Spring Fun Guide Spring is blooming! Here’s your guide to festive fun! -Miss Not-toarch M s! Event 52 Page
Gibbs Garden
Hippity Hop: Easter Egg Hunts Easter comes early this year and there are egg hunts galore in March. Grab your basket and head to one of these hunts, meet the Easter bunny or attend an Eggstravaganza. Pg. 56
Atlanta A-Bloom: Places to See Flowers Spring means flowers and our city has a number of places to see tulips, daffodils, azaleas and more. Walk through gardens, attend children’s activities and stop to picnic. Pg. 60
Top Spring Festivals These outdoor events bring food trucks, children’s areas and artists markets. Mark your calendar for exploring the many top festivals in March, April and May. Pg. 62 Dogwood Festival
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Spring Fun Guide
March 2018 Atlanta Parent 1
MARCH NOT-TO-MISS EVENTS
Events may be cancelled or changed before our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com
n Atlanta Parent’s
Camp Expo
Perimeter Mall March 3. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet camp directors and former campers, watch camp videos and collect brochures from programs suited for any interest. Atlanta. 770-454-7599. Free. atlantaparent.com
n Monster Energy Supercross Mercedes-Benz Stadium March 3. Pit Party, noon-6 p.m.; Main Event, 6:30 p.m. Motocross competition includes stunts, racing and high-power action. Atlanta. 800745-3000. $20 and up; Pit Party, $20 plus main event ticket. supercrosslive.com
n Atlanta Fair Former Turner Field Grey Lot March 9-April 15. Mon.-Fri. 5-10 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 1-11 p.m. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel or ride bumper cars, plus rides for younger children, games and fair foods. No entrance after 9 p.m. on Mon-Fri. and 10 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Atlanta. 404-913-3247. See atlantafair.com for prices.
n Southeastern
Cowboy Gathering Booth Western Art Museum March 8-10. Southeastern Chuck Wagon Invitational, cowboy concert, children’s activities and more. Cartersville. 770-3871300. See boothmuseum.org for event prices and schedule.
n Superhero
Science Night Children’s Museum of Atlanta March 10. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dress up as your favorite superhero and enjoy hands-on scientific activities throughout the museum. Test lung capacity, solve crimes in Gotham City, shape your own magnetic field and more. Atlanta. 404-527-3693. Advance ticket purchase required. $18 per person. childrensmuseumatlanta.org
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n Touch-a-Truck Get up close with heavy construction equipment, police cars, fire trucks and more. Kennesaw: Depot Park, March 10. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 770-422-9714. kennesaw-ga.gov Decatur: East Lake MARTA Station, North Lot. March 17. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 678-553-6541. decaturga.com
n Second Sunday High Museum of Art / March 11. Noon-5 p.m. Free admission to the Museum the second Sunday of each month, and family programs including art making, storytimes and more. March’s theme is “Full STEAM Ahead.” Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free. high.org
n UniverSoul Circus The Former Gold Lot at Turner Field through March 11; Gwinnett Place Mall March 14-18. Enjoy international performers, circus arts, theater and music. See universoulcircus.com for showtimes. Atlanta and Duluth. $20 and up. n Atlanta St. Patrick’s
Day Parade
Midtown Atlanta / March 17. Noon-1:30 p.m. Bagpipe bands, Clydesdales, world’s largest walking Irish flag, Irish dancers, decorated floats and marching bands. Starts at the intersection of Peachtree Street and 15th Street, and continues down Peachtree to 5th Street. Free. atlantastpats.com Cont'd on page 54
Are you ready to have the
best summer ever? Day Camps Overnight Camps Summer Programs
MARCH
3
PERIMETER MALL
FREE
Camp Westminster
11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. To exhibit or for info call 770-454-7599 or lpowell@atlantaparent.com l
2018 atlantaparent.com
Spring Fun Guide
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MARCH NOT-TO-MISS EVENTS n Atlanta Science
Festival Exploration Expo Piedmont Park March 24. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Interactive science event to promote science exploration, discovery and innovation with demos, experiments and performances. Atlanta. Free. atlantasciencefestival.org.
n Living History Panola Mountain State Park March 18. 2-4 p.m. Learn about Panola’s history through handson demonstrations that depict everyday life during the 1820s and 1830s at the Parker House. Candle and rag doll making, butter churning and cooking. Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $5; parking $5. gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain n Flying into the Future Chattahoochee Nature Center March 25. Noon-4 p.m. Learn about birds and test tinkering skills with STEM-themed activities, including a birds of prey show. Roswell. 770-992-2055. Included with admission. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org
n Disney Junior Dance
Party On Tour
Child Models We’ve booked kids for $2,000 per day and more, others at $50 - $60 per hour.
Fox Theatre / March 24. 1 p.m. Dance, sing and play games with Disney Junior characters Sofia The First, Puppy Dog Pals, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina and more. Atlanta. 855-285-8499. $32.50 and up. foxtheatre.org
Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?
n Little Critters Fernbank Museum of Natural History March 31. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ring in spring with a baby animal petting zoo, spring-themed crafts, games and activities. Atlanta. 404929-6300. Included with admission. Adults $20; ages 3-12, $18; 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org
Atlanta, New York, LA
404-636-1974
www.williamreynoldsagency.com 4 Atlanta Parent March 2018
Spring Fun Guide
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DR. SEUSS
COMES TO TOWN With Read Across America Day on March 2, plenty of Seuss-inspired shows and events are happening across Atlanta. n Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration Children’s Museum of Atlanta March 2. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cat in the Hat meet and greet, Dr. Seuss story read aloud, scavenger hunt, make your own Lorax tree and more. Atlanta. 404-6595437. $15.95-$18.95; younger than 1, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org n National Read Across America Day Celebration Atlantic Station Central Park / March 2. 4-7 p.m. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the joy of reading. Meet Cat in the Hat, storytimes and a presentation from Center for Puppetry Arts. Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Free. atlanticstation.com/events n Seuss at the Symphony Atlanta Symphony Hall / March 4. 3 p.m. Join Sam-I-Am and the gang to meet Seuss at the Symphony. Watch as the timeless Dr. Seuss story, Green Eggs and Ham, comes to life on stage along with other selections. Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $16.34-$21.78. atlantasymphony.org
n The Cat in the Hat Center for Puppetry Arts March 20-May 13. See puppet.org for showtimes. The timeless tale will come to life and take families on a mischievous adventure filled with plenty of rhymes, wit and tricks. See Cat, Thing One and Thing Two and more of your favorite scenes from the book. Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $25. n A Suessome Twosome! Conant Center for the Performing Arts March 24. 11 a.m.-noon. An easy to understand introduction to the world of opera presented by Capitol City Opera Company that brings two well known Dr. Seuss books to life. Atlanta. 678-301-8013. $10 per person. ccityopera.org Also check with local libraries for special Read Across America Day events.
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Spring Fun Guide
March 2018 Atlanta Parent 5
HIP, HOP OVER TO THESE EGG HUNTS
Here comes Peter Cottontail! Bring your basket and participate in one of the many egg hunts this spring around Atlanta and beyond. n Magic Mondays: Egg Hunt. Atlanta History Center. Search for eggs hidden through the farm, play games, meet the Easter Bunny and make crafts. March 12. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $6.50; children, $5.50. atlantahistorycenter.com n Bunny Breakfast. Ben Robertson Community Center. Enjoy breakfast with the Easter Bunny, crafts and games. March 17, 8 a.m.-11: 15 a.m. 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. $6. kennesaw-ga.gov n Easter Egg Scramble. Laurel Park. Egg hunt by ages with candy and prizes; visit with the Easter Bunny afterward for pictures. March 23, 6:30 p.m. 151 Manning Rd., Marietta. 770-7945601. Free. mariettaga.gov n Acworth Easter Egg Night Hunt. Acworth Sports Complex. Over 50,000 eggs filled with toys, candy and prizes. Hunts are separated by age group. Ages 10 and younger. Easter Bunny arrives at 7:15 p.m. March 23, 6:30 p.m. 4000 S. Main St., Acworth. 770-529-6006. Free. acworth.com n Easter Egg Hunt. First Baptist Church of Decatur. Join the Easter Bunny in age-appropriate hunts for eggs in Downtown Decatur. March 24, 11 a.m. 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. 404-3718386. Free. decaturdba.com n Easter Egg Hunt. E.E. Robinson Park. Age-appropriate egg hunts, inflatables and the Easter Bunny. March 24, Noon-3 p.m. 850 Level Creek Rd., Sugar Hill. 770-831-7413. Free. cityofsugarhill.com n Children’s Easter Eggstravaganza. North Park Softball Fields. Enjoy face painting, balloon art, petting zoo and photos with the Easter Bunny. Kids are divided into age groups to hunt for eggs and goody bags. March 24, Noon. 13450 Cogburn Rd., Alpharetta. 678-297-6140. 10 and younger. Free. alpharetta.ga.us n Easter Eggstravaganza. Etowah River Park. Egg hunts by ages and for children with special needs; also, petting zoo, moonwalks, carnival games, face painting, food and more. March 24, 1-3 p.m. 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton. 770-667-4483. Free. northside.com
n Illuminated Egg Hunt. Rhodes Jordan Park Soccer Fields. Experience the thrill of night time egg-hunting, enjoy games and themed crafts. Bring your basket and flashlight. March 24. 7-10 p.m. 100 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0890. Pre-register by March 19. $6. gwinnettcounty.com n Mount Pisgah Community Easter Egg Hunt. Mount Pisgah Patriot Athletic Complex. 25,000 eggs, inflatables, games, food and prizes. Hunts held every 30 minutes across five age groups. March 24. 9 a.m.-noon. 9825 Brumbelow Rd., Alpharetta. 678-336-3000. Free. mountpisgah.org n Eggstravaganza: Callanwolde’s Easter Egg Hunt. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Thousands of candy-filled eggs to find, music, dancing, LEGO building station, face painting, games and prizes, and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. March 31, 8 a.m.-noon. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. $5. callanwolde.org n Taste of Forsyth. Cumming Fairgrounds. More than 25,000 eggs will be spread across the lawn. Afterward, enjoy sample restaurant food, play in the kid’s zone, and touch-a-truck. Groups are divided by age. March 31, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Kids Zone costs extra. 770-781-3491. cummingfair.net n North East Cobb Community Egg Drop. Sprayberry High School. Food, games, activities and egg hunts for everyone as a helicopter drops thousands of eggs are dropped onto the football field. Free photos with the Easter Bunny. March 31, 10 a.m-5 p.m. 2525 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. 770-423-1330. Free; Kid Zone unlimited rides, $7. marietta.com n Avondale Estates Egg Hunt and Parade. Community Club at Lake Avondale. Hunt for eggs filled with candy and toys and bring your furry friend for the pet parade. Egg hunts separated by age group. March 31. 10 a.m.-noon.. Ages 10 and younger. 59 Lakeshore Dr., Avondale Estates. 404-294-5400. Free. avondaleestates.org
n Egg-citing Hike Hunt. Panola Mountain State Park. Peter Cottontail is leaving lots of eggs and prizes hidden on our nature trails. Bring your basket and be ready for age-appropriate hunts. March 31, 10 a.m.-noon. 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $5 plus $5 parking. gastateparks.org n Underwater Egg Hunt. Bethesda Park Aquatic Center. Hunt for eggs underwater, visit with the Easter Bunny and participate in activities. Bring your swimsuit, basket and towel. March 31. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0880. Pre-register. $12. gwinnettcounty.com n Underwater Hunt and Bunny Bonanza. Bogan Park Aquatic Center. Hunt for eggs underwater, visit with the Easter Bunny, and make crafts. March 31. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 678-277-0853. 2723 N. Bogan Rd., Buford. Pre-register by March 29. $15. gwinnettcounty.com n Duluth Easter Egg Hunt. Bunten Road Park. March 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Special programming, 1 p.m.; Hunt, 2 p.m. Bring your basket to collect hundreds of eggs. Hunts are separated by age group. 3180 Bunten Rd., Duluth. 770-814-6981. Free. duluthga.net n Easter Egg Hunt. Smyrna Community Center. March 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Inflatables, food vendors, egg hunts separated by age group and pictures with the Easter Bunny. $10 per family. 770-4312842. smyrnacity.com n Cobb County Egg Hunt. Al Bishop Softball Complex. March 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hunt for eggs, enjoy children's art activities, live entertainment, inflatables, a Hulu Hoop contest, tug-of-war, musical chairs and food trucks. 1082 Al Bishop Dr., Marietta. 770-5284333. Free. cobbcounty.org
n Hop Into Spring. Town Center at Cobb. Live music, an appearance by the Easter Bunny and crafts. March 24. 1-3 p.m. 400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-424-0742. Free. simon.com
6 Atlanta Parent March 2018
Spring Fun Guide
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Beyond Atlanta Night Egg-stravaganza. F.D. Roosevelt State Park. Arrive early for a hot dog supper, fantastic egg games and the petting coral. Bring your basket and flashlight for ageappropriate candy-egg hunt. March 23. 6:30- 8:45 p.m. 2970 Georgia 190, Pine Mountain, GA. 706-663-4858. $3 plus $5 parking. gastateparks.org Easter Eggstravaganza. The Rock Ranch Features over 40,000 prize-filled eggs. March 24. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374. Free. therockranch.com Easter Egg Hunt. Hard Labor Creek State Park. Bring your own basket and hunt for candy-filled eggs at the Lake Brantley recreation area for your little ones to hunt. The Easter bunny will be on site for photos. March 31. Noon. 5 Hard Labor Creek Rd., Rutledge, GA. 706-557-3001. $5 parking. gastateparks.org
For More Easter Fun, Go to Page 58
Foreign Languages for Kids
Play-Based, Thematic Language Immersion Classes Ages 6 Months -11 Years NOW ENROLLING START ANYTIME * FREE TRIAL CLASS Spanish, French & Mandarin Chinese We Can Come To Your School Foreign Languages for Kids
Inside Rock Spring Presbyterian Church 1824 Piedmont Ave. NE * 678-801-6001 LangoKidsAtlanta.com * CosmoAtlanta
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Spring Fun Guide
March 2018    Atlanta Parent 7
MORE EASTER FUN Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Mall of Georgia. Join the Easter Bunny in the Dining Pavilion for breakfast and a craft. March 10. 8:3010 a.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-2365. Free for Simon Rewards members. simon.com Breakfast With the Easter Bunny. Fowler Park Recreation Center. March 24. 10 a.m.-noon. Features pancake breakfast, children's activities, family entertainment and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming. 678294-0138. Adults, $8; ages 11 and under, $5. breakfastwiththeeasterbunny.com
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Easter Sunrise Service. Stone Mountain Park. Simultaneous, non-denominational Easter services at the top of Stone Mountain Park and on Memorial Lawn. April 1. 7 a.m. Park opens at 4 a.m. 800-401-2407. Parking, $15; sky-ride, $12. stonemountainpark.com
Beyond Atlanta
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Spring Fun Guide
The Bunny Train. Tennessee Valley Railroad. Trains will depart from Grand Junction. Storytelling, temporary tattoos, coloring pages and meet the Easter Bunny. Visit tvrail. com for departure times. March 17-18, 24-25, and 30-31. 4119 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-8948028. $23 for ages 2 and older. tvrail.com The Peanuts Easter Beagle Express. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Meet Snoopy, Lucy, Charlie Brown and the Easter Bunny aboard the train. During a 90-minute train stop, take part in an egg hunt, crafts, enjoy snacks with Snoopy and more. March 30-31. Trains depart at 11 a.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800872-4681. Adults, $51; ages 2 and older, $29. gsmr.com
Celebrating over 35 years! ity & Matern ns’ Childrees! Cloth
Now Accepting SPRING & SUMMER Clothes Selling Online at www.sweetrepeatsatlanta.com
800 Miami Circle • Buckhead 404•261•7519 atlantaparent.com
Fancy Nancy the Musical
NOT-TO-MISS MARCH SHOWS From classical ballets to movie-inspired productions, this month has plenty of exciting shows for the entire family. n Rainforest Adventures. Center for Puppetry Arts. Go on a wild adventure beneath the Brazilian treetops to experience traditional Brazilianstyle music and come face-to-face with more than 30 exotic plants and animals. Through March 4. See puppet.org for showtimes. 1404 Spring St. at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $19.50 per ticket; 1 and younger, free. n Fancy Nancy the Musical. Synchronicity Theatre. Based on the popular Fancy Nancy books by Jane O’Connor, Fancy Nancy and her best friend star in a school play. Ages 3 and older. March 2-4. Fri. 7 p.m. Sat. 1 and 4 p.m. Sun. 2 and 5 p.m. 1545 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404484-8636. Adults, $23-$33; ages 3-12, $17-$27.
n Waiting for Balloon. Woodruff Arts Center. Two childlike clown characters are waiting near the railroad tracks for “balloon.” The problem is that neither of them knows exactly what “balloon” is. Designed for ages 5 and younger. Limited availability March 10-April 1. See alliancetheatre.org for showtimes. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4700. Adults, $10; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. n Black Swan. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Atlanta Ballet takes you ahead in the story to the third act of Swan Lake. March 16-18. Fri. 8 p.m. Sat. 2 and 8 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 404-892-3303. $20-$139. n Folksongs for the Family. Aurora Theatre. Wendy Bennett and Ritchie Crownfield present scenes from stories including “A Year with Frog and Toad,” “The Cat in the Hat,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “The Secret Garden.” March 24. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7.
n The Wizard of Oz. Center for Puppetry Arts. Dorothy travels down the Yellow Brick Road to find out why the Lion, the Tin Man and the Straw Man are all singing the Blues. March 6-18. See puppet.org for showtimes. 1404 Spring St. at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $19.50.
n Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Serenbe Playhouse. Travel under the sea with Ariel and admire a set and costumes made of recycled treasures. March 28-April 22. Wed., Thur., Sun. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Sat. 8 p.m. Matinees Sat. and Sun. 2 p.m. 10504 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110. $35 and up.
n Peter Pan. Infinite Energy Center. Peter Pan is the classic tale of the boy who never grows up. Follow this exciting tale to Never Never Land presented by Northeast Atlanta Ballet. March 9-11. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770626-2464. $19-$25.
n Travels Around China. Infinite Energy Center. The Atlanta Chinese Dance Company presents a journey through each of China’s geographic regions through music, dance and drama. March 31. 2 and 7:30 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-626-2464. $17-$24.
n The Addams Family. Morris & Rae Frank Theatre. Based on the characters from the original cartoons and popular ‘60s television series, The Addams Family. March 1-11. See atlantajcc.org/habima for schedule. 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. 678-812-4002. $35; ages 12 and younger, $15.
summer camps! Call 770-454-7599 to advertise your camp on this page in April atlantaparent.com
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Music • Stories 770-729-9660
FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUND Spring Fun Guide
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
AtlantaShakespeare.org
Atlanta Shakespeare Company
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March 2018 Atlanta Parent 9
ATLANTA A-BLOOM: ADMIRE SPRING Visit some of the area’s most colorful gardens and spot tulips, daffodils or other lush landscapes. Play in children’s areas, picnic on lawns and make sure to bring a camera. FOR A FEE: n Atlanta Botanical Garden Flowers in bloom alternate throughout the year, so each visit brings new colors and smells. March includes daffodils, iris, roses, crab apple and more. Stop by the newly-remodeled children’s garden with a bird nest shaped playground, hands-on building areas and water play. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-8765859. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org n Atlanta Botanical Garden
Gainesville
Walk through trails lined with blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and more this spring. Kids will love visiting the model train garden to watch the train go around the tracks or playing with toy trains. 1911 Sweetbay Dr., Gainesville. 404-8884760. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org/visit/gainesville Atlanta Botanical Garden
n Atlanta History Center The property is covered with 22 acres of gardens, woodlands and trails. Visit the Swan House Gardens with fountains and roses or the Frank A. Smith Memorial Rhododendron Garden bordered by rhododendron plants. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $21.50; ages 4-12, $9; ages 3 and younger, free. atlantahistorycenter.com
Callaway Gardens
10 Atlanta Parent March 2018
n Callaway Gardens Explore thousands of azaleas in the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl and Overlook Azalea Garden. The vivid red, pink, purple and white flowers are on display each spring. Also wander through the holly trail and hydrangea garden. Combine your flower-viewing trip with the butterfly center and birds of prey shows. 4500 Southern Pine Dr., Pine Mountain. 844-512-3826. Adults, $24.95; ages 6-12, $14.95; ages 5 and younger, free. callawaygardens.com
n Smith-Gilbert Gardens Spot daffodils, daylilies or bearded irises from spring until fall and roses from May until late summer. The Pollinator Garden features a children’s area complete with smell-good plants, vegetable beds, a weaving station, dirt pile and animal topiaries. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. Adults, $7; ages 6-12, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. smithgilbertgardens.com
Spring Fun Guide
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FLOWERS AT THESE GARDENS
Oakland Cemetery
FOR FREE: n Oakland Cemetery Historically, flowers were added in honor of loved ones, and the Cemetery now includes many flowers popular during different time periods. Depending on the season, your visit may include thousands of heirloom daffodils, flowering trees or garden mums. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. oaklandcemetery.com n Downtown Atlanta Over 240,000 daffodils have been planted in downtown Atlanta since the Daffodil Project began in 2014. The Daffodil Project aims to build a Living Holocaust Memorial by planting 1.5 million daffodils around the world. Spot these bright yellow blooms this spring. atlantadowntown.com/initiatives/daffodil-project n Lake Claire Community Trust The community-run garden relies on visitor donations and is built piece by piece over time, resulting in something new each visit. Artistic installations, ponds, paths and a variety of flower beds bring the area together, including a new child-focused garden. Don’t forget to visit Big Lou the emu and feed him raw fruits, vegetables and crackers. 270 Arizona Ave. NE, Atlanta. lcclt.org n Woodlands Garden This urban preserve in Decatur has lots of native plants such as azaleas, tulip trees, white oak and red maple trees. More than 100 camellias bloom through March and a variety of Japanese maples bring color throughout the year. 932 Scott Blvd., Decatur. 404-3732222. woodlandsgarden.org
n Gibbs Gardens This garden is famous for their rows and rows of daffodils, but the area also offers a large Japanese garden, a rose garden and more. Visit from March 1 to April 15 to fully appreciate over 20 million daffodils of 100 different varieties. Cherry blossom and dogwood trees bloom from mid-March through April. 1987 Gibbs Dr., Ball Ground. 770-893-1881. Adults, $20; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free. gibbsgardens.com
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Spring Fun Guide
n Cator Woolford Gardens Hidden in a 39-acre forest full of hardwoods, this garden is an oasis in the heart of the city. Walk through the lush estate full of beautiful flowers and grassy areas. Donations to the gardens support the Frazer Center for children and adults with developmental disabilities. 1815 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-377-3836. catorwoolfordgardens.org – Teresa Farkas
March 2018 Atlanta Parent 11
Lemonade Days
TOP SPRING FESTIVALS These outdoor festivals bring food trucks, children’s activities and artist markets.
MARCH n Macon Cherry Blossom Festival.
Macon. This festival includes events and activities throughout Macon with over 300,000 cherry blossoms in bloom as the backdrop. March 16-25. Featured events include the festival parade (March 18, 4-5:30 p.m.) and Central City Park amusement rides, vendors and fair food (March 16-25). See cherryblossom.com for event times, locations and prices.
n Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival.
Blackburn Park. The festival includes musical performances, a children’s area, 5K and 1K Race (March 25, 7:30 a.m.), dog show area and more. March 24 and 25. Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Brookhaven. 404-637-0722. Admission, free.
n Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival.
Georgia International Horse Park. Hundreds of arts and crafts booths, children’s activities, musical entertainment and food vendors. 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. March 24 and 25. Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 770-860-4190. Free; oneday parking, $5; parking both days, $8.
n Georgia Renaissance Festival. Fairburn. Artist demonstrations, juggling, fire show, jousting, a hypnotist, parrot show, acrobatics and more. Games, rides and festival foods. April 14-June 3. Sat. and Sun. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd., Fairburn. 770-964-8575. Adults, $23.95; ages 6-12, $11.95; ages 5 and younger, free.
n Lemonade Days. Brook Run Park. Rides,
games, concessions, arts and craft fair and live music. April 18-22. Wed.-Fri. 4-10 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.10 p.m. Sun. noon-6 p.m. 4770 North Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody. 770-668-0401. Admission, free; unlimited ride pass, $20-$25.
n Cars and Q for the Cause. Choate
APRIL n Dogwood Festival. Piedmont Park. Three-
day festival features artists from around the country, musical performances, kids village with inflatables, arts and crafts, face painting, rock climbing and more. April 13-15. Fri., noon-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 14th St. and Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-817-6642. Admission, free.
Construction. 100+ cars on display, barbeque, live music and more benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. April 21. 4-7 p.m. 8200 Roberts Dr., Atlanta. 678-892-1224. $20; ages 8 and younger, free.
n Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Arts
Festival. Sandy Springs. Children’s play area, local musicians, interactive art stations, plus up to 150 arts and crafts participants. April 21-22. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 6100 Lake Forrest Dr., Sandy Springs. 404-873-1222. Admission, free.
n Big Shanty Festival. Downtown Kennesaw. Enjoy the artist markets, children’s activities and live music. April 21-22. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (parade, 9:30 a.m.); Sun., noon-5 p.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-423-1330. Admission, free.
n Inman Park Festival. Inman Park. A self-
guided home tour of the neighborhood’s historic houses, an artist market, kids’ yoga, live pet shows and Kids’ Zone. April 27 (home tour only), noon-4 p.m. April 28-29. Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (parade, 2 p.m.); Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Euclid Ave., Atlanta. inmanparkfestival.org. Admission, free; home tour, $20.
n Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival. Village
Green. Artist market, live entertainment and children’s area. April 28-29. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 200 Village Green Cir., Smyrna. 770-423-1330. Admission, free.
Macon Cherry Blossom Festival
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Spring Fun Guide
atlantaparent.com
MAY n Fairy House Festival. Chimney Park.
Enjoy live entertainment along with crafts, archery, storytelling, refreshments and costumes. Build your own fairy house to take home and visit the fairy house village. May 5. 2-5 p.m. 8201 Hazelbrand Rd., Covington. 678925-3594. $5; ages 2 and younger, free.
n Sweet Auburn Springfest. Sweet
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and Mother’s Day Pow Wow. Boling Park. Indian village and displays, traditional dance competition and drumming. Native Americans from around the country gather for this event. May 12-13. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 1200 Marietta Hwy., Canton. 770-7356275. Adults, $15; ages 6-12, $5; ages 5 and younger, free.
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n Cherokee County Indian Festival
ATLANTA’S MOST FUN RUNNING EVENT FOR KIDS BL
Auburn Historic District. Live entertainment, children’s area, international food court and more. May 12-13. Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. 1-8 p.m. 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta. 678-667-1375. Admission, free.
Looking for a family weekend activity? Cheer your child on as they participate in one of three distance races and meet three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Gail Devers. Then, watch them try nine other kid-friendly track and field events at the post-race decathlon! May 5 | Piedmont Park 3K, 1/2K & 50m Dash Ages 14 & under
Cherokee County Indian Festival and Mother’s Day Pow Wow
n Marietta Greek Festival. Holy
Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Greek Hellenic dancing, Greek food and pastries, traditional gifts and jewelry and children’s activities. May 18, 19 and 20. Fri. 3-11 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission, $5.
n Kirkwood Spring Fling. Bessie Branham Park. Artists market, children’s area, live music, barbecue cook off, 5K race and tour of homes. May 19. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 5K race 8:30 a.m. Tour of homes May 19 and 20, noon-5 p.m. 2051 Delano Dr. NE, Atlanta. kirkwoodfling.com. Festival, free; tour of homes and 5K race, extra cost.
n Atlanta Jazz Festival. Piedmont Park.
A weekend of jazz performances and family entertainment. May 26-27. Charles Allen Drive and 10th Street NE, Atlanta. atlantafestivals.com. Admission, free.
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Spring Fun Guide
March 2018 Atlanta Parent 13
MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM TOUR
“Wow! That’s huge!”
This reaction came from my daughter, Gracie, 8, when she first saw the panoramic views of the field from the top concourse of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The stadium’s sights engaged Gracie and her brother, Andrew, 11, during our entire guided tour. From the moment we encountered the nearly 42-foot tall stainless steel statue of a falcon clutching a football until the finale – when the kids had permission to race and turn cartwheels across the playing field – we were wowed. The tour started at the top, or 300 Concourse, where we saw Atlanta’s skyline from the Window to the City and meandered through the 100-Yard Club, a space with field markers on the floor and columns with 11-foot photos of the current Falcon players. Next, we stopped by the 200 concourse, which houses the AT&T Perch, a state-of-the art technology hub complete with a vast array of screens for game days. On the 100 concourse, Gracie was awed by the jumbo football-shaped chandelier in the Gullwing Club, and I liked seeing the first automobile, patented by Carl Benz, a one-cylinder three-wheeled car that went 10 miles per hour. We were all drawn to the
14 Atlanta Parent March 2018
Georgia Homegrown Legends display, a wall that holds football helmets from high school teams in Georgia. At the field level, Andrew, who is an avid football fan, enjoyed visiting the Falcons players’ locker rooms and walking through the tunnel the Falcons follow to the their game field. Both kids’ favorite part was playing on the field. Some fun facts from our tour: From the field to the roof, the stadium could hold the Statue of Liberty. It has 4,000 solar panels that produce enough energy to power 10 Falcons’ games. The Halo Board is the largest non-transparent LED video display in the world, with 38.1 million LED bulbs. With its blend of architecture, technology and art, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will impress family members of all ages. n Know Before You Go: This is a walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes. Strollers are welcome, but must be checked at the gate. There are elevators, escalators and bathrooms with baby changing stations throughout the stadium. Mercedesbenzstadium.com has a thorough A to Z guide under “Plan Your Visit.” – Janeen Lewis
Spring Fun Guide
The Details
Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1414 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 470-341-5000, mercedesbenzstadium.com n Admission: Adults $25; ages 3-12, $20; younger than 3, free. n Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Guided tours run every hour but are not available on game or event days. It’s best to reserve tours in advance online or by phone. n A Great Place for Lunch: Molly B’s Cookhouse, inside the stadium overlooking the field, offers a variety of moderately priced, tasty options ($8-$18). There is no kid’s menu, but my kids said their meals from the regular menu were “delicious.” mollybsatlanta.com
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