AtlantaParent
March 2021 / atlantaparent.com
Families Love the Montessori Difference It’s Playground Time!
STEAM Ahead:
The World of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math
TWO CUTE! Kids and Pets
202 1
atlantasciencefestival.org ENGINEERED BY
March 13–27, 2021
Are you ready for the best summer ever?
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In-person Camp Expo April 17 A free event
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4 Atlanta Parent March 2021
SUMMER C A MPS
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Inside 37 March
YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT
Publisher’s Note / 8
Good Stuff / 10
For the Fridge / 52
12
Ready For a Pet?
33
10 Ways Montessori Is Special
46
It’s Time for Easter!
48
Spring into Play at the Playgrounds
Find out how to begin your search for the right family pet. Plus, learn how destiny brought one family and their dog together. Learn more about this time-tested method, and what some local families love about their Montessori education. Creative ideas for making your at-home celebration special, plus egg hunts and events around Atlanta. These new and newly-remodeled metro Atlanta playgrounds are great places for kids to jump, climb and play.
19 Picking Up STEAM This inclusive approach to learning is helping kids become innovators. From places to go and backyard fun, our section explores all things STEAM. Family Fun Guide: Top events, St. Patrick’s Day, daffodils, plus not-to-miss exhibits! Page 39 Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine atlantaparent.com
March 2021 Atlanta Parent 5
PUBLISHER Liz White
lwhite@atlantaparent.com ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com
ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com
ACCOUNT Melinda McGuire EXECUTIVE mmcguire@atlantaparent.com
ACCOUNT Genie Lockeretz EXECUTIVE glockeretz@atlantaparent.com
ACCOUNT Christy Craig EXECUTIVE ccraig@atlantaparent.com
STAFF Emily Webb WRITER ewebb@atlantaparent.com
COPY Mary Williams EDITOR
EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com
PRODUCTION Robin Mintz
MARKETING Felicia Barman MOM
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An immersive, educational experience in a unique setting!
Safari Camp gets young explorers engaged in the natural world and starts them on a path to saving species. • Hands-on, minds-on exploration of nature • Science-based investigations in the Zoo • Up-close experiences with animal ambassadors
Safari Camps are available for School’s Out and Summer Sessions!
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• Pre-K–8th • Small group instruction • Therapeutic Support • Hands-on Academics • Core Knowledge Curriculum • Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum
TEAM is a buzzword you’ve probably been hearing. There are lots of ways for kids to learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and math, and how they relate to one another – in school, at camp or even at home. From baking with your kids, to building a LEGO bridge or exploring outside, there are STEAM learning opportunities everywhere. Both of my kids love science and technology. Elliot is hooked on watching Mark Rober’s videos on YouTube. The former NASA engineer demonstrates super-cool science experiments, gadgets and ideas. We decided to try his experiment elephant toothpaste on a smaller scale – baking soda and dish soap mixed with toothpaste, then combined with hydrogen peroxide. Let’s just say it was messy but educational. My daughter Corinne shares her brother’s fascination for experiments and how things work. For her virtual birthday, we sent KiwiCo “Eggsperiments” boxes to each guest. They met on Zoom and had fun combining science and art, coloring eggs using chemical reactions and exploring the physics of how eggs float. It was a fun way to learn at home. Try getting a similar kit for your child and a friend; schedule a video meeting and have some STEAM fun. This month’s pet story on page 12 brought back memories of Millie, the dog I had growing up. Like many families who are spending so much time at home during the pandemic, we’re exploring the idea of getting a dog – though we haven’t found the right one yet. If your family has a pet, be sure to enter our Kids and Pets online photo contest. Snap a photo of your child with her furry, feathered or scaly friend and submit it to us. Vote for your favorite photo on March 22; the winners will receive some great prizes! Warm weather is finally coming, daffodils are appearing and azaleas will be blooming soon. My family is excited to spend more time outside, especially riding our bikes. Happy Almost Spring!
Enabling children with learning differences to succeed Associate Publisher
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HI G H M U S EUM O F A R T AT L ANT A
Color your summer with fun!
Registration is now open!
Visit high.org/camp for details.
Register your young artist for week-long art camps at the High! Camp sessions for rising first through eighth graders. Campers will explore the museum collections, experiment with a multitude of artistic media, create art projects in our themed workshops, and make new friends!
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March 2021 Atlanta Parent 9
by Emily Webb
Good StUff
THINGS WE LIKE
Y HAPP ER EAST ON EDITI
A Puzzling Egg
Test your problem-solving skills with the Smart Egg Labyrinth Puzzles from University Games. These decorative eggs contain different puzzle-solving labyrinths for an exciting challenge. Eggs come in multiple levels and are perfect brain teasers for ages 8 and older. Available at universitygames.com and areyougame.com for $10.99$19.99.
Some-Bunny to Love
Give your baby a cute new friend for Easter with GUND’s Oh So Snuggly Bunny. This adorable pastel pink bunny is super soft and features quilted textures on body, feet and ears for tactile play. And if your bunny creates a mess digging carrots out of the garden, he’s easily machine washable! Available in two different sizes from $12-$20 at gund. com; Hippo and Puppy animals also available.
Make-Your-Own Bunny
Create your own bunny with the Craft-tastic Make a Bunny Friend from Ann Williams. Kids can stitch up and stuff their own stuffed rabbit, dress her in clothes and accessories, and carry her around in the included travel tote. For ages 5 and older. Available at annwilliamsgroup.com for $19.99.
Read All About It Make Easter into a delightful and hilarious story with the Easter Eggstravaganza Mad Libs. These 21 fill-in-the-blank stories allow you to create your own holiday stories, and flaunt your knowledge of nouns, adjectives and verbs. The book also contains a sheet of themed stickers. For ages 8-12. Available at penguinrandomhouse.com for $7.99.
10 Atlanta Parent March 2021
An Eggs-cellent Family
Stack and separate this cute little egg family. Tomy’s Hide & Squeak Nesting Eggs have distinct features and create a fun matching game. The yellow baby chick, Sora, squeaks when you play with her, and make bath time more exciting by using the eggs as bath toys. Available at tomy.com for $7.99.
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CATS, DOGS, BIRDS, BUNNIES, REPTILES ... WE WANT THEM ALL!
KIDS AND PETS
ONLINE PHOTO CONTEST Our grand prize winner will win a two-night Getaway to Sound Waves Water Park at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville
presented by
The top vote getters will be entered to win these prizes: n A photography session with Images by N’neka n Book and Toy Prize Pack Everyone who enters has a chance to win a family four pack to Zoo Atlanta
Upload your photos beginning March 1 at atlantaparent.com/pets. Online voting starts March 22
Finding Your
BestBetPet by Lara Krupicka
When Erica Galligan’s children were young, her family tried adopting a dog. But allergy issues forced her family to return their pet to the breeder. Over time they found other alternatives, starting with a saltwater aquarium for their whole family and gradually adding freshwater fish and a tree frog for their sons. n “I figured an aquarium was easy, low-maintenance and fun to look at,” Galligan explains about their next step into pet ownership. n According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 56% of U.S. households include a pet. Of those, 38% have a dog and 25% have a cat. If you’re considering a pet, how do you find the right one? Here are five factors to consider: Amount of care Different types of pets require varying levels of commitment. Consider how much time you have available each day to care for a pet. Are you willing to walk a dog? Do you want to be regularly cleaning a hamster cage? Can you give a younger pet the extra attention it requires? How will you manage that puppy when it’s full grown? Knowing 12 Atlanta Parent March 2021
how much time you can invest in a pet may help to narrow your options. “Your pet will be living with everyone in the home,” says Hannah Stember of Best Friends Animal Society, which partners with shelters and rescue organizations in Atlanta. “What sort of pet will fit best with everyone? Are you an active family? Do you travel a lot? These are lifestyle factors to consider.”
Aquarium pets, such as fish and dwarf frogs, require the least care. Next come tank- and cage-kept pets: snails, hermit crabs, birds, reptiles, rodents and rabbits. And then cats. Aside from horses, dogs can be the most time-consuming pets, with some breeds needing large amounts of exercise. Recognizing the energy level of a dog before bringing it home can prevent any surprises related to care and exercise. Puppies particularly require attention – even if they are housebroken, they need to go out frequently.
Ages of kids and level of responsibility
Introducing a new pet into a home with very young children can be a challenge – for both the pet and the child. Toddlers don’t have the capacity to understand appropriate handling of animals, and their quick motions can startle or scare pets. If you’re ready to bring home an animal while your children are young, make sure to consult with pet store or humane society staff to find a pet whose personality melds well with active youngsters. If your children are older, taking responsibility becomes more of an issue. Often kids want a pet without understanding the care involved. Discuss how much work they’re willing to assume and explain what will be necessary for different pets. Cont’d on next page
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Tips for Easing Into Ownership If you’re thinking about getting a pet, but need more help in deciding on the right one, consider: n Research Galligan’s son developed an interest in freshwater fish before having his own aquarium. He read books from the library. He visited the pet store to investigate varieties. He learned all he could before convincing his parents to buy a freshwater aquarium. Besides books and store staff, it can also help to speak to someone who owns a pet like the one you are considering. Cahill talked with a friend who owns a turtle before letting her daughters buy the tortoise.
n Pet sitting
The Cahills also had extensive experience caring for a variety of animals before they brought home their own pet. They watched friends’ fish, hamsters, several cats, hermit crabs and a number of dogs. And they used each of those experiences as an opportunity to talk about pet ownership. “It’s totally different to have the animal every day,” Cahill notes. “It makes them see that it’s constant. There are certain things you have to do every day.” She recommends having a child take on a pet sitting responsibility, even if it means simply going to a house to feed a pet or let a dog out for one day.
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n Start simple Not all pets are created equal. You can choose to start with a lowmaintenance pet, like a turtle or guinea pig, to allow your children to learn responsibility before moving up to a bigger commitment. Cahill agrees. “I thought the tortoise would be great to ease in. The girls still clean and feed her and walk her in the summer.”
March 2021 Atlanta Parent 13
Finding Your BestBetPet
Bridget Cahill drafted a contract with her three daughters before allowing them to purchase a tortoise. Then each girl signed the contract, agreeing to the responsibilities and consequences they’d outlined together. “It did say on the contract, ‘I will not throw a fit when you ask me to feed Nelly. I will do it lovingly and happily,’” she says.
Lifestyle It’s easy to think a dog or cat would be fun to own – until you’re planning a trip and need to find a place for the pet to stay while you’re gone. If you travel often, this can quickly become a hassle. “It’s pretty easy to put a 10-day feeder in an aquarium,” notes Galligan. This makes fish a terrific option for families who are away from home frequently. For a busy family on the go, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs or other independent pets work well.
Space It’s not necessary to have a fenced back yard – or any yard at all – to own a dog. But you should have in mind places to walk and play with the dog. A small
Be an Animal Advocate Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group is a great way to give an unwanted animal a home. There are lots other ways for families and kids to help animals around the Atlanta area. n Volunteer at FurKids Animal Rescue and Shelter. Kids are welcome to help care for and read to resident cats, foster a cat or dog, volunteer at adoption events and raise funds. furkids.org
14 Atlanta Parent March 2021
Often kids want a pet without understanding the care involved. Discuss how much work they’re willing to assume and explain what will be necessary for different pets. aquarium can go in a bedroom. A litterbox can be kept in a laundry room or basement, as long as the cat has access. It helps to think through placement of cages and other equipment before bringing a pet home. If you live in an apartment or condo, it is also important to check any rules that apply to pet ownership before bringing home any animal.
Allergies People can be allergic to dogs, cats, birds and even guinea pigs. Reactions such as itchy eyes, runny noses, rashes and asthma, come from a protein in pet dander and saliva, and occur in 15 to 30% of allergy sufferers, according to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Because the allergens stick to surfaces, such as clothing and walls, it’s important for those with pet
n Angels Among Us Pet Rescue needs families to foster animals, volunteer to feed/walk dogs, and donate funds. angelsrescue.org n Spend time with cats at Java Cats Café in Atlanta or Marietta. Make a reservation to visit and play with the café’s resident cats – all are adoptable. javacatscafe.com n Encourage your kids to raise funds for organizations like the Atlanta Humane Society; they also accept donations of laundry detergent, blankets, paper towels and more. atlantahumane.org
allergies to avoid having the animals in their home, if possible. But this doesn’t mean families with allergies can’t have a pet. Reptiles and amphibians don’t create the allergy-causing protein and should be safe. Or choose a pet requiring more regular grooming, such as a poodle or poodle-mix dog. Also, the smaller the pet, the less dander is created to activate allergies. Ask your allergist or a veterinarian for recommended pet breeds. Whatever animal your family chooses, you will find many benefits and rewards from being pet owners. “It’s a lot of fun,” says Galligan. “It’s great for kids to grow up with the responsibility for someone other than themselves.” And given so many breeds and varieties out there, you’re sure to find a pet to fit your family.
Pets and the Pandemic “When the pandemic first hit, shelters saw unprecedented numbers of people sign up to foster. Some shelters completely emptied their kennels for the first time ever,” Stember says. If you’re working from home right now, she recommends that families consider how life may change when the pandemic is over. “Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment, so remember to think long term when adding a new family member.”
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Bringing Home a Four-Legged Pet Seven Things to Think About
1
Introductions: Your pet will need time to adjust to his new surroundings. Let your kids know they need to be calm and patient around him.
2
Identification: A collar and ID tag are essential. Look for DIY
3
Sleeping Arrangements: Younger dogs may feel more
4
Pet Space: You may need to block off your kitchen or small
5 6
tag-engraving machines at larger pet supply stores. A break-away collar is best for cats’ safety.
secure sleeping in a kennel; it also protects your home when you’re not around. Buy a bed to fit your pet’s size. Cats prefer the comfort of a small, cozy bed.
area of the house at first. A pet gate or a hand-me-down baby gate are good options. If your dog will run in your fenced-in yard, make sure there are no gaps large enough to squeeze through.
Cleanup: Be a responsible dog owner and always have doggie pick-up bags with you. Your cat will need a litterbox; be sure to place it somewhere easily accessible.
Playtime: Dogs love to chew, tug and chase – don’t forget to have a few durable toys on hand. Cats love to bat and chase small toys; a scratching post can also help protect your furniture.
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7
Staying Healthy: Help your new pet enjoy a long and healthy life by scheduling regular checkups and vaccines. Ask your pet-owning friends to recommend a veterinary practice.
March 2021 Atlanta Parent 15
Essay
Destiny on Four Legs
Fate brought the perfect pet to our family.
by Tiffany Doerr Guerzon
M
y kids love animals. Over the years, we’ve collected a menagerie of lower-maintenance critters: fish, frogs, hamsters, even a praying mantis. But my kids wanted a dog. This posed several problems. One is that three of us are allergic to dander. Any dog we adopted would have to be hypoallergenic. The second hurdle was my husband. After watching our kids grieve the other critters’ deaths, he didn’t want more drama. But the biggest obstacle was me. I had no desire to get up at night with a puppy or worry about chewing. The vet bills would surely strain our already tight budget. But mostly, with three kids and a writing career, I didn’t have time and didn’t need the stress of something else to take care of. But then I started noticing dogs on the street. Kind of like when I started noticing babies shortly before I decided to become pregnant. Uh-oh. Then one morning I met two gorgeous Portuguese water dogs outside a coffee shop. They were sweet and, according to their owner, hypoallergenic and great with kids. Hmmm. I mentioned this encounter to my daughter, and within seconds she was researching Portuguese water dogs online. She found that they cost around $2,000. Yikes. We couldn’t possibly afford that. But my daughter had sensed the crack in my resolve. She hounded me day after day. I didn’t have time for a dog, especially with my youngest headed to first grade. No kids to take care of during the day! I could get work done! (This was pre-COVID-19.) Thinking that I could pacify my daughter, I made a list of all the criteria for me to agree to a dog. My demands were ridiculously specific and – I thought – absolutely unattainable. The dog had to be: A Portuguese water dog. An adult, but not too old. Trained. Inexpensive. Good with kids. Black in color. I like black. Black is slimming. I figured no one could find a dog that met my specifications. One week later, my daughter rescued an abandoned cat. A neighbor drove her to the local shelter to drop it off. That afternoon, she came bursting through the door, babbling about a Portuguese water dog at the shelter. Yeah sure, I thought. But I called anyway. “Yes, we have a Portuguese water dog here,” the worker said. “If you’re interested, you’d better come now because purebreeds go quickly.” My son and I drove to the shelter. I looked down at a mess of an animal with dark, matted fur. A black nose poked through the chain link and a wet tongue licked my hand. Portuguese water dog, black, check. She is really cute, I thought. Outside, she chased a ball with us, gently but enthusiastically. Good with my son, check. I snapped a picture and texted it to my husband, who was out of town. We walked the dog back to the front desk. Surely this purebred dog wasn’t up for adoption. “Are you interested?” the worker asked. “She’s trained. She sits and walks on a leash.” Trained, check. Seriously? 16 Atlanta Parent March 2021
“The vet thinks she’s about five years old.” Grown, but not too old, check. You’ve got to be kidding me. I asked about the cost: $250. Inexpensive, check. (At least compared to two grand.) A man walked by and pointed to the dog. “Is she up for adoption?” he asked. I instinctively pulled the furry beast close. “No!” I said. I reached down and pushed black curls from the dog’s eyes. She looked at me, and my heart turned over. I put a 24-hour hold on her and decided that if my husband gave the okay, we would adopt the dog. My phone buzzed, with a text from my husband: “Is she ours?” It felt like destiny. Our new dog blended seamlessly into our family and is an especially good companion to me. She sits at my feet as I write. Instead of adding stress to my life, she calms me. We’re two middle-aged ladies who suit each other. The shelter named our dog Portia. But I changed it to Porsche, because I figure she’s my midlife crisis. I didn’t want a dog, but apparently, I needed one. atlantaparent.com
Atlanta Parent gives a warm “Thank You” to Nestlé Purina, the Gold Sponsor of our KIDS AND PETS ONLINE PHOTO CONTEST
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STEAM up for success in the 21st century. Our special section can help you prepare your child to learn a broad base of skills they can use to solve real-world problems.
STEM occupations out-earn non-STEM fields by 12-30%
STEAM
Science l Technology l Engineering l Art l Math All the world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind. Martin Henry Fischer
Science is magic that works. Kurt Vonnegut
Women in STEM who changed the world: Sally Ride Katherine Johnson Florence Nightingale Marie Curie Jane Goodall
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March 2021 Atlanta Parent 19
IMPACTING THE WORLD THROUGH STEAM. At North Cobb Christian School, STEAM concepts begin in our preschool classrooms and culminate with the STEM Academy, a customized learning pathway for 9th-12th grade. Through STEAM/STEM, our students empathize with real-world problems, research possibilities, and create iterative solutions that
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20 Atlanta Parent March 2021
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A STEAM-Powered World It can change the way you view life by Emily Webb and Mary Welch
COVID-19. Pandemic. Virus. Herd immunity. We’ve probably heard those words before but never really thought much about them, but 2020 changed all that as science and technology jumped to the forefront of our daily lives and took over. We looked up new science terms and maybe struggled to understand the difference between someone who is asymptomatic versus someone without symptoms. And, we looked at charts that showed spread and the virus’ variations. Such is the power and importance of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. Today the study of STEAM is even more vital and whether it is in the classroom (virtual or not) or just hanging with your children, there are opportunities to study and enjoy the STEAM subjects that are relevant to our everyday lives. “Everybody needs a level of understanding when it comes to science, math and learning,” says Douglas Hrabe, the director of the Fernbank Science Center. “You can utilize those skills with the COVID-19 pandemic. When you’re looking at numbers, if you have some understanding of science, you can make a more informed decision and analyze the information you’re receiving.” For several years educators and parents have focused on STEM, particularly for girls. It’s only been recently where STEM took on STEAM. Art encompasses graphic arts, animation, marketing, design, music and more, which Nanette Shillingford, the STEAM coordinator environmental specialist at DeKalb Agriculture Technology & Environment, says can be seen in architecture, automotive, theatrical and music fields. “Without art, these fields and products would be stale with no type of excitement to them,” she says. “Students get to open up and experience creativity, and their creativity in other areas will be enhanced as well.” Expanding education to include art and design gives students additional skills to succeed as well as “softer” skills such as cross-disciplinary inquiry, collaborative problem-solving as well as sparking a child’s imagination and creative thinking. “Art has always been the backbone of communicating science,” says David Dundee, an astronomer and director of education at Tellus Science Museum. atlantaparent.com
“Usually, all those subject areas are taught in separate silos, but the STEAM program ties all of those things together,” Hrabe says. “When you’re doing a project, you have a concept where you use science or math, but then you write a paper and use graphs and pictures to explain. It really ties them all together.” However, it shouldn’t take a worldwide pandemic to understand the importance of STEAM in our lives, particularly when it comes to teaching children. They need to have the tools and understanding to deal with a variety of subjects from pollution to climate control to better ways to grow food, get from one place to another and create beauty. “Children are going to be our future later, so we have to develop these interests
in them now, so they can get excited and not be so overwhelmed when they’re learning,” Shillingford says. The experts agree that parents and students should not fear STEAM but instead should embrace it and work at getting a basic understanding themselves. “The idea that the Renaissance person doesn’t exist anymore is not true,” says Dundee. “Sure, scientists specialize in some branch of science, but to operate in today’s world, you have to be able to communicate in professional papers, write grants, display data in an understandable way and communicate with people who don’t have your specialty. People need to have a broad base of skills to understand the world around them.” Cont’d on next page
March 2021 Atlanta Parent 21
A STEAM-Powered World Hrabe agrees. “Students learn soft skills, such as communication, team building, working together,” he says. “Bright students are very good at getting that one correct answer, but working through the trial and error process STEAM promotes gives children a bigger picture of education and makes them more successful in the learning process. Learning an error can be helpful – you don’t have to get the correct answer the first time.” Of course parents play a vital role in students becoming interested in and embracing STEAM disciplines. Almost every hobby can turn into a STEAM lesson, whether it’s driving cars, baking, taking photographs, looking at the planets or taking a hike in the woods. Shillingford suggests finding creative ways to make real-world connections, such as touring a water plant, taking-your-kidto-work day or shadowing a veterinarian. “Concepts seem complex until an expert shows it to you and breaks it down to help you see, touch, feel and experience those more complex topics. Help them understand how science is a part of their personal life,” she says. “Technology is all around them
22 Atlanta Parent March 2021
Almost every hobby can turn into a STEAM lesson, whether it’s driving cars, baking, taking photographs, looking at the planets or taking a hike in the woods. daily from iPhones to Samsung, PlayStations to Xbox. Show them how engineers make stuff from treehouses to dune buggy race cars and catapults. Art will generally sell itself – do they like music, how is it made, what about dancing? While mathematics is usually the one they shy away from, show them the side where they are the millionaire with money and teach them how to manage it. They have to see how it authentically and directly affects them and their personal life.” Ask any hockey, soccer, football or basketball player how they make their shots and it’s all about the angles – also known as geometry – and velocity – aka physics! Once you’ve sparked your child’s interest in STEAM, keep it going. Not only will STEAM knowledge help them in their
everyday adult lives, but it also leads to amazing careers. “Research STEAM-related jobs,” Shillingford suggests. “What are your children’s talents, strengths and interests?” Adds Hrabe, “There are so many jobs in the STEAM areas, it’s almost easy employment – not enough people are able to go into those jobs.” Look around. It doesn’t matter if you couldn’t pass geometry way back when, there are so many opportunities to help your child learn about science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. Take a walk in the woods, go to a museum, attend science fairs and help your child with his or her homework. It will open up the world – and it’s a lot of fun.
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5 Reasons to Get Kids Engaged
in Science
1
Improves Critical Thinking: The ability
2
Increases Creativity: When a child is
3
Life Skills: Most science projects involve working with others to solve a problem or to create an experiment. Learning to patiently work with others from a young age can help in many aspects of life.
4
Discover the Why: How many times have you heard “Why is grass green?” “Why can’t we live on the moon?” and countless other questions that relate directly back to scientific evidence. Pick a topic each week to go over with your family and answer those “But, why?” questions in a fun way.
5
For the Future: According to a study titled “Planning Early for Careers in Science,” students who report early expectations for a career in science are much more likely to complete a degree in a STEM field. This suggests that early exposure to science may be important for a student’s future career aspirations.
to objectively evaluate, test and experiment helps improve critical thinking skills. Why did this chemical react with the other one? Why did this piece of bread have more bacteria than the others?
encouraged to be an innovator, and bring imaginary ideas to life, the possibilities are endless. Let kids draw up ideas for a new robot or learn how to code on a computer.
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March 2021 Atlanta Parent 23
STEAM in the Back Yard
Combine learning and fun with these at-home STEAM experiments and activities using materials you probably already have around the house.
l Launch a Balloon Rocket
Photo courtesy of discoverexplorelearn.com
Tie one end of a piece of string to a tree or post. Thread a drinking straw onto the string; tie the other end to another tree at the same height. Put two pieces of tape on the top of the straw. Blow up a balloon, hold the end to keep the air in, and use the tape to adhere it to the straw. Let the balloon go and witness the action and reaction of force.
l Paint a Clothesline
Masterpiece
Inspire kids to explore, experiment and create with paint. Hang an old sheet over a clothesline or fence; secure each corner with stakes or weights. Use large and small paintbrushes, kitchen sponges, fingers, or even natural objects, like a bundle of evergreen needles, to apply tempera paint.
l Make a
l Shadow Tracking
Fill a 16 ounce bottle about three-quarters full of water; add a few squirts of dishwashing liquid and 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda. Pack sand around the bottle in a volcano shape, leaving the top open. Pour in a cup of vinegar and experience the chemical reaction!
Study the way shadows change throughout the day. Have your child stand on a sidewalk or driveway on a sunny day. Outline their shadow with chalk. Do this multiple times during the day to see how their shadow changes. Discuss why shadows get taller or shorter in relation to the earth’s movement.
Sandbox Volcano
l Mix up Elephant
Toothpaste
Make a foaming mix big enough for an elephant – but be sure to wear safety goggles and work in an area that can get messy. Pour 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide in an empty plastic bottle. Add a squirt of liquid dish soap and a few drops of food coloring and swirl gently to mix. In a separate cup, mix one tablespoon of yeast and three tablespoons of warm water. Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle and step back!
24 Atlanta Parent March 2021
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March 2021 Atlanta Parent 25
STEAM Out and About
These local museums and attractions do a great job of introducing the concepts of science, technology, engineering, art and math, and how they can be used together to solve challenges in today’s world. l Fernbank Science Center
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Dedicated to science literacy and education, Fernbank Science Center has a planetarium, an observatory with the largest telescope in the southeastern U.S., live animal displays and an Apollo 6 Command Module exhibit. A variety of special events give students hands-on STEM experiences. As part of the DeKalb County School System, the center is currently closed; check the website for reopening updates. fernbank.edu
l Children’s Museum of Atlanta The museum’s permanent exhibits are a great way to reinforce STEM concepts. In Tools for Solutions, kids can learn about simple machines, create and design. Explore the inner workings of the body, light and energy, technology and more in the Step Up to Science exhibit. childrensmuseumatlanta.org
l Tellus Science Center
Fernbank Science Center
This 120,000 square-foot museum in Cartersville has four interactive galleries for kids to explore – Mineral, Fossil, Science in Motion and My Big Backyard – as well as a planetarium and observatory. Special exhibits and hands-on events like model rocket workshops, sky watches and astronomy workshops teach kids more about STEM concepts. tellusmuseum.org
Greatness Begins Here At Genesis Innovation Academy we’re cultivating great men and women of character, purpose and intellect. We teach subjects that matter for 21st century success through our E5 curriculum: Engineering, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Expression and Ethics. Call or visit us online to learn more. A free public charter school, with single gender academies. Now enrolling grades K-10 for 2021-22. 404-990-3844 | 1049 Custer Ave SE | Atlanta 30316 | genesisinnovationacademy.org 26 Atlanta Parent March 2021
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l Fernbank Museum Visit the museum’s interactive STEM exhibit, Fantastic Forces, and explore combustion, aerodynamics, plate tectonics and more. Activities highlight the science of rockets, tornadoes, earthquakes, liquefaction, lightning, planetary orbits, gravity, centripetal force and more. fernbankmuseum.org
l High Museum of Art In addition to exploring the High’s art collections, families can collaborate on a work of art, then explore the galleries on a scavenger hunt at Family Art Escapes. On Toddler Thursdays, kids 3 years and younger can learn about a weekly topic with artwork, art-making activities and self-guided tours. high.org
l The Southern Museum With an extensive collection of locomotives, rail cars and artifacts, this Kennesaw museum is a great place to learn about how railroads were used during and after the Civil War. The Jolley Education Center features interactive learning areas with telegraph stations and a diesel train simulator. southernmuseum.org
l Museum of Aviation Explore a collection of more than 85 U.S. Air Force aircraft, missile, cockpits and exhibits at this Warner Robins museum. The Museum’s National STEM Academy, in partnership with NASA, offers hands-on STEM programs, workshops and special events. museumofaviation.org
l Southeastern Railway Museum This 35-acre museum in Duluth is home to all things train: locomotives, cabooses, mail and freight cars, artifacts and more. Ride on a historic train car, see the 1927 Marco Polo Pullman car that carried Franklin Roosevelt, and learn about the history of rail travel in the Southeast. train-museum.org
Tellus Science Center
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March 2021 Atlanta Parent 27
1275 STANLEY ROAD ✦ KENNESAW, GA 30152
Fabrica ti
on Lab
| Maker sp
ace | D igital
Lab | Robotic s
Arena
NEW MURRAY INNOVATION CENTER OPENING JANUARY 2022
EXPERIENCE MPCS STEAM mtparanschool.com/steam
COBB COUNTY’S EXEMPLARY COVENANTAL CHRISTIAN PK3-12TH COLLEGE-PREP SCHOOL
56 AP/HONORS ✦ PK3-12TH GRADE STEAM ✦ PROUD PROJECT LEAD THE WAY® SCHOOL ✦ FTC® ROBOTICS ✦ SMALL CLASSES ✦ 100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE 28 Atlanta Parent March 2021
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STEAM Online
Use these virtual learning resources to introduce STEAM concepts or to reinforce what kids are learning in school. l STEM Ecosystems At-Home Lab Maker challenges, invention, innovation and more! This series of workshops offers practical tips, virtual experiments and other STEM learning activities using tools that families have around the house. stemecosystems.org/stem-families-virtual-home-lab/
l Kids Next Code Kids ages 5-18 can take STEM courses like coding, game design, engineering and robotics, and website creation. The company puts an emphasis on teaching the underserved, including minorities and women; the Atlanta-based company also has partnerships with local libraries and schools. kidsnextcode.com
l STEM Behind Cool Careers Check out Texas Instruments’ video series, which connects algebra, geometry and physics to jobs like fashion design, sports, health and more. education.ti.com/en/resources/stem
l National Girls’ Collaborative Project This organization aims to inform and encourage girls to pursue careers in STEM fields, and has an extensive list of online resources. ngcproject.org/stem-resources-for-online-learning
l NASA The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has crafting ideas, science experiments, videos, coloring pages, podcasts, virtual tours, e-books and more for an in-depth look at space exploration, aeronautics and earth science. nasa.gov
l StudyJams! This website from Scholastic features four different characters who will help you dive in to math and science topics, such as volcanoes, photosynthesis, word problems and more. studyjams.scholastic.com
l Funbrain Games, videos and books make learning a breeze, and you can browse topics by grade. In the Math Zone, play games to improve math skills, including geometry, operations and more. funbrain.com
l Tate Kids From Tate, four art galleries in London, Liverpool and Cornwall, this website explores famous artists and artworks, creative activities, crafts and more, along with fun games and quizzes for artistic adventures. tate.org.uk/kids
l Crayola The Kids’ Playzone offers a collection of fun, creative activities and games, including a treasure hunt, creature creator and seasonal projects. crayola.com/kids-playzone.aspx
l Math Game Time For students in grades Pre-K through 7th, this site teaches addition, algebra, geometry, problem-solving and more with games, videos and worksheets. mathgametime.com
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March 2021 Atlanta Parent 29
l Steve Spangler Science Club
STEAM in a Box
“DIY Sci” television host Steve Spangler has created science kits with materials for up to five activities, experiments and design challenges. Step-bystep instruction cards help kids learn the science behind each experiment. Ages 5-12; $24.99/month. stevespanglerscience.com/club/
With complete supplies and instructions for projects mailed monthly, subscription boxes offer variety and keep kids interested in learning.
l Creation Crate From a weather station to an alarm clock, Creation Crate’s electronics-based kits teach real-world skills and become more challenging as the builder gains experience. An online classroom offers video tutorials, exercises and troubleshooting support. Ages 12 and up; $29.99/month. creationcrate.com
l Green Kid Crafts These hands-on science and art kits feature themes 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 2-10; $29.95/month. greenkidcrafts.com
l Bitsbox Bitsbox teaches coding and computer science through app building. Kids choose an app, then build, customize and use it on any mobile device. Activities like Bug Blaster, Cookiesnitch and 333 Little Pigs make it entertaining. Each box has enough materials for siblings to share. Ages 6-12; $29.95/month. bitsbox.com
Bitsbox
l STEM Discovery Boxes
Creation Crate
Kids ages 7 and up can learn about concepts in electronics, chemistry, physics, astronomy and more with this program. Each box contains complete materials and instructions to build three projects, plus activity cards and educational information. Ages 7 and up; $29.95/month. stemdiscoveryboxes.com
Green Kid Crafts
ATLANTA SCIENCE FESTIVAL
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• Minecraft • American Doll • Video Gaming • Kerbal Space • Marvel Stop Motion
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2021 CAMPS! Robotic Car
Complete registration online!
www.ClubSciKidz.com
Enroll Online! support@clubscikidz.com 678-294-9504
30 Atlanta Parent March 2021
March 13-17
Virtual Reality
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Find out about all the virtual and live events happening in our Family Fun Guide on page 41. atlantaparent.com
The LIFE School Where learning is driven by students’ interests and goals. This is high school redesigned.
DESIGN YOUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE Accredited, project-based high school in downtown Atlanta. Accepting 9-12th Grades Students for Fall 2021. Schedule a tour to learn how students discover & pursue their passion, while preparing for life after high school.
190 Pryor St. | Atlanta 30303 | 404-343-0064 | thelifeschool.co
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32 Atlanta Parent March 2021
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1O Ways
Montessori Education Is Different by Emily Webb
If you’re intrigued by the Montessori approach to education, here’s what you need to know about how it differs from traditional schooling.
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Cultivates a Love of Learning
What is Montessori?
Montessori education tends to focus on the whole child’s social and emotional development, including social skills, emotional growth, physical coordination and cognitive abilities. Rather than report cards, children are “graded” on social, intellectual and emotional development. The curriculum is not based on deadlines, allowing children to learn at their own pace and follow their own interests. Children can decide what they’re interested in learning, and activities and projects are changed when their interests change.
The Montessori method of education was developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori. She developed her theories in the early 1900s through scientific experimentation, and the method is now used in both public and private schools around the world. The method believes that children are naturally eager for knowledge and will initiate their own learning in a supportive environment.
Fosters Independence Children are taught how to learn for themselves, and they reach their potential at their own pace.They develop selfsufficiency, along with building their own motivations for learning and exploring what they’re interested in. Children are accountable for their own learning and are taught time management skills as they pursue their passions.
Engages a Variety of Learning Styles Montessori kids are encouraged to explore methods that help them learn in new ways and keep them engaged and challenged. Children can learn in group and solo activities with quiet time or by interacting with their classmates, and they are given uninterrupted work time to pursue their own interests.
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Uses Teachers as a Guide Montessori teachers are collaborators, encouraging independence and freedom while preserving a sense of order in the classroom. Children are selfsufficient, and teachers allow them to complete projects at their own pace. Usually, teachers remain with the same group of children for several years, helping the child to establish a bond with the teacher and building a supportive network between teachers, students and parents. Cont’d on next page
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1O Ways Montessori Education is Different
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Views Mistakes as Opportunities
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Develops Social Skills
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Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, rather than failures. Teachers work to assist children to recognize errors on their own and learn from them. Children learn to resolve mistakes on their own.
The Montessori approach focuses on group activities. Children’s personalities develop as they interact with and begin to socialize with others, helping to develop their interpersonal skills and learning how to get along with others. Working with others also allows children to resolve conflicts on their own.
Inspires Learning Montessori classrooms create unique learning environments with a variety of different materials available for multiple projects. They also typically have spaces for solo learning and tables for group projects. Materials and tools encourage handson learning and sensory exploration. Classrooms tend to have work spaces, rather than desks, or open spaces that encourage roaming and exploration.
Connects Learning with Activity Kids learn more by being hands-on, experiential and investigative. Montessori encourages exploration of the natural world and an appreciation for the environment, inspiring kids to explore the outside, develop motor skills and boost their creativity. Children may spend more time outdoors, rather than just at recess.
What Students Love About Montessori Education
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I liked the freedom of being able to choose what I wanted to learn. I came from a public school, and it was very structured, so being self-driven was new to me. It allowed me to start loving what I was learning, which carried itself out the entire time I was there. – Reese Bradley an alumnus of Arbor Montessori School
Montessori lets us advance at our level, and public school would push me down into a box. Montessori raises me up. They teach me to be a nice and kind person. – Reagan Finnie a student at Stepping Stone Montessori School
In public school, the teachers talk, talk, talk. The teacher here takes care of us. I have two teachers that care about me so much. Montessori is a place to make a lot of friends, and the teacher is awesome. – Austin Wells a student at Stepping Stone Montessori School
Creates Global Citizens This approach understands everyone plays a role in the global community, so it encourages children to have an active role in the world around them. Children learn mutual respect and appreciation for different cultures, developing kindness and acceptance of others who may be different to them.
Connects Children with Other Age Groups Unlike traditional classrooms, Montessori classrooms usually have kids of different ages. Children can connect to other age groups and foster friendships with children they may not normally interact with. Natural leaders may also have the opportunity to foster their skills as they work with others, regardless of age differences.
34 Atlanta Parent March 2021
Academically speaking, what I appreciate most about Montessori education is the liberty to pursue what interests you and learn at your own pace. One of the ways that this was made possible was through project-based learning. There was always a lot of freedom to choose your own topic, explore it in depth and produce a final product that reflected our new knowledge. – Raina Chaudhry an alumna of Arbor Montessori School
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Go to AtlantaParent.com for the most up-to-date education resources
Boarding Schools n Preschools Charter Schools n Private and Public Schools n Homeschooling n Montessori Schools n Special Needs Schools n Open House Directory n n
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March 2021 Atlanta Parent 35
Local Families Share Their Montessori Experience by Emily Webb
Metro Atlanta has many Montessori schools for families interested in this approach. Maria Montessori opened the first Montessori school in 1907 with a focus on younger children and elementary school ages. Since then, the approach has continued to grow in popularity, and some schools continue through middle or even high school ages. Atlanta Parent talked to families at Arbor Montessori School for ages 18 months to 14 years; Carlisle Montessori for ages 12 months to 5 years; and Stepping Stone Montessori School for ages 6 weeks to 6 years.
A
s a child, Michael Van Cise attended a Montessori school, and his two children, Ashton and Gabriella, ages 3 and 5, now attend Carlisle Montessori. He likes that the school drives their independence, which makes them want to learn and do more. But parents have to get used to encouraging that independence. “It’s like a mindset shift, and it’s different from how you’d normally approach it,” he says. “You think, ‘This person’s 2 years old, they can’t do this or that,’ but how are they going to learn if they don’t do it?” Van Cise also appreciates that the approach is childcentered, teaches a love of learning, uses intrinsic rewards, is thoughtful and practical and works with multiple learning styles. “Kids want to do learning activities for the joy of being able to do it. If a kid gets into something, they can really dive into it and work on it until they master it,” he says. Scott Deaton attended a Montessori school, and he wanted his kids to benefit from the same approach. His daughters Emma and Taylor attend Arbor Montessori School as 4th and 8th graders. He likes the connection to educational concepts the Montessori approach provides. “You learn the fundamentals by using some of the same materials that you ultimately use in older grades. It takes the abstract from something concrete you played with or learned when you were younger to understanding the abstract at the middle school age. It’s very powerful and very helpful.” His oldest daughter didn’t have homework until 7th grade, which he liked, because the school’s progression made it where homework wasn’t busy Kids want to do work. “The materials, the learning activities for lessons, the freedom to explore the joy of being able the classroom and delve into to do it. If a kid gets the subjects of interest to the into something, they individual student instills a true love of learning and a growth can really dive into it mindset, which is key to long and work on it until term success,” he says. “So, when they master it. given homework in 7th grade, – Michael Van Cise, parent even though it was new, different of two children who attend and very difficult, she said, ‘I Carlisle Montessori really do enjoy the homework. It isn’t just busy work; it’s work with purpose and meaning.’” Aleta Hodges is an assistant teacher and a parent at Stepping Stone Montessori School. She was fascinated with how structured the classrooms were. She knew when she had children she would send them to Montessori. Her 3-year-old son is learning to be independent and selfsufficient. He knows how to fix his own snacks and clean up after himself. The school has also had a huge impact on his speech. “When he began a year ago, he was hardly talking. Now, he comes home each day and cannot wait to tell me all about his friends and what they did that day. I have also been told from his teacher that he was known to lead the class in the circle time songs,” she says. Hodges also likes that learning activities start small in the primary class and build to teach children language and math, and she appreciates the focus on culture, which creates a balancing education.
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The Van Cise family with Gabriella at Carlisle Montessori
36 Atlanta Parent March 2021
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Krystal Schmeelk, a parent at Stepping Stone Montessori School, saw the benefits of Montessori when she toured. “They believe children are capable of so much, and they give them the tools to exceed, grow and thrive. They believe in children and their potential, giving them the tools to learn and have confidence, as opposed to a curriculum set by standards. They allow the child to lead, which oftentimes means they are far more advanced.” By age 2, one of her daughters was helping with dinner, setting the table and doing chores. “Our daughters are so confident and independent,” Schmeelk says. “I think that is what truly sets Montessori apart from traditional schooling, especially in the early years, is that the children are completely independent. They are so confident in themselves, and they feel they are contributing to your home.” Miranda Knowles attended Arbor Montessori School and had an excellent experience, so she knew she wanted to send her child there. From her time at Arbor, she remembers being able to explore what she cared about and learning at her own pace, and she loved the outdoor education. “I like the way that Montessori sneaks progressive lessons into everyday activities, like how polishing things is actually handwriting practice. I love the balance of rules and independent choice, even for little kids,” she says. Her daughter, Madeira, age 4, loves sewing work, collaging, golden beads, her teachers, her friends and the playground.
Madeira Knowles at Arbor Montessori School
Princeton Preparatory Schools International Christian Montessori School of The Arts
Nurtured in a positive learning environment nestled in downtown Kennesaw that includes over 25 nationalities and, a multifaceted curriculum in a small school environment, Princeton students thrive both individually and communally. Starting from Pre-k to 5th grade, students are encouraged to fulfill their potential and explore the boundaries of their academic and social emotional growth.
Welcome to a Community that values Peace, Diversity and Quality Education atlantaparent.com
2721 Summers Street Kennesaw 30144 678-813-5266 princetonprepschools.org March 2021 Atlanta Parent 37
Montessori Schools
Interested in exploring a Montessori education for your child? Learn more about these area schools today.
Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead
The Suzuki School
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he Suzuki School, located at three campuses in Atlanta, is a SACS-accredited private preschool for children between 3 months and 6 years of age. Founded in 1976, The Suzuki School is based on the philosophy and teaching methods of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and Maria Montessori. The Suzuki philosophy affirms that learning begins at birth. The school’s mission is to develop in young children a lifelong love of learning by nurturing each child’s natural talent and ability in partnership with the parents. A low student/ for your child? teacher ratio assures each child receives focused attention from degreed teachers in a collaborative setting. Because the physical environment is so important in both of these teaching philosophies, the school’s three facilities utilize color, art, nature, and music to stimulate young minds, while the inside of the classroom is designed to stimulate the independence and growth of each child. Applications are accepted throughout the year. For more information about the Suzuki School, please visit suzukischool. for your child? com or contact Admissions at 404-841-3939.
he goal at Carlisle is to follow Dr. Maria Montessori’s educational methods and philosophy in guiding and nurturing the “Whole Child,” both academically and socially. At Carlisle, each child is provided a strong Montessori foundation in the most important first six years of life, which provides opportunities for leadership, purposeful independence, sense of community, and critical thinking skills. Carlisle aim’s to provide a beautiful, safe and challenging environment that inspires independence, creativity, social consciousness, personal responsibility and a love for learning. The classrooms are intimate, and Guides strive for daily excellence, both Interested in exploring a Montessori education in the environment and instruction. Learn morecurriculum about includes: these great area The hands-on language, math,schools. science, geography, sensorial, practical life, art, music, Spanish, care of self, care of the environment, gardening, environmental awareness, cooking, social graces, respect, accountability and problem solving. AMI Accredited Carlisle Montessori welcomes children ages 12 months–6 years for year-round programs. Visit carlislemontessori.com or calla to Montessori schedule a tour at education 404-949Interested in exploring 0053. Enrolling now.
T
Montessori Schools Montessori Schools Learn more about these great area schools.
Montessori Schools
Since 2005, Montessori In Town has been dedicated to quality education and the partnership between home and school. The AMI-trained guides are committed to serving the diverse Atlanta community. Children age 14 months to 12 years offered the very best learning environment to Interested in exploring a Montessori education forare your child? become peaceful, productive, and creative members of society. 404-784-1038 / montessoriintown.com
Learn more about these great area schools.
montessori.com
678-813-5266 / princetonprepschools.org
38 Atlanta Parent March 2021
At Montessori Unlimited let your child experience a unique way to learn. Discover an authentic Montessori experience, in a healthy, safe environment, as your child is prepared for the future. At Montessori, children learn in their own way, at their own pace, through the practical application of sensory-based and self-directed activities. With 4 Atlanta Metro locations to choose from, visit montessori.com.
Nurtured in a positive learning environment nestled in downtown Kennesaw that includes over 25 nationalities and, a multifaceted curriculum in a small school environment, Princeton students thrive both individually and communally. Starting from Pre-k to 5th grade, students are encouraged to fulfill their potential and explore the boundaries of their academic and social emotional growth. SPECIAL ADVERTISING
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MARCH: Things to do this month
Virtual Camp Expo l Playground Time l Daffodils in Bloom St. Patrick's Day Celebrations l Easter Egg Hunts l Top Events atlantaparent.com
Family Fun Guide
March 2021 Atlanta Parent 39
MARCH TOP EVENTS
Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, most places are requiring advanced ticket purchase. Call or check websites for procedures. Events may be cancelled or changed before our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com
FIND THE PERFECT SUMMER CAMP! DON’T MISS OUR FIRST EVER VIRTUAL CAMP EXPO Atlanta Parent’s Virtual Camp Expo Tuesday, March 9 From traditional outdoor summer camps to specialized day and overnight camps, there are scores to choose from for kids ranging from ages preschool to 18. Meet face-to-face with camp directors and former camp attendees, see informational videos and pick up brochures. n Two live sessions: 9 a.m.-noon and 6-9 p.m. Booths will be open for browsing all day. n Register for free at atlantaparent.com/campexpo n Check in on Facebook and Twitter at the Camp Expo to win prizes.
Freaky Friday
Elm Street Cultural Arts March 11-14. Thur.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. and Sat.Sun. 2:30 p.m. An uber-organized mother and her spontaneous teenage daughter magically swap bodies, and they only have one day to figure out how to switch back. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. $13.50-$16. elmstreetarts.org
Swan Lake
Infinite Energy Center March 12-14. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. and Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. In this magical performance from the Northeast Atlanta Ballet, see a fairytale princess and her handsome prince take on a nasty sorcerer. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-626-2464. $25. infiniteenergycenter.com
Mirandy and Brother Wind
Synchronicity Theatre March 12-April 4. Fri. 7 p.m.; Sat. 4 p.m. and Sun. 2 p.m. Mirandy is determined to win first place in the cakewalk, so she decides to capture the spirit of Brother Wind to serve as her dancing partner. Virtual performances from March 19-April 4. 1545 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-484-8636. $10-$40. synchrotheatre.com
Women’s History Month Celebration
The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History March 13, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Commemorate Women’s History Month by exploring the role women played in the Civil War and locomotive history with educational presentations and activities. 2829 Cherokee St. NW, Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. $10; ages 3-17, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. southernmuseum.org
Twilight Trek
Zoo Atlanta March 13 and 26, 6:30-9 p.m. Learn about native Georgia animals and environments, along with ways to protect local wildlife. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $20; ages 3 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org
Swan Lake
40 Atlanta Parent March 2021
Family Fun Guide
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Courtesy High Museum of Art
Flying into the Future
Flying into the Future
Chattahoochee Nature Center March 14, noon-4 p.m. Participate in STEM-focused activities, learn more about animals, take home crafts and more. Reservation required. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $10; ages 13-18, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org
Family Art Escapes
Virtual: Sounds of the West End
A HIGHLY EXCITING TIME AT THE HIGH
March 16-April 30 From the Alliance Theatre, take a trip to Atlanta’s historic West End with this performance based on “In the West End” by Will Power and R. Gregory Christie. 404-733-4650. $10-$50. alliancetheatre.org
It’s all about the arts and creativity this month at the High Museum of Art. Family Art Escapes
March 13, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Play and experiment with creative materials by exploring “Paper Mosaics,” and participate in a scavenger hunt.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Second Sunday March 14, noon-5 p.m. Enjoy free admission to see the art in permanent and special exhibitions.
Douglasville Cultural Arts Center March 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy activities based on “Alice in Wonderland” with flamingo croquet, sing-alongs, stories and more. 8652 Campbellton St., Douglasville. 770-949-2787. $10. artsdouglas.org
Details: Reservation required. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. $14.50; ages 5 and younger, free. high.org
Lore
Roswell Cultural Arts Center March 20, 3 and 7 p.m. The Roswell Dance Starz explore Greek mythology, Robin Hood’s story and legends about King Arthur in this performance. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-641-3987. $15. roswellgov.com Cont’d on next page
Atlanta Science Festival: March 13-27
Celebrate all things science with this hybrid festival. See website for schedule, COVID-19 safety precautions and pricing. atlantasciencefestival.org Here are some of the exciting events n Discovery Walks: These self-guided walks feature fascinating science stops through some of the coolest neighborhoods in Atlanta. March 13 and 20, 10 a.m.-noon; March 14, 1-3 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. and March 21, 1-3 p.m. n Scavenger Hunts: Explore forests, air quality, STEM careers and gardens with these themed self-guided hunts. March 13, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; March 13, 4-6 p.m. and March 20, 1-4 p.m. n Drive In Demo Show: Watch how chemistry works from the smallest atom to the biggest explosion. March 20, 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. n Virtual event Science Quest: Uncover Atlanta’s innovations, discoveries and STEM careers by completing missions in this app-based scavenger hunt. Submit photos, videos and text evidence to earn points and win prizes. March 13 and 21, 4-6 p.m.; March 27, 9-11 a.m.
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Family Fun Guide
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MARCH TOP EVENTS Broadway on the Lawn
Lawrenceville Lawn March 20, 6:30-10 p.m. Enjoy an exciting performance of Disney’s “Newsies” on the lawn from Aurora Theatre. Registration required. 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville. 770-963-2414. Free. lawrencevillega.org
Luminous
Larry Bell Park Field March 25-28. Thur.-Sat. 8 p.m. and Sun. 3 p.m. This musical cabaret includes dance numbers, costumes and more with delightful musical theatre songs. 592 Fairground St. SE, Marietta. 404-377-9948. $40. atlantalyrictheatre.com
Aladdin and His Magical Lamp
Infinite Energy Center March 27-28, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. March 27, 7:30 p.m. Presented by Southern Ballet Theatre, this magical tale follows the story of a street rat who uses a genie to grant his fantastical wishes. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 678682-9238. $19.50. southernballettheatre.com
OPEN for SAFE Shopping ity & Matern ns’ Childrees! Cloth
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International Cherry Blossom Festival
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Enjoy the warmer weather at these beautiful festivals. International Cherry Blossom Festival
Stay up to speed on the latest events
Macon / March 19-28 See spring blooms, play games, watch movies, enjoy carnival rides, listen to live music and more. Macon. 478-330-7050. See website for prices. cherryblossom.com
Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival
Georgia International Horse Park March 27-28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate 40 years of cherry blossoms, arts and crafts, cultural performances, live music and more. 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. 770-860-4190. Free admission; parking, $8. georgiahorsepark.com
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COMPLETE EVENT LISTINGS 42 Atlanta Parent March 2021
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LUCK OF THE IRISH Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at these events around Atlanta. Leprechaun Hunt
George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center March 12, 1-3 p.m. Search for gold, catch leprechauns, make crafts, enjoy treats and more. Registration required. 55 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 678-277-0910. $8; non-resident, $15. gwinnettcounty.com
Luck of Avalon
Avalon / March 12, 5-9 p.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with music, dancing and Irishthemed activities. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000. Free admission. experienceavalon.com
St. Paddy’s on Perry
Downtown Lawrenceville / March 13, noon-8 p.m. Enjoy Irish foods, brews, live entertainment and more. Registration required. Perry St., Lawrenceville. 770-963-2414. Free admission. lawrencevillega.org Luck of Avalon
Shamrock the Station
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Drive-Through
Atlantic Station / March 17, noon-8 p.m. Enjoy festive dancing, an Irish band, a bagpiper, singing, balloon-making, giveaways and more at this celebration. 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Free admission. atlanticstation.com
GCADP
Tim D. Lee Senior Center / March 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by enjoying a parade of decorated cars and small presents. Registration required. 3332 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. 770-509-4900. Free. cobbcounty.org
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March 2021 Atlanta Parent 43
EcoTinker Science Stations
OUT AND ABOUT: ATLANTA EXHIBITS Make learning fun at these local attractions. The Pigeon Comes to Atlanta! A Mo Willems Exhibit
Children’s Museum of Atlanta / Through May 9 Celebrate your favorite Mo Willems’ stories with his characters and activities. Reservation required. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-420-5910. $12.95-$18.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed
Fernbank Museum of Natural History / Through May 9 Find out what archaeologists have discovered about the ancient Mayan civilization that flourished in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. Reservation required. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org
Zoo in You
Tellus Science Museum / Through Sept. 6 View the world of inner microorganisms and the microbiome to learn more about personal health with interactive displays. Reservation required. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $15.95; ages 3-17, $11.95; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org
The Pigeon Comes to Atlanta! A Mo Willems Exhibit
Out of This World! Jewelry in the Space Age
Tellus Science Museum / Through Oct. 24 Explore pieces of vintage and contemporary jewelry with celestial and Space Age designs. Reservation required. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $15.95; ages 3-17, $11.95; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org
Explore the outdoors at these exhibits: EcoTinker Science Stations
Chattahoochee Nature Center / March 15-May 31 Explore the connection between STEM and nature by learning more about recycling, consumer science and more at tech and tinker stations. Reservation required. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $10; ages 13-18, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org
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Microsculpture
Fernbank Museum of Natural History Through May 2 The tiny world of insects is magnified with portraits in this outdoor exhibit. Reservation required. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-9296300. $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org
Family Fun Guide
Microsculpture
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DAFFODILS IN BLOOM
BEST PLACES TO SEE DAFFODILS AND SPRING FLOWERS Photo by Gene Phillips
In the spring, Atlanta’s winter landscape comes alive with colorful blooms. Daffodils are usually at their peak by mid-March; visit some of the area’s most colorful gardens and enjoy the view.
THE DAFFODIL PROJECT
DAFFODIL FESTIVAL
Downtown Atlanta and Brook Run Park These beautiful blooms – over 275,000 of them – are a Living Holocaust Memorial; the organization’s goal is to plant 1.5 million flowers worldwide. Stroll through one of the many downtown plantings, including the “ribbon of awareness” between the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the King Center, or head to Dunwoody’s Brook Run Park where 5,000 bulbs have been planted as part of the initiative. atlantadowntown.com/initiatives/daffodil-project
Gibbs Gardens Less than an hour north of Atlanta, this award-winning botanical garden has 220 acres of plants, streams and waterfalls, and is carpeted with over 20 million daffodils in spring. You’ll also see ferns, azaleas, dogwood and cherry blossoms, sculptures and more. Not-to-miss displays include the Manor House Gardens, Japanese Gardens and Water Lily Gardens. Advance ticket purchase is required. gibbsgardens.com
MORE GREAT PLACES TO SEE SPRING BLOOMS n Atlanta Botanical Garden; atlantabg.org n Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville atlantabg.org/gainesville-garden n Atlanta History Center atlantahistorycenter.com n The Garden at Barnsley Resort barnsleyresort.com
DAFFODIL DAYS Oakland Cemetery Visit Atlanta’s oldest public park in early March to see the best display of thousands of heirloom daffodils. A downloadable map and signage helps visitors learn the origins of some of Oakland’s beautiful and historic bulbs. More sights to see as you stroll along the cemetery’s many pathways and sections include flowering trees, historic architecture, ancient oaks and magnolias, a greenhouse, and an arboretum. oaklandcemetery.com
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n Callaway Gardens callawaygardens.com n Smith-Gilbert Gardens smithgilbertgardens.com n Lake Claire Community Trust lcclt.org n Woodlands Garden woodlandsgarden.org
Family Fun Guide
March 2021 Atlanta Parent 45
THE BUNNY TRAIL LEADS TO HOME Get festive and creative this Easter with celebrations at home, in your yard or around the neighborhood. Show the Spirit: Create Easter decorations to hang around your
Rock Out: Paint rocks to look like decorated Easter eggs. Place
home or yard with egg ornaments, bunnies, chicks or spring flowers.
them throughout the neighborhood on spots by the sidewalk so your family and others can search for them while walking.
Involve the Neighborhood: Ask families in the neighborhood to hang Easter eggs, coloring pages or signs in their windows. Next time your family goes on a walk through the neighborhood, see who can spot the most.
Get Scientific: Experiment with science with this Easter Egg Rocket project from KiwiCo. Decorate plastic eggs. Head outside with the eggs, and place two fizzy tablets into the bottom half of the egg. Fill the top half about halfway with water. Quickly close the egg and step back. Pay attention to how far the egg flies! kiwico.com
EGG HUNT TWISTS Mix It Up Fill plastic eggs with non-candy treats to add variety and limit sugar, such as coins, eraser, finger puppets and other small toys.
Prize Egg If your kids are older, have one egg be the prize egg with a bit of cash. Make It Last Extend the egg hunting fun by placing Easter baskets in one location. Children have to bring each egg back to the basket before looking for more.
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Get Decorative: Decorate and dye your own eggs. Create dyes by combining ½ cup boiling water, 1 teaspoon vinegar and 10 drops food color. Dip eggs for five minutes, or until the desired shade is reached. Make patterns with stickers, rubber bands or tape before dipping eggs in dye. Remove after eggs dry.
Connect with Family: Usually, you may travel to a family or friend’s house to celebrate the holiday together. Share what was special about the day with loved ones through Zoom, or hold an Easter storytime. Send Easter-themed cards a few days before the holiday.
Bunny Hop: Put on some dance tunes and get your groove on. To do the Bunny Hop, dance in a line or circle and hold onto the person near you. Tap the floor two times with your left foot, then your right foot before hopping forwards, backwards and three hops forward to end the sequence.
Move Night: Stream an Easter-themed or bunny-themed movie, such as “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown,” “Hop,” “Rise of the Guardians,” “Zootopia” or “Peter Rabbit.”
Switch It Up Sometimes, the fun is in the hiding! Give your kids the chance to hide the eggs for their siblings for multiple rounds of egg hunting fun.
Keep It Fair Make sure younger members of the family get a fair chance to find the treasures. Older kids can pair up with younger ones to help. Color code eggs by age groups or use a different color for each of your children.
Family Fun Guide
VIRTUAL Egg Hunt: Sign up to join a public or private game with Watson Adventures’ virtual Easter scavenger hunt. Find eggs from all over the world hidden in museums, homes and more. watsonadventures.com
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HOP TO IT: EASTER EVENTS AROUND METRO ATLANTA
Celebrate the holiday with these events and egg hunts. Call or check websites for COVID-19 safety precautions.
EGG HUNTS n Hop-A-Long Scavenger Hunt Avalon / March 27 and April 3, 10-11 a.m. Meet storybook character scavenger hunt leaders before collecting easter egg clues to find the Easter Bunny. Reservation required. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000. $15. experienceavalon.com n A Sense of Adventure: Egg Hunt Adams Park / March 30, 3-7 p.m. Go on the hunt for treat eggs. 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw. 770-424-8274. Free admission. kennesaw-ga.gov n Egg-citing Hike Hunt Panola Mountain State Park / April 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Find the hidden eggs along the nature trails. Reservation required. 2620 Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-3897801. $3; parking, $5. explore.gastateparks.org n Annual Easter Egg Hunt Smith-Gilbert Gardens / April 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Take photos with the Easter Bunny, spend time exploring the gardens, play games, make crafts and more. Reservation required. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. $10. smithgilbertgardens.com n The Taste Cumming Fairgrounds / April 3, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Three different egg hunts separated by age groups. Play in the kid’s zone, and sample food from more than 25 restaurants. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-781-3491. Free admission. cummingfair.squarespace.com
NIGHTTIME HUNTS n Flashlight Egg Hunt Cherokee Veterans Park / March 20, 6 p.m. Meet the Easter Bunny, explore the kid’s zone, make and take crafts and more before going on an egg hunt using a flashlight. 7345 Cumming Hwy., Canton. 770-924-7768. $10. playcherokee.org
Avalon
n Acworth Egg Hunt Acworth Sports Complex March 26, 6-8:30 p.m. Participate in this community egg hunt with separate times for specific age groups. 400 S. Main St., Acworth. 770-917-1234. Free. acworth.org
SPEND TIME WITH THE EASTER BUNNY n Easter Bunny Avalon March 25-28 and April 1-3, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Take photos and visit with the Easter Bunny. Reservation required. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000. $25. experienceavalon.com n Drive-Thru Bunny Breakfast Ben Robertson Community Center March 27, 8-10:30 a.m. Take photos with the Easter Bunny, grab a to-go breakfast, and take home an Egg Hunt Home Kit. Registration required. 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw. 770-424-8274. $5. kennesaw-ga.gov
UNDER THE WAVES
Smith-Gilbert Gardens
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n Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza Cherokee County Aquatic Center March 27, 2-5 p.m. Participate in egg hunts for ages 3 and younger, while children ages 4-12 take part in underwater egg hunts. Also, take photos with the Easter Bunny. Reservation required. 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. $10. playcherokee.org
Family Fun Guide
CRAFTY EASTER n Drop-In Family Program: Natural Egg Dyeing Atlanta Botanical Garden March 26 and April 2, 10 a.m.-noon Learn more about plants that can create powerful dyes and decorate eggs. Reservation required. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $6; Admission: $21.95; ages 3-12, $18.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org n Family Easter Activities Lutheran Church Of The Redeemer March 27, 10-11:30 a.m. Drive-thru Easter activities for kids. 731 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404874-8664. Free admission. redeemer.org n A Colorful Eggs-perience Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center / March 27, 1-3 p.m. Experiment by dyeing eggs with glitter, tie-dye and more, along with snacks and a storytime. Register by March 25. 100 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0890. $6; non-resident, $16. gwinnettcounty.com n Illuminated Easter Egg Relay George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center March 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Participate in games and relays, enjoy refreshments, make crafts and more. 55 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 678-277-0910. $6; non-resident, $11. gwinnettcounty.com
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SPRING INTO PLAY
by Emily Webb
Enjoy the warmer weather, and run, jump, climb and play at these new or updated playgrounds all across metro Atlanta.
Alexander Park
955 Scenic Hwy., Lawrenceville; gwinnettcounty.com This bright new playground off the Scenic Highway entrance includes a two-story playscape with tube slides, a cargo net and a climbing structure. The playground is also shaded! There’s a smaller playground for toddlers. The other park entrance also includes a playground.
Poole’s Mill Park Swift-Cantrell Park
3140 Old 41 Hwy. NW, Kennesaw; kennesaw-ga.gov This super popular park – more than 600,000 people visit annually – was updated early in 2020 to feature an inclusive playground. The play structure includes wheelchair accessible ramps, a ropes tower, sensory stations, a wheelchair sway fun and a slide. The turf makes the 18,500 square foot space accessible to everyone.
48 Atlanta Parent March 2021
7725 Poole’s Mill Rd., Ball Ground; parks.forsythco.com Designed for ages 5-12, this new playground features slides, swings, one accessible swing and an IKO ball climber.
For more great playgrounds, visit 75+ Best Atlanta Playgrounds and Parks for Families at atlantaparent.com
Family Fun Guide
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Waller Park Recreation Center
Check out these other playgrounds that have been updated recently:
250 Oak St., Roswell; roswellgov.com The old playground at this recreation center was replaced with a new adaptive playground for ages 5-12 and features slides, swings and music-making structures. Updates also include new shade structures, a connective side walk and a new pavilion.
n Allen Road Park: 83 Allen Rd., Sandy Springs; sandyspringsga.gov n Wayman & Bessie Brady Recreation Center: 3571 Brenningham Dr., College Park; collegeparkga.com n Bethesda Park: 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville; gwinnettcounty.com n Mountain Park Park: 5050 Five ForksTrickum Rd., Lilburn; gwinnettcounty.com n Ronald Reagan Park: 2777 Five ForksTrickum Rd., Lawrenceville; gwinnettcounty.com n Roswell Area Park: 10495 Woodstock Rd., Roswell; roswellgov.com n Madras Park: 2355 Hwy. 29 N, Newnan; coweta.ga.us n Sargent Park: 146 Kennan St., Sargent; coweta.ga.us n Gerald Matthews Complex: 1935 McDonough Rd., Hampton; claytonparks.com n Flat Shoals Park: 1915 Flat Shoals Rd., Riverdale; claytonparks.com n Mabry Park: 4466 Wesley Chapel Rd., Marietta; cobbcounty.org n Windy Hill Community Center: 1885 Roswell St., Smyrna; cobbcounty.org n Sweat Mountain Park: 4346 Steinhauer Rd., Marietta; cobbcounty.org
Murphey Candler Park
1551 W. Nancy Creek Dr., Brookhaven; brookhavenga.gov The park began making improvements in October 2020, and while the project is not set to be completed until fall of 2021, the playground should be completed this month. These improvements include a castle-like playground, swings, springers and a tree climber. While there, spot the cute storm water access points painted to look like animals!
n Pitner Road Park: 2320 Pitner Rd., Acworth; cobbcounty.org n Sykes Park: 3224 Dodson Dr., East Point; eastpointcity.org n River Park: 2804 Blount St., East Point; eastpointcity.org
Ridgeview Park
5200 S. Trimble Rd., Sandy Springs; sandyspringsga.gov This natural-themed playscape includes log-like staircases, swings, a cozy dome, a we-saw and a crawl tunnel. This smaller playground is perfect for preschool and elementary aged kiddos.
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