October 2014

Parent Atlanta’s No. 1 Parenting Magazine

October 2014

atlanta

atlantaparent.com

Take a Hike Easy Steps

to Outdoor Fun

Boo! It’s Halloween DIY costumes, crafts and more Plus, top picks for tricks and treats

Don’t Miss Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Family Block Party, October 11

www.riverviewcamp.com 256-634-4043

www.shreiner.com 770-953-1340

www.openarmsbuckhead.org

404-256-1330

www.cloverleafschool.org 404-474-3904

beautifulbraces.com

770-619-1776

cummingdanceacademy.com 770-781-4922

mountvernonschool.org

childrenstherapyworks.com

404-252-3448

770-754-0085

SteppingStoneMontessori.com

letslearnacademy.com

Cumming Suwanee

haygoodwcm.org 404-872-5806

bubblesandbrushes.com 678-899-7035

www.koolkidatl.com 404-585-6785

wrapautism.com 678-580-3925

casamontessori.com 770-973-2731

topofthekey.com 770-465-1502

(888) 298-0396 ext. 228

chambersperformingarts.com 770-772-9798

CircusArtsInstitute.com 404-549-3000

www.danceandarts.com 770-934-5010

www.valleyviewranch.com 706-862-2231

www.samspathpettingzoo.com

www.McGinnisWoods.org

706-717-8837

770-664-7764

the-temple.org 404-872-8668

mayfielddairy.com

770-754-0085

www.flair.com 321-723-3211

www.kidsenabled.org

www.ryre.org 770-772-6622

Tayo Reed’s

Performing Arts Center & Preschool

www.i9Sports.com 678-731-9009

TayoReedPerformingArtsCenter.org 770-774-4299

PEACHSTATEGAMERZ.COM 1-844-442-6379

SO MUCH FUN IT’S SCARY FREE FOR MEMBERS!

NOW ON VIEW

Insta

FernbankMuseum.org/Goosebumps

Inside 3 O October Vol. 31 Number 10

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Features

Departments

Boo! It’s Halloween n DYI Costumes: Costumes that can be

made from materials you already have. Plus, 10 tips for buying outfits at a discount / 30 n Did You Know? Read a fun history of this

goulish holiday / 32

8 Publisher’s Note 10 News You Can Use 12 Free & Cheap 26 Up Close & Personal:

Spotlight on Businesses Special Advertising Section

74 Humor: The Halloween Fairy and Other Tales

n Fear Factors: Atlanta Parent ranks holiday

activities, from Not-So-Spooky to Ex-Scream / 54 n What to Do: The definitive list of Halloween

events in metro Atlanta / 56

14 16 22

Family Fun Guide 43 44 45

Not-to-Miss Events

Getting your child to bed doesn’t have to be a struggle. Try these strategies.

46 49

College Football Hall of Fame

No-Fuss Nutrition

50

Take a Family Hike

53

Thrills, Stunts, Jets!

56

Halloween Events

64

Don’t miss Atlanta Parent magazine’s annual Family Block Party.

October Calendar

71

Fall Festivals & Fairs

Saturday, October 11 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Mercer University’s Atlanta Campus.

On the Cover: Cover Kid Ian Hayes-Gibbse, 5, of Stone Mountain.

Photo by Kristie Andraschko, Turning Leaf Photography.

Mommies Can Have Fun!

A mom doesn’t have to be serious all the time – follow these tips to inject fun in your day.

Sleep Tight

Follow these seven easy steps to boost the nutrition value of meals, even when kids are fussy eaters.

Come out for All-Day Family Fun!

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner

Eating Out: KirbyG’s Diner Playground: Playable Art Park, Sandy Springs

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine

Does your child have ASTHMA? Take part in a Clinical Research Study!

PUBLISHER Liz White

lwhite@atlantaparent.com

PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT MGR asmith@atlantaparent.com ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter

To participate in this study, you must:

EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

Be 5-21 years old

Qualified participants will receive: Asthma medications Pulmonary evaluation

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell

Consider joining a research study at Emory University / Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to improve asthma treatments for African Americans/Blacks.

Have at least one grandparent of African descent

Atlanta’s Award-Winning Parenting Publication

Jennifer Dodds | 404-727-5176 jcdodds@emory.edu Alice Bruce | 404-712-1773 alice.bruce@emory.edu Shanneka Douglas | 404-727-7687 sdougl5@emory.edu

JR. ACCOUNT Diane Radloff

EXECUTIVE dradloff@atlantaparent.com

SPECIAL EVENTS & Jordan Lisvosky DIGITAL SALES jlisvosky@atlantaparent.com

CONTRIBUTING Amanda Miller Allen

EDITOR

Compensation for time and travel CALENDAR Hayley Markowitz

EDITOR calendar@atlantaparent.com

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

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

OPERATIONS Caroline Ward

MANAGER cward@atlantaparent.com MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

EDITORIAL INTERNS Camille Moore

(Kennesaw State University)

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

Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341.

Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699.

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

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

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

© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2014

6 Atlanta Parent October 2014

atlantaparent.com

ItFigures

by Cynthia Washam

Tricks and Treats 18

Percent of Halloween injuries that are to the fingers or hand, most caused by a slip of the knife while carving pumpkins

Sometimes the girls need a lifT...

FREE

2008

Year Mars, Inc. became the first American candy company in the U.S. to put nutrition information on the front, followed five years later by the Hershey Company

Consultation A portion of proceeds from all breast augmentations during October will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation

7,500

Number of apple varieties grown worldwide

25

Percent of an apple’s volume that’s air, causing it to float in water

39

Percent of the U.S. apple crop that’s processed to make juice, cider, applesauce and other foods

Age-Old Advice 15-30

Minutes of crying per day early parenting guru pediatrician Dr. L. Emmett Holt recommended in the 1890s for “baby’s exercise”

Visit Website for Details • • • • • • •

ACTUAL PATIENT

Read Dr. Mark Deutsch’s Credentials See Before and After Pictures Mommy Makeover Details Liposuction, Tummy Tucks Breast Implants Injectables Facial Plastic Surgery

Patient - Before

Patient - After

1938

Year Zenith Radio Corporation head Eugene McDonald Jr. marketed the first baby monitor, which he invented to protect his own daughter following the Lindbergh kidnapping

6 months

Age Miami pediatrician and legislator Walter Sackett Jr., in his 1962 book Bringing Up Babies, recommended children start drinking black coffee Sources: Chicago Sun-Times, Confectionerynews.com, University of Illinois Extension, OrangePippin.com, DataMonitor.com, Columbia (MO) Daily Tribune, The New York Times Magazine

atlantaparent.com

Mark F. Deutsch, MD, FACS

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

(404) 255-0886

Atlanta/Fayetteville

www.perimeterplasticsurgery.com

Big or Small Save Them All October 2014 Atlanta Parent 7

Publisher’s Note

I Wasn’t Much of a Coffee Drinker… Until I Had Kids Join Us! Decatur: Preschool/Pre-K Program Chinese and Spanish Dual Immersion for 3-5 Year Olds 404-828-0810 • 134 New Street, Decatur 30030 For more information, call 404-828-0810 or visit www.LittleLinguistsPreschool.com

A good night’s sleep is so important for kids and parents. But once you’ve had a child, sleep as you know it is over. The late night movie watching marathons and late evenings out with plans to sleep in the next day have been put on hold for a few years.

“Sleeping in” for us now means 6:40 a.m. – that’s when “Mr. Bunny,” my son’s kids’ clock, is programmed to change from night to day to let him know it’s OK to leave his bedroom in the morning.

In our first years as parents, my husband and I have come to understand that sleep issues change with a child’s age, from an infant who sometimes wants to be rocked to sleep to a toddler who is transitioning to a “big boy” bed.

Our son is fast becoming an expert in sleep avoidance as he recently moved from a crib to a toddler bed. My husband and I have to chuckle a little every evening after our regular bedtime routine when Elliot scuttles out to see us in the family room to inform us he needs a tissue to blow his nose, he needs to go potty again, or he needs socks because his toes are chilly. One of our favorites has been, “Mommy and Daddy, if I’m going to bed, you have to go to bed now, too.” Elliot’s sleep avoidance tactics seem to get more creative by the day.

In this month’s issue, you’ll find strategies to set up sleep routines to get your children to bed when they aren’t cooperating. Every child is different, and what works with one may not with another. We hope these ideas on handling an important issue like a good night’s rest can prevent sleep from becoming a problem in your family.

One thing that’s remained constant with our children is that staying up late makes them bonkers – they always wake up early and over-tired, and that’s not a good way to start the day. We aim for the pediatrician-recommended 12 hours of sleep for the kids, and hope for 7 hours for ourselves. My husband and I have found, and the experts agree, that keeping a consistent bedtime and predictable routine helps them – and us – get needed rest.

As our kids grow older, we know their sleep patterns will change and their ways of postponing bedtime will evolve as well. It’s reassuring to know, though, that when that time comes, we’ll have some proven strategies to experiment with.

Associate Publisher

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

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

8 Atlanta Parent October 2014

atlantaparent.com

News You Can Use Average Cost to Raise a Child: $241,080 A middle income family can expect to spend $241,080 – not counting college expenses – to raise a child born in 2012, a new report says.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual report covers expenses up to age 18, and says the total is actually $301,970 when costs are adjusted for projected inflation. The report took into account food, shelter, healthcare, clothing, child care and education costs.

Family income is a big factor in spending: Those earning less than $60,640 per year will spend $173,490 while those earning more than $105,000 will spend $399,780.

Parents, Schools Lack Plans for Disaster Most parents believe the federal government or schools wouldn’t be able to protect their children in a disaster, but few have done any emergency planning for their families.

The survey by Save the Children also found that schools and child care centers in 21 states, including Georgia, don’t have adequate plans, including an evacuation plan, family-child reunification plan, a plan for kids with special needs or a written multi-hazard emergency plan.

Parents spent five hours organizing back-to-school supplies for their kids, the survey found, but few spent any time or less than an hour planning what to do in a disaster.

Most parents admitted they are not familiar with emergency plans at their child’s school or child care center.

10 Atlanta Parent October 2014

by Amanda Miller Allen

Need a Doctor?

Atlanta Has Plenty

Atlanta ranks No. 2 nationwide for “doctor availability,” according to a survey by BetterDoctor.com, which helps consumers find a doctor near them.

The website used government data to calculate the average number of residents per primary care doctor (family practitioner, general practitioner, internist or pediatrician).

Greenville, S.C., ranked first, with 377 residents per doctor, while Atlanta’s ratio was 526 per doctor. New York City ranked No. 1 in cities without enough primary care physicians, with 6,536 residents per doctor.

Money Matters Most parents start teaching their kids about money as early as age 3.

66 percent tie an allowance to completed chores

62 percent talk to their kids

about how to budget and how to save Source: CouponCodesPro.com survey of 2,016 parents

Know the Facts to Survive a Fire Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11.

House fires occur in more than 370,000 homes every year, resulting in more than 2,500 deaths. Did you know … n Almost 60 percent of home fire deaths were in homes without smoke alarms or working smoke alarms. n Only one-third of families have practiced a fire escape plan. n Cooking – often, pots and pans left unattended – is the leading cause of home fires.

The National Fire Protection Association has plenty of advice on how to prevent – and survive – home fires at nfpa.org. atlantaparent.com

Silence the Cellphone for Fun with the Kids The modern gadget that helps us stay connected with our jobs, our family and our friends can, at times, disconnect us. That’s why celebrities and others are embracing a “no cellphone” day.

The latest entertainer to get on board is Delfeayo Marsalis, a jazz trombonist and music producer and part of the famed Marsalis family of New Orleans. Oprah Winfrey declared the first “no phone zone” day in 2010, aimed primarily at distracted driving. Marsalis is more focused on how the device intrudes on our everyday interaction with others.

Marsalis has written a children’s book, No Cellphone Day (KidsTown Press, 2013), and offers these tips on how to limit your use of the technology and connect more with the people you care about.

n Playdates without cellphones. When

he takes his daughter and friends out for a day at the mall, a movie or dinner, they makes a deal: Kids leave their phones at home. n Make dinner time a cellphone-free

zone. An hour without phones gives the family time to share their day. n Play “what do I know without my

cellphone.” Answer trivia questions, do math or other cognitive games without Googling for the right answer. n Ask your child to reflect on his best

memories. They won’t include cellphones.

As for Oprah, her National No Phone Zone Day has taken off, and is observed annually in April. But just as it’s best not to phone and drive, it’s also best to silence the phone and give your family and friends your full attention as often as you can. c atlantaparent.com

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 11

&

FREE

cheap

OLD MILK JUGS

by Amanda Miller Allen

Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales With Cool Bargains in October With Black Friday sales and Cyber Monday, November gets all the hype as a great month for bargains.

October’s not too shabby, either.

Reuse It!

don’t have to go into the landfill.

Recycle them with one of these creative ideas:

n Fill jugs 90 percent full with water and store them in your freezer – a full freezer is more efficient to keep cool. Plus, you’ll have graband-go water in a disaster/emergency or a home-made freezer pack for your cooler. n Cut the bottom off and shape it into a scoop with a handle; use in a sandbox or to scoop dog food. n Cut off the top of the jug and use it as a funnel. n Cut off the top and use the bottom to store items such as dog biscuits or clothes pins. n Cut off the top and use the bottom to store a toilet brush or plunger. n Cut off the top, partially fill with gravel and add a tea light for an outdoor luminary.

n In the market for a major appliance? Retailers start trotting out new models in September and October and discounting older ones. Look for sales on ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers. (Refrigerators are usually discounted in May.) n You also may find deals on electronics, as retailers stock new items for the holidays. n Fans and air conditioners will be on sale as warm days give way to fall.

You’ll also see deals on three outdoor staples – gas grills, patio furniture and lawn mowers. n Car sales people may be willing to deal in late October to make room for new models. n Columbus Day sales offer bargains on furniture, mattresses and recliners as consumers get ready to host family or friends during the holidays. n Bargains on toys also start to appear for early holiday shoppers. n Look for wine on sale as the fall harvest season brings in new supplies.

Atlanta CityPass. Visit metro Atlanta’s top

DEALS

Around Town 12 Atlanta Parent October 2014

attractions for less. Adults pay $74 for tickets valued at $137.25 to visit five top attractions; children 3-12 pay $59 for tickets worth $113.78. Plus you get other perks such as skipping the ticket line and discounts on purchases. citypass.com/Atlanta

Georgia Aquarium. Georgia residents get in free on their birthdays. Just show a valid ID or birth certificate at the ticket window. georgiaaquarium.org

Source: grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com

Kids Eat

FREE n South City Kitchen. Vinings.

Sundays through Thursdays, 5-6 p.m., kids 12 and younger eat free with purchase of an adult meal. southcitykitchen.com n Piccadilly. All locations. Kids 12 and younger eat for 99 cents all day every Thursday and on Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., with purchase of an adult meal. piccadilly.com n Taqueria Tsunami. Athens, Marietta, Woodstock and soon Roswell. Kids 12 and younger eat free on Tuesdays with purchase of an adult meal. taqueriatsunami.com n Alessio’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. Cumming, Johns Creek and Roswell. Kids 12 and younger eat free on Tuesdays with $10 adult purchase. alessiosrestaurant.com

atlantaparent.com

Put Some Fun in Your Mommy Life Easy Ways to Feel Like a Kid Again

by Sue LeBreton

F

or my recent “big” birthday, family and friends organized celebrations. One outing with girlfriends yielded a bright orange mug, painted with “BFF: Brilliant, Fun-Loving Friend.” My 13-year-old daughter piped up, “Do you really consider yourself fun-loving?”

Ouch.

Do my children see me only as the responsible, serious woman who manages their lives and schedules? I am afraid to ask.

It is challenging for busy, exhausted moms to remember, or find the energy, to have fun.

Here are some suggestions to inject more into your mommy life.

lf to Allow youerdseabout get excit g … somethin

anything, and tell someone. It can be as simple as that new book you are itching to open. According to Christiane Northrup, M.D., on her CD, The Power of Joy, when we share what makes us feel good and excited, it reinforces the joy connections in our brains.

Dance.

Our bodies are made to move and dancing will lift your mood. Hence the immense popularity of Zumba. If you need motivation or do not want to dance alone, tape The Ellen DeGeneres Show and dance with Ellen during her opening.

Or, crank up the tunes and shake things up.

Get dirty.

It’s freeing, and you will feel like a child again. Remember water or food fights? I love to ride my bike on muddy trails and embrace that shocking, cold, first splash.

Laugh unytil your bell aches.

Watching funny movies or sitcoms is an obvious way to exercise your humor muscles.

But a visit to a great card shop can also have you chuckling.

Buy a few cards to send to friends or keep them as a smile starter.

14 Atlanta Parent October 2014

atlantaparent.com

Sing loudly and with gusto.

If your ability to carry a tune is as poor as mine, use the shower or time alone in the car to belt out tunes that you love. Imagine yourself as the child who sang into her hair brush with no restraint.

Bask in baking.

I’m talking about cooking for fun, not the rushed, get-something-onthe-table-in-time-for-dinner cooking.

Think sumptuous and decadent.

Tackle it on a day when someone else is charge of meals. Invite your spouse or a friend to join you only if that would add to your fun.

Go to a local art gallery … and let the color and beauty stimulate and awaken your creative senses.

ight n s e m a g a t Hos s. for grown up When choosing games think about games that involve larger groups and force people out of their comfort zones. Guesstures, Catch Phrase and Cranium are so much fun you may not care who wins.

Watch your children play.

What can you learn from them? Join them on a swing and see the world from a new perspective.

Do something that scares you.

The adrenaline rush will wake up all your senses. How about zip lining? A scary ride at the amusement park? c atlantaparent.com

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 15

Sleep Struggles, Solved

by Malia Jacobson

F

or better health and a sharper mind, few things are more beneficial than a good night’s sleep. The benefits of sleep on learning and memory may be even more profound for children than for adults, because children store memories during sleep more effectively, according to new research published in Nature Neuroscience.

Whether you have a nurse-all-night newborn, a toddler who won’t stay in bed, or a grade-schooler who takes hours to fall asleep at night, sleep struggles can seem never-ending.

Try these solutions to sleep saboteurs.

16 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Month 0-6

All Night Nurse-A-Thon Frequent nighttime nursing is normal during the first two months of life.

Weeks 2-8 bring a fussy period that may include near-constant nursing from 8 p.m. to midnight, as babies take advantage of nursing hormones that peak at night. During these early weeks, sleeping close to baby (the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends putting baby to sleep in a separate crib in the parents’ bedroom) and napping while baby naps during the day can help new moms feel rested enough to function.

After month three, babies can begin to learn to sleep without being “latched” all night. Once baby is in a relaxed sleep state, with deep, regular breathing, limp extremities, and a relaxed jaw, slide a pinky finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth to aid in unlatching, says registered nurse Elizabeth Damato, sleep research program director with Case Western Reserve University School of Nursing in Cleveland, Ohio.

If baby fusses or wakes during this process, consider soothing with a pacifier, a tactic approved by the AAP that may serve to protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The pacifier won’t replace nursing, but can help mom get some rest before baby’s next feeding. And no need to worry: “There is no evidence that pacifier use interferes with breastfeeding when the pacifier is introduced after the first month,” Damato says. atlantaparent.com

Months 6-12

Age 1-3

Tiresome Teething

Bye-Bye, Bed!

First teeth generally appear around 6 months and can cause fussiness and interrupt sleep in the second half of the first year, says Dr. Charles Shubin, director of pediatrics at Mercy FamilyCare in Baltimore, Md. Unfortunately, topical remedies like teething gels have little benefit, he says. Babies age 6 months and older who seem to be in a great deal of pain may be relieved by oral acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Though teething can sabotage sleep in infancy, so can a lot of other things, like hunger, illness, and inappropriate sleep routines, Shubin says. Paying attention to other aspects of a baby’s sleep routine can help him sleep more soundly, during teething spells and the rest of the time, too. For example, depriving a baby of regular naps – and conversely, allowing a baby to nap more than two hours at a stretch – can result in fussy, poor-quality nighttime sleep and make baby more likely to wake with teething pain.

For sounder sleep, offer regular naps that are restful but not overly long (1-2 hours).

Big kid beds can be exciting. But tots may exercise newfound freedom by popping out of bed, again and again. Consistency and swift action are the keys to breaking this habit, says Dr. Robert Oexman, director of the Sleep to Live Institute in Mebane, N.C. Whether a child gets up because he’s frightened, needs to use the bathroom, or just wants to see you, return him to bed quickly. Tell him you’ll return to check in five minutes, and continue checking every five to 10 minutes until he falls asleep again. Make sure to return as promised; this reassures the child and builds trust.

Nightime visits may continue for up to a week, Oexman says, but staying consistent with this plan should help children begin sleeping all night within a week.

For an inquisitive toddler, wandering the house at night can be a significant safety hazard. Dr. Dyan Hes, medical director at Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City, recommends using a baby gate in the doorway of your child’s bedroom during the transition to a big-kid-bed.

Age 3-5

Bedtime Anxiety Many children in the pre-K set struggle with “sleep associations,” or the cues that trigger sleep, says Dr. Adiaha Spinks-Franklin, developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. When a child is used to falling to sleep under certain conditions – for example, with music playing, with the lights on, or with a parent lying nearby – the

child will resist falling asleep at bedtime unless those exact circumstances are present every time.

The best way to help this is to teach the child to fall asleep without parental assistance, Spinks-Franklin says. A child who likes to fall asleep with a parent lying in bed can be gradually weaned from this habit if a parent moves a bit further away each night.

Eventually, the child will feel comfortable falling asleep without constant contact.

Age 5-10

The Long Goodbye If your grade-schooler takes hours to fall asleep, don’t blame him – the problem may be his bedtime. Elementary school brings many shifts, including a rapid increase in neurophysical growth and shifting sleep patterns. This may mean that your child’s old bedtime is too early, Spinks-Franklin says. “Many parents assume that 8 p.m. is the magic bedtime. But as children get older, they’re less likely to feel sleepy then.”

A grade-schooler’s natural bedtime may fall closer to 8:30 or 9 p.m. As long as the child is receiving around 9-10 hours of sleep, and doesn’t appear sleepy during the day, rest assured that she’s sleeping enough, and enjoy a more peaceful bedtime routine. c atlantaparent.com

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 17

18 Atlanta Parent    October 2014

atlantaparent.com

Atlanta Parent’s

family block party Festival Guide 2014 Mercer University Atlanta Campus

Saturday, Oct. 11 / 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Be Cool!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 10 am - 4 pm Mercer University • Atlanta Campus

familyblockparty.com

More than 50 activities for the whole family!

Get Creative!

l Enjoy a snowy day in fall! Slide down two snow tubing slides from SnowKings. Don’t worry – parents can slide too! l Marvel and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta team up for a Marvel-themed interactive LEGO area. Plus, visit their hero and villain photo booth. l A variety of animals to pet, ride and hold thanks to Sam’s Path, Parrot Productions and Little Red Barn. l Don’t miss interactive activities from Whole Foods Market, Home Depot, Zoo Atlanta, Center for Puppetry Arts and more!

ADMISSION: $5 per person children 1 & younger FREE Paid admission includes three activity tickets Cash only the day of the festival Proceeds will benefit:

PAGE TURNERS MAKE GREAT LEARNERS

Go Wild!

SKIP THE LINES! BUY TICKETS

2014 Family Block Party Map

$1 OFF

Northwest Parking

www.familyblockparty.com Save $1 online with promo code: fbpearlybird Toddler Play Zone

DeKalb County Police Dept.

Big Wheels Stop

Two Men and a Truck

Tickets

Food Vendors

Bubble Celebration

Exhibitors Restrooms

Musical Petting Zoo The Little Red Barn Mobile Petting Farm

Crafty Camp Activities

Duck Pond

Storytelling Stage

Mask Making

Bee Keeping

SnowKings

Zoo Atlanta

Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders

Face Painting

Big Thinkers We s t Parking

Friendly Frights

Tickets

Performance Stage Hope Bracelet Making

Scavenger Hunt Teddy Bear Hospital

Photo Booth Trick or Treat Street

Atlanta Hawks Boy Scouts of America

Marvel Character Area Pumpkin Treasures

Sam’s Path Camel Rides

West Entrance

East Parking

Center for Puppetry Arts

Wheel of Fortune

Atlanta Braves

PLUS MUCH MORE! Activities subject to change.

Map not to scale.

Sam’s Path Ponies

Train Rides

East Entrance

Directions to MERCER UNIVERSITY Atlanta Campus / 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta, GA 30341 Traveling north on I-85 From downtown Atlanta, take Exit 94 and turn RIGHT onto Chamblee-Tucker Road.

At the second traffic light, turn RIGHT onto Mercer University Drive. Turn RIGHT onto Mercer Lane (campus entrance).

Traveling on I-285 north/west Take Exit 34 and turn LEFT onto Chamblee-Tucker Road. Proceed for 1.2 miles, then turn LEFT onto Mercer University Drive. Turn RIGHT onto Mercer Lane (campus entrance).

Traveling south on I-85 From outside the perimeter, take Exit 94 and turn LEFT onto Chamblee-Tucker Road.

At the third traffic light, turn RIGHT onto Mercer University Drive. Turn RIGHT onto Mercer Lane (campus entrance).

Traveling on I-285 east Head towards the I-85 S exit, following the Chamblee Tucker signs. Take the Chamblee-Tucker Road exit, turn RIGHT onto Chamblee-Tucker Road. Proceed f or 1.2 miles, then turn LEFT onto Mercer University Drive. Turn RIGHT onto Mercer Lane (campus entrance).

SevenEasyWaystoBoostNutrition 1 Sprinkle, Sprinkle Wheat germ and ground flaxseeds are nutritional powerhouses that will stay fresh in your fridge for months, and both can be easily incorporated into a variety of kid-friendly dishes. Store one or both in a salt or parmesan shaker and you’ll be able to “sprinkle” an extra dose of the essential vitamins and nutrients they provide into anything from meatloaf to cookie batter to pancakes.

2 Keep the Secret What your kids don’t know can make them healthier? Yes. Especially if you’re hiding a fruit or vegetable they would not otherwise consume. Next time you serve burritos, try mixing a small amount of ripe, well-mashed avocado into refried beans, topping the mixture with a generous helping of cheese and rolling it all up in a flour tortilla.

Be sure to hide ingredients that won’t be easily detected. “Your sneaky additions should be fairly bland tasting so they don’t impart an off flavor, and similar in color to the food they’re hiding in,” advises Missy Lapine, author of The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids’ Favorite Meals (Running Press Book Publishers, 2007)

3 Go Half and Half We all know that whole grain bread is more nutritious than the processed white variety, but many kids (and adults) don’t care for its “heartier” flavor.

Solve this dilemma with the half white, half wheat approach. Buy a loaf of white bread and a loaf of whole grain, and then make sandwiches using one slice of each. Your family will enjoy the familiar flavor of the white but gradually grow accustomed to the taste of the whole grain, and you’ll feel better knowing they’re consuming at least some of the added fiber the whole grain option provides.

22 Atlanta Parent October 2014

by Alyssa Chirco

Parents are always looking for ways to boost the nutritional content of their kids’ meals and snacks.

Try these “quick fixes” to make meals healthier.

4 Sweeten the Deal If your kids won’t touch any healthy snacks to fuel their active bodies, then sweeten the deal. A few strategically placed chocolate chips can turn ordinary strawberry halves into “Chocolate Ladybugs.”

Banana slices and some chocolate syrup can transform a plain scoop of yogurt into a “Banana Split.” Even carrot is more appealing when served with a, protein-packed dip made of peanut butter and honey.

Mom of two Margaret Garcia likes to drizzle coconut milk on top of her kids’ favorite snacks. “A little of it goes a long way,” she says of this creamy liquid that is rich in iron, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants, as well as Vitamins C, E, and B.

5 Eat This, Not That Get in the habit of swapping nutrient dense ingredients for foods with empty calories, and before you know it, these substitutions will become routine.

Serve a handful of almonds as a snack instead of potato chips. Boost the nutrition in cakes and brownies by substituting canned pumpkin or other pureed fruits for some of the oil. Registered dietician Debbi Heffern recommends replacing some of the sugar in baked goods with healthier alternatives.

“For many baked products,” she says, “you can cut the sugar in half and replace it with powdered milk.

The milk is sweet and adds protein and calcium.”

6 Choose Your Words Hannah Mayer has been known to take a few liberties when describing the healthy foods she wants her three daughters to eat. There may be nothing unusual about adding olive oil and steak seasoning to asparagus and roasting it in the oven until crispy. But not every parent thinks to tell her kids they are being served “green” French fries. “They devour them,” says Mayer, who has discovered labels matter. You’ll marvel as those “X-ray Vision Sticks,” otherwise known as carrots, disappear.

7 Stress Less It’s normal to worry when your 3-yearold only eats macaroni, but it isn’t helpful to force him to eat broccoli. Lapine says we should never threaten or bribe our children to eat healthy foods. “The less you show them that you care about what they are eating,” she says, “the more likely they are to try the healthy foods you secretly want them to eat.”

She advocates hiding fruits and vegetables in dishes kids love because she believes this approach takes pressure off parents, allowing us to teach and model healthy habits, without feeling like we have to force the issue.

“Serve those beautiful green veggies in their natural state, alongside the sneaky dishes,” Lapine suggests. “Now that the pressure is off and you have peace at the family table, the kids will be more receptive to learning and trying new foods.”

Better nutrition for kids and less stress for parents? For most of us, that’s a recipe for success. c

atlantaparent.com

When your family is complete, consider Essure® permanent birth control.

Essure is the only permanent birth control that’s: • Non-surgical • Over 99% effective* • Non-hormonal • FDA-approved and available in the US for over 10 years Essure can help you stop worrying about an unplanned pregnancy. It is a short, 10-minute procedure that can be performed right in your doctor’s office. There’s no downtime to recover—most women go home about 45 minutes after the procedure and return to their normal activities within 1 to 2 days. The Essure Confirmation Test is given 3 months after the procedure to verify the inserts are placed correctly and your fallopian tubes are completely blocked, providing permanent birth control.

Essure may be covered by your health insurance plan at no cost† To learn more about Essure and find a doctor, visit essure.com or call 1.877.ESSURE4 (1.877.377.8734)

Indication Essure is a permanent birth control procedure that works with your body to create a natural barrier against pregnancy.

Important Safety Information WARNING: You must continue to use another form of birth control until you have your Essure Confirmation Test and your doctor tells you that you can rely on Essure for birth control.

• You can rely on Essure for birth control only after your doctor has reviewed your Essure Confirmation Test results. Your doctor will confirm that the inserts are properly placed and both of your fallopian tubes are blocked. If you rely on Essure for birth control before having your Essure Confirmation Test, you are at risk of getting pregnant.

• Talk to your doctor about which method of birth control you should use for the 3 months after the procedure.

Some women can remain on their current birth control. Other women, such as those using an intrauterine device or contraceptive (IUD or IUC), will need to switch to another method.

• It can take longer than three months for the Essure procedure to be effective. In rare cases, it has taken up to 6 months. Make sure to continue using an alternate form of birth control up until your doctor has reviewed your Essure Confirmation Test results and confirmed that you can rely on Essure for birth control.

Please see additional Important Safety Information about Essure on next page. *Based on 5-year clinical study data. †Some restrictions may apply. Visit essure.com/aca to learn more or contact your health insurance provider.

Important Safety Information (continued) WARNING: Be sure you are done having children before you undergo the Essure procedure. Essure is a permanent method of birth control. The younger a woman is when she chooses to end her fertility, the more likely she is to regret her choice later.

During the procedure: You may experience mild to moderate pain, your doctor may be unable to place one or both Essure inserts correctly, part of an Essure insert may break off or puncture the fallopian tube requiring surgery to repair the puncture, or your body may absorb a large amount of the salt water solution. Your doctor may recommend a local anesthesia which numbs the cervix. Ask your doctor about the risks associated with this type of anesthesia.

Immediately following the procedure: You may experience mild to moderate pain and/or cramping, vaginal bleeding, and pelvic or back discomfort for a few days. Some women experience nausea and/or vomiting or fainting. In rare instances, an Essure insert may be expelled from the body.

During the Essure Confirmation Test: You will be exposed to very low levels of radiation, as with most x-rays. In rare instances, women may experience spotting and/or infection.

Long-term Risks: There are rare reports of chronic pelvic pain in women who have had Essure. In rare instances, an Essure insert may migrate through the fallopian tubes into the lower abdomen and pelvis. It may be necessary to surgically remove the migrated device if the patient is experiencing an adverse event. No birth control method is 100% effective. If you do become pregnant after Essure, the risks to you, the fetus, the pregnancy and childbirth are unknown. Women who have the Essure procedure are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy if they get pregnant. Ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy occurs outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies can be very serious or life-threatening. If you have the NovaSureÂŽ procedure, a procedure that removes the lining of the uterus to lighten or stop menstrual bleeding, after the Essure procedure, your risk of pregnancy may increase. The Essure insert is made of materials that include a nickel-titanium alloy. Patients who are allergic to nickel may have an allergic reaction to the inserts. Symptoms include rash, itching and hives.

Unknown Risks: The safety and effectiveness of Essure has not been established in women under 21 or over 45 years old. The safety and effectiveness of reversing the Essure procedure, of in vitro fertilization (IVF) after the procedure, or to you and your fetus if you get pregnant after the procedure are not known.

Adverse Events: During the procedure, the most common problem reported was mild to moderate pain (9.3%).

Some of the women in the study reported moderate pain (12.9%) and/or cramping (29.6%) on the day of the procedure. A smaller percentage of women reported nausea/vomiting (10.8%) and vaginal bleeding (6.8%).

Essure inserts do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Talk to your doctor about the Essure procedure and whether it is right for you.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects or quality complaints of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Essure, BAYER, and the Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer. Š 2014 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Whippany, NJ, 07981 All rights reserved.

XXX-XX-XXXX-XXX

Printed in USA

September 2014

Good Reads On Parenting

So many books on parenting, but where to start?

We asked our Atlanta Parent Advisory Board members to recommend a few.

A Moving Child is a Learning Child by Gill Connell and Cheryl McCarthy (Free Spirit Publishing Inc., $34.99) If you’re looking for the perfect book to give to a new parent, this is it. I love the way the book is organized, and it’s easy to read. The age-range for this book is birth to 7.

One of the most fascinating parts was verbal and physical language.

A section in the book called “The Evolution of Communication” shows the language stages that children go through. It was incredible to see language spread out from before birth to expressing and understanding written words. I learned ways to help my 20-month-old son, and my 4-year-old with their language needs as well as their moving needs. Digital reproducible forms and charts are available on a website and the password is provided in the book. As the mom of two boys, I found it to be an incredibly useful book and one that I’m so thankful to have read!

– Cathy Walker

How Toddlers Thrive: What Parents can Do Today for Children Ages 2-5 to Plant the Seeds of Lifelong Success by Tovah P. Klein, PhD (Touchstone, Simon & Schuster, $25) I carried this book around for months, sometimes reading a page three times between putting it down to tend to my two toddlers. It is not a reflection on the book so much as an acknowledgement that parenting toddlers can require a high level of interaction, and leads to exhaustion.

Klein talks about adopting a “parenting point of view,” seeing the world through your child’s eyes, and personalizing your parenting style to work for each of you. Klein offers insider info into the minds of toddlers based on her 20-plus years at the Barnard Center for Toddler Development and her experience raising three sons. The book covers an overview of the innerbrain and body changes that accompany development during the toddler years, as well as some tools and techniques to facilitate a happy home environment. Klein clearly draws connections between the skills learned as toddlers and development later in life. For example, a simple task such as getting dressed results in learning a concept of time. This is a good read for parents who are looking to understand the “why” behind their toddler’s behavior, and improve daily outcomes and enjoyment of the toddler years.

– Meredith Snellings

atlantaparent.com

Stress Free Kids by Lori Lite (Adams Media, $15.99) This book takes a look at what causes stress in our kids today and offers advice on how to reduce anxiety using such techniques as positive affirmation, breathing and relaxation.

You could easily use this book as a reference guide to circle back to when stressful situations arise in your home.

Lite addresses how to handle stress in young children as well as in our teenagers. She also gives tips and advice on what to do when stress is caused by school, play, sports, when traveling, and even when a loved one passes away. I particularly enjoyed the daily mantras sprinkled throughout the book. I found these helpful, knowing that children typically feed off the energy of their parents. One of my favorites: “Just for today, I will let my inner child come out and play. My children will remember me as a mom who had time to play.”

– Jennifer Joyner

It Takes a Child to Raise a Parent: Stories of Evolving Child and Parent Development by Janis Clark Johnston, EdD (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, $45) Johnston, a school psychologist, has seen a lot of children and family dynamics through counseling that can positively or negatively impact child rearing success. This book aims to enhance parent-child interactions by “mapping” the “healthy development of children within a context of developing parents.” Throughout the book, Johnston strategically placed quotations; highlighted key statements; shared stories about her clients, and included parenting tips to accomplish tasks. Mapping activities help guide parental self-reflection on important times in your life that impact raising children. Topics covered interpretation of our childhood memories; methods of discipline; child fears and fantasies; child and parent needs; tips for raising children of different ages; child achievements; fatherhood; teen pregnancy and abuse. Each topic helps the reader reflect on why we raise our children the way we do and connect the dots between our own childhood and adulthood to become a better “parent in training.” I came away with several key points, ideas and tactics that will help me with my own child rearing choices.

– Ayanna Hawkins

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 25

Up Close &Personal

We salute these businesses that support families

Inspiring Students with the Passion to Excel McGinnis Woods Country Day School, established in 1999, is a private, non-parochial school offering a challenging Preschool, Elementary and Middle School Education. The beautiful school campus, located in Alpharetta, recently dedicated a state of the art Middle School and Gym in August of 2014.

The Preschool accepts children as young as 6 weeks and the Elementary/Middle School teaches students in PreK 4 through 8th grade. McGinnis Woods Country Day School has top accreditations, including GAC, SACS, and NAEYC. The mission of McGinnis Woods is to inspire students with the passion to excel. This is accomplished by providing superior

hands-on, minds-on academics which foster knowledge, self-confidence, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Superior educational resources maximize the learning experience of our diverse student population. Class sizes are small with low student-teacher ratios, allowing frequent one-to-one learning. The students learn through a variety of activities including class lessons, small groups, hands-on STEM activities and “buddy” classes which encourage multi-age groupings. Frequent guest speakers, monthly field trips and community service round out the curriculum. Competitive Sports and Robotics teams train year round. After school programs and Specialty Clubs are also available.

Visit www.mcginniswoods.org or call 770.664.7764 to set up a tour at 5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Play in the Snow at Your Next Event!

There is a new way to create excitement at your organization’s next event, which will have everyone talking about the fun they had … in the snow!

Locally-owned company, The SnowKings, creates real snow on location, any month of the year. Imagine the fun children will have playing in the snow, or even snow tubing. That’s right, snow tubing! The SnowKings have custom slides made for onsite snow tubing. The snow is created out of real ice. They have special equipment that grinds the ice into the real thing, which Mother Nature would provide (although rarely for those of us in the beautiful Southeast). If you are looking for something unique, festive and guaranteed fun for everyone, give the SnowKings a call. They will work with you to turn your event into a true Winter Wonderland! For more information call 404-425-3689 or visit www.theSnowKings.com.

26 Atlanta Parent October 2014

atlantaparent.com

Up Close &Personal

We salute these businesses that support families

Laying the foundation for each child’s successful future is our highest goal.

Stepping Stone Montessori School (SSMS) operates two campuses north of Atlanta, in Cuming and Suwanee/Sugar Hill. We offer authentic Montessori environments and experiences for children. Why? Because the evidence is abundantly clear that by doing so we offer to children precisely what their development requires. Our schools are models of serenity and engagement, from the classrooms to the outdoor environments.

SSMS provides children with an optimal learning experience, giving parents ultimate confidence in their choice of early education, faith in the school’s leadership and peace in the knowledge that their child is in a good place.

Your child’s future begins now...

Ages served: Infants (6 weeks to 15 months), Toddlers (16 months to 3 years) and Primary classes (3 years to 6 years).

The Montessori approach has been lauded in the media in recent years, and its graduates celebrated for their successes. The outcomes of Montessori education are clear and impressive.

SSMS understands that children learn through natural curiosity, exploration, and experience. The school is committed to laying the stepping stones for all the future academic and life possibilities of its students.

Please visit steppingstonemontessori. com to learn more or call the Cumming location at 770-205-0317 or Sugar Hill at 770-614-4310.

Enroll Today

6 weeks to 6 years

Stepping Stone Montessori Building Great Foundations

In Cumming and Sugar Hill

steppingstonemontessori.com

Transforming Opportunities, Transforming Lives As a Marist Catholic school, Sophia Academy provides personalized education for different learning styles through small classes, personalized goals and innovative multisensory instruction.

College prep preschool through high school. The internationally acclaimed Orton-Gillingham language learning approach, specifically developed for dyslexic students, benefits all learners. As a “Curriculum 21” school, we integrate art, music and technology through the curriculum. Religious education, award-winning fine arts and sports teams (volleyball, soccer, basketball, track/field) broadens our students’ interests, promotes leadership, develops talents and shapes character.

90% of students master personalized goals. Your child will be known and valued – experiencing big opportunities in a small school. Students participate in overnight field trips, community outreach projects and many extracurricular activities throughout the year. Tutorials included in tuition. Specialists available where needed including assistive technology. 80% participate in after-school opportunities and summer programs which are open to the community. Academic summer school/ camp and MS/HS Leadership Institute. SAIS/AdvancED accredited. 2880 Dresden Drive, Atlanta, 30341 near I-285 and I-85. 404-303-8722. www.sophiaacademy.org. atlantaparent.com

College Prep for Preschool through High School Join us for Open House Wednesdays, 9:15 am Oct 15 | Nov 5 | Dec 10 Sophia Academy is a Marist Catholic school for those with mild to moderate learning differences and traditional learners.

• Small class size • Excellent standardized test scores • Superior opportunities, including award-winning sports • Orton-Gillingham • Atlanta’s newest independent Catholic school 2880 Dresden Dr., Atlanta | 404.303.8722 sophiaacademy.org

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 27

Up Close &Personal Children Love to Jump Children love to jump, climb, slide, tumble and play.

Inflatable bounce houses, water slides, dry slides, obstacle courses and interactive games have been a centerpiece for backyard parties, religious celebrations, family reunions and large community events for years. Authentic carnival-style concessions, like popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, and nachos add even more enjoyment. Jumptastic, a familyowned local company, was founded in 2005 and is one of the fastest growing Children’s Party Rental Companies in North Georgia. By focusing on safety, customer service and a vast selection of over three hundred of the most popular and licensed inflatables and games, adding new items throughout the year, they have created a unique children’s party and event rental niche that customers from the Atlanta area and beyond continue to reward. The company offers a comprehensive online ordering system with images, availability and pricing at www.jumptastic.com Jumptastic Moonwalks 3651 McGinnis Park Drive Suwanee, GA 30024 404-537-1805 www.jumptastic.com

Wesleyan School Located in Norcross, Wesleyan School is anchored in the Christian faith and strives to teach students from a biblical world view.

Believing that all children are uniquely gifted, the school offers a college preparatory program which challenges, nurtures and strengthens all its students. The Wesleyan community welcomes students of diverse racial, cultural and religious backgrounds.

Wesleyan seeks to develop in each young person a desire to learn and to become a good citizen in serving the local community and the world beyond. The programs at Wesleyan promote spiritual, intellectual, physical and social growth.

Admissions Dates: Discovering Kindergarten – October 23 Open House – January 10 Prospective Parents Forum – February 5 For more information, please visit our website www.wesleyanschool.org

We salute these businesses that support families The Walker Experience The Walker School is Cobb County’s pre-k(3) through grade 12 college-preparatory independent school for families seeking an engaging, perspective-widening academic program within an intimately scaled, caring environment where meaningful relationships engender transformative learning.

Walker’s dedicated teachers exude contagious intellectual energy, demonstrate authentic interest in the life of the mind that extends beyond their core subject areas, and model genuine respect for students and one another.

Through their actions and interactions, Walker teachers cultivate students’ spirit of wanting to know in every setting – the classroom and the hallway, the laboratory and the library, the art studio and the stage, the court and the playing field.

Walker students, feeling known and encouraged by their teachers and classmates, come to value the experience over the applause, developing along the way the confidence to explore new avenues of thinking, the wisdom to articulate meaningful insights, and the fortitude to act with integrity and honor.

Please visit thewalkerschool.org or call 678-581-6891 today!

Dance and Arts Showcase

Dance and Arts Showcase offers an exciting array of classes including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Piano, Guitar, Middle Eastern, Karate, Hip Hop and Ballroom. Classes are offered for ages 2-adult.

They offer an outstanding Broadway Dance Recital at the Gwinnett Civic Center.

Jean Shapiro, director and owner, is a native Atlantan and has been teaching dance and gym classes for 45 years. She was the principal dancer of The Atlanta Playhouse Theatre, and produceddirected her own original T.V. show called “Exercise And Health” which won a cable award. Winner of The Golden Peach Award for Best Teacher-Director of The Georgia Tech Ballet Club and listed in the World Of Who’s Who Of Women, she has dedicated her life to helping children and adults learn beauty through the art of dance.

Dance and Arts Showcase teachers are experienced, wellqualified and share a wonderful teacher-student relationship. Dance and Arts Showcase can come to your daycare center and teach there. To sign up for fall classes, register online at www.danceandarts. com or call 770-934-5010. Sign up today.

Few Spots Available!

Dance and Arts Showcase 2861 Henderson Mill Rd. (near Northlake Mall)

Atlanta 30341 770-934-5010 danceandarts.com 28 Atlanta Parent October 2014

atlantaparent.com

Up Close &Personal

We salute these businesses that support families

Certainty of more complete preparation for college and life.

Woodward Academy is metro Atlanta’s long-proven college-preparatory independent school for families who want the certainty of more complete preparation for college and life. Tapping into more than a century of educational wisdom, the Academy transforms each experience into a tangible opportunity for learning and growth. Woodward students develop a deep respect for difference as they collaborate with peers who come from 23 metro Atlanta counties, and from a broad array of religious, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

Woodward students find opportunities to explore and excel at every level, whatever their interests. They receive wise guidance at every step – from the first day of Pre-K to the final AP exam – expanding their academic capacities through specialized instruction and individualized support.

A typical Woodward Academy graduating class attends more than 100 different colleges and universities, devotes 5,000 hours to community service projects, and earns more than $13 million in scholarship awards.

Kids Take the Wheel in High Tech Cars Tiny Towne is Atlanta’s newest entertainment venue for aspiring drivers ages 3-15. Inside a 36,000 square foot facility your child can earn a license and drive a high-tech car on realistic streets. As they obey the road signs and traffic signals, they can gain more driving privileges by completing educational activities on touch screen computers and simulators. Tired of driving? Take a ride on the train, visit the high tech arcade or hang out in the restaurant. See what others are saying about Tiny Towne!

This would be a great place for birthday parties or

field trips. – Judy R. Great for pre-teens and teens who are interested

in learning the rules of the road and want driving

experience. – Cecelia S. This is a great venue to teach kids the rules of the road

in a fun environment! We will be back! – Valarie J.

Parties • Field Trips • Group Events • Classroom Simulators • Train • Arcade • Restaurant atlantaparent.com

2055 Beaver Ruin Road Norcross 470-545-7227 www.tinytowne.com October 2014 Atlanta Parent 29

Halloween Costumes

on a Dime

by Meagan Ruffing

October brings a sense of excitement. Costumes are proudly displayed in stores, candy adorns the grocery aisles and kids seem to talk endlessly about what they are going to be on Halloween. But a mother thinks about expensive costumes and too much candy. This year, embrace the holiday. Find a cheaper costume (or gasp, make it!), sort through your child’s candy bag (or eat it!) and give in to the fun of dress-up. Try these 10 ways to find a cheaper costume:

l Check the regular toy aisles for everyday dress-up outfits. Halloween costumes can be marked up “just because,” so go for one of your kid’s favorite heroines and reuse the costume at a dress-up party. l Children’s consignment stores and events are great places to find gently used costumes. l Goodwill, Salvation Army and other thrift stores often carry costumes at a discounted price. l Garage sales are one of the best places to find costumes, especially newborn to 12 months.

At that age, you wear them once and outgrow them. Take advantage of one mom’s love for buying expensive tutus and turn it into a money-saving moment. l Make your own. Take ideas from Pinterest and find items you have around the house. Make a list of the items you do not have and grab them the next time you are out.

30 Atlanta Parent October 2014

l Call a friend and swap your child’s Hulk outfit for their Iron Man one. l Shop online. Amazon and eBay are both great websites to use when you are looking for affordable options. l Price match. Some stores like Toys R Us and Wal-Mart will match any competitor’s lower price. Most stores will adjust the price of an item if it has gone on sale within 14 days of when it was purchased. It never hurts to ask. l Post a message on Facebook and let friends and family know that you are looking for costumes. Borrow one or “rent” one for a few dollars and save yourself a trip to the store. l The number one tip for getting the most ridiculously priced costumes? Snag ‘em right after Halloween for the following year. Most costumes are marked down by 70-80 percent of their original prices.

atlantaparent.com

DIY

l l l

A crafty mom can create a fun costume – and save money – by using old fabrics around the house, clothes children have outgrown, and even last year’s Halloween costume. Try these suggestions from consignment expert Michelle Thompson with Swap.com: l Mad Scientist: More than likely, your child will already have a pair of khakis and a plaid shirt.

All you need is a white lab coat and lab goggles.

Add a cute bowtie, yellow gloves and pens for pocket flair. Complete this look with a wig or use hairspray if the child’s hair is long.

l Raining Cats & Dogs: Take a clear umbrella, and place cat and dog stickers on it; pair it with their favorite raincoat and boots. For another option, take a few stuffed animals of cats and dogs and glue them to the umbrella.

atlantaparent.com

l Superheroes: Take an existing track outfit or brightly colored, matching shirt and pants. Add colorful tape to decorate the outfit and make a superhero sign. Or use fabric around the house can make a cape and pair with leggings.

Purchase a mask or use face paint and you have a DIY superhero!

l Deep Sea Scuba Diver: What you will need for the scuba gear: goggles, wet shoes and black gloves. Pair this with a black hoodie or long johns for underneath the accessories. For the air tank, take two 2-liter Coke bottles, and paint them silver or yellow.

Duct tape them together and glue them to the back of a black sweatshirt. To add a finishing touch, you can use a tube or cord and cut a hole in the bottle and attach the cord to one side of the shoulder.

l Little Piggy: Take an old pink sweatshirt (2-3 sizes larger than your child), cut the arms and hood off. Sew or glue the edges to make a clean look for the arms, head and bottom.

With the extra fabric and hood, you can make a hat and ears to pin to the hood. For the nose, use face paint, purchase a nose or cut a toilet paper roll and attach string to go around the head. Pair this with pink pants or tights and a pink long sleeve undershirt.

Other Animals: Follow the little piggy instructions. All you need is a sweatshirt that is cohesive with the animal’s color you are choosing, and extra fabric to glue on the specific markings of the animals. c

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 31

Catch the Halloween Spirit For So Much Fun It’s Scary!

by Camille Moore

Kids love Halloween because they can dress up and be goofy in their favorite character’s costume, then eat some yummy treats from their trick-or-treating adventures. But do you know how Halloween began, or why orange and black are the staple colors for the scary-good holiday?

FUN FACT:

Largest pumpkin pie was in 2005 and weighed 2,020 pounds

Holiday Icons Pumpkins: Originally jack-o-lanterns were made

A Brief History Halloween began on Oct. 31 in modern day Ireland as an ancient Celtic festival, marking the end of harvest season and beginning of winter. America welcomed Halloween in the second half of the 19th century with “play parties” of singing, dancing and telling fortunes. Today, Halloween is the country’s second largest commercial holiday. Americans spend $6 billion annually on the celebration.

32 Atlanta Parent October 2014

out of turnips or potatoes. When Irish immigrants arrived in America and discovered pumpkins, a new Halloween tradition was born.

Bats: Bats as “evil” relates to vampire bats, one of the

species that drinks blood. Bat superstition: If bats flew into your house on Halloween, it was s sign your house was haunted because ghosts let them in. Ancients believed that bats had magical powers because they would fly around at night.

Black Cats: They are believed to be a symbol of

bad luck. During the Dark Ages, black cats were said to be “familiars” or demonic animals given to witches by devils.

Ghosts: The Celtics believed the ghosts of the dead

returned on Oct. 31. Funeral rituals began as a way to ensure dead spirits, or ghosts, do not return to “haunt” the living.

Witches: Before witches were stereotyped as ugly and evil, they began as a pagan goddess known as the crone, and were honored during the Samhain festival. They also symbolized wisdom and changing of the seasons.

atlantaparent.com

Fancy Witch Hat

Crafts

Toilet Paper Roll Bat

Supplies needed: toilet paper roll, black paint and paintbrush, two googly eyes, black paper, glue or tape.

Start by folding the ends in on the empty toilet paper roll.

Then draw and cut out some bat wings with black paper.

Tape or glue the toilet roll to the wings in the middle and paint it black. Once that is dried glue on the eyes.

Source: craftymorning.com

Bake some cupcakes and after you add the frosting on top, add half an Oreo and stick a Hershey’s kiss on top for the point of the witch hat. Use orange icing to glue the Hershey’s kiss to the Oreo.

Ghost Milk Jugs

Draw ghost faces on empty milk jugs with a black sharpie. Make them scary to silly and everything in between. Cut a whole at the bottom of each milk jug and put in a glow stick or illuminating light.

Line up the milk jugs to light a pathway.

Pumpkin Painting

FUN FACT:

Georgia is native to 16 species of bats.

Choose any size pumpkin and apply painter’s tape, then draw a face or design on the tape. Use a knife to carefully cut out the pattern and peel away the extra tape. Have your child paint the pumpkin however they like, even fingerpaint. Once they’ve finished painting, pull the tape off while the paint is still wet to reveal your design. Spray the pumpkin with a sealer to protect the paint. Source: younghouselove.com Cont’d on page 34

atlantaparent.com

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 33

Great for Birthday Parties , Family Reunions Corporate Events & More

Catch the Halloween Spirit The Traditions Trick-or-Treating: Children in the

Middle Ages would go door-to-door in their masks and beg for food for their family feasts.

Giving to the children was said to bring good fortune.

Orange and Black Color: The

use of orange and black dates to the Celtics.

Orange represents autumn leaves; it’s also a symbol for courage and was used when the Celtics battled with Julius Caesar. Black is used because it signifies doom.

Costumes: The tradition of costumes

evolved in America when European immigrants arrived with the tradition of All Souls Parade. People would dress as witches, vampires and in other scary costumes.

Apple Bobbing: The activity is Stadium Seating & Climate Controlled The Best Consoles, Games and Coaches

You’ll have an

party

amazing

to talk about all year.

Visit PeachStateGamerz.com or call 844-4GAMERZ (426379) For parenting resources you can actually use.

connected to the Roman goddess, Pomona, whose symbol is the apple; she is the goddess of trees, fruit and fertility. Celts believed in the pentagram and when an apple was sliced in half, the seeds formed the pentagram and naturally could determine marriages. During the annual celebration on Halloween, young unmarried people would try to bite into the apple floating in water and the first to bite would marry next. c

FUN FACT:

North Americans spend $2 billion on Halloween candies yearly.

Point.

Click.

You’re There. atlantaparent.com

Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter while you’re there.

34 Atlanta Parent October 2014

atlantaparent.com

In the Bag

Halloween

Grab Bag Thrilling Halloween finds for some spooky fun!

Pottery Barn Kids has treat bags to match your costume – pumpkins, super heroes, astronauts and more. Bags are priced from $14.50-$22.50, but currently are 20 percent off in stores and online. Available at Lenox Square and North Point Mall.

Page Turners Ooey Gooey Fun Crazy Aaron’s Puttyworld has limited edition holiday putty. The Witch’s Brew Putty Creatures have a unique sparkling texture that can stretch, twist, snap or pull apart to mold in to any creature.

Eye balls are included.

Glow in the Darks Jack O’ Lantern has an orange color with gold glitter that makes it shine when lights are on and glow in the dark when the lights are off. Available at puttyworld.com and specialty stores. Ages 3 and older. $10 -$13.50

atlantaparent.com

I Am a Witch’s Cat

by Harriet Muncaster All good witches need a companion and this whimsical story of a good witch and her “black cat” will explain why. Whether the witch and her companion are shopping for jars of eyes or growing magical plants, this story celebrates playfulness with mothers and daughters. $15.99.

Spooky Sticker Activity Book: The Wonderful World of Simon Abbott

by Ticktock and Simon Abbott Find spooky creative fun throughout this book with connect the dots, monster mazes, cupcake decorating and more. More than 500 reusable stickers keep kids coming back. Available at Barnes & Noble. Ages 4 and older. $8.99.

– Hayley Markowitz

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 35

How Was School Today?

Get Kids Talking with These Conversation Starters

by Julie Landry Laviolette

Y

ou pick up your child from school, eager to hear about his day. So you turn to the passenger seat and ask: “How was your day?”

Child: “Fine.”

You: “What did you do today?”

Child: “Nothing.”

You: “Did you learn anything new?”

Child: “Nope.”

Aarrrghh! There go those lines of communication. But don’t give up on having a real conversation with your child. Try these tips to get your child to open up and talk: 36 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Don’t pounce: At the end of the school day, kids are spent – emotionally, physically and mentally. “They need time to decompress and relax. Expecting something other than a tired, one-word answer when kids walk in the door or get in the car is unrealistic,” says Maggie Macaulay, president of Whole Hearted Parenting (wholeheartedparenting.com), which offers parent coaching and workshops.

Nourish: Give kids a snack or a little time to themselves to help recharge their batteries. “Do whatever is soothing for the child,” Macaulay says. “Parents can provide these things, and a conversation will naturally happen over time.”

Be patient: You want to re-establish

a connection with your child after school by quizzing them about their day, but that conversation doesn’t have to be immediate.

Accept that, and a lot of your frustration will disappear, Macaulay says. “Parents may have an attachment to their child answering their questions about the school day because

they equate the conversation with love – ‘If my child really loved me, he couldn’t wait to tell me all about his day,’” Macaulay says.

“The attachment to this mythical end-of-theschool-day conversation is what causes the frustration.”

Share: To encourage conversation, share something about your own day. Or ask your child for advice – what to wear to a party, what to fix for dinner, or where to go on vacation.

If you show that you value their opinion, they will open up more. “There probably still needs to be a bit of time between leaving school and having this sharing time,” Macaulay says.

“Children may just need a bit of quiet.”

Ask good questions: Use open-ended questions, instead of yes-or-no questions. Instead of “Did you have a good day?,” ask “What was the best part of your day?” Instead of “Did you make any new friends?” ask “What did you and your friends do at recess?” Instead of “Did you learn anything new?” ask “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” atlantaparent.com

Observe: Know what your child’s “love language” is – what makes them feel loved and secure, Macaulay says. She lists these five types of “love language.” n Words of affection: spoken words, love notes or cards. n Acts of service: cooking a special meal, fixing a toy or other helpful task. n Gifts: something unexpected, such as bringing someone a memento from a trip. n Physical affection: hugs, kisses or hand-holding. n Time: quality time and one-on-one time.

“Knowing what fulfills your child will make them act out less,” Macaulay says.

Listen: The more you listen, the more your kids will feel heard, and the more they will talk, Macaulay says. Use simple prompts like “Really?” and “Hunh?” to keep the conversation going, and let your child know you are listening.

Don’t fix: Don’t try to fix problems as your child tells you about them. It will shut down the conversation. Instead, ask your

Ask your child for advice – what to wear to a party, what to fix for dinner, or where to go on vacation. If you show that you value their opinion, they will open up more. child how they think the problem can get better. Then you can help them brainstorm ideas, especially if this is the first time you are giving them this opportunity.

Set up rituals: Eating dinner together, and having routines for bedtime and morning helps adults and kids feel secure and comforted. At dinner, keep conservation light, instead of trying to solve problems. “Don’t have dinner be about conflict resolution, you want it to be about connecting,” Macaulay says.

Joanne Lopez, a mom of three, created a game to get families talking together at meals called “Today I ... The Art of Simple Conversation for Families.” “(It) was created at our dinner table,” Lopez says. “For years we each shared a

highlight from the day around our dinner table. One day we decided to start the conversation with other topics. We wrote down some ideas, placed them in a tin on our table and used it to share events from our day with each other.”

The table is a place where everyone comes together, Lopez says. “For us it is the place of family team building. We share, coach, listen, laugh and learn from and with each other. Sharing moments from the day help to create the bond.”

Macaulay said every step helps in forging family bonds, and creating the sense of security and comfort that will help a child open up and talk.

“Focus on making connections throughout the day, and stop focusing on the time right after school,” Macaulay says.

“Wait, and conversation will happen.” c

imagine Your Child?

What do you want for

IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE YOUR CHILD LEARNS…

• By Individual Instruction An • A Love of Learning Authentic • To Think Outside the Box AMI Accredited Montessori • Independence School • Respect for Others • A Solid Foundation • Foreign Language, Music, Cooking, Gardening and More HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

Montessori School at Emory

Montessori School of Cumming

404-634-5777

770-205-6773

3021 N. Decatur Road Decatur, GA 30033

4601 Post Road Cumming, GA 30040

Now enrolling children ages 15 months – 12 years • www.MontessoriSchoolsofGeorgia.com atlantaparent.com

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 37

FRENCH CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Saturday program ages 18 mo-12 yrs • Buckhead location at Atlanta International School New Class: Bébé et Moi (Baby and Me) for children ages 18-36 months

Register for Classes

NOW!

Register online at: www.frenchschoolatlanta.org

770-634-6228

Understanding the Needs

of Gifted Learners

by Jan Pierce

For more information, call the APS Department of Special Education at 404.802.1695 or e-mail tmmunn@atlanta.K12.ga.us

38 Atlanta Parent October 2014

If your child has been identified as gifted, you’re aware of the challenges he or she faces in a classroom. Whether the placement is a regular classroom or a specially designed program for accelerated learners, gifted children possess characteristics that set them apart.

Gifted students prefer finding answers in their own way, they tolerate high levels of ambiguity, they see familiar things in unusual ways and they enjoy working alone to solve problems.

In light of these differences from the average or bright learner, gifted children need instructional settings that honor their high degree of intelligence, challenge them to excellence and support their individual social and emotional needs. Here are some of the ways parents and teachers can meet the needs of gifted children: Accelerate Instruction

Teach in Whole Units

Gifted children learn new information quickly and remember it. They don’t need more than one or two lessons to master a new skill.

They fit new information into their larger picture of related subject matter and they’re ready to move on. Repetitive lessons will frustrate them.

The better method for teaching the gifted child is to introduce new material and then turn her loose to do research or study a specific topic of her choosing within the subject area. For instance if the class is learning the geography of South America, allow the gifted child to choose a country or cultural group and do independent study. Teachers who require the gifted child to memorize all the countries and their major exports will find the gifted child’s attention long gone.

A large percentage of the curriculum in American schools is written from a “part to whole” approach. If we want children to learn about the literature of the Civil War Era we take an excerpt from Gone with the Wind and use it to teach about the time period. Gifted children do not want to learn in bits and pieces; they want the broad picture. They want to read the entire book. This is a huge problem in nearly every subject because gifted children need to work with whole concepts to progress to a problem solving level. They want to see all the facts and then move to a synthesis level in which they manipulate the information in new and creative ways. atlantaparent.com

Even in classes designed especially for gifted learners, some students will find it virtually impossible to work in lock-step with others.

Allow Freedom to Explore The average classroom teacher doesn’t have time to differentiate every lesson to fit the requirements of various ability levels.

She tends to teach to the average student, give the slower students as much attention as she can and throw an extension option into the mix for the gifted student. But gifted thinkers want to come up with their own projects and special areas of study.

They want to explore relationships between two bodies of information or they want to try an experiment to test a current theory.

They need permission to proceed, and the respect of their teachers to be trusted to use their time in the classroom wisely.

Even in classes designed especially for gifted learners, some students will find it virtually impossible to work in lock-step with others. They need freedom to follow their own interests in their own way.

Understand Quirky Behavior Gifted children are, after all, children.

They will have all the emotional and social concerns we expect of their age group.

But in addition, many gifted children find it difficult to make friends, or listen to instruction that seems boring to them, or even to follow the expected rules and regulations of a larger institution. Gifted kids can be quirky. They may be hyper-sensitive to noise or light. They may be emotionally fragile and worry about world situations that average children don’t even consider. They may need a high level of encouragement to do their best work.

A Word to Parents of Gifted Children You have a tough job. You know your child’s abilities and you want the best for him. You watch as she struggles with issues beyond the scope of most children.

It’s not fair, but the reality is that gifted children have to cope with understandings beyond their years. They know about wars in far-off lands. They know about injustice before they have the emotional maturity to deal with such information. How can you protect them while at the same time support their learning?

Cont’d on page 40

atlantaparent.com

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 39

Gifted Learners

3340 Chestnut Drive Atlanta, GA 30340

Conveniently located in Doraville

Call 770-457-7261

DEVELOPING EACH CHILD’S POTENTIAL

NOW ENROLLING 12 months and up www.northwoodsmontessori.org

Northwoods Montessori welcomes students of all races, faiths & cultures.

Building Foundations for a Strong Future  ONE Norcross and TWO Smyrna Campuses  AMS Affiliated & GAC Accredited  Montessori Trained Teachers

NORCROSS

SMYRNA

Country Brook Montessori School 2175 N. Norcross-Tucker Rd. Norcross, GA 30071 770-446-2397 countrybrookmontessori.com

Covered Bridge Montessori School 3941 Covered Bridge Place & 488 Hurt Rd. Smyrna, GA 30082 770-434-3181 & 770-801-8292 coveredbridgemontessori.com

Resources for Gifted Children Find more information on supporting the needs of gifted children at the National Association for Gifted Children, nagc.org; or gifted-children.com; gtworld.org, and hoagiesgifted.org.

You will be your child’s best advocate.

Together with the schools in your area you’ll come up with an instructional setting best suited to your child’s needs. You may find that the regular classroom works just fine for your child, or you may choose a gifted classroom. You may choose to home school with advanced curriculum through a local college or an online course of study. You may find that a mentoring relationship is important to your gifted learner.

Get into a support group with other families of gifted children. Whether this group is local or an online forum, you’ll have the opportunity to share your “war stories” and glean information on the things that work for others. You can find curriculum, materials, courses of study and more. You can share struggles and get encouragement for difficult circumstances as you support your gifted child. c

SCHOOLS: Reserve your space in our

PLAY. Passion. purpose.

At The Children’s School, Hands-on learning is child’s play Experience hands-on learning for yourself at one of The Children’s School’s open houses

BIG BOOK

of Schools

e’s nt Magazin Atlanta Pare

BIG BOOK ls of Schoo

e Th ate n im o Ultucatie Ed Guid 4 1 20

Nov. 2, 2014 or Jan. 25, 2015 from 2 to 4pm RSVP at www.thechildrensschool.com or call 404-835-4603 An independent elementary school serving students age three through sixth grade 345 Tenth Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

40 Atlanta Parent October 2014

ion Early Educat

Private

Public

Boarding

Special Needs

• The ultimate guide dedicated to Schools and Education.

Call for advertising information.

Deadline: Oct. 29

770-454-7599 atlantaparent.com

atlantaparent.com

October 2014    Atlanta Parent 41

Don’t Miss Atlanta’s

BEST

Block Party!

Saturday, October 11 Mercer University Atlanta Campus

10 am - 4 pm

More than 50 family-friendly activities!

TODDLER-ONLY PLAY AREA • MOON BOUNCES ANIMALS • SNOW SLIDES LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • CRAFTS TRICK OR TREAT STREET • GAMES FOOD • EXHIBITORS & MUCH MORE! SPONSORS:

BENEFICIARIES: Page Turners Make Great Learners

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy For more info contact Jordan at JLisvosky@atlantaparent.com, 678-222-1911 or visit our website.

familyblockparty.com #familyblockparty

Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

n

Playground

n

Exhibits

Not-to-miss events for October

1

Disney on Ice

Philips Arena Oct. 8-12. Wed.-Thurs. 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Fri. 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

Featuring “Frozen” with a “Let It Go” singalong, costumed characters including Elsa, Anna, the snowman Olaf, Kristoff and the reindeer Sven.

Special appearances by Mickey Mouse, Disney princesses and characters from Toy Story, Finding Nemo and The Lion King. 1 Philips Dr., Atlanta.

404-878-3000. Tickets $15-75.

atlantaparent.com

2

n

Calendar

r Fun fo& Boys s!

Ghoul 4 5 Page

3

Heavy Metal in Motion

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Family Block Party

Heavy Metal in Motion

Mercer University, Atlanta campus Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tellus Science Museum Oct. 18. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

With more than 50 activities for the whole family, Family Block Party is sure to please.

Two snow tubing slides are added to this year’s activities plus a Marvel character area, camel rides and parrots to hold. Toddlers and parents will love the toddleronly play area. 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta. $5 per person includes 3 activity tickets; 1 and younger free. Buy tickets in advance and avoid the line at Familyblockparty.com.

Family Fun Guide

Rev your engines: Tellus is celebrating transportation with vintage race cars, helicopters, fire engines, motorcycles and a weather truck! Visitors can get up close and climb on or in many of the vehicles on display.

Kids can ride a miniature train and bounce on inflatables. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770606-5700. Adults, $14; children ages 3-17, $10.

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 43

Family Fun Guide KirbyG’s Diner

45 Macon St., McDonough 678-583-8777; kirbygs.com Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

EATING OUT

Our recent visit to KirbyG’s Diner felt almost like a trip to the 1950s. Walls are adorned with photographs and posters of period film stars and antique cars. Old music records surround a 50s-styled soda counter. n What’s on the menu: You’ll find a wide selection of a la carte items, with a creative twist.

Each has a fun title, such as “Ike’s ‘I Like Cheese’ Burger”, “Slammin’ Sammy’s Slaw Dog” and “Ava’s Gardener Salad.” Menu selections are $3-12. My children loved their “Lil Toots Turkey Sliders” ($4.49) and their sides of french fries and “Sugar Ray’s Sweet Potato Tots” topped with cinnamon and sugar ($2.99).

My meal, “The James Dean ‘Giant’” burger topped with sautéed mushrooms, bacon and Monterey Jack cheese ($7.09), did not disappoint. My husband loved “Clark Kent’s Turkey Club” on wheat ($6.99).

The dessert menu offers ’50s style selections including shakes, soda floats, malts and banana splits. The red velvet cake ice cream ($2.59) was the best I have ever had. The Blue Bell ice cream flavors change daily. Some of the most popular flavors are chocolate peanut butter, cotton candy and banana pudding. Call ahead or check out KirbyG’s Facebook page for daily offerings.

n Why parents like it: The atmosphere is casual and so child-friendly that our 1-year-old and 5-year-old were presented with crayons and a hamburger picture to color before even sitting down! We were especially pleased that our children ate their vegetables in the form of the delicious “Mr. Green Jean’s Beans,” lightly seasoned deep fried green beans served with homemade ranch dressing. KirbyG’s offered plenty of options for each of us.

n Why kids will like it: The staff treats kids like the special people they are, from the moment they greet them with crayons and coloring sheets. The sliders are just right for little hands and appetites. Kids can sit at the lunch counter for a photo op. n Insider Tips: Families with older children or no children will enjoy a dining area in the back of the restaurant that includes a bar and flat-screen televisions.

A separate section of the restaurant offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

– Katrina Rucker

Two New Exhibits Now Open This fall, treat yourself with one of these great museum happenings! n Fernbank Museum of Natural History presents “Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear,” the new highly interactive exhibit examines the physiological, neurological and sociological aspects of the often misunderstood emotion of fear. Hands-on activities encourage visitors to experience fear in a safe and enjoyable environment. fernbankmuseum.org n Gwinnett Environmental Heritage Center introduces “Tech City,” an exhibit to solve realworld problems that engineers face. Meet various challenges by using engineering approaches for designing, building, testing and modifying. gwinnettehc.org Both exhibits run through Jan. 2015.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear

44 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Playground: Playable Art Park, Sandy Springs The Playable Art Park is far different from the typical playground in appearance, experience and design.

The park is laid out vertically along the Belt Line, part of a larger system of walking/biking/nature trails.

At one end is a circular grassy opening with many benches in a semi-circle and stairs. Next, you pass through the large wooden pavilion, then follow the path down, and you will travel through a series of creative playable art structures that are enticing, imaginative and exciting for kids of a wide range of ages.

The beauty of this journey is that when you get to the end, you turn around and re-live your favorites as you make your way back to the top of the path again. We spent about 15 minutes per structure. n Features: The Big Imagine swings, Dragon Fly slide/rock wall climbing structure, Wonder Wall, Twist & Shout, Granite Boulder Space Exploration and Spider Walk.

The Big Imagine Swings are vibrant red swings, including one baby seat swing. The Dragon Fly is a modern rock wall with some rather steep but not too high slides.

The granite feature encourages kids to climb up, over, on and through while exploring space and depth. The Twist & Shout non-linear jungle gyms are a throw-back to old school climbing structures, with modern twists. And the Wonder Wall is a colorful spot to “say cheese” and send a photo Grandma!

atlantaparent.com

n Amenities: Shaded pavilion and shady retreats along the path with benches; bike racks; water fountains and restrooms with changing tables. The park is dog/ pet-friendly and has receptacles for pet use. n Location: 70 Abernathy Rd. NW, Sandy Springs; playableartpark.org – Meredith Snellings

Family Fun Guide

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 45

College Football Hall of Fame

Going For A Touchdown! O

Visible from The Quad, The Playing Field instantly lured the kids.

Everybody, including the adults tried kicking a field goal.

ur team – me, my wife Caroline, our 15-year-old son Daniel, and new friends Bart and Marteeta Spradling and their twin 8-year-old boys Jayson and Jaxson – was ready for some football!

We got that and more on our recent tour of the new College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-a Fan Experience. After receiving our tickets, which are like field passes that you wear around your neck, we entered the building through a tunnel with silhouetted football players running alongside. We emerged into an atrium, The Quad, to high five greetings from the staff and a three-story array of 762 football helmets on the wall – one for each college team in the country, from the smallest NAIA school to the big “Power 5” schools. We then learned that our ticket was actually an RFID card, and at a kiosk, we each entered information about ourselves and selected a favorite school (which can be changed at any interactive kiosk in the Hall).

As each of us checked in, our school’s helmet lit up on the wall and stayed lit until we left.

Visible from The Quad, The Playing Field instantly lured the kids. Everybody, including the adults tried kicking a field goal – Jayson, Caroline and Jaxson were a little wide left but Daniel and I (like father, like son!) boomed one through the uprights. The boys then ran an agility drill showing off their prowess of diving into the end zone and the young (and not so young) men zinged footballs into small nets. Jaxson put on his game face and Jayson gave his best end zone dance in front of a video kiosk. Their theatrics soon were displayed on the Jumbotron looming over the field. Concessions were available here, too, either traditional game fare from a booth or the Chick-fil-A restaurant.

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

Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?

Atlanta, New York, LA

404-636-1974

www.williamreynoldsagency.com 46 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Photo © Dragon Art Studio

By Dragon Art Studio of Portland, OR

If You Go College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-a Fan Experience 250 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta 404-880-4800; CFBHall.com n Hours: Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed Oct. 7 for the Dedication Gala and Enshrinement Ceremony). n Cost: Adults $19.99 plus taxes; ages 3-12 $16.99 plus taxes; under age 3, free. On-site garage parking, $10 for the first 3 hours.

Cont’d on page 48

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

Adapted from the American children’s classic

by L. Frank Baum

OCT 8 - 26 Photo © Frisch Marionettes

What’s it like to play or coach? I asked Peyton Manning about the pressure of playing a game in a virtual conversation and got a “sure-fire” touchdown play from Coach Steve Spurrier. Bart studied John Heisman’s playbook from 1920. Around the corner an exhibit showed the evolution of the game’s equipment from the 1800s to today – the boys looked puny against a 6-foot-3 mannequin in modern football gear. There were also special features on the service academies, historically black colleges and some of the game’s great rivalries – all with interactive displays. At the Building A Champion exhibit Jayson and Jaxson started their careers as athletic directors and worked on creating a virtual football program.

Finally it was Game Time! The boys and I went into the broadcast booth and listened to see if one of us could top the radio calls of some of the most exciting finishes to college football games.

By Frisch Marionettes of Cincinnati, OH

By Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers of Bar Harbor, ME Photo © Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers

On the second floor, we encountered an immense touchscreen video wall. As each of us stepped up to the wall, we saw photos and videos of our team, which we could manipulate by touch. We had to tear Jayson and Jaxson away from here! Off to the side, a theater featured a 10-minute ultra-highdef movie, The Game of Your Life. This film made us feel like we were really in a college football game – we all exited feeling exhausted!

We were ready for Game Day. We found traditional displays of memorabilia, but the stars were the interactive experiences.

Jayson painted his face (virtually) with his favorite team’s colors, and Jaxson tried to sing a school’s karaoke fight song. The ultimate experience was subbing for Lee Corso on the set of ESPN’s GameDay broadcast. Jaxson, Jayson and both moms took turns. Via green screen technology, we watched on the video screen as they were transported to the front of their school’s stadium sitting and chatting with Chris Fowler and Desmond Howard. Then they each picked the winner for the big game and donned the mascot hat!

NOW - OCT 5

OCT 28 - NOV 9

404.873.3391 puppet.org

1404 Spring Street NW Atlanta, GA 30309 Limited FREE Parking • MARTA Accessible Advance purchase is highly recommended as many shows sell out quickly.

Season supported in part by: Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council; the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs; and Georgia Council for the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 47

Going For A Touchdown!

day of the dead dia de los muertos FREE ADMISSION DAY Sunday, November 2, 2014 J Noon - 5:00 pm Visitors of all ages learn about and experience a Day of the Dead Festival.

Guests enjoy storytelling, crafts, and authentic Mexican food and entertainment.

Major funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council.

FAMILY PROGRAM AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/Family

48 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Family Fun Guide

The Hall of Fame itself is on the third floor.

True to the high-tech theme, there were no statues or busts here. Along the wall of the rotunda were the names of the inductees, by year.

We all then virtually led our team onto the field or marched with the band at halftime – another exhibit we had to tear the boys away from.

The Hall of Fame itself is on the third floor. True to the high-tech theme, there were no statues or busts here. Along the wall of the rotunda were the names of the inductees, by year. In the middle of the room were tall interactive touchscreens. Each of us stepped up to one, touched it and photos of all of the members from our school appeared. We touched the screen again to see pictures, bios, and videos of each member.

We also could search the Hall of Fame member database of over 948 players and 180 coaches from nearly 300 schools.

So, what about that great video Jaxson and Jayson produced on the GameDay set?

The RFID chip enabled it, and our other virtual experiences, to be stored online.

Once home, we could log in with our email and RFID number at the Hall website, then view or hear our performances, and even share them via social media. While the Ward family produced video only worthy of the cutting room floor, maybe Jayson and Jaxson have already sent their GameDay audition to ESPN! The Hall of Fame was a terrific way for both of our families to learn about some of the greats of college football and to experience one of our cultural pastimes in a setting that was the next best thing to being on the field.

– Dan Ward atlantaparent.com

Peace I

by Piece

sn’t it great to stand in the presence of something so breathtaking that your daily worries flee? A visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn puts things into perspective. In fact, Mandir is a Sanskrit word that means “mind” (Man) “peace” (Dir).

“We haven’t traveled far from home, but it feels like we are in a different time,” my daughter said. We seemed to have traveled back more than 200 years to when the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism originated in India.

Opened in 2007, the Mandir is the largest Hindu temple of its kind outside of India. More than 34,000 individual pieces of stone – Turkish limestone, Italian marble and Indian pink sandstone (no metal is used) – were carved by hand in India, then assembled in Lilburn like a giant 3-D puzzle.

Construction, using 1.3 million volunteer hours, took only 17 months! This amazing wedding cake of a temple is always open to the public.

In the gift shop, we enjoyed looking over the books written in Hindi, especially the comic books explaining religious traditions.

We also bought a memento of Ganesh, the elephant-head deity known as the remover of obstacles (and don’t we all need that?!)

Audio tours can be picked up here, too, and the narration shares interesting insights into Hindu art, architecture and philosophy. You get much more out of your visit using an audio tour or arranging a guided tour.

In the Hindu manner, we removed our shoes at the entrance to the Mandir, and then were free to walk around the intricately carved worship space, in awe. While the exterior of the building is a feast, the interior spiritual spaces are what take your breath away.

We observed the ritual of Arti, during which the Swamis, holy men in saffron robes, emerge to illuminate the murtis, the sacred images which inspire faith. (To us, they looked like friendly, colorful statues.)

This dates from the ancient days when murtis were carved in caves and had to be lit by candlelight to be seen during prayer. Men and women sit separately on the floor during Arti. We also observed Abhishek, an ancient ritual of bathing the murti of God. For us, no outing is complete without food, so we grabbed a delicious bite at the BAPS Shayona vegetarian snack shop. We came away from our visit feeling peaceful and curious to learn more.

No Time To Clean?

since 1988

AMERICAN HOME CLEANING

TRUST-IT CHOICE

• A CHRIST-centered Home Cleaning Ministry • Licensed, Bonded, Insured, over 85,000 homes cleaned • Distributed to fine homes in litter free protective bags under 6/18/2002 federal supreme court ruling.

A referral agency specializing in referring CPR certified nannies, babysitters and care providers with mobile streaming availability.

info@trustitchoice.com | 770-569-3993 www.trustitchoice.com

(770) 795-8399 Sponsor of www.TheWageRevolution.com We are a non-profit that employs low income single Moms and allows then to earn a livable wage. Proverbs 3:5,6.

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

If You Go BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir 460 Rockbridge Rd. NW, Lilburn 678-906-2277; atlanta.baps.org n Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. n Cost: Admission, free.

Self-guided audio tour, $5 n Upcoming Events: Diwali (Hindu Festival of Lights) Celebration Key Activities; Fri., Oct. 24, noon-8 p.m.: Grand food offering of hundreds of vegetarian dishes.

Free. Sat., Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.; Fireworks from the great lawn. Free.

Insider tip: Visitors are made to feel welcome, but read the attire guidelines on the website and dress appropriately (no shorts, cover knees and shoulders, etc.). A wrap is available to borrow for those who need further covering.

– Melanie Rohrbach #1 Cleaning Special

$47.95

#2 Cleaning Special

$77.95

1 Bedroom, 1 bathroom, Kitchen and Breakfast Room, Living Room, Halls and Foyer.

All work 100% guaranteed!

Up to 800 sq ft

3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 Bathrooms, Kitchen and Breakfast Room, Living Room, Dining Room, 1 Stairs, Halls and Foyer.

#3 Cleaning Special

#4 Cleaning Special

$157.95

WHOLE HOUSE ULTRA DEEP CLEAN

Includes #2 Special PLUS we deep clean by hand all baseboards, easy-off inside oven, inside fridge and up to 3 Ceiling Fans.

$317.95 A two cleaner team for all day for the ultimate deep clean.

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 49

Take a Family Hike

Fall is a great time to explore parks and trails, when weather is cooler and leaves are turning all hues of orange, red and brown.

But you need more than water and high-energy snacks to enjoy a family hike. To maximize the fun, try these suggestions.

by Justine Ickes

Ready, Set, Go! Taking the time to plan your family’s next outdoor adventure can mean the difference between an okay experience and a great one.

Follow these steps: n Choose a trail that matches your

family’s hiking skill and experience.

Always pace your outing to the youngest or slowest walker in your family and build in rest breaks. If your family is new to hiking, choose a short, easy, circular trail. Paved trails are great for families with children of different ages and abilities because they are accessible by bike, stroller and foot. Once you’ve built up your family’s endurance, you can attempt longer and more challenging trails. n Familiarize yourself with the trail before you go. Use your local library and the Internet to gather resources about the area you’ll be exploring. For example, the National Park Service offers a free, downloadable Junior Ranger Activity Book with age-appropriate activities like using a map, identifying trees by their bark, fruit or leaves, and interpreting trail signs. National Park websites also offer maps of 50 Atlanta Parent October 2014

the sites that make up the parks system, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield. n Make sure you time it right. Determine the best time for your hike, based on your family’s routine, and plan around nap time. A good rule of thumb is to double the estimated time you think the hike will take. n Match the destination to your children’s interests. Is there a star-gazer in your family? Your local nature center or botanical garden may offer guided walks on full moon nights, Halloween, the winter solstice or other special evenings. Your budding paleontologist might enjoy helping park archaeologists to unearth and interpret the prehistoric remains of dinosaurs, plants and early mammals. Are there Boy or Girl Scouts in your family? This time of year, a corn maze is a good place to let them practice their orienteering skills. n Take advantage of free or low-cost hands-on exhibits, theme gardens, guided hikes, and educational programs. Georgia State Parks and some regional parks offer family-oriented programs on a range of topics.

Family Fun Guide

Safety on the Trail n Familiarize yourself with the trail and plan your route before you leave home. n Let friends or family know where you’re going and your route. n Carry a cell phone with a fullycharged battery. n Carry identification with your name, phone number and any important medical information. n Stay alert, be observant about your surroundings and avoid areas where visibility is poor. n Follow your intuition about unfamiliar areas and people you meet on the trail. n Allow enough time to complete your hike before dusk and never use trails after dark.

atlantaparent.com

Out on the Trail!

The key to kid-centered hikes is to focus on exploring and enjoying, not on a distance to cover or destination to reach. Try these ideas: n Lift up or roll over a log or rock and investigate what’s underneath.

A magnifying glass and box are useful for holding and observing small creatures.

Just remember to release any creature next to where you found it and take care not to crush any plants or insects when you replace the log or rock. n Fill up a small bag or jar with objects you find along the way. Try to use objects with a distinct texture or smell – a pine needle, a feather, a seed pod, for example. Ask your children to close their eyes and to guess what each object is using only their sense of touch or smell. n Plant a fake item along the trail and challenge your children to spot it. Choose objects that are small and easily overlooked – such as a pipe cleaner animal, artificial flower or toy insect – so that your kids develop their powers of observation. n Stop walking, close your eyes and listen for a minute. Then invite everyone to name, describe or imitate what they heard. n Encourage children to move in different ways. They can take giant steps, small steps, skip, pretend the ground is quicksand, play red light/green light, or imitate animals.

We made it!

The fun and learning don’t have to end when the hike does. Encourage your family to create memories with these activities: n Record your hikes in a journal.

Family members can take turns recording the sights, sounds and sensations of your outings. Even younger children who can’t yet read and write can glue in trail maps, make leaf rubbings, trace natural stencils or draw pictures. n Use a map or Google Earth as a prop. Invite your children to recount the high and lows of the experience. For example, “Here’s where we walked over that log bridge.” n Show your photos to an expert.

Often a naturalist or park ranger can identify a strange critter or plant you came across on a hike.

The best family hikes have equal doses of planning, flexibility and child-friendly adventure. Keep this in mind and your next hike will be “a walk in the park.” c atlantaparent.com

Hit the Trails Ahead!

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker there are hiking adventures for all in Metro Atlanta.

Perfect trails for the beginner experience

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Chattahoochee Nature Center. Six trails, all under a half mile each. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

Dunwoody Nature Center. Woodland trail looping 1.5 miles. Mon.-Sun. 7 a.m. to sundown. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Free.

Elachee Nature Center. Six trails color coded for difficulty. Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m. to dusk. 2125 Elachee Dr., Gainesville. 770-535-1976. Free.

DeepDene Park. The largest segment of the Olmsted Linear Park, it has a wooded tract of 22 acres to explore. 1788 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 404-377-5361. Free.

Sweetwater Creek State Park. Four trails with the red trail recommended for beginners. 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871. Free, $5, parking.

For those who want a little more adventure!

Stone Mountain

Cochran Shoals. This park alongside the Chattahoochee offers over 4 miles of graveled trail. Mon.-Sun. 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 2080 Interstate North Pkwy SE, Marietta.

678-538-1280. Free. $3, parking.

Island Ford Park. Three miles of hiking trails following the Chattahoochee River with large boulders along the path that are perfect for climbing. Mon.-Sun. 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

1978 Island Ford Pkwy., Sandy Springs. 678-538-1280. Free. $3, parking.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Climb to the top of the mountain, one mile each way. This rugged terrain is not stroller friendly. Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m.8 p.m. 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr., Kennesaw. 770-427-4686. Free.

Stone Mountain. Take the one mile trek to the top of the mountain. 1000 Robert E. Lee. Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. Free. $10, parking.

Vickery Creek Trail. Three miles in the rolling forest and steep banks of Big Creek.

Mon.-Sun. 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 400 Riverside Rd., Rosewell. 678-538-1280. Free. $3, parking.

Family Fun Guide

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 51

A Turtle’s Eye View

I

f you’re nervous about taking your child to a “real” museum for the first time, this is a great place to start. Heritage Sandy Springs is a small, extremely kid-friendly history museum with tours designed just for preschoolers.

On a recent Saturday, I took my 4-yearold son to a Turtle Tour, where toddlers and preschoolers participate in stories, singing, crafts, and nature and history lessons. Every month’s tour has a different theme based on Georgia’s history and culture.

During our visit, the theme was “Cool Tools.” We sat on the museum floor and sang along to nursery rhymes and finger plays, and looked at photos of tools. A couple of friendly faces helped our tour guide Ms. Pinckney (Sandy, the museum’s chipmunk mascot and his pal Spring, the turtle) to keep things on a kids’ level. We got to touch and see real tools and talk about how and why they’re used. The tour guide read aloud books related to the theme and we got book recommendations to extend the museum activities at home. Outdoors, we did a handson art project also related to our theme and every child got to take it home.

52 Atlanta Parent October 2014

We toured the exhibit halls, spending time looking at artifacts that show the history of the Sandy Springs area, and a special exhibit of wooden folk art by local artist Moses Robinson. He used lots of found objects, like peach pits and walnut shells, which made it fun to investigate what materials were used in creating his pieces.

My son really started “putting it together” when he realized that the wood carvings were all made by someone with tools!

In the permanent exhibit space, we saw interpretive panels showing key points in Sandy Springs history, and how the area was impacted by major events like the Civil War. The whole tour lasted about 30 minutes; a perfect amount of time for little attention spans.

So, why is the program called Turtle Tours? The Eastern Box Turtle is the mascot of Sandy Springs because the animal is local to the area and it’s known for having a long life. Jack Elrod, the writer and illustrator of the Mark Trail comic strip, lives in Sandy Springs and designed a public art exhibit of “town turtles” for the city in 2004.

– Ayanna Cato-Hawkins

Family Fun Guide

If You Go Turtle Tours Heritage Sandy Springs 6075 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs 404-851-9111; heritagesandysprings.org n Hours: 11 a.m., second Saturday of each month. n Upcoming tours: Oct. 11, Learning About our 5 Senses Nov. 8, Apple Picking Dec. 13, Celebrate the Season n Cost: Free; donations accepted.

atlantaparent.com

Thrills, Stunts, Jets!

Fun begins with Fencing

Calling all Beginners!

Wings Over North Georgia Airshow

Come out for a weekend of aerial stunts and roaring jets. You don’t have to be an aviation enthusiast to enjoy these aircraft shows high in the sky.

Let us introduce you to the coolest Olympic sport around!

FENCING IS FUN! PROGRAM (ages 5-7; 8-10; 11-13) TRY IT CLASS • (ages 5 + up) COMPETITIVE START PROGRAM (ages 5 + up)

Training Champions of all Ages SABRE SATURDAY

(a free Learn-to-Fence program for ages 10-13) Sponsored by:

REGISTER NOW!

All programs under the direction of U.S. Olympic Coach, Maestro Arkady Burdan

1530 Carroll Dr. NW Atlanta 30318 (404) 603-3600 www.nellyafencers.com

Wings Over North Georgia Airshow

The Great Georgia Airshow Atlanta Regional Airport - Falcon Field When: Oct. 11-12. Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m., and Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: 7 Falcon Dr., Peachtree City.

855-332-4427.

Cost: Admission $15-30; ages 5 and younger, free (ticket required).

A weekend filled with aerial stunts, roaring jets and helicopter rides. A kids’ zone offers aviation-themed inflatables, a rock climbing wall, spider bungee jump, bounce houses and face painting. thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com.

The Great Georgia Airshow

atlantaparent.com

Wings Over North Georgia Airshow Russell Regional Airport When: Oct. 18-19 Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: 304 Russell Field Rd., Rome.

706-291-0030.

Cost: Adults, $20; ages 6-17, $15; 5 and younger, free.

Live entertainment, night airshows featuring the U.S. Navy’s Thunderbirds, fireworks and kids zone.

View website for event schedule and advance ticket purchase. wingsovernorthgeorgia.com.

What you need to know before you go n Only small coolers carrying life-saving medicines or formula bottles for young infants will be permitted. n Bring ear protection, especially for children and infants. n Check the weekend activities and air show schedules posted online. n Explore parking options prior to event ($10-20). n Kids Zones are offered, but additional fees may apply. n Wear comfortable shoes and allow time for exhibits.

Family Fun Guide

infant

massage

INSTRUCTION F Increase bonding

F Reduces gas/colic/constipation F Stimulate all the systems F Promotes more restful sleep

Call today for the next class!

Classes held monthly!

404-465-3391 1300 Upper Hembree Rd., Roswell Tara@natlantapregnancy.com October 2014 Atlanta Parent 53

Whether it’s creeping through a haunted house or going on a not-so-spooky adventure – no matter what your fear level is, there’s a Halloween activity that’s just right. Atlanta Parent recommends these events to get your young ghouls howling with delight or screaming with fright.

by Hayley Markowitz

Not-So-Spooky Beasties at Barrington.

Barrington Hall. North Fulton Drama Club leads outdoor spooky story tours for all ages; secret signal from guides will let the spirits know how scary the stories should be. Oct. 24 -25. Tours start at 7 p.m. and leave every 15 minutes. northfultondramaclub.org.

535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. 678561-2273. $5.

54 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Halloween Night Hikes

FEARopolis.

Funopolis Family Fun Center, Commerce. A haunted family attraction has a haunted house with 3D Psycho Circus theme! Weekends through Nov. 2; see funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com for schedule. 40155 Hwy. 441 S., Commerce. 706-335-3866 $13, haunted house. Additional activities extra.

Family Fun Guide

Halloween Night Hikes.

Chattahoochee Nature Center. Guided hike along well-lit trails where children meet friendly costumed forest creatures. Stay for live music, bonfire, animal encounters and treats for purchase after hike. Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25. Hikes 7-10 p.m. chattnaturecenter.org. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell 770-992-2055. $9 per person; 2 and younger, free.

atlantaparent.com

Ex-Scream!

Fear The Woods. Stockbridge. Haunted Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tour

Goose-Bumpy Ghost Tours. Lawrenceville. Listen to vivid stories of the strange and

supernatural as guides lead groups on a 90-minute adventure. Every Fri. and Sat. 7 and 9 p.m. Adults $15; ages 16 and younger, $12. Every Sun.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Adults $12; ages 16 and younger, $9. scarystroll.com. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222.

Ghosts of Marietta. Marietta. A 90-minute lantern-led walk

through historic Marietta. Every day in Oct. 7:30 p.m. ghostsofmarietta. com.131 Church St., Marietta. 770-425-5755. Reservation required. Adults, $17; ages 12 and younger, $12.

Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tour.

Historic Oakland Cemetery. Witness the final resting place of Atlanta’s sons and daughters while the gates stay open after dark. Tour escorted by a costumed guide. Oct.17-19 and Oct. 23-25, 5:30 p.m. Must purchase ticket in advance. oaklandcemetery.com. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-327-7738.

Adults, $23; ages 4-12, $13; 3 and younger, free.

The Dark Rows.

Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze. When the sun goes down and the maze is lite by the moonlight, families can enjoy a spooky night. 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Every Fri. and Sat., in Oct., dusk-10 p.m. uncleshucks.com. 4520 Highway 53 E, Dawsonville. 1-888-6748257. Haunted Maze and two regular mazes, $13.

Hayride, Haunted Barn and Zombie Paintball Hayride.

Not recommended for small children. Oct. 3- Nov 1.

Fri-Sat., 7 p.m.-midnight; Sun., 7-11 p.m. fearthewoods. com. 3565 N Hwy 155, Stockbridge. 770-954-9356.

Adults, $15; ages 10 and younger, $12.

House of Burm. Cleveland. Venture into the

haunted house by North Georgia corn maze and take the elevator down to the Reaper’s Hallow ! Through Nov. 8.

Fri. and Sat. 6-10 p.m.; Sun., 5-7 p.m. houseofburm.com 559 Tom Bell Rd., Cleveland. 1-800-959-1874. Adults, $15; ages 4-10, $14, 3 and younger, free.

Netherworld Haunted House.

Norcross. This terrifying haunted house is not recommended for small children. Oct.-Nov 8. 6624 Dawson Blvd, Norcross. 404-608-2484. $22 per person for the main haunt ($25 on Fridays and Saturdays). See fearworld.com for hours and other pricing.

Fright by Night.

Six Flags. The amusement park transforms into a ghoulish place with ghosts and goblins, with haunted attractions, pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating. Not recommended for children younger than 12. Weekends through Nov. 2. Fri.-Sat. 6 p.m.midnight; Sun., 6-10 p.m. sixflags.com. 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell. 770-948-9290. General admission, $66.99; kids under 54 inches, $39.99; 2 and younger, free; parking, $20. c

Fear The Woods

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 55

HaLLoWeeNHaPPeNiNGS

Go trick-or-treating, carve a pumpkin, get lost in a corn maze, take a ghost tour or dress your own scarecrow this year.

Fall has something for all your little goblins, gremlins and ghouls!

Special Events Halloween Night on Callanwolde Mountain. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Enjoy a live Halloween concert, door-to-door trick-or-treating, and Legoland Halloween building activities on this 12-acre historic estate. Oct. 31, 6-9 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. Event schedule at callanwolde.org.

404-872-5338. In advance, $4 per person; at the door, $5.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This interactive exhibit examines the physiological, neurological and sociological aspects of the often misunderstood emotion of fear.

Activities encourage visitors to experience fear in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Through January 2015. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Boo at the Zoo. Zoo Atlanta. Celebrate Halloween with more than 1,500 animals; take festive paths with craft stations, enter a costume contest and enjoy the hay maze.

Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26. Boo at the Zoo hours, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-5600. Adults $21.99, ages 3-11 $16.99, 2 and younger, free.

56 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade. Findley Plaza. Live music, street entertainment, vendors, a costume contest and street parade. Oct. 18, noon-11 p.m.; parade, 4 p.m. Intersection of Moreland and Euclid Avenues, Atlanta. 404-762-5665. Free.

Great Pumpkin-Carving Contest. Atlanta Botanical Garden. A 25-minute Halloween showdown using only knives and power tools during the Oct. 23 Fest-of-Ale. The winner is decided based on audience applause. Contest, 7-8 p.m. Fest-of-Ale every Thursday in Oct., 5-10 p.m. Regular Garden hours, Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-8765859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Mummies and Milkshakes. Michael C. Carlos Museum. Visit animal and human mummies in the Egyptian galleries, purchase a Jake’s Ice Cream milkshake, and watch funny vintage mummy cartoons and mummy-themed films featuring the Three Stooges and Abbot and Costello. Oct. 24, 6:30-9 p.m. 571 South Kilgo Cir. NE, Atlanta.

404-727-0519. $5; RSVP required by Oct. 22.

Walker Stalker Con. AmericasMart. Zombie, horror and sci-fi fan convention. Oct. 17-19. Fri., noon-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 230 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-220-2230.

Adults, $35-45; ages 10 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

Goblins in the Garden. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Wear your favorite costume for an afternoon of treats and activities, including a parade and storytelling; train and pony rides extra. Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404876-5859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Halloween Night Hikes. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Guided hike along well-lit trails where children meet friendly costumed forest creatures.

Face painting, non-scary tales and live entertainment around the camp fire. Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25.

Hikes 7-10 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-9922055. $9; 2 and younger, free.

Trick or Treating Brick-or-Treat. Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta. Miniland scavenger hunts, a LEGO pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating and more. The attraction will host costume contests Oct. 2526, and the top winner will take home an annual attraction pass. Weekends through Oct. 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-848-9252. Adults, $19; ages 3-12, $15; 2 and younger, free.

Boo Bash and Trick or Treating. Town Center at Cobb. Enjoy trick-or-treating, a bounce house and Halloween fun. Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m. 400 Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-424-9486. $5.

atlantaparent.com

Train or Treat. Southeastern Railway Museum.

Make special crafts, trick or treat around historic trains, participate in a costume contest and more.

Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3593 Buford Hwy, Duluth.

770-476-2013. Adults, $8; ages 2-12, $5; younger than 2, free; Wild West train ride, $3.

Trek or Treat. Suwanee Creek Park. Trick-ortreat along the park’s greenway and participate in fall festival activities. Oct. 25, 11 a.m. 1170 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 770-945-1524. Free.

Trick or Treat. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. A night of fun, fall activities including crafts, prizes, games, Halloween movies and more. Come dressed in a costume. Ages 8 and younger. Oct. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437.

Advanced ticket purchase required. $15.

Trick or Treat on Main Street. Downtown Fayetteville. See the jack-o-lanterns that decorate the Fayetteville Square and trick-or-treat at local businesses. Oct. 25, 3 p.m.; kids costume contest, 4 p.m. Main St., Fayetteville. 770-7194173. Free.

BOO-seum Trick or Treat. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Halloween party with music, games, costume characters and treats for kids in costumes. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free (includes admission to museum).

Trick or Treating. Mall of Georgia. Stores throughout the mall will provide tasty treats for all of the little ghouls and goblins who attend, so be sure to wear a costume. Oct. 31, 6 p.m. Ages 12 and younger. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-4828788. Free.

Georgia A-Scary-Um. Georgia Aquarium.

Have fun in costume and trick-or-treat alongside longfin batfish and Japanese spider crabs.

Also enjoy Halloween-themed crafts and photo stations. Oct. 31. 2-7 p.m. and Nov. 1. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta. 404-581-4000. 12 and younger in costume will receive free general admission with each paid admission.

Trick or Treat on the Square. McDonough Square. Trick or treat around downtown. Oct. 31, 3-5 p.m. 5 Griffin St., McDonough. 770-898-9311.

Free.

Magic Monday Historic Halloween.

Atlanta History Center. Kids come dressed in Halloween costumes for a parade and get to trickor-treat through the museum exhibitions. Hear Halloween tales, make a spooky craft, and enter costume contests. Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4110. Adults, $6.50; ages 5 and younger, $5.50.

Munchkin Masquerade. Historic Newnan Square. Downtown merchants pass out Halloween treats to costumed kids. Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-noon. Historic Downtown Newnan Courthouse Square. 770-253-8283. Free.

Scarecrows Galore Scarecrow Harvest. Historic Downtown Alpharetta. More than 100 scarecrows decorated by elementary school children, a farmers market, awards, music, hayrides to the log cabin, face painting, storytelling and inflatables. Oct. 4, 10 a.m-2 p.m. 2 South Main St., Alpharetta. 678-2976078. Free.

HaLLoWeeN TOP PICKS

Atlanta Parent’s not-to-miss events that will have your boos and ghouls howling with delight.

Scarecrows in the Garden Atlanta Botanical Garden l When: Through Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. l What: Families can enjoy more than 100 kooky and spooky scarecrows crafted

by Atlanta-area business, organizations and individuals. l Where: 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. l Cost: Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free. Train and pony rides extra. l Costumes: Wear ‘em

Pumpkin Festival

Stone Mountain Park l When: Weekends through Oct. 26. Fri. and Sun., 10:30 a.m.5 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. l What: Enjoy the opportunity to dress your own scarecrow with a variety of props and costumes.

Let kids try the trick-or-treat scavenger hunt, make crafts in the pumpkin patch and join the costume dance party. l Where: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain.

770-498-5690. l Cost: Adults, $29.95; ages 3-11, $24.95; 3 and younger, free; parking, $10. l Costumes: Wear ‘em!

Boo at the Zoo

Zoo Atlanta l When: Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. l What: Hands-on craft stations, costumed creatures, trick-or-treating, and of course, the animals to see! l Where: 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-5600. l Cost: Adults $21.99; ages 3-11, $16.99; younger than 3 free. l Costumes: Wear ‘em!

Cont’d on page 58

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

Cont’d on page 58

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 57

HaLLoWeeN TOP PICKS Halloween Spook-Tacular

Scarecrow Trail. North Georgia Zoo. The zoo is transformed with decorations and moody lighting, with rows of scarecrows set up throughout wooded paths. Beyond the scarecrows, there are pumpkin patches and hay bale mazes to explore, as well as a full petting zoo for the kids. Oct.1-31, Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 2912 Paradise Valley Rd., Cleveland.

706-348-7279. Adults, $8; ages 2-11, $6; infants, free.

Atlanta Symphony Hall l When: Oct. 25, 11 a.m. l What: This concert is sure to tickle your funny bone with Harry Potter, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Night on Bald Mountain, and a few other surprises. l Where: 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. l Cost: $20-40. l Costumes: Kids are encouraged to dress up.

Scarecrows in the Garden. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Families can enjoy more than 100 kooky and spooky scarecrows crafted by Atlanta-area business, organizations and individuals. Through Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12 $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival

Kennesaw State University Sports & Rec Park l When: Oct. 25, 4-10 p.m. and Oct. 26, 3-9 p.m.

Check website for event schedule. l What: Spooktacular hot air balloon festival featuring balloon glows, trick-ortreating, tethered balloon rides, artist market, food trucks, interactive kid’s area, a main concert stage, and more l Where: 3200 George Busbee Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-772-0581. l Cost: Adults, $12; ages 3-12, $5; before Oct. 18. Adults, $15; ages 3-12, $8; after Oct. 18.

Halloween Night on Callanwolde Mountain

Pumpkin Festival. Stone Mountain Park. Dress your own scarecrow with a variety of props and costumes. Let kids try the trick-or-treat scavenger hunt, crafts in the pumpkin patch and join the costume dance party. Weekends through Oct. 26. Fri. and Sun., 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. US Hwy. 78, Stone Mountain. 770-4985690. Adults, $28; children ages 3-11, $22; 3 and younger, free; parking, $10.

Fun with Ghosts Beasties at Barrington. Barrington Hall. North Fulton Drama Club leads outdoor spooky story tours for all ages; using a secret signal, guides will let the spirits know how scary the stories should be. Oct. 24 -25. Tours start at 7 p.m. and leave every 15 minutes. 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell.

678-561-2273. $5.

Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tour. Historic Oakland Cemetery.

Witness the final resting place of Atlanta’s sons and daughters while the gates stay open after dark. Tour escorted by a costumed guide. Oct.17-19 and Oct. 23-25, 5:30 p.m. Must purchase ticket in advance.

248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-327-7738. Adults, $23; ages 4-12, $13; 3 and younger, free.

Decatur Ghost Tours. Decatur. Come meet some of Decatur’s ghosts on this historical, paranormal walking tour of downtown Decatur.

Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. 101 East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-296-7771. Reservations required.

Adults, $15; ages 10 and younger, $12.

Family Storytelling: Spooky Stories.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Join the Georgia Youth Storytellers and Emerging Voices as they share spooky stories. Children are welcome to wear costumes for a parade and contest, and festive snacks will be served. Oct. 17, 7 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Adults, $3; ages 12 and younger, $1.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center l When: Oct. 31, 6-9 p.m. l What: This 12-acre historic estate has a live Halloween concert, doorto-door trick-or-treating, and Legoland Halloween building activities. l Where: 980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. 404-872-5338. l Cost: In advance, $4; at the door, $5. l Costumes: Wear ‘em!

58 Atlanta Parent October 2014

HaLLoWeeN HaPPeNiNGS

Ghost Tales & Trails. Woodstock. Go on a tour to help capture “The Shadow” lurking around town.

Also enjoy games and activities for all ages. Oct. 23-25, 6-10 p.m. Groups depart every 45 minutes starting at 6:30 p.m. 111 Elm St., Woodstock. 678494-4251. Games and activities, free. Tour, $10, ages 5 and older in advance; $12, at the door.

Ghosts of Marietta. Marietta. A 90-minute lantern-led walk through historic Marietta. Every day in Oct. 7:30 p.m. 131 Church St., Marietta.

770-425-5755. Reservation required. Adults, $17; ages 12 and younger, $12.

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Fright Fest

Ghost Tours. Lawrenceville. Listen to vivid stories of the strange and supernatural as guides lead groups on a 90-minute adventure. Every Fri. and Sat. 7 and 9 p.m. Adults $15; 16 and younger, $12. Every Sun.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Adults $12; 16 and younger, $9. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222.

Halloween Hayrides. Red Top Mountain State Park. Take a “spooktacular” hayride through the old ghost town of Ravenwood and listen closely as storytellers bring ghosts and goblins to life around a campfire. Fri. and Sat. in Oct 7-10 p.m. 50 Lodge Rd. SE, Acworth. 678792-9554. Parking, $5.

Roswell Georgia Paranormal Investigations. Roswell. Take a walking ghost tour led by paranormal investigators. Every day in Oct. Check website for schedule. 617 Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-649-9922. Adults, $15; ages 12 and younger, $10. roswellparanormal.com.

Haunted Fun for Older Kids Fear The Woods. Stockbridge. Haunted Hayride and Haunted Barn and Zombie Paintball Hayride. Not recommended for small children.

Oct. 3-Nov. 1. Fri-Sat., 7 p.m.-midnight, Sun., 7-11 p.m. 3565 N Hwy 155, Stockbridge. 770954-9356. Adults, $15; ages 10 and younger, $12.

FEARopolis. Funopolis Family Fun Center, Commerce. A haunted family attraction has a haunted house with 3D Psycho Circus theme! Weekends through Nov. 2; see funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com for schedule. 40155 Hwy. 441 S, Commerce. 706-335-3866. $13, haunted house. Additional activities extra.

Fright Fest. Six Flags. The amusement park transforms into a ghoulish place with ghosts and goblins, with haunted attractions, pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating. Not recommended for children younger than 12. Weekends through Nov. 2. Fri., 6 p.m.-midnight.; Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight.; Sun., noon10 p.m. 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell. 770-9489290. General admission, $66.99; kids under 54 inches, $39.99; 2 and younger, free; parking, $20.

Netherworld Haunted House. Norcross.

This terrifying haunted house is not recommended for small children. Oct.-Nov 8. 6624 Dawson Blvd, Norcross. 404-608-2484. $22 per person for the main haunt ($25 on Fridays and Saturdays). See fearworld.com for hours other pricing.

13 Stories Haunted House. Newnan.

Take a tour through five different attractions: 13 Stories Haunted House, Vertigo, Horror Hill Zombie Alley, Clown Haud 3D, and 13 Xtreme. Not recommended for small children and pregnant women. Oct. 1-Nov. 15. 320 Temple Ave., Newnan. $25 for four hunts and $30 for all five.

Cont’d on page 60

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 59

HaLLoWeeNHaPPeNiNGS Monster Mashes & Bashes Family Halloween Dance. Pinckneyville Park Community Rec Center. Bring the whole family to this frightfully great Halloween dance, with light refreshments. Ages 4 and older. Oct. 24, 7-9 p.m.

4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. 678277-0920. $6.

Two Takes on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow l The Sleepy

Hollow Experience Serenbe Playhouse Come to the Serenbe Stables to enjoy this classic spooky story with all the thrills to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Oct. 9- Nov. 1. Thurs.Sun., 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. late night show at 10:30 p.m. 9065 Selborne Ln., Chattahoochee Hills. 770463-1110. $20.

Halloween Bash Monster Mash. Leapin’ Lizards. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be a Grand Prize of a free birthday party for the best dressed family costume. 185 Sams St., Decatur. Adults, free; $13 in advance or $15 at the door, ages 10 and younger. Buy tickets at leapinlizardsplay.com Mother/Son Halloween Dance. Bill Johnson Community Activity Building. Moms and sons dress in costumes and dance the night away.

Games, prizes and snacks included. Oct. 25, 7-9 p.m. 10495 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 770-6413760. Pre-register. $12 for Roswell residents; $18 for non-residents.

Mother/Son Halloween Dance. George Pierce Park Community Rec Center. Dance with mom, enjoy refreshments and wear your costume. Ages 4 and older. Oct. 17, 7-9 p.m.

55 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 678-277-0910. Preregister by Oct. 10. $11.

Halloween Theater, Movies and Music

l The Headless Horseman of Silly Hollow Center for Puppetry Arts Help school teacher Ichabod Crane, the Headless Horseman, find a new head and a spookier image.

Oct. 28-Nov. 9. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391.

Ages 2 and older, $16.50.

Fall-O-Ween Fest & Outdoor Movie. SwiftCantrell. Come dressed in your best Halloween digs and showcase your cool moves during a monster mash dance party. Oct. 11, 5 p.m.; dance party, 5-7:30 p.m. Activities will also include inflatables and amusements, carnival games, a Trick-or-Treat Trail and children’s crafts. After the Goonies will play as the outdoor movie. 3140 Old 41 Hwy, Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free.

Halloween Magic Show. Aurora Children’s Playhouse. Atlantan Arthur Atsma will amaze and amuse with a show filled with sleight-of-hand magic, audience interaction and comedy. Oct. 25, 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville.

678-226-6222. Reservations recommended. $7.

Halloween Spook-Tacular. Atlanta Symphony Hall. This concert is sure to tickle your funny bone with Harry Potter, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Night on Bald Mountain, and a few other surprises. Kids are encouraged to dress up. Oct. 25, 11 a.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $15-20.

The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Silly Hollow. Center for Puppetry Arts. Help school teacher Ichabod Crane, the Headless Horseman, find a new head and a spookier image. Oct. 28-Nov. 9. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Ages 2 and older, $16.50.

The Sleepy Hollow Experience. Serenbe Playhouse. Come to the Serenbe Stables to enjoy this classic spooky story. Oct. 9- Nov. 1. Thurs.Sun., 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. late show, 10:30 p.m.

9065 Selborne Ln., Chattahoochee Hills. 770-4631110. $20.

60 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Spooky Film Festival series. Atlantic Station. A four-part series of spooky films in Central Park. Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 31, 7:30 p.m. 18th St. NW, Atlanta.

404-733-1221. Free.

* Designates pick-your-own

Carlton Farms. Rockmart. Choose a pumpkin, play on the hay jump, shoot the corn cannon, visit the catfish farm and explore five acres of corn and nearly two miles of winding trails. Corn maze open through Nov. 2. Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-9 p.m.

1276 Cartersville Hwy., Rockmart. 770-684-3789.

Attractions, $12 for corn maze, hayride, animal barn and play area. $7/person for corn maze only. Pumpkin patch, free.

Enchanted MAiZE. Blowing Springs Farm. Find your way through this year’s new out-of-this world symbol maze. Through Nov 2. Thurs., 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon6:30 p.m. 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd., Flintstone. 706820-2531. Adults, $10; ages 3 and younger, free.

Buford Corn Maze. Corn maze, hayride, Haunted Forest, corn box, pony rides. Through Nov. 16. Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-10 p.m. 4470 Bennett Rd., Buford.

678-835-7198. Corn maze: $14; Haunted Forest: $14; combo corn maze/Haunted Forest, $22.

*Yahoo Farm. Jasper. Wander through the corn maze or try the Cosmic Corn Maze at night. Shoot the corn cannon, try fossil digging, take a hayride and visit the butterfly garden. Then choose your pumpkin! Open daily through Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 4729 Waleska Hwy. 108, Jasper. 770-735-3638.

Activities range from $2-$7.

Cagle’s Family Farm Corn Maze. Explore the 10-acre corn maze, enjoy concessions and gather around the bonfire. Aug. 29-Nov. 14. Fri., 5-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 355 Stringer Rd., Canton. 770-345-5591.

Corn maze: $10; 3 and younger, free; haunted barn, $12; farm tour, $7; hayride and bonfire, $7.

Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Corn Dawgs Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Loganville. Themed corn maze, jumping pillows, zip line, petting zoo, giant checkerboard and pumpkins galore. Open through Nov. 2.

Fri., 5-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10-7 p.m. 955 Leone Ave., Loganville. 770-786-9000.

Admission, $12; 2 and younger, free.

Colonel Cob’s Corn Maze. Admission to corn maze includes attractions such as a petting zoo, giant mountain slide, inflatable cow jumper and pumpkin patch. Sept. 26-Nov. 2. Fri.-Sat., noon10 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. 797 Macedonia Church Rd., Oxford. 770-786-8805. Corn maze and hayride, $10; 3 and younger, free.

Jaemor Farms. Experience eight acres of corn; features a pumpkin train, hayrides, apple cannons, duck races, farm slide and more. Sept.

6-Nov. 2. Fri., 3-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. 5340 Cornelia Hwy., Alto. 770869-3999. Corn maze, adults, $10; ages 3-12, $9; ages 2 and younger, free with paying adult.

Value access pass includes maze, hayride and all attractions, $12. With petting zoo, $15. *Washington Farms. More than eight acres of ears to explore, with new jumping pillows.

Ride on the cow train, see pig races, take a romp in the corn box or a hayride, then choose a pumpkin. Through Nov. 2. Fri., 9 a.m.-dark; Sat., 10 a.m.- dark; Sun., 1-6 p.m. 5691 Hog Mountain Rd., Bogart. 706-769-0627. Ages 5 and older, $12 for farm activities and corn maze; ages 2-4, $8 for farm activities and corn maze; younger than 2, free. No charge to visit pumpkin patch; pay for what you pick.

Buck’s Corn Maze. Explore this 12-acre corn maze with a view of the Appalachian Mountains.

Through Nov. 2. Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 1923 New Hope Rd., Dawsonville. 706-344-8834. Adults, $8; ages 5-10, $7; 4 and younger, free with paid adult.

The Rock Ranch Corn Maze. The Rock Ranch. Themed maze, train and hay rides, pumpkin cannon and food. Fall Family Fun Days on Saturdays, through Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

5020 Barnesville Highway, The Rock. 706-6476374. $15; ages 3 and younger, free. *Southern Belle Farm. McDonough. Enjoy a hayride, corn maze, pumpkin patch and more.

Through Nov. 2. Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. 1658 Turner Church Rd., McDonough. 770288-2582. $14; ages 2 and younger, free.

Cont’d on page 62

Burt’s Farm

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 61

HaLLoWeeNHaPPeNiNGS North Georgia Corn Maze. Find your way through the seven-acre maze, relax on the hayride, enjoy a movie at dark or venture into the haunted House of Burm and take the elevator down to the Reaper’s Hallow! Through Nov. 16.

Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 559 Tom Bell Rd., Cleveland. 1-800959-1874. Adults, $10; ages 4-10, $9; hayride and House of Burm, extra. $5, kids corner unlimited access wristband.

Burt’s Farm. Dawsonville. Pick from thousands of pumpkins, stop by the store or take a hayride pulled by a tractor! Through Nov. 10. Oct. 1-30, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Oct. 31-Nov. 10: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

5 Burts Farm Rd., Dawsonville. 706-265-3701.

Adults, $5; ages 2-12, $4; 1 and younger, free.

Review: A pumpkin patch and much more!

Yule Forest is a working farm, located in Stockbridge, offering a pumpkin patch plus an inflatable play area, two different kinds of hay rides, a petting zoo, a reptile house, puppet theater, pumpkin “cannons” and more! My children’s favorite spot was the petting zoo and paintball hayride!

We had to start at the pumpkin cannon, where the kids got to shoot air-powered tennis balls at wooden targets in hopes of winning a giant pumpkin! 770-954-9356. yuleforest.com – Mary Block

Uncle Bob’s Pumpkin Patch and Tricky Crop Maze. Redwine Farms. See farm animals, try the crop maze, listen to storytelling, take a hayride, see puppet shows and choose a pumpkin. Through Nov.16. Fri. and Sun., 1-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3781 E. Happy Valley Cir., Newnan. 770-253-8100. $16; 2 and younger, free.

Pumpkin Patch Only

Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze. A 12-acre maze, pumpkin patch, Great Goat Trek attraction, hayride and bonfire. Through Nov. 23. Visit uncleshucks.com for hours. 4520 Highway 53 E, Dawsonville. 1-888-674-8257. Maze, $10; combo hayride/maze, $13; 4 and younger, free.

Big Springs Farm. Visit the petting zoo, pick from hundreds of pumpkins, enjoy a scenic tour of the farm on a wagon ride, or bounce on inflatables. Oct. weekends. Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 2100 Sugar Pike Rd., Woodstock. 678-8993900. Free; activities and goods extra.

FALL FAMILY

FUN

Win great prizes from our Fall Family Fun advertisers. Go to atlantaparent.com

by October 15 to enter.

FAMILY FARM FUN NOW - Nov. 1st

M-F 2-6pm • Sat 10am-6pm Sun 11am-5pm

*Berry Patch Farms. Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, enjoy apple cider, fried pie, boiled peanuts and the petting zoo. Oct. 5-27. Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Oct. 14-30, Mon.-Fri., 3:30-7 p.m. 786 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock. 770-9260561. Free. $2, weekend parking.

5 OFF an

$

Fall is in the air, Pumpkins are EVERYWHERE

Come see our new

Big Springs Farms

y Christm Tree as

Open weekends from Sept. 21-Nov. 16 Farm animals, puppet show, spinning demo, corn cannon, hayride, crop maze and so much more! d this a Bring

FF $p2er O unclebobspumpkinpatch.com family ber! m e m 770-253-8100

Hayrides Farm Animals Pumpkin Patch Birthday Parties & so much more!

Woodstock / Hickory Flat Area

678-899-3900

Hayrides Corn Maze Exotic Animals 770-386-8688 PettitCreekFarms.com

BigSpringsFarms.com

62 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

FALL FAMILY FUN

The Pumpkin Patch at Yule Forest

*Southern Tree Plantation. Ride the kids train, roast marshmallows, take a hayride or pony ride, enjoy inflatables and more. Weekends Oct. 9-24. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.

2226 Owltown Rd., Blairsville. 706-745-0601.

Activities, $5 each; packages, $10-$12. *Yule Forest Pumpkin Patch. Inflatables, talking chicken show, petting zoo, a rabbit pioneer village, paintball hayrides and more.

Oct.1-30. Mon.-Fri., 4-7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3565 Hwy. 155 N, Stockbridge. 770-9549356. $8; free admission and hayride on Wed. for kids in costume. Additional fees $2-$5.

V Pick pumpkins right off the vine V Sunflower Garden Bee house

*Kinsey Family Farm. Hayrides, petting barn, fish feeding and pumpkins. Feel free to bring a picinic. Through Oct. 31. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 7170 Jot-em Down Rd., Gainesville. 770-887-6028. Activities, $1-$3.

V Puppet show Hayrides V Petting zoo

Pumpkin Fest. Pettit Creek Farms. Hayride, a corn maze, petting zoo and inflatables. Pick a pumpkin. Through Nov. 1. Farm hours, Mon.-Fri., 2-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-386-8688.

Adults, $12; ages 3-18, $10; 2 and younger, free.

V Fun zone and so much more!

770-954-9356 Yu l e F o r e s t . c o m

Beyond Atlanta

FEAR THE WOODS.com

The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Kids can pick their own pumpkin, meet Charlie, Lucy and Snoopy and enjoy hayrides and music. Wear your costumes. Oct. 4-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26. Fri. departures, 3:30 p.m.; Sat.Sun. departures, noon and 3 p.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 1-800-872-4681. Pre-register online at gsmr.com. Adults, $55; ages 2-12, $31; younger than 2, free.

Fall Hoedown. Vogel State Park. Celebrate fall with a cakewalk, hayrides, chili and drinks, campfire and square dancing, trick or treating, and storytelling. Oct. 18, noon-8 p.m. 405 Vogel State Park Rd., Blairsville. 706-745-2628. Free, $3, hayride; parking, $5.

Not So Spooky Halloween Fest. The Rock Ranch. Try pumpkin carving and painting, a costume contest for humans or pets, and entertaining shows. Families can trick-or-treat all over the Ranch, then try the corn maze after dark with no lights! Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374. $15.

(Night Time Weekends Only)

AHaunted House AHaunted Hayride AZombie paintball Hayrides

Open Now-Nov. 16

AquaScarium VII: Family Halloween Party. Tennessee Aquarium. Come in costume with your treat bag and see the “wild” tricks of the costumed divers. Dance with Aquarium Mascots at the Monster Mash Dance Party also. Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m. Pre-register before Oct. 22. 1 Broad St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 800-262-0695. Adults, $35; ages 3-12, $25; 2 and younger, free. c

atlantaparent.com

FRI-SAT-SUN at THE FARM

I-985  Exit 8

LOCATED 12 MILES NORTH of GAINESVILLE

770-869-3999

Ghost Train Halloween Festival. Tweetsie Railroad. Visit the 3-D maze, the Freaky Forest and of course, the Ghost Train! Older kids and adults, visit the Haunted House. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 2, 7:30-11:30 p.m. U.S. Hwy. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock, NC. 877-893-3874. $31; younger than 2, free.

Haunted Cavern. Ruby Falls. Visit the Haunted Cavern and beware of the Body Forge – this spooky event takes place above and below ground. Not recommended for young children or pregnant women. Through Nov. 1. Fri.-Sat., 8-11 p.m.; Sun., 8-10 p.m. 1720 S. Scenic Hwy., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-821-2544. $22 online at hauntedcavern.com; $25 at the door.

9TH ANNUAL FAMILY CORN MAZE SEPT. 6-NOV. 2

5340 Cornelia Highway (Hwy. 365) Alto, Ga 30510 www.jaemorfarms.com

Fall Family Fun down on the Mitcham Farm Sept. 26 - Nov. 4

Acre Colonel Cob's Corn Maze 7 takes you through 2 1/2 miles of fun paths PIG RACES, RACING ZIPLINES, COW MILKING, Yummy Bakery, 50-acre Orchard for U-Pick, Petting Farm, Pony Rides, Cow Train, Wagon Rides, Apple Cannon, Scavenger Hunt, and Food for a Fun-Filled Day on the Farm.

PLAY NEW MYSTERY MAZE GAME

Pumpkin Patch * Hayrides & Bonfires Giant Mountain Slide * Cow Train Kids Activities * Farm Animals Corn Cannon * Helicopter rides And Much Much More!

Visit www.MitchamFarm.com for Directions and event info

797 Macedonia Church Rd. Oxford,GA | 770-855-1530

Family Fun Guide

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 63

Calendar

October S M T W TH F S

n

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

n

Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline.

n

Submit your Family-Friendly Calendar Event at least 8 weeks prior to the event by visiting atlantaparent.com/event/submit.

classes Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.

Different activities each week. Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Recommended for ages 3-5. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; 3 and younger, free.

Home Depot Kid’s Workshop. All locations. Learn tool safety while building an EMS truck for fire safety month and receive a kid-size orange apron. First Sat. of each month. Oct. 4. 9 a.m.noon. Homedepot.com. ages 5-12, free.

INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids.

Police Officer crafts, Sept. 29-Oct.4; Fire Fighter crafts, Oct. 6-11; Farm crafts, Oct. 13-18; Door Hanger crafts, Oct. 20-25; Halloween crafts, Oct. 27-31; $1 with museum admission. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 1-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900. Mon.-Sat., $8; Sun., $6.

Magic Monday. Atlanta History Center. Kids can show off their favorite costumes in a Halloween parade, costume contests, and trick-or-treating throughout the museum. Crafty creatures make Halloween-themed art projects and listen to spooky tales. Oct.10. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4110. Adults, $6.50; ages 5 and younger, $5.50.

American Girl Crafts. American Girl. Get set for fall fun making crafts to celebrate fall. Oct.12, Acorn Pouch, 12-2 p.m.; Oct.13, Paper Pumpkin Craft, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Ages 8 and older. 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Free.

Mice Tours. Marietta Museum of History. Mascots Murray and Etta mouse introduce history through tours, storytime and craft geared towards ages 3-5. Oct. 8. 10:30 a.m. 1 Depot St., Marietta. 770794-5710. Reservations required. $5.

Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft. Ages 1-4. Oct. 9.

10:30 a.m.-noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770495-0253. $7 per child, one adult free, additional adult, $8.

Turtle Tours. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum.

Museum mascots Sandy the chipmunk and Spring the turtle introduce history through stories, hands-on exhibits and crafts. Oct. 11. 11 a.m.

6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404851-9111. Recommended for ages 2-5. Donations encouraged.

Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to compliment the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4. Thursdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400.

Free with admission. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

Yoga for Kids. Johns Creek Yoga. Preschool and children’s yoga classes each Sat. Ages 3-5, 9:3010:30 a.m.; ages 6-9, 11 a.m.-noon. 11705 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 770-619-1283. $12.

64 Atlanta Parent October 2014

n

Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

ATLANTA PARENT MAGAZINE’S FAMILY BLOCK PARTY Mercer University, Atlanta Campus OCT. 11 10 A.M.-4 P.M. With more than 50 activities for the whole family, Family Block Party is sure to please. Two snow tubing slides are new to this year’s activities plus a Marvel character Lego area, camel rides and an amazing parrot experience. Toddlers and parents will love the toddler-only play area. familyblockparty.com. 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta. 770-454-7599. $5 per person, ages 2 and older; 1 and younger, free.

Saturday Morning Art Classes. Vinings School of Art. Take a drawing, painting or pottery class.

Supplies included. Ages 2-13. Sat. 10 and 11 a.m. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678213-4278. Pre-register. $15, siblings $12.

Build and Grow Clinics. Lowes. Clinics teach kids to build wooden crafts. Free apron, goggles and merit patch. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for times and locations. 800-445-6937. Preregister. Free.

Crafts at Lakeshore Learning. Lakeshore Learning. Make a different craft each week. Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770578-3100. Free.

Drop-In and Draw. Gas-Art Gifts at North DeKalb Mall. Make a different project each week. Every Sat. in Oct. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Every Sun. in Oct. 1-5 p.m. 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy. 404-8014926. $5.

exhibits The Civil War in Sandy Springs. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Exhibit detailing the Civil War in Sandy Springs featuring letters, diaries, family artifacts and cannon shells. Through April 2015. Wed. and Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Adults, $3; ages 6-12, $1; ages 5 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

Native Lands: Indians and Georgia. Atlanta History Center. Celebrates the state’s original inhabitants beginning with the Mississippian peoples and continuing with their descendants, the Creeks and the Cherokees. Through Oct. 12. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun., noon-5:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; ages 3 and younger, free.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants. Atlanta Botanical Garden. An exhibit featuring twenty-eight topiary-like sculptures includes three life-sized gorillas, an earth goddess, a shaggy dog and a unicorn. Through Oct. 31. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thur., until 10 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-8765859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Bodies: The Exhibition. Atlantic Station. An intimate and informative view into the human body. Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri.- Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Last ticket sold 1 hour before closing. 265 18th St., Atlanta. 404-496-4274.

Adults, $24; ages 3-11, $16.

Cinderella’s Tightrope: Adapted Childhood Tales Special Exhibit Gallery. Center for Puppetry Arts. See how characters from classic childhood tales like Cinderella and the Little Mermaid can be adapted for the puppet stage.

Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.;10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta.

404-873-3391. Museum admission, $8.25. Free admission Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.

atlantaparent.com

Calendar Dolphin Tales. Georgia Aquarium. The live show incorporates dolphins, actors and special effects. Multiple shows per day, times vary.

Reservations recommended. Sun.- Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit. Adults, $38.95; ages 3-12, $32.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This highly interactive exhibit examines the physiological, neurological and sociological aspects of the often misunderstood emotion of fear. Hands-on activities encourage visitors to experience fear in a safe and enjoyable environment. Through Jan. 2015. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-9296400. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Tech City. Gwinnett Environmental Heritage Center. Solve real-world problems that engineers face. Meet various challenges by using engineering approaches for designing, building, testing and modifying. Sept. 29-Jan. 5, 2015.

Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500.

Adults, $10.50; ages 13-22, $8.50; ages 3-12, $6.50; ages 2 and younger, free.

All About Trains. Tellus Museum. Exhibit featuring model trains on 100 feet of track running past scenes of an imaginary village, displays about the basics of model railroading, how to build railroad scenes and popular model scales.

Through Mar. 2015. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville.

770-606-5700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free.

atlantaparent.com

MAKER FAIRE ATLANTA Downtown Decatur Square OCT. 4-5 SAT., 10 A.M.-5 P.M. AND SUN., NOON-5 P.M. Celebrate this day by Maker magazine to enjoy arts, crafts, engineering, science projects and the Do-It-Yourself mindset.

The fair celebrates and encourages STEM and STEAM learning for kids, community groups and schools in Atlanta.

Kids will be able to make their own Pinewood Derby cars at the Faire and then race them on a track in front of a crowd of spectators.

125 W. Trinity Place, Decatur. makerfaireatl.com. Free.

Anne Frank in the World: 19291945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family in Amsterdam. Includes replica of Anne’s room. Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-2061558, holocaust.georgia.gov. Ages 10 and older, free.

Family Fun Guide

Outside the Box. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Create cities, buildings, castles and bridges with cardboard boxes, cylinders and tubes. Invent high-powered paper airplanes or walking robots. Through Dec. 31. Museum closed Weds. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission after 1 p.m. second Tuesday of the month made possible through a Target grant. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404659-5437. $12.75; younger than 1, free.

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 65

Calendar

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AMALUNA

Sea Monsters Revealed: Aquatic Bodies.

Georgia Aquarium. An exhibit of sea creatures includes an 18-foot-long, 3,000 pound whale shark. Sun.- Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta.

404-581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit. Adults, $38.95; ages 3-12, $32.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Atlantic Station OCT. 3- NOV. 30 VISIT WEBSITE FOR SHOW TIMES. Inspired by many founding myths, the Cirque du Soleil show Amaluna illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, a mysterious island where beauty and courage await. The performance explores the dreams and infinite potential of man. Kids will love the visual arts and challenging acrobatics performed live on a stage right before their eyes. 171 17th St. NW, Atlanta. Tickets, $25 and up. cirquedusoleil.com

Centennial Olympic Games Exhibit. Atlanta History Center. Learn about the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun. noon-5:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-8144000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; 3 and younger, free.

Quarry Exhibit at Stone Mountain. Stone Mountain Park. This outdoor display was developed to tell the story of an industry that played a significant part in the history of Stone Mountain. Mon.-Sun., dawn to dusk.

U.S. Hwy 78 E., Stone Mountain. 770-4985690. Free. Parking, $10.

movies Movie Under the Stars. Clayton County Parks and Recreation. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks to watch “The Amazing Spiderman 2”. Oct. 18 around 9 p.m. 2300 Highway 138 SE, Jonesboro. 770-477-3766.

Free How to Train Your Dragon 2. Brown Park.

Watch an outdoor movie in charming Southern city with a view of historic landmarks. Oct. 25, 6:50 p.m. 223 E. Marietta St., Canton.

Free.

Great White Shark. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Through Oct. 16. A documentary following one of the greatest undersea predators. See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400.

IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free.

music Roswell Riverside Sounds Concert Series.

Riverside Park. Outdoor concert series in the park. Rosco Bandana, Oct.4. Concerts from 7-9 p.m. with food trucks available from 6-9 p.m. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-6413705. Free.

Pickin’ on the Square. Newnan. Acoustic musicians of all genres and skill levels are welcome to join in on the first and third Saturday of every month. 11 a.m. on Oct. 4 and 18. Historic Downtown Newnan Courthouse Square at LaGrange St. and E. Broad St. 770253-8283. Free.

Summer Concert Series. Skin Alley. Jazz in the Alley, Oct. 18. 7:00-9:00 p.m. Playground adjacent to concert area. Picnic dinners permitted. 93 Park Dr., Norcross. 678-4212049. Free.

Music at Noon. Centennial Olympic Park. Enjoy lunch and live music performed by local artists. Tues. and Thurs. through Oct. Concerts from noon-1 p.m., 265 Park Ave. West, Atlanta. 404-223-4412. Free.

66 Atlanta Parent October 2014

nature Adventure Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Learn about how different animals live outside, tour the zoo and meet an animal ambassador. Oct. 1 and 4. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-5822.

Recommended for ages 3-4. Reservations are requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission.

Saturn and its Moons. Tellus Science Museum.

NASA scientist Rosaly Lopes tells all about her study of the geology of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. Oct. 24. 7 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville.

770-606-5700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10.

Friday Night Hike. Dunwoody Nature Center. Enjoy this rare chance to hike and connect with nature after-hours allowing for a completely different sensory experience as the night animals take over, and nature truly runs its course. The hike will be followed by cocoa, stargazing, and a warming fire. No strollers. Oct. 10 and 24.

7:30-8:30 p.m. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody.

770-394-3322. Free.

Feeding Time. Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Join a naturalist for an in-depth look at one of the resident animals as the Wildlife Dept. feeds them. Tues. and Sat., 4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Ages 5 and older, $10 plus admission. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

Stroller Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Programs for babies-2 years and parents/caregivers to discover more about scaly reptiles. Oct. 22 and 25. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta.

404-624-5822. Reservations are requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission.

special events

Moonlight Mountain Hike. Panola Mountain State Park. Night hike up the mountain. Oct. 4. 7 p.m.

2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-3897801. Pre-register. Ages 8 and older, $7. Parking, $5.

Cirque Du Soleil Amaluna. Atlantic Station. Inspired by many founding myths, the Cirque du Soleil show Amaluna illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, a mysterious island where beauty and courage await.

Kids will love the visual arts and challenging acrobatics performed live on a stage right before their eyes. Oct. 3- Nov. 30. 171 17th St. NW, Atlanta. Tickets, $36.50 and up.

Chattahoochee Nature Center. Journey through the CNC trails using biofacts and activities to spark your curiosity. Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell.

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

Fulton County Free Saturday. High Museum of Art. Admission is free for Fulton County residents with I.D. on the first Saturday of each month until 1 p.m. Oct. 4. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Free.

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb. Panola Mountain State Park. Explore the tree canopy using ropes and harnesses. Registration required.

Oct. 18. 1 and 3 p.m. 2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Ages 8 and older, $15; Parking, $5.

Civil War Battle of Allatoona Pass Remembered. Red Top Mountain State Park. Watch Civil War rifle and cannon demonstrations, visit the tent city, and tour the hillside and railroad cut through the pass. Oct 4-5.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. 50 Lodge Rd. SE, Acworth.

770-975-0055. Free.

Weekends in the Naturalist Center. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Activities include animal encounters, science explorations and more. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Activities included with price of admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; younger than 3, free.

Family Fun Guide

Maker Faire Atlanta. Downtown Decatur Square. Celebrate arts, crafts, engineering, science projects and the Do-It-Yourself mindset. Oct. 4 and 5 Sat.,10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., noon-5 p.m.125 W. Trinity Place, Decatur. makerfairatl.com. Free.

atlantaparent.com

Calendar Video Games LIVE! Cobb Energy Center.

Picture the excitement and energy of a rock concert mixed with the power and emotion of a symphony orchestra combined together by the technology, interactivity, stunning visuals and fun that only video games can provide.

Oct. 11. 8 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta. 770-916-2800. Tickets $26 - $86.

History Tours. Piedmont Park. Learn about Piedmont Park’s history and the city of Atlanta. Saturdays through Dec. 11 a.m. Meet at the Green Market Info booth near 12th St. park entrance. Piedmont Park. 404-875-7275.

Free.

Alive After Five. Downtown Roswell. Enjoy a break from the busy workweek with live music, outside vendors, late hours at retailers, face painting and more. Bring your family, a date, your dog or your friends, and be sure to hop on the free trolley. Oct.16. 5-9 p.m.

Downtown Roswell. 770-640-3253. Free.

Teen Arts Night. City Center. Teens can bring instruments, poetry, artwork and short stories to share. Includes a slice of pizza and a soda.

Oct. 3. 6-8 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock.

678-494-4251. Ages 12-15, $5.

Lab Coat Kids Science Show. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Children will learn about pumpkins, lights and changing colors in nature. Oct. 3 and 13. 10:30 a.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $12.75; younger than 1, free.

Rock N’ Ribville. Lawrenceville Lawn. Come out for a day of live entertainment by local musicians, a Kid’s Riblet Zone, Grizzly Burger Eating Contest and BBQ Competition. Oct. 11. 210 Luckie St. Lawrenceville. 678-4076598. Free.

Disney on Ice. Philips Arena. Featuring “Frozen” with a “Let It Go” singalong, costumed characters including Elsa, Anna, the snowman Olaf, Kristoff and the reindeer Sven. Special appearances by Mickey Mouse, Disney Princesses and characters from “Toy Story”, “Finding Nemo” and “The Lion King”. Wed., Oct. 8-Thurs. Oct. 9, 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m., 3 and 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 11-Sun., Oct. 12, 11 a.m., 2:30, and 6:30 p.m. 1 Philips Dr., Atlanta. 404878-3000. Tickets $15-80.

Harvest on the Hooch. Chattahoochee Nature Center. A fundraiser for the Unity Garden.

Enjoy family outdoor games, live music, cooking demonstrations, a scavenger hunt and more. Oct. 19. 1-4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055 ext. 226. Adults, $30; children ages 6-12, $15; 5 and younger, free.

Heavy Metal in Motion. Tellus Science Museum. This celebration of transportation involves hands-on activities with helicopters, hovercrafts, race cars, mini train rides, bounce houses and more. Oct. 18. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700.

Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10.

atlantaparent.com

Parent

t Magazine’s Atlanta Paren

BABY FROM ATLANTA

BIG BOOK of Parties

e Th ate im UltParty de Gui 14 20

PARENT MAGAZINE

Natural for RemediesYou What Ails Guide for New and Expectant Parents Finding the Right for Childcare You and Baby

l

t Magazine’s Atlanta Paren

BIG BO[OK 411] fo of In are screaming for

atlanta

justkids 2013

12 20 rce ou de Res Gui

My kids . Help me find a a ice cream place. I need birthday party caters to kids. restaurant that in a ld I look forre What shou r? Whe can childcare cente on a hike? te y famil my I take a good priva How can I find kid needs to get school? Myperm it. I need a learner’spediatric dentist. to a good my special needs Where can I need to find a play? child st. Where can pediatric denti on a hike? te y I take my Ifamil a good priva How can find needs to his school? My sonit. I need to learner’s perm

October 2014

Atlanta’s

atlantaparent.com

Take a Hike Easy Steps

to Outdoor Fun

Boo! It’s Halloween DIY costumes, crafts and more Plus, top picks for tricks and treats

Accessibilit y Around Atlanta The Tools of Technology

Start Here!

Great Birthdays t on Checklis l A Celebrati l

s Party Resource

Family Guide to Special Needs

Living Gluten-free The Exper ts Answer Your Questions

Social Support for Your Child

Family of Pubs stamp.pdf

1

12/10/2012

2:44:10 PM

TA PA AN

Family of Publications

ATL

Atlanta’s No. 1 Parenting Magazine

atlanta

NT RE

The Great Georgia Airshow. Atlanta Regional Airport. A weekend filled with aerial stunts, roaring jets, and helicopter rides. A kids’ zone offers aviation-themed inflatables, a rock-climbing wall, spider bungee jump, bounce houses and face painting. thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com. Oct. 11-12. Sat., 9 a.m.4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m., and Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 7 Falcon Dr., Peachtree City. Admission $15-30; ages 5 and younger, free.

The Atlanta Parent Family of Publications

Don’t Miss Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Family Block Party, October 11

Call 770-454-7599 for advertising information www.atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 67

Calendar

THE SUPER RUN

24 Hours of Booty. Mount Vernon Presbyterian School. Hop on a bicycle to support cancer charities. Non-riders are welcome to come out and cheer on friends and family. 2 p.m. Oct. 4 through 2 p.m. Oct. 5. 704-365-4417. 510 Mt. Vernon Hwy., Atlanta. $45. Pre-Register at 24hoursofbooty.org.

Dyslexia Dash 5k. Perimeter Mall. Fun run benefits International Dyslexia Association. A festival with sponsor tables, a kid-zone and raffle prizes will follow the race. Oct. 18. 8 a.m. 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. 404-256-1232. $30-35.

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Family Block Party. Mercer University, Atlanta Campus. Snow tubing, camel rides, parrots to hold and a Marvel character area are just a few not-to-miss items. Toddler-only play area. Oct. 11. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta. 770-454-7599, familyblockparty.com. $5 per person includes 3 activity tickets; 1 and younger, free. (Buy tickets in advance and avoid the line).

storytelling Storytime by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Join the volunteer librarian as she uses books, puppets and songs to share stories about nature.

Ages 3-5. Oct. 1. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun. Zone of Light Studio. Story book reading

by J. P. Cox, who will present her new children’s book Millicent the Magnificent Hen and an art workshop. Oct. 12. 2-4 p.m. 1174 Zonolite Place NE, Atlanta. 678-948-8059. Free.

68 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Brook Run Park OCT.12 / 8:30-11:30 A.M. This race welcomes capes, masks, and, of course, superpowers for both a 1k and 5k run. Instead of a typical race T-shirt; participants will receive capes that they are encouraged to wear during the run. Visit thesuperrun.com for event schedule. Superhero fun run helps raise funds and awareness for local charities. 4770 Georgia Way S., Dunwoody. 856-777-8737. 1k, free; 5k, $25-35.

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Calendar Bitty Baby at the Ballet Story Time. American Girl. Hear a reading of a special ballet performance and a bunny that hops with all her heart.

Oct. 14. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Ages 3 and older, free.

Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories.

Storytelling three times a week. Thurs. nights kids can come in pjs. Milk and cookies provided. Tues. 11 a.m., Thurs. 7 p.m., and Sun. 3 p.m. 133 A East Court Sq., Decatur.

404-373-6300. Free.

Storybook Time. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Storytime in the Children’s Garden Amphitheater.

Weds. through Oct. 10:30 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Free with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Wren’s Nest Storytelling. The Wren’s Nest. Ramblers host storytelling each Sat. 1 p.m. 1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404-7537735. Adults, $8; ages 4-12, $5; 4 and younger, free. (Price includes storytelling).

Classified Pages Marketplace B E AU T Y

R E SALE

The First Membership Salon for Children Ages 1-16 We welcome toddlers, special needs and tender-headed children.

Open Every Holiday Enjoy the luxury of saving

ir YPES of ha LL T EARS experience with A Y 21

404-642-2041

www.braidsofnaturalart.com C L ASSE S

Celebrating over 30 years! ity & Matern ens’ Childr s!

Clothe

Children’s Storytime. FoxTale Book Shoppe. Storytimes are followed by dance and songs. Mon. and Sat. 11 a.m. 105 E. Main St., Woodstock.

770-516-9989. Free.

Next Chapter JV Book Club. FoxTale Book Shoppe. Book club for ages 6-12. Includes a snack, discussion and an activity. Oct. 10.

4:30 p.m. 105 East Main St., Woodstock.

770-516-9989. Free.

Now Accepting FALL & WINTER Clothes

SOUTHEASTERN COWBOY FESTIVAL AND SYMPOSIUM

800 Miami Circle • Buckhead 404•261•7519 SE R V I C E S

The Bush Centre for Ballet: Classical Ballet Program (Ages 3-adult). Contemporary lyric jazz, pointe, pre-pointe. Annual recital. Summer Camp. Sandy Springs. www.bushballetcentre.com. 404-256-5542.

Keys 4 Soul. Discover the benefits of music. Affordable piano lessons for beginners, ages 4 & up. Serving Dunwoody, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. 770-3670024. www.facebook.com/keys4soul

Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville OCT. 23-26 Celebrate western traditions with Native American dances, art history lectures, a Western marketplace, living history encampments, live music, a cowboy church. Children’s activities and live entertainment are Sat. from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

501 Museum Drive, Cartersville. 770387-1300. Adults $10; children 12 and younger, free. atlantaparent.com

Plumbing done right day or night CALL NOW: 770-439-1800 www.ampmplumbingnow.com

Onstage Alliance. Education and performing arts camp. Writing, math, vocals, acting, dance. “Fox 5” So You Think You Can Dance” special guest choreographer. Call 404-668-2217.

E D U C AT I O N European School of Music & Chess. Piano, violin, guitar, drums, voice, math, and chess instruction develops musical and intellectual abilities, focus, attention and helps students reach full academic potential. Buckhead/Sandy Springs. 404-255-8382 www.euroschoolmusic.org

Please RECYCLE

ST!

Give your BIZ a BOO ADVERTISE in Atlanta Parent

Call Diane at 770-454-7599 October 2014 Atlanta Parent 69

Calendar theater The Old Man and the Monkeys and Other Chinese Tales. Center for Puppetry Arts. Five traditional and not-so-traditional vignettes are woven together to recount tales of ancient China. Sept. 24-Oct. 5. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Sat., noon and 2 p.m. Sun., 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-8733391. Ages 2 and older, $16.50.

The Secret Garden. Dancing Goat Theatre.

Witness a garden come back to life and its magical effect on all who come into it in this literary classic. Oct. 3-5. See performingartsnorth.org for show times. 10700 State Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 770-772-0762. $12.

StinkyKids The Musical. Aurora Children’s Playhouse. Follow the misadventures of Britt, Max, Skye, Jen, Johnny and Billy as they come to life from the pages of this popular book series. Mon.- Fri. Oct. 8-24. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville.

678-226-6222. Call ahead recommended. $7/ person.

Wizard of Oz. Center for Puppetry Arts. Dorothy travels down the Yellow Brick Road to find out why the Lion, Tinman and Strawman are all singing the Blues. Oct. 8-26. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Sat., noon and 2 p.m.

Sun., 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta.

404-873-3391. Ages 2 and older, $16.50.

beyond atlanta First Friday Night Concert Series. Hancock Park, Dahlonega. Bring friends, family and lawn chairs and listen to entertaining bands.

Oct. 3. 6:30 p.m. North Park and Warwick Streets, Dahlonega. 706-482-2707. Free.

Wings over North Georgia Airshow. Russell Regional Airport. Live entertainment, night airshows featuring the U.S. Navy’s Thunderbirds, fireworks and kids zone. View website for event schedule and advance ticket purchase.wingsovernorthgeorgia.com. Oct. 18-19. Sat. 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 304 Russell Field Rd., Rome.

706-291-0030. Adults, $20; ages 6-17, $15; 5 and younger, free.

Saturday Market on the River. Augusta Riverwalk. Browse local produce, baked goods, art and more on the banks of the Savannah River. Saturdays through Nov. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

8th St. Plaza, Augusta. 706-627-0128. Free.

Historic Trolley Tour. Downtown Augusta. Take the Lady Liberty Trolley for a kid-friendly ride to see some of Augusta’s most famous homes and the Augusta Canal. Hear a historical story and head to the James Brown exhibit at the Augusta History Museum.

Saturdays. 1 p.m. 560 Reynolds St., Augusta.

706-724-4067. Pre-register. $12 per person, includes admission to the museum.

River Giants Exhibit. Tennessee Aquarium.

A collection of freshwater fish at legendary sizes, the “goliaths” of freshwater. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. One Broad St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 800-262-0695. Adults, $26.95; ages 3-12, $16.95; 2 and younger, free. c

70 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

fallfestivals&fairs Charges may apply for some festival activities, such as inflatables and activity stations in addition to entrance fees.

Georgia National Fair Perry / Oct. 3-12

T

he fair has a petting zoo, livestock and horse shows, agricultural exhibits, fair food, midway rides and games, vendors, family entertainment, music concerts, and nightly fireworks. Oct. 2, (sneak a peek) 3-10 p.m.; Visit website for schedule. georgianationalfair.com.

401 Larry Walker Pkwy., Perry.

478-987-3247. Adults, $6-10; ages 10 and younger, free with paid adult. Unlimited ride wristband, $16.

Cumming Country Fair and Festival. Cumming Fairgrounds. Carnival rides, live music, fireworks, chainsaw carving and more. Oct. 2-12. Mon.-Thurs., 4-10 p.m.; Fri., 4 p.m.midnight; Sat., 10 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 12:309 p.m. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770781-3491. Adults, $7; ages 5-18, $2; 4 and younger, free; parking, $3.

Sunday in the Park. Historic Oakland Cemetery. Live music, Victorian costume contest, artists market, living history demonstrations, storytellers, Irish dancers, and a scavenger hunt. Oct. 5. noon-6 p.m. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404688-2107. Free, suggested donation, $5; parking, $5.

Taste of Suwanee. Town Center Park. Local performers and restaurants, kid zone including inflatable activities, rides and games. Oct. 11. noon-5 p.m. Buford Hwy. and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd., Suwanee.

770-945-8996. Free admission and parking, tasting tickets and kid zone activities are for a fee.

Autumn Fest. Barrett Memorial Park. Arts and crafts, childrens’ activities, live entertainment, food and more. Oct. 4. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 120 Park Ln., Holly Springs. 770-721-7506. Free.

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Family Block Party. Mercer University, Atlanta Campus.

Enjoy this 11th annual festival featuring more than 50 activities for the whole family. Snow tubes, entertainment, toddler-only play area, camel rides, animals, prizes and more. Oct. 11. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta. 770-454-7599, familyblockparty. com. $5 per person includes 3 activity tickets; 1 and younger free. Buy tickets in advance and avoid the line.

Oakhurst Arts & Music Festival. Harmony Park in Oakhurst Village. More than 50 artists, seven bands, neighborhood parade at 3 p.m. and kidzone 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 11. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Corner of East Lake Dr. and Oakview Rd., Decatur. 404-371-9583.

Free.

AutumnFest Arts and Music Festival. Avondale Estates across from City Hall. Features regional artists, live music and entertainment, food trucks, chef demonstrations and kid zone. Oct. 4-5. Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Clarendon Ave. and S. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates. 404-294-5400. Free.

Crossroads at Crabapple Fest Antique and Art Festival. Historic Crabapple. Featuring antiques dealers and local juried artists, roaming musicians, food trucks and kids activities. Oct. 5. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 790 Mayfield Rd., Alpharetta. 770-241-1125. Free.

Norcross Art Fest. Historic Downtown Norcross.

Local and national artists display and sell folk art, photography, pottery, jewelry and more. Kids Zone with face painting, sand art, inflatables and rides. Oct. 11-12. Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Downtown Norcross. 770-452-1727. Free.

Rock N’ Ribville. Lawrenceville Lawn. Come out for a day of live entertainment by local musicians, a Kid’s riblet zone, grizzly burger eating contest and BBQ competition. Oct. 11.

210 Luckie St.. Lawrenceville. 678-407-6598.

Free.

atlantaparent.com

Fall-O-Ween Fest. Swift-Cantrell Park. The park will be transformed into “SpookCentral Park,” featuring a costume contest, free and pay-to-play inflatables, a trackless train, carnival games, a Trick-or-Treat Trail, childrens crafts, scarecrow displays, carved pumpkins and more. Oct. 11. 5 p.m. 3140 Old 41 Hwy., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714.

Free.

Fall Festival. MDE School. Halloween-themed festival will include carnival games, face painting, a bounce house and Legos and music. Oct. 18. 3-5 p.m. 1517 Johnson Ferry Rd. Marietta. 770-971-4633. $5 per child; $10 per family.

Mall of Georgia Fall Festival. Mall of Georgia.

Kids can enjoy crafts, games, a bounce house and stage performances with a costume contest at 2 p.m. Oct. 18. 1-3 p.m.

3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-8788. $5.

Family Fun Guide

Parktoberfest. Whittier Mill Park. Live music in the 22-acre park with local food and beverages. Oct. 18. 3-10 p.m. 2975 Wales Ave., Atlanta. 404-735-3367. Adults, $5; ages12 and younger, free.

Highland Games and Scottish Festival.

Stone Mountain Park. Featuring musical entertainment, children’s events and more.

Oct. 17-19. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Old Hugh Howell Rd., Stone Mountain. 770-521-0228. Sat., Adults, $17 (at gate, $19); Sun., Adults $15 (at gate, $17); both days, ages 4-12, $5 ($6 at gate); younger than 4, free. Advance purchase 3-day parking pass, $10. smhg.org.

Harvest Balloon Festival. Sterling on the Lake. Take part in balloon adventures, competitive races and tethered rides. On land, pumpkin carving, hayrides, face painting and a bake sale. Oct. 18. Sat., balloon rides, 5:30-8 p.m., festivities 1-8 p.m. 7004 Lake Sterling Blvd., Flowery Branch. 770-967-9777. $25 donation for 30 activity tickets. Parking, $5.

Cont’d on page 72

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 71

Classified Pages Party

fallfestivals&fairs

Kid’s Party

Entertainment • Great Costumes • Cartoon Characters • Princesses • Superheroes • Face Painting • Balloon Tying • Clowns • Magic

(770)

424-2287

WWW.COPYCATSFORKIDS.COM

Harvest Square Festival. Glover Park-Marietta Square. Halloween games, family activities, scarecrows and more. Oct. 18. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

50 Park Sq., Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free.

Pace Fall Fair. Pace Academy. Laser tag, bungees, inflatables, fair games and more.

Rain or shine. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-240-7411. Free admission, activity tickets for a fee.

Custom Tutus, Crafts and Spa Birthday Parties!

Order Halloween tutus now!

404-939-0708 www.tutumaniac.com Mention this ad & save $50 on your party! Expires Oct. 31.

The

POLO CLUB

of ATLANTA

atlpoloclub@yahoo.com 770-317-7546

5% OFF Party Packages

www.poloclubofatlanta.com

Parties include: • Pony Rides • Petting Zoo • Play Area • Picnic Area

*reservations required

Day Care, Mother’s Morning Out, Church Groups & Day Camp outings available

SCIENCE creations!

Be a Chocolatier for a Day!

Birthday Parties BOOKInG Afterschool Programs NOW !!

al Specits Even We come to you!

Call 678-531-2357 WWW.sciencecreations.COM

Have Your PARTY at The Forum in Norcross CALL (770) 817-8118 5135 Peachtree Pkwy • Suite 930 • Norcross

O’Brien P roductions, Inc.

• Trackless Train & Fire Truck • Snow Cones • Popcorn • Cotton Candy • Rock Wall

Where fun never tasted so sweet.

770•422•7200 ObrienProductions.com 72 Atlanta Parent October 2014

• Spa Parties • Fashion Show • Pastry decorating and more!

678-528-8981 • lollipopdreamsatl.com

Family Fun Guide

Southeastern Cowboy Festival and Symposium. Booth Western Arts Museum. Childrens’ activities, pioneer demonstrations, Western gun fight reenactments, Native American dancing and more. Oct. 23-26. See boothmuseum. org/cowboyfestival for events schedule. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-387-1300.

Adults, $10; ages 12 and younger, free.

Country Living Fair. Stone Mountain Park.

Over 150 booths of antiques and handcrafted goods, plus a harvest market and general store. Oct. 24-26. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

U.S. Highway 78 East, Stone Mountain. 770498-5690. $13/one day; $15/weekend pass; one-day parking, $10.

Taste of Atlanta. Midtown at Tech Square.

Celebrate Atlanta’s best chefs, local farmers, music cafes and live cooking stages. Oct. 25-26. Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Spring Street & 5th Street, Atlanta. 404-875-4434.

Advance purchase, $25; at gate, $35; 13 and younger, free with paid adult.

Atlanta World Kite Festival and Expo.

Piedmont Park at the Meadow. Familyfriendly fun featuring kite flying, food vendors, entertainment, kids’ fun zone, arts and crafts, costume contest and more. Oct. 25. noon-5 p.m. 10th St. between Charles Allen Dr. and Monroe St., Atlanta. Free.

Fall Jonquil Festival. Smyrna Village Green.

Arts and crafts market, festival food, live music and kids’ activities. Oct. 25-26. Sat., 10 a.m.6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. 770-423-1330. Free.

Nightfall. Elachee Nature Science Center. A telescope tour of the night sky with Elachee astronomers, face painting, crafts, and concessions. Oct. 18. 5-8 p.m. 2125 Elachee Dr., Gainesville. 770-535-1976. $5; 2 and younger; free.

Beyond Atlanta National Storytelling Festival. Jonesborough, Tenn. America’s favorite storytellers perform at this three-day outdoor festival. Nightly family-friendly ghost story concerts and much more! Oct. 3-5. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Historic Downtown Jonesborough. 800-9528392, ext. 221. Tickets start at $45. See storytellingcenter.net for details.

Cotton Pickin Fair. Gay Family Farmstead.

Enjoy musicians, folk dancers, marionettes and delicious Southern food on the 1828 family farm. Oct. 4-5. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 18830 Georgia Hwy. 85, Gay. 706-538-6814. Adults, $7; ages 7-12, $3; 6 and younger, free.

atlantaparent.com

Classified Pages Party rties! Ages Science Pa 3-12

We come to YOU!

 Bubbling Potions!  Rockets!  Cotton Candy!  Much More!

678-392-1500

Big-Thinkers.com MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% DISCOUNT!

fUN-O-RAMA PARTIES

Georgia Apple Festival. Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. Handmade and handcrafted items, plus all the apples you can eat! Oct. 11-12, 18-19. Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.5 p.m. 1729 South Main St., Ellijay. 706-6364500. Adults, $5; ages 10 and younger, free.

Full Service Themed Parties

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

770-572-1737 www.funoramaparties.com

Party Rooms with glow & regular lighting

6527 JIMMY CARTER BLVD. NORCROSS ❖ 770-368-3008

WWW.GLOWGALAXY.COM

Open Play Times (See website for times)

Alligators, Monkeys, Farm Friends and more!

Dahlonega Gold Rush Days. Downtown Dahlonega. Celebrate the 1828 discovery of gold with 300 arts and crafts exhibitors, a parade, gold panning, hog calling, buck dancing, live entertainment and more. Oct. 18-19. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 1 Public Square, Dahlonega. 706-864-2257. Free.

Live animals of all kinds!

Hands-on, Fun, Educational

www.azootoyou.com

Fall Hoedown. Vogel State Park. Celebrate fall with chili, a cakewalk, hayrides, bonfire, line dancing, trick or treats and professional storytelling. Oct. 18. noon- 8 p.m. Details at gastateparks.org. 405 Vogel State Park Rd., Blairsville. 706-745-2628. $3 fee per person, per hayride for ages 13 and older. Parking, $5.

Hummingbird Festival. Historic Downtown Hogansville. Enjoy food, crafts, antiques, music, local artists, open storefronts, rides, and activities for the whole family. Oct. 18-19.

Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 400 E. Main Street, Hogansville, 706-637-9497. Free.

minigolf football soccer basketball air cannons glow-in-the-dark inflatables lighted interactive game floor

PRIVATE PARTIES

Atlanta World Kite Festival and Expo

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Arts, crafts, history, music and more. Oct. 10-18. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee. 706-896-4191. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com. Adults, $12; ages 9 and younger, free.

Glow-In-The-Dark Play Area Features:

Please Recycle

Mossy Creek Festival. Mossy Creek Barnyard.

Fine arts and crafts, hayrides, petting zoo, live entertainment and more. Oct. 18-19. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 315M Lake Joy Rd., Perry. 478-922-8265.

Adults, $5; children, $1.

Andersonville Historic Fair. Experience civil war era with mock battles, authentic encampment and crafts of blacksmiths, gunsmiths, quilting and others. Activities for children and live entertainment. Oct. 4-5. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 109 East Church St., Andersonville. 229-924-2558.

Adults, $4; children, $1.50. c

atlantaparent.com

To advertise please call Diane at 770-454-7599!

Family Fun Guide

678-708-2321

October 2014 Atlanta Parent 73

Humor

by Heather Lee Leap

The Halloween Fairy and Other Tales I’d been missing the Halloween Fairy, the Robin Hood of candy. She would descend upon our house late Halloween night once our little trick-or-treaters had fallen asleep. She flew in and flitted away with their candy.

Before bed, our girls chose 10 pieces of candy to keep, leaving the rest for the fairy who, according to our legend, delivered their extra treats to little children who couldn’t traipse around in the dark extorting goodies from neighbors.

My parents and siblings shook their heads and rolled their eyes.

“Lighten up!” they said. “A little candy isn’t going to hurt them.”

We disagreed on the definition of “a little candy.” I belonged to a peer group of moms who packed all their kids’ lunches and bought organic. We all praised the dentist on the street who gave out toothbrushes on Halloween.

Plenty of fantastic parents are less controlling than I am. Their kids will surely be well-adjusted, have great teeth, clear complexions and modest waistlines despite fewer restrictions on what they eat and when. A part of me wants to emulate those parents, but when I relinquish control, I start to vibrate at a frequency incompatible with sanity. The discomfort spreads like hives.

One year, the Halloween Fairy questioned her level of austerity.

To minimize any potential suffering by kids deprived of a sugarhigh, she left a non-confection consolation prize of a new coloring book or art supplies.

In retrospect, this addition was the downfall of the whole Halloween Fairy tale. Like other mythic holiday figures bearing gifts, it required stealth, secrecy and the ability to gather loot out of the keen gaze of preschoolers. Who has time for that?

One year the Halloween Fairy forgot to visit. With three children and an infinite number of parenting and general life decisions to make, something was bound to slide. The annual costuming crisis looms larger than what to do with the loot. I’m also more experienced as a parent, and perhaps I’ve “lightened up.”

My kids are aging out of the parental deceits we’ve used to both control them and create a bit of magic in their lives. Or so I thought.

Last year my third-grader came home with tales of the Switch Witch, who takes all your Halloween candy and leaves a present. As the youngest child, she doesn’t remember the Halloween Fairy.

74 Atlanta Parent October 2014

Last year my third-grader came home with tales of the Switch Witch, who takes all your Halloween candy and leaves a present.

“I want the Switch Witch to come to our house!” she announced.

Three days after Halloween, she stuck a sticky note to the handle of her orange plastic pumpkin: “Dear Swich Wich, Please take my candy and leave me a present … an iPad if possible.”

Please take my candy? Music to my ears, but then new negotiations began. It seemed implausible that the Switch Witch would come to only one child in the house. What could the witch leave them?

The Switch Witch’s personal shopper knew better than to head out without direction. And so I conferred with the tween and the teen. Who knew it would be so easy? The tween directed me to the book light she’d seen earlier in the week. “The blue one on the display at register 12, near the entrance by garden supplies.” The teen accompanied me on my late night shopping trip and chose a new CD. And the 9-year-old who invited this more flexible character into our home? She didn’t get an iPad, and I’ve already forgotten what she received. She gave me a compromise that works … for now. c atlantaparent.com

GAC ACCREDITED ESTABLISHED 2002

G FR A P EE re K

• Year-round open enrollment Infants - 12 Years • M-F 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM • Certified and Experienced Montessori Teachers • Fully Equipped Montessori Classrooms • Full Service Childcare • Summer Camp, Field Trips, ASP • Ballet, Karate, Music, Piano, Spanish, Chinese • Full & Part Time, Mother’s Morning Out

Scholarships for 4/5 Years Old Available!

Call Us Today for Details!

Franchising Opportunity Available

www.CrescoMontessori.com