October 2016 by Atlanta Parent

Atlanta

PARENT

Join us at Atlanta Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Festival

October 2016 / atlantaparent.com

Stir Up Some Halloween Fun Best Tablets for Kids Like Us on FACEBOOK

Meal Delivery:

Dinner Unboxed

Individual and Team Therapy Services

ITTs For Children for Children

MOUNTVERNONSCHOOL.ORG

PaceAcademy.org

McGinnisWoods.org

404-252-3448

404-262-1345

770-664-7764

ittsforchildren.com 770-393-9901

TrinityATL.org 404-231-8100

$ Back for our 13th year, it’s Atlanta’s favorite family festival!

haygoodwcm.org 404-872-5806

learnmore.duke.edu/youth 919-684-6259

ONLINE ONLY

October 8, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. / Mercer University Atlanta Campus fbcskennesaw.com 770-422-3254

TheSpanishAcademy.com 770-751-3146

springmont.com 404-252-3910

MORE THAN 50 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES! $10 per person at the gate. $5 per person online. Ages 1 and younger, free. Each paid admission includes five activity tickets.

AtlantaDanceandMusic.com 404-877-0005

BENEFICIARIES:

lovett.org 404-262-3032

danceandarts.com 770-934-5010

www.atlantaparent.com/familyfestival

furkids.org

cornerstonecougars.org 770-441-9222

harmonypeds.com 770-475-9924

PraiseAcademy.com 770-943-2484

skisapphirevalley.com 828-743-7663

tabula rasa

Sandy Springs / Lawrenceville-Suwanee

404-409-0827 Sandy Springs

4 Atlanta Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; October 2016

678-985-8080 Lawrenceville-Suwanee

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Inside 33 October Vol. 33 Number 10

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Features 14 30

Ready-to-Cook Meals

Atlanta Parent tested three food services that promise delivery of all the ingredients you need to prep are chef-quality meals in 30 minutes or less. Worth a try? Yes!

What Kids Can Learn from Politics

No matter which political candidate parents support, kids can absorb a lot from this year’s election.

Frightful Fun n Monster Mash! Kid-pleasing crafts,

slime, decorations and treats. / 26 n Green for Halloween: Try these green and economical ideas for costumes, decorations and more. / 28 n Atlanta’s Top 20: From a pumpkin patch to an urban parade, mummies to spooky science, try one of these fun activities. / 52 n Plus: A comprehensive listing of events all around Atlanta. / 55

Best Tablets for Kids

Use Atlanta Parent’s guide to the best tablets for toddlers, grade-schoolers, middle-schoolers and beyond.

10 Join the Fun! Don’t miss Atlanta Parent magazine’s annual Fall festival. Sat., Oct. 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mercer University’s Atlanta Campus

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner atlantaparent.com

Departments 8 Publisher’s Note 12 Good Stuff Things we like

18 Up Close & Personal:

Spotlight on Businesses Special Advertising Section

66 For the Fridge

Words of humor & wisdom

Family Fun Guide

43 Not-to-Miss Events 44 Skyline Park at Ponce City Market

45 Now Open:

Fernbank WildWoods 46 Festivals and Fairs 47 Railroad Fun 48 Top-Notch Children’s Theaters 50 Museum Heist: Escape to Adventure 60 October Calendar

Meet our Parent Advisory Board, Page 24 On the Cover: Cover kid, Elias Yee, 7, of Atlanta. Photography by Images by N’Neka, taken at Big Springs Farm.

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine October 2016 Atlanta Parent 5

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

PUBLISHER Liz White

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

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

BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT MGR asmith@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

To participate in this study, you must: Be 5-21 years old Have at least one grandparent of African descent Qualiﬁed participants will receive:

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

ACCOUNT Libby Hammonds EXECUTIVE lhammonds@atlantaparent.com

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

Asthma medications Pulmonary evaluation

CONTRIBUTING Amanda Miller Allen EDITOR

Compensation for time and travel STAFF Teresa Farkas WRITER tfarkas@atlantaparent.com

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

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

OPERATIONS Caroline Ward MANAGER cward@atlantaparent.com

MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

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.

6 Atlanta Parent October 2016

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As your baby learns about his world, he can teach us about autism.

YOUR HEALTHY NEWBORN CAN HELP ADVANCE AUTISM RESEARCH

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pregnant, or have a newborn less than 3 months old, you can volunteer for an important autism study. Infants should have an older sibling, either with an autism spectrum disorder, or with no family history of autism. Your child will simply watch videos, interact with trained clinicians and have their babbles recorded. All while helping us move the science of autism forward. Learn more at marcus.org/infantstudy or call 404-785-7600.

Legal Staff School Engaging in our legal assistant Studies program we can equip you for the day-to-day operations of a typical law office. We prepare our students to analyze cases, prepare and draft legal documents, and understand the regulations and procedures governing research, document preparation, and conduct of litigation. Graduates may obtain positions in corporations, banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, real estate development and more.

The Legal Staff School legal Studies program aims to provide students with the resources necessary to work in the exciting field of law. We are an approved training course through NALS and graduates are able to sit for the exam! Call today for more information!

www.legalstaffschool.com 3020 Roswell Rd., Suite 200 Marietta, GA 30062 (678) 819-3919

Publisher’s Note It’s Scary How Much Fun October Will Be! In the not-too-distant past, October was a quieter time for families, highlighted by school activities and weekend football games, perhaps a day for pumpkin carving or a fall hike, and finally an evening of Halloween trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. With this year’s list of fall festivals, ghost tours, haunted houses, corn mazes and pumpkin patches, apple picking and special events at Atlanta’s top attractions (Boo at the Zoo, Haunted Halloween at the Atlanta History Center and Fernbank Museum’s Boo-Seum Trick-orTreat, to name a few), we think October should be renamed Family Fun Month. The possibilities for family outings seem endless, so many it’s daunting to choose where to go. Of course, Atlanta Parent can help you with that task, though our staff had a hard time deciding on what events to include in Best Ways to Get Spooked (Page 51) or our Top 20 Halloween Picks (story on Page 52). Even without Halloween-related events, October’s calendar is full for families. Atlanta Parent’s annual Family Festival on Oct. 8 at Mercer University’s Atlanta campus, now in its 13th year, offers more than 50 activities, performers and storytelling, a petting farm, inflatable playground and camel and pony rides. (Find out more on Page 10.) Other annual events in October include the Highland Games at Stone Mountain Park, the World Kite Festival & Expo at Piedmont Park, the Southeastern Cowboy Festival in Cartersville and the Wings Over North Georgia air show in Rome. Add to that list Disney on Ice, an annual show many families don’t miss. (Find out more in the Family Fun Guide, Page 43.) So much for quiet time! But aren’t we fortunate to have so many ways to make memories with our families? Share your favorite fall activity with us on Facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine.

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 2016

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ON THE

WEB

n Family Food Tube Jamie Oliver’s Family Food Tube videos give you step-by-step instructions on recipes to please hard-to-please kids – they’ll even learn to love salmon! Google “Family Food Tube ” to find the YouTube Channel.

n Dr. Panda’s Restaurant 2 App Kids can learn how to follow recipes and how kitchen tools work with this fun app for iPhone and Android. The game has more than 20 ingredients that can be chopped, baked, boiled or fried. Once the dish is prepared and served at the restaurant, a customer’s reaction reveals whether it’s a hit or a miss. $2.99. drpanda.com

n AtlantaParent.com Thinking about a new school for your child? Visit Atlanta Parent’s Open House Directory for information and links to schools you should consider. Atlantaparent.com/openhouse

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October 2016 Atlanta Parent 9

SAT. OCT. 8

ADMISSION: $10 per person Ages 1 & younger FREE

10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mercer University Atlanta Campus 3001 Mercer University Dr.

Paid admission includes five activity tickets.

Get ready for outrageous family fun at Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival. You’ll find craft booths, a huge toddler play area, a petting farm, games, inflatables, pony rides, storytelling and much more.

Live it Up!

Make Music!

Take on New Heights!

More than 50 activities for the entire family! n Grab the family, grab a prop

and take a selfie with Interactive Selfies’ photo booth! n Stop by and draw – on a van!

Carvana has a special vehicle just for Family Festival that’s fun for your little artist.

n Future doctors and nurses will love helping

our bears feel better at Teddy Bear Hospital.

n No rubber noses required to explore the

circus with Circus Camp’s interactive area. Learn to hoop, test out the trapeze and more! Proceeds will benefit:

atlantaparent.com/familyfestival 10 Atlanta Parent October 2016

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Must See! Snap a picture with the Tooth Fairy from Dentistry for Children, Truckie from Two Men and a Truck, Fumble from College Football Hall of Fame and the Chick-fil-A cow.

Performance Schedule: Main Stage Have you ever gone on a camel ride? Now’s your chance with Sam’s Path Petting Zoo. Meet the cows from Homestead Creamery, Inc. and get a free milk sample. Plus, pet and hold barnyard friends with Little Red Barn and have a parrot perch on your shoulder from Parrot Productions.

11:00 a.m. Dance and Arts Showcase 11:35 a.m. Sing along with Sarah! 12:15 p.m. Parrot Productions 1:20 p.m. Jason’s Music Party 1:55 p.m. Kim Armstrong 2:30 p.m. Science Creations 3:05 p.m. Sir Crazy Pants

Stop by the Main Performance area to catch a science show with Science Creations. Other performers include Jason’s Music Party, Sing a Long with Sarah and Sir Crazy Pants. These are just a few you’ll see throughout the day.

Storytelling 11:00 a.m. DeKalb County Public Library, Veronica Winley 11:30 a.m. Bill & Jill 12:00 p.m. Piccadilly Puppets

Stop by the Storytelling stage to see great performers like Piccadilly Puppets, Auntie Renee Speaks and many more.

12:35 p.m. Bill & Jill 1:00 p.m. Lawrenceville Ghost Tours 1:35 p.m. Auntie Renee Speaks 2:10 p.m. Sensemaya, the Storyteller 2:45 p.m. Therapy Dogs

Grab a unique pop from King of Pops, or create your own flavor of shaved ice at Kona Ice. Plus, fill up with food from Sinbad’s Mediterranean, Pero’s Pizza and Chick-fil-A. atlantaparent.com

**schedule and performers are subject to change

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 11

by Teresa Farkas

Good StUff

THINGS WE LIKE

Learn with familiar faces Have fun teaching your child the most important people, places and things in their life with the custom mini book of names and faces. Just upload your photos and type in your desired text before ordering. Available at pinholepress.com for $39.99.

Prevent water burns Temperature controlled faucet lights turn water “red” when hot, and “blue” when cold. They can prevent accidental burns from hot water, and your kids will love how the water lights up in different colors. Our pick is available at hogwildtoys.com for $21.95 and other versions on amazon.com.

Foster a dog for the day Are your kids begging for a puppy? Teach them responsibility and give a dog some time outside of the shelter at the same time. This program by LifeLine Animal Project is available at Fulton and DeKalb Animal Services. After a short orientation, you can borrow a dog for the day. Ask about borrowing a pet for a slumber party as well. Visit lifelineanimal.org for more information.

Kids can design clothing

Easy toy clean up Kids hate cleaning up their messes of Legos, blocks, cars, Polly Pockets and more. This scooper can make cleaning fun and easy. The Toydozer resembles the blade of a bulldozer, and is used to help gather toys scattered on the floor, guiding them into the scoop. Available at toydozer.com for $18.99. 12 Atlanta Parent October 2016

This company lets your children draw exactly what they want to wear, then it is made into a piece of clothing. Print out the dress design sheet and let your child’s imagination go wild, then send the design in to be made into a dress. Available at picturethisclothing.com for $49.

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Student Pop-Up Show Young, aspiring artists can have their work hung in the High Museum’s Pop-Up show from Oct. 1-23. Pre-school through 12th-grade students should submit their artwork 10 a.m.-noon on Oct. 1. Those who submit artwork will receive free admission to the High for themselves and their families on Oct. 1 and Oct. 23. 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400.

Serve with your family Hands on Atlanta hosts Family Service Saturdays for families with children 5-12. Each month the project changes to expose young volunteers to different community needs like hunger and homelessness. Visit handsonatlanta.org/familyservice for more information. Upcoming dates: Oct. 22 and Nov. 19.

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Pokemon Go Plus This new wearable device alerts Pokemon Go players when a PokeStop or Pokemon is near – eliminating the need to stare at your phone when playing the game. The device can be worn on a belt, in a pocket or strapped on your wrist like a watch. Available for $35, but it may currently be in short supply – Amazon has priced it at $99. Available for iPhone and Android.

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 13

Tired of Chicken Nuggets and Grilled Cheese? Try a Meal Delivery Service by Laura Powell

Meal delivery services help you skip the shopping by providing the recipes and all the ingredients you need to cook dinner. Some come to your doorstep while others are locally-based with pickup spots around town. I tested three to get a feel for how these services work.

Blue Apron

Terra’s Kitchen

Blue Apron, the most popular meal delivery service I reviewed, is a New York-based company that sends over 2 million meals a month. The meals were easy to prepare, even with my beginner cooking skills. With fresh, healthy ingredients, the meals were big enough to feed my family of four. Their website includes an online market with cooking tools and cookware, interactive recipe pages, and quick cooking tutorials for beginners. n The Meals: I tried the Family Plan box, which included fish and chips with radish, snap peas and romaine salad and a Mexican pork pazole soup. Our kids gobbled up the fish, while my husband and I particularly enjoyed the fresh avocado, lime, and crispy tortilla chips in the soup. Both meals come with large recipe cards to keep. n Packaging: The box had more packaging than the other services I tried. You can, however, return your packaging for free, and the company reuses and recycles it. The company’s website also lists specific ways to recycle the box, liners and ice packs on your own. n Pricing options: The Family Plan (serves a family of four) is $69.92 for delivery of two meals per week or $139.84 for delivery of four meals per week. The two-person plan for three meals a week is $59.94. Shipping is free and families don’t have to order each week.

Green packaging and healthy meals make this Baltimore, Md., company stand out. The recipes were quick to make, coming in at around 30 minutes as promised. Because all of the ingredients were already diced and ready to go, I saved on prep time. Vegetarian only meals are available, as well. n The Meals: With Terra’s Kitchen, it was easy to tailor the meals I chose to my kids’ taste. Our favorite meals were: chicken tacos with avocado goat cheese sauce and chicken, sweet and spicy dressed greens and cheese pom-poms. The meals come with large recipe cards to keep. n Packaging: The ingredients and recipes come in an impressive, eco-friendly mini-fridge package that I conveniently put out on the porch the next day for pickup. Most of the remaining packaging is recyclable. n Pricing: Meals in a two-serving quantity range from $9.99 to $17.99. Skip meals at any time.

blueapron.com

14 Atlanta Parent October 2016

terraskitchen.com

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Garnish & Gather

The Takeaway

garnishandgather.com

Based in Atlanta, Garnish & Gather works with local restaurant chefs and farmers to provide meals. Select recipes online and also order local, mostly organic produce, meat and additional food items to pick up at a store near you. Each recipe comes with tips on how to make changes for kid-friendly meals. One recipe each week is marked “kid-approved,” with a part of the recipe the kids can help with. My little foodie enjoyed helping break the woody ends off the asparagus and removing the rosemary from the stems of the rosemary stalk. n The Meals: I prepared chicken bacon burgers with caramelized onions and chevreon top with a side of asparagus. I had fun working through the steps of the recipe and was pleased that I could make it all work. The meals tasted like food from a nice restaurant. n Packaging: Pick up meals in the store in a reusable Garnish & Gather shopping bag. Cold items are in coolers at the location. If meals are delivered to your door, they are provided in a cooler bag.

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n Pricing: Meals for two are $28 and meals for four are $56. Families can order up to five dinners each week. Pick up meals at a location near you or have them delivered for a $10 fee. Families save $8 on “kid-approved” meals for four. Add groceries to your meal delivery, such as organic eggs or apples. It’s easy to pause your subscription and skip a week or more of meals.

I enjoyed feeling like a “real” cook in the kitchen with all three services, while also feeling less stress because the recipes were selected and all the ingredients delivered to my door in the right proportions. I’ve even incorporated into my cooking some of the easy tips I learned from the meals, such as adding goat cheese to a burger or adding a simple mayonnaise-based hollandaise to fish to add flavor. Our family typically goes for easy and quick meals that all of us can eat, such as grilled cheese, spaghetti and make your own tacos. These meals successfully got us out of our comfort zone and trying new foods and flavors. c

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Why We Love Asheville by Laura Powell

Chimney Rock State Park

Asheville is full of fun, nature and good eats — and it’s an easy three-hour drive from Atlanta. Don’t miss these things to do on your next visit.

Launching point to Great Hiking Trails n Craggy Gardens (40 minutes north on the Blue Ridge

Craggy Gardens

16 Atlanta Parent October 2016

Parkway) leads to a summit trail just past the Visitors Center that’s easy enough for preschoolers. The benches in lookout viewing spots at the summit let you take in the mountain vistas. n DuPont State Forest (35 miles south of Asheville) has several waterfalls, including Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls. Bring swimsuits in summer to take a dip or just dip your toes on chillier days at Hooker Falls. Triple Falls, about a 10-minute walk from Hooker Falls, has three cascades totaling a 120-foot drop. The trails are easy and paved with some hills to climb to reach the waterfalls. n Chimney Rock State Park, a popular tourist site, can be plenty challenging and beautiful. We climbed about 1,000 steps to reach Exclamation Point. The view was certainly worth it when we saw the cliffs and valley below. We also hiked about a mile to Hickory Nut Falls, a 400-foot waterfall at the park. You can snap neat photos standing in the bottoms of the falls and wading pool. atlantaparent.com

Western North Carolina Nature Center More than a zoo, it’s a nature center featuring animals native to the area. The trails wind through the center with interactive play areas including a musical play zone with a pebble harp, wooden xylophone, balance beams, and a paint-with-water station. Kids enjoy the slide by the otters, the spider playground, and playing in the barn with small tools, wheelbarrows and brooms. The petting zoo with chickens and turkeys is fun, too.

Carl Sandburg National Historic Site (40 miles south of Asheville)

Western North Carolina Nature Center

Visit the baby goats on the farm, hike around the 30-acre property, and take a guided tour of Sandburg’s home to learn about his life and work (the furnishings in the home are being restored and will be back in 2018). Pick up a copy of Sandburg’s Rootabaga Stories to read to the kids on the drive back home.

Listening to Live Music Street musicians abound and are the perfect opportunity to listen to all kinds of music and instruments with no commitment – from playing spoons, banjos, washboards and more. The Grey Eagle and The Orange Peel are legendary music venues in Downtown Asheville that often have shows for all ages.

The Food After all the hiking we did, we really appreciated the food and breweries in Asheville. Mom’s Garden Pizza and a Rocket Girl craft brew at Asheville Brewing Company hit the spot. At Wicked Weed Brewing, enjoy chips and bean dip, boiled peanuts, and the (not printed) kids menu and get a beer tasting flight for the adults. Eat an amazing fruit bowl with kiwi, peaches and grapefruit and biscuits at Biscuit Head in West Asheville. The Harmony Bowl and South by Southwest burrito were delish at Laughing Seed Café. We also loved the fun, healthy comfort food at Early Girl Eatery in Downtown Asheville. c

When You Go Getting There Asheville is about a 3 ½ to 4-hour drive from Atlanta, on I-85 and U.S. 23.

Where to Stay n The Renaissance Asheville Hotel, 31 Woodfin St., has spacious rooms (or suites) and a great location in downtown. Kids and adults love the huge indoor saline pool and Jacuzzi, and it’s dog friendly. renaissanceasheville.com; 828-252-8211. n The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., is a historic resort known for its 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa and 18-hole Donald Ross golf course; it also has a fitness center and indoor and outdoor pools. omnihotels.com; 800-438-5800.

Information Plan your trip at exploreasheville.com, the city’s convention and visitors website, or request a free travel guide. DuPont State Forest

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October 2016 Atlanta Parent 17

Up Close & Personal COMMUNITY PAGES

Inspiring Children to Learn Metro-Atlanta’s newest Reggio Emilia inspired Jewish preschool is a nurturing community where children learn to love learning! The Reggio-inspired curriculum encourages children to wonder and ask questions and to make connections as they learn about their world. Jewish culture, traditions and values blend into each day’s activities through music, art, science, math, language, literature, cooking and dramatic play. The highly skilled teachers of Ahava guide children respectfully, while they build a strong foundation for lifelong learning, preparing children for Kindergarten and beyond. The keystone of their program is love (ahava) – a love of children, a love of Judaism and a love of learning.

Ahava is now enrolling children ages 12 weeks through 6 years old, and offers a wide variety of scheduling options to suit the needs of each family. Ahava Early Learning Center welcomes all children, regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. Schedule a tour of our new, state-of-the-art facility located in Buckhead, minutes from I-75. 404-900-9411

ahavalearning.org OPEN HOUSES: 9 AM October 26, November 16, January 25, February 22.

The Children’s School: Where Masterful Teaching Meets the Magic of Childhood The Children’s School is a vibrant, collaborative community of learners currently serving ages three through grade six – expanding to seventh grade in fall 2017 and eighth grade in fall 2018. At TCS, inventive play, strong academics, character education and creativity intertwine to develop children who are thinkers, creators, doers, advocates, artists and leaders. During their TCS journey, through project-based learning, robust academics, the arts, technology and exciting enrichment and after-school opportunities, our students become compassionate, community-minded global citizens who are strong, adaptive learners. Our graduates are confident, skilled young people who value diversity in its many forms and are equipped with the skills to make a difference in the world. Learn more about us at tcsatl.org!

Now accepting applications for ages 3 - grade 7 Register to attend our open houses at tcsatl.org DATES: Nov. 3 (age 3-K), Nov. 30 (grades 5-7), Jan. 21 (age 3 - grade 7), Feb. 7 (ages 3-K) 345 Tenth Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | P 404-835-4603

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Special Advertising Section

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Up Close & Personal COMMUNITY PAGES

Children’s Special Services, LLC is excited to be adding math and science tutoring for all ages to our unique evaluative and treatment occupational therapy program. All designed to help Selective Mutism, Processing your child achieve their issues, etc. highest potential. Touch CSS, LLC is the Feel Smell and Play with ONLY OT service in our individual and group Atlanta providing the US sensory motor based Trademarked WIN™ (Write programs. It is all about Incredibly Now™) and knowing yourself and POP™ (Personal Options and getting to know others! Preferences™ Sensory social Look again – these children skills group). are practicing handwriting and learning about being social with NOW offering individual math and science tutoring (grades their peers! Handwriting is a social skill. It is how we present 3-12) by Dr. David Orloff, PhD Professor of Engineering GA ourselves on paper to our teachers and our peers. Tech (ret). 2-time winner: GA Tech Teacher of the Year. Utilizing sensory, thought and movement while Susan Orloff, OTR/L, FAOTA is a Fellow of the American learning valuable skills: academic, personal, Occupational Therapy Association, the highest self-regulation of their own actions and reactions honor for a practicing therapist! Summer camps while learning to write, socialize and problemare small group focused, ensuring maximum solve thus helping your child learn to sit, organize attention. and absorb critical information. Treating ADD, For more information call 770-394-9791. Children’s Special Susan ADHD, Autism, Developmental Delays, Orloff, OTR/L, FAOTA CEO/EXEC Services, LLC Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Performance Anxiety, Director, Children’s Special Services, LLC

Find Your “WOW” at Family Events This Fall! Have you ever been so excited about trying something for the first time that you could just shout? With Girl Scouts, you’ll have a lot more of those days. You’re invited to try something new at our family events! Moms, spend quality time with your daughter around a campfire or on a horseback trail ride at our mom-daughter camping weekends, “Serendipity.” Or watch as your whole family, including dads and brothers, become mad scientists with interactive and educational experiments at our Super STEM expo on October 22. Each event is created to encourage confidence, friendship, and characterbuilding. When you just can’t wait for what you’ll do next, you can do anything. Start the fun today! Girls and parents, simply register as members with the “Girls Join” button at AtlantaParent. GirlScoutsATL.org. Then click the “events” tab to register for amazing events. We can’t wait to see you there!

AtlantaParent.GirlScoutsATL.org

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“Enlightening Minds in the Pursuit of Intellectual Curiosity and Spiritual Wellness!” Energize your child’s world with increased self-awareness, elevated consciousness and strategies for empowered living. Hidayah Reiki means guidance to life force energy. Tunisia Ali has been working with adults and children in the capacity of educator, leader, life coach, and spiritual wellness practitioner for over 20 years. Hidayah Reiki exists to help adults and children empower their worlds with new paradigms, self-healing modalities, energy healing and more. By embracing proven tools, you and your children can renew your commitment to personal transformation, equanimity, and healing. Hidayah Reiki can help parents balance their busy lives and can aid youth in navigating their worlds more effectively. We offer Reiki sessions and classes, and certifications for youth and adults. Our chakra balancing and meditation coaching assist many of our clients in their return to wholeness. Participate in our meditative and yoga retreats, or explore our amazing summer camp opportunities designed to encourage young people to explore their inner worlds and embrace their spirituality. Hidayah Reiki can help your family reduce health challenges, restore emotional equilibrium, ease chronic pain, increase focus and concentration, improve memory, initiate self-healing, and chart a new course in life. For more information or to register, please call 678-438-6442 or visit www.hidayahreiki.com

HSES Hidayah Select Educational Services Hidayah REIKI 6552 James B. Rivers Memorial Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Inspiring Students with the Passion to Excel McGinnis Woods Country Day School is a private, nonacademics which foster self-confidence and inspire a lifelong love parochial school which offers a challenging Preschool, Elementary of learning. Small class sizes with low studentand Middle School Education. The beautiful school campus is teacher ratios and individualized attention located in Alpharetta. The Preschool is a McGinnis Woods distinctive. Students enrolls children as young as 6 weeks learn through a variety of engaging teaching and the Elementary/Middle School techniques and technologies, emphasis is teaches students in PreK 4 through placed on differentiated groupings, STEM 8th grade. McGinnis Woods Country curriculum and unique projects which make Day School holds each day memorable. Engaging guest speakers, top accreditations, monthly field trips, community service, and including GAC, leadership opportunities round out the SACS, and NAEYC curriculum. Drama, Science Olympiad, and provides students Competitive Sports, and Robotics teams with an exceptional train year round. After school programs learning environment. and Specialty Clubs are also available. The mission of Please visit www.mcginniswoods.org to McGinnis Woods is learn more. Private tours are also available, to inspire students call 770-664-7764 to schedule one today. with the passion Open House on Wednesday, October 12 from to excel. This is 9:30-10:30 a.m. Experience the McGinnis accomplished through hands-on, minds-on Woods difference!

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Special Advertising Section

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Discover the Woodward Difference Woodward Academy is the largest independent school in the continental U.S., with 2,700 students spanning two campuses on 133 acres in metro-Atlanta. With an average class size of only 16, teachers, coaches, and counselors provide wise, individual guidance at every step, mentoring students, instilling qualities of good character, and helping them reach their fullest potential. Students develop a deep respect for difference as they collaborate with peers from more than 20 metro-Atlanta counties and a broad array of religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Woodward offers prolific opportunities to triumph, including 25 AP courses, a Transition Program for students with mild learning differences in grades two through eight, and a wide range of clubs, arts programs, and athletic options. The Global Connections Program offers extensive international study abroad programs. MakerSpaces, Collaboratories, and innovative classroom technologies allow students to embrace STEM fields at every step of their education. 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 $14 million in collegiate scholarship awards.

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 46 years. She was the principal dancer of The Atlanta Playhouse Theatre, and produceddirected her own original TV 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 & Arts Showcase 2861 Henderson Mill Rd. (near Northlake Mall)

Atlanta 30341 • 770-934-5010 danceandarts.com

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Open Houses

Receive $1,000 off Jewish Overnight Camp Jewish camp is packed with action: sports, swimming, rock climbing, film making, drama, and dance. Not only will your children have the time of their lives, they will live values of independence, friendship, inclusion, community, and heritage. At Jewish camp, spirit (ruach) is part of every activity allowing campers to explore their connection to Judaism in a meaningful way. Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta helps make Jewish camp affordable and offers personalized guidance on finding the right overnight camp for your family. Registration for scholarship and One Happy Camper Grants for first and second time campers are NOW OPEN. One Happy Camper is an incentive that provides up to $1,000 off Jewish overnight camp. For more information on how to apply, please visit www.AtlantaJewishCamp.org Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta 1440 Spring Street NW Atlanta, GA 30309 (678) 222-3730 www.AtlantaJewishCamp.org

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October 2016 Atlanta Parent 21

Up Close & Personal COMMUNITY PAGES

Children Love to Jump Children love to jump, climb, slide, tumble and play. From inflatable bounce houses, water slides, dry slides, obstacle courses and interactive games, Jumptastic is Party Central! Whether you’re planning a halloween party, fall festival, backyard party, religious celebration, family reunion, or community event, Jumptastic turns every party into a uniquely fun experience. In addition to more than 300 of the newest and most popular inflatables, including Frozen, Disney Princess, Mickey and Monster Truck themes, Jumptastic has everything from Sand Art to authentic carnival-style concessions like popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, and nachos ready for you to enjoy. Founded in 2005, Jumptastic is a local, family- owned company that has the largest and newest selection of Inflatables in the entire Metro Atlanta area. By focusing on safety, customer service and a vast selection of over three hundred of the most popular and licensed inflatables and games, the owners of Jumpastic pride themselves on consistently receiving stellar reviews from customers. Book your party today! A comprehensive online ordering system with images, availability and pricing is available at www.jumptastic.com.

Paint Your Own Pottery Studio Mud Monkey on Peachtree, located in Peachtree Battle Shopping Center in Buckhead, is where your imagination can flow. Bring friends & family and experience the fun and creativity of a Paint Your Own Pottery Studio. Fun for all ages, and no previous experience is needed! Everyone is an Artist! Choose from a large selection of fun and functional bisque pottery and pick a favorite piece to paint and make it your own masterpiece. Prices are all-inclusive, plus tax. Ask about the popular Secret Elf one-on-one, appointment only, drop off pottery painting experience for children to make holiday gifts for loved ones! Scheduling now! Mud Monkey on Peachtree is also the go-to for business and personal one of a kind gifting. Full customization is available for an additional charge on any of the pieces. They are currently taking customization orders for the upcoming holiday season. Mud Monkey on Peachtree 404-812-1750 2385 Peachtree Rd., N.E. Suite A1E Atlanta, GA 30305 www.mudmonkeyonpeachtree.com shopkeeper@mudmonkeyonpeachtree.com 22 Atlanta Parent October 2016

The Perfect Playmate for Your Child When looking for a playmate for your child, consider your local animal shelter. LifeLine Animal Project, the nonprofit that manages DeKalb and Fulton County Animal Services, has over 800 pets that would make wonderful companions for children! Studies show that children who have pets exercise more and have higher self-esteem than those who don’t own pets. Having pets can also teach children empathy and compassion. Kids with pets also have lower stress levels. If you aren’t ready to adopt, you can check out a “Dog for the Day” or have one stay overnight through a “Sleep Over” program. Contact adoptions@lifelineanimal.org for more information. LifeLine’s mission is to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals in Atlanta. To learn more, visit LifeLineAnimal.org.

Now more than ever, Girls need Summer Camp! Atop breathtaking Lookout Mountain, only 2 hours from Atlanta, find a paradise of fun, friends and adventure for girls ages 6 to 16. With over 15 activity choices and recreational opportunities, campers and parents alike will be pleased with the choices and quality of the programs. There is something for everyone including: swimming, heated pool, ropes course, tennis, canoeing, golf, archery, rifle range, sports, basketball, climbing tower, CIT program, Chorus, Drama, Flag Twirling, Voice and Music. Riverview offers both one and two-week sessions, or longer stays are available. The Staff of Riverview is comprised of many collegeage counselors who have camped with Riverview and who understand the importance of nurturing and caring for each camper! Owners, Susan and Dr. Larry Hooks have been Camp Directors since 1983. Riverview is a member of Christian Camping International & is accredited by American Camping Assoc. Call 1-800-882-0722 for a free DVD or visit www.riverviewcamp.com.

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Best Laundry Services in Atlanta

Doing laundry is a weekly chore most dread. We have rounded up the best laundry services in Atlanta for all of your laundry disasters, or if you just want a break from cleaning the grass stains off your child’s pants. Soapy Suds Laundry Service

Brookhaven Laundry

The business is located in Marietta, but serves areas around Atlanta listed on their website within a 10-mile radius. You can fill out an order form online, or place your order over the phone, and you can choose to have the company come each week or only once. They will pick up your laundry Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The clean laundry will be returned to your address within three days by 6 p.m.

Choose your detergent brand, bleach and type of dryer sheets and let them know any washing or drying preferences you may have. After leaving your name and phone number, your laundry should be ready for pick up within 24 hours. Free pickup and delivery is also available within a fourmile radius.

l Where: 1475 Terrell Mill Rd., Marietta. 678383-6964. soapysudslaundryservice.com

l Where: 2987 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta. 404-982-9988. brookhavenlaundry.com

Press Dry Cleaning

Medlock Laundry

Serving the Perimeter, Buckhead, Midtown or Downtown Atlanta communities, this delivery dry cleaning and laundry service is an easy choice. You first sign up for an account online at pressatlanta.com. They offer twice a week pickups, or a will-call service. The clothes will be dropped off the following delivery day, and the service will be billed to your credit card on file.

Their wash, dry and fold service includes large comforters and rugs, making it a great place to take your larger items. After drop off, your items will be ready after a few hours. You can also bring your own detergent and dryer sheets if you are picky about what is used.

l Where: 3522 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. NE #222, Atlanta. 678-207-0919. pressatlanta.com

l Where: 2516 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur. 404-633-5890.

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Laundry Genies

They will wash and fold your laundry with free pick-up and delivery the next day. You can call or text their number to schedule a pick up. Fees are collected by bag instead of pound, so don’t worry about having too many dirty items. l Where: Serving the Alpharetta, Cumming, Duluth, Johns Creek, Milton and Suwanee areas. 404-855-1263. laundrygenies.com

Executive Valet Cleaners Twice a week, they come to your home or office to pick-up and deliver your garments. Three days later, your clothes will come back pressed and clean. Call them, or fill out the form on their website. l Where: Serving Gwinnett, North Fulton and South Forsyth counties. 770-995-9921. executivevaletcleaners.com

J Quality Cleaners Wash and fold service for easy pick up, and same-day service available. Wedding gowns, rugs and more can all be taken care of here. l Where: 597 Jonesboro Rd., McDonough. 678-583-9989.

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 23

Meet Atlanta Parent’s

2016-2017 Parent Advisory Board This special group of 13 moms will volunteer their time and talents over the next year, serving as ambassadors to their communities for Atlanta Parent. They’ll offer advice on articles and take part in special events, and keep us informed about the parenting concerns of their friends and neighbors. With their support, Atlanta Parent will continue to produce an award-winning magazine that covers issues important to you.

What’s your

favorite thing to do on a lazy Sunday with your family? Morgan Alexander, Buford Children: Twins, son and daughter, age 3. My favorite thing to do with the kids is teaching them how to relax and enjoy a Sunday in. Since the twins are only 3, they don’t grasp how to just play inside and enjoy their home. I try to incorporate games to increase fine motor skills. We play catch with a foam ball and enjoy PlayDoh and LEGOS.

Becky Cooper, Dunwoody Children: Two daughters, ages 13 and 10. On a lazy Sunday, I enjoy eating a nice meal with my family on our screened porch.

Tracy Copeland, Atlanta Children: Daughter, age 10. Favorite thing to do on a lazy Sunday is go to brunch and then be lazy around the house up under each other. Fort building is a requirement. 24 Atlanta Parent October 2016

Tracy Joyner, Riverdale Children: Daughter, age 6; son, age 4. A lazy Sunday is rare around our house. We only get those once every two months. However, when they do occur, we make fresh popcorn on the stove and binge out on anything Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Princess or sports-related to relax. Then everyone chips in to create dinner. It’s a lot of fun for the kids and it helps ensure that they will eat it since they helped make it. Patrice Little, Dacula Children: Daughter, age 8; son, age 2 Because I work on Sundays, I do not get to lounge like most parents. However, lately I’ve enjoyed watching Celebrity Family Feud with my hubby and the children because we participate in the answers. It is fun to see if the contestants pick the same ones. atlantaparent.com

Pam Ryan, Avondale Estates Children: Son, age 3.

Nicole Mabry, Marietta Children: Son, age 8; daughter, age 5.

We enjoy either taking a family walk through the neighborhood with the dogs or working in our flower garden.

We love visiting the Willis Park playground. The zip line is a family favorite.

Lisa Abernathy-Taylor, Marietta Children: Son, age 6; daughter, age 4.

Caroline Mason, Atlanta Children: Son, age 9.

My favorite thing to do on Sundays is to visit the waterfalls in different areas of Georgia with my husband Paul and my kids, Lacey and Pierson. We like to just take relaxing drives and see where the car takes us. Our favorite parks are just about any with great climbing equipment and ducks to feed.

Our favorite park is Candler Park. With an open field that is great for soccer, basketball courts, and a great playground, my son has plenty to do. And with walking trails, grills and a pool, there is plenty for us adults to enjoy as well. We have been known to set up at Candler Park for a good portion of the day!

What’s your

favorite park or playground, and why?

Shikera Cook, Marietta Children: Son, age 15. Laurel Park in Marietta has something for everyone. There are two lakes; large playground; several places to eat; tennis, basketball, and volleyball court; a large field; a track and lots of shade! Monica Croom, Atlanta Children: Daughter, age 18; two sons, age 3. My family’s favorite is The Old 4th Ward Park. We like this park not only because of the nice rubber playground, but also because it’s convenient to the BeltLine, as well as many of the shops and restaurants that we like to frequent. atlantaparent.com

Megan Ratcliff, Roswell Children: Son, age 7; daughter, age 4. It’s so hard to choose just one! Dunwoody Nature Center has short hikes and a playground that is fun for all ages; Kennesaw Mountain is a challenging but rewarding historical hike with a great view at the top, and Dupree Park in Woodstock has kidfriendly mountain bike trails. Lauren Townsend, Atlanta Children: Two daughters, ages 6 and 3. Morgan Falls, in Sandy Springs, is my favorite park. It’s near the water so not only is there always a breeze, but you can rent a canoe and take the family out. There are play structures for both my children, and the giant spider web is their favorite. Even though there is a pavilion for lunch, we prefer the overlook park with bench swings.

But wait – we need your help too!

Would you be interested in participating on our 2017-2018 Readers’ Panel? Please email Felicia at fbarman@atlantaparent.com if you’re interested. October 2016 Atlanta Parent 25

MoNSTeR MaSH! These not-so-scary creations will make your Halloween a scream Cupcake Liner Monster Puppets

Monster Slime

Glitter Glue and Liquid Starch (available in the laundry section of most grocers) are the main ingredients to this sparkly slime that gets packaged in a baby food jar. You can make different colored slime, depending on the color of glitter glue you use, or feel free to add food coloring to the mix. The website features printable labels for the lids, and the toy monster finger puppets you hide inside are available at amazon.com. Full instructions and related links at: theidearoom.net/2015/10/ halloween-monster-slime-recipe.html

Flatten out a cupcake liner and glue it to a piece of cardstock to give it additional heft, then trim out the circular cupcake liner. Cut details (mouth, arms, legs, horns, teeth, etc.) from colored construction paper and glue them onto the liner to make a face and body (accordion folds work well on the arms and legs). Use varying numbers of googly eyes to make your monster unique. Add some glue to the top of your craft stick and glue it to the back of your creation. The blogger suggests coupling these puppets with a non-scary monster children’s book and letting the kids act out the story. Full instructions at: iheartcraftythings.com/ cupcake-liner-monster-stick-puppets.html

Monster Rice Krispie Treats

These colorful and cute (not creepy), treats are super easy to make. Start with a basic Rice Krispie Treat Recipe (this blogger links to her favorite on her website, theidearoom.net). You can make them in a 9×13 pan or a 16×20 jelly roll pan if you like them a little thinner. Once the treats cool, cut them into rectangles then insert a wooden stick in the bottom. Melt different colors of Wilton Candy Melts and dip the treats in the melted candy. Put your monsters on parchment paper to harden, but while the coating is still wet, add some Wilton Candy Eyeballs … one, three or more! (Just not two ... that’s too human.) Full instructions at: theidearoom.net/2015/10/ monster-rice-krispie-treats.html

a-DOOR-able decorations

Jack-o-lanterns are so last year. These fun and fanciful decorations make a statement. Some of the websites feature instructions on how to make your own, or simply let these inspire your creativity. Either way, the neighborhood ghouls and goblins will be racing to your front door for more than just the goodies.

homejelly.com

26 Atlanta Parent October 2016

moderndaymoms.com

twindragonflydesigns.com

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Halloween hits & bits

l Glow-in-the-dark bug repellent band This glow-in-the-dark band has vapors that form a protective shield around the immediate area, keeping insects a safe distance away from you and your kids while Trick-or-Treating. Available at bugband.net for $4.95

l Redbox Halloween Spooks The Nightmare before Christmas Frankenweenie Ghostbusters The Goonies Casper the Friendly Ghost The Addams Family E.T. Hotel Transylvania 2 Hocus Pocus Escape to Witch Mountain

l The Spooky Celebration Kit

Harry Potter series

Get ready for your Halloween party with all of the ingredients in one box. This kit has the everything to make fun and spooky treats including witch’s brew, pasta and yummy mummy treats. Available at kidstir.com for $19.95 or with a monthly membership.

Spooky Buddies It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

l Welch’s fruit snacks Halloween treats

These mixed fruit snacks make a healthier pick for all of the classroom Halloween parties and as a treat on Halloween. Made with real fruit and shaped like your favorite Halloween pumpkins, ghosts and more. Available at most grocery stores.

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l Glympse Track-n-Treat app This app allows you to keep track of your kids while they Trick-or-Treat through the neighborhood. Download the app on your smartphone, send them out the door in costume and keep an eye on their location through your computer or phone in realtime. Available for iOS, Windows and Android.

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 27

Green Your

Halloween! by Kerrie McLoughlin

Between costumes, candy holders, treat wrappers and plastic decorations, Halloween can quickly become a landfill’s worst nightmare. Fortunately, just about anything you do can be done in a more ecologically responsible way. Use these tips to green your Halloween – and save some serious green (cash!).

Costumes

Pumpkins

Instead of buying new kids’ costumes, consider trading costumes with neighbors or the parents of your child’s friends. Other ideas to go green and save green: recycle costumes among your own family members; use an old karate or ballet outfit or break out the princess dress-up clothes. Another idea: Google “Halloween costumes you can make at home cheap” and start surfing. And don’t forget to check thrift stores and garage sales all year for inexpensive – and recycled – costumes.

You can grow your own pumpkins for next year, though doing so in Georgia takes a bit of effort – insects and plant diseases love pumpkins here. For tips, visit walterreeves.com, the website of WSB Radio’s garden talk show host. Pumpkin patches and corn mazes make for a fun family outing in fall; for a list of farms near metro Atlanta, see Page 57. Once you carve your pumpkin, make sure you toast some pumpkin seeds and make a pie with the rest.

Decorations Instead of buying decorations, consider placing some hay bales in your yard, on your deck or on your front porch. Chrysanthemums, gourds, colorful corn, ghosts made of sheets stuffed with batting and scarecrows stuffed with hay (use some old clothes) are cheap and green choices. Nontoxic window paints are fun for kids to use on windows and doors. Make Halloween crafts out of materials you have around the house, such as bottle cap pumpkin magnets, tin can bat treat holders and an egg carton animal nose mask. See familycrafts.about.com for instructions and more craft ideas.

28 Atlanta Parent October 2016

Trick-or-Treating Grab a decorated cloth bag you can reuse next year and a rechargeable flashlight. An even cheaper route is to go retro and use a pillowcase or go modern and use a cloth shopping bag. Pick up trash as you follow your trick-or-treaters and keep it in a separate bag.

Treats Even if you’re handing out healthy Halloween treats, chances are you’re still sending individually wrapped stuff into the world and trash into the landfill. Consider handing out items that can be either useful or recycled. Ideas include: pencils, erasers, quarters, crayons, juice boxes (recyclable cardboard), cool bandages, bookmarks or seed packets (edible flowers, herbs, etc.).

Parties After you send out an Evite to the parents, start planning your green Halloween party. Instead of individually wrapped treats, put carrots, orange slices and pretzels in bowls. Make sugar cookies in advance in cool Halloween shapes (bats, pumpkins, ghosts) and have the kids frost and decorate them with orange and black frosting. A fun activity for kids and adults: Throw some newspaper on a table, break out the nontoxic paints and decorate some pumpkins. c

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clubchicacircle.com

5 Fun Ways to Decorate Pumpkins Without Carving

GO OUT ON A LIMB

GRAND OPENING

Outdoor Exhibits for All Ages Immersive Nature Experiences Free with Museum Admission • Members FREE

l Washi tape. Pick up some colorful Washi

tape from a craft store, and cut or rip into strips or smaller pieces. Kids can go to town covering the pumpkin in the colorful tape. They can do stripes, lines or a quilted design.

l Rainbow paint. Take a cardboard box

and place your pumpkin inside. Let your kids pour and drip different colors on the pumpkin and let dry for an abstract design. For the paint to stick to the pumpkin, make a 50/50 mixture with school glue and washable paint.

Opening details at FernbankMuseum.org

@FernbankMuseum

l Glitter and rhinestones. Use a

paint brush to spread school glue to cover the pumpkin, then let the kids sprinkle with glitter and stick on plastic rhinestones. You may want to take this one outside to avoid a glittery mess inside. If you don’t want to use paint brushes, have your child drip the glue down from the top for a candle-wax design then cover with glitter.

in-the-dark paint from a craft store and use the same method as the rainbow paint. Let the kids drip the paint down the pumpkin, make dots to cover or paint other patterns and designs. These pumpkins will light up your driveway without light from inside.

atlanta

BABY FROM ATLANTA

PARENT MAGAZINE

Atlanta

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Best Tablets for Kids

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rce Guide Our Baby Resou Entertainers

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Education Guide

Atlanta Paren t Magazine’s

Camp Guide

Stir Up Some Halloween Fun

Oh, Baby, Let’s Have Fun

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Join us at Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival

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l Tattoo your pumpkin. Pumpkin

decorating kits from Home Depot allow you to use tattoo-like stickers on your pumpkins. You can choose from bling décor, spider web tattoo or skull tattoo designs. $4.88 – Teresa Farkas

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Call 770-454-7599 for advertising information. AtlantaParent.com

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 29

H What Politics H

Can Teach Our Kids by Christa Melnyk Hines

The democratic process provides plenty of fodder for teaching our kids lessons in critical thinking, respectful discourse, values and civics. For help, follow our guide. Nurture Critical Thinkers Ask your children open-ended questions to hear their points of view. “Find out what they’re thinking. What you want to do is stimulate their analytic, natural human curiosity,” says Dr. Fran Walfish, a child and family psychotherapist and author of The Self Aware Parent: Resolving Conflict and Building a Better Bond with Your Child. Watch the speeches and debates together and ask your child what she thinks. Ask her: “Why do you feel that way? How would you solve the problem?” Share your opinions with your children by prefacing your comments with “I feel” or “I think” and ask questions like: “I wonder how the candidate will make that happen? What do you think? How would you make it fair if you were president?”

30 Atlanta Parent October 2016

Avoid Anger “Shouting at the TV, or at one another, presents a very negative example of responding to conflicting opinions,” says Mary Jane McKittrick, author of the Boomer and Halley children’s series (for ages 4 to 8), including the Mom’s Choice award-winning book Boomer and Halley: Election Day. Through humor and life lessons, McKittrick’s books tell stories of families and communities resolving difficult challenges by working together. Model respectful dialogue. Not all parents agree on politics, but what matters is how they discuss the issues in front of their children without raising a child’s anxiety. Make ground rules with your spouse before engaging in the discussion: No interrupting, take turns listening and no put-downs, insults or blaming. And, if you come to an impasse, agree to disagree.

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“I would love for parents to respect each other’s point of views. I would also hope that they will respect their children’s point of view,” Walfish says. “Be able to tolerate differences. We still love each other, and I can tolerate you having powerfully different feelings than mine.” If you find yourself getting drawn into a heated argument around the table with loved ones, keep your cool and suggest you pick up the conversation at another time.

Play Nice Political rhetoric may be difficult for your child to comprehend, but behavior in politics can often parallel real-life situations about how we should treat each other and who we can trust. “Here we are: two political figures. They’re going to say their beliefs right out front, but wouldn’t it be nice if that was all they were doing,” Walfish says. “Instead what they’re doing is using put-downs, criticisms, [and] willing to go forward at all costs to win.” Perhaps the vindictive nature of politics will never change, but parents can use examples of how politicians conduct themselves to teach values about what it means to win honorably, treat others with respect and be a trustworthy friend. For example, on the playground, a child might promise

your child that he can have the ball next, but then passes the ball to an ally or continues to hog the ball. Even a young child understands that the other child’s actions are unfair. “A good friend is someone who treats you right all of the time. And that’s what we’re looking for in politics,” Walfish says. “And a lot of times people will say anything to get what they want, which is to win. Our job is to try to figure out who’s telling the truth, and who’s going to deliver on the goods.”

Civics 101 Talk to your kids about the democratic process. Take your child to the voting booth and follow the results on election night together to help him see the election process in action and the connection between your vote and why it matters. Explain that many politicians enter the political process in an attempt to make a difference in the lives of citizens. “Parents can offer examples from their lives to illustrate giving to others as a positive way to explain politics,” McKittrick says. “After all, politics exist in our families, communities, schools and workplaces – not just at the ballot box.” c

“

After all, politics exist in our families, communities, schools and workplaces – not just at the ballot box.

”

Mary Jane McKittrick, children’s book author

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MERCER BEAR? Mercer Bears don’t just learn. They master. They don’t just accomplish. They thrive. They don’t just compete. They dominate. Mercer Bears command respect and walk with confidence. They are distinguished leaders. Movers and shakers. Real-life difference makers.

To learn more, visit mercer.edu.

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October 2016 Atlanta Parent 31

a school where your child learns

HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

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

Montessori School at Emory

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

Accredited Toddler Through Middle School Programs 32 Atlanta Parent October 2016

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Best Tablets for Kids

by Teresa Farkas

Buying your child a tablet requires lots of research. Here are some fun and educational options to make the decision easier.

Toddlers and Early Elementary LeapFrog Epic Amazon Fire HD 6 Kids Edition This tablet comes with a two-year damage warranty, which is great for kids. It allows you to create profiles for each child in your family, and you can have unlimited access to kids’ apps, movies and games for $2.99 per month. Available at amazon.com for $99.

The Epic is ideal for children 5 and younger, and many educational Android-based LeapFrog apps are already included. It is expensive to download other party apps, but if you want your child to have a tablet for purely educational use that could be a positive. Available at leapfrog.com for $128-$139.99.

Fable Children’s Tablet Kids can take photos with the built-in camera and share them with friends connected through the Parent Managed Friends List. To protect kids from inappropriate material they may find on the internet, it does not have a browser. In the VizitMe store you can purchase kid-friendly games, videos and books for ages 3-10. Available at vizitme.com for $129.99-$164.

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October 2016 Atlanta Parent 33

34 Atlanta Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; October 2016

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Best Tablets for Kids

Educational apps to download on your tablet

All Ages

Apple iPad Mini 2 This device allows access to over 1 million apps on the Apple App Store, which can be approved and shared between family members. It includes a 5-megapixel camera and a great screen for reading. This tablet can grow with your child. The iPad has a great content-filtering system and parental management features. Be sure to get a strong case when using with younger children. Available at apple.com for $199-$269.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK If your child is a big reader, this tablet may be the right choice because of the many children’s books available in the Barnes and Noble library. It may be on the more expensive side, but this device can grow with your child as well, and can be used as a reading device for years. It also has Google Play, which can be used to download other apps, movies, songs and games. Available at barnesandnoble.com for $399.99.

Prices vary; available on Google Play, Android or Apple App Store; some only one location

l Fish School HD: Colorful fish teach your preschooler letters, numbers, shapes and colors in an under-the-sea world.

l The Sight Word Adventure: Help your child learn to recognize, read and write up to 320 sight words.

l Starfall ABCs: An in-depth alphabet-teaching app that works well for toddlers and preschoolers.

l Moose Math: By Duck Duck Moose, covers early math skills in a fun build-your-own-world environment. Great for teaching math with practical ideas in mind.

l StudyBlue: Find and study online flashcards and class notes. The app is a crowdsourced platform for sharing notes with others. Best for middle and high schoolers.

l Touch and Learn – Emotions: An app that helps kids identify and name emotions, facial expressions, and body language.

l Numbler-Math Game: This game is like Words with Friends, but with numbers. It is an easy way to learn elementary math skills.

l History Here: An interactive, location-based guide to thousands of historic locations across the United States created by the History Channel.

Kurio Smart

Middle or High School atlantaparent.com

This tablet is similar to the Microsoft Surface, but with a lower price point. It runs Windows 10, has a long battery life and includes a keyboard for easy typing. For school papers and projects it has the Microsoft Office suite included as well as many other movies, apps and games. Available at walmart.com for $169.99.

l KidloLand: Over 500 nursery rhymes, songs, stories and games all make learning fun.

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 35

Our mission at GRACEPOINT School is to equip dyslexic students with the skills needed to develop into independent and confident learners, through sequential, systematic and multisensory instruction. Our goal is to instill in each child a lifelong desire for growing in wisdom and gaining knowledge of the Lord so that each may fulfill God’s purposes and bring glory to Him.

New Location ■ Call to Schedule a Tour

570 Piedmont Road ■ Marietta 30066 ■ 678-709-6634 gracepointschool.org 36 Atlanta Parent October 2016

atlantaparent.com

Documentary, Book Have Parents Talking About

Screentime

Announcing the opening of our

New Second Campus

at 1434 Scott Boulevard, Decatur Serving children ages 18 months to 6 years. Limited space available for the current school year. Call 404-321-9304 for more information. www.ArborMontessori.org ww

ow much screen time is too much? That’s a question parents struggle with from the time their toddler is old enough to pick up a smart phone and play with the touch pad. A new documentary, Screenagers, and a new book, Screenwise, Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World, delve into that question and provide practical ways to evaluate the time kids – and their parents – spend with electronic devices. The one-hour documentary by Dr. Delaney Ruston, a physician serving as filmmaker in residence at Stony Brook Medicine in New York, is being shown in community events hosted by groups, churches or schools, and it’s followed by a guided discussion about screentime. It’s been seen at several metro Atlanta churches and schools, and groups can arrange to host a showing at screenagersmovie.com. Dr. Ruston made the movie after struggling with her own teens, a 14-yearold son and 12-year-old daughter. She researched why kids and adults can become so attached to their devices, and how watching devices can affect brain development. Not all research points to negative effects of too much electronics use. For instance, Dr. Ruston says “prosocial” video games improve kids’ empathy and willingness to help others or collaborate with others in a positive way. Most research, however, suggests unfettered use of electronics can affect brain and social development. After trial and error, Dr. Ruston created Cont’d on page 38

atlantaparent.com

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 37

Screentime

The book acknowledges that electronics and social media affect a kid’s school experiences, family life and friendships, and helps parents evaluate how their kids can better use different kinds of technology.

Fulton County Schools

Is Here To Help…

The school system can evaluate any child age 3 or older for a suspected disability, at no cost.

➢ Diagnostic and Evaluation Services ➢ Speech/Language Therapy ➢ Specialized Community and School-Based Education We serve students with disabilities such as developmental delays, speech/language delays, autism spectrum disorders, hearing and vision impairments, orthopedic impairments who are three to five years of age and reside within the Fulton County School District.

Call or visit for more information: 470-254-0404 fultonschools.org It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice,educational program, or any other program, activity, or service.

Advertise in our Education Guide For information, call 770-454-7599 38 Atlanta Parent October 2016

a contract with her kids when it comes to electronics. Her family has two rules, no phones in the bedrooms at night and no phone use in the car, and other limits the kids agreed to set. Over time, she says, kids learn to self-monitor use of their devices. Screenwise by Dr. Devorah Heitner, the founder of Raising Digital Natives, gives parents practical tips on raising children in a digital age and helping them develop social skills, digitally and personally. The book acknowledges that electronics and social media affect a kid’s school experiences, family life and friendships, and helps parents evaluate how their kids can better use different kinds of technology. As an example, on her website, raisingdigitalnatives.com, Dr. Heitner takes on the etiquette of teens and texting. When some kids don’t get an instant acknowledgement of a text to a friend, they might feel rejected, even though the friend may have a legitimate excuse – at dinner with his family, at a sports practice, talking on the phone, etc. She has these suggestions: Model patience with your own texts when you don’t get an immediate response. Use texts for quick exchanges and planning, not to explore emotional issues that should be addressed face-toface. Help your children set boundaries with their friends, such as “I don’t text after 9 p.m.” or “I don’t do group texts.” – Amanda Miller Allen atlantaparent.com

Making Memories in the Car Line

by Meagan Ruffing

y two oldest children are at the age where I spend more time in the car than I would like, shuttling them between here and there. n For someone who considers herself a roadrage wreck, this is not good. I knew I had to find a way to make this time in the car more productive. n I started thinking outside of the box for things my kids and I could do in the car while we waited in car lines or attempted to get from point A to point B. It started with a bag of birthday blowers. You know, the ones you blow into and a tubular paper comes straight out making a loud noise with it, the ones you’re thinking of from New Year’s Eve. n Start with those and see what happens. I bet your car ride is much more fun tomorrow. Then give these ideas a try and see if you can’t turn that frown upside down:

Dance parties in the car Turn the music on or better yet, play a CD that you know your kids like to dance to and encourage them to sing their hearts out and move to the music, sitting down. With songs averaging 3 to 4 minutes a piece, a CD will get you through at least one way and then you can play a new one on the way home. This type of fun gets everyone involved and will even put a smile on those not so “good morning” attitudes.

Highs and Lows This is a great game and an important one to play, especially at the end of the day. Ask each of your kids what their high and low was for the day. High means the best thing that happened (movie at school), and Low means something they’d prefer not to deal with again or a situation they would like to do over (someone hurt their feelings). Not only do these questions get your kids thinking, but it gets parent and child communicating. Even if your son doesn’t feel like talking or says he can’t think of anything, say, “Okay, well, when you’re ready, I’d love to hear it. I’ll tell you mine first.” Keep your “Low” age-appropriate for them but do share if you’ve had a bad moment or disappointment during the day. This reminds your kids that you’re human, too! Cont’d on page 40

atlantaparent.com

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 39

Making Memories

For more information, call Dept. of Special Education at 404.802.1690 or 404.802.2613

Porter Academy www.porteracademy.org 770-594-1313

Enabling children with learning differences to succeed • Pre-K–8th • Small group instruction • Therapeutic Support • Hands-on Academics • Core Knowledge Curriculum • Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum

40 Atlanta Parent October 2016

The Alphabet Game You might remember this one from road trips you’ve taken in years past. Tweak the game a little and see if your child can find the letter and then tell you what the word says. For example, “Hannah, tell me when you find the letter ‘B’ and then tell me what the word spells.” This is great for elementary aged kids who are learning how to read. For the younger ones, just have them spot the letters for you. It’s still fun and they’ll be encouraged to get through the entire alphabet.

Breakfast Bar Some days, we have to eat our breakfast in the car. This is not something that I want to get accustomed to, but there are mornings when we just don’t have the time to sit down at the table. The night before I know will be a busy next day, I put my kids’ breakfast in snack bowls and get their cups filled and in the fridge so that I can just pull everything out in the morning. Think dry cereal, granola bars, yogurt drinks, muffins, and fruit. If you want a low-key commute in the morning that doesn’t involve a lot of screaming, yelling and whining, food is always the answer. Always. This is also true for the car ride home. Make sure you have snacks at all times. Kids are always “starving” when they get of school and there’s nothing quite like a satisfied child and a full belly for playing outside or tackling homework.

Encouraging Phone Calls I sometimes use my commute time to make phone calls, and I am specific about who I call during that time. Ever heard the phrase, “Little ears are listening?” Your kids are super close to you in the car and can hear what you’re saying even when you think they can’t or even when you assume they are not paying attention. I usually call my grandmother. I want my kids to hear me speaking words of encouragement into her ear just as much as I want them seeing me being poured into by her words of wisdom. Embrace the car ride for what it is – the next season of your life for which you can choose to turn into something productive. Get yourself ready for tomorrow’s car ride. It’s going to be a good one! c

atlantaparent.com

Fall Open House Dates Get listed in our online Open House Directory. Call 770-454-7599 for more information.

n Academe of the Oaks academeatlanta.org / 404-405-2173 146 New St., Decatur 30030 Grades 9-12 Wed., 8:30-10:30 a.m. Oct. 12, 26; Nov. 16, 30; Dec. 7

n Holy Spirit Preparatory School holyspiritprep.org / 678-761-7992 Grades K-6: Thurs., Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m. 4820 Long Island Dr., Atlanta 30342 Grades 7-12: Fri., Nov. 4, 11:30 a.m. 4449 Northside Dr., Atlanta 30342

n Arbor Montessori School arbormontessorischool.com / 404-321-9304 2998 La Vista Rd., Decatur 30033 1434 Scott Blvd., Decatur 30033 18 months-7th grade Fri. Nov. 11 and Dec. 2, 9 a.m. Pre-registration required.

n Lovett School lovett.org / 404-262-3032 4075 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta 30327 Kindergarten: Sat., Nov. 12, 1-3 p.m. Grades 1-5: Sun., Nov. 13, 1-3 p.m. Middle School: Sun., Nov. 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

n Atlanta Academy atlantaacademy.com / 678-461-6102 2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy., Roswell 30076 Grades PreK-8: Thurs., Nov. 3, 9-11 a.m. n Atlanta Country Day School atlantacountrydayschool.com / 770-998-0311 8725 Dunwoody Place, Atlanta 30350 Grades 6-12: Tours offered daily, call to schedule. n The Children’s School tcsatl.org / 404-835-4603 345 Tenth St. NE, Atlanta 30309 Grades PreK3-K: Thurs. Nov. 3, 9-10:45 a.m. Grades 5-7: Wed., Nov. 30, 9-10:45 a.m. n Cornerstone Christian Academy cornerstonecougars.org / 770-441-9222 5295 Triangle Pkwy., Peachtree Corners 30092 Grades Pre-K-4: Sat., Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-noon n The Cottage School cottageschool.org / 770-641-8688 700 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell 30075 Grades 4-12: Tours offered daily, call to schedule. n Galloway School gallowayschool.org / 404-252-8389 215 W. Wieuca Rd. NE, Atlanta 30342 Sun., Dec. 4, 1-3 p.m.

n McGinnis Woods Country Day School mcginniswoods.org / 770-664-7764 5380 Faircroft Dr., Alpharetta, 30005 Grades PreK4-8th: Wed., Oct. 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m. n Montessori School at Emory montessorischoolatemory.com / 404-634-5777 3021 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur 30033 15 months-12 years Tours are at 8:30 or 9:30 a.m. most days. Call or go online to book a tour. n Mt. Bethel Christian Academy mtbethelchristian.org / 770-971-0245 Grades Junior K-8: Thurs., Nov. 10, 10 a.m. 4385 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta 30068 Grades 9-12: Sun., Oct. 16, 2 p.m. and Sat., Nov. 12, 9 a.m. 2509 Post Oak Tritt Rd., Marietta 30062 n Mount Vernon Presbyterian School mountvernonschool.org / 404-252-3448 Grades Pre-K-6: Sat., Dec. 3, noon-2 p.m. 471 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Atlanta 30328 Grades 7-12: Sat., Dec. 3, noon-2 p.m. 510 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Atlanta 30328

n GRACEPOINT gracepointschool.org / 678-709-6634 570 Piedmont Rd., Marietta 30066 Grades 1-8 Specializing in dyslexia, tours by appt.

n Pace Academy paceacademy.org / 404-252-3448 966 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta 30327 Middle and Upper School: Sat., Nov. 19, 1 p.m. Lower School: Sun., Nov. 20, 1 p.m.

n Hebron Christian School hebronlions.org / 770-963-9250 775 Dacula Rd., Dacula 30019 Grades K-12: Fri., Nov. 18, and Dec. 9, 9 a.m. Tours also offered weekly, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

n Porter Academy porteracademy.org / 770-594-1313 x224 20 Cox Rd., Roswell 30075 Grades Prek-8 Wed., Nov. 9. 10 a.m. Call to reserve a space.

n Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School hies.org.org / 404-255-4026 805 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NW, Atlanta 30327 Sat., Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

n St. Martin’s Episcopal School stmartinschool.org / 404-288-0709 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta 30319 Sat., Nov. 5, 9:30 a.m.-noon

atlantaparent.com

n SpringMont springmont.com / 404-252-3910 5750 Long Island Dr. NW, Atlanta, 30327 Thurs., Nov. 10, 9-11 a.m. n Sugar Hill Christian Academy sugarhillchristian.org / 678-745-4121 4600 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Sugar Hill 30518 6 months-9th grade Tours offered daily, call to schedule. n Swift School theswiftschool.org / 678-205-4988 300 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell 30076 Grades 1-8: Sat., Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-Noon n Trinity School www.trinityatl.org / 404-231-8118 4301 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta 30327 Wed., Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m. Tues., Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. Thurs., Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m. n The Walker School thewalkerschool.org / 770-427-2689 700 Cobb Pkwy. North, Marietta 30062 Grades 1-5: Wed. Nov. 9, 9:30-11 a.m. Grades 6-12: Thurs. Nov. 17, 9-11 a.m. n Westminster Schools westminster.net / 404-355-8673 1424 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW Atlanta 30327 Lower School: Sat., Nov. 12, 10:30 a.m.-noon Middle School: Fri., Dec. 2, 12:30-3:45 p.m. Upper School: Sat., Dec. 3, 2-4 p.m. n Woodward Academy woodward.edu / 404-765-4001 Main Campus: PreK-12 Sun., Oct. 23, 2-5 p.m. 1662 Rugby Ave., College Park 30337 Woodward North: PreK-6 Sun., Nov. 13, 2-4 p.m. 6565 Boles Rd., Johns Creek 30097 n Whitefield Academy whitefieldacademy.com / 678-305-3000 1 Whitefield Dr., Mableton 30126 Parent Coffee: Grades PreK-12 Fri., Nov. 4, 9 a.m. Lower School Preview: PreK-Grade 4 Fri., Nov. 11, 9 a.m. Group Tours PreK-12: Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 11, Dec. 2, 9, 16

Visit atlantaparent.com/openhouse for more open houses October 2016 Atlanta Parent 41

November 11, 2016 – January 1, 2017 • More than 2 million lights and 9 acres of stunning décor

• Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Christmas Dinner Show

• NEW – ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in 2 million pounds of colorful, hand-carved ice sculptures and slides

• The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt

• Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical • NEW – Breakfast with the Grinch

• Gingerbread Decorating Corner • Build-A-Bear Workshop® • Carriage rides, snow tubing, outdoor ice skating and more!

NASHVILLE, TN

Tickets and Packages on Sale Now!

ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com

| (888) 677-9872 ICE! PRESENTED BY

PEPSI, PEPSI-COLA and the Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. FUJIFILM and INSTAX are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation and its affiliates. © 2016 FUJIFILM North America Corporation. All rights reserved. TM & © 1957, 2016 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. The Elf on the Shelf® and © CCA and B, LLC. All rights reserved. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all related elements © & TM under license to Character Arts, LLC. All rights reserved. © & ® Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

PRESENTED BY

Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

Free Fun

Exhibits

Playground

Not-to-miss events for October

2 3

Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival Mercer University, Atlanta Campus Oct. 8 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Calendar

Top n ee Hallownts Eve 52 Page

Atlanta Parent’s annual fall festival features over 50 family-friendly activities including a petting zoo, camel rides, bubble fun and an amazing parrot experience. Toddlers and parents will love the toddler play area and don’t miss the Science Creations science show. 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta. 770-454-7599. $10 per guest, 1 and younger, free. Paid admission includes five activity tickets. Online tickets $5 per person.

Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart Phillips Arena Oct. 5-9. Wed: 7:30 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri. 10:40 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sat: 10:30 a.m., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.; Sun. 1 and 5 p.m. Watch Dory, the Emotions from ‘Inside Out,” Anna and Elsa from “Frozen,” Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the Disney Princesses and more skate around the ice. Wearing your favorite character’s costume is welcome. 1 Philips Dr., Atlanta. 404-878-3000. Tickets $16-$97. disneyonice.com

Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions Infinite Energy Center / Oct. 29. 6 p.m. See Olympic All-Around Champions Gabrielle Douglas and Nastia Liukin, along with members of the 2012 and 2016 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Teams perform their medal-winning routines. VIP meet-and-greet packages are also available. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-626-2464. Tickets $29-$299. infiniteenergycenter.com

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

Atlanta Parent’s Fall Festival

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 43

Family Fun Guide

Up on the Roof

Skyline Park’s a Treat for Families

o many reasons to go to Ponce City Market with your kids: Try some global cuisine; stroll out to the BeltLine. And now: Skyline Park! This classic-style amusement park on the roof of this historic building offers great family fun. Ride up an enormous elevator and learn about the history of the building on the way. At the top, and take in a spectacular view. But getting kids to linger over the skyline isn’t easy because there’s a giant slide. Enough said, right? An enormous slide hides behind the iconic Ponce City Market When You Go marquee sign that is visible for Skyline Park at Ponce City Market blocks. Grab a felt slide pad and 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta climb up stairs (and see more of that skylineparkatlanta.com amazing view), then hurtle down n Admission: $10 adults, $7 ages 3-12, free the wavy slide. younger than 3. Midway games and rides, Kids also will love Heege $1-$3, include Derby Race, Basketball, Skee Tower, a just-the-right-amount-ofBall, Ring Toss, High Striker, Slide and Heege thrill ride that gives kids a chance to Tower. Mini-golf until 4 p.m., $8 adults, $5 pull themselves up and then bounce ages 3-12, free younger than 3; mini-golf after down to the rooftop. Old-school 4 p.m., $10 adults, $7 ages 3-12. Midway games like Skee Ball, n Hours: Sun. noon-9 p.m.; Horse Derby and a Ring Toss line Mon.-Wed. 3-10 p.m.; Thu.-Fri. 3-11 p.m.; the side of the park. And mini golf Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. with fun obstacles fills the center of the rooftop. Our 7-year-old son said his favorite part was the slide, “because you go really fast!” His friend agreed – she said the slide, “made her tummy feel silly.” From an adult perspective, the staff was amazing. Everyone we interacted with was helpful, funny and willing to play along with silly kids. A food stand has a limited menu including hot dogs, cotton candy and a “walking taco” – a bag of Fritos with taco toppings loaded inside (messy – but fun to eat). The rooftop also has adult beverages, because, you know, just in case. Know Before You Go: There’s no shade on the Rooftop, so go on a cool day or as the sun is setting and wear sunscreen. This is not a do-it-cheap outing – rides and games are priced individually and go quickly, so talk up the idea of looking out over the city and enjoying the view. Purchase a re-loadable card to play games – but note that golf is not included on the card. – Sherry V. Crawley

44 Atlanta Parent October 2016

Family Fun Guide

Photos by Jason Crawley

atlantaparent.com

NOW OPEN

Fernbank WildWoods

The new outdoor expansion features several areas to explore and enjoy for kids of all ages. Visitors can climb and play on the playgrounds and rope bridges, hide in underground passageways and have a birds-eye view in the tree pods. They can get their hands into interactive exhibits, and meet nature face-to-face in the creek meadow that attracts birds, butterflies and other pollinators. The elevated walkways and strollerfriendly walking trails allow nature viewing from several vistas. The new area is included with museum admission. Adults, $18; 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

October 2016â&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; Atlanta Parent 45

fallfestivals&fairs

Enjoy live entertainment, stroll through an artist’s market or try a festive treat. Charges may apply for some festival activities, such as inflatables and activity stations in addition to entrance fees.

n Crabapple Fest. Historic Crabapple. Featuring antiques dealers and local artists, musicians, food trucks and kids activities. Oct. 1. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 12624 Broadwell Rd., Alpharetta. 770-241-1125. Free. n 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. 1. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Clarendon Ave. and S. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates. autumnfestavondale.com. Free. n Autumn Fest. Barrett Memorial Park. Arts and crafts, children’s activities, live entertainment, food and more. Oct. 1. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 120 Park Ln., Holly Springs. 770-721-7506. Free. n Taste of Chamblee. Downtown Chamblee. Celebrate the diverse restaurant community in Chamblee. Try different foods, enjoy live music and play in the kid zone. Oct. 1. 5-9 p.m. Corner of Peachtree and Broad. tasteofchamblee.net. Free; tasting tickets, $1. n North Ga. State Fair. Jim R. Miller Park. Enjoy carnival rides and games, a petting zoo, pony rides and kid zone. This year’s live entertainment includes K-9s in Flight, Lady Houdini, Peter Hart with Atlanta Puppets and concerts. Through Oct. 2. Mon.-Thurs., 4-11 p.m.; Fri. 4 p.m.-midnight; Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight; Sun. 12:30-10 p.m. 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. 770-528-8989. Adults, $7; ages 10 and younger, free. Ride tickets $1.25 each or 21 for $20. Parking, $3. n Norcross Art Splash. Historic Downtown Norcross. Art from around the country, Kidz Zone with face painting, sand art and more. Live music and a food row with food for purchase. Oct. 1-2. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Historic Downtown Norcross. 770-4521727. Free. n Fall Fest. Candler Park. Local artists and vendors, food trucks, restaurants and live entertainment. Kidlandia complete with rides, live shows, entertainers and sweet treats. Oct. 1. Noon-10 p.m. and Oct. 2. Noon-9 p.m. Candler Park and McLendon Ave. NE, Atlanta. fallfest. candlerpark.org. Free.

Georgia National Fair

n Taste of Suwanee. Town Center Park. Local performers and restaurants, kid zone including inflatable activities, rides and games. Oct. 8. Noon-5 p.m. Buford Hwy. and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd., Suwanee. tasteofsuwanee,com. Free admission and parking, tasting tickets and kid zone activities are extra.

n Apple Cider Days. Perimeter Mall. Enjoy carnival rides, inflatables, games, concessions and more. Oct. 19-23. Wed.-Fri. 5-10 p.m. Sat., 2-11 p.m. and Sun., 2-10 p.m. 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. NE, Dunwoody. 770- 668-0401. Free admission, individual tickets, $1. Unlimited ride wristband, $25.

n Georgia State Fair. Atlanta Motor Speedway. Petting zoo, tiger display, pig races, rides and more. Through Oct. 9. Mon.-Thurs. 4-10 p.m. Fri. 4 p.m.-midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun. noon10 p.m. 1500 Tara Place, Hampton. 901-867- 7007. Adults, $10; ages 5-12, $5; 4 and younger, free. Ride wristbands: Sun.-Fri. $20; Sat. $25.

n Southeastern Cowboy Festival and Symposium. Booth Western Arts Museum. Children’s activities, pioneer demonstrations, Western gun fight reenactments, Native American dancing and more. Oct. 20-23. See boothmuseum.org/cowboyfestival for events schedule. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-387-1300. Adults, $10; ages 12 and younger, free.

n Harvest Square Festival. Glover Park-Marietta Square. Halloween games, family activities, scarecrows, touch-a-truck and more. Oct. 15. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 50 Park Sq., Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free. n Mall of Georgia Fall Festival. Mall of Georgia. Kids can enjoy crafts, games, a bounce house and stage performances. Costume contest for children 12 and younger. Oct. 15. 1-5 p.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 770-271-9458. Free, bounce area extra.

n Georgia National Fair. Perry. Petting zoo, livestock and horse shows, agricultural exhibits, fair food, midway rides and games, vendors, family entertainment, concerts and nightly fireworks. Oct. 6: sneak peek 3-10 p.m., Oct. 7-16: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Visit website for schedule. georgianationalfair.com. 401 Larry Walker Pkwy., Perry. 478-987-3247. Adults, $9-16; ages 10 and younger, free with paid adult. Unlimited ride wristband, $16 -30. n Cumming Country Fair and Festival. Cumming Fairgrounds. Carnival rides, live music, fireworks, chainsaw carving and more. Oct. 6-16. Mon.-Thurs., 4-10 p.m.; Fri., 4 p.m.midnight; Sat., 10 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 12:30-9 p.m. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-7813491. Adults, $7; 10 and younger, free; parking, $5. Cash only.

46 Atlanta Parent October 2016

n Taste of Atlanta. Midtown at Tech Square. Celebrate Atlanta’s best chefs, local farmers, music cafes and live cooking stages. Oct. 21-23. Sat. noon-7 p.m. and Sun. noon-6 p.m. Spring St. & 5th St., Atlanta. 404-875-4434. Advance purchase, $25; at gate, $35; 13 and younger, free with paid adult. n Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival. Kennesaw State University Sports and Entertainment Park. Hot air balloon festival featuring balloon glows, trick-or-treating and tethered balloon rides Oct. 21, 6-11 p.m. and Oct. 22, 4-11 p.m. Check owl-o-ween.com for event schedule. 470-578-4849. 3200 George Busbee Pkwy., Kennesaw. Tickets increase Oct. 16. Adults, $12; ages 3-12, $5. Ages 3 and younger, free. n World Kite Festival and Expo. Piedmont Park. Fly your kite, buy one or watch the experts. Food, entertainment and kids fun zone with face painting, pumpkin decorating and more. Oct. 22. 1-6 p.m. 10th St. between Charles Allen Dr. and Monroe St. atlantaworldkitefestival.com. Free.

World Kite Festival and Expo

Family Fun Guide

n Johns Creek Fall Festival. Newton Park. Crafts, carnival games moonwalks, a giant slide, obstacle courses, food and live music. Oct. 29 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. Free. c

atlantaparent.com

FallRailroadFun

Watch the leaves change color while riding on these trains through the countryside. Let your kids experience a historic way of traveling, and enjoy seasonal programing and entertainment on your journey. Tweetsie Railroad. Blowing Rock, N.C. Hop on a train or a carnival ride, and don’t miss the live shows, farm animals and other fun activities. Several themed trips available. U.S. Hwy. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock, NC. 877-893-3874. Advance tickets required. tweetsie.com. n Ghost Train Halloween Festival. 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 Oct. 31, 7:30-11:30 p.m. $36; younger than 2, free.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad and Museum. Chattanooga, Tenn. Ride the Missionary Ridge Trail, which travels through Missionary tunnel on a steam or vintage diesel locomotive. Several themed trips available. 4119 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga. 423-894-8028. Advance tickets required. tvrail.com

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Bryson City, N.C. The Railroad offers a variety of scenic, round-trip excursions. Trips range from 3 ½ hours to a full day of fun and adventure. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 1-800-872-4681. Advance tickets required. gsmr.com n Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express. Kids can pick their own pumpkin, meet Charlie, Lucy and Snoopy and enjoy hayrides and music. Wear your costumes. Weekends in Oct. Fri. 3:30 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. Noon and 3 p.m. Adults, $56; ages 2-12, $32; younger than 2, free.

n Halloween Eerie Express. A 90-minute ride featuring an evening of storytelling, petting zoo, indoor black light mini golf, coloring contests and a walk through the Fun House. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes, and prizes will be given for the best boy’s and girl’s costume. Fridays and Saturdays in Oct. 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; additional trip Sat. 3:30 p.m. $22 each; ages 1 and younger, free.

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Family Fun Guide

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 47

Top-Notch Children’s Theaters by Teresa Farkas

Theater programs developed for kids help to spark a child’s love for the arts from a young age. These metro Atlanta theater companies have developed colorful and engaging series for the entire family.

Alliance Theatre for the Very Young

Alliance Theatre

The Alliance is the grandparent of children’s theaters in Atlanta, cultivating the love of performance for over 40 years. The Theatre for the Very Young has year-round shows for children ages 0-5 and their parents. Their main theatre also has performances for older children and teens. See alliancetheatre.org for show times and tickets. Tickets for The Theatre for the Very Young $5-10. Other performances $18-$72. Atlanta, 404-733-5000. Coming Soon: Sept. 24-Nov. 6: “From Head to Toe,” The Theatre for the Very Young Nov. 5: “Slur” Nov. 25-Dec. 24: “A Christmas Carol”

Center for Puppetry Arts

The newly-expanded puppet center offers a wide variety of classic story adaptations, new works by the center’s staff and traveling shows, including an entertaining family series. The museum has puppets from around the world including Jim Henson’s Big Bird and Kermit. See centerforpuppetryarts.com for show times and tickets. Tickets $20.50. Atlanta, 404-873-3391. Coming Soon: Oct. 12-23: “The Jungle Book” Oct. 25-Nov. 6: “The Headless Horseman of Silly Hollow” Nov. 8- Dec. 31: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

The Jungle Book

Aurora Children’s Playhouse

These adaptations of popular books and stories are fun for the entire family. They are intended for children to have their first theatrical experience, and often include puppeteers, magicians, storytellers, jugglers and musicians. They are 45 minutes each, making them perfect for young attention spans. Performances are each Sat. at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tickets $7. auroratheatre. com, Lawrenceville, 678-226-6222. Coming Soon: Oct. 8: “Grace for President” Oct. 15: “Traditional Folk Tales with a Twist” Dec. 3: “Santa’s Missing Mail” Dec. 10: “’Twas the Night before Christmas” Dec. 17: “Trouble in Toyland” Grace for President

48 Atlanta Parent October 2016

Family Fun Guide

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Synchronicity Theatre

This theater has incorporated a great holiday family program into their regular season. Each Friday show is PJs & Play! Kids can wear pajamas and enjoy milk and cookies while watching the performance. See synchrotheatre.com for show times and tickets. Tickets $16-$31. Atlanta, 404-484-8636. Coming Soon: Dec. 9-Jan. 1: “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”

Georgia Ensemble Theatre

The theatre’s FamilyStage: Adventure Series includes weekend performances throughout the school year. These include adventures in storytelling, music, history and improvisation. Saturdays 11 a.m. See get. org/family-stage for tickets. Tickets $10. Located in the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Roswell, 770-641-1260. Coming Soon: Oct. 1: Trickster Tales From Around the World Nov. 5, 12 and 19: Junie B. Jones the Musical

Horizon Theatre

This venue is an intimate theater in Atlanta’s eclectic Little Five Points business and arts district. Horizon has partnered with The Atlanta Children’s Theatre Company to bring a family-friendly holiday program to their audiences. See horizontheatre.com for show times and tickets. Tickets $12-$15. Atlanta, 404-584-7450. Coming Soon: Dec. 3-31: “Madeline’s Christmas”

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Madeline’s Christmas

MJCCA Morris & Rae Frank Theatre

The performance hall is a part of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta building, and includes productions from different groups around Atlanta as well as the MJCCA Youth Ensemble. See atlantajcc.org for show times and tickets. Tickets $8-$14. Atlanta, 678-812-4002. Coming Soon: Oct. 30: “From Head to Toe” Dec. 11-12: “Xanadu Jr.”

Family Fun Guide

Theatrical Outfit

Atlanta’s second-oldest continually operating professional theater company is filled with history and stories from classic and contemporary literature. For holiday programming, the theater has added a family-friendly show for ages 12 and older. See theatricaloutfit.org for show times and tickets. Tickets $20-$48. Atlanta, 678-528-1500. Coming Soon: Dec. 1-18: “Big Fish”

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 49

magine you’re on a covert mission. You must break into a residence, recover stolen artwork and get out – all in 60 minutes. To find the art, you must work with your team to solve multiple challenges.

Escape to Adventure

When You Go Museum Heist Breakout Games Atlanta 3867 Roswell Rd. NE, Suite 200, Atlanta. 404-800-9207; breakoutgames.com/ Atlanta/ n Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m.-11:30 p.m. n Admission: $27 per person. Children younger than 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; ages 14-17 attending without a parent must have a signed parental waiver.

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My husband, twin 14-year-old daughters and I experienced this when we played Museum Heist at Breakout Games Atlanta. The game is one of five adventures at Breakout Games. Set up in rooms that accommodate up to 8 players, each interactive adventure has furniture, props and a storyline to make them seem real. Daniel, our game master at the Buckhead location, explained the rules of Museum Heist. To my relief, we could hit the “panic button” to open the door if we needed restrooms or a break, but it wouldn’t stop the countdown clock. Because he’d be watching us from the overhead cameras, we could ask for up to three clues and one lifeline. As a Nancy Drew aficionado, I didn’t think I would need any help. How wrong I was! Just solving the first puzzle proved challenging. Thankfully, Daniel’s suggestions over the loudspeaker steered us along. Constantly aware of the countdown clock on the wall, we started collaborating. High energy filled the room as we discovered clues, encountered surprising twists, unlocked secret codes and then … the buzzer sounded and the game was over. We were so close. Despite not breaking out in the allotted time, we laughed a lot and enjoyed bonding as a family. In hindsight,

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my advice is to ask for help sooner instead of staying stuck in one spot. Parents love participating with their kids in a completely different way. “I liked that it engaged our minds,” my husband commented. Because everyone uses “outside the box” thinking, the game is better suited for upper elementary school age and older kids. Kids love the feeling of accomplishment when they crack codes and contribute as an integral team member. “That was intense,” our daughter Allison said. Now she’s begging to have a birthday party there. Our other daughter Grace, who usually prefers alone time and video games, summed it up perfectly. “It was fun. It was awesome. And, we are definitely coming back!” – Rebecca Ruffin Leffler More Escape Fun n Mastermind Escape Games. 825 Glenridge Dr. Suite 200, Sandy Springs. 678-429-7095; mastermindescapegames.com n Escape the Room. 200 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 678-783-3387; atlanta.escapetheroom.com n Ultimate Escape Game. 3200 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Suite 150, Atlanta. 770-629-0767; ultimateescapegame.com

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Best Ways to Get SPOOKED l

by Teresa Farkas

From creepy haunted houses to silly, spooky fun, Atlanta Parent has found activities to bring delight or fright for every age. l Halloween Chattahoochee Nature Center Guided hikes along well-lit trails where children meet friendly costumed forest creatures. Face painting, non-scary tales and live entertainment around the campfire. Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29. 7 p.m. Ticket sales begin at 6:30 p.m. each night. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Oct. 21 and 22: $9 per person, 2 and younger, free; Oct. 28 and 29: $10 per person, 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

l FEARopolis Funopolis Family Fun Center A haunted house with alien laser tag, hayrides, a corn maze and more. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 31. 7-11 p.m.; see funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com for schedule. 40155 Hwy. 441 S., Commerce. 706-335-3866. Haunted house, $13. Additional activities extra. l Spooktacular Night Smith Plantation Spooky tour of the house and grounds at night, ghost stories and treats. Kids encouraged to wear costumes for prizes. Oct. 29. 6-9 p.m. 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell. $5 per person; 4 and younger, free. roswellgov.com

Chattahoochee Nature Center

l The Dark Rows Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze When the sun goes down and the maze is lit 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. 4520 Highway 53 E, Dawsonville. 1-888674-8257. Haunted Maze and regular maze, $18. uncleshucks.com

Goosebumps

Not-So-Spooky

Night Hikes

l Haunted

l Decatur Ghost

Atlanta History Center Walk through foggy gardens and haunted historic houses and enjoy some fun ghostly encounters. Oct. 21. 6:30-9:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-8144000. Adults, $15; ages 12 and younger, $8. atlantahistorycenter.com

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. 404296-7771. Reservations required. Adults, $15; ages 9 and younger, $12. decaturghosttour.com

Halloween

Tours

Real Screams

Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze

l Fear The Woods Stockbridge Haunted house, terror transport and haunted trail, pandemic frontline haunted combat and more. Sept. 30-Oct. 31. Fri and Sat. 7 p.m.-midnight. Sun. 7-11 p.m. Halloween 7 p.m.-midnight. 3565 N. Hwy. 155, Stockbridge. 770-954-9356. Adults, $17 per activity or $30 combo; ages 10 and younger, $15 per activity or $25 combo. fearthewoods.com

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l Fright Fest Six Flags The amusement park transforms into a ghoulish place with ghosts and goblins, haunted attractions, pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating. Weekends through Oct. 30Oct. 31. Fri., 6 p.m.-midnight; Sat. noon-midnight; Sun., noon10 p.m. Halloween 6 p.m.midnight. 275 Riverside Pkwy., Austell. 770-948-9290. Adults $65.99; kids under 48 inches $45.99; 2 and younger, free; parking, $20. sixflags.com

l Netherworld

Haunted House

Norcross Walk-through a dark attraction filled with terrifying live actors, amazing special effects and monsters. Sept. 30-Oct. 31 and Nov. 4-5. Sun-Thurs. 7:30-10:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 7 p.m.midnight. 6624 Dawson Blvd, Norcross. 404-6082484. $23-$25 per person for the main haunt. See fearworld.com for other pricing.

Family Fun Guide

Six Flags

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 51

TOP 20 Halloween Picks Your boos and ghouls will be screaming with delight with our picks for best trick-or-treating, ghost tours and more ways to celebrate this spooky-fun holiday.

Playdate at the Estate l Halloween

Night on Callanwolde Mountain

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Oct. 28. 6-9 p.m. This 12-acre historic estate has a Halloween concert, trick-or-treating, food trucks and LEGOLAND building activities. 980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. 404-872-5338. In advance, $4; at the door, $5.

Music of the Night l The Phantoms of the Orchestra Atlanta Symphony Hall Oct. 30. 3 p.m. Join the Magic Circle Mime Company as they lead this family-friendly concert. Hear music from “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and Bach. Costumes encouraged. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $15-$20.

Party with the Animals l Boo at the Zoo Zoo Atlanta Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Wear your best Halloween costume and enjoy treats, characters and animals at the whimsical Zoo Boo Town. Enter costume contests; play in the inflatable corn maze and make Halloween crafts. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404624-5822. $25.99; ages 3-11, $17.99; 2 and younger, free.

Hangout with the Scarecrows l Scarecrows in the Garden Atlanta Botanical Garden Oct. 4-30. Tues., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. Scarecrows created by area schools, artists, designers, families and businesses will be perched throughout the garden. Walk around and admire, or enjoy fun games and crafts on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Visit with Mummies l Mummies and Milkshakes Michael C. Carlos Museum Oct. 29. 6-9:30 p.m. 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. Pre-register. 571 South Kilgo Cir. NE, Atlanta. 404-727-4282. $5; 5 and younger, free.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

52 Atlanta Parent October 2016

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Zoo Atlanta

We Love a Parade l Little

Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade Findley Plaza Oct. 15. noon-10 p.m. Live music, street entertainment, vendors, a costume contest and street parade. Parade 4-6 p.m. Intersection of Moreland and Euclid Ave., Atlanta. 404-762-5665. Free. l Haints

and Saints Halloween Parade

Decatur Oct. 30. 4 p.m. Floats, bands and classic cars as well as community groups and families in costume celebrating Halloween. Begins at the Decatur Post Office, 520 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Free.

Atlanta Symphony Hall

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Spooky Science Discoveries

Fun with Pumpkins

l Science Spooky Night Tellus Museum / Oct. 29. 6-9 p.m. Scavenger hunts through the galleries, decorate a flashlight, hands-on activities and more. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $20 per person; ages 2 and younger, free.

Where to Get Wet l Spook ‘N Splash Bethesda Park Aquatic Center Oct. 21. 5 p.m. Crafts, candy, costume contest and swimming. Children 6 and younger must have an adult in the water with them. Ages 11 and younger. Must preregister by Oct. 19. 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0880. $8 per child.

l Pumpkin Festival Stone Mountain Park Weekends through Oct. 30. Fri. and Sun., 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Attractions, fun-filled games, shows and more. Storytelling, dance-a-long parade and meet-andgreet with Spookley the pumpkin. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. Included with admission. $25.95 per person online; parking, $15. l Yule Forest Pumpkin Patch Oct. 1-31. Mon.-Fri., 4-7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Inflatables, talking chicken show, petting zoo, a rabbit pioneer village, paintball hayrides and more. 3565 Hwy. 155 N., Stockbridge. 770-954-9356. Adults, $8; ages 18 and younger, $8; upgrade of $3 includes fun zone and mini pumpkin. Free admission and hayride on Wed. for kids in costume. Additional fees $2-$5. Cont’d on page 54

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Family Fun Guide

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 53

TOP 20 Halloween Picks Halloween for Tots l Magic

Monday Historic Halloween

Atlanta History Center Oct. 10. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids come dressed in Halloween costumes for a parade and get to trick-or-treat through the museum exhibitions. Hear Halloween tales, make a spooky craft and enter costume contests. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $6.50; ages 5 and younger, $5.50. l Trick or Treat The Children’s Museum of Atlanta Oct. 22. 6:30-8:30 p.m. A night of fun, fall activities including crafts, prizes, games, Halloween movies and more. Come dressed in a costume. Ages 8 and younger. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-527-3693. Advanced ticket purchase required. $18.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Out-of-the-Ordinary Treats l Fernbank

Boo-Seum Trick-or-Treat

Fernbank Museum of Natural History Oct. 29. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Follow the screams of delight to a day of frighteningly fun activities including treats for kids in costume, games, music and more. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404929-6400. Included with admission. Adults $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free. l Train or Treat Southeastern Railway Museum Oct. 29. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Make special crafts, trick or treat around historic trains, participate in a costume contest and more. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. Adults, $10; ages 2-12, $7; younger than 2, free. l Trunk-O-Treat Panola Mountain State Park Oct. 29. 2-4 p.m. Kids can collect candy going car to car instead of door to door and play on the playground after the sugar rush kicks in. Contests for best costume and best trunk decoration. 2620 Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. $5 parking. Michael C. Carlos Museum

Dancing Werewolves! l Howl on the Green Duluth Town Green Oct. 28. 6-10 p.m. Kid’s crafts, trick-or-treating on Main Street, costume contest, haunted hay rides and live entertainment. Fire dancers and break dancing werewolves come on stage after dark. 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-476-3434. Free.

54 Atlanta Parent October 2016

Family Fun Guide

Happy Halloween Shows l Halloween Magic Show Aurora Children’s Playhouse Oct. 22. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Atlantan Arthur Atsma will amaze and amuse with a show filled with sleight-ofhand magic, audience interaction and comedy. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. Reservations recommended. $7. l The

Headless Horseman of Silly Hollow

Center for Puppetry Arts Oct. 25-Nov 6. Tues. - Fri. 10 and 11:30 a.m.; Sat. 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun. 1 and 3 p.m. Help school teacher Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman find a new head and a spookier image. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $20.50 per person.

Ghostly Encounters l A Tour of Southern Ghosts Stone Mountain Park, Antebellum Plantation. Oct. 14-16, 20-23, 27-30. 7-9 p.m., new tour every 10 min. Each night offers a different cast of six storytellers and ghostly fun for the family. Performed by Art Station. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-469-1105. Adults, $17; ages 12 and younger, $8. Parking, $15. – Teresa Farkas

atlantaparent.com

Walk with ghosts, take a hayride, see a scarecrow, watch a magic show, get lost in a corn maze or pick out a great pumpkin. Follow our guide to fall fun.

HaLLoWeeNHaPPeNiNGS Special Events 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 campfire. Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29. 7 p.m. Ticket sales begin at 6:30 p.m. each night. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Oct. 21 and 22: $9 per person, 2 and younger, free; Oct. 28 and 29: $10 per person, 2 and younger, free. 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. 23. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free. Walker Stalker Con. Georgia World Congress Center. Zombie, horror and sci-fi fan convention. Oct. 28-30. Fri., 3-8 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta. walkerstalkercon.com/atlanta. Adults, $35-55; ages 10 and younger, free. Halloween Spooktacular. Keswick Park. Costume contest, a spooky haunted house, hayrides, games, a cupcake walk and more. Oct. 29. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 3496 Keswick Dr., Chamblee. 770-986-5016. Free. Halloween Hayride & Family Festival. Cochran Mill Nature Center. Hayride, photos with live animals and haunted house. Crafts and activities, haunted house and costume contest at 6:45 p.m. Sweets and treats for purchase. Oct. 22. 5-9 p.m. 6300 Cochran Mill Rd., Palmetto. 770-306-0914. $7; ages 2 and younger, free.

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Run Like Hell 5K and 1K Run Like Heck Races. Historic Oakland Cemetery. Runners of all ages race through the cemetery and Grant Park then enter the costume contest. Oct. 15. 5K, 9 a.m.; 1K 10:15 a.m. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. Pre-register at active.com. 5K, $35; 1K, $15. BooFest Halloween Celebration. Thrasher Park. Costume parade, costume contest and live performances. Oct. 29. 3-6 p.m. 93 Park Dr., Norcross. 678-421-2010. Free. Halloween Spooktacular. American Girl Boutique and Bistro. Girls who visit in costume will receive a treat and an extra surprise. Plus, take part in a pumpkin craft and photo op. Every attendee can also enter for a chance to win a doll and more. Ages 3 and older. Oct. 29 and 31. Noon-4 p.m. 877247-5223. 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. Free. FEARopolis. Funopolis Family Fun Center. A haunted house with alien laser tag, hayrides, a corn maze and more. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 31. 7-11 p.m.; see funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com for schedule. 40155 Hwy. 441 S, Commerce. 706-335-3866. Haunted house, $13. Additional activities extra.

Boo Bash and Trick-or-Treating. Town Center at Cobb. Enjoy trick-or-treating, a bounce house, crafts, games and more. Oct. 22. 6-8 p.m. 400 Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-424-9486. Free. Brick-or-Treat. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta. MINILAND scavenger hunts, a LEGO pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating and more. Costume contests Oct. 29 and 30. Every Sat. and Sun. through Oct. 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-848-9252. Tickets starting at $12.50. Trek or Treat. Suwanee Creek Park. Trick-ortreat along the park’s greenway and participate in fall festival activities. Oct. 29. 11 a.m..1170 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 770-945-8996. Free. 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. 678-482-8788. Free.

Trick-or-Treating

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. 30 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Oct. 31 6-8 p.m. 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Ages 12 and younger in costume will receive free general admission with each paid adult admission. Adults, $38.95.

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. 29. 3:30-4 p.m.; costume contest 4-5 p.m. Main St., Fayetteville. 770-719-4173. Free.

Trick or Treat on the Square. McDonough Square. Trick or treat around downtown. Oct. 28. 3-5 p.m. 5 Griffin St., McDonough. 678-7826230. Free. Cont’d on page 56

Family Fun Guide

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 55

HaLLoWeeNHaPPeNiNGS 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. Mall-Wide Trick-or-Treat. Northlake Mall. Visit from store to store in the mall and collect Halloween treats. Oct. 31. 6-8 p.m. 4800 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. 770-938-3565. Free.

Scarecrows Galore Scarecrow Harvest. Historic Downtown Alpharetta. More than 100 scarecrows decorated by elementary school children, a farmers market, awards, music, hayrides, face painting, storytelling and inflatables. Oct. 1. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 2 South Main St., Alpharetta. 678-297-6078. Free. Scarecrow Trail and Pumpkin Fest. North Georgia Zoo. The zoo is transformed with decorations and rows of scarecrows set up throughout wooded paths. Pumpkin patches, hay bale mazes to explore, as well as a full petting zoo. Every weekend in Oct. Fri. 11-4 p.m. Sat. and Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2912 Paradise Valley Rd., Cleveland. 706-348-7279. Adults, $8; ages 2-11, $6; younger than 1, free. Scarecrows on the Square. Marietta Square. The public, city and county schools and school organizations show their group, business or school’s creativity and personality by making scarecrows each fall. Will be on display during the 40th annual HarvestFest Oct. 15. 50 N Park Sq., Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free to admire.

Fun with Ghosts Halloween Hayrides. Red Top Mountain State Park. Take a “spooktacular” hayride through the old ghost town of Lake Allatoona and listen closely as storytellers bring ghosts and goblins to life around a campfire. Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29. 7-9 p.m. Reservations required. 50 Lodge Rd. SE, Acworth. 770-975-0555. $10 per person; parking, $5. Decatur Ghost Tours. Decatur. Come meet some of Decatur’s ghosts on this historical, paranormal walking tour of downtown Decatur. Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m. 101 East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-296-7771. Reservations required. Adults, $15; ages 10 and younger, $12. Roswell Georgia Paranormal Investigations. Roswell. Take a walking ghost tour led by paranormal investigators. Every Fri., Sat. and Sun. 8 p.m. 617 Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-6499922. Adults, $15; ages 12 and younger, $10. 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. through Oct., 8:30 p.m. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. Adults $12; ages 16 and younger, $9. Ghosts of Marietta. Marietta. A 90-minute lantern led walk through historic Marietta. Fri.-Sun. 8:30 p.m. 131 Church St., Marietta. 770-425-1006. Adults, $17; ages 12 and younger, $12.

56 Atlanta Parent October 2016

The Sleepy Hollow Experience at Serenbe Playhouse

Grimm. Elm Street Event Green. Go on a spooky tour walking through downtown. The tour will focus on The Brothers Grimm tales coming to life in an unexpected way. For PG audiences. Oct. 21-23 and 30-31 8 p.m. Oct. 28-29. 8 and 10 p.m. 111 Elm St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. $12 in advance; $15 at the door.. Spooktacular Night. Smith Plantation. Spooky tour of the house and grounds at night, ghost stories and treats. Kids encouraged to wear costumes for prizes. Oct. 29. 6-9 p.m. 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell. 770-641-3978. $5 per person; 5 and younger, free. Paranormal Panola. Panola Mountain State Park. A spooky 2-mile hike through Panola Mountain’s restricted Conservation Area. S’mores provided. Oct. 29. 5:30-8:30 p.m. 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. $20; $5 parking. Fox Theatre Ghost Tours. Fox Theatre. Guests will walk the haunted halls of the Fox to learn about ghastly sightings or unexplained bumps in the night. Not recommended for children 10 and younger. Oct. 9 and 30: 5-8 p.m., Oct. 11, 12 and 14: 6:30-9:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 855-285-8499. $30 per person. Haunted Halloween. Atlanta History Center. Walk through foggy gardens and haunted historic houses and enjoy some fun ghostly encounters. Oct. 21. 6:30-9:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50, ages 12 and younger, $11. Scary-etta Ghost Tour. Marietta Trolley Co. Hop aboard the trolley for a 90-minute, full-narrated ride to learn about the history of resident ghosts. Includes a brief period of walking, about two blocks. Reservations required. 131 Church St., Marietta. 770-425-1006. Adults, $27; 12 and younger, $14.

Haunted Fun for Older Kids Fear The Woods. Stockbridge. Haunted house, terror transport and haunted trail, pandemic frontline haunted combat and more. Oct. 1-31. Fri and Sat. 7 p.m.-midnight. Sun. 7-11 p.m. Halloween 7 p.m.-midnight. 3565 N Hwy. 155, Stockbridge. 770-954-9356. Adults, $17 per activity or $30 combo; ages 10 and younger, $15 per activity or $25 combo.

Family Fun Guide

Fright Fest. Six Flags. The amusement park transforms into a ghoulish place with ghosts and goblins, haunted attractions, pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating. Weekends through Oct. 30. Fri., 6 p.m.-midnight; Sat. noon-midnight; Sun., noon-10 p.m. Halloween 6 p.m.-midnight. 275 Riverside Pkwy., Austell. 770-948-9290. Adults $65.99; kids under 48 inches $45.99; 2 and younger, free; parking, $20. Netherworld Haunted House. Norcross. Walkthrough dark attraction filled with terrifying live actors, amazing special effects and monsters. Oct. 1-31; Nov. 4 and 5. Sun.-Thurs. 7:3010:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 7 p.m.-midnight. 6624 Dawson Blvd., Norcross. 404-608-2484. $23-25 per person for the main haunt. See fearworld. com for other pricing. 13 Stories Haunted House. Newnan. Take a tour through five different attractions: 13 Stories Haunted House, Vertigo, Horror Hill Zombie Alley, Clown Haus 3D and 13 Xtreme. Not recommended for small children and pregnant women. Through Nov. 5. 320 Temple Ave., Newnan. 770-251-9911. $17 for four hunts and $32 for all five. Nightmare’s Gate Haunted House. Douglasville. Chilling actors and special effects throughout the haunted hospital. Not recommended for small children and pregnant women. Oct. 1-31: Fri. and Sat. 8-midnight. Thurs., Sun. and Oct 31: 8-11 p.m. 4179 Vansant Rd., Douglasville. 404-2752757. $20 per person. The Dark Rows. Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze. When the sun goes down and the maze is lit 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. 4520 Highway 53 E, Dawsonville. 1-888-6748257. Haunted Maze and regular maze, $18.

Monster Mashes & Bashes Mummy and Son Ball. George Pierce Park Community Rec. Center. Dance with mom, enjoy refreshments and wear your costume. Ages 4 and older. Oct. 21. 7 p.m. 55 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 678-277-0910. Pre-register by Oct. 14. $11 per person.

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Spooktacular Skate Party. Pinckneyville Park Community Rec. Center. Do the monster mash with the DJ, make a craft, play games, participate in the costume contest and bring your skates. Oct. 29. 6-9 p.m. 4758 South Old Peachtree Road, Norcross. 678-277-0920. $5. 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. All ages. Oct. 28. 7-9 p.m. 10495 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. Pre-register. 770-817-6670. $12 for Roswell residents; $18 for non-residents. ‘Dad’cula-Daughter Halloween Dance. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center. Fathers, uncles, grandfathers, or anyone with a special girl are invited to dress in your best costume and boogie to your favorite spooky tunes. Photos and light refreshments provided. Oct. 28. 7 p.m. Pre-register by Oct. 24. 100 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0890. $8 per person. Mother-Son Halloween Dance. Gainesville Civic Center Ballroom. Dance all night in your Halloween costume, enjoy a catered dinner and raffle prizes. Oct. 27. 6-8:30 p.m. Pre-register before 5 p.m. on Oct. 24. 830 Green St. NE, Gainesville. 770-535-6865. $60 per couple; $21 each additional child.

Halloween Theater, Movies and Music Spooky Film Festival series. Atlantic Station. A four-part series of spooky films in Central Park. Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Movies begin at dusk. 18th St. NW, Atlanta. 404-733-1221. Free. Fall-O-Ween Fest & Outdoor Movie. SwiftCantrell Park. Come dressed in your best Halloween digs and see a family-friendly movie. Trick-or-treating, carnival games and a monster mash dance party. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Oct. 15. Activities 5-9 p.m. Movie begins at dusk. 3140 Old 41 Hwy., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free. The Sleepy Hollow Experience. Serenbe Playhouse. This classic spooky and spinechilling story comes to life each year. Through Nov. 6. Wed.-Sun., 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. late show 10:30 p.m. 9065 Selborne Ln., Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110. Adults, $2030; lap sitters, free.

Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches Yahoo Farm. Jasper. Wander through the corn maze. Shoot the corn cannon, try fossil digging, take a hayride and visit the butterfly garden. Then choose your pumpkin. Through Oct. 31. Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 4729 Waleska Hwy. 108, Jasper. 770735-3638. Activities range from $3-$9. Carlton Farms. Rockmart. Choose a pumpkin, play on the hay jump, shoot the corn cannon, explore the corn maze and see animals. Through Nov. 5. Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. noon- 8 p.m. 1276 Cartersville Hwy., Rockmart. 770-684-3789. Attractions, $12, corn maze, hayride, animal barn and play area. $7/ person for corn maze only. Pumpkin patch, free. Cont’d on page 58

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Family Fun Guide

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 57

HaLLoWeeNHaPPeNiNGS Buford Corn Maze. Buford. Corn maze, hayride, popcorn jumping pillow, Haunted Forest, corn box, old time farm demonstrations. Through-Nov. 13. Oct: Mon. and Wed. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.10 a.m.-10 p.m. 4470 Bennett Rd., Buford. 678-835-7198. Corn maze and hayride or Haunted Forest and hayride: $15/person; combo corn maze/ Haunted Forest, $24/person.

Colonel Cob’s Corn Maze. Oxford. Admission to corn maze includes a petting zoo, giant mountain slide, inflatable cow jumper and pumpkin patch. Through-Nov. 6. Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. 797 Macedonia Church Rd., Oxford. 770-855-1530. Corn maze and attractions, $10; Corn maze and hayride, $12; Corn maze, hayride and bonfire, $14; ages 2 and younger, free.

Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze. Dawsonville. A 12-acre maze, pumpkin patch, goat walk attraction, hayride and bonfire. Through Nov. 20. Fri., 4-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 4520 Highway 53 E, Dawsonville. 1-888-674-8257. Maze, $11; combo hayride/ maze, $14.

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. Sept. 25-Nov. 6. Fri. and Sun. 1-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3781 E. Happy Valley Cir., Newnan. 770-2538100. $16/person; ages 2 and younger, free.

Burt’s Farm. Dawsonville. Thousands of pumpkins to choose from or take a hayride pulled by a tractor. Pumpkin patch: Oct. 1-Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Hayride: Oct. daily 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Nov. 1-10, Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 5 Burt’s Farm Rd., Dawsonville. 706-265-3701. Free; hayrides $5; ages 2-12, $4; 1 and younger, free. Jaemor Farms. Alto. Experience a quest through 8 acres of corn; features a pumpkin train, hayrides, apple cannons, duck races, farm slide and more. Through-Nov. 6. Oct.: Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 1-7 p.m. 5340 Cornelia Hwy., Alto. 770-869-3999. Cornmaze: ages 3-12, $9; ages 13 and older, $10; 2 and younger, free; “value access pass” includes maze, hayride plus other attractions, $14. Ages 2 and younger, free with paying adult.

Washington Farms. Bogart. Eight and a half 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 Oct. 30. Fri. 4 p.m.-dark, Sat. 10 a.m.-dark, Sun. 1-6 p.m. 5691 Hog Mountain Rd., Bogart. 706769-0627. Ages 5 and older, $14/person for farm fun and corn maze; Ages 2-4, $10/person for farm activities and corn maze; 2 and younger, free. Southern Belle Farms. McDonough. Four acres of corn maze, pumpkin picking and other outdoor attractions like pig races, cow train and more. Through-Nov. 6. Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 1-6 p.m. Fridays in Oct. 4-9 p.m. 1658 Turner Church Rd., McDonough. 770-288-2582. Adults, $14; ages 2 and younger, free.

Pettit Creek Farm. Cartersville. Corn maze, hayride and exotic petting zoo included in admission. Concessions, inflatables, pony and camel rides are extra. Through Nov. 1. Mon.-Fri. after 2 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-386-8688. Adults, $15; kids, $12; 2 and younger, free. Corn Dawgs Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Loganville. Two mazes, a pumpkin patch, weekend entertainment, a petting zoo and other attractions. Through Nov. 6. Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Maze entrance closes one hour before closing time. 955 Leone Ave., Loganville. 770-786-9000. Ages 3 and older, $12; 2 and younger, free; tokens for extras, $1/each.

Pumpkin Patch Only Berry Patch Farms. Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch; enjoy apple cider, fried pie, boiled peanuts and the petting zoo. Oct. 1-2 sneak peek without full activities. Oct. 3-31: Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 3:30-7 p.m. 786 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock. 770-926-0561. Admission, free; weekend parking, $3. Kinsey Family Farm. Hayrides, petting barn, fish feeding and pumpkins. 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. Pumpkin Fest. Pettit Creek Farms. Hayride, a corn maze, petting zoo and inflatables. Pick a pumpkin. Through Oct. 31. Closed Mon. Tues.Fri. 2-6 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-386-8688. Adults, $15; ages 3-18, $12; 2 and younger, free.

Come in costume October 29 for costume contests, hay rides, & trick-or-treating in trains!

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Family Fun Guide

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Beyond Atlanta 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. Weekends in Oct. 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, $56; ages 2-12, $32; younger than 2, free. Poppell Farms. Odum. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a play area and petting farm. 10-acre corn maze, a “Haunted Woods” area and a jumping pillow. Oct. 1-30. Open every weekend. 1765 Hyma Poppell Loop, Odum. 912-586-2215. Days: farm activities, $8; corn maze, $8; combo, $13. Nights: farm activities, $5; corn maze, $5; trail, $10; combo, $15. 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. Weekends through Oct. 31. Line begins at 8 p.m.; closer to Halloween arrive after 10:30 p.m. for shorter lines. 1720 S. Scenic Hwy., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-800-0566. Tickets, $20-30. Enchanted MAiZE. Blowing Springs Farm. Find your way through this year’s maze or hop in the cow train, hay ride or pedal cars. Sept. 30-Oct. 30. Fri., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd., Flintstone. 706820-2531. Adults, $10; ages 3 and younger, free. Admission includes four activity tokens, each activity requires one token. Fall Hoedown. Vogel State Park. Celebrate fall with chili, a cakewalk, hayrides, bonfire, line dancing, trick or treats and professional storytelling. Oct. 15. noon-7 p.m. Details at gastateparks.org. 405 Vogel State Park Rd., Blairsville. 706-745-2628. Admission, free; hayride for ages 13 and older, $3; Parking, $5. Not So Spooky Halloween Fest. The Rock Ranch. Try pumpkin carving and painting, enter a costume contest and watch live shows. Families can trick-or-treat all over the Ranch, and then try the corn maze after dark with no lights. Oct. 29. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Also check out the Fall Family Fun Days Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374. $16.50; ages 2 and younger, free. 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 Oct. 31, 7:30-11:30 p.m. U.S. Hwy. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock, NC. 877-893-3874. $36; younger than 2, free. AquaScarium IX. Tennessee Aquarium. Come in costume with your treat bag and see the tricks of the costumed divers. Dance with Aquarium Mascots at the Monster Mash Dance Party. Oct. 28. 4-8:30 p.m. Pre-register before Oct. 28. 1 Broad St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 800-262-0695. Adults, $40; ages 3-12, $30; 2 and younger, free. Halloween Eerie Express. The Tennessee Valley Railroad. A 90-minute ride featuring an evening of storytelling, petting zoo, indoor blacklight mini golf, coloring contests and a walk through the Fun House. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes, and prizes will be given for the best boys and girls costume. Fri. and Sat. in Oct. 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; additional trip Sat. 3:30 p.m. 4119 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga. 423-894-8028. $22 each; ages 2 and younger, free. c

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Family Fun Guide

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 59

Calendar

October

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

Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline.

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

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SUNDAY IN THE PARK

classes

Historic Oakland Cemetery OCT. 2. NOON-6 P.M.

Drop-In Art Classes. Treehouse Kid & Craft. Enjoy weekly activities including painting, drawing and sculpting inspired by the seasons, holidays, nature, artists, or community happenings. Every Sat. 10 a.m. (ages 2-4) and 11 a.m. (ages 5-10). 533 W. Howard Ave., Ste. A, Decatur. 470-3558305. $12.

Explore the cemetery with living history demonstrations, guided walking tours, a Victorian costume contest, live music and dance performances, children’s area, food trucks and more. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. Adults, $7; 4-12, $3; 3 and younger, free. oaklandcemetery.com

Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Different activities each week. Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27. 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. Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to compliment the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4. Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404733-4400. Free with admission. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free. Home Depot Kids Workshop. All locations. Learn tool safety and make a craft. Oct. 1. 9 a.m.-noon. Homedepot.com. Ages 5-12. Free. Little Acorns. Avalon’s Plaza. Every week offers new experiences including storytellers, magicians, face painters or arts and crafts. Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25. 10 a.m.-noon. 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000. Free. Mice Tours. Marietta Museum of History. Mascots Murray and Etta mouse introduce history through tours, storytime and crafts geared for ages 3-5. Oct. 12. 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 2-4. Oct. 13. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Check-in before 10:20 a.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-495-0253. $10 per child, one adult free, additional adult, $12. Build and Grow Clinics. Lowe’s. Clinics teach kids to build wooden crafts. Free apron, goggles and merit patch. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for times and locations. 800-445-6937. Pre-register. Free. Crafts at Lakeshore Learning. Lakeshore Learning. Make a different craft each week. Every Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-578-3100. Free. Drop-In and Draw. Gas-Art Gifts at North DeKalb Mall. Make a different project each week. Anytime between noon-3 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy., Decatur. 404-801-4926. $5. INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Enjoy different themed crafts each week. Check inkfun.org for schedule and times. $1 with museum admission. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 1-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770536-1900. Mon.-Sat., $8; Sun., $6.

60 Atlanta Parent October 2016

Turtle Tours. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Museum mascots Sandy the chipmunk and Spring the turtle introduce history through stories, hands-on exhibits and crafts. Second Wed. of each month. 11 a.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Recommended for ages 2-5. Free. Donations encouraged. Saturday Morning Art Classes. Vinings School of Art. Drawing, painting or pottery classes. Supplies included. Ages 2-12. Every Sat. 10 and 11 a.m. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678-213-4278. Pre-register. $15, siblings $12. Indoor Basic Archery. Panola Mountain State Park. Release your inner Katniss while learning archery basics. All equipment provided. Ages 9 and older. Oct. 1, 2, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. 10 a.m.-noon. Pre-register. 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. $15; parking, $5. Toddler Time. Georgia Aquarium. Meet and learn about a marine animal, enjoy a costumed character appearance, story time, craft activities and a small snack. Oct. 10. 10-11:30 a.m. Reservations required. Ages 0-3. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. $8/person+museum admission. Adults, $39.95; ages 3-12, $33.95; ages 2 and younger, free. American Girl Club-Mary Ellen’s Sock Hop. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Bring your favorite doll and travel through time with the characters of the American Girl series. Includes an activity, craft and snack. Oct. 27, 4-5:30 p.m. and Oct 29, 10:30-noon. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Pre-register. For ages 5-12. $10.

Family Fun Guide

Lego Club. Adams Park Branch Library. Different building theme every month, and Lego creations will be displayed in the library. Oct. 19. 3:30 p.m. 2231 Campbellton Rd., SW, Atlanta. 404-752-8763. Free.

exhibits Ocean Bound. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Hands-on exhibit that takes visitors on a journey through watersheds to see how our actions on land affect our oceans. Through Jan. 4. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-9043500. $13; ages 3-12, $10; 2 and younger, free. TINKERTOY: Build Your Imagination. Tellus Science Museum. Design TINKERTOY structures, experiment with renewable energy and create your own inventions. Through Jan. 2. Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free. Fashion in Good Taste: Women in Atlanta from 1920-1969. Swan House. Showcases pieces from the collection of the Atlanta History Center and features examples of the fashion and defining clothing from the 1920s to the 1960s. Through Oct. 10. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Included in museum admission. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; ages 3 and younger, free.

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Calendar Chihuly in the Garden. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Internationally acclaimed artist, Dale Chihuly, returns to the Garden for an encore exhibition of his spectacular art. Through Oct. 30. Tues., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

THE BILLY GOATS GRUFF The Church of the Atonement OCT. 1. 1 P.M. The Capitol City Opera performs an adaptation of the classic fairytale for kids, and adds a strong anti-bullying message to promote the power of kindness. 4945 High Point Rd., Sandy Springs. 678-522-4338. $10 per person. ccityopera.org

Tiovivo: Whimsical Sculptures by Jaime Hayon. High Museum of Art. Features four wooden sculptures specifically sized for children in the familiar shapes of animals or objects, which inspire playful interaction. Through Nov. 27. Tues.Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free. Atlanta in 50 Objects. Atlanta History Center. Parents can show the kids the past with objects from Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1964 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech manuscript to Georgia Tech’s Ramblin’ Wreck, and see a collection that showcases 50 city-defining pieces that make Atlanta “Atlanta.” Through Dec. 31. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun., noon-5:30 p.m. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; ages 3 and younger, free.

Where Children Sleep. David J. Sencer CDC Museum. Photographer James Mollison’s photography series, “Where Children Sleep,” captures personal portraits of children from around the world, alongside images of where they sleep each night. Through October 25. 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta. 404-639-0830. Free.

I See a Story: The Art of Eric Carle. High Museum of Art. Features more than 80 collages from 16 of Carle’s most popular books that span his 50-year career, including many original works rarely on view. Through Jan. 8. Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404733-4400. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

Where the Wild Things Are. The Breman Musuem. The exhibition features drawings, artifacts and biographical information as well as fun, interactive activities all featuring your child’s favorite storybook characters. Sun.-Thurs. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sat. 1440 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 678-222-3724. Adults, $12; ages 3-6, $4; younger than 3, free.

Mach Speed: MiG-21 Jet Cockpit. Tellus Science Museum. Get a peek inside the cockpit of a MiG-21 and imagine what it was like to fly the jet fighter at supersonic speeds. See a Soviet flight suit and an interactive control panel. Through March 26. Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free. Magic Tree House. Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Based on the popular children’s books, hop inside Jack and Annie’s magical tree house and explore American history through a timetraveling adventure. Through Jan 16. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-6595437. $14.95; younger than 1, free.

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Calendar The World’s Largest Dinosaurs. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Meet the greatest, most massive dinosaurs ever discovered as they would have looked hundreds of millions of years ago. Touch fossils, dinosaur teeth and greet a 60-ft. Mamenchisaurus. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmusuem.org. Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta. Atlanta History Center. Features Atlanta’s stories from the past, present and future through artifacts, ephemera, interactive media, recording booths, immersive experiences and more. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun., noon-5:30 p.m. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; ages 3 and younger, free.

SCOTS AND VIKINGS GALORE

Highland Games and Scottish Festival Stone Mountain Park OCT. 14-16. 9 A.M.-5 P.M. Featuring musical entertainment, children’s events and more all to honor Scottish heritage. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-521-0228. Sat.: Adults, $20; ages 4-12, $6; Sun.: Adults, $19; ages 4-12, $6; ages 3 and younger, free. Parking, $15. stonemountainpark.com

Pirate Adventure Island. LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Families can explore hands-on sensory activities with treasure island themes to build sand castles, treasure maps and giant pirate ships in an aquatic building area. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-848-9252. $20; ages 2 and younger, free.

Viking Encampment Barrington Hall OCT. 8-9. 10 A.M.-5 P.M.

The Future of Food. Museum of Design Atlanta. Discover the process of feeding and how the farm of the future might operate. Oct. 16-Jan 17. Tues., Wed., Fri. and Sun. noon- 6 p.m., Thurs. noon-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1315 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-979-6455. Adults, $10; ages 6-17, $5; 5 and younger, free.

movies Dinosaurs Alive! Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Features the earliest dinosaurs of the Triassic Period to the monsters of the Cretaceous “reincarnated” into life-sized images. Through Dec. 15. See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; ages 2 and younger, free. Flicks on the Bricks. Duluth Town Green. Grab a bite from the surrounding food trucks then enjoy a movie under the stars. Oct. 7, “The Jungle Book”; Oct. 21, “Hocus Pocus.” Movies start at dusk by the fountain. 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-476-3434. Free.

music Wednesday WindDown. Centennial Olympic Park Amphitheater. Atlanta’s longest-running outdoor free concert series offers jazz and contemporary music performed by local and national touring acts. Bring blankets or chairs. Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26. 5:30 p.m. 265 Park Ave. West NW, Atlanta. 404-222-7275. Tickets, $5. Riverside Sounds. Riverside Park. Outdoor concerts feature a variety of musical styles; food trucks are on site. Bring blankets or chairs. Oct. 1. 7-9 p.m. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3705. Free. First Friday Concert. Norcross Community Center. Different concert first Friday of the month. Oct. 7. 7-9 p.m. 10 College Street NW, Norcross. Call 678-421-2048 for reservations, seating is limited. Free.

62 Atlanta Parent October 2016

Demonstrations of early Viking life, encampments and more. Children’s area and concessions for purchase. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. 770-640-3855. Free. roswellgov.com

Music for the Very Young: Meet the Woodwinds. Woodruff Arts Center. Your family will learn about the Woodwind, Brass, String and Percussion families during this series performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Oct. 1: 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Oct. 2: 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. 404-733-5038. Adult, $15; ages 6-17, $8; ages 3-5, free.

nature

Harvest on the Hooch. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Farm-to-table feast, games and bluegrass music. Also meet visiting alpacas and other farm animals. Oct. 16. 1 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $45; ages 11-18, $15; ages 10 and younger, free. Toddler Trek / Forest Friends. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Experience nature while learning the names of local animals and plants and singing songs. Oct. 4, 18. 18-36 months, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 4 and 5, 12:301:30 p.m. Pre-register. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. $10.

Stroller / Adventure Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Play and learn about different animals each week. Babies-2 years, Oct. 22, 26 and 29. Ages 3-4, Oct. 5 and 8. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-5822. Reservations required. $12 per person includes zoo admission.

Garden Playtime. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Fun with hands-on learning and sensory stations. Ages 6 mo.-4 yrs. Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

River Canoe Trip. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Experience a two and a half hour paddle down the ‘Hooch with experienced river guides. Discover plants and animals that call the river home. Advance registration required. Sat. and Sun. in Oct. 4:30-7:30 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Ages 6 and older, $30.

Garden Grooves. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Dance, join in for a sing-a-long and play with instruments and scarves. Ages 2-5. Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27. 10:30 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, 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. Every Tues. and Sat. in Oct. 4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.

Geology Hike. Sweetwater Creek State Park. Geologist leads a moderate 2-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. Also visit the ruins of a Civil War era mill alongside the rapids of Sweetwater Creek. Oct. 1. 1-3 p.m. 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871. $6; $5 parking.

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

Moonlight Mountain Hike. Panola Mountain State Park. Hike up Panola Mountain to enjoy the sunset over Atlanta then stop by a lakeside campfire to enjoy s’mores. Bring bug spray, hiking boots and water. Ages 10 and older. Oct. 15. 5:30-7:30- p.m. 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-3897801. Pre-register. $15; parking $5.

Family Fun Guide

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Calendar Frog Feeding. Atlanta Botanical Garden. The frogs jump into action and stick out their tongues when presented with their meal, watch the conservation team feed the rare and endangered amphibians. Included with admission. Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. 11 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free. Little Diggers. Heritage Sandy Springs. Gardening series to learn about the world of horticulture. Create a craft inspired by nature. Oct. 8. 10-11 a.m. Ages 6-10. 6100 Lake Forrest Dr., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Free. 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. Oct. 7 and 21. 8-9 p.m. 5343 Roberts Dr. Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Free. Intro to Tree Climbing. Panola Mountain State Park. A course on rope tree climbing for ages 8 and older. Oct. 8, 9, 15 and 16. 1-5 p.m. Pre-register. 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. $15; $5 parking.

DAY OF THE DEAD Atlanta History Center OCT. 30. 12-5 P.M. A celebration of the Mexican festival known as “El Dia de los Muertos” with storytelling, crafts, elaborate altars, authentic Mexican food, music and entertainment. 404-8144000. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. Adults, $16.50, ages 12 and younger, $11. atlantahistorycenter.com

Creatures of the Night Festival. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Experience nocturnal animals and their adaptations at night in the woods of the center. Oct. 14. 5-10 p.m. Pre-register. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. $8.

Woofstock. Symrna Village Green. Dogs that dive and perform tricks, pets for adoption, kids play area, food trucks and more. Oct. 1. Noon. 2840 Atlanta Rd., Smyrna. 678-631-5393. Free.

Leif Erikson Day. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. A living history festival to explore the customs and legacy of the Vikings and Scottish Highlanders complete with competitions and crafts. Oct. 10. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pre-register. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. Program fee $8; 2 and younger, free. gwinnettehc.org

Peach State Chili Cookoff. Suwanee Town Center. 50 chili cooks serve their best recipe for you to taste. Live music, children’s area with a family entertainer, face painting and more. Oct. 1. noon-5 p.m. 30 Town Center Ave., Suwanee. 770945-8996. Free; wristbands for sampling chili, $10.

Eco Quest. Dunwoody Nature Center. Learn more about the habitats, animals and plants in the park. Oct. 22. 1-2:30 p.m. 5343 Roberts Dr. Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Adults, free; 4-12, $10; 3 and younger, free. Eco Explorers. Dunwoody Nature Center. Naturebased theme, craft, activity stations, circle time and hike. Ages 2-5. Oct. 8. 10-11:30 a.m. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Adults, free; 2-5, $10.

special events Fridays -N- Duluth. Downtown Duluth. Activities include movies, musicians and children’s activities each Friday night. Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28. 6-9 p.m. Food for purchase or bring a picnic. 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-476-3434. Free. Family Fun. Woodruff Arts Center. Explore, play, learn and create art in an interactive, family-friendly environment with free activities. Every Sun., 1-4 p.m. Oct. 2, 9, 16, 25 and 30. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4200. Free. Student Pop-Up Show. High Museum of Art. Preschool through 12th grade artists showcase their best artwork on the walls of the museum. Oct. 1-23. Bring one work of art to the Greene Family Education Center on Oct. 1 between 10 a.m. and noon. Free Museum admission for you and your family on both October 1 and Oct. 23. 423-894-8028. Madison Ave. Soap Box Derby. Watch 100 soapbox drivers compete and race down the road. Food vendors, a bake sale and live music. Oct. 1. 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Races from 1 to 3:15 p.m. Madison Ave. and Johnston Place, Decatur. madisonavesoapboxderby.org. Free.

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Maker Faire Atlanta. Decatur Square. Celebrate arts, crafts, engineering, science projects and the Do-It-Yourself mindset. Meet tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, engineers, science clubs and more. Oct. 1 and 2. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. noon-5 p.m. 125 W. Trinity Place, Decatur. atlanta.makerfaire.com. Free. Princess and Me Father-Daughter Dance. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Dancing, dessert and punch in the ballroom. Dads and daughters will make a craft together to take home. Keepsake photo is included and daughters will be receive a flower and a princess crown. Oct. 7. 6 p.m. Ages 4-11. Pre-register by Oct. 3. 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770822-5450. $15 per person. Fall Farm Day. Smith Plantation. Living history exhibits and activities such as spinning, weaving and open hearth cooking. Children’s activities include period games, farm animals, petting zoo, wagon rides, crafts, farm chores and $5 gold and gem panning. Oct. 8. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 935 Alpharetta Hwy., Roswell. 770640-3253. Free. Out of this World Day. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Join the mission to discover space, astronomy and how scientists learn about our universe through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Oct. 8. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

American Girl and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Center. American Girl Melody Ellison lifts her voice for the civil rights movement in 1964. Includes round-trip transportation to the MLK Center; a discussion of Melody’s first book, “No Ordinary Sound”, a craft, a fun ’60s-style hairdo for her doll, goody bag and a meal in the Bistro. Oct. 9. 8:30 a.m. Ages 8 and older. 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Reservations required. $50. Brookhaven Chili Cookoff. Brookhaven Park. Taste chili concoctions from local restaurants and competition teams. Live music, Kid Zone with inflates and corn hole. Oct. 8. 12:30-6 p.m. 2660 Osborne Rd., Brookhaven. 404-456-4655. $10-20 with unlimited chili; 12 and younger, free. International Day of the Girl. The Center for Civil and Human Rights. Girls and their mentors, parents, friends and special guests are invited to spend the afternoon to celebrate girls and the experiences of girls across the globe. Oct. 10. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta. 404-844-4696. Register before Oct. 8, free; at the door: Adults, $12; ages 4-12, $5. Atlanta Streets Alive. Peachtree St. A chance to skate, bike shop or eat on the streets that you normally drive down. Bicycle parade, community booths and table displays. Oct. 23. 2-6 p.m. Peachtree St. from Edgewood to 17th St. atlantastreetsalive.com. Free. Boxerstock. Jim Miller Park. Live music, food trucks, silent auction. Kids’ Village with inflatables, family vendors and face painting all to benefit animals in need. Oct. 23. noon-6 p.m. 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. boxerstock.org. Free.

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. 5. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free. Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories. Thurs. nights kids can come in pjs for milk and cookies. Tues. 11 a.m., Thurs. 7 p.m., and Sun. 3 p.m. 133 A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.

October 2016 Atlanta Parent 63

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Robins Air Force Base OCT. 1-2. GATES OPEN 9 A.M.; PERFORMANCES BEGIN 11 A.M. See the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds soar over your head, and enjoy other aircraft demonstrations. 215 Page Rd., Warner Robins. 478-922-5100. Free. www.robins.af.mil/Airshow

Wings Over North Georgia Russell Regional Airport OCT. 29-30. SAT. 9 A.M.-9 P.M. AND SUN. 9 A.M.-5:30 A.M. ARRIVE EARLY FOR PARKING. See aerobatic pilots, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, helicopters, parachute teams and more. 304 Russell Field Rd., Rome. 706-291-0030. Price per day: Adult, $25; 6-17, $20; 5 and younger, free. Weekend pass, $33. wingsovernorthgeorgia.com

Children’s Storytime. FoxTale Book Shoppe. Storytimes are followed by dance and songs. Every Sat. 11 a.m. 105 E. Main St., Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free.

Family Storytime. Alpharetta Branch. Weekly stories, singing with the Blukulele and dancing. Wed. through Dec. 21. 10:30 a.m. 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 404-699-4206. 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, $9; ages 4-12, $6; ages 4 and younger, free. Price includes storytelling.

Preschool Storytime. Buckhead Branch. Interactive stories, songs and more for toddlers. Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25. 269 Buckhead Ave., NE, Atlanta. 404-814-3500. Free.

Storybook Time. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Listen to stories about bees, butterflies, frogs and flowers. Meet in the Turner Broadcasting Garden Theater. Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26. 10:30-11 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free. Garden Stories. Smith Gilbert Gardens. Young Sprouts ages 3-6 years old and their caregivers enjoy a story on a garden-related topic, crafts, dancing and playtime. Oct. 5 and 19. 10:3011:30 a.m. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770- 919-0248. Pre-register. Adults, $7; ages 3-6, $7. Storytime at Barnes & Noble. Perimeter Barnes & Noble. Come enjoy a different themed storytime this month with coloring and other activities to follow. Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. 11 a.m. 120 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta. 770-396-1200. Free. National Magic Week and Popcorn Popping Month. Central Library. Celebrate National Magic Week and National Popcorn Popping Month with magical stories, tricks and treats. Oct. 25.10:30 a.m. One Margaret Mitchell Sq., Atlanta. 404-730-1781. Free.

Please Recycle 64 Atlanta Parent October 2016

Journey to Literacy Storytime. Adams Park Branch. The Junior League of Atlanta will be hosting a story time and craft, and giving a free copy of the story time book to each child that participates. Oct. 15. 12:30 p.m. 2231 Campbellton Rd., SW, Atlanta. 404-752-8763. Free. Tricky Treats Storytime. Collier Heights Branch. Enjoy stories, finger-plays, songs and crafts. Oct. 4 and 25. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 3424 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Atlanta. 404-752-8763. Free.

Family Fun Guide

Boo at the Library! Cleveland Avenue Branch. Wear your costumes, read or tell a scary story and munch on light refreshments. Oct. 3. 6:30 p.m. 47 Cleveland Ave., Atlanta. 404-762-4116. Free. Trick or Treat Story Time and Crafts. College Park Branch. Listen to stories and create crafts in celebration of Halloween. Oct. 24 and 31.10:30 a.m. Ages 3 and older. Main St., College Park. 404-762-4060.3647. Free. Friendly Monsters Story time. Dogwood Branch. Halloween stories about friendly monsters and craft. Oct. 26. 10 a.m. 1838 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy., Atlanta.404-792-4961. Free. Pajama Storytime. Fairburn Branch. Come in pajamas, robes and slippers. Teddy bears, blankets and dolls welcome. Oct. 11. 6:30 p.m. 60 Valley View Dr., Fairburn. 770-306-3138. Free. Storytime En Español. Hapeville Branch. Stories, songs and activities conducted in Spanish. Knowledge of the language not required. Oct. 12 and 26. 11 a.m. 525 King Arnold St., Hapeville. 404-762-4065. Free. American Girl Author Evelyn Coleman. Metropolitan Branch. Poets and writers from the Atlanta community will join Ms. Coleman to read from her books while she discusses the importance of historical research. Oct. 22. 3 p.m. 1332 Metropolitan Pkwy., Atlanta. 404613-5722. Free. Traditional Folk Tales with a Twist. Aurora Children’s Playhouse. Rob Cleveland shares traditional folk tales, focusing especially on trickster characters. Oct. 15. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-2266222. $7.

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theater From Head to Toe. Alliance Theatre. Inspired by Eric Carle’s book, the Theatre for the Very Young will help the audience think, observe and move like their favorite animals. Through Nov. 6. See alliancetheatre.org for show times. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404733-4650. Adults, $10; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. The Jungle Book: The Story of Mowgli’s Fire. Center for Puppetry Arts. Raised by wolves since birth, Mowgli must defeat the tiger and bring peace to the jungle. Oct. 12-23. Wed.-Fri. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Sat. noon and 2 p.m. Sun. 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-873-3089. $20.50; 2 and younger, free. The Headless Horseman of Silly Hollow. Center for Puppetry Arts. Help school teacher Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman find a new head and a spookier image. Oct. 25-Nov 6. Tues.-Fri. 10 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. $20.50 per person. La Cucarachita Martina. Center for Puppetry Arts. Martina, a little roach, finds happiness and friendship as she searches for love. A comical story based on a popular Cuban and Puerto Rican children’s tale. Through Oct. 9. Wed.-Fri., 10 and 11 a.m., Sat. 12 and 2 p.m., Sun. 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-873-3089. $20.50; ages 2 and younger, free.

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Grace for President. Aurora Children’s Playhouse. Based on the book by Kelly DiPucchio, Grace Campbell, a third-grader is frustrated by the lack of female faces in the White House. She inspires a school election and all is well until the most popular boy runs against her. Oct. 8. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-2266222. $7.

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beyond atlanta Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hikes. Tallulah Gorge State Park. A 1-mile hike down the gorge steps, across the suspension bridge to the gorge. Oct. 16, 8-10 p.m. 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd., Tallulah Falls. 706-754-7981. Advance registration required. $5; parking, $5. The Amazing Castle Exhibit. Creative Discovery Museum. Explore eight themed areas, and seven storybook characters who are part of the castle community. From the carpenter to the seamstress, each character has a special role. Through Jan 2. 321 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-7562738. $13.95; younger than 1, free. “Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants” Exhibit. Tennessee Aquarium. Take a deeper dive into the hidden world of freshwater fish that grow to enormous proportions in the wild. Opens Oct. 1. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. One Broad St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 800-262-0695. Adults, $29.95; 3-12, $18.95; 3 and younger, free. c

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