Atlanta Parent Magazine July 2019

AtlantaParent

July 2019 / atlantaparent.com

From Art Classes Museums Trampoline Parks Dance Private Schools Birthday Parties Pediatricians Travel Preschools Nature Centers Tutoring Special Needs

to the Zoo

and much, much more

TOP

10

LISTS

for Everything Family 2019

Great Info Mom, Dad,

the Kids can use

ALL YEAR LONG

FROM

GRACE TO GRANDEUR

Coming Soon 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!

#ONLYZOOATL

Pediatric Allergy at the

Center for Allergy and Asthma OF GEORGIA

We Take Special Care of CHILDREN. Our staff and nurses work with parents and children to make the experience as pleasant as possible, including any skin testing and allergy shots.

BOARD CERTIFIED ALLERGISTS in Sinus, Allergy and Asthma Care Pediatric Allergy at the

SAME OR NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS Booking online at caageorgia.com or call 770-459-0620

Alpharetta • Carrollton • Douglasville • Griffin • Hiram • Kennesaw • Newnan • Peachtree City • Smyrna • Villa Rica

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

Presented by Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits

WHERE: Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at City Springs

Photo by Travis Hudgons

4 Atlanta Parent July 2019

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 atlantaparent.com

Inside 35 July

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

TOP

10

LISTS

for Everything Family

Parents will use our curated Top 10 lists to explore all Atlanta has to offer, from schools to museums to pediatricians to classes. Save this issue and use it all year long.

Page 10

44

The Homeschool Option

51

Family Fun Guide

Read why local moms decided to homeschool their children and their advice to beginners.

Use our resource guide to get started.

Don’t miss our list of exciting events this month. Visit the Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta Motor Speedway and Fernbank Museum.

Have an action-packed day at Margaritaville, and find ways to entertain tweens this summer.

Publisher’s Note / 8 Digital Page / 9

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

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 5

PUBLISHER Liz White

lwhite@atlantaparent.com ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Cindy Ford EXECUTIVE cford@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Emily Satterfield EXECUTIVE Esatterfield@atlantaparent.com

SPECIAL EVENTS Hannah Sykes COORDINATOR/ hsykes@atlantaparent.com SALES ASSOCIATE STAFF Emily Webb WRITER ewebb@atlantaparent.com

COPY Mary Williams

EDITOR EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery

ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

OPERATIONS Caroline Ward MANAGER cward@atlantaparent.com ADMINISTRATIVE Amelia Ramirez

ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATIVE Susan Carter

ASSISTANT

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6 Atlanta Parent July 2019

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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.

Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations throughout the metro Atlanta area. First class subscription only $30 per year. Subscription orders must include check or money order made out to Atlanta Parent magazine.

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© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2019

atlantaparent.com

Oct. 5

10 am - 4 pm

Mercer University Atlanta Campus

More than

50

Family-Friendly Activities!

Publisher’s Note Is Fun on Your To-Do List?

Summer is a time for relaxation and freedom, although today’s kids often have summers almost as scheduled as the school year. I was spending time with my grandson Elliot recently; he was busy making his to-do list for the day. My favorite item on his list was “have fun today” and sure enough, at the end of the day he checked it off with satisfaction. List-making is a great way to stay organized and a habit that I hope he’ll carry into the coming school year.

Busy parents make lots of lists – things to do, obligations, plans and even bucket lists. I don’t always remember to add “have fun today” to my lists, and I don’t always go back and review them, but when I do it gives me a sense of accomplishment.

There are lots of “top ten” lists out there; I enjoy reading them and comparing them to my own favorites. This month is Atlanta Parent’s “Top Ten” issue, and we’ve included lists for everything from parties and entertainment to education, travel destinations and places to play. It’s packed with information and opportunities for having fun as a family – you may find some places you haven’t visited. There are also lots of great education and health resources; take advantage of all the opportunities Atlanta has to offer.

Our July Family Fun Guide has lots of exciting things to add to your summertime to-do list. Don’t miss the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival, Superhero Day at Tellus Science Museum, and evening lantern parades in Marietta and Midtown. You’ll also find events that celebrate the historic moon landing of Apollo 11 – attend one and inspire your budding astronomer.

If you haven’t visited atlantaparent.com lately, take a look – you’ll find a wealth of current events, exhibits and family entertainment to add to your list. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for Atlanta Parent’s e-newsletters. Each week we bring you even more ideas for things to see and do around Atlanta.

We’ve probably missed a few things on your own personal “top ten” list; email us at editor@atlantaparent.com and tell us about your favorites! In the meantime, enjoy summer, relaxing, and maybe a little list-making.

How to Reach us: Beneficiary:

atlantaparent.com/ familyfestival 8 Atlanta Parent July 2019

Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

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

atlantaparent.com

Atlanta

PARENT

MOST-READ STORIES 10 Best Atlanta Mom Blogs Why We Love Marietta, Georgia Atlanta Hotels with the Best Kid-Friendly Amenities

KID-FRIENDLY GUIDES 75 Best Atlanta Playgrounds and Parks for Families 2019 Guide to Best Preschools in Atlanta 10 Things to Do in Blairsville, Georgia

“Books on tape.” – Amanda DiResta “I make a small goody bag – usually a couple of figures and a new notebook/coloring book. We try to only bring the screen out when we are at the end of the trip.” – Amanda Modrell

CONTESTS Keep an eye out for #AtlantaParentContest every week on Facebook. This month, we’ll be giving away a Summer Getaway to Gaylord Opryland in Nashville including a two-night stay and admission to the new waterpark, Soundwaves ($950 value), Zoo Atlanta tickets and more.

ATLANTA BABY

Facebook Feedback How do you keep your kids busy on long car trips?

#

Facebook

Join our more than 31.4K followers @atlantaparentmagazine

Check out our source for new and expectant moms: atlantaparent.com/ freebies

“We drive at night and they sleep.” – Liz Daye “I usually buy my daughter a book at the travel destination, and she reads that on the way home.” – Melinda Merrill

Can’t find a copy of our magazine?

Download the digital edition of this month’s issue: atlantaparent.com/magazine/ atlantaparent.com

Twitter

Read our Tweets @atlantaparent

Instagram

Check out fun photos @atlantaparent July 2019 Atlanta Parent 9

TOP

10

LISTS

for Everything Family

OUT & ABOUT

Family Attractions l Center for Puppetry Arts puppet.org Atlanta, 404-873-3391

l Six Flags Over Georgia sixflags.com/overgeorgia Austell, 770-739-3400

l Fernbank Museum of Natural History fernbankmuseum.org Atlanta, 404-929-6300

l Skyview Atlanta skyviewatlanta.com Atlanta, 678-949-9023

l Georgia Aquarium georgiaaquarium.org Atlanta, 404-581-4000 l High Museum of Art high.org Atlanta, 404-733-4400 l Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park nps.gov/malu Atlanta, 404-331-5190 x5046

l Stone Mountain Park stonemountainpark.com Stone Mountain, 800-401-2407 l World of Coca-Cola worldofcoca-cola.com Atlanta, 404-676-5151 l Zoo Atlanta zooatlanta.org Atlanta, 404-624-9453

2019 Our curated lists will help you explore all Atlanta has to offer, from schools to attractions and more.

High Museum of Art

10 Atlanta Parent    July 2019

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Museums

l Atlanta History Center atlantahistorycenter.com Atlanta, 404-814-4000

l College Football Hall of Fame cfbhall.com Atlanta, 404-880-4800

l The Booth Western Art Museum boothmuseum.org Cartersville, 770-387-1300

l Fernbank Museum of Natural History fernbankmuseum.org Atlanta, 404-929-6300

l Center for Civil and Human Rights civilandhumanrights.org Atlanta, 678-999-8990

l Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center gwinnettehc.com Buford, 770-904-3500

l Center for Puppetry Arts puppet.org Atlanta, 404-873-3391

l High Museum of Art high.org Atlanta, 404-733-4400

l Children’s Museum of Atlanta childrensmuseumatlanta.org Atlanta, 404-659-5437

l Tellus Science Museum tellusmuseum.org Cartersville, 770-606-5700

Because Science Matters Open minds and ignite a passion for science at Tellus.

The museum features four main galleries with interactive exhibits, a digital planetarium and an observatory with a state-of-theart telescope. Children will have a blast conducting hands-on experiments with light, sound, magnets and more.

Places to Play All Day

l Adventure Air Sports adventureairsports.com Kennesaw, 678-798-8296 l Andretti Indoor Karting & Games andrettikarting.com Marietta, 678-486-9530 Roswell, 770-992-5688 l Funopolis Family Fun Center funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com Commerce, 706-335-3866 l Fun Spot America – Atlanta funspotamericaatlanta.com Fayetteville, 407-363-3867 l Glow Galaxy glowgalaxy.com Norcross, 770-368-3008 l Lakepoint Station lakepointstation.com Cartersville, 678-719-0921 l Main Event Entertainment mainevent.com Atlanta, 770-995-0717 Alpharetta, 770-521-9100 Suwanee, 770-945-7111 l Malibu Grand Prix mailbunorcross.com Norcross, 770-416-7630 l Metro Fun Center metrofuncenter.com Atlanta, 404-724-8826 l Stars and Strikes starsandstrikes.com Multiple locations

Cartersville 770-606-5700 TellusMuseum.org sponsored

Rollerskating/Ice Skating l All American Skating Center aaskate.com Stone Mountain, 770-469-9775

l Let’s Roll Skate and Fun Center letsrollskating.com Cumming, 770-888-5000

l Cascade Skating cascadeskating.com Atlanta, 404-996-0078

l Marietta Ice Center mariettaicecenter.com Marietta, 770-509-5067

l Center Ice Arena centericearena.org Sandy Springs, 404-549-8425

l Skate-A-Long USA skatealongusa.com Lilburn, 770-921-0800

l The Alpharetta Family Skate Center coolerathletics.com Alpharetta, 770-649-6600

l Skate Towne Roller Rink skatetowne.com College Park, 404-768-0095

l Hot Wheels Skate Center hotwheelsskatecenter.com Woodstock, 770-592-4688

l Sparkles Family Fun Center sparklesfamilyfuncenters.com Multiple locations

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July 2019 Atlanta Parent 11

OUT & ABOUT Preserving the Past

Smaller Museums

l Delta Flight Museum deltamuseum.org Atlanta, 404-715-7886 l Fernbank Science Center fernbank.edu Atlanta, 678-874-7102

l Marietta Museum of History mariettahistory.org Marietta, 770-794-5710 l Michael C. Carlos Museum carlos.emory.edu Atlanta, 404-727-4282

l Funk Heritage Center reinhardt.edu/funkheritage Waleska, 770-720-5970

l Museum of Design Atlanta museumofdesign.org Atlanta, 404-979-6455

l Interactive Neighborhood for Kids inkfun.org Gainesville, 770-536-1900

l Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History southernmuseum.org Kennesaw, 770-427-2117

l The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum jimmycarterlibrary.gov Atlanta, 404-865-7100

Discover the rich history of Marietta and Cobb County at the Marietta Museum of History. The museum provides an entertaining experience by promoting inspiration, curiosity, and learning for people of all ages.

l Southeastern Railway Museum train-museum.org Duluth, 770-476-2013

770-794-5710 • MariettaHistory.org sponsored

Where Past Meets Present

Special Interest For thrills

l iFLY Atlanta iflyworld.com Atlanta, 678-803-4359

For train lovers

l Southeastern Railway Museum train-museum.org Duluth, 770-476-2013

For puppet lovers

l Center for Puppetry Arts puppet.org Atlanta, 404-873-3391

Come discover the history of the Marietta Fire Department at our free Museum. Located near the Square, the museum boasts a collection of fire apparatus and gear dating back to 1854. Come visit today!

For little builders

l LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta legolanddiscoverycenter.com Atlanta, 404-848-9252

For renaissance fans

l Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament medievaltimes.com Lawrenceville, 888-935-6878

770-794-5466 • mariettaga.gov/189/Fire-Museum

For tree lovers

l Treetop Quest treetopquest.com Dunwoody, 770-365-0356 Buford, 404-277-6113

For the health detective

l David J. Sencer CDC Museum cdc.gov/museum Atlanta, 404-639-0830 l Bodies: The Exhibition premierexhibitions.com Atlanta, 404-496-4274

For the little firefighter l Marietta Fire Museum mariettaga.gov/189/ Fire-Museum Marietta, 770-794-5466

For news junkies, l CNN Studio Tour tours.cnn.com Atlanta, 404-827-2300

sponsored

Quirky and Out-of-the-Box Activities

Go to atlantaparent.com for 250 Fun Things to do with Kids, including: l Tiny and Secret Doors

l Ghost Tours

12 Atlanta Parent July 2019

l Scavenger Hunts

l Escape Rooms

l Atlanta Public Art Tour

atlantaparent.com

Trampoline Parks l Adventure Air Sports adventureairsports.com Kennesaw, 678-798-8296

Come Jump With Us You’re invited to the Adventure! Offering a variety of attractions from Super Trampolines to our Ninja Warrior Course Zip line high above the park or race your friends up our climbing wall. There’s something for everyone!

l Airborne Canton airbornecanton.com Canton, 770-229-7120 l Get Air getairsports.com Multiple locations l Jump N Joy jump-n-joy.com Douglasville, 678-909-5635 l Jumpstreet gotjump.com Lawrenceville, 678-847-0123 l Launch Trampoline Park launchcumming.com Cumming, 678-807-7772

678-384-2020 AdventureAirSports.com

l Rockin’ Jump rockinjump.com Buford, 678-324-9590; Smyrna, 770-224-0310

sponsored

l SkyZone Trampoline Park skyzone.com Multiple locations l Urban Air Adventure Park urbanairtrampolinepark.com Multiple locations l XDrenaline xdrenaline.com Marietta, 770-604-1367

Trampolining is the most efficient, effective form of exercise, according to NASA. Their study found 10 minutes of trampolining was a better workout than 30 minutes of running.

Kids 16 years old and younger are FREE atlantaparent.com

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 13

OUT & ABOUT Places to Splash Outdoors

l Acworth Beach acworth.com/attractions/Acworth-beach Acworth, 770-917-1234

Escape to Paradise at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Located north of Atlanta, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is the perfect escape to paradise! Relax on the beach, make a splash on a water slide or grab a bite to eat at LandShark Bar & Grill. However you choose to chill, you will be surrounded by the sights, sounds and tastes of Margaritaville.

l Big Splash Interactive Fountain at Suwanee Town Center suwanee.com/services/parks Suwanee, 770-945-8996 l Margaritaville at Lanier Island margaritavilleatlanierIslands.com Buford, 470-323-3440 l Buccaneer Cove at Malibu Grand Prix Norcross malibunorcross.com Norcross, 770-416-7630 l Elizabeth Porter Park Sprayground mariettaga.gov/parksrec Marietta, 770-794-5073 l Piedmont Park Aquatic Center piedmontpark.org/aquatics-pool/ Atlanta, 404-875-7275

Buford • 470-323-3440 MargaritavilleatLanierIslands.com

l Riverside Park Splash ‘N’ Play roswellgov.com Roswell, 770-594-6158 l Six Flags Whitewater sixflags.com/whitewater Marietta, 770-948-9290

Gardens and Nature Centers

l Anniston Museums and Gardens ExploreAMAG.org Anniston, AL, 256-237-6766 l Atlanta Botanical Gardens atlantabg.org Atlanta, 404-876-5859; Gainesville, 404-888-4760 l Autrey Mill Nature Preserve autreymill.org Johns Creek, 678-366-3511

sponsored

l Six Flags Hurricane Harbor sixflags.com/overgeorgia/hurricane-harbor Austell, 770-739-3400

l Swift-Cantrell Park Splash Pad kennesaw-ga.gov Kennesaw, 770-422-9714

Adventure Awaits Explore Your World at Anniston Museums and Gardens … take a trip through history and discover nature’s secrets at the Anniston Museum of Natural History and Berman Museum!

l Blue Heron Nature Preserve bhnp.org Atlanta, 404-946-6394 l Callaway Resort & Gardens callawaygardens.com Pine Mountain, 844-512-3826 l Chattahoochee Nature Center chattnaturecenter.org Roswell, 770-992-2055

800 Museum Dr., Anniston, AL 36206 • 256-237-6766 • ExploreAMAG.org sponsored

l Dunwoody Nature Center dunwoodynature.org Dunwoody, 770-394-3322

l Reynolds Nature Preserve reynoldsnaturepreserve.org Morrow, 770-603-4188

l Elachee Nature Science Center elachee.org Gainesville, 770-535-1976

l Smith-Gilbert Gardens smithgilbertgardens.com Kennesaw, 770-919-0248

14 Atlanta Parent July 2019

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Travel: City Destinations l Alpine Helen, Georgia helenga.org 800-858-8027

l Asheville, North Carolina exploreasheville.com 828-258-6129

Family Fun for All in the Northeast Georgia Mountains One out of five travelers will vacation within their home state.

l Birmingham, Alabama birminghamal.org 800-458-8085 l Chattanooga, Tennessee chattanoogafun.com 800-322-3344 l Gatlinburg, Tennessee gatlinburg.com 800-588-1817 l Huntsville, Alabama huntsville.org 800-843-0468 l Macon, Georgia maconga.org 478-743-1074

Cool off this summer in the crisp mountain surroundings of Alpine Helen – Georgia’s Outdoor Adventure Destination.

Your adventure awaits.

l Nashville, Tennessee visitmusiccity.com 800-657-6910 l Savannah, Georgia savannah.com 912-238-1453 l Lake Chatuge, Georgia golakechatuge.com 706-896-4966

800-858-8027 • 706-878-2181 • HelenGa.org

Studies show that traveling together strengthens family bonds and improves communication.

80% of families take a vacation during summer.

sponsored

n a t u ra l ly wo n d e r fu l

atlantaparent.com

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 15

OUT & ABOUT Explore the Amazing Wonders of Lookout Mountain!

Lookout Mountain is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family road trip. Home to world-famous attractions Rock City, The Incline Railway, and Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain showcases breathtaking natural and historic beauty.

Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain, GA LookoutMountain.com sponsored

Road Trip Resorts

l Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa brasstownvalley.com Young Harris, 800-201-3205 l Callaway Resort & Gardens callawaygardens.com Pine Mountain, 844-512-3826 l Gaylord Opryland Resort marriott.com Nashville, TN, 615-889-1000 l Great Wolf Lodge greatwolf.com/Georgia LaGrange, 844-473-9653 l The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island ritzcarlton.com Amelia Island, FL, 904-277-1100

Attractions

l Anakeesta anakeesta.com Gatlinburg, TN, 865-221-7167 l Great Smoky Mountain Railroad gsmr.com Bryson City, NC, 800-872-4681 l Lookout Mountain Attractions Rock City, Incline Railway and Ruby Falls lookoutmountain.com Chattanooga, TN and Lookout Mountain l Tennessee Valley Railroad tvrail.com Chattanooga, TN, 423-894-8028 l Wildwater Rafting wildwaterrafting.com 866-319-8870

Best Travel Destinations for Families with Kids atlantaparent.com/travel-kids/ 16 Atlanta Parent    July 2019

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TOP

10 LISTS

CHILDCARE Large Childcare Centers

These childcare centers all have multiple locations.

Find one in your neighborhood by visiting the websites. l Bright Horizons brighthorizons.com

l Kindercare Learning Center kindercare.com

l Carrington Academy carringtonacademy.com

l Legacy Academy legacyacademy.com

l Discovery Point discoverypoint.com

l Primrose Schools primroseschools.com

l The Goddard School goddardschool.com

l Sheltering Arms Early Education shelteringarmsforkids.com

l Kids R Kids krk.press/atlanta

l Sunshine House sunshinehouse.com

Independent Childcare Centers l Atlanta First Day School a1kids.org Atlanta, 404-333-0270 l Barrington Academy barringtonacademy.com Stockbridge, 770-474-0772 l Benjamin Preparatory School benjaminprep.com Atlanta, 770-436-5200 l The Chastain School thechastainschool.com Atlanta, 404-851-0001

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math promote brain development and critical thinking skills. Our exclusive STEAM Ahead® and Brain Waves® Curriculums support these elementary elements that build strong educational foundations for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years.

22 Premier Locations krk.press/atlanta sponsored

l GEMS Learning Academy gemslearningacademy.com Union City, 770-306-6133 l Haygood haygoodwcm.org Atlanta, 404-872-5806 l Kompany Kids kompanykids.com Atlanta, 770-850-9222 l The Little Nook thelittlenook.net Atlanta, 404-846-2232 l Restoration Kids Lean-N-Play restorationchurch.faith/kids Alpharetta, 770-751-9697 l St. John Children Center stjohnatlanta.org Atlanta, 404-843-8375

Drop-In Childcare & Babysitters l A Child’s Night Out achildsnightout.com Marietta, 770-952-9824 l The Children’s Courtyard childrenscourtyard.com Multiple Locations l First Steps Atlanta firststepsnetwork.com Atlanta, 404-695-8913

l Peachtree Road United Methodist Church prumc.org/drop-in Atlanta, 404-240-8269 l Toddler University iftoddleruniversity.com Marietta, 678-909-3842 l Care care.com

l Kids & Main Playcare kidsandmain.com Lawrenceville, 770-545-6442

l College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors collegenanniesandtutors.com

l KidZone atlantajcc.org Dunwoody, 678-812-3830

l Urban Sitter urbansitter.com

atlantaparent.com

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 17

Gems Learning Academy

BARRINGTON ACADEMY

Infants & Toddlers

Where Learning Takes Flight H

Twos & Threes Private Preschool School-Age Programs Enrolling now for Free GA PreK

770-474-0772

barringtonacademy.com H 810 Flat Rock Rd., Stockbridge 30281

18 Atlanta Parent July 2019

Infants to Pre-K

l

After-School Programs

Join the GEMS family!

Children ages 6 weeks -12 years Extended care 6 a.m - 8 p.m. l l

Affordable rates Multiple Discounts Available

770-306-6133

Enrolling now for Free GA PreK

l gemslearningacademy.com l 8850 Highpoint Rd., Union City 30291

atlantaparent.com

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10 LISTS

CLASSES Dance

A Studio Dedicated to the Art of Dance Ballet • Tap • Jazz Hip Hop • Piano • Guitar Adult Tap and Ballet • Ballroom Mothers Morning Out Ages 2 and older Adult classes, too

l Academy of Ballet academy-ballet.com Peachtree Corners, 770-242-6379 l Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education centre.atlantaballet.com Multiple locations l Atlanta Dance & Music Academy atlantadanceandmusic.com Atlanta, 404-877-0005

Dance & Arts Showcase

l Ballethnic Dance Company ballethnic.org East Point, 404-762-1416 l Chambers Performing Arts chambersperformingarts.com Multiple locations l Dance and Arts Showcase danceandarts.com Chamblee, 770-934-5010 l Fleetwood Dance Center fleetwooddance.com Alpharetta, 770-442-5229

Open House: Aug. 3 & 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chamblee 770-934-5010 DanceAndArts.com

sponsored

l Moving in the Spirit movinginthespirit.org Atlanta, 404-624-5295

l The Neighborhood Ballet theneighborhoodballet.com Atlanta, 678-596-8447

l Once Upon A Ballet onceuponaballetatl.com Marietta, 404-964-0529

Science

Sports

Swim Lessons

l Brainy Bytes brainy-bytes.com Alpharetta, 770-757-3641 Woodstock, 770-826-0449

l Atlanta Diving Association atlantadiving.com Multiple locations, 770-844-7710

l British Swim School britishswimschool.com Multiple Locations

l Atlanta Junior Rowing Association ajracrew.com Roswell, 770-835-5769

l Goldfish Swim School goldfishswimschool.com Johns Creek, 770-637-0707 Roswell, 770-691-1776 Sandy Springs, 770-766-0237

l Builder Bunch builderbunch.com Multiple locations, 855-694-4327

l Club SciKidz clubscikidz.com Multiple locations, 678-493-5651 l High Touch - High Tech sciencemadefun.net Roswell, 770-667-9443

l A5 Volleyball Club a5volleyball.com Alpharetta, 770-346-8878

l Atlanta Volleyball Academy avageorgia.com Suwanee, 404-775-5005

l Aqua-Tots Swim Schools aqua-tots.com Alpharetta, 770-282-8123; Roswell, 404-495-4872

l Dynamo Swim School dynamoswimschool.com Multiple locations

l Imagine That! & Future Tech imaginethatfun.com Multiple locations, 770-455-1980

l Aussie Kids Golf Academy aussiekids.com Atlanta, 404-812-6808; Johns Creek, 770-814-8440

l Robotic Explorers ryre.com Roswell, 770-772-6622

l Georgia Soccer Association georgiasoccer.org Atlanta, 770-452-0505

l SeaVentures seaventures.com Alpharetta, 770-992-3772

l Science Creations sciencecreations.com Stone Mountain, 678-531-2357

l Hi Five Sports - N. Atlanta hifivesportsclubs.com Alpharetta, 844-397-2255

l Sharkies Swim & Scuba sharkiesswimandscubaacademy.com Smyrna, 678-827-2822

l Start Code startcode.net Atlanta, 404-507-2772

l i9 Sports i9sports.com Multiple Locations

l Swim Atlanta swimatlanta.com Multiple locations

l The STEM Hangar thestemhangar.com Woodstock, 678-304-0088

l Karate Atlanta karateatlanta.com Multiple locations

l The Swim Revolution theswimrevolution.com Atlanta, 404-354-1180

l Tech Time Academy techtimeacademy.com Atlanta, 678-485-7941

l Nellya Fencers nellyafencers.com Atlanta, 404-603-3600

l Swimmerman Swim School swimmerman.com Atlanta, 678-515-3793; Jonesboro, 770-210-0136

atlantaparent.com

l Safe Splash safesplash.com. Multiple locations

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 19

CLASSES

Unique and Memorable Art Programs

Art

l Artz for the Harp artzfortheharp.com Smyrna, 678-902-2789 l Bach To Rock Music School – Alpharetta alpharetta.b2rmusic.com

l All Fired Up allfiredupart.com Multiple locations

l Community Music Centers of Atlanta cmcatlanta.com Multiple locations

l Callanwolde Fine Arts Center callanwolde.org/classes Atlanta, 404-872-5338

l Dunwoody School for the Arts dbc.org/school for the arts Dunwoody, 770-280-1215

l Farmhouse in the City farmhouseinthecity.com Roswell, 770-587-3001 l GAS-ART Gifts gas-art.com Decatur, 404-801-4926

Zone of Light Studio offers unique art-based art-based summer programs, “No-School Day” camps, custom classes, workshops, birthday parties and other events. Day programs are for ages 5-15. Explore, learn, play – creative expression has never been so much fun!

l Little House of Art thelittlehouseofart.com Chamblee, 470-299-8578 l Main Street School of the Arts mainstreetschoolofart.com Tucker, 770-938-7880

Atlanta 678-948-8059 zoneoflightstudio.com

l PureART pureartglobal.com Atlanta, 404-965-3665 l Spruill Center for the Arts spruillarts.org Atlanta, 770-394-3447

sponsored

l Vinings School of Art viningsschoolofart.com Smyrna, 678-213-4278

l Zone of Light zoneoflightstudio.com Atlanta, 678-948-8059

l Eclectic Music eclecticmusicatlanta.com Multiple locations l European School of Music euroschoolmusic.org Sandy Springs, 404-255-8382 l The Music Class themusicclass.com Multiple locations l Music & Arts musicarts.com Multiple locations l Sandy Springs Music sandyspringsmusic.com Sandy Springs, 404-250-0406 l School of Rock schoolofrock.com Multiple locations

Dance & Arts Showcase

NEW PROGRAMS WITH ONLINE OPTIONS!

Music

Now you can become one with the music

Our unique instructional method develops both musical and intellectual abilities, memory, attention, focus, critical thinking, and helps students reach full academic potential.

Enhance Your Child’s Brain Private Lessons: Music & Chess  4 years– adult Piano  Accordion  Violin  Voice Guitar  Drums  Flute  Chess

EuroSchoolMusic.org  404-255-8382 BUCKHEAD / SANDY SPRINGS

Ages Two-Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Piano • Guitar • Adult Ballet & Tap

Sign Up Now for Fall Classes!

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Chamblee/Tucker - 2861 Henderson Mill Rd.

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AtlantaParent.com for even more of our

20 Atlanta Parent July 2019

TOP

10

LISTS

for Everything Family atlantaparent.com

Horseback Riding l Atlanta Riding Club atlantaridingclub.com Canton, 404-625-5440

l Ellenwood Equestrian Center ellenwoodequestriancenter.org Ellenwood, 404-317-2670 l The Equestrian Reserve theequestriansreserve.com Alpharetta, 770-205-1230 l Georgia Frontiers georgiahorsebackriding.org Canton, 678-234-8852

Language

l Alif Institute alifinstitute.org Atlanta, 770-936-8770

l Ecole du Samedi frenchschoolatlanta.org Marietta, 770-634-6228

l Alliance Francaise d’Atlanta afatl.com Atlanta, 404-875-1211 Roswell, 770-802-5244

l Lango Kids Atlanta langokidsatlanta.com Atlanta, 678-801-6001

l Atlanta Institute of Language ailanguage.org Atlanta, 404-444-1532 l Atlanta International Language Institute languageatlanta.com Atlanta, 404-250-0350 l De Molenwiek: Dutch Language & Culture Lessons demolenwiek.com Roswell, 404-542-1293

l Language Institute of Atlanta atlantalanguage.com Atlanta, 770-730-0000 l Lingual Kids lingualkids.com Atlanta, 404-228-3186 l Spanish in Atlanta spanishinatlanta.com Marietta, 678-517-9715

l Go With It Farm gowithitfarm.com Johns Creek, 404-538-5113 l Linda’s Riding School lindasridingschool.com Conyers, 770-922-0184 l Little Creek Farm littlecreekfarmconservancy.com Decatur, 404-634-3276 l Pony Tail Acres ponytailacres.org Powder Springs, 770-235-9996 l Sterling Equestrian Center sterlingequestriancenter.com Marietta, 770-765-5573 l Vogt Riding Academy vogtridingacademy.com Atlanta, 404-321-9506

WE OFFER LEAGUES, CAMPS AND CLINICS FOR:

Weekly Coding Classes for ages 8-18. Make games, apps, and create with technology!

Classes include Python and Java, Unity 3D Roblox Studio, and Coding Classes Minecraft coding. and Camps At Start Cod the creativity e, we focus on an technology w d wonder of hile giving students th direction to cr e skills and eate tomorro w.

Soccer Flag Football Baseball Basketball Lacrosse Volleyball Cheerleading

SERVING:

Fulton Cobb Forsyth Dekalb Gwinnett Rockdale Barrow Cherokee Paulding Hall Jackson Walton Athens

www.i9sports.com atlantaparent.com

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 21

TOP

10 LISTS

Where Authentic Christian Mission and Academic Excellence Aren’t Mutually Exclusive

EDUCATION

Largest Secular Private Schools Private schools with an enrollment of more than 600 students. l Atlanta International School aischool.org Atlanta, 404-841-3840

l The Paideia School paideiaschool.org Atlanta, 404-377-3491 l Saint Francis Schools saintfrancisschools.com Milton, 678-339-9989 Roswell, 770-641-8257

l The Galloway School gallowayschool.org Atlanta, 404-252-8389 l George Walton Academy gwa.com Monroe, 770-267-7578 l The Lovett School lovett.org Atlanta, 404-262-3032 l Pace Academy paceacademy.org Atlanta, 404-262-1345

l Trinity School trinityatl.org Atlanta, 404-231-8100 l The Walker School thewalkerschool.org Marietta, 770-427-2689 l Woodward Academy woodward.edu College Park, 404-765-4000 Johns Creek, 404-765-4490

Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child.

Peachtree Corners • 770-448-7640 WesleyanSchool.org sponsored

Where Wonder Leads

Largest Faith-Based Private Schools

Private schools with an enrollment of more than 900 students. l Blessed Trinity Catholic High School btcatholic.org Roswell, 678-277-9083 l Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy elcaonline.org McDonough, 770-213-5490

The Walker School is a Pre-K - 12 independent school in metro Atlanta that provides students with a tailored education based on talents, interests, and academic goals. Wonder guides the educational experience at Walker.

Marietta 770-427-2689 TheWalkerSchool.org sponsored

Parents are more satisfied with private schools, teachers and standards than parents whose children attend public schools. atlantaparent.com

l Greater Atlanta Christian School greateratlantachristian.org Norcross, 770-243-2000 l Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School hies.org Atlanta, 404-255-4026 l Marist School marist.com Atlanta, 770-457-7201 l Mount Paran Christian School mtparanschool.com Kennesaw, 770-578-0182 l Mount Vernon Presbyterian School mountvernonschool.org Atlanta, 404-252-3448 l St. Pius X Catholic High School spx.org Atlanta, 404-636-3023 l Wesleyan School wesleyanschool.org Peachtree Corners, 770-448-7640 l The Westminster Schools westminster.net Atlanta, 404-355-8673

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 23

EDUCATION Oldest Private Schools

Noteworthy Schools

2018 National Blue Ribbon School

l Atlanta Girls’ School atlantagirlsschool.org Atlanta, 404-845-0900

l The Children’s School tcsatl.org Atlanta, 404-873-6985

l Woodward Academy, 1900 woodward.edu

l The Davis Academy davisacademy.org Atlanta, 770-671-0085

l Marist School, 1901 marist.com l Berean Christian Junior Academy, 1904 bcjaschool.com

l Dominion Christian School dominionchristian.org Marietta, 770-420-2153

l The Lovett School, 1926 lovett.org l Christ the King School, 1937 christking.org l Atlanta Speech School, 1938 atlantaspeechschool.org l St. Thomas More School, 1950 stmga.org

l High Meadows School highmeadows.org Roswell, 770-993-2940

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy provides a Christ-centered education for children JK-12 in an environment that develops and encourages academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a lifelong love for learning. Schedule a tour today and experience the MBCA difference!

l The Howard School, 1950 howardschool.org l The Westminster Schools, 1951 westminster.net l Trinity School, 1951 trinityatl.org

l Killian Hill Christian School khcs.org Lilburn, 770-921-3224 l McGinnis Woods Country Day School mcginniswoods.org Alpharetta, 770-664-7764 l Mt. Bethel Christian Academy mtbethelchristian.org Marietta, 770-971-0245 l The Waldorf School of Atlanta waldorfatlanta.org Decatur, 404-377-1315

Marietta • 770-971-0245 • MtBethelChristian.org sponsored

l Whitefield Academy whitefieldacademy.com Smyrna, 678-305-3000

Independent Stem School Programs Create Your Own Path Woodward Academy offers robust STEM programs at all levels. For younger students, makerspaces foster creativity and experimentation. In higher grades, opportunities proliferate and include unique experiences like our Independent Scientific Research program – pairing students with university researchers.

l Atlanta Academy atlantaacademy.com Roswell, 678-461-6102 l Atlanta International School aischool.org Atlanta, 404-841-3840 l Fulton Science Academy fultonscienceacademy.org Alpharetta, 678-366-2555

404-765-4001 Woodward.edu

l Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School hies.org Atlanta, 404-255-4026

sponsored

l Holy Spirit Preparatory School holyspiritprep.org Atlanta, 678-761-7992

l Mount Vernon Presbyterian School mountvernonschool.org Atlanta, 404-252-3448

l Wesleyan School wesleyanschool.org Peachtree Corners, 770-448-7640

l Mount Pisgah Christian School mountpisgahschool.org Johns Creek, 678-336-3400

l The Walker School thewalkerschool.org Marietta, 770-427-2689

l Woodward Academy woodward.edu College Park, 470-765-4000; Johns Creek, 470-765-4490

24 Atlanta Parent July 2019

atlantaparent.com

Now accepting applications in select grades! thewalkerschool.org atlantaparent.com

Inspiring Early Learners through 12th grade July 2019    Atlanta Parent 25

Boarding Schools l Academy at SOAR North Carolina soarnc.org 828-456-3435 l Asheville School North Carolina ashevilleschool.org 828-254-6345 l Forman Connecticut formanschool.org 860-567-8712 l Indian Springs School Alabama indiansprings.org 205-988-3350 l Kimball Union Academy New Hampshire kua.org 603-469-2000 l The Knox School New York knoxschool.org 631-686-1600 l Massanutten Military Academy Virginia militaryschool.com 540-459-2167

26 Atlanta Parent July 2019

l Rabun Gap Nacoochee School Georgia rabungap.org 706-746-7467 l Riverside Military Academy Georgia riversidemilitary.com 770-532-6251 l Tallulah Falls School Georgia tallulahfalls.org 706-754-0400

atlantaparent.com

EDUCATION Montessori Schools

What Sets Montessori Apart

Infant/Toddler/Primary

Aside from multiage classrooms and self-paced learning, Montessori schools have hands-on materials to highlight an idea or concept.

Teachers don’t lead in front of a classroom, but guide each student individually. Some Montessori schools do not assign homework or give grades.

l Atlanta Montessori International School Druid Hills Campus (8 wks.-6 yrs.) amischool.com Atlanta, 404-500-0501 l Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead (18 mos.-6 yrs.) carlislemontessori.com Atlanta, 404-949-0053 l Endeavor Montessori (6 wks.-6 yrs.) endeavormontessori.com Dunwoody, 770-637-4644 l Guidepost Montessori at Deerfield (6 wks.-6 yrs.) guidepostmontessori.com/deerfield Milton, 678-667-4999

l Montessori School of Dunwoody (2.5 yrs.-6 yrs.) montessorischoolofdunwoody.com Dunwoody, 770-804-1444

l Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia (8 wks.-6 yrs.) jcmsog.org Johns Creek, 770-814-8001

l Smyrna Montessori School (18 mos-6 yrs.) smyrnams.org Smyrna, 404-530-9081

l Meadows Montessori (6 wks.-6 yrs.) meadowsmontessori.com Marietta, 770-218-6347

l The Suzuki School (3 mos.-6 yrs.) suzukischool.com Buckhead, 404-869-1042 Northside, 404-351-0012 Ponce City Market, 404-233-2128 l Tallulah Montessori (3-6 yrs.) tallulahmontessori.com Atlanta, 404-788-7680

Montessori schools may also include elementary through high school programs. l Arbor Montessori School (18 mos.-14 yrs.) arbormontessori.org Two Decatur locations, 404-321-9304 l Atlanta Montessori International School Cliff Valley Campus (8 wks.-15 yrs.) amischool.com Atlanta, 404-325-6777

l Counterpane Montessori (3 yrs.-12th grade) counterpane.org Fayetteville, 770-461-2304

l The Duluth Montessori School (14 mos.-15 yrs.) duluthmontessori.com Duluth, 770-476-9307

l Cresco Montessori (6 wks.-12 yrs.) crescomontessori.com Multiple locations, 770-992-8031

l Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs (6 wks.-18 yrs.) montessoriacademysharonsprings.com Cumming, 770-205-6277

Extraordinary by Design Springmont, the Southeast’s oldest Montessori school, offers students 18 months-Middle School an engaged, hands-on learning experience.

Recognized by AMI and accredited

by SAIS/SACS, Springmont graduates attend Atlanta’s premier high schools.

Limited Seats available for 2019-20.

l Montessori at Vickery (18 mos.-15 yrs.) montessorivickery.com Cumming, 770-777-9131 l Montessori School at Emory (15 mos.-14 yrs.) montessorischoolofdecatur.com Decatur, 404-634-5777 l Northwoods Montessori (12 mos.-12 yrs.) northwoodsmontessori.org Atlanta, 770-457-7261 l Springmont School (18 mos.-8th grade) springmont.com Atlanta, 404-252-3910

Atlanta • 404-252-3910 Springmont.com sponsored

28 Atlanta Parent July 2019

atlantaparent.com

a school where your child learns

HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

• By Individual Instruction • A Love of Learning An • To Think Outside the Box Authentic AMI Accredited • Independence Montessori • Respect for Others School • A Solid Foundation • Foreign Language, Music, Cooking, Gardening and More

Montessori School at Emory

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

Accredited Toddler Through Middle School Programs atlantaparent.com

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 29

EDUCATION

Preschools

l Ahava Early Learning ahavalearning.org Atlanta, 404-900-9411 l Canterbury School canterburyschoolga.com Atlanta, 404-522-5659 l Haygood Preschool haygoodwcm.org Atlanta, 404-872-5806 l Inman Park Cooperative Preschool ipcp.org Atlanta, 404 827-9796 l Little Sunshine Playhouse & Preschool littlesunshine.com Alpharetta, Cumming and Roswell, 888-858-8070

l MJCCA Preschools atlantajcc.org/preschool 678-812-3833 Multiple locations

What to Look For When Choosing

A PRESCHOOL

l Peachtree Park Prep peachtreeparkprep.com Alpharetta, 770-667-8854 Johns Creek, 770-497-6680

You’ve researched and narrowed your preschool choices, now it’s time to visit.

Here’s what to pay attention to:

l Redeemer Day School redeemerdayschool.org Atlanta, 404-985-6005

n Look for a warm interaction between the teacher and the kids. n Make sure the classroom has different activity areas for reading, art, naps, books and toys. n Check the preschool’s daily routine and pacing.

l Restoration Kids Learn-N-Play restorationkids.com Alpharetta, 470-387-0112 l Seeds of Wonder Journey School sowjs.org Roswell, 770-500-4178

n Find out how parents and teachers communicate. n Learn about the school’s policies on illness and discipline. n Consider whether the preschool is convenient to your home and/or office.

Go to AtlantaParent.com for the most up-to-date education resources

Boarding Schools n Charter Schools n Homeschooling n Montessori Schools n

30 Atlanta Parent July 2019

Open House Directory n Preschools n Private and Public Schools n Special Needs Schools n

atlantaparent.com

Back to school. Back to expanding a child’s world and inspiring them to learn through play.

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy provides the balance of interactive technology and hands-on-learning, with an accredited program taught by highly trained teachers.

• Children 6 weeks - 12 years • Accredited program • Highly trained teachers & staff • Exclusive curriculum • Interactive technology

Find a location near you! krk.press/atlanta

atlantaparent.com

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 31

EDUCATION Learning Differences Schools that specialize in providing education to students with language and auditory challenges. l Atlanta Speech School atlantaspeechschool.org Atlanta, 404-233-5332 l The Bedford School thebedfordschool.org Fairburn, 770-774-8001 l Brookwood Christian School brookwoodchristian.com Acworth, 678-401-5855

Unlock a Love of Learning Dyslexic students are bright, creative and possess immense potential that too often goes unrealized. Swift School serves grades 1-8 with an educational approach designed to enhance the unique strengths of dyslexic learners and remediate the specific learning challenges they face.

Roswell • 678-205-4988 • TheSwiftSchool.org

l The Cottage School cottageschool.org Roswell, 770-640-8037

sponsored

l GRACEPOINT School gracepointschool.org Marietta, 678-709-6634

l The Schenck School schenck.org Atlanta, 404-252-2591

l The Howard School howardschool.org Atlanta, 404-377-7436

l Sage School sageschool.net Suwanee, 678-318-3588

l Mill Springs Academy millsprings.org Alpharetta, 770-360-1336

l Swift School theswiftschool.org Roswell, 678-205-4988

48% of parents incorrectly believe children will outgrow learning difficulties.

I’M EXCEPTIONAL ...

YOUR CHILD’S LINK TO THE FUTURE

n n n n

Since 1968 Grades 4-12 ADHD & LD SACS Accredited

770-333-1616 3499 South Cobb Drive Smyrna

Scholarships Available

CenterAcademy.com

32 Atlanta Parent July 2019

“At Cumberland, I’ll study college prep academics or prepare for a vocational career, try a sport or a club for the first time-ever.

I’ll learn I’m not so

different after all.”

AN EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

650-A Mt. Vernon Hwy NE • Atlanta 30328 cumberlandacademy.org • 404-835-9000 atlantaparent.com

Special Needs Schools

Schools that provide education to students with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. l Alexsander Academy alexsanderacademy.org Alpharetta, 770-777-0475 l Center Academy centeracademy.com Smyrna, 770-333-1616 l The Community School thecommunityschool.net Decatur, 404-308-8548

l The Hirsch Academy hirschacademy.org Decatur, 404-378-9706

l Cumberland Academy of Georgia cumberlandacademy.org Atlanta, 404-835-9000

l The Joseph Sams School josephsamsschool.org Fayetteville, 770-461-5894

l The Elaine Clark Center elaineclarkcenter.org Chamblee, 770-458-3251

l The Lionheart School thelionheartschool.com Alpharetta, 770-772-4555

l The Ellis School ellisschoolatlanta.org Decatur, 678-973-0483

l Porter Academy porteracademy.org Roswell, 770-594-1313

Comfort. Hope. Fun. Equip for Every Day Life.

770-234-9111 www.focus-ga.org

atlantaparent.com

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 33

EDUCATION Tutoring

l Applerouth Tutoring Services applerouth.com Atlanta, 404-728-0661

l In-Home Tutors inhometutors.com 770-645-8750

l C2 Education c2educate.com Multiple locations, 610-222-6463

l Kumon kumon.com Multiple locations, 800-222-6284

l Eye Level Learning Center myeyelevel.com Multiple locations, 888-835-1212

l Learning RX learningrx.com Atlanta, 404-252-7246 Alpharetta, 770-475-3276

l Huntington Learning Center huntingtonhelps.com Multiple locations

Give Your Child a Critical Advantage

l The Math Doctor Learning Center mathdoctor123.com In-home, 770-757-1468 l Mathnasium mathnasium.com Multiple locations, 877-601-6284 l Sylvan Learning sylvanlearning.com Atlanta and Snellville, 888-789-7958

Eye Level Learning Center offer individualized math and English programs that enhance students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills while building confidence and self-directed learning habits.

Multiple Locations MyEyeLevel.com sponsored

Language Schools

Schools with full and partial-immersion programs. l Atlanta International School aischool.org Atlanta, 404-841-3840 l Atlanta Trilingual Academy atlantatrilingualacademy.com Smyrna, 404-647-4995 l The GLOBE Academy Charter School theglobeacademy.org Atlanta, 404-464-7040 l International Academy of Smyrna iasmyrna.org Smyrna, 678-370-0980 l International Charter Academy of Georgia internationalcharteracademy.org Peachtree Corners, 770-604-0007 l International Charter School of Atlanta icsatlanta.org Alpharetta, 470-222-7535 Roswell, 470-222-7420 l Little Linguists International Preschool littlelinguistspreschool.com Decatur, 404-370-3828 East Point, 404-768-2111

34 Atlanta Parent July 2019

l Omni International School omnischoolatl.com Atlanta, 404-865-1463 l The Spanish Academy thespanishacademy.com Multiple locations, 770-751-3646 l Tabula Rasa Academy trlanguages.com Lawrenceville, 678-985-8080 Sandy Springs, 404-847-0829

atlantaparent.com

TOP

10 LISTS

Single Locations

l Atlanta Children’s Clinical Center atlchildrens.com Atlanta, 404-261-2666

HEALTH

Pediatricians

l Kennesaw Pediatrics kennesawpediatrics.com Kennesaw, 770-429-1005

Multiple Locations

l Kenneth Akey kennethakeymd.com Newnan, 770-683-3020

l Princeton Lakes Pediatrics princetonlakespeds.com Atlanta, 404-629-1880 Kennesaw, 678-483-6880

l Piedmont Pediatrics piedmontpediatrics.org Atlanta, 404-351-6662

l Dunwoody Pediatrics dunwoodypediatrics.com Alpharetta, 770-664-9299 Dunwoody, 770-394-2358 l Gwinnett Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine gwinnettpeds.com Four locations, 770-995-0823 l Intown Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine intownpediatrics.com Atlanta and Brookhaven, 404-446-4726 l Monroe Pediatrics monroepediatrics.net Loganville, 770-466-1871 Monroe, 770-207-7916 l Northside Pediatrics northsidepediatrics.com Sandy Springs, 404-256-2688 Woodstock, 770-928-0016

atlantaparent.com

l Sandy Springs Pediatrics sspediatrics.com Sandy Springs, 404-252-4611 l PAMPA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine pampapediatrics.com Multiple locations l West Atlanta Pediatrics westatlantapediatrics.com Dallas, 770-505-3162 Lithia Springs, 770-739-9292

l Dare2Care dare2carepediatrics.com Alpharetta, 770-615-7000 l Lilburn Pediatrics lilburnpediatrics.com Lilburn, 770-381-0307 l One Family Pediatrics onefamilypediatrics.com Cumming, 678-962-7337

l WellStar Pediatric Network wellstar.org Multiple locations

l Trinity Medical & Dental Pediatric Centers trinity4kids.com Fayetteville, 470-278-2300

l Children’s Medical Group cmg-pc.com Multiple locations

l We Care Pediatrics wecarepediatric.com East Point, 404-766-3337

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 35

HEALTH Creating Smiles One Child at a Time Dr. Judy Christianson with Brookhaven Children’s Dentistry provides comprehensive care for children, teens and young adults in a state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Christianson has been practicing in the Atlanta area for more than 16 years.

404-719-4300 BrookhavenChildrensDentistry.com sponsored

Pediatric Dentists l A to Z Pediatric Dentistry atozsmiles.com Atlanta, 404-937-3888 l Bradberry Pediatric Dentistry docdavidskids.com Marietta, 770-977-8644 l Brookhaven Children’s Dentistry brookhavenchildrensdentistry.com Atlanta, 404-719-4300 l Buckhead Cosmetic & Family Dentistry buckheaddentistry.com Atlanta, 404-400-0400 l Cherokee Children’s Dentistry cherokeechildrensdentistry.com Canton, 770-479-1717 l Children’s Dental Zone childrensdentalzone.com Johns Creek, 770-777-1222

l Crabapple Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Cumming Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics crabappleortho.com, cummingpedoortho.com Alpharetta, 770-664-1999 Cumming, 678-578-5384

l Bloom Orthodontics bloomortho.com Three locations, 770-680-2335

l Eisenstein Orthodontics eisensteinorthodontics.com Lithia Springs, 770-739-1111 Woodstock, 770-928-9227

l Brookhaven Orthodontics brookhavenorthodontics.net Brookhaven, 404-343-0677 Johns Creek, 678-775-1600

l Kaplan Orthodontics jkaplanortho.com Dunwoody, 770-458-5561

l Chamblee Orthodontics chamblee-orthodontics.com Atlanta, 678-554-3143

l Quest Orthodontics questorthodontics.com Atlanta, 470-440-7330

l Decatur Orthodontics mydecaturortho.com Decatur, 678-207-5040

l Suwanee Orthodontics suwaneeortho.com Suwanee, 678-482-9434

l Depew Orthodontics depewsmiles.com Acworth and Kennesaw, 770-422-3939

l West Paces Ferry Orthodontics westpacesferryortho.com Atlanta, 404-262-2212

Orthodontists recommend having a child’s teeth be evaluated at age seven.

Nearly four million kids have braces; most are between 9 and 14 years old.

Improving Smiles Through Orthodontics

l Eaton Pediatric Dentistry dreaton.com Decatur, 770-934-3506

Dr. Oral Francis had always dreamed of improving people’s smiles and loves helping his patients through their orthodontic treatment.

Providing outstanding orthodontic care to his patients since 2003, his top priority is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

l Michael J. Leach, DDS thekidstoothdoc.com Alpharetta, 770-521-8855 l Nia Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics niadentistry.com Marietta and Canton, 770-479-9999

Half of children entering the first grade today have never had a single cavity.

36 Atlanta Parent July 2019

Orthodontics

678-482-9434 SuwaneeOrtho.com

678-207-5040 MyDecaturOrtho.com

sponsored

atlantaparent.com

atlantaparent.com

July 2019    Atlanta Parent 37

HEALTH

Helping Kids with Autism Live Their Best Lives

Therapists

l Art It Out artitout.com Atlanta, 770-989-1300 Marietta, 770-726-9589 l Building Blocks Pediatrics buildingblockspediatric.com Atlanta and Marietta 770-321-6705 l Children’s Special Services childrens-services.com Atlanta,770-394-9791 l The George Center for Music Therapy thegeorgecenter.com Multiple locations l Georgia Association for Play Therapy Inc. gapt.org Tucker, 770-491-7423 l Inneractions Therapy Services myinneractions.com Johns Creek, 770-680-4732 Marietta, 770-726-9624

Medical Specialists l Atlanta Allergy & Asthma atlantaallergy.com Multiple locations, 770-953-3331

l Atlanta Children’s ENT ai4ent.com Atlanta, 404-257-1589; Alpharetta, 770-777-1100 l Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates atlantagastro.com Multiple locations, 1-866-468-6242 l Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia caageorgia.com Multiple locations, 404-994-3574

Kadiant is science with heart, focused on outcomes and backed by 20+ years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis. We provide 1-to-1 therapy at home or in-clinic, helping with language development, toilet training, social skills and more.

Locations: Fulton, Gwinnett and Forsyth 866-kadiant (523-4268) • Kadiant.com sponsored

l Kadiant - ABA Therapy kadiant.com Multiple Locations, 866-523-4268 l Kid’s Creek Therapy kidscreektherapy.com Suwanee, 770-888-5221

l Marcus Autism Center marcus.org Atlanta, 404-785-9400 l Speech 4 Kids speech4kids.org Duluth, 678-333-8784

COMPLETE WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE Dori Kasparek, MD

Dr. Dori Kasparek’s mission is to educate her patients, to encourage them to learn more in order to better take care of themselves and their children, and to guide them on how to live a full and healthy life. She strives to promote a balance of mental, physical, spiritual, and psychological well-being.

Dr. Kasparek earned her BS in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina’s Honors College in 1993. She then attended the Medical University of South Carolina, graduating with a Doctorate in Medicine in 1997. In addition to offering patients with a wide range of Women’s Healthcare services, including high-risk obstetrics, gynecological surgeries, robotic surgery, menopausal management, incontinence issues, contraceptive choices, menstrual problems, and fertility evaluation and infertility treatment, Dr. Kasparek holds special training in pelvic floor reconstruction.

Call today for an appointment.

770-622-9810 634 Peachtree Parkway, Ste 200 • Cumming 30041

www.womenscareonline.com 38 Atlanta Parent July 2019

l Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Orthopaedics choa.org Multiple locations, 404-255-1933 l Children’s Specialty Services at Emory emoryhealthcare.org Atlanta, 404-778-7777 l Children’s Cardiovascular Medicine childrenscvm.com Marietta and Suwanee, 404-943-0289 l Developmental Pediatric Specialists dpsatlanta.org Atlanta, 404-303-7247 l The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia handcenterga.com Multiple locations, 404-255-0226 l Pediatric Orthopaedic Associates mypedsortho.com Multiple locations, 404-321-9900

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first prenatal massage when you $10 OFF your mention Atlanta Parent atlantaparent.com

Why is the study of women’s health pronounced “Guy”-necology?

Atlanta Gynecology & Obstetrics is a diverse group of all-female physicians, nurses and midwives who share your perspective and experience when it comes to women’s health issues. We’re here to help you make the best decisions at the crossroads of collaboration, choice and safety.

OB/GYNs

l Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine atlantafertility.com Atlanta, Marietta and Johns Creek 770-928-2276 l Atlanta Gynecology & Obstetrics atlantagynob.com Lilburn, 770-923-5033; Decatur, 404-299-9724 l Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists cherokeewomenshealth.com Canton and Woodstock, 770-720-7733

Decatur • 404-299-9724 Lilburn • 770-923-5033 AtlantaGynOb.com

l Complete Women’s Healthcare womenscareonline.com Cumming, 770-622-9810 l Emory Clinic emoryhealthcare.org/gyn Multiple locations, 404-778-3401 l Gynecology & Obstetrics of DeKalb goodobgyn.com Decatur, 404-299-9307 Stone Mountain, 770-469-9961

sponsored

l New Beginnings Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare P.C. nbcwh.org Conyers and Lithonia, 678-413-0858 l WellStar OB/GYN wellstar.org Multiple locations

l Women’s Group of Gwinnett womensgroupofgwinnett.com Lawrenceville and Suwanee, 770-979-4700 l Women’s Health Associates of Atlanta whaatlanta.com Atlanta, 404-252-3898

Is your child WHEEZING? Your infant or preschooler may be eligible for a clinical trial to prevent future wheezing episodes.

Eligible participants will receive, at no cost:  Health exams  Breathing medications  Study medications

CHILDREN USE THE LANGUAGE OF PLAY TO EXPRESS AND RESOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS.

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

Trudy Post Spunk

www.gapt.org 770.491.7423 atlantaparent.com

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 39

TOP

10 LISTS

PARTY

Best Party Places: Ages 2-5 l Catch Air catchairparty.com Multiple locations

l Gymboree Play & Music gymboreeclasses.com Multiple locations

l Center for Puppetry Arts puppet.org Atlanta, 404-873-3391

l Interactive Neighborhood for Kids inkfun.org Gainesville, 770-536-1900

l Children’s Museum of Atlanta childrensmuseumatlanta.org Atlanta, 404-659-5437

l Little Shop of Stories littleshopofstories.com Decatur, 404-373-6300

l Dunwoody Nature Center dunwoodynature.org Dunwoody, 770-394-3322

l Superior Play Systems superiorplay.com Alpharetta, 678-374-2539 Norcross, 678-721-8115

l Farm House in the City farmhouseinthecity.com Roswell, 770-587-3001

l The Little Gym thelittlegym.com Multiple locations

An Awesome Birthday Bash The Little Gym gives your birthday kid and their friends the full run of the facility, filling the celebration with instructor-led games, music, and fun created especially for your birthday boy or girl.

We come to you! Miniature farm animals & a pony to ride.

• Birthdays • Field Trips • Church Productions • Pony Carousels

Johns Creek • 404-600-4894 Smyrna • 770-434-6661 Snellville • 770-982-0901 TheLittleGym.com sponsored

Best Party Places: Ages 6-10 l Chattahoochee Nature Center chattnaturecenter.org Roswell, 770-992-2055 l Circus Camp circuscamp.org Decatur, 404-370-0001

TEXT TO SCHEDULE YOUR EVENT!

678-493-5860 LittleRedBarn.us

40 Atlanta Parent July 2019

l Sweet & Sassy sweetandsassy.com Cumming, 678-931-8356 l Tiny Towne Drive Safely tinytowne.com Norcross, 470-545-7227

l Georgia Aquarium georgiaaquarium.org Atlanta, 404-581-4000

l Treetop Quest treetopquest.com Dunwoody, 770-365-0356 Gwinnett, 404-277-6113

l Legoland atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com Atlanta, 404-848-9252

l Vinings School of Art viningsschoolofart.com Smyrna, 678-213-4278

l Stars and Strikes starsandstrikes.com Multiple locations

l Zoo Atlanta zooatlanta.org Atlanta, 404-624-9453

Treetop Quest

atlantaparent.com

Best Party Places: Tweens l Adventure Air Sports adventureairsports.com Kennesaw, 678-203-1152

LASER SPORTING Festival Events & Party Rental

l College Football Hall of Fame cfbhall.com Atlanta, 404-880-4845 l Hard Rock Café hardrock.com Atlanta, 404-688-7625 l iFLY Atlanta iflyworld.com Atlanta, 678-803-4359 l Main Event Entertainment mainevent.com Multiple locations l Nitro zone nitrozone.com Peachtree Corners, 470-636-3230 l Sky Zone skyzone.com. Multiple locations l SS Airsoft ssairsoft.com Sugar Hill, 678-714-6001 l Stone Summit ssclimbing.com. Multiple locations l Top Golf topgolf.com Atlanta, 404-475-4000 Alpharetta, 770-217-0513

atlantaparent.com

INFLATABLES CARNIVAL GAMES ROCK WALLS • ARCADE GAMES TRACKLESS TRAINS ARCADE GAMES • LASER TAG And more LASER SPORTING/THE BOUNCE HOUSE

LASERSPORTING.COM 770-253-0407 Serving metro-Atlanta and beyond

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 41

A Birthday Concert for Your Child

PARTY

Mobile Party Services / Entertainers •Live kids music for all occasions •Parties •Schools Festivals •Camps •Affordable •Best for ages 1-7 D New aCble Avail

678-708-2321

www.jasonsmusicparty.com

Clowning 4 You is your one stop shop for event entertainment.

l Auntie Renee Storyteller auntiereneestoryteller.com 770-402-0564 l Clowning 4 You Clowning4you.com 678-646-9741 l Dream Friends Entertainment dreamfriendsentertainment.com 404-319-0180 l Jason’s Music Party jasonsmusicparty.com 678-708-2321 l Laser Sporting Lasersporting.com 770-253-0407

l Sam’s Path Mobile Petting Zoo samspathpettingzoo.com 706-717-8837

l Little Red Barn Mobile Petting Farm littleredbarn.us 678-493-5860

l Science Creations sciencecreations.com 404-863-7080

l Piccadilly Puppets piccadillypuppets.org 404-636-0022

l Tumblebus tumblebusatlanta.com Atlanta, 770-529-5771

We provide DJs, face painters, balloonist, clowns, costume characters, wait staff, event sitters, singing telegrams, lawn displays, magicians and more...

www.clowning4you.com

678-646-9741

We Come To You!

Mobile Petting Zoo Monkey - Kangaroo Zebra - Camel Goats - Mini Horse

Camel Rides 706-717-8837

www.samspathpettingzoo.com

ULTIMATEPARTYGUIDE online at atlantaparent.com 42 Atlanta Parent July 2019

atlantaparent.com

Oct. 5

More than

Mercer University Atlanta Campus

Family-Friendly Activities!

10 am - 4 pm

50

Beneficiary:

atlantaparent.com/ familyfestival atlantaparent.com

July 2019    Atlanta Parent 43

The Homeschool Option:

Where Freedom and Learning Meet

In Georgia, about 60,000 students learn at home.

by Janeen Lewis

A Tailor-Made Education

Today, homeschooling has become a viable option even for two-income families. Atlanta Parent talked to families in the metro area. Here are some reasons local parents homeschool their kids.

This is one reason Brandee Bratcher, a Marietta homeschool mom of six children ages 6 to 16, loves homeschooling.

“We have the ability to progress at the pace that my children need to with their studies,” says Bratcher, who serves as Administrative Coordinator for Smyrna Area Support for Christian Homeschoolers (SASCH). “If they are struggling to grasp a new concept, we slow down, reevaluate and make sure we are on the right path before moving forward. I’ve seen my children learn and grow at a pace and in a manner

that works best for them. By far what I love most are the days when our lessons lead to wonderful discussions with my children.

Their curiosity is peaked, and we get to stop and dig deeper to learn more together.”

Lessons in Beliefs and Values Kari Beckman, a homeschool mom of eight children ranging in age from 8 to 26, began to homeschool when her oldest son, Joshua, was 6.

“My husband and I really had an awakening to our son’s spiritual and civic formation,” says Beckman, who is also the founder and executive director of Regina Caeli, a hybrid homeschool in Roswell.

“We really wanted him to understand what it means to be a citizen who gives freely of himself. We wanted him to see that putting others in front of self was good.”

A Better Fit

The Bratcher family

44 Atlanta Parent July 2019

“I truly did not think that homeschooling was something that I would ever do with my children,” says Bratcher. When her oldest daughter, Emma, started preschool, “We didn’t have the best options for public school where we were living, so we started looking into private schools.” They liked two schools, but the family couldn’t find a good atlantaparent.com

fit because of time spent transporting children and the cost of private school.

“After gleaning as much information as I could from homeschooling friends, I started to see it as a possibility,” Bratcher says. “A dear friend introduced me to an amazing home-school curriculum and from there my husband, Jason, and I agreed to try homeschooling for kindergarten.” That was 12 years ago, and now, Bratcher has homeschooled all of her children.

A Flexible Schedule When the Vorhies family moved to Canton from California, Jennifer Vorhies says she and her husband, Philip, enrolled their daughters in public school. Maddie, 18, graduated from public school this spring. But from the fifth grade on, Annie, now 16, asked to be homeschooled.

“The way public school is arranged completely stressed her out,” Vorhies says. “Annie was always a straight-A student. She was very diligent and methodical.”

She’s also a competitive equestrian. Annie’s goal is to earn a scholarship to a National Collegiate Equestrian Association school. Between school and riding, she stayed up until 2 a.m. to finish school work. When Annie began her freshman year of high school, her parents enrolled her at The King’s Academy in Woodstock, a hybrid school.

Annie is in class two days a week and has time to prepare her assignments the rest of the week.

“Her whole outlook on life changed,” Vorhies says. “She is so much happier. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have this type of learning opportunity.”

Cont’d on page 46

atlantaparent.com

Thinking about Homeschooling?

Here’s some advice from Atlanta Homeschool Moms: “The first thing is – it can be done. The most difficult decision of the whole process is deciding to do it.”

Kari Beckman, mom of eight “Don’t agonize over selecting curriculum. Most of the products are great.

You can always change if it doesn’t work for you.”

Suzan Paris-Lowe, mom of three

The Beckman family

“Relax and enjoy your time with your children more. It’s easy to get caught up in checklists and lesson plans that you forget that it’s okay to change your pace and not check every box every day.”

Brandee Bratcher, mom of six “Look for social opportunities, not just for kids, but for parents also. We all need some cheerleaders alongside us. If you get to the point where your child is struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t see that as a failure.”

Deborah Davis, mom of three “Investigate all of the options and talk with those who have walked this path.

You will never regret the time and influence you have with your children.”

Angela Crevar, mom of four

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 45

The Homeschool Option More Family Time

GETTING STARTED

Families have busy schedules during the day. Then, there’s dinner, homework and household responsibilities. By doing school at home, families add more time to their day.

“I love getting to spend more time with my kids,” Vorhies says. “They are more open. There are more opportunities to learn about their thoughts and feelings.”

Georgia Organizations

Weekday Travel

n Georgia Department of Education: gadoe.org

Suzan Paris-Lowe says her children had a good experience in public school – “Most teachers were fantastic, and my kids had many great educational opportunities,” says Paris-Lowe – but the family needed to be able to travel together.

“Both my husband, Mike, and I are airline employees, so our schedules have been inconsistent over the years with juggling two traveling adults and kids.”

The Lowes, who live in Jasper, have three children ages 8-23, and when her two older children were in high school, they started homeschooling. Their son Ashton, 8, attends The King’s Academy, which allows the flexibility for him to travel with his parents during the week. “He has learned to do work in airports, parks, hotels, libraries – wherever we are for the day.”

Connection to Learning “We also wanted a more hands-on approach to our children’s learning and teaching,” Paris-Lowe says. “The number one thing I like is that I know what my child is doing on a day-to-day basis and where he is struggling and excelling. I’m not just shuffling through papers sent home at night with no time to really review with him after a long day. I am completely involved and can be a more direct influence on his learning.”

Cont’d on page 48

46 Atlanta Parent July 2019

n Georgia Homeschool Education Association: ghea.org n Southeast Homeschool Expo: southeasthomeschoolexpo.com. This year, the expo will be held July 25-27 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. n University System of Georgia: eCore.usg.edu/DualEnrollment

Georgia Requirements n Homeschool parents or guardians must submit a “Declaration of Intent” to the Georgia Department of Education by September 1 annually or within 30 days of starting a home school program. n Parents or guardians may teach only their own children. n The teaching parent or guardian must have a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). n The home school program must include reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. n The home school must include at least 180 days of at least 4.5 hours of instruction per day.

For more information about Georgia home school regulations, check out the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.

atlantaparent.com

Mount Paran Christian School

Help for Homeschool Families –

the Hybrid Option

Hybrid schools offer academic classes two to three days a week, and students complete assignments the rest of the week at home.

Mount Paran Christian School in Marietta offers a hybrid kindergarten and first grade. “We recognized that many families wanted the flexibility of homeschool but also wanted support to ensure students were getting what they needed academically,” says Deborah Davis, Lower School Head.

Davis, who homeschooled her own three children for one year, says she understands the desire of these families who want to embrace more time with their children, instill their spiritual values or have more flexibility with their schedules.

Hybrid students in kindergarten and first grade at Mount Paran attend school two and a half days a week, receiving instruction in math and reading. Parents teach science and social studies at home.

The King’s Academy in Woodstock, open since 1999, has an enrollment of 950 students.

“We offer a robust college prep curriculum About with tracks in fine arts and CTAE (Career 3.3 percent Technical and Agricultural Education),” says of all K-12 Angela Crevar, principal and homeschooling students are mom of four. “We also have a large number homeschooled. of dual enrollment students. Some families come for the hybrid model that provides solid academics, some for the Christian perspective and others for more parental involvement in education.

Cornerstone Preparatory Academy in Acworth serves about 500 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Jeanne Borders, Head of School at Cornerstone Prep, says the hybrid model “allows school to be accomplished without burning out a student.” With a traditional model, as students get older, “the education treadmill gets faster. Students start to think ‘do I give up a hobby or a sport?’ Something has to give if academics are going to be number one.”

Regina Caeli in Roswell opened in 2003 when Founder and Executive Director Kari Beckman realized she needed help as a homeschooling mom. Beckman was homeschooling her oldest, Joshua, a fourth grader, and also caring for younger children.

“This is when God put it on my heart to start Regina Caeli,” Beckman says. “Parents could have the best of both worlds, where you would have the accountability, the structure of the classroom environment, other adults having authority, which is where we incorporate accountability, but at the same time, the majority of formation and ‘peer pressure’ would still come from the family.”

Regina Caeli offers a full range of classes two days a week. While it teaches about the Catholic faith and prayers, it is open to all students.

48 Atlanta Parent July 2019

atlantaparent.com

Homeschool Directory

Resources for parents, families and children pursuing the homeschool option for education.

404-496-4274 / www.bodiesatlanta.com

404-865-7100

BODIES…The Exhibition, rated one of the top attractions in Atlanta, is a fascinating and educational experience for all ages. Using an innovative polymer preservation process, the Exhibition features more than 200 real human bodies and specimens from each system of the human body. Come explore, experience and celebrate the wonder of the human form.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum provides a meaningful experience for homeschool students. Bring them to the where ages 16 and younger are always free! Museum exhibits provide unique opportunities for students to learn about the nation’s 39th President. For reservation requests, please visit https:// www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/education/school_tours_and_programs.

1-855-93eCore (9338) ecore.usg.edu/DualEnrollment

USG eCore: Help your students get a head start and save money on college by taking online core classes while still in high school. eCore courses offer free online tutoring and are supported by student success coaches, all through public University System of Georgia schools you know and trust. Learn more about dual enrollment with eCore at ecore.usg.edu/dualenrollment.

678-874-7102 / fernbank.edu

Fernbank Science Center ... where science truly becomes an adventure! The Fernbank Science Center offers amazing learning opportunities for homeschool students including a Science Olympiad and Bird Watching. Visit today and experience the Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium, Exhibit Hall with live reptiles and the Ralph Buice Jr. Observatory.

770-794-5509 / mariettaga.gov

770-364-3774 mariettamastersacademy.com

470-341-7500 #3 mercedesbenzstadium.com/tours

404-624-5822 zooatlanta.org/program/homeschool-academy

atlantaparent.com

Come Discover the history of Marietta by exploring the Marietta Fire Department Museum and the Marietta Museum of History. Located just off the Marietta Square, the museums provide an educational, enlightening, and entertaining experience for all visitors, especially the smallest ones! Our museums promote discovery, curiosity, inspiration and learning through our exhibits.

Master’s Academy Arts & Academics has been serving the homeschool community since 1997. They offer programs in fine arts (music, art, history and drama) and classical academics in grades 4K through 12. Caring teachers create an environment for students to flourish by partnering with homeschool families, accepting students as they are, and inspiring life-long learning through a creative hands-on approach.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has partnered with Big Thought to build out STEAM-based curriculum for grades 3-12 which meets Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE). The 90 minute educational STEAM Tours allow students to see all four levels of this state-of-theart facility and learn about the architecture, engineering and technology. The Educational Program provides curriculum to be included in lesson plans.

Zoo Atlanta HomeSchool Academy: A unique two-hour program that explores animal and science concepts in an engaging, interactive environment. Programs are grade-appropriate and include hands-on, minds-on STEM activities, tours and more. Zoo Atlanta is your partner in homeschooling! For information visit zooatlanta.org/program/homeschool-academy July 2019 Atlanta Parent 49

50 Atlanta Parent    July 2019

atlantaparent.com

Y L I M FA

FUIDNE

U G RE! E H S T R A ST

55

WHAT’S UP AT THE WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER

56 57

BUTTERFLY BASH SPEED OVER TO THURSDAY THUNDER

58

SUMMER LEARNING AT FERNBANK MUSEUM

59 60

CELEBRATE SPACE

62

JULY TOP EVENTS Slime City

Piedmont Peachtree Crossing.

Through Aug. 30.

Wed.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; closed Mon. and Tues.

Take a trip to the greenest, gooiest place on Earth – explore Slime HQ, visit the Great Wall of Slime and dance at the Slime Light Club. Kids may even get the ultimate honor of getting slimed! Atlanta.

Ages 2 and older, $29. Advanced ticket purchase is required. nickslimecity.com

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.

FUN-FILLED DAY AT MARGARITAVILLE

Superhero Saturday

Tellus Science Museum.

July 13. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Put on your superhero capes and masks to enjoy obstacle courses, the Toddler Rescue Hero playground and posing for photos with superheroes. The CW will be giving away prizes while supplies last. Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $15.95; ages 3-17, $11.95.

SUMMER FUN FOR TWEENS

+

GO TO ATLANTAPARENT.COM FOR n OUR GUIDE TO FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS n DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR atlantaparent.com

TURN THE PAGE FOR MORE TOP EVENTS Events may be cancelled or changed after our deadline.

Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 51

JULY TOP EVENTS

Events may be cancelled or changed after our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com

Southern Fried Gaming Expo

Roswell Summer Puppet Series

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

This month’s three productions are: “The Pied Picker,” “The Giant, The Beanstalk and Jack” and “The Fairy Tailor.” Roswell. 770-594-6232.

Ages 2 and older, $5; younger than 2, free. roswellcac.com

Matilda

Legacy Theatre. July 5-Aug. 4.

Tues.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 3 p.m.

Based on Roald Dahl’s “Matilda,” this musical follows a girl with psychokinetic powers, celebrating the power of imagination with song and dance. Tyrone. 404-8951473. Adult, $30-$45; children 12 and younger, $15. legacytheatre.org

Circo Hermanos Vazquez

Plaza Fiesta. July 12-Aug. 4.

Mon.-Fri. 7:30; Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 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.

Circo Hermanos Vazquez

Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit Southern Fried Gaming Expo

Roswell Summer Puppet Series

52 Atlanta Parent July 2019

Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center.

July 12-14. Fri. 3 p.m.-midnight; Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight; Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This three-day convention boasts more than 250 fullsized arcade games, pinball machines, console systems and tabletop gaming. The event will also have video game and pinball tournaments, a costume contest and more. Atlanta. Adults, $20-$35; kids, $15-$20; 3-Day Adult Weekend Pass, $65; 3-Day Child Weekend Pass, $30. southernfriedgameroomexpo.com

Family Fun Guide

Children’s Museum of Atlanta Through 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 Wed., beginning Aug. 1. Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $15.85-$18.95; ages 1 and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

atlantaparent.com

Railroad Rendezvous

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.

July 20. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

This annual summer event includes an exclusive “Board the General!” experience and an iron casting demonstration.

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

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.

Water Lantern Festival

LIGHT UP

Express your creativity with these lantern events. n Water Lantern Festival

Champions of Magic

atlantaparent.com

Jim R. Miller Park.

July 7. 6-10:30 p.m.

Create your own lantern and watch it float along with thousands of others on the lake. Gates open at 6 p.m. so you can enjoy food trucks and music before the lantern launch at 9 p.m. Marietta. $35-$40; ages 8-14, $12-$16; younger than 7, free. waterlanternfestival.com/atlanta.php

Family Fun Guide

n Parliament of Owls: A Midtown Lantern Parade

The Grove at Colony Square July 27. 8 p.m.

Make a black and white owl lantern (printable on the website) and join the caravan around Midtown. Remember to wear black and white. 1230 Peachtree St., Atlanta. midtownlanternparade.com

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 53

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

JULY EVENTS Whatever Floats Your Boat

Rogers Bridge Park, Duluth.

July 20. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Enjoy live music, yard games and food. Ages 5 and older can float on the Chattahoochee River. Admission to this event is free but tubes, rafts, kayaks, and standup paddle boards will be available to rent for a small fee, or you may bring your own. Duluth. 770-476-3434. duluthga.net

Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?

BubblePalooza Atlanta, New York, LA

404-636-1974

www.williamreynoldsagency.com

Duluth Town Green.

July 24. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Celebrate summer with bubbles to play in, yard games and music. Duluth. 770-4763434. Free admission. duluthga.net.

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.

Celebrating over 35 years!

Wild World Weekend

ity & Matern ns’ re d il h C s!

Clothe

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. $27.99; ages 3-11, $19.99; ages 2 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org.

Now Accepting FALL AND WINTER Clothes Selling Online at www.sweetrepeatsatlanta.com

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Advertise your family-friendly event to our 240,00 readers.

770-454-7599 54 Atlanta Parent July 2019

Learn more about reptiles and amphibians at these exhibits. n Reptile Day

Fernbank Museum of Natural History. July 13.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.; activities 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. 404-9296300. Exhibit included with admission. $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org.

n Repticon Atlanta

Fernbank Museum of Natural History 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. Lawrenceville. One-day tickets: $10; ages 5-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free. repticon.com/georgia/atlanta.

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WHAT’S UP AT THE WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER

Enjoy exhibits, plays and free fun at the Woodruff Arts Center this month. n The Pursuit of Everything: Maira Kalman’s Books for Children

High Museum of Art. Through Sept. 15. Tues.-Thurs. and Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.

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. Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Ages 6 and older, $14.50; ages 5 and younger, free. high.org.

n Hey Willy, See the Pyramids

Alliance Theatre. July 20, 21, 27, 28.

See website for showtimes.

Inspired by Maira Kalman’s whimsical book, this theatrical adventure follows Willy’s sister, Lulu, as she tells him bedtime stories. Young audiences will go on a magical ride as the bedtime stories become real.

Atlanta. 404-733-4650. $10; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. alliancetheatre.org

n Max Makes a Million

Alliance Theatre. Through July 21.

See website for showtimes.

Follow beat-poet dog Max on an artistic quest in this adaptation of Maira Kalman’s book. Poetry, dance, jazz and visual arts celebrate the thinkers who dare to dream. $15; ages 6-17, $10; ages 3-5, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. alliancetheatre.org

n Family Fun Day

Woodruff Arts Center. July 14. 1-4 p.m.

Families can enjoy activities including interactive storytimes, art making workshops, drop in acting classes and more.

Atlanta. 404-733-4200. Free. woodruffcenter.org

n Second Sunday

High Museum of Art. July 14. Noon-5 p.m.

Free admission to the Museum the second Sunday of each month, and family programs (1-4 p.m.) include artmaking activities, tours, performances and more. Atlanta.

404-733-4400. Free. high.org

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 atlantaparent.com

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July 2019 Atlanta Parent 55

BUTTERFLY BASH

View butterflies up close at these seasonal butterfly events.

Chattahoochee Nature Center

n Butterfly Encounter

Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Through July 31. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sun. noon-6:30 p.m.

Get up close with hundreds of native butterflies surrounded by colorful nectar plants. Be sure to bring your camera! Roswell. 770-992-2055. Included with admission. $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

n Butterfly Adventures

Stone Mountain Park.

Through July 28. Mon.-Thurs. 1-7 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., noon-7 p.m.; July 1-7, noon-8 p.m.

Step inside a habitat with more than 1,000 butterflies. You may get to feed a butterfly or watch a caterpillar metamorphosis. Stone Mountain.

1-800-401-2407. $31.95-$39.95. stonemountainpark.com

n A Garden With Wings

The rapids are just the start of the

ADVENTURE!

ROLLING THUNDER RIVER COMPANY Family Fun for over 40 Years

800-408-7238 • RollingThunderRiverCo.com Nantahala River/Western NC: Beginner Whitewater Ocoee River/North Georgia: Intermediate Whitewater Toccoa River/North Georgia: Float Trip - Tubes/Kayaks 56 Atlanta Parent July 2019

Smith-Gilbert Gardens.

Through Sept. 2. Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sun. and Mon. See native pollinators like butterflies, hummingbirds and bumblebees and a pollinator garden with annuals, perennials and flowering shrubs. The 1,500 square foot butterfly house will display hundreds of butterflies and their host plants that naturally occur in Kennesaw. Kennesaw. 770-919-0248.

Included with admission. $10; ages 3-17, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. smithgilbertgardens.com

BEYOND ATLANTA

n Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center

Callaway Gardens 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily Watch more than 1,000 butterflies flutter about in this conservatory, and learn about butterflies and their life cycle. After visiting the Butterfly Center, enjoy the other activities at Callaway Gardens, like TreeTop Adventure and Ziplines, Birds of Prey shows, hiking, biking, Robin Lake Beach and more. $24.95; ages 6-12, $14.95; ages 5 and younger, free. callawaygardens.com

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ON TRACK: THURSDAY THUNDER AT ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY

J

ust an hour outside of Atlanta, Thursday Thunder at Atlanta Motor Speedway offers an awesome experience. This trip is a must for race fans of all ages; I was accompanied by two 16-year-olds, but I saw fans as young as 3 in the stands.

The races were wild! Racers ages 8 and older come from all over the nation to zip around a quartermile track in cars that look like scale models of a regular race car. Cars were peeling out, spinning out and crashing into each other. When asked what their favorite part of the races were both Sam and Drew said, “the crashes, all the crashes.” All the excitement on the track kept our attention during each race as we cheered for our favorite car.

Before the feature races, all the cars are parked on the track, and fans are invited on the track to meet the drivers and get autographs. This was a hit with everyone in the stands.

A child who is really interested in racing may enjoy visiting the pit, which opens at 4 p.m. before the races began. We parked in the infield and walked around the garage checking out all the cars up close.

Thursday Thunder makes the racing so accessible to all fans; attendees can sit against the fence to feel the cars go by. We saw many little fans in race car pajamas waving checkered flags against the fencing.

– Yolanda Veith

Know Before You Go: n To make the visit even

more family and budget friendly, you can pack a cooler with food and drinks (no glass) to enjoy during the races. n Consider bringing ear

plugs. While they don’t eliminate all the noise, they do help muffle some of the sound.

The Details Thursday Thunder Atlanta Motor Speedway, 1500 Tara Pl., Hampton.

770-946-4211, atlantamotorspeedway.com n Hours: Thursday nights through July 18.

Gates open at 6 p.m., feature races start at 7:30 p.m. n Admission: Grandstand, $5; 5 and younger, free. n Pit Experience: Opens at 4 p.m. $20; 5 and younger, free.

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n Be sure to pack sunscreen

especially if you’re sitting near the fencing; however, there is shaded seating in the grandstands if you forget.

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July 2019 Atlanta Parent 57

SUMMER LEARNING AT FERNBANK MUSEUM

T

here are two amazing new exhibits to enjoy on your next visit to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. These new exhibits, paired with the adventure of constant hands-on learning and fun, are truly a can’t miss.

“David Rogers’ Big Bugs” – Experience bugs in a whole new way as they

tower over you and your family. This outdoor installation is complete with some of the most unusual insects and spiders. This amazing art showcases incredible bugs and the part they play in nature. Located in Wildwoods, experience the food chain and reproduction in a new light while studying the ecosystem’s exterminators, pollinators and The Details decomposers. This exhibit is made of recycled Fernbank Museum materials and is so incredible that you may of Natural History decide to gather your materials to create your “David Rogers’ Big Bugs” own mini bugs this summer.

On view through July 21 “Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants” Through August 18 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta.

404-929-6300, fernbankmuseum.org/ n Hours: Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. n Admission: Adults, $27; Ages 3-12, $23; Ages 2 and younger, free.

“Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants” – This National

Geographic jewel highlights amazing freshwater fish species. This exhibit takes you below the surface to encounter toothy giants collectively weighing thousands of pounds. Life-size sculptures of these fish give a first-hand experience showing all that lurks in deeper waters. Bailey, who is 10, was so shocked when she realized how big freshwater fish could get. Running from station to station, she and her pal, Avery, were eager to learn more. We learned how the fish survive while growing into these giant creatures. We also explored five types of monster fish throughout a six-continent journey and how scientists aid in keeping them alive.

– Alexas German

A taste this good, only comes once a year

August 17th, 2019

Great Arts & Crafts

Enjoy Live Music Interactive Kids Zone

Taste Local Bites

From 4-9 PM Enjoy Local Food, family fun at Chattahoochee High School!

For More information Visit Jrmmanagement.com or call 770/423/1330 58 Atlanta Parent July 2019

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SPACE CELEBRATION

BEYOND ATLANTA Make it a road trip with these events outside of Georgia. n Apollo 50th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with these space-themed July 20 events.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center July 1-25. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CDT Special events will mark the occasion all July, including daily Apollo moon landing re-enactments, a celebration car show, a parade and more. See website for full schedule. Huntsville, Ala. 1-800-6377223. General admission: $25; ages 5-12, $17; ages 4 and younger, free. rocketcenter.com

n One Giant Leap Festival

North Carolina Museum of History July 20. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

This celebration will feature hands-on crafts, demonstrations and activities, such as a virtual-reality lab where you can travel to space and see what it is like to be on the moon. Raleigh, NC. 919-814-7000.

Free. ncmuseumofhistory.org

550 million people around the world watched on TV Neil Armstrong’s first step.

Apollo 11 landed on the moon at 4 p.m.

Eastern Time on July 20, 1969. Armstrong took the first step at 11 p.m. EDT. n Moon Landing 50th Anniversary StarLab

Chattahoochee Nature Center / 3 p.m.

Learn about the first manned mission to the moon, the phases of the moon and the summer constellations during these 25 minute presentations. Recommended for ages 6 and older. Roswell. 770-992-2055. Included with general admission: $10; ages 13-18, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

n Apollo Landing 50th Anniversary

Fernbank Science Center / 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with special programming, including historical retrospectives, former NASA employees and a free screening of the film “Apollo 11.” See website for full schedule. Atlanta. 678-874-7102. Free admission. Planetarium shows: $7; ages 3-18, $5; younger than 3, free. fernbank.edu

n Moon Landing Celebration

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

Man’s first steps on the moon will be celebrated with special screenings of “Apollo 11: First Steps Edition 2D” and interactive activities. Atlanta. 404-929-6300. All Moon Landing Celebration activities are included with the purchase of Value Pass tickets. $27, adults; ages 3-12, $23; younger than 3, free. fernbankmuseum.org.

n Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Celebration

Cape Fear Museum July 20. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Experiment with hands-on science activities, visit the planetarium, watch “The Day We Walked On The Moon” and more. Wilmington, NC. 910-798-4370. Free with general admission: $8; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. capefearmuseum.com

n Space Week

South Carolina State Museum July 20-28.

Celebrate with an entire week of fun, including hands-on activities, night-sky observing, an exhibit, a laser show and more. See website for full schedule. Columbia, SC. 803-898-4921. General admission: $8.95; ages 3-12, $6.95; ages 2 and younger, free. scmuseum.org

n Apollo 11: First Steps Edition

Tennessee Aquarium Watch “Apollo 11: First Steps Edition” at the IMAX Theater. The documentary was made exclusively for science centers and museum theaters. IMAX showings until Sept. 5. See website for full schedule. Chattanooga, TN. 800-262-0695. IMAX Theater pricing: $11.95; ages 3-12, $9.95; ages 3 and younger, free. tnaqua.org

n Reaching for the Moon

Tellus Science Museum / 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Enjoy hands-on activities, watch “The Day We Walked on the Moon” and listen to educational lectures. Kids ages 8 and older can build their own rocket and launch it at the BUILD + BLAST Model Rocket Workshop. Register by July 17. Cartersville.

770-606-5700. Admission: $15.95; ages 3-17, $11.95; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org

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Family Fun Guide

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first to walk on the moon and spent more than 21 hours there.

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 59

LAKE, BEACH AND WATER PARK – MARGARITAVILLE HAS IT ALL

Just a short drive from Atlanta, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is a great way for families to take a break and enjoy a day in the sun. With its laid-back island atmosphere, Margaritaville has many attractions for families to enjoy. Here are several things to love.

Paradise Beach: Renewed

with 1,200 tons of sand that are raked every day, the beach has palapas and umbrellas to provide shade for those who want to relax or watch music videos on a five-story screen. Entry to the beach is free except during special events.

Fun Zone: Especially for

young children, this area provides entertainment with mini water slides, sprinklers and Wiggle Waves, the junior version of the Wild Waves pool. This area conveniently connects to Paradise Beach, a good place for sandcastle building and basking in the sun.

Wild Waves Pool: Kids can

enjoy a sudsy foam party before the family hits Wild Waves, Georgia’s largest wave pool. Play in the waves or ride on a tube, all while watching music videos on a jumbo screen.

60 Atlanta Parent July 2019

The Details n Margaritaville at Lanier Islands 7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford.

470-323-3440, margaritavilleatlanierislands.com n Summer Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. n Admission: Adults, $45.99; under 48 inches tall, $31.99; ages 2 and younger, free.

Fast Pass, $19.99 additional. Parking, $15. n Know Before You Go: Children must be at least 42 inches tall to ride all the attractions in the water park; some attractions require riders to be at least 48 inches. Strollers are welcome.

Guests may bring their own beach equipment, but umbrellas and cabanas are available for rent. No food or beverages are allowed other than bottled water. Lockers are available to rent.

Aquatic Adventure: Put on a life jacket

and swim out to this inflatable obstacle course – it’s challenging! Bring your “A” game if you complete this adventure with kids – they often beat parents through the course.

Family Fun Guide

Water Slides for All: Margaritaville has a

water slide for everyone, no matter where you fall on the thrill-seeking spectrum. Choose from slides like Raging River, a tube ride through a peaceful tree-lined area reminiscent of meandering on a river, to more heart-pounding rides like Triple Threat, The Intimidator and Cat 4.

Thunderbolt Triple Zip: Adventurous

riders can race across the cove on this double zip line, suspended 50 feet in the air. Purchase of a Daily Fast Pass is required for the zip line, but it also shortens ride wait time and allows access to the Chill Zone Lounge.

Reasonably-Priced Refreshments: Restaurants in Margaritaville have affordable to moderately priced food options (from $5 to $16).

Families can dine on anything from tacos and pizza to seafood, chicken tenders, hamburgers and more. A variety of grab-and-go patio dining options welcome bathing suits and bare feet. There are several tiki bars in the beach area, and The LandShark Bar & Grill has appetizers, a kids’ menu and adult and full-size meals.

atlantaparent.com

My family visited this something-for-everyone park. Here’s our favorites. n My daughter Gracie’s favorite activity was the inflatable obstacle course in the middle of the lake. “It’s a challenge,” she said, “and I like a challenge.” n “There are a lot of slide choices, and they are fast and powerful,” my son Andrew declared. His favorite was the Fin Dunker, a slide that connects to a tank that spins each rider around and then dumps him into an eight-foot pool of water.

n My husband, a thrill-seeking soul, loved the Triple Threat, a slide with three drops that made him go slightly airborne, and the Intimidator, a vertical plummet akin to a waterfall.

n My favorite part was relaxing on the covered patio at LandShark Bar & Grill, eating tasty fish tacos and enjoying picturesque views of the lake.

– Janeen Lewis

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July 2019 Atlanta Parent 61

BEST SUMMER FUN FOR TWEENS

Scavenger hunts, escape rooms and more – our ideas will take the “I’m bored!” out of summer.

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Float the Chattahoochee Raft, canoe or tube while enjoying Atlanta’s favorite river.

Check websites for seasonal availability. n Cool River Tubing coolrivertubing.com n Nantahala Outdoor Center noc.com n Shoot the Hooch shootthehooch.com

Climb the Walls Local climbing centers will challenge beginners as well as experienced climbers. n Adrenaline Climbing adrenalineclimbing.com n Stone Summit Climbing ssclimbing.com

Dive In Experience the thrill of skydiving – no plane or parachute needed!

Stone Summit Climbing

62 Atlanta Parent July 2019

n iFLY Indoor Skydiving iflyworld.com

Family Fun Guide

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Create an Adventure

Experience the city in a new way with a scavenger hunt. Many are customized to Atlanta and its attractions, including art, city architecture, shopping and wilderness adventures. n Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure urbanadventurequest.com n Let’s Roam letsroam.com n Scavenger Hunt Atlanta scavengerhuntatl.com

The Escape Game

Escape from the Ordinary

Race to the Finish

n Escape Woods at Sleepy Hollow Farm escapewoods.com

n Andretti Indoor Karting and Games andrettikarting.com

n Room Escape Atlanta atlantaroomescape.com

n Atlanta Motor Speedway atlantamotorspeedway.com

Challenge your mind by solving mysteries and cracking codes – before time runs out! A variety of themes offer tween appeal – spy, haunted mansion, runaway train, and even outdoor adventures.

Speed demons will love an afternoon – or evening – of racethemed fun. Tour a racetrack, see a drag race, or drive an electric kart.

n The Escape Game theescapegame.com

Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Cont’d on page 64

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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Family Fun Guide

Group Rates Available

July 2019 Atlanta Parent 63

BEST SUMMER FUN FOR TWEENS

Take a Tour

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at movie and television filming sites in Atlanta. n Atlanta Movie Tours atlantamovietours.com n CNN tours.cnn.com n Southern Hollywood Film Tour southernhollywoodfilmtour.com

Skyview Atlanta

Get a Fresh Perspective

Enjoy spectacular views of downtown Atlanta from a 20-story Ferris wheel. Each enclosed gondola holds up to 6 guests for a memorable experience, day or night. n Skyview Atlanta skyviewatlanta.com

Atlanta Movie Tours

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

MACON 64 Atlanta Parent July 2019

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FREE ADMISSION

PIZZA FOOTBALL BEER GAMES

Sat. Sept. 7TH Noon - 10:00pm

Live Music

Kid’s Zone

Yacht Rock Schooner

Giant Slides, Obstacle Courses, Bungee Jumps, Rockwall & more!

Live In Concert 8-10pm

Reserved Tables Available!

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION 770-423-1330 | JRMMANAGEMENT.COM atlantaparent.com

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July 2019 Atlanta Parent 65

This is not a waterpark.

THIS IS AN ALL-AGES ADVENTURE. Chill vibe or thrill ride, riding the wave or floating along a lazy river, SoundWaves fuses music and water to create an exclusive experience with something for the entire family. This is America’s first upscale indoor/outdoor resort water attraction. This is fantastic.

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Michelle’s Wellness 180 team understands that her health needs are as unique as she is, and they’re dedicated to helping her feel her very best.

Michelle’s goal is to live life without limitations.

At Wellness 180, we make that possible.

She’s more than just a patient.

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