, crafts and cultural activities, puzzles and quizzes. Also included are recipes and a story book that highlights a cultural element from the country. Ages 4-10. $39.95/month ($49.95 for a sibling box)

n xx Kids Reveal Kids Reveal has three clubs based on age: Giraffe (1-3), Monkey (3-6) and Fox (6-9). Monthly boxes contain 3-4 books, including picture or story books, chapter books, and activity books.

Parents have the option of personalizing selections based on a child’s interests and gender. The books are included in the subscription price. Ages 1-9. $16.67$19.95/month n xx Reading Bug This California-based independent bookstore offers subscription boxes for children up to age 13. A staff member will choose the books based on your child’s personal interest and reading level. Boxes include gifts and extras that match the theme of the books, plus a note with reading tips and activities. Ages Newborn-13. $27-$29.99/month, plus $3.50 shipping

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ZooATL-Atlanta-Parent-AtHome.pdf 1 5/8/2020 4:40:30 PM

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FAMILY HISTORY PROJECT Make Your Heritage Come Alive

Start with Stories Kids love stories about themselves and family. Capitalize on their curiosity by telling them oral traditions, or stories that have been passed down verbally by your family. Here are some ways to connect them to their ancestors: n Start with stories about them. Talk about the day they were born, when they first walked and talked, and the funny things they did as toddlers and preschoolers. n Share stories about their parents and grandparents when they were young. They love to hear about the time a parent dealt with a schoolyard bully or how grandparents met and married. n Share what technology, cars and clothes were like when their descendants were young. n Introduce them to the celebrities of the family. The rest of the world may not know them, but the entire family recognizes the humorous, memorable or notorious things they did.

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by Janeen Lewis

Genealogy for kids doesn’t have to be boring. Instead of poring over microfiche and birth and death records, a kid-friendly approach to family history will entice young genealogists to learn about where they came from. Atlanta Parent rounded up these fun ways to pique your family’s interest about its past.

n Play old and new family videos. Compare how the video technology has changed over time.

Give It Props Like actors on a stage, present your family history with props. Search attics and look for important family pieces like jewelry, furniture, clothes, books, handmade quilts, magazines and old toys. Here are some ways to engage kids with props: n Draw kids in with photographs. They love to see dad when he still had hair or mom when she wore an eighties hairdo. Black and white photos are intriguing because of the differences in fashion, cars and homes. n Make a list of family heirlooms and talk about why each is an important memento. Dig out old technology like rotary phones, old typewriters and ham radios. Show photos or videos of a jukebox. n Visit a museum virtually to look at historic forms of transportation such as steam locomotives, Model T’s and horse drawn carriages. atlantaparent.com

Show Your Ancestry with Art Even preschoolers can fill in a simple family tree template, and there are a wide range of free printable ones on the internet. Try these ideas to capture your lineage creatively: n Represent your family tree with photographs and portraits, or produce a digital presentation. Create a family crest or duplicate your own if one already exists. Frame it for a virtual family reunion or to display in your home. n Visit a cemetery and make grave stone rubbings. n Paint portraits from family photographs. n Explore historical handwriting by looking at copies of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence or old family letters. Then let your child explore cursive or hand-lettering with a calligraphy pen or quill. n Design and sew a family quilt with squares of material from family baby blankets, clothes and other quilts. n Make a DIY silhouettes using photographs and frame them or turn them into cameos.

Write it Down Older kids may enjoy these written ways to document family history: n Interview the oldest person in the family and write their biography or write summaries of his or her favorite times in history. n Writing “I Am From” poems can be fun and interesting for all ages. There are several formulas on the internet to try. n Compile a family cookbook.

Link to Family Landmarks When I was little, I remember walking around my grandparents’ farm and exploring the smokehouse and hen house and watching my grandmother get water from a working well. Here are some ways to create a tangible connection to the past through terrain, buildings, graves and neighborhoods: n Tour the family cemetery and study the gravestones. Study the death and birth dates on the headstones and talk about what the symbols on the headstones mean.

Cont’d on next page

How to Have a Virtual Family Reunion Summer and family reunions go together like bees and picnics. But with our current situation, families may not be able to gather in person. Why not host a virtual family reunion? To make yours go off without a hitch, try these tips. n If you don’t already have a family Facebook page, start one before the reunion to share ideas and plan. n Choose a digital platform. Some to try are Zoom, Google Hangouts, FaceTime, Facebook Portal or Skype. Keep in mind that Zoom’s free service has a 40-minute time limit. n Designate a host. It’s one thing when everyone is trying to talk at once in person and can even be endearing. On a screen, it can be frustrating. Make sure one person monitors the discussion so everyone gets a turn to share. Remember, the chat option is a good way to let everyone converse without interrupting. n Have rules that everyone understands before you start. Again, everyone wants to share and have fun. n Make a meeting schedule, considering time zones and individual schedules. List the virtual activities and time frames for completing them. Some ideas: play games like Family Bingo, or “Guess the Family Member.” Share photos or videos. Share family recipes. If you’ve been doing genealogy with kids and they interviewed an older relative, share what they learned. n Do a test run with family members who may not be tech-savvy. A family member who is well-versed in technology could check and make sure the meeting is ready to go for someone less familiar before the reunion starts.

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June 2020 Atlanta Parent 17

FAMILY HISTORY PROJECT n Take a self-guided walking tour of the town where your family originated. Share why buildings were important. n Visit ruins of cities or farms where your family started.

Do Old-Time Chores and Hobbies Was your great-aunt a master seamstress?

Did your great-grandparents produce all their own food from a working farm?

Try these ideas to share your ancestor’s pastimes with kids: n Complete a starter cross-stitch kit for kids.

Learn to knit from a DIY video on YouTube.

Purchase a starter woodworking kit online and build something. n Did you know you can churn butter in a Mason jar or make ice cream in a resealable plastic bag? Allrecipes.com has recipes for both. n Bake and cook from scratch using family recipes. n Grow a vegetable garden and use the produce to make dinner.

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Become Descendent Detectives To kids, research sounds boring. But solving a mystery is exciting. Interest kids by uncovering the family history like a detective: n Explore baby books and old Bibles that include important dates from your family’s lineage. Research what first and last family names mean. n With teens, research family documents such as birth, death and marriage certificates. n Visit websites like Billiongraves.com and Findagrave.com if you have ancestors that lived far away. Using Findagrave, I was able to find my grandparents’ gravestone and a view of their family cemetery in another state online.

Learning about family history can be a rich, rewarding experience with the right approach.

Start a journey through the past with your children and you may keep the tradition going for generations to come.

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Open House June 13

by Appointment Only

Resources Picture Books What a Family! by Rachel Isadora The Roots of My Family Tree by Niki Alling Aunt Claire’s Yellow Beehive Hair by Deborah Blumenthal My Family Tree and Me by Dusan Petricic The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman Chapter Books Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder American Girls series by various authors Non-fiction book to help with headstone symbols: Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography

by Douglas Keister

Bring the joy of music into your home.

Websites to help get started: Familytreemagazine.com National Archives has genealogy activities for kids: archives.gov/education/family-history American Ancestors has activities for kids and teens: americanancestors.org/education/learning-resources/read/youth Scholastic.com has ideas and printable family tree templates: scholastic.com/parents/kids-activities-and-printables/activities-forkids/reading-and-writing-ideas/joining-generations-genealogy.html 5 Cool Apps and Websites to Research Family History with Your Kids from Scholastic: scholastic.com/parents/school-success/learning-toolkitblog/5-cool-apps-websites-to-research-family-history-your-kids.html

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The Music Class now offers fun, developmental music classes right at home.

Online, interactive classes led by inspiring music teachers will sweep you and your child into playful singing and dancing, together with other participating classmates, in a virtual studio. Unleash the music potential of your young child while keeping them engaged at home. Call for class times or visit our website.

770-645-5578

themusicclass.com/at-home

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Destination FLORIDA Florida is a popular vacation spot for Atlanta families.

Start planning your getaway with these exciting destinations.

An uncrowded paradise is just around the corner Craving an uncrowded escape? We don’t blame you. Tucked away along the Atlantic Coast of South Florida, Martin County is a true hidden haven for families to relax and recharge. Boasting over 22 miles of secluded beaches and 100,000 acres of pristine parks and conservation lands, there’s plenty of space to sprawl out and unwind. Embrace a slower pace of life, surrounded by natural landscapes, vibrant downtown districts, and countless activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. With a picturesque combination of Old Florida character and coastal charm, Martin County is the perfect road trip destination for a quintessential summer getaway.

Start planning your next escape today! discovermartin.com

Stuart, the county seat of Martin County, is known as the sailfish capital of the world.

Unplug in Clay County “It was so much fun hearing him talk about the adventures of treehouse camping, the spring-fed swimming pool and discovering wildlife on the hikes we took.” Clay County offers something for everyone and is a haven for those who love nature and the outdoors whether you hike, ride, row, sail or swing a golf club! Explore numerous parks, walking and bicycling trails, waterways, historic sites, two military museums, golf courses and more. Unplug from life’s hectic pace in Clay County, Florida. Small Towns.

Big Passions. Clay County is a short commute from the City of Jacksonville and the nation’s oldest city of St. Augustine. For visitor information, visit exploreclay.com

Explore 93,000 acres of parks, 35 miles of trails and 46 square miles of waterways.

20 Atlanta Parent June 2020

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This year, take time to create memories.

You remember it, don't you? The family beach vacation: miles of blue water, sand castles at your feet, a sea breeze blowing your hair back, and not a cell phone or a skyscraper in sight. This summer, plan a family trip to a place where memories come naturally, and time isn't the only thing that's preserved.

Plan your trip at discovermartin.com

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June 2020    Atlanta Parent 21

DAD LIFE

by Emily Webb

This month is Father’s Day, which means it’s time to celebrate dads and all they do.

Recent events have given a new meaning to the term stay-at-home dad. Atlanta Parent talked to these local Atlanta fathers about how they’re juggling work, home and staying safe.

n Wes

n Al

Stilo

Aurora Theatre Director of Sales & Marketing; Father to Dominic, 16 I wouldn’t say that I was really good at balancing before the pandemic. Working for a nonprofit, I wear a lot of hats, working on nights and weekends.

Being teacher and principal with his mom is tough. We’ve been really flexible with him on not having to keep school hours.

Being cooped up together, while we love each other, we also know how to push each other’s buttons. There’s going to be conflict. I think the big thing is you just have to own up to those moments and ask for forgiveness.

Moss

Chief Investment Strategist at Capital Investment Advisors and host of “Money Matters” on WSB; Father to Ben, 13, Luke, 10, Jake, 8, and Sam, 4 I work 24/7 between my investment and WSB jobs, and I fell prey to the 24/7 work cycle. Now, I get to see the kids throughout the day; I see them at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We have a basketball court area in the backyard, and I bought a portable pickleball net on Amazon, and we put it on the court. It’s a fast growing sport, as you can play it almost immediately, whether you’re 7 or 75 years old.

It’s a marathon as a parent and a dad, trying to figure out what each one of these kids like – they’re all amazingly different. We have to figure out how they are as individuals in order to cultivate these kids over time and get to know them. It’s the best time ever to be a parent.

22 Atlanta Parent June 2020

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n Kenneth

Braswell

CEO of Fathers Incorporated; Father to Monica and Tiarrah, 39, Amber, 27, Nzinga, 21, and Kenneth Jr., 11 My wife and son have decided to take a virtual class together to learn to speak Spanish. Because we are working from home, my son and I spend more time in the driveway playing basketball. It has helped me personally in not gaining too much weight. It also keeps him active and competitive. I have gotten really good at grilling steaks. So much so that my family often requests that I fire up the grill and cook some nice, juicy rib eyes.

I’ve been watching a lot of how-to on YouTube to perfect my new skill.

n Jeramy

Ragsdale

Thrive Senior Living Founder and CEO; Father to Ruth Ann, 11, Rachel, 9, and Caroline and Cate, 6 With four daughters, we have seen a huge uptick in nail painting, glitter usage, sidewalk chalk, bike riding, skinned knees and duck feeding. We are now our kids’ personal assistants.

Lining up meetings and calls, keeping their schedule and even being tech support.

n Jim

The funniest thing happening in my house right now is that my wife and I together can barely beat my 11 year old in basketball. The fact that we are out of breath 15 minutes into the game is not so funny to us, but it sure is funny to our son! atlantaparent.com

On her 9th birthday, my oldest told me, ‘You know you’re halfway done with me, right?’ My heart stopped. As awful as the pandemic is in many ways, this extra time is a gift. It’s an extension of our very precious days with them.

Newton

Entrepreneur and Owner of Great Beginnings of Sugar Hill; Father to Caroline, 11, and Kate, 9 It’s been a time of getting to know your kids even better and enjoying them. We’ve played badminton in the backyard or kickball. We had dinner together, and the kids don’t have electronics on them. We carved out quality time to play different games to make them think.

The most important thing to do is take care of your family. Make sure your household is safe when you go out. Put one step forward Cont’d on next page and move in the right direction.

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 23

DAD LIFE n Ira

Dawson

Head of Middle School at The Walker School; Father of Ariyana, 12, Ira, 2, and Cameron, 10 months We were really busy and this situation has compelled us to slow down.

There’s a lot of time for us to do activities together. I’m grateful for what the quarantine has done in terms of spending time with my younger children and my daughter, and where she is in school, and learning what her dreams, goals and aspirations are.

We’ve been cooking together. We’re a pancake family. We all like them different ways, someone’ll make the batter, someone’ll have the fruit, someone’ll have the chocolate chips. n Justin

Spizman

Trial Lawyer and Author of “Don’t Give Up…Don’t Ever Give Up: The Inspiration of Jimmy V;” Father to Dani, 7, and Bella, 5 I’m not the most handy guy in the world, but I got wood from Home Depot and built a box garden. We got seedlings for tomatoes, zucchinis and herbs. It’s been a fun project to work on together, doing it with Dani, so she knows it can grow into something wonderful with time, attention and love.

My wife is a former kindergarten teacher. She’s kept these kids running strong and learning and busy with activities. I’m more of the P.E. teacher, and I’ll take them outside to play. n Scott

Deviney

Chicken Salad Chick President and CEO; Father to Conner, 14, Coleman, 12, and Abbey, 10 Like everyone else, we are making it work as best we can and stretching the limits of our internet bandwidth. I no longer wonder what my wife does all day and am baffled at how much food my kids can consume daily. I am also quite excellent at placing the family Chicken Salad Chick takeout order.

My wife made a comment this week that although we are all in the same storm right now, we aren’t all in the same boat. Every father has his own story, and each of us are working hard to take care of our loved ones and others that depend on us.

24 Atlanta Parent June 2020

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n John

Smiles

Senior Director of Marketing for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta; Father to Audrey, 15, and Griffin, 12 There’s been a lot of binge-watching shows on Netflix or Disney+. Pre shelter-in-place, we were always running kids from one activity to the next. This has been a time to slow down and get some things done around the house, spend more time together as a family, sitting down at the kitchen table and having meals together. My first job in high school I was a Shoney’s cook, so I do a pretty mean breakfast, and nobody else tinkers with that. I’ve been learning chess from my son. My daughter and I have been out doing driving lessons to get her ready.

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All this cleaning that we’re doing, the kids are asking, ‘How did we acquire all this stuff?’ That’s what 20 years in a house will do for you, which shows you the value of purging and getting rid of things.

Click here for more on these Atlanta Dads. atlantaparent.com

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 25

There is no denying the differences between how moms and dads parent their kids. Just because dads may do things differently than moms doesn’t mean their parenting style is less beneficial to kids. A different perspective on how to handle challenges, how to have fun, and how to show affection is great for kids.

4

Dads play differently When I watch my husband interact with our kids, I notice one major difference – how they play together. My husband will often hide and when the kids start looking for him, he’ll jump out and scare them. He fills water balloons for an hour to have a water fight that lasts five minutes. He spends time building LEGO sets, helping the kids learn how to follow the instructions. He wrestles with, laughs with and good-naturedly teases the kids. They love it. Most of these things I would rarely do; some I would avoid if possible. Dads have a way of bringing silliness and fun into our kids’ lives, usually in the form of a game. The kids love it, the dads love it, and it strengthens the bond between them.

GREAT WAYS DADS ARE DIFFERENT

by Sarah Lyons

Dads are more flexible Some dads can be a little more flexible than moms. When I was a girl my mom had a weekly night out with her friends and my dad was in charge.

This often meant fried egg and ketchup sandwiches and staying up late watching TV. One day Dad let us have ice cream for dinner. We walked to the store for cones, and by the time we got home, my brother and I were a sticky mess. Instead of a bath, Dad sprayed us down with a hose, changed us into our pajamas and called it a night. We all laughed the whole time, and I remember thinking how my mom would never have allowed that. Those little moments of silliness and flexibility taught me that sometimes it’s OK to set aside the rules and have fun.

26 Atlanta Parent June 2020

Dads show affection differently Kids enjoy snuggling up with both parents, but in addition to sitting together reading a book or watching a movie, dads have a way of showing affection that is different from mom. They wrestle, tickle and roughhouse. They lift kids up on their shoulders and carry them around and often spend time showing affection in a totally different way than women typically do. They carry kids to their beds and throw them onto a pile of pillows, which is usually rewarded with giggles and a shout of “Do it again!” Dads have a knack for showing affection and having fun at the same time.

Dads encourage kids to try new things

I love how my husband encourages the kids to try new things.

It’s usually easier for me to just order food for the kids when we’re at a restaurant, but my husband lets them speak to the waitress themselves and order their own food. This teaches them independence and how to be comfortable speaking to other adults. If they are too shy to do so, he pushes them out of their comfort zone and tells them they can do it, gently encouraging them to try something new. There are so many situations like this.

Dads often will push kids to try new things, learn to do things themselves, or tell them to follow the directions on their own.

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It’s Time For Summer Reading With all of the programs and incentives in metro Atlanta, every child should be reading this summer.

Here are some of the offerings from libraries, bookstores and organizations. n Metro Libraries: 2020’s summer reading theme is “Imagine Your Story” to help inspire children to dream big, believe in themselves and create their own story. Local libraries provide online resources, and the Georgia Public Library Service is providing online access to Beanstack. With Beanstack, track reading, participate in challenges and engage in literacy activities. Check your local library for virtual programs in June and July. n Barnes & Noble’s Summer Reading Journal: Download and print a free copy of this journal for your kids in grades 1-6. Read any eight books this summer and record them in the journal, along with your favorite part. Take it into your local Barnes & Noble between July 1-Aug. 31 for a free book (the list of options is included in the journal). n Books-A-Million: With reading ambassador Dav Pilkey, read any four books from the Summer Reading Adventure section in-stores and online and record them in the Summer Reading Adventure Log Book to receive a free Dog Man logo baseball cap. n Chuck E Cheese: Get 10 free tokens for reading for two weeks. Be sure to take a look at the other rewards charts to keep your kids on track all summer long. Kids are limited to one chart per child, per day. n Half-Price Books: The “Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program” is going virtual. Soon, they’ll have reading logs, online storytimes and weekly giveaways. For now, check out book recommendations and free printable coloring sheets. n Little Shop of Stories: With “Greetings from Elsewhere,” escape and go on brand new journeys with books. When you purchase the Summer Reading Package, you’ll receive three books, a bingo challenge sheet and five postcards. After you finish a book, send or drop off the post card, and once you’ve sent all five, you’ll get a bag of goodies, including a free book and a $10 Little Shop gift card. Registration begins at 10 a.m. on June 1.

n Mayor’s Summer Reading Club: The program designates a city-wide book choice for infants and for children ages 2-5 to share with families at no cost to them. Throughout the summer, libraries, museums, farmers markets and other institutions in Atlanta will hold “book club reads” and enrichment events based on the stories. 2020 book selections include “In the West End” and “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site.” n Pizza Hut BOOKIT! Program: The school program runs October 1 through March 31 each year, but you can do a version at home this summer. Sign up for weekly emails with summer reading activities. n Wrapped Up in Reading: The Carlos Museum’s annual summer reading program encourages children to maintain their reading skills, and the book list allows kids to learn about civilizations from around the world. Children who read five books from the Summer 2020 Book List and email their completed Reading Diary signed by a parent by Sept. 1 will receive prizes.

TOP

10

LISTS

for Everything Family

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July 2020 Issue!

Email Laura

lpowell@altantaparent.com

770-454-7599 atlantaparent.com

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 27

Summer Go-To Recipes

Looking for some fresh ideas for meals?

Our staffers shared some of their tried-and-true favorites.

APPETIZERS

MAIN DISHES

L.A. (Lower Alabama) Caviar

Pork Chop Quickie

3 (15-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained 1/4 cup chopped red onion 3 tbsp. each chopped green, red and yellow bell pepper (I just pick one, usually yellow for color and go with that rather than buy three peppers) 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tbsp. granulated sugar Salt and pepper Combine all the ingredients and season with the salt and pepper. Marinate for at least 12 hours before serving.

“My go-to summer dish, this recipe is from LuLu’s, a Mobile restaurant run by Jimmy Buffet’s sister, Lucy.

You can eat it as a salad, or with chips like whole-grain Tostitos Scoops.” – Sheri Taylor-Emery

Pork chops (4-6) Garlic salt Butter Pancake syrup Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place chops in a greased casserole, sprinkle with garlic salt and top with butter and maple syrup. Add a small amount of water. Bake for 30 minutes or until done.

– Caroline Ward (adapted from the Tea Time at the Masters Cookbook)

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sliders

Tomato Pie Prebaked 9" pie shell 5-6 medium tomatoes, sliced 8 slices cooked, crumbled bacon Fresh basil leaves 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the tomatoes in the baked pie shell. Top with crumbled bacon (I use about 8 slices but you can’t use too much in my opinion) and top with basil leaves (or sprinkle with a little dried basil). Mix together mayonnaise and cheese. Spread over the top of pie and bake about 30 minutes, checking to make sure cheese mixture is getting melted, but not burned.

“This is the best use I’ve ever found for tomatoes fresh from the garden. I like to call it a BLT in a pie crust.

My husband likes to slice the tomatoes, then lay them out on paper towels with a cutting board on top to remove excess moisture for a firmer pie. This can also be made with green tomatoes for a more tart variation.”

– Sheri Taylor-Emery

28 Atlanta Parent June 2020

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 3/4 cup barbecue sauce 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper 6 Hawaiian sweet rolls or slider buns Lightly spray the inner pot with cooking spray. Sprinkle salt, pepper and cocoa powder on the chicken. Pour the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce into the pot. Add the seasoned chicken and top with barbecue sauce. Close the lid and seal the valve; cook on “manual” pressure for 10 minutes.

Release the pressure in the pot.

Transfer the chicken to a platter or bowl and use two forks to shred the meat. Return the meat to the pot and mix. Serve on buns with extra barbecue sauce on the side; top with creamy coleslaw if you like.

“This is my favorite recipe.

It’s easy and everyone likes it!” – Laura Powell (From “The Instant Pot Cookbook for Kids” by Shannon Jett.)

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SIDES

Broccoli Salad

Herbed Turkey Burgers 1 pound ground turkey 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots 1/2 cup finely shredded onion 1/2 tsp. dried thyme 1/2 tsp. dried marjoram 1/4 tsp. dried oregano 1/4 tsp. dried basil 1/4 tsp. garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Mix all ingredients well. Form into 6 patties. Pan-fry or grill over medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Serve on buns with lettuce, cheese and tomato.

“My son loves helping me make these burgers. They’re a nice change from ground beef.” – Mary Williams

Taco in a Bag Individual bags of Fritos Favorite recipe of cooked taco meat Ground beef or taco Favorite toppings: chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, etc.

Salsa or taco sauce (if desired) Use scissors to cut across the top of each Frito bag. Add taco meat and garnish with your favorite toppings.

“This is a fun way to enjoy a favorite kid food!”– Liz White

Quick Chicken Parmesan Frozen, breaded chicken breasts Cooked spaghetti 1 jar spaghetti sauce Place the cooked spaghetti In a lightly greased dish. Top with chicken, then pour the sauce on top. Bake according to the directions on the chicken package.

“I use breaded chicken from Trader Joe’s for this quick and easy dish.”

– Melinda McGuire

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1 16-ounce package broccoli florets 2 cups seedless grapes 3 celery ribs, chopped 1 cup mayonnaise (I use the olive oil variety) 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp. white vinegar 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 2 oz. sliced almonds, lightly toasted Mix together the mayonnaise, sugar and white vinegar. Add the broccoli florets, grapes and celery and toss to coat with the dressing.

Chill three hours. Top with bacon and almonds before serving.

“A former staffer shared this recipe with me after she brought it to an office pot luck.”

– Sheri Taylor-Emery

Rice with “Rubber Bands” Handful of broken spaghetti or egg noodles 4 tbsp. butter 1 cup rice (uncooked) 1 can French onion soup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown the noodles in butter in a large, oven-proof frying pan. Add rice, French onion soup and 1 soup can of water. Stir, cover and bring to a boil. Transfer to the oven and bake for one hour.

“This is my mom’s recipe; when we were kids we thought the spaghetti noodles looked like rubber bands and the name stuck!” – Robin Mintz

DESSERTS Egg Custard Pie Prebaked 9" pie shell 4 large eggs, beaten 2 cups half-and-half

3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/8 tsp. kosher salt 1/8 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Bake crust according to package directions. Let cool about 10 minutes.

Whisk remaining ingredients together and pour into cooled pie crust. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees and bake until pie is golden, set around the edges, and slightly jiggly in the middle, 50 to 55 minutes, covering edges of pie crust with aluminum foil if needed to prevent over browning. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with additional nutmeg. Chill before serving.

“I love this simple recipe from Southern Living. The pie is cool, light and perfect for summer.”

– Sheri Taylor-Emery

Peach Cobbler 3/4 cup self-rising flour 1/2 cup milk 3/4 cup sugar 4 peaches, sliced 1 stick butter, melted Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place butter and peaches in a large baking dish.

Bake until the butter melts.

Remove from the oven and stir.

Mix flour, sugar and milk and pour over peaches. Bake for an additional 45 minutes.

“This is my great-aunt’s recipe – my family’s summer favorite.” – Emily Webb

NOTE: Depending on if you use a regular or deep-dish pie shell you may have some leftover filling. I pour it into ramekins and bake along with the pie. My gluten-free daughter appreciates this crustless version.

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 29

CHOOSING A PEDIATRICIAN

A

tlanta has many great pediatricians; choosing the right one for your child can seem daunting. When you need to find a new one, use Atlanta Parent’s mom-approved list of pediatricians, along with recommendations from family and friends. You’ll need to check whether the doctor is approved by your current insurance, research their credentials and office hours online and factor in convenience, such as how far the doctor’s office is from your home or whether the office has evening or weekend hours. Consider scheduling an in-person meet-and-greet (some pediatricians charge for these visits).

Here are 10 questions to ask while you’re making a decision. n What do you love about your job? n How long have you been practicing, and do you have any subspecialties (such as special needs, childhood obesity or diabetes)? n How does your practice utilize technology? Do you embrace telemedicine? Can parents contact you or your nursing staff via email? What’s the process when I need to call after hours?

n Can appointments be made online? n What is the scheduling process? What is the average wait time for an appointment? n Which medical networks and hospitals do you work with? Does your practice accept a variety of insurance plans in case our insurance coverage changes?

n Does the practice offer same-day sick visits? n What are your thoughts on vaccines and the use of antibiotics for children? n If other doctors are in the practice, will we also see them on occasion? Do nurse practitioners also see patients? If the doctor is the sole practitioner, who covers if you are out of town or unavailable? n As a pediatrician, what is your top advice to parents?

What Parents Need to Know About Telemedicine Many pediatricians around Atlanta have increased their use of telemedicine to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Think of a telemedicine visit like a regular appointment. Have a separate area where you and your child can talk to the doctor free of distractions. Have any information, such as prescriptions and fever temperatures, in front of you. Make sure your devices are working and charged, along with your camera and microphone. The office may have a nurse call you before the scheduled telemedicine visit to walk you through how to check vitals or use the 30 Atlanta Parent June 2020

technology.

If an in-person visit is considered necessary after the telemedicine call, pediatric offices are taking the extra steps to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Most offices are separating well and sick visits, limiting time in the waiting room, having patients wait in their car, having online check-in and more safety protocols to protect patients, their families and doctors.

Check with your pediatrician on their telemedicine policy, and remember that it’s still important to take your child for wellness check-ups and to keep him on track for required vaccinations. atlantaparent.com

Parents are choosy when it comes to medical care for their children.

Atlanta Parent asked our readers – moms and dads just like you – to nominate pediatricians that they would recommend. We wanted to know why your child’s doctor is special and you told us.

PEDIATRICIANS Akey, Kenneth, MD Kenneth Akey Pediatrics, Newnan Aldridge, Sarah, MD Sandy Springs Pediatrics, Atlanta Aplin, Brooke, MSN Children’s Medical Group, Johns Creek Axelrod, Maria, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw

“Dr. Chheda at Harmony Pediatrics calls me back minutes after I call the practice! She stays on top of current research and I know that the info she gives me is the most up to date and current on pediatric care.”

– Katie W.

Barr, Tracy, MD East Cobb Pediatrics, Marietta and Kennesaw Bataille, Fredly, MD Intown Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Atlanta Bathada, Murali, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw Beckford, Avril, MD Wellstar Medical Group Pediatric & Adolescent Center, Smyrna Beno, Luke J., MD Kaiser Permanente, Atlanta Berenson, Gloria Ana, MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Dunwoody Bergman, David M., MD The Pediatric Place, Alpharetta

“Whenever we have an appointment at ABC Pediatric Group, Dr. Blair makes you feel like you are her only patients. I can always schedule times that are convenient with our work and school schedules.”

– Deana A. atlantaparent.com

Deeb, Raymond J., MD Briarcliff Pediatrics, Atlanta Delaney, Gwendolyn, MD Vickery Pediatrics, Cumming Dickerson, Jill, MD Vibrant Kids, Newnan Faroqui, Mahnaz, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville and Duluth Franklin, Jennifer, MD CentreSpringMD, Atlanta

Bhatia, Taz, MD CentreSpringMD, Brookhaven

Gfroerer, Terrence, MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Dunwoody

Billingsly, Tiffini, MD Premier Pediatrics, Smyrna

Gillman, Rachel, DO Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville and Duluth

Blair, Fiona, MD ABC Pediatric Group, Stone Mountain Bramwell, Anna, MD Piedmont Pediatrics, Atlanta Brugner, Briana, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw Butler, Heather D., MD Pediatric Associates, PC, Gainesville Butler-Rice, Angela, MD Amazing Pediatrics, Decatur Carr, Kimberly, MD Children’s Medical Central, Conyers Chheda, Shefali, MD Harmony Pediatrics, Alpharetta Colon, Enid, MD Heart and Soul Pediatrics, Canton Cumberbatch Peete, Marcia, MD ABC Pediatric Group, Stone Mountain Darby, Scott, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dacula and Sugar Hill

MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

Herd, Hal, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sugar Hill Herrmann, Carol, MD Rainbow Kids Pediatrics, Decatur Herron, Merinda, MD Herron Pediatrics, Atlanta

“Dr. Kelley of Children’s Medical Group is exceedingly patient with my two high energy girls and is able to calm and engage them for really insightful exams and diagnosis. He takes his time, asks thorough questions and listens to me as a mom.”

– Tara D. Cont’d on next page

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 31

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

“We love Dr. Shirazi at Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine – she is so kind and compassionate and truly cares for all her patients. She treats us like her own family.”

– Maya Z.

Miller, Rogena, MD Wellstar Medical Group Pediatric & Adolescent Center, Smyrna Molock, Suzanne, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dacula

Shirazi, Kathy, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville and Dacula

Morgan, Bakari, MD PAMPA Pediatrics, Marietta

Shu, Jennifer, MD Children’s Medical Group, Decatur

Nakos, Denise Joseph, MD Cobb Pediatric Associates, Smyrna

Smart, Jennifer, MD Children’s Medicine, Lawrenceville and Suwanee

Phan Le, Thien-Kim, MD Emory at Old 4th Ward, Atlanta

Smiley, Susan, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sugar Hill

Hill, Andrea, MD Monroe Pediatrics, Monroe

Philip, Tiji M., MD Northside Pediatrics, Woodstock

Hines, Savanthini, MD WellStar Medical Group Pediatric & Adolescent Center, Smyrna

Pikholz, Gail, MD Pediatric Associates, PC, Marietta

Hubbard, Holly Hubbard Pediatric Group, Loganville

Pitts, John, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw

Jackson, Jessika, MD Premier Pediatrics, Smyrna

Price, LaKimberly, MD Intown Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Brookhaven

Jackson, Joanne, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dacula

Proctor, Keishaun, MD Kidcare Pediatrics, College Park and Atlanta

Jacobsen, Sara, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville and Dacula Johnson, Wes, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville and Dacula Johnson, Yolanda, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dacula and Sugar Hill Kazi, Megan, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville Kelley, Nicholas, MD Children’s Medical Group, Decatur Kelly, Linda S., MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Dunwoody Kim, Shelley, MD Little 5 Points Pediatrics, Atlanta Koenig, Allison, MD Piedmont Pediatrics, Atlanta Kubagawa, Homare, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville Lavania, Hiral, MD One Family Pediatrics, Cumming Lewis, Lauren, MD West Atlanta Pediatrics, Lithia Springs Long, Mark A., MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw Lynes, Nathan, MD West Atlanta Pediatrics, Lithia Springs Makar, Stacey, MD Zaman Pediatric Center, Snellville Mathew, Susamma, MD Sugarloaf Pediatrics, Lawrenceville Megahed, Mona, MD Harmony Pediatrics, Alpharetta

32 Atlanta Parent June 2020

Sheth, Anu, MD Pediatric Associates of Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville

Pulliam, Patrick N., MD Covenant Care Pediatrics, Stockbridge Quisling, Yvette, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sugar Hill Rajgiri, Savita, MD Mill Creek Pediatric Associates, Sugar Hill

Song, Samuel H., MD GC Pediatrics, Duluth Steele, Sharon, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dacula Stickney, George, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville

“Dr. Winters-Smith at Kennesaw Pediatrics truly listens to parents’ and kids’ concerns. She remembers things the kids are interested in and always asks them about it.”

– Laura D.

Ransom, Lindsey, MD West Atlanta Pediatrics, Lithia Springs

Stolle, Ashley, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Duluth

Reisman, Gerald, MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Dunwoody

Strauss, Peter, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw

Richards, C. Christopher, MD Cobb Pediatric Associates, Smyrna

Tolkan, Judith R., MD Roswell Pediatric Center, PC, Alpharetta

Roberts, Lisa, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Duluth

Vathada, Murali, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw

Ryan, Tom, MD Pediatric Medicine of Cartersville, Cartersville

Washington, Keyana, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dacula

Santorum, Jennifer E., MD Johns Creek Pediatrics, Johns Creek Sells, Deneta H., MD Intown Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Atlanta Sherwinter, Julius, MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Dunwoody

“Dr. Lavania and her staff at One Family Pediatrics are the best! By sharing her own parenting experiences, she shows us that she understands the concerns parents have. She makes our kids feel safe and secure by talking directly to them.”

– Kemia B.

MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

Wells-Jarrett, Estonna, MD Sandy Springs Pediatrics, Atlanta Wexler, Eve, MD Briarvista Pediatrics, Atlanta White, Crystal, MD West Vinings Pediatric Group, Smyrna Wilburn, Kelly, MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Dunwoody Winters-Smith, Lisa, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw Wolfe, Patricia, DO Wellstar Medical Group Pediatric & Adolescent Center, Smyrna and Austell Young, Earl, MD West Atlanta Pediatrics, Lithia Springs Yount, Sarah, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw Zucker, Laura, MD North Fulton Pediatrics, Roswell

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SPECIAL SPECIAL ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SECTION SECTION

Gwinnett Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

Hal Herd, M.D.

Suzanne Molock, M.D.

Sharon Steele, M.D.

Joanne Jackson, M.D.

Yvette Quisling, M.D.

Susan Smiley, M.D.

Lisa Roberts, M.D.

Ashley Stolle, M.D.

George Stickney, M.D.

Keyana Washington, M.D.

Homare Kubagawa, M.D.

Wes Johnson, M.D.

Yolanda Johnson, M.D.

Mahnaz Faroqui, M.D.

Scott Darby, M.D.

Megan Kazi, M.D.

Kathy Shirazi, M.D.

Rachel Gillman, D.O.

Sara Jacobsen, M.D.

Stephanie Jones, C.P.N.P.

Allison Smith, C.P.N.P.

Gwinnett Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine is the oldest established practice in Gwinnett County. The practice is proud to provide traditional, conservative health care in agreement with recommendations and guidelines offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The pediatricians consider it a great honor to partner with you in facing the challenges of caring for and raising your children. Working with parents throughout life’s most important endeavors has been the mission of GPAM for more than 40 years.

Their team consists of 19 board-certified pediatricians and two nurse practitioners. They offer four convenient locations in Gwinnett County with offices located in Duluth, Dacula, Lawrenceville, and Sugar Hill.

Call today to learn more or to schedule an appointment at your nearby office, 770-995-0823.

To learn more about their pediatricians and the practice, visit GwinnettPeds.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Duluth • Dacula • Lawrenceville • Sugar Hill 770-995-0823 GwinnettPeds.com Facebook.com/GwinnettPeds.com

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MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

June 2020 atlantaparent.com Atlanta Parent 33

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Deneta H. Sells, MD; Fredly Bataille, MD LaKimberly Price, MD

Intown Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine was founded by Dr. Sells in 2006 to provide warm, friendly and excellent care for the growing population of in-town families. After becoming acquainted with the staff and patients at Intown Pediatrics, Dr. Bataille officially joined the practice in 2010. In the spring of 2017 Intown Pediatrics announced its newest location in Brookhaven and welcomed Dr. Price.

The mission of Intown Pediatrics is to be a true “neighborhood” practice by being involved in community activities, offering convenient appointment times and after-hours advice to concerned parents. Intown Pediatrics has eight pediatric providers committed to partnering with families to foster the healthy growth and development of their children, while striving to be easily approachable and communicative.

The entire staff at Intown Pediatrics is dedicated to providing comprehensive and informative care for each patient. Visit IntownPediatrics.com today and learn more about their team and all they can offer your family as they develop a “provider-parent” partnership with you.

Town Brookhaven 705 Town Boulevard, Suite S560 • Atlanta 30319 Glenwood Park 490 Bill Kennedy Way • Atlanta 30316 404-446-4726 IntownPediatrics.com

Shefali Chheda, MD

Dr. Shefali Chheda goes the extra mile to deliver a higher level of pediatric care that’s incredibly hard to find in this day and age of “in-and-outfast” medical care. She and the team at Harmony Pediatrics are committed to the concept of a holistic approach, as well as a family-focused medical office.

She and her staff build strong partnerships with parents by establishing 2-way communication avenues available during AND after office hours. Dr. Chheda is a board-certified pediatrician who serves the residents of Alpharetta and many of the surrounding communities. Virtual appointments are also an option in some cases. Schedule an appointment today.

1800 Abbey Ct. Alpharetta 30004 770-475-9924

harmonypeds.com

Dr. Hiral Lavania, MD

Dr. Hiral Lavania is a Board-Certified Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is the creator of One Family Pediatrics and Medical Director of Breastfeed Atlanta.

The practice is dedicated to providing accessible, individualized healthcare to children and adolescents and empower parents with knowledge about their child’s well-being. Along with being a Patient Centered Medical Home, the practice provides in-house mental health and lactation support for patient accessibility.

Dr. Lavania is affiliated with Northside Forsyth Hospital where she provides initial care and lactation support for newborns.

34 Atlanta Parent June 2020

MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

2575 Peachtree Pkwy.

Suite 301 Cumming 30041 678-962-PEDS (7337) OneFamilyPediatrics.com

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SPECIAL SPECIALADVERTISING ADVERTISINGSECTION SECTION

Kennesaw Pediatrics

Dr. Maria Axelrod

Dr. Briana Brugner

Dr. John Pitts

Dr. Peter Strauss

Dr. Sarah Yount

Dr. Mark A. Long

Dr. Murali Vathada

Dr. Lisa Winters-Smith

At Kennesaw Pediatrics our entire team of staff and physicians is committed to providing exceptional pediatric healthcare with a personal touch. We are honored that each of our physicians have been nominated as Mom-Approved Doctors for FOUR consecutive years.

At our three specialized centers, award winning pediatricians and staff offer care for your child from cradle to college. From the time you bring your new arrival into the comforting Newborn Center, to your school day visits at the Main Office, to care for your high schooler at the Teen Center, we meet the needs of your child at every age and stage.

Kids don’t take days off and neither do we. We’re here for you seven days a week. You’ll find the services you need under one roof: check ups to sick visits, sports physicals to asthma care, on site labs, classes, support groups and more.

And most importantly, we listen. At every location, at every visit, we take the time to hear your concerns and provide the best in skilled, compassionate healthcare for your growing child.

3745 Cherokee St. NW Kennesaw 30144 770-429-1005 KennesawPediatrics.com

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MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

June 2020 atlantaparent.com Atlanta Parent 35

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Zoo Atlanta

Summer

FUN Guide

Beach Fun at Home l See the Animals l Backyard Play Places to Play l Blueberry Picking l and more atlantaparent.com

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 37

The GET OUT Guide It’s almost summer!

Get out of these house and enjoy the warmer weather at these Atlanta attractions for family fun, animals, hikes and more.

If You’re Venturing Out of the House: Parks, gardens and popular Atlanta destinations are adhering to new heath guidelines to keep your family safe. Here are some hints for a successful family outing.

You’re likely to see staff wearing masks, extra sanitization and other safety protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Zoo Atlanta

See the Animals n Zoo Atlanta See animals from all around the world, including elephants, lions, pandas, orangutans, lemurs and more. Indoor venues and experiences, rides, playgrounds and Treetop Trail are temporarily closed. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. Timed ticketing system: $24.99; ages 3-11, $18.99; ages 2 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org

n North Georgia Zoo and Farm View more than 80 animals, including camels, zebras, ostriches and more, from the comfort of your car with their Drive-Thru Zoo. The zoo is open Wed.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in June and July; reservations recommended. 2912 Paradise Valley Rd., Cleveland. 706-348-7279. DriveThru Zoo: $5 per person; Zoo Admission: $24.99; ages 2-11, $22.99; ages 1 and younger, free. northgeorgiazoo.com

Have a Plan A for where you’d like to go, and a Plan B if your first choice is too crowded.

n Pettit Creek Farms

Look into the procedures of the attraction you plan to visit, so you know the rules and hours of operation ahead of time.

Drive-thru this farm to see common farm animals, as well as camels, giraffes, zebras, capybaras, lemurs, llamas and more. 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-386-8688. $30 per car. pettitcreekfarms.com

Most attractions require you to purchase tickets in advance with a timed entry. Keep in mind that there may be limits on the number of people allowed at these attractions.

Wash hands often. Some restrooms may not be open to the public yet, so pack hand sanitizer. Check ahead of time to see if restrooms are open.

Wear a mask and remind your kids to maintain a six-foot distance as often as they’re able. If you or anyone in your family feels sick, don’t go out, even if you plan to wear a mask.

If you’re going outdoors, don’t forget it’s summer – bring water bottles and pack sunscreen. Food options may be limited; you may want to bring your own snacks.

38 Atlanta Parent June 2020

n L & R Alpaca Haven Farm Schedule an appointment to visit this alpaca farm to take a farm tour and visit the alpacas. On June 6 and 7, take a yoga class surrounded by the alpacas. 1320 Dorris Rd., Douglasville. 404-408-4635. Farm tours, $10; yoga, $25. lralpaca.com

n Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary This sanctuary has deer, vultures, a petting yard, a barn yard, lemurs and more. The new owners are committed to providing the resident animals the best Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary life possible with this new experience. 4525 US Hwy. 78, Lilburn. 678-395-3453. Timed ticketing system: $18; ages 3-12, $12; ages 2 and younger, free. yellowriverwildlifesanctuary.com

n Wild Animal Safari This Pine Mountain attraction features a 3.5-mile driving experience with more than 550 animals, including camels, zebras, American bison and more. 1300 Oak Grove Rd., Pine Mountain.

706-663-8744. $24.95; ages 3-12, $21.95; ages 2 and younger, free. animalsafari.com/Georgia

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Visit a Garden n Atlanta Botanical Garden View a new cast of giant plant sculptures based on the characters of “Alice in Wonderland” in “Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined,” on view through Nov. 1. The Lou Glenn Children’s Garden, the Fuqua Conservatory, Orchid Center, Longleaf’s dining room and the Garden Gift Shop are temporarily closed. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta.

404-876-5859. Timed ticketing system: $21.95; ages 3-12, $18.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

n Smith-Gilbert Gardens This botanical garden has 15 themed garden spaces, including a bonsai collection, hydrangeas, camellias, roses and more.

2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. Tickets must be purchased online: $10; ages 3-17, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. smithgilbertgardens.com

n Gibbs Gardens See blooming foxgloves, pansies, rhododendrons, roses, water lilies and more with three feature gardens: Manor House Gardens, Japanese and Waterlily Gardens. 1987 Gibbs Dr., Ball Ground.

770-893-1881. Tickets must be purchased online: $20; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free. gibbsgardens.com

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Go to a Nature Center n Chattahoochee Nature Center This 127-acre center has hiking trails, educational experiences, birds of prey, animals and more for exploring the outdoors.

Butterfly Encounter will open on June 6. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell.

770-992-2055. Tickets must be purchased online: $10; ages 13-18, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

n Dunwoody Nature Center Hike the trails, sit in on Free First Saturday classes and experience nature, science and fun at this attraction. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Free admission. dunwoodynature.org

n Blue Heron Nature Preserve

Chattahoochee Nature Center

This 30-acre green space has trails, including the three-mile Blueway Trail, the Woodland Loop, the Beaver Tail Trail and more. 4055 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-946-6394. Free admission. bhnp.org

Enjoy the Great Outdoors n Stone Mountain Park Natural areas of the park, including Grist Mill, Covered Bridge, Quarry Exhibit and 15 miles of hiking and walking trails are open, as well as the Stone Mountain Golf Club for a chance to practice your swing.

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 1-800-401-2407. Parking, $20. stonemountainpark.com

n Lanier Islands Head to Lanier Islands to explore nature with walking and hiking trails, biking, golfing, boating and more. Get LandShark Bar & Grill for delivery or carry out on the weekends. 7000 Lanier Island Pkwy., Buford. 770-945-8787. Pricing varies. lanierislands.com

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Stone Mountain Park

Cont’d on next page

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 39

The GET OUT Guide Mini Golfing n Pirate’s Cove All pirates are welcome at this outdoor course. Play 18 or 27 holes; plus, get half-off golf tickets between 4-6 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. 3380 Venture Pkwy., Duluth. 770-623-4184. $8-9.50; ages 4-12, $7-8.50; ages 3 and younger, free. piratescove.net

n Lakepoint Station Groups under six people can play on the mining-themed outdoor and blacklight courses, with 8-10 minutes spacing between groups. 77 Old Allatoona Rd., Cartersville.

678-719-0921. Ages 5 and older, $8 (outdoor), $5 (blacklight); ages 4 and younger, half-price. lakepointstation.com

n The Fringe at Area 51 Play one or both of these beautifully landscaped 18-hole mini courses. This course currently is open weekends only. 5100 Commerce Pkwy., Roswell. 770-518-0977. $7-10.50; ages 3-12, $5-7.50; ages 2 and younger, free. a51fun.com

n Lunar Mini Golf This indoor glow-in-the-dark course is now open, with limits on group sizes. Lawrenceville: 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., 678-847-0182; Kennesaw: 400 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW, 704-678-6605. $9; ages 6-12, $8; ages 3-5, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. glowminigolf.com

n Monster Mini Golf Kids will love Monster Golf’s 18-hole glowing indoor course. Masks are recommended.

2505 Chastain Meadows Pkwy. NW, Marietta. 770-423-2212. $9-$11. monsterminigolf.com

n Disc Golfing It’s played just like regular golf, but with a Frisbee-like disc to throw into a basket. Play at these area parks (practice social distancing and check websites for special hours).

Perkerson Park: 770 Deckner Ave. SW, Atlanta. beltline.org/places-to-go-perkerson-park/ Wills Park: 11925 Wills Rd., Alpharetta. willspark.com Oregon Park: 145 Old Hamilton Rd., Marietta. cobbcounty.org/parks East Roswell Park: 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell. roswellgov.com/home Village Green Park: 204 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City. peachtree-city.org Maple Creek Park: 425 McMillan Rd., Dacula. exploregwinnett.org

Driving Ranges and Golf Instruction n GOLFTEC Offering golf lessons and practice (including virtual classes) for all ages.

Locations in Atlanta, Smyrna and Roswell. golftec.com

n Topgolf Enjoy driving range practice and golf target games at Topgolf’s Alpharetta location. 10900 Westside Pkwy., Alpharetta. 770-217-0513. topgolf.com

n Marietta Golf Center Driving range, golf instruction and clinics, including junior clinics.

1701 Gresham Rd. NE, Marietta. 770-977-1997. mariettagolfcenter.com

n Aussie Kids Golf Academy Golf instruction for kids ages 4 and older; summer camps and workshops.

Multiple Atlanta locations. aussiekids.com

40 Atlanta Parent June 2020

Topgolf

atlantaparent.com

Places to Play Check websites for safety protocols and to reserve a time slot.

n Tiny Towne Ages 1 and older can drive on one of the tracks, take a trip on the TT Express train or plays games in the Arcade Room. 2055 Beaver Ruin Rd., Norcross. 470-545-7227. $20-$50. tinytowne.com

n Stars and Strikes These family entertainment centers have bowling, video games, an arcade, laser tag, bumper cars and more for family fun. Eight metro Atlanta locations. Pricing varies. starsandstrikes.com

n Ready Set FUN! This activity center is open for small group play with an indoor playground, art, dance, yoga, cooking and more. 6331 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-596-5566. Ages 1-8. $15-$65. readysetfun.com

n Top Play Check out their four-level play structure, Tiny Town with a playhouse, grocery store and café, a jump pad and more. 7230 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Suwanee. 770-884-2120. Online ticket purchase required: $10.95-$13.95. topplayusa.com

n Nitro Zone Book a two-hour block of time to enjoy bowling, go karting, an arcade and more. 6344 Cash Ct. NW, Peachtree Corners. 470-636-3230. $30. nitrozone.com

n Buddy’s Indoor

Playhouse

This facility has a toddler only soft play area, a driving track, educational games, books and more. 3315 S. Cobb Dr., Smyrna. 770-989-1312.

Ages 6 months and older, $9.99; ages 5 months and younger, free; two adults free per paid child. buddysplayandparties.com

n Sky Zone This jump place’s attractions include Virtual Reality, Foam Zone, Ninja Warrior Course, Warped Wall, Freestyle Jump and more. Roswell, Kennesaw, McDonough, Newnan locations are open; Suwanee location is closed.

Prices vary based on location and jumping time: $15-$23. skyzone.com

Ready Set FUN!

n Hippo Hopp This eco-friendly indoor playground is for babies to age 10 and plans to reopen in June with limited capacity and new safety protocols. Atlanta: 1936 Briarwood Ct. NE, 404-6344964; Peachtree Corners: 6315 Spalding Dr., 678-6829866. Ages 3-10, $10.50-$11; ages 1-2, $6.50-$7; adults and ages 11 months and younger, free. hippohopp.com

n Adventure Air Sports Fly high on the indoor zip line, jump around on the trampoline, reach new heights on the climbing wall and more at this indoor center. 425 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW, Kennesaw. 1-678-839-9928. Prices vary based on jumping time: $16-$30. kennesaw.adventureairsports.com

NOW OPEN for SAFE Shopping ity & Matern ns’ Childrees!

Cloth

Now Accepting SPRING & SUMMER Clothes

O ALSSelling Online at www.sweetrepeatsatlanta.com

800 Miami Circle • Buckhead 404•261•7519

A Birthday Concert for Your Child

NATURE IS OPEN NOW OPEN

•Live kids music for all occasions •Parties •Schools Festivals •Camps •Affordable •Best for ages 1-7 D New aCble Avail

678-708-2321

www.jasonsmusicparty.com atlantaparent.com

for visitors on a limited basis.

MAKE A RESERVATION and purchase tickets online to secure your entry.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE for additional information.

9135 Willeo Road | Roswell, GA 30075 chattnaturecenter.org | 770.992.2055

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 41

The GET OUT Guide

Go Blueberry Picking

n Tuckaway Blueberry Farm

Georgia’s blueberry harvest is at its peak through the end of July. Pick your own blueberries at these farms near Atlanta. Call or check website before you head out to confirm picking conditions and prices.

Scheduled to open June 1. Call for picking conditions, 770-560-5922. tuckawayblueberryfarm.com Pick-your-own: Prices vary due to market Location: 3560 Claude Brewer Rd., Loganville

n Berry Patch Farms Will start picking in late June; will have an opening date and daily schedule in mid-June.

Call for picking conditions, 770-926-0561. berrypatchfarms.net Pick-your-own: $2.09 per pound Location: 786 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock

n Mercier Orchards

Opening date scheduled for June 6. Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for picking conditions, 800-361-7731. mercier-orchards.com Pick-your-own: $5 per person; $8 for each half a gallon. U-Pick not available at this time.

Location: 8660 Blue Ridge Dr., Blue Ridge

n Southern Belle Farm Through mid-July. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sun. 1-5 p.m. Call for picking conditions, 770-288-2582. southernbellefarm.com Pick-your-own: $13 per gallon Location: 1658 Turner Church Rd., McDonough

n Mitcham Farms Through July. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sun. 1-5 p.m. Call for picking conditions, 770-855-1530. mitchamfarm.com Pick-your-own: $5 per quart Location: 797 W. Macedonia Church Rd., Oxford

n Fleeman’s

U-Pick Blueberries

Opening date scheduled for June 13.

Call for picking conditions, 678-863-1765. fleemansblueberries.com Pick-your-own: $15 per gallon Location: 716 Harrison Mill Rd., Winder

42 Atlanta Parent June 2020

n Adams Farm Through mid-July. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Call for picking conditions, 770-461-9395. adamsfarmfayettevillega.com Pick-your-own: $3.25 per pound. No credit or debit cards accepted.

Location: 1486 Georgia Hwy. 54 West, Fayetteville

n DJ’s U-Pick

Blueberry Farm

Planning to open early June. Call for picking conditions, 678-442-7853. djsupickblueberries.com Pick-your-own: $20 per gallon. No credit or debit cards accepted.

Location: 1839 Prospect Rd., Lawrenceville

n Cool Springs Blueberry Farm Scheduled to open June 13. Call for picking conditions, 770-535-7350. coolspringsblueberryfarm.com Pick-your-own: $3-$4 per pint; $6-$8 per quart Location: 5975 Smith Mill Rd., Gainesville

n Lone Oak Farms Planning to open in July. Call for picking conditions, 678-416-3955.

Pick-your-own: $12 a gallon Location: 7633 Forrest Rd., Grantville

Sheet Pan Blueberry Pancakes 1/4 cup canola oil, divided 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tbsp. granulated sugar 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt

1 1/3 cups buttermilk 2 eggs 1 tsp lemon zest 2 cups fresh blueberries, divided Maple syrup

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking sheet with 2 tbsp. oil; set aside.

In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and lemon zest; stir in remaining oil. Whisk buttermilk mixture into flour mixture just until combined (do not overmix; a few lumps are OK). Let stand for 10 minutes.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle 1 cup blueberries over top; bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cut and serve pancakes with remaining blueberries and maple syrup following a few moments of cooling.

Source: blueberrycouncil.org

Variations: Alternatively, for a lighter take, serve pancakes with 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or 1 cup of ricotta cheese with 1/4 cup honey.

Notes: If desired, substitute milk mixed with 1 tbsp. lemon juice for buttermilk. Let stand for 15 minutes before using.

atlantaparent.com

Lookout Mountain/Rock City

Take a Short Road Trip n Rock City Travel to the top of Lookout Mountain for massive rock formations, gardens, panoramic views, Fairyland Caverns, Mother Goose Village and more. 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain.

706-820-2531. Timed ticket admission: $21.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free. seerockcity.com

Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site

n Etowah Indian Mounds

State30 Historic Site

Head to this 54-acre site containing six earthen mounds, a plaza, village site and more from the Native Americans who lived there, as well as hiking trails. 813 Indian Mounds Rd. SE, Cartersville. 770-387-3747. $5 per vehicle. gastateparks.org/etowahindianmounds

n Callaway Gardens Enjoy the garden landscapes, trails, fishing at the lake, biking, golfing and more at this exciting getaway featuring a man-made beach. 17800 US Hwy. 27, Pine Mountain.

844-512-3826. Online ticket purchase requested: $14.95; ages 4 and younger, free. callawaygardens.com

Year-Round Guided School Tours Homeschool Workshop Series Weekly Preschool Program Classroom Outreach A SMITHSONIAN AFFILIATE

All aboard for museum fun!

SouthernMuseum.org • 770-427-2117 atlantaparent.com

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 43

Beach Fun at Home

When you can’t get to the beach or the neighborhood pool, break out the water toys and bring the fun to your own backyard!

n A Dip in the Pool An inexpensive wading pool is a no-brainer for backyard fun, but with a little creativity you can take it to the next level. Set up a circuit of several pools and make each station something different. Try shaving foam in one and food coloring in another. One could be filled with bubbles and another could have a stash of water toys for mock battles. Keep a hose nearby for rinse-offs. Alternatively, consider investing in an above-ground pool – prices range from $50 and up, depending on size – and the whole family can cool off in the summer heat.

n Water Balloon Games They’re never out of style – a package of water balloons is all you need for instant fun. Have a balloon toss competition or a game of hot potato. Suspend a few from a tree branch or clothesline and have a water balloon piñata party. For a distance challenge, see who can toss their water balloon the farthest – without breaking it!

n Wiggle Your Toes in the Sand Create your own sandy beach! Check the Lowe’s website for instructions on making an 8’x8’x1’ sandbox. If you’re really feeling beachy, you can truck in sand and turn your backyard into the neighborhood beach or fossil pit (hide some treasures in the sand and let the kids play archeologist). Note: Use play sand because some other kinds of sand contain carcinogens. Also, neighborhood cats could eye your sand as their own personal litter box. Keep it covered when not in use.

44 Atlanta Parent June 2020

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Our Favorite Fun-in-the-Sun Gear n Beach

Birds

It’s not a trip to the beach without a few games! The Flamingo Ring Toss set by Antsy Pants comes with three 10” flamingos and three rings; position them up close for young players or farther apart for older kids.

Available for $24.99 at Target stores.

n Cool Creations This activity takes a little planning and some freezer space, but it’s worth it! Freeze water in different-shaped containers: plastic cups and bowls, empty milk jugs, a muffin tin or ice cube trays. Kids can add food coloring and plastic figurines for pizzazz. When everything is good and frozen, head outside to turn the ice blocks into sculptures and towers.

They’ll have fun getting wet during the building – and the melting.

n Cool off with a Sprinkler

n Make a Splash Add a tropical vibe to your backyard beach! Available in trendy floral and beach-themed prints, Minnidip inflatable pools are over 5 feet wide, so older kids (and adults!) can keep cool, too. For kids 3 and older, mini pools are 4 feet wide and printed in fun, kid-friendly patterns. From $33 at minnidip.com.

Make a DIY soda bottle sprinkler with an empty 2-liter bottle. Poke holes in the bottle with a screwdriver or drill. Put a garden hose into the mouth of the bottle and secure with electric or duct tape. Place it flat on the ground or hang it up for a shower of fun! For ready-made entertainment, buy a splash pad sprinkler, a combination kiddie pool and sprinkler.

They’re available online and in stores for around $30.

n Slip-Sliding Away Sure, you can buy a slip ’n slide at the store. But if you don’t want to pay big bucks, make your own slide at home with a shower curtain or a plastic tarp, running water from the hose, and some dish soap for a little extra acceleration.

n Dry Off

in Style

Refresh your beach towel collection with a few bright new designs. Check out the colorful options from Pottery Barn Kids – tie dye, mermaids, superheroes, ocean creatures and lots more – for swimmers of any age. Prices start at $19.50; potterybarnkids.com.

– Ann Hardie and Mary Williams contributed to this story

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June 2020 Atlanta Parent 45

Flag Fun n Have a 4th of July fashion show. Who in the family can style red, white and blue the best? Or get white T-shirts and have each family member decorate them using red and blue fabric paint. n Make a patriotic flower pot from Lolly Jane with a flower pot, painter’s tape, foam brushes, sealer and ¼” vinyl lettering stars. First, paint the whole pot white.

Once dry, add painter’s tape, starting at the top, to create stripes. Paint the stripes red. Add the stars around the rim of the top then paint it blue. When dry, pick off the stars. Seal it with a fast drying sealer.

Source: lollyjane.com

RED, WHITE & YOU!

by Emily Webb

Cookouts, Parades, Fireworks.

These are all staples of a fun Fourth of July spent with friends and family. Just because the rules are different this year, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time celebrating America’s independence!

46 Atlanta Parent June 2020

American Flag Trivia Congress adopted the first official version of the flag with 13 stripes and 13 stars for the 13 original colonies in 1777.

After 1818, lawmakers decided to honor each new state with a star, while leaving the stripes with the original 13.

Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

In July 1969, Neil Armstrong placed the first U.S. flag on the moon. Five more Apollo moon landings resulted in five more flags being planted. atlantaparent.com

Make the Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake from Crazy for Crust.

Ingredients: ¾ c. unsalted butter, softened ¾ c. granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 tbsp. vanilla extract ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. cream of tartar 2 c. all-purpose flour 1 c. red, white and blue M&Ms ½ c. red, white and blue “jimmie” sprinkles Frosting: 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened 1½ c. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract ½ tsp. salt 2 tbsp. heavy whipping cream or milk

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9” round cake pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Make the cookie cake: Beat butter and sugar with a hand or a stand mixer until creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla, then mix in baking soda, salt and cream of tartar.

Slowly mix in flour. Stir in M&Ms and sprinkles.

Press batter into prepared pan, pressing more M&Ms onto the top as desired. Bake for 19-22 minutes or until the edges are just turning a light golden brown. It’s better to under bake this dough than over bake. The cake will continue cooking a bit as it cools, so err on the side of underdone. Let it cool completely.

Make the frosting: Beat butter until smooth, then slowly beat in powdered sugar until crumbly. Add salt and vanilla, then add 1 tsp. of heavy whipping cream.

Beat until smooth, adding another tsp. of heavy whipping cream to get a spreadable texture.

Use a 1M tip and a Ziploc or piping bag to decorate the cookie cake. Top with more sprinkles and M&Ms. Source: crazyforcrust.com

Fantastic Fireworks

Firework Facts

n For a fun craft with the kids make Fireworks from GoGo squeeZ. You’ll need push-up cake pop molds or empty ice cream push-pop containers (which you can reuse after eating or find online), construction paper, markers, glitter, pipe cleaners, confetti, other decorative items and tape. Line the bottom of the container with a round piece of construction paper, leaving it a little larger than the bottom circle, so none of the glitter will fall out.

Cover the outside of the container with construction paper, and let your kids color and decorate the paper with markers. Fill the inside with glitter, pipe cleaners and other decorative items. Finally, tape another circular piece of construction paper over the top. To activate, remove construction paper, and push the glitter or confetti out quickly. It’s recommended that you release them somewhere where the glitter won’t be a hassle to clean up afterward. Source: goodnessonthego.com

Static electricity in synthetic clothing can set off firecrackers. People who make firecrackers wear only cotton clothing.

At first fireworks were only orange and white.

New colors were created by adding different salts.

The hardest color to create is blue.

During the 4th of July, Americans light about 175 million pounds of fireworks, equal to about 100,000 lightning bolts.

Crafting Country n Make a patriotic lava lamp with these Sparkle Bottles from JaMonkey. You’ll need plastic water bottles with the labels removed, red, blue and silver star confetti, glycerin, water, glitter and ribbon. Fill ¾ of the water bottle with water. Add as much glitter and confetti as you want. Fill the rest of the bottle with glycerin. Replace lid and shake to mix together. Red confetti may cause the water to turn slightly pink. You can also tie a patriotic themed ribbon to the bottle for a fun finishing touch.

Source: jamonkey.com

atlantaparent.com

n Light up the night with an Easy Jar Candle Craft from Fantastic Fun and Learning.

Use glass jars, glue, a paint brush and festive decorations.

Cover the jars with glue that’s been thinned with a little bit of water. The kids can decorate the jars with sequins, glitter, buttons and more. Let them dry before placing a tea light inside. Source: fantasticfunandlearning.com Cont’d on next page

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 47

RED, WHITE & YOU! Patriotic Parade n Host a neighborhood parade with your friends.

Decorate your cars or bikes with patriotic items to travel around the neighborhood. Set a time to drive or ride around together, and play Americathemed music. n Get festive in your yard by decorating and hanging up posters, streamers, stars and other patriotic items from your fence, porch or windows. Hang Toilet Paper Roll Fireworks from All Kids Network on the porch. You’ll use toilet paper rolls, white paint, red and blue glitter glue, paint brush, red and blue streamers, yarn or string, scissors and tape.

Paint the toilet paper roll white. Once dry, use glitter glue to decorate, and set aside to dry. Cut streamers into 10-1" lengths, and then cut vertically down the center. Tape the streamers to the inside of the roll.

Punch a hole to the top of the roll to string yarn through to hang it up. Source: allkidsnetwork.com

n Make a patriotic wreath for the door with The Country Chic Cottage by Angie Holden. Use a pool noodle, garland strands, popsicle sticks and paint. Make a wreath from the pool noodle by making it a circle and taping it together with duct tape. Wrap the garland around the wreath. Glue the sticks together with hot glue, and paint an American flag with red, white and blue on the sticks.

Using old boxes, you can cut out a four for the center of the wreath.

Source: thecountrychiccottage.net

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48 Atlanta Parent June 2020

Test out your chosen sparklers beforehand, and try different lighting methods to see which way works best.

Sparklers are usually hard to light.

Lighting them with matches or in windy conditions is often impossible. Sparklers can be lit by scratching the tip on a special strip on the sparkler carton. Sparklers can be lit with butane or barbecue lighters and propane torches. Light one sparkler, and use that sparkler to light the others. Do not light more than one sparkler at a time.

Supervise children while the sparklers are in use. Keep sparklers at an arm’s length and away from the face, body or clothing of yourself or others. Have a bucket filled with water or sand or a metal tray for disposal of the burned out sparklers, as they will still be hot. Once cool, you can throw them in the trash.

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MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE 1

All American Edition of Bean Bag Bucketz

2

Bert’s Big Adventure’s Fourth of July Your Space Virtual Race

Take the fun outdoors with this family-friendly game where teams try to get their bean bags in the bucketz, and it comes with a carry bag, making it easily portable. $59.99. basspro.com

Walk, run or ride a distance of 1-mile, 5K or 10K to benefit Bert’s Big Adventure, a nonprofit that provides children with chronic and terminal illnesses an all-expenses paid trip to Disney World. $15; $5 for each additional family member. bertsbigadventure.org

3

FWsim Watch virtual fireworks or create your own display with music with FWsim’s software. You can get a free one hour trial. $24.95. fwsim.com/shows

4

atlantaparent.com

Oliver Doodle Dandy This cute book by Todd M. Zimmerman and illustrated by Kyle Hernandez focuses on U.S. history and explains national holidays, such as Flag Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. A companion activity book is also available. $19.95. oliversgiftshoppe. olivertheornament.com

5

Watch a Movie Enjoy a patriotic movie night with one of these movies celebrating the American spirit. n “Hamilton” will be released on Disney+ on July 3. In “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” watch political drama and democracy in action. n “National Treasure” imagines a world where America has hidden treasure with a map on the Declaration of Independence. n “The Sandlot” explores the national phenomenon of baseball, featuring a Fourth of July baseball game. n Watch the American hero and super soldier in “Captain America: The First Avenger.” n If your kids are older, watch the eponymous “Independence Day” for an action battle between Americans and alien forces. n For a look at history with older kids, watch “Lincoln” for an inside, although fictional, look at the Civil War.

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 49

Backyard Play Looking for non-stop

n Break Out

the Yard Games Don’t underestimate the value of those classic yard games. Dust off that badminton net, bocce ball set or lawn darts – a friendly family competition can be great fun. Use the classic rules of play or invent your own, depending on your kids’ ages.

summer fun? You can find it in your own backyard. n Best Seat in the Yard

n Fun After Dark

Attach a sheet to the garage door and turn the outdoors into a movie theater. The Epson 760HD projector (around $400 from bestbuy.com) lets you stream content from your Mac or PC. Several online sites offer outdoor projectors and screens to rent for less cost than buying your own (try partyflix.com). Share the cost with a few neighborhood families and start making the popcorn. You’ll have the best seat in the yard!

Glow sticks are a great way to add fun to a summer night. Buy partysize packs online or at local retailers. Have a glow treasure hunt by hiding activated sticks in spots around the backyard. Go glow-bowling by filling liter soda bottles with water and a glow stick or two. Use any ball to knock over those pins! Play a game of glow-in-the-dark tag or have a session of outdoor glow dancing, using the sticks as necklaces, bracelets and accessories.

50 Atlanta Parent June 2020

atlantaparent.com

Fun Backyard Toys n 3, 2, 1, Blastoff!

n T-riffic Tees

Have kid-powered fun with Stomp Rockets Ultra LED. Load the foam rockets in the launcher and jump on the pad to send them up to 150 feet into the air. An LED light inside the rockets is perfect for nighttime fun. The set comes with one adjustable launcher and four LED foam rockets; $19.99 at amazon.com.

n Test Your Aim Set up a family competition with the Ladder Ball Toss set from GSE Games. Take turns tossing the bolas at the frames to score points – it’s harder than it looks! The durable PVC frames are easy to assemble and the set includes a nylon bag for storage. $37.99 at amazon.com.

Who knew a plain white T-shirt could be fun? Break out the tie-dye! Inexpensive kits are available online and at local craft stores, or make your own using unsweetened Kool-Aid. Combine each pack of Kool-Aid (separated into plastic bowls by color) with one ounce of vinegar.

Pull and twist the T-shirt into different shapes and secure with rubber bands. Dip each section in a color. (Make sure you wear gloves or your hands will stain). Let set for 24 hours before washing, and wash separately the first time. You don’t have to stick to T-shirts. Beach towels, socks and bandanas are fun projects.

Or: Add a little chill to a hot summer day with a frozen

T-shirt game. Fold damp T-shirts, place them in plastic bags, and freeze. The first person to put theirs on wins.

This game requires very little prep and kids love it!

atlantaparent.com

– Ann Hardie and Mary Williams contributed to this story

June 2020 Atlanta Parent 51

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