October 2015 by Atlanta Parent

Atlanta

PARENT

BOO!

Check out our Halloween Happenings

October 2015 / atlantaparent.com

Solving the Dinner Dilemma CLASSIC OR CRAFTY?

Find your Halloween Style

Don’t Miss Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Family Festival on Oct. 10

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4 Atlanta Parent October 2015

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Inside 32 October Vol. 32 Number 10

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Features 16

What’s for Dinner?

Fairies Among Us

Try this simple planning strategy and you’ll be able to answer that question with ease.

Boo! It’s Halloween n What’s Your Halloween Style? Take our quiz

to find out if you’re style is classic, modern or crafty.

n Best Jack-o-Lanterns: 13 tips to help your family

carve outstanding pumpkins – and have fun doing it. n Grab Bag: The trendiest costumes, Halloween

books, recipes and more.

Parent-Teacher Confabs

Preparation and a cooperative spirit will help you have a productive meeting with your child’s teacher about his school progress.

47 Join the Fun! Don’t miss Atlanta Parent magazine’s annual Fall festival (formerly Family Block Party.) Sat., Oct. 10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. , Mercer University’s Atlanta Campus

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner atlantaparent.com

8 Publisher’s Note 12 News You Can Use 20 Up Close & Personal:

Spotlight on Businesses

From Tinker Bell to Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, these mythical creatures have always piqued children’s curiosity. Follow our whimsical guide to fun with fairies.

Departments Special Advertising Section

66 For the Fridge

Words of humor & wisdom

Family Fun Guide 43 Not-to-Miss Events

44 LEGO Fun 45 Rock Ranch 46 Fall Festivals and Fairs

50 Playground: Kidzstock Park 52 Halloween Top Picks 54 Halloween Events 60 October Calendar Meet our Parent Advisory Board, Page 14 On the Cover: Cover Kid Izzy G. Rice, 7, of Woodstock. Photo by Images by N’Neka.

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine October 2015 Atlanta Parent 5

PUBLISHER Liz White

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

BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT MGR asmith@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Candy Stirling EXECUTIVE cstirling@atlantaparent.com

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

CONTRIBUTING Amanda Miller Allen EDITOR

CALENDAR Hayley Markowitz EDITOR calendar@atlantaparent.com

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

PRODUCTION Brittany Carlisle

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 2015

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ON THE

WEB

Sometimes the girls need a lifT... A portion of proceeds from all breast augmentations during October will be donated to the

n Playgroundsforeveryone.com Finding an accessible playground for kids with special needs isn’t always easy. This database, assembled by National Public Radio with contributions from people all over the United States, lets parents search for playgrounds in their Zip code, then click on the playground to see what amenities it has.

n VarageSale.com app Hold a virtual garage sale, or pay a virtual visit to one, with this free app for android and Apple devices. Buyers and sellers at VarageSale sign up through Facebook so each can be assured they’re dealing with real people. Among many features, the app finds deals in your community and lets you browse by categories or use the search tool for a specific item.

Susan G. Komen Foundation

Visit Website for Details • • • • • • •

ACTUAL PATIENT

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

Patient - Before

Patient - After

Mark F. Deutsch, MD, FACS

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

(404) 255-0886

n AtlantaParent.com No more guessing – find a kid-friendly restaurant near your home by checking our dining reviews done with kids in mind. atlantaparent.com/event/restaurants

atlantaparent.com

Atlanta/Fayetteville

www.perimeterplasticsurgery.com

Big or Small Save Them All October 2015 Atlanta Parent 7

20th Annual Cheer for Children Ball …helping abused children reachtheir

“Happily Ever After”

Publisher’s Note

What’s For Dinner? Sometimes a Great Meal

American Spirit Works Friday, October 16th, 2015

7:30 pm to 11:30 pm Black Tie Optional cheerforchildren.org

We don’t really cook. OK, let me revise that: We cook, but we don’t really plan meals. But when we have a week where we plan ahead and we cook, we know we’re eating healthier and our children are eating healthier, and we feel better. After a day at work, it’s just so easy and so tempting to eat prepared meals from the supermarket or cook some easy-to-fix foods our two kids love – hot dogs, grilled cheese, quesadillas and spaghetti. Sometimes we’ll dine out. We know we could save money and eat healthier meals with a lot less added salt and butter if we cooked more at home. That’s why I was so intrigued by What’s for Dinner? 4 Steps to an Easy Answer by Lara Krupicka in this month’s issue (Page 16). Granted, Ms. Krupicka is a little more organized and prepared than the average person. But she has great ideas for getting on track with meal planning that most of us can adapt to our lives. I like the idea of starting with categories of foods your family likes and building meals and a shopping list from there. Though I doubt we’ll ever plan dinners for 30 days ahead, some of the ideas may help my family plan shopping and meals for a week ahead and get us in the habit of cooking more and relying on prepared meals less. Planning ahead and buying a few essential items for dinner seems like a small step forward and it’s definitely worth trying. Our challenge right now in our household is two preschoolers whose palates haven’t expanded to a wide variety of foods. Enchiladas and meatloaf are easy meals, but the kids just don’t like them. However, they do love Chicken Poppers – a healthy meal we’ve tried from among a box of recipes that friends gave me at my wedding shower a few years back (see recipe, Page 17). Maybe it’s time to open that long-neglected box again, pull out a few recipes and start cooking. Associate Publisher

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

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

8 Atlanta Parent October 2015

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FEARLESS ATHLETES DESERVE

NATIONALLY- RANKED

SPORTS MEDICINE.

From repairing broken bones to rehabbing torn ligaments, Children’s Sports Medicine helps young athletes get back to full speed. For more information visit choa.org/sportsmed.

OUR 14TH METRO LOCATION OPENS IN CHEROKEE THIS OCTOBER

SAT., OCT. 10

ADMISSION: $10 per person Ages 1 & younger FREE

10 am - 4 pm 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 a huge toddler play area, a petting farm, crafts, games, inflatables, pony rides, storytelling and much more.

Build Memories!

Join The Circus!

Hit the Mark!

More than 50 activities for the whole family! n Learn how to hoop, test out the tight wire and even learn tricks on the trapeze with Circus Camp. Trained spotters and performers will be there the whole day.

n Join Zoo Atlanta and celebrate the new Scaly, Slimy Spectacular amphibian and reptile experience. Plus, animal showings from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

n Jump for joy with Springfree Trampoline! Kids love to jump and parents love the safety of an enclosed trampoline. Test one out at the festival.

n Let’s take a selfie on the Cover of Atlanta Parent! Strike a pose with the iSnap Selfie Station. Proceeds will benefit:

Buy tickets online at atlantaparent.com/familyfestival 10 Atlanta Parent October 2015

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Not-to-Miss! You’ll meet princesses, Truckie from Two Men and a Truck, plus mascots from College Football Hall of Fame and Clifford!

Performance Schedule: Main Stage

Jump on the back of a Camel for a ride that’s out of this world with Sam’s Path Petting Zoo. You can make barn yard friends with Little Red Barn and hold a parrot from Parrot Productions.

10:40-10:55 a.m. Omni Chinese Singers 11:00-11:30 a.m. Dance & Arts Showcase 11:35 a.m.-12:05 p.m. Tahino 12:10 p.m-12:15 p.m. Hanah Hwang Talent Showdown Winner

12:25-1:10 p.m. Parrot Productions 1:15-1:45 p.m. Kim Armstrong 1:50-1:55 p.m. JAC Band

Talent Showdown Winner

Fun performances to see – Touch and learn about reptiles with the cast of Scaly Adventures, the Imaginators have snuck away from construction at The Children’s Museum of Atlanta to perform and our Talent Showdown winners are just a few that you’ll see.

2:00-2:30 p.m. Big Thinkers Science Show 2:35-2:40 p.m. John Gadson Jr. Talent Showdown Winner

2:50-3:20 p.m. Scaly Adventures 3:25-3:55 p.m. Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Storytelling The Storytelling stage will be hopping with great performers with the help of Page Turners Make Great Learners. Don’t miss Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, engaging story tellers and read with Therapy Dogs. Don’t go hungry! They’ll be plenty of places to grab a snack or lunch. There’s Kona Ice, Atomic Ice Cream Sandwiches, Sinbad’s Mediterranean and Chick-fil-A just to name a few. atlantaparent.com

11:00 a.m. Sparkles Bakery 11:30 a.m. Page Turners Make Great Learners 12:00 p.m. Unknown Lyric 1:00 p.m. Lawrenceville Ghost Tours 1:30 p.m. Andy Irwin 2:00 p.m. Jennifer Daniels 2:30-3:30 p.m. Therapy Dogs **schedule and performers are subject to change

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 11

News You Can Use

by Hayley Markowitz

Honor an Outstanding Mom Bonding with Mom The top three activities mothers and children do together:

90 percent Eating a meal

79 percent Watching television

65 percent Doing homework

Source: Survey conducted by Woman’s Day and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation

With its Mother of the Year nominations, American Mothers recognizes the contributions and commitment to family and community that moms make on a daily basis. Mother of the Year nominee should be a mother of one or more children and be outstanding in her mother role. Submit nominations by Nov. 15. americanmothers.org/ nomination-form New Rides in Six Flags’ Kids’ Areas in 2016 The theme park will add a dozen new attractions next year for younger kids. Bugs Bunny Boomtown is expected to open in early spring while DC Super Friends should be ready Memorial Day weekend. Bugs Bunny Boomtown will include seven

new or re-themed attractions like Yosemite Sam’s Wacky Wagons, a junior Ferris wheel and Tweety’s Tweehouse. DC Super Friends will have five new rides, including the Wonder Woman Flight School, with circling jets that kids can pilot. sixflags.com/overgeorgia

Know the Facts Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 4-10 The focus this year is “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep; Every Bedroom Needs A Working Smoke Alarm!” Did you know… n Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when people are sleeping. n Only one-third of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. n Unattended cooking accounts for one-third of reported home cooking fires. The National Fire Protection Association has plenty of advice on how to prevent and survive home fires. nfpa.org

12 Atlanta Parent October 2015

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the magic of comes to life

featuring

Nov. 20, 2015 - Jan. 2, 2016 • More than 2 million lights and 9 acres of stunning décor

• NEW - Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Christmas Dinner Show

• ICE! featuring The Nutcracker - 2 million pounds of colorful, handcarved ice sculptures and slides

• NEW - The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt

• NEW - Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

• Carriage rides, snow tubing, outdoor ice skating and more

• Gingerbread Decorating Corner sponsored by PEEPS® The Holiday Tradition

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Meet Atlanta Parent’s 2015-2016 Parent Advisory Board These metro Atlanta moms will lend their time and talents and serve as ambassadors to their communities for Atlanta Parent. They’ll offer advice on articles and columns and take part in special events. They’ll also keep us informed about the parenting concerns of their friends and neighbors to help us produce an award-winning magazine that covers issues important to you. We asked our Parent Advisory Board to share:

What’s your

favorite thing to do with your family around Atlanta?

14 Atlanta Parent October 2015

Tracy Copeland, Brookhaven Children: One daughter, age 9 Go to Centennial Park. Sometimes we take a ball or kites. There’s the Fountain of Rings if it’s hot, and playgrounds, plus the Ferris Wheel is just across the street.

Jenn Fletcher, Marietta Children: One daughter, age 3 Visit our state, national, and other local parks. We love to boat, fish, hike and explore together.

Alicia Garcia, Powder Springs Children: Two sons, ages 10 and 3; two daughters, ages 9 and 1 We’re pretty big foodies and trying new foods together is something we all can agree on. We’re really loving Krog Street Market. It’s just beautiful and really family-friendly. There are tons of food choices for everyone to get what they want.

Stacy Sanders Harris, Atlanta Children: Two sons, ages 3 and 1 We go to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History to see the dinosaurs.

Jennifer Joyner, Avondale Estates Children: Two daughters, ages 9 and 7 Sweetwater Creek State Park, which is only about 20 minutes west from downtown Atlanta. They have a nice range of hiking trails, including ones easy enough for my 7-year-old. The girls especially enjoy walking on the rocks in the creek. You can picnic or swim. The park also offers kayak and paddle boat rentals.

Tracy Joyner, Riverdale Children: One son, age 3; one daughter, age 5 Go to the airport! I know it may sound crazy, but the planes are something that we never get tired of. My husband works for Delta Air Lines and it brings everything around full circle when we see planes in the air! Attending outside events such as festivals is also a favorite.

atlantaparent.com

Megan Benoit Ratcliff, Roswell Children: One son, age 6; one daughter, age 3

Nicole Mabry, Marietta Children: One son, age 7; one daughter, age 4

Visiting Atlanta museums and attractions. Going to the Georgia Aquarium is a birthday tradition. We can’t wait to see the renovations at the Children’s Museum.

Get outside! The parks and recreation opportunities make Atlanta a great place to raise kids. Most weekends we’re at area playgrounds, using the community pool during the summer, hiking or biking. We also take advantage of mainstream attractions (Atlanta Zoo, Georgia Aquarium), special events, and lesser known attractions (skating at The Cooler in Alpharetta, picking out new foods at the DeKalb International Farmers Market).

Danielle Tyler, Lithonia Caroline Mason, Acworth

Children: One son, age 2

Children: One son, age 8

My family loves flying kites in Piedmont Park. On rainy days, we visit places like Catch Air or The Little Gym.

Coming from Florida, hiking the many mountains in the Cobb County area has caught our interest. We have loved getting involved in our neighborhood and church.

Andrea Neiman, Atlanta

Cathy Walker, Johns Creek Children: Two sons, ages 5 and 2 During non-summer months, we visit local parks and we love Stone Mountain! Go to the Cumming Aquatic Center in the summer. It’s such a great location with an amazing pool and splash area for the kids.

Children: One son, age 8; two daughters, ages 5 and 2 The BeltLine for fun active days, the Chattahoochee Nature Center and swimming at Lifetime; and Fernbank Science Center. Hiking at Red Top Mountain, Cloudland Canyon and Sope Creek is a treat.

Melissa Williams, Acworth Children: Two sons, ages 14 and 6; one daughter, age 3 Atlanta Botanical Garden is great; we are members. We discovered the Fernbank Museum of Natural History this summer and have gone five times! Plays at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center are fun.

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

Specializing in the Detection and Treatment of Pediatric Digestive Disorders

Expert GI Care for Your Children At Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, our Board Certified pediatric gastroenterologists care for infants, children,‘tweens, and teens with any type of digestive or liver condition, including: • Abdominal Pain • Acid Reflux • Celiac Disease • Lactose Intolerance • Constipation/Diarrhea • Colic • Eosinophilic Esophagitis • Feeding Difficulties • Crohn’s Disease • Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Hepatitis/Liver Disease • Ulcerative Colitis

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Alpharetta Sandy Springs 5445 Meridian Mark Rd NE 3300 Old Milton Pkwy Suite 225 Suite 490 Duluth Location Opening Soon!

For appointments: 404.843.6320 AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 15

Step One: Simplify Using Categories It’s easy to come up with 30 (or more) recipes you regularly use when you brainstorm in categories. To start your menu plan, consider which categories of meals your family eats most frequently. Categories can include ethnic foods, such as Italian, Mexican and Asian. Or group recipes by cooking method: crock pot meals, grill recipes, stovetop or oven cooking. Many men want meat at most meals, so you could group your recipes by protein type: chicken, beef, pork, fish, beans. Brainstorm categories until you’ve found seven you could comfortably serve once a week. My menu categories are: Italian, Crockpot/casserole, Mexican, Meat and potatoes, Soup, Pizza Night, and Grill/Quick & Easy. The category “Pizza Night” in my plan reflects our family’s tradition of making homemade pizza on Friday nights. If your family has a tradition like this, include it in your categories. It will simplify your menu planning.

What’s For Dinner? 4 Steps to an Easy Answer by Lara Krupicka

What’s for dinner? Night after night, it’s a problem for many parents. But with one simple tool, which you create for yourself, you can answer what’s for dinner tonight and the next night and the next. Here’s how to create your own monthly menu-planning tool:

Step Two: Play Favorites Under each of the categories, list as many as you can of your favorite recipes (aim for five to nine for each). Take out the cookbooks and recipes you use most. Then find the meals you know your

family enjoys. You’ll find the 80/20 rule applies here: you probably use 20 percent (or less) of the recipes you have 80 percent of the time. That’s okay. List those recipes first. If you’re coming up short in any of the categories, flip through your cookbooks or untested recipe files for new dishes to try, or search the Internet’s recipe sites. But be careful to put only a few on your list. You don’t want to be surprising your family with something unfamiliar more than once a week. If you have more new ideas you’d like to try, set them aside to include in next month’s plan. As you experiment using new dishes, mark on your menu plan if they were a success. Those that are a hit with your family can become permanent additions to your list. Those that aren’t, won’t be repeated. Once you’ve created your lists under each category, you should have more than 30 recipes to choose from. If you’re one who likes to keep things loose, you can stop here and simply use your lists as a “recipes at a glance” tool for deciding what to cook each night. But if you prefer to plan ahead, you’re more than halfway to mapping out a month’s worth of dinners Con’d on page 18

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Quick & Easy Recipes Here are three recipes – favorites of Atlanta Parent’s staff of busy moms – to get your started.

Chicken Poppers Ingredients: 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs ½ cup melted butter (1 stick) ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 1 tsp. each of dill, garlic salt, basil and thyme Cut chicken into bitesized pieces. Make crumb mixture of crumbs, cheese and seasonings. Dip chicken pieces in melted butter, then crumb mixture, coating well. Place chicken on foil-covered pan and bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Pork Chop Quickie Ingredients: 4-6 pork chops (or more if your family is large) Garlic salt to taste 1 pat of butter per pork chop Maple or pancake syrup to cover chops Use a vegetable oil spray to coat a baking dish, then arrange pork chops in a single layer. Use garlic salt to taste. Top each chop with a pat of butter and cover with syrup. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Easy Skillet Meal Ingredients: 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken or pork) 2 cups water 1 16-oz. bag frozen mixed vegetables 2 packages Ramen noodles, original flavor ½ tsp. ground ginger 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced scallions Use vegetable oil spray on the skillet and brown the meat; mix in one packet of the noodle seasoning, then transfer mixture to a plate and drain grease. In same skillet, add water, frozen vegetables, ginger, both packages of noodles and remaining packet of seasoning. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat and cook three minutes. Add meat and chopped scallions, heat through and serve.

Emory Clinic’s Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality and most advanced health care services for all stages of their lives. From routine well-woman exams to infertility to high-risk obstetrics, our experienced providers deliver compassionate care and a personalized approach to each patient. We are accepting new patients and would welcome the opportunity to meet your medical care needs. atlantaparent.com

For appointments: 404-778-3401 emoryhealthcare.org/gyn

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 17

A whole new kind of fun is coming.

Closed for renovations through late 2015.

Check out where you can ﬁnd us during closure and keep up to date on our progress at childrensmuseumatlanta.org

P N for aren ick Be t's elod st Pic eo Ar ks n tsy A Cl war as d se s

Your child’s best opportunity to learn music is now.

The most favorable time to learn music is from birth to six years. Help your young child achieve his or her full musical potential with an innovative, developmental music and movement program. Parent + child classes are playful and creative and each family receives the acclaimed CDs and song books to continue developing their musical abilities at home. Over 150 classes are offered in metro Atlanta. Winter sessions start Developed by Rob Sayer November 7-13, so call now for class times and schedule a free observation class.

770•645•5578 www.themusicclass.com/atlanta Buckhead • Kirkwood • Sandy Springs • Roswell • Toco Hills • Cumming Woodstock • Johns Creek • Dunwoody • East Cobb • Smyrna • Suwanee

18 Atlanta Parent October 2015

What’s For Dinner? Step Three: Create A Basic Plan You’ll want to create your menu plan on a computer or smart phone in order to save and reuse it each month. A spreadsheet works best, but if you’re more comfortable using a word processor, you can set up your plan that way instead. I use a spreadsheet. Across the top, list the name of the category. Simply create seven category columns with category labels. Next create blocks As you of rows to represent experiment the weeks of the using new month. To fit my dishes, spreadsheet setup, I’ve found nine rows mark on in each block works your menu well. On the right plan if hand most column they were you can list the dates a success. for the given week (e.g. Oct. 16-22). Then under each category enter the lists you created in step two. Duplicate each list for the successive weeks, filling in the entire spreadsheet for the month. Once you’ve created your basic menu planning chart, you can insert and remove meals depending on season or changes in preferences. And you can change up the dates for the new month before you begin planning.

Step Four: Select This Month’s Meals

With your chart in front of you listing the meals your family enjoys, you’re ready to select a month’s worth of meals. Using a highlighter or pen, highlight or circle one meal from each category for week one. Then move on to week two and select those meals, being careful to vary the selections from week one. If you prefer, you can work your way down each category, selecting a different recipe for each week until you’ve picked a variety of meals from each category. Once you’ve planned a month’s worth of meals, you can create a grocery list. When you have on hand everything needed for your meals, you’ll be able to effortlessly answer the “What’s for dinner?” question. c atlantaparent.com

Your baby’s arrival can change more lives than you imagine.

YOUR HEALTHY NEWBORN CAN HELP ADVANCE AUTISM RESEARCH If you’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.

Up Close & Personal

We salute these businesses that support families

Atlanta’s Must See Cultural Experience The Center for Civil and Human Rights is located in downtown Atlanta next to the World of Coke. The Center offers its visitors ENGAGING STORIES of civil and human rights through artifacts, original works of art and DYNAMIC INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES for the entire family! This AWARD-WINNING museum is also the perfect site for educational field trips, inspiring family reunions, thoughtprovoking family programs, and many other special events that celebrate the empowering movements of civil and human rights. Download their FAMILY GUIDE, “Across Generations,” to enhance your visit. The guide will help families who visit with children by offering them age-appropriate tools to enhance their experience and foster multigenerational dialogue. Visit Atlanta’s MUST SEE Cultural Experience now and see what makes the Center for Civil and Human Rights the “#1 Museum in Atlanta” by USAToday. “The Center will stir your emotions, move you to tears, allow you to celebrate how far we have come and recognize how far we have to go.” – USA Today 10Best

NOW OPEN: ATLANTA’S MUST-SEE

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE HANDS DOWN, “#1 Museum in Atlanta” – USA Today’s 10Best.com

the award-winning interactive lunch counter exhibit changes hearts and minds.

VISIT TODAY! civilandhumanrights.org

100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30313 (next to the World of Coca-Cola)

Unique year round services evaluations, screenings, treatment, and fun filled summer camps to assist your child achieve their highest potential. Touch Feel Smell and information. Treating Play our PLAY Your Way to ADD, ADHD, Autism, Sensory Motor Social Success Developmental Delays, is all about knowing yourself Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, and getting to know others! Performance Anxiety, Look again – these children selective mutism, Processing are practicing handwriting issues, etc. and learning about being NEW! Facilitator social with their peers! Certificate Course for those Handwriting is a social skill. working with out-of-the-box It is how we present ourselves on paper to our teachers and children! CSS, LLC is the only OT service in Atlanta providing our peers. the US Trademarked WIN™ (Write Incredibly Now™) and Children’s Special Services, LLC offers unique year round POP™ (Personal Options and Preferences™ Sensory social services, evaluations, screenings, treatment, and fun filled skills group). Susan Orloff, OTR/L, FAOTA is a Fellow of the summer camps to assist your child achieve their American Occupational Therapy Association, highest potential. Utilizing sensory, thought the highest honor for a practicing therapist! and movement while learning valuable skills: Summer camps are small group focused, academic, personal, self-regulation of their own ensuring maximum attention. actions and reactions while learning to write, Call Early; Slots fill quickly! For more Children’s Special information socialize and problem-solve thus helping your call 770-394-9791. Services, LLC child learn to sit, organize and absorb critical Susan Orloff, OTR/L, FAOTA CEO/EXEC Director 20 Atlanta Parent October 2015

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Fulton County Schools is here to help families For any child age 3 or older, the school system can evaluate for a suspected disability, at no cost. • Diagnostic and Evaluation Services • Speech/Language Therapy • Specialized Community-Based 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. 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. For more information, please call 470-254-0402 or visit FultonCountySchools.org

Rockin’ Prices and Savin’ Pets! Furkids is one of the most successful nonprofit animal rescue and shelter organizations in the southeast. They exist thanks to financial and in-kind donations, adoption fees, and revenue from three thrift stores. Furkids operates the largest cage-free, no-kill shelter for homeless cats in Atlanta and a state-of-the-art, no-kill shelter for dogs in Alpharetta. They welcome visitors to their two bright and cheerful shelters. You can also meet many of their cats and kittens at 14 Petco and PetSmart adoption centers throughout metro-Atlanta. Visit their website to meet hundreds of adoptable cats and dogs, to donate or to volunteer.

Beneﬁting Georgia’s largest No-Kill Animal Shelters!

We need donations of clothing, home decor, furniture & more! Call for free large-item pickup

Furkids Thrift Store Locations: Marietta 1487 Roswell Road 770-578-6031

Peachtree Corners 4015 Holcomb Bridge Road 770-817-1405

Lawrenceville 255 Scenic Hwy 770-817-1405

Adopt. Donate. Volunteer. atlantaparent.com

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sale@furkids.org 770-817-1405 furkids.org/thrift-store October 2015 Atlanta Parent 21

Up Close & Personal Dance and Arts Showcase Dance and Arts Showcase offers an exciting array of classes including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Piano, Guitar, Middle Eastern, Karate, Hip Hop and Ballroom. Classes are offered for ages 2-adult. They offer an outstanding Broadway Dance Recital at the Gwinnett Civic Center. Jean Shapiro, director and owner, is a native Atlantan and has been teaching dance and gym classes for 45 years. She was the principal dancer of The Atlanta Playhouse Theatre, and produced-directed her own original T.V. show called “Exercise And Health” which won a cable award. Winner of The Golden Peach Award for Best Teacher-Director of The Georgia Tech Ballet Club and listed in the World Of Who’s Who Of Women, she has dedicated her life to helping children and adults learn beauty through the art of dance. Dance and Arts Showcase teachers are experienced, wellqualified and share a wonderful teacher-student relationship. Dance and Arts Showcase can come to your daycare center and teach there. To sign up for fall classes, register online at www.danceandarts.com or call 770-934-5010. Sign up today. Few Spots Available! Dance & Arts Showcase 2861 Henderson Mill Rd. (near Northlake Mall)

Atlanta 30341 • 770-934-5010 danceandarts.com

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. The company offers a comprehensive online ordering system with images, availability and pricing at www.jumptastic.com. 22 Atlanta Parent October 2015

We salute these businesses that support families 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 meaning 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 $1000 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

Paint Your Own Pottery Studio, Gift & Art Gallery

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

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Start Her Adventure Today! Has your daughter ever been so excited about trying something for the first time that she could just shout? With Girl Scouts, she’ll have a lot more of those days. She’ll make new friends, explore the outdoors, travel, and gain confidence along the way. Ninety-five percent of parents say that Girl Scouts offers new experiences that are fun and exciting for their daughters. Join Girl Scouts today and experience awesome. Troops are currently forming and are in need enthusiastic volunteers. As a Girl Scout volunteer, you’ll introduce girls to new experiences that make every day the best day ever. Choose a volunteer role that fits your schedule from troop leaders to seasonal camp help. It starts with one day, one meeting, and one role model that shows her she can accomplish more than she ever imagined.

Join.GirlScoutsATL.org

“In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” - Eric Hoffer OMNI International School is SW Atlanta’s premier school for rigorous academics, language immersion, and on-site enrichment. OMNI comprises two distinct levels from Pk2-5th grade. Created with the gifted student in mind, all of the classes are advanced and/or accelerated. The STEAM focus is an added benefit for higher learning and is central to the curriculum. The teachers are continually tasked to provide rich and scholarly studies to prepare our students for true globalization. The small class sizes allow us to (1) engage more with the students and respect their natural curiosities, (2) expound on knowledge and information, and (3) foster a more analytical, evaluative, critical thinking mindset. OMNI takes full ownership of the responsibility to further awaken the natural genius in each child. OMNI is committed to providing students with an education which enables them to live successfully in an everchanging society. For more information contact us at 404-865-1463 or visit us at 3940 Cascade Road SW, Atlanta, GA. atlantaparent.com

Local Delivery, Global Perspective!!

Open House Dates October 24th & March 19th

Highlights of our program include:      

Chinese/Japanese Immersion Spanish supplemented as a 3rd language PreK2-5th grade, adding a grade each year Advanced Preparatory Curriculum STEAM Focus: Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Arts, Math On-site enrichment i.e. Martial Arts, Dance, Chess, Engineering, Piano, Summer Camp

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Inspiring Students with the Passion to Excel McGinnis Woods Country Day School, established in 1999, is a private, non-parochial school offering a challenging Preschool, Elementary and Middle School Education. The beautiful school campus, located in Alpharetta, recently dedicated a state of the art Middle School and Gym. The Preschool accepts children as young as 6 weeks and the Elementary/ Middle School teaches students in PreK 4 through 8th grade. McGinnis Woods Country Day School has top accreditations, including GAC, SACS, and NAEYC. The mission of McGinnis Woods is to inspire students with the passion to excel. This is accomplished by providing superior hands-on, minds-on academics which foster knowledge, self-confidence, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Superior educational resources maximize the learning experience of

our diverse student population. Class sizes are small with low student-teacher ratios, allowing frequent one-to-one learning. The students learn through a variety of activities including class lessons, small groups, hands-on STEM activities and “buddy” classes which encourage multi-age groupings. Frequent guest speakers, monthly field trips and community service round out the curriculum. Competitive Sports and Robotics teams train year round. After school programs and Specialty Clubs are also available. Visit www.mcginniswoods.org or call 770.664.7764 to set up a tour at 5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Laying The Foundation For Each Child’s Successful Future Is Our Highest Goal. Stepping Stone Montessori School (SSMS) operates two campuses north of Atlanta, in Cuming and Suwanee/Sugar Hill. We offer authentic Montessori environments and experiences for children. Why? Because the evidence is abundantly clear that by doing so we offer to children precisely what their development requires. Our schools are models of serenity and engagement, from the classrooms to the outdoor environments. SSMS provides children with an optimal learning experience, giving parents ultimate confidence in their choice of early education, faith in the school’s leadership and peace in the knowledge that their child is in a good place. Ages served: Infants (6 weeks to 15 months), Toddlers (16 months to 3 years) and Primary classes (3 years to 6 years). The Montessori approach has been lauded in the media in recent years, and its graduates celebrated for their successes. The outcomes of Montessori education are clear and impressive. SSMS understands that children learn through natural curiosity, exploration, and experience. The school is committed to laying the stepping stones for all the future academic and life possibilities of its students. Please visit steppingstonemontessori.com to learn more or call the Cumming location at 770-205-0317 or Sugar Hill at 770-614-4310.

24 Atlanta Parent October 2015

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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, individualized guidance at every step, mentoring students in life-shaping 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 metroAtlanta counties and a broad array of religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Woodward offers prolific opportunities to try and triumph, including 20 AP courses, a Transition Program for students with mild learning differences in grades two through eight, and a wide range of clubs, arts opportunities, and athletic options. The Global Connections Program offers extensive international study abroad programs. 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.

Now more than ever, Girls need Summer Camp!

The Walker Experience

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.

The Walker Experience The Walker School is Cobb County’s pre-k(3) through grade 12 The college-preparatory forthrough families Walker School is independent Cobb County’sschool pre-k(3) seeking an engaging, perspective-widening academic grade 12 college-preparatory independent school forprogram families withinseeking an intimately scaled, caring environment whereprogram an engaging, perspective-widening academic meaningful engender transformative learning. within relationships an intimately scaled, caring environment where meaningful relationships engender learning. Walker’s dedicated teachers exudetransformative contagious intellectual Walker’s dedicated teachers exude energy, demonstrate authentic interest incontagious the life of intellectual the mind energy, demonstrate interest in the lifemodel of the mind that extends beyond theirauthentic core subject areas, and thatrespect extendsfor beyond theirand coreone subject areas, and model genuine students another. genuine their respect for students and one another. Through actions and interactions, Walker teachers actions and interactions, Walker teachers cultivateThrough students’their spirit of wanting to know in every setting – cultivate students’ spirit of wanting to know in every setting – the classroom and and the hallway, thethe laboratory the classroom the hallway, laboratoryand andthe thelibrary, library, the artthestudio and and the stage, thethe court and the art studio the stage, court and theplaying playingfield. field. Walker students, feeling known and encouraged Walker students, feeling known and encouragedby bytheir their teachers and classmates, come to value thethe experience teachers and classmates, come to value experienceover overthe the applause, developing along thethe wayway thethe confidence applause, developing along confidencetotoexplore explore new avenues of thinking, wisdom articulatemeaningful meaningful new avenues of thinking, thethe wisdom to to articulate insights, andfortitude the fortitude to act with integrityand andhonor. honor. insights, and the to act with integrity thewalkerschool.org 678-581-6891today! today! PleasePlease visit visit thewalkerschool.org or or callcall 678-581-6891

Call 1-800-882-0722 for a free DVD or visit www.riverviewcamp.com.

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October 2015 Atlanta Parent 25

Cast a spell and enjoy some fairy tale fun celebrating these mythical woodland creatures. Fairy believers young and old can share the stories, magic, crafts and history of the Fairy.

Fairyography For the fairy fanatics out there fairy portrait sessions offer hours of fun. Watch as your child gets her wings and crowned. Sessions also include a trip to the salon for hair and light makeup. Located in Athens, Heather provides the dresses, wings and accessories for girls sizes 2T – 12 years old. fairyography.com

by Hayley Markowitz

Photo courtesy of fairyography

Legend has it Life Expectance: Several hundred years. Diet: Honey, milk and nectar. Activities: Dancing, flying around, reading and building houses.

Magic in the Kitchen

Games Fairies Play

To make pixie dust popcorn, just cook popcorn as usual, melt white chocolate, drizzle it over the popcorn and then top it all with sprinkles. hungryfoodlove.com

Make a fairy version of musical chairs. Have the kids take a piece of paper and draw their own flower, then tape the flowers on the floor, and play musical chairs without using chairs.

26 Atlanta Parent October 2015

A Fairy Tale

Pinkalicious: Fairy House by Victoria Kann (Harper Collins Publisher, 2013) It’s Spring, and Pinkalicious knows it’s time for the fairies to arrive. She prepares by making sure the fairies have a cozy place to stay.

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Fairy Fun Around Town Build a fairy house at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. The center has a fairy village where visitors can create houses for all the fairies to use. chattnaturecenter.org Inspired by “fairy doors” – the legend says fairy doors are gateways to the world of fairies – Atlanta artist have created bits of whimsical magic around town. Make a scavenger hunt or take an afternoon to imagine what’s behind each door.

n Secret Doors of Decatur has a series of 32 miniature secret doors created by 24 local artists all over Decatur. secretdoorsdecatur.com

n Tiny Doors ATL installs 6-inch tall doors in strategic places throughout the city, including the Beltline. tinydoorsatl.com Tiny Doors ATL

Dress-up and pretend DIY Fairy Costume: grab a pair of wings, and gather tulle, needle and thread, colorful ribbon, foam craft flowers to make an easy costume. For full directions and material list, visitatlantaparent.com to assemble the skirt and headband.

Only those who believe can see

Paper Bag Tiara Materials needed: Paper grocery bag Artificial flowers Low heat glue gun Raffia Cut off the bottom of the paper bag. Next, roll the edge of the paper bag outward. Carefully have your child glue her flowers all the way around the tiara, and then wind a few lengths of green raffia around the flowers. happyhooligans.ca/paper-bag-tiara

Don’t Miss Fairies in the Garden. Woodland Gardens. Enjoy fairy-themed craft activities, face painting, music, drumming circle, storytelling in the woods, hot cocoa and cider, a fairy parade and more. Oct. 3. 2-4:30 p.m. 932 Scott Blvd., Decatur Free. skylandtrail.org/fairies

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Famous Fairies Tinker Bell from the story of Peter Pan Blue Fairy from the story of Pinocchio The Fairy Godmother from Cinderella Flora, Fauna and Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 27

What’s Your Halloween Style? by Michelle Shirk

It’s time to pick out some pumpkins and brush up on your apple bobbing skills! Do you love starting new seasonal traditions, or prefer celebrating the old-fashioned way? Take this quiz to find your Halloween style.

Your personal favorite Halloween candy to munch is: A. Candy corn, of course! B. Mini Snickers, M&M’s or some other chocolatebased favorite. C. Homemade candy apples.

You love seeing trick-or-treaters dressed like: A. Witches, cats, pirates and pumpkins. B. Doc McStuffins, Twilight Sparkle and Daniel Tiger. C. Anything they want, as long as the costume is homemade!

5 2

Trick-or-treaters visiting your house can expect to receive: A. That orange and black-wrapped taffy that has been around forever. B. Small bags of pretzels, popcorn or fruit snacks, or perhaps even a non-food treat. C. Candy bars covered with homemade “Happy Halloween!” wrappers.

When the class Halloween party rolls around, you’re most likely to be seen: A. Watching the costume parade. B. Recording the costume parade to share with far away family members. C. Volunteering at the party.

6 3

Your spouse comes home from the local farmer’s market with a pumpkin. You promptly: A. Gather your kids to watch you carve it. They can help by sketching a design and scooping out the seeds. B. Turn the kids loose on it with a sticker decorating kit. C. Search online for this year’s hot decorating ideas. Bring on the paint and glitter!

Your family’s favorite thing to watch around Halloween is: A. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” B. Halloween specials that feature your kid’s current favorite characters. C. Home videos of Halloweens past.

28 Atlanta Parent October 2015

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Come Oct. 31, your house will be decked out with: A. Cotton spider webs adorned with black plastic spiders. B. A giant inflatable Halloween decoration in the front yard. C. Fall art projects created by family members.

After your kids come home with a bag full of trick-or-treat loot, you: A. Tell them to go for it. It’s only once a year! B. Let them eat a few pieces each day for the next week or so. C. Use the leftovers to create exciting new cupcake and cookie recipes.

Atlanta History Center

Haunted Halloween

Friday, October 23, 2015 J 6:30 - 9:30 pm Explore the Atlanta History Center after dark with fun activities and ghostly encounters. Be prepared for thrills and chills as you walk through the foggy gardens, trails, and haunted historic houses! Major funding is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners

FAMILY PROGRAM AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/Family

Mostly A’s: Classic

When it comes to holidays, your slogan is, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Halloween means costumes, candy and jack-o’-lanterns, period. You love celebrating with your family using the same time-honored traditions you enjoyed as a child.

Mostly B’s: Modern

You love to incorporate the best of old and new traditions, and aren’t afraid to change up your family’s celebration from year to year. When you need new ideas for food or fun, you look to pop culture, Pinterest or your Facebook friends.

Mostly C’s: Crafty

You’ve got this Halloween thing under control. You’re naturally organized and love to “do it yourself.” You probably pinned a half-dozen adult and kid-friendly costume ideas, and may have sewn the costumes already! c

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October 2015 Atlanta Parent 29

The Best Jack-O’-Lantern Ever: 13 Tips for More Fun, Less Fuss by Christina Katz

1 2 3

Fairy house village. Transform pumpkins of various sizes into a resort for magical creatures.

30 Atlanta Parent October 2015

Make cleanup a snap. The secret weapon for easy pumpkin-carving cleanup is a basic plastic tarp. Spread this time-saver inside on a cool day or outside on a warm day to contain your carving enthusiasm.

Bigger is better.

Try one of these dramatic, yet easy designs on this year’s pumpkin.

The Internet is thick with tips for preserving pumpkins longer, but don’t try them. Carve your pumpkins three to five days before Halloween for a still-standing-tall guarantee.

Wordy gourd. Try “Boo!” or “Eek!” to get started.

Timing is everything.

Use the proper tools.

Holier than thou. Use a power drill to make holes all over the sides and top.

Look for sturdy stems, no bruises, and pumpkins that sit pretty. Place the pumpkin on a counter and stoop down to see how it looks at eye level before you buy. Don’t carry them by the stems because they break easily.

Playful Pumpkin Designs

Pick the prettiest.

The best devices for carving don’t live in your kitchen drawers. Knives slip and spoons bend, so instead purchase sturdy metal pumpkin scoops and kid-friendly carving saws you can use year after year.

Enlarge designs for larger pumpkins. Use your home printer or stop by the local copy shop.

Start at the top. For large pumpkins, make the opening big enough for your hand and cut it at a 45-degree angle so the top will nest in place, instead of falling through.

Scrape, don’t dig. Don’t thin the walls of your pumpkin when scooping out the guts, so it will stay sturdy longer.

Draw it first. Freehand designs are cute and classic and young children love them. Use a medium-point washable marker to draw your design and then wipe away any remaining marks after carving.

Slit the paper. If you prefer to transfer a design and the pattern won’t wrap flat around your pumpkin, encourage it to cling by cutting a few up-and-down slits on the paper prior to carving.*

Cookie-cutter face. Gently hammer metal cutters into your pumpkin with a rubber mallet.

Tower of grins. Stack squatty, multi-colored jacks on top of each other for a wow effect.

Diorama window. Cut a larger-thanusual opening to reveal a scene inside.

Mum’s the pumpkin. Carve an opening on top for a pot of mums or flower bouquet.

Location identification. Put your house number pumpkin by the front door or mailbox.

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10 11 12 13

Poke hole-patterns. If you’ve always wanted to attempt a tricky pattern, attach the design to your pumpkin with blue painter’s tape and poke shallow holes along the lines, just through the pumpkin’s skin with a thumbtack, skinny nail or hat pin. Then connect the dots with your carving saw to achieve whatever fancy look you like.*

Get your hand in there. Push carved pieces out from the inside with a finger. Go over delicate edges with a filet knife if pieces are stuck to avoid tearing pumpkin skin.*

Discard pulp outdoors. Do not put pulp into your garbage disposal. The place for pumpkin guts is your compost or yard clippings pile. Remove seeds for roasting and gently shake pulp off your plastic tarp before hosing it off and hanging it out to dry.

Keep jacks cool. In warm weather, keep carved pumpkins cool during the day. For longer-lasting displays, avoid direct sunlight. Display them at night and with battery-powered candles to avoid interior damage and fire hazards. * Techniques for parents only, not young children.

Don’t Toss it ... Smash it! Don’t just throw away your old jack-o’-lanterns. Recycle them and have fun doing it. Load up the Halloween pumpkins and gather the neighbors for a pumpkin destruction party. Pick a location with an open area, set a date and inform your neighbors before Halloween so they can plan to keep their pumpkin. Gather weapons for the pumpkin destruction like a hammer, baseball bat or let the kids roll it down the hill. After all the smashing is done collect the pumpkin pieces and toss them into compost or divvy them among the guest to put in their garden or to throw out. Can’t have a party? Try one of these events: n Pumpkin Destruction Day at The Rock Ranch on Nov. 7. therockranch.com/pumpkins n Pumpkin Smashing Fun at the North Georgia Zoo: Nov. 1 and 7-8. northgeorgiazoo.com Rock Ranch

OWL - O - WEEN HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

All tickets subject to fees

www.OWL-O-WEEN.com atlantaparent.com

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 31

HALLOWEEN

hits&bits

What’s trending this year? The top costumes young trick-ortreaters will be wearing, according to CostumeExpress.com: Astronauts Batman Dinosaurs Disney Descendents characters Frozen characters Mermaids Minions characters Paw Patrol Star Wars Superheros, including Avengers and Big Hero Source: Costume Express

Boo-tiful Books n Pete the Cat Five Little Pumpkins by James Dean (HarperCollins Publishers, 2015), ages 4-8 Pete meets and rhymes with five pumpkins sitting on a fence on Halloween night when “there are witches in the air.” Kids will laugh in delight at the rhymes and illustrations. n Gilbert the Ghost by Guido van Genechten (Clavis Books, 2015), ages 4-7 Sweet and special Gilbert tries hard to be a scary ghost, but he just can’t shriek “Boo!” with the proper attitude. The Ghost School principal banishes Gilbert to the Abandoned Tower to learn ghostly ways, but things don’t quite turn out that way.

32 Atlanta Parent October 2015

Halloween Photo Op! Family photos from your parents’ era invariably have something missing: How old were you when you wore that Care Bear costume? What year did your brother dress as Frankenstein for Halloween? Mom might remember an approximate age – or might not. Milestone cards solve that problem. Visit atlantaparent.com and download and print your free milestone card to use this Halloween. Milestone has other cards for special occasions – baby’s first birthday or the first day of school – at milestonecards.com. Milestone Toddler Cards ($24) are also available at Amazon.com.

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Spooky Trivia n No Hallogeddon This Holiday: Halloween 2015 is on a Saturday, so no epic rush-hour traffic jams. n What U.S. Families Spend Celebrating the Holiday: $7.4 billion for decorations, greeting cards, costumes and treats. n Weight of the largest pumpkin recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records: 2,058 pounds and pumpkins are 90 percent water! n Thousands Upon Thousands of Pumpkins: 50,900 acres of pumpkins are harvested annually in the United States. n What U.S. Families Spend on Pets Celebrating the Holiday: $330 million on costumes.

Scare Up Some No-Bake Treats Most parents brace themselves for sugar overload as Halloween nears. Super Cute Crispy Treats, Nearly 100 Unbelievable No-Bake Desserts by Ashley Fox Whipple might head off that too-many-sugary-treats crisis. The book offers 100 healthier alternatives to traditional desserts, and some really cute treats for Halloween and other holidays using crispy rice cereal. These spider treats take about an hour to prepare, with healthful ingredients such as mini marshmallows, purple licorice strings and purple food coloring. Find the complete recipe at atlantaparent.com. c

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October 2015 Atlanta Parent 33

Make the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences

by Jan Pierce

Whether it’s your first parent-teacher conference or the 20th, you probably get sweaty palms before your assigned time slot. After all, you’re on the teacher’s turf and you’re about to hear news about your child’s progress or lack thereof. You may have real concerns about any number of issues related to your child’s placement and daily life at school.

If it helps at all, teachers also get a bit stressed at conference time. From their perspective, they have a ton of data from each subject area to put into a format that can be conveyed and discussed in about 18 minutes time, and it has to be done in backto-back sessions. Some Atlanta area schools try to 34 Atlanta Parent October 2015

minimize that anxiety. At Holy Spirit Preparatory School, the philosophy is to provide consistent and regular communication with parents so there are no surprises at the formal fall conference. “The conference is a face-to-face meeting with the teacher, but it has to be so much more than that,” says Peter F. Schultz,

the lower school principal and preschool director. If parents already have information on areas where their child is excelling or struggling, the conference becomes deeper, a collaboration between teacher and parent that comes up with solutions to problems, he says. What early and consistent communication between parent and teacher does, he says, is to change the tone of the meeting. When parents already know the teacher really cares about their child, the discussion becomes, “Oh, let’s see how we can work together to help the child,” he says. As a bonus, he says, “The child will know you’re all in it together.” But back to you, the parent. If the teacher hasn’t been in communication, you’ll want to know how your child is doing in relation to the rest of the class. You’ll want to know if there are problems on the horizon and whether your child is working up to his or her ability. You atlantaparent.com

deserve that information. It’s important that you understand how parent conferences work. In general, the fall conference is a broad overview of the child’s standing. In this conference, you’ll hear about progress in each subject area and maybe a few of the highlights of your child’s performance. You’ll probably be given work samples that give evidence of success levels or areas that need improvement. You may get some test scores that serve to set goals for the rest of the year. If all systems are “go,” you may not need further time with the teacher, and you’ll just await the next report card. If there are significant problem areas, though, you’ll need to follow up. Your child may be unhappy in school or frustrated by one of the subject areas. The teacher may indicate he is behind in reading or she is struggling with math. There isn’t time in that 15 or 20 minutes to design a plan to address the problems. And your child’s success is worth the time it takes to make a workable plan and then follow through toward a clear goal. Schedule another conference soon, and set a time when the teacher can meet only

‘Be Heard’ “Be Heard” Principles for effective parent-teacher conferences: B Best intentions assumed

l E l H l E l A l R l D l

Emphasis on learning Home/school collaboration Examples and evidence Active listening Respect for all Dedication to follow-up

Source: Harvard Family Research Project, hfrp.org

with you to begin a separate goal-setting, problem-solving session. Scheduling another conference gives the teacher time to gather further information and ensures that you’ll be given an open-ended time slot rather than having to rush through information to make way for the next set of nervous parents. The best way to approach these

conference times is as members of the same team. Nothing is gained by confrontational conversations or placing blame for poor behavior or poor performance on other people or circumstances. The best result for your child will happen when everyone works together to make a solid plan. Cont’d on page 36

imagine Your Child? What do you want for

IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE YOUR CHILD LEARNS…

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

E MIDDL L O O H SC EN

OP NOW ccepting

A ons applicati

Montessori School at Emory 3021 N. Decatur Road Decatur, GA 30033 MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com 404-634-5777

Montessori School of Cumming 4601 Post Road Cumming, GA 30040 MontessoriSchoolofCumming.com 770-205-6773

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

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 35

ATLANTA COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

‘A small school... with a big heart’

SACS Accredited College Preparatory School Grades 6-12 Rolling Admissions Average Student/ Teacher Ratio 6:1

Make the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences While you await the next conference session, write down your questions and concerns. Document what you see at home in relation to homework assignments or grades on specific assignments. Talk to your child to assess his attitudes and complaints. Do any research that will help clarify the issues at that next meeting. Your second conference, set up to address specific problems or issues, The best way to might include other staff at approach these your school. conference times There may be specialists is as members of in reading or math, school the same team. social workers, speech therapists or specialist teachers in music or art. These people may have additional information and perspectives that will bring new light to your child’s needs. You are your child’s best advocate. It’s important you get the best information available to help your child succeed in school. Come to parent-teacher conferences ready to gather information, take a few notes, ask questions and then determine whether or not another conference would be beneficial. Good things happen when parents and teachers work together to benefit your child’s success in school. c

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

Call now for an individualized school tour! New Ownership and Administration

Enabling children with learning differences to succeed • Pre-K–8th • Small group instruction • Therapeutic Support • Hands-on Academics • Project Based Learning

770-998-0311

atlantacountrydayschool.com

8725 Dunwoody Place • Sandy Springs • 30350 15_AtlantaCountryDaySchool_TwoThirds_4C.indd 36OCT Atlanta Parent October 2015

8/25/2015 12:18:48 PM

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discover

the possibilities at St. Martin’s Episcopal School

Beginners (3-year-olds) through 8th grade Extended-day program available Preparation for Atlanta’s top high schools

Open House November 7, 2015 9:30 am–12 noon

Welcoming Christian atmosphere

Questions? Contact the Admissions Office at 404.228.0709 or visit stmartinschool.org.

Respectful, collaborative learning environment

3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta, GA 30319 404.228.0709 | stmartinschool.org

One of the

boundless opportunities wonders

of Walker.

For information on our upcoming open houses, please visit thewalkerschool.org.

Cobb’s college-prep community pre-K(3) through 12 The Walker School practices a nondiscriminatory policy of admission.

atlantaparent.com

THE WALKER SCHOOL

where wonders await.

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 37

Embracing Strengthening

Metro Atlanta Families since 1983

770-234-9111 www.focus-ga.org

SCHOOLS:

Reserve your space in our

Education Guide

The ultimate guide dedicated to Schools and Education.

Deadline: Oct. 21

Call for advertising information.

770-454-7599

38 Atlanta Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; October 2015

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School Matters U.S. Constitution Pocket Copies Distributed GEORGIA’S STUDENTS KNOW a little more about the U.S. Constitution now, thanks to a distribution of more than 120,000 pocket-size copies to all fourth-graders in the state. The booklets also include the Declaration of Independence, the lyrics to the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. The distribution was paid for through donations by the American Legion-Department of Georgia, ITTI Global Inc., General Building Maintenance, the Georgia Council on Economics Education, the Georgia Foundation for Public Education and anonymous donors. Also during Constitution Week, the Georgia Department of Education held a Constitution Poster Contest. Ida Shcherbak, a fifth-grader student at Bells Ferry Elementary School in Cobb County, created the winning entry.

Can Your Kid Write Cursive? WHAT MANY PARENTS LEARNED in the second grade – cursive writing – is slowly disappearing from public and private school curriculums. Some argue cursive is outmoded and takes too long to teach; others point out that learning cursive improves motor skills, and worry about what happens to personal, handwritten notes. Is cursive writing important or have computers made it passé? Please let Atlanta Parent know where you stand on this issue; email editor@atlantaparent.com, and put “cursive writing” in the subject line.

Speaker Series Examines the Future HOLY INNOCENTS’ SPEAKER SERIES “FAST FORWARD” on Oct. 21 will tackle the topics of robots, innovative school design, communicating with dogs and screenwriting. Speakers will be Martin Ford, author of Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future; architect Trung Le, who designs education spaces known for openness and natural light; Larry Friel of Georgia Tech’s FIDO Project (Facilitating Interactions for Dogs with Occupations), which has produced high-tech canine vests that help dogs communicate with their handlers; and Joe Conway, a film and broadcast journalism teacher at Holy Innocents’ who is also an award-winning screenwriter. n When: Oct. 21. 7-10 p.m. n Where: Atlanta History Center n Cost: $25

hispeakerseries.org – Amanda Miller Allen

impact-ready

leaders

Preschool – 12. Family. Community. mountvernonschool.org 404.252.3448

CURIOSITY & PASSION

drive learning. When students explore their questions, passions, and interests they make connections that inspire original ideas to impact the world. Embraced by a Christian community, Mount Vernon students are the new generation of innovative thinkers, engaged citizens, and compassionate leaders.

atlantaparent.com

Open House 12/05 12:00 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.

Group Tours

Preschool–Grade 4 10/28 & 11/18 at 9:30 a.m. Grades 5–6 10/21 & 11/11 at 9:30 a.m. Grades 7–12 10/07 & 11/04 at 8:30 a.m.

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 39

History, Algebra, Animals, Careers,

Oh, My!

CHOOSE

Seeing a subject in a different light sometimes piques curiosity and learning or helps kids master problems they thought were impossible (algebra, for instance!). These five books will engage kids and teens.

Joy.

COME VISIT! FALL OPEN HOUSES: Preschool Monday, October 26 Grades K- 6 Tuesday, October 27 Grades 7-12 Wednesday, October 28 private tours available weekly An independent Catholic school on two campuses near Chastain Park for students age 6 months-12th grade. www.holyspiritprep.org

Get the Most Up-to-date list of

School Open Houses by visiting atlantaparent.com To be listed in our Open House Directory, please call 770-454-7599.

CHOSEN GENERATION CHRISTIAN ACADEMY • Phonics Curriculum & Hands on Math • Monthly Educational Field Trips • P.E. • Low Student / Teacher Ratio • Two Years – 3rd Grade • Accept CAPS

For more information, call Dept. of Special Education at 404.802.1690 or 404.802.1699

40 Atlanta Parent October 2015

Schedule a Tour Now!

3800 Big Miller Grove Way Lithonia 30038 • 770-322-1414

n “Where Is?” Series by Grosset & Dunlap Publishers, 2015 Ages 8-12, $5.99 each The first four books in the series are Where is Mount Rushmore?, Where is the White House?, Where is the Great Wall? and Where is the Grand Canyon? They’re easy to read, and full of facts and trivia that encompass the history of the place, and its place in history. Two bits of trivia: if the Great Wall were in the United States, its more than 4,000 miles would stretch from the tip of Florida to the North Pole. And the presidents’ noses on the Mount Rushmore carving are almost 20 feet high. n Careers: The Graphic Guide to

Finding the Perfect Job for You

by DK Publishers, 2015 Ages 10 and older, $19.99 What do you want to be when you grow up? Some kids don’t have a clue, or they might think “TV anchor” or “movie star” because the jobs look glamorous from afar. This book helps kids match their interests and skills with possible professions and explores what it takes – education, training, creativity, flexibility – to get on that career path. The information is presented graphically, and grouped by type of industry, such as transportation or medicine. Each job description has a skills guide, salary range, job opportunities, range of jobs and related careers. It’s a great guide to helping kids narrow the possibilities.

atlantaparent.com

n The Cartoon Guide to Algebra by Larry Gonick William Morrow Publishers, 2015 Ages 12 and older, $18.99 Algebra has stumped many an above-average student, with its equations and concepts that seem so foreign to a beginner. This book tackles the concepts with humor and explains them visually. It’s easy to follow and a good companion book for teens taking their first algebra class or older teens brushing up for a course in college. n Creaturepedia: Welcome

to the Greatest Show on Earth by Adrienne Barman Wide Eyed Editions, 2015 Ages 5-8, $22.99 The world is full of amazing and beautiful creatures, and these animals are grouped and illustrated in delightful and whimsical ways. The Bounders, for instance, covers everything from the Mexican Jumping Bean (actually a seed pod with tiny moth larva living inside) to the Atlantic Salmon and Kangaroo. The Canary-Yellows include a Banana Slug and a Pumpkin Toadlet. Kids will enjoy reading about animals that mate for life (The Faithfuls), the Night Owls, the Pack Animals, and more.

“Lily comes home happy every day.” Jennifer Althardt, Preschool Mom

Join us for Open House, Sunday, November 8, 1-3 PM

955 Peachtree Pkwy. | Cumming, GA | 770 888 4477 | pinecrestacademy.org

The Westminster Schools www.westminster.net

n How to Make a Movie

in 10 Easy Lessons

by Robert Blofield Walter Foster Jr., 2015 Ages 8 and up, $12.95 Budding young filmmakers can focus on the art of making a movie with this book. Kids will enjoy learning about technology, writing a script, making a plan, editing and more as they produce their own movie. A perfect book for beginners. – Amanda Miller Allen

atlantaparent.com

Take a

From observing sunspots during science labs to seeing the world from a global perspective, our community of vibrant learners never stops exploring. Picture the possibilities.

CLOSER LOOK. Open House Dates: Lower School (Pre-1st - 5th) | Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, 10:30 a.m. Middle School (6th - 8th) | Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, 12:30 p.m. or Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, 12:30 p.m. Upper School (9th - 12th) | Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, 2:00 p.m.

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 41

A B O V E B E Y O N D

A T L A N T A T H E

E X P E C T E D

When visitors talk about their recent trip to Atlanta, chances are, Dunwoody w a s a b i g p a r t o f t h e f u n . L o c a t e d w i t h i n 1 0 m i n u t e s o f e a c h o t h e r, D u n w o o d y a n d A t l a n t a m a k e t h e p e r f e c t p a i r, b l e n d i n g b i g - c i t y a t t r a c t i o n s w i t h a l o c a l , w e l c o m i n g f e e l i n g t h a t w i l l k e e p y o u c o m i n g b a c k . A n d w i t h t h e M A R TA t r a n s i t system and nearby highways, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as if Dunwoody and Atlanta were meant to be e x p e r i e n c e d t o g e t h e r. D o z e n s o f r e s t a u r a n t s , c h i c s h o p p i n g , a r t s a n d c u l t u r e , a n d the buzz of business await. Discover how Dunwoody is far beyond the expected! Go beyond the expected at the Apple Cider Days annual fall festival returning to D u n w o o d y t h i s O c t o b e r 2 1 - 2 5 t h . w w w. A p p l e C i d e r D a y s . o r g

W W W . C V B D U N W O O D Y . C O M

Family Fun Guide * LEGO Fun

Fall Adventures

Playground

Not-to-miss events for October

Calendar

Top en e Hallocwks Pi 52 Page

Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival Mercer University, Atlanta Campus Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate with your family at Atlanta Parent’s biggest event of the year. More than 50 activities will keep the kids entertained with animals, obstacle courses, Trick-orTreat Street, arts & crafts and so much more. 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta. 678-2221911. $10 per person at the gate; $5 per person in advance with online purchases only. Ages 1 and younger, free. Each paid admission includes five activity tickets. atlantaparent.com/familyfestival

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Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival Kennesaw State University Sports and Entertainment Park Oct. 23, 6-11 p.m. and Oct. 24, 4-11 p.m. Check website for event schedule. Spooktacular hot air balloon festival featuring balloon glows, trick-or-treating, tethered balloon rides, an Oktoberfest, artist alley, merchant marketplace, food trucks, interactive kid’s zone, multiple entertainment stages, roving performers more. 3200 George Busbee Pkwy., Kennesaw. 470-578-4849. Adults, $15; ages

3-12, $8; ages 3 and younger, free. $3 off admission prior to Oct. 16. owl-o-ween.com

Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival

Great Georgia Airshow Atlanta Regional Airport Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A weekend filled with aerial stunts, roaring jet trucks and helicopter rides (separate fee required.) A kids’ zone offers aviationthemed inflatables, a rock-climbing wall, spider bungee jump, bounce houses and face painting. 7 Falcon Drive, Peachtree City. 855-332-4427. Admission $5-$25; ages 2 and younger, free. thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com

Family Fun Guide

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 43

Family Fun Guide ONE BRICK

AT A TIME

Explore these events, attractions and exhibits that are sure to please LEGO fans. Did You Know?

LEGO Americana Roadshow

36 billion The number of LEGO bricks produced each year.

This free, traveling installation is at North Point Mall in Alpharetta through Oct. 4. It shows larger than life LEGO replicas of some of the nation’s landmarks. LEGO fans can play in the LEGO Brick Play Area for children of all ages. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-7 p.m.

5 billion hours Amount of time spent annually playing with LEGOs. 953 pounds Amount of weight a single LEGO can bear. 83 The number of years LEGOs have been manufactured.

Celebricktion: A Lego Fan Expo This event at the Cobb Galleria Centre includes the largest movable LEGO city ever created. The city is lit up with over 1000 LEDs. Enjoy LEGO creations, LEGO build areas, bounce house, games, prizes, LEGO characters, 3-D printed heads, face painters, prizes, LEGO vendors and more. Oct. 10-11. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $15 per person. celebricktion.com

Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks

Photo by Rick Cruse / crusephoto.com

Venture out to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville, through Jan. 3 to see more than 375,000 LEGO bricks featuring a Mother Duck and her babies next to the pond, a 6-foot-tall praying mantis and more. Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

44 Atlanta Parent October 2015

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Imagine stepping into the world’s biggest box of LEGO bricks. Climb aboard a LEGO-made chariot and see iconic landmarks in MINILAND. Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Last admission two hours before closing. Tickets, $15 and up. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta. 404-848-9252. – Hayley Markowitz

Kids Get Down & Dirty! Down & Dirty Obstacle Race is coming to Atlanta, with two races just for kids. Sign up before Oct. 18 for Adventure Kids, races for children ages 4-13 featuring running, obstacles and a trip through a huge mud pit. A race for ages 4-6 will include a 100-yard dash, obstacles and a mud pit where parents must accompany their child. Ages 7-13 will take on a 1-mile timed run, obstacles and a belly crawl through the mud pit (parents aren’t permitted). Deadline to register online is Oct. 15 and on-site registration is Oct. 18. 7:15-11:15 a.m. Ages 4-6, $20; ages 7-13, $30. Georgia International Horse Park: 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. downanddirtyobstaclerace.com/adventure-kids

Family Fun Guide

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Reasons to Love The Rock Ranch

The Rock Ranch is only an hour drive from Atlanta, but it feels far removed, like visiting Granddad’s farm, but a whole lot more fun. Granddad may have had a corn silo, but he sure didn’t have a Tiny Town village, a jumping pillow, a carousel, a zip line or a rock wall – and so much more. Here are the Top 5 things to love about this 1,500-acre working ranch founded by the late S. Truett Cathy, who started Chick-fil-A.

1 2 3 4 5

Tiny Town. This miniature village with a church, bank, school, courthouse, jail, movie theater and more invites a game of “let’s pretend.” My kids, ages 4 and 2, visited every structure. A hot day bonus: air conditioning.

Corn Silo. Step into the silo and play in the corn, just like farm kids have done for eons.

Train and Other Rides. To get to the farm from the parking lot, you board a tractor-pulled train. Once there, choose from a carousel, locomotive train, cow train, pedal karts, pedal boats, pony rides and more.

You-Pick Farm. Pick berries in season or choose a pumpkin in October.

Plenty for Toddlers to Teens. Older kids love the zip line, rock climbing, rope maze, pedal karts and boats; younger kids delight in the jumping pillow, pipe slide, carousel and more. Plan to spend the whole day – even then, the kids will not be ready to leave. – Laura Powell

If You Go The Rock Ranch 4020 Hwy. 36, The Rock, Ga. 706-647-0337; therockranch.com n Admission: Varies by season. $15 per person in Fall; ages 2 and younger free. Additional fees for some attractions. n Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays in Fall, through Nov. 15.

n Special Events: Lumberjack Day, Oct. 3; Georgia’s Official Day of the Cowboy, Oct. 10; Hot Air Balloon Rally, Oct. 17; Great Outdoors Adventure, Oct. 24; “Not So Spooky” Halloween Festival, Oct. 31, and National Pumpkin Destruction Day, Nov. 7.

OCT. 7 – 11 Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com 800-745-3000 Venue Box Office Groups call 770-578-5125

323670

DisneyOnIce.com

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

#DisneyOnIce

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 45

fallfestivals&fairs

Enjoy live entertainment, stroll through an artist’s market or just hit the midway! Charges may apply for some festival activities, such as inflatables and activity stations in addition to entrance fees.

n North Georgia State Fair. Jim R. Miller Park. Enjoy over 40 carnival rides, animal attractions, competitions, food vendors, concerts and more. Through Oct. 4. 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. SW, Marietta. 770-528-8989. Adults, $7; ages 10 and younger, free. Ride tickets, $1.25 or 21 for $20; parking, $3. n Crabapple Fest. Historic Crabapple. Featuring antiques dealers and local juried artists, roaming musicians, food trucks and kids activities. Oct. 3. 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. 3-4. Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Clarendon Ave. and S. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates. 404-294-5400. Free. n Candler Park Fall Fest. Candler Park. Family-friendly neighborhood festival with live music, artists, kids’ area, food vendors and 5K road race. Oct. 3-4. Sat.-Sun., noon-9 p.m. Corner of McLendon Ave. and Candler Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-895-9276. Free. n Norcross Art Splash. Historic Downtown Norcross. Local and national artists display and sell folk art, photography, pottery, jewelry and more. Kids Zone with face painting, sand art, inflatables and rides. Oct. 3-4. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Norcross. 770-452-1727. Free. n Autumn Fest. Barrett Memorial Park. Arts and crafts, children’s activities, live entertainment, food and more. Oct. 5. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 120 Park Ln., Holly Springs. 770-721-7506. Free. n Cumming Country Fair and Festival. Cumming Fairgrounds. Carnival rides, live music, fireworks, chainsaw carving and more. Oct. 8-18. 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. 770-781-3491. Adults, $7; ages 5-18, $2; 4 and younger, free; parking, $3. Cash only. n Rock N’ Ribville. Lawrenceville Lawn. Come out for a day of live entertainment by local musicians, a Kid’s riblet zone, grizzly burger eating contest and BBQ competition. Oct. 10. Noon-8 p.m. 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville. 678-407-6598. Free. n Fall-O-Ween Fest. Swift-Cantrell Park. “Spook-Central Park” features a costume contest, free and pay-to-play inflatables, a trackless train, carnival games, a Trick-or-Treat Trail, childrens crafts, scarecrow displays, carved pumpkins and more. Oct. 10. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 3140 Old 41 Hwy., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free. n Johns Creek Fall Festival. Newton Park. Crafts, carnival games, moonwalks, a giant slide, obstacle courses, food and live music. Oct 10. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. Free. n Highland Games and Scottish Festival. Stone Mountain Park. Featuring musical entertainment, children’s events and more. Oct. 16-18. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 770-521-0228. Sat.: Adults, $19; ages 4-12, $6; Sun.: Adults, $17; ages 4-12, $6; ages 3 and younger, free. Parking, $15.

Take a ride on the Ferris wheel, snack on a yummy treat or play a midway game at Apple Cider Days. n Harvest Balloon Festival. Sterling on the Lake. Take part in balloon adventures, competitive races and tethered rides. On land, pumpkin carving, hayrides, face painting and a bake sale. Oct. 17. 1-8 p.m. 7004 Lake Sterling Blvd., Flowery Branch. 770-967-9777. $1 admission. n Harvest Square Festival. Glover Park-Marietta Square. Halloween games, family activities, scarecrows, touch-a-truck and more. Oct. 17. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 50 Park Sq., Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free. n Apple Cider Days. Perimeter Mall. Enjoy carnival rides, inflatables, games, concessions and more. 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. NE, Dunwoody. 770668-0401. Oct. 21-25. Wed.-Thurs., 5-10 p.m. Fri., 5-11 p.m. Sat., 2-11 p.m. and Sun., 2-10 p.m. Free admission, individual tickets, $1. Unlimited ride wristband, $25. n Country Living Fair. Stone Mountain Park. Over 150 booths of antiques and hand-crafted goods, plus a harvest market and general store. Oct. 23-25. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. U.S. Highway 78 East, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. One day, $16; weekend pass, $20; ages 15 and younger, free with paying adult; one-day parking, $15.

See local and national entertainers, food vendors and 140 artists selling folk art at the Norcross Art Splash. The kids zone features rides, face painting, inflatables and more. 46 Atlanta Parent October 2015

n Atlanta World Kite Festival and Expo. Piedmont Park at the Meadow. Family-friendly fun featuring kite flying, food vendors, entertainment, kids’ fun zone, arts and crafts, costume contest and more. Oct. 24. 1-6 p.m. 10th St. between Charles Allen Dr. and Monroe St., Atlanta. atlantaworldkitefestival. com. Free. c

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Join the Fun at

Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival

Adapted by Michael Haverty Directed by Amy Sweeney Based on the book by J.M. Barrie

NOW - OCT 25

Get ready for outrageous family fun at Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival. Family Festival celebrates its 12th year with more than 50 activities, such as:

THE

Don’t Miss

By Grey Seal Puppets of Charlotte, NC

n Touch, hold and learn about reptiles with the cast of the Scaly Adventures TV series. Be sure to see their reptile show with Lt. Barnhill and his K-9 partner Ace.

If You Go

n Let’s take a selfie on the Cover of Atlanta Parent! Strike a pose with the iSnap Selfie Station.

n Date: Oct. 10. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

n Visit with animals from Zoo Atlanta from 1-3 p.m. n Learn how to hoop, test out the tight wire and even learn tricks on the trapeze with Circus Camp.

LITTLE PIGS & MORE

Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival Mercer University Atlanta Campus 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta.

OCT 27 - NOV 8

n Cost: $10 at gate, $5 for advance orders online at atlantaparent.com/familyfestival. Each paid admission ticket includes five activity tickets. Ages 1 and younger, free.

Something for Everyone Listen to storytellers and see performers throughout the day: Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Parrot Productions and more. Toddlers will play with no worries of big kids in the Toddler Play Zone with inflatables and games just for them.

ND OPENING GRA WORLDS OF PUPPETRY MUSEUM SA SAT T,, NOV NOV 14 14

Grab a snack or lunch at Atomic Ice Cream Sandwiches, Kona Ice, Sinbad’s Mediterranean, Chick-fil-A and more.

Know Before You Go Skip ticket lines and save $5 per ticket when you purchase tickets online. Online sales end Oct. 8. Bring a copy of your email receipt. Parking is free. Additional activity tickets can be purchased at the event; not all activities require tickets. The Storytelling Stage will be hopping with great performers with the help of Page Turners Make Great Learners. Don’t miss Chef

Wendy of Sparkles Cookies and Desserts, Andy Irwin, Jennifer Daniels and many more interactive storytellers. The Main Performance Area will be filled with acts for the whole family, whether you like reptiles, birds, science or just love to dance to the music. Talent Showdown Winners will perform on the main stage. Acts throughout the day include The Omni Chinese Singers, Kim Armstrong, Big Thinkers Science Show and more. – Hayley Markowitz

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

404.873.3391 puppet.org

Limited FREE Parking • MARTA Accessible

1404 Spring Spring Street Street NW NW 1404 Atlanta, GA GA 30309 30309 Atlanta, Advance purchase is highly recommended as many shows sell out quickly. Season supported in part by: Fulton County Board of Commissioners; the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs; and Georgia Council for the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Images: Clay Walker, Grey Seal Puppets, Thinkwell

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 47

Fall for Family Fun The leaves are turning and the air is crisp. Fall is here! It’s time to get outdoors for an adventure with the family.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Leaf Watching and Hiking Set your sights on North Georgia towns such as Dahlonega, Ellijay, Helen and Hiawassee to enjoy all the fall foliage. n Time your visit to attend special fairs and festivals. Dahlonega has Gold Rush Days Oct. 16-18. Ellijay has its annual Apple Festival Oct. 10-11 and 17-18. Helen’s Oktober Fest happens daily through Nov. 1, and Hiawassee’s Georgia Mountain Fall Festival is Oct. 9-17. n Georgia State Parks have great trails and views of fall leaves. Black Rock Mountain State Park is Georgia’s highest state park; Amicalola Falls State Park has the Southeast’s tallest waterfall; other options are Tallulah Gorge State Park and Cloudland Canyon State Park. Check out a free parking pass at your local library and save the $5 parking fee. The “leaf watch” web page: gastateparks.org/leafwatch; 800-864-7275. n Try one of the Top 10 trails recommended by AtlantaTrails.com such as the Appalachian Trail from Woody Gap to Big Cedar Mountain, about 2.5 miles, or the Yonah Mountain Trail near Helen, about 4.4 miles. Both have spectacular views. If hiking’s not an option, take a drive on the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway between Helen and Blairsville.

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Family Fun Guide

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Apple Picking Take the family to an apple orchard and pick apples right off the tree. n Mercier Orchards, Blue Ridge Sat. and Sun. in Oct., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This orchard is the largest in the state. The do-it-yourself apple picking starts with a tractor ride to the orchards and a brief talk about Mercier’s history. The tractor ride is $3 per person, ages 2 and younger free. A peck of apples costs $12. One peck can be split so each child can have their own bag for picking. 8660 Blue Ridge Dr., Blue Ridge. 706632-3411; mercier-orchards.com n Hillcrest Orchards, Ellijay Sat. and Sun. in Oct., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. “Apple Pickin’ Jubilee” is this orchard’s apple picking festival with a petting farm, pig race, and the chance to milk a cow. Small children will enjoy picking from Hillcrest’s dwarf trees with apples hanging well within reach. Seven varieties of apples are available to pick. All admission is $10 with apple picking bags costing $7 for a half-peck, $11 for a peck. 9696 Hwy. 52 East, Ellijay. 706-273-3838; hillcrestorchards.net

Mercier Orchards

Horseback Riding Pick a stable and take the reins to see some beautiful scenery. n Sunburst Stables, Clarkesville. Enjoy guided trail rides into the Chattahoochee National Forest on mountain trails for any experience level, with one- to four-hour rides available daily. A family adventure ride is a halfday trip where you ride the trail to the miniature animal farm, stop for fishing at three stocked ponds and meet the animals up close. Also see a blacksmith demonstration on a forge and ride a train through a gold mine cave. Ages 6 and younger must ride with a parent. $50-$115 per person. 706-389-9544; 251 Sunburst Lane, Clarkesville. sunburststables.com n Gold City Corral & Carriage Company, Dahlonega. For the beginner that wants to go horseback riding – take a one-hour guided tour with a beginner riding lesson before the ride. Ages 8 and older, $35-40 per rider. Other ride options, $70-150. 706-867-9395; 49 Forrest Hill Rd., Dahlonega. goldcitycorral.com

Scenic Railway Fun Enjoy some spooky railway fun on the Halloween Eerie Express or the Great Pumpkin Patch Express or sit back and relax and just watch the leaves changing color on other daytime train rides.

Sunburst Stables

n The Tennessee Valley Railroad (Chattanooga, TN) has the Halloween Eerie Express Oct. 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30, a 90-minute ride featuring an evening of storytelling, petting zoo, indoor blacklight mini golf, coloring contests and a walk through the Fun House. All children holding a Halloween Eerie Express ticket can pick out a mini pumpkin and a goodie bag. Adults and children age 2 and older, $22 each; trains depart at 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 423-894-8028. tvrail.com n Take a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Bryson City, NC) for the Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Kids can pick their own pumpkin, meet Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy and enjoy a campfire, bouncy house, hayrides and more. Don’t forget to wear your costumes. Oct. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 and 30-31. Fri. departures, 3:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. departures, noon and 3:30 p.m. Pre-register online at gsmr.com. Adults, $55; ages 2-12, $31; younger than 2, free. 800-872-4681.

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Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Family Fun Guide

– Hayley Markowitz

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 49

Playground: Kidzstock Park, Woodstock

idzstock Park is a hidden gem on the grounds of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, full of climbing structures for older kids and a Tot Lot with swings and tunnels for younger kids. The first thing you’ll see is a big friendly sign welcoming you, then you can’t miss a giant red climbing structure that my son thinks looks like a red Eifel Tower. Don’t worry, moms and dads, the ground is covered with recycled rubber tire mulch. Beyond the climbing structure are wooden castles and towers with many ways to climb up and slide down – stairs, a climbing rope, a climbing wall, a fireman’s pole, slides – you name it! You’ll also find a bouncy bridge, a tight ropestyle balance beam and another rubber rope obstacle that lead to a big wooden ship. My kids love to climb inside and pretend to be pirates. When they’re ready to become landlubbers again, they head for the swings at the rear of the park. The Tot Lot for kids ages 2-5 has a city theme with storefronts, a train and a carwash that sprays a cooling mist. It also has toddlersized tunnels for crawling, perfect-height monkey bars and plenty of swings. My kids’ favorite thing to do before they leave is to visit the giant fish mural. It’s also a mister that sprays water and cools them off after hours of playtime!

n Features: Separate playgrounds for older kids and toddlers; climbing structures, slides, swings, a wooden ship, a basketball court, a rock climbing wall, two hopscotch paths, and a two misting features to cool off; covered pavilions with picnic tables; clean restrooms with changing tables. n Location: 11905 Hwy. 92, Woodstock, on the campus of First Baptist Church of Woodstock. Open 8 a.m. until dark. – Nicole Mabry

13 reasons 13th

1. GUNFIGHT RE-ENACTMENTS 2. NATIVE AMERICAN DANCING 3. MECHANICAL BULL RIDES 4. FANTASTIC FESTIVAL FOOD 5. TWO STAGES OF ENTERTAINMENT 6. WESTERN ART EXHIBITION OPENING 7. SHOPPING IN THE WESTERN MARKETPLACE 8. ART ACTIVITIES & PETTING ZOO 9. ONLY EVENT OF ITS KIND IN THE SOUTHEAST 10. TRAVELING MIRACLE MEDICINE SHOW 11. LIVING HISTORY ENCAMPMENTS 12. ART HISTORY SYMPOSIUM 13. CHILDREN 12 & UNDER ARE FREE!

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50 Atlanta Parent October 2015

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Queen of Sheba Comes to Fernbank Museum

earn about the mysteries behind Queen of Sheba and her fabled lands. Take a journey through time with Searching for the Queen of Sheba exhibition and discover over 80 objects including coins, throne fragments, paintings, statues, incense burners, inscriptions and reproductions. 404-929-6300. fernbankmuseum.org

Save the Date! Family Festival on November 8.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Explore, play, learn, and create art in an interactive, family-friendly environment including free activities.

every sunday 1-4pm | woodruffcreateATL.org

Viking Re-enactment Barrington Hall Nov. 7-8. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The life of a Viking comes alive as The Sons of Loki present aspects of Norse, Saxon and Norman culture. Demonstrations include Viking encampment, clothing, weapons, armor, craftsmanship, leather craft, shield making, wood carving, storytelling, fighting, camp life skits and more. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. 770-640-3855. Free admission.

LE ON SAW! NO

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Nov. 13. 6:30 p.m. Everyone’s favorite big red dog headlines a live musical performance. Clifford and Emily Elizabeth embark on a journey to Birdwell Island to meet up with their friends and learn to share Clifford’s BIG ideas: sharing, playing fair and working together. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., 770-916-2800. Tickets, $17-$47. cobbenergycentre.com

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RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S

NOVEMBER 3-8

FoxTheatre.org/Cinderella • 855.285.8499

Family Fun Guide

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 51

Halloween TOP PICKS Photo by Jeff Roffman

Atlanta Parent’s best bets for fright friendly fun that will have your boos and ghouls howling with delight. Halloween Hijinks

Atlanta Symphony Hall Oct. 31, 2 p.m. This concert will tickle your funny bone with Harry Potter, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Night on Bald Mountain, and a few other surprises. Costumes encourage. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $15-20. atlantasymphony.org

Halloween Night on Callanwolde Mountain

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Oct. 30, 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. 404-8725338. In advance, $4; at the door, $5. callanwolde.org

Ghost Tours

Lawrenceville Every day in Oct. Listen to vivid stories of the strange and supernatural as guides lead groups on a 90-minute adventure. Sun.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Adults, $12; ages 16 and younger, $9. Fri.-Sat., 7 and 9 p.m. Adults, $15; ages 16 and younger, $12. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-2266222. scarystroll.com

Fernbank Boo-Seum Trick-or-Treat

Fernbank Museum of Natural History Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Follow the screams of delight to a day of frightening-ly fun activities including treats for kids in costume, games, music and more. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. Adults $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free.fernbankmuseum.org

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Scarecrows in the Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden Oct. 8-31, Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Enjoy more than 100 kooky and spooky scarecrows.1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free. Train and pony rides extra. atlantabg.org

Haunted Halloween

Atlanta History Center Oct. 23, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Walk through foggy gardens and haunted historic houses and enjoy some fun ghostly encounters. 404-814-4000. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. Adults, $15, ages 12 and younger, $8. atlantahistorycenter.com

Pumpkin Festival Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival

Kennesaw State University Sports and Entertainment Park Oct. 23, 6-11 p.m. and Oct. 24, 4-11 p.m. Check website for event schedule. Spooktacular hot air balloon festival featuring balloon glows, trick-ortreating, tethered balloon rides, an Oktoberfest, artist alley, merchant marketplace, food trucks, interactive kid’s zone, multiple entertainment stages, roving performers more. 3200 George Busbee Pkwy., Kennesaw. 470-578-4849. Adults, $15; ages 3-12, $8. Ages 3 and younger, free. $3 off admission prior to Oct. 16. owl-o-ween.com

Stone Mountain Park Weekends through Oct. 25. Try the trick-or-treat scavenger hunt, make crafts in the pumpkin patch, get lost in the corn maze, join the costume dance party and dress your own scarecrow. Fri. and Sun., 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. Adults, $24.95; ages 3-11, $19.95; ages 3 and younger, free; parking, $15. stonemountainpark.com

Boo at the Zoo

Zoo Atlanta Oct. 17-18, 24-25 and 31; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Hands-on craft stations, costumed creatures, trick-or-treating and the animals to see! 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-5600. Adults $22.99; ages 3-11, $17.99; ages 2 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org

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Family Fun Guide

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 53

HaLLoWeeNHaPPeNiNGS 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.

Special Events Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade. Findley Plaza. Live music, street entertainment, vendors, a costume contest and street parade. Oct. 17. noon-11 p.m.; parade, 4 p.m. Intersection of Moreland and Euclid Avenues, Atlanta. 404-762-5665. Free. Halloween Night Hikes. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Guided hike along well-lit trails where children meet friendly costumed forest creatures. Face painting, non-scary tales and live entertainment around the campfire. Oct. 23, 24 and 30. Hikes 7 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $9; ages 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. 25. 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. Science Spooky Night. Tellus Museum. Ghost tours through the galleries, hay bale mazes, treat bags, meet Batman and Batgirl, have cookies with Nesquik bunny and more. Oct. 30. 6.-9 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $15 per person; ages 2 and younger, free. Mummies and Milkshakes. Michael C. Carlos Museum. Visit animal and human mummies in the Egyptian galleries, purchase a Jake’s Ice Cream milkshake, and watch funny vintage mummy cartoons and mummy-themed films featuring the Three Stooges and Abbot and Costello. Reservations required. Oct. 30. 6-9:30 p.m. 571 South Kilgo Cir. NE, Atlanta. 404-727-0519. $5.

54 Atlanta Parent October 2015

Walker Stalker Con. Georgia World Congress Center. Zombie, horror and sci-fi fan convention. Oct. 30- Nov.1. Fri., 3-8 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Trick or Treating, Sat. 2-6 p.m. 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 404-220-2230. Adults, $35-45; ages 10 and younger, free.

Train or Treat. Southeastern Railway Museum. Make special crafts, trick or treat around historic trains, participate in a costume contest and more. Oct. 31. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3593 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. Adults, $10; ages 2-12, $7; younger than 2, free; Wild West train ride, $3.

Trick or Treating

Trek or Treat. Suwanee Creek Park. Trick-ortreat along the park’s greenway and participate in fall festival activities. Oct. 31. 11 a.m. 1170 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 770-945-1524. Free.

Magic Monday Historic Halloween. Atlanta History Center. 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. Oct. 12. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4110. Adults, $6.50; ages 5 and younger, $5.50. Trick or Treat on Main Street. Downtown Fayetteville. See the jack-o-lanterns that decorate the Fayetteville Square and trick-ortreat at local businesses. Oct. 24. 3:30 p.m. Main St., Fayetteville. 770-719-4173. Free. Boo Bash and Trick or Treating. Town Center at Cobb. Enjoy trick-or-treating, a bounce house and Halloween fun. Oct. 24. 6-8 p.m. 400 Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-4249486. $5. Brick-or-Treat. Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta. Miniland scavenger hunts, a LEGO pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating and more. Costume contests Oct. 31- Nov. 1. Sat. and Sun. through Oct. 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-848-9252. Adults, $19; ages 3-12, $15; 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

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. Georgia A-Scary-Um. Georgia Aquarium. Have fun in costume and trick-or-treat alongside longfin batfish and Japanese spider crabs. Also enjoy Halloween-themed crafts and photo stations. Oct. 31. 10 a.m.-4 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 the Square. McDonough Square. Trick or treat around downtown. Oct. 30. 3-5 p.m. 5 Griffin St., McDonough. 770-898-9311. Free. Munchkin Masquerade. Historic Newnan Square. Downtown merchants pass out Halloween treats to costumed kids. Oct. 30. 10 a.m.-noon. Historic Downtown Newnan Courthouse Square. 770-253-8283. Free.

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Scarecrows Galore Scarecrow Harvest. Historic Downtown Alpharetta. More than 100 scarecrows decorated by elementary school children, a farmers market, awards, music, hayrides to the log cabin, face painting, storytelling and inflatables. Oct. 3. 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 moody lighting, with rows of scarecrows set up throughout wooded paths. Beyond the scarecrows, there are pumpkin patches and hay bale mazes to explore, as well as a full petting zoo. Every weekend in Oct. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., noon-6 p.m. 2912 Paradise Valley Rd., Cleveland. 706-348-7279. Adults, $8; ages 2-11, $6; younger than 1, free.

Fun with Ghosts Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tour. Historic Oakland Cemetery. Witness the final resting place of Atlanta’s sons and daughters while the gates stay open after dark. Tour escorted by a costumed guide. Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 29-31, 5:30 p.m. Must purchase ticket in advance. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-327-7738. Adults, $25; ages 4-12, $13; ages 3 and younger, free. Halloween Hayrides. Red Top Mountain State Park. Take a “spooktacular” hayride through the old ghost town of Lake Allatoona’s and listen closely as storytellers bring ghosts and goblins to life around a campfire. Oct. 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24. 7- 9 p.m. running every forty mins. 50 Lodge Rd. SE, Acworth. 770975-0555. $10, per person; ages 2 and younger, free. Parking, $5.

Georgia A-Scary-Um

Decatur Ghost Tours. Decatur. Come meet some of Decatur’s ghosts on this historical, paranormal walking tour of downtown Decatur. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 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 day in Oct. 8 p.m. 617 Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-649-9922. Adults, $15; ages 12 and younger, $10. Ghosts of Marietta. Marietta. A 90-minute lantern led walk through historic Marietta. See website for schedule. ghostsofmarietta.com. 131 Church St., Marietta. 770-4255755. Adults, $17; ages 12 and younger, $12. Cont’d on page 56

Family Concert

OCT

SAT: 2PM Atlanta Symphony Hall

Tickets Start at Only $15! ON SALE NOW! Joseph Young, conductor

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Family Fun Guide

404.733.5000

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 55

A Tour of Southern Ghosts. Stone Mountain Park, Antebellum Plantation. Each night offers a different cast of six storytellers and ghostly fun for all the family put on by Art Station. Oct. 9-25. Thurs.-Sun. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-469-1105. Adults, $16; ages 12 and younger, $8. Parking, $15. Ghost Tales & Trails. City Center. Go on a spooky tour walking through downtown. Oct. 21-22 and 29-30. 6-10 p.m. Groups depart every 45 minutes starting at 6:30 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. Games and activities, free. Tour, $10, ages 5 and older; $6, at the door.

Haunted Fun for Older Kids Fear The Woods. Stockbridge. Haunted hayride, barn, zombie paintball hayride, reptile exhibit and more. Oct. 2-Nov. 1. Fri-Sun., 7 p.m.-midnight. 3565 N Hwy. 155, Stockbridge. 770-954-9356. Adults, $17; ages 10 and younger, $15. FEARopolis. Funopolis Family Fun Center. A haunted house with alien laser tag, zombie hayrides, corn maze and more. Weekends through Nov. 1; see funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com for schedule. 40155 Hwy. 441 S, Commerce. 706-335-3866.$7.50. Additional activities extra.

Fright Fest. Six Flags. The amusement park transforms into a ghoulish place with ghosts and goblins, with haunted attractions, pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating. Weekends through Nov. 1. Fri., 6 p.m.-midnight; Sat. noonmidnight; Sun., noon-10 p.m. 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell. 770-948-9290. General admission, $63.99; kids under 54 inches, $43.99; 2 and younger, free; parking, $20. Netherworld Haunted House. Norcross. Walk-through dark attraction filled with terrifying live actors, amazing special effects and monsters. Through Nov 7. 6624 Dawson Blvd, Norcross. 404-608-2484. $22-25 per person for the main haunt. See fearworld.com for hours other pricing. 13 Stories Haunted House. Newnan. Take a tour through five different attractions: 13 Stories Haunted House, Vertigo, Horror Hill Zombie Alley, Clown Haud 3D, and 13 Xtreme. Not recommended for small children and pregnant women. Through Nov. 13. 320 Temple Ave., Newnan. 770-251-9911. $25 for four hunts and $30 for all five.

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. 23. 7-9 p.m. 55 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 678-277-0910. Pre-register by Oct. 10. $11.

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. Ages 4 and older. Oct. 24. 6 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. Oct. 30. 7-9 p.m. 10495 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3760. Pre-register. $12 for Roswell residents; $18 for non-residents. Halloween Bash Monster Mash. Leapin’ Lizards. Jump, dress up for a dance party, giveaways and a scavenger hunt. Oct. 31. 3-7 p.m. North DeKalb Mall, 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy. Decatur. Inflatable Jumping, $5-8; activities free.

Halloween Theater, Movies and Music Spooky Film Festival series. Atlantic Station. A four-part series of spooky films in Central Park. Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30. 7:30 p.m. 18th St. NW, Atlanta. 404733-1221. Free. Fall-O-Ween Fest & Outdoor Movie. SwiftCantrell. Come dressed in your best Halloween digs and showcase your cool moves during a monster mash dance party. Oct. 10. 5 p.m.; dance party, 5-7:30 p.m. Activities will also include inflatables and amusements, carnival games, a Trick-or-Treat Trail and children’s crafts. “How to Train Your Dragon 2” will play as the outdoor movie. 3140 Old 41 Hwy, Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free.

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Family Fun Guide

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FAMILY

Science Spooky Night

FUN

Halloween Magic Show. Aurora Children’s Playhouse. Atlantan Arthur Atsma will amaze and amuse with a show filled with sleight-of-hand magic, audience interaction and comedy. Oct. 24. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. Reservations recommended. $7. The Sleepy Hollow Experience. Serenbe Playhouse. Come to the Serenbe Stables to enjoy this classic spooky story. Through Nov. 1. Wed.Sun., 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. late show 10:30 p.m. 9065 Selborne Ln., Chattahoochee Hills. 770-4631110. Adults, $25; lap sitters, free.

Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches * Designates pick-your-own Enchanted MAiZE. Blowing Springs Farm. Find your way through this year’s new out-of-this world symbol maze. Through Nov 1. Thurs.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sun., noon-6:30 p.m. 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd., Flintstone. 706-820-2531. Adults, $10; ages 3 and younger, free. *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 Nov. 1. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 4729 Waleska Hwy. 108, Jasper. 770-7353638. Activities range from $2-$7. Carlton Farms. Rockmart. Choose a pumpkin, play on the hay jump, shoot the corn cannon, explore the corn maze and see animals. Through Nov. 1. Fri., 6-10 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-9 p.m. 1276 Cartersville Hwy., Rockmart. 770-684-3789. Attractions, $12, corn maze, hayride, animal barn and play area. $7, person for corn maze only. Pumpkin patch, free. Corn Dawgs Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Loganville. Themed corn maze, jumping pillows, zip line, petting zoo, giant checkerboard and pumpkins galore. Open through Nov. 1. Fri., 5-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10-7 p.m. 955 Leone Ave., Loganville. 770-786-9000. Admission, $12; 2 and younger, free.

AT FERNBANK FernbankMuseum.org

ROBOTS DAY • Saturday, October 10

Interact with robots and enjoy a host of games and activities.

FERNBANK BOO-SEUM • Saturday, October 24

Have a howling good time trick-or-treating with the world’s largest dinosaurs.

WEEKEND WONDERS

Participate in a variety of drop-in programs, including live science shows, animal encounters and more. Become a member and visit the Museum for free!

U-Pick Apples! Through October: Please call for details. You can check us out on Facebook and visit our website for the most current ripening dates!

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FARM MARKET HARD CIDER TASTING ROOM DELI & BAKERY

* Washington Farms. 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 Nov. 1. Fri., 4-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. 5691 Hog Mountain Rd., Bogart. 706-769-0627. Ages 5 and older, $14 for farm fun and corn maze; ages 2-4, $10 for farm activities and corn maze; younger than 2, free. Cont’d on page 58

FARM TOURS

CANDY KITCHEN FRESH CIDER

800-361-7731 B L U E

R I D G E

Family Fun Guide

G E O R G I A

Mercier-Orchards.com October 2015 Atlanta Parent 57

*Southern Belle Farm. McDonough. Enjoy a hayride, corn maze, pumpkin patch and more. Through Nov. 1. Fri., 4- 9 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. 1658 Turner Church Rd., McDonough. 770-288-2582. Ages 3 and older, $14; ages 2 and younger, free. Jaemor Farms. Experience 8 acres of corn; features a pumpkin train, hayrides, apple cannons, duck races, farm slide and more. Through Nov. 8. Mon.- Thurs., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 10-10 p.m. Sun., 1-7 p.m. 5340 Cornelia Hwy., Alto. 770-8693999. Corn maze, Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $9; ages 2 and younger, free with paying adult. “Value access pass” includes maze, hayride and all attractions, $14. Colonel Cob’s Corn Maze. Mitcham Farm. This year’s theme is Space Exploration and even enjoy a mini corn maze. Admission to corn maze includes attractions such as a petting zoo, giant mountain slide, inflatable cow jumper and pumpkin patch. Through Nov. 8. Fri.-Sat., noon-10 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. 797 Macedonia Church Rd., Oxford. 770786-8805. Corn maze and hayride, $12; age 3 and younger, free. Uncle Bob’s Pumpkin Patch and Tricky Crop Maze. Redwine Farms. See farm animals, try the crop maze, listen to storytelling, take a hayride, see puppet shows and choose a pumpkin. Through Nov. 8. Fri. and Sun., 1-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3781 E. Happy Valley Cir., Newnan. 770-253-8100. Ages 3 and older, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

FALL FAMILY

FUN

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Buck’s Corn Maze. Explore this 12-acre corn maze with a beautiful view of the Appalachian Mountains. Through Nov. 8. Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 1923 New Hope Rd., Dawsonville. 706-3448834. Age 11 and older, $8; ages 5-10, $7; 4 and younger, free with paid adult. Burt’s Farm. Dawsonville. Pick from thousands of pumpkins, stop by the store or take a hayride pulled by a tractor. Through Nov. 10. Oct. 1-30, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Oct. 31-Nov. 10: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 5 Burts Farm Rd., Dawsonville. 706265-3701. Adults, $5; ages 1-12, $4; younger than 1, free. Buford Corn Maze. Corn maze, hayride, Haunted Forest, corn box, jumpy pillow and more. Through Nov. 15. Fri., 5-10 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., noon-10 p.m. 4470 Bennett Rd., Buford. 678-835-7198. Corn maze: $15; Haunted Forest: $15; combo corn maze/Haunted Forest, $24. Cagle’s Family Farm Corn Maze. Explore the 10-acre corn maze, enjoy tasty concessions and gather around the bonfire. Through Nov. 15. Fri., 5-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 355 Stringer Rd., Canton. 770-3455591. Corn maze: $10; younger than 3, free; haunted barn, $12; farm tour, $7; hayride and bonfire, $7. Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze. A 12-acre maze with Medusa design, pumpkin patch, hayride and bonfire. Through Nov. 22. Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 4520 Highway 53 E, Dawsonville. 1-888-674-8257. Maze, $10; combo hayride/maze, $13; 4 and younger, free.

The Pumpkin Patch at Yule Forest

Pumpkin Patch Only Big Springs Farm. Visit the petting zoo, pick from hundreds of pumpkins, enjoy a scenic tour of the farm on a wagon ride, or bounce on inflatables. Oct. weekends. Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 2100 Sugar Pike Rd., Woodstock. 678-8993900. Admission, free; hayrides, $4; bounce house, $3. Yule Forest Pumpkin Patch. Inflatables, talking chicken show, petting zoo, a rabbit pioneer village, paintball hayrides and more. Oct. 1-30. Mon.-Fri., 4-7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3565 Hwy. 155 N, Stockbridge. 770-954-9356. Adult, $8; ages 18 and younger, $10 includes fun zone and mini pumpkin. Free admission and hayride on Wed. for kids in costume. Additional fees $2-$5.

Fall Family Fun down on the Mitcham Farm Sept. 25 - Nov. 8

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AHaunted House AHaunted Hayride AZombie paintball Hayrides 58 Atlanta Parent October 2015

Halloween Night Hikes

Family Fun Guide

Pumpkin Patch * Hayrides & Bonfires Giant Mountain Slide * Cow Train Kids Activities * Farm Animals Corn Cannon * Helicopter rides And Much Much More! Visit www.MitchamFarm.com for Directions and event info

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

North Georgia Zoo Petting Farm

Fall Happenings Scarecrow Trail 9/26 – 10/31 Pumpkin Fest 10/3 – 10/31 Howl with the Wolves, Pony Rides, Animal Encounters and More! Pumpkin Patch, wool jump and other fun fall activities.

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Come visit us or we can bring fall fun to you! Night time animal shows and petting zoos!

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atlantaparent.com

FALL FAMILY FUN Berry Patch Farms. Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, enjoy apple cider, fried pie, boiled peanuts and the petting zoo. Oct. 3-25. Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Oct. 12-30, 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., 8 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 Nov. 1. Mon.-Fri., 2-6 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; ages 3-18, $12; 2 and younger, free.

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. Oct. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 and 30-31. Fri. departures, 3:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. departures, noon and 3 p.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 1-800872-4681. Pre-register online at gsmr.com. Adults, $55; ages 2-12, $31; younger than 2, free. Fall Hoedown. Vogel State Park. Celebrate fall with chili, a cakewalk, hayrides, bonfire, line dancing, trick or treats and professional storytelling. Oct. 17. 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, a costume contest, and entertaining shows. Families can trick-or-treat all over the Ranch, then try the corn maze after dark with no lights. Oct. 31. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. part of the Fall Family Fun Days every Sat. in Oct. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706647-6374. $15; 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. 877-8933874. $34; younger than 2, free. Haunted Cavern. Ruby Falls. Visit the Haunted Cavern and beware of the Body Forge – this spooky event takes place above and below ground. Not recommended for young children or pregnant women. Through Oct. 31. Fri.-Sat., 8-11 p.m.; Sun., 8-10 p.m. 1720 S. Scenic Hwy., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-800-0566. Tickets, $21-25.

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Family Fun with

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AquaScarium VII: Fantasy Friday. Tennessee Aquarium. Come in costume with your treat bag and see the “wild” tricks of the costumed divers. Dance with Aquarium Mascots at the Monster Mash Dance Party. Oct. 30. 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.

Call to Advertise in our section in November & December.

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. Oct. 10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30. 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets, $22 each; ages 2 and younger, free. c

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Fall is in the air, Pumpkins are EVERYWHERE

770-454-7599 Family Fun Guide

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 59

Calendar

October S M T W TH F S

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.

Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

SUNDAY IN THE PARK

classes

Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to compliment the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4. Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free with admission. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

Oakland Cemetery OCT. 4. NOON-6 P.M.

Khang Mai Photography

Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Different activities each week. Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. 10 and 11:30am. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Recommended for ages 3-5. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; 3 and younger, free.

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; ages 3 and younger, free. oaklandcemetery.com

Home Depot Kids Workshop. All locations. Learn tool safety while building a fire truck for fire safety month. Oct. 3. 9 a.m.-noon. Homedepot. com. Ages 5-12. Free. Toddler Time. Georgia Aquarium. Introduction to marine life, see costumed characters, story time, craft activities and a snack. Ages 0-3. Oct 5. 10-11:30 a.m. 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta. 404581-4000. Advance registration required. One adult/child pair, $16. Does not include Aquarium admission. Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft. Ages 1-4. Oct. 8 10:30 a.m.-noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770495-0253. $7 per child, one adult free, additional adult, $8. Mice Tours. Marietta Museum of History. Mascots Murray and Etta mouse introduce history through tours, story time and crafts geared towards ages 3-5. Oct 14. 10:30 a.m. 1 Depot St., Marietta. 770794-5710. Reservations required. $5. Build and Grow Clinics. Lowes. Clinics teach kids to build wooden crafts. Free apron, goggles and merit patch. Sat. 10 a.m. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for locations and dates. 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-3p.m. Sat. and Sun. 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy., Decatur. 404-8014926. $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. 770-536-1900. Mon.-Sat., $8; Sun., $6. Saturday Morning Art Classes. Vinings School of Art. Drawing, painting or pottery classes. Supplies included. Ages 2-13. Every Sat. 10 and 11 a.m. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678213-4278. Pre-register. $15, siblings $12.

60 Atlanta Parent October 2015

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exhibits The Power of Children: Making a Difference. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Throughout this interactive, hands-on exhibit that shares the stories of Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges and Ryan White, three children whose lives teach us about overcoming obstacles to make a positive difference in the world. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Through Oct. 20. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Adults, $10.50; ages 3-12, $6.50; ages 2 and younger, free. Los Trompos. High Museum of Art. See the Spinning Tops, featuring more than 30 threedimensional, larger than life tops in all colors throughout the Sifly Piazza. Through Nov. 29. Tues.-Thurs. and Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon- 5 p.m. closed Mon. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free. Resettling in America: Georgia’s Refugee Communities. David J. Sencer CDC Museum. Explore the challenges of resettlement and the resiliency of refugees living in metropolitan Atlanta as they build new lives, identities, and a sense of community. Through Dec. 31. Mon.Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-639-0830. Free. Searching for the Queen of Sheba. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This exhibit brings together ancient artifacts from Yemen, contemporary Ethiopian artwork, archaeological reconstructions and modern media to explore the mystery of this legendary queen. Through Jan. 3. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

Toys: The Inside Story. Tellus Museum. See and learn the simple mechanisms commonly found in toys and your own toy-like combinations of gears, pulleys, linkages, cams and circuits. Through Jan. 4, 2016. 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. Seriously Silly: the art & whimsy of Mo Willems. High Museum of Art. Explores the illustrations by the best-selling children’s book artist and author. Through Jan. 10. Tues.-Thurs. and Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Sun. noon- 5 p.m. closed Mon. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-7334400. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free. Full Throttle: Evolution + Design of the Motorcycle. Tellus Museum. Learn all about vintage motorcycles, sidecars and mopeds from 1930s-1970s. Through March 27, 2016. 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. Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone. Georgia Aquarium. Educational journey through the Aquarium’s upper levels while completing a series of entertaining challenges. Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit. Adults, $38.95; ages 3-12, $32.95; ages 2 and younger, free. Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family in Amsterdam. Includes replica of Anne’s room. Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-2061558. holocaust.georgia.gov. Ages 10 and older, free.

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Calendar movies

Get ready for fun at Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival, with over 50 activities to keep the kids entertained. atlantaparent.com/ familyfestival

Wonders of the Arctic. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Enter the world of ice and snow, where polar bears live, huskies howl and narwhals dive through the waters. Opening Oct. 2. 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. Robot. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Robot “actor” RoboThespian will take you on an amazing tour of what’s going on in robotics labs around the world. Through Nov 5. 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.

music Riverside Sounds. Riverside Park. Outdoor concerts feature a variety of musical styles; food trucks are on site. Bring blankets or chairs. Oct 1. 7 p.m. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-6413705. Free. Friday Night Music Remix. High Museum of Art. Live music every third Friday of the month included in half price admission after 4 p.m. Extended hours and access to special exhibitions. Oct. 16. 6-10 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

Music at Noon. Centennial Olympic Park. Enjoy lunch and live music performed by local artists – everything from pop and R&B to classic jazz. Every Tues. and Thurs., through Oct. noon-1 p.m., 265 Park Avenue West, Atlanta. 404-223-4412. Free.

nature 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. Oct. 3, 6, 10 and 13. 4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.

scarecrows

Toddler Trek Tuesdays. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Interactive outdoor program is designed to give toddlers an opportunity to spend some time enjoying and experiencing nature. Preregistration recommended. Oct. 6 and 20. 11 a.m.-noon. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. $6. Adventure Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Learn about reptiles. Oct. 7, 10 and 17. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404624-5822. Recommended for ages 3-4. Reservations requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission.

IN THE GARDEN

October 8 – 31, Atlanta’s favorite fall tradition returns with a bounty of fun! Family Games & Crafts Weekends, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Fest-of-Ale

More information at

atlantabg.org

Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Goblins in the Garden

Sunday, October 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Great Pumpkin-Carving Contest Thursday, October 29, 7 p.m.

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Family Fun Guide

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 61

Calendar

DISNEY ON ICE

Friday Night Hike. Dunwoody Nature Center. Hike and connect with nature after-hours allowing for a completely different sensory experience as the night animals take over, and nature truly runs its course. The hike will be followed by cocoa, stargazing, and a warming fire. No strollers. Oct. 9 and 23. 8-9 p.m. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Free.

Philips Arena OCT. 7-11. WED.-THURS. 7:30 P.M.; FRI. 10:30 A.M. AND 7:30 P.M.; SAT. 11 A.M., 2:30 P.M. AND 6:30 P.M.; SUN. 1 AND 5 P.M. Celebrate with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. Relive the magic of Disney’s Frozen with Anna, Elsa and the hilarious Olaf as they discover true love. 1 Philips Dr., Atlanta. 404-878-3000. Tickets $19-$84. philipsarena.com

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb. Panola Mountain State Park. Explore the tree canopy using ropes and harnesses. Registration required. Oct. 17. 1 and 3 p.m. 2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Ages 8 and older, $15; Parking, $5. Stroller Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Programs for babies to 2 years and parents/caregivers. Oct. 21 and 24. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-6249453. Reservations requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission.

special events Family Fun at the Woodruff Arts Center. As part of CREATE ATL, activities include art making, interactive musical story times, composers-intraining sessions, instrument making, drop-in acting classes and more. Every Sun., Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25. noon-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4200. Free. Hollywood Night. Downtown Woodstock. Celebrate all things Hollywood at this Friday Night Live with activities and live music. Oct. 2. 6-9 p.m. 8588 Main St., Woodstock. 770-924-0406. Free.

62 Atlanta Parent October 2015

Teen Arts Night. City Center. Teens can bring instruments, poetry, artwork and short stories to share. Includes a slice of pizza and a soda. Oct. 2. 6-8 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. Ages 12-15, $5. Maker Faire Atlanta. Downtown Decatur Square. Celebrate arts, crafts, engineering, science projects and the Do-It-Yourself mindset. Oct. 3-4 Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., noon5 p.m. 125 W. Trinity Place, Decatur. makerfaireatl.com. Free.

Family Fun Guide

Fiesta de la Familia. Zoo Atlanta. Celebrate Hispanic heritage with live entertainment, Spanish-translated keeper talks and animal encounters, and more in the home of nearly 1,400 animals from around the world. Oct. 4. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-5600. Adults $22.99; ages 3-11, $17.99; ages 2 and younger, free. Robots Day. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Interact with live robots and enjoy games and activities. Oct. 10. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400. Adults $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free.

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Mall of Georgia OCT. 11. NOON-6 P.M. Enjoy a live concert with songs from Barbie’s new Rock n’ Royals movie. Meet the stars of the film, Princess Courtney and Rockstar Erika. Sing-along with interactive karaoke, take part in Barbie photoop and play with new dolls and toys. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. Free. besuper.com

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E D U C AT I O N Alive After Five. Downtown Roswell. Enjoy a break from the busy workweek with live music, outside vendors, late hours at retailers, face painting and more. Bring your family, a date, your dog or your friends, and be sure to hop on the free trolley. Oct. 15. 5-9 p.m. Downtown Roswell. 770-640-3253. Free. Dyslexia Dash 5k. Perimeter Mall. Fun run benefits International Dyslexia Association. A festival with sponsor tables, a kid-zone and raffle prizes will follow the race. Oct. 17. 8 a.m. 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., 404-2561232. $30-35. Harvest on the Hooch. Chattahoochee Nature Center. A fundraiser for the Unity Garden. Enjoy family outdoor games, live music, cooking demonstrations, a scavenger hunt and more. Oct. 18. 1-4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055 ext. 226. Adults, $40; ages 6-12, $15; ages 10 and younger, free. Lee Haney’s Physique & Fitness Games. Georgia International Convention Center. A day of fitness activities including indoor obstacle races, bodybuilding, physique and figure events, a KidZone with interactive games, face painting and more. Oct. 31. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 2000 Convention Center Concourse. Atlanta. 770-997-3566. $10 per person. History Tours. Piedmont Park. Learn about Piedmont Park’s history and the city of Atlanta. Saturdays through Dec. 11 a.m. Meet at the Green Market Info booth near 12th St. park entrance. Piedmont Park. 404875-7275. Free.

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

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October 2015 Atlanta Parent 63

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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. 7. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free. Garden Stories. Smith Gilbert Gardens. Young Sprouts ages 3-6 years old and their caregivers enjoy a story on a gardenrelated topic, crafts, dancing and playtime. Oct. 21. 10:30 a.m. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. Adults and ages 3-6, $7. Tadpole Tales. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Preschoolers will enjoy a story with a Fernbank educator along with an activity or song. Oct. 10. noon. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Free with admission. Adults $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free.

We come to YOU!

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.

 Bubbling Potions!  Rockets!  Cotton Candy!  Much More!

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. Wren’s Nest Storytelling. The Wren’s Nest. Ramblers host storytelling each Sat. 1 p.m. 1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404-753-7735. Adults, $8; ages 4-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free. Price includes storytelling.

678-392-1500

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theater Cinderella. Infinite Energy Theater. Gwinnett Ballet Theatre celebrates living happily ever after by presenting its production of this fairy tale. Oct. 2-4. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sun., 2:30 p.m. A Sensory Friendly Performance will be on Oct. 2. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770626-2464. Tickets, $6-20.

PARTY PACKAGES AVAILABLE 5140 COMMERCE PKWY ROSWELL 770.696.6161 WWW.WARGAMESATL.COM

Peter Pan. Center for Puppetry Arts. Take an adventure with Wendy Darling and her brothers and travel to Neverland with the one and only Peter and his fairy companion Tinkerbell. Through Oct. 25. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Sat. noon and 2 p.m.; Sun. 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Ages 2 and older, $16.50.

678-708-2321

To ADVERTISE your Party Business Please call 770-454-7599 64 Atlanta Parent October 2015

Family Fun Guide

The 3 Little Pigs & More. Center for Puppetry Arts. Fantastic folk tales from around the world come to life with a menagerie of zany characters! Featuring the Frog Prince, Three Billy Goats Gruff and the Three Little Pigs. Opening Oct. 27. Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Sun. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Ages 2 and older, $16.50.

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Classified Pages Party SOUTHEASTERN COWBOY FESTIVAL AND SYMPOSIUM

Glow-In-The-Dark Play Area Features: Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville OCT. 22-25 Celebrate western traditions with Native American dances, art history lectures, a Western marketplace, living history encampments, live music and a cowboy church. Children’s activities and live entertainment are Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., noon-5 p.m. 501 Museum Drive, Cartersville. 770387-1300. Adults $10; ages 12 and younger, free. boothmuseum.org/ cowboyfestival

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

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Party Rooms with glow & regular lighting

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Open Play Times (See website for times)

You invite the guests and we’ll supply the rest!

Balloon Decor & Party Supplies throughout Atlanta.

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Multiple themes such as Mickey Mouse & Despicable Me. Packages starting as low as $29.99

First Friday Night Concert Series. Hancock Park, Dahlonega. Bring friends, family and lawn chairs and listen to entertaining bands. Oct 2. 6:30 p.m. North Park and Warwick Streets, Dahlonega. 706-482-2707. Free.

470.355.8484 • www.celebrateatl.com balloons that change the room

Wings over North Georgia Airshow. Russell Regional Airport. Live entertainment, night airshows featuring the U.S. Navy’s Thunderbirds, fireworks and kids zone. View website for event schedule and advance ticket purchase.wingsovernorthgeorgia.com. Oct. 3-4. Sat. 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun 8:30 a.m.6 p.m. 304 Russell Field Rd., Rome. 706-2910030. Adults, $25; ages 6-17, $20; ages 5 and younger, free. Day Out with Thomas: The Celebration Tour. SAM Shortline Excursion. A 25-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, storytelling, videos, live music and more. Oct. 16-18 and Oct. 24-25. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 2459 Hwy 280 West at Cannon Rd., Cordele. 229-276-0755. Tickets, $22. BBQ Fall Festival. BabyLand General Hospital. Enjoy backyard and Kids Q competitions, music, arts & crafts and more various activities with dressed up characters. Oct. 23-24. 8 a.m.5 p.m. 300 N.O.K. Dr., Cleveland. 706-8652171. $12. c

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Family Fun Guide

October 2015 Atlanta Parent 65

e h t r fo e fridg

Halloween was confusing. All my life my parents said, “Never take candy from strangers.” And then they dressed me up and said, “Go beg for it.” Rita Rudner 66 Atlanta Parent October 2015

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GAC ACCREDITED

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October 2015 Atlanta Parent 67

Family Block Party Is Now Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival!

Same great festival, with a new name! New Price!

Back for our 12th year, it’s Atlanta’s favorite family festival!

Buy Online & Save.

October 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. / Mercer University Atlanta Campus

Images By N’Neka and Butler Family Photography

MORE THAN 50 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES! Camel And Pony Rides • Toddler-Only Play Area • Storytelling • Animals • Interactive Games Live Entertainment • Trick or Treat Street • Crafts • Food • Exhibitors & Much More! $10 per person at the gate. $5 per person online. Ages 1 and younger, free. Each paid admission includes five activity tickets.

SPONSORS:

BUY TICKETS

ONLINE!

SAVE $5 BENEFICIARIES: Page Turners Make Great Learners & Georgia Center for Child Advocacy

Exhibit, Volunteer, Donate Contact Jordan for more information: 678-222-1911 / JLisvosky@atlantaparent.com www.atlantaparent.com/familyfestival