Holidays for the Kids

Some of the best kid-friendly spots in Atlanta

By Joe Earle

The holidays are here, which means it’s time for family visits. Wondering what to do when the grandkids arrive? Here are five places in metro Atlanta you could take them to get them out of the house and away from their phones.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA ▲

The museum offers hands-on exhibits designed to promote problem-solving, creative thinking and artistic expression. Kids can launch rockets, visit a magical forest or climb through layers of the Earth. Most exhibits are aimed at ages 6 months to 9 years, although some are intended just for toddlers.

LOCATION: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta 30313

HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Wednesdays and Christmas Day.

TICKETS: $15.95 plus tax. Last ticket sold 30 minutes prior to closing.

MORE INFORMATION: childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Happy Holidays

ZOO ATLANTA ▲

See lions, tigers and pandas, oh my! And giraffes and gorillas and even an elephant or two. You can walk a treetop trail to get a bird’s-eye view of the zoo. Or, on Dec. 2 or Dec. 3, share a cookie with Santa. A separate event, Jungle Bells on Dec. 2, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., includes Christmas songs and hot cocoa.

LOCATION: 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta 30315

HOURS: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m.

TICKETS: $21.99 for seniors aged 65 or older; $25.99 for people aged 12 to 64; $17.99 for children aged 3 to 11; free for children younger than 3. Add $13.95 for treetop trail; $33 for zoo admission and Cookies with Santa admission; $17 for Cookies with Santa ticket only. RSVP required for Cookies with Santa.

MORE INFORMATION: zooatlanta.org

Fernbank Museum Of Natural History

► Fernbank is a place to turn back time. Learn about dinosaurs, take a stroll through time in Georgia and see sea shells from around the world. The museum’s Great Hall features casts of the skeletons of some of the largest known dinosaurs. Special “Holly Jolly Film Fest” shows “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and other holiday favorites on Dec. 2, 9 and 16. Film showings are included in the price of a museum ticket.

LOCATION: 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta 30307

HOURS: Museum open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.

TICKETS: For special exhibits and museum entry: adults, $33; seniors, $30; children aged 3 to 12, $27; members $13. For museum entry only: adults, $18; seniors, $17; children aged 3 to 12, $16; members, free. MORE INFORMATION: fernbankmuseum.org

Georgia Aquarium

The aquarium provides a place to view up close all manner of sea creatures, from penguins to dolphins to whale sharks. The facility also offers special programs, such as breakfast with Santa on Dec. 16.

LOCATION: 225 Baker St., Atlanta 30313

HOURS: vary daily, but generally are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Last entry of the day is 30 minutes prior to closing time.

TICKETS: Seniors: $36.95; adult: $39.95; child: $33.95. Tax is added to ticket price. Discounts may be available when tickets are purchased online, or early or late in the day. Tickets for Breakfast with Santa alone: $24.95 for non-members, $19.95 for members and free for children younger than a year.

MORE INFORMATION: georgiaaquarium.org

Center For Puppetry Arts

Meet the Muppets! The center’s museum is home to Kermit and other Jim Henson creations as well as puppets from around the world. The center also offers regular puppet shows.

Performances of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, adapted from the holiday TV show, are scheduled on various days in December, including Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas. Check the center’s webpage for performance dates and times.

LOCATION: 1401 Spring St. NW, Atlanta 30309

HOURS: Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.

TICKETS: For museum admission: $12.50. For museum admission and guided tours of the World of Puppetry collection: $16.50. For performances of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and museum entry: $19.50.

MORE INFORMATION: puppet.org

OF

Thanksgiving Day

November 23, 2017

New Year’s Eve December 31, 2017

$10 PER CAR

Friday | Saturday | Sunday November 23—26 & December 15—31 6:00—10:00 p.m.

$5 PER CAR

Monday—Thursday | 6:00—9:00 p.m. (except for above listed dates)

$20 PER BUS on all dates

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Holiday in the Park

Georgia State Parks open on Christmas and New Year’s days

If you want to get out of the city for the holidays, here’s an idea that probably never crossed your mind: a visit to one of Georgia’s parks. This holiday season, all of the state parks are open on Christmas and New Year’s Day for visitors to simply enjoy the scenery or for a more active outing.

For just $5 parking, guests can take a stroll around a sunlit lake or enjoy mountain overlooks. While park entrances are open, most offices will be closed as staff enjoys the holidays with their families.

On New Year’s Day, nearly all Georgia parks will host guided First Day Hikes. Sponsored by American Hiking Society, the First Day Hike initiative encourages Americans to get healthy in the great outdoors. Find a list of #OptOutside events and First Day Hikes on Explore.GaStateParks.org/events.

“I’ve been involved with the community since 1960 and I was on the very first board here at Saint Anne’s Terrace. It’s a beautiful part of town and the best part about living here is the wonderful family atmosphere in which everyone gets along.”