EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

Catch these special exhibits in metro Atlanta for hands-on learning in art, science, nature and more.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition

200 Peachtree / Through April 16

Fans of this popular series can enter the Wizarding World to discover their Hogwarts house, go behind-the-scenes, visit Hagrid’s Hut, play Quidditch and more. 155 Carnegie Way NW, Atlanta. $29; ages 12 and younger, $25. atlanta. harrypotterexhibition.com

Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience

Exhibition Hub, Atlanta Art Center

Through April 17

Explore the works of Monet with a 360-degree display featuring light, sound and two-story projections. 5660 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta. $30.90-$44.90; ages 4-12, $20.90-$35.90; ages 3 and younger, free. monetexpo.com

Splash and Bubbles: Dive In, Lend a Fin!

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Through April 30

Dive into the world of ocean exploration to learn about marine biology, ocean science and different ecosystems. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-6595437. $13.95-$19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

The Nature of Color

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Through May 7

Explore the science of color with hands-on activities displaying how colors make us feel, how they’re perceived across cultures and more. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $25.95; ages 3-12, $23.95; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

How People Make Things

Tellus Science Museum / Through Sept. 4

Using real factory tools and machines, learn how objects are created through four manufacturing processes: molding, cutting, deforming and assembly. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $17; ages 3-17, $13; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org

Trolls: Save the Humans by Thomas Dambo

Atlanta Botanical Garden / Through Sept. 17

View six enormous folklore-inspired sculptures built from reclaimed materials to connect art and nature. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $24.95$27.95; ages 3-12, $21.95-$24.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

Treasures of NOAA’s Ark

Tellus Science Museum / Through Oct. 29

See how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has changed ocean exploration with maps, charts, early scientific instruments and more. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $17; ages 3-17, $13; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org n The juice is stuck! Pour prepared, orange-flavored gelatin into juice glasses, add a straw to each glass, and chill. Serve up the ‘juice’ at breakfast and watch your kids try to take a sip! n What’s wrong with the milk? Add a few drops of food coloring to the milk or your children’s cereal bowls —green is always a yucky color. This harmless joke works best if you use a carton or non-transparent plastic jug and let them see you pour it. n Let it rip! Find a scrap of cloth, then put a dollar on the floor. When your kid bends down to pick up the money, rip the fabric. He’ll probably reach back to see if he ripped his pants. n Pucker-face. Add a few drops of lemon juice to your children’s water and wait for the funny expressions. n What’s on your face? Trace around a quarter with a pencil, leaving pencil dust along the edge of the coin. Now it’s time for the trick. Use a new quarter and roll it down your forehead, across your nose and down your chin; challenge your kid to do the same thing. Hand her the marked quarter. When she does the “trick,” congratulate her and walk away— letting her discover the line down her face later. n Sweet or salty? Pull a switcheroo by putting the salt in the sugar container and the sugar in the salt shaker. Wait with a straight face to see who gets surprised first. n Wash up! Tell the kids the night before that you’ve decided to ban all utensils from now on. Then hide the utensils, so they’ll have to eat breakfast with their hands on April 1. n Avalanche! This one takes a little time, but it’s worth it. Wait until your child is asleep, then tape newspaper to the door jamb, creating a space between the door and the door jamb. Fill the space with foam packing peanuts or popped corn. When your child opens the door, everything will fall down. n Out of order. Cut down on screen time with an “out of order” sticker on the computer or tablet. You can opt to add an “April Fools” sign to the other side of the device or just see how long they’ll wait to try and turn it on anyway.

The Joke Is on Them

April Fool’s Day is on Saturday, April 1. Add a little fun to the day with these silly, kid-friendly pranks!

n Be silly. Glue googly eyes to all the items in the pantry or refrigerator, then ask your child to retrieve something for you.

n Is this cake? Offer your kids a “cheese sandwich” and watch their reaction. Make the sandwich look realistic by using slices of angel food cake and orange frosting as the “cheese.” They’ll be expecting an entirely different taste.

n Bath time! Unscrew the tops of shampoo and conditioner, covering them with plastic wrap. Replace the tops and then when your kids are getting ready, they’ll think they’ve run out of everything.