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 Tennessee Aquarium appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine.
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It may look like you've left Georgia, but the Alpine village of Helen is only about an hour and a half north of Atlanta and it's a great place for adventures with the kids. Here are some favorite places around town to visit on your next day trip, on Main Street and beyond. Hansel & Gretel Candy KitchenDessert first? You're on vacation! Since 1973, Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen has been serving sweets that families adore, including molded chocolates, fruit jellies and its world-famous peanut brittle. Contact the owners in advance to schedule a free factory tour, and see candy making in action. Of course, visitors get a sweet treat at the end. Charlemagne's KingdomReopened in summer 2017, this Alpine Model Railroad Museum features HO Scale German Model Railroads in a 50-foot exhibit that also shows in incredible detail the terrain and architecture of Germany, from the North Sea to the Alps. Tour at our own pace, and leave yourself plenty of time to check out all the intricate details of the models, including hot air balloons flying overhead and a classic castle that inspired the design of a Disney princess home. Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby FallsGeorgia's most popular state park is a breathtaking spot to experience nature. Kids will be wowed by the pair of waterfalls at Anna Ruby Falls, a rare formation! Families can also fish, kayak, paddle board, and more at the beach of Unicoi State Park Adventure Lodge. If you are staying overnight, the Barrel Cabins (named for their circular architecture) are a unique place to sleep by the lake. Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby MinesPan for gold and gems at the site of the first major gold rush in American history. Panning tables are open rain or shine for prospectors. Pay for your bucket of choice and keep what you find. Kids can also mine for fossils or break open geodes to see what treasures they contain. The on-site gift shop features Native American arts and crafts, along with prehistoric fossils. The Glassblowing ShopWatch the master glassblower, also known as a flameworker, demonstrate glass sculpting techniques. Demonstrations are educational, but also as animals, icicles and ornaments take shape before your eyes. Dalia Faupel The post Insider's Guide to Visiting Helen, Georgia with Kids appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Going to the movies is a favored family activity, as well as a good date night plan. Unfortunately, the cost of the show tickets plus snacks can quickly drain your fun money. These theaters offer a chance to see recent or current movies without the expensive prices. AMC Classic North DeKalb Mall 16Web: https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/atlanta/amc-north-dekalb-mall-16 Tickets: $4.49 kids & matinee/$6.49 adults Address: 2042 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur Perk: A comfortable, modern theater with foreign, indie and current U.S. movies with a reasonable ticket price. Venture CinemaTickets: $3.50 general/$5 3D Address: 3750 Venture Drive (in the Santa Fe Mall), Duluth Perk: Movies that have been released within the past few weeks and new seats! Starlight Drive-In TheaterWeb: starlightdrivein.com Tickets: $9 ages 10 and up/$1 ages 5-9 Address: 2000 Moreland Avenue SE, Atlanta Perk: The ticket prices, though seemingly higher, will grant admission to a nightly double feature-a value you won't get at a standard locale. And the movies are new release. Picture Show @ Merchant's ExchangeWeb: https://www.pictureshowent.com/home-marietta/ Tickets: $2 general/$3 3D Address: 4400 Roswell Road, Marietta Perk: Visit on a Tuesday, and tickets are half-price-a true dollar theater! Cinemark Movies 10Web: https://www.cinemark.com/georgia/cinemark-movies-10 Tickets: $1.85 general/$3.85 3D Address: 157 Banks Station, Fayetteville Perk: Discounts galore-Early Bird shows are $1.15 before 1:00 p.m.; Tuesday shows are $1; and senior tickets are $0.85 on Mondays. MoviePassNot a dollar theater, per se, but MoviePass helps to make standard theaters more affordable. With a monthly subscription fee of only $9.95, adults 18 and older can see one movie a day at a number of popular theaters. And since the holiday movie season is soon upon us, it's a good option to consider. Also, there is no commitment, so you can cancel anytime. Shelly Gable The post Ultimate Guide to Dollar Movie Theaters Around Atlanta 2017 appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Located near Moreland Avenue in South DeKalb, Constitution Lakes Park is an easy, kid-friendly hike and a fun place to spend a couple of hours enjoying nature and art. What makes this park particularly unique is the walking trail known as Doll's Head Trail in the middle of the park, which is full of folk art from local Atlanta artists and park volunteers. About 5 miles from Downtown Atlanta, it's a quiet park with a beautiful lake, trails and wetlands which provide refuge for birds and other plants and animals. You will enter off Moreland Avenue to free parking. The trail entrances are nearby. Bring bug spray and watch for poison ivy as you enjoy the park. The highlight of the park is the quirky, Doll's Head Trail, a walking trail full of folk art created by local Atlanta artists and park volunteers. Round trip with stops in the middle to enjoy art at Doll's Head Trail is about 1.5 miles. With two kids in tow, we enjoyed the park for about 2 hours. Laura Powell The post Why We Love Constitution Lakes Park and Doll's Head Trail in Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Located in the heart of Georgia, Macon is about an hour south of Atlanta and hosts manyfun kid-friendly things to do. You can find local delights on each of the three interstates surrounding the city and have a blast.I lived in the city for 14 years here is my local perspective on awesome stops. Downtown MaconTake a trip back into the time of Native Americans at the Ocmulgee National Monument, where you can step inside mounds built thousands of years ago. In September, be sure to catch the annual Ocmulgee Indian Festival with living history demonstrations, storytellers, dancers and more. Back toward downtown, visit the Tubman Museum on Cherry Street, a place full of African American history and events like the annual International Taste of Soul Festival. Romp in Tattnall Square Park, one of the oldest parks in America. While there, grab lunch at The Bear's Den, a local favorite with cafeteria-style, Southern cooking. Or try The Red Rooster for lighter fare and a menu that is prepared fresh and changes daily. For a pick-me-up, drop into Taste and See Coffee Shop & Gallery for caffeine and soul-refreshing art. Also, south of downtown, see the statue of Otis Redding,one of America's greatest soul singers, as he'sSitting on the Dock with a guitar by the Ocmulgee River. Learn about the legendary rock band atThe Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House. Walk through the rooms where the band lived and rehearsed, and see display cases full of Allman Brothers artifacts and musical instruments.After your visit to the Big House, get soul food at the H&H Restaurant where legend has it the Allman Brothers Band scrounged up enough money for two meals for the entire band, but co-owner Louise Hudson Mama Louise felt sorry for them and brought them all out individual plates. The band and Mama Louise were friends since. The restaurant's walls are filled with Allman Brothers memorabilia and the food is tasty and down-home. Or, grab an Allman Burger and a Jimmy Carter shake at The Rookery on Cherry Street in downtown. Midtown MaconWalk along the river, and enjoy the over 180 acres of green earth at theAmerson River Park.Visit William's Fun Smart Toys for unique and educational kid's favorites. Joe D's on Ingleside is right across the street for homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads. Or, stroll down to the corner and get pizza atIngleside Village Pizza, or IVP for short. You want to get the bread sticks, and you want to get them extra sloppy-trust me on this one. After lunch, make a trip to the Museum of Arts & Science. Go on archeological digs, see giant bugs (yuck!), and gaze at the universe, along with revolving exhibits. North MaconEnjoy nature atLake Tobesofkee. There arethree parks, and each one is at a different section of the lake (Sandy Beach, Claystone, and Arrowhead). Lake Tobo also boasts Sandy Beach Water Park, which is open seasonally. Swim, hike, bike, cookout, play disc golf (BYO frisbees), and enjoy the outdoors. For breakfast or lunch, grab a bite at Johnny V's Restaurant, where the biscuits are fresh, and the service is friendly. And, if you happen to be hanging out in the area at suppertime, go to Fish N' Pig, where you can dine on the lake, feed the fowls, and have some tasty-yep, you guessed it-seafood and BBQ. If you happen to be boating on the lake, you can simply chug on over and tie up at the dock. Shelly Gable The post Insider's Guide to Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Macon, Georgia appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Roswell is a fun place for families to learn, play and experience art and nature! Check out some favorite spots for fun in this pretty city. Historical SitesFamilies can experience 1800s life by touring the Southern Trilogy, three antebellum homes that host tours, storytelling sessions and historic reenactments. For a peek at Roswell's roots, explore the Roswell Mill ruins. See the remains of the city's first manufacturing plant, including a man-made waterfall and covered bridge. Stop by the Roswell Fire Museum,which displays pictures and artifacts from Atlanta's fire history, including a 1947 Ford American LaFrance Pumper. Artsy SpotsCatch a family-friendly play, musical or puppet show at Roswell Cultural Arts Center.Around the corner on Forrest Street, don't miss the RosWall, a 125-foot mosaic mural made by local artists. Another fun way to experience Roswell's art scene is to go on a sculpture scavenger hunt, finding 3D works around town. Chattahoochee RiverFamilies can canoe, kayak, raft, stand-up paddle board or tube down the Chattahoochee River. Or, get close to the river without getting wet on the boardwalks of the Roswell Riverwalk system. The Chattahoochee Nature Center offers more river exploration through science education exhibits, canoe trips, trails, native plants and animals and special family events. Canton StreetOn one easy-to-stroll street, families can explore unique boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. Check out the Ann Jackson Gallery, for artwork by Dr. Seuss.The Fickle Pickle, a popular restaurant for families, offers sandwiches, soups and salads in a Victorian-era house, with a bakery out back. The third Thursday of each month (April-October) the Alive in Roswell street party offers live music, children's activities and restaurant specials. Parks and TrailsRoswell's great playgrounds include one at newly-renovated Sweet Apple Elementary Community Park , and two (one for younger kids, and one for older kids) at Roswell Area Park. Many walking trails are easy to navigate with strollers and bikes! Take the kids on a mini-hike and picnic at Hembree Park, Leita Thompson Memorial Park (where dogs have a play space, too!) or Riverside Park, home to the summer Riverside Sounds concert series and Splash 'n' Play sprayground. - Dalia Faupel The post 5 Reasons Roswell is Fun for Families appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. The restaurants on Buford Highway are a melting pot of international influences. Navigating the cuisine can be a great cultural experience for your kids. My family frequents this area, and we love trying new flavors. Here are our recommendations for the best restaurants along Buford Highway. LanZhou Ramen5231 Buford Hwy., Doraville Food Terminal5000 Buford Hwy., Chamblee Havana Sandwich Shop2905 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta El Rey del Taco5288 Buford Hwy., Doraville Sweet TreatsIf you have room, there are numerous dessert places within a quarter of a mile: a few roll-up ice creams shops, Paris Baguette, Mozart Bakery and Sweet Hut. Paris Baguette is known for their cronuts, but the shop also offers giant bowls of dressed snow clouds (flavored shaved ice in tiramisu, green tea or fruit). Mozart Bakery has more traditional desserts and cakes. Sweet Hut offers a wide variety of rich, individual desserts as well as bubble tea drinks. Picks from a ChefMy friend, Carey Wise, is my Buford Highway tour guide. I refer to him when I head that way for a new culinary adventure. He is the former Executive Chef at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q and now owns Southern Links BBQ. He has a wealth of culinary knowledge, so I asked him for his Buford Highway short list. El Rey del Taco: Authentic Mexican food. 5288 Buford Hwy. Havana Sandwich Shop: Cuban sandwiches. 2905 Buford Hwy. So Kong Dong Tofu House: Tofu soup. 5280 Buford Hwy. Man Chun Hong: Mix of Chinese and Korean dishes. 5953 Buford Hwy. Com Vietnamese Grill: Rice paper wraps with grilled pork and beef. 4005 Buford Hwy. Nam Phuong: Pho and Bun. 4051 Buford Hwy. Food Terminal: Malaysian food. 5000 Buford Hwy. Paris Baguette: Cronuts. 5252 Buford Hwy. Sweet Hut: Asian desserts. 5150 Buford Hwy. These restaurants are just a starting point in discovering what makes Buford Highway so unique. Whether it is Chinese, Korean Barbecue or Cuban, remember to keep an open mind, order a few things to try and give your kids the chance to explore. If you want to try making international dishes at homeBuford Highway Farmers Market There's no shortage of international treats, so let your kids go on a scavenger hunt:
Stop by the caf on your way out. My children won't let us leave without a fresh crepe. Lauren Townsend The post Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants on Buford Highway appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Expect New Challenges for Your Child, but Not MayhemAny parent who has survived the middle school years will assure you that you can navigate them, too. Middle school is supposed to be about making mistakes and bouncing back from disappointments. Some kids navigate turbulence with spunk; some struggle with self-awareness and assertiveness. Don't expect them to figure everything out for themselves with little adult supervision. Middle-schoolers are embarking on a two- or three-year journey and they will come out transformed. Whether they are changed for the better is largely up to you, the parents. Here are some of the challenges middle school kids face and how to help. Expressing Individuality.At the end of the summer, sit down with your child and make a list of words that describe who he is. Do this every year before heading back to school to remind your student that he has interests and he is allowed to like whatever he chooses. This list will evolve over the years, and that's great, too. Expanding Learning Abilities.Middle school is an opportunity to try new ways of learning. Kids will get to do science labs for the first time, peer edit each other's writing, work on projects with partners or in groups. Talk to your kids about how they are adjusting to these new learning modes. Dealing with Social Pressures.Tons of social pressure exist in middle school and parents should be ready to troubleshoot. Middle school is a great time for kids to learn how to say, You do things your way and I'll do things mine. Keeping Up with School Assignments and Project Deadlines.Kids tend to procrastinate. Some have trouble understanding that projects and papers must be worked on incrementally. A little bit of planning support helps tweens get the hang of due dates. Navigating the Online World.Your child is carrying a phone, a camera and a computer in his pocket. Giving kids too much responsibility too soon can lead to extra expenses and shaken confidence. Trust your instincts you will know when your child is ready for a phone. Finding Healthy Tribes.No parent wants their child hanging out with a bunch of troublemakers. Your child's peer group has a huge influence. Teach your kids to choose friends wisely and to distance themselves from those who make unhealthy choices. Communicating with Teachers and Coaches.Let your child step up and converse with authority figures. You can encourage him, but let him do it or he won't learn how. Confronting Bullies. Confronting bullies means being able to stand up to someone being mean to your child whether his friends will back him up or not. Let your kids know you expect them to stand up for themselves and for others in need of assistance and watch them do it. Becoming a Positive Contributor.Everyone hates substitutes. No one likes the new math teacher. That kid is so weird. But guess what? It doesn't matter because you are expected to be kind and respectful to everyone at your school, including teachers and substitutes. Furthermore, you will actively contribute in your classes. Got it? Bouncing Back from Failure and Disappointments.Perhaps the toughest days in middle school are the not-making-the-cut days or the performing-poorly-on-the-test days or the getting-sent-to-the-principal days. How you respond is important. Kids need to process their feelings before they can bounce back and do the right thing. Be calm and patient as you help them figure it all out. Test-driving Romantic Relationships.Some kids will dive right into relationships in middle school. Others will stay on the sidelines. Others may not seem interested at all. This is the beginning of practicing intimacy, so be sure to have lots of conversations with your child about the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Prioritizing Needs.Kids have needs and those needs matter even when life is hectic. Maybe your daughter needs a new notebook for algebra or maybe she needs you to sign a field trip form and write a check. Have a regular plan-the-week meeting on the weekend to avoid last-minute crunches that create needless stress and bickering. Learning About the World.Your child is old enough to start learning about the world's complexities. It's a great time to teach your child about respecting diversity, tolerating differences, and envisioning a more peaceful world. Kids can practice all of these principles in middle school. Remembering to Rest.Pulling the black-out curtains for a three-hour afternoon nap. A binge-watching TV session to recover from the sniffles. Growing kids need to unwind sometimes, but they may have trouble recognizing this. When this happens, give them a nudge to decompress. Shining Despite Speedbumps. Your kid is going to stumble, fall and maybe even face-plant in middle school. But he will still have plenty of shining moments. If your child isn't having enough moments like these, call a family meeting, put your heads together, and look for new opportunities where he is likely to succeed. How Parents Can Help Kids in Middle SchoolBe there. When Issues AriseIf your child has a misstep, try your best to stay calm. Never focus on what others will think. In fact, you may want to detach yourself from well-meaning friends for a time, as you address your child's needs. Is your child getting as much attention and support as he needs? Sometimes problems are by-products of the company your child keeps. Is your child getting mixed up with kids who thrive on acting out? If your child is in trouble at school, don't make school professionals into enemies. Work with them to make sure your child has all the academic and creative outlets he needs. Kids who get in trouble at this age are often bored, under-supervised, and craving outlets. Keeping kids engaged, challenged, and in healthy routines can ensure they stay safe and productive in the middle school years. Christina Katz The post 15 Challenges Middle School Kids Face and How to Help appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. Getting involved in dance, sports, culinary arts and drama round out your child's overall educational experience. Doodle, dabble, drawArt education contributes to problem-solving and critical thinking skills, not to mention creativity. Museums and independently-run studios offer classes for kids of all ages like painting, drawing and sculpture. Move itTeam sports nurture social, communication and leadership skills; experiencing loss builds resilience as kids learn to persevere through disappointment. DIY: Burn off energy by shooting hoops in the driveway, running through a homemade obstacle course, or dancing to funky music before homework time. CheckmateA game of strategy, chess fosters patience and impulse control as players learn to plan and visualize their moves on the board.Chess classes can help a student improve concentration, problem solving and critical thinking. DIY: Start a club at your child's school or challenge your kids to a family board game or a game of cards. Strike the right noteKids who play an instrument learn to read music and gain a sense of timing, beat and rhythm. Multiple research studies find a relationship between music education and its influence on mathematics skills, including the ability to recognize patterns, sequencing, spatial reasoning and tempo. Students who are involved in music are more likely to be engaged in school and are better able to cope with anxiety. DIY: Make your own music. Fill drinking glasses with different levels of water. Tap each jar lightly with a spoon and listen for the varying pitches and vibrations each emits. Kids also like making their own instruments, such as drums from oatmeal containers. Encore!Dance, drama and other performing arts classes offer a positive outlet for expressive children and can enhance reading comprehension and verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Also consider debate, photography and journalism clubs. DIY: Help your child set up a blog to share his writing and photos with a select audience. Check out kidzworld.com, which offers kids a safe and fully moderated place to blog (geared for 9- to 14-year-olds.) Younger kids can hone their storytelling by writing a story, then dressing in costumes and acting it out. Be of serviceVolunteer opportunities in the community give students a chance to learn new skills. DIY: Volunteer together at a local shelter, help a neighbor with yard work or gather canned goods for a food pantry. Get cookingLearning to prepare healthy meals is a life skill. Plus when following recipes, kids practice reading and math skills like measurements and fractions. Many grocery stores and culinary centers offer kids' cooking classes. DIY: Include your kids in the process of meal preparation. Even on busy weeknights they can help make a salad or set the table. Also, check out cookbooks geared for kids, such as Chop Chop: The Kids Guide to Cooking, Better Homes & Gardens New Junior Cookbook and Wookie Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook. Seek balance. While variety is the spice of life, don't overwhelm your kids with activities, which can cause stress and affect grades.Aim for balance. Considerations for extracurricular activities:
Christa Melnyk Hines The post Cool Structured and DIY Afterschool Activities appeared first on Atlanta Parent Magazine. |
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