Here comes Peter Cottontail…and that means Easter egg hunts around Atlanta! Bring your baskets, sacks and baggies, and participate in one of the many Easter egg hunts and eggstravaganzas this spring. Here are some ideas for Easter games and ways to fill an Easter basket. Natural Egg Dyeing at Atlanta Botanical GardenUse dyes from plants and learn about them while decorating eggs. March 30 and 31. Easter Fun at Bass Pro ShopsCelebrate Easter by taking photos with the Easter Bunny and enjoying crafts for kids and an old-fashioned Easter egg hunt. Through April 1. Moonlight Egg Hunt at Red Top Mountain State ParkEnjoy an egg hunt by moonlight. Some eggs will have treats and others will have prizes. There will be a special prize for the participant who finds the Golden Egg. March 30. Underwater Hunt and Bunny Bonanza at Bogan Park Aquatic CenterHunt for eggs underwater, visit with the Easter Bunny, and make crafts. Pre-register by March 29. March 31. Blacklight Easter Egg Hunt at Influencers Church CummingGlow in the dark hunt with over 10,000 Easter eggs. Plus a carnival with bouncy houses, petting zoo, pony rides and the Easter Bunny. March 31. Eggstravaganza: Callanwolde's Easter Egg HuntThousands 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. Easter Games and Chopper Drop at Center Hill Baptist ChurchWitness the excitement as thousands of colorful, candy-filled eggs drop from a helicopter hovering over the ball field. March 31. Taste of Forsyth at Cumming FairgroundsMore 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. North East Cobb Community Egg Drop at Sprayberry High SchoolFood, 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. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Gwinnett Historic CourthouseEnjoy a warm, delicious breakfast with the Easter Bunny, make a craft and receive a keepsake photo taken with the Easter Bunny. March 31. Egg-citing Hike Hunt at Panola Mountain State ParkPeter 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. Avondale Estates Egg Hunt and ParadeHunt for eggs filled with candy and toys and bring your furry friend for the pet parade. Egg hunts separated by age group. Ages 10 and younger. March 31. Underwater Egg Hunt at Bethesda Park Aquatic CenterHunt for eggs underwater, visit with the Easter Bunny and participate in activities. Bring your swimsuit, basket and towel. March 31. Easter Sunrise Service at Stone Mountain ParkSimultaneous, non-denominational Easter services at the top of Stone Mountain Park and on Memorial Lawn. April 1. Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Lutheran Church of the Messiah.Hunt for prize-filled eggs on the front lawn, enjoy face painting, puppet show, cake walk, crafts and more. April 15. Beyond AtlantaThe Bunny Train at Tennessee Valley RailroadTrains will depart from Grand Junction and travel toward East Chattanooga where passengers will enjoy storytelling, temporary tattoos, coloring pages and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. March 17, 18, 24, 25, 30 and 31. Night Egg-stravaganza at F.D. Roosevelt State ParkArrive early for a hot dog supper, fantastic egg games and the petting coral. Bring your basket and flashlight for age-appropriate candy-egg hunt. March 23. Easter Eggstravaganza at The Rock RanchThe Rock Ranch Features over 40,000 prize-filled eggs. March 24. The Peanuts Easter Beagle Express at Great Smoky Mountain RailroadMeet 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. Easter Egg Hunt at Hard Labor Creek State ParkBring 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. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Mall of GeorgiaJoin the Easter Bunny in the Dining Pavilion for breakfast and a craft. March 10. Magic Mondays: Egg Hunt at Atlanta History CenterSearch for eggs hidden through the farm, play games, meet the Easter Bunny and make crafts. March 12. Bunny Breakfast at Ben Robertson Community CenterEnjoy breakfast with the Easter Bunny, crafts and games. March 17. Easter Egg Scramble at Laurel Park, MariettaEgg hunt by ages with candy and prizes; visit with the Easter Bunny afterward for pictures at Laurel Park in Marietta. March 23. Acworth Easter Egg Night Hunt at Acworth Sports ComplexOver 50,000 eggs filled with toys, candy and prizes. Hunts are separated by age group. Ages 10 and younger. March 23. Breakfast With the Easter Bunny at Fowler Park Recreation CenterFeatures pancake breakfast, children's activities, family entertainment and a visit from the Easter Bunny. March 24. Easter Egg Hunt at First Baptist Church of DecaturJoin the Easter Bunny in age-appropriate hunts for eggs in Downtown Decatur. March 24. Easter Egg Hunt at E.E. Robinson Park.Age-appropriate egg hunts, inflatables and the Easter Bunny. March 24. Children's Easter Eggstravaganza at North Park Softball FieldsEnjoy 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. Northside Easter Eggstravaganza at Etowah River ParkEgg hunts by ages and for children with special needs; also, petting zoo, moonwalks, carnival games, face painting, food and more. March 24. Illuminated Egg Hunt at Rhodes Jordan Park Soccer FieldsExperience the thrill of night time egg-hunting, enjoy games and themed crafts. Bring your basket and flashlight. March 24. Mount Pisgah Community Easter Egg Hunt25,000 eggs, inflatables, games, food and prizes. Hunts held every 30 minutes across five age groups. March 24. Easter Egg Hunt at Smyrna Community CenterInflatables, food vendors, egg hunts separated by age group and pictures with the Easter Bunny. March 24. Hop Into Spring at Town Center at CobbLive music, an appearance by the Easter Bunny and crafts. March 24. Duluth Easter Egg Hunt at Bunten Road ParkBring your basket to collect hundreds of eggs. Hunts are separated by age group. March 24. Cobb County Egg Hunt at Al Bishop Softball ComplexHunt for eggs, enjoy children's art activities, live entertainment, inflatables, a Hulu Hoop contest, tug-of-war, musical chairs and food trucks. March 24. Easter Eggstravaganza and Barbecue Cook-off at Christ the King Lutheran ChurchLive music, age-divided egg hunts, a petting zoo, train rides, face painting, free Easter bunny pictures, crafts and more. Vote for the best barbecue during the cook-off contest. March 24. Easter Egg Hunt at Marietta FUMCTraditional egg hunt followed by face painting, balloon artist, live bunnies, picnic lunch and photo op with the Easter Bunny. March 25. Eggstravaganza Under the Stars at Al Bishop Softball ComplexHunt for eggs by flashlight, and enjoy children's art activities, live entertainment, inflatables, a Hula Hoop contest, tug-of-war, musical chairs and food vendors. March 26. Easter Egg HuntGovernor's Mansion The post 2018 Guide to Easter Egg Hunts Around Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine.
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Atlanta Parent asked author Whitney Ellenby to talk about her family's struggles and triumphs in raising a son with autism. Her new book, “Autism Uncensored: Pulling Back the Curtain” (Koehlerbooks, $19.95), explains in vivid detail some of the many challenges families dealing with autism must face and it offers advice and support. Q. Your book begins with your son Zack's first plane ride to Miami, when he suddenly creates quite a scene, a situation many parents of autistic kids have faced in public places. It sets the tone for the entire book with its honesty. What happened on the return trip? A. The return trip was not much better. It is not uncommon for autistic children to land a plane. …They feel trapped in the space and don't know when it's going to end. … On that trip, it was terrible, and it brings up a whole host of things, from the anger and resentment you feel toward your child to the humiliation of everyone watching, to the genuine fear that you're not going to get them under control. I end the chapter with, “We're going to have to do this 100 more times before he gets it right.” And that's a big message of the book, if you start avoiding all the places where your child has tantrums … now you're really restricting your world. … Repeated exposure is critical, you can do flashcards, you can do social stories [about plane rides], all this prep work but children with autism are literal thinkers, experiential learners. Q. What do you wish you and your husband Keith had known when you first received Zack's diagnosis? A. Autism brings out the strengths and weaknesses in a marriage … you may react very differently. And that can result in divorce – there's a reason 85 percent of marriages collapse [when a family must deal with a seriously ill child]. One parent has to surrender their job and stay home and deal with all the therapies … the other has to remain employed to finance the therapies. I would have liked to have known how many years we would be [in intense therapy] so I would have had a realistic image. It's also important to know how you and your spouse are responding to taking your child out in public. I wish we had negotiated, which we did later, what are our respective attitudes, what can we tolerate when Zack breaks into a tantrum? Q. Early on, you're hoping intense therapy will rewire Zack's brain and he'll become a typical kid, but that didn't happen. What therapies did seem to help? A. The formal therapy that did result in some progress was ABA, Applied Behavioral Analysis, still the most widely prescribed intervention. It's intensive, 40 hours a week of drills with the child … in the hope you can create connections that aren't naturally there. ABA did the most for him, but it did not do nearly as much as I was told it would do and I don't believe it does nearly as much for anybody. There are a slew of other interventions, everything from the diet, to headphones, to horseback riding, to hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and chelation – it's important that parents do their homework before doing any of these interventions. Make sure you're seeing real meaningful progress. Q. What advice would you give other parents with a newly diagnosed child? A. Don't wait too long to get them out into the world, do arrange play dates, get them to the park, to the swimming pool, even if they're flapping, even if they're bouncing, that's okay, get them with their peers. The more you get them into the world, the less fearful they will become of the world. And lose the shame. We live in a world where there's never been a better time to be different. It's okay to tell people your child has autism. … People are kind. Q. A child with autism puts a tremendous strain on a marriage. What helped you and Keith cope? A. Here's what really helped, a sit-down between us, about what is our protocol going to be in the situation of this, this and this? … Make those decisions, calmly, quietly, lovingly, not in the heat of anger, don't wait for the public scenes to hit. Once you're on the same page by listening to each other and finding a way to cope with the worst parts of autism, the insomnia, the public tantrums, the question of “What if he never gets better?,” then your marriage is stronger than ever. Q. How old is Zack and how's he doing? A. He's 16 and he's fantastic. He's still very much autistic, a poster boy for autism, he has all the ticks – he bounces, he yelps, he gallops, he doesn't have a ton of words, just enough to be functional. What he understands gets stronger all the time, which is very common in autistic kids. Zack now is a kid who can go anywhere – he went from being a kid who was hobbled by screaming tantrums to a kid who can fly to Europe, he can go to rock concerts, symphony concerts and theater. Now he's happy, well-adjusted … still very much autistic but the world is not a frightening place to him. … He's a delight to be with. – Amanda Miller Allen The post A Conversation with Whitney Ellenby, Author of “Autism Uncensored” appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Looking for coding and tech instruction beyond summer camps? Check out five places around Atlanta for cool coding classes that'll have your kids working with apps, robotics and Minecrafts mods. All programs have offerings for elementary school-age through high school-age kids. Kids 4 CodingBeyond school break and summer camps, Kids 4 Coding offers Saturday classes during the school year. Topics include game design and programming, 3D architectural design, robotics design and more. Roswell Start CodeLearn then language behind games and computer programs in year-round classes. Programming protocols, game creation and advance skills in Java and other languages are offered. Atlanta. Brainy BytesApp development, modding, 3D graphics and printing, and stop motion movie making are on the menu at Brainy Bytes academic year classes. Classes open to the community are offered in select locations. Alpharetta, Cumming (coming soon.) Imagine That! and Future TechIn addition to classes at numerous schools around metro Atlanta, Imagine That hosts Saturday School sessions during the school year. Selections include coding, Minecraft, robotics and 3D printing with options for elementary schoolers through teens. Peachtree Corners StremHQWeeknight academic year programs include instruction in beginning programming, robotics, JAVA, and game design. Robotics teams are also formed here. Alpharetta and Marietta. What to AskOnce you've found a class subject that interests your child, be sure to check off these questions before registration:
The post 5 Cool Coding Classes for Kids in Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. INK (Interactive Neighborhood for Kids) in Gainesville is not your typical children's museum. It was designed by educators and created to match the Georgia public school curriculum. But kids would never know that. The museum is full of interactive, hands-on exhibits that look like a neighborhood-with streets and stores and even a bank. Here are a dozen reasons why we think it's worth a visit. 1. Real-Life ExhibitsKids pretend for hours at INK, because the museum offers over 20 permanent exhibits that look like the real world. Children put on postal uniforms and sort and deliver mail; they serve food to their parents at the 50s café; they care for sick stuffed animals at the vet clinic and they style hair at the beauty salon. INK also has exhibits of a dairy farm, a court room, a theater and more. 2. Paint-your-own Pottery StudioFamilies love this popular spot at INK because kids can create a pottery masterpiece for a few dollars. Children have a blast with this truly hands-on activity, creating and painting pottery (think mugs, bowls, figurines). Their creations stay at INK for firing, but they can be shipped to you. 3. Fun EventsEvery week INK has a different themed craft for kids. These are usually tied with the seasons and holidays like “Summer Crafts” or “Earth Day Crafts.” Parents love the price on these events too-usually just $1.00. Check their events calendar to see what craft they are doing when you visit. 4. Grocery StoreA true crowd pleaser at INK, kids flock to this “J & J Foods” grocery store to shop, work as a cashier or just push a cart around. The children don't realize that they are actually practicing social skills while they scan and check out their groceries. 5. Preschool ParadiseThe four-and-under set enjoy this special area designed just for them. In this castle, little ones can crawl through tunnels, play with toys and games and slide down to a safe padded area. 6. Imagination PlaygroundA recent addition to INK, the Imagination Playground gives children the opportunity to create and build with lightweight, oversized blue blocks. Kids of all ages get creative and focused in this area and can spend a ton of time here. 7. The Music RoomBudding musicians or just young music fans can play with all sorts of instruments-drums, shakers, a piano and an organ, to name a few-and be as loud as they want. 8. Family PlayhouseWhen the kids just want to climb and play, this is the place to go. It's a good sized indoor playground structure with slides, nets and tunnels, perfect for a little bit of museum-exercise. 9. Healthy exhibitsFamilies can check out the “Buddy: Building a Healthy Body” exhibit which features Buddy (the 60′ long smiling boy). With organ replicas, video kiosks and interactive ways to learn about the food groups, children can learn all about making their bodies healthy too. INK also has a “Born Learning Trail” outside where parents can learn about ways to stay active with their kids. 10. GrandPappy AirlinesThe kids go crazy for this full sized 1955 Aero Commander 560 aircraft. They can explore inside the airplane, see how the plane works and pretend to be the pilot. There is even a check-in counter so they can imagine they are actually traveling. 11. MembershipsIf your family is going to visit more than two times, a membership is a good way to save some money. They start at $99 for a family of four. INK Members also receive perks like discounts on birthday parties, camps and pottery classes. 12. Non-profitINK is not a money-making machine; it's a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. They charge admission, but depend on donor support from the community. That also means if you do make a donation, it is tax deductible. The post 12 Things to Know about INK Children's Museum appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. You probably have fond memories of sleepovers when you were younger, with pillow fights, junk food and lots of laughs. Sleepovers are a rite of passage for many kids, and yours may already be asking for them. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't offer a specific age recommendation for first sleepovers, so there's no hard rule about when is appropriate to try. But whenever you decide to attempt an overnight for your child, keep these first sleepover tips in mind: Check ReadinessIf you discuss a sleepover, see how your child reacts. Is she excited? Or, is she nervous? A child who is ready to spend a night without you will be interested in the idea. If you sense he or she isn't ready for the real thing, you might try a “late over.” Invite a friend or two to come over for dinner, then change into pajamas and stay until 10 p.m. for dessert and a movie. Having a late evening playdate feels special without the pressure of going all night. Start SmallDon't go for a slumber party too fast! First, try hosting one friend for a sleepover so your child gets comfortable with the general idea. For the first time going to sleep at someone else's home, consider choosing a nearby grandparent or aunt/uncle. If your child is already familiar with their home, that takes away the nervousness of the unknown. Or, keep it in the neighborhood so your child knows you're just blocks away if he or she wants to come home. Ask QuestionsWhen your child is sleeping over at a friend's house for the first time, ask the parents questions so that your child won't be taken by surprise. Will older siblings be home? Will the kids be sleeping on the floor or in beds? Even better: make sure you've met and talked with the other family so that you establish a comfort level as well. If you're hosting, share details of your home and what you'll be doing with the guest's parents. Pack and PrepareIf sleeping out of the home, help your child pack his/her overnight bag with the essentials, including a special stuffed animal or blanket for nighttime. Make sure your child knows how to reach you, and let host parents know if your child has any specific fears or needs make sure to communicate those ahead of time. Plan for FunWhen you're hosting, have plans at the ready if self-directed supervised play seems to get stale. Remember, a sleepover is much longer than a playdate! Have the kids DIY dinner (think make-your-own pizzas or taco bar), an art project to do, or a new game the kids can learn together. When you're ready for everyone to settle down and get sleepy, dim the lights and start an age-appropriate movie. Be on CallYou spoke to your child at 10 p.m. and all seemed fine, but at midnight, he wants to come home. It happens, especially to first-timers! It's no big deal if the first try doesn't last the whole night, and it's important that your child knows you'll come get him if he needs you. At your home, make sure young guests know they can wake you during the night if they have an emergency or need to call their parents. Recap the NightWhether your child makes it through a first full sleepover or not, check in with them the next day. Talk about what they liked and what they didn't, so you know what could work better next time, at home or away. Your child will be your guide to whether sleepovers are a good addition to their social lives, now or later.
The post 7 Tips for Sleepover Newbies appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women and also inspire a new generation of young women. As parents, we may have good intentions of educating our children about these important figures, but it's a daunting task. After all, there are so many amazing women. We've simplified this complex topic with six kid-friendly books that feature strong, successful women. Spoiler alert: boys will like them too. 1. 100 Women Who Made HistoryWe love these books (which also include titles like 100 People Who Made History and 100 Scientists Who Made History) because they cover people from different time periods. In this one, young readers can learn about Joan of Arc, J.K. Rowling, Marie Curie and ninety-seven other incredible women. Plus, the format is full of cool pictures and fun facts, so it doesn't read like a text book. Best for ages 8-12. 2. Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee ShetterlyBased on the bestselling book and the Academy Award nominated movie, this picture book tells the story of four black women who overcame obstacles in the 1960s to succeed as mathematicians at NASA. Kids will love the illustrations and fun science explanations. Most important, this true story is fascinating and inspiring to both boys and girls. Best for ages 4-8. 3. She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea ClintonThe former first-daughter writes about well-known women (like Harriet Tubman) as well as women you may not be as familiar with (like ballerina Maria Tallchief). All of their stories will spark conversations between parents and children and surely inspire kids to be persistent. Best for ages 4-8. 4. Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel IgnotofskyFor the STEM-loving child, this book tells the stories of remarkable women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Kids will enjoy the thoughtful illustrations and other fascinating facts–such as the rates of women currently working in STEM fields. Best for ages 10+. 5. My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Little Girl Dream? by Jennifer FosberryThe first in Fosberry's popular Isabella series, this colorful picture book follows Isabella as she pretends to be female heroes such as Sally Ride, Rosa Parks and even her own mother. Other books in the series include Isabella: Star of the Story, Isabella: Girl on the Go and Isabella: Girl in Charge. Best for ages 4-8. 6. If You Lived When Women Won Their Rights by Anne KammaChildren may be surprised to learn that there was a time when women could not vote, own property, go to college or work at certain jobs. This book explores that time in a kid-friendly question-answer format and explains how women fought to have these rights. And if your children enjoy this one, they may also like other titles in the popular “If You Lived” series such as If You Lived in Colonial Times and If You Lived with the Sioux Indians. Best for ages 7-10. The post 6 Must-Read Kids' Books for Women's History Month appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Don't have a boring school break – these camps bring the fun factor! Also check out more ways to spend your spring break with our 2018 guide to spring break fun. Zoo AtlantaSpring Break is around the corner! Why not send your explorer on a “discovery staycation” at Zoo Atlanta! Campers will explore nature's rebirth in a program that combines fun and learning in a natural setting! Each day, participants are immersed in learning about animals from around the world, exploring the environment, and engaging in ways they can conserve nature through unique hands-on, minds-on activities. Camp runs April 2 – 6. For more information, please visit zooatlanta.org/camp. Alliance TheatreSpring Break Camps are offered for students grades K – 12 in musical theater and performing arts, April 2-6. All camps culminate in a showcase on Friday at 3 p.m. Camp meets Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with aftercare available until 6 p.m. through Thursday. Learn more about camps at alliancetheatre.org/dramacamps. Vinings School of ArtKids can spend a half-day, a few days or the entire week creating art and burning off energy with the school's ART with Fitness camps. Kids will create one or two unique pieces each day, working with canvas painting, clay, charcoal drawing techniques and 3D sculpture-making with wood and plaster. They'll have at least an hour of PE class in the gym. Art camps will be grouped by ages (5-7, 7-9 and 10-13), with no more than 10 students per group. Register at viningsschoolofart.com. More CampsHere are more fun camps to consider: The Sunshine House, ages 5-12, sunshinehouse.com High Museum of Art Planet eARTH Camp, ages 6-15, high.org Chattahoochee Nature Center Spring Break Camp, ages 4-16, chattnaturecenter.org Museum of Design campMODA, ages 5-17, museumofdesign.org Dunwoody Nature Center Spring Break Camp, ages 3-11, dunwoodynature.org Atlanta Botanical Garden Spring Day Camp, ages 4-6, atlantabg.org Camp Serenbe Spring Break Day Camp, ages 5-12, campserenbe.com Be sure to check with your local YMCA, your church recreation program and county recreation centers for more options. Explore other camps your kids will love with Atlanta Parent's Ultimate Guide to Summer Day Camps. Special Advertising Section The post Spring Break Camps Around Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Atlanta is lucky enough to be home to several professional, semi-professional and college sports teams including soccer, baseball and lacrosse. Head to the new SunTrust Park and catch a fly ball, or cheer on your favorite new soccer residents. Atlanta Braves BaseballGet ready to do the chop at SunTrust Park. With restaurants, a children's play area and a concert venue, the new stadium area is sure to bring the fun. The Braves season starts in early April. Tickets start: $10 per ticket. Atlanta United SoccerAtlanta was awarded a major league soccer team in April 2014. The team has moved into the sparkling new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Tickets start: $20 per ticket. Atlanta Hawks Basketball The fast-action sport has been at home in Atlanta since the '60s, and fans are still loving the action. Spring means basketball and there are still a few home games left this season. Tickets start: $20 per ticket. Georgia Swarm LacrosseLacrosse is a high-paced sport that is easy to get excited about. We have our very own professional lacrosse team right here in Atlanta who plays through April in the Infinite Energy Arena. Don't miss the “Swarm Dance” when the team scores a goal. Tickets start: $29 per ticket. Atlanta Silverbacks SoccerThe team first came to Atlanta in 1995, and were called the “Atlanta Ruckus,” before being re-named after Zoo Atlanta's silverback gorilla, Willie B in 1998. In 2007, for the first time since its inaugural season in 1995, Atlanta made it to the league championship. The next home games are played the Silverbacks Stadium: 3200 Atlanta Silverbacks Way, Atlanta. Tickets Start: $10 per ticket. Atlanta Dream BasketballThe WNBA women's basketball team is currently celebrating their eleventh year in Atlanta, complete with several wins at conference championships over the years. Guard/Forward Angel McCoughtry was named to both the 2012 and 2016 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball teams. The season begins in May. Tickets start: $20 per ticket. Georgia State UniversityThe Panthers bring a lot of college-level talent to Atlanta, including beach volleyball, which your kids may have never seen played live at the college level. As a bonus, all of these spring sports are free to attend. Here are the next few spring home games. Baseball at the GSU Baseball Complex. Men's Tennis at Piedmont Park. Beach Volleyball at the GSU Volleyball Complex. Emory UniversityCommemorated on witty t-shirts throughout campus, many people wonder why Emory doesn't have a football team-but they do have many other sports to enjoy with free entry. Post-season games are ticketed. Here are the next few spring home games. Baseball at Chappell Park. Men's Tennis at the Woodruff P.E. Center Tennis Courts. Women's Tennis at the Woodruff P.E. Center Tennis Courts. University of GeorgiaAthens is only a short drive from Atlanta, and is worth it for the sports talent. Often thought of as a “football school,” UGA also has great spring sports to offer. Baseball at Foley Field. Tickets start: $5 per ticket. Men's Tennis at Dan Magill Tennis Complex. Free entry. Women's Tennis at Dan Magill Tennis Complex. Free entry. Morehouse CollegeThe Maroon Tigers baseball team plays in Perkerson Park, just south of the BeltLine. It is an easy place to catch a game without the hassle of attending a game in a bigger sports venue. Baseball at Perkerson Park: 770 Deckner Ave. SW, Atlanta. Free entry. Georgia TechThe Yellow jackets bring lots of fun, spring sports to Atlanta. Grab your gold and blue attire and start watching. Here are the next few spring home games. Baseball at Russ Chandler Stadium. Tickets start: $8 per ticket. $2 Tuesdays: All bench seating, soft drinks and popcorn are only $2. (Excludes Georgia game) Men's Tennis at Ken Byers Tennis Courts. Free entry. Women's Tennis at Ken Byers Tennis Courts. Free entry. Kennesaw State UniversityIf you don't want to come into the city, but want action-packed sports, look no further than KSU. The (mostly) new sports facilities make the experience that much better. Baseball at Stillwell Baseball Stadium. Tickets start: $5 per ticket. Men's Tennis at the Betty Siegel Courts. Free entry.Women's Tennis at the Betty Siegel Courts. Free entry. Women's Lacrosse at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Free entry. The post Your Kid-Friendly Guide to Spring Sports in Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Our little boy is named after George Harrison, my mother's favorite Beatle. For almost every night of his life, the music of Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M. and Bob Dylan have lulled him to sleep. He can tell B.B. King from Buddy Guy just by listening to the guitar solos. I can't lie – we're pretty proud. Sharing what you love with your kids is one of the most rewarding parts of parenthood. We've found a few strategies that helped our son want to listen to something other than “Everything is Awesome.” Here are some ways to inspire your kids to rock out: Start young: You don't have to play only classical or soothing music for your baby. Our son, now age 7, was rocking to Creedence and Coltrane from day one. Talk about the music you love and what it means to you: Our son knows we danced to Etta James and Lyle Lovett at our wedding and that music, like other forms of art, is a way to share love, process pain and incite revolution. Let them find their own beat: From a toy ukulele to daddy's saxophone from his high school band and a banged up piano we got for almost nothing on Craigslist, we have always had instruments around the house. Listen to the music first: Be sure it doesn't include language or subject matter that you don't want your kids to hear. Experience music together: Any and all music. Drum circles, solo performers, local choirs – there are so many ways to expose your kids to the power and diversity of live music. Go see it live: Seeing live music is what my husband and I do together. So it is only natural that we want our son to be a part of what we love. With a little preparation and the right attitude, taking kids to musical performances can be great family time. Know your kid: Don't make your first show together a rock concert at a huge arena – start out with a musical storytime or open-air acoustic performance and work your way up as your kids get older. Our son can stay up a little late without too much drama, but if we go to a show that runs after his bedtime, we have to be fully prepared to leave early. Invest in a good pair of sound-canceling earphones: Take these to every live show you attend and will cost you around $20. They aren't always necessary, but you never know when something might be too loud for little ears. Also bring snacks and a drink for your kids and something fun like a light up wand or glowing necklace. All Ages Music VenuesThe Atlanta area has some outstanding music venues that are great for all ages. You'll need to buy a ticket for your kid at all of these spots, so factor that into your budget. Make sure to check ahead that the particular performance is open to all ages. Eddie's Attic, DecaturShows at Eddie's Attic get you up-close and personal with musicians, and this intimate venue isn't very loud. Check out open-mic nights and performances by artists from TV shows like “The Voice” – a good way to connect screen time to real life. While adult beverages are served, they have a kid-friendly food menu and an adjacent restaurant where you can take a break. Verizon Amphitheatre, AlpharettaThis large venue is where our son saw his first big concert – Old Crow Medicine Show. The secret to enjoying Verizon with kids is to buy lawn seats. This area is behind the more expensive assigned seats, and you can bring your blanket, stretch out and listen to the music together. The venue hosts a wide range of acts; we are looking forward to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's performance of “Star Wars and More: The Music of John Williams” in September. Chastain Park, BuckheadSeeing a show at this lovely outdoor amphitheater is a defining experience of summertime in Atlanta. Bring a meal with you (outside food and drink are allowed at almost all shows), pack a few candles for ambiance, and sit back and relax. Go for seats that aren't too close to the stage or the lawn to protect little ears. And, these shows all wrap up by 11 p.m. sharp. ticketmaster.com for tickets. Atlanta Botanical Garden, MidtownConcerts in the Garden are absolutely enchanting. With a view of the Atlanta skyline and the fragrance of the garden, you and the kids will love sitting on the Great Lawn and rocking out. These shows aren't too loud, and the atmosphere is fun and light. Bring your picnic and low chairs, sit around the edges and near the back if you are concerned about volume, and get ready to dance under the stars. Fox TheatreSee a show under the stars here, too – but indoors! This historic and mystical landmark hosts national music acts regularly. It can be loud so remember to bring ear protection. Variety PlayhouseAll shows at the Variety Playhouse are general admission, and there are only a few seats – so this venue is a good fit for teens. From outstanding local acts to noted national artists, this Little Five Points venue is one to grow up to. Terminal WestNewer on the Atlanta music scene, Terminal West is in the King Plow Arts Center. It has a decidedly cool vibe – the Center was formerly a tractor factory, and the music venue is in what was the smelting room. This is also a general admission venue, and a fair number of shows here are 18 and up, so check the details carefully before buying tickets. Red Light CafeIf bluegrass, country and Americana is your music of choice, you need to know about Red Light Café. This intown venue hosts a wide variety of musicians, and with its homey vibe, it's a fantastic place to catch a show with your kids. Red Clay Music FoundryThis intimate and kid-friendly music venue in Duluth hosts an interesting mix of concerts, from a Rat Pack tribute to Banks and Shane. A songwriters' open mic is held on the second and fourth Sundays. Songs Atlanta Parent Readers and their Kids EnjoySherry and Jason Crawley Rachel and Mark Pilvinsky Jessica Langlois Rapier Copeland Morgan Alexander Lauren Townsend Eric Balint Kristin Haverty Akua Taylor – Sherry V. Crawley Check out our Spotify playlist, “Atlanta Parent Reader Favorites” to hear some of these songs. (note: Spotify is free to download on your desktop, but there's monthly fee for the mobile app).
The post Rock Out: Tips for Enjoying Music with Your Kids appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. St. Simons Island, GeorgiaNeptune Park is a favorite for families, an oceanfront public park with a playground, pool, mini-golf course and a fishing pier. The lighthouse museum is a great introduction to Georgia's maritime history, and kids will love the views after climbing to the top. Don't forget to hunt out the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island: 20 face carvings in trees around the Island, making for a fun scavenger hunt. Jekyll Island, GeorgiaKids will go crazy about climbing over and under the giant driftwood pieces situated on Driftwood Beach, located on the North end of Jekyll Island. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is also a special opportunity to meet sea turtles and learn about rehabilitation efforts. The Jekyll Island Hotel has tons of history between the walls, with millionaires such as the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, once taking residence. Check out the croquet court and walk the grounds. Tybee Island, GeorgiaTybee is known as Savannah's beach, located only 30 minutes from Downtown Savannah. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, you can see for miles down the long stretches of beach. Grab some ice cream from Seaweeds and walk down to the pier to watch fishermen. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is a fun place to learn about marshes, beaches and wildlife on the Island. Then stop by the Tybee Lighthouse or drive into Savannah for a trolley tour of the city. Hilton Head Island, South CarolinaClimb the red-and-white-striped lighthouse in the Harbour Town area (114 steps above!) or check out the Sandbox, a local children's museum complete with a boat, plane and sandcastle play areas. Visit Adventure Cove for the large mini-golf area or the Coastal Discovery Museum, with a butterfly enclosure, trails, gardens and more. Myrtle Beach, South CarolinaA big drawl to this beach destination is the water and amusement parks set Oceanside. Family Kingdom has a variety of thrill rides and the adjacent waterpark has twisting waterslides with ocean views. Wild Water and Wheels has go-karts, speed slides and mini-golf. Myrtle Waves Waterpark is also a great choice with 20 acres of water rides. Panama City Beach, FloridaThe city is moving towards being more family-friendly, beyond the spring break days of the past. Make sure to visit Pier Park for family fun, which includes a small-scale amusement park, shops and restaurants. Don't miss Ripley's Believe it or Not, Wonderworks and the giant walk-through maze and putt-putt at Coconut Grove Mini-Golf. Gulf World Marine Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark are also fun picks. Destin, FloridaDestin is a great pick for families, with sparkling Emerald waters and tons of activities for the kids. Take a pirate ship cruise, walk down Destin Harbor, go shopping at the Silver Sands Outlets or visit Big Kahuna's Waterpark to slide down waterslides. Travel towards Okaloosa Island for Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and Wild Willy's Adventure Zone. Highway 30A, FloridaThe beaches along this stretch of sand are packed-full of fun for kids. Hop on bikes and travel from Rosemary Beach to Alys Beach to Seaside and Watercolor. Stop in Seaside for snow cones out of an Airstream trailer, or other treats such as grilled cheese or fried pickles. The Seaside REP Theatre is always hosting puppet shows or theater productions for kids. Rent stand-up paddleboards at the Watercolor Boathouse for calmer fun away from the ocean. Pensacola Beach, FloridaTake a dolphin cruise here; you will be sure to see many pods of dolphins playing in the water. Pensacola sits within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which has plenty of places to build white sandcastles. The City is also full of military history–visit the National Naval Aviation Museum to see many types of aircraft and don't miss the Navy's Blue Angels practice tricks high above the beach. Gulf Shores, AlabamaThis Alabama beach destination has lots to offer families. Visit the beachy play areas at Lucy Buffett's Lulu's (tip: they have an allergy-friendly menu just for gluten, shellfish and other allergies) and The Hangout, both waterfront restaurants. Waterville USA is a waterpark full of big water slides, lazy rivers and walk-through water fountains. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is also a fun spot, which has a variety of exotic animals including tigers and black bears. Jacksonville, FloridaHuge stretches of beach, tons of fun water activities, and places to eat nearby. Kiawah Island, South CarolinaDon't forget your bikes at this beach and resort near Charleston with 30 miles of paved bike trails. Enjoy shopping and eats at Freshfields Village, with tasty restaurants, jewelry stores, clothing stores, a bookstore, and more. Amelia Island, FloridaLocated near the Georgia border in northeastern Florida, Amelia Island has beautiful stretches of beach, a vibrate dining scene in nearby Fernandina Beach, and shopping. St. George Island, FloridaNear Tallahassee and south of the Apalachicola National Forest, this barrier island has 22 miles of serene beaches, fishing tours, St. George Island Lighthouse, and paddle boarding. Fripp Island, South CarolinaAbout 45 minutes east of historic Beaufort, South Carolina, Fripp Island has vast stretches of beach, nature opportunities, restaurants, and acclaimed golf and tennis on the island. Folly Beach, South CarolinaNear Charleston, South Carolina, Folly Beach has canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, dolphin and whale watching and more. Pawley's Island, South CarolinaOne of the oldest beach towns in South Carolina, you'll love the small town feel of Pawley's Island. Visit the cute shops like Hammocks Shop Village, Island Art Gallery, and Litchfield Books. Nearby in Huntington State Beach, visit beaches, wetlands, and Atalaya, a Mediterranean style castle built in the 1930s. Topsail Beach, North CarolinaLocated about an hour north of Wilmington, North Carolina, Top Sail beach is a 26 mile barrier island. Check out nearby Southside Park in Surf City, mini-golf, Top Sail Beach Skating Rink, restaurants, and shopping. Lake Shore Beaches Near AtlantaThe beach area features a white sand beach and roped off area for swimming. Big Beach at Lake Lanier Islands Hang out on the beach, play some volleyball, catch some rays and enjoy food from the boardwalk. Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, miniature golf, a floating playground with obstacles, paddle boats, inflatable waterslide, rock climbing wall and more. The Beach at Clayton County International Park The colorful and immense “adventure kiddie pool,” with fountains, towers, “water shooters” and more offer something for the big kids, too. The beach action includes big slides and even a water trampoline. The Swimming Beach at Red Top Mountain State Park Cool off in the sandy beach area and roped off swimming area nestled in a cove and surrounded by trees at Lake Allatoona, and enjoy the nearby putt-putt golf and large playground. – Teresa Farkas Visit AtlantaParent.com The post 25+ Best Beaches Near Atlanta for Spring Break Fun appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. |
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