March 2018

AtlantaParent March 2018 / atlantaparent.com

Plan the PERFECT Party What You Don’t Know About Montessori Spring Fun Guide

Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead

Voted BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY!

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AtlantaTrackClub.org 404-231-9064

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For more information, please call 770-956-STAR (7827).

4 Atlanta Parent March 2018

wellstar.org/forchildren Inpatient pediatric services available at WellStar Kennestone Hospital

wellstar.org/forchildren

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Inside 34 March

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Features 14

Take the Kids to New Orleans

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to have fun with the family in the Big Easy, from streetcar rides, to butterfly gardens to walking tours, and of course, beignets.

31

8 Publisher’s Note 10 Good Stuff

Things we like

66 For the Fridge

Words of humor & wisdom

All About Montessori

Considering a Montessori education for your child?

Here are some things you might not know.

40

Departments

Science, Math and More

Kids who have a strong STEAM foundation (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) are better prepared for life and careers. Here’s how they’re getting there.

17 Birthday Wishes Come True!

Atlanta Parent’s planner and resources will help you put together a great party – whether you’re splurging or on a budget – with fun ideas for themes, venues, games, decorations, cakes and more.

Spring Fun Guide 52

March Not-to-Miss Events

55

Dr. Seuss Comes to Town

56 Egg Hunts 59 Not-to-Miss March Shows 60 Atlanta A-Bloom 62

Spring Festivals

64 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Tour On the Cover: Cover Kid Aria Gupta, 3, of Marietta Photo by Joshua Jacobs of Jacobs Digital Concepts.

Don’t Miss Atlanta Parent’s Camp Expo, March 3 at Perimeter Mall.

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Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner atlantaparent.com

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine March 2018 Atlanta Parent 5

Become a member of the Gems family F Infants to Pre-K F After-School Programs F Summer Camp

PUBLISHER Liz White

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

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

Gems Learning Academy is committed to providing fun and educational childcare programs that promote your child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development!

F Provides nurturing childcare for children 6 weeks to 12 years old F Offers Extended care hours from 5:30 a.m. to midnight

To tour, call us at 770-306-6133.

Enroll Now for Free GA PreK, slots are filling up fast.

Gems Learning Academy 770-306-6133 F 8850 Highpoint Rd. F Union City 30291 F gemslearningacademy.com

ACCOUNT Maribeth Madden EXECUTIVE mmadden@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Jennifer Pollack EXECUTIVE jpollack@atlantaparent.com CONTRIBUTING Amanda Miller Allen

EDITOR STAFF Teresa Farkas WRITER tfarkas@atlantaparent.com

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery

ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

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

ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATIVE Tiffani Rase

ASSISTANT

MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

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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.

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6 Atlanta Parent March 2018

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PARENT

MOST-READ STORIES 25+ Beaches Worth a Drive Near Atlanta

15 Volunteer Opportunities for Kids in Atlanta 8 Reasons to Love Sensations Therafun

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CONTESTS Keep an eye out for our #AtlantaParentContest every week on Facebook. Win a Birthday Party for eight kids from: n Adventure Air Sports n Chattahooche Nature Center n Fun-O-Rama Parties n iFly Indoor Skydiving n Main Event Entertainment n Rockin’ Jump n Tiny Towne n Treetop Quest Enter today at atlantaparent. com/winaparty

Ultimate Guide to Kids’ Birthday Party Places in Atlanta Yummy! Kids Eat Free Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia Ultimate Guide to Overnight Summer Camps in Georgia, the Southeast, and Beyond

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“You get what you get and you don’t pitch a fit.” – Fonda Lorentz “Each kid has an assigned side in car; kid must get in and out from that side only.

It has worked out for a decade.” – Barry Eng “Is the Xbox a rule?” – Lauren Townsend

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Publisher’s Note Enter to win a birthday party for eight guests.

678-384-2020 adventureairsports.com

770-992-2055 chattnaturecenter.org

678-803-4359 iflyworld.com

mainevent.com

678-324-9590 buford.rockinjump.com

470-545-7227 tinytowne.com

STEAM – It’s Easier than You Think A few years ago, when our kids were very young, we got a Monarch butterfly kit, watched our caterpillars turn into butterflies and released them into our backyard – our first real science experiment as a family.

It wasn’t, though, our first encounter with STEAM learning.

Opportunities to learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and math are all around us everyday, from the time we turn on the faucet to brush our teeth in the morning to the goodnight bedtime story.

Like a lot of parents, we encourage that love of learning, that sense of exploration and adventure that makes kids know they can master even more advanced subjects like robotics design or computer animation.

Elliot recently acquired a bubble science kit he’s eager to experiment with and there are lots of other products to make science and math fun. An easy introduction to plants and animals is a nature walk with the kids. And the internet has lots of free science experiments to try – learn about bacteria, for instance, with a simple hand-washing experiment using two slices of bread, two plastic bags and a misting of water.

This month, metro Atlanta kids have a perfect opportunity to go full STEAM ahead, at the Atlanta Science Festival 2018 on March 9-24 (find details and more STEAM ideas on Pages 40-48). The festival has something for toddlers to teens and adults, including robots and drones, a family-friendly walk exploring nature around Zoo Atlanta, a Science Birthday Bash at Fernbank Science Center and Superhero Science Night at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta – and that’s just a sampling of the first two days of the festival!

Kids will always be interested in what adults do at work, whether we’re architects, doctors, engineers, musicians or artists. And whatever career path kids choose, we as parents play an important role in encouraging those STEAM basics every day.

treetopquest.com

Associate Publisher

How to Reach us: Fun-o-rama Parties & Events

770-572-1737 funoramaparties.com

Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Enter to win at atlantaparent.com/winaparty now through March 31!

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

8 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

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

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March 2018    Atlanta Parent 9

by Teresa Farkas

Good StUff

THINGS WE LIKE Georgia Toddler is New Gerber Baby A local toddler with Down syndrome has been named the 2018 Gerber baby. 18-month-old Lucas Warren is from Dalton, Ga. and makes history as the first winner of the Gerber Baby Photo Search to have Down syndrome. He beat over 140,000 other entries.

Visit news.gerber.com to learn more.

Water-Based Nail Polish Kids may want to have their nails painted just like mom, but as a parent you may worry about the harsh chemicals in nail polish and remover.

Nailmatic has introduced a water-based polish free from typical polish ingredients, and the polish is easily removed with soap and warm water.

Available at nailmatic.com/en for around $10 plus international shipping.

Inflatable Play Fort Air Fort makes large forts in pink, blue and gray that blow up with the help of a box fan. After inflating, the fort becomes large enough for parent and child to fit inside and play. The set also comes with an easy-to-store bag and the air from the fan is an added cooling bonus.

Available at airfort.com for $54.99.

Rescue Dog Field Day Celebrate rescue dogs at the Rescue Dog Olympics.

Meet with pet rescuers and organizations to learn about the adoption process, compete in the games, or watch the fun. March 17. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Brook Run Park. 4770 N. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody. rescuedogolympics.com

Online Baby Journal Tinybeans is the new baby book, and it allows family members and friends to see photos and videos and read notes about your baby. It is private to those you invite, and sends email updates to let family members know something has been posted. Download for free on the Apple App store or Google Play. tinybeans.com

10 Atlanta Parent    March 2018

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Tell Us About Your Pediatrician Nominate your standout pediatrician for Atlanta Parent’s Mom-Approved Doctors list! Visit atlantaparent.com/nominate and tell us why you recommend this physician to other Atlanta parents. The winners will be announced in the June issue of Atlanta Parent.

Time to Spring Forward Daylight saving time is March 11 at 2 a.m., and brings early sunshine and more time in the evening to spend outdoors. Put the kids to bed earlier the first week of March to help adjust to the morning of March 11 feeling way too early. Head outside in the evenings and take advantage of the extra sunlight for a neighborhood stroll.

Girl Power March is National Women’s History month, a time to remember women who made significant contributions to women’s rights, the arts, sciences and more. Take the time this month to teach about women’s suffrage, female pioneers or female astronauts. Visit womenshistorymonth.gov to learn more.

atlantaparent.com

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 11

QUIZ: FOR SPRING BREAK PICK YOUR PERFECT PLACE

1. Your youngest child is: A. 3 or younger B. Between 4 and 8 C. Between 9 and 12 D. 13 or older

2. On a warm but rainy

6. During a vacation, you

want your schedule to be: A. Wide open B. Completely jam-packed C. Laid-back with a few “must-dos” D. Busy, but flexible

Sunday afternoon, your family is most likely:

7. Your favorite Disney

A. Reading, playing board games or watching a good movie at home B. Shopping, dining or people-watching at Perimeter Mall or Lenox Square C. Donning rain boots and splashing in puddles D. Visiting Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the Georgia Aquarium or other indoor attractions

A. “The Little Mermaid” B. You can’t possibly pick just one!

C. “The Lion King” D. “The Princess and the Frog”

dinner would include:

A. Fresh seafood served alfresco B. Hamburgers and french fries C. Hot dogs roasted over an open fire D. Authentic Lebanese, Thai or Ethiopian cuisine

A. Your family’s favorite miniature golf course B. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta C. Zoo Atlanta D. The High Museum

9. Your family’s ideal

A. Ice cream cones B. Cotton candy or a funnel cake C. S’Mores D. Mini cupcakes or cronuts

A. Reggae B. A selection of Disney’s all-time greatest hits C. What playlist? You’d rather keep the iPod turned off and listen to the sounds around you D. A few show tunes from Broadway favorites like “Wicked” or “Annie”

5. Your favorite weather is:

10. The word that best

A. The hotter the better!

B. Mild temperatures and clear skies C. It’s tough to say, every season has its advantages!

D. 70 degrees and sunny

A. Easygoing B. Fun-loving C. Active D. Curious

12 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Mostly B’s: A Theme Park Satisfy kids and kids-at-heart with a magical week of riding coasters and posing with characters. While Orlando is the obvious choice, don’t overlook more affordable destinations like Pigeon Forge.

8. You’ve won a free annual

vacation playlist includes:

4. For dessert, you’d love:

Your family believes vacation is for relaxation, and the best place to relax is right next to a large body of water. Whether you choose Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach or St. Thomas, you’re sure to have an amazing time swimming, building sandcastles and taking leisurely sunset strolls along the waterfront.

movie is:

pass. Which do you choose?

3. Your family’s dream

Mostly A’s: The Beach

describes your family is:

Mostly C’s: The Great Outdoors Your family loves being outside as much as possible. For amazing hikes and breathtaking scenery, consider visiting a national park like Zion or Yellowstone. If your budget demands you stick with a smaller scale adventure, take a road trip to nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park or your favorite Georgia state park.

Mostly D’s: The City You like to see new sights, meet new people and try new foods. Choosing a major city as your base of operations will ensure your family has plenty to do, day and night.

Head to Washington, D.C. for world-class museums, Philadelphia for history, New York City for Broadway shows or Chicago for architecture and deep-dish pizza.

– Michelle Shirk

atlantaparent.com

EXPLORE. CONNECT. ACHIEVE. HAVE FUN. what camp should be.

WHERE DO YOU WANT

TO GO?

Your family loves the beach, the outdoors, theme parks or cityscapes?

This spring break, try a destination that’s a favorite of metro Atlanta families. Here are some ideas: Beaches l Amelia Island, Fla., ameliaisland.com.

For more than 40 years, High Meadows Camp has offered an authentic, traditional outdoor program on more than 40 acres of farm, woodland, and unique facilities..

Session 1: June 4 – June 22 Session 2: June 25 – July 13 (no camp July 4) Session 3: July 16 – August 3

l Destin, Fla., destinchamber.com l Hilton Head Island, S.C., hiltonheadisland.org

Founded 1973 | Roswell, GA | 770.993.7975 | www.highmeadowscamp.org

l Myrtle Beach, S.C., visitmyrtlebeach.com

l St. Simons Island, Ga., explorestsimonsisland.com

Outdoors l Any Georgia State Park, gastateparks.org l Callaway Gardens near Pine Mountain, Ga,, callawaygardens.com l Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, N.C., nps.gov/grsm l Okefenokee Swamp Park near Waycross, Ga., okeswamp.com

Theme Parks l Bush Gardens in Tampa, bushgardens.com l Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., carowinds.com l Disneyworld near Orlando, Fla., disneyworld.disney.go.com l Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., dollywood.com

Cities l Chattanooga, Tenn., chattanoogafun.com l Charlotte, N.C., charlottesgotalot.com l Greenville, S.C., visitgreenvillesc.com l Nashville, Tenn., visitmusiccity.com l Pensacola, Fla., visitpensacola.com l Savannah, Ga., savannah.com

atlantaparent.com

DISCOVER! PLAY! GROW! atlantahistorycenter.com

l Panama City Beach, Fla., visitpanamacitybeach.com

Summer History and Writing Camps Experience history firsthand at Atlanta History Center, or write your way through the city at Margaret Mitchell House!

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 13

EXPLORING

NEW ORLEANS WITH KIDS

by Laura Powell

Known for romance, history, and parties, New Orleans also is a great place to take the kids.

Try these fun things we loved on our visit: Walking tour

Ride the streetcar to Audubon Park. Pretend you’re on a movie set as you

travel down St. Charles Avenue. Get off at the Broadway Street stop to take in the architecture at Tulane University and Loyola University, the centuries old oak trees, the homes on St. Charles Avenue, and historic Audubon Park. Named after the famous naturalist who lived for a short time in New Orleans, John Audubon Park has a two-mile loop of paved walking and biking trails and two new playgrounds.

Eat bugs at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Learn about all kinds of

insects and arachnids, enjoy the insect cartoon theater, walk through the butterfly sanctuary with its many species of butterflies, and take in an interactive insect-themed movie at the giant screen theater. Parents and kids can chow down on delicious bug snacks like mealworm cornbread and crunchy cricket pecan pie in the Bug Appetit Kitchen.

Take a kids’ walking tour through the French Quarter. We learned about the

ghosts that haunt the French quarter in a not-too-spooky tour with French QuarTour Kids Tours. Our kids learned about the city and got to hunt for ghosts and treasure. If you aren’t into spooky, try the history-oriented Creole Kids tours plus music history, teen, and even tiny tours for the littlest tourists.

Café du Monde

Fontainebleau State Park

Get beignets and coffee at Cafe du Monde.

Travel across the famous 22-mile causeway to Mandeville and Fontainebleau State Park. Experience

The line is often long, but it moves quickly at this classic spot across from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Kids will love getting powdered sugar everywhere and moms and dads will enjoy the surprisingly tasty coffee paired with the yummy confections.

14 Atlanta Parent March 2018

nature and an engineering marvel at the same time. Kids will love riding across the causeway and stopping at the nearby state park for easy hikes near Lake Pontchartrain. Tune your radio to local favorite, WWOZ 90.7, for New Orleans jazz as you cross the river or listen to a New Orleans Jazz Spotify playlist for the ride. Bring a picnic basket or eat lunch nearby in Mandeville.

atlantaparent.com

Play at Storyland and spend the day at City Park. Storyland

combines all your favorite storybook characters in an amazing old-school playground. Visit the Three Little Pigs, slide down the Dragon Slide, climb up Jack & Jill’s hill and more. Keep your family busy at City Park with several other attractions – play on two additional playgrounds, visit New Orleans Botanical Garden with a permanent model train display of New Orleans, and ride the carousel, take a train ride and more at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Get beignets at Morning Call anytime of day or take in a game of putt-putt at City Putt. If you visit during the holidays, you won’t want to miss the Celebration of the Oaks where you can view light displays throughout the park and in the botanical garden. Near the park, grab a book at Tubby and Coo’s Mid-City Book Shop, which specializes in sci-fi and fantasy books for adults, and has a fun kids’ section upstairs.

Storyland

See artistry at work at Mardi Gras World. Even if you can’t catch a parade on your visit, take in the floats, learn all about Mardi Gras, and get a string of beads at Mardi Gras World. Watch local artists design and build floats for Mardi Gras and other parade events. After this tour, we were ready to move to New Orleans and join a Krewe.

Enjoy a fancy meal at Brennan’s in the French Quarter. In this foodie city, it’s nice

to go to a fancy place you can take the kids and not feel out of place. Brennan’s is famous for inventing the Banana’s Foster dessert, which is a must order.

The fiery display and delicious treat will be memorable for all. The kids’ menu has tasty fruit with whip cream, drinks in kids cups, and kid-friendly menu items such as chicken that even the pickiest eaters will love.

Steer a ship at the Port of New Orleans and more at the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Spend a couple hours as kids pretend play upstairs at Winn Dixie, prepare pizzas and sandwiches at the diner, pretend they’re optometrists and more. The museum is moving to City Park in 2019 with a new, enhanced experience.

Explore the shops and eats on Magazine Street. Visit Magic Box Toys and lots of other trendy shops on this six mile stretch.

After working up an appetite shopping, grab a hot dog at Dat Dog or food at the tons of other restaurants in the neighborhood.

The Details n Where to Stay: A few blocks from the French Quarter, the brand new Cambria hotel is a trendy, quiet spot in downtown New Orleans (choicehotels.com/ louisiana/new-orleans/cambriahotels). The well-appointed rooms are perfect for families starting at about $129 per night with a few suites available. The hotel has a delicious restaurant on site and a convenient graband-go snack section in the lobby. The Pac-Man throwback arcade game is an extra perk.

Saint James Cheese Factory, popular and perfect for lunch, and Revelator Coffee are right across the street. n Information: For more to do in New Orleans or to download a guidebook, check out neworleans.com.

Mardi Gras World

atlantaparent.com

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 15

CoLLegE Fe ooTBaLL

HaLL Of FaM E TH HOme oF FuLL

ConTacT

Birthday party packages include All-Access Passes and more!

Plan your party today!

Contact groups@cfbhall.com or call (404) 880-4841.

w w w. cFBHa LL . CoM

BiRthDaYs

YOU GOT YOUR WISH!

Online Invites Ordering or designing initiations online can save time and money.

n Minted.com and Snapfish. com: Customize birthday invitations by adding photos and details about the party. Some are more fancy depending on design, but most can be fairly low cost, especially if you sign up for their emails.

Coupons and discount codes are sent frequently. n Paperlesspost.com: Choose from tons of trendy online cards without the cost of printing. Sign up, choose a design and send out via email. n Evite.com: Choose from hundreds of designs to match the birthday party theme, personalize and collect email addresses. Link gift options and then send via email to the guests. A new feature includes being able to send an invite via text message. n Facebook: Skip the invitation altogether and create a Facebook group for your child’s birthday party. Invite each child’s parent to join and include details for the party in the description. After the party, the group is a quick way to share photos. n Printables: Tons of free and low-cost printable invitations can be found on etsy.com, pinterest.com and greetingsisland.com among others. Customize the design templates on your computer, print out and send.

Twice the fun. Half the hassle.

Consider holding a joint birthday party with one of your child’s friends or a sibling (if both love the idea).

by Teresa Farkas, Amanda Miller Allen and Dalia Faupel

Here are Atlanta Parent’s tips, ideas and strategies to help make your birthday party planning a breeze.

Don’t Break the Bank

Don’t invite your child’s whole class – limit the party to fewer than 10 friends.

Skip party favors or limit them to one small toy, bubbles and a piece of candy per child. Or make a take-home craft at the party.

Visit a discount or dollar store for plates, cups, forks, napkins, candles, balloons and more. For character-themed parties, just buy stickers to decorate the plates and cups.

Cont’d on page 18

atlantaparent.com

Party Planner

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 17

Theme Parties, More or Less

Pick your theme and splurge on the party or do it on a budget with these ideas:

LEGOs

n Splurge: Buy tickets in advance to LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Atlanta for a small group starting at $12.50 per child (more if you get a LEGO collectable) or book a party for up to 40 guests for about $600. atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com n Spend Less: Host a LEGO-themed party at home and let kids work on a group project or make an individual creation to take home, see who can build the tallest tower or guess how many LEGOs are in a big jar (winner gets the LEGO jar).

Puppets

n Splurge: Tickets to the Center for Puppetry Arts to see a production, visit the museum and do a Create-a-Puppet Workshop are about $20 per child; party packages start at about $240 for 10 tickets (annual membership fee required). puppet.org n Spend Less: At a puppet-themed home party, kids could do a craft to make their own hand puppets out of socks, then put together a show on a cardboard box stage.

Tea Party

Nature Party

n Splurge: Atlanta has fun and elegant tea party sites for kids, including Tea Leaves & Thyme in Woodstock. Kids can dress up using the restaurant’s vintage clothing items before enjoying a formal tea with real china and silverware ($12-$22 per child). tealeavesandthyme.com

n Splurge: Take up to 12 kids and adults to the Chattahoochee Nature Center for a close encounter with critters, starting at $255 chattnaturecenter.org n Spend Less: Hold the party in your own backyard with nature scavenger hunts, nature-themed crafts and more.

n Spend Less: Set an elegant table and hold the tea party at home, using fine china, cloth napkins and a grown-up centerpiece. Get even fancier and use your silver tea service, or borrow one from a friend.

American Girl

n Splurge: Take a group of girls to American Girl at North Point Mall for a deluxe party in the private dining room (about $50 per girl) or make reservations for a regularly scheduled WelliWishers tea party (about $15 per girl) or a group luncheon. americangirl.com n Spend Less: Plan a doll party at home with fun activities and ask girls to bring their dolls. Look for some ideas on pinterest.com, make a bear for the doll with craft foam and glue or a bead ID bracelet.

Sports Party

n Splurge: Take your child’s closest friends to an Atlanta United soccer game or a Braves game. Feast on treats at the venues and let the birthday kid pick out a new T-shirt. n Spend Less: Host a soccer, football, volleyball or kickball game at a nearby park or in the backyard. Have sport-themed foods and favors for guests.

18 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Party Planner

atlantaparent.com

GLOW Have Some Fun!

Kids and teens alike will love having a glow-in-the-dark party, think glow sticks, lots of neon and black lights.

Decor:

Purchase large rolls of black craft paper (enough to cover walls or a photo area) and neon paint. Paint words, patterns or splatter paint with different colors. When dry, hang on the wall. Purchase lots of black lights for the party, this way everyone and everything will glow. Stick glow sticks inside of balloons for a colorful decoration.

Food:

Tonic water can be added to punch, juice or lemonade to glow under black light. Adding crushed Vitamin B2 tablets makes most foods glow.

White foods reflect black light, such as marshmallows, vanilla ice cream or tortilla chips.

Games:

Fill empty water bottles with glow sticks, turn off the lights and bowl in the dark. Use circular-shaped glow sticks and play ring toss around a post.

Play glow tag: Give each person a glow-in-the-dark necklace. Give the person who is “it” a glow necklace in a different color. When a player has been tagged, he is out.

Favors:

Make glow slime by mixing psyllium husks (found in the health foods aisle), water and Vitamin B2 tablets. Once mixed, this will glow under a blacklight and feel like slime (without the sticky part).

Cont’d on page 20

atlantaparent.com

Party Planner

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 19

Clowning 4 You is your one stop shop for event entertainment.

Let Them Eat Cake Parents are always looking for ways to make their child’s birthday cake stand out.

Here are some local bakeries that can help.

Baker’s Man Inc.

Chef and owner, Mark Brickman, says that making cakes is no longer just placing a picture on the top; everything is 3D and brought up a notch. They can build just about anything out of cake such as monsters or Hello Kitty. Alpharetta. 770-664-9669; bakersmaninc.com

Cakes by Darcy We provide DJs, face painters, balloonist, clowns, costume characters, wait staff, event sitters, singing telegrams, lawn displays, magicians and more...

Owner Darcy decorates each cake by hand with the help of her team. Her cakes are realistic and colorfully decorated. Popular designs include LEGO cakes or Shopkins. Roswell. 770-993-2253; cakesbydarcy.com

www.clowning4you.com

Cake Hag

678-646-9741

Magic Abounds on the Malaya Express Watch the Locomotive “steam” around your event! A friendly M&R Engineer & Conductor is your guide to fun!

Our Trackless Train holds up to 12-18 guests in our three passenger cars.

• Birthday Parties • Grand Openings • Festivals/Fairs • Company Picnics/Parties • Family Reunions • and More!

Cake artist and co-owner, Maggie Sweeney says they continue to see popularity in Disney characters such as Minions and Frozen. The Bakery uses all-natural and organic sugars, flours and fruits in their cakes. Atlanta. 678-760-6300; cakehag.com

Apple Butter Bakery

Apple Butter Bakery cake designer and co-owner, Shellane Brown, says most parents go all out for first birthday parties then choose more simple designs as their kids get older. Popular kid designs include Elmo and cakes with the theme of the party location. Stone Mountain.

678-476-0902; applebutterbakery.com

www.choochoo2u.com 678.526.4045

M&R Trackless Trains are available throughout metro-Atlanta

The Choo Choo That Comes to You!

Best

Party Package

Period.

Visit us at www.laservoyage.com

or call us at 678-514-3430 1866 Buford Hwy NW • Duluth 30097

20 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Baker’s Man Inc.

Cakes by Darcy

Other Picks:

n Piece of Cake: Nine Atlanta locations. 800-922-5390; pieceofcakeinc.com n Mae’s Bakery: Atlanta. 404-565-0938; maesbakeryatl.com n Henri’s Bakery & Café: Atlanta (Buckhead), 404-237-0202, Atlanta (Westside) 404-968-9412 and Sandy Springs, 404-256-7934. henrisbakery.com n Sweet Hut Bakery and Café: Five Atlanta locations. sweethutbakery.com n Sugar Benders Café & Bakery: Marietta. 678-402-8588; sugarbenderscakes.com

Party Planner

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Let Them Eat (No) Cake Who says a traditional cake has to be the birthday centerpiece? n Create a donut cake or a donut holes tower, or stack Oreos for a lighter bite. Use examples at pinterest.com for inspiration. n Arrange multi-colored cupcakes like balloons on a large serving dish, then add strings and a bow (or arrange as a number corresponding to the child’s age). n Build a brownie tower (make the treats or buy them), and decorate with candles and berries. See howdoesshe.com for a pretty example. n Make cake kabobs by putting cubes of sheet cake on a skewer and layering with frosting, then drizzle with frosting or top with sprinkles. n Make cone cupcakes, using flat-bottomed ice cream cones. (Find an easy recipe and instructions at bettycrocker.com or use bakery cupcakes; a frosting demo is at tastemade.com.)

Cool Idea!

Pair any not-acake idea with pre-scooped ice cream – put scoops in a muffin tin with cupcake liners and freeze for easy serving.

Cont’d on page 25 bettycrocker.com

3520 Gravel Springs Road, Buford, GA 30519

(678) 324-9590 • buford.rockinjump.com atlantaparent.com

Party Planner

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 21

Birthday Party Resource Guide CHATTAHOOCHEE NATURE CENTER

chattnaturecenter.org Make memories and enjoy your child’s special day – while CNC takes care of all the work! Parties include admission, exclusive time with a CNC naturalist, and special activities. Four party packages from which to choose. Options include exploring the woods, getting up-close with non-releasable wildlife, discovering the stars in the STARLAB, or exploring the Discovery Center and Nature Exchange. All parties include a choice of an encounter with a non-releasable animal plus all the party fixings. 770-992-2055 ext. 237, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA

childrensmuseumatlanta.org A party at Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the perfect way to celebrate your child and provide a fun and memorable experience for your guests. Basic, Deluxe, and Ultimate Party Packages are available. Packages include lunch tables or private party room, party host, make-and-take science or art activity, and fun and exploration on the Museum’s interactive exhibit floor. Recommended for children ages 2 - 7. Discounts available for Museum Members.

SOUTHEASTERN RAILWAY MUSEUM southeasternrailwaymuseum.org

Train-loving children will have an unforgettable party in an authentic railcar!

Southeastern Railway Museum offers railcars and other spaces to celebrate parties and special occasions to excite train lovers of all ages. Explore all that Georgia’s Official Transportation History Museum has to offer, complete with full scale and model train displays, antique cars, historic depot displays, taxi cabs, tractors and more. Children can even get an inside look at a new theme of transportation each month with police vehicles, cabooses, construction vehicles and more. 770-476-2013. 3595 Buford Highway, Duluth

TREETOP QUEST treetopquest.com

Plan your children’s adventurous birthday party at our Treetop Obstacle Course and Ziplining in Dunwoody or Gwinnett! From ages 4 and up, this outdoor recreational activity is different from other birthday party places! Tight ropes, rope swings, slides, net bridges and zip-lines for older kids … just outdoor fun! Birthday parties are complete with goody bags and exciting add-on activities at each of our locations!

Dunwoody 770-365-0356 dunwoody@treetopquest.com Gwinnett 404-277-6113 gwinnett@treetopquest.com atlantaparent.com

Party Planner

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 23

Glow-In-The-Dark Play Area Features: v minigolf v football v soccer v basketball v air cannons v glow-in-the-dark inflatables v lighted interactive game floor

PRIVATE PARTIES Party Rooms with glow & regular lighting 6527 JIMMY CARTER BLVD. NORCROSS v 770-368-3008

WWW.GLOWGALAXY.COM

Open Play Times (See website for times)

24 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Party Planner

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Let’s Party!

Are you In or Out?

Go low tech with some high energy indoor and outdoor party games for kids. With many ways to customize to your theme, these games are winners for toddlers to practically teens.

PICCADILLY PUPPETS Let us entertain you with puppets, music, storytelling and audience participation.

Birthday child always gets a puppet!

Puppet making workshops available

404-636-0022

Outdoor Games

Indoor Games

Blow up an equal number of balloons in two colors. Tie a ribbon around the end of each balloon and fasten the ribbon around each kid’s ankle. The balloon color indicates which team each guest is on. Start a timer for five minutes, during which kids try to stomp the opposing teams’ balloons. The winning team pops the most balloons.

Create BINGO cards based on things you know about guests.

For example, one square might be, find someone who owns a pet bird. Or, find someone who has traveled outside of the U.S. This is an especially good game when all the guests don’t know each other. Set a timer for enough time for the kids to mingle, based on how many participants are there.

When a player finds someone who completes a square, they ask them to sign their name in it. The first one to black out their card is the winner.

Balloon Pop

Art Walk

Tell the kids to dress for messy fun and bring a dry change of clothes. Lay out rolls of craft paper or poster board in your driveway or other flat area outside. Pour non-toxic paint into disposable pans, large enough to stand in. Play your birthday kid’s favorite upbeat tunes and let the kids create a masterpiece as they dance, jump, or walk across the paper with paint-dipped feet! Some kids may want to dip hands as well and crawl or crab walk across the canvas.

Use a garden hose for clean up! After it dries, the artwork can be divided into pieces as party favors. The birthday child keeps the rest as a memento.

atlantaparent.com

Friend BINGO

www.piccadillypuppets.org piccadillypuppets@gmail.com

Upcycled Inventions

Divide kids into groups (size of groups depends on number of guests) in random fashion to create equal teams. Each team receives an envelope of identical support items, like rubber bands, tape, kid scissors and/or glue dots. Have a large bin or two of recyclable items like cardboard towel rolls, cereal boxes, paper bags, magazines and yogurt cups. Each group chooses three recyclable items and, as a team, they decide what invention they’ll create. Give a 15-minute time limit so no one gets bored. Then, have each team present their inventions to the whole party.

Party Planner

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 25

26 Atlanta Parent    March 2018

Party Planner

atlantaparent.com

Party Planner Whether you’re planning a birthday bash for 20 kids or a block party for 100, our Party Planner is your ultimate resource for finding entertainers, party places and everything you need to plan your event.

Listings provided by advertisers

Entertainers / Mobile Party Services Auntie Renee Storyteller Auntiereneestoryteller.com Party entertainment for boys and girls.

Includes storytelling, puppet shows, games, face painting, arts and crafts. 770-402-0564.

Clowning 4 You clowning4you.com The one-stop shop for event entertainment.

Clowning 4 You provides djs, face painters, balloonists, clowns, costume characters, wait staff, event sitters, singing telegrams, lawn displays, magicians and more. 678-646-9741.

Dream Friends Entertainment dreamfriendsentertainment.com Costumed characters, live and themed entertainment for private and corporate events. All the family favorites. Local in Atlanta with 16 years in business. Over 200 party options. 404-319-0180.

Fun-O-Rama Parties funoramaparties.com Themed décor, balloon decorations, photobooth, rentals, face painting, balloon art, costumed characters & more- Pricing starts at $100. 770-572-1737.

Jason’s Music Party jasonsmusicparty.com A birthday concert for children! Interactive, live musical entertainment. Ages 1-7. $150 and up. 678-708-2321.

M&R Trackless Trains Choochoo2u.com Watch the Locomotive “steam” around your event! M&R Trackless Train always comes standard with a working Railroad “Crossbucks” that make noise and light up as the train approaches! The Trackless Train holds 12-18 guests in three passenger cars. Available throughout metro Atlanta.

678-526-4045.

Piccadilly Puppets piccadillypuppets.org Choose between several interactive puppet shows with stories and music. The birthday child receives a puppet. Make-a puppet activity also available. Ages 2-10. $180 and up. 404-636-0022.

atlantaparent.com

Sam’s Path Mobile Petting Zoo samspathpettingzoo.com The petting zoo can come to you! Monkey, kangaroo, zebra, camel, lemur and farm animals.

Camel and pony rides. $250 and up. 706-717-8837.

Party Places

iFLY Atlanta

Adventure Air Sports adventureairsports.com Have an epic birthday adventure at Atlanta’s only state-of-the-art, extreme trampoline park – featuring a 38,000 square foot center for entertainment.

One and two-hour packages include access to the largest Ninja Course in the state, pizza, party table time, a personal Adventure Party Host, and more! Prices start at $279. 425 Ernest Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 678-384-2020.

College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience cfbhall.com Put your next birthday party in the Hall of Fame!

Celebrate Hall of Fame style with 95,000 square feet of interactive fun including a 45-yard indoor football field! Multiple packages available including the guest of honor’s name on the video board and more! Book today! Contact groups@cfbhall.com or 404-880-4841.

Bouqcakes Bed and Breakfast bouqcakes.com An all-new party test kitchen featuring ovens, grocery store, decorating station, custom hats and aprons, an overnight bed & breakfast loft and more! 1825 Rockbridge Rd. SW, Stone Mountain.

770-240-1002.

Circus Camp circuscamp.org Jump, twirl, spin and swing! Circus parties with aerial trapeze training and more. Other circus arts available. Ages 5 and up. 404-370-0001.

Center for Puppetry Arts puppet.org For Center Members at the Family level and above only. Includes 10 tickets to a performance, priority seating, birthday announcement before performance, party room for one hour, crown, and use of throne for birthday child. Packages starting at $240.50 with the opportunity to purchase additional tickets, add a workshop or Museum tour, and buy fun hand puppets and invitations!

Limited free on-site parking. 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-881-5149.

Chattahoochee Nature Center chattnaturecenter.org Includes a guided hike, nature activities, live animal encounter, refreshments, party favors and use of a party room. $250 and up covers 12 participants.

9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055, ext. 237.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta childrensmuseumatlanta.org A party at Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the perfect way to celebrate your child and provide a fun and memorable experience for your guests.

Packages include private party room, party host, make-and-take science or art activity, and fun and exploration on the Museum’s interactive exhibit floor. Discounts available for Museum Members.

275 Centennial Park Dr., Atlanta.

Party Planner

Glow Galaxy glowgalaxy.com Have an awesome party in one of two glowin-the dark play arenas with sports court and mini-golf course. $200 and up. 6527-D Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross. 770-368-3008.

Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Gwinnettparks.com Various facilities available to rent for birthday parties, team celebrations, class parties, pools, gymnasiums, pavilions, community rooms. 770822-8840. iFLY Atlanta iflyworld.com Birthdays with iFLY Atlanta are the thrill of a lifetime for everyone in attendance! Grab friends and family and learn to fly in a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel assisted by one of the specially trained flight instructors, then host an after-flight party in a decorated private event space. Customizable packages for groups 6+.

Flying ages 3-103! Contact Dconnor@iflyworld. com to book your next party!

Laser Voyage Café laservoyage.com Duluth’s Most Unique Laser Tag Arena. Great Pizza and Wings, arcade and weekly specials.

1866 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 678-514-3430.

Continued on page 28

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 27

Party Planner Linda’s Riding School lindasridingschool.com Linda’s provides a unique setting for birthday parties or any special function. Party at our place or yours. One-hour parties include a demonstration for 15 minutes and ring-riding for 45 minutes. 770-922-0184.

Main Event Entertainment mainevent.com There’s no birthday like a Main Event Birthday! Voted BEST Birthday Party by Moms. Main Event Entertainment birthdays are Easy for Moms, Epic for Kids. They handle all the details including invitations, set up, and clean up. Just bring the cake and the kids.

Packages starting at $15.95/person. Birthday Parties can be booked online at mainevent. com or call the Main Event location of choice.

Atlanta: 770-955-0717, Alpharetta: 770-5219100, Suwanee: 770-945-7111.

The Man Cave mancaveatl.com Atlanta’s newest 5,000 sq. ft. facility for boys and men featuring a 16+ flavor ice cream bar, the Hunting Grounds, Fishing and Canoeing, the Rock Climbing Wall, Arcade, Basketball Court, Campfire Cookout, Game Zone, and over 200+ games and activities.

844-729-7465.

Pink Hotel pinkhotelatl.com Pink Hotel offers multiple party packages featuring a spa, tea party buffet, hair and makeup sessions, a nail salon, sleepover loft, and more.

Over 10,000 sqft of premium party space. Packages start at $349. 1825 Rockbridge Road SW, Stone Mountain.

470-336-7687.

Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park buford.rockinjump.com Level up birthday parties with activities that take it up several notches! Rockin’ Jump offers a truly unique party experience with an amazing indoor trampoline park facility full of exciting attractions where party goers will have a blast. Multiple packages including jump time, pizza, drinks and more! Book today! 678-324-9590.

SS Airsoft ssairsoft.com Reserve a military-themed, replica bomb shelter for an Airsoft or Nerf Party! SS Airsoft offers up to 25 different types of battle games. Have the best birthday ever! 4729 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Sugar Hill. 678-714-6001.

Southeastern Railway Museum southeasternrailwaymuseum.org Parties in restored rail cars or outdoor pavilion. Party packages for 10 guests start at $185. Train rides also available. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013.

Stars and Strikes starsandstrikes.com Bowling, arcade, laser tag, bumper cars and extreme party packages for kids and teens. Party host, pizza/soda, invitations included. All birthday kids get entry into FUN MACHINE! $189.90 and up.

Cumming, Lawrenceville, Dallas, Stone Mountain, Sandy Springs, Woodstock, Loganville, Buford/Mall of Georgia. 678-965-5707.

Tiny Towne Drive Safely tinytowne.com Indoor Park for aspiring drivers, ages 3-15. Learn the rules of the road, drive, ride, play, eat and party! Private party room and packages. Packages are $249 and up. 2055 Beaver Ruin Rd., Norcross.

470-265-6665.

Treetop Quest treetopquest.com Family-friendly treetop obstacle course and zip lines for kids starting at 4 years old! Tight-ropes, rope swings, slides, net bridges and more. Birthday parties are complete with goody bags and exciting add-on activities at each location! Buford: 404-2776113 and Dunwoody: 770-365-0356.

fUN-O-RAMA PARTIES Full Service Themed Parties

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

770-572-1737 www.funoramaparties.com

Linda’s Riding School Love Horses?

Linda's provides a unique setting for birthday parties or any special function. Activities include ring riding.

One-hour parties includes a demonstration for 15 minutes and ring-riding for 45 minutes.

ce Party aotr oyuorurspla!

Camps Lessons Trail riding

770-922-0184

www.lindasridingschool.com 28 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Party Planner

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Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park

Tumble Bus tumblebusatlanta.com Acrobats and gymnasts...Our gym comes to you! Rock climbing walls, trampoline, monkey bars and more. Ages 2-6. 770-529-5771.

Tumbletots Preschool & Birthday Parties funttots.com Private parties with indoor playground, moonwalk, theme cake, crafts, tattoos, story time, balloons and gift bags. Ages 1-6. $225$260. 770-729-9660.

WildeWood Farm Wildewoodfarm.com Birthday parties for kids 5+. Short lesson and guided trail ride in 2 hrs. Closed Sundays. 9533 Old Preserve Trail, Ball Ground, GA (Forsyth county). Facebook and 770-843-2478.

Wildfire Paintball wildfirepaintball.com Low-impact paintball parties include 100 paintballs, admission, mask, gun, loader and CO2 tank. Kids as young as 6 years old can have a blast. $168 and up. Conyers: 770-8170521 and Snellville: 770-982-8180.

Zoo Atlanta zooatlanta.org Be a party animal! Celebrate birthday parties at Zoo Atlanta. Includes 90-minute pavilion rental, admission and catering for 16 guests.

Additional entertainment options available. $475+tax. Contact specialevents@zooatlanta. org or 404-624-5650.

678-708-2321

atlantaparent.com

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

are a wonderful way to experience a working farm and gives children a “hands on,” close up encounter with farm animals.

Your child will be thrilled with this unique party.

Just provide all party decorations and food.

• Saturdays are very busy, book your date well in advance • Closed on Sundays • Parties are set on 2 hour interval • Large covered area with picnic tables under the arena • Outdoor picnic area • Play set and toys for all • $275 base price for up to 8 riders.

Each additional rider is $25

770-843-2478 Wildewoodfarm.com

Party Planner

TUMBLETOTS

Preschool & Parties

PRIVATE BIRTHDAY PARTIES Ages 1-7

Art Music ER CAMP SUMM Spalding@Holcomb Bridge

Stories

Norcross • www.funttots.com

770-729-9660

FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUND March 2018 Atlanta Parent 29

What You Might Not Know

About Montessori

by Amanda Miller Allen

What most people know about Montessori schools can be summed up in a sentence: Schools have multi-age classrooms in which students work at their own pace. But wait, there’s more!

Montessori’s First Years Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, developed the system of education in 1907, originally for preschoolers and early elementary students.

Her theories are backed by years of research and used by more than 22,000 schools in 110 countries.

Montessori for All Ages Many Montessori schools still focus on very young kids, from toddlers through kindergarten or early elementary, but some schools now go through sixth grade and beyond, expanding to cover middle school. A small number offer K-12 education.

What Sets Montessori Apart Aside from multi-age classrooms and self-paced learning, Montessori schools have hands-on materials to highlight an idea or concept. Teachers don’t lead in front of a classroom, but guide each student individually. Some Montessori schools do not assign homework or give grades.

Age Groupings A typical classroom might group these ages: infant ages 2-15 months; toddlers, ages 12 months-3 years; primary, ages 3-6; elementary, ages 6-9 and 9-12 or ages 6-12; secondary, ages 12-18, divided as ages 12-14, 14-16 and 16-18 or ages 12-15 and 15-18.

atlantaparent.com

Montessori in Metro Atlanta About 65 private schools offer Montessori education, most covering toddler through sixth grade. Some, including Arbor Montessori in Decatur, Atlanta Montessori International School in Atlanta, Montessori School of Covington, Rising Star Montessori in Fayetteville and Springmont in Sandy Springs, continue through middle school. ABC Montessori Academy for the Brilliant Child in McDonough, Counterpane Montessori School in Fayetteville and Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs in Cumming offer K-12. Two DeKalb County public elementary schools, Briar Vista and Huntley Hills, use the Montessori method.

Cont’d on page 32

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 31

What You Might Not Know About Montessori

INFORMATION SESSION & TOUR March 9 • 9:30 - 11:00 am Register online at www.ArborMontessori.org Or contact us to set up a personalized tour at 404-321-9304

admissions@arbormontessori.org Serving Students 18 months to 14 years at two Decatur campuses

Atlanta’s First Montessori School Springmont of Sandy Springs is the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast – it opened in 1963 as the First Montessori School of Atlanta.

Be Careful Out There Any school can call itself a “Montessori school” or say it uses Montessori ideas, because the name is not copyrighted. Look for schools that are certified by a professional organization.

A PLACE WHERE...

CHILDREN LEARN TO THINK.

Famous Montessori Students n Maya Angelou, poet, playwright and best-selling author n Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com n Sergey Brin and Larry Page, co-founders of Google n George Clooney, actor and director n Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, rapper and music industry executive n Katherine Graham, former owner of the Washington Post n Will Wright, video game pioneer and creator of SimCity and Super Mario Brothers.

Year-round programs for ages 18 months–6 years.

AMI Accredited

For More About Montessori

1036 Lindbergh Dr., Atlanta

404-949-0053 www.carlislemontessori.com 32 Atlanta Parent March 2018

n Montessori Administrators of Georgia, montessori-mag.org n American Montessori Society, amshq.org n Association Montessori International, amiusa.org

atlantaparent.com

Spotlight on Montessori Schools Arbor Montessori School

Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead

ounded in 1970, Arbor is one of the largest and oldest Montessori schools in the Southeast, serving 270 students from 8 months to 14 years. Arbor is one of only two Montessori schools in Georgia accredited by AMI, SACS and SAIS. The school has two Decatur campuses, one at 1434 Scott Blvd. and at 2998 Lavista Rd. For over 100 years, the hallmarks of a Montessori education have been creativity and innovation; critical thinking and problem-solving; communication; collaboration; and focus on character. These are the same core competencies being advocated in today’s education arena as the necessary “21st Century Learning Skills” for students to meet the challenges of a changing world. Montessori is the originator of project-based learning.

An Arbor Montessori education cultivates concentration, motivation, self-discipline and love of learning in every child.

This is accomplished through specially designed sensorial materials, multi-age classrooms, and teachers who are specifically trained to put the child in touch with exactly what is needed at that very moment to learn. In addition to an outstanding academic curriculum, Arbor offers art; music; Spanish; a before and after-school program; clubs and teams; and a close-knit community of families.

Schedule a personalized tour by calling 404-321-9304 or emailing admissions@arbormontessori.org. More information at www.ArborMontessori.org.

T

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 in the environment and instruction.

Parents can be sure the Montessori education their children receive is of the very highest quality.

The hands-on curriculum includes: language, math, 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 18 months–6 years for year-round programs. Visit carlislemontessori.com or call to schedule a tour at 404-949-0053.

Johns Creek Montessori School of GA

Springmont

ohns Creek Montessori School of GA provides Montessori excellence for children infants to six years old. JCMSOG provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected and everyone works together for the good of the community. JCMSOG helps children develop independence, aiding their physical, emotional, and cognitive development in a caring, peaceful environment.

Each of the vibrant classroom communities are outfitted with high quality Montessori materials designed to meet each child’s individual needs. No matter a child’s learning style or pace, they have the right equipment on hand. All of the teachers, or Community Guides, have completed specialized Montessori studies and are trained to work with each child individually, guiding them to the activities best suited for that child’s developmental needs. Multi-age classrooms allow for non-competitive, mutually beneficial relationships between children. Younger children learn by observing the older children. Older children test their learning by repeating lessons for their younger friends. For more information, please visit www.jcmsog.org or call 770-814-8001.

s the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, Springmont offers an educational experience unlike any other in metro Atlanta. Students from 18 months through Middle School are engaged in hands-on, projectbased learning, guiding their curiosity towards meaningful discoveries. Lessons are taught both inside the classroom and outside on Springmont’s lush, nature-filled campus, and opportunities to build skills in collaboration, inquiry and presentation, all foundational to developing mastery, are plentiful.

Springmont’s Middle School is a springboard to Atlanta’s premier high schools. Middle School students tackle Latin study, experience running a business, participate in internships typically held for high school and compete in regional academic competitions. Opportunities to hone time-management skills, experience active leadership roles, articulate complex ideas drawn from critical thinking, and work both independently and in diverse groups allow students to become confident, effective learners and prepare them to thrive in high school and beyond. Springmont – nothing less than extraordinary.

Visit Springmont.com for more information.

F

J

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Special Advertising Section

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 33

Spotlight on Montessori Schools The Suzuki School

Stepping Stone Montessori School

S

tepping Stone Montessori School is a year-round authentic Montessori school. They offer care for children from 6 weeks through elementary ages. The school follows AMI and AMS standards in all child environments and provides low adult to children ratios in each classroom.

The Montessori philosophy is present at both campuses in Cumming and Sugar Hill/Suwanee. The Sugar Hill campus is AMI Accredited. Parents and children alike take comfort in the calm atmosphere which promotes serenity and concentration and permeates throughout the classroom environments. Hot, catered lunches are provided daily.

Stepping Stone Montessori School understands that children learn through exploration, curiosity, and experiences.

The art form of children choosing work freely and working independently lays the foundation for all future academic and life possibilities. Montessori outcomes that can be expected include independence, creativity, adaptability, responsibility, and advanced communication skills. At both campuses, parents will find amazing outdoor environments where children play, explore, plant gardens – discovering the beauty and wonders of nature. Learn more at steppingstonemontessori.com, and find them on Facebook. Call to schedule a tour today! Cumming: 770-205-0317 or Sugar Hill: 770-614-4310.

T

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, whose work in the education of young children is internationally recognized. 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/teacher ratio assures that 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, designed by nationally-known architectural firms, 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 detailed information about the Suzuki School, please visit the website at www.suzukischool.com, or contact the Admissions Director at 404-841-3939.

Special Advertising Section

a school where your child learns • By Individual Instruction • A Love of Learning

HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

• To Think Outside the Box • Independence • Respect for Others • A Solid Foundation

An Authentic AMI Accredited Montessori School

• Foreign Language, Music, Cooking, Gardening and More

Montessori School at Emory

3021 N. Decatur Road • Decatur, GA 30033 MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com • 404-634-5777

Accredited Toddler Through Middle School Programs 34 Atlanta Parent March 2018

atlantaparent.com

Montessori Schools

Interested in exploring a Montessori education for your child?

Learn more about these great area schools.

404-321-9304 / arbormontessori.org

404-949-0053 / carlislemontessori.com

770-992-9031 / crescomontessori.com

Arbor Montessori School gives each child a unique educational experience, which determines how they learn and will feel about learning for the rest of their lives. Their curiosity and imagination will flourish as they move through the curriculum at their own pace. Children blossom in Arbor’s nurturing environment based on mutual respect, empowerment, and selfreliance. Since 1970, Arbor Montessori has been inspiring children ages 18 months to 14 years at two Decatur campuses.

Carlisle Montessori of Buckhead provides a strong foundation in the most important first six years of life, which creates opportunities for leadership, purposeful independence, sense of community, and critical thinking skills.

Carlisle aims to provide a beautiful, safe and challenging environment that inspires independence, creativity, social consciousness, personal responsibility and a love for learning. AMI Accredited. Year-round programs.

Cresco Montessori Schools provide an affordable Montessori education with full childcare service. Free PreK Scholarships are available. The school is open year round Monday – Friday, 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and accepts children ages 6 weeks – 6 years. Three locations: Johns Creek/Suwannee, East Cobb Marietta/Roswell and Cumming/Buford. Call to schedule a tour today.

770-814-8001 / jcmsog.org

Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia offers excellence in Montessori education, helping children from infancy to six-years old develop independence in a peaceful, carefully prepared environment. The Montessori-certified teachers are trained to work with each child, based on their individual developmental needs and learning styles. The Montessori method allows for non-competitive and mutually beneficial relationships between children.

770-218-6347 / meadowsmontessori.com

Meadows Montessori School makes learning a journey. Their goal is to develop engaged and independent thinkers who embrace community, responsibility and leadership. Teachers strive to inspire a joy of learning, academic success, intellectual excitement, emotional well-being, and creativity in every student. With confidence and joy students venture forth on their unique journeys to make a difference in the world. meadowsmontessori@yahoo.com

770-205-6277 montessoriacademysharonsprings.com

atlantaparent.com

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs is proud to offer a high quality individualized Montessori education experience, focused on fostering independence combined with a sense of community and global awareness, in each and every child. Serving children 8 weeks-18 years with a rich and rewarding Montessori experience providing a comprehensive method of education resulting from an integration of research on development, learning, curriculum and teaching.

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 35

Montessori Schools

Interested in exploring a Montessori education for your child?

Learn more about these great area schools.

404-634-5777 / MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com

770-457-7261 / northwoodsmontessori.org

770-963-8303 / oakmeadowmontessori.com

CURIOSITY. MASTERY. WISDOM. DISTINCTION.

404-252-3920 / springmont.com

Cumming: 770-205-0317 / Sugar Hill: 770-614-4310 steppingstonemontessori.com

404-841-3939 / suzukischool.com

36 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Montessori School at Emory was founded over 24 years ago becoming accredited as a Montessori School in 1993. With over 175 students, from 15 months through 14 years, the Montessori School at Emory supports the whole child and prepares them for life through accredited, authentic quality Montessori programs. Children are given one-on-one instruction from their teacher which creates an individualized program that engages their interests and skill levels.

Northwoods Montessori provides innovative childhood education programs from toddler care and primary (preschool) through elementary, 12 months to 12 years of age, plus extended day. Montessori summer camp and year-round enrollment for children ages 12 months to 3 years.

Traditional Montessori for 40+ years, Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) accredited. 3340 Chestnut Drive, Atlanta 30340.

Oak Meadow Montessori School is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Oak Meadow’s mission is to foster individual development, self-expression, and creativity in a peaceful, natural and supportive atmosphere. We encourage respect for self, others, and the environment as part of our commitment to our children’s success as joyful, life-long learners and productive members of society. Serving children 15 months – 12 years in the Gwinnett County area.

Springmont, the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, offers an educational experience unlike any other in metro Atlanta. Students from 18 months through Middle School are engaged in hands-on, projectbased learning, guiding their curiosity towards meaningful discoveries.

Recognized by AMI and accredited by SAIS/SACS, Springmont meets the highest standards in education for independent schools.

Stepping Stone Montessori School is a year-round authentic Montessori school for children 6 weeks through elementary ages. The school has two campuses with low adult to child ratio and both follow AMI and AMS standards.

The Sugar Hill Campus is AMI Accredited. At both campuses, parents will find amazing outdoor environments where children play, explore, plant gardens – discovering the beauty and wonders of nature. Schedule a tour today.

The Suzuki School thrives with a mission to develop a lifelong love of learning, by nurturing each child’s natural talent and ability in partnership with the parents.

A low student/teacher ratio assures each child receives focused attention from degreed teachers in a collaborative setting. The Suzuki School, located at three campuses in Atlanta, is a SACS-accredited private preschool for children between 3 months and 6 years of age. atlantaparent.com

Montessori at Home Parents can teach some Montessori principles at home. The American Montessori Society recommends these strategies: Create an Ordered Environment: Kids can find what they need with fewer distractions, so they can focus on a project.

Provide low shelves or drawers for clothing, keep a step stool in the bathroom and kitchen so kids can reach the sink, put healthy snacks on a low shelf so kids can serve themselves.

Teach Real-Life Skills: Let kids wash tables, organize shelves, prepare their snacks and assist younger children. Tweens can prepare dinner, read to siblings or manage their own bank account.

Promote Concentration: Figure out what interests your child, then set him or her up with the tools to explore that interest.

Nurture Inner Motivation: Help your child develop pride and pleasure from within by expressing appreciation; kids will work harder.

Some tasks by age group: n Ages 1-3: Kids can carry a cup to the

sink; they can choose their bedtime book or put toys away. They can select clothes and dress themselves if clothing has elastic waists and shoes are slip-ons. n Ages 3-6: Kids can clear the table and

clean up spills, or sort laundry by colors.

They can bathe and shampoo their hair.

They can start to cook, with tasks such as snapping beans.

n Ages 6-12: Older kids can make grocery

lists or measure ingredients, set the table or load the dishwasher. They can help plan a family vacation. They should clean their own rooms and keep track of their schedules.

They can read to siblings or take care of family pets. atlantaparent.com

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 37

WAYS TO STOP MICROMANAGING YOUR KIDS’ GOALS

by Christina Katz

T

eaching our kids to have goals, do their best, and leverage personal momentum to succeed are all good ideas. However, supporting a child’s efforts to reach goals is far different from taking control.

Parents who habitually steamroll their kids rob them of personal experiences on multiple levels – kids can lose self-esteem, feel confused, anxious or depressed or start to focus too much on pleasing parents instead of honoring their own desires. So what’s a well-meaning parent with some control issues to do? Here are some ways to detach from your kids’ goals.

ACCEPT: Your kids are unfolding individuals-in-process and

you are a unique person-in-process, as well. We have beginnings, middles and ends. As long as we are here, our story is still in progress. Sometimes progress is messy. If we can allow each other to be unique works in progress, we don’t have to put quite so much pressure on ourselves to achieve everything right this minute.

DISTINGUISH: You are not your child and your child is not you. So maybe it’s time to ease up on comparing and contrasting family members. Who says parents and children have to be anything alike? Every single person in your family may have a varied perspective on any topic. Don’t ask them to be you, let them be themselves.

Porter Academy

APS is caring

www.porteracademy.org 770-594-1313

Caring for parents and students.

Do you know a child who resides within the city of Atlanta in need of special education services?

Atlanta Public Schools Child Find services can open a window of hope for a brighter future for infants, children and young adults identified with a disability or developmental delay.

For more information, call the Dept. of Special Education at 404-802-1609 or 404-802-2665.

38 Atlanta Parent March 2018

• Pre-K–8th • Small group instruction • Therapeutic Support • Hands-on Academics • Core Knowledge Curriculum • Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum

Enabling children with learning differences to succeed atlantaparent.com

MODERATE: Be a good enough parent, not a perfect parent.

If you have to be perfect, then everyone in your family has to be perfect, too, and this is exhausting. Let yourself and others embrace imperfection.

STRIVE: Have your own goals, not just goals for each of your children. Do you have a vocation or avocation beyond mothering and fathering? If not, get one or several.

LET GO: As the wife of a high school theater director, I

have witnessed parents of aspiring thespians bartering for their children’s advancement instead of letting their kids compete with their peers. But how long are mom and dad going to be able to smooth the way for successes?

ALLOW: Acknowledge your fears and insecurities in life and express them in front of your kids occasionally. You may think your children can’t handle seeing you struggle, but by hiding your negative emotions you won’t provide healthy examples of how to process feelings with trusted others. Life is full of highs and lows.

JOIN IN: Help your kids create momentum in arenas they

love, while still acknowledging the rest of the team. If your child always has to be the star for your sake, he will have trouble fitting in. If you can’t settle for anything but the best for your child, check your attitude for entitlement. Believing your child is superior to others is detrimental.

The ‘Don’t List’ for Parents n Don’t fantasize about your goals for your child. n Don’t compare your kids to others. n Don’t manipulate situations. n Don’t fixate on having a perfect child. n Don’t over-react when your child fails. n Don’t try to fix it when your kid makes a mistake. n Don’t assume your child’s innate superiority. n Don’t keep everyone on an intense schedule 24/7. n Don’t forget to ask kids how they feel and what they think. n Don’t neglect your own ambitions. n Don’t think “parent” is the only role you are playing in this life.

AIM HIGH: If you don’t set high goals, then how are kids going to

learn how to do the same themselves? This means sometimes you won’t succeed and your children will witness your failures. If you bounce back from life’s disappointments, your children will learn to do the same.

RELAX: Make sure family members value down time. Home is

supposed to be a sanctuary for the whole family, not a place where kids come to get probed, lectured and controlled. Create a restful home, full of divergent opinions, healthy debates and spontaneous selfexpression. Only then can your children evolve into the people they are meant to become.

Nominate your pediatrician today!

ATL ANTA PARENT’S

MOM-APPROVED Have you found the perfect pediatrician for your family?

Nominate them today.

Tell us about your favorite pediatrician.

Go to atlantaparent.com/nominate atlantaparent.com

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 39

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS MATHEMATICS THESE FIVE DISCIPLINES CHART A COURSE FOR SUCCESS

250 62 36 31 29 The number of schools in Georgia in the process of STEM/STEAM certification Source: Georgia Department of Education (65 already certified)

40 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Studies link art, music, dance and theater to better performance on standardized tests and better social skills Source: 2002 report from Arts Education Partnership

Percentage of high school graduates ready to take collegelevel science courses Source: National Math + Science Initiative

Ranking of U.S. math students among 65 nations surveyed Source: Program for International Student Assessment

Percent difference in salaries between STEM/STEAM workers and other workers Source: U.S. Department of Education

atlantaparent.com

Keeping Up With STEAM Help Your Kids Learn to Love Science and Art

S

ince the earliest humans, STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and math – has been part of everyday life.

Just as the discovery of fire led to warmth, cooked food and better weapons and tools for cave dwellers, technology and creative thinking make so many advances in our daily lives it’s hard to keep up. For kids, that’s especially important.

It’s up to parents to do a little scientific collaboration, taking advantage of so many resources in metro Atlanta to get kids involved and loving the topics some kids think they just aren’t good at.

Public and private schools are doing their part – many preschool, elementary, middle and high schools have dedicated, hands-on classes that integrate these subjects and make them fun and relevant.

Sixty-five of Georgia’s public schools are STEM/ STEAM certified schools. Three schools, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Kennesaw Mountain High School Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology and Rockdale Magnet School for Math and Science, specifically focus on STEM.

Cont’d on page 42

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March 2018 Atlanta Parent 41

Keeping Up With STEAM The Walker School in Marietta is opening a new 47,000-square-foot building for middle and upper school science labs, including robotics, biology, chemistry and physics labs, a media tech suite, rooftop educational gardens and student collaboration areas.

“Walker’s new science and technology building, opening in August 2018, enhances and expands our already robust curriculum and program offerings,” says Walker’s Head of Upper School, Michael Arjona. “We are excited to triple the space dedicated to robotics [for Walker’s Middle and Upper Schools], as well as to create a designated space for our Lower School science and robotics camps.”

Outside of school, other resources parents and kids can tap into include science and art museums; planetariums and public telescopes for astronomy; art, music and dance lessons; computer, technology, art, dance and music summer camps; science and math projects at home (plenty of free ideas on the Internet); even products and toys that help kids grasp STEAM concepts.

The Atlanta Science Festival (March 9-24) is a great place to learn more about the sciences and pick up more ideas to engage young minds – for instance, the free Full STEAM Ahead Family Day at the High Museum of Art March 11 or Puppets+STEM=Science in Motion at the Center for Puppetry Arts March 12 ($8.50 fee).

“With the number of STEAM-related jobs increasing across all job sectors, the value of a STEAM education for students of all ages cannot be overstated,” Arjona says.

– Amanda Miller Allen

42 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Who Needs STEAM Anyway?

Basically everyone, but U.S. News and World Report recently named these careers among the top 10 requiring a strong STEM/STEAM foundation. While some require a college degree, not all of them do.

1. Statistician (with a 0.8 unemployment rate!)

2. Computer Systems Analyst 3. Software Developer 4. Mathematician 5. Financial Advisor 6. Actuary 7. IT Manager 8. Psychologist 9. Web Developer 10. Operations Research Analyst But most every career uses at least some STEAM skills: Kids who aspire to be doctors or veterinarians, civil engineers, architects, lab researchers, nurses, teachers, artists, interior designers, writers, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, builders and more need to efficiently use science, technology, engineering, art and math concepts to succeed.

atlantaparent.com

Full STEAM Ahead Kids have so many opportunities outside of school to explore science, nature and the arts. n Field Trips: Have fun while learning at Tellus Science Museum, Fernbank Science Center, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, High Museum of Art, Museum of Design Atlanta and exhibits such as Bodies the Exhibition at Atlantic Station or limited exhibitions including Dinosaur Explore at Stone Mountain Park (March 10-Nov. 4). n Nature Education: Visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center, the Dunwoody Nature Center and others and the Atlanta Botanical Garden to get to know critters and plants or take a hike in a national or state park or nature trails in your neighborhood park. n School Clubs: Get older kids involved in chorus or theater, a math, science or language club, or organizations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts or FFA, which these days is more than “future farmers” – club members might be future biologists, engineers, chemists, scientists or veterinarians. n Summer Camps: Every year, kids have a wider choice of camps focusing on math, science, technology, arts, dance, theater and music. Atlanta is home to dozens of camps dedicated to these specialties. Not only will your kids have fun this summer, they will also learn something. n Games: Games such as Monopoly or Operation! give young kids an introduction math and science basics.

Chess and other skill games help develop critical thinking and strategy. And, of course, many computer games are all about outside-the-box creativity.

Where Science & Technology Connect!

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Cont’d on page 44

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March 2018 Atlanta Parent 43

Johns Creek Environmental Campus

5 Reasons to Get Kids Engaged in Science

“Our Water, Our Future” Take a FIELD TRIP to VISIT US and FIND OUT what happens to our WATER before and after we use it!!

• Learn about the Water Treatment Cycle • Do a Lab Activity • Tour LIVE Plant • Over 25,000 Visitors • All for FREE 404-613-3012 Cheryl.Mcclellan@veolia.com (by appointment only)

1

Improves Critical Thinking: The ability 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?

2

Increases Creativity: When a child is 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.

We Are Refreshing Education • Grades 1-8 • Rigorous, standardsbased academic program • Small class sizes • Nurturing Environment • STEM Classes • Robotics Club • Accelerated options for middle school Open • Affordable tuition

Info Houses Sessions

SMOKE RISE PREP 5901 Hugh Howell Rd. Stone Mountain

3

March 8 – 10:30 am March 18 – 3 pm April 26 – 10:30 am Private Tours available Visit smokeriseprep.org or call 678-585-4210 for more information.

4

5

44 Atlanta Parent March 2018

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.

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.

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. atlantaparent.com

Fly a Drone! Be a Science Superhero! Meet Robots!

Explore, learn and discover at the Atlanta Science Festival March 9-24. With tons of events across Atlanta, there are plenty of ways for your family to be engaged. Visit atlantasciencefestival.org for full schedule of events.

n March 9: Rise up, Robots! at Ferst Center for the Performing Arts at Georgia Tech. n March 10: Superhero Science Night at Children’s Museum of Atlanta. n March 11: Full STEAM Ahead Family Day at High Museum of Art. n March 12: Puppets + STEM = Science in Motion at the Center for Puppetry Arts. n March 17: Discovery Day, Discovery Stations at Georgia State University Petit Science Center. n March 17: Nerdy Derby at M.R. Hollis Innovation Academy. n March 17: Super Snake Day at Fernbank Science Center.

Exploration Expo Piedmont Park / March 24. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Free, interactive science event with family-focused demos, experiments and performances. n Encounter Zone: Smell the world, solve the outbreak and see what happens through the plug (Emory University). n Discover Zone: Explore the microscopic world, 3D printing, robots and bees (Mercer University). n Invent Zone: Experience carbon dioxide bubble bombs, drones, brains and make your own blood jar (Georgia Tech). n Thrive Zone: Discover chemistry, Gneiss rocks, lung models and germ science (Georgia State University). n Curious Kids Zone: STEM and STEAM activities specifically for ages 3 and older (Atlanta Section of IEEE). n Power-Up Zone: Pedal a human-powered generator, form a human circuit and explore robots and drones (Georgia Power). n Ping-Pong Big-Bang: At noon, thousands of pink PingPong balls will launch into the sky.

Cont’d on page 47

atlantaparent.com

TAKE FLIGHT WITH S.T.E.M.

Here are some highlights:

Ta

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 45

46 Atlanta Parent    March 2018

atlantaparent.com

More Fun with STEAM These new products put STEAM concepts into play.

n SmartGurlz Getting more girls interested in technology was inventor Sharmi Albrechtsen’s goal with her dolls that ride programmable scooters – girls learn coding to keep the scooters moving, turning and dancing. For ages 7 and older, $79.99 at smartgurlz.com and retailers. n Stomp Rocket Stunt Planes Launch three stunt planes designed by aeronautical engineers to do very different stunts. Watch them do loops, flips, glides and rolls, and what kids do changes how the planes fly. For ages 5 and older; $29.99 at stomprocket.com and retailers. n Calling all Mad Scientists Try This! Extreme: 50 Fun & Safe Experiments for the Mad Scientist in You (ages 10 and older, $16.99) has do-this-at-home projects accompanied by science facts and principles such as force and motion and temperature and freezing points. n Strawbees Kids use creativity, engineering and coding skills to assemble a creation with these colorful kits; some make the creation move robotically. For ages 5 and older, $20-$99 (for robot kit) at strawbees.com or retailers. n Maze-O These colorful plastic pieces fit together to form mazes from designs kids can create. The starter set has 52 pieces and instruction for 30 mazes and uses skills such as spatial reasoning, problem solving, strategy and critical thinking. For ages 3-8, about $29 at amazon.com.

Cont’d on page 48 atlantaparent.com

Summer Coding Camps for ages 8-18. Make games, apps,and create with technology! Camps include Java coding with Minecraft, Game Design, and Coding Summer Camps and with Python and Java.

Classes Offered

At Start Cod the creativity e, we focus on an technology w d wonder of hi students the le giving direction to cr skills and eate tomorro w.

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 47

More Fun with STEAM n Baby Loves Science Series

by Ruth Spiro.

Topics for these board books include Aerospace Engineering, Coding, Thermodynamics and Quantum Physics to introduce the youngest listeners to STEM topics. Recommended for ages infant to 2 years, about $9 each on amazon. com and other retailers. n My First Lab STEM Starter Kit The clip-on microscope that comes with this kit can be connected to any smartphone or mobile device like an iPad or Kindle. Kids can look through the 60x magnification microscope at items in the backyard or at 15 specimens on prepared slides that come with the kit. Ages 6 and older, $19.99 at myfirstlab.com or amazon.com.

Look for our

Camp Guide online.

Find a camp at

n The Young Scientists Club Funtastic Robotics Kits Choose from four robot kits for ages 8 and older including all the supplies needed to build and move a small robot. Kids can test engineering skills by learning how to build and then make the robot move or light up. $29.99 at theyoungscientistsclub.com.

Little Tikes My First Drone n Younger kids will love learning how drones fly and move, and the fun lights and sounds add to the experience. The remote is easy to grip for small hands and the hard outer shell protects when the drone crashes.

Ages 4 and older, $42.99 at littletikes.com.

atlantaparent.com

today.

48 Atlanta Parent March 2018

atlantaparent.com

atlantaparent.com

March 2018    Atlanta Parent 49

Spring Fun Guide Spring is blooming! Here’s your guide to festive fun!

-Miss Not-toarch M s!

Event 52 Page

Gibbs Garden

Hippity Hop: Easter Egg Hunts Easter comes early this year and there are egg hunts galore in March. Grab your basket and head to one of these hunts, meet the Easter bunny or attend an Eggstravaganza. Pg. 56

Atlanta A-Bloom: Places to See Flowers Spring means flowers and our city has a number of places to see tulips, daffodils, azaleas and more. Walk through gardens, attend children’s activities and stop to picnic. Pg. 60

Top Spring Festivals These outdoor events bring food trucks, children’s areas and artists markets.

Mark your calendar for exploring the many top festivals in March, April and May. Pg. 62 Dogwood Festival

atlantaparent.com

Spring Fun Guide

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 51

MARCH NOT-TO-MISS EVENTS

Events may be cancelled or changed before our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com

n Atlanta Parent’s

Camp Expo

Perimeter Mall March 3. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Meet camp directors and former campers, watch camp videos and collect brochures from programs suited for any interest.

Atlanta. 770-454-7599. Free. atlantaparent.com

n Monster Energy Supercross Mercedes-Benz Stadium March 3. Pit Party, noon-6 p.m.; Main Event, 6:30 p.m.

Motocross competition includes stunts, racing and high-power action. Atlanta. 800745-3000. $20 and up; Pit Party, $20 plus main event ticket. supercrosslive.com

n Atlanta Fair Former Turner Field Grey Lot March 9-April 15.

Mon.-Fri. 5-10 p.m.

Sat. and Sun. 1-11 p.m.

Take a spin on the Ferris wheel or ride bumper cars, plus rides for younger children, games and fair foods. No entrance after 9 p.m. on Mon-Fri. and 10 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Atlanta. 404-913-3247. See atlantafair.com for prices.

n Southeastern

Cowboy Gathering Booth Western Art Museum March 8-10.

Southeastern Chuck Wagon Invitational, cowboy concert, children’s activities and more. Cartersville. 770-3871300. See boothmuseum.org for event prices and schedule.

n Superhero

Science Night Children’s Museum of Atlanta March 10. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Dress up as your favorite superhero and enjoy hands-on scientific activities throughout the museum. Test lung capacity, solve crimes in Gotham City, shape your own magnetic field and more. Atlanta. 404-527-3693.

Advance ticket purchase required. $18 per person. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

52 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Spring Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

n Touch-a-Truck Get up close with heavy construction equipment, police cars, fire trucks and more.

Kennesaw: Depot Park, March 10. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

770-422-9714. kennesaw-ga.gov Decatur: East Lake MARTA Station, North Lot. March 17.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. 678-553-6541. decaturga.com

n Second Sunday High Museum of Art / March 11. Noon-5 p.m.

Free admission to the Museum the second Sunday of each month, and family programs including art making, storytimes and more. March’s theme is “Full STEAM Ahead.” Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free. high.org

n UniverSoul Circus The Former Gold Lot at Turner Field through March 11; Gwinnett Place Mall March 14-18.

Enjoy international performers, circus arts, theater and music. See universoulcircus.com for showtimes. Atlanta and Duluth. $20 and up. n Atlanta St. Patrick’s

Day Parade

Midtown Atlanta / March 17.

Noon-1:30 p.m.

Bagpipe bands, Clydesdales, world’s largest walking Irish flag, Irish dancers, decorated floats and marching bands. Starts at the intersection of Peachtree Street and 15th Street, and continues down Peachtree to 5th Street. Free. atlantastpats.com Cont'd on page 54

Are you ready to have the

best summer ever?

Day Camps Overnight Camps Summer Programs

MARCH

3

PERIMETER MALL

FREE

Camp Westminster

11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. To exhibit or for info call 770-454-7599 or lpowell@atlantaparent.com l

2018 atlantaparent.com

Spring Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com March 2018 Atlanta Parent 53

MARCH NOT-TO-MISS EVENTS n Atlanta Science

Festival Exploration Expo Piedmont Park March 24. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Interactive science event to promote science exploration, discovery and innovation with demos, experiments and performances. Atlanta. Free. atlantasciencefestival.org.

n Living History Panola Mountain State Park March 18. 2-4 p.m.

Learn about Panola’s history through handson demonstrations that depict everyday life during the 1820s and 1830s at the Parker House. Candle and rag doll making, butter churning and cooking.

Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $5; parking $5. gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain n Flying into the Future Chattahoochee Nature Center March 25. Noon-4 p.m.

Learn about birds and test tinkering skills with STEM-themed activities, including a birds of prey show. Roswell. 770-992-2055. Included with admission. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

n Disney Junior Dance

Party On Tour

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

Fox Theatre / March 24. 1 p.m.

Dance, sing and play games with Disney Junior characters Sofia The First, Puppy Dog Pals, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina and more.

Atlanta. 855-285-8499. $32.50 and up. foxtheatre.org

Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?

n Little Critters Fernbank Museum of Natural History March 31. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ring in spring with a baby animal petting zoo, spring-themed crafts, games and activities. Atlanta. 404929-6300. Included with admission.

Adults $20; ages 3-12, $18; 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

Atlanta, New York, LA

404-636-1974

www.williamreynoldsagency.com 54 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Spring Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

DR. SEUSS

COMES TO TOWN With Read Across America Day on March 2, plenty of Seuss-inspired shows and events are happening across Atlanta. n Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration Children’s Museum of Atlanta March 2. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Cat in the Hat meet and greet, Dr. Seuss story read aloud, scavenger hunt, make your own Lorax tree and more. Atlanta. 404-6595437. $15.95-$18.95; younger than 1, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org n National Read Across America Day Celebration Atlantic Station Central Park / March 2. 4-7 p.m.

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the joy of reading. Meet Cat in the Hat, storytimes and a presentation from Center for Puppetry Arts. Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Free. atlanticstation.com/events n Seuss at the Symphony Atlanta Symphony Hall / March 4. 3 p.m.

Join Sam-I-Am and the gang to meet Seuss at the Symphony. Watch as the timeless Dr. Seuss story, Green Eggs and Ham, comes to life on stage along with other selections. Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $16.34-$21.78. atlantasymphony.org

n The Cat in the Hat Center for Puppetry Arts March 20-May 13. See puppet.org for showtimes.

The timeless tale will come to life and take families on a mischievous adventure filled with plenty of rhymes, wit and tricks. See Cat, Thing One and Thing Two and more of your favorite scenes from the book. Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $25. n A Suessome Twosome!

Conant Center for the Performing Arts March 24. 11 a.m.-noon.

An easy to understand introduction to the world of opera presented by Capitol City Opera Company that brings two well known Dr. Seuss books to life. Atlanta. 678-301-8013. $10 per person. ccityopera.org Also check with local libraries for special Read Across America Day events.

atlantaparent.com

Spring Fun Guide

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 55

HIP, HOP OVER TO THESE EGG HUNTS

Here comes Peter Cottontail! Bring your basket and participate in one of the many egg hunts this spring around Atlanta and beyond. n Magic Mondays: Egg Hunt. Atlanta History Center. Search for eggs hidden through the farm, play games, meet the Easter Bunny and make crafts. March 12. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $6.50; children, $5.50. atlantahistorycenter.com n Bunny Breakfast. Ben Robertson Community Center. Enjoy breakfast with the Easter Bunny, crafts and games. March 17, 8 a.m.-11: 15 a.m. 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. $6. kennesaw-ga.gov n Easter Egg Scramble. Laurel Park. Egg hunt by ages with candy and prizes; visit with the Easter Bunny afterward for pictures. March 23, 6:30 p.m. 151 Manning Rd., Marietta. 770-7945601. Free. mariettaga.gov n Acworth Easter Egg Night Hunt.

Acworth Sports Complex. Over 50,000 eggs filled with toys, candy and prizes. Hunts are separated by age group. Ages 10 and younger. Easter Bunny arrives at 7:15 p.m. March 23, 6:30 p.m. 4000 S. Main St., Acworth. 770-529-6006. Free. acworth.com n Easter Egg Hunt. First Baptist Church of Decatur. Join the Easter Bunny in age-appropriate hunts for eggs in Downtown Decatur. March 24, 11 a.m. 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. 404-3718386. Free. decaturdba.com n Easter Egg Hunt. E.E. Robinson Park.

Age-appropriate egg hunts, inflatables and the Easter Bunny. March 24, Noon-3 p.m. 850 Level Creek Rd., Sugar Hill. 770-831-7413. Free. cityofsugarhill.com n Children’s Easter Eggstravaganza.

North Park Softball Fields. Enjoy face painting, balloon art, petting zoo and photos with the Easter Bunny. Kids are divided into age groups to hunt for eggs and goody bags. March 24, Noon. 13450 Cogburn Rd., Alpharetta. 678-297-6140. 10 and younger. Free. alpharetta.ga.us n Easter Eggstravaganza. Etowah River Park. Egg hunts by ages and for children with special needs; also, petting zoo, moonwalks, carnival games, face painting, food and more.

March 24, 1-3 p.m. 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton. 770-667-4483. Free. northside.com

n Illuminated Egg Hunt. Rhodes Jordan Park Soccer Fields. Experience the thrill of night time egg-hunting, enjoy games and themed crafts. Bring your basket and flashlight. March 24. 7-10 p.m. 100 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

678-277-0890. Pre-register by March 19. $6. gwinnettcounty.com n Mount Pisgah Community Easter Egg Hunt. Mount Pisgah Patriot Athletic Complex.

25,000 eggs, inflatables, games, food and prizes. Hunts held every 30 minutes across five age groups. March 24. 9 a.m.-noon. 9825 Brumbelow Rd., Alpharetta. 678-336-3000. Free. mountpisgah.org n Eggstravaganza: Callanwolde’s Easter Egg Hunt. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Thousands of candy-filled eggs to find, music, dancing, LEGO building station, face painting, games and prizes, and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. March 31, 8 a.m.-noon. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. $5. callanwolde.org n Taste of Forsyth. Cumming Fairgrounds.

More than 25,000 eggs will be spread across the lawn. Afterward, enjoy sample restaurant food, play in the kid’s zone, and touch-a-truck. Groups are divided by age. March 31, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Kids Zone costs extra. 770-781-3491. cummingfair.net n North East Cobb Community Egg Drop. Sprayberry High School. Food, games, activities and egg hunts for everyone as a helicopter drops thousands of eggs are dropped onto the football field. Free photos with the Easter Bunny.

March 31, 10 a.m-5 p.m. 2525 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. 770-423-1330. Free; Kid Zone unlimited rides, $7. marietta.com n Avondale Estates Egg Hunt and Parade. Community Club at Lake Avondale. Hunt for eggs filled with candy and toys and bring your furry friend for the pet parade. Egg hunts separated by age group. March 31. 10 a.m.-noon.. Ages 10 and younger. 59 Lakeshore Dr., Avondale Estates.

404-294-5400. Free. avondaleestates.org

n Egg-citing Hike Hunt. Panola Mountain State Park. Peter Cottontail is leaving lots of eggs and prizes hidden on our nature trails. Bring your basket and be ready for age-appropriate hunts. March 31, 10 a.m.-noon. 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $5 plus $5 parking. gastateparks.org n Underwater Egg Hunt. Bethesda Park Aquatic Center. Hunt for eggs underwater, visit with the Easter Bunny and participate in activities. Bring your swimsuit, basket and towel. March 31. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0880. Pre-register. $12. gwinnettcounty.com n Underwater Hunt and Bunny Bonanza. Bogan Park Aquatic Center.

Hunt for eggs underwater, visit with the Easter Bunny, and make crafts. March 31. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 678-277-0853. 2723 N. Bogan Rd., Buford. Pre-register by March 29. $15. gwinnettcounty.com n Duluth Easter Egg Hunt. Bunten Road Park. March 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Special programming, 1 p.m.; Hunt, 2 p.m.

Bring your basket to collect hundreds of eggs. Hunts are separated by age group.

3180 Bunten Rd., Duluth. 770-814-6981.

Free. duluthga.net n Easter Egg Hunt. Smyrna Community Center. March 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Inflatables, food vendors, egg hunts separated by age group and pictures with the Easter Bunny. $10 per family. 770-4312842. smyrnacity.com n Cobb County Egg Hunt. Al Bishop Softball Complex. March 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hunt for eggs, enjoy children's art activities, live entertainment, inflatables, a Hulu Hoop contest, tug-of-war, musical chairs and food trucks. 1082 Al Bishop Dr., Marietta. 770-5284333. Free. cobbcounty.org

n Hop Into Spring. Town Center at Cobb.

Live music, an appearance by the Easter Bunny and crafts. March 24. 1-3 p.m. 400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-424-0742. Free. simon.com

56 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Spring Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Beyond Atlanta Night Egg-stravaganza. F.D. Roosevelt State Park.

Arrive early for a hot dog supper, fantastic egg games and the petting coral. Bring your basket and flashlight for ageappropriate candy-egg hunt. March 23. 6:30- 8:45 p.m.

2970 Georgia 190, Pine Mountain, GA. 706-663-4858. $3 plus $5 parking. gastateparks.org Easter Eggstravaganza. The Rock Ranch Features over 40,000 prize-filled eggs. March 24. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374. Free. therockranch.com Easter Egg Hunt. Hard Labor Creek State Park. Bring your own basket and hunt for candy-filled eggs at the Lake Brantley recreation area for your little ones to hunt. The Easter bunny will be on site for photos. March 31. Noon.

5 Hard Labor Creek Rd., Rutledge, GA. 706-557-3001. $5 parking. gastateparks.org

For More Easter Fun, Go to Page 58

Foreign Languages for Kids

Play-Based, Thematic Language Immersion Classes Ages 6 Months -11 Years NOW ENROLLING START ANYTIME * FREE TRIAL CLASS Spanish, French & Mandarin Chinese We Can Come To Your School Foreign Languages for Kids

Inside Rock Spring Presbyterian Church 1824 Piedmont Ave. NE * 678-801-6001 LangoKidsAtlanta.com * CosmoAtlanta

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Spring Fun Guide

March 2018    Atlanta Parent 57

MORE EASTER FUN Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Mall of Georgia. Join the Easter Bunny in the Dining Pavilion for breakfast and a craft. March 10. 8:3010 a.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-2365.

Free for Simon Rewards members. simon.com Breakfast With the Easter Bunny. Fowler Park Recreation Center. March 24. 10 a.m.-noon.

Features pancake breakfast, children's activities, family entertainment and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming. 678294-0138. Adults, $8; ages 11 and under, $5. breakfastwiththeeasterbunny.com

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Easter Sunrise Service. Stone Mountain Park. Simultaneous, non-denominational Easter services at the top of Stone Mountain Park and on Memorial Lawn. April 1. 7 a.m. Park opens at 4 a.m. 800-401-2407. Parking, $15; sky-ride, $12. stonemountainpark.com

Beyond Atlanta

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No Time To Clean?

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny.

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast with the Easter Bunny, make a craft and receive a keepsake photo taken with the Easter Bunny. March 31. 8:30-10:30 a.m. 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. Preregister by March 31. $22. gwinnettcounty.com

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Spring Fun Guide

The Bunny Train. Tennessee Valley Railroad. Trains will depart from Grand Junction.

Storytelling, temporary tattoos, coloring pages and meet the Easter Bunny. Visit tvrail. com for departure times. March 17-18, 24-25, and 30-31.

4119 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-8948028. $23 for ages 2 and older. tvrail.com The Peanuts Easter Beagle Express.

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Meet Snoopy, Lucy, Charlie Brown and the Easter Bunny aboard the train. During a 90-minute train stop, take part in an egg hunt, crafts, enjoy snacks with Snoopy and more. March 30-31. Trains depart at 11 a.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800872-4681. Adults, $51; ages 2 and older, $29. gsmr.com

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800 Miami Circle • Buckhead 404•261•7519 atlantaparent.com

Fancy Nancy the Musical

NOT-TO-MISS MARCH SHOWS From classical ballets to movie-inspired productions, this month has plenty of exciting shows for the entire family. n Rainforest Adventures. Center for Puppetry Arts. Go on a wild adventure beneath the Brazilian treetops to experience traditional Brazilianstyle music and come face-to-face with more than 30 exotic plants and animals. Through March 4. See puppet.org for showtimes. 1404 Spring St. at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $19.50 per ticket; 1 and younger, free. n Fancy Nancy the Musical. Synchronicity Theatre. Based on the popular Fancy Nancy books by Jane O’Connor, Fancy Nancy and her best friend star in a school play. Ages 3 and older. March 2-4. Fri. 7 p.m. Sat. 1 and 4 p.m. Sun. 2 and 5 p.m. 1545 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404484-8636. Adults, $23-$33; ages 3-12, $17-$27.

n Waiting for Balloon. Woodruff Arts Center. Two childlike clown characters are waiting near the railroad tracks for “balloon.”

The problem is that neither of them knows exactly what “balloon” is.

Designed for ages 5 and younger. Limited availability March 10-April 1. See alliancetheatre.org for showtimes. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta.

404-733-4700. Adults, $10; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. n Black Swan. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Atlanta Ballet takes you ahead in the story to the third act of Swan Lake.

March 16-18. Fri. 8 p.m. Sat. 2 and 8 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 404-892-3303. $20-$139. n Folksongs for the Family. Aurora Theatre. Wendy Bennett and Ritchie Crownfield present scenes from stories including “A Year with Frog and Toad,” “The Cat in the Hat,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “The Secret Garden.” March 24.

10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7.

n The Wizard of Oz. Center for Puppetry Arts. Dorothy travels down the Yellow Brick Road to find out why the Lion, the Tin Man and the Straw Man are all singing the Blues. March 6-18. See puppet.org for showtimes. 1404 Spring St. at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $19.50.

n Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Serenbe Playhouse.

Travel under the sea with Ariel and admire a set and costumes made of recycled treasures. March 28-April 22. Wed., Thur., Sun. 7:30 p.m.

Fri., Sat. 8 p.m. Matinees Sat. and Sun. 2 p.m. 10504 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110. $35 and up.

n Peter Pan. Infinite Energy Center. Peter Pan is the classic tale of the boy who never grows up. Follow this exciting tale to Never Never Land presented by Northeast Atlanta Ballet. March 9-11. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770626-2464. $19-$25.

n Travels Around China. Infinite Energy Center. The Atlanta Chinese Dance Company presents a journey through each of China’s geographic regions through music, dance and drama.

March 31. 2 and 7:30 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth.

770-626-2464. $17-$24.

n The Addams Family. Morris & Rae Frank Theatre. Based on the characters from the original cartoons and popular ‘60s television series, The Addams Family. March 1-11. See atlantajcc.org/habima for schedule. 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. 678-812-4002. $35; ages 12 and younger, $15.

summer camps!

Call 770-454-7599 to advertise your camp on this page in April atlantaparent.com

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FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUND Spring Fun Guide

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

AtlantaShakespeare.org

Atlanta Shakespeare Company

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In Midtown Atlanta and Decatur

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 59

ATLANTA A-BLOOM: ADMIRE SPRING Visit some of the area’s most colorful gardens and spot tulips, daffodils or other lush landscapes. Play in children’s areas, picnic on lawns and make sure to bring a camera.

FOR A FEE: n Atlanta Botanical Garden Flowers in bloom alternate throughout the year, so each visit brings new colors and smells. March includes daffodils, iris, roses, crab apple and more. Stop by the newly-remodeled children’s garden with a bird nest shaped playground, hands-on building areas and water play. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-8765859. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org n Atlanta Botanical Garden

Gainesville

Walk through trails lined with blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and more this spring. Kids will love visiting the model train garden to watch the train go around the tracks or playing with toy trains. 1911 Sweetbay Dr., Gainesville. 404-8884760. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org/visit/gainesville Atlanta Botanical Garden

n Atlanta History Center The property is covered with 22 acres of gardens, woodlands and trails.

Visit the Swan House Gardens with fountains and roses or the Frank A. Smith Memorial Rhododendron Garden bordered by rhododendron plants. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $21.50; ages 4-12, $9; ages 3 and younger, free. atlantahistorycenter.com

Callaway Gardens

60 Atlanta Parent March 2018

n Callaway Gardens Explore thousands of azaleas in the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl and Overlook Azalea Garden. The vivid red, pink, purple and white flowers are on display each spring. Also wander through the holly trail and hydrangea garden. Combine your flower-viewing trip with the butterfly center and birds of prey shows. 4500 Southern Pine Dr., Pine Mountain.

844-512-3826. Adults, $24.95; ages 6-12, $14.95; ages 5 and younger, free. callawaygardens.com

n Smith-Gilbert Gardens Spot daffodils, daylilies or bearded irises from spring until fall and roses from May until late summer. The Pollinator Garden features a children’s area complete with smell-good plants, vegetable beds, a weaving station, dirt pile and animal topiaries. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. Adults, $7; ages 6-12, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. smithgilbertgardens.com

Spring Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

FLOWERS AT THESE GARDENS

Oakland Cemetery

FOR FREE: n Oakland Cemetery Historically, flowers were added in honor of loved ones, and the Cemetery now includes many flowers popular during different time periods. Depending on the season, your visit may include thousands of heirloom daffodils, flowering trees or garden mums. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. oaklandcemetery.com n Downtown Atlanta Over 240,000 daffodils have been planted in downtown Atlanta since the Daffodil Project began in 2014. The Daffodil Project aims to build a Living Holocaust Memorial by planting 1.5 million daffodils around the world. Spot these bright yellow blooms this spring. atlantadowntown.com/initiatives/daffodil-project n Lake Claire Community Trust The community-run garden relies on visitor donations and is built piece by piece over time, resulting in something new each visit. Artistic installations, ponds, paths and a variety of flower beds bring the area together, including a new child-focused garden. Don’t forget to visit Big Lou the emu and feed him raw fruits, vegetables and crackers. 270 Arizona Ave. NE, Atlanta. lcclt.org n Woodlands Garden This urban preserve in Decatur has lots of native plants such as azaleas, tulip trees, white oak and red maple trees. More than 100 camellias bloom through March and a variety of Japanese maples bring color throughout the year. 932 Scott Blvd., Decatur. 404-3732222. woodlandsgarden.org

n Gibbs Gardens This garden is famous for their rows and rows of daffodils, but the area also offers a large Japanese garden, a rose garden and more. Visit from March 1 to April 15 to fully appreciate over 20 million daffodils of 100 different varieties. Cherry blossom and dogwood trees bloom from mid-March through April. 1987 Gibbs Dr., Ball Ground. 770-893-1881. Adults, $20; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free. gibbsgardens.com

atlantaparent.com

Spring Fun Guide

n Cator Woolford Gardens Hidden in a 39-acre forest full of hardwoods, this garden is an oasis in the heart of the city. Walk through the lush estate full of beautiful flowers and grassy areas.

Donations to the gardens support the Frazer Center for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

1815 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-377-3836. catorwoolfordgardens.org – Teresa Farkas

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 61

Lemonade Days

TOP SPRING FESTIVALS These outdoor festivals bring food trucks, children’s activities and artist markets.

MARCH n Macon Cherry Blossom Festival.

Macon. This festival includes events and activities throughout Macon with over 300,000 cherry blossoms in bloom as the backdrop.

March 16-25. Featured events include the festival parade (March 18, 4-5:30 p.m.) and Central City Park amusement rides, vendors and fair food (March 16-25). See cherryblossom.com for event times, locations and prices.

n Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival.

Blackburn Park. The festival includes musical performances, a children’s area, 5K and 1K Race (March 25, 7:30 a.m.), dog show area and more. March 24 and 25. Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Brookhaven. 404-637-0722. Admission, free.

n Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival.

Georgia International Horse Park. Hundreds of arts and crafts booths, children’s activities, musical entertainment and food vendors. 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. March 24 and 25. Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 770-860-4190. Free; oneday parking, $5; parking both days, $8.

n Georgia Renaissance Festival. Fairburn.

Artist demonstrations, juggling, fire show, jousting, a hypnotist, parrot show, acrobatics and more.

Games, rides and festival foods. April 14-June 3.

Sat. and Sun. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd., Fairburn. 770-964-8575. Adults, $23.95; ages 6-12, $11.95; ages 5 and younger, free.

n Lemonade Days. Brook Run Park. Rides,

games, concessions, arts and craft fair and live music. April 18-22. Wed.-Fri. 4-10 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.10 p.m. Sun. noon-6 p.m. 4770 North Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody. 770-668-0401. Admission, free; unlimited ride pass, $20-$25.

n Cars and Q for the Cause. Choate

APRIL n Dogwood Festival. Piedmont Park. Three-

day festival features artists from around the country, musical performances, kids village with inflatables, arts and crafts, face painting, rock climbing and more. April 13-15. Fri., noon-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 14th St. and Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-817-6642.

Admission, free.

Construction. 100+ cars on display, barbeque, live music and more benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. April 21. 4-7 p.m. 8200 Roberts Dr., Atlanta. 678-892-1224. $20; ages 8 and younger, free.

n Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Arts

Festival. Sandy Springs. Children’s play area, local musicians, interactive art stations, plus up to 150 arts and crafts participants. April 21-22.

Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 6100 Lake Forrest Dr., Sandy Springs. 404-873-1222.

Admission, free.

n Big Shanty Festival. Downtown Kennesaw.

Enjoy the artist markets, children’s activities and live music. April 21-22. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (parade, 9:30 a.m.); Sun., noon-5 p.m.

2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-423-1330.

Admission, free.

n Inman Park Festival. Inman Park. A self-

guided home tour of the neighborhood’s historic houses, an artist market, kids’ yoga, live pet shows and Kids’ Zone. April 27 (home tour only), noon-4 p.m. April 28-29. Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (parade, 2 p.m.); Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Euclid Ave., Atlanta. inmanparkfestival.org. Admission, free; home tour, $20.

n Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival. Village

Green. Artist market, live entertainment and children’s area. April 28-29. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sun. noon-5 p.m. 200 Village Green Cir., Smyrna.

770-423-1330. Admission, free.

Macon Cherry Blossom Festival

62 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Spring Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

MAY n Fairy House Festival. Chimney Park.

Enjoy live entertainment along with crafts, archery, storytelling, refreshments and costumes. Build your own fairy house to take home and visit the fairy house village. May 5.

2-5 p.m. 8201 Hazelbrand Rd., Covington. 678925-3594. $5; ages 2 and younger, free.

n Sweet Auburn Springfest. Sweet

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and Mother’s Day Pow Wow. Boling Park.

Indian village and displays, traditional dance competition and drumming. Native Americans from around the country gather for this event.

May 12-13. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 1200 Marietta Hwy., Canton. 770-7356275. Adults, $15; ages 6-12, $5; ages 5 and younger, free.

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n Cherokee County Indian Festival

ATLANTA’S MOST FUN RUNNING EVENT FOR KIDS BL

Auburn Historic District. Live entertainment, children’s area, international food court and more. May 12-13. Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. 1-8 p.m. 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta.

678-667-1375. Admission, free.

Looking for a family weekend activity?

Cheer your child on as they participate in one of three distance races and meet three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Gail Devers. Then, watch them try nine other kid-friendly track and field events at the post-race decathlon!

May 5 | Piedmont Park 3K, 1/2K & 50m Dash Ages 14 & under

Cherokee County Indian Festival and Mother’s Day Pow Wow

n Marietta Greek Festival. Holy

Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Greek Hellenic dancing, Greek food and pastries, traditional gifts and jewelry and children’s activities. May 18, 19 and 20. Fri. 3-11 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission, $5.

n Kirkwood Spring Fling. Bessie Branham Park. Artists market, children’s area, live music, barbecue cook off, 5K race and tour of homes.

May 19. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 5K race 8:30 a.m. Tour of homes May 19 and 20, noon-5 p.m. 2051 Delano Dr. NE, Atlanta. kirkwoodfling.com.

Festival, free; tour of homes and 5K race, extra cost.

n Atlanta Jazz Festival. Piedmont Park.

A weekend of jazz performances and family entertainment. May 26-27. Charles Allen Drive and 10th Street NE, Atlanta. atlantafestivals.com.

Admission, free.

atlantaparent.com

Spring Fun Guide

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 63

MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM TOUR

“Wow! That’s huge!”

This reaction came from my daughter, Gracie, 8, when she first saw the panoramic views of the field from the top concourse of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The stadium’s sights engaged Gracie and her brother, Andrew, 11, during our entire guided tour.

From the moment we encountered the nearly 42-foot tall stainless steel statue of a falcon clutching a football until the finale – when the kids had permission to race and turn cartwheels across the playing field – we were wowed.

The tour started at the top, or 300 Concourse, where we saw Atlanta’s skyline from the Window to the City and meandered through the 100-Yard Club, a space with field markers on the floor and columns with 11-foot photos of the current Falcon players. Next, we stopped by the 200 concourse, which houses the AT&T Perch, a state-of-the art technology hub complete with a vast array of screens for game days.

On the 100 concourse, Gracie was awed by the jumbo football-shaped chandelier in the Gullwing Club, and I liked seeing the first automobile, patented

by Carl Benz, a one-cylinder three-wheeled car that went 10 miles per hour. We were all drawn to the

64 Atlanta Parent March 2018

Georgia Homegrown Legends display, a wall that holds football helmets from high school teams in Georgia.

At the field level, Andrew, who is an avid football fan, enjoyed visiting the Falcons players’ locker rooms and walking through the tunnel the Falcons follow to the their game field. Both kids’ favorite part was playing on the field.

Some fun facts from our tour: From the field to the roof, the stadium could hold the Statue of Liberty. It has 4,000 solar panels that produce enough energy to power 10 Falcons’ games. The Halo Board is the largest non-transparent LED video display in the world, with 38.1 million LED bulbs.

With its blend of architecture, technology and art, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will impress family members of all ages. n Know Before You Go: This is a walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes. Strollers are welcome, but must be checked at the gate. There are elevators, escalators and bathrooms with baby changing stations throughout the stadium.

Mercedesbenzstadium.com has a thorough A to Z guide under “Plan Your Visit.”

– Janeen Lewis

Spring Fun Guide

The Details

Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1414 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 470-341-5000, mercedesbenzstadium.com n Admission: Adults $25; ages 3-12, $20; younger than 3, free. n Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Guided tours run every hour but are not available on game or event days. It’s best to reserve tours in advance online or by phone. n A Great Place for Lunch: Molly B’s Cookhouse, inside the stadium overlooking the field, offers a variety of moderately priced, tasty options ($8-$18). There is no kid’s menu, but my kids said their meals from the regular menu were “delicious.” mollybsatlanta.com

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Spring Fun Guide

March 2018 Atlanta Parent 65

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