Atlanta Parent_September 2023

It’s

Family Fun Guide: Top September events, Hispanic Heritage Month and not-to-miss exhibits. Plus, our Fall Bucket List — corn mazes, apple picking, fairs, pumpkins and leaf peeping. Page 47

n Top Advice for New Parents

n Read, Baby, Read!

n Mom-Approved OB/GYNs

n Early Intervention: Helping Young Children Thrive

PUBLISHER Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Genie Lockeretz EXECUTIVE glockeretz@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Alyssa Gerold EXECUTIVE agerold@atlantaparent.com

STAFF WRITER Emily Webb and DIGITAL ewebb@atlantaparent.com

CONTENT CREATOR

COPY EDITOR Mary Williams

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

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

ADMINISTRATIVE Amanda Allen ASSISTANT

MARKETING Felicia Barman MOM

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Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699. Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge throughout the metro area and as a digital issue at atlantaparent.com. 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. 2023

Where the land ends, vacation begins.

What will you nd along 23 miles of The World’s Most Famous Beach? Warm sands. Gentle waves. Spacious accommodations. Delicious food. And, incredible memories that will live with you, always. Plan your trip at DaytonaBeach.com.

Scan Now For Fall Hotel Deals.

Publisher’s Note

School has started and families are getting back into their fall routines, with classes, homework and after-school activities. We looked forward to the lazy days of summer, but now we’re glad to be back to a more predictable schedule. I’m not sure who is happier, the parents or the kids.

Read, baby, read! We often think about kids learning to read when they start kindergarten, but research shows that starting much earlier — even by reading aloud to babies — gives them a head start academically and in life. Our Atlanta Baby section gives tips for reading to young children at an early age. The “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” initiative promotes early reading, with resources and tools to help parents get kids started on a lifetime of good reading habits. Most metro-Atlanta libraries are participating in the program; check their websites or visit 1000booksbeforekindergarten.org for details.

Atlanta Parent’s “Let’s Talk Tech” series covers the topics of screen time and technology, a challenge today’s parents face, especially as kids move into the tween years and beyond. This month, we’re focusing on online safety as it relates to social media and online gaming. Setting limits and talking to your kids about online safety is “tough love” wrapped up in reality. Use our story as a primer to educate yourself as a parent. It is still so hot — I’m looking forward to the crisp fall air that should be right around the corner. The cooler temperatures help make fall fun even more enjoyable. Head out to the Georgia State Fair, explore a corn maze, visit a pumpkin patch or go apple picking — our Fall Bucket List has everything you need to plan your weekend fun. Don’t miss all the local Atlanta festivals, plus the great lineup of new shows and exhibits.

What’s on your Fall Bucket List? Tell us about your family’s traditions. If you’ve discovered something new to do, we’d love to hear about it. Atlanta Parent looks forward to seeing you out and about! Marietta’s Art in the Park festival runs from September 1-4; we’ll be there on Saturday and Sunday. We’ll also be at the North Georgia State Fair on the afternoon of September 24. Stop by to pick up a magazine and say hello.

StUff G oo d

by Emily Webb

THINGS WE LIKE

Book Blitz

If your child is obsessed with football, check out the Football Activity Book for Kids from Activity Bandits. He’ll learn even more about his favorite sport with coloring pages, mazes, word searches, math equations and more. With more than 55 pages of activities, this book will keep him entertained for hours, and there’s a bonus certification page upon completion. Available at amazon.com for $5.99.

FOOTBALL FAN FEVER

Glow Up

Enjoy nighttime fun with Fat Brain Toys’ NightBall Matrix Football. The motion-activated LEDs of this football make playing the sport even more exciting as a glow-in-the-dark adventure — it shines brighter the more it spins! With the Airless Matrix, there’s no need to refill air, making it long lasting and durable. Available at fatbraintoys.com for $16.95.

Score Showdown

Get outdoors and play for the championship with Little Tikes’ Totally Huge Sports Football. Easily inflate the 8-foot-tall goal post and football for playing and practicing field goals. The goal post can be stabilized with included stakes, and the set also comes with a kicking tee, foot pump and patch kit. For ages 2 and older. Available at littletikes.com for $49.99.

Game Night

Play a classic board game featuring a football spin with NFL-Opoly Junior from MasterPieces. Choose from all 32 NFL teams to create a custom playing piece with reusable stickers. Collect key positions and equipment, and make trades to complete groups of the same color and earn more money, all while avoiding penalties. Who will make it to the Super Bowl? Available at masterpiecesinc.com for $12.99.

Nighttime Safety

Bring the love of football to your child’s bedroom with Timok’s Football Helmet Night Light. This 3D lamp shade will showcase her favorite sport and keep her safe from the dark. When the light is lit, the optical visual illusion makes the helmet look 3D, and the lamp cycles through seven colors for a pretty spectacle. Available at amazon.com for $20.99.

Part 2: Online Safety

Be Aware & Make a Plan

Physical Security & Health

In April of this year, the American Psychological Association (APA) released recommendations for the use of technology and social media for youth. One of these guidelines notes that usage should not interfere with sleep and physical activity. The APA notes that adolescents should get at least eight hours of sleep each night, have consistent bedtimes, and avoid technology use, specifically social media, within one hour of going to sleep. When youth do not get enough sleep, their brain development and emotional functions are adversely affected.

Another health concern associated with too much technology use is its interference with or reduction of physical activity and exercise, which, according to the APA, is essential for both physical and psychological health.

Jody Baumstein, LCSW, a Child Advocacy Program Specialist in Behavioral and Mental Health at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, explains that online interactions can present a real safety threat. “Predators share feelings with children online that make children share information that can put them at risk physically,” she says.

“Social media is not for young kids,” says Ben Halpert, Founder of Savvy Cyber Kids, a non-profit based in Atlanta that focuses on online safety for children. He notes that parents are unknowingly exposing their kids to experiences their children are not mature enough to deal with. “Would a parent drop their 12-year-old off at the mall alone for fowur hours and tell them to have fun? Never. Those same threats parents worry about in the physical world are on social

by Tali Benjamin

When adults think of online safety, they typically think of anti-virus software or creating strong passwords. For tweens and teens, however, social media and interactive gaming put their physical, mental and social health at risk. Since many parents didn’t grow up with the same access to technology that is now available, it’s important to be aware of the very real concerns certain technology usage presents for today’s kids.

media. Child sextortion, rape and kidnapping where social media is the source of contact runs rampant in today’s society and too many parents are unaware of how massive the problem is.”

When kids are on devices, it is important they understand the risks and dangers of interacting with others. If parents feel their children are not mature enough to have conversations about online safety and the house rules of technology use, they should not be engaging with that device or platform. Halpert advises parents to be aware of the apps their kids are using and regularly check their accounts and devices. “Remember, the device is not your child’s property, and it is a privilege — not a right — to have access to that technology,” he says.

Mental & Emotional Health

In January, US. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a statement saying 13 is too young for kids and teens to engage in social media. “Early adolescence is when kids are still developing their identity, their sense of self. It’s important for us to be thoughtful about what’s going into their own self-worth and their own relationships, and the skewed and often distorted environment of social media often does a disservice to many of those children.”

Baumstein echoes the surgeon general, adding that “kids are being exposed to content that is confusing at best and harmful at most. Whether through targeted ads on apps or social media, kids see a lot of inappropriate

content that they don’t understand.”

Digital ads are designed to keep kids on devices longer, interrupting their play or feed; these ads often focus on body image or material things that give kids a distorted sense of reality. “They make them think, I wish I had that, or I want to look like that,” says Baumstein. “These comparisons to other people can create long-term issues such as disordered eating or never feeling like they are ‘enough’.”

At some point in their development all children are using technology. Parents must create an environment which breeds a feeling of security with online interactions, including ground rules and a listening ear. “We need kids to feel safe to come to an adult and ask questions, share feelings, say that’s something is scary or confusing,” explains Baumstein. “When they come to us, don’t judge. A parent’s goal should be to keep the dialogue going.” She also recommends staying calm; even if the question a child poses is shocking, have a small facial or physical reaction. Ask openended questions, validate their concerns, express curiosity to give kids confidence to continue sharing. “It can be hard, but listen more than you talk,” Baumstein says.

Social Cues & Cyberbullying

Social skills are an integral part of child development — knowing how to problem solve, read people’s facial expressions and take cues for how to respond, looking people in the eyes when you speak. These life skills do not get used the same way online as they do in person.

Additionally, online interactions can give kids a false sense of connection and foster feelings of loneliness. “‘I get attention, but don’t have any real friends’ is something I hear a lot from tweens and teens I work with,” says Baumstein. “Social media can also be dangerous for tweens and teens because they lack impulse control,” says Katherine Martinko, author of the new book, “Childhood Unplugged: Practical Advice to Get Kids Off Screens and Find Balance.” Kids might share photos in a group text based on a dare or express feelings on social media that can

backfire in real life the next day at school. “Plus, devices are addictive especially when it’s in a kid’s pocket and they can pull it out any time to engage in online life and not real life,” she says. “Yes, older kids may have the need to communicate with peers, but they don’t have to have the latest technology with apps and Wi-Fi.”

The constant pull to social media also poses cyberbullying concerns. According to stopbullying.gov, cyberbullying includes sending, posting or sharing negative, harmful, false or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. A 2022 study by the Pew Research Center found that nearly half of U.S. teens, ages 13 to 17, had experienced cyberbullying. Name calling and spreading rumors were the top behaviors

If parents feel their children are not mature enough to have conversations about online safety and the house rules of technology use, they should not be engaging with that device or platform.

LET’S TALK TECH LET’S TALK TECH

reported and in most cases were related to physical appearance.

For parents, knowing how to handle a suspected case of cyberbulling can be tricky — whether your child is a victim or culprit. Baumstein recommends starting with an open stance and remaining calm. “Don’t assume you know what’s going on, let them take the lead in expressing their feelings and explaining the situation,” she says. “Use it as an opportunity to problem-solve in real time to teach your child coping skills.” Trust your instincts though and if there is an immediate safety

concern, reach out to the authorities.

“Kids respond to stress in different ways,” notes Baumstein. “But, if all of a sudden, they have stopped talking to a certain person, or seem edgy and tearful, they might be experiencing cyberbullying.” While discovering your child is a cyberbully can be devastating and embarrassing, parents must investigate the root of the actions and stop them. In this way, social media can serve as a reminder to think about how each person’s actions affect others and to lead with kindness.

For tips on setting screen time limits, see Part 1 of this series at AtlantaParent.com.

Stay tuned for Part 3: Devices 101 in our October issue.

Six Safety Tips for Parenting in the Digital Age

n Parents need to make it clear that they own the devices and showing maturity in use allows their children to continue to use the devices.

n Parents need to make it clear that devices are not allowed in children’s bedrooms (a Kindle Paperwhite with parental controls enabled is an exception).

n Parents need to know every password for every device, account, game, app, etc. for their children.

n Parents need to understand every app, game, and “friend” their kids interact with on the device. There are no inherently safe apps or games.

n Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their kids have safe experiences online. Let kids know there is no expectation of privacy on the devices they use.

n If a parent deems their child mature enough to have their own device, then the parent needs to start telling their kids to keep their clothes on whenever they use a device; and if anyone ever asked them to send pictures or videos of themselves without clothes on the answer is NO, not ever.

*Provided by Ben Halpert, founder of Atlanta-based nonprofit Savvy Cyber Kids.

Providing families the experience and structure of a traditional school, but with the flexibility for students to explore their passions in music, arts, drama, athletics and more.

MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Here is an in-depth look at the administrators that guide nine of Atlanta’s top schools. These educational leaders set the tone at their institutions to guarantee high-quality curriculum, student engagement, and dedicated teaching. Learn more about the experience of these administrators and how it impacts their academic philosophy. Atlanta Parent recognizes these educational leaders’ dedication to their school communities, including students, teachers and parents.

Angela Naples, Head of School

Atlanta Academy

Atlanta Academy was founded in 2000 by Head of School Angela Naples and a team of passionate educators. Together, they established a vibrant community of dedicated faculty, engaged students, and involved parents, which still holds today.

Throughout her career, Angela has served with numerous community and academic organizations, including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Independent Schools, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools. Additionally, she served as a past board member for the Georgia Independent School Association.

“We believe in giving every student the individual attention they need to

succeed. My favorite part each day is walking our halls and feeling the spirit and enthusiasm of our students engaged in their learning. I can see first-hand the remarkable job our teachers do to prepare our students to be good citizens and set them on a path to reach their full potential in high school and beyond.”

Atlanta Academy serves 390 private preschool-8th grade students in North Fulton. For more information, visit atlantaacademy.com.

Roswell atlantaacademy.com

678-461-6102

Rick Betts, Head of School

Capstone Academy

Capstone Academy is a community of teachers and administrators investing into the students who become their own capstone project, representing a culmination of their academic and intellectual experience. Students who are balanced, who understand their own power of belonging in school, friendships, family, and the world, can then explore their education with a sense of wonder and pursue their own passions with an ultimate potential for their success.

Rick Betts brings a wealth of school experience in Atlanta independent schools to his position as Head of School. Betts came to Capstone Academy, his third Head of School Position, with prior experience including 16 years at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, in Atlanta, where

he served as Assistant Lower School Principal, Lower School Principal, Associate Head of School and, one year as Acting Head of School. His professional experience also includes time as a classroom teacher at Pace Academy and Fulton County School System. Betts has been involved in growing new schools, improving established schools, and living out his passion as an Educational Leader.

Dr. Ansley Knox Daniel, Head of School

GRACEPOINT

GRACEPOINT is excited to welcome Ansley Knox Daniel, Ph.D. as their new Head of School. Dr. Daniel is honored to be a part of a learning environment that addresses the unique needs of dyslexic learners while empowering them to showcase their brilliance.

Dr. Daniel received her bachelor’s degree from Furman University and her Masters, Specialist, and Doctorate from Georgia State University. She has 21 years of experience in education, including 7 years as a principal in the Cobb County School District. She brings with her an enthusiasm for hands-on, real-world problem-solving seen through her exemplary record of creating innovative educational programs particularly with a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) framework. Throughout her years in education, she has seen firsthand the diverse talents and potential that can

flourish when students are provided with the right support and educational approach; therefore, she appreciates the specialized instructional strategies that GRACEPOINT tailors to each individual student.

The school’s growth over the years is a testament to its success in meeting the needs of children diagnosed with dyslexia. Having reached full capacity at the current location, GRACEPOINT will move to a newly renovated home at 1407 Cobb Parkway in January 2024. Dr. Daniel is honored to lead the school into its next chapter.

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

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.

Kristy Lundstrom, Head of School

The Mount Vernon School

Mount Vernon is a school of inquiry, innovation, and impact. The School is committed to creating and sustaining a school culture where all members feel valued and safe, sharing their authentic selves to design a better world…together.

As a co-educational day school with more than 1,250 students in Preschool through Grade 12, Mount Vernon sets the conditions for learners to excel in college, career, and citizenship. Thriving in a constantly changing environment with complex challenges, students engage in real-world problem-solving throughout their experience, partnering with major corporations, non-profits, and civic environments and ultimately, making a positive impact in the local community. Graduating to top-tier universities, they are impact ready.

Kristy Lundstrom is Mount Vernon’s Head of School. Reflected in her personal and professional motto, “Kids Go First,”

Kristy is a strong advocate for students, an inspiring mentor for faculty and staff, and a strategic visionary for the School. With 25 years of experience in the United States and Europe, Kristy is an innovative educator with a depth of unmatched applied leadership coupled with a high level of emotional intelligence. Before coming to Mount Vernon, she held a variety of leadership positions, including the Executive Director of the Viktor Rydberg Schools (7 independent bilingual schools) in Stockholm, Sweden, and the Head of School for the Scandinavian School of Brussels.

Tom Taylor, Head of School

The Paideia School

Tom Taylor became Paideia’s new head of school on July 1, 2023. Tom received his BA in physics and theater from Oberlin College in 2004, MA from Teachers College at Columbia University, and PhD in education policy and leadership from the University of Minnesota.

As a faculty member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), he provides one-on-one coaching to aspiring school leaders at NAIS’s School Leadership Institute. He has also served as upper school director at Breck School in Minneapolis, as well as dean of students and director of financial aid and outreach at Riverdale Country School. He began his career as a physics teacher at Riverdale Country School and most recently, served as their head of upper school.

As Paideia’s head of school, Tom is excited to be a steward for the school’s

remarkable culture of trust, learning, and joy. He will continue to support the school’s exceptional faculty and staff as they create the best learning environment for each individual student. In particular, Tom looks forward to continuing to build an inclusive community that reflects true belonging for all members. His warmth and humor will help the school easily adapt to the journey ahead.

Paideia is the leading progressive school in the Southeast offering AP and post-AP curricula. In 2023, Paideia students received the highest number of Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of any private school in the state and Paideia’s class of 2023 saw 120 graduates accepted into 181 colleges and universities.

Dr. Kara Loftin, Head of School

The Schenck School

The Schenck School, a national leader among independent schools serving students with dyslexia, and ReadSource, its outreach extension serving individuals who struggle to read and write through partnerships and teacher training, welcome Kara A. Loftin, PhD, to serve as Head of School and Executive Director.

Dr. Loftin comes to The Schenck School with 24 years of experience in independent education, most recently serving as Head of School at The Craig School, in Mountain Lakes, NJ. She began her career at Wasatch Academy in the Mountain West, where she developed a highly regarded “school within a school” for students with language-based learning differences and executive functioning needs. Dr. Loftin’s advanced degrees include a Master of Special Education in Dyslexia, an MBA,

and a Ph.D in Special education. She also received the distinguished Klingenstein Head of School Fellowship from Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Loftin shares, “I am excited to be in a position where I can pair my educational beliefs and training with passionate educators and staff, a Board fully committed to sustaining the legacy of the School, alumni who remain connected to the School, and parents who acknowledge and support the faculty’s efforts in never giving up on their children.”

Maria Croley Madden, Head of School St. Martin’s

Episcopal School

Maria Croley Madden joined St. Martin’s Episcopal School as its fourth Head of School in July 2023. Bringing 17 years of independent school experience, she is responsible for the leadership and operation of the Brookhavenbased preschool through eighth-grade day school that enrolls more than 650 students.

Prior to joining St. Martin’s, she served for three years as middle school head for Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, S.C., Mrs. Madden also brings an extensive 13-year career at Lovett School in Atlanta, where she served as middle school assistant head, dean of student life, teacher and coach. Her passion for teaching began at her alma mater, The Walker School.

Mrs. Madden is an avid runner, mother of three and active participant in the independent school community.

She has been a conference speaker for Independent School Management and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and an active member of SAIS reaccreditation teams for five cycles. A native of Atlanta, Mrs. Madden earned her B.A. degree from Furman University and her M.A. and Ed.S. in educational leadership from Kennesaw State University. Through her leadership, diverse experiences and dedication to education, Mrs. Madden will continue to shape the future of St. Martin’s Episcopal School.

404-228-0709

Chris Cleveland, Head of School

Wesleyan School

Chris Cleveland assumed the role of Head of School at Wesleyan School in fall 2014 after serving the school in a variety of leadership roles since he came to Wesleyan in 2002. Under Chris’ leadership, the school has reached record enrollment, maintained exceptional student retention levels, launched morning and afternoon bus service throughout the north metro area, and maintained at least 95% parent participation in annual giving among Wesleyan parents.

An unwavering follower of Jesus Christ and fierce advocate for the power of education, Cleveland believes that we are not called to choose faith over intellect. Rather, the two are excellent compliments to one another.

“The world tells us that in order to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ, we must ‘check our brain at the door,’” says Cleveland. “At Wesleyan we simply do not agree. What originally drew me to the school many years ago was the fervent belief that being genuinely Christ-centered and having a zeal for academic and intellectual curiosity are not mutually exclusive.”

ALL ABOUT GRANDPARENTS

National Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year, the date is Sept. 10.

In 1969, nine-year-old Russell Capper sent President Nixon a letter suggesting a day to celebrate grandparents.

In 1979, Jimmy Carter officially made National Grandparents Day a holiday.

In 2022, about 2.55 million children lived in a household with their grandmother and grandfather.

58% of grandparents say they care for their grandchildren because they enjoy doing it.

53% of grandparents say they care for their grandchildren so their parents can work.

About 70 million grandparents reside in the U.S.

45% of grandparents are on social media.

The official song for National Grandparents Day is “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” by Johnny Prill.

71% of grandparents say reading is one of their favorite activities.

2 million U.S. households are multigenerational.

atlanta BABY

Helping baby learn and grow!

l Talking to baby is essential to language development. The facial expressions and tone of voice used also give baby social and emotional cues needed for healthy growth.

l Tummy time builds muscle strength in babies that is essential to their motor development. As soon as baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off, try a minute of supervised time in two to three sessions per day.

l A sleep schedule is a proven method to get baby to sleep more quickly. The consistency of bedtime also helps keeps baby calm.

l Introducing solid food should happen when baby is about 6 months old. Offer single-ingredient, fresh foods first, and wait three to five days between each new food to gauge baby’s reaction and ensure there are no allergies.

Don’t-Sweat-It Tips for New Parents

by Sarah Lyons

Having a baby is one of the most exciting and anticipated moments in a parent’s life. You have prepared the nursery, installed the car seat, read parenting books, and it’s time to bring baby home and start life with a new family member. While having a new baby is a fun time, it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. Adjusting to having an infant at home takes time as you figure out the new normal. What is not worth stressing over while enjoying time with the new bundle of joy?

Housework

It’s nice to have a house that is neat and clean but the thing about housework is that it never goes away. As soon as the house is clean, it’s messy again. While you enjoy the new baby, try to let some of the cleaning go. Do the bare minimum while resting, recovering, and recuperating from birth and spend more time snuggling that newborn.

Cooking

Immediately after bringing home a baby is not the time to cook elaborate meals, or sometimes, any meals at all. However, eating nutritious meals on a regular schedule is important, so keep it simple. Stock the pantry with items that are quick and easy to eat while caring for the baby. Mom of two Wendy Haviland says, “I prepared freezer meals before the baby was born so I had something to put in the oven or crock pot when I was tired from taking care of a newborn.” Ask friends to set up a meal train where family and friends can bring dinner during the first few days after the birth of a new baby. This will eliminate the need to shop and cook while recovering.

Spoiling Baby

Some warn that holding a baby too much or while sleeping will spoil the baby and prevent the newborn from learning proper sleep habits. This is simply not true. There is no such thing as a spoiled baby. Newborns sleep most of the day and they find great comfort in being held. It also creates a strong bond between parent and child. Enjoy cuddle time and let that worry go.

Naptime

There is one old saying that is true — “sleep when the baby is sleeping.” This really is the best advice. As a person that likes to keep busy, it can be hard to take naps during the day. Once the exhaustion of being up most of the night nursing or feeding a newborn hits, give yourself permission to take a nap when the baby does. Moms need rest and your body needs time to recuperate after the stress of giving birth.

Accept Help

It can be hard to accept help but with a new baby at home, any help offered can be a huge blessing. Take people up on their offers

to bring meals, help with older children’s carpool, or clean the house. Don’t just have them do the easy, quick chores that aren’t difficult to keep up on — let them vacuum the house, do laundry, and wash dishes. While help is around, jump in the shower, take a nap, or run a much-needed errand. People offer to help because they want to. Return the favor when you can.

Take Turns

It can be hard, especially for breastfeeding moms, not to get overtired. As much as possible, share the task of caretaking with a partner. Some moms will find it hard to pass the baby care to their husbands or significant others, but dads often feel left out and want to jump in. He may not do things exactly like you, but that’s okay. As long as the baby is clean, fed and happy there isn’t anything to stress over. This will also give dad time to bond with the baby.

Take a Break

Having a new baby can be physically and emotionally taxing. It is okay to admit you may need a break sometimes. If feeling overwhelmed, schedule a time someone else

can take care of the baby and step out of the house for a short while. Breastfeeding moms may find it is hard to get away for extended periods but typically taking a break for an hour or two can do a lot to improve your mood.

Be Flexible

When adjusting to having a new baby, it’s important to realize it will take a while to find a routine again. When planning an outing, think ahead. Pack items you might need including extra diapers, clothes for you and the baby, and be prepared to feed the baby on the go, if needed. It’s also important to accept that sometimes an outing will not go as well as planned and it’s okay to head home early. Be flexible and go easy on yourself when it comes to taking the baby out for the first time and when trying to get things done around the house. This is normal and will get easier in time.

Adding a new family member is both exciting and disruptive to a family. In time, everyone will adjust to the newborn and won’t be able to imagine your family without them. In the meantime, give yourself, your spouse, and your other children time to adjust to this big change. It’s okay to let go of some non-essential things and focus on the baby.

Read, Baby, Read!

Make reading a habit at home

by Mary Williams

It’s never too early to start reading to baby! Reading helps with eyesight and brain development; as kids grow older, reading teaches toddlers language skills, self-expression and other skills they’ll need as they begin school. For older kids, reading helps to explore subjects of interest and inspire their imaginations.

Atlanta Parent asked Marcia Divack, Branch Group Administrator for Youth Services at Fulton County Library System, for her advice on helping parents get their kids started on the path to a lifelong love of reading.

How can babies and young children benefit from being read to by their caregiver?

Reading to babies and young children exposes them to a greater number and variety of words. While talking to babies and children also helps build language skills, reading aloud to them gives them even more of a boost.

TODDLER STORYTIME

Tips for Reading With Young Kids

n Start early and establish a routine, such as reading after bath time.

n Find a quiet, comfortable spot to read together.

n Slow down. Take time to talk about the book’s pictures and characters. Make connections between books and life.

n Listen to audio books in the car or while traveling.

n Ask your child questions about the story and how it made them feel. Let them ask you questions.

n Let your child choose the book — even if it’s “Goodnight Moon” for the hundredth time, it’s still beneficial.

n Offer a variety of books in varying formats and subjects.

n Make trips to the library. Model good reading habits.

How can parents make reading with kids more enjoyable?

Parents should set aside a time every day for reading and pick a comfortable spot with few distractions. This is a time for snuggling and bonding as well as reading. Parents should also engage children by asking openended questions about the text of the book.

What are some suggestions for parents for establishing a regular reading routine?

The best time is at bedtime, when everyone is settling down for the day. It gives children and parents something to look forward to each day.

What types of books are best for babies and toddlers?

Picture books with bright colors, especially good contrasting colors. Books at this age should not be text heavy and should have a good rhythm or a rhyming pattern.

Cont’d on next page

Immerse your child in the language of music.

The Music Class® is an early childhood music program designed to unleash the musical potential of children from birth to age six. Parent & child classes feature award winning music, engaging activities and anytime access to the music on our app. Join the fun at one of our 9 convenient locations.

770-645-5578

themusicclass.com/atlanta

Read, Baby, Read!

Destination Storytime

Check out all the places around Atlanta that offer story times for babies and toddlers.

n Atlanta Botanical Garden

On Wednesdays through October, kids ages 1-4 can listen to stories about bees, flowers and other garden friends. Atlanta. atlantabg.org

n Atlanta History Center

Toddler Storytime for ages 1-5 is held the first Wednesday of each month, and includes themed storytelling, songs, crafts and other activities. Atlanta. atlantahistorycenter.org

n Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Children’s storytime is on Wednesday mornings at Barnes & Noble’s Buckhead location on Peachtree Road, Atlanta. barnesandnoble.com

n Fernbank Museum

Storytimes for ages 1-6 are held throughout the month; check the website for dates. Afterward, explore the NatureQuest play area and WildWoods forest. Atlanta. fernbankmuseum.org

n Little Shop of Stories

Metro Atlanta Libraries

Make a trip to the library! Metro Atlanta libraries offer more than just books — they’re a wealth of resources for parents and kids. Check the event calendar at your local branch to find storytime events for babies and toddlers; many also incorporate singing, crafts and other fun activities. Find your local library at georgialibraries.org.

This Decatur shop offers Storytime on Thursdays for ages 3 and younger, along with songs and play. Storytime for ages 2-6 is held each Tuesday. Decatur. littleshopofstories.com

n Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art

Kids ages 1-5 will hear a story and make an art project with their caregivers. September 19, 22 and 26. Marietta. mariettacobbartmuseum.org

n Southeastern Railway Museum

The Preschool Program for ages 2-4 is held the second Thursday of the month and centers around a themed vehicle of the month, with a story, songs and games. Duluth. train-museum.org

n Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

During the Mommy and Me Preschool Program on Thursdays, ages 3-5 can explore a monthly theme with a story, activities and movement. Kennesaw. southernmuseum.org

Beautiful Baby Contest at the Fair

All babies are beautiful, but Atlanta Parent has seen some really cute babies and toddlers at the annual Beautiful Baby Contest at the North Georgia State Fair in Marietta. Show off your infant and toddler, ages 0-36 months, on Sept. 24. Sign-up begins at 2 p.m., and the contest starts at 3 p.m. with babies 0-6 months and continues in 6-month increments up to age 36 months. There is no cost to enter the contest, but fair admission is required: $10; ages 10 and younger, free. Visit northgeorgiastatefair.com for more information.

Robinette King, MD

Dr. Robinette King is dedicated to providing exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. As the lead physician at The OB/GYN Clinic at Southern Regional, she prides herself on spending time with each patient ensuring that she and her team develops a personalized partnership focused on each patients’ healthcare journey. For Dr. King and staff, it’s all about comfort, confidence, and communication with every patient.

Dr. King received her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, where she also completed her Residency and an Internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She also completed a Fellowship in Clinical and Translational Research in Healthcare for Community Providers at Morehouse School of Medicine/Institute for Healthcare Improvement. She earned her undergraduate degree from Albany State University, Albany, Georgia. Board-Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, she is a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The OB/GYN Clinic at Southern Regional is committed to personalized high-quality women’s health care. The practice is located just off Southern Regional Medical Center’s campus in Building 29 and serves the communities of the southern crescent of metro Atlanta. The OB/GYN Clinic’s diverse and dedicated team is honored to continue to provide all aspects of women’s health for the women in our communities.

The Best Care for You and Your Baby

Bringing a baby into the world is one of life’s great joys. At Southern Regional, they work with you and your Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) to provide a caring and comforting environment to welcome your baby.

Whether you’re having a high-risk pregnancy or planning for natural childbirth, Southern Regional will provide the best possible care for you and your baby. They offer a full range of services and state-of-the-art technology – from comfortable labor and delivery suites to their OB-ED and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for newborns who need special care.

Let Southern Regional be your hospital of choice when you are expecting.

The OB/GYN Clinic at Southern Regional 29 Upper Riverdale Road, SW, Suite 230, Riverdale 30274 770-692-2800 • southernregionalpmg.org

OB/GYNS

Adedayo, Pelumi, MD Juno, Atlanta

Anderson, Keisa, MD North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, Atlanta, Alpharetta and Marietta

Barratt, Peter, MD Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, Atlanta

Beesley, Anne, MD Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, Atlanta

Blackburn, Nicole, MD Georgia Obstetrics & Gynecology, Atlanta and Alpharetta

Bonk, Catherine M., MD Atlanta Gynecology and Obstetrics, Decatur and Lilburn

Cherry, Colleen, MD North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, Atlanta, Alpharetta and Marietta

Combs, Julia Carper, MD Piedmont OB-GYN, Atlanta

Creed, Karen, MD Women’s Health Associates Group, Atlanta

Dennard-Hall, Keisha, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology of Atlanta, Four metro Atlanta Locations

Dodder, Michelle, MD North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, Atlanta, Alpharetta and Marietta

Elliott, Jennifer L., MD Alliance Ob/Gyn, Sandy Springs and Alpharetta

Epps, Sarah Grace, DO Unified Premier Women’s Care, Marietta

Espinosa, Lauren R., MD Piedmont OB-GYN, Atlanta

Fairbrother, Genevieve L., MD Obstetrics & Gynecology of Atlanta, Four metro Atlanta Locations

Fisch, Jacqui, MD Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, Atlanta

Fryman, Julie, MD Peachtree Women’s Clinic, Canton and Cumming

Gandhi, Peahen, MD Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, Canton and Woodstock

Garcia, Jose A., MD Peachtree Women’s Clinic, Alpharetta

Glaspy-Benton, Eleanor, MD Wellstar Gynecology Issues, PC, Lithia Springs

Grogan, Stephanie S., MD Peachtree Women’s Clinic, Atlanta and Alpharetta

Hayley, James, MD Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, Canton and Woodstock

Henke, Jill J., MD

Obstetrics & Gynecology of Atlanta, Four metro Atlanta Locations

Hill, Cherie C., MD Emory Clinic, Atlanta

Holloway, Keri, MD

Peachtree Women’s Clinic, Atlanta, Alpharetta and Canton

Jeffers, Sarah, MD

Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists, Atlanta and Alpharetta

Killingsworth, Lindsay, MD Inspire Ob/Gyn, Suwanee

King, Robinette, MD The OB/GYN Clinic at Southern Regional, Riverdale

Litrel, Michael, MD

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, Canton and Woodstock

Lyman, Jennifer, MD Premier Care for Women, Atlanta

Mandeville, L. Dawn, MD Atlanta Gynecology and Obstetrics, Decatur and Lilburn

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“Dr. Michelle Dodder of North Atlanta Ob/Gyn makes me feel safe, seen, and heard. Her staff is so friendly and accommodating.” Haley V., / Brookhaven

Atlanta Parent asked readers to recommend obstetricians and midwives they trust for excellent medical care.

“Dr. Dawn Mandeville of Atlanta Gynecology and Obstetrics is very knowledgeable, caring and personal, and she advocates for her patients.” Tameke D. / Snellville

Manetta, Kiley, DO Peachtree Women’s Clinic, Canton and Cumming

McLeod, Lisa, DO

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, Canton and Woodstock

Mekonnen, Sitra, MD

North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, Atlanta, Alpharetta and Marietta

Morris, Sara, MD

North Atlanta Women’s Specialists, Four metro Atlanta Locations

Phillips, Pushpa, MD

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, Canton and Woodstock

Reddy, Sowmya, MD Alpha OBGYN, Alpharetta and Cumming

Rogg, Katherine, MD

Peachtree Women’s Clinic, Alpharetta and Cumming

Rybka, Anna Y., MD

Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology, Atlanta

Shapiro, Daniel B., MD Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta

Sims, Stacy L., MD Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, Marietta and Powder Springs

Smith, Yvette M., MD Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists, Atlanta and Alpharetta

Soufi, Winifred Lin, MD Women’s Health Associates Group, Atlanta

Stone, Ansley, MD Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, Canton and Woodstock

Street, Elizabeth A., MD Unified Premier Women’s Care, Marietta

Sun, Phoebe, MD Women’s Health Associates Group, Atlanta

Walters, Jacqueline, MD Comprehensive Women’s OB/GYN, Dunwoody and Duluth

White, Renita, MD Georgia Obstetrics & Gynecology, Atlanta and Alpharetta

Woods, Kalinda, MD Emory Clinic, Atlanta

FERTILITY SPECIALISTS

Best, Monica W., MD Reproductive Biology Associates, Marietta

Brahma, Pavna, MD Shady Grove Fertility, Four metro Atlanta Locations

Cain, Kristen, MD Kindbody Atlanta, Atlanta

Gay, Steven, MD Shady Grove Fertility, Four metro Atlanta Locations

Kanter, Jessica R., MD Shady Grove Fertility, Four metro Atlanta Locations

Katler, Quinton, MD Shady Grove Fertility, Four metro Atlanta Locations

Libby, Valerie, MD Shady Grove Fertility, Four metro Atlanta Locations

McCarthy-Keith, Desireé, MD Shady Grove Fertility, Four metro Atlanta Locations

Nagy, Zsolt Peter, MD

Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta

Namnoum, Anne Brawner, MD Shady Grove Fertility, Four metro Atlanta Locations

Rubin, Jessica R., MD

They

Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta

Schirmer, David Austin, MD Emory Reproductive Center, Atlanta

Slayden, Scott M., MD

Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta and Braselton

Straub, Robert J., MD

Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta and Cumming

Toledo, Andrew A., MD

Reproductive Biology Associates, Atlanta

MIDWIVES

Battaglia, Taylor, CNM

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, Canton and Woodstock

Fischels, Susan, CNM

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, Canton and Woodstock

Hinman, Anjli, CNM Atlanta Birth Center, Atlanta

Meurer, Hannah, CNM OB2me Concierge Care, Marietta

Ragan, Carson, CNM OB2me Concierge Care, Marietta

Zimmerman, Amanda, CNM WellStar North Douglas OBGYN, Douglasville

“Dr. Kiley Manetta of Peachtree Women’s Clinic has unmatched knowledge and love for her patients. She is available at any time of any day and as a new mom, that truly means a lot.”

Sara L. / Canton

“Dr. Sowmya Reddy of Alpha OBGYN and her staff are amazing.

are all friendly, professional and prompt.”

Michele F. / Cumming

“Carson Ragan of OB2me is the best midwife. She takes time to get to know you and tailor your pregnancy journey to exactly what you want and need.”

Bess G. / Atlanta

Catherine M. Bonk, MD & L. Dawn Mandeville, MD

Atlanta Gynecology & Obstetrics (AGO) congratulates Dr. Catherine Bonk and Dr. L. Dawn Mandeville on being nominated as Mom-Approved Doctors. Dr. Bonk and Dr. Mandeville are dedicated to empowering women to make the best decisions when it comes to childbirth and health.

AGO is a diverse group of female physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners who prioritize collaboration, choice, and safety. You’ll always make the right choice when you know and understand the options available – backed by a team of women who share your perspective and your experience. AGO physicians have all been moms themselves, so they go beyond clinical expertise and work alongside you through every visit, every question, leading up to the special joy of bringing a new life into the world.

AGO believes that one of its most important jobs is educating women about their health before, during, and after pregnancy. Education is part of their model of care, scheduling visits around key milestones and decision points. Even putting information at the tips of your fingers through advanced technology applications to help you understand the changes your body is going through, week by week.

The goal of the AGO team is to guide you to the best birth possible. They are honored to have been nominated as a practice of “Mom-Approved Doctors” for Atlanta Parent and would be honored to help you along your pregnancy journey at either of their Decatur or Gwinnett locations.

atlantagynob.com

Decatur Office

315 Winn Way Decatur 30030

404-299-9724

Gwinnett Office 449 Pleasant Hill Rd., #200

Lilburn 30047 770-923-5033

Anna Rybka, M.D.

Dr. Anna Rybka is a highly skilled and compassionate physician who brings a wealth of expertise and a warm, personalized approach to women’s health. With a deep commitment to providing comprehensive care, she is excited to welcome new patients to Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology!

Dr. Bataille graduated from New York University in 2000 with a degree in Anthropology and Biology. Following graduation he received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to do scientific research at Columbia University for three year. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the Morehouse School of Medicine in 2007, where he also completed his Pediatric residency in 2010, training at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hospitals/ facilities. During his residency Dr. Bataille became well acquainted with the staff and patients at Intown Pediatrics, and in July of 2010 he officially joined the practice. . He is committed to IPAM’s mission of partnering with families to foster the healthy growth and development of Atlanta’s children.

Married and the proud parent of two delightful “dawgters,” Dr. Rybka embraces a vibrant life outside of medicine. Her passions span various interests, from exploring new destinations through travel to relishing in the beauty of the outdoors. In her quieter moments, she finds solace and creativity in the art of needlepoint and the practice of Pilates.

Dr. Bataille strives to be an easily approachable, communicative Pediatrician dedicated to providing comprehensive and informative care of the whole patient. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Rybka has a genuine love for the OB/GYN specialty. She finds joy in forming meaningful relationships with her patients. Helping women navigate their healthcare through each stage of life is not only her professional duty but a source of immense personal fulfillment.

Visit IntownPediatrics.com today and learn more about their entire team and all they can offer your family as they develop a “provider-parent” partnership with you

As “women proudly caring for women”, Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology has provided exceptional patient care to the Atlanta community for over 40 years. With her six partners—Cyd Williams, MD, Vanessa Biggs, MD, Gabriela Siegel, MD, Alice Hood, MD, Holly Sternberg, MD, and Kira Clement, MD — Dr. Rybka continues this legacy.

275 Collier Road NW, Suite 230

Atlanta 30309

404-352-3616

www.awog.org

Atlanta/Sandy Springs

5780 P’tree-Dunwoody Rd.

Atlanta 30342. 404-255-0621

East Cobb/Marietta

1523 Johnson Ferry Rd. Marietta 30062. 770-977-3513

Alpharetta/Avalon

3905 Brookside Pkwy. Alpharetta 30022. 770-752-0824 naobgyn.com

North Atlanta Ob/Gyn

North Atlanta Ob/Gyn proudly celebrates Drs. Michelle Dodder, Keisa Anderson, Colleen Cherry and Sitra Mekonnen for their well-deserved recognition as Atlanta Mom-Approved Doctors!

What sets Dr. Dodder apart is her genuine commitment to building lasting bonds with her patients. From guiding women through the intricacies of their obstetrical journeys to offering unwavering support in every season of life, Dr. Dodder cherishes the privilege of serving her patients' diverse needs.

A true Atlanta gem, Dr. Keisa Anderson, is more than just a physician – she is your advocate, educator, and confidante. With over 15 years of experience, she is a steadfast source of personalized care and guidance for women.

Dr. Cherry finds her calling in every facet of obstetrics and gynecology, relishing the opportunity to establish enduring relationships with her patients. Her expertise extends to pediatric and adolescent gynecology, vulvar dermatology, and high-risk obstetrics.

Dr. Sitra Mekonnen’s fervor for women's health knows no bounds, with special interests ranging from high-risk obstetrics to contraceptive care and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Mekonnen's passion lies in empowering her patients, offering personalized care that resonates, and advocating for women's health.

Experience excellence with our award-winning team at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn. From personalized care to innovative expertise, we're dedicated to your wellbeing.

Shady Grove Fertility

All our fertility specialists are Mom-Approved and ready to help you build your family.

Shady Grove Fertility congratulates Dr. Brahma, Dr. Kanter, Dr. Namnoum, Dr. Libby, Dr. Katler, Dr. Gay and Dr. McCarthy-Keith on their nominations for mom-approved doctors

Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Marietta and Alpharetta 404-843-2229

EARLY INTERVENTION: What You Need to Know

by Tali Benjamin

Baby’s first smile, sitting up, waving bye-bye, crawling and baby’s first word are all milestones new parents look forward to and expect since most first-time parents start reading and learning about baby’s development during the pregnancy.

It’s important to understand that all babies develop and achieve skills at different times. But what if a baby seems delayed? What if an older sibling did things much earlier? What if parent intuition says something might not be quite right?

It might be time to consider an early intervention evaluation. Early intervention — a term that refers to the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and their families — is essential to helping children achieve their maximum potential.

For Parents

According to Dr. Leslie Rubin, a developmental pediatrician, empowering parents to follow their gut instincts regarding their child is of the utmost importance. “From my nearly 40 years of experience, if mom or dad think there’s a concern with their child, they are almost always right,” he says. “And, if they are wrong, at least they know there’s nothing to worry about.”

Janine Wiskind, an occupational therapist and founder of On Solid Ground Occupational Therapy based in Sandy Springs, agrees. By the time families make it to her, parents have usually been struggling with their gut instincts for a long time. “If you have the opportunity to help your kids thrive, why not take it?” explains mom of two from Cobb County Katherine Thomas. Thomas has seen this first-hand; her son Henry has come a long way in better managing his nervous system thanks to early intervention therapies and techniques. “He’s even considered advanced in language at this point,” she says.

“The earlier you start with therapies, the easier it is for children to adapt certain skills and habits,” says Jenny Bowen, MA, CCC-SLP and Founder of SpeechFamily located in Dunwoody. Normalizing neurodiversity can help parents in seeking early intervention for their child. “Families have such diverse backgrounds — culturally, financially, educationally — and these factors impact their reactions to concerns they may have,” says Bowen.

For some parents, having a diagnosis helps determine next steps and gives them peace of mind. “I work with the family to understand areas of need and strengths of the child,” explains Rubin. “Then, I can formulate a diagnosis and recommendations for therapies and interventions to help the child make as much progress as possible.”

EARLY INTERVENTION: What You Need to Know

For other families, a diagnosis can add tension to an already stressful situation. “I always tell parents, when you’re ready to explore, we have resources, and we are on this journey with you,” says Bowen. “We teach parents to better understand their child, which helps the entire family system, including siblings.”

For Children

“Babies are born with more brain cells than they will have later in life,” says Rubin. “It’s a physiological fact. The younger a child is, the more potential for learning and incorporating new skills into who they are exists.”

Progress through therapies occurs much more quickly, the younger a child is when therapy starts. Waiting to see what might happen, especially with motor development, can be a loss of valuable time. “If core steps of movement are missed, it’s harder to build upon during therapy,” explains Wiskind. Rubin notes that this is especially true for children with cerebral palsy who need assistance in moving the effected muscles before they become paralyzed or atrophied.

Children can exhibit signs of developmental delays in various ways. With sensory processing, children have to learn how to synthesize each of their senses and movement at the same time. If they have difficulty doing this, they may seem sensitive to sounds or lights. They might also have behavioral challenges. Some developmental delays are more obvious such as missing milestones like being able to sit up, walking, feeding themselves or speaking.

Developmental Delays 101

Developmental delays align with the areas of child development and connect with different parts of the brain. Some children can experience a delay in only one area; other children may have delays in multiple areas, which is referred to as global developmental delay.

The categories of developmental delays include:

n Cognitive skills: Cognitive or thinking skills include learning and understanding information, as well as problem solving and following multi-step directions.

n Social and emotional skills: This includes getting along with others and being able to express feelings and communicate needs. Those with social or emotional delays may struggle with understanding social cues, accepting changes to a routine, or having a conversation.

n Speech and language skills: Speech and language skills include speaking and comprehension. If a child can speak but does not understand what others are saying, this still constitutes a developmental delay in this area, and vice versa.

n Fine and gross motor skills: Motor delays are centered in the muscles and can deal with gross motor skills such as sitting up or walking or fine motor skills such as holding a crayon or bottle.

Caring for Parents and Students

APS is caring

Do you know a child who resides within the city of Atlanta in need of special education services? APS Department of Special Education services can open a window of hope for a brighter future for children and young adults identified with a disability or developmental delay.

Quality Education

Founded on the belief that students with disabilities will receive a quality education leading to meaningful academic, social, emotional and behavioral outcomes.

Partnering

APS Department of Special Education partners with parents to work together and ensure all children with disabilities achieve and are provided a continuum of appropriate, specialized services and supports.

Atlanta Public Schools

Dept. of Special Education

Ages 3-5: 404-802-1690 | Ages 6-21: 404-802-2636

“In the first year of life, a baby learns to go from lying in whatever position you place them in to being able to walk and move independently,” says Rubin. “It’s a huge time for motor development and that process has certain milestones. What parents need to be aware of is when a child misses several milestones or if a delay persists.” The same pattern follows in the second year of life for speech and language skills. Rubin notes that one red flag is if a child stops speaking or regresses in their speech around 15-20 months of age.

Jill Lewis started to notice signs for her older son in behavioral issues. “He was biting a lot and acting out,” says the Brookhaven mom of two. “He really wasn’t listening and had a big reaction when Charlie (his younger brother) was born.” She saw a huge improvement in a short time following starting occupational therapy when he was a toddler. “Within weeks I saw a change and after seven months, he was like a new kid.”

The long-term benefits of early intervention can be truly life changing for children who experience developmental delays. “The biggest impact of my work as an OT is giving a child the ability to be their best self and helping parents find a balance between accepting their child and the expectations they have for them,” says Wiskind. “My goal is to create joy and confidence for kids, so that they feel proud of who they are.”

Common Conditions Connected to Developmental Delays

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recent estimates in the United States show that about one in six, or about 17%, of children between the ages of 3 and 17 years have one or more developmental delay. While there are many factors at play, commonalities with certain conditions are evident, including:

n Autism Spectrum Disorder

n Cerebral Palsy

n Premature Birth

n In-utero Exposure to Drugs and Alcohol

n Genetic and Chromosomal Conditions

4 Our team addresses the root cause of issues, not just the symptoms.

4 Treating ADHD, Pans/Pandas, asthma, allergies, anxiety, depression, digestive disorders and inflammation.

4 Unhurried appointments

The Savvy Party Planner: Countdown To A Stress-free Birthday Celebration

by Christina Katz

Planning a memorable birthday event can be the highlight of your child’s year, if you maximize the fun and minimize the stress. The best way to increase the magic and decrease the madness is to use a handy checklist so you can start early and get ready gradually. Or if you want to plan your party in one fell swoop a few weeks ahead, this checklist will help you do that, too.

I have been planning and hosting birthday parties for over a decade, and these steps will get you from vision to fruition. Follow these timing tips, and you’ll be able to keep a smile on your face from the day you start planning until the moment the final guest is picked up or dropped off.

10 9 8 7

Choose a Theme. Always have a theme. Having a focus will help you plan and execute your party without a hitch. Several months before your party date, brainstorm themes with your guest of honor. See sidebar for theme suggestions.

Make Reservations. Popular party venues often fill up early. Once you have your theme and know you will need a location away from home, get your reservations nailed down tight two-three months in advance.

Find Supplies Online. Shop local when you can to support your local economy, but for those hard-to-locate items, don’t burn up time and gas searching for what you can easily find online. Generally speaking, one-stop party stores are not as prevalent as they used to be and you’ll likely be delighted by the variety you can find online. Just make sure to place your orders at least month early to allow for shipping time and returns if anything is not what you’d expected.

Send Out Invitations. Digital invites win handsdown for quick and easy party invites. Opt for a site like  evite.com, then select a theme, add in your guests’ email addresses and send your invitations or send a cute photo in a group text with the party details. Two weeks notice is usually just the right amount of time. But if it’s a busy time of year, add another week or two.

Order The Cake. Cakes and cupcakes can get expensive when you make them from scratch. Besides, the kids will probably like the local big-box or grocery store sheet cakes just as much as homemade. Order one week ahead for pickup on party day for the freshest results.

Tackle Your Local Shopping List. Despite ordering ahead online, you probably still have few items you need to pick up locally. Be sure to pick them up at least a week ahead in case you can’t find something and need to order it online after all.

Recruit Helpers.

Why try to do everything yourself when you can have so much more fun at your party with plenty of helping hands standing by? See the sidebar for suggestions.

3 2 1

Curry Favors. Favors don’t have to be expensive or intricate. For a home party, go simple, fun and inexpensive. Be as eco-friendly as possible by offering favors in a reusable container. If hosting a party elsewhere, consider letting the party be favor enough or simply offering a small treat to guests on the way out like a lollipop or a candy necklace.

Set Up A Day Ahead. If you are ordering any large food deliveries like pizza, place your order a day ahead. Don’t forget to check online for any discounts or coupons. Then go ahead and tackle as much prep work as you can. Decorations? Food preparation? Party favors? Activity prep? Everything will go smoother on party day if you take care of as much as you can the day before.

Party Down! Get a good night’s sleep. Allow at least two hours prior for set up and one hour afterwards for clean up. Then enjoy every memorable moment. If your hands will be full, designate a party photographer to document the day.

Double Duty Party Favor Holders

These containers can be used during the party and sent home as favors!

n Water Bottles

n Chinese Food Buckets

n Flower Pots

n Bandanas

n Beach Buckets

n Hats

n A Frisbee or Outdoor Toy

n Books, Comics or Workbook

n Tins

n Small Canvas Totes

n Baskets

n Bottles or Jars

n Socks or Gloves

6 5 4 Cont’d on next page

Buck’s Sport and Circus Barn

The Savvy Party Planner

Who Can Help?

n Both parents need to contribute. Factor in both parents’ strengths and passion areas before, during and after the festivities.

n Babysitters or neighbor teens make great helpers. I pay our sitter to attend because I need extra help, and I want her to share in making memories.

n Exchange party help with a friend. You help with her child’s party and then she helps with your child’s party.

n Just ask! You never know when a guest’s parent might enjoy helping Once you have the final attendance list, use evite.com to inquire if anyone is available to pitch in.

n Some people make better “special guests” than helpers. Siblings of yours or the guest of honor may fall into this category, as may elderly grandparents or visiting relatives. For peace of mind during the party, only invite those you know in advance will be gracious helpers.

Low-stress, High-fun Party Themes

n Make-Something Party

n Animal Interaction Party

n Bounce or Jump Party

n Pool Party

n Movie Party

n Tea Party

n Pony Party

n Bowling Party

n Garden Party

n Slumber Party

n Roller Skating or Ice Skating Party

n Spa Party

n Indoor Fun Center

n Outdoor Playground Party

STAR of the Party: The Food

by Emily Webb

PIZZA PARLOR

TACO MANIA

n Set up all the fixin’s for a delicious taco bar — hard and soft tacos, seasoned ground beef, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. Have bowls of guacamole, sour cream and salsa on the side. You can also set out tortilla chips for building your own nachos.

n Make tacos in a bag with individual snack-size bags of corn chips — open each one at the top and let guests add meat and their choice of toppings.

n Leave the cooking to an expert. Consider catering or reserving an event at Santo Cantina + Cocina (santoatl.com), No Más! Cantina (nomascatina.com), Tin Lizzy’s (tinlizzyscantina.com), Tacos & Tequilas (ttatl.com) or Willy’s Mexicana Grill (willys.com).

n Serve churros for dessert.

DINER STYLE

ICE CREAM FREEZE

n Set out a buffet with all the toppings — M&Ms, chocolate chips, sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, bananas and cherries — for a make-your-own sundae. For quick servings, put ice cream in a muffin tin with cupcake liners and freeze, or buy individual chocolate and vanilla ice cream cups at the store.

n Let kids make their own ice cream using science! Find directions for how to make ice cream in a bag at foodnetwork.com.

n Rent a King of Pops cart (kingofpops.com) or an Atlanta Ice Cream Truck visit (atlantaicecreamtruck. com), or cater your party with Ben & Jerry’s (benjerry.com).

n Head to your local ice cream shop for a treat, or go fancy by booking an event with Sugar Factory, which has the King Kong Sundae with 20 scoops of ice cream and tons of toppings and serves 12 (sugarfactory.com).

n Order an ice cream cake or pie from Morelli’s Ice Cream (morellisicecream.com).

n Serve hot dogs, burgers and fries. Have a variety of toppings for the dogs and burgers.

n Set up a make-your-own grilled cheese station with a variety of breads and cheeses. Ask an adult to help you man the panini or sandwich press.

n Create a make-your-own slider bar with mini slider rolls, beef, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cheeses and pickles.

n Instead of a cake, serve birthday cake milkshakes with pretty glass cups and brightly colored straws.

n Book The Varsity’s food truck (thevarsity.com).

n Have a make-your-own pizza party. For the “crust,” you can use Italian bread, bagels or store-bought dough. Set out sauce and toppings in bowls to let guests create their dream pizza. Before baking, place them on parchment-lined cookie sheets and use a pencil to write names by each pizza.

n Reserve a table at your favorite local pizza spot and order a variety of pizzas for kids to share.

n For the older kids or adults at your party, consider creating a pasta bar with marinara, meat sauce, Parmesan cheese, oregano and basil.

n Book an event with Strada Napoli Pizza, a mobile Italian wood-fired pizza oven cart for a delicious party (stradanapolipizza.com), or book a birthday party at California Pizza Kitchen (cpk.com).

OVER THE RAINBOW

n Keep it colorful and healthy with produce. Arrange fruits and veggies by color on trays, or create fruit and veggie skewers with every color of the rainbow. For dipping, set out bowls of hummus, ranch, nut butter and yogurt.

n Dip pretzels in different colored candy melts for a sweet snack.

n Arrange cupcakes or cake pops in the order of the rainbow.

n Order a rainbow layer cake.

The best part of a party is the food! Make it the focus of your child’s next birthday with these ideas.

AT THE MOVIES

n Create a buffet of popcorn, candy and snacks that you’d find at a theater for kids to munch on. Buy individual boxes of Milk Duds, M&Ms or Junior Mints.

n With your popcorn, mix in multicolored candy melts, cereal, cute sprinkles or colorful mini marshmallows. You can also offer cheddar- or caramel-flavored popcorn.

n Package snacks and drinks in boxes similar to movie theater trays for graband-go fun.

n Host a party with a theater rental at AMC to watch a movie on the big screen (amctheatres.com).

TIME FOR TEA

n Make tea sandwiches with peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese, turkey and mayonnaise or flavored cream cheese. Trim off the crust and cut into triangles, or use cutters to make cute shapes. Shop amazon.com for tea partythemed cookie or sandwich cutters.

n Wrap it up! Serve ham and cheese pinwheels, chicken salad wraps or a cake roll.

n Consider serving fruity or herbal teas that are more suited to a child’s taste. You can also serve hot chocolate, iced tea or lemonade, as long as you’re using fancy cups!

DIY DESSERT

n Stack muffins, pastries and scones on dessert towers. Serve mini cupcakes in teacups.

n Order a candy charcuterie kit or macaron box from Lolli & Pops (lolliandpops.com).

n Reserve a High Tea party at Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party (drbombays.com).

BONFIRE BONANZA

n Serve baked potatoes or grilled corn and have toppings set aside — cheese, sour cream, butter.

n Label Pigs in a Blanket as “Pigs in a Sleeping Bag” for a campfire twist.

n Pop popcorn over the fire and serve in cute bowls or bags for a fun snack.

n Have DIY s’mores ready to go by packaging graham crackers, marshmallows and a square of chocolate in individual bags. Or make s’mores easier by swapping out graham crackers for ice cream cones. Wrap cones in tinfoil before placing on the fire.

n Decorate cupcakes to look like a campfire. Find inspiration on Pinterest.

n Make or buy cupcakes and arrange them in the shape of your child’s age.

n Host a competition! Make mini cakes or cupcakes that each guest can decorate however they want. Have the adults at the party vote on a favorite, and give a small gift to the winner.

n Create cake kabobs by putting cubes of sheet cake on a skewer and layering with frosting, then drizzle with frosting or top with sprinkles.

n Purchase a cake pop kit for a combination activity and treat!

Let Them Have Cake

Leave the baking to the experts.

n Baker’s Man Inc. bakersmaninc.com

n Cakes by Darcy. cakesbydarcy.com

n Cake Hag. cakehag.com

n Piece of Cake. pieceofcakeinc.com

n Mae’s Bakery. maesbakeryatl.com

n Henri’s Bakery & Deli. henrisbakery.com

n Sweet Hut Bakery & Café. sweethutbakery.com

n Sugar Benders Bakery & Café. sugarbendersbakery.com

n Woodstone Bakery and Café. woodstone.square.site

n Dulce Vegan Bakery & Café. dulcevegan.com

n Sweet Cheats. sweetcheatsatlanta.com

n Alon’s Bakery + Market. alons.com

STAR of the Party: The Food

COOKING PARTY

Hold a party at one of these spots for learning and celebrating at the same time.

Young Chefs Academy. These interactive parties feature making pizza dough from scratch, learning to make your own fettucine, decorating cupcakes or sipping on tea. Packages include place settings, party invitations, balloon decorations, drinks, chef aprons, paper chef hats and recipe cards, and you can add on optional extras. youngchefsacademy.com

Flour Power Cooking Studios. Party themes include hands-on fun with Cupcake Wars, Pizza Palooza, Star Wars, SuperHero and Princess, Iron Chef, Minecraft, Spa Parties, PJ Breakfast Party and more. Packages include cupcakes, an RSVP party webpage, a chef hat and lollipop for each guest and more. flourpowerstudios.com

Portrait on a Plate. Portrait on a Plate offers multiple parties, including Cook & Play with a cooking class; Cook & Paint with an edible arts and craft segment; and Cook & Photo with a cooking class and photo props. Check out their additional options for party keepsakes, themed classes and more. portraitonaplate.com

The Cooking Schools. Reach out to The Cooking Schools to book a child’s cooking party. The price of the experience will take into account your child’s age and favorite foods. irwinstreetcooks.com

Marcus JCC of Atlanta. The Cooking Birthday Party is available for ages 5 and older. Celebrate birthdays in the kitchen making and decorating treats, including cupcakes, cookies and more. atlantajcc.org

Chamberlain’s Chocolate Factory. Become a chocolatier and enjoy all things chocolate. You’ll get to taste three types of chocolate, and make a chocolate lollipop, a chocolate pizza, a chocolate shape, a dipped and sprinkled Oreo and a s’more. chamberlainschocolate.com

Cozymeal. This online platform features top chefs who teach at their own venues or come to you, and you can find local cooking classes for kids. In the past, experiences have included sushi, pasta-making and more. cozymeal.com

Tips and Tricks

n Search for food-themed party invites on etsy.com.

n Have food and drink options for parents if they are staying for the party.

n Keep in mind the allergens of your kids’ friends and make sure to serve gluten-free and allergen-free options. Depending on your food preference, you can find lactose- or dairy-free ice cream, gluten-free buns and gluten-free cake at your local grocery store or bakery.

n Miniature food is cuter! Consider purchasing mini burger buns, mini cakes or mini pizzas.

n Keep décor simple. Party-goers are excited by the fun — they won’t pay much attention to your décor, so don’t spend too much time or money on these items.

n Search Spotify or Apple Music for food-themed playlists. Or play the music a similar venue would play, like 1950’s rock-n-roll for a dinerthemed party.

n Send guests home with a themed party favor. Consider sets of aprons and chef hats or kid-friendly cooking utensils.

Flour Power Cooking Studios

Marcus JCC of Atlanta

Birthday Party Resource Guide

ADVENTURE AIR SPORTS

kennesaw.adventureairsports.com

Celebrate with a stress-free party. Looking for extreme thrills, or a wide-open indoor space to play? Adventure Air has got you covered! Party packages include access to one of the largest Ninja Courses in the state, Slam Ball, Cardio Wall Duo, Dodgeball, Zip line, WipeOut, Climbing Wall and so much more! They provide – Pizza/Drinks, Invites, Set-up, Clean-up, Tableware and an Epic Experience with a personal host. Party upgrades available. Schedule your party today!

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA

childrensmuseumatlanta.org

A party at Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the perfect way to celebrate your child’s special day. Bring friends and family together for a celebration filled with discovery and hands-on fun! Designed to be stress-free, Museum Parties allow you and your guests to explore the exhibits with a quick break in a private party room to celebrate the guest of honor with cake and snacks. Recommended for children ages 2-8 and offered Saturdays and Sundays.

GIMME THAT SUGAR

gimmethatsugar.com

Celebrate with cotton candy! Gimme that Sugar is a cotton candy food truck built to serve a sensational sugar party at your location. Your guests are treated to a fresh, handspun cotton candy cone to enjoy. With each delicious puff y cloud, smiles are guaranteed. Other treats include shaved ice, cotton candy cakes, cake pops, and more…They’ll even add a bubble machine at no cost to you! Book your ‘sweet’ party today! Email: info@gimmethatsugar.com

READY SET FUN!

readysetfun.com

Experience unforgettable moments at THE award-winning children’s birthday, play and activity class venue! Voted “Best of the City Winner” 3 years and counting. Full-service themed birthdays with food, face painting, princesses, superheroes and much more! They handle all the mess so you can have all the FUN! Enjoy the party and MAKE EPIC MEMORIES!! Also ask about activity classes during the week: Cultural Dance, Zen-tastic yoga and Adorable Mommy & Me!

Sweet 16 Party Themes

by Pam Molnar

It is the year most teens get their driver’s license and, with it, the opportunity for a little more freedom. Turning 16 calls for a celebration that fits your teen’s style, while offering entertainment, food and fun that guests will never forget. Check out these Sweet 16 Party Themes.

n Amazing Race

If your teen is a fan of “The Amazing Race,” this is a fun Sweet 16 theme. Break the group up into teams of two. You can find printables for the game online to set up pit stops, challenges, detours and roadblocks. Rope in some of your neighbors to host challenges so the players must travel on foot and find a specific house. You can use some of the food challenges, like cheese fondue and sushi, from past seasons to feed your guests.

n Boho

Boho is an eclectic and artistic style with an emphasis on nature and organic elements, and is perfect for your freespirited teen. Decorate the space with soft flowing cloth, bright designs of warm colors and dried flowers. Charcuterie served on decorative wood slices or in individual mini glass jars would be an ideal choice for food. For entertainment, consider hiring a macramé instructor or setting up a DIY seed bomb making station.

n Luau

If Hawaii is your teen’s dream destination, then a luau might be the perfect theme. Invite guests to come dressed for a tropical party. Entertain them with a limbo contest, coconut bowling and a lei toss. If you would like to hire some entertainment, look for someone to teach a traditional hula dance or how to make real flower leis. For food, you can’t go wrong with a pig roast, but if hosting a smaller group, consider Hawaiian sliders made with ham and pineapples and a colorful fruit salad.

n Stranger Things

If your teen is a fan of “Stranger Things” on Netflix, consider this as a theme for their Sweet 16 party. Have all the guests come dressed in 80s clothes and accessories. Food ideas include a waffle bar (character Eleven’s obsession) with fun toppings like chocolate chips, fruit and whipped cream. You can also add a little protein with chicken and waffle sliders. There are dozens of ‘80s game options like Name that Tune, or a challenge like Name 11 Things (colors, car models, dog breeds, etc.).

n A Night in Paris

Paris gives off a glamorous chic vibe, even for people who have never been. Ask your guests to come dressed in black, white or pink. Serve Parisian café style croissants and different cheeses with a glass of non-alcoholic bubbly. Want to try to learn a little French? Stream a popular movie in French with English subtitles. France is well known for its artists, so hire a painting instructor and let the guests replicate a famous French painting.

n Glamping

Glamping is the personified version of a sleepover party, taking place in a glamorous setting. You can set up your own indoor gathering space with mini tents, fluffy pillows and soft lighting. If you would rather not host in your home, consider booking a stay at a treehouse (Buckhead, East Point and Kennesaw boast them) or boutique hotel. Foil packet recipes would pair beautifully with a campfire setting. For entertainment, try a bougie version of camp crafts like tie-dye blankets for the partygoers to take home with them. You can also set up camping-related games like scavenger hunts or play Telestrations around the campfire.

n Game Night

This theme is very easy to customize because it is such a broad idea. You can host a Casino Night, Bunco or Trivia Night from 2007. If you would like to take the party outside of the house, you could head to an Escape Room venue, outdoor laser tag or bowling. You can hire a mobile video game bus. Gamers of all kinds need fuel so consider onehanded items like sliders, pigs in a blanket, mini meatballs, cheese cubes and a fresh veggie tray.

n The Roaring 20s

Tell everyone to put on their favorite flapper dress, Panama hat and suspenders and get ready to party like it’s 1923! Set up Blackjack tables in your Speakeasy and be sure to give everyone the secret code word to get in. Serve shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms and finger sandwiches. Don’t forget the Mocktails — it is a Sweet 16, after all.

Turning 16 is a rite of passage and one of the first milestones towards adulthood.

Altitude Trampoline Park

altitudeeastcobb.com

Altitude Trampoline Park is the place for kids to freeplay! Parties are indoor adventures that will have guests bouncing, soaring, tumbling and battling their way to a one-of-kind experience. Call today! 770-693-7627.

BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNER

birthday parties and events for fun, learning and making memories! Call to book your party today! 781-249-2459.

Yellow House Parties

yellowhouseparties.com

Customized spa parties! Experience our beautiful venue where your princess will enjoy a pampering spa experience in spa robes, receive edible facials, mini manis & pedis, glitter makeovers, have a runway show and more. 470-301-3485.

Dream Friends Entertainment

dreamfriendsentertainment.com

Fall festival and Halloween themed entertainment from silly to scary. Also favorite kids characters, circus, fire, holiday, DJs, dance acts and more for all ages. 275 entertainment options to choose from. Atlanta Based Since 2001.

Jason’s Music Party

jasonsmusicparty.com

A Birthday Concert for Your Child. Interactive live kids music for all occasions. Performing classics and new favorites, percussion jams, singing, dancing and more. Options for every budget. Easy set-up, best for ages 1-8.

Circus Camp

circuscamp.org

Celebrate your child’s birthday with our trained professionals. One-on-one instruction. Magic shows, balloon sculpting, juggling, face painting and other extras available. Register online Dunwoody and Decatur, 404-370-0001.

Sky Zone Roswell

skyzone.com/roswell

Sky Zone offers party packages that can be customized to meet your needs with jumping, dodgeball, Warrior Course, Sky Slam, Wipe Out, Sky Tower, VR, Party Space, Pizza, beverages and more! 678-745-9900.

Bucks Sports and Circus Barn

BucksSportBarn.com

Buckhead’s top spot for private parties and camps! More than 300 costumes and epic performers. Themes: Circus, Sports, Crafts, Superheros, Princesses, American Ninja Warrior and more.

Family Fun Guide

Fall is here! Your guide to festive fun!

Top September Events! Page48

Fall Bucket List

Apple Picking l Old-Fashioned Fairs l Corn Mazes l Pumpkin Patches l Scenic Train Rides

Festival Time

Celebrate with September and October festivals featuring tastes of culture, arts and crafts, food, music, games and more.

Must-See Exhibits

Check out these new exhibits featuring everything from Pixar to King Tut and Vikings.

SEPTEMBER TOP EVENTS

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

AN UN-CON-VENTIONAL AFFAIR

Check out these awesome cons for appreciating the best of popular culture.

Dragon Con

Downtown Atlanta

Aug. 31-Sept. 4. See website for schedule. Parade: Sept. 2, 10 a.m.

The highlight of this popular culture convention is the parade, where you’ll see tons of your favorite costumed characters from movies, shows and more. Celebrate science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, music, art and film with featured guests, performers, gaming, an art show and more. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-669-0773. $20+; ages 6 and younger, free; 5-Day Membership, $175. dragoncon.org

PAW Patrol Live!

Fox Theatre / Sept. 8-10. See website for showtimes. Help the PAW Patrol as they rescue Robo Dog from Mayor Humdinger and restore order to the city. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 855-285-8499. $39+. foxtheatre.org

Monster Jam

Gas South Arena

Sept. 9-10. See website for schedule. Watch athletes compete in enormous monster trucks. The Pit Party before the event includes viewing trucks up close, meeting your favorite drivers and taking fun photos. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 800-844-3545. $24-$98; Pit Party, $20. monsterjam.com

TinyCON

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Sept. 1-4. See website for schedule. At this con for kids, festivities include creating your own hat, making slimy ogre snot, watching a spectacular Spiderman Science show, training like a Jedi and more. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $20.95. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

French Market

Buckhead Village / Sept. 9, noon-7 p.m. Buckhead Avenue will be transformed into a Parisian-inspired, open-air market showcasing French and French-inspired businesses. 3035 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. Free admission; food wristband, $5-$10. frenchmarketatl.com

Butterfly Experience

Dunwoody Nature Center

Sept. 9-10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Discover hundreds of butterflies up close, and enjoy activities, crafts and educational experiences. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. $18; ages 3 and younger, free. dunwoodynature.org

TinyCON

PAW Patrol Live!

Monster Jam

UPS Second Sunday

High Museum of Art

Sept. 10, noon-5 p.m.

Special family programming includes music by a local Atlanta DJ, drop-in art making and smARTboxes. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free admission. high.org

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Synchronicity Theatre

Sept. 13-17. See website for showtimes. China rabbit Edward Tulane must battle the high seas, befriend a happy hobo, comfort a sick child and more on his adventure to find his way home. 1545 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-484-8636. $15-$45. synchrotheatre.com

Back to Your Roots Farm Fair

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Sept. 17, noon-4 p.m.

Celebrate the harvesting season with live farm animals, games, crafts and the opening of “Naturally Artistic.” 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-461-2840. $15; ages 13-18, $11; ages 3-12, $9; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

Disney On Ice: Magic in the Stars

State Farm Arena: Sept. 20-23 and Gas South Arena: Sept. 28-Oct. 1. See website for showtimes. Chart a course through the night sky with characters from “Frozen,” “Encanto,” “Aladdin” and more. State Farm Arena: 1 State Farm Dr., Atlanta; 404-878-3000 and Gas South Arena: 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth; 770-813-7500. $24-$109. disneyonice.com

Disney On Ice: Magic in the Stars

SEPTEMBER TOP EVENTS

Twilight Trek

Zoo Atlanta / Sept. 22, 6:30-9 p.m.

After the sun goes down, explore the Zoo for an evening adventure with night-vision technology and special activities. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $25; ages 3 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org

Sunday in the Park

featuring Tunes from the Tombs

Oakland Cemetery / Sept. 24, noon-7:30 p.m.

In the past, Victorians would bring blankets and musical instruments to cemeteries to celebrate life. Honor that tradition with this event with live music, tours, craft beers and wine, an artist market, food trucks, a craft area and more. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. $20-$25; ages 6-17, $10-$15; ages 5 and younger, free. oaklandcemetery.com

ALL ABOUT PUPPETS

Head to the Center for Puppetry Arts for an exciting performance.

Aanika’s Elephants

Through Sept. 3. / See website for showtimes.

Repticon

Gwinnett County Fairground

Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Explore exotic animals from around the world, and learn what it’s like to care for reptiles. 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. 863-268-4273. $10-$15; ages 5-12, $5-$6; ages 4 and younger, free. repticon.com

Aanika is a young African girl who grows up with Little, an orphaned baby elephant, and her courage is tested in order to save Little and her new family from poachers.

Brother Coyote, Sister Fox

Sept. 6-24. / See website for showtimes. This Mexican folktale showcases Brother Coyote, who plans to eat all the plump chickens himself. But quick-witted Sister Fox is able to stay one step ahead of him.

n The Details: 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $22-$27. puppet.org

For more information contact Cornelia Main Street Manager Noah Hamil: 706-778-8585 ext. 209 or nhamil@cornelia.city

Repticon

Aanika’s Elephants

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American heroes and heroines.

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Summerour Middle School Parking Lot / Sept. 16, 2-6 p.m.

Enjoy the lively rhythms of salsa and merengue, colorful costumes, traditional folk dances, delicious foods, activities and more. 321 Price Pl., Norcross. 770-448-2122. Free admission. norcrossga.net

Salsa on the Square

Decatur Square / Sept. 16, 4-10 p.m.

This event includes authentic Hispanic food, drink and merchandise vendors, live salsa performances, dance instructions and an after party. 509 N. McDonough St., Decatur. Free admission. placitalatinaga.org

Latino-Hispanic Cultural Heritage Celebration

Ashford Lane / Sept. 17, 1-4 p.m.

This celebration with feature emcee Wendy Corona from WSBTV Action News. 4500 Olde Perimeter Way, Atlanta. 678-382-6700. Free admission. dunwoodyga.gov

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Village Green Park / Sept. 23, 5-9 p.m.

Enjoy a live DJ, performers, local Hispanic and Latino vendors and more at this family fun celebration. 200 Village Green Cir., Smyrna. 770-434-6600. Free admission. smyrnaga.gov

Concert on the Green: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Logan Farm Park / Sept. 23, 5-10 p.m.

This festival highlights Hispanic cultures within the community with vendors, music and

FALL BUCKET LIST

Georgia Apple Festival

Ellijay. Oct. 14-15 and 21-22.

Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Shop handmade crafts, watch demonstrations, listen to live music, and enjoy delicious fair food as you celebrate apple season. 1729 S. Main St., Ellijay. $10; ages 12 and younger, free. georgiaapplefestival.org

APPLE PICKING IN NORTH GEORGIA

Pick your own crisp apples and enjoy family-friendly fare at these spots. Expect to pay around $10 per half-peck of apples. Call or check websites for apple availability before your visit.

n B.J. Reece Orchard. Aug. 26-Oct. 29. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. 1-6 p.m. Crimson Crisp, Rome Beauty and Golden Delicious are just a few of the apple varieties available to pick; apple picking bags are $10-$40. Farm fun includes the slide, petting farm, wagon ride, pig races, rubber duck races and more, with the pricing from $13-$26. Grab an apple cider donut or fried pie at the Market & Bakery before heading home. 9131 Hwy. 52 E, Ellijay. 706-276-3048. reeceorchards.com

n Red Apple Barn. Opening Aug. 26. Sat. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 1-4 p.m. The orchard’s $10.50 admission fee includes picking one apple, a tractor ride, farm tour, games, cider and a doughnut. Enjoy the kids’ playground, and stop in the farm market, which sells everything from fried pies to peanut brittle. 3379 Tailscreek Rd., Ellijay. 706-635-5898. redapplebarn.com

n Hillcrest Orchards. Hillcrest Orchards. Opening Sept. 2. The orchard’s farm features a market and bakery, along with a petting farm, jumping pillows, wagon rides and playgrounds. Their Apple Pickin’ Jubilees occur on weekends; visitors can pick from several tasty varieties, including Granny Smith and Goldrush. The $12-$18 admission fee includes farm activities and games. 9696 Hwy. 52 E, Ellijay. 706-273-3838. hillcrestorchards.net

n R&A Orchards. Opening Sept. 2. This farm planted its first apple trees more than 70 years ago. Today, there are more than 60 acres of trees, including Winesap, Ginger Golden and Jona Gold. U-pick apples, u-pick flowers and farm tours are available on weekends in September and October. 5505 Hwy. 52 E, Ellijay. 706-273-3821. randaorchards.com

n Mercier Orchards. Opening Sept. 4. Take a tractor ride through this 300+ acre orchard of fruits and veggies. Pick up pecan chicken salad, pimento cheese, loaded potato salad, jams, jellies, preserves, apple butter, fried pies and more in the market. Apple picking will cost $14 per person. 8660 Blue Ridge Dr., Blue Ridge. 706-632-3411. mercier-orchards.com

There’s so much to do during this season! Add these ideas to your must-do list to make the most of autumn.

FAIRS: OLD-FASHIONED FUN

Outdoor fairs mean games on the midway, carnival rides, delicious food, live performances and more.

n Chattahoochee Mountain Fair. Habersham County Fairgrounds. Sept. 8-16. See website for schedule. Travel back to the good old days with homemade treats, handmade crafts, a farm animal petting zoo and carnival rides. 4235 Toccoa Hwy., Clarkesville. 706-969-1866. $15. chattahoocheemountainfair.org

n Kiwanis Coweta County Fair. Coweta County Fairgrounds. Sept. 14-24. See website for schedule. Enjoy amusement rides, arts and crafts, exhibits, live animals, competitions and more. 275 Pine Rd., Newnan. 770-254-2620. $10; ages 5 and younger, free; ride armbands, $35-$40. cowetacountyfair.net

n Gwinnett County Fair. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. Sept. 14-24. See website for schedule. Ride carnival rides, see themed stunt shows, watch puppet performances, listen to live concerts and more. 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. 770-963-6522. $10; ages 6-11, $5; ages 5 and younger, free; unlimited rides, $25-$35. gwinnettcountyfair.com

n Georgia State Fair. Atlanta Motor Speedway. Sept. 29-Oct. 8. See website for schedule. Enjoy exciting attractions, shows, live music, fair food, carnival rides, kiddie rides and more. 1500 Tara Pl., Hampton. $10; ages 5-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free; ride wristbands, $25-$30. georgiastatefair.com

n Atlanta Fair. Center Parc Stadium. Oct. 6-Nov. 5. See website for schedule. Go on an adventure with unlimited rides, play fun games, and taste mouth-watering food and treats at this fair. 688 Central Ave. SW, Atlanta. 772-266-9885. $5-$8; 42" and under, $3; ride tickets, $1.25 each. atlantafair.net

n Cumming Country Fair & Festival. Cumming Fairgrounds. Oct. 5-15. Mon.-Thur. 4-10 p.m.; Fri. 4 p.m.-midnight; Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight and Sun. 12:30-9 p.m. Gather together with friends and family for fair food, surprising amusement rides and exciting concerts and performances. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-781-3491. $10; ages 10 and younger, free. cummingfair.squarespace.com

n Georgia National Fair. Georgia National Fairgrounds. Oct. 5-15. See website for schedule. Watch live music, see livestock shows, ride carnival rides and more. 401 Larry Walker Pkwy., Perry. 478-987-3247. $15; ages 10 and younger, free; ride armbands, $25-$30. georgianationalfair.com

North Georgia State Fair

Jim R. Miller Park. Sept. 21-Oct. 1. See website for schedule. New this year, performing sea lions, robot MAX POWER, dinosaurs in Jurassic Kingdom and a dog show. 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. 770-423-1330. $10; ages 10 and younger, free; parking, $5; ride tickets, $1.25 each. northgeorgiastatefair.com

Cont’d on next page

Atlanta Fair

Georgia State Fair

FALL BUCKET LIST

FOUR MUST-DOS

Have a seasonal adventure at one of these spots featuring pumpkins, flowers, hayrides, nighttime experiences and more.

Sept. 15-Oct. 29

2 1 Pumpkins at Callaway

By day, explore 2,500 acres of pumpkins, sunflowers, fall topiaries and a corn maze, and at night, walk through a transformed garden with illuminating experiences, including an Enchanted Pumpkin Forest. 17617 US-27, Pine Mountain. 844-512-3826. $24.95$29.95; ages 3-11, $19.95-$24.95; ages 2 and 11, free. callawaygardens.com

Pumpkin Festival

Stone Mountain Park. Sept. 16-Oct. 29

Enjoy park attractions, games, live shows, displays, pie eating contests and more. At night, watch a glowing nighttime parade, the new Pumpkin Drone & Light Show and tons of other not-so-spooky glowing experiences. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407. $39.95; ages 3-11, $34.95; ages 2 and younger, free. stonemountainpark.com

Copper Creek Farm

Sept. 23-Oct. 28

4 3

New this year, the farm features a Cinderella carriage, mini pony and bubble barn, along with a giant and a kiddie corn maze, a zip line, wagon hayrides, gem mining, pig races, talking pumpkins, an animated chicken show and more. 1514 Reeves Station Rd., Calhoun. 706-280-5592. $14.02-$28.97. coppercreekfarm.com

Fausett Farms

Opening in September

See more than 900,000 different sunflowers. Horse riders can being their own horse to travel the trails. 11336 Hwy. 136 W, Dawsonville. 706-265-9661. $6; ages 4 and younger, free. fausettfarmssunflowers.com

GET LOST BETWEEN THE CORN STALKS

Can you solve your way through these tall plants? Find more corn mazes at atlantaparent.com.

n Buford Corn Maze. Sept. 2-Nov. 12. Along with a fantastic corn maze, enjoy slides, duck racing, jumping pillows, hayrides, a corn box, pony rides, pumpkins and barn animals. Starting later in September, explore the Haunted Forest to celebrate the Halloween season. 4470 Bennett Rd., Buford. $16.85-$29.95. bufordcornmaze.com

n Warbington Farms. Sept. 9-Nov. 4. Wander the pumpkin patch and corn maze, explore the barnyard, play on the slides and swings, jump on the jumping pillow and more. 5555 Crow Rd., Cumming. 770-889-1515. $13.95; ages 3 and younger, free. warbingtonfarms.com

n Cagle’s Farm. Sept. 15-Oct. 29. Get lost in a corn or mini maze, play yard games, visit the animal barn, swing on the octagon swings, and enjoy more farm fun. 362 Stringer Rd., Holly Springs. 470-533-9388. $12-$17; ages 2 and younger, free. caglesfarm.com

n Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch. Sept. 16-Nov. 12. Walk the pumpkin patch, solve the 15-acre corn maze, play on Tire Mountain, launch the corn cannon and more. For extra, grab some festival food, search for gemstones, and have your face painted. 125 Bannister Rd., Dawsonville. 770-772-6223. $17-$27; ages 4 and younger, free. uncleshucks.com

n Pettit Creek Farms. Sept. 23-24, 30 and Oct. 1-31. This farms’ annual fall festival features a corn maze, hayrides, a petting zoo, ring toss, cornhole, scarecrow building and more. Extra admission includes camel rides, pony rides, swings, feeding the animals, Euro Bungy and the Aerial Course. 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-386-8688. $14.95; ages 1 and younger, free. pettitcreekfarms.com

Cont’d on next page

Buford Corn Maze

FALL BUCKET LIST / CORN MAZES

n Southern Belle Farm. Sept. 23-Nov. 5. Play in the corn maze, pick pumpkins, ride the cow train, shoot corn cannons, watch pig races and more. 1658 Turner Church Rd., McDonough. 770-288-2582. $13.95-$22.95; ages 2 and younger, free. southernbellefarm.com

n Washington Farms. Sept. 23-Nov. 5. Pick your own pumpkin and flowers, get lost in the corn maze, stroll through the petting zoo, jump on the jumping pillows, shoot a corn cannon, ride a wagon around the farm and more. 5691 Hog Mountain Rd., Bogart. 706-769-0627. $13.95-$18.95. washingtonfarms.net

n Sleepy Hollow Farm. Sept. 23-Nov. 4. Take a tractor ride around the farm, explore the corn maze, walk through the pumpkin patch, play games in the Kid Zone, see farm animals and more. 628 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Powder Springs. 770-880-8846. $14; ages 2 and younger, free. sleepyhollowtrees.com

n Yule Forest. Sept. 30-Oct. 29. Pick a pumpkin straight off the vine in the giant fields, stroll through sunflowers and zinnias in the garden, solve the corn maze, go on a hayride, watch a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex come to life and more. 3565 Hwy. 155 N, Stockbridge. 770-954-9356. $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free. yuleforest.com

n Dickey Farms. Oct. 1-29. On the weekends, get lost in the corn maze, take the family on a hayride, enjoy activities, like the barrel train, jump pad and more, and take home a festive pumpkin. 3440 Musella Rd., Musella. 478-836-4362. $14.95; ages 3 and younger, free. gapeaches.com

ENJOY PUMPKINS

Pumpkins are a must-have for fall. Find the perfect one at these patches.

n Burt’s Pumpkin Farm. Sept. 1-Nov. 10. Enjoy the cool mountain air of North Georgia as you shop more than 20 varieties of pumpkins, go on a hayride around the property, and shop the country store for vegetables, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin pies and more. 5 Burts Pumpkin Farm Rd., Dawsonville. 706-265-3701. burtspumpkinfarmga.com

n Randy’s Pumpkin Patch. Opening Sept. 20. Explore this pumpkin patch with an inflatable obstacle course, train rides, kiddie jump, bunny petting zoo, face painting, an inflatable haunted house and more. 1460 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lawrenceville. 770-822-0676. randyspumpkinpatch.com

n Wargo’s Pumpkin Patch. Sept. 23-Nov. 5. Shop pumpkins, go on a hayride, take fall pictures, create crafts, and snack on boiled peanuts at this pumpkin patch. Johnson Rd., Grantville. 770-377-8635. facebook.com/ wargospumpkinpatch

n Scottsdale Farms. Oct. 1-22. The pumpkin patch is open daily for finding the perfect fall pumpkin for carving and decorating. From Fri.-Sun., enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, the sunflower field, goats and fall photo backdrops. 15639 Birmingham Hwy., Milton. 770-7775875. $7; ages 4 and younger, free. scottsdalefarms.com

Washington Farms

FALL BUCKET LIST

GO LEAF PEEPING

Whether you travel by car or train, these gorgeous spots offer you the perfect way to see the leaves change.

BY CAR

n Panola Mountain State Park. Panola Mountain offers picturesque scenes of foliage throughout the park, as well as by the playground. A 100-acre granite outcrop, spot the beauty of the season from the top of the mountain, and enjoy archery, geocaching, orienteering, birding and tree-climbing programs. 2620 Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Parking, $5. gastateparks.org/ panolamountain

n Lake Allatoona. Spot gorgeous fall leaves on the water at Lake Allatoona. Head to the visitor’s center for a guide to the hiking trails for exercise and family photo ops. 1138 Hwy. 20 Spur SE, Cartersville. Free admission. lakeallatoona.com

n Cloudland Canyon State Park. Easy-to-reach overlooks make Cloudland Canyon a popular destination for leaf-peepers. The park has 64 miles of trails; choose from easy to challenging routes to enjoy the colorful fall show. 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd., Rising Fawn. 706-657-4050. Parking, $5. gastateparks.org/cloudlandcanyon

n Brasstown Bald. Take a shuttle from the parking lot or walk the half-mile trail to the visitor’s center at the top of Georgia’s highest mountain at 4,784 feet above sea level. The circular observation deck offers amazing 360-degree views of the Appalachians; on a clear day, visitors can see four states. 2941 Hwy. 180 Spur, Hiawassee. 706-8964137. $8; ages 15 and younger, free. fs.usda.gov

BY TRAIN

Brasstown Bald

n Victoria Bryant State Park. Set in the wooded hills of North Georgia, this hidden gem boasts plenty of fall colors. Picnic, hike or fish in one of the ponds. 1105 Bryant Park Rd., Royston. 706-2456270. Parking, $5. gastateparks. org/victoriabryant

n F.D. Roosevelt State Park. Pine Mountain is home to one of the state’s most popular spots for fall color. The park has thousands of acres of hardwood forests, unique rock formations and streams. Picnic at Dowdell’s Knob, overlooking the Pine Mountain Trail, for sweeping views of the valley. 2970 GA Hwy. 190, Pine Mountain. 706-663-4858. Parking, $5. gastateparks.org/fdroosevelt

n Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This historic train depot sits in the heart of Bryson City, N.C., and go on train rides for gorgeous view of Fontana Lake, the historic Fontana Trestle, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, historical structures and wonderful fall leaves. Take the 4.5-hour Nantahala Gorge Excursion and enjoy gorgeous views, Bluegrass music and Appalachian folk tales, or go on the Tuckasegee River Excursion for a four-hour trip to the historic town of Dillsboro. 45 Mitchell St., Bryson City, N.C. 800-872-4681. $58-$94; ages 2-12, $33-$64; ages 1 and younger, $0-$13. gsmr.com

n Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Go on a nostalgic journey through the charming Appalachian foothills of North Georgia with this train ride. Starting at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, take a round-trip journey along the Toccoa River to spot beautiful fall foliage. Fall Rides are available starting on Sept. 21, and you can purchase a two- or four-hour trip. 241 Depot St., Blue Ridge. 877-413-8724. $54.99-$66.99; ages 2-12, $42.99-$49.99; ages 1 and younger, free. brscenic.com

n Tennessee Valley Railroad. Explore the beauty of Chattanooga and Hiwassee with these train rides. Options include riding the Missionary Ridge Local for a short line train about local history; a 50-mile round trip through the Hiwassee River Gorge with the Hiwassee Loop, or the eight-hour scenic journey to Copperhill, Tenn. with the Copperhill Special. Also, for a special event, consider the Homefront Tea Room experience or the Evening Ridge Runner. For $6-$10, visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum for an interactive and historical experience. 4119 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-894-8028. $24-$70; ages 2-12, $15-$55; ages 1 and younger, free. tvrail.com

n Tweetsie Railroad. This theme park features a historic steam locomotive, live interactive shows, amusement rides, Deer Park Zoo and more. Two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives are in operation: “Tweetsie” and “Yukon Queen.” A daily admission ticket includes a ride behind one of the historic steam locomotives, live Wild West-themed entertainment, the Deer Park Zoo, amusement rides and a chance to pan for gold. Starting on Sept. 22, check out Ghost Train on Friday and Saturday nights for a Halloween celebration. Young children will love the dance parties, trick-or-treat stations, photo ops and the Palace Spooktacular Show, while those brave souls will trek the scary nighttime journey on Ghost Train exploring the Haunted House and Freaky Forest. 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln., Blowing Rock, N.C. 800-526-5740. $60; ages 3-12, $40; ages 2 and younger, free. tweetsie.com

Photo courtesy of Picture Georgia

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

FALL FESTIVALS

Explore the cooler weather of autumn by attending an outdoor festival with live performances, delicious food, kid’s activities, marketplaces, arts and crafts and more.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

n Pioneer Days Festival

Sam Smith Park

Sept. 1, 4-11 p.m.; Sept. 2-3, noon-11 p.m. and Sept. 4, noon-10 p.m.

This family-oriented festival features arts and crafts, carnival rides, fair food, game concessions and more. 1155 Douthit Ferry Rd., Cartersville. $10; ages 10 and younger, free. pioneerdaysga.com

n Night Market

Drake Field

Sept. 8, 5-10 p.m.

Enjoy cuisine and desserts from food trucks, listen to live music, and shop vendors at this vibrant outdoor market. 155 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City. 470-241-4412. Free admission. nightmarketptc.com

n Pizza, Pints & Pigskins

Logan Farm Park

Sept. 9, noon-10 p.m.

Taste restaurant’s best pizza dish along with their other yummy fares, and play in the kid’s zone with obstacle courses, bungee jumps and more. 4405 Cherokee St., Acworth. 770-917-1234. Free admission. acworth.org

n Happy Days Weekend

Jess Lucas Park

Sept. 15, 7-11 p.m. and Sept. 16, 7-10 p.m.

Join in two nights of free concerts. 680 S. Central Ave., Hapeville. 404-669-2116. Free admission. hapeville.org

n Taste of Smyrna

Smyrna Village Green

Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

More than 30 restaurants, acoustic music, kids’ activities, entertainment and more. 2800 King St. SE, Smyrna. 770-423-1330. Free admission. jrmmanagement.com

n Suwanee’s Wild Wild Fest

Suwanee Town Center

Sept. 16, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sept. 17, noon-5 p.m.

Play in the OK Corral, the family fun zone, listen to an evening concert, watch the parade, shop vendors and more. 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee. 770-945-8996. Free admission. suwaneefest.com

n Pumpkin Festival

Stone Mountain Park

Sept. 16-Oct. 29

During the day, enjoy park attractions and special fall entertainment featuring some of your favorite classic storybook characters, and at night, watch the nighttime parade, the pumpkin light show and other not-so-spooky glowing experiences. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407. $39.95; ages 3-11, $34.95; ages 2 and younger, free. stonemountainpark.com

n Taste of Snellville

Snellville Towne Green

Sept. 17, 4-8 p.m.

Experience a diverse taste of cuisines from chefs around Snellville and the surrounding area. 2342 Oak Rd. SW, Snellville. 770-3100429. Free admission; food tickets, $1 each; activity band, $10. experiencesnellville.com

n Duluth Fall Festival

Downtown Duluth

Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Oct. 1, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Watch more than 20 acts perform a variety of music and dance, see street performers, view the parade, shop arts and crafts and more. 3142 Hill St. NW, Duluth. 855-385-8841. Free admission. duluthfallfestival.org

Suwanee’s Wild Wild Fest

Duluth Fall Festival

n Taste of Acworth

Downtown Acworth

Oct. 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Explore more than 120 booths with food, children’s activities and more, along with two entertainment stages featuring local entertainment, a dog show and more. Main St., Acworth. 770423-1330. Free admission. acworthtourism.org

n Family Fall Festival & Trick or Treat Trot

Pinckneyville Park

Oct. 14, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

This family festival features games, raffles, food, face painting, STEM activities, an obstacle course and more. 4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners. 404-943-1070. $30; Spooky Sprint for ages 9 and younger, free. eastersealsnorthgeorgia.org

n Fall Festival

Snellville Towne Green

Oct. 14, noon-6 p.m.

Shop a wide variety of craft vendors, enjoy fall flavors, climb the rock wall, play mini golf, ride the train and more. 2342 Oak Rd., Snellville. 770-310-0429. Free admission; activity band, $15. experiencesnellville.com

n Olde Town Fall Festival

Olde Town Conyers

Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This annual festival features more than 100 craft vendors, live entertainment and food vendors. 901 Railroad St., Conyers. 770-602-2606. Free admission. conyersga.com

n Auburn Fest Celebration

Downtown Auburn

Oct. 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Enjoy arts, crafts, food, live music, competitions and more. 4th Ave., Auburn.770-963-4002. Free. cityofauburn-ga.org

n Pine LakeFest

Pine Lake

Oct. 21-22, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Go for a float, watch the pet parade, build sandcastles, create chalk art, listen to music and more. Lakeshore Dr., Pine Lake. Free admission. pinelakefest.com

n West Fest

Booth Western Art Museum

Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Watch reenactments of the gunfight at O.K. Corral, listen to live music, view Native American dancing, visit the petting zoo, create an art project, try mechanical calf roping and more. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-387-1300. $13; ages 12 and younger, free. boothmuseum.org

n Taste of Kennesaw

Downtown Kennesaw

Nov. 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Listen to rock ‘n roll music, explore food booths, try drinks in the beer garden, play with children’s activities and more. Main St., Kennesaw. 770-423-1330. Free admission. jrmmanagement.com

A TASTE OF CULTURE

n Atlanta British Car Fayre

Historic Downtown Norcross

Sept. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

View more than 300 distinctive British automobile and motorcycles. S. Peachtree St., Norcross. Free admission. atlantabritishcarfayre.com

n JapanFest Atlanta

Gas South Convention Center

Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Experience the rich culture of Japan with live music, dance performances, cultural workshops, Japanese food, children’s games and more. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-626-2464. $20; ages 6 and younger, free; parking, $5-$25. japanfest.org

n Around the World in the DTL

Lawrenceville Lawn

Sept. 22, 5-10 p.m. and Sept. 23, 2-10 p.m.

Celebrate the diverse cultures and communities of Lawrenceville with an international bazaar, unique wares, delicious cuisine, live music, dance performances and more. 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville. 678-407-6653. Free admission. lawrencevillega.org

n Atlanta Greek Festival

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Sept. 22, 5:30-11:30 p.m.; Sept. 23, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.;

Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Explore the authentic menu of Greek food at this annual festival. 2500 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta. 404-633-5870. $50; ages 12 and younger, $25. atlantagreekfestival.org

n Stone Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival

Stone Mountain Park

Oct. 21-22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Explore the sights and sounds of Scotland with pipe bands, athletics, drumming competitions, Highland dancers, foods and more. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-521-0228. $22.50-$25; ages 12 and younger, free. smhg.org

JapanFest Atlanta

Photo by Miki Lendon

FALL FESTIVALS

BEYOND ATLANTA

n Helen Oktoberfest

Helen Festhalle

Sept. 7-Oct. 29. See website for schedule. Enjoy German-style entertainment with food, music and dance. The parade will be held on Sept. 9 at noon. 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen. 706-878-1619. $10-$12; ages 6-12, $5-$6; ages 5 and younger, free. helenchamber.com

n Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival

Downtown Augusta

Sept. 15, 5-9 p.m.; Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

See works from artists, watch five stages of entertainment with music, dance, storytelling and more, and taste food from booths with cuisine from around the world. Broad St., Augusta. 706-826-4702. $12-$15. artsintheheartofaugusta.com

n Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

Sept. 16-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Celebrate the cultures of Southeastern Native Americans with cultural crafts, storytelling, educational programs, live demonstrations, music and dance. 1207 Emery Hwy., Macon. 478-752-8257. Free. ocmulgeemounds.org

n Barnesville Buggy Days Festival

Downtown Barnesville / Sept. 16, 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sept. 17, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Shop the Arts, Crafts & Food Bazaar, play games, aim for the bullseyes with axe throwing, watch the parade, play in the Buggy Blast Kid’s Park and more. 100 Commerce Pl., Barnesville. 404-733-7034. Free. barnesville.org

n Big Red Apple Festival

Downtown Cornelia

Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebrate the 35th anniversary of this festival with hayrides, fresh apples, train rides, axe throwing, cornhole, live entertainment and more. 301 S. Main St., Cornelia. 706-778-8585. Free admission. cornelia.city

n Georgia Mountain Fall Festival

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Oct. 6-14, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Glimpse North Georgia’s rich history and culture with musical performances, arts and crafts, attractions and more. 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee. 706-896-4191. $6-$16; ages 12 and younger, free. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

n Prater’s Mill Country Fair

Prater’s Mill Historic Site / Oct. 14, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Oct. 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Take a self-guided tour of the mill, taste authentic Southern meals, view displays of antique tractors and cars, and watch live entertainment on the main stage. 5845 Hwy. 2, Dalton. 706-694-6455. $10; ages 12 and younger, free. pratersmill.org

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS

Play and learn at these new educational experiences.

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out Children’s Museum of Atlanta / Sept. 16-Jan. 7, 2024

This interactive exhibit based on the beloved movie explores the importance of emotions, memory and imagination in our everyday lives. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $15.95-$19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Naturally Artistic Chattahoochee Nature Center / Sept. 17-Nov. 30

This exhibit celebrates the connection between art and nature with local artists’ creation and art-making activities. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $15; ages 13-18, $11; ages 3-12, $9; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See Atlanta History Center / Through Sept. 17

Mamie Till-Mobley shared the story of her son, Emmett Till’s death, to motivate the emerging Civil Rights Movement and change the nation. Recommended for ages 10 and older. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000. $24; ages 4-12, $10; ages 3 and younger, free. atlantahistorycenter.com

Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures Exhibition Hub, Atlanta Art Center / Sept. 28-Nov. 30

Journey to ancient Egypt to view the burial chambers and treasures of King Tut with this blockbuster experience.

5660 Buford Hwy. NE, Doraville. $24.90+; ages 4-12, $17.90+; ages 3 and younger, free. tutankhamunexpo.com/atlanta

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience Exhibition Hub, Atlanta Art Center / Through Sept. 29

Step into the paintings of Van Gogh with 360-degree digital projections, a one-of-a-kind VR experience and atmospheric light and sound show. 5660 Buford Hwy. NE, Doraville. $34.90$59.90; ages 4-12, $20.90-$43.90; ages 3 and younger, free. vangoghexpo.com/atlanta

Vikings: Warriors of the Sea Fernbank Museum / Oct. 7-Jan. 1, 2024

Explore Viking culture, society and technology with archeological discoveries, brilliant innovations, beautiful jewelry and 140 authentic artifacts. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $25.95; ages 3-12, $23.95; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature High Museum of Art / Oct. 13-Jan. 7, 2024

This playful exhibit showcases one of the most renowned authors of children’s fiction with more than 125 personal objects, including sketches from “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” “The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle” and “The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.” 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. $18.50. high.org

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out

Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Pupil:

Teacher:

If “can’t” is short for “cannot”, then what is “don’t” short for?

for the fridge

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