November 2017

AtlantaParent November 2017

atlantaparent.com

Holiday Fun Starts Now

Best Toys

of 2017

Like Us on FACEBOOK

Therapeutic Riding: Magic on a Horse

Make Thanksgiving Memories

magic, meet memories.

Don’t miss the easiest way to visit Santa— just reserve your time and skip the line!

Perimeter Mall also has a line-up of fun and festive family events this season.

Join us on Sunday, December 3rd from 12 – 3pm for crafts, treats and surprises at our Home for the Holidays Event. ‘Tis the season to make memories.

PERIMETER MALL PerimeterMall.com

THANK YOU!

for another successful Atlanta Parent Family Festival

Photos by Joshua Jacobs Photography

BENEFICIARIES:

Atlanta Parent Magazine would like to thank our special friends: Sam’s Path Mobile Petting Zoo, Home Depot of Roswell, Chick-fil-A of Northlake, Clowning 4 You, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Police Departments, Fun Weird Science, GoGo SqueeZ, Instant Imprints, Joy’s Party Entertainment, Keep the Beat DJs, Le Petite and Posh, Little Chicken Love Yoga, M&R Trackless Trains, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta United, Fun-Fare, The Source: For All Your Printing Needs, Southern Order of Storytellers, Two Men and a Truck, Yule Forest and all our volunteers and entertainers.

For information on next year’s Family Festival, contact us at 770-454-7599 www.atlantaparent.com

4 Atlanta Parent    November 2017

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Inside 34 November

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Vol. 34 / Number 11

Features

16

Departments 7 Publisher’s Note

After the Turkey

Use these ideas to make Thanksgiving memories with your family, from playing a rousing board game or touch football to hearing stories about Mom and Dad when they were kids.

18

Toys, Toys, Toys!

Use Atlanta Parent’s annual Toy Guide to find the perfect something for everyone on your list.

Hear are our kid-tested top picks.

10

Good Stuff

Things we like

58 For the Fridge

Words of humor & wisdom

Family Fun Guide 41

Not-to-Miss Events

42 Four Ways to Get Outdoors 43 Free Fun 44 Southeastern

26

36

Railway Museum

School Leadership

Atlanta Parent recognizes educational leaders who set the tone at their schools to ensure superb curriculum, effective teaching and student success.

45 Gladiators:

Heroes of the Colosseum Exhibit at Fernbank Museum

Special Advertising Section

of Natural History

Therapeutic Horseback Riding

46

November Calendar

52

Holiday Calendar

Riding programs have a long list of benefits for children with special needs.

Plus, find a program near you.

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner atlantaparent.com

On the Cover: Graylan Edmonds, 6 of Alpharetta.

Photography by Images by N’Neka.

Shot on location at The Goat Farm in Atlanta

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine November 2017 Atlanta Parent 5

A new investigational treatment that boosts the immune system may prevent wheezing and colds in your infant.

CONTACT: Alice Bruce 404-712-1773 alice.bruce@emory.edu

PUBLISHER Liz White

lwhite@atlantaparent.com ASSOCIATE Laura Powell

PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Sarah Bergeron

EXECUTIVE sbergeron@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

MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

Sign Up For Our e-Newsletter at AtlantaParent.com Like Us on FACEBOOK

Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699.

Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations throughout the metro Atlanta area. First class subscription only $30 per year. Subscription orders must include check or money order made out to Atlanta Parent magazine.

Atlanta Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from its readers and the community. Atlanta Parent magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission.

© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2017

6 Atlanta Parent November 2017

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Publisher’s Note Have More Fun This Holiday Season The holiday countdown has already begun. We’re checking off the days till Thanksgiving (and Christmas!), thinking about toys and wishing we had more time to do everything.

It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday frenzy and not think more about what’s important – the opportunity to gather with our families and make memories that will last for years.

Experiences and time are the best gifts you can give your children during the holiday season, but even they can get out of control. You can’t say “yes” to every event. It helps to prioritize, with a mix of traditional family outings – to see light displays or to cut down a Christmas tree – along with something new, maybe a visit to an outdoor ice rink. It also helps to schedule some activities after Dec. 25, when the kids are still on break and much fun is still taking place. We are so fortunate to have so many events to choose from. (Check our list for holiday fun, Page 52.)

The Thanksgiving meal is another opportunity for memories. Put less emphasis on the perfect turkey and think about why we look forward to the holidays and what we are grateful for. Our story, Dinner’s Done, Now What? (Page 16) will give you plenty of ideas to make Thanksgiving more about the closeness of family and less about the food. Let’s enjoy sharing laughter over board games or listening to Aunt Martha regale the kids with stories about their father’s antics as a boy.

A big part of holiday pressure is shopping, whether you do it online or at a brick-and-mortar store. You need gifts for the family and friends, and of course, the must-have toy for each child. Atlanta Parent is giving you a head start this year on finding that perfect toy, by moving our Toy Guide to this month’s issue. You’ll find great toys grouped by age for your scientific genius or your athlete, your reader or your LEGO maniac. (The guide starts on Page 18.)

What’s on your holiday bucket list? Now’s the time to sit down and take the reins like Santa, trim your must-do list and steer your family toward a memorable and less stressful season.

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

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

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SPARKLE CELEBRATION

DECEMBER 1, 2017 CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Thrasher Park • 5:30 p.m.

Photos with Santa, free hot cocoa and cookies, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on the big screen AND MORE!

HOLIDAY FIRST FRIDAY CONCERT WITH DEB BOWMAN & THE BIG LOVE BAND Norcross Community Center 7 - 9 p.m. * SEATING IS LIMITED. Reserve your seat by calling 678.421.2049.

DECEMBER 2, 2017 HISTORIC TOUR OF HOMES

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Candlelight Tour from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA AND CARRIAGE RIDES

Carriage rides will be dashing through Norcross December 1 through December 22 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in front of Taste of Britain. You can catch Santa at Remax on Jones Street (Downtown Norcross) starting on December 5.

aplacetoimagine.com November 2017 Atlanta Parent 7

Atlanta

MOST-READ STORIES

PARENT

2017-2018 Guide to School Tours and Open Houses in Atlanta 30+ Top Family Photographers in Atlanta

D I G I TA L

Restaurants and Takeout Serving Thanksgiving Meals Around Atlanta

KID-FRIENDLY GUIDES 5 Atlanta Area Parks Your Dogs and Kids Will Love Motor City Fun: Best Things to Do in Detroit and West Michigan Seven Places in Atlanta for Enjoying the Fall Foliage

#

CONTESTS

Facebook Feedback How do you de-stress with your kids?

Voted by our readers, it’s our annual list of best things to do with kids in Atlanta: atlantaparent.com/ best-of-family-fun-atlanta/

This month, we’ll be giving away toys featured in our Holiday Toy Guide on page 18. Look for the hottest toys on Facebook and our enewsletter to get your holiday shopping done early.

“Listen to music and dance.”

– Giannina Davies “De-stress with kids? Is that a thing?”

– Riley Chapa “Mommy juice!”

– Megan Hasty “Moana on the sofa.”

– Courtney Woodall “Go for a walk in the woods or on a trail.”

– Jess Reiche

8 Atlanta Parent November 2017

BEST OF FAMILY FUN AWARDS

Facebook

Join our over 28K followers @atlantaparentmagazine

Twitter

Read our Tweets @atlantaparent

Instagram

Check out fun photos @atlantaparent

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Feeding Help for Parents.

Powered by Experts.

Strong4Life.com By the age of 3, your baby will develop eating habits that can last a lifetime, so you’re smart to get a jump on your baby’s nutrition. It’s easy with Strong4Life.com—a unique parenting website from the experts you trust at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

At Strong4Life.com, you can:

Browse for tips by age

Ask an expert who is a parent too

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter ©2017 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Inc. All rights reserved.

by Teresa Farkas

Good StUff

THINGS WE LIKE Recycled Crayons Think about all of the crayon bits and pieces laying around your house – art2theextreme took crayon fragments and recycled them into cool creations. Kids Name Crayons are our favorite, and make for fun a custom gift with any name spelled out. The artist also makes crayon puzzles, numbers, mini doughnuts and more. Prices vary. Available at etsy.com/shop/art2theextreme

Help Picky Eaters Some kids are picky when it comes to mealtime, and won’t try new foods presented to them. Milton-The Mealtime Companion may encourage your child to try new things. Place Milton, a small figure made of foodgrade silicone on the table during mealtime and “feed him” the foods on your child’s plate. Soon your child may take notice and learn to become a more courageous eater. Milton is also dishwasher safe. Available at mealswithmilton.com for $29.95.

FPO Nominate the Mom of the Year

Photo Sharing App for Kids Instagram and other photosharing apps may not always be the most kid-friendly. The Kudos app is a program just for kids to share their photos, follow friends and react to friend’s posts. Content Moderators review captions, photos and comments to make sure the app stays appropriate. Download at kudos.com

10 Atlanta Parent November 2017

American Mothers, Inc. is seeking nominations for 2018 Mother of the Year. To qualify, a nominee should be inspirational in her role as a mom and exhibit an interest in her community. Those wishing to nominate a mom will need to convey what makes her so special via an online form on americanmothers.org by Nov. 15.

Grab a Stuffed Backpack Georgia residents can now check out a stuffed backpack kit at any Georgia public library to use in combination with the already available state ParkPass.

The backpacks contain a pair of binoculars, guide to Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites and a naturalist guides to wildlife, birds, trees and wildflowers. Loan period is one week. georgialibraries.org

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SPONSORED CONTENT

12 Festive These top-notch events and attractions will get your family in the cheerful spirit.

See Magical Twinkling Lights

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all elements © and ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC. Photo credit: Clay Walker

Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights

Celebrate 25 years this holiday season at Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights. Gaze at impressive displays throughout the resort with millions of twinkling holiday lights, which have been built upon over the years. Don’t miss the 65-foot Universal Christmas tree set atop a giant drum. The 12 Days of Christmas comes back this year, and joins other mesmerizing lights such as Santa’s Elves at Work, the North Pole Express, Wizard of Oz and the Icicle Tunnel. Visit the Holiday Village inside LanierWorld for Santa visits, marshmallow roasting and carnival rides. Nov. 17-Jan. 3. lanierislands.com; 770-945-8787.

Meet the Most Famous Reindeer of All

Center for Puppetry Arts

Prepare for a season decked out in silver and gold when Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ takes the stage at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Based on the 1964 television special, this magical show has become a holiday tradition for Atlanta families for over 10 years.

After the show, all-inclusive tickets include access to the Create-A-Puppet Workshop™ to make a King Moonracer™ Rod Puppet, and admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, featuring the world’s largest collection of Jim Henson puppets. Special events are planned to celebrate the weekend performances. Nov. 7-Dec. 31. For information visit puppet.org or follow the Center’s Facebook page. 404-873-3391.

Glide and Skate on Real Ice

Ice Days Ice Skating Rinks

12 Atlanta Parent November 2017

Practice your jumps and twirls this season by visiting one of two Ice Days Ice Skating Rinks.

The family-owned and operated rinks are made of real ice for a fun and authentic ice skating experience. Locations in Conyers and LaGrange offer low prices and birthday party packages, and have covered areas to block from rain. Twohour skating sessions are available for $10, with skate rental included. No wait times for sessions.

Concessions including hot chocolate, hot dogs and more are available for purchase. Conyers: Nov.10-Feb. 25; LaGrange: Nov. 17-Feb. 19. Visit icedays.com for full schedule. 678-374-7655.

atlantaparent.com

Ways to Celebrate the Season Explore Holidays from Around the World Jingle all the way to Children’s Museum of Atlanta for festive fun. Start with Celebrations in Light, a month-long exploration of holidays from around the world. Families can dance, sing, and create make-and-take projects focused on Las Posadas, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. New this year, the Museum will have an Ice (aka: Carpet) Skating Rink (no skates needed) built especially for littles. Plus, winter science activities will be bubbling up throughout the month. To send out 2017 in style, don’t miss the New Year’s Bubble Bash. This poppin’ good time features a family-friendly DJ, dance party, party favors, and bubbles. childrensmuseumatlanta.org; 404-659-5437.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Visit a Decked-Out Hall of Fame Meet Fumbles the Elf and Santa this holiday season at College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience. December 9 through New Year’s Day, Deck the Hall will be in full swing with treats and bright holiday decorations. Don’t miss fun daily activities and Fumbles the Elf, as well as appearances by Santa each Saturday and Sunday. Your family can take holiday photos with the big elf himself from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and there will be plenty of college-themed props to add to the fun. While visiting, make sure to check out the interactive multimedia exhibits, indoor playing field and more. cfbhall.com; 404-880-4800.

College Football Hall of Fame

Winter Enchantment Stroll through Atlanta’s only authentic German market, feel snow fall from above, meet Santa Claus and experience SKATE Atlantic Station’s outdoor ice rink. Festivities begin Nov. 18 with Light Up Atlantic Station, complete with musical entertainment, kids’ activities, live reindeer, Santa’s Parade and lighting of the 50’ Christmas tree in Central Park.

On the same day, Santa’s Cottage opens for photos and kids of all ages will love daily Snow Shows set to festive holiday music. Atlanta Christkindl Market returns Nov. 24, with an expanded array of genuine German arts, crafts, food and beverage stalls offering a unique Bavarian experience. atlanticstation.com; 404-410-4010.

Light Up Atlantic Station

Charming Holiday Puppet Shows Roswell Winter Puppet Series

Don’t miss the delightfuland charming Roswell Winter Puppet Series at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center this winter, and even meet Santa Claus in the lobby following each performance. Kids and parents alike will enjoy two shows featuring puppet characters from the North Pole and the mouse from ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The North Pole Fa-la-la-la-la Follies follows a wisecracking fruitcake, a musical goose and the “not-so-abominable” snowman in an annual talent show. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is based on the classic poem from the perspective of a mouse. Dec. 14-16; 21-23.10 a.m.

Additional shows Dec.16 and 22, 1:30 p.m. roswellcac.com; 770-594-6232.

Cont’d on page 14

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November 2017 Atlanta Parent 13

SPONSORED CONTENT

12 Festive Ways to Celebrate the Season Experience the True Meaning of Christmas Experience the joy of Christmas with The First Noel at Ferst Center for the Arts. Set in 1980s Harlem, The First Noel follows three generations of a family in search of Christmas joy many years after the tragic loss of a loved one. Follow as a community is healed, one family at a time, when ordinary people do extraordinary things to help spread the gift of love.

Directed by Jasmine Guy, The First Noel runs from Dec. 8-24 at Ferst Center for Arts. The music includes a delightful reimaging of traditional holiday favorites in jazz, gospel and pop styles. truecolorstheatre.org; 877-725-8849.

The First Noel

Holiday Fun in Roswell Celebrate the most wonderful time of year in Historic Downtown Roswell. The season begins on December 2, with Breakfast with Santa at Roswell Area Park from 9-11 a.m., kids can eat, take photos with Santa, make crafts and have their face painted. Gingerbread Christmas at Smith Plantation includes gingerbread baking over an open hearth and holiday ornament making at 10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2 p.m.

Holiday Celebration on the Square kicks off at 5 p.m., with lighting, choral performances and Santa appearance. End the day with Santa’s Secret Gift Shop from 6-8:30 p.m. Children can shop for relatives and make arts and crafts. roswellgov.com; 770-641-3705.

Historic Downtown Roswell

Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future Join Alliance Theatre for one of Atlanta’s most treasured holiday shows, A Christmas Carol. On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by ghosts offering him a chance at a better future – his old partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future – who teach him it’s never too late to change. Celebrate the holidays by attending this Broadway-scale production with beautiful live music and an all-Atlanta cast. Experience Alliance’s adaptation staged for the first time at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. For tickets and information, call 404-733-5000 or visit alliancetheatre.org/christmas.

Take a Ride on the Pink Pig Atlanta’s famous pig train takes families for a life-sized storybook ride at Lenox Square Mall. Macy’s Pink Pig debuted in the ‘50s as a children’s ride at the downtown Rich’s store, and now five generations have taken this ride into the holiday season. The life-sized storybook ride with the original pink pig lives beneath the signature 170-foot, 1950s-themed Pink Pig Tent. The ride is open through Dec. 31, and hours vary per day. macys.com; 404-231-2800.

Alliance Theatre

Marching Bands and Floats Downtown Atlanta will be filled with festive floats and holiday cheer during the annual Children’s Christmas Parade benefitting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Floats, giant helium-filled balloons and marching bands will flow down the street, and the arrival of Santa will announce the holiday season. Don’t miss the opportunity to have breakfast with Santa at the Four Seasons Hotel at 8:30 a.m. that morning. Dec. 3. 10:30 a.m. choa.org/parade; 404-785-7974.

14 Atlanta Parent November 2017

Macy’s Pink Pig

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Not feeling silly?

Let our digestive experts help relieve your little ones’ tummy troubles so they can get back to being kids.

Counting the Days Until Holiday Fun Advent calendars abound. Most familiar are German calendars containing pieces of chocolate hidden behind windows cut in a wintery scene. Here are two others we like, plus mobile apps and a do-it-yourself countdown. n Digital Calendar: If you’re looking for a creative digital option that delights both children and adults, try Jacquie Lawson’s Victorian Advent Calendar. Each day reveals a new scene, with animation, games, puzzles and more. Available at jacquielawson.com/advent. $4.

Alpharetta | Duluth | Marietta | Sandy Springs AGApediatrics.com | 404.843.6320 AGA, LLC and its affiliates are participating providers for Medicare, Medicaid, and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn.

n LEGO Calendar: For a budding builder, try LEGO’s Advent countdown. Opening a calendar window reveals a new mini figure or model each day, for a total of 24 LEGO creations. For 2017, LEGO is selling Star Wars, City and Friends versions of its Advent calendar. Visit shop.lego. com and search “advent.” $29.99-$39.99 each. n Apps for Mobile Devices It’s easy to track the days remaining to events using a free app on a mobile device. Here are some of our favorites: Dreamdays: Add new events with a click.

Categorize by type, set to repeat annually, and customize the background. Dreamdays will tell you how many days until an event or how many days since an event occurred.

Full, ad-free version, 99 cents.

Event Ticker: Event Ticker allows you to count up or down for an event and include a “To Do” list function for tracking tasks related to an event. Full, ad-free version, 99 cents. n Make-Your-Own Countdown: Write or print enough activities for the number of days in your countdown. Place the activity slips in numbered envelopes and clip the envelopes to a yarn or string hung atop a door frame or looped along a mantle as a decorative swag. Or cut the slips into shapes and hang on a tree or branch as ornaments, numbered or not. Then remove one each day and complete the activity.

– Lara Krupicka

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 15

Once Dinner is Done,

by Christa Melnyk Hines

After all of the hours of prep work for Thanksgiving dinner, it seems as if it’s gobbled up in no time flat. Here’s a bounty of activities for the entire family to enjoy after the big feast: n Sign a pumpkin. Simply expressing gratitude can enhance our overall happiness. Invite your family to consider their individual blessings.

Purchase a large artificial pumpkin that you can bring out each year for your family to sign.

Ask each person to write a note on it about what they’re most grateful for this year. Perhaps a new baby arrived, wedding bells will soon be ringing, your child got an A in a difficult class, or a loved one overcame a health issue. Have everyone sign and date it.

n Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe. Choose five small white gourds and five small orange gourds. Make a grid on a card table using craft or painter’s tape. Or use larger gourds and set up the game in your yard using sticks to make nine squares. n Get out the board games. You’ll encourage lighthearted family fun and conversation. Playing games together can build camaraderie and provide a low-key, entertaining opportunity for face-to-face togetherness. Some family favorites include Catan, Pandemic, Telestrations and Clue.

n Create a Thanksgiving tablecloth. Similar to the pumpkin idea, lay the Thanksgiving table with a memory tablecloth. After the table is cleared, ask each person to write a note to the host or a note of gratitude using fabric markers.

Protect your table by placing a matte-like cardboard under the tablecloth in case ink bleeds through. n Get into the holiday spirit. If you’ve got a large extended family together for Thanksgiving dinner, this is a good time to pull names for holiday gift exchanges like Secret Santa or White Elephant Exchange. Everyone draws names, keeps the name they pulled secret, and purchases a light-hearted or wacky gift to exchange around the holidays.

16 Atlanta Parent November 2017

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n Share family stories. While your kids are anticipating the mouthwatering dinner that’s about to grace the table, have them write questions to ask the family. They can slip a question under the glass or plate of each table setting. After dinner is over, go around the table and each person can pull their question and share. Questions like “What was Thanksgiving like when you were growing up?”and “What was your best Thanksgiving ever and why?” are sure to rekindle fond memories. n Plan a scavenger hunt. Give each team a small bag to collect their items or have them use their cameras to take photos of the items on the list. Keep the hunt simple for youngsters and a little more complicated for older kids. Items on your list might include: something red, a heart-shaped leaf, a stick shaped like a Y, a black rock, a feather, etc. Team adults with kids and turn the hunt into a fun race to the finish. The winning team receives the first slice of pie or a silly prize like pilgrim’s hats to wear on their heads.

Now What?

n Puzzle fun. Lauri Duncan, a mom of two boys, ages 8 and 11, says that she and her family traditionally put a puzzle together after the big dinner. “We do one big puzzle every year that every age can work on. The kids, parents, cousins, grandparents all chip in and work on it in rotations throughout the afternoon between naps and football and snacking on leftovers,” she says. n Play touch football. Football is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and pumpkin pie. Angie Worth and her family play one-touch football.

They select team captains based on the strongest players in the family and the captains pick their teammates. “The rules are very looseygoosey. The captain explains the route for offense or assigns coverage for defense. Then, it’s all about the touchdowns and points,” Worth explains. “It’s fun – a good way to burn off some Thanksgiving dinner calories before pie!” n In memoriam. The holidays can be especially difficult for those grieving loved ones. Look through family photographs together, watch old home videos or take time to tell stories about your special someone. Mindy Foral, mom of two, says one of her favorite traditions each year on Thanksgiving night is for her and her children to listen to a recording her mother made before she died of “The Night Before Christmas” in a Hallmark recordable book. “It’s such an incredible treasure. There is something about hearing the voice of your loved one ... especially someone who loved spending the holidays with her grandkids,” Foral says.

n Go for a nature walk. According to the Calorie Control Council, the traditional Thanksgiving meal serves up 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat for the average American. Start burning some of those calories by taking a stroll after the big meal. n Ready, aim.... If you’ve got a Nerf gun loving crew, turn 10 plastic drinking cups into turkeys that they can stack and try to shoot down. Paste google eyes on the cup. Underneath the eyes, place an upside down triangle to form the beak. Pick up a bag of colored feathers from a craft store and hot glue a few red, orange or yellow feathers on the back of each cup. Not into Nerf guns? Use a tennis ball and play turkey bowling with the cups instead.

atlantaparent.com

n Remember those on deployment. If your spouse is deployed for military duty over the Thanksgiving holiday, he or she will definitely be at the top of your family’s mind. After dinner, invite your family and friends to circle around the table to make cards and write letters to your absent loved one. Mail everything in a package. Even though your package will be received after the holiday, they’ll know that they were still an important part of your day.

For After-Thanksgiving Events, See Page 50

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 17

2017 Holiday

TOY GUIDE

We reviewed the coolest gifts for your kids this holiday season. Here are our top picks for each age.

Reviewed by Felicia Barman, Becky Cooper, Teresa Farkas and Laura Powell.

Shop early and check with stores on availability. Prices listed are MSRP.

Atlanta Parent Favorites n Automoblox Mini Rescue cars have wooden bodies and wheel parts, which can be built or mixed to form different car shapes. The three emergency vehicles are a fun addition to any kids’ car collection. Ages 4 and older. At Kazoo Toys and Barnes & Noble. $34.99-$39.99

n Weave bracelets, headbands and bookmarks with the WowWee Digiloom Starter Kit. Using the Digiloom app, design your own looks, or choose from pre-made designs, even add your name or sayings. Ages 8 and older. At Michaels. $49.99.

n Turn a bathtub or kids’ pool into a slime-filled fun zone with Zimpli Kids Ooze Baff. Our kid testers liked the sticky green slime and the cleanup was easy. Ages 3 and older. Just wash it down the drain. At Walmart and Toys R Us. $8-$12.99.

n The Fisher Price Coffee Cup Teether is a teether and rattle all in one. The soft material of the lid is made for teething and the colorful rattle beads inside make noise.

Ages 3 mo. and older. At major retailers. $5.

18 Atlanta Parent November 2017

n BeginAgain Safari Bowl starts with rolling a ball down the wooden elephant’s trunk to try and hit the targets. These include wooden monkeys, giraffes and round targets. Ages 2 and older. At beginagaintoys.com. $25.

atlantaparent.com

n A fun upgrade to drawing on a cardboard box for play, eeBoo Pretend Play Stickers easily turn a box into a play kitchen, spaceship or car. Peel the stickers off the sheets and attach to an empty box for an instant playset. Ages 3 and older. At Treehouse Kid & Craft, Richard’s Variety Store. $13.99.

n Testers ages 6, 9 and 11 took turns using the glove to move the KD Interactive Aura Drone above their heads, no remote controller needed!

The drone can safely be used indoors, and easily bounces off any object. Charge the drone and controller separately with the USB charger included. Ages 6 and older. At Target and Toys R Us. $99.99.

n Let the kids fix a healthy dinner with the 52-piece Melissa and Doug Slice & Toss Salad Set. Testers liked the variety of ingredients and the salad dressing bottles with “squirt” strings. Ages 3 and older. Available at Brilliant Sky Books & Toys, Sprouts Tucker and Decatur and Learning Express Atlanta. $29.99.

n The WowWee Fingerlings hook onto your finger and interact. If you tap the head or hang them upside down they laugh, blink or make cooing sounds. The monkeys can make 40 different sounds and even sing. Ages 5 and older. At most major retailers. $14.99.

n Kids can learn how to match in a fun way with the Leap Frog Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart. Make different ice cream orders and the cart will say them out loud, including colors and numbers of scoops or toppings. Ages 2-5. At major retailers. $39.99.

Cont’d on page 20

Win these Toys! Go to atlantaparent.com/contests for a chance to win prize packs for each age group valued at $150-$250 each. atlantaparent.com

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 19

2017 Holiday TOY GUIDE / BABY & TODDLER n The Tonka Mighty Builders Fire Tuff Truck Play Set-Light & n With a squeeze of the wing Lamaze Repeat Petey records words and phrases and then repeats back. Made of different colorful textures, patterns and crinkles. A squeaker is also found in the nose and a chime goes off when he is shaken. Ages 6 mo. and older. At Amazon.com. $29.99.

Sound makes real siren sounds, has a moveable bucket and ladder and firefighter figure. The 25-piece set comes with take-apart pieces to build the truck, fire hydrant and figures. Ages 1 and older. At Toys R Us. $29.99.

n VTech Zoo Jamz Stompin’ Fun Drums light n The reversible, space shuttleshaped Seedling Galaxy Rocket Adventure Cape is perfect for pretend adventures. Testers liked strapping on the backpack cape and decorating with felt patches and rocket flames. Ages 2-4. At seedling. com. $29.99.

up and teach counting with different number cues. Follow along with melodies and songs and watch the elephant trunk move up and down.

Ages 18-48 mo. At major retailers. $39.99.

n Our little tester liked chasing after the Fisher Price Zoom ‘n Crawl Monster as it tumbles balls out of the front and wheels around the room. It also plays 15 songs and silly phrases. Ages 9 mo.-3. At major retailers. $35.

n The Melissa and Doug Animal Stacking Cars are wooden, brightly-decorated cars that can be stacked on top of each other and rolled around. Ages 9 mo. and older. At Learning Express Alpharetta. $9.99.

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2017 Holiday TOY GUIDE / BABY & TODDLER n Tomy Toomies Foam Cone Factory makes for a bath time full of bubbles. Place soap or bath wash into the top cone and then pull the lever to make foam come out of the bottom into a small, plastic ice cream cone. Our testers didn’t want to get out of the bath. Ages 18 mo. and older. At Amazon.com. $24.99.

n Based on the preschooler

n The magnetic x and o figures of the Guidecraft Grippies Stackers interlock to encourage balancing and matching. The round figures have a variety of facial expressions, and the set comes in different colors and patterns. Ages 18 mo. and older.

At guidecraft.com. 16-and 24-piece sets $39.95-$59.95.

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app, Peekaboo Barn, kids can spin farm animal pieces around the barn with Educational Insights Peekaboo Barn Game. When animals land by the barn door, kids can make the animal noise and put them to sleep.

Take turns waking and putting animals to sleep until all are inside the barn. Ages 2-4. At Treehouse Kid & Craft. $24.99.

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November 2017 Atlanta Parent 21

2017 Holiday TOY GUIDE / PRESCHOOL n Use the markers provided to color in the shapes of the Great Pretenders Colour-A-Cape Princess – a castle, hearts, unicorn and more.

The lining is pink silk, and is machine washable so you can color again. Ages 3 and older. At Learning Express Atlanta locations. $22.

n This teddy bear comes to life – Parker:

n Preschoolers can play doctor

n When playing Thinkfun Spin-a-roo a race begins to match the most colors and numbers on each card. More advanced learners can race to collect the most tokens by counting up and down from one to ten. Our testers loved spinning for numbers and playing both versions of the game.

Ages 4 and older. At Kazoo Toys. $19.99.

to baby dolls with Just Play Doc McStuffins Baby All-inOne Nursery, which includes a play stethoscope, laptop, scale, thermometer and rocking cradle among other pieces. Ages 3 and older. At most major retailers. $79.99.

Your Augmented Reality Bear by Seedling activates augmented reality effects to create an interactive world of doctor play. Our testers liked playing with Parker through the app to check temperatures, decorate band-aids and take x-rays. The app also includes games and puzzles. Ages 3 and older. Available at seedling.com. $59.99.

n Continents are puzzle pieces on Learning Resources Puzzle Globe, and each is labeled by name.

All seven puzzle pieces fit into the globe to help teach world geography.

Ages 3 and older. At Toys R Us. $29.99.

n The Melissa & Doug Beauty Salon is great for pretend play without the mess.

Our testers liked using all the wooden accessories for pretend manicures, hair styles, makeup and more. Ages 3 and older. At Learning Express Atlanta, Salon Red Kids and Bloomingdales. $49.99.

n Green Toys Dough Sets are made from organic flour and soy inks, and they come in themes such as Race Car Maker, Flower Maker and Meal Maker. Each set comes with colored dough and plastic tools. Ages 2-8. At greentoys.com. $19.99-$24.99.

22 Atlanta Parent November 2017

n A new spin on the doll is here with Wonder Crew Dolls, and he comes in boy form. The Superhero doll comes with cape and mask for child. Extra outfits are available in themes like explorer and builder. Ages 3 and older. At most major retailers. $29.99.

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2017 Holiday TOY GUIDE / AGES 5-8 n When playing Blue Orange Games Go Go n LEGO fans will like building and playing with the LEGO Friends Snow Resort Chalet set. It includes a LEGO hot tub, kitchen, log fire, snowmobile, husky and two mini-doll figures. Ages 7-12. At most major retailers. $39.99.

Gelato! use cones, scoops and a challenge card to fill customers’ orders as fast as you can. Fill the order exactly like it looks on the card, or you will lose the race. Ages 6 and older. At Kazoo Toys. $19.99.

n Learn counting and reasoning when playing Educational Insights Wiggle Waggle Whiskers by building fences for your cat or dog. To win, build more fences than the other players.

Ages 4-7. At educationalinsights. com. $21.99.

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November 2017 Atlanta Parent 23

2017 Holiday TOY GUIDE / AGES 5-8

n The Funrise TONKA Rescue Response Station is a playset built just for TONKA trucks in mini pocket size, including helicopters, tractors, trucks, cars and other vehicles.

Ages 3 and older. At most major retailers. $24.99.

n Go back in time with the Playmobil Pharaoh’s Pyramid.

The set comes with five chambers and puzzles, which include mummies, skeletons, treasures, fire pots, spiders, hieroglyphics and other accessories.

Ages 6 and older.

At Treehouse Kid & Craft and Richard’s Variety Store. $69.99.

n Fire foam carts out of the mouth of Hasbro Nerf Nitro MotoFury Rapid Rally gun, which also includes ramps, obstacles and stunts for the cars to launch into. Ages 5 and older. At most major retailers. $49.99.

24 Atlanta Parent November 2017

n Make your own mini-balloon animals using Moose Toys Oonies Inflator Starter Pack. You don’t have to build animals; the small balloons stick together to form many different shapes and creations.

Ages 5 and older. At most major retailers. $19.99.

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AGES 5-8

2017 Holiday TOY GUIDE / TWEENS

n The Educational Insights Geosafari n Build the

Jr. Walkie Talkies are perfect for outdoor adventures. Our testers loved not having to hold the button to talk and being able to speak while exploring the house and yard. Ages 4-7. At educationalinsights.com $29.99.

challenging, eeBoo Biodiversity 500 Piece Round Puzzle and learn about a wide variety of organisms along the way. The puzzle is covered in pictures of animals, plants, insects and more. Ages 8 & up.

At Treehouse Kid & Craft. $17.99.

n Kids can build their own working, wooden roller coaster with the Play Monster Marbleocity Mini Coaster, and watch marbles roll down and around by the twist of a lever.

Ages 9 and older. At Barnes & Noble and Toys R Us. $29.99.

n Explore lands and

n Guide toy cars inside of Neat-Oh! Zipes Speed Pipes instead of on top of traditional racetracks. The loop pieces can be built in several different ways, and the light-up cars shoot through the pipes and pipe connectors.

Ages 5 and older. At Brilliant Sky Books & Toys and Kazoo Toys. $19.99-$99.99.

expand your kingdom with Blue Orange Games Kingdomino by connecting dominoes, and making sure each one matches at least one side. Ages 8 and older.

At store.blueorangegames. com. $19.99.

n Cornhole has become a sensation at tailgates and backyard barbecues. This miniature version of the large game called Coinhole can be played on any table top or flat surface using use the boards and coins. Ages 8 and older. At most major retailers. $15-$30.

n Plug the Atari Plug & Play Game into your TV and play more than 10 classic games using the joystick on top. Games include Adventure, Breakout, Missile Command and Asteroids among others. Ages 8 and older.

At most major retailers. $19.99.

n Our 11-year-old tester enjoyed coloring with n Pillow Pets are a favorite, and now they come in scented varieties. The Pillow Pets Sweet Scented Pets Cookie Pup is the one we picked, but also try the Milkshake Cow, Cotton Candy Unicorn or Popcorn Panda. Ages 3 and older. At mypillowpets.com. $19.99.

dry erase markers to complete codes while playing with the Thinkfun CODE: Rover Control.

Get ready for a brain workout; there are over 40 challenges, with the game becoming more difficult as it progresses.

Our tester was busy for more than an hour and made it through three levels. Ages 8 and older.

At Target for $14.99.

n Decorate the Seedling Design Out Loud! Cardboard Speakers with markers, paint and more to make them your own. After decorating, plug into a microphone jack and hear your favorite playlist. Ages 8 and older. At seedling. com. $24.99.

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November 2017 Atlanta Parent 25

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MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Here is a personal look at the educational leaders who set the tone at their schools to ensure superb curriculum, effective teaching and student success.

Learn more about the philosophy that some of Atlanta’s top schools are built on, and how their leaders implement these ideas.

Atlanta Parent recognizes these administrative leaders’ dedication to students, teachers and parents.

Joy Wood, Head of School GRACEPOINT

Joy Wood joined GRACEPOINT in 2015, bringing with her over 35 years of experience as an educator. Prior to coming to GRACEPOINT, Mrs. Wood served as the Director of Curriculum at Christ the King Catholic School and Elementary Principal at Wesleyan School where she managed and mentored a staff of 60 educators. Since 1995, Mrs. Wood has represented the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools as an Accreditation Team Member for many different schools in the southeastern states.

During the summer of 2016, Mrs. Wood oversaw the relocation of GRACEPOINT to the campus of Piedmont Church in Marietta. The move was a result of steady growth since the start of the school in 2012. The mission of GRACEPOINT is to equip dyslexic students with the skills needed to develop into independent and confident learners, through sequential,

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systematic and multisensory instruction.

GRACEPOINT serves students in grades 1-8 and all academic teachers are trained in the Orton-Gillingham teaching method. The goal for each student is to instill a lifelong desire for growing in wisdom and gaining knowledge of the Lord so that each may fulfill God’s purposes and bring glory to Him.

Marietta gracepointschool.org 678-709-6634

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MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Jay Underwood, Head of School High Meadows School

Jay Underwood has been the Head of High Meadows School since July 2010. He moved to the Atlanta area from Santa Fe, NM, where he was the Head of the Rio Grande School for five years. Jay has over 20 years’ experience in education across the grade levels, holding positions as diverse as public middle school vice principal and adult English language instructor in Ecuador. He has a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Rutgers University and a bachelor of arts degree in English from Guilford College.

Founded in 1973 in Roswell, GA, High Meadows School enrolls 385 students in Pre-K through 8th grade in an inquiry-driven, experiential learning environment. The school’s 40 acre

campus of meadows and forest serve as daily learning space for multi-age, co-taught classes where children are encouraged to think critically, learn creatively, act globally, and live compassionately.

Roswell highmeadows.org 770-993-2940

Paul Barton, Head of School Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Paul A. Barton began work as the 10th head of school at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in 2014. Prior to his move to Atlanta, Mr. Barton led the Avery Coonley School near Chicago for seven years.

During his career, Mr. Barton’s roles in pre-K through 12th grade have included being a teacher, coach, residential dean, admissions associate and senior administrator.

He has participated in two of the most respected professional development programs for educational leadership, the Klingenstein Visiting Heads Fellowship at Teachers College, Columbia University, and the Kellogg Executive Scholars Program at Northwestern University.

Mr. Barton holds a master’s degree in education, administration and supervision from DePaul University, a master of arts in liberal education from

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St. John’s College and a bachelor of arts in history from Loras College.

Mr. Barton is an inspirational and engaging educational leader during a time when HIES is growing academically and the campus is expanding.

Mr. Barton and his wife, Leanne, have three children: Sam, Abby and Charlie.

To learn more, call 404-847-1159 or visit hies.org.

Atlanta hies.org 404-847-1159

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 27

MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dr. Doug Abels, Head of School Killian Hill Christian School

Killian Hill Christian School welcomed Dr. Doug Abels this year as the new Minister of Education and Head of School.

Dr. Abels follows the ministry of Mr. Paul Williams, who served Killian Hill for over 26 years and leaves a legacy of academic excellence. Killian Hill Christian School has served its community for over 43 years and is recognized for producing top graduates who are succeeding in endeavors around the world.

Dr. Abels will continue that legacy at Killian Hill Christian School. His educational credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education, a Master of Education in Secondary Education, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. He spent the last 15 years leading Harvest Christian Academy in Guam, seeing both his teachers and students thrive under his leadership.

His experience in a highly-competitive international environment uniquely prepares Dr. Abels to lead Killian Hill Christian School into the future. As a leading K-12 school, Killian Hill is recognized both for its rich diversity and for its mission to train scholars, make disciples, and graduate leaders. Small class sizes, community and international diversity, advanced college preparatory courses equip their students with an unmatched combination of spiritual and academic training. Killian Hill has a strong community of parents, faculty, and staff members dedicated in preparing their students to be future Christian leaders. Visit khcs.org to learn more.

Lilburn khcs.org 770-921-3224

Jim Callis, Head of School Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Relocating from Nashville, Jim Callis joined Mt. Bethel Christian Academy in 2011 and has since grown the Academy from a K-8 program with 490 students to a Jr. K-12th grade program with 620 students. With the acquisition of a 2nd campus to house the upper school program, the Academy is poised to grow even more as the only Jr.K-12th grade Christ-centered, independent school in East Cobb County.

College-preparatory in its approach, Mt. Bethel’s curriculum challenges students with rigorous studies including a dual track STEM program, honors and AP opportunities.

A one-to-one laptop program in 5th -12th grade allows students to access their textbooks and reference material online. With two campuses in East Cobb County, the combined facilities include spacious classrooms, video production studios, performing and

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visual arts, fully equipped fitness center, two indoor gymnasiums, a 6-lane, 25-yard year-round swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, athletic fields, and recreational lakes.

Beyond the classroom, a championship athletic program includes volleyball, soccer, basketball, swimming, cross-country, baseball, golf, tennis, lacrosse, clay targets, archery, cheerleading, and an equestrian team.

Bus service is available.

East Cobb mtbethelchristian.org 770-971-0245

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MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dr. J. Brett Jacobsen, Head of School Mount Vernon Presbyterian School Named Most Admired CEO by Atlanta Business Chronicle, Head of School Dr. Brett Jacobsen is a leader among independent schools, nationwide. Since 2010, he has advocated for a different framework for school, blurring the lines between the classroom and real-life. In 2012 he launched the Mount Vernon Institute for Innovation (MVIFI), a Research & Design hub providing leadership in school redesign.

As a school, Mount Vernon inspires innovation in Preschool through grade 12. Leading the national conversation around K-12 integration of design thinking, our students collaborate through research, experiment with results and ultimately produce prototypes to impact the world.

Impacting the local community, MVPS students perform more than 10,000 hours of community service.

Interim Term is a week-long opportunity for students in grades 9-12 to travel the world, participate in passion projects, or engage in internships. Rounding out the school experience, 90% of students participate in one or more of the School’s 54 sports teams.

As a community, our families are engaged and infinitely committed. We depend on one another. Distinction is drawn by celebrating strengths and welcoming challenges in which each individual plays an important role in our overall story.

Sandy Springs mountvernonschool.org 404-252-3448

JaNice Van Ness, Founder Peachtree Academy

Under the direction and leadership of JaNice Van Ness, Peachtree Academy has grown to four locations and 750 students.

Founded in 1999, Peachtree Academy provides accelerated students a collegepreparatory education. The school offers a Christ-centered environment with a challenging and innovative curriculum.

Investing in technology and teachers are top priorities. They offer a unique model convenient for parents with locations throughout Covington and Conyers.

Peachtree Academy offers grades Pre-K–12 and Peachtree Prep serves Infants–Pre-K. Van Ness’ dedication to education began as a Kids R Kids Franchisee owner in Peachtree City in 1990. She is a graduate of Auburn University and a staunch advocate for education and her community. Van Ness, served as a Rockdale County Commissioner for eight years and then as a State Senator, where she helped to improve education in the

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State of Georgia for all children, among other key issues.

A low student-teacher ratio at Peachtree Academy, allows students an environment for more individualized instruction and innovative learning.

Students are able to build relationships with teachers who are champions for their success. They encourage them to be lifelong learners with a heart for serving others. In keeping with a well-rounded education, the afterschool programs include enrichment, tutoring, and an array of extracurricular clubs and sports to increase student growth.

Visit PeachtreeAcademy.com to learn more about their programs and campuses.

PEACHTREE ACADEMY Conyers Campus | Covington Campus PeachtreeAcademy.com 770-860-8900

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MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dr. Luis A. Ottley, Head of School St. Martin’s Episcopal School St. Martin’s Episcopal School welcomed Dr. Luis A. Ottley as its new Head of School for the 2017-18 school year. He brings more than 26 years of independent school experience to St. Martin’s and most recently served as the Head of School for Marin Horizon School in Mill Valley, Ca. A lifelong Episcopalian and native of the Republic of Panama, Ottley’s commitment to innovation, creativity, multiculturalism and social justice aligns with St. Martin’s vision for the future.

Serving more than 600 students from 2-years old through 8th grade, St. Martin’s offers a spiritual community combined with a challenging academic curriculum and excellent extracurricular programs in athletics, fine and performing arts, journalism, community service and more. The Brookhaven-based school

provides a unique sense of place for learning, leadership and faithbased character development to fully-prepare students for success when entering Atlanta’s top-ranked high schools.

Established in 1959, St. Martin’s is dedicated to providing a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere, which fosters lifelong learning.

Brookhaven stmartinschool.org 404-228-0709

Marcia Prewitt Spiller, Vice President for Academic Affairs Woodward Academy

Marcia Prewitt Spiller is at the helm of all academic affairs at Woodward Academy, and her accomplishments are striking and national in scope.

She served for 12 years as a board member for the Southern Association of Independent Schools, and for three years as chair of the board for the National Association of Independent Schools.

But Spiller’s contributions to Woodward run much deeper than such credentials. With uncompromising vision, she has transformed world language curricula and international programming, making Woodward a national model in global education. Expanding opportunities for on-the-ground, immersive culture and language experiences at Woodward, Spiller’s International and Global Connections Program exemplifies its founder’s holistic approach to education and

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her emphasis on preparing students to solve real-world problems as compassionate citizens. In 2017 the Foreign Language Association of Georgia recognized her for these efforts, but Spiller also operates from this ethos in her own life, serving on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs and Hands on Atlanta, and assisting with accreditation efforts at schools around the world. At Woodward, she is beloved for her unwavering support of faculty and staff, and her unhesitating commitment to push Woodward’s academics into the future.

College Park Campus Johns Creek Campus Pre-K–12 Pre-K–6 404-765-4490 404-765-4000 Woodward.edu

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Make Writing Fun

1O Prompts for Practice

by Sara Marchessault

K

ids need to practice writing the same way they practice math.

But unlike math, which comes with a set of problems, solutions, and the ease of a right or wrong answer, writing is much more subjective. Aside from the conventions of spelling, punctuation and grammar, the rules to determine whether a piece of writing is effective depend both on the skill of the writer, and the interpretation of the reader.

Maybe it’s knowing that someone else might read their words that can make writing difficult for kids. We can help them to face their inner critic through regular practice, the same way they learn to regroup for subtraction. Incorporate writing time regularly into your routine and watch the writing ability if your kids grow.

Engaging and fun prompts are a great place to start.

What animal do you love most?

If you were going to personify that animal, what would it be like? Would you create a boy or a girl? Would he or she wear clothes or not? What kind of adventure would he or she have?

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a school where your child learns

HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

• By Individual Instruction • A Love of Learning An • To Think Outside the Box Authentic AMI Accredited • Independence Montessori • Respect for Others School • A Solid Foundation • 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 atlantaparent.com

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 31

Make Writing Fun Family stories. Choose a family story you’ve heard and capture it on paper.

This could be a story from your parents childhood, or even your grandparents.

INFORMATION SESSIONS & TOURS December 1 • 9 am - 11 am January 12 • 9 am - 11 am January 24 • 7 pm - 8:30 pm Register online at www.ArborMontessori.org Serving Students 18 months to 14 years at two Decatur campuses admissions@arbormontessori.org

Your hometown. How would you describe your hometown to a person coming to visit?

Describe a person. Choose a person you know well and write a paragraph about them. What kind of shoes do they often wear? How do they spend their time? What do you like about this person ... or not like?

Keep a list of what-ifs. Using an index card or notebook, or even a voice recorder, keep track of any what-ifs that pop into your head for one day. What if there were worms in my spaghetti at lunch time?

What if there really is a monster under my bed? What if I lost my voice forever? These are great scenarios for creating a piece of fiction. Practice becoming a better writer by basing a story on one of your what-ifs.

Who’s your favorite character?

Write a prequel or sequel to their story.

Follow your nose. Go into the bathroom or kitchen, choose something scented, close your eyes, breathe deep, and describe what you smell. What does it remind you of?

Get to know a new person. Who do you know that you would like to get to know better? A distant relative? A teacher?

Write a letter sharing a few details about you and inviting him or her to do the same.

What do you hear? Close your eyes and focus on your sense of hearing. Use your pen (or keyboard) to write about the sounds you hear. Where do they come from?

What do they mean?

Movie time. If your life was being made into a movie, what would you want to see on the screen?

For the purpose of practice you can add structure to any of these prompts. n Set a timer to clearly establish a boundary for writing time. n Schedule a writing session where you sit down with your own journals or notebooks and write side-by-side. n Pair writing with a bowl of pretzels or berries, or a piece of special chocolate.

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November 2017    Atlanta Parent 33

STEM for Preschoolers

Activities to Try at Home

by Sarah Lyons

D

o your children have an interest in figuring out how things work? Do they enjoy experimenting with their surroundings?

You may have a budding engineer, astronaut, mathematician or scientist on your hands. Even kids who are not naturally drawn to all things math and science enjoy exploring their environment and figuring out how they work. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education creates critical thinkers and increases science literacy. The jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math, science and technology and it is never too early to start developing your child’s interest in these areas. There are plenty of things you can do at home to kick-start your preschooler’s love of science.

34 Atlanta Parent November 2017

n STEM in the kitchen Your school teachers were right, you do use math and science in everyday life. You may already love cooking with your kids but consider incorporating science and math lessons at the same time. While baking cookies have your children help measure the ingredients, count the scoops of flour, talk about what happens if you do not use the correct measurements, and discuss the purpose of baking powder and baking soda. (It leavens the batter to rise while baking.) Make the experience fun and educational at the same time. Your child may not even notice they are learning about math and science while baking and sampling tasty treats.

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n DIY science lab Create your own science lab mixing station at home. All you need is several plastic or glass containers (see through are best) of any shape and size. Fill containers with dry ingredients such as baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar and cornstarch.

Fill additional containers with wet ingredients such as water, white vinegar, lemon juice and ice. It may be wise to lay towels underneath your mixing station or set the ingredients up outside so you can have fun without worrying about the difficulty of cleanup. Once your science lab is set up, it’s time to get creative. Let your kids experiment with what happens when different ingredients are mixed.

This activity is great for preschoolers but can also be adopted to older children by providing them with a journal to record the results of each combination of ingredients when they are mixed.

n Use what you have Set up a sensory bin using dried beans, water beads, or rice as a filler then hide items inside. Ask your child to find the red dinosaur, count the green items, or close their eyes and guess what items they feel.

Encourage your little engineer or architect to build a tower using toothpicks and marshmallows or fill a tray with shaving cream and blocks and ask if they think the shaving cream will help their blocks stick together. Sharpen their math skills with colored cereal like Fruit Loops. Ask your child to sort the pieces by color and count them. Then have them string the cereal on yarn to make a necklace. Make it fun and see what potential STEM activities you have laying around the house.

Call for a tour or join us for an Open House on Saturday, January 27, 1:00-3:00pm 770-664-7764 • www.mcginniswoods.org

Porter Academy www.porteracademy.org

APS is caring

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?

• 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

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.

Preschoolers love to explore with their hands and all of their senses which makes the possibilities endless. Plant a garden, fill water glasses with food coloring and mix to learn about colors, count and sort items throughout the day, talk about and chart the weather, or play with magnets and a cookie sheet. STEM is all around us just waiting to be explored. atlantaparent.com

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just kids

A focus on Special Needs

by Amanda Miller Allen

On Horseback Riding Programs Help Kids with Special Needs Reach New Goals

Special Equestrians of Georgia

“There’s a magic that goes on between a horse and a child with special needs. If I could figure out what makes a horse so effective, I would bottle it and be a multi-millionaire.”

Stacey Edwards, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Special Equestrians of Georgia

36 Atlanta Parent November 2017

T

herapeutic horseback riding can have an amazing effect on children with special needs.

“There’s a magic that goes on between a horse and a child with special needs,” says Stacey Edwards, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Special Equestrians of Georgia.

“If I could figure out what makes a horse so effective, I would bottle it and be a multimillionaire.”

Part of the secret, she says, is that “everybody is the same on horseback.” Even people who have problems with mobility or use wheelchairs can gain some control over their bodies while on a horse, because it mimics the movement of a human walking.

Becca Smith of Locust Grove has seen so many benefits for her 10-year-old daughter Maddie, who is in her third year of riding with the Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program.

“When she started riding, she slumped and had limited trunk control and could only ride for about 20 minutes. Someone had to walk beside her and guide the horse,” Smith says.

“Now she sits up straight, steers the horse herself – she’s in control and rides for an hour. Her confidence has improved by leaps and bounds,” she says. “She knows riding is something she’s good at, that she can excel in. She doesn’t realize she’s doing therapy, but we do.”

As Maddie’s riding and stamina has improved, her family has seen positive changes in other areas – in school work, in better focus and communication skills with people and in more independence.

Maddie, who was born with 1P36 Deletion Syndrome and has cognitive and physical developmental delays, competes in the Georgia Special Olympics State Horse Show annually. She recently told her mom she wants to work with horses when she grows up.

Instructors and volunteers who teach therapeutic riding see hundreds of success stories like Maddie’s every year for kids who have very mild to very serious developmental, social, emotional or physical challenges.

For children with sensory issues or those on the autism spectrum, for instance, “there’s the massage factor, and the physical warmth of a horse, how it moves, feels and smells, how it responds,” says Dr. Marilyn Peterson, who founded the nonprofit Parkwood Farms Therapy Center in Snellville 16 years ago atlantaparent.com

Horseback Therapy Horseback riding offers many physical and mental health benefits for all riders, but two types of riding are especially helpful for special needs kids and adults.

Hippotherapy n A physical, occupational or speech and language therapy treatment usually prescribed by a physician. n Helps kids improve balance and motor skills and their neurological and sensory processing systems. n May be covered by insurance.

Therapeutic Riding n Might follow a similar protocol as hippotherapy but is more for recreation and relaxation. n Might not be eligible for insurance reimbursement.

More Information The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) is a great resource for therapeutic horseback riding information and listings. pathintl.org.

Maddie Smith with her horse, Glory and a volunteer at the Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program.

after an adopted son was diagnosed with autism. A horse becomes a dynamic service that holds a child’s attention and helps them to learn, she says.

“We’ve had kids who didn’t talk at all when they came to us,” she says. “They get on a horse and start communicating with him and it bleeds over into the rest of their lives.”

Riding tones muscles and improves posture and coordination. Horseback therapy also helps kids with special needs develop independence and self esteem, as they earn the respect of an independentminded four-legged friend and compete in horse shows, individually and as teams.

Fees can start as low as $35-$40 per half-hour or hour session and some riding programs have scholarships for families to defray expenses. Most programs have trained volunteers and a mix of paid and unpaid staff, some or all with certification through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, to work with the riders.

About 30 children and adults atlantaparent.com

participate in the therapeutic riding program at River Run Equestrian in Sandy Springs. “Our students have all sorts of challenges – autism, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, some are cancer survivors and one student is blind,” says Leslie Olsen, director of the therapeutic program. Two students are on scholarship to defray expenses through River Run’s Riding Star Equestrian Foundation.

Olsen has many happy stories from her 12 years of working with therapeutic riding, the most recent one a 4-year-old boy with cerebral palsy.

“He’s been riding for about three months,” she says. “His mom and his therapist have seen amazing improvement in his balance and strength.

He can catch himself now if he starts to fall over when he’s sitting, and he’s walking so much better.”

Blame it on the horse, and on the talented instructors who take advantage of the bond that forms between kids and their four-legged companion.

Therapeutic Horseback Riding Programs n Angels on Horseback, Jasper.

770-608-0297; angelsonhorseback.org n Chastain Horse Park, Atlanta. 404-2524244; chastainhorsepark.org n McKenna Farms Therapy Services, Dallas.

770-443-9672; mckennafarmstherapy.org n Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program, Hampton. 770-946-4276; calvincenter.org n Special Equestrians of Georgia, Alpharetta.

404-218-4008; specialequestriansofgeorgia.org n Horse Time, Covington. 770-927-8463; horsetime.org n Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Snellville. 678-344-6821; parkwoodfarms.org n Reece Center for Handicapped Horsemanship, Palmetto. 678-423-1734; reececenter.org n River Run Equestrian, Sandy Springs.

678-992-5315; riverrunride.com

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 37

just kids f.y.i SensoryFriendly Santa

New Movie About Accepting Others Based on the New York Times Best-Seller, “Wonder” follows the story of a boy who has a facial deformity, and is attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.

He faces the challenge of peer acceptance, a reality for many kids who look or act differently than their classmates. The movie premieres Nov. 17 nationwide, and reminds us all to look beyond differences in looks or ability.

Caring Santa is a private event designed for children and adults with special needs and their families to have an opportunity to take photos with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment.

The event occurs during special mall hours.

Toy Guide for Kids Differently-Abled

n Mall of Georgia. Dec. 3, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 770-271-9458.

n Sugarloaf Mills. Nov. 19, 8-10 a.m.; Dec. 3, 8-10 a.m. 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. 678-847-5000.

n Lenox Square Mall. Nov. 12, 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Dec. 10, 8-10 p.m.

3393 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta.

404-233-7575.

n Town Center at Cobb. Nov. 19, 10:30 a.m.- noon; Dec. 3, 9:30-11 a.m.

400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw.

770-424-0742.

Toys R Us has teamed with the National Lekotek Center to again produce its annual Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. Toys in the guide aren’t categorized by disability or age, but by different skills such as auditory, language, social or creativity.

The guide helps parents, grandparents and friends of the family choose toys that are fun to play with but also help reinforce skills.

View the guide at toysrus.com, where you’ll also find the Lekotek Center’s tips for buying toys and tips for safe play for special needs kids. For instance, it’s important to check whether a toy has an adjustable height, sound volume, speed and level of difficulty, among other considerations.

Children’s

OT • PT • ST Developmental Assessments

SPECIAL SERVICES, LLC.

I’M EXCEPTIONAL ...

A Comprehensive Therapy Service for Children from Toddler to Teens

“At Cumberland, I’ll study college prep academics or prepare for a vocational career, try a sport or a club for the first time-ever.

I’ll learn I’m not so different after all.”

Our experienced team of therapists offers services for your child in our clinic, school or home setting, depending on what your family’s needs may be.

An exceptional school for exceptional students

650-A Mt. Vernon Hwy NE Atlanta 30328

5871 Glenridge Drive • Suite 110 Atlanta 30328 • 770-415-9165 milestone-makers.com 38 Atlanta Parent November 2017

CumberlandAcademy.org 404-835-9000

Evaluations Addressing:

Sensory Motor ● Visual Motor Coordination ● Visual Processing Handwriting ● Autism Organizational Skills ADD ● ADHD ● PDD ● OCD Behavior Disorders Sensory Integration (and more) 770-394-9791

Susan Orloff OTR/L, FAOTA CEO/EXEC Director

www.childrens-services.com atlantaparent.com

Spotlight on Special Needs Resources The Atlanta Public Schools

Milestone Makers Pediatric Therapies

he Atlanta Public Schools Department of Special Education offers comprehensive special education services children from birth through age 21 years through Child Find. Child Find is a component of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires all states to identify, locate, evaluate and refer all children with disabilities. Children from birth to age three with disabilities will be referred to the appropriate agencies for services.

All referrals are considered confidential, and services are provided at no cost to the family.

Atlanta Public Schools Child Find services can open a window of hope for a brighter future for infants and toddlers who are at risk of developmental delay. A free, appropriate, public education with a full continuum of services is available to all eligible children. If you know a child who may have a problem with learning, speech, vision, hearing, or who has physical, cognitive or health impairments, please encourage his or her parents and/or guardians to contact the Department of Special Education at 404-802-1690 or 404-802-2665 for more information.

ccupational therapist couple, Brett & Nell DeVore, recently launched a new early intervention facility for children with developmental needs.

Milestone Makers provides a team-based approach to maximize each child’s potential through speech, physical and occupational therapy services.

The new location will add to their pediatric outpatient therapy practice in Alpharetta, Kiddos’ Clubhouse, for ages infant- 18 years. Milestone Makers offers intervention therapy services to children through age 6. The DeVores have been pediatric occupational therapists in Georgia for the last 20 years.

Services offered will include occupational, physical and speech therapy at the clinic, in local preschool facilities, or in a family’s home. The team of clinicians has significant experience with children ages infant-3 years, as well as previous experience in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting, feeding disorder protocols, school and homebased services. The facility will also serve as a team-based developmental follow-up clinic for NICU graduates, children with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and medically-fragile infants. For more information, visit milestone-makers.com or contact the team at 770-415-9165.

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Porter Academy

“W

e are so pleased with the progress he has made so far this year. He is beaming when he reads aloud and his confidence is soaring. He is no longer too timid to take chances and try something new. We couldn’t be happier!” - Porter Academy Parent When parents first come tour Porter Academy, many of them feel heavy with frustration, anxiety, and sadness because they have fought hard for their children, but with little success to show for their efforts. These same families, within a few months of enrollment, are able to relax and feel hopeful, knowing that their children are finally happy and learning.

The school’s founder, Claudia Porter, didn’t teach a curriculum, she taught a child. She knew each child’s passions, strengths, and stumbling blocks. She knew that their past struggles had made them feel less...less capable, less important... and that these feelings had led many of them to resist trying.

They had learned to slip through the cracks or to distract from the real problems by acting out behaviorally. Mrs. Porter knew that the first step to getting children to learn was to rebuild their self confidence and self respect. The school has grown, but the child-centered care and teaching persists, enabling each child to find joy and success in learning.

For more information, visit www.porteracademy.org or call 770-594-1313.

atlantaparent.com

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FOCUS + Fragile Kids

F

OCUS was founded in 1983 when two children who were medically fragile shared a hospital room. Started as a ‘living room support system,’ FOCUS grew through the years to reach over 4,000 families with 11 weeks of summer day camp; monthly respite care; support groups, hospital visits, and family camps and activities. Fragile Kids Foundation was founded by a group of professionals to help parents get the medically-prescribed equipment that insurance and Medicaid did not cover. After officially merging in 2017, FOCUS + Fragile Kids now offers parent support and information, fun programs for children and families, and equipment that makes life a little easier.

FOCUS + Fragile Kids offer a conference each January to help parents learn, navigate, and network. Family activities are also very popular – a great way to meet families in similar circumstances and to have fun!.

Find out more about FOCUS + Fragile Kids at www.focusga.org. Comfort. Hope. Fun. Equip for Every Day Life.

Special Advertising Section

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 39

Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

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Free Fun

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Exhibits

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Playground

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Not-to-miss events for November

Calendar

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Sesame Street Live!

Infinite Energy Center Nov. 10-12. Fri. 6:30 p.m. Sat. 10:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sun. 2:30 p.m.

Downtown Atlanta Nov. 11. 11:11 a.m.

Honor those who have served our country, with this year’s theme to remember those who served in WWI. Begins on Peachtree Street south of Ralph McGill and Ivan Allen Boulevards. 678-232-1120. Free. georgiaveteransday.org

Disney’s Broadway Hits Atlanta Symphony Hall Nov. 25 and 26.

Sat. 8 p.m.

Sun. 3 p.m.

The Atlanta Symphony and Broadway singers perform songs from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Tarzan,” “The Lion King” and more. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $20-$89. atlantasymphony.org

Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby and Oscar take turns visiting you from the windows of the famous 123 Sesame Street brownstone and Hooper’s Store. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth.

770-626-2464. $20-$50. infiniteenergycenter.com

atlantaparent.com

3

Atlanta Veterans Day Parade

Sesame Street Live!

Family Fun Guide

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 41

Family Fun Guide FOURWAYSTOGETOUTDOORS

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Go Hiking Atlanta is surrounded with places to go hiking, some easier, and some more challenging. Sweetwater Creek State Park: This park offers a wooded trail along a stream leading to ruins of the Manchester Textile Mill. Panola Mountain State Park: Hikers can explore this National Natural Landmark, or make reservations to join park rangers for guided hikes. Big Trees Forest Preserve: This urban forest has three hiking routes, including a one-mile loop trail beneath white oak trees. gastateparks.org and bigtreesforest.com. Parking is $5 at state parks; free at Big Trees Forest Preserve.

Hunt for Tiny and Secret Doors Go on a family scavenger hunt for the tiny and hidden doors of Atlanta. They are hand-crafted and painted to go along with their locations; some even include tiny figurines and pets. Tiny Doors of Atlanta (tinydoorsatl. com), locations include: Krog Street Tunnel, Old Fourth Ward Skate Park, King of Pops and more. The Secret Doors of Decatur (secretdoorsdecatur.com), locations include: Decatur Square, Decatur Visitors Center and more.

42 Atlanta Parent November 2017

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Learn about Nature Enjoy nature viewing from elevated walkways and stroller-friendly walking trails at Fernbank WildWoods (fernbankmuseum.org), as well as the playgrounds and underground passageways. At Dunwoody Nature Center (dunwoodynature.org), observe bees flying in and out of their man-made hives, visit the teepee or play on the large playground. Spot fish, reptiles and birds at Chattahoochee Nature Center (chattnaturecenter.org) or visit the Nature Exchange to discover natural objects such as fossils, antlers or rocks. Dunwoody Nature Center is free; the others require admission.

Visit Atlanta BeltLine’s Westside Trail The three-mile extension just opened, and it has many of the amenities of the popular Eastside Trail minus the large crowds. Check out these parks along the way: Rose Circle Park is a small, newly renovated park with fun climbing equipment for toddlers and older kids. Gordon-White Park has a large green space for kids to run around, and Washington Park has playground equipment and a tennis center. beltline.org.

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

FREE FUN

Visit a Museum for Free Families can take advantage of these special offers to make a museum visit that much more enjoyable. Some museums are even free year-round.

Free Days Atlanta History Center (atlantahistorycenter. com), Tellus Science Museum (tellusmuseum. org), Center for Civil and Human Rights (civilandhumanrights.org) and High Museum of Art (high.org) offer one free admission on the first weekend of each month for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders.

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Free admission the second Tuesday of each month. Sign up online for 1-3:15 p.m. or 3:456 p.m. Registration opens Nov. 13 for Nov. 14. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Center for Civil and Human Rights

Museums (always free):

High Museum of Art: Free admission the second Sunday of each month. Special programs from 1-4 p.m. high.org Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA): Family Free Day the second Sunday of each month. museumofdesign.org

atlantaparent.com

There are several museums in metro Atlanta that don’t charge admission.

Here are a few: The Georgia Capitol Museum (libs.uga.edu/capitolmuseum), where kids can learn about Georgia government; The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site (nps.gov/malu), which includes his boyhood home; The Marietta Fire Museum (marietta.com/marietta-fire-museum) and the Roswell Fire Museum (roswellgov.com), where fire fighting history and antique fire trucks are just part of the artifacts that fascinate kids. Also try Anne Frank in the World Exhibit (holocaust.georgia.gov/anne-frank-world) in Sandy Springs and Atlanta Contemporary (atlantacontemporary.org).

Family Fun Guide

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 43

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Pregnant & looking for ways to relax?

We have the answer!

60, 75 or 90 minute massage sessions!

All Aboard for Train-Loving Fun

ttention all train enthusiasts: The Southeastern Railway Museum is one of metro Atlanta’s hidden gems, tucked away just inside the Duluth city limits.

The Museum houses train cars including passenger cars, dining cars, rail post office cars, sleeper lounge cars and a little red caboose, to boot (pun intended). There is also a curious collection of finds, for instance, a U.S. Army Self-Propelled crane.

The best part of the visit for kids is the opportunity to ride not one but two trains around the property.

The museum offers rides on both a Grand Scale Park train donated by the Birmingham Zoo and operated solely by volunteers and a passenger car.

To make a visit a surefire success, factor in the times the train rides are offered. Early morning visits are best to ensure rides during peak dates.

The most exciting part of the adventure for adults is the rich history.

The museum houses a Pullman railroad car called the “Superb.” It is the most notable car in the exhibit because it was the personal train car of President Warren Harding.

The Pullman car transported President Harding during a cross-country tour in 1923. After his untimely death, the car returned his body from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. The Superb was also briefly used by President Woodrow Wilson.

The museum offers an extensive calendar of events throughout the year – a tractor exhibit and classic cars exhibit drew more than 1,000 guests this year.

Make sure to put this adventure on a Bucket List for your “Really Useful Engine” (Thomas the Train) fans.

– Stacy L. Sanders

The Details Southeastern Railway Museum 3595 Buford Highway, Duluth 770-476-2013; train-museum.org n Admission: Adult $10, ages 2-12, $7. Train rides, $5 for both trains or $3 for one train. n Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat. through December (trains operate Thurs.-Sat.); hours vary seasonally.

Upcoming Events

MASSAGE SPECIALTIES • Pregnancy • Postpartum • Fertility • Neuromuscular Two locations: Atlanta & Roswell

678-462-2173

www.pregnancymassage.com

n Nov. 4-5: Model Railroad Days. n Nov. 18: Santa arrives by train and delights the kids from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. n Nov. 25-Dec. 16: Polar Express Experience, 1-6 p.m. on Saturdays (tickets, $28.) n Dec. 2, Dec. 9: Breakfast or lunch with Santa (tickets, $18).

first prenatal massage when $10 OFF your you mention Atlanta Parent

44 Atlanta Parent November 2017

Family Fun Guide

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Gladiators Come to Life in Fernbank’s Exhibit

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The Details Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum Fernbank Museum of Natural History. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300; fernbankmuseum.org n Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. n Admission: Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free. n Exhibit: Through Jan. 7.

n a visit to Fernbank Museum’s new exhibit, “Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum,” kids will marvel at the cool artifacts and adults will gain a greater appreciation of how difficult it was to design and build the Colosseum.

The first thing we noticed as we entered the exhibit was a painting on stone that is more than 2,000 years old! My daughters and I examined a real gladiator sandal, architectural and statue remains and weapons preserved from the Colosseum.

We learned that the round amphitheater was a distinctly Roman invention. “Seeing a real gladius (sword) and dagger is even cooler than I thought it would be, even though it is rusted,” my 14-year-old daughter Georgia exclaimed.

My kids were familiar with many concepts from learning about the Roman Empire in school and from reading “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” book series by Rick Riordan. The exhibit gave them visuals for things they had read about and lots of information about the artifacts.

Some of the attire on display includes well-preserved artifacts such as helmets, spears, daggers and “greaves” (shin guards). One little boy marveled, “That’s a trident, like Ariel’s dad’s!” as he looked at examples of uniforms and weapons worn by gladiators. Videos bring the training ludus and combat to life in a tasteful but exciting way.

In the last area of the exhibit, kids can dress up in costumes, or play with a puppet stage and puppets, a Colosseum building set and puzzles.

Good to Know: As a mom and preschool teacher, I was initially concerned about depictions of violence in the exhibit considering the history that I know of gladiators. It was good to see that there was no blood and the emphasis of the exhibit was on how complicated and challenging it was to build the Colosseum, and how gladiators were trained and attired.

–Becky Cooper

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

Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?

Atlanta, New York, LA

404-636-1974

www.williamreynoldsagency.com atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 45

Calendar

November S M T W TH F S

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Visit our Calendar at atlantaparent.com for calendar updates and ongoing events and attractions in Atlanta.

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Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline.

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Submit your family-friendly Calendar event at least 8 weeks prior to the event by visiting atlantaparent.com/event/submit.

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Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

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NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL AND POW WOW

classes INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Create different themed crafts each week.

Check inkfun.org for schedule. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900. $1 with museum admission. Mon.-Sat. $8; Sun. $6.

Mommy and Me Preschool Program. The Southern Museum. Fun lessons and handson activities. Recommended for ages 3-5.

Every Thurs. 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.

2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117.

Included with admission. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; 3 and younger, free.

Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to complement the museum’s current exhibits. Recommended for ages 2-4.

Every Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Included with admission. Ages 6 and older, $14.50; 5 and younger, free.

Pop-In for Culture. Marietta Museum of History.

Reminisce and learn about the 50s and 60s with food, games and music. Nov. 14. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 1 Depot St. Ste. 200, Marietta.

770-794-5710. $5; ages 4 and younger free; $20 cap for families.

Mice Tours. Marietta Museum of History. Mascots Murray and Etta mouse introduce history through tours, storytime and crafts for ages 3-5. Reservations required. Second Wed. of each month. 10:30 a.m. 1 Depot St., Marietta.

770-794-5710. $5 per family (one adult and up to three children).

Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and preschool program includes circle time, an activity and craft. Ages 2-4. Second Thurs. of each month.

10:30 a.m.-12:05 p.m. Check-in before 10:20 a.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-495-0253. $10 per child, one adult free, additional adult, $12.

Kroger Chef Junior. Participating Atlanta Krogers. Each class includes activities such as decorating a cupcake or creating a fruit pizza.

Your child will receive a Kroger Chef Junior apron, chef’s hat, cooking utensil, patch and recipe box. Visit eventbrite.com and search for Kroger Chef Junior to see schedule and locations. Select Sat. mornings. $7.

Drop-In Art Classes. Treehouse Kid & Craft.

Enjoy weekly activities including painting, drawing and sculpting. Every Sat. 10 a.m. (ages 2-4) and 11 a.m. (ages 5-10). 533 W. Howard Ave. Ste. A, Decatur. 470-355-8305. $12.

Crafts at Lakeshore Learning. Lakeshore Learning. Make a different craft each week.

Every Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 3 and older.

4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-578-3100.

Free.

46 Atlanta Parent November 2017

Stone Mountain Park NOV. 2-5. THURS. AND FRI. 9 A.M.-3 P.M. SAT. 10 A.M.-6 P.M. SUN. 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Native American dance, music, craft demos, cooking, storytelling and wildlife presentations. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain.

800-401-2407. $15; ages 2 and younger, free; parking, $15. stonemountainpark.com

Saturday Morning Art Classes. Vinings School of Art. Piano, guitar or art classes. Every Sat. Times vary, see viningsschoolofart.com for schedule and to register. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy. Ste.102, Smyrna. 678-213-4278. $10.62-$15 per hour.

Drop-In and Draw. GAS-ART Gifts at North DeKalb Mall. Create a different project each week. Every Sat. and Sun. Between noon-3 p.m. 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy., Decatur. 404-801-4926. $5.

Toddler Time. Georgia Aquarium. Bring your toddler to Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom with views of beluga whales and manta rays. Children will learn about a marine animal, meet a costumed character, make a craft and more. Nov. 13. 10-11:30 a.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000.

Does not include Aquarium admission, $10 per person.

Contemporary Kids. Atlanta Contemporary.

Interactive family program to help introduce kids to contemporary art through media and hands-on activities. Nov. 19.

Noon-2 p.m. 535 Means St., Atlanta. 404688-1970. Free.

exhibits Jungle Room. Alliance Theatre, Joe Bankoff Gallery. This interactive play space for babies (newborn-36 mo.) and their caregivers will feature a kaleidoscope of color inspired by Ashley Bryan’s awardwinning book, “Beautiful Blackbird.”

Through Nov. 12. Daily 10 am.-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4650. Free.

Family Fun Guide

Merry Go Zoo. High Museum of Art Piazza. Interact with second installation by Spanish designer Jaime Hayon on the Carroll Slater Sifly Piazza. Spin on a base or rotate the four large-scale, vibrantly colored, kinetic sculptures. Through Nov. 26. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free.

Naturally Artistic. Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Create nature-inspired art while you visit four art stations. These include photos, music, drawing and color matching. Grab a map at the Nature Exchange. Through Nov. 30. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell.

770-992-2055. Included with admission. $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.

Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Discover the story behind one of Rome’s most brutal and celebrated traditions, gladiators. Explore the world these men inhabited, from training, discipline and constant peril to fame and wealth. Through Jan. 7. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300.

Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Sid the Science Kid: The Super Duper Exhibit.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta. The PBS Kids show comes to life. Explore Sid’s room, set the table for breakfast, play with simple machines and explore science and the senses. Through Jan 15. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Wed. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta.

404-659-5437. $15.95; younger than 1, free.

Painter and Poet: The Wonderful World of Ashley Bryan. High Museum of Art. See the 50-year career of children’s book author and illustrator Ashley Bryan displayed with styles that reflect a wide variety of influences, from African folktales to jazz and poetry. Through Jan. 21. Tues.-Thurs. and Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400.

Ages 6 and older, $14.50; ages 5 and younger, free.

atlantaparent.com

Calendar

MODEL RAILROAD DAYS

The Robot Zoo. Tellus Science Museum. Robotic animals and hands-on activities illustrate fascinating real-life characteristics, such as how a chameleon changes colors and a fly walks on the ceiling. Through May 6. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700.

Adults, $15.95; ages 3-17, $11.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

The World at Your Fingertips. Tellus Science Museum. This exhibit traces the evolution of everyday technologies such as telephones, cameras, televisions, radios, music players, clocks and other tools. Through June 10. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770606-5700. Adults, $15.95; ages 3-17, $11.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Southeastern Railway Museum NOV. 4 AND 5. 10 A.M.-4 P.M.

movies Planetarium Shows. Fernbank Science Center.

Various shows per month about the solar system in the newly-renovated planetarium. See fernbank.edu/planetarium for full schedule. 156 Heaton Park Dr., Atlanta. 678-874-7102. Adults, $7; ages 3-18, $5; 2 and younger, free.

Tiny Giants 2D. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Discover the astonishing lives of the smallest of animals during an adventure of giant proportions. Through Feb. 8. See fernbankmuseum.org for showtimes. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Giant Screen Theater: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; ages 2 and younger, free.

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The museum is a stop on the annual tour of model railroads. Layouts featuring a variety of model trains will be on display throughout the museum, plus take a ride on historic standard-gauge and miniature trains. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-4762013. Adults, $10; ages 2-12, $7; ages 1 and younger, free. train-museum.org Incredible Predators. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Scenic and aerial views of nature show how the relationship between predator and prey is a fundamental building block of ecology. Through Feb. 8. See fernbankmuseum.org for showtimes. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Giant Screen Theater: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; ages 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

The Battery Atlanta Movie Series.

The Battery. Family-friendly movies select Fridays at the Battery. Nov. 3, “Transformers.” 7 p.m. Inflatable batting cage, popcorn, Dippin’ Dots for sale and giveaways. Parking is free the first four hours in The Battery Atlanta’s Red Deck.

800 Battery Ave. #130 Atlanta. 404-4941150. Free.

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 47

Calendar JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS SONGBOOK EVENT

Little Shop of Stories NOV. 18. 11 A.M. Singer-songwriter and storyteller John Driskell Hopkins of The Zac Brown Band will perform the songbook “The Moose & the Golden Spike.” Sales of the book benefit Enduring Hearts – supporting pediatric heart transplant research.

133 E. Court Sq. A, Decatur. 404-3736300. Free. littleshopofstories.com

music Mr. Greg’s Musical Madness. Vista Room.

See Mr. Greg and special guests perform live in an interactive performance. Kids, bring your dancing and jumping shoes.

Nov. 4. 11 a.m. 2836 LaVista Rd., Decatur.

678-596-8514. $15.

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddess. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Music from the famous Nintendo video game performed by an orchestra and choir. Nov. 16. 7:30 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-916-2800. $45-1$25.

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Music for the Very Young: Music of North America. Atlanta Symphony Hall. Explore music from around the world and learn about the differences between melody, harmony, rhythm and more. Ages infant-5 years. Nov. 18 and 19. Sat. 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Sun. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $15; ages 3-5, free.

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Go to www.atlantaparent.com/nominatedentist 48 Atlanta Parent November 2017

Family Fun Guide

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Atlanta Symphony Hall. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will perform music from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” The movie will also play during the performance. Nov. 30-Dec. 2. 8 p.m.

1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $59-$159.

atlantaparent.com

Calendar nature Wildlife Feeding Time. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join a naturalist for an in-depth look at one of the resident animals as the Wildlife Department feeds them. Every Tues. and Sat. 4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Included with admission. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.

First Saturdays. Dunwoody Nature Center. Different nature theme the first Sat. of each month. This month’s theme is mushrooms. Nov. 4. 11 a.m.-noon. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Free.

Intro to Tree Climbing. Panola Mountain State Park. Introductory program to recreational tree climbing. Participants will use rope and harness to climb a large oak tree. Ages 8 and older. Nov. 4 and 5; 18 and 19. 1-4 p.m. 2620 Hwy. 115, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. $15; parking, $5.

Turkey Trek Hike. Panola Mountain State Park. Thanksgiving feast cooked over a campfire and hike before meal. Bring flashlight, jacket and shoes. Nov. 25. 4-7:30 p.m.

2620 Highway 155, Stockbridge. $25; parking, $5

SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY Adventures in Science Day Fernbank Museum of Natural History NOV. 4. 10 A.M.-2 P.M. Investigate what it’s like to be a scientist. Enjoy opportunities to talk one-onone with scientists and learn more about sciences through hands-on activities. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-9296300. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org Discovery Day Tellus Science Museum NOV. 11. 10 A.M.-4 P.M. Calling all tinkers, creators and makers for a day of STEAM fun with demonstrations and hands-on activities with Darlington Robotics, Georgia Highlands College and more.

100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. Adults, $15.95; ages 3-17, $11.95; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org Find the “Golden Ticket” in our custom chocolate bar

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Legacy Station • 4153 Lawrenceville NW #12 Lilburn 30047 • 770-339-7780 atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 49

Calendar special events Family Fun. Woodruff Arts Center. As a part of CREATE ATL, activities include art making, interactive musical story times, composers-intraining sessions, instrument making, drop-in acting classes and more. Every Sun. 1-4 p.m.

1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4200. Free.

Celebrate Day of the Dead: A Cultural Exploration. Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

Traditional Mexican dance, storytime, sugar skull craft and more. Nov. 2. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta.

404-659-5437. Ages 1 and older, $15.95.

IrishFest Atlanta. Doubletree by Hilton PerimeterDunwoody. Irish dancing, music, workshops and children’s area with face painting and more (Sat. only). Nov. 3-4. 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta. See irishfestatlanta. org for schedule and prices.

WellStar Maternity and Baby Fair. WellStar East Cobb Health Park. Maternity and baby health information sessions including topics such as siblings, breastfeeding, managing labor and more. Door prizes and light refreshments provided. Nov. 4. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 3747 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-956-7827. Free; registration required.

Taste of Kennesaw. Downtown Kennesaw. Taste bites from over 40 restaurants and enjoy the children’s area. Nov. 4. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-423-1330. Free admission, tickets for samples, $1-$4.

AFTER THE TURKEY Day After Thanksgiving High Museum of Art NOV. 24.

10 A.M.-9 P.M. PROGRAMS FROM 1-4 P.M. Explore art from around the world centered on the theme Around the World in Thirty Days.

Performances by Giwayen Mata, art-making workshops, family storytime and more. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-7334400. Included with admission: $14.50; ages 5 and younger, free. high.org The Harvest Hunt Historic Oakland Cemetery NOV. 24-26. DAILY. Gather a group of friends for sleuthing on this self-guided scavenger hunt through the cemetery. Purchase your Harvest Hunt packet (one per team) at the Visitors Center (open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and follow cryptic clues to solve riddles. Return packet by Nov. 26, 5 p.m. to win prizes. 248 Oakland Ave., Atlanta. 404-688-2107.

Free; packets, $20. oaklandcemetery.com

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Family Fun Guide

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Calendar Atlanta Ultimate Women’s Expo. Georgia World Congress Center, Building C. Celebrity guests including Kim ZolciakBiermann, Valerie Bertinelli, Monica and more. Boutique pop-ups, crafts, cooking, beauty and design workshops. Nov. 4-5.

Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 235 Northside Dr., Atlanta. 866-618-3434. $10 per person.

Chastain Park Arts Festival. Chastain Park.

Fine art and crafts vendors, a children’s area and local food concessions including food trucks. Nov. 4-5. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 4469 Stella Dr., Atlanta. chastainparkartsfestival.com. Free.

Dylan Dickson at the Book Festival of the MJCCA. Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. 8-year-old debut author Dylan Dickson,”Why Can’t I Read?” Tells the story about how she copes with being identified as dyslexic. Nov. 5. 3 p.m. 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. 678-812-4005. $15 per person.

The Super Run. Brook Run Park. 10K, 5K and Kids’ run all in superhero or villain costumes. Costume contest to follow. Nov. 11. 7-11 a.m. 4770 Georgia Way South, Dunwoody. $39.99-$45. Thesuperrun.com The Great Inflatable Race. Georgia International Horse Park. Climb through inflatables of all types from slides to tunnels and bridges to make it to the finish line. Nov. 11. 9-11 a.m. 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy.

Conyers. 781-786-8447. $24.99 and up.

Second Sundays. High Museum of Art. Free admission to the Museum the second Sunday of each month, and family programs including art making, storytimes and more. Nov. 12. 1-4 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free.

Magic Monday: Fall Frenzy. Atlanta History Center. Explore the season of autumn.

Wander through gardens to see colored leaves, help build a scarecrow, and have fun with seasonal hands-on activities. Nov. 13. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $6.50; ages 3 and younger, $5.50.

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American Girl Club: Holiday Baking with Grace. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum.

Bring your favorite doll and travel through time with the characters of the American Girl series. Includes an activity, craft and snack. Registration required. Ages 5-12.

Nov. 18. 10:30 a.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. $15.

3 Little Pigs and More. Center for Puppetry Arts. The classic folktale of the big, bad wolf and three little pigs comes to life through puppets. Through Nov. 5. See puppet.org for showtimes. Ages 4 and older.

1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $19.50.

Snow Mountain. Stone Mountain Park.

Stone Mountain transforms into a Winter Wonderland, and brings lots of snow to Atlanta. Build a snowman, shoot snowballs, tube down snow slides and more. Select dates Nov. 18-Feb. 25. Galactic Snow Tubing with lights and lasers after 6 p.m.

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain.

800-401-2407. Visit stonemountainpark. com for times and prices.

Festival Peachtree Latino. The Meadow at Piedmont Park. International performers and food, exhibitors and family activities.

Nov. 19. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Charles Allen Dr. at 10th St., Atlanta. 404-862-6748. Free; some activities and food extra.

Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon and 5K. Georgia State Stadium. Celebrate Thanksgiving Day with the Atlanta Track Club and earn the right to eat all your turkey dinner. Nov. 23. 7:30 a.m. See atlantatrackclub.org for ages and prices.

755 Hank Aaron Dr., Atlanta. 404-231-9064.

Prices vary.

theater

Alice Between. Woodruff Arts Center, Rich Theatre.

A new take on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland focusing on a seventh grader. Recommend for ages 9 and older, written with middle schoolers in mind. Nov. 12-19. See alliancetheatre.org for showtimes. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-7334650. $18-32.

beyond atlanta National Pumpkin Destruction Day. The Rock Ranch.

Bring your pumpkin and watch all the ways it can be destroyed with monster trucks or even airplanes.

Nov. 4. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374. Admission, $15; 1 and younger, free.

Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hikes. Tallulah Gorge State Park. A 1-mile hike down the gorge steps, across the suspension bridge to the gorge. Nov. 4.

7:30-9 p.m. 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr., Tallulah Falls.

706-754-7981. Advance registration required. $5; parking, $5.

Savannah Children’s Book Festival. Forsyth Park.

Several featured authors and illustrators including R. Gregory Christie and Carmen Agra Deedy. Nov. 18. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 621 Drayton St., Savannah. 912652-3600. Free.

Beautiful Blackbird. Black Box Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center. Inspired by the award-winning Ashley Bryan picture book, the Theatre for the Very Young performs this rhythmic play about a blackbird’s courageous journey. Limited tickets available. Designed for children younger than 5 years old. Through Nov. 11. See alliancetheatre.org for showtimes. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4650. $10; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free.

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Miss Nelson is Missing. Georgia Ensemble Theatre.

Miss Nelson’s class is the worst-behaved in the whole school. But the students of Room 207 are in for a surprise when Miss Nelson turns up missing.

Nov. 4 and 11. 11 a.m. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770641-1260. $10.

Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action. Creative Discovery Museum. Explore activities such as kung fu, surfing, snowboarding, yoga and horizontal climbing. The primary goal of the exhibit is to get kids into action by playing. Through Jan. 15. 321 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-756-2738. $13.95; younger than 1, free.

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November 2017 Atlanta Parent 51

HOLIDAY CALENDAR Atlanta’s Guide to Festive Fun Holiday Events Macy’s Pink Pig. Lenox Square Mall. Atlanta’s famous pig train takes families for a life-sized storybook ride. Open through Dec. 31. Nov. hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun., noon-6 p.m. Closed Nov. 19 and 23. Nov. 26, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Upper Level Parking Deck. 3393 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta.

404-231-2800. $3 per ride.

Stone Mountain Christmas. Stone Mountain Park. More than two million lights and an abundance of performances and activities.

Nov. 11-Jan. 3. Visit stonemountainpark.com for schedule and prices. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407.

Winter Wonderland. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. An exhibit showcasing different holiday displays from cultures across the globe. Nov. 17-Jan. 7. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300.

Included with museum admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Snow Shows. Atlantic Station. Take a walk through Central Park and watch snow fall from above. Begins Nov. 18. Sun.-Thurs. 7 p.m.

Fri. and Sat. every hour from 6-9 p.m. 1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Free.

Festival of the SEAson. Georgia Aquarium.

Galleries and exhibits turn into a winter wonderland, incorporating light and music shows, appearances by Santa and SCUBA Claus, holiday entertainment, daily treelighting ceremonies and more. Nov. 18-Dec. 31. Daily. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-5814000. Adults, $39.95; ages 3-12, $33.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Holiday Celebration & Live Nativity. North Georgia Zoo. Nativity animals, Stary Night tours, hot chocolate and Christmas carols.

Nov. 24-26. 5-7 p.m. 2912 Paradise Valley Rd., Cleveland. 706-348-7279. Free; Stary Night tours and zoo admission, extra.

Santa and Grinch Appearance. Ponce City Market. Come visit the second floor and meet these iconic characters. Parade and Santa’s workshops with gift-wrapping and stockingstuffing stations. Nov. 24-Dec. 23. Daily. 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 404-900-7900.

Free.

A Christmas at Callanwolde Designer Show House. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Tour the historic mansion decorated for the holidays.

Enjoy the artists’ market and themed events.

Nov. 24-Dec.12. Daily, noon-8 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. 404-872-5338. $25; ages 3 and younger, free.

The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill. Practice your ice skating moves on this real ice outdoor rink. Nov. 10-Feb.4.

Visit haveanicedayrinks.com for full schedule. 5039 West Broad St., Sugar Hill. 770-554-7506. Adults, $12; 8 and younger, $10.

Sweetland on Ice. Downtown LaGrange. Covered ice skating rink with real ice. Spectator section with heaters, concessions, visits by Santa and more.

Nov. 17-Feb. 19. Visit icedays.com/lagrange for hours; some days closed for events. 110 Smith St., LaGrange. 678-374-7655. $10; Skate rental included.

Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Rink. Glover Park.

Open-air rink in the square. Nov. 17-Jan. 3. See winterwonderlandmarietta.com for hours. 50 N. Park Sq., Marietta. 770-794-5601. $12 including skate rental.

Ice Skating

SKATE Atlantic Station. A large, open-air ice skating rink. Opens Nov. 18. Mon.-Thurs. 4-10 p.m. Fri. and Sat. noon-11 p.m. Sun. Noon-9 p.m. Holidays, 3-11 p.m. 1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta. 404-410-4010.

Adults, $15; ages 12 and younger, $12. Skate rental included.

Ice Days Ice Skating Rink. Olde Town Conyers Pavilion. Indoor/outdoor rink in a botanical setting with real ice. Nov. 10-Feb. 25. Visit icedaysconyers.com for hours; some days closed for events. 949 S. Main St., Conyers.

678-374-7655. $10; Skate rental included.

Avalon on Ice. Lace up your skates and glide on the ice. Nov. 19-Jan. 21. Mon.-Fri. 3-10 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun. noon-7 p.m. Dec. 22-Jan. 5, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770765-1000. Adults, $18; 9 and younger, $14. Includes skate rental.

Holly Jolly Film Fest. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Holiday movies, crafts and cultural programs. Nov. 18, 25 and Dec. 2, 9 and 16. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Included with museum admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Holiday in the Park. Six Flags. More than one million LED lights, tons of Christmas trees and live shows with holiday themed attractions.

Nov. 19-Jan 3. Visit sixflags.com for schedule.

275 Riverside Pkwy., Austell. $68.99; children under 48", $48.99; ages 2 and younger, free.

52 Atlanta Parent November 2017

Stone Mountain Christmas

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Skate the Sky. The Roof, Ponce City Market.

Twirl across 3,500 square feet of ice, while enjoying skyline views and seasonal lights.

Nov. 20-Feb. 14. Mon.-Wed. 3-10 p.m. Thurs.Sat. 3-11 p.m. Sun. noon-9 p.m. Fri. and Sat. ages 21 and older after 5 p.m. 675 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta. Skyline Park: Adults, $10; ages 12 and younger, $7; Skating: $15 per person for 50 minutes, includes skate rental.

Magical Nights of Lights. Lanier Islands.

Celebrate 25 years of magical holiday lights by driving through this large display. See set ups such as the North Pole Express, Wizard of Oz and back this year, The 12 Days of Christmas. Also visit Santa in the Holiday Village. Nov. 17-Jan. 3. 5-10 p.m. Admission begins 4:30 p.m. 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford. 770-945-8787. $45 per vehicle.

Macy’s Great Tree Lighting. Lenox Square Mall.

Lighting of the large tree, concerts and fireworks show set to holiday music. Nov. 19. 7 p.m. 3393 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-231-2800. Free.

The Rink at Park Tavern. Heated tent, state-ofthe-art sound system and rink-side dining.

Nov. 23-Feb. 19. Mon.-Fri. 4:30 p.m.midnight. Sat. and Sun., 11:30 a.m.-midnight.

Ages 16 and older starting at 8 p.m. 500 10th St., Atlanta. 404-249-0001. $15-$20, all day skate.

Tree Lighting. Mall of Georgia. Live entertainment, tree lighting, Santa appearance and kids’ activities. Nov. 18. 3-7 p.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 770-271-9458.

Free.

Pettit Creek Farms Christmas Lights. Pettit Creek Farms. More than one mile of light displays, reindeer, Santa visits, petting zoo, live nativity and more. Nov. 23-Dec. 30. Sun.-Thurs. 6-9 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 6-10 p.m. 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-386-8688. $15 per car; $10 per person for hayride.

Astor Holiday Ice Skating Rink. St. Regis Atlanta. Twinkling lights, holiday melodies, hot cocoa and s’mores. Nov. 24-27. Dec. 1-4; 8-11; Dec.15-Jan. 1. See stregisatlanta. com/atlanta-ice-skating for hours. 88 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-563-2799.

Reservations recommended. Adults, $30/hr.; ages 12 and younger, $18/hr.

Light and Tree Displays Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Countless bulbs light up the garden with Nature’s Wonders, Orchestral Orbs Glittering Galaxy, Radiant Rainforest and Model Trains. Nov. 11-Jan. 7.

Fri. and Sat. 5-11 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. 5-10 p.m.

1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859.

See atlantabg.org for tickets and pricing.

Varies by date.

atlantaparent.com

Lighting of Atlantic Station. Atlantic Station.

Holiday lights, Santa visits, kids’ activities and musical entertainment. Nov. 18. 1-9:30 p.m.

Activities during the day, followed by the tree lighting at 8:30 p.m. 1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta.

404-410-4010. Free.

Festival of the Trees. Southeastern Railway Museum. See trees of all types displayed throughout the Museum. Nov. 18-Dec. 31.

Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. $10; ages 2-12, $7; ages 1 and younger, free.

Lighting of the Great Tree. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Live entertainment, a parade, photos with Santa and kids’ activities. Nov. 23. 5-8 p.m.

185 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450.

Free; some activities and food for purchase.

Lights of Life. Life University. Tons of holiday lights on display around the campus. Pony rides, train rides and petting zoo. Nov. 23-Dec. 31. Mon.-Thurs. 6-9 p.m. Fri.-Sun.; Nov. 23-26; Dec. 15-31. 6-10 p.m.

1269 Barclay Cir., Marietta. 678-331-4342. $5-$10 per car.

Festival of Trees and Tree Lighting. Marietta Square.

Live music and choirs, tree lighting, Santa arrives and more. Nov. 30. 4-7:50 p.m. 50 N. Park Sq., Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free.

The Lighting of Avalon. Avalon. Christmas tree lighting, opening of Avalon on Ice and the arrival of Santa Claus. Nov. 19. 1-8 p.m. 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-1000. Free.

Holiday Crafts and Markets

Light Up Dunwoody. Cheek Spruill Farm House. Meet Santa and watch the lighting of the tree and menorah at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 19. 3-6 p.m. 5455 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody. 770-817-8100. Free.

Holiday Bazaar. Brookdale Chambrel Roswell Senior Living. Shop local artisan vendors for gifts and services. Nov. 2. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1000 Applewood Dr., Roswell. 770-594-4600. Free.

Cont’d on page 54

Family Fun Guide

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 53

HOLIDAY CALENDAR Elegant Elf Marketplace. Lake Forest Elementary School. More than 70 vendors with crafts, home decor, children’s goods, artistic creations, food and more. Nov. 4 and 5. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 5920 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. sandyspringssociety.org. Adults, $5; ages 10 and younger, free.

Holiday Craft Classes. Area Michaels Stores. Make a different craft weekly during the holiday season.

Nov. 4, 11, 18. 30-minute sessions, every half hour. Visit michaels.com for times and locations.

Ages 3 and older, $2; includes supplies.

Holiday Market. Due West United Methodist Church. More than 40 vendors sell holiday creations, children’s gifts, jewelry and gift baskets. Nov. 4. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 3956 Due West Rd., Marietta. 770-427-3835. Free.

Holiday Gift Show. Northside Methodist Preschool.

More than 75 vendors with holiday items for all ages. Ladies preview: Nov. 9, 5:30-8 p.m. Show: Nov. 10 and 11, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. 2799 Northside Dr., Atlanta. 404-355-6475. $5; 13 and younger, free.

Shoppe Holiday Market. Cobb Galleria Centre.

Handmade and boutique goods, crafts, jewelry, home décor and gourmet foods. Nov. 10-12. Fri. Noon-7 p.m. ; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 2 Galleria Pkwy. SE, Atlanta. 770-955-8000. Adults, $10; ages 11 and younger, free.

Holiday Festival. Dunwoody United Methodist Church. More than 120 artisans, kids’ zone and photos with Santa. Nov. 11. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody. 770-394-0675. Free admission; activities extra.

UMW Craft Show. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Over 50 arts and crafts vendors, silent auction, door prize, bake sale and meet and greet with Santa. Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Nov. 11, 9-4 p.m. 1770 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta. 770-971-1465. Free.

Holiday Craft Market. Pinckneyville Park Community Rec Center. Handmade gifts, pottery and décor, plus activities for kids and raffle prizes. Nov. 11. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. 678-277-0920. Free.

Holiday Fair. Waldorf School of Atlanta. Shop in the artist market, candle dipping, jump rope making and face painting. Nov. 11. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 827 Kirk Rd., Decatur. 404-377-1315. Free admission; activities extra.

Holiday Artists Market. Spruill Gallery. Locallycrafted gifts and holiday decor. Nov. 14-Dec. 23. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving. 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta. 770-394-3447. Products for purchase.

Holiday Marketplace. St. Pius X High School.

More than 150 artisans featuring jewelry, pottery, paintings and other handmade items. Nov. 18. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 2674 Johnson Rd., Atlanta. 404-6363023. Admission, $3.

Ice Holiday Shopping Spectacular. Georgia Freight Depot. 175 craft and vintage vendors, food for purchase and swag bag for the first 250 attendees. Nov. 18-19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 65 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE, Atlanta. ice-atlanta.com. $5 cash only; 12 and younger, free.

54 Atlanta Parent November 2017

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all elements © and ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC. Photo by Clay Walker

Christkindl Market. Atlantic Station. Walk through and shop in a traditional German market. Music, live entertainment and more.

Nov. 24-Dec. 23. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. 1-8 p.m.

1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta. 404-410-4010.

Free admission; products for purchase.

Holidays at the High Artisan Market. High Museum of Art. Meet local artists and shop for unique gift items including jewelry, textiles, home goods, accessories and more.

Nov. 24-25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free entrance to museum shop and market.

Dance and Theater Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Center for Puppetry Arts. Rudolph is back with this faithful adaptation of the holiday story. Nov. 7-Dec. 31. See puppet.org for showtimes.

1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391.

Ages 2 and older, $19.50.

Center for Puppetry Arts

Elf Jr. the Musical. Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Based on the holiday film, this hilarious musical comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Nov. 10-12. Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m.

8534 Main St. Woodstock. 678-494-4251. $15

Gift of the Magi. Marietta Theatre in the Square. This adaptation centers around a local streetcar driver who doesn’t have the money for Christmas presents. Magi tells the story of love and sacrifice. Kids will also enjoy snacks, crafts and holiday characters.

Nov. 16-19; 25-26 and 30; Dec. 1-3. See theatreinthesquare.net for showtimes. 11 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 770-426-4800. $10-$35.

The Nutcracker. Infinite Energy Center.

North Atlanta Dance Theatre performs the classic story. Nov. 10-12. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2:30 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-626-2464. $18-$28.

The Nutcracker. Infinite Energy Center.

Southern Ballet Theatre performs the story of Clara and her prince. Nov. 18 and 19. Sat. 10:30 a.m., 2:30 and 7 p.m. Sun. 2:30 p.m.

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-626-2464. $16.50-$20.50.

A Christmas Carol-The Musical. Infinite Energy Center. Susan Chambers Dance Company performs the full-length Broadway musical version of the classic story. Nov. 21. 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-626-2464. $19-$27.

The Nutcracker. Infinite Energy Center. Northeast Atlanta Ballet Performs this version of the classic.

Nov. 24-26. Fri. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2 and 6 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-626-2464. $18.50-$24.50.

The Nutcracker. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Follow Clara through a dream world of battling mice and dancing sugarplums in this production presented

by Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance and the Roswell Dance Theatre. Nov. 24 and 25; Dec. 1-3. See tysod.com for showtimes and special events. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-998-0259. $20-$55.

The Nutcracker. Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre presents the beloved story. Nov. 24-26. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. 548 S Marietta Pkwy., Marietta.

678-287-9020. $10-$30.

A Christmas Story. OnStage Atlanta. For Ralphie, there is no greater Christmas gift than a genuine Red Ryder, unfortunately, his mom, teacher and even Santa don’t agree. Watch the hilarious story re-told through musical form. Nov. 24-Dec. 17. Possible extension through Dec. 23. See onstageatlanta.com for schedule. 2969 East Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-897-1802. $17 and up.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker. Fox Theatre. A new spin on a classic includes a cast of hip-hop dancers, a DJ and a violinist. Nov. 26. 6:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 855-285-8499. $39.70-$97.25.

Cont’d on page 56

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Family Fun Guide

November 2017 Atlanta Parent 55

HOLIDAY CALENDAR Black Nativity Atlanta. Southwest Arts Center.

Retelling of the Nativity story from an AfricanAmerican perspective. Dance, anthems, and gospel numbers. Nov. 29-Dec. 17. See blacknativityatlanta.com for schedule. 915 New Hope Rd., Atlanta. 404-613-3220. Adults, $40$50; ages 12 and younger, $15.

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. Theatrical Outfit. The Christmas-themed sequel to “Pride and Prejudice” will delight Jane Austen fans.

Nov. 30-Dec. 24. See theatricaloutfit.org for schedule. 84 Luckie St., Atlanta. 678-528-1500.

Prices vary by date $20.50-51.

The Snow Queen. Serenbe Playhouse. From the classic tale that inspired “Frozen,” this version lights up the wintry woods with a story of love’s sovereign power over evil. Nov. 30-Dec. 30.

Wed.-Sun. 8 p.m. Early shows Sat. and Sun. 6 p.m. 10640 Serenbe Ln., Chattahoochee Hills.

770-463-1110. $20; ages 12 and younger, $10.

Music Christmas with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. Infinite Energy Center. Hear Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and guests Jordan Smith and the Georgia Symphony Orchestra perform Christmas classics. Nov. 25. 7 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770- 626-2464. $39.50 and up.

98 Degrees at Christmas. Atlanta Symphony Hall. The vocal quartet performs a new Christmas album full of classics such as “Let it Snow” and “Run Rudolph Run.” Nov. 29.

7:30 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404733-5000. $39 and up.

Fun with Santa Santa Arrival Celebration. Town Center at Cobb. Santa parade, activities and holidayinspired offerings. Nov. 3. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-4240742. Free.

Wake up Santa. Georgia Aquarium. Help wake up Santa Claus to ring in the holidays.

Interactive activities, holiday snacks and Santa meet and greet. Nov. 18. 9-10:30 a.m.

225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. $12.95 per person, does not include aquarium admission: Adults, $39.95; ages 3-12, $33.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Santa’s Arrival. Southeastern Railway Museum. Santa arrives at the museum by train. Take photos with Santa and enjoy refreshments and entertainment. Nov. 18.

1 p.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-4762013. Free with admission to the museum.

Adults, $10; ages 2-12, $7; ages 1 and younger, free.

Storytime with Santa. Avalon. Visit with St. Nick as he reads holiday classics. Preregister. Nov. 20-Dec. 18. Mondays 6 and 6:45 p.m. Third St., Alpharetta. 770-7651000. $15 per child.

Santa on the Square. Downtown Newnan. See Santa light the Christmas tree. Kids bring your wish list and parents bring a camera for photos. Nov. 24. 6-8 p.m. N. Court Sq., Newnan. 770-253-8283. Free.

Botanical St. Nick. Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Bring your camera and come tell all of your holiday wishes to St. Nick in his botanical head wreath. Nov. 25; Dec. 2, 9 and 16. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta.

404-876-5859. Included with admission.

Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Polar Express Experience. Southeastern Railway Museum. Watch the “Polar Express” in an authentic train car, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Nov. 25; Dec. 2, 9 and 16.

1, 1:45, 3:30, 4:15 and 6 p.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. $28; ages 1 and younger, free.

Santa Arrives at the Mall Phipps Plaza. Nov. 1. 10:30 a.m. 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-261-7910.

Mall of Georgia. Nov. 3. 10 a.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 770-271-9458.

Lenox Square Mall. Nov. 3. 11 a.m. 3393 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-233-7575.

Town Center at Cobb. Nov. 3. 5:30 p.m. 400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-4240742.

Arbor Place Mall. Nov. 4. 9 a.m. 6700 Douglas Blvd., Douglasville. 770-947-4244.

November 18th •10am

Donations will be accepted: Contact us at 678-245-4622 or liftupatlanta@yahoo.com regarding donations.

56 Atlanta Parent November 2017

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Classified Marketplace

Classified Pages Party

North Point Mall. Nov. 11. 11 a.m. 1000 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 770-740-9273.

Perimeter Mall. Nov. 11. 11 a.m. 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta. 770-394-4270.

Northlake Mall. Nov. 17. 10 a.m. 4800 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. 770-938-3565.

Mall at Stonecrest. Nov. 18. Noon. 2929 Turner Hill Rd., Lithonia. 678-526-8955.

Cumberland Mall. Nov. 18. Noon. 2860 Cumberland Mall, Atlanta. 770-435-2206.

Gallery at South DeKalb. Nov. 18. Parade at 6 p.m. 2801 Candler Rd., Decatur. 404-241-2431.

Atlantic Station. Nov. 18. TBD. 1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta 404-410-4010.

Avalon. Nov. 20. Noon. 900 Third St., Alpharetta.

770-765-1000.

Beyond Atlanta Christmas at Biltmore. Biltmore Estate. Holiday décor, live music, storytelling, gingerbread house and cookie-making workshops and evening candlelight tours. Nov. 3-Jan. 7. 1 Lodge St., Asheville N.C. Dates and pricing vary. Visit biltmore.com for details.

The Polar Express Train Ride. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. A round-trip train ride with a Santa visit. Includes warm cocoa, carols and a treat while the story is narrated. Select dates Nov. 10-Dec. 31. Departure times at gsmr.com. 45 Mitchell St. Bryson City, N.C. 800-872-4681. Prices vary: Adults, $42-88; ages 2-12, $28-$64; ages 23 months and younger, complimentary-$21.

A Country Christmas. Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Enjoy lavish holiday displays, snow tubing, performances and more. Nov. 10-Jan. 1. 2800 Opryland Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 615-889-1000.

Schedule and prices vary.

Fantasy in Lights. Callaway Gardens. Drive through more than eight million twinkling lights and a garden decorated for the season. Nov. 17-Jan. 6. Opens at 6 p.m. 17800 US Hwy. 27, Pine Mountain. 800-852-3810. Adults, $21-$28; ages 6-12, $10.50-$14; ages 5 and younger, free.

Enchanted Garden of Lights. Rock City. Make your way through one million holiday lights with over 30 different scenes from the North Pole to Magic Forest and Yule Town. Decorate cookies and meet Santa. Nov. 17-Jan. 6. Daily 6-9 p.m.

Closed Dec. 24. 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain. 706-820-2531. Adults, $19.95$22.95; ages 3-12, $11.95-$12.95.

Appalachian Christmas Celebration. BabyLand General Hospital. Santa visits, holiday decorations, costumed characters, carolers and milk and cookies with Mrs. Claus. Nov. 18.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. 300 N.O.K. Dr., Cleveland. 706865-2171. Free.

United Way Festival of Trees. Unicoi Lodge.

Beautifully-decorated trees and wreaths throughout Unicoi Lodge. Trees and wreaths available for bid. Nov. 19-Dec. 9. 1788 Hwy. 356, Helen. 706-878-2201. Free.

North Pole Limited. Tennessee Valley Railroad.

A round-trip journey to the “North Pole”, featuring storytelling, light refreshments and an appearance by Santa. Select dates Nov. 24Dec. 30. See tvrail.com for departure times and prices. 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, Tenn.

423-894-8028. Prices vary by trip.

atlantaparent.com

Magic Abounds on the Malaya Express Watch the Locomotive “steam” around your event!

M&R Trackless Train always comes standard with our working Railroad “Crossbucks” that make noise and light up as the train approaches!

Glow-In-The-Dark Play Area Features:

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.

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Open Play Times

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(See website for times)

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9/18/2017 11:25:13 AM

Alligators, Monkeys, Farm Friends and more!

Live animals of all kinds!

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Call 770-454-7599 November 2017 Atlanta Parent 57

e h t r o f fridge

Mother is a verb.

It’s something you do.

Not just who you are.

Cheryl Lacey Donovan 58 Atlanta Parent November 2017

atlantaparent.com