June 2019

AtlantaParent June 2019 / atlantaparent.com

Pitch Perfect Dad

Atlanta Braves Mike Foltynewicz

Mom-Approved Pediatricians

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Inside 35 34 June YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Publisher’s Note / 8 Digital Page / 11

12

Meet Mike Foltynewicz

22

Kids Who Blog

24

Summer, Retro Style

32

Give Back This Summer

The Atlanta Braves pitcher talks with Atlanta Parent about fatherhood, family and baseball.

A blog is a great way to build confidence and strengthen communication skills.

Use our tips to get back to simpler times when summer was more carefree. Plus, classic outdoor games to play with your kids.

Helping others can have its own reward, even for kids. Here are ideas to help your family get giving.

SPONSORED CONTENT

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Great Vacation Destinations / 10 n Last Chance: Sign Up Now for These Summer Camps / 16

Pediatricians We Love / 27 Pediatricians are the most important doctors in the lives of young families. Find a great one recommended

by Atlanta Parent readers.

On the Cover: Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz and son Jett, 1. Photo by Joshua Jacobs.

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine atlantaparent.com

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 5

P N for aren ick Be t's elod st Pic eo Ar ks n tsy A Cl war as d se s

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Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699.

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50 years of the Peachtree.

One celebration for kids.

It’s the morning of the 2018 Anthem Peachtree Junior and Ray, wearing bib number 258, is preparing for his big race. First, he warms up in the Clif Wrapper Grab booth, then moves on to a miniature slackline. Next up is a lesson in how to toss a foam javelin before heading off to tackle – in his own unique way – the hurdles.

Ready for the main event, Ray lines up for the 50-meter dash and takes off, employing an arm motion more reminiscent of Michael Phelps than Usain Bolt. After crossing the finish line, he cools down on a playground slide and then stops to feed a duck whose face feathers match his new bright red race T-shirt.

“When I see Ray maneuver over, under and around the hurdles, I can’t help but smile,” said Rich Kenah, executive director of Atlanta Track Club, referring to the family YouTube video in which Ray stars.

“I see a kid who will no doubt find ways to maneuver around any barrier that life throws in his way. It’s a great example of how I see Peachtree Junior as more than a kids’ race. It’s an introduction to the sport, but it’s also about kids and their parents learning that there are many creative ways to have fun through aerobic fitness. It’s one of my favorite events – the emotions the kids feel are so pure, so innocent.”

What quickly evolved into a celebration began three decades ago out of concern.

n This Year’s Changes Thus, 32 years ago, the kids got their own Peachtree, separate from the adults, where they would be center stage. At the 2019 Anthem Peachtree Junior – for which registration is now under way, the joyous occasion continues as the children will move a step closer toward being part of the “grown-up” Peachtree again. The race will now take place on July 3 and end at the same finish line as the next day’s AJC Peachtree Road Race.

“As we celebrate all things Peachtree in its 50th year, it seems only appropriate to give these kids the same finish line and T-shirt experience that the adults will enjoy the next day,” said Kenah.

The event will also be streamlined to a Mile (ages 6-14) and a Dash (ages 6 and younger), in keeping with other Atlanta Track Club youth events. About 3,000 children are expected to participate.

After the race, Atlanta Track Club will hold a post-race celebration befitting of the world’s largest 10K, with finisher’s T-shirts, medals, snacks, activities and more.

To register for the race, head to atlantatrackclub.org.

n How It All Started In 1985, Julia Emmons directed her first AJC Peachtree Road Race after taking the helm as executive director of Atlanta Track Club. Afterward, she received a letter from a woman who asked if she realized that many of the children running were in tears by the time they reached Mile 5.

She hadn’t. The next year, she ran the race to investigate, and what she saw matched the letter. Small children were struggling in a sea of giant adults, who in turn had to dodge the little ones.

“Peachtree is to be a joyous event; it wasn’t for most of these kids,” wrote Emmons in the April 1987 issue of the Club’s Wingfoot magazine, in which she announced that the inaugural Peachtree Junior.”

This article is brought to you by Atlanta Track Club atlantaparent.com

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 7

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Publisher’s Note

Summer Fun is Here School’s finally out and we’re excited about the sense of freedom summer gives us. Don’t wait too long to think about getting your kids involved in a few fun and engaging activities! This month, our “Kids Who Blog” story (page 22) is a great idea for encouraging your kids to be creative. They could use a blog to talk about camp experiences, a family trip, or even a hobby like music. My 8-year-old son Elliot loves blogging.

He’s an avid ukulele player and is creating a blog about it, adding videos of himself playing along the way.

There is so much to do in and around Atlanta this summer! Flip over this month’s issue; our Summer Fun Guide will help you keep track of everything you want to do. There may even be a few discoveries. Our family is looking forward to visiting the new Alice’s Wonderland plant sculptures at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. We’re also planning to check out a few splash parks in our Get Wet Guide. I’m most certainly going to try out one (or two) of the ice cream shops on Atlanta Parent’s list of favorites.

Pack your blanket and a few snacks and head to one of the many outdoor movies in the area – check our list of outdoor movies in our Summer Fun Guide. Watching a film outdoors always seems more fun and there are plenty of titles everyone can enjoy. Don’t miss the indoor kiddie movies that are bargain priced at many of the local theaters.

If you’re hoping for a summer that’s a little more relaxed, our story on how to have a more unstructured summer can help you get started.

Unplugging from smartphones, scheduling fewer events and taking time to get outside and play are ideas we can all probably use.

We’re excited to catch a Braves game this summer, too. Meet Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz and his wife Brittany, who talk about the challenges of balancing parenting and a career in Major League Baseball (page 12). One secret to their success? Patience and keeping a positive outlook – that’s advice we can all relate to!

No matter what you’re planning for the summer, we hope yours is off to a great start.

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We welcome your views and comments. Letters that appear in the magazine may be edited for content and space.

8 Atlanta Parent June 2019

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June 2019    Atlanta Parent 9

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Plan a visit and make summer memories at these family-friendly destinations. n Florida’s Hidden Gem

Martin County invites visitors to an authentic, unfiltered Florida bursting with charming communities.

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10 Atlanta Parent June 2019

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Atlanta

PARENT

MOST-READ STORIES Favorite Mommy and Baby Classes Around Atlanta How to Raise Fearless Kids 6 Things to Do in Greenville, South Carolina with Kids

KID-FRIENDLY GUIDES 250 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Atlanta 2019 Guide to Summer Day Camps 20 Places for Healthy Food in Atlanta

“El Azteca” – Claudia Ramirez “Gabino’s Mexicana Grill” – Vanessa Padilla

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June 2019 Atlanta Parent 11

The Atlanta Braves

MIKE FOLTY: Pitch Perfect Dad

by Janeen Lewis

Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, the father of two children younger than 2 years old, talked to Atlanta Parent about baseball, his busy schedule and what life is like in the “Folty” household.

What are your favorite baseball memories from when you were a kid?

How did you meet your wife, Brittany?

MF: I remember vividly hitting my first

and had mutual friends, but we just never hung out. When I got traded to the Braves, I met her in the off season going into 2015.

We got married on October 13th, 2017. She has been through the grind of the Major League season years with me. She is the biggest sweetheart ever, and if she wasn’t with me, I don’t know where I would be now.

home run when I was younger. I always remember hanging out with my parents and road tripping with them pretty much every weekend to play baseball.

Once my mom got a tip that Ken Griffey Jr. was going to be at a country club when we lived on the border of Wisconsin, and I was a big fan of his. She took me out of school and said we were going for a drive. I said “Are we going to the dentist?” She said we were going to a country club. Eventually Ken Griffey Jr. came in and had lunch. He was just as nice as he could be. I still have the picture of him and me to this day.

12 Atlanta Parent June 2019

MF: We went to the same high school

What are the ages and personalities of your kids?

MF: Jett turned 1 in February and Lola

was born January 18th. They are the biggest gifts and blessings that I could have

received. When I come through the door, Jett lights up, and it almost brings a tear to my eye. Lola’s started smiling, letting us know she’s here, too. I’ve just had 14 months of having these two kids and it puts a hole in my heart when I have to leave.

What is life like in the Folty household with two young children?

MF: It’s actually pretty fun. Mom

[Brittany] is MVP. She’s organized. She’s got a game plan down. We had both kids before spring training, so we could get them used to the season. We also have three dogs so it can get a little hectic. It’s unbelievable how kids grow up. Last season I’d come home, and every day it was like Jett was a new person. atlantaparent.com

Photo by Joshua Jacobs

Folty Facts n Born in Sterling, Illinois, but grew up in Minooka, Illinois. n Has three dogs: Rookie, Ken Griffey Jr. and Winnie n Last name is pronounced FOL-TEN-EH-VICH n Favorite food is sausage and pepperoni Chicago-style pizza, and he eats one before every game that is he the starting pitcher n Had a plane and his son Jett’s name tattooed on his hand

When you have a break from baseball, what do you like to do with your family?

MF: I’m into car shows a lot, so

Brittany and I take Jett in the stroller.

At Christmas we drive around and look at the lights in our neighborhood. This past year was when Jett really started to notice things. We took him to the water park during spring training, and he had a blast there. On his birthday we took him to Georgia Aquarium.

Any similarities between baseball and parenting?

MF: I’ve learned a lot of parenting

that I’ve translated to baseball. Being patient, slowing things down, relaxing.

In baseball if I get in a jam, I relax and think about Jett. I have a jet plane and Jett’s name tattooed on my finger. I look down and see his name and it takes that stress away. I think happy thoughts and know I’m going to see him after the game. He brings that confidence I need as a Major League pitcher.

What do you like to do with your family on Father’s Day?

MF: Every Father’s Day I’ve been

playing baseball. I couldn’t imagine being any other place than the ball park, seeing my son watching his dad on a Major League field. I can’t wait until he gets a little older and realizes what all this is.

Cont’d on page 14

atlantaparent.com

“

When I come through the door, Jett lights up, and it almost brings a tear to my eye.

Lola’s started smiling, letting us know she’s here, too. I’ve just had 14 months of having these two kids and it puts a hole in my heart when I have to leave.

– Mike Foltynewicz

”

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 13

MIKE FOLTY: Pitch Perfect Dad The Atlanta Braves

How would your wife answer the question “What makes Mike a great dad?”

MF: Patience with them, taking care

of them at night, and spending as much time as I can with them makes me a great dad. I think she thinks I’m doing a pretty good job so far. I think I’ve got a pretty good grasp of it.

Can you share one of your favorite moments about being a father?

MF: When Jett walked. It was really

cute. He’d been taking a few steps and we were trying to get him to walk, and the night before Brittany went to have a C-section with Lola he walked to her.

Now we can’t keep him from walking and running.

Do you have any advice for new dads?

MF: Get those diaper changes out of

the way early when they are younger because they don’t squirm as much.

Now Jett’s kicking and he’ll grab the diaper if he gets a chance. Brittany can do it in five seconds, but it takes me two minutes.

And be with them as much as you humanly can because it goes by quickly.

Folty Faves Having two children 11 months apart has made Mike and Brittany Foltynewicz appreciate baby products that make their lives easier. Here are a few that are grand slams in the Folty household: n Owlet Smart Sock that wraps around baby’s foot and alerts with lights and sounds if baby’s heart rate or oxygen levels leave preset zones while sleeping n Comotomo bottles n Doona car seat that converts into a stroller in five seconds with the push of a button n DockATot baby lounger

14 Atlanta Parent June 2019

Meet MVP Mom Brittany Foltynewicz

A

lthough Brittany and Mike “Folty” Foltynewicz were classmates in high school, she never imagined she’d be married to him one day.

“I’m older than Mike, so my friend’s siblings were Mike’s friends,” Brittany, who is from Shorewood, Illinois, says. “He was so baseball oriented. He was always involved in that so I never hung out with him outside of school.”

Now that she has two young children, Brittany, who worked as a paralegal, nanny and bikini fitness model before she became a wife and mom, spends her days making sure the Folty household runs smoothly, something she says she’s always wanted to do.

“I’ve always loved children and anything related to home. I love socializing and going out, but I love making a home, too. It’s a good combo for me with baseball,” Brittany says.

Mike describes Brittany as an MVP mom, and Brittany admits “I’ve kind of nailed it. I have this down pat for my daughter only being 3 months old.”

Her secret? She keeps positive when life is a whirlwind.

“It’s a lot of prepping and a lot of chaos,” Brittany says. “It all depends on how you handle the chaos. You can take a positive attitude toward the chaos and get through it, or you can dwell on it and keep having a bad day with it. We don’t get upset about the little things around here.”

When there is a break from baseball, Brittany says the family enjoys going to Chastain Park and going out to eat at their favorite pizza place, Rosati’s in Buckhead. She recommends the Battery at the Braves Stadium as a great place to take kids. “There is something for everyone,” she says.

The family also enjoys spending time together at their home. “During our time off, we hibernate in our home,” Brittany says. “We’ve made it an oasis, so we love it.”

Brittany says that Mike is a great dad because he is so hands-on with his children.

“It’s like Christmas every day when he wakes up,” she says. “He has to go find them immediately. He just lights up. “He is so good at loving them and being there for them. His top priority is taking care of us.”

“

Now that she has two young children, Brittany ... spends her days making sure the Folty household runs smoothly, something she says she’s always wanted to do.

”

atlantaparent.com

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SUMMER CAMPS Your Kids Will Love

It’s not too late for your child to have an amazing summer camp experience!

These great camps still have a few spaces open. n Wildlife

exploration in a naturalistic setting!

Safari Camp at Zoo Atlanta is a great opportunity to engage young explorers in the wild world around them and begin their journey of conservation stewardship. Each session, campers are engaged in a different theme and explore how to make a difference for wildlife, while having fun. They do this through Zoo exploration with up-close animal encounters, hands-on science activities and environmental games, and group teambuilding games and STEAM based projects. Ten sessions May 29 Aug. 3. Ages 4-14 separated by age group. 404-624-9453; zooatlanta.org

Safari Day Camp at Zoo Atlanta

n Art

Camp with Daily Fitness in a Gym At Vinings School of Art camps, children learn fundamental art skills and develop artistic expression. There are three different age groups: 5-7, 7-10, and 10-14 years, in separate classrooms. It’s a perfect for a child that wants to learn how to paint large canvas paintings, draw people or their pet, work with clay, or use grout and tiles to design a mosaic tray!

Campers have one type of art in the morning, a PE/fitness session, and a different type of art in the afternoon for a wellbalanced camp day. Choose half day or full-day camps with affordable pricing. Spanish, piano, or guitar lessons by expert instructors are available from 3:45-6:45 p.m. for an additional fee. After and before care can be added. Sign up for single day camps on July 1 and 2, weekly sessions June 17-Aug. 16. Call about our 1-hour Art Classes for $15. 678-213-4278; viningsschoolofart.com/summer-camps.html

Vinings School of Art

n Camps

for Every Age and Interest At MJCCA Day Camps, kids and teens make lifelong friendships, try new things, explore their every interest, and build self-confidence and independence, all while having the best summer ever! With three locations (Dunwoody, Intown, and East Cobb) and over 100 camp offerings, the possibilities for an incredible summer are endless. In Camp Isidore Alterman, rising Pre-K–6th graders put down their electronics and have a blast outdoors; in Specialty Camps, rising K–8th graders choose from amazing performing arts, sports, theme, travel, and teen options. Take advantage of the multi-week discount, free bus transportation, and before-camp care and after-camp care. Weekly sessions, May 28-Aug 9.

678-812-4004; mjccadaycamps.org

16 Atlanta Parent June 2019

MJCCA Day Camps

Smith Stearns Tennis Academy

atlantaparent.com

n A

Tradition of Champions On and Off the Court Smith Stearns Tennis Academy immerses students in tennis training during the important summer months. After training with world-class coaches, and other players with similar goals, participants will leave the Academy knowing they received the best instruction to achieve their goals in high school tennis, or up to the National level. The camp helps build a strong foundation of tennis skills, but also includes summer fun like trips to the beach on weekends, fireworks, bowling, movies and more. May 26-Sept. 2. Daily, weekly and individual sessions are offered, along with a full housing program for overnight campers. Ages 8-18. Located at the Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, SC. 843-363-4789; smithstearns.com/programs/summer-camps.

n Hands-On

Summer Learning

KinderCare Learning Centers

KinderCare Learning Centers ignite curiosity with fun and handson summer camps. Oceanography, junior inventors, circus science and spy school are among the themes, which set up a summer of exploration and learning. Programs keep children’s minds and bodies active while they explore each subject. Even the youngest participants are engaged and stimulated by professionals who understand each stage of development. To add on to the camp experience, KinderCare also provides parents with ideas for learning activities at home.

23 Atlanta locations. May-August. Register for 1-12 weeks. Ages 6 weeks-12 years separated by age group. 888-525-2780; kindercare. com/summer

n Get

Artistic and Active

Whether your child is an athlete, artist or both, the City of Sandy Springs offers a variety of fun summer camps. Campers will have a blast being creative in STEAM and art camps, or getting active in a sports or traditional day camp. Gymnastics camps start at the preschool level and even include a rhythmic gymnastics program.

Kids will be immersed in the arts, sciences and sports and taught by experienced staff members. Your camper will have fun and learn new skills. Camps run June 3-July 22. One-week sessions for ages 5-12.

Preschool gymnastics starting at age 3. 770-730-5600; registration. sandyspringsga.gov

n Summer

Fun Just South of the City

Join the fun at Landmark Christian School this summer and choose from more than 40 camps! Summer camps offered include STEM, academics, foreign language, music, drama and more. Campers can find their place in the drumline, learn Mandarin, build a robot, brush up on academics or train for their favorite sport. Landmark Christian School has a camp for everyone grades K-12. Full and half-day camps are offered weekly, May 28-June 26. All camps will be led by skilled instructors and held at the 62-acre Fairburn campus, just south of the city of Atlanta and less than a mile from I-85. Register today at landmarkchristianschool.org/summercamp

n Play,

City of Sandy Springs

Landmark Christian School

Explore, and Create

At Zone of Light Studio, the weekly summer art programs focus on art and creativity. Each session has educational, historical and cultural elements that relate to a unique theme, including Zoo of Light, Creative Chaos and more. Guided by certified art instructors, students use various mediums and techniques to express themselves artistically. Activities include painting, sculpture, collage and recycledobject art; they also have nature walks, indoor and outdoor play and Black Light Room parties on Fridays! May 28-Aug. 9. Full and half week sessions separated by age groups, ages 5-15. 678-948-8059; zoneoflightstudio.com

Zone of Light Studio

Cont’d on page 18

atlantaparent.com

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 17

SPONSORED CONTENT: SUMMER CAMP n Summer

Adventure and Academics

Summer L.E.A.D. Academy provides students a great mix between a summer academic program and a high adventure summer camp, all within the context of Riverside’s famed military model of education. The specific curriculum a student participates in largely depends on the grade level they will be entering in the Fall and whether the student is seeking to replace or advance by an academic credit. During the weekends, the students go on trips that take advantage of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the excitement of Atlanta. Apply at riversidemilitary.com or contact our Admissions Office at: 1-877-GO-CADET.

n Explore

Artistic Talents

Creativity and imagination take center stage this summer at the Spruill Center for the Arts with camps led by certified art instructors. The Creative Arts Camp for ages 5-6 includes visual arts, music, dance and storytelling. Campers ages 7-10 choose between visual or performing arts. Spruill’s Studio Arts Camps for ages 11-14 offer a variety of art mediums including jewelry, ceramics, filmmaking, drawing, painting and more. Each week concludes with a show on Friday, where campers showcase their art and talent. Ten sessions May 28-Aug. 2. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 5-14 separated by age group. 770-394-3447; spruillarts.org

n Build,

Spruill Center for the Arts

Design and Dance

Be a dance star, level up your engineering and STEAM skills, or get your game on this summer with the City of Marietta Parks and Recreation. Campers can choose to explore the parks in Marietta, build Lego creations in PlayWell STEAM Camp, learn new techniques at one of the sports camps, or new dance moves in dance camp. May 28-July 26. One-week sessions for a variety of ages. Traditional Camp, 6-12 years; Dance Camp, 6-16 years; PlayWell STEAM camp, 5-11 years; sports camps vary. For more information and to register: mariettaga.gov/parksrec

n Sew,

Summer L.E.A.D. Academy

City of Marietta Parks and Recreation

Knit or Craft

Campers can explore talents for sewing, photography and fashion design at Fabricate Studios. The camps are staffed by professional educators to guide kids and teens through a variety of projects including a beach tote, summer skirt, custom clutch and more. Whether your child is a beginner or has advanced skills, Fabricate offers the perfect fit with a variety of half-day camps for ages 5-15. All supplies are provided, including sewing machines, fabric and photography equipment. Sessions June 3-Aug 2. Yearround classes are also offered for kids and adults. West Midtown.

404-981-4665; fabricatestudios.com

n Learning

in a Culturally Rich Environment It takes a village to raise a child and a community to provide a great summer. Camp Village’s mission is to inspire children to change the world with the assistance of more than 60 community partners. Camp Village encourages a culturally diverse environment where campers are exposed to activities that reinforce learning and provide positive lifelong experiences. Activities include: arts, basketball, chess, etiquette, fashion, gardening, golf, gymnastics, horseback riding, Jr. Apprenticeship Program, math, music, public speaking, robotics, rocket building, science, soccer, Spanish, swimming, tennis, yoga, weekly field trips and more. Oneweek camp sessions, June 3-July 13 for ages 5-18. 404-349-0122; campvillage.com

18 Atlanta Parent

June 2019

Fabricate Studios

Camp Village

atlantaparent.com

REFUEL & RECHARGE IN HISTORIC ACWORTH

The perfect go-to spot this Summer for wine drinkers, sun-seekers, and little stinkers. Acworth is 35 miles northwest of Atlanta, minutes off I-75 from Exit 277.

VisitAcworth.com

6 Atlanta Parent 

June 2019

atlantaparent.com

Is your child WHEEZING?

Celebrate Dad!

Your infant or preschooler may be eligible for a clinical trial to prevent future wheezing episodes.

Too often we think of Father’s Day as a time for a card and gift. This year plan a fun day and let Dad in on the decision making. Most of all, he’ll enjoy spending time with his family.

Eligible participants will receive, at no cost:  Health exams  Breathing medications  Study medications Participants will receive compensation for time and travel.

Shannon Kilman 404.727.7687 shannon.kilman@emory.edu Alice Bruce 404.712.1773 alice.bruce@emory.edu

Eat something: You can’t go wrong here. Dad’s day is a time to fix his favorite foods. Go ahead and have a big barbecue or if he has a favorite restaurant, go there.

Play something: Most dads enjoy some kind of sport. Maybe they golf or bowl or enjoy poker. Or perhaps they love to play video games but never get a turn because the kids always have the screens. You might try having a chess or checker tournament. Pull out favorite board games and puzzles. The new 3D Porsche puzzle by Ravensburger will be fun to piece together. The wheels even rotate.

Teach something: Dads are a wealth of wisdom – go ahead and have him share. How about showing the rest of the family how to tie a fly for fishing or how to pitch the perfect curve ball? Show the teen boys and girls how to check the oil or change a tire.

Remember something: While we’re praising the many skills and character traits of our dads, ask him to share a few memories. Make a video of him telling stories of his younger days and maybe a few stories you’ve never heard before.

Plant something: Go shopping at a local nursery and buy a rose bush, small tree or perennial flowers. You might mark it with a date and then watch it grow and mature as your family does. Another option would be to donate a plant in the family name to a local park or garden.

Watch something: You might enjoy keeping part of Father’s Day to just sit back and relax. Watch a movie or favorite sporting event. Gather up the gang and go to an Atlanta Braves game or Atlanta Motor Speedway.

– Jan Pierce 20 Atlanta Parent June 2019

atlantaparent.com

Dads get in free at these family attractions n Father’s Day at the Zoo. Zoo Atlanta.

Dads get in free with the purchase of one regularprice adult or child admission. June 16. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 404-624-9453. Adults, $22.99; ages 3-11, $16.99; ages 2 and younger, free. zooatanta.org n Celebrate Father’s Day. College Football Hall of Fame. All dads receive free admission and free chair massages on the field; the first 100 dads will receive a Home Depot gift card. June 16. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 404-880-4800.

Adults, $21.99; ages 3-12, $17.99; ages 3 and younger, free. cfbhall.com n Stone Mountain Park. In honor of Father’s Day, receive one free All-Attractions Pass for Dad per family with the purchase of one All-Attractions Pass. June 16, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 800-401-2407. Ages 12 and older, $34.95; ages 3-11, $29.95; ages 2 and younger, free. stonemountainpark.com n Father’s Day Celebration.

Chattahoochee Nature Center. Head to the CNC on Father’s Day – dads and grandfathers get in free. June 16. Noon-7 p.m. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 13-18, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org n Father’s Day Weekend. North Georgia Zoo, Cleveland. Dads get free admission with a paid children’s admission. June 14-16. Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 706348-7279. Adults, $23; children ages 2-11, $21. northgeorgiazoo.com n Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Enjoy dinner and jousting at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Lawrenceville. Dads receive a free ticket with the purchase of a full-price ticket. June 3-16. Show times vary. Adults $56.95; ages 12 and younger, $36.95. medievaltimes.com

Throw the Best Party in Town! ety of With a Wide Vari TALS! INFLATABLE REN

KID’S HOP SKIP AND JUMP (470) 633-9397 kidshopskipjump.com kidshopskipandjump@gmail.com

– Mary Williams

atlantaparent.com

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 21

Child Models We’ve booked kids for $2,000 per day and more, others at $50 - $60 per hour.

Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?

KIDS WHO BLOG:

Atlanta, New York, LA

404-636-1974

www.williamreynoldsagency.com

TOP

10

LISTS

for Everything Family

Are You in the Top 10?

July 2019 Issue!

Email Laura

A SUMMER WRITING PROJECT

D

oes your child have a particular passion that could be explored more through writing or photography? Blogging is an educational way for kids to practice their writing and research skills over the summer while interacting with a receptive audience at the same time.

Take a cue from teachers. Pernille Ripp, a 5th grade teacher, introduced blogging to her students four years ago. She says the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Parents love that it provides them with a look into what is happening with their child

in school and what their child is thinking. It also allows extended family to be part of the learning conversation. My students love it because of the conversation it starts and the ideas they can get from others,” she says.

Why blog? Not only are kids learning to write to a target audience, they are enhancing their writing skills in the process.

“I’ve seen the rates of student writing really increase,” says Sue Gorman, a K-12 Innovation Learning Consultant. “You aren’t just turning this [writing assignment] in to your teacher, you are turning this in as a global writer, a global thinker.”

lpowell@altantaparent.com

770-454-7599

Get to know blogging. If you aren’t sure how blogging works, open an account and play around with the platform. Learn how privacy settings work and familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions associated with the platform. Explore blogs your child likes. If your child is interested in art or photography explore some professional artist and photography blogs. Consider what you and your child find attractive about these sites.

When is a good age to start blogging? Whether a child is ready for blogging, or any other type of social media, really depends on your child and her maturity level. Some teachers start kids blogging as early as second and third grades to flex their writing muscles with an encouraging audience. Educators use carefully moderated and secure sites like KidBlog.org.

22 Atlanta Parent June 2019

Blog options. For kids ages 12 and younger, Kidzworld offers a safe, moderated platform for kids to blog with parental consent. Your child could also blog through a free platform like Blogger or Wordpress; however, both platforms require users to be age 13 and older. In this case, you might want to create a family blog that you facilitate.

Make the blog private and invite family and friends to follow.

Tumblr, Twitter and Instagram are especially popular among teens. These are “short-form multi-media” blogging sites.

Members post photos, video and short posts.

(Due to some of the content, these social media sites are not suggested for kids younger than 13.)

Community blogs. Gather a few of your child’s friends who also like to write and encourage them to start a blog together. They can take turns posting and responding to each other’s work. atlantaparent.com

Unsure where to begin? Focus your child on a particular topic or passion.

Does she love to read? Encourage her to create an online book club where she posts reviews of different books she reads. Teach her how to link to the book and the author.

If your child loves photography, have him take pictures and create a photo blog.

Other tips/ resources:

Since posts can still be forwarded (and nothing posted online is truly private), you’ll still want to be careful about your child revealing too much personal information. Create a digital citizenship contract with your child to clarify your rules, expectations and consequences. Talk about the types of information she should never share: n Full name (she could even choose a nickname instead of using her real name) n Year of birth n The name and location of her school n Home address n If she includes a photo of herself, make sure it doesn’t leave a digital footprint that reveals your location. Prevent geotagging by going into the privacy settings on your smartphone and turn off location services for your camera.

n Set up a Google Alert

atlantaparent.com

n If you’re unsure about a particular app or social media platform, check out CommonSenseMedia. org, which posts reviews and recommendations for parents. with your child’s name to be notified if their name appears online somewhere.

At least at first, review her posts before they go live to make sure she isn’t inadvertently sharing information that could put her personal safety or identity at risk.

Discourage your child from using the blog as a private journal. He should ask himself questions like “Am I OK with my parents or teacher seeing this? Would I be embarrassed if my friends at school read this?”

Post an email account on the site that goes to you first, so you can review any correspondence that individuals are sending.

This is a good way for you to filter any

mean-spirited emails that your child doesn’t need to see. You might also show him examples of what spam and phishing emails look like.

Set up privacy settings to approve comments before they are posted. Hopefully, your child won’t receive negative comments, but discuss the best ways to handle these types of scenarios and encourage your child to come to you first before responding, especially if she is upset or isn’t sure how to manage the issue.

– Christa Melnyk Hines

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 23

Summer, Retro-Style

Leave Some Blank Days on the Calendar for Creative Fun

by Sarah Lyons

I’m ready for the long, unscheduled days of summer. Sleeping in, spending afternoons poolside, and playing hide and seek until the fireflies come out. n My idea of carefree summer days come from my youth. Today’s parents feel pressured to plan every minute of their child’s summer with camps, playdates and ball games. n I have decided my kids will have the summer I had as a child, one that is less scheduled and more child-created. Use these tips to enjoy your summer.

Ditch the Excess: Today’s parents often sign their kids up for as many camps, clinics and activities as possible. Instead, consider choosing one or two camps each child really wants to attend, and allow lots of free time this summer to play and create their own adventures.

Unplug: We love our electronics. Many of us can’t make it more than a few hours without checking in with social media and responding to emails and texts. Our kids are no different, so set limits on screen time to allow kids to play outdoors, curl up with a good book and use their imaginations. Let your kids build forts with whatever they can find, create art from recyclables, and make up games that last for hours.

24 Atlanta Parent June 2019

Go Outside: “Go outside and come back when it’s dinner time” is what my parents would say nearly every afternoon. There were no scheduled playdates, meet ups at the park or specific activities planned. If I wanted to go to the park, I would ride my bike or walk there. I might invite a friend to come along. My parents had only a vague idea where I was or who I was with and this was the norm. While many parents don’t feel quite as safe giving their children free reign, we can learn from this attitude.

Kids do not need us to plan and intervene in their daily activities.

Send them outside, have them go knock on a neighbor’s door and ask them to come play – play in the sprinkler, ride bikes, draw with chalk, drink from the hose, learn to do cartwheels, jump rope, plant flowers or simply sit in the sun.

Let It Go: Parents have so much pressure to live up to unrealistic standards. We feel we must provide educational crafts, plan interesting and affordable outings, provide well-balanced extracurricular activities, all while cooking healthy, organic food, maintaining a clean house, a healthy marriage, and balance our careers simultaneously.

The truth is, none of us are able to keep up with it all. My parents, while balancing many of the career and family obligations we have today, did not put the type of pressure on themselves that parents do today. This summer, take a break from the pressures of social media, enjoy your kids, join them outside, play a board game, have a movie night, lounge at the pool, eat a little (or a lot of) junk food, and give yourself permission to let things go and accept you can’t realistically keep up with everything anyway. atlantaparent.com

Games That Stand the Test of Time

by Katy M. Clark

n Sharks and Minnows: One child is the shark and stands in the middle of the yard. The other kids are the minnows and line up at one end of the yard. The object is for the minnows to get from one end of the yard to the other without being caught, aka tagged, by the shark. If tagged, then the minnow also becomes a shark. The game is repeated as the number of sharks grows. The last minnow is the winner. n Red Light, Green Light: A player is the traffic light, standing at one end of the yard. The other players line up on the opposite end of the yard. The traffic light turns away from the other players and says, “Green light!” Players try to run as quickly as they can towards the traffic light. At any time, the traffic light can turn around and say, “Red light!” That’s when all players must freeze. If they are spotted moving, the traffic light sends them back to the start. The first player to reach the traffic light wins and gets to be the next traffic light. n Mother, May I: Like Red Light, Green Light, one player, “Mother”, stands at one end of the yard. All other players line up at the other end of the yard. Players take turns asking “Mother” if they may take 1, 2, 3 or more steps forward. “Mother” answers “Yes, you may.” or “No, you may not.” The first player to reach “Mother” wins and gets to be the next “Mother.” This game invites creativity, too, because players can ask to take baby steps, giant steps, or even spins. n Blind Man’s Bluff: One player is designated “It” and is blindfolded. To start the game, “It” spins around five times as the other players disperse around the yard. Now “It” tries to find the others, who must stay rooted in the spot where they landed when “It” stopped spinning. Players can dodge and duck from the seeking “It”, but they can’t move their feet. “It” moves around the yard until all the players are found while whoever got caught first wears the blindfold for the next round. n Freeze Tag: This variation of the classic game of tag involves players freezing whenever “It” tags them. They must stay frozen as “It” tries to tag the other players, but they can unfreeze and rejoin the game if another player tags them. The game ends when “It” freezes all players.

n Hopscotch: Players draw and number a hopscotch grid, usually 10 squares. Start by tossing a rock or beanbag onto Square 1. Hop over the square on one foot, going up, then down the grid. Players stop on Square 2 to pick up their marker from Square 1. Repeat, tossing the marker to Square 2 and so on. For added difficulty, players lose a turn when they fall, touch a line with their feet, or miss tossing their marker onto the next square.

If the kids tire of group games, don’t forget the likes of sidewalk chalk, bubbles, jump ropes and hula hoops to beat summer boredom. atlantaparent.com

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 25

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Kennesaw Pediatrics

Dr. Maria Axelrod

Dr. Briana Brugner

Dr. John Pitts

Dr. Peter Strauss

Dr. Sarah Yount

Dr. Mark A. Long

Dr. Elizabeth McKinnon

Dr. Murali Vathada

Dr. Lisa Winters-Smith

At Kennesaw Pediatrics our entire team of staff and physicians is committed to providing exceptional pediatric healthcare with a personal touch. We are honored that each of our physicians have been nominated as Mom-Approved Doctors for THREE consecutive years.

At our three specialized centers, award winning pediatricians and staff offer care for your child from cradle to college. From the time you bring your new arrival into the comforting Newborn Center, to your school day visits at the Main Office, to care for your high schooler at the Teen Center, we meet the needs of your child at every age and stage.

Kids don’t take days off and neither do we. We’re here for you seven days a week. You’ll find the services you need under one roof: check ups to sick visits, sports physicals to asthma care, on site labs, classes, support groups and more.

And most importantly, we listen. At every location, at every visit, we take the time to hear your concerns and provide the best in skilled, compassionate healthcare for your growing child.

3745 Cherokee St. NW Kennesaw 30144 770-429-1005 KennesawPediatrics.com

26Atlanta AtlantaParent Parent <ISSUE> June 2019<DATE> 2

MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

atlantaparent.com

Elliott, Stephen, MD Piedmont Pediatrics, Atlanta Faroqui, Mahnaz, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Duluth Fearing, Donna, MD PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Woodstock Fedack, Maryann, MD Pediatric Physicians, Alpharetta Federer, Rhona, MD Pediatric Physicians, Alpharetta Fleming, Shea, MD Peachtree Park Pediatrics, Atlanta

Parents are choosy when it comes to medical care for their children. Atlanta Parent asked our readers – moms and dads just like you – to nominate pediatricians that they would recommend. We wanted to know why your child’s doctor is special and you told us.

PEDIATRICIANS Andrews, Wilson, MD PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Marietta

Brown, Lauren, MD Peachtree Park Pediatrics, Atlanta Brown, Jina, MD Pediatric Physicians, Roswell

Angka-Servera, Maribel, MD Main Street Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Alpharetta

Brugner, Briana, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw

Ani, MaryGrace, MD Pediatric Associates, Marietta

Bufe, Ashley, MD Children’s Medical Group, Decatur

Axelrod, Maria, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw

Burnham, Robert, MD Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Cumming

Bataille, Fredly, MD Intown Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine P.C., Atlanta

Carroll, Karen, MD Pediatric Associates of Johns Creek, Johns Creek

Benaroch, Roy, MD Pediatric Physicians, Alpharetta

Carter, Stephen, MD West Atlanta Pediatrics, Lithia Springs

Benson, Kathryn, MD Medlock Pediatrics, Duluth

Cawley, Annalise, MD AGC Pediatrics, Cartersville

Benza, Natalie, MD Children’s Primary Care Center of Chamblee, Chamblee

Chaplin, Karen, MD A Kids World Pediatrics, Fayetteville

Berenson, Gloria, MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Alpharetta Bien, Libby, MD Pediatric Physicians, Roswell Bien, Richard, MD PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Roswell Biggs, Jennie, MD Pediatric Physicians, Alpharetta

Clark, Gerald, MD North Fulton Pediatrics, Roswell Clements, Larry, MD Kenmar Pediatrics, Marietta Colton, Kevin, MD Children’s Medical Group, Chamblee Cooper, Jeff, MD Cooper Pediatrics, Duluth

Billingsly, Tiffini, MD Premier Pediatric Associates, Smyrna

Darby, Scott, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sugar Hill

Blackington, Rebecca, MD Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Cumming

Dorsey, Sara, MD Northside Pediatrics, Woodstock

Blair, Fiona, MD ABC Pediatrics, Stone Mountain

Eaton, Melissa, MD Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Alpharetta

Bowman, Catherine, MD Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Alpharetta

Ecklund, David, MD Cumberland Pediatrics, Vinings

Fleming, Debra, MD PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Woodstock Forman, Penny, MD Pediatric Associates of Johns Creek, Suwanee Gadea, Marisa, MD East Cobb Pediatrics, Marietta Gfroerer, Terrence, MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Dunwoody Goodloe, Adele, MD Northside Pediatrics, Woodstock Greenwald, Jodi, MD North Fulton Pediatrics, Roswell Guthrie, Bridgette, MD Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Alpharetta Hammad, David, MD Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics, Atlanta Hardin, Amy, MD Northside Pediatrics, Woodstock Hassel McNeil, Stephanie, MD PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Marietta Herd, Hal, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sugar Hill Herron, Merinda, MD Herron Pediatrics, Atlanta Heyliger-Thomas, Claudette, MD Southwest Primary Care Center, Atlanta Hill, Andrea, MD Monroe Pediatrics, Monroe Homer, Ronald, MD DeKalb Pediatric Associates, Tucker Hopkins, Jeffrey, MD Northside Pediatrics, Sandy Springs Hutchins-Howard, Angela, MD Zaman Pediatrics, Snellville Jackson, Joanne, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Buford Jackson, Vanna, MD Sandy Springs Pediatrics, Sandy Springs Johnson, Yolanda, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sugar Hill Johnson, Wes, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville

Cont’d on page 28

atlantaparent.com

MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 27

Josephson, Douglas, MD Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Alpharetta

Proctor, Keishaun, MD Kidcare, Atlanta

Kazi, Megan, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville

Queen, Shaveanda, MD Oakhurst Medical Centers, Stone Mountain

Kelly, Linda, MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Alpharetta

Quisling, Yvette, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sugar Hill

Klopman, Andrea, MD Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Alpharetta

Ransom, Lindsey, MD West Atlanta Pediatrics, Lithia Springs

Koenig, Allison, MD Piedmont Pediatrics, Atlanta

Reisman, Gerald, MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Dunwoody

Kubagawa, Homare, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville

Roberts, Lisa, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent, Lawrenceville

Landis, Evan, MD Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Alpharetta Lavania, Hiral, MD One Family Pediatric, Cumming Levitt, Richard, MD North Fulton Pediatrics, Roswell

Rodbell, Kevin, MD Sage Hill Pediatrics, Atlanta Rodriguez, Jose, MD Well Star, Marietta Rodriguez-Sfeir, Sandra, MD Well Star, Marietta

Stickney, George, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lawrenceville Stolle, Ashley, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Duluth Strauss, Peter, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw Thrower, Karen, MD East Cobb Pediatrics, Marietta Tolkan, Judith, MD Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Alpharetta Turlapaty, Neelima, MD PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Woodstock Vathada, Murali, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw Verras, Anthanasios, MD Verras Pediatric, Tucker Vigil, J. Vincent, MD Children’s Medicine P.C., Lawrenceville

Long, Mark A., MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw

Royal, Dina, MD PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Marietta

Loventhal, Gary, MD Children’s Wellness Center, Sandy Springs

Salzberg, Edward, MD Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Alpharetta

Lynes, Nathan, MD West Atlanta Pediatrics, Dallas

Santorum, Jennifer, MD Johns Creek Pediatrics, Suwanee

Marcus, Sally, MD Northside Pediatrics, Sandy Springs

Schuh, Jonathan, MD Well Star, Marietta

McKinnon, Elizabeth, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw

Sells, Deneta, MD Intown Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine P.C., Atlanta

Mekelberg, Kirsten, MD Children’s Wellness Center, Sandy Springs

Shah, Shalini, MD Village Pediatrics, Cumming

Welsh-Evans, Monique, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dacula

Metzig, Natalie, MD Northside Pediatrics, Sandy Springs

Sherwinter, Julius, MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Dunwoody

Wexler, Eve, MD Briarvista Pediatrics, Atlanta

Miller, Lisa, MD Lisa D. Miller Pediatrics, Covington

Shirazi, Kathy, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Dacula

Wiggins, Dorothy, MD Atlanta Pediatric Partners, Atlanta

Molock, Suzanne, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Dacula

Shu, Jennifer, MD Children’s Medical Group, Chamblee

Wilburn, Kelly, MD Dunwoody Pediatrics, Dunwoody

Morgan, Baraki, MD PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Roswell

Silverman, Howard, MD Roswell Pediatric Center, P.C., Alpharetta

Williams, Wanda, MD Kids First Pediatric, Stockbridge

Munshi, Datta, MD North Fulton Pediatrics, Roswell

Smail, Nicole, MD PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Marietta

Willingham, Melinda, MD Decatur Pediatrics, Decatur

Mynatt, John, MD Locust Grove Pediatrics, Locust Grove

Smiley, Susan, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sugar Hill

Winters-Smith, Lisa, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw

Viswanadham, Madhuri, MD Dare2Care Pediatrics, Alpharetta Washington, Keyana, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dacula Weiss, Philip, MD North Atlanta Pediatrics, Sandy Springs Wells-Jarrett, Estonna, MD Sandy Springs Pediatrics, Sandy Springs

Nix, Tamara, MD PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Woodstock

Smith, Shayna, MD North Atlanta Pediatric Associates, Sandy Springs

Ologunga, Kola, MD Spectrum Pediatrics, Acworth

Spandorfer, Philip, MD North Atlanta Pediatric Associates, Sandy Springs

Worly, Julia, MD PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Marietta

Philip, Tiji, MD Northside Pediatrics, Woodstock

Spector, Faye, MD Cobb Pediatrics, Marietta

Young, Earl, MD West Atlanta Pediatrics, Lithia Springs

Pitts, John, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw

Stebbins, Stanton, MD Pediatric Physicians, Alpharetta

Poole, Charva, MD Children’s Healthcare of West Georgia, Villa Rica

Steele, Sharon, MD Gwinnett Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dacula

Youngblood, Elaine, MD Kids First Pediatrics Group, LLC, Stockbridge

Price, LaKimberly, MD Intown Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine P.C., Atlanta

28 Atlanta Parent June 2019

Stephansson, Reanne, MD Pediatric Physicians, Alpharetta

MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

Wise, Kimberly, MD Sandy Springs Pediatrics, Sandy Springs

Yount, Sarah, MD Kennesaw Pediatrics, Kennesaw Zucker, Laura, MD North Fulton Pediatrics, Roswell

atlantaparent.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Gwinnett Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

Dr. Hal Herd; Dr. Suzanne Molock; Dr. Sharon Steele; Dr. Joanne Jackson; Dr. Yvette Quisling; Dr. Susan Smiley; Dr. Lisa Roberts; Dr. Ashley Stolle; Dr. George Stickney; Dr. Monique Welsh-Evans; Dr. Keyana Washington; Dr. Homare Kubagawa; Dr. Yolanda Johnson; Dr. Mahnaz Faroqui; Dr. Scott Darby; Dr. Megan Kazi; Dr. Wes Johnson; Dr. Kathy Shirazi; Stephanie Jones, CPNP Gwinnett Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine is the oldest established practice in Gwinnett County. Our pediatricians are proud to provide traditional, conservative health care in agreement with recommendations and guidelines offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics. We consider it a great honor to partner with you in facing the challenges of caring for and raising your children. Working with parents throughout life’s most important endeavors has been the mission of GPAM for more than 40 years.

Our 18 board-certified pediatricians are part of the GPAM group, including our nurse practitioner and a new pediatrician coming in July 2019. We offer four convenient locations in Gwinnett County with offices located in Duluth, Dacula, Lawrenceville, and Sugar Hill.

Call today to learn more or to schedule an appointment at your nearby office, 770-995-0823.

To learn more about our pediatricians and the practice, visit GwinnettPeds.com and follow us on Facebook.

Duluth • Dacula • Lawrenceville • Sugar Hill 770-995-0823 GwinnettPeds.com Facebook.com/GwinnettPeds.com

2 Atlanta Parent atlantaparent.com

<ISSUE> <DATE>

MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

June 2019 atlantaparent.com Atlanta Parent 29

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Dunwoody Pediatrics

Dr. Julius Sherwinter opened Dunwoody Pediatrics and began practicing in Dunwoody more than 40 years ago. The pediatricians and staff at Dunwoody Pediatrics take great pride in assisting you in raising healthy, happy children, from your first visit with your newborn to your visit before they head off to college. We love caring for your whole family as your children grow and move towards adulthood. With a combined experience of more than 100 years in pediatrics, our professionals extend the greatest caliber of care for you and your children.

Dr. Sherwinter, Dr. Reisman, Dr. Berenson, Dr. Wilburn, Dr. Gfroerer and Dr. Kelly are honored to be nominated among their peers for the 2019 Mom Approved Doctors.

They each bring a unique perspective to medicine with their training, experience and medical focus. Some areas of their expertise include Pediatric Nutrition, Obesity, asthma care, ADHD, Kidney Disease, Hypertension, Gastroenterology, Adoption and Foster Care. All Dunwoody Pediatric Physicians are Board Certified in Pediatrics and Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics. For more information about our providers, office hours and locations serving Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Roswell and the Cumming areas, please visit DunwoodyPediatrics.com to find out which location is most convenient for you and your family.

1428 Dunwoody Village Parkway 3300 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 200 Dunwoody, GA 30338 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-394-2358 770-664-9299 DunwoodyPediatrics.com

Andrea V. Hill, MD

As the founder of Monroe Pediatrics and a mother of two, Dr. Hill has extensive experience with children of all ages. She opened Monroe Pediatrics, Inc. in 2002 to provide patients with a place where they are treated with quality care and with compassion. Dr. Hill attended medical school at Texas A&M and completed her pediatric residency there as well. She is board certified in Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Monroe office 770-207-7916

Monr e Pediatrics

Loganville office 770-466-1871

MonroePediatrics.net

Dr. Hiral Lavania, MD

Dr. Hiral Lavania is a Board-Certified Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is the proud mother of two girls.

Dr. Lavania is the creator of One Family Pediatrics. The practice is dedicated to providing accessible, individualized healthcare to children and adolescents and empower parents with knowledge about their child’s well-being. Along with being a Patient Centered Medical Home, the practice provides in-house mental health and lactation support for patient accessibility.

Dr. Lavania is affiliated with Northside Forsyth Hospital where she provides initial care and lactation support for newborns.

30 Atlanta Parent June 2019

MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

2575 Peachtree Pkwy.

Suite 301 Cumming 30041 678-962-PEDS (7337) OneFamilyPediatrics.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Deneta H. Sells, MD; Fredly Bataille, MD LaKimberly Price, MD

Intown Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine was founded by Dr. Sells in 2006 to provide warm, friendly and excellent care for the growing population of in-town families. After becoming acquainted with the staff and patients at Intown Pediatrics, Dr. Bataille officially joined the practice in 2010. In the spring of 2017 Intown Pediatrics announced its newest location in Brookhaven and welcomed Dr. Price.

The mission of Intown Pediatrics is to be a true “neighborhood” practice by being involved in community activities, offering convenient appointment times and after-hours advice to concerned parents. Intown Pediatrics has eight pediatric providers committed to partnering with families to foster the healthy growth and development of their children, while striving to be easily approachable and communicative.

The entire staff at Intown Pediatrics is dedicated to providing comprehensive and informative care for each patient. Visit IntownPediatrics.com today and learn more about their team and all they can offer your family as they develop a “provider-parent” partnership with you.

Town Brookhaven 705 Town Boulevard, Suite S560 • Atlanta 30319 Glenwood Park 490 Bill Kennedy Way • Atlanta 30316 404-446-4726 IntownPediatrics.com

West Atlanta Pediatrics

West Atlanta Pediatrics provides excellence in pediatric and adolescent medicine to the Lithia Springs and Dallas areas. We pride ourselves on our academic credentials, extensive pediatric experience and our dedication to providing accessible healthcare to our patients.

West Atlanta Pediatrics is committed to quality healthcare for children of all ages through regular preventive health screening, patient and parent education, and appropriate management of illnesses and concerns.

It is our privilege to follow children from birth through age 18. We have been in the Lithia Springs area since 1992, and in Dallas since 2004. The many years that we have spent practicing have given us the opportunity to care for two generations of children. We know that the relationship that a family has with their pediatric practice is very important, and we strive to provide excellent service.

Doctors Stephen Carter, Earl Young, Lindsey Ransom, and Nathan Lynes are honored to be nominated four years in a row as Mom Approved Doctors.

We appreciate your support and welcome new patients to our West Atlanta Pediatrics family.

915 Thornton Rd. Lithia Springs 30122 770-739-9292 2713 Charles Hardy Pkwy., Suite 122 Dallas 30157 770-505-3162

WestAtlantaPediatrics.com

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MOM-APPROVED DOCTORS

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 31

Adventures In Giving

How to Instill Compassion in Kids This Summer

by Christina Katz

The warm-weather months are probably when you spend the most time with your children especially after they reach school age. Even though generosity tends to be emphasized during the colder months, summer is the perfect opportunity to model neighborliness, community service, and giving to worthwhile causes.

Kids often get bored during summer, and adventures in giving offer much-needed outlets for kids’ considerable energy. These activities fit well in the nooks and crannies between summer school, camps and family vacations.

Celebrate kind acts with a sweet treat like an ice cream cone or a smoothie afterwards. Giving is its own reward, but it never hurts to reinforce generosity of spirit from a young age. Here is a list of ideas to help your family get giving.

32 Atlanta Parent June 2019

n Volunteer Outdoors. Help clean up your city parks, drive meals to shut-in seniors, clean out vet kennels or participate in a city-wide rummage sale. Your town’s online calendar is a good place to get more information on community service events.

n Capture Gratitude. Create colorful postcard to mail to teachers, coaches and instructors who have helped kids blossom in the past year. Keep the message short and sweet infuse the message with creativity.

n Encourage Bookishness. Sign up for a summer reading program. Purchase new or used books. Then go through your shelves and remove books you no longer treasure. Donate them to your local library or resale shop.

n Plant Ahead. When planting summer vegetable gardens, plant an extra row or two for the local food bank. Look online to check their policies before you plant.

n Let Go Of Large Items. The sunny weather is your chance to move larger items without damaging them. See if you can fill your trunk or borrow a truck to deliver items to your local resale shop without a scratch.

n Clean Out Cabinets. Search your kitchen for food items that have not expired. Stop at the store on the way to the local food bank if you need a few more items. Charities are usually flooded with donations around the holidays and need support during the rest of the year.

n Delight Someone. Painting rocks is a fun summer activity that can be done indoors or out, alone or with family and friends. Taking your painted stones on the road and hiding them for unsuspecting new friends to find turns this craft activity into an adventure. For inspiration, check out paintedrocklife.com. n Transform A Plot Of Dirt. Know of an intersection with a median full of litter and weeds?

Pull together a renegade seed posse to quickly pick up that trash, yank those weeds, rake the dirt, and lay down a combination of annual and perennial seeds. Give the patch a good watering, then watch it blossom over the course of the next year. You’ll be able to say, “We did that,” every time you drive by.

n Sweat For A Cause. Visit active.com to find local walking, running or cycling races in your area and then participate as a family.

atlantaparent.com

n Banish Bedroom Clutter. Ask your kids to touch and sort every item in their rooms.

Consider the best ways to donate or store littleused items. Create a memory bin where each child can stash prized possessions, but don’t go beyond one bin per child.

n Create Blessings. Make summer blessing bags for homeless folks in your area: bottled water, hand sanitizer, lip balm, sunscreen, comb, travel-size toiletries and band aids. Add foods that won’t melt in the heat: granola bars, applesauce cups, nuts, dried fruit, beef jerky and mints. Don’t forget plastic cutlery and napkins.

n Spread The Fun. Declutter the attic, basement, garage, shop or shed. Dig out that outgrown outdoor gear, sporting goods and outdoor toys and donate them to a local family shelter.

n Bare Arms. Donate blood with teens, once they are eligible. This is a great opportunity to teach citizenship in a memorable way, and you just might save a life.

n Ship Some Love. Send playful care packages to elderly relatives who live far away. Draw a picture, write a poem, or make a handmade card. Include little things that surprise and delight them. If you are not sure what to send, maybe it’s time for a video chat.

n Build Small Sanctuaries. Make baths for birds and butterflies and put them on opposite sides of your yard since birds often prey on butterflies. Tuck both types of baths into areas with easily accessible shelter.

n Encourage Relaxation. Make homemade spa gifts for friends and neighbors.

Bath salts, face masks and hand scrubs are fun to craft and will be cheerfully received. Search for natural-based recipes online that utilize what you grow in your garden.

n Dump It Good. Find a safe place to store garbage unsuitable for local trash pick-up throughout the year. Then gather the family to load up the car for an annual dump pilgrimage.

Children need to visit dumps to understand the importance of recycling.

n Rise And Shop. Purchasing fresh food from your local farmer’s market makes a fun morning outing and supports local small businesses. Don’t just shop, chat with the vendors as you sample their wares and share photos of goodies on social media to help spread the word.

n Help The Earth Breathe. Plant a tree to help support clean air for future generations.

Join the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org and they will send you ten trees to plant where you live.

n Chill It Forward. Give the kids money to pay for the ice cream cone or smoothie of the next customer after you and make someone’s day.

n Share Your Bounty. When new neighbors move in, dig up a sampler of flowers or veggies from your garden to help them start theirs. For the rest of your neighbors, gather seedlings, flowering plants or bouquets of flowers and drop them by the front door with a kind note.

n Take A Day Off. Declare a slow day! Ask your children what they would do with a full day at home with zero commitments. Then let them do that. Everyone will feel refreshed afterwards.

n Support A Hobby. If your middleschooler is into baking, why not take those fresh out-of-the-oven cookies and make a plate for a family that could use some cheering up. There is no better feeling than seeing someone joyfully receive something you created.

n Sell For A Cause. Set up a weekend lemonade stand and contribute half or all of the proceeds to a charity of your family’s choice.

n Pull Together. You don’t have to be the Von Trapp family to put on a backyard concert.

Whether you are a family of readers, musicians or poets, come up with a summery way for the whole family to share what you enjoy doing.

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3021 N. Decatur Road • Decatur, GA 30033 MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com • 404-634-5777

Accredited Toddler Through Middle School Programs atlantaparent.com

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 33

SUMMER

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You’re Invited to the 6th Annual Tower of Talent WHEN: Saturday, October 26 7:30 p.m.

Photo by Travis Hudgons

atlantaparent.com

Presented by Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits

WHERE: Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at City Springs

Atlanta’s most-talented kids ages 6 to 21 are showcased with ‘kids helping kids’ in this inspirational concert as they perform, sing and entertain. Mark your calendar for an extra special 6th Anniversary performance this year.

The Annual Tower of Talent is inspired and underwritten by Michael Greenbaum, owner of Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits. The Tower of Talent has raised almost $1.7 Million (and counting) for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s music therapy program. All proceeds go directly to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit www.choa.org/toweroftalent June 2019 Atlanta Parent 35

AtlantaParent SUMMER Fun Guide

50 Things

Every Kid Should Do This Summer

Best Places to Swim and Splash Cool Frozen Treats

Stay and Play in Georgia

FASTTOATING IN C S A F

FROM

This summer, all life is connected on the African Savanna at Zoo Atlanta!

Come explore this legendary landscape while learning how the species that roam the Savanna are connected to our everyday lives through our choices, actions, and so much more. Join the journey!

OPENING

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DON’T MISS THE SOUTHEAST’S FAVORITE ROCK SHOW! Be dazzled by rare and exotic jewelry, ancient fossils, and minerals from around the world as our annual RockFest returns for its 29th year! Gem, mineral, fossil, and jewelry dealers from across the country will be set up in the Museum and under tents outside to showcase and sell their goods.

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4 Atlanta Parent

| June 2019

# tellusmuseum

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SUMMER Fun Guide 7 8 12

Don’t-Miss Exhibits

18 20

Putt-Putt Golf

28 30 34

Summer Movies

38

Plan for a Great Fourth of July

40

Here’s the Scoop: Favorite Frozen Treats

Not-to-Miss June and July Events 50+ Ways to Wow Your Kids Get Wet Guide Fountains / Splash Pads / Pools Waterparks / Beaches

Stay and Play in Georgia Restaurants With Something Special

Summer Go-To Bucket List / 41 SPECIAL ADVERTISING PAGE

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June 2019

Atlanta Parent 5

October 5 Mercer University Atlanta Campus 10 am – 4 pm

Back for our 16th year, it’s Atlanta’s favorite family festival!

More than

50

Family-Friendly Activities! $5/per person online only. $10/per person day of event.

Admission includes 5 activity tickets.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE!

atlantaparent.com/familyfestival Contact Hannah for more information: 770-454-7599 / hsykes@atlantaparent.com

SUMMER Fun Guide

4 Don’t-Miss Exhibits Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit Children’s Museum of Atlanta / June 8-Sept. 8 Visit the McStuffins Toy Hospital and play doctor while solving problems. Learn about naptime and nurturing care in the nursery, care for pets in the Pet Vet area and head to the Emergency Room to check on toy patients. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Closed Wednesdays, beginning Aug. 1. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $15.95-$18.95; ages 1 and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Imaginary Worlds: Alice and Wonderland Atlanta Botanical Garden / Through Oct. 27 Larger-than-life whimsical plant sculptures come back to the Garden, and this year Alice in Wonderland sculptures are added to the already impressive collection, which include the dragon, mammoth and other favorites. Spot the floating white rabbit, an expansive chess board with heart trees and a large Cheshire Cat. Try and find Alice, too! Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $23.95; ages 3-12, $20.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org.

The Pursuit of Everything: Maira Kalman’s Books for Children High Museum of Art / June 22-Sept. 15 This colorful and imaginative exhibition will provide a look into Maira Kalman’s picture-book career with more than 100 works on view including original drawings and paintings, manuscripts and installations.

Her creative stories with surreal illustrations, range from tales about her dog to titles that address important historical people and events. Tues.Thurs. and Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.

1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. $14.50, ages 6 and older; ages 5 and younger, free. high.org

Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants Fernbank Museum of Natural History / June 8-Aug. 18 Dive beneath the surface of the world’s rivers in search of bizarre and extraordinary species of freshwater fish. Learn how monster fish grow, how scientists study them and how anglers can help these fish survive.

Five life-size monster fish as well as videos are on display. Daily 10 a.m.5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

atlantaparent.com

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 7

SUMMER Fun Guide

Not-to-Miss June and July Events Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline. Please check beforehand to confirm dates and times.

l Flying

Colors Butterfly Festival

Chattahoochee Nature Center June 1-2. Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m.

See hundreds of native butterflies in a walk-through exhibit; watch a butterfly release and learn about pollinators. Enjoy crafts, face painting, live entertainment, food and more. Roswell. 770-992-2055. $12; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org l Roswell

Summer Puppet Series

Roswell Cultural Arts Center June 3-July 20. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. Second show Wed. and Fri. 1:30 p.m.

Puppets perform in seven productions this season, including “The Giant, the Beanstalk and Jack,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Pied Picker” and more. Roswell.

770-594-6232. Ages 2 and older, $5; younger than 2, free. roswellcac.com

l The

Whitewater Complex June 7-8. 5 p.m.-11 p.m.

Tethered hot air balloon rides, balloon glows, inflatable rides, food and craft vendors. Live concerts each evening. Fayette.

770-716-4320. Admission $10; ages 5 and younger, free. Tethered balloon rides $15; ages 3-11, $12. fayettecountyga.gov/parks_ and_recreation

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre / June 7-9.

Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m., 7 p.m.

As the son of Poisedon, Percy has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail and is on an epic quest to find Zeus’s lightning bolt. Atlanta. 770-916-2800.

Ages 5 and older. $45-$87. cobbenergycentre.com

Over Fayette

l RockFest

29

Tellus Science Museum June 8-9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

See rare jewelry, ancient fossils, and rocks from around the world. Enjoy geology-themed children’s activities, demonstrations, and paint your own rock. Cartersville.

770-605-5700. Included with admission. $15.95; ages 3-17, 11.95; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org l Civil

Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

l Tunes

from the Tombs Oakland Cemetery June 8. Noon-8 p.m.

Enjoy a day of live music and performances in this historic cemetery. Take a mini-tour and visit some of Oakland’s famous residents; enjoy field day games, food trucks, fortune-telling and more. Atlanta. 404-688-2107. $25; ages 4-17, $15; ages 3 and under, free. Advance ticket purchase recommended, save $5. oaklandcemetery.com Photo by Jeremy Daniels

l Balloons

War History Day

Southern Museum of Civil War History June 8. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Meet costumed soldiers, try traditional domestic chores, play period games, and watch expert spinners from the Peachtree Handspinners Guild. Included with admission.

Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Adults, $10; ages 3-17, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. southernmuseum.org

8 Atlanta Parent June 2019

atlantaparent.com

Photo by Steve Eberhardt

l Beauty

and the Beast

Center for Puppetry Arts June 11-July 28. No shows July 4.

See website for showtimes.

Trash is turned into treasure and true love prevails when this classic tale hip-hops its way into a modern day city complete with alley cats, beauty shops, and exercise videos. Make your own Burly Beast rod puppet after the show. Ages 4 and older. Atlanta.

404-873-3391. $19.50. puppet.org

l Pocahontas Serenbe Playhouse June 13-Sept. 1. See website for showtimes.

Pocahontas shares the authentic tale of her beautiful homeland in this adaptation by Native American playwright Kara Morrison.

Chattahoochee Hills.

770-463-1110. $13-$25. serenbeplayhouse.com

l Sandy

Springs Lantern Parade

June 15. 7:30-9 p.m.

Bring a lantern and walk in the “Take it to the River” parade, with interactive heron, dragonfly and alligator lanterns and more. Parade route begins at Steel Canyon Golf Club and ends at Morgan Falls Overlook Park with a floating river display. Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600. Free admission. visitsandysprings.org/lanternparade l Juneteenth Atlanta History Center / June 15-16.

Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. noon-4 p.m.

Commemorate the end of slavery and explore themes of freedom and family history through activities, immersive museum theatre performances and crafts. Atlanta. 404-8144000. Free admission both days. atlantahistorycenter.com l Rock

and Roll Playhouse Grateful Dead for Kids Terminal West at King Plow Arts Center June 16. 11:30 a.m.

Celebrate Dad with the Music of the Grateful Dead for Kids. Games, rainbow streamers, a giant parachute, and call-and-response songs encourage a love of music and inspire creativity. Atlanta. Ages 2 and older, $16; ages 1 and younger, free. therockandrollplayhouse.com

l Decatur

Beach Party

June 21. 5-11 p.m.

Kids can play in 80 tons of sand in this beach party on the streets of Downtown Decatur. Live music, games, food and more. Decatur. 404-371-8386. Free admission. decaturdba.com/events/ summer-in-the-city l Nickelodeon’s

JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. the Tour Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre June 22, 6:30 p.m.

Singer, dancer, author and TV personality JoJo Siwa will entertain fans with her music and much more.

Atlanta. 770-916-2800. $39.50-69.50. cobbenergycentre.com

atlantaparent.com

l Circo

Hermanos Vazquez

Plaza Fiesta July 12-Aug. 4. Mon.-Fri. 7:30; Sat.-Sun. 2, 5 and 8 p.m.

Human cannonballs, dancers, acrobats, feats of strength and more entertain in this modern take on the traditional circus.

Founded in Mexico City, the circus has traveled around Latin America and the U.S. for nearly 50 years. Atlanta. Adults, $40$60; ages 2-10, $15. circovazquez.com l Reptile

Day

Fernbank Museum of Natural History / July 13. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Come face to face with live reptiles and amphibians at this popular annual event. Learn about and interact with unique creatures, including snakes, tortoises, lizards and many more. Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Exhibit included with admission.

Atlanta. $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

Cont’d on page 10

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 9

SUMMER Fun Guide l Champions

of Magic

Fox Theatre / July 20. 7:30 p.m.

Illusions with supercars, a daring escape from Houdini’s cell, levitation, mind reading and more are presented by a team of world-class magicians. Atlanta.

855-285-8499. $30-$60. foxtheatre.org l Bubblepalooza Duluth Town Green / July 24. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Celebrate summer with bubbles to play in, yard games and music. Duluth.

770-476-3434. Free admission. duluthga.net

l Atlanta

Ice Cream Festival

Piedmont Park / July 27. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Ice cream samples and scoops for purchase, ice cream competition, fitness and children’s activities. Atlanta. 678-964-5944. Free admission. atlantaicecreamfestival.com l Wild

World Weekend

Zoo Atlanta / July 27-28. Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This cultural heritage festival celebrates the Zoo’s wildlife and where they come from. Travel from Africa to the Americas, from Europe to Asia and the Pacific with special entertainment, crafts and activities. Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $25.99; ages 3-11, $17.99; ages 2 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org l Repticon Atlanta

For the Best Family Calendar of Events go to atlantaparent.com 10 Atlanta Parent June 2019

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds July 27-28. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Many things that slither – from boa constrictors to bearded dragons – will be on display at this fun and educational traveling exhibit. Families can see live reptile shows, learn about caring for a reptile and buy reptile supplies.

One-day tickets: $10; ages 5-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free.

Lawrenceville. repticon. com/georgia/atlanta

atlantaparent.com

From tall to small, we thank you for your service.

So weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re throwing you a parade to show our appreciation.

(Ours is the biggest in Georgia)

Discover the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade - July 4, 2019

Get patriotic at discoverdunwoody.com

SUMMER Fun Guide

50+

Ways to Wow Your Kids

Don’t let summer slip by without making plans! Here are our suggestions for fun with kids. iFly

Up in the Air l Enjoy spectacular views of downtown from SkyView, Atlanta’s 20-story Ferris wheel. Each enclosed gondola holds up to 6 guests for a memorable experience, day or night.

Tiny Doors ATL

Puzzle it Out l Search the city (or use the interactive map) to find miniature doors in Krog Street Tunnel, Grant Park, Fox Theatre and more. Tiny Doors ATL is an everchanging art installation and each door is designed to match its location – experience the fun of spotting one! l Compete to decipher clues and solve mysteries with a scavenger hunt. Scavenger Hunt Atlanta has themes customized to Atlanta’s attractions. Urban Adventure Quest offers a self-guided tour from Centennial Olympic Park to many city landmarks; a smartphone app helps you along the way.

l Experience the thrill of skydiving – no plane or parachute needed – at iFly Indoor Skydiving. Kids of all abilities can try body flight in a high-tech wind tunnel. l Head to Level 72 at the Westin Peachtree Plaza, where you can ride the glass elevators 723 feet to the observatory area and get an amazing 360-degree view of Atlanta. The Sundial Restaurant offers a panoramic view of the city along with Sunday brunch, lunch or dinner.

l Thrill-seekers can get a bird’s-eye view of nature at Treetop Quest aerial adventure park. Their Dunwoody and Gwinnett locations have a series of zip lines and in-air obstacle courses to challenge your mental and physical abilities – all in a beautiful wooded setting.

Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures in Banning Mills and the Chattahoochee Nature Center offers more zip lining thrills. l Take the freight elevator to the Roof at Ponce City Market and visit Skyline Park.

Enjoy a ride (or two) down the 3-story slide, try a round of mini golf, and play carnival-style games like skee ball and horse derby. l See Atlanta from the open cockpit of a biplane. Biplane Rides Over Atlanta, near the DeKalb Peachtree Airport, has retro 1930s planes for touring; other flight options include a four-passenger plane and helicopter.

Sleepover with the Animals l Animal fans ages 6 and older will love sleeping at Zoo Atlanta. The monthly Family NightCrawler overnight event has interactive, educational activities for parents and their kids – and lots of wildlife. Register early; sleepovers are available on June 15, July 20 and Aug. 24. l Pack your sleeping bag and head to the Georgia Aquarium, where you can sleep right next to one of the many aquatic habitats. Guided tours and activities educate and promote conservation. Sleepovers are offered on select weekends; children must be aged 7 and older to participate.

12 Atlanta Parent June 2019

Zoo Atlanta

atlantaparent.com

Make Way for Toddlers l Pretend to fly an airplane, check x-rays on a light board, play dentist or learn how to handle money at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids in Gainesville. l Experience farm life at the Art Barn in Canton and go on a hay ride, interact with the animals and do art projects (check their website for events and times). l Explore the many activities available at The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Don’t miss Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit (June 8-Sept. 8); the museum’s permanent exhibits, including Leaping into Learning and Let Your Creativity Flow, are toddler-friendly as well. l Visit the indoor play area (and keep cool!) at Superior Play Systems in Alpharetta and Norcross. For a small fee, toddlers can play on swings, slides and seesaws sized just for them.

For a list of 60 toddler activities in and around Atlanta, visit atlantaparent.com

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta

High-Speed Excitement l Even when it’s not hosting the NASCAR Cup Series, the Atlanta Motor Speedway is the place for speed demons. The Thursday Thunder Legend Series is held weekly during June and July and is a great family event, with games, contests, giveaways, and of course, racing. l Kids ages 3-18 can hone their driving skills at Tiny Towne in Norcross, where a series of cars and tracks in two difficulty levels promotes safe driving. Have a real-live driving experience by following the rules – or be pulled over by the police! l Experience the thrill of driving a race car at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. Drivers navigate their electric or gas-powered karts around curves, hairpin turns and straightaways to the finish line. Locations are in Roswell and Marietta. l There’s more racing fun at Duluth’s K1 Indoor Karting. Adult- and junior-sized high-performance electric Karts speed up to 45 mph and drivers can compete to set ‘best time’ records.

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games

Farmer for a Day l You and your kids can pick your fill of blueberries at Blue Moon Berries in Powder Springs. Blueberries, peaches and blackberries are available for picking seasonally at Southern Belle Farm in McDonough. Visit the family’s farm market for fresh in-season produce and local honey. l Stroll through a field of thousands of flowers at the Sunflower Festival at Copper Creek Farm (June 14-July 6). You can even pick a bucketful to take home. l Join Atlanta’s own Chef Ford Fry at Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival on July 14. Sample tomato-based treats from dozens of chefs, enjoy live music and bid on auction items. Proceeds benefit Georgia Organics, which promotes organic food through farm-to-school education.

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June 2019 Atlanta Parent 13

SUMMER Fun Guide Art All Around l Art doesn’t have to live in a museum – it’s everywhere in Atlanta.

ArtAround Roswell is a display of temporary and permanent sculptures around the city. SculpTour, Suwanee’s walkable public art collection, has thought-provoking sculptures and an app with commentary from the artists. l Enjoy Art on the BeltLine – murals, temporary and permanent art collections on this seven-mile stretch encourage visitors to experience art in a new way. Live music, dance and performances occur regularly.

l Sign up for a Wednesday session of Read to Dogs at Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue in Kennesaw. This reading program helps calm anxious, stressed or shy dogs and encourages kids to get involved with animals.

FurKids Animal Rescue has a variety of family-friendly volunteer opportunities, including reading to cats and helping organize fundraisers.

l In Piedmont Park, visit Isamu Nuguchi’s playground-sculpture garden, Playscapes, or contemplate Lichtenstein’s physicsdefying “House III.” Stop and admire the 73,000-pound, 41foot falcon sculpture greeting visitors at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

l Take a drive through Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain and come faceto-face with 75 species of animals, including bison, giraffes, a watusi and a camel. Visit Double Durango Farm in Loganville for a session of goat yoga and a tour of the farm (call first to schedule).

l Tickle the ivories – outdoors. Look for Play Me Again piano installations around the city, including Dunwoody Nature Center, Chastain Park and Atlantic Station. Each sports a creative painted design and is ready to be played by anyone who happens by.

Talk to the Animals l Get some cuddle time at a cat café – for a small fee you can have an hour-long visit with the adoptable cats at Happy Tabby Café on Irwin Street.

Admission to Java Cats in Atlanta and Marietta includes a kid-sized hot chocolate, juice or fruit snack.

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Playscapes

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When the Sun Goes Down

Crack the Code

l Grab the kids and a blanket and experience the nightly Lasershow at Stone Mountain Park, with high-tech graphics, a fire wheel and a trio of flame cannons. Shows begin at 9:30 p.m. but arrive early for the best views.

l Try an adventure designed just for kids at Room Escape Atlanta; themes include Jigsaw, ‘80s and Zombies.

l Get an out-of-this-world view of stars and planets through the telescope at the Dr. Ralph L. Buice, Jr. Observatory at Fernbank Science Center. Free public observations are on Thursday and Friday evenings, weather permitting.

l Escape the Room in downtown Atlanta has games for all ages.

Try the “Apartment,” where mysteries and clues are found anywhere from the sofa to the bookshelf.

l Commune with the spirits at a Lawrenceville Ghost Tour. You’ll learn about the city’s haunted history while touring the Courthouse square; step into the old jail and you may experience the paranormal for yourself. At the Roswell Ghost Tour, hear stories of the ghosts who reside in old mansions and ruined mills. The Decatur Ghost Tour includes a visit to the city’s cemetery, where many notable (and restless) souls reside. l Keep cool and experience glow-in-the-dark mini golfing at Glow Galaxy in Norcross. Check their open play schedule and try the glow-in-thedark inflatables and sports area, too. Marietta’s Monster Golf has an 18-hole mini golf course as well as an arcade, laser tag and more.

HIG H

Stone Mountain Park

l Polish up your windshield and head over to the retro-themed Starlight Drive-In Theatre. This Atlanta establishment has been playing movies outdoors since 1949. The upcoming lineup features plenty of family-friendly movies. For our listing of summer movies in Atlanta, turn to page 28. l Get an after-hours glimpse of the wild on a Zoo Atlanta Twilight Trek. During this summer’s theme, Savanna Safari, study the nighttime behavior of animals in their natural environment. Treks are scheduled for June 8 and 28, July 13 and 26, and August 23.

l Try a new take on escape rooms at Escape Woods in Powder Springs. Their outdoor escapes include non-scary adventures like Nature Ninja, where kids move through a series of obstacles while learning about nature.

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HIGH MUSEUM OF ART ATLANTA | HIGH.ORG

Enjoy free admission and special programs on the second Sunday of each month.

June 9 • July 14 Designed for little kids, big kids, and the whole family, Second Sundays are for everyone. Visit us each month and experience new interactive, innovative family activities inspired by our collections and ever-changing exhibitions.

Second Sundays are sponsored by the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation.

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SUMMER Fun Guide

Afternoon Fix l Pack up the kids for a mini field trip and take in an afternoon Braves game – they’re offered on select Sundays and weekdays.

Explore The Battery and try a hot dog and a Black & White shake at H&F Burger. The Rome Braves play at State Mutual Stadium on Wednesday afternoons; check online for ticket specials. Catch a Gwinnett Stripers day game at Lawrenceville’s Coolray Field. l Get back to nature with a trip to Gibbs Gardens, located an hour north of Atlanta in Ball Ground. Walk the shaded trails and visit the fish pond and sculpture garden.

Fox Theatre

Keep Cool l Grab your hat and gloves and head to Center Ice Arena in Sandy Springs for a cool spin around their indoor ice skating rink (check the public skating schedule online). The Cooler in Alpharetta offers public skating daily – buy a Frequent Skater card and your kids can practice their triple loops all summer. l Movie theatres are the coolest spot in the city on a hot day and there are plenty of choices for kids of all ages. Catch a flick at your favorite cinema or do something different and experience a movie at the Fox Theatre. See our listing of summer movies on page 28. l Head to Sparkles Family Fun Center in Kennesaw for a cool day of roller skating, laser tag and arcade games. Metro Fun Center in Atlanta has bowling, billiards, roller skating and more. Get your bowling fix at Bowlero in Marietta, Atlanta and Norcross; their Summer Games Pass allows you to bowl three games every day.

Working Tours l Serious fans can get an insider look at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a guided tour.

Stops include the locker rooms, playing field, Window to the City, Skybridges and 100 Yard Club. l Learn everything you didn’t know about Chickfil-A with a tour of the company’s headquarters.

Get the story on the invention of the chicken sandwich, the company’s history and culture – and meet a few cows.

Chick-fil-A tour

l See what happens to all those boxes and cans you put out for recycling by taking a free tour of the Sandy Springs Recycling Center.

A Scientific Approach l Get an insider’s view of the human body at BODIES…The Exhibition. Over 200 human bodies and individual organs allow you to explore and examine the many systems of the body. l Take a self-guided tour of the David.

J. Sencer CDC Museum at CDC Headquarters. Exhibits focus on a variety of public health topics, from Remembering the 1918 Influenza Pandemic to The World Unseen: Intersections of Art and Science.

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CDC Museum

l Channel your inner Marvel Universe characters with a hero tour at Atlanta Movie Tours. You’ll see filming locations of Captain America, Black Panther, Ant-Man and more.

Sunday tours start at 1:30 p.m. and last for three hours. Sat. and Mon. morning tours available. l Steam over to the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth – their 35-acre site has an extensive collection of passenger and freight cars, cabooses and locomotives as well as a model railroad. l Spend an afternoon at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and learn about the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. Visit King’s boyhood home and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he served as pastor.

Spend the Night Outdoors l Get back to nature with a family campout in the backyard or at an area campsite. You can also join in on Great American Backyard Campout events, June 22-23, at the Chattahoochee Nature Center or Dunwoody Nature Center. l Book a yurt at one of our state parks, sleep in a teepee at North Georgia Canopy Tours, or stay in a Conestoga wagon at The Rock Ranch. If you’re not into roughing it, enjoy (some of) the modern conveniences of home by going on a glamping trip. Georgia Glamping Company does all the work – they’ll set up (and take down!) – your luxury bell tent at sites in Shady Grove campground and Unicoi State Park. l Become a Junior Ranger by visiting any of Georgia’s State Parks. Site-specific Junior Ranger books have activities for kids; when completed, they receive a collectible wood badge. Junior Rangers can earn up to 59 badges as they learn about the nature and history of each park. You don’t have to camp overnight; day and evening events occur throughout the summer.

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June 2019â&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; Atlanta Parent 17

SUMMER Fun Guide Putt-Putt Golf Courses for Kids Around Atlanta There are a variety of mini golf courses, some with unique twists and cool features for families.

Putt-Putt Plus – Mini Golf and More l Skyline

Park

Perched atop Ponce City Market, this miniature amusement park brings a level of fun to make all other rooftops jealous. In addition to the putt-putt course, Skyline also has carnival-type games, a Heegee Tower and Skyline Slide.

Hours: Sun. noon-9 p.m.; Mon.-Wed. 3-10 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri. 3-11 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta.

Cost: $7-$10 admission; $5-$10 for mini golf.

770-999-1530; skylineparkatlanta.com l Mountasia

Fun in the Sun – Outdoor Courses

Beat the Heat – Indoor Courses

l Pirate’s

l Glow

Cove

Come aboard this pirate-themed park and play golf. Best of all, get half-off golf tickets between 4 and 6 p.m. on MondaysThursdays. Go for the 27-Hole Adventure for an extra good time.

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Location: 3380 Venture Pkwy., Duluth.

Cost: $7-$9.50.

770-623-4184; piratescove.net l The

Fringe at Area 51

The Fringe has two 18–hole mini golf courses with surprises and adventures awaiting on this beautifully landscaped course. It sits right outside Aurora Cineplex.

Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily (summer hours).

Location: 5100 Commerce Pkwy., Roswell.

Cost: $5-7 for one course, $7.50-$10.50 for two.

770-518-0788; a51fun.com

Galaxy

Glow Galaxy offers a glowing miniature golf course, inflatables, obstacle courses, and a bounce house. Best of all, it is all glow in the dark!

Hours: Change weekly, call to find out.

Location: 6527-D Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross.

Cost: $8.

770-368-3008; glowgalaxy.com l Monster

Mini Golf

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.

There is also an arcade and a prize center.

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. noon-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. noon-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-8 p.m.

Location: 2505 Chastain Meadows Pkwy., Marietta.

Cost: $7.50-$8.50.

770-423-2212; monsterminigolf.com l Lunar Mini Golf This mini golf course is illuminated entirely by black lights. There are glow toys for sale that kids will love, with glowing necklaces available for $1.

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. Noon-6 p.m.

Location: 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville.

Cost: $6-$9.

678-847-0182; glowminigolf.com

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Marietta

Three different courses featuring lush greens, water elements, and caves offer a variety of challenges. In addition to putt-putt, kids can drive go karts and visit the huge game room – a plus if the rain decides to appear. Tickets can be purchased for just the mini golf, or a combo pass allows access to play in the arcade and ride attractions.

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. and Sun., noon-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat. noon-10 p.m.

Location: 175 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW, Marietta.

Cost: $9 for putt–putt 770-422-7227; mountasiamarietta.com l Lakepoint

Station

Choose from three different courses, including a glow in the dark Miner’s Mountain or a train themed Railroad Course, or play them all for $18. Lakepoint Station also offers a climbing wall, a black light odyssey and a gem dig.

Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 2 p.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. 2 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m-9 p.m. (closed Monday).

Location: 77 Old Allatoona Rd., Cartersville.

Cost: $8 for putt–putt 678-719-0921; lakepointstation.com l Fun

Spot America Atlanta

Three putt-putt courses, complete with waterfalls and creeks, ensure families will have a blast.

General park admission is free. Rides and games are available at per-play costs, or there are armbands available for purchase. The park is open limited hours, so check the website.

Hours: Noon-8 p.m. daily (summer hours).

Location: 1675 Hwy. 85 North, Fayetteville.

Cost: $5 for putt–putt 770-460-5862; funspotamericaatlanta.com – Shelly Gables and Jennifer Wilson

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Half Day Summer Camp!

Kids & Family Yoga Classes Kids Art Classes Drop-In Open Play for Ages 8 and younger

IMAGINARY WORLDS

ALICE’S WONDERLAND Follow Alice down the rabbit hole as a new kingdom of plant giants blooms over Atlanta’s urban oasis. atlantabg.org atlantaparent.com

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 19

SUMMER Fun Guide

Get Wet Guide

Summer in Atlanta gets hot – stay cool with these ways to splash! Jump through a fountain or splash pad, soar down a waterslide or hang at a beach close to home.

Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline. Please check beforehand to confirm dates and times.

Fountains Free: l Duluth

Town Green Fountain

In the middle of Duluth’s Town Green, this kidfriendly fountain spews water two stories in the air.

Where: 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-476-3434. duluthga.net l Fountain

of Rings, Centennial Olympic Park Get sprayed, surprised and chilled in these dazzling fountains, and stick around for the water show that’s synchronized to music. Showtimes: 12:30, 3:30, 6:30 and 9 p.m. daily.

Where: 265 Park Ave. NW, Atlanta. 404-223-4412. centennialpark.com

Suwanee Town Center Park: Big Splash Interactive Fountain

l Legacy

Fountain at Piedmont Park

Splash in this fountain that has more than 70 jets reaching up to 30 feet in the air.

Where: 1320 Monroe Dr. NE, Atlanta.

404-875-7275. piedmontpark.org l Suwanee

Town Center Park: Big Splash Interactive Fountain The largest interactive fountain in Gwinnett County uses 1,400 gallons of recycled water every minute.

Where: 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee.

770-945-8996. suwanee.com l Village

Pavilion in Mall of Georgia

This fountain surrounded by shops and restaurants is a sweet spot for kids to splash around.

Where: 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 770-271-9458. simon.com/mall/mall-of-georgia

For a Fee: l Geyser

Towers, Stone Mountain Park

This attraction features a trickling creek and a climbing structure with gushing geysers.

Must be 32 in. tall.

Where: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain.

800-401-2407. stonemountainpark.com Cost: Included in daily All Attractions Pass: ages 12 and older, $37.75; ages 3-11, $32.75. Parking, $20.

Geyser Towers, Stone Mountain Park

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Old Atlanta Park

l Atlanta

Botanical Garden

Head to the newly renovated Children’s Garden to cool down with their bigger and better splash pad.

Where: 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta.

404-876-5859. atlantabg.org Cost: Included with paid admission: Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $18.95; ages 2 and younger, free. l Splash

Fountain at Zoo Atlanta

During the heat of summer, this splash pad adds fun to your zoo trip.

Where: 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta.

404-624-9453. zooatlanta.org Cost: Included with paid admission: ages 12 and older, $25.99; ages 3-11, $17.99; ages 2 and younger, free.

Lillian Web Park

Splash Pads l Center

Hill Park Splash Pad

Kids will love playing in a water tunnel and hurdling over in-ground spray jets to fight the heat at this city park splash pad.

Where: 2305 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy.

NW, Atlanta. 404-546-6813. atlantaga.gov Cost: Free l D.H.

Stanton Park Splash ‘N Play

This splash pad is the first solar-powered park in the city. Kids love the spray jets, stationary water cannons and structures to hide behind.

Where: 213 Haygood Ave. SE, Atlanta.

404-546-6813. atlantaga.gov Cost: Free

l Historic

Fourth Ward Park Splash Pad Prepare to leave with soaking-wet kids because this splash pad has jets that stream water from all directions.

Where: 800 Dallas St. NE., Atlanta.

404-546-6813. atlantaga.gov Cost: Free l Laurel

Park Sprayground

This spot is a great area for kids to expend their energy by running through the numerous sprinklers and water sprayers.

Where: 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy., Gainesville.

770-535-8280. hallcounty.org, go to “Parks and Leisure” Cost: $2 l Lillian

Webb Park

An awesome fountain, waterfall and interactive splash pad for kids to play in all summer long.

Where: 5 College Street, Norcross.

678-421-2010. norcrossga.net, go to “Parks and Facilities” Cost: Free l Old

Atlanta Park

Kids of all ages will have loads of fun at this 34-acre park with a splash pad and playground.

Where: 810 Nichols Rd., Suwanee.

770-205-4646. forsythco.com/parks Cost: $2 l Perkerson

Park Splash Pad

This water zone features spectacular fountains for great water fun. Park offers tennis and basketball courts, too.

Where: 770 Deckner Ave. SW, Atlanta.

404-546-6813. atlantaga.gov Cost: Free Atlanta Botanical Garden

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SUMMER Fun Guide

l Riverside

Park Splash ‘N’ Play

Cool off beneath a spinning mushroom and try to dodge the in-ground spray jets at this Roswell sprayground.

Where: 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-594-6158. roswellgov.com, go to “Recreation and Parks” Cost: $2 l Sewell

Park Pool

This splash pad is perfect for cooling off during the hot summer days and having fun under the palm tree fountain.

Where: 2051 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-509-2741. cobbcounty.org/parks Cost: Ages 18 and older, $6.75; ages 3-17, $5.25. l Splash

Island at Adams Park

Prepare for some fun at this uniquely-designed splash pad at Adams Park. Don’t forget to pack a picnic to eat under their large pavilion.

Where: 1620 Delowe Dr. SW, Atlanta. 404-756-1827.

Cost: $5 l Sprayground

at Elizabeth Porter Park

Stay cool at this newly opened sprayground where water jets and sprinklers will lead to hours of laughter and play.

Where: 370 Montgomery St. NE, Marietta. 770-794-5601. marietta.gov.

Cost: $3 l Spray

Station at East Roswell Park

This premier sprayground offers hours of fun and extravagant features for kids and toddlers Where: 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell. 770-594-6188. roswellgov.com, go to “Recreation and Parks” Cost: $2 l Swift-Cantrell

Riverside Park Splash ‘N’ Play

Park Splash Pad

The 3,200-square-foot amenity offers water play options controlled by motion sensors. Includes a fountain spray, ground geyser, jet stream, magic mist and multiple sea silhouettes.

Where: 3140 Old 41 Hwy., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. kennesaw-ga.gov Cost: $2; ages 2 and younger, free. l Waleska

Splash Pad

This splash pad will leave kids with smiles as they play under the water buckets and umbrella fountains.

Where: Cline Park at 704 Bartow St. near Reinhardt University.

678-880-4760. crpa.net/parks Cost: Free

Pools & Waterparks On the Cheap: l Bethesda

Park Aquatic Center

This location features a giant waterslide that curves out of the building and then re-enters before dropping you into a pool, a lazy river, zero-depth entry into the leisure pool and dunking buckets.

Where: 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0880. gwinnettparks.com, search “Aquatics” Cost: Adults, $10.50; ages 4-10, $8.25; ages 3 and younger, $6.25. l Bogan

Swift-Cantrell Park Splash Pad

22 Atlanta Parent June 2019

Park Aquatic Center

Indoor leisure pool with beach entry, giant waterslide and water play structures.

Where: 2723 North Bogan Rd., Buford. 678-277-0853. gwinnettparks.com, search “Aquatics” Cost: Adults, $10.50; ages 4-10, $8.25; ages 3 and younger, $6.25.

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l Browns

Mill Family Aquatic Center

This aquatic center is a water amusement park featuring slides and sprayers to keep children happy and smiling.

Where: 4929 Browns Mill Rd., Lithonia. 770-414-2119. co.dekalb.ga.us; search “Aquatics” Cost: Adults, $12; ages 17 and younger, $10. l Cherokee

Aquatic Center

Climb the steps all the way to the top of the two wild water slides and zip down into the outdoor pool featuring a playground with water cannons, a zero-depth entry area, geysers, deck sprays, a current channel and basketball hoops.

Where: 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. crpa.net Cost: Adults, $7; ages 2-13, $6; younger than 2, free. l Collins

Collins Hill Aquatic Center

Hill Aquatic Center

This outdoor attraction has a zero-depth pool entry, interactive water features, slides, squirty play areas and more. There is also a toddler pool and lazy river.

Where: 2200 Collins Hill Rd., Lawrenceville. 770-237-5647. gwinnettparks.com, search “Aquatics” Cost: Adults, $10.50; ages 4-10, $8.25; ages 3 and younger, $6.25. l Cumming

Aquatic Center

Enjoy two slides, a lazy river and a play structure for children.

Where: 201 Aquatic Cir., Cumming. 770-781-1781. cummingaquaticcenter.com Cost: Adults, $6; ages 2-17, $5; ages 1 and younger, free.

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Piedmont Park Aquatic Center

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SUMMER Fun Guide

wHERE SCIENCE TRULy BECOmES AN ADVENTURE! Visit the Wonders of the Universe!

Daily Planetarium Programs 70-ft. Diameter Planetarium 4K Laser Projection System Exhibit Hall With Live Reptiles

FERNBANK SCIENCE CENTER 156 HEATON PARK DRIVE • ATLANTA 30307

678-874-7102 • FSC.FERNBANK.EDU

Seven Springs Water Park at Wild Horse Creek Park

l Piedmont

Park Aquatic Center

Features beach entry, lap lanes, natural and structured shade on the pool deck, concessions and recreational activities.

Where: 1320 Monroe Dr. NE, Atlanta. 404-875-7275. piedmontpark.org Cost: $5 l Seven

Springs Water Park at Wild Horse Creek Park

The activity pool is four feet in depth and has an in-water seating area and two basketball back boards. The spray and fountain play areas and two water slides connected to a leisure river also add to the fun.

Where: 3820 Macedonia Dr., Powder Springs. 770-528-4035. cobbcounty.org, go to “Aquatics” Cost: Adults, $9; ages 2-17, $6. l South

Cobb Aquatic Center

Splash down the huge enclosed spiraling slide, slip through the yellow tube slide and into the water and finally enjoy a “lazy river” float.

Where: 875 Riverside Pkwy., Austell. 770-739-3180. cobbcounty.org, go to “Aquatics” Cost: Adults, $6.75; ages 2-17, $5.25.

Summer Splurge: l Great

Wolf Lodge

Spend the night (or a weekend) at this fun, new waterpark and resort (waterpark included with resort stay) with tons of family attractions including slides, games, pools and more.

Where: 150 Tom Hall Pkwy., LaGrange. 844-473-9653. greatwolf.com/georgia Cost: $149.99 and up.

Great Wolf Lodge

24 Atlanta Parent June 2019

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l Margaritaville

at Lanier Islands

Find Georgia’s largest wave pool at Lake Lanier Islands’ beach and waterpark. Splash-happy tots adore “Wiggle Waves” and thrill seekers soar down the four-lane slide for a race, plus there is a wide variety of slides for all ages.

Where: 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford. 678-304-3120. lanierislands.com/margaritaville Cost: Adults, $45.99; kids under 48 inches, $31.99; ages 2 and younger, free. Parking, $15. l Six

Flags White Water

The largest water park in the South boasts some 50 attractions, including the “Dive Bomber” featuring a five-story drop down an enclosed slide, the “Buccaneer Bay” wave pool and “Captain Kids Cove” for younger kids.

Where: 250 Cobb Pkwy. N, Marietta. 770-739-3400. sixflags.com/whitewater Cost: Adults, $48.99; kids under 48 inches $43.99; ages 2 and younger, free. Parking, $20. l Six

Flags Hurricane Harbor

Ride the surf in the giant wave pool, plummet down an enclosed tunnel into a zero-gravity wave slide on the “Tsunami Surge” or take on the three, twisting slides of the “Bonzai Pipelines.” “Paradise Island” includes an interactive children’s playground.

Where: 275 Riverside Pkwy., Austell. 770-739-3400. sixflags.com/overgeorgia/hurricane-harbor Cost: Included with Six Flags Over Georgia General Admission: $71.99; children under 48 inches, $51.99; ages 2 and younger, free.

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Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 25

SUMMER Fun Guide

RiverTubing.com 1-844-FUN-TUBE DULUTH and

MACON

Paradise Beach at Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands

Beaches l Acworth

Beach at Cauble Park

The beach area features a white sand beach and roped off area for swimming.

Where: 4425 Beach St. NW, Acworth. 770-917-1234. acworth.com/attractions/acworth-beach Cost: Swimming is free. Parking, free Mon.-Fri.; $10 per vehicle for non-Acworth residents on weekends between 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. l Paradise

Beach at Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands Hang out on the beach, play some volleyball, catch some rays and enjoy food from the boardwalk.

Where: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford. 678-304-3120. lanierislands.com Cost: Free. Parking, $15. l 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.

Where: 17800 US Hwy. 27, Pine Mountain. 844-875-6499. callawaygardens.com Cost: Adults, $24.95; children ages 6-12, $14.95; ages 5 and younger, free. l 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.

Where: 50 Lodge Rd. SE, Cartersville. 770-975-4226. redtopmountainstatepark.org Cost: Parking, $5.

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Kids 16 years old and younger are FREE

Open Daily 9-6 Memorial Day – Labor Day (weather permitting)

Cool River Tubing

Shoot the Hooch COOL RIVER TUBING 590 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545

Zip the Hooch NEW Aerial Adventure Park Tubing • Zip Lines • Water Slide

COOL RIVER ADVENTURES 112 Poplar Stump Road Helen, GA 30545

www.coolrivertubing.com • www.coolriveradventures.com 706-878-COOL

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Group Rates Available

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 27

SUMMER Fun Guide

Free or Low-Cost Summer Movies

Under the Stars Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head out to one of these area parks for a free movie night.

Check the websites before visiting for weather cancellations. l Georgia Movies in the Park See georgiamoviesinthepark.com for showtimes.

June 7 – “Small Foot” (PG): Dawsonville June 8 – “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (PG): Canton June 11 – “Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” (PG): Cumming June 15 – “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (PG): Woodstock June 25 – “Aquaman” (PG-13): Cumming July 6 – “Small Foot” (PG): Canton July 9 – “Captain Marvel” (PG-13): Cumming July 20 – “Captain Marvel” (PG-13): Woodstock July 23 – “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (PG): Cumming Canton: Brown Park, 251 E. Marietta St. Cumming: Vickery Village, 5860 S. Vickery St. Dawsonville: War Hill Park, 4081 War Hill Park Rd. Woodstock: Northside Hospital – Cherokee Amphitheater, 101 Arnold Mill Rd. l Flicks on the Bricks duluthga.net/community Duluth Town Green 3142 Hill St. NW, Duluth.

Movies begin at dusk.

June 7 – “Wonder” (PG) July 5 – “Aquaman” (PG-13) Aug. 2 – “Incredibles 2” (PG)

28 Atlanta Parent June 2019

l Outdoor

Movie Series

kennesaw.com/outdoor-movie-series/ Swift-Cantrell Park 3140 Old 41 Hwy. NW, Kennesaw.

Arrive at 6 p.m. for pre-show activities.

June 1 – “Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse” (PG) July 27 – “Captain Marvel” (PG-13) l Historic

Downtown McDonough Square mainstreetmcdonough.com/event/ movie-on-the-square 5 Griffin Street, McDonough Movies begin at dusk.

June 1 – “Mary Poppins Returns” (PG) July 13 – “Lego Movie 2” (PG) l B

at the Movies from B98.5

B98.5.com/beatthemovies/ June 1 – “Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse” (PG): Suwanee Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee.

June 15 – “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (PG): Veterans Mermorial Park, 240 Constitution Blvd. Dallas.

June 22 – “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (PG): Brook Run Park, 4770 N. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody.

July 27 – “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (PG): Brook Run Park, 4770 N. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody.

Aug. 3 – “Captain Marvel” (PG-13): Suwanee Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee.

Aug. 10 – “Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse” (PG): Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell.

Aug. 17 – “Dumbo” (PG): Collins Hill Park, 2225 Collins Hill Rd., Lawrenceville.

l Movies Under the Stars Mall of Georgia, The Village Pavillion 3333 Buford Dr. NE, Buford.

Live music from 6-8 p.m.

Movie at 8 p.m.

June 1 – “Incredibles 2” (PG) June 8 – “Small Foot” (PG) June 15 – “Bumblebee” (PG-13) June 22 – “Despicable Me 3” (PG) July 4 – “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” (PG) – post 9:35 p.m. fireworks.

July 13 – “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (PG) July 20 – “Aquaman” (PG-13) July 27 – “How to Train Your Dragon: the Hidden World” (PG) l Movies in the Park atlanticstation.com/events Atlantic Station Central Park 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta.

Movies begin at dusk.

June 6 – “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (PG-13) June 13 – “Shrek” (PG) June 20 – “The Karate Kid” (PG) June 27 – “Beauty and the Beast” (PG) l Roswell Family Movie Series roswellgov.com/government/departments/ recreation-and-parks/news-events/freemovies Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell Movies begin at dark July 20 – “Mary Poppins Returns” (PG) August 10 – “Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse” (PG)

atlantaparent.com

l Movies on the Lawn Lawrenceville Lawn 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville.

8-10 p.m.; Movies begin at dusk.

June 7 – “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (PG) July 19 – “A Dog’s Way Home” (PG) l Movies at Newtown Park Movies begin at dusk. Pre – show activities begin at 7 p.m.

June 8, July 13 and Aug. 10 Movies announced a week prior to event.

3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek. l Flick – Nic candlerpark.org/cp-movie-night/ Candler Park 1500 McLendon Ave. NE, Atlanta.

Movies begin at dark.

Aug. 17 – “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (PG) Sept. 7 – “Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse” (PG)

Discount Movies

Mall of Georgia

These theaters offer a chance to see recent or current movies without the expensive prices.

Kid Flicks: l AMC Theatres Multiple Metro Atlanta Locations Enjoy Summer Movie Camp every Wednesday throughout summer. This includes admission to a child-friendly movie and a KidsPack for $4. amctheatres.com. l Cinemark Movies 10 157 Banks Station, Fayetteville Beginning in June, Summer Movie Clubhouse offers children’s movies for $1 each TuesdayThursday. cinemark.com search Fayetteville; 770-460-0308. l Movie

Tavern Kids Dream Family Film Series movietavern.com/node/345 Roswell, Tucker, Suwanee Beginning June 16, Movie Tavern offers movies on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. for $3 each. Some of the summer features are “The Lego Movie”, “A Dog’s Way Home”, “Hotel Transylvania 3”, “Despicable Me” and “How to Train Your Dragon 3”. l Regal Cinemas Select Atlanta locations See family-friendly movies for $1 during the Summer Movie Express on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. through July. Check with each location for showtimes. For this summer’s movies go to regmovies.com

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Movies on the Town

Also a Deal: l Picture Show at Merchants Exchange 4400 Roswell Rd., Marietta On Tuesdays, tickets are half-price, so you can see movies for $1. $2 per ticket; 3D movies, $4. pictureshowent.com click on Marietta under the theatres tab; 770-977-2977. l Venture Cinema 3750 Venture Dr., Duluth (in the Santa Fe Mall) $3.50 per ticket; 3D movies, $5. venturecinema.net; 678-957-9545.

Drive – In: l Starlight Drive-In Theatre 2000 Moreland Ave. SE, Atlanta Step back in time and watch a movie from your car at this drive-in theatre. Ages 10 and older, $9; ages 5-9, $1. starlightdrivein.com

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 29

SUMMER Fun Guide

Stay and Play in Georgia Atlanta

Augusta

Macon Columbus

Savannah

Albany

There is so much to see and do beyond Atlanta!

Try some of Atlanta Parents’ ideas for a family road trip in Georgia this summer.

by Amanda Miller Allen

North Georgia l Athens: Let your kids bring their backpacks and pretend they are college students as you tour the University of Georgia campus and Butts-Mehr UGA Sports Museum. Explore 225 acres of woodlands and wetlands at Sandy Creek Nature Center (sandycreeknaturecenterinc.org) and visit the education center to see live reptiles, amphibians and aquariums. l Blairsville: You can see a lot of Georgia from Brasstown Bald near Blairsville, the highest point in the state. Vogel State Park’s 22-acre lake has a beach with mountain views (gastateparks.org/Vogel). A fun experience is Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm (alpacamoon.com); visit during an open house date or make an appointment to see the animals. l Blue Ridge/McCaysville: Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (brscenic.com) to McCaysville, where kids can put one foot in Georgia and the other in Tennessee. Have lunch and ice cream, then head back to Blue Ridge and visit Mercier Orchards (mercier-orchards.com) for blueberry picking in summer and apples in fall.

30 Atlanta Parent June 2019

Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm

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sponsored

Four Family Favorites Worth the Drive l Cartersville: Cartersville is almost “closein” to the northern suburbs, but still a hike for those farther south. It’s worth the drive to see the Booth Western Art Museum (boothmuseum. org) and spend time at the Tellus Science Museum (tellusmuseum.org). Also, explore the Etowah Indian Mounds (gastateparks.org/ EtowahIndianMounds) and Cartersville Lake. l Cleveland: This city is known as the birthplace of Cabbage Patch Kids (cabbagepatchkids.com). Visit the Babyland General Hospital where they are born and leave with an “adoptee.” Tour the North Georgia Zoo and Farm (northgeorgiazoo.com) and see farm animals. Unicoi State Park (gastateparks.org/ Unicoi) has archery, ziplining and lots more activities for kids. l Dahlonega: Pan for gold at the Consolidated Gold Mine (consolidatedgoldmine.com) or Crisson Gold Mine (crissongoldmine.com) and be sure to tour the Dahlonega Gold Museum (gastateparks.org/DahlonegaGoldMuseum) to learn the history of this Gold Rush town. l Dalton: This city is more than the “Carpet Capital of the World.” Tour the Chief Vann House Historic Site (gastateparks.org/ ChiefVannHouse), the first brick house in the Cherokee Nation. Then take a Civil War Railroad Tunnel Tour (civilwarrailroadtunnel.com) at Tunnel Hill. Hike around nearby historic Prater’s Mill (pratersmill.org) for a scenic outing. l Helen: In this Alpine village, visit beautiful Anna Ruby Falls, pan for gold and gems at Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines (dukescreek.com) or hop in an inner tube and float the Chattahoochee River. Visit Charlemagne’s Kingdom (georgiamodelrailroad. com) to see a 50-foot model railroad, and see a master glassblower at work at the Glassblowing Shop (theglassblowingshop.com). l Rome: Float the scenic Etowah River in a tube or kayak on the most urban section of the Etowah River Water Trail system (etowahwatertrail.org). Tour the beautiful Berry College grounds and visit Oak Hill, the 1800s home of founder Martha Berry berry.edu/oakhill).

Time your visit to see the Rome Braves (milb. com/rome) play baseball. l Toccoa: A top attraction in Toccoa is Toccoa Falls. Also, visit the Currahee Military Museum (toccoahistory.com) to learn about the men who trained at Camp Toccoa and the “Band of Brothers” who fought in World War II.

n The Rock Ranch, located in The Rock, is one of the state’s hidden gems. Created as a foster home for children by Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, it has evolved into a family destination that hosts public events, corporate picnics and conferences, lodging, camping and school field trips.

Rock Ranch offers more than 25 attractions, including a locomotive train, zip lines, pumpkin cannon and carousel. therockranch.com

n Towns County, located in the northeast Georgia mountains, offers guests recreation and relaxation. After a day of horseback riding, hiking or golf, enjoy a swim in the beautiful indoor/outdoor pool … all part of a stay at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa. Other area activities include boating on Lake Chatuge, a gorgeous botanical garden, concerts, festivals and much more. townscountyga.org

n At Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, visitors

can witness a “birth” at the home of Cabbage Patch Kids and Little People. This 70,000 square-foot southern-style home sits on 650 acres in the north Georgia mountains.

Doctors and nurses administer lots of TLC and “imagicillin” with adoption consultants available. Enjoy beautiful seasonal gardens. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. cabbagepatchkids.com

n Lane Southern Orchards Roadside Market and Café is home to the best peaches and pecans in Georgia. Take a self-guided tour and watch the peach packing process.

Show your kids where their food comes from, then grab a rocking chair on the porch while the kids play on our farm-themed playground with real tractors. Located south of Macon off I-75 at exit 142. lanesouthernorchards.com

Cont’d on page 32

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June 2019 Atlanta Parent 31

SUMMER Fun Guide Central Georgia l Augusta: Go canoeing, kayaking and SUPing on the Savannah River at Savannah Rapids Park (savannahrapids.com), take a stroll on the Augusta Riverwalk and visit the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area (augustacanal.com) for a boat or bike tour and a history lesson. Fans of comedy team Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy will want to visit the Laurel & Hardy Museum (laurelandhardymuseum.com) in nearby Harlem. l Columbus: Experience life in the 1850s with interpretations, demonstrations and hands-on activities at Historic Westville (westville.org), reopening in June after a move from Lumpkin. See the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center (nationalinfantrymuseum.org) with artifacts from 240 years of American military history.

The interactive Coca-Cola Space Science Center (ccssc.org) is a hit with kids. Save time for a short stroll along the 15-mile Chattahoochee Riverwalk (visitcolumbusga.com). l Macon: A stroll through the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park (nps.gov/ ocmu) is a great lesson in Indian history. Kids will like the Museum of Arts and Sciences (masmacon.org) with lots of hands-on activities and the Tubman African American Museum (tubmanmuseum.com), which celebrates African American art, history and culture. Take a drive just south of Macon to Lane Southern Orchards, tour the packing plant and satisfy your craving for fresh Georgia peaches. Fans of the Allman Brothers will want to stop by the band’s Museum at the Big House (thebighousemuseum.com). l Pine Mountain: Summer is one of the best times at Callaway Gardens (callawaygardens.com) when Robin Lake Beach and Aqua Island are open and the Florida State University Flying Circus performs. Nearby Wild Animal Safari (animalsafari.com) has more than 550 animals on 500 acres. And Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park and Roosevelt’s Little White House provide a portrait of the revered former president and his time in Georgia for polio treatments (gastateparks. org/littlewhitehouse).

Augusta Riverwalk

l Statesboro: Visitors proclaim the Center for Wildlife Education at Georgia Southern University (academics.georgiasouthern.edu/wildlife) to be inexpensive ($2 admission) and fun, with good reason. Kids love seeing eagles, raptors, reptiles and amphibians up close and hearing about their habits. A splash in the Boro water park (splashintheboro.com) with its Lazy River and pools is a great way to cool off on a hot day. l Warner Robins: The Museum of Aviation (museumofaviation.org) has a fascinating collection of aircraft and U.S. Air Force history and lots of interactive fun for kids – and it’s free. Plan also to visit the Go Fish Education Center (gofisheducationcenter.com) in nearby Perry where kids can learn about trout fishing and catch and release trout.

Fresh From Our Farm …

Family Fun l

l

Celebrate America Fun and Fireworks - June 29, 2019 Fun in the Summertime - perfect for families as well as group field trips for Camps and Child Care Centers. July 10 -12, 17 -19, 24 -26

www.therockranch.com 32 Atlanta Parent June 2019

Sweet Georgia Peaches Spend Some Time With Your Family Down On The Farm.

Peachtree Café & Bakery • Roadside Market Farm-themed Playground Open Daily Year Round Five Minutes West of I-75 at Exit 142 800-277-3224 atlantaparent.com

South Georgia l Albany: Experience the eco-systems of the Flint River at the Flint RiverQuarium (flintriverquarium.com) with interactive exhibits, shows and animal feedings. Visit the Albany Civil Rights Institute (albanycivilrightsinstitute. org) to understand the civil rights struggle in Southwest Georgia. At Lake Chehaw, fish for crappie, bream and bass.

Discover…

HIAWASSEE, YOUNG HARRIS & LAKE CHATUGE

l Americus: See life-size Habitat houses from countries around the world and learn how other cultures live at Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village and Discovery Center (habitat.org). The Georgia Rural Telephone Museum (grtm. org) in nearby Leslie has the largest collection of antique telephones and memorabilia in the world, plus antique clocks and cars. l Andersonville: Almost 13,000 Union soldiers died at the Camp Sumter military prison here during the Civil War and the Andersonville National Historic Site (nps.gove/ande) pays tribute to them and other prisoners of war. l Brunswick: Take a fishing excursion with a charter or watch the shrimp boats come in with their catch and sample some at a local restaurant. Plan your visit to take in a show at the Historic Ritz Theatre (goldenislesarts.org).

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

l Tifton: Kids can learn about farming and the state’s agricultural roots with fun activities at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village, formerly known as Agrirama (abac.edu/museum). You’ll see demonstrations of farm and village life in the 1800s, including blacksmithing.

GOLAKECHATUGE.COM | 800-984-1543

visitsavannah.com

l Cordele, Plains and Archery: Hop on the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad train (samshortline.com) at Cordele, the Watermelon Capital of the World, and take a fun trip all the way to Archery, with stops at Americus and Plains. You’ll have time to tour former President Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains and visit his Boyhood Farm in Archery.

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l Savannah: This coastal city has stately homes and beautiful gardens.

Visit Old Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski for cannon firings and weapons demonstrations, watch dolphins at play on a dolphin tour, take a Pirates and Privateers Tour with Black Betty to learn about the city’s pirating history, take in a Savannah Bananas baseball game, spend a day at Surf Lagoon or take a ghost tour. (visitsavannah.com) l Valdosta: Wild Adventures Theme Park (wildadventures.com) has lots of kid-friendly and teen-pleasing rides plus lots of animals and a water park. See wetlands, pine forests and game animals on a walk through the 2,623-acre Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area (georgiawildlife.com/grand-bay-wma). l Waycross: Visit the Okefenokee Swamp (okeswamp.com) for an unforgettable experience – take a ride on the Okefenokee Railroad, a tour boat into the swamp or a walk through the swamp to an observation tower.

Reserve cottages or campsites at Stephen C. Foster State Park (gaparks.org/ StephenCFoster).

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Challenge your mind and figure out the mystery of the Egyptians and escape the tomb!

$25/person 6 max. / session Reservations must be made in advance

706-335-3866

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www.FunopolisFamilyFunCenter.com June 2019 Atlanta Parent 33

SUMMER Fun Guide Restaurants with Something Special Try one of these family-friendly eateries that put fun on the menu. l Truett’s

Luau

Ukuleles, palm trees and beach décor give Truett’s, part of the Chick-fil-A restaurant group, the feel of a Hawaiian luau.

The menu includes traditional Hawaiian favorites such as Kalua Pork, I’a Makana Fish Tacos and Mahi Mahi. If your kids aren’t that adventurous, they can go with something more familiar – chicken sandwiches, nuggets, mac and cheese, and milkshakes. For dessert, they might be willing to try a frosted pineapple or decadent King’s Hawaiian bread pudding. After eating, try your hand at traditional island instruments, stroll through the gardens and spot the rooftop beehives. Mon.-Sat., 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 600 W. Lanier Ave. #103, Fayetteville. 770-461-5828. truettsluau.chick-fil-a.com l R.

Thomas Deluxe Grill

Flowerpots, yard art, signs, statues and caged birds give R. Thomas Deluxe Grill its eclectic charm. The funky covered patio garden is a green oasis on Peachtree Street. The restaurant serves organic, vegetarian and “super foods.” You can still get peanut butter chocolate pie or a hamburger, but these options sit side-by-side with raw veggie dinners and freshly squeezed juices. Kids’ choices include scrambled eggs, grilled cheese and pasta. The food is so good that your kids won’t know they’re eating healthy. Open daily, 24 hours. 1812 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. 404-881-0246. rthomasdeluxegrill.net l My

Parents’ Basement

This one-of-a-kind “friendly neighborhood comic book bar” appeals to adults as well as kids. Enjoy the laid back, retro atmosphere while the kids browse the comic books or play pinball on one of 10 movie- and superhero-themed pinball machines. The menu includes choices for every taste, from crunchy black-eyed peas to pimiento cheese toast sticks, fried shrimp hoagie and the restaurant’s signature CBJB, a cashew butter, strawberry jam and bacon sandwich. The kids’ menu includes selections such as grilled cheese, a vegan corn dog, shrimp taco and chicken fingers.

Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-midnight.

22 N. Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates. 404-292-4607. myparentsbasementcbcb.com

Truett’s Luau

34 Atlanta Parent June 2019

Big Bang Pizza

l Big

Bang Pizza

No kid in his right mind would turn down pizza. Add robot servers, and a fun meal is guaranteed. At Robot Pizza in Brookhaven, customers are greeted by Pepper the robot, who offers menu suggestions and other conversational tidbits. Place your order at the counter; after that, the restaurant’s trio of robots “step” in and deliver your food. Photo opportunities abound, with great space-age décor and of course, robot selfies. From the humans in the kitchen come a variety of specialty pizzas as well as build-your-own. Other menu items include sandwiches, calzones and wings. In addition to pizza, kids can order chicken fingers or spaghetti. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun., noon-midnight. 3043 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta. 404-390-3502. facebook.com/Big-Bang-Pizza-1722231044549757

My Parents’ Basement

atlantaparent.com

l The

57th Fighter Group Restaurant Situated at the edge of DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, 57th Fighter Group has everything an airplane enthusiast could want – WWII aviation-themed décor, headsets and a great view of the runway from the outdoor seating area. The upscale menu offers everything from fried catfish and hush puppies to filet mignon. In between watching planes taking off and landing, kids can choose from favorites such as hamburgers, chicken tenders and grilled cheese. Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 5-9 p.m.

(Closed Mondays). 3829 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta.

770-234-0057. the57threstaurant.com l HobNob

Neighborhood Tavern At HobNob Tavern, the first thing you notice is the bookshelf full of games. The variety of board games, including checkers, Battleship, Monopoly, Scrabble and Chutes and Ladders will help entertain the kids while waiting for your food. The menu has everything from salads and appetizers to classic fare such as shrimp and grits, meatloaf, salmon and burgers. The kids’ menu features chicken tenders, fruit, pita pizza and mac and cheese. Open daily, see website for hours. Midtown, 404-968-2288; Town Brookhaven, 404-464-8971; Dunwoody, 470-3957904. hobnobatlanta.com l Orient

Express

A longtime Atlanta tradition, Orient Express serves Asian food in a unique setting – a vintage railroad car. Choose your cuisine – Chinese, sushi or hibachi, and you’ll be ushered to one of three rooms in the car. Kids (and adults) will find the expert hibachi chefs entertaining, and the food is even more fun to eat when it’s been prepared before your eyes. The restaurant is adjacent to a set of busy railroad tracks; your kids might get a close-up view of the real thing.

Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. 2921 Paces Ferry Rd. SE, Atlanta. 770-438-9090. orientexpressatl.com

HobNob Neighborhood Tavern

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June 2019 Atlanta Parent 35

SUMMER Fun Guide

Free Fun

Enjoy your summer vacation without breaking the bank!

Roller Skating Sparkles Family Fun Centers, Skate Zone and Hot Wheels Skate Center participate in the Kids Skate Free program for ages 12 and younger. Register at kidsskatefree.com and you’ll receive passes to skate at designated “free skate” times. Each center sets its own hours and skate rental is not included.

Bowling Many metro bowling centers participate in Kids Bowl Free, a summer program that lets kids ages 15 and younger play two free games on select days of the week. Participating locations include: Stars & Strikes, Metro Fun Center, Pin Strikes and Cherokee Lanes. Each bowling center sets its own dates and times, and shoe rental is not included. Visit kidsbowlfree.com for more information.

Summer Concerts There are many outdoor concerts in Atlanta this summer! See our complete list at atlantaparent.com. Here are some favorites. l Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Concerts in Piedmont Park: June 12 and 19. atlantasymphony.org l Chamblee Summer Concert Series: June 7, July 4, Aug. 9. chambleerocks.net l Lawrenceville Summer Concert Series: June 21, July 26. lawrencevillega.org

Sparkles Family Fun Center

Museums with Free Days l Second Sunday at the High: Get free admission the second Sunday of each month from noon-5 p.m. high.org l Museums on Us: Bank of America cardholders receive one free general admission the first full weekend of every month to High Museum, Center for Civil and Human Rights and Atlanta History Center. l Museum of Design Atlanta: MODA offers free admission the second Sunday of most months. The next Design Club Day is June 9 and includes STEAM activities. museumofdesign.org

Museums (always free) Several Atlanta area museums offer free admission. Here are a few we recommend.

The Georgia Capitol Museum Tour gives an overview of Georgia history and the Capitol building. The Marietta and Roswell Fire Museums offer historical information and antique firefighting gear. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is free for kids ages 16 and younger (adult admission is $12). General admission to Fernbank Science Center is free; planetarium shows have a fee (adults, $7; children ages 5 and younger, $5). A self-guided tour of the King Center is free; reservations are required to tour the Birth Home of Dr. King.

For more free summer activities; check out “60+ Free and Fun Things to Do” on atlantaparent.com.

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SUMMER Fun Guide

Top 4th of July Events

Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade

Everyone Loves a Parade l Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade. Dunwoody Village.

Celebration features marching bands, floats, clowns and animal units who will march from Mount Vernon Road and Jett Ferry Road to Dunwoody Village. July 4. 9 a.m. Dunwoody Village Pkwy., Dunwoody. 770-354-7653.

Free. l Fourth in the Park. Glover Park. A parade, free concerts, museum tours, arts and crafts show, food, carnival games and fireworks. Parade begins at Roswell Street Baptist Church and ends at North Marietta Parkway. July 4. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 50 Park Square, Marietta. 770-794-5601.

Free.

l Fourth of July Celebration. Lake Avondale. Parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Clarendon Ave. and S. Avondale Rd. Fireworks begin at dusk. July 4. Avondale Estates.

404-294-5400. Free. l Fourth of July Parade and Rotary Celebration.

Downtown Newnan. A patriotic, hometown parade starts at 9 a.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park and ends at Greenville Street Park; followed by entertainment and food at Newnan High School’s Drake Stadium at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks at dusk. July 4. Newnan.

770-253-8283. Free. l Independence Day Celebration. Peachtree City. Fourth of July parade begins at 9 a.m. on Peachtree Parkway. Festival starts at 5 p.m. at City Hall Plaza. Food vendors and fireworks at Lake Peachtree at dusk. July 4. 151 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City. 770-631-2525. Free. l July Fourth Parade and Festival at the Park.

Hunter Memorial Park. Parade begins at 10 a.m. and proceeds west down Church Street. Festival 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hunter Memorial Park. July 4. 8830 Gurley Rd., Douglasville. 770-9203007. Free.

Fourth in the Park Parade, Marietta

38 Atlanta Parent June 2019

l Pied Piper Parade, Concert and Fireworks.

Downtown Decatur. Decorate a wagon, ride your bike, skate or walk along with the parade that begins at First Baptist Church of Decatur. The Callanwolde Concert Band performs after the parade. Fireworks display at dark. July 4. Parade Line-Up, 5:30 p.m.; concert, 7 p.m.; fireworks, 9 p.m. Downtown Decatur. 678615-0915. Free.

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Celebrating over 35 years!

Fireworks, fun and more

ity & Matern ns’ Childrees!

Cloth

l Fantastic Fourth Celebration.

Memorial Lawn at Stone Mountain Park. Enjoy a fireworks display following the Lasershow Spectacular. July 1-7. 9:30 p.m. Stone Mountain.

800-401-2407. Fireworks show, free; parking, $20. l Red, White & Boom! Lillian Webb Park.

Fireworks, food trucks, inflatables, music and more. July 3. 5-11 p.m. A shuttle will run from the Norcross First United Methodist Church: 2500 Beaver Ruin Rd. aplacetoimagine.com/events.

Free. l Duluth Celebrates America. Duluth Town Green. Celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks display, children’s activities, food trucks, bands and more. July 3. 5:30-10 p.m. 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-476-3434. Free. l Kennesaw’s Salute to America.

Downtown Kennesaw and Depot Park. Pre-Fourth celebration including two stages of live music, food vendors and other activities. July 3. 6-10 p.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-4229714. Free.

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Chamblee Fourth of July Celebration

l East Point Salute to the Red, White and Blue. Across from the East Point MARTA station. Artist market, food vendors, live music and fireworks. July 4. 3-11 p.m. Fireworks, 9:30 p.m. downtowneastpoint.com. Free. l Fourth of July Celebration. Dellinger Park. Concert, fireworks, children’s area, food and more. July 4. Begins at 10 a.m. 100 Pine Grove Rd., Cartersville. 770-423-1330. Free; parking, $5.

l Sparks in the Park. E. E. Robinson Park.

Fireworks, inflatables, food and drinks and live entertainment. July 3. 6 p.m. 850 Level Creek Rd., Sugar Hill. 770-831-7413. Free.

l July Fourth Concert and Fireworks.

Cauble Park. Food vendors, live music in the afternoon and fireworks at dark. July 4. 5:30 p.m.

4425 Beach St., Acworth. 770-917-1234. Free.

l AJC Peachtree Road Race. Starts near Lenox Square Mall and ends at Piedmont Park.

Cheer on participants of this famous Atlanta race.

July 4. 7:30 a.m. 404-233-6767.

l July Fourth Festivities and Fireworks.

Wills Park. Face painting, entertainment, local bands, food vendors and fireworks at dusk. July 4. 6-10 p.m.

11925 Wills Rd., Alpharetta. 678-297-6130. Free.

l Chamblee Fourth of July Celebration. Keswick Park. Activities for kids and adults, food vendors, live music and an elaborate fireworks show in the park. July 4. 5-10 p.m. 3496 Keswick Dr., Chamblee. 770-986-5016.

Free.

l Star Spangled Fourth. Mall of Georgia.

Live music, a movie and Gwinnett’s biggest fireworks display. July 4. Festivities begin at 5 p.m.; fireworks begin at dark. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford.

770-271-9458. Free.

l Cumming Fourth of July Celebration. Cumming Fairgrounds.

Festivities begin July 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., with a dance contest, food and vendors, children’s activities and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-781-3491.

Admission, $5; under 13, free.

Beyond Atlanta

l Fireworks in Fourth Ward. Historic Fourth Ward Park. Family-friendly event with entertainment, food trucks and fireworks show at 9:15pm. July 4. 5-10 p.m. 680 Dallas St. NE, Atlanta. 404-900-7900. Free. l Sandy Springs Independence Day Fireworks Display. Concourse Corporate Center lawn. Enjoy live entertainment at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. at this family-friendly gathering. July 4. 5 Concourse Pkwy., Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600. Free. l Fourth of July Extravaganza. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. March in the children’s parade around the museum floor, enjoy storytime, sing patriotic songs and see special indoor “fireworks” with bubble wrap. July 4. Noon and 2 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Adults and ages 1 and older, $15.95.

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800 Miami Circle • Buckhead 404•261•7519

l Celebrate America. The Rock Ranch. All day family fun with evening concert and a fireworks extravaganza. Entertainment includes hot air balloon rides, family rides and attractions. Some activities cost extra. June 29. Gates open at 2 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374. $14.99/ person from 2-6 p.m., $25/carload after 6 p.m. l July Fourth Star Spangled Beach Party. Robin Lake Beach. Beach activities, live music, food trucks, contests and the annual Fireworks Extravaganza. July 4. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Pine Mountain. 844-875-6499. Ages 13 and older, $34.95; ages 6-12, $24.95; ages 5 and younger, free. l Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.

Fireworks extravaganza. July 4. 9:45 p.m. 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee. 706-896-4191. Free.

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July 2019 AtlantaParent

July 2019 / atlantaparent.com

From Art Classes Museums Trampoline Parks Music Private Schools Birthday Parties Pediatricians Kid Salons Restaurants Preschools Nature Centers

l Freedom Train. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Celebrate Independence Day all aboard in Bryson City. July 4. Departure 7 p.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800-872-4681. Adults, $66-$99; ages 2-12, $41-$56; ages 23 months and younger, $0-$20.

678-708-2321

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770-454-7599 June 2019 Atlanta Parent 39

SUMMER Fun Guide Here’s the Scoop! Our Favorite Frozen Treats Summertime is a great reason to enjoy frozen treats! Cool off with a soft-serve cone, a scoop of handcrafted ice cream or a frosty snow cone. Here are some of our favorite spots; expect to pay $3-6 for a treat, depending on size and extras. l Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt A wide range of flavors, from sophisticated to traditional, makes Pinkberry an Atlanta favorite for soft-serve frozen yogurt. Adults love chocolate hazelnut and pomegranate; kid favorites include cookie butter and strawberry. Atlanta, 770-675-3158. pinkberry.com l Jeni’s

Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni’s artisan ice creams are hand-crafted using whole ingredients; craveworthy flavors include brown butter almond brittle and darkest chocolate; kids love supermoon for its marshmallow-cereal taste. Locations in Atlanta Westside, Krog Street Market, Decatur and Alpharetta. jenis.com l 8

Fahrenheit

Originally sold by street vendors in Thailand, 8 Fahrenheit brings the rolled ice cream trend to Atlanta. An ice cream base is combined with mix-ins, molded into perfect rolls, and served in a cup. Kids love cookie monster made with Oreos and graham crackers; adults love the raspberry-blueberry-blackberry flavor combo. Doraville, 770-559-5549; Duluth, 470-545-6828. eat8f.com l Morelli’s

Ice Cream

Morelli’s offers an ever-changing list of flavors, from blueberry corncake to krispy kreamier. Kid favorites include vanilla with rainbow sprinkles. Adults crave the salted caramel. Atlanta, 404-622-0210; Dunwoody, 770-454-2207. morellisicecream.com l SweeTreats

Butter & Cream

l Butter

& Cream

This fan favorite boasts handcrafted small-batch ice cream and frozen desserts. Kid favorites: strawberry, freckled chocolate, butterscotch brownie. Adult favorites: OG goodness (brown sugar ice cream with butter cake) and honeycomb forest. Decatur, 404-378-7272; BeltLine, 404-709-2173. butterandcream.com l Frosty

Caboose

The “train-watching capital of Atlanta” in Chamblee boasts 36 flavors, including sugar- and gluten-free options. Kid favorites: Superman, birthday cake, cookies and cream. Adult favorites: mint chocolate chip, chunky salted caramel. Chamblee, 770-451-4556. frostycaboose.com l Big

Easy Sno-Balls

The classic New Orleans treat is taken to a new level at Big Easy.

Favorite kids’ flavors: cotton candy and Hawaiian Punch. Try custom creations like key lime, with condensed milk, whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs. Open through October. Woodstock, 470-533-8519. bigeasysnoballs.com

40 Atlanta Parent June 2019

Located in Historic Marietta Square, this unique shop blends your choice of flavors and toppings into an ice cream base.

Top choice for kids and adults: cookie monster, made with cookie dough and Oreos. Marietta, 770-528-9090. facebook.com/ sweetreatsmarietta l Four

Fat Cows

This local favorite offers a wide variety of made-from-scratch ice cream flavors; those with food allergies will rejoice in the many gluten-free, egg-free and dairy-free options. Kid favorites: Superman and mint chocolate chip cookies and cream. Adults love Nutella Pelican’s SnoBalls cookie dough and coffee almond.

Alpharetta, 470-268-5268. fourfatcows.com l Pelican’s

SnoBalls

Fluffy “snow” topped with your choice of over 100 flavors – kids’ favorite signature mixes include superhero and rainbow; adults love Georgia peach and cherry margarita. Marietta, 678-494-6336; Conyers, 770-679-1830; Douglasville, 919-995-3489; Kennesaw, 770-765-6213. pelicanssnoballs.com

atlantaparent.com

Your Summer Go-To t s i L t e k c Bu

This handy checklist means your family won’t miss a minute of fun this summer! 

Roswell Cultural Arts Center roswellcac.com



Adventure Air adventureairsports.com

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Atlanta Botanical Garden atlantabg.org

Southeastern Railway Museum train-museum.org

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

The Children’s Museum childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History southernmuseum.org

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Historic Acworth visitacworth.com

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Tellus Science Museum tellusmuseum.org

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City of Marietta Parks and Recreation mariettaga.gov/parksrec

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Woodruff Arts Center woodruffcenter.org

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Wiggles at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre cobbenergycentre.com

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Zoo Atlanta zooatlanta.org

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Discover Dunwoody discoverdunwoody.com

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Babyland General Hospital cabbagepatchkids.com

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Dynamo Swim School dynamoswimschool.com

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Chattanooga chattanoogafun.com

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Fernbank Science Center fernbank.edu

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Cool River Tubing coolrivertubing.com

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High Museum of Art high.org

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Funopolis funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com

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Jack N’ Elle Playhouse jacknelleplayhouse.com

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Summerfest at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland

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Jimmy Carter Library and Museum jimmycarterlibrary.gov

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Lane Southern Orchards lanesouthernorchards.com

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Legoland atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

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Martin County Florida discovermartin.com

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Margaritaville at Lanier Islands lanierislands.com/margaritaville

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The Rock Ranch therockranch.com

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Mercedes-Benz Stadium mercedesbenzstadium.com/tours

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Towns County golakechatuge.com

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River Tubing rivertubing.com



Tennessee Valley Railroad tvrail.com

atlantaparent.com

Beyond Atlanta

gaylordopryland.com/summerfest

June 2019 Atlanta Parent 41