Putt putt. Miniature golf. Mini golf, if you want to be hip. Whatever you want to call it, it's a family-friendly, grand time. Around Atlanta, there are a variety of mini golf courses, some with unique twists and cool features. Skyline ParkPerched atop the ever-popular Ponce City Market, this miniature amusement park brings a level of fun to make all other rooftops jealous. Ride the rides, have some pretzels and enjoy an adult beverage. In addition to the putt putt course, Skyline also has carnival-type games, a Heege Tower and Skyline Slide.$10 ages 12 and up/$7 under 12.675 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta Glow GalaxyOpen Play is for children ages 2-12, and Drop Off is available during Open Play for children ages 4-12. There is no charge for adults coming with their children during Open Play. In addition to the miniature golf course, Glow Galaxy is an indoor inflatables playground. Best of all, it is all glow in the dark! As Open Play hours change weekly, call 770.368.3008, option 2, to find out when Glow Galaxy will be open.$8 Open Play/$12 Drop Off. 6527-D Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross The Fringe at Area 51See a movie, then play some golf. Or reverse it. Since The Fringe sits right outside Aurora Cineplex, and you can have active time and rest time in one place. Play one course or *both (additional cost for both courses is $7.50 ages 4-12/$10.50 adults/$8 seniors). Have four or more people coming? Get a Family 4 Pack for $5/person for one course or $7.50/person for both courses. (Maximum three adults and must have at least four people in party.)$5 ages 4-12/$7 adults/$5.50 seniors. 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell Fun Junction U.S.A.With three putt putt courses, not to mention a nice selection of rides both indoor and out, families will have a blast at Fun Junction U.S.A. Because admission is free, parents can take children to play without having to pay for themselves. Rides and games are available at per play costs, or there are also armbands available for purchase. The park is open limited hours, so check their website for availability.Free Admission, games and rides additional.1675 Highway 85 N, Fayetteville Pirates' CoveArrr, mateys! Come aboard, and play ye some golf at this fine establishment. Best of all, get half off of golf tickets between 4 and 6 p.m. on Mondays-Thursdays at the newly renovated family fun zone. Go for the 27-Hole Adventure for an extra good time (additional cost applies).$7 children/$8 adults.3380 Venture Parkway, Duluth Monster Mini GolfThe Know: Little monsters and big monsters will love playing around this glowing, spooky course. Indoor green, glow-in-the-dark, custom-made creatures and even its own internal radio station. What else could a family need? Well, how about an arcade as well? You'll find it at Monster Mini Golf!$7.50 children/$8.50 adults.2505 Chastain Meadows Parkway, Marietta Mountasia MariettaThe Know: You can purchase a ticket just for the mini golf, or you can buy combo passes to play in the arcade and ride attractions also at this popular stop in Marietta. In addition to putt putt, kids can drive go karts and visit the huge game room-a plus if the rain decides to hang out with you.$8 (kid under 5 are free).175 Barrett Parkway, Marietta Shelly Gable The post Best Putt Putt Golf Courses for Kids Around Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine.
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There is so much to love aboutLEGOLAND Discovery Center in Atlanta. Families can spend hours building LEGO creations, riding on fun rides and checking out what the masters can produce out of tiny, plastic bricks. Large-Scale ModelsKids will love seeing the huge builds made entirely out of LEGOs, and maybe even get inspired to build their own. Giant buildings, cars, LEGO people and more are easy to spot while walking from the different themed areas. A favorite is MINILAND, a replica of the city with moving cars and trains, made from nearly 1.5 million LEGO bricks. LEGO Rides and ExhibitsSeveral themed areas bring you back to medieval times or into space. Kingdom Quest lets you experience a virtual LEGO worldriders hop aboard the chariot and rescue a princess. In the new Space Mission, kids can build a spaceship, explore alien LEGO worlds and watch a LEGO rocket blast off. Merlin's Apprentice ride and Pirate Adventure Island are also fun stops. Hands-On LEGO BuildsThere are so many opportunities to dig your hands into some LEGOs, from build-and-race cars down large ramps to bins full of colorful pieces. The Earthquake tables allow kids to construct buildings out of LEGOs and see how they withstand against a natural disaster. The DUPLO village is great for ages 2-5, with larger bricks to hold. LEGO 4D CinemaLEGO movies are a lot more fun when shown in a 4D theatre. Kids will love seeing the characters so close to them, and feeling the wind, rain and snow effects. Movies alternate between Spellbreaker, CHIMA, Clutchpowers, LEGO NEXO Knights 4D: The Book of Creativity and The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure. Seasonal EventsThroughout the year, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta hosts special events fun for the entire family. LEGO movie days, such as Ninjago or Star Wars, include character meet-and-greets, group theme builds and more. If kids dress and talk like a pirate on Talk Like a Pirate Day, they gain free entry. Brick-or-Treat Halloween, Breakfast with Santa and Noon Year's Eve are also fun events to look out for this year. Check our events calendar for things happening at LEGOLAND. The Details LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta The post 5 Things to Love About LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. They are the familiar voice you hear on the radio each morning, the behind-the-scenes of TV networks, or the predictor of the weekend weather. These women are moms, just like you. Atlanta Parent asked them how they balance powerful careers in Atlanta's media, and when the makeup comes off, how they handle being mom. Cara KneerHost, Atlanta & Company Talk Show (NBC) After hosting the daily talk show, Cara Kneer switches gears to be with her sons. She says the best advice anyone gave her about being a mom is to love your child for who they are, not who you want them to be. She says that working makes her a better mom. I've lived both, working and not working, and I can honestly say it is hard for me to stay home, she says. I realize it makes me a better mom if I have both. She spends her free time with her boys at Fernbank Museum of Natural History and at local splash pads and playgrounds. Andrea BibbsDirector of Ad Sales Integration, HLN/HLNtv.com Andrea Bibbs has worked for Turner Broadcasting System for over 17 years, starting there as an intern, and now as director of Ad Sales Integration at HLN. Her own mom shared this advice: To take care of myself and not feel guilty about it. Fill up your power source first. After becoming a first-time mom, she was surprised she could juggle everything. Before I was a mom, I was wondering how I would sleep and eat and keep a child alive. An invisible cape comes on and it allows you to survive off a few hours of sleep or no sleep. Bibbs set a goal after breastfeeding. I started working out again. I have a goal of running ten 5k races, and I'm now at seven. I'm also training for a triathlon. She spends her free time with her kids attending museum openings, to see her husband's work or other artists', and competing in races. Katie BeasleyHost, Good Day Atlanta (FOX) After work, Katie Beasley loves coming home, taking the makeup off and playing with her daughter. With her friends, she created an email chain of advice and best products to share. We have a baby registry list email and I continue to add things I can't live without, or would do differently. Things like getting them in their crib instead of the bed or products that were a waste of money. She follows the advice she was given when she first had Ava: Sleep when the baby sleeps. We took a lot of naps together during my three months of maternity leave. In her free time, Beasley frequents the Children's Museum of Atlanta and local malls with her daughter. Jenn HobbyRadio personality, Star 94.1 Jenn Hobby says the best advice she received about being a new mom is Do something brave every day. It can be just getting out of bed and walking around, it's different for every mom. Her daughter Reese is one year with a clean report after a battle with pediatric cancer, which Hobby says changed everything. You realize the things you worry about are very small compared to being healthy and happy. She balances mom and work life with help from her husband. I have an awesome partnership with my husband Grant, and we share the responsibility of parenting. Pick the right partner who will be in it with you 100 percent. Hobby and her girls spend their free time at Braves games and visiting Marietta Square. Katie WallsMeteorologist, WSB-TV (ABC) Katie Walls is a relatively new mom. She went into labor soon after telling Atlantans about the weather on Channel 2 Action News Nightbeat. She was told by her friend Julie, You will make mistakes, but don't beat yourself up for it. She survives the work and mom balance by making sure to prepare the night before. It is a constant juggling act with a lot of forethought the night before for the following day, making sure everything is ready for him. Walls spends her free time walking with her son around the neighborhood, which she says has helped her lose baby weight. Products: Favorites and Throw-Aways from the MomsCara Kneer: Big sleep swaddlers like the Moms on Call Swaddle blankets they are the key to getting baby to sleep. Birp cloths that also stretch over the car seat are the best. I always buy the Milk Snob brand for my friends who are new moms. They are stretchy, washable and come in fun colors. Your baby needs about five pairs of zip pajamas half of the clothes people give you, you don't use. All of the clothes are cute, but not practical. I think my boys spent the first 6 months in onesies. Jenn Hobby: Gro-eggs are great, they test the temperature of your baby's room by light changes. From red, orange to blue depending if it's too hot or too cold. I didn't have to check the thermostat, and we still use these in the girls' rooms. Also the Medela Breast Pump, great to balance pumping with work. Lauren didn't like the BabyBjorn, but Reese did. I was never good at those wrapping carrier things, I would just end up tangled up in it! Katie Walls: The Beco Carrier was the best the first three months because he didn't want to be put down. His play mat and Sophie the Giraffe. A funny thing I received, and didn't think I would use, but do, is the Wee Block it's very useful for a baby boy. I also love OxiClean for getting stains out. The snot sucker was a shocker to receive, and I haven't used it yet, but probably will eventually when the time comes. Katie Beasley: The sound machine is very handy, especially with my hours. Blackout curtains, really soft blankets and pacifiers comfort things. The wiper warmer went right back to the store. Andrea Bibbs Munchkin Arm & Hammer Disposable Changing Pads, I use this for everything, bottom of car seat and on top of changing areas. I give this to all of my new-mom friends. Doc-A-Tot was the best thing when we had my son, we didn't feel afraid to have him in the bed, and it was a great tool to transition him to the crib. Clothes, a lot of clothes. Before you know it, the really cute things are too small. Pacifiers, my kids didn't like them at all. Cloth bibs, I love the plastic ones, less laundry to do. Teresa Farkas The post Advice from Atlanta Media Moms appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Photo by James Reeves The largest pop culture convention in the Southeast, Dragon Con featuring comics, film, TV and gaming may seem like it is geared towards adults, but during the day there are many opportunities for your Sci-Fi loving family to be entertained. From famous character meet-and-greets to gaming competitions, this long weekend is packed full of activities for children and young adults. Dragon Con ParadeCharacters will fill the streets of downtown Atlanta on Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. You should arrive early to save a spot to view all of the costumed figures from movies and other genres. Try and take MARTA as well, it is much easier to arrive right in the middle of the action. Some parts of the parade may be scary for young kids. Science Comes to LifeTake a closer look at the sun through the solar telescope on site.Sunspots and maybe even a solar flare are in view during the day with this special telescope. (Weather permitting). Meet Famous CharactersOn the Walk of Fame there will be a variety of characters from Looney Toons to Harry Potter and Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario from the Nintendo games among others. Also meet the young adult author of Eragon, Christopher Paolini, as he discusses his book series. Danielle Panabaker, who currently stars in the CW series, The Flash will also make an appearance. Sing and PlayThe Kaleidoscope Track at Dragon Con includes live action and animated shows from Disney, Disney XD, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. Experience events such as Costumer's Meet and Greet, Team Trivia for Kids, the Kid's Writing Workshop and the Family-Friendly Dance.Kids ages 13 and younger can even earn their Jr. Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. membership card by passing age-appropriate tasks. See here for full schedule of events. The DetailsDragon Con The post 4 Things Your Family Can't Miss at Dragon Con 2017 appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Photo by James Reeves The largest pop culture convention in the Southeast, Dragon Con featuring comics, film, TV and gaming may seem like it is geared towards adults, but during the day there are many opportunities for your Sci-Fi loving family to be entertained. From famous character meet-and-greets to gaming competitions, this long weekend is packed full of activities for children and young adults. Dragon Con ParadeCharacters will fill the streets of downtown Atlanta on Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. You should arrive early to save a spot to view all of the costumed figures from movies and other genres. Kids Gaming Adventure45-minute sessions to introduce 6 to 12 year olds to board games, collectible card games, miniatures, roleplaying and LAN-based video games. Kids can also participate in gaming tournaments in those areas for an extra fee. Science Comes to LifeTake a close look at the sun through the solar telescope on site. Join in on the hands-on experiments during the Science Power Hour on Sunday. This includes a variety of science experiments like soda-straw rockets to using roses to find acids, and more. Meet Famous CharactersOn the Walk of Fame there will be a variety of characters from Looney Toons to Harry Potter and Roger Bumpass, the voice of Squidward from Spongebob Squarepants among others. The Kids Cosplay Encounter is a place to meet princesses, superheroes and more. Also meet the young adult author of Eragon, Christopher Paolini, as he discusses his book series. Sing and PlayThe Kaleidoscope Track at Dragon Con includes live action and animated shows from Disney, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. This year's theme is We Bare Bears, and is geared for kids 13 and younger. Learn about puppetry through games and activities in Puppetry 101, and make a dragon puppet in the workshop. Don't miss the comical Star Wars or Dr. Who puppet shows. The Details404-669-0773; dragoncon.org. Sept. 1-4, 2017 Convention locations: Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Sheraton Atlanta Hotel and Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel Prices: $130 Friday to Monday 4-day (available for purchase on Thursday and Friday only) $110 Saturday to Monday 3-day (available for purchase on Saturday only) $70 Sunday to Monday 2-day (available for purchase on Sunday only) $40 Friday only (available for purchase on Friday only) $50 Saturday only (available for purchase on Saturday only) $45 Sunday only (available for purchase on Sunday only) $35 Monday only(available for purchase on Monday only) The post 5 Things Your Family Can't Miss at Dragon Con 2017 appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Spend an afternoon with your family at historic Inman Park on the east side of Atlanta. Enjoy the vibrancy of the city, while you and your kids enjoy parks, beautiful treelined streets with Victorian and Craftsman homes, and plenty of opportunities to eat and drink. You Don't Have to DriveConsider takingMARTA when traveling to Inman Park. Being able to hop aboard a train that takes you within walking distance of many spots in the city saves time, gas and trying to find a parking spot. The Reynoldstown/Inman Park Marta stop will put your family in the middle of Inman Park, and a train ride will add to the fun of the day for the kids. About a 10 minute walk from the Marta station, grab a sandwich and snacks at Savi Provisions and picnic at Springvale Park. This historic neighborhood park has a new play structure, a short walking trail, a pond, and ducks. You Won't Go HungryBetween the dining options located within Krog Street Market and the surrounding streets, there is something for every palate.Julianna'sis a crepe shop with a very tasty selection of sweet and savory crepes, as well as locally-roasted coffee. Parish: The Brassiere and Neighborhood Cafis delightful on a Sunday afternoon; you can eat downstairs and get an open-air experience. For casual dining, try Folk Art, a comfort food restaurant decorated wall-to-wall with old timey art. It has an extensive list of food items from french toast to fried shrimp. You Won't Get BoredKrog Street Market, located in the original building of Atlanta Stove Works, is home to several restaurants and retail venues. We enjoy getting ice cream at Jeni's (the churro ice cream is amazing) and eating Tex-Mex at Superica.For mom and dad, get a craft brew at Hop City with its vast selection of beers on tap. There's plenty to explore inside the building, and you can find more shops outside as you wander the streets. Krog Street Market, however, can get crowded, so plan accordingly. And Neither Will the KidsInman Park has two playgrounds and room to run (Springvale Park and Inman Park Playground). There are also hiking/biking trails, and the Atlanta Beltline runs through the area. Bring a football, a frisbee, or some other outdoor game for playing on the fields right off the Beltline. Then, take the kids toJake's Ice Cream ,Jeni's or Queen of Cream for a frosty bite. You Won't See it All in One DaySurrounded by art, historical homes, shops, studios, restaurants, trails, and playgrounds, you will want to come back and explore Inman Park multiple times. Visit at different times of the year, come for a date night, picnic with the kids, or try a new part of the neighborhood each trip. It is a 10-minute drive to other Atlanta attractions, including Zoo Atlanta and Oakland Cemetery. Or take Marta a couple of stops from Inman Park to Decatur or toward downtown to the Martin Luther King Historic Site or attractions in downtown including the College Football Hall of Fame and the Georgia Aquarium. Shelly Gable The post 5 Things to Know About Inman Park appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Decatur, Georgia, is a hub of good food, lots of fun, and ample places to enjoy fresh air. Even better, it's super easy to walk or bike to everything. You can take MARTA to the downtown station, then find plenty to do. The EatsDecatur is well-known for its abundance of great restaurants. Downtown Decatur has so many choices, it's almost ridiculous. The hardest part is deciding where to go. Taziki's Mediterranean Caf (great gyros and salads), Farm Burger (organic, grass-fed beef with your choice of crazy toppings), Brick Store Pub (feels a little like it should be in a Harry Potter film), Victory (order the 'World Famous' Boozy Coke Slushie, which contains a healthy dose of Jack Daniel's), Raging Burrito (free queso dip with your order Tuesdays and Thursdays),Noodle (handcrafted drinks and Asian fusion), Souper Jenny (awesome sandwiches and salads), and Kale Me Crazy (try the breakfast wrap and acai bowl) are favorites. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can also check out the Decatur Farmers' Market. The TreatsTwo ice cream shops with handmade treats and four coffee shops in the downtown area-enough fun for all. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and Butter & Cream offer flavors you won't find in the freezer section at the supermarket. If you're into popsicles, get King of Pops on the downtown square. Additionally, Alabama-based Steel City Pops will be opening a store on Church Street in the coming months. The menus feature favorites and seasonal picks. Get a latte at Dancing Goats Coffee Bar or Java Monkey (insider tip: if you go for the chai latte, ask for a splash of vanilla), or go for a Starbucks in the Square. For a fancier spot, try Cakes and Ale Bakery and Cafe directly adjacent to the Marta station (try the breakfast sandwich, granola bowl, and iced mocha). The PartiesThere is hardly a weekend that goes by in the city without a festival or other such gathering. AJC Decatur Book Festival, with two days of books and wonderful family-friendly activities, is on Labor Day Weekend each year. There's also Decatur Craft Beer Festival in October and Decatur Wine Festival in November, Tiny House Festival, Oakhurst Porchfest, Haints and Saints Homegrown Halloween Parade, Tree Lighting, Bonfire/Marshmallow Roast, and Grand Menorrah Lighting, just to name a few things happening this fall/winter season. If you can utilize MARTA or walk from your location, you should. Parking can sometimes be a challenge downtown. The city has a useful page on the available places to park in Decatur. The ParksNeed a place for the kids to play? Decatur is full of 'em. You can grab a coffee at Dancing Goats, then walk across the street to Decatur Toy Park, which has all sorts of toys, like dump trucks and play cars, in addition to more traditional playground equipment. Go behind the Decatur Recreation Center for a playground encircled with a sidewalk-parents can exercise AND watch the kiddos play. Dearborn Park, Glenlake Park, McKoy Park, Oakhurst Park, and Scott Park are just a few others, and there are plenty more! The LibrariesI don't know about you, but sometimes there is nothing better than a good book for a tired parent. And by tired parent, I mean me. I love walking to one of the Little Free Library houses scattered about the city for a new read. I take it with me to a restaurant for lunch (what a luxury to dine alone!) or to the park while my daughter plays. Since these beauties are located everywhere in Decatur, it is easy to find something worthwhile. Check out the downtownDecatur Library, too, for ongoing kid-friendly events and a cool, circular children's area. The post Why We Love Decatur, Georgia appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Considering a trip to Southern California? Only about a two hour drive apart, San Diego and Los Angeles can be intimidating with kids, but with a little preparation, both cities are well worth the trip. You'll see historic public parks, experience cool museums, eat tasty food and more. Check out these fun things to do in San Diego and Los Angeles: San DiegoOld Town. Considered the birthplace of California, go back to the 1800s and explore the old buildings and learn all about how settlers lived in Southern California. Visit the blacksmith, old school, jail and more. Have a delicious meal and a margarita at Casa de Reyes, a mexican restaurant in the middle of Old Town. New Children's Museum.Not your typical kid's museum, this unique art and play space in downtown San Diego has lots of neat activities for kids. Kids can paint a covered wagon, make what they wish out of clay, jump in an inflatable art tube, and climb in a way cool wooden art sculpture. Don't miss the fun activities like making your own comic book and other contemporary art projects scheduled daily. San Diego Zoo. One of the best zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo is located in historic Balboa Park and has the coolest orangutans, koalas, cougars and more. Balboa Park. There's more to Balboa Park than the zoo. Ride tandem bikes, experience the Fleet Science Museum, ride on the Balboa Park Miniature Train, and enjoy the beautiful, Spanish style architecture and gardens of this historic park. Downtown San Diego.Visit the San Diego Central Library, a beautiful, modern public library with an excellent children's section and on-going schedule of family friendly activities. Enjoy a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park, right in the middle of bustling, Downtown San Diego. Consider taking the bus and trolley to get around the city. It's easy and affordable. Kids will love riding the trolley, as it's easy to take up to Old Town from Downtown San Diego. Buy tickets at the trolley stations or buy tickets on the bus. You will need exact change for the bus, otherwise. Los AngelesGriffith Park and Observatory. See the famous Hollywood sign up close and other excellent views of the city. Admission is free. Dodger Stadium Tour. Tour this iconic stadium built in the 1950s that overlooks Los Angeles. Go on a game day for the last tour to (maybe) catch a glance of a player riding the elevator with you down to the locker rooms. Or go on the first tour on a weekday for a more intimate experience. Grand Park. One of L.A.'s newest green spaces, Grand Park is located in the center of downtown Los Angeles. Kids will love the splash fountain and playground. It's fun to splash around in the middle of the city. Plus, the splash area is next to a Starbucks, so you can get your coffee fix as your kids let off some steam. Laurel Canyon. Channel your inner Joni Mitchell. Stop at the Canyon Country Store for snacks and food, and picnic at Coldwater Canyon Parkwith its cool canyon views. Santa Monica Pier.Embrace the crowds at the Santa Monica Pier, and you'll have so much fun. Take in the view at the end of the pier or enjoy the beach near the pier (there are plenty of bathrooms and showers available for beach goers). For us, we especially enjoyed taking in the amusement park on the pier. Our favorites were the ferris wheel looking over the city and ocean and the kiddie boat ride. Food in Los Angeles.Don't miss Philippe the Original, an order at the counter establishment since 1908 near Downtown L.A.; order a French Dip of many types. In Santa Monica, we enjoyed Books and Cookies and Blue Plate Taco. Books and Cookies has an excellent selection of kids books, a small play space, and kids activities throughout the day and all so close to the Santa Monica beach. And last but certainly not least, get a burger, fries and a milkshake at In-N-Out Burger (animal style, of course) at numerous locations around Los Angeles. Laura Powell The post West Coast Cool: Exploring San Diego and Los Angeles with Kids appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. There are so many things for kids to love about Callaway Gardens. Whether you visit for a day, or stay for a few, the beautiful surroundings, fun activities and connections to nature will be memorable! Here are some of our recommended must-dos: Day Butterfly CenterAround 1,000 butterflies flutter freely in one of North America's largest tropical butterfly conservatories. Catch them flying, napping, nibbling on fruit, or landing on your head or shoulder! Families can learn about metamorphosis in weekday Butterfly 101 mini-classes, and fans of the iridescent Blue Morpho will want to visit in September, when Callaway Gardens has the largest number that you'll find anywhere in the world. Birds of Prey ShowSwoop! Resident raptors (that live at Callaway because they can't be released into the wild) appear at each show, demonstrating their flight skills and giving guests an up-close look while wildlife experts share how they eat, sleep and hunt prey. Flower ViewingYou can't miss the gardens part! Azaleas are the signature flower of Callaway, and there are more than 3,000 types in the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl. Hydrangea lovers will enjoy the Thornhill Garden as well. Check to see what will be in bloom during your visit. Treetop AdventureChoose a course and zipline through the beautiful natural forest! Courses range from easy to more challenging and the height requirement is just 54 inches so kids can get a bird's eye view of the trees as well. Flying CircusEvery summer, the FSU Flying Circus is in residence. Talented college students show off the skills they've been developing as they juggle, navigate the trapeze and high wire, and put on an exciting show. If you or your kids are interested in circus arts, reserve a spot in the Trapeze Adventure for ages 7 and older. Robin Lake BeachLittle known fact: Robin Lake Beach is the world's largest inland man-made, white sand beach. Open daily through mid-August, then on weekends through Labor Day, Robin Lake provides great swimming in non-chlorinated, fresh spring-fed water and it's surrounded by a variety of activities. The beach is a hub for mini golf, table tennis, shuffleboard, volleyball, playgrounds and picnic tables, all free with the gardens' admission fee. Kids love Aqua Island, a large floating playground/obstacle course anchored about 75 yards off-shore to which you swim. Dalia Faupel The DetailsCallaway Gardens The post Why We Love Callaway Gardens appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Travel to Chattanooga's riverfront and visit all kinds of species from lemurs to river giants. Up-Close with Oceans and RiversThe Tennessee Aquarium's design provides an opportunity to feel as though you are scuba diving or trekking through their exhibits. The Aquarium is separated into two sections: River Journey and Ocean Journey, both showcasing the deep underwater worlds of rivers and oceans. Don't miss the River Giants exhibit with lake sturgeons and giant freshwater stingrays or the Seahorses Beyond Imagination area with colorful varieties from all over the world. In the Ocean Journey, dive into the world of jellyfish, sharks, octopus, sea turtles and Stingray Bay with over 100 feet of stingray touching areas. Variety of SpeciesVisitors have a chance to meet dozens of interesting species not typically seen in an aquarium setting. A favorite is the River Otter Falls, full of playful otters who climb, slide and show off tricks in the water. The Gentoo and Macaroni Penguin area and the Alligator Bayou are also fun stops. The brand-new Lemur Forest is a must-see, with red-ruffed and ring-tailed lemurs leaping around the enclosure. The Tennessee Aquarium also has a year-round butterfly garden with collections from Asia, Africa, South and Central America. Tennessee Aquarium AppThe Aquarium has its very own free apppowered by Tennessee Tech University. Download the app on Android or iPhone, and see exclusive videos when you are near certain animals or exhibits. You will learn how crocodiles get fed or how butterflies emerge from a chrysalis. Adults can check in on IMAX showtimes and ticket information. You can also download Boogie! the Tennessee Aquarium's digital children's book. Sleepover at the AquariumSleep in the Deep allows families to sleep alongside sharks, eels and thousands of fish. It gives kids and adults a behind-the-scenes look into aquarium careers and upkeep. All sleepovers include guided tours, an evening snack, critter encounter and breakfast. Family sleepovers are only offered four times per year, so make sure to plan ahead and coincide your trip with one of the dates. See website for schedule and to register. River CruiseThe River Gorge Explorer is a two-hour cruise down the Tennessee River Gorge, to see a small part of the 27,000 acres of protected land. Kids will love meeting an Aquarium naturalist, who teaches about local history and helps you spot wildlife along the way. In the fall, hop on board to see miles of colorful leaves during the Fall Color Cruises. Also look for:Small Fry Mini Programs: On select Tuesday and Wednesday mornings drop in from 10:15-11 a.m. to participate in engaging activities designed to appeal to 25 year olds. Meet live animals, play games, read stories and create crafts. Included with admission. Teresa Farkas The Details The post 5 Reasons We Love the Tennessee Aquarium appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. |
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January 2019
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