June 2014

Parent Atlanta’s No. 1 Parenting Magazine

atlanta

atlantaparent.com / June 2014

Summer Fun Starts Now! Go Play

Discover neighborhood gems

Get Wet

Find a pool or spray park

Get Out

250 places to go this month

+

Project Tree House Just Relax, Dad!

Like Us on FACEBOOK

Inside 3 O June Vol. 31 / Number 6

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Features 18

Downtime for Daddy

Parents juggle so many demands, and everyone needs a little time to unwind. On Father’s Day or any day, here are 26 ways for Dad to find a little zen.

A

l Get

W!

l

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34

MER F l

40

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30

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UN

PAGE

21

Departments

RT S N O

Busy: Discover some neighborhood gems

l Get

Wet: Find a pool or spray park

l Get

Out: More than 250 places to go

Treehouse Fun for Everyone

Build a treehouse in your backyard and the kids will have a spot for entertaining friends, camping out overnight or just finding a quiet place to read or dream. (And grown-ups might spend a little time there, too.)

Safe from Summer Slip-Ups

We’re outside more and days are longer – it’s easy to see how more accidents happen. Read about common slip-ups, and how to prevent them.

Atlanta Baby

Soon baby will be walking and it’s important to find the right shoes. Let the experts guide you. Plus, tips on popular names for newborns, and creative and fun ways to make use of those empty baby wipes containers.

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner atlantaparent.com

8 Publisher’s Note

10 News You Can Use 14 Free & Cheap 74 Humor

Car Trouble

Family Fun Guide 51

Not-to-Miss Events

52

Eating Out:

54

Summer Movies

Ronnie John’s Beach Café

56 Free “How

Things Work” Tours

58

Free Summer Concerts

60

Disc Golf

61

DirtBike School

62

June Calendar

65

Father’s Day Events

71

Fourth of July Events

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine June 2014 Atlanta Parent 5

Atlanta’s Award-Winning Parenting Publication PUBLISHER Liz White

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

BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT asmith@atlantaparent.com MANAGER ACCOUNT Laura Powell EXECUTIVES lpowell@atlantaparent.com

Carolyn Haushalter

chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

SPECIAL EVENTS & Jordan Lisvosky

DIGITAL SALES jlisvosky@atlantaparent.com

COORDINATOR ASSOCIATE Dalia Faupel

EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING Amanda Miller Allen EDITOR

CALENDAR Jennifer Haslam EDITOR

Does your child have ASTHMA? Take part in a Clinical Research Study!

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery

ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

rmintz@atlantaparent.com

OPERATIONS Caroline Ward MANAGER cward@atlantaparent.com MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

SPECIAL EVENTS Monica Scott INTERNS Lindsey Wesloski

Consider joining a research study at Emory University / Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to improve asthma treatments for African Americans/Blacks.

Sign Up For Our e-Newsletter at AtlantaParent.com Like Us on FACEBOOK

To participate in this study, you must: Be 5-21 years old Have at least one grandparent of African descent Qualified participants will receive: Asthma medications Pulmonary evaluation

Jennifer Dodds | 404-727-5176 jcdodds@emory.edu Alice Bruce | 404-712-1773 alice.bruce@emory.edu Shanneka Douglas | 404-727-7687 sdougl5@emory.edu

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.

Atlanta Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from its readers and the community. Atlanta Parent magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission.

© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2014

Compensation for time and travel 6 Atlanta Parent June 2014

atlantaparent.com

ItFigures

by Cynthia Washam

Are you June Jumble 2.5

Bikini

Average number of hours per week fathers spent caring for their children in 1965

Ready?

7

Average number in 2011

14

Average number in 2011 for mothers

Complimentary Consultation

90

Percent of fathers – and mothers, too – who could distinguish their own child’s crying from recorded cries of 15 infants

visit website for details code AP

50,000

Maximum temperature in degrees Fahrenheit of a lightning bolt, three times hotter than the surface of the sun

500

Number of people struck by lightening every year in the United States, more in Florida than any other state

Summertime Snippets 2

Number of years students fall behind in reading skills by middle school if they never read over the summer

8 -12

www.perimeterplasticsurgery.com

ACTUAL PATIENT

• Read Dr. Mark Deutsch’s Credentials • See Before and After Pictures • Mommy Makeover Details • Liposuction, Tummy Tucks • Breast Implants • Injectables • Facial Plastic Surgery

Patient - Before

Average age boys start to lose interest in reading, while most girls do not

Patient - After

56

Percent of boys who say they read “only to get information”

49

Percent of preschoolers who do not spend time outside with a parent at least once a day

60

Minimum minutes of daily outdoor play time the National Association for Sports and Physical Exercise recommends for preschoolers Sources: Pewsocialtrends.org, Discover, Holidayinsights. com, About.com, Scholastic.com, Readfaster.com, ABC News

atlantaparent.com

Mark F. Deutsch, MD, FACS Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

(770) 461-4824 Atlanta/Fayetteville

www.perimeterplasticsurgery.com

Big or Small Save Them All June 2014 Atlanta Parent 7

Publisher’s Note BACK BY POPULAR

DEMAND!

Based on the book by Dr. Seuss Play originally produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain Adapted and originally directed by Katie Mitchell Center for Puppetry Arts production directed

by Jon Ludwig

JUNE 12JULY 20

Supported in part by:

404.873.3391 puppet.org 1404 Spring Street NW Atlanta, GA 30309

My Town – So Different, But Still So Much Fun None of us gets to pick the place where we are born and spend our childhood, but if I had been able to choose, I couldn’t have done better than Atlanta.

I love my hometown, with its mix of warm Southern charm and hip urban ways. Growing up here was so exciting, with so much to see and do. We’d play all day at Piedmont Park, head for storytime at the Wren’s Nest or the library, catch a puppet show at the Center for Puppetry Arts, take a walk along the Chattahoochee River, visit Zoo Atlanta, hang out at Oxford Books, watch the July 4th fireworks at Lenox Square, and so much more.

Back in those days – I was born in 1981 – metro Atlanta was so much smaller than it is today, and it seems like I was well-acquainted with most of the places a kid would want to go. Fast-forward and sometimes I feel like I’m exploring a whole new city. I’m amazed at the number of places and activities that didn’t exist when I was a child and at the hidden gems in every neighborhood just waiting for discovery.

Over the past few weeks, our Atlanta Parent staff has done some of that discovery for you, scouting out places to take the kids for a fun time this summer (see Page 21). Some of the places you might already know – the Silver Comet Trail, Sweet Auburn Market, PDK airport or the 15-acre park that’s taking shape as the Marietta Aviation Museum – but others will surprise and delight you and your family.

In more than 50 different neighborhoods, you’ll discover a duck pond, new places to hike, a berry farm, and indoor places to visit on a rainy day. We’ve included great tastes of Atlanta – from frozen yogurt and sweet potato pie to Red Bean Fish Pancakes – and a list of places to learn something new, from the history of Stone Mountain Village to the science of baking bread. There are so many great neighborhoods to explore; we could not fit them all into one issue. So look for more neighborhood gems in the July and August issues. You’ll also find some “must do” summer events; I’ve already marked them on my calendar and you should, too.

Try to stay cool!

Limited FREE Parking • MARTA Accessible Advance purchase is highly recommended as many shows sell out quickly.

Season supported in part by: Fulton County Arts Council and City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

Assosciate Publisher

How to Reach us:

Photo © Center for Puppetry Arts® 2014 Dr. Seuss text, characters and images TM and © 2009 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street / New York, NY 10019 / Phone: 212-541-4684 / Fax: 212-397-4684 / www.MTIShows.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

8 Atlanta Parent June 2014

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

When she says she wants to buy heR lunch, take it as a compliment.

School lunch is now something you’d be proud to put on your own table. That’s because the same Tyson® product quality you trust at home can be found on your child’s school lunch tray.

Learn more about the goodness of Kid Tested, Kid Approved TM school products at tysonschoollunch.com.

© 2014 Tyson Foods, Inc. Trademarks and registered trademarks are owned by Tyson Foods, Inc. or its subsidiaries.

News You Can Use

by Amanda Miller Allen

Doctor Knows Best?

Get Creative to Win K’Nex’s Top Prize

69 percent of parents say they don’t always follow advice from their child’s physician

56 percent follow the doctor’s advice “most of the time”

40 percent

said they don’t follow advice on discipline

18 percent

don’t follow advice on sleep recommendations

13 percent don’t follow advice on watching TV

*Results of the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, surveying parents of children ages 8 and younger.

Four creative builders will win a K’Nexpert Search prize package worth $2,000 in the 15th annual contest that challenges young builders to design an original model made from K’Nex parts.

The contest will have one winner from four different age groups: ages 5-6, 7-8, 9-11 and 12-14. Entries must be submitted by Aug. 29.

Find entry forms at knexperts.com.

Program Will Teach Charitable Giving If your teenager had $10,000 to donate to charity, how would he choose the recipient? The Atlanta Jewish Teen Foundation will give 20 Jewish sophomores and juniors a chance to learn about giving in an 11-session program that begins this fall. The group will discuss priorities, write a grant application for charities to complete, interview the charities, make site visits and decide where to donate the money. Each teen must commit to donate or raise $180 to contribute to the amount that will be given. Teens should apply

by Aug. 15 at jewishatlanta.org/teenfoundation. For more information, call Jillian Wagenheim at 404-870-1869.

Here’s What It’s Like To Be a Father

Moms and dads know that being a parent is difficult, but some dads find it hard to share their joys and concerns about raising their kids. Dads will be able to relate to a weekly Web series, from Daddy & Co., called “My Life As A Dad” (mylifeasadad.com). It delves into some of these issues, with celebrity dads from athletes to actors talking about what it’s like to be a father.

The series features interviews with actor/comedian Tom Arnold, Dancing with the Stars winner J.R. Martinez, NCIS Los Angeles’ Eric Christian Olsen, Witchblade’s Will Yun Lee and many others.

10 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Two Fun Apps n Trover.com: This app is a cool place to showcase cool places to visit or eat in your hometown or while on vacation. Post your own photos and a description or look for other suggestions in Atlanta and beyond.

This free Web and mobile app, for iPhone and Android. Trove on! n Cluster.com: Sharing photos of your kids on Facebook often seems a little too public.

Instead, share them with select family and friends with this free Web and mobile app (for Android and iPhone.

Photos shared on Cluster are seen only by those invited.

The app is easy to use, and it notifies you when you have new photos to view.

atlantaparent.com

Dad Will Treasure This Family Craft Gather the kids for a fun and easy project to surprise Dad on Father’s Day. The inexpensive Photo Frame Family Tree you’ll create is perfect for his desk at the office or for special display at home.

The project is one of 100 from the creative mind of Atlanta native Amanda Kingloff, author of the new book Project Kid: 100 Ingenious Crafts for Family Fun (Artisan Books, 2014, $22.95) and former lifestyle director at Parents magazine.

The book, beautifully illustrated with color photos, offers stepby-step directions for crafts that use common household items in uncommon ways, such as single-use coffee cups that become a whimsical “K-Cup Door Chime.”

For your Dad’s Day family tree project you’ll need: 18- to 24-inch-long sticks White paint 1-inch foam brush Scissors Black-and-white portrait photos of family members

Play-Doh lids, one for each family member Glue Styrofoam 1 cup or vase Fun-Tak (available at office supply stores

To assemble, paint the sticks and let them dry.

Make a circle template to match the size of your Play-Doh lids, then cut the faces from photographs to fit inside the lids. Glue the photos to the lids.

Fit a piece of Styrofoam snugly in the cup and push the sticks down into it.

Use Fun-Tak to attach the lids to the sticks.

SWIM LESSONS Year-Round Indoor Swim Schools

SUGARLOAF

ROSWELL

4850 SUGARLOAF PKWY., STE 702 LAWRENCEVILLE 30044

795 OLD ROSWELL RD. ROSWELL 30076

JOHNS CREEK

5059 POST RD. CUMMING 30040

678-442-7946 4850 JOHNS CREEK PKWY. SUWANEE 30024

(www.swimatlantalessons.com)

770-622-1735

770-992-7946 MIDWAY

770-888-0010 HAMILTON MILL 1152 AUBURN RD. DACULA 30019

678-889-2039

Mention Atlanta Parent for a Special Offer on Summer Enrollment.

Coupon Code: AtlantaParent Developing Safe, Healthy & Successful Swimmers in a Fun & Structured Swim School Program.

Swim Lessons for All Ages 6 Months - Adults from Beginner to Pre-Competitive Levels. atlantaparent.com

VISIT SwimAtlanta.com

FOR FULL SCHEDULES AND PROGRAM DETAILS. June 2014 Atlanta Parent 11

e l i Sm

How to get started l Choose

for the camera!

the cutest picture you have of your kid. We really like pictures where we can see your child’s face and hair. 4"x6" or 5"x7" photos work best. l Check out our website: Atlantaparent.com/coverkids to download and fill out the entry form. Consider entering our new group category, a great opportunity to submit that cute daddydaughter picture. l Find a stamp! We know it’s old fashioned, but it’s much more personal to hold a photo than stare at thousands of images on a computer.

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Atlanta Parent’s annual Cover Kids Contest.

What’s next? l Hey,

For official rules, FAQ, and entry form visit Atlantaparent.com/coverkids.

Also, see page 41 for official entry form.

12 Atlanta Parent June 2014

did you get my entry? We receive many, so please don’t get upset if we don’t confirm your entry. We promise we look at each one! l After June 20, we narrow our group of winners to 50 semi-finalists. Semi-finalists are contacted by mail and posted online. These 50 are invited to a meet and greet with judges in mid-July. New this year will be an informal photo-shoot that day with opportunities to appear inside the magazine. Then, 25 finalists are invited back for a more formal studio photo shoot. Finally, six winners are chosen to appear on an Atlanta Parent cover with a fun official photo shoot to follow.

atlantaparent.com

Advice from one parent to another: Tips from past Cover Kid winners

“Do it for fun! If your child wants to participate in the finalist activities, encourage them. If they feel shy or afraid, don’t force them or make them feel bad. No pressure, just enjoy the experience.”

“Make sure your child really likes getting his/her picture taken and to submit a very natural picture of your child – your child should look like a kid.”

Steph, Mom of Sophia Smith, Cover Kid December 2011.

Anne, Mom of Olivia Hall, Cover Kid April 2008.

“The best thing about the Cover Kids Contest is seeing how my daughter realized her beauty, both inside and out. It gave her a renewed sense of confidence.

The positive reaction she received from family, friends, teachers, and classmates was priceless.”

Kim, Mom of Kamryn Washington, Cover Kid February 2014.

“Don’t take it personally if your child isn’t chosen. We submitted one year and Presley wasn’t picked as a finalist but a semi-finalist. So we decided to submit next year and she was picked.”

“The only advice I would have is to be patient. It’s a process like anything else and you have to go through it step by step.

It’s exciting and nerve racking waiting for answers, but it was worth it in the long run.”

Misty, Mom of Jordan Barry, Cover Kid December 2006.

Elena, Mom of Presley Morales, Cover Kid July 2013.

atlantaparent.com

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 13

&

FREE cheap

by Dalia Faupel

Don’t trash your

Reuse Reuse SOAP SLIVERS! it!

It! They’re still useful. n Grate them and scent your bathwater. n Mix them with water in a blender or food processor (wash well afterward!) to create liquid soap. n Throw them in a mesh bag or cut off a section of pantyhose and use in the shower as a loofah, or keep them by the kitchen sink for hand soap with scrubbing action.

How to Save on…

n Stash them in your drawers to freshen clothes.

Sources: mnn.com, goodhousekeeping.com

Going to the Movies A cool, dark theater is a great place to escape the summer heat. Cut movie costs with these saver strategies: n Scope deal sites like Groupon or discounted movie theater passes, or two-for-one deals. n Visit gift card exchange sites like cardpool.com or plasticjungle.com where you can buy or trade gift cards at varying values for discounts of up to 35 percent off. n Buy at the box office to skip handling fees on movie ticket websites. n Go at off peak times, like afternoons instead of evenings, to get the lower matinee rate for tickets. n Follow the theater you visit most often on social media and sign up for an e-newsletter to get occasional discounts and promotions. n Check out our list of free and cheap summer movie screenings on Page 54.

Sources: moneycrashers.com, AP staffers

Kids Eat

FREE n Taverna

Fiorentina. Atlanta. Every Sunday kids 11 and younger get a free children’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée. tavernafiorentina.com n Baked. East Cobb. Kids 10 and younger get a free kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Every Monday. bakeithappen.com n Matador Mexican Cantina. Decatur.

Get one free kids’ meal per adult entree and beverage purchase each Tuesday, 5-7 p.m. matadorcantina.com

Kids Bowl Free. Metro Atlanta kids can register to get two free games of bowling, every Mon.-Sat. through Aug. 29. Register your child online to get weekly vouchers emailed to you. kidsbowlfree.com

DEALS

Around Town 14 Atlanta Parent June 2014

LPGA Legends Tour. A free golf clinic for kids ages 5-17 is scheduled on June 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Country Club of Roswell as part of Judson Collegiate & Legends Pro-Am Challenge. Kids 17 and younger also get free admission to the entire tournament weekend, June 27-30. judsongolf.com

Zoo Atlanta and the Center for Puppetry Arts. Adult library card holders can visit their local branch to check out passes for free family admission. Zoo Atlanta offers a general admission pass for two adults (ages 12 and older) and two children (ages 3-11). The CPA Museum offers four museum admissions, along with a 25 percent discount on puppet shows and workshops. One checkout per household, per year. zooatlanta.org/home/hours_and_rates/family_pass and puppet.org/museum/galibrarypassport.shtml

atlantaparent.com

p for u n ig s o t e t la It’s not too

! s p m a c r e m m su 2014

A Summer Camp for Learning

FRENCH CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Saturday program ages 18 mo-12 yrs • Buckhead location

One & two-week camps available!

Join us for a whimsical Challenge Island summer camp where campers will create and test thematic inventions in tribes!

Register online at www.challenge-island.com/24 Call 404-964-7501 for more information.

atlantaparent.com

at Atlanta International School New Class: Bébé et Moi (Baby and Me) for children ages 18-36 months

Register for Classes

NOW!

Register online at: www.frenchschoolatlanta.org

770-634-6228

Since 1981 June 16 - July 11

Two sessions of 2 weeks each available.

Contact Betsy Box for more information.

Located on the beautiful 45-acre campus of The Bedford School in Fairburn, GA. Serves children with academic needs, ADD or learning differences.

 Students aged 5-15  4:1 student/staff ratio  Academics: Reading, Math & Writing Skills  Afternoon Recreational Program

5665 Milam Rd. Fairburn 30123 Phone 770-774-8001 www.thebedfordschool.org June 2014 Atlanta Parent 15

Summer Camp

She Will Love!

Horseback Riding, Swimming, Tennis, Canoeing, Dance, Aerobics, Gymnastics, Beach Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Arts and Crafts, Chorus and Drama, Counselor-in-Training, Campfire Fun, Outdoor Living Skills, Climbing Tower, Ropes Course, Flag Twirling, Cheerleading, Riflery, Archery, Trip Day, Golf, and more!

Only 2 Hours from Atlanta!

Call 800-882-0722

for a FREE catalog & DVD! www.riverviewcamp.com P.O. Box 299 Mentone, AL 35984

800.399.8309

Susan & Larry Hooks, Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director Accredited by American Camping Association Members of Christian Camping International

Atlanta Parent online

2014

is the go-to resource for finding that perfect

Fishing • Painting

summer camp!

www.millsprings.org/SummerPrograms

Visit atlantaparent.com 16 Atlanta Parent June 2014

atlantaparent.com

summer camps! : s p m a c r e m m u s e r o m r Fo atlantaparent.com A summer day camp experience at an urban farm in East Atlanta for children ages 7-12.

Three One-Week Morning Sessions in June and July Email peaceandcarrotscamp@gmail.com or call 404-981-3655 to sign up.

OAKLEAF MENNONITE FARM

1088 BOULDERCREST DR SE • ATLANTA 30322

ENROLL YOUR CHILD NOW!

The Bush Centre for Ballet’s

SUMMER DANCE CAMP 2014 June 16-20 Ballerina Princesses Ages 6-9 1:00-4:30 pm $225

July 7-11 Ballerina Swans Ages 10-16 1:30-5:30 pm $285

Fees include: Registration, classes, supplies for projects, snack & movies.

No prior experience required.

Call 404-256-5542 or register online at www.bushballetcentre.com

ICE SKATING SUMMER CAMPS

at The COOLER

in Alpharetta.

More information and online registration

at www.cooler.com

2014 Summer Camps!

ONE-Week Improv & On Camera High energy & fun acting games Perform Scenes & Commercials Ages 4-18

TWO-Week Theatre Camp Audition, Practice, Perform a Play

4484 Commerce Dr, Ste A Buford 30518 770-904-6646 www.TheActorsScene.com atlantaparent.com

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 17

A to Zen for dads

Easy Ways for the Man in Your Life to Feel More Peace

by Sue LeBreton

Dads are more stressed than ever.

If they do not take time for self-care their health can suffer and so may your relationship. Here are some easy ways to encourage the man in your life to find some Zen. You could kick off your efforts on a special occasion like Father’s Day, but think about adding these practices into your lives for the longer term.

Ask him what chore you could

assume for one day or one week that would give him some breathing room. Maybe you can swap your least favorite chores and both feel relief.

Bond with buddies. New

Kiss frequently because it’s

good for both of you. Kissing releases feel good hormones, boosts self esteem and may even reduce blood pressure.

Try to make kissing each other hello and goodbye a ritual.

research from the UK shows that men’s health improves by regularly hanging out with their buddies, so encourage him to reconnect if he has lost touch.

Laughter is good for

Compliment him regularly.

Massage never fails to rid

Remark on everything from his appearance to his parenting or other skills that you admire.

Daily movement is crucial to

long-term health. If he is not already active, suggest an activity and join him for just 10 minutes to start. If he is already moving, can he add 10 minutes to his existing routine?

whatever ails him, so book a date night out to a local comedy club, rent – or better still, go to see a funny movie. the body of stress and toxins.

Encourage him to try a variety of styles until he finds one that is right for him. Consider booking a couples’ massage or taking a class so you can practice at home.

Electronic overload can drain

Dad’s joy and serenity. Encourage him to deposit his phone in a technology basket when he arrives home.

Fondue for dinner. This method of cooking lends itself to lingering and long conversations so plan a fondue for two after the kids are tucked in.

Gum chewing is not just for

kids. In addition to freshening breath, gum chewing can improve concentration and reduce anxiety.

Hydate your hubby. Encourage

him to drink more water by buying him a nice bottle to take to work.

A hydrated body is energetic and more alert.

Interests in common are

a great way to share stress relief and build intimacy. Be adventuresome and find new activities to sample.

Jokes never get tired if the man

in your life enjoys a good laugh or prank. I suggest The Encyclopedia of Immaturity so he never runs out of ideas. He will laugh even if he only reads about the stunts.

18 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Nose his way into relaxation.

Investigate aromatherapy to reduce stress, headache, insomnia or fatigue. He may wonder why he feels better when you have infused the room with lavender.

Out with the worry.

Encourage him to keep a journal or simply list worries to release them before bed so that sleep is more serene.

Print off this list so he has a reminder to practice self-care because he is loved.

Quiet is relaxing and an

antidote to our stimulating world. Perhaps Dad needs some earphones so he can escape into calm without having to shush another’s fun. atlantaparent.com

Why wait? Enroll at Dental

Regular dates with you. Book them

into the calendar to be sure they happen and download a reminder app to keep you both on track.

Sound vibrations affect every cell

in the body so encourage your hubby to surround himself with music that makes him feel good. He can make an invigorating choice on the way to work and a soothing one on the way home.

Tense and release muscles for

complete relaxation. Look online for guided progressive relaxation to learn the technique. It’s simple, yet effective.

The Dental Staff School is now offering cross training courses that include Front Office Administration and Orthodontic assisting in order to better train tomorrow’s leading dental assistants. Please visit our website for more information.

(678) 819-3919

3020 Roswell Rd. Ste 100 Marietta GA 30062

dentalstaffschool.com

Staff School & start your new career today!

What sets us apart from other schools?

With Dental Staff School, you begin right away. We’re leading the way with online, interactive classrooms. This means you can study to become a dental assistant at your own convenience. Combined with a hands-on class that meets for 10 Saturdays from 8 am -5 pm, you will find yourself moving into your future faster than imagined.

Scared of the price tag that comes with top quality education? You don’t need to be! The program costs $3,000.00 – $4,692.00 (depending on state requirements) and includes an online classroom, three certifications, tuition, supplies, and RDA license in TN. Want more? We also offer front office administration, orthodontic assisting, dental instructor training as well as continuing education classes for sealant, nitrous, and coronal polishing.

Take control of your education and start your career right away.

Dental Staff School – Make it Happen.

United parental fronts are important

for children to see and bonds you as a couple. Negotiate behind the scenes so you both feel supported.

Video games may be an outlet for him

to burn off frustration. Don’t knock it until you have tried it.

Walking is still one of the best and

easiest exercises. Go for a walk as a family, hold hands and remember why you fell in love. Studies show walking also is good for problem solving – the solution to a nagging concern may be a stroll away. eXtreme fun. What is the most delightful activity he could do right now? Encourage him to do it.

Yoga is not just for women. Look for

a special class for men or try a DVD at home. Stretching his body is even good for his arteries. Remind him you want him to be around for a very long time.

Zzzs Encourage quality sleep by

showing him the research that back-lit devices impact the ability to fall asleep and should be avoided 30-90 minutes before bed – that includes phones, tablets, laptops and TVs. c atlantaparent.com

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 19

M

MER F

UN

ST

A

FIRST IN A THREE-PART SERIES

by Felicia Barman, Dalia Faupel and Jen Haslam

/ West End l Sandy Springs / Dunwoody l Lawrenceville / Buford / Lilburn l Alpharetta / Roswell / Cumming l Smyrna / Vinings / Mableton / Douglasville / Villa Rica l Duluth / Johns Creek / Norcross l College Park / East Point / Morrow

atlantaparent.com

RT S N O

Explore new neighborhoods – or even make a discovery in yours – with our suggestions for where to play (indoors and out), good eats, and where to squeeze some education into your recreation.

JUNE l Downtown

W!

l

l

SU

Neighborhood Gems

JULY l Chamblee

/ Doraville l Midtown / West Side / Virginia Highland l Woodstock / Canton l Decatur / Druid Hills l Newnan / Peachtree City / Fayetteville l Stockbridge / McDonough / Jonesboro

AUGUST l Buckhead

/ Brookhaven / Kennesaw l East Atlanta / Inman Park / Grant Park / Reynoldstown l Conyers / Lithonia / Covington l Suwanee / Gainesville / Braselton l Stone Mountain / Tucker / Snellville l Marietta

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 21

Downtown l West End Sun

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The Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs offers Public Art Audio Tours highlighting 22 unique works of art in Downtown Atlanta. The one-hour tour starts at Andrew Young Plaza, where dialing in (404-2605532) provides prompts to hear about each of the works, in any order. A printable map is available on the website. Andrew Young International Blvd. NW and Carnegie Way NW, Atlanta. ocaatlanta.com./ arts-hub/#search/events

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Wren’s Nest Photos by Jason Crawley

Tour the Wren’s Nest, the home of famous author Joel Chandler Harris, where he penned many of his Uncle Remus tales about Brer Rabbit.

Professional storytellers spin their tales here every Sat. afternoon, one of the few remaining Queen Anne Victorian homes in Atlanta. 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404-753-7735; wrensnest.org

Taste Foodies can bliss out at Sweet Auburn Market, with a smorgasbord of options from bbq to crepes to soul food. Kids can indulge in burgers and dogs, too. 209 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta. 404-6591665; facebook.com/market209

Learn Tour Atlanta Printmakers Studio, a space for printmaking artists and students, to see working printing presses, artists at work, and create a book to take home. Reservations are required; tours cost $5-15. 675 Metropolitan Pkwy. Atlanta.

404-316-6863; atlantaprintmakersstudio.org

Sweet Auburn Market

Sandy Springs l Dunwoody Sun

Taste

Heritage Sandy Springs is a prime gathering spot with grand green space for recreation, concerts and festivals.

Check the website for summertime kids’ programs and squeeze in a visit to the engaging Heritage Sandy Springs Museum, too. 6110 Blue Stone Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111; heritagesandysprings.org

Wright’s Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe is an order-at-the-counter, family-owned eatery with a devoted following. The Rebel Reuben sandwich and lemonade cake are good bets, along with other freshly made sandwiches and treats. Get your lunch to go, or take your time on the spacious patio. 5482 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody. 770-396-7060; wrightgourmetshoppe.com Henri’s Bakery has been an Atlanta landmark since the 1920s, and a taste of the French pastries can tell you why. It’ll take multiple visits to try all the goodies on the menu, both savory and sweet. 6289 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-256-7934; henrisbakery.com

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Bean Head Toys

22 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Bean Head Toys is a kid shopper’s dream, with arts and crafts, storytime, and imaginative play in the indoor treehouse. Free art class takes place on the first and third Wed. of every month, and an animated storyteller reads aloud and leads crafting time on Thurs. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd. NE, Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980; beanheadtoysonline.com

Learn Dig deeper into the life of a courageous young girl by viewing more than 600 photographs and details about her life. The powerful Anne Frank Exhibit educates visitors about the Holocaust and its impact on today’s society. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-2061558; annefrankexhibitsandysprings.org

atlantaparent.com

BAPS Mandir

Lawrenceville l Buford l Lilburn Sun

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Taste

Learn

Treetop Quest adventure course boasts zip lines, Tarzan jumps, swings and other obstacles for harnessed participants. Thrill-seekers will want to try the just-opened Spider Quest. The harness-free course, constructed above a giant safety net, is the first of its kind in the U.S. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford.

770-904-3547; treetopquest.com

Bass Pro Shop is far from the average retail store, with a Family Summer Camp program of in-store activities ranging from make-and-take crafts to outdoor skills workshops. It’s also a great spot to get inspiration for family recreation. 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville. 678-847-5500; basspro.com

Breakfasts at the Peachtree Café please the pickiest, with sweets like giant Belgian waffles piled with fruit and whipped cream, or savory omelets filled with meat, cheeses and veggies.

The biscuits and gravy have plenty of fans, too. 50 S. Clayton St., Lawrenceville. 678-3778745; peachtree-cafe.com

The BAPS Mandir, a Hindu place of worship and community gathering place, was assembled like a giant 3-D puzzle from more than 34,000 individual pieces hand-carved from three types of stone. Take an audio tour that gives details about the building, as well as info about Hindu art, architecture and philosophy. 460 Rockbridge Rd. NW, Lilburn. 678-906-2277; atlanta.baps.org

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Hike the trails of Old Mill Park, where you can see a waterfall that was created when Vickery Creek was dammed to give waterpower to the Roswell textile mills in the late 1830s. Walk on a covered pedestrian bridge and view the only mill building that survived the Civil War. 95 Mill View Ave. (at Sloan St.), Roswell. 770640-3253; visitroswellga.com

Watch the treats being made through the kitchen windows of Dutch Monkey Doughnuts, where flavors (like salted caramel bars and root beer float doughnuts) change daily. Wash ‘em down with coffee drinks, teas and hot chocolate mixed from steam milk and solid cocoa blocks. 3075 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. 404-482-3650; dutchmonkeydoughnuts.com

Shade Go ice or roller skating at The Cooler during public sessions.

One of the biggest skating facilities in Georgia houses two ice arenas and one roller rink, and offers specials and family programming during summer. 10800 Davis Drive, Alpharetta. 770-649-6600; coolerathletics.com Dutch Monkey Doughnuts

atlantaparent.com

Learn At The Teaching Museum North, kids can get hands-on with educational exhibits. Compare heights to more than 30 presidents and first ladies in a life-sized display, explore a courtroom and log cabin, and investigate Civil War objects and military uniforms. Call in advance to tour as summer hours are limited.

793 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell. 770-5526339; teachingmuseumnorth.org Cont’d on page 24

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The expansive Silver Comet Trail is designed for casual walkers, hikers, joggers, bicyclists and inline skaters. Direct access to Heritage Park by a peaceful 1.7-mile soft-surface walking trail makes it picnic-perfect. 60 Fontaine Rd., Mableton. 770-528-8810; silvercometga.com

Shade

Kids can make like Spider-Man on the only Magnetic Climbing Wall in Georgia. At Mojobas Fun Factory, magnetized gloves and ankle-foot straps connect climbers (30-150 pounds) with magnets on a wall. It’s extreme monkey bar action in every direction: up, down, sideways, or a full 360 degree rotation. 7442 Douglas Blvd., Douglasville. 770-575-0717; mojobasfunfactory.com

Taste Train aficionados will appreciate the view overlooking the railroad tracks at New York Pizza Exchange, where trains pass by regularly. In addition to a long list of specialty pizzas, this eatery also offers salads, pastas, sandwiches, wraps and calzones.

The patio hosts live entertainment on Fri. and Sat. 2810 Paces Ferry Rd., Vinings. 770-434-9000; nypizzaexchange.com

Learn

Silver Comet Trail

Mojobas Fun Factory

The Pine Mountain Gold Museum covers more than 100 years of Villa Rica’s gold mining industry history. Pan for gold, tour real gold mines and view precious artifacts.

Families can also walk trails, picnic in a pavilion, visit a live farm animal exhibit, and take a train ride along the Pine Mountain Scenic Railroad. 1881 Stockmar Rd., Villa Rica. 770-459-8455; pinemountaingoldmuseum.com

Duluth l Johns Creek l Norcross Sun Jones Bridge Park, on the Chattahoochee River banks, offers a playground for kids, open green space for pick-up games of kickball, and grills to barbecue. The highlight of the park is the terraced stairs leading down to the river. Wear water shoes and bring bread to feed the ducks. 4901 E. Jones Bridge Rd., Norcross. 678-277-0920; gwinnettcounty.com

Shade Step out of the heat and into the Hudgens Center for the Arts’ Children’s Zone! Create make-and-take art projects, get cozy in the reading nook, and play a tune at musical stations. Plan to stop by the sculpture garden, too.

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-623-6002; thehudgens.org

Taste Stop by the AtlantaFresh Artisan Creamery flagship store for a taste of seasonal frozen Greek yogurt, including peach and ginger, vanilla, mixed berry, Mexico City-style chocolate and French roast coffee. Bring a cooler to take some home.

6679 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. 678-240-4660; atlantafresh.com

24 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Hudgens Center for the Arts’ Children’s Zone!

Learn Knead all about it! Take the Science of Baking class at the Great Harvest Bread Company. Mix ingredients, learn how certain ingredients react together, and bake a loaf of bread. Reservations are required.10305 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 770-622-0222; getfreshbread.com

atlantaparent.com

College Park l East Point l Morrow Sun The Reynolds Nature Preserve, 146 acres tucked into the heart of Clayton County, includes four miles of hiking trails, historic buildings dating back to the Civil War, and an environmental center with live animals and displays. 5665 Reynolds Rd., Morrow. 770-603-4188; reynoldsnaturepreserve.org.

Shade Take in a bike race at Dick Lane Velodrome, with family admission, music and commentators explaining the action. The one-fifth mile, 36-degree banked concrete track is set in a green space, providing tranquil views.

Races take place primarily in afternoons or early evenings; visit the website for a complete schedule.1889 Lexington Ave., East Point. 404-769-0012; dicklanevelodrome.com

Delta Museum

Taste

Learn

Grab a chicken sandwich and fresh lemonade at the original Chick-fil-A Dwarf House, the first in the vast CFA empire. Choose to dine in the retro restaurant side, or the modern version. Either way, kids will want to enter through the dwarf door. 461 N. Central Ave., Hapeville. 404-762-1746; cfarestaurant.com/ hapevilledwarfhouse/home

Take flight and visit the Delta Museum, featuring the only full-motion flight simulator in the U.S., a DC-3 passenger plane and the Waco 125 biplane.

The museum re-opens this month, commemorating the 85th anniversary of Delta’s first passenger flight. 1060 Delta Blvd., Atlanta. 404-715-7886; deltamuseum.org c

65 Days Of Summer

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June 2014 Atlanta Parent 25

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It’s time to splash, slide and soak!

From water parks to interactive fountains to indoor aquatic centers, we’ve got plenty of ideas for getting wet. Here are 10 of our top picks for water play.

For Daredevils

For Lazy River Drifters

After racing around the Go Kart tracks or a game of Mini Golf, visit this new water attraction which promises gallons of fun with five levels of slippery slides, tunnels, spray loops, spray cannons, an interactive aqua dome, giant splash bucket, and plenty of water slides for older and younger children. n Where: 5400 Brook Hollow Pkwy., Norcross. 770-416-7630; malibugrandprix.com/site/Norcross n Cost: Adults and children, $19.99; chaperone pass, $5

Splash down the huge enclosed spiraling slide, slip through the yellow tube slide and into the water, and enjoy a “lazy river” float. n Where: 875 Six Flags Dr., Austell; 770-739-3180; prca.cobbcountyga.gov/aquatics.htm n Cost: Adults, $4.50; ages 2-17, $3.50

Buccaneer Cove at Malibu Grand Prix

For Multi-Taskers LanierWorld

Lake Lanier Islands’ beach and water park offers every-which-way aquatic fun. Splash and play in the “Kiddie Lagoon,” zip down giant and small slides for every age, tackle the floating playground, or kick back on the sandy beach. n Where: 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford; 770-932-7218; lakelanierislands.com/lanierworld n Cost: Adults, $36.99; kids under 42 inches, $26.99; 2 and younger, free.

Parking, $10.

For Sand-Between-the-Toes Lovers The Beach at Clayton County International Park

One price gains access to both the beach with lake for swimming and the colorful and immense “adventure kiddie pool,” with fountains, towers, “water shooters” and more. The beach action includes big slides and even a water trampoline. n Where: 2300 Highway 138 SE, Jonesboro. 770-477-3766; claytonparks. com n Cost: Ages 13 and older, $11; kids 3-12, $9; ages 2 and younger, free.

South Cobb Aquatic Center

For Wave Jumpers Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Over Georgia

Soak yourself in Hurricane Harbor, the park’s tropical island-themed water park with a massive wave pool, thrilling single and a multi-slide towers, and an interactive children’s water playground featuring mini slides, drenching towers and more water elements.

Closes one hour before the rest of the park. n Where: 275 Riverside Pkwy. SW, Austell.

770-739-3400; sixflags.com/overgeorgia n Cost: Regular park admission; Adults, $59.99; children 48 inches and under, $39.99; 2 and younger, free. Parking, $20

For Shade Seekers

Bethesda Park Aquatic Center The fun is indoors here ... a giant waterslide that curves out of the building and then re-enters before dropping you into the pool, a cool lazy river, zero-depth entry into the leisure pool and dunking buckets. n Where: 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0880. gwinnettparks.com, search “Aquatics” n Cost: Adults, $10.50; ages 4-10, $8.25; ages 3 and younger, $6.25

26 Atlanta Parent June 2014

atlantaparent.com

For Daytrippers

For Beginners

Fort Mountain State Park Situated in the North Georgia Mountains, Fort Mountain State Park has an array of beautiful hiking and biking trails for families to explore and a lakeside beach perfect for swimming and water sports. n Where: 181 Fort Mountain Park Rd., Chatsworth.

706-422-1932; gastateparks.org/FortMountain n Cost: Parking, $5

For Fountain Jumpers Fountain of Rings, Centennial Olympic Park

Get sprayed, surprised and chilled to the bone in these dazzling fountains, and stick around for the water show that’s synchronized to music; show times are 12:30, 3:30, 6:30 and 9 p.m. daily. Access is free! Take MARTA to make getting there an adventure, too. n Where: 265 Park Avenue West, Atlanta. 404-222-7275; centennialpark.com

For Splashers

Spray Pad at Old Atlanta Park With three big overhead water buckets, two huge water cannons, and seven ground sprayers, along with several special water features geared towards toddlers, this spray pad is built to splash. n Where: 810 Nichols Rd., Suwanee. 770-781-2215. forsythco.com/parks n Cost: $2

65 Days Of Summer

Private and group lessons are offered at metro

area YMCAs. Visit ymcapass.com for class offerings at your closest location.

Check your county’s parks and recreation department website for lessons at a public pool nearby. Find schedules for private swim club lessons (offered year-round) at Dynamo (dynamoswimclub.com) Atlanta Swim Academy (atlantaswimacademy.com) or Swim Atlanta (swimatlanta.com.)

For Free

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

There’s lots more at this new, 17-acre park. n Where: 680 Dallas St., Atlanta.

404-590-7275. beltline.org/parks/ historic-fourth-ward-park c See our complete listings at atlantaparent.com/getwet2014.

Fight boredom! Visit atlantaparent.com to win prizes and find fun activities for everyday this summer.

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June 2014 Atlanta Parent 27

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The millions of visitors to the metro area’s top attractions don’t leave disappointed, even if they’ve been there many times before. There’s always something new to discover.

1 2 Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Over Georgia

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World of Coca-Cola

Atlanta Botanical Garden. What’s new: Through October, nine new giant living sculptures join Imaginary Worlds and four painted fiberglass sculptures towering 15 feet comprise The Four Seasons by artist Philip Haas. atlantabotanicalgarden.org

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Atlanta History Center.

Coming up: The 150th anniversary of the Civil War’s Battle of Peachtree Creek on July 19 will be marked with special events, including an encampment at the Smith Family Farm. atlantahistorycenter.com

Atlanta Motor Speedway.

What’s new: The No. 3 car returns to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the first time since Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s death in 2001. atlantamotorspeedway.com

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Booth Western Art Museum. What’s new: Art and the Animal exhibit, featuring today’s best animal sculptors and painters, continues through Sept. 7. boothmuseum.org

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Children’s Museum of Atlanta. What’s New: Outside the Box exhibit, June 14-Dec. 31, encourages imaginative play with large and small boxes, tubes and cylinders. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

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CNN

12 Georgia Aquarium

28 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Dream Cars at The High Museum of Art

Center for Puppetry Arts. What’s new and nearly new: Upcoming performances include the return of Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, June 10-July 20; Guyi-Guyi: The Other Ugly Duckling, July 22-Aug. 3, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites, Aug. 5-17. puppet.org

Chattahoochee Nature Center. Coming up: Butterfly Encounter, June 8-July 13, lets kids interact with and feed hundreds of butterflies; it kicks off with the Flying Colors Butterfly Festival June 7-8. chattnaturecenter.org

CNN Studio Tour. Visit the global headquarters of CNN on a 55-minute walking tour to learn how the news programs come together. cnn.com/tour

Fernbank Museum of Natural History. What’s new: Through Aug. 24, learn about the sea’s mightiest animals, with Whales: Giants of the Deep, and explore Birds of Bali Aviary, situated in a rainforest in Indonesia. fernbankmuseum.org

Georgia Aquarium.

What’s new: Sea Monsters Revealed: Aquatic Bodies is an exhibit of the world’s largest plastinated sea creatures; also new: penguin, sea otter and dolphin encounters. georgiaaquarium.org

Georgia State Parks.

What’s new: A summer camping promotion offers 50 percent off campsite fees July 15-Aug. 28 at these parks: Florence Marina, General Coffee,GordoniaAlatamaha, Kolomoki Mounds, Magnolia Springs, Reed Bingham, Stephen C. Foster and Seminole. gastateparks.org

Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Nearly new: Through Sept. 6, explore the physics behind amusement park rides such as Newton’s Laws of Motion with the Amusement Park Science exhibit. gwinnettehc.org

atlantaparent.com

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High Museum of Art. What’s new: Through Sept. 7, Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas displays beautiful concept cars, including the 1936 Scarab, the car that led the way for today’s minivan. high.org

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Visit the civil rights leader’s boyhood home, his tomb, Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached and a museum that tells the story of the civil rights struggle. nps.gov/malu

Six Flags Over Georgia.

What’s new: Hurricane Harbor water park includes an 800,000 gallon wave pool, multi-slide tower and an interactive children’s water play area. sixflags.com/overgeorgia

Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History. What’s new: The interactive exhibit, 1864: Commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War’s Bloodiest Year, through July 20, highlights the hardships for civilians and soldiers on both sides of the conflict, with never-before-displayed artifacts and personal letters. southernmuseum.org

Stone Mountain Park.

Get wet in Geyser Towers, test your agility on the SkyHike, see Atlanta’s skyline on the Summit Skyride, take a scenic train ride, stay for a laser light show and much more. stonemountainpark.com

Tellus Museum. Coming up: All Aboard Train Exhibit, July 12-March 29, 2015, features model trains on more than 100 feet of tracks and displays reveal the basics of model railroading and building railroad scenes. tellusmuseum.org

World of Coca-Cola. What’s new: An exhibit, Active Healthy Living Through the Years, focuses on physical activity and nutritional information; it includes a 1938 Steps to Health board game. worldofcoca-cola.com

Zoo Atlanta. Nearly new: Splash Fountain, a new water feature with 18 jets on interactive pads, opened just in time for July 4th last year. zooatlanta.org c

atlantaparent.com

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June 2014 Atlanta Parent 29

DeWitt family treehouse under construction

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by Carol J. Alexander

Remember the lazy days of summer when you were a kid?

Where did you spend your time? I went to an old, hollowed out tree in the woods behind our place – a treehouse that nature made – with my book and my lunch almost every single day.

Atlanta is fortunate to have plenty of backyards full of trees – just perfect for a modern-day treehouse. Kids will spend hours in that treehouse every day, reading, playing, camping out overnight, plotting mischief and just hanging out in that private space that’s all their own.

“Most children in the US spend only 30 minutes a week in unstructured time in the out-of-doors, whereas the average 10- to 16-year-old spends over 30 hours a week in front of some kind of electronic screen,” says licensed professional family counselor Harvey Yoder. After hearing that sobering statistic, I felt compelled to go outside and take photographs of the treehouse we built 30 Atlanta Parent June 2014

for my boys. Someday, those photos will be added to a couple of scrapbooks.

A treehouse does not need to be a monumental (or expensive) building project, and the builder doesn’t have to be a skilled craftsman. Think of it as making a memory with your kids and providing a place for them to make their own memories for years to come.

Jeff and Sandra DeWitt of Roswell are doing just that, in the process of constructing a simple house for son Mason, 8, and daughter Skyler, 11.

“It’s nothing super elaborate,” DeWitt says. “We’re keeping the cost around a few hundred dollars.”

He’s using leftover lumber from a friend’s deck-building project for a 6-foot by 8-foot platform about 6 feet off the ground and shaded by a hickory tree. The house will be enclosed, with a 4-foot by 8-foot deck on the front, and probably a tin roof. DeWitt isn’t an expert builder so he’s enlisted the help of two friends, one of whom has built houses with Habitat for Humanity, and “we’re winging it as we go,” he says.

Mason is excited about the project and has pounded a few nails, but will be more involved with construction after the framing is finished. He was heavily involved in planning, though, and one of the design features – a trap door in the deck for entry – was his idea. atlantaparent.com

Don’t Feel Handy?

For parents who feel they don’t have the time or skill, a contractor or carpenter can construct a backyard fun house. One metro business, Atlanta TreeHouse (atlantatreehouse.com), will build from standard plans or design a house. Prices start at $1,250 for a 6-foot by 6-foot covered platform.

Paul Farber of Acworth, whose business is welding and metal fabrication, has fashioned a house with an unusual design for his children Stone, 9, Gavin,12 and Sydney Marie, 13, but again using scrap lumber and railings left over from a job. Farber’s house, built a few years ago, is about 9 feet off the ground, and two sides of the triangular structure are supported by trees, with the other supported by a ladder. He attached swings and a trapeze bar underneath the treehouse platform.

“It’s nothing fancy,” he says, “but it turned out really neat.”

The design was dictated by materials – he didn’t have enough lumber to make a square – plus, the pine trees in his backyard were small, and one tree couldn’t support his structure. His wife, Lynn, says the building took a few weekends, but was worth it. The kids still play around the treehouse and invite neighborhood friends over.

Matt and Danielle Bell of Brookhaven wanted a treehouse for their kids, Vega, 2, Asa, 5, Mary, 7, and but Matt didn’t feel handy enough for the job. They hired friend and contractor Chris Secen for the seven-day project, based on ideas and a sketch. The rail design was Chris’ idea, and Danielle suggested the old-fashioned ladder access.

She’s also added mosquito netting under the floor and over the doorways “It was definitely a design-as-you-go project,” Danielle says.

The treehouse was finished last May, and though it cost about $3,000, the kids spent nearly every day last summer playing there, and likely will do an overnight stay or two this summer. Adult friends over for visits also have felt driven to climb up the tree.

If you plan to build your treehouse, here are some ideas to keep in mind:

The Design Before cutting into a pile of lumber, your kids need to design what they want their treehouse to look like. Some kids will try to convince you that they have it all in their heads and can build as they go. Do not listen to that. Get them to talk about what they are thinking and get it down. During the dialog, give them constructive suggestions and advice. Then, using grid paper, have them draw up their plans. Older kids can use a computer-aided drafting program.

Cont’d on page 32

Want to Build a House?

Get Some Free Advice Though first-time treehouse builders may feel intimidated, most anyone who can use a saw, hammer, drill and screwdriver can do it, with a little help from a pro.

“People come in all the time asking about building a treehouse,” says James Harris, who works on the pro desk at the Home Depot store in Roswell. “Just a week ago, we helped a guy put one together.”

The pro desk works with the amateur builder to sketch out his plans, then puts together the materials needed, from lumber to joist hangers, nails, bolts and screws. A simple treehouse can be constructed in about seven days.

Any home improvement company pro desk should be able to assist, but Harris says you’ll need to help: “Tell us what ideas you have in your head, and we can tell you if it’s a good idea or a bad idea and help you adjust your plans.”

Here’s how to get started: n Bring in photos of your backyard and the tree you want to use. n Think about how big you want the structure to be, and the pros can help you determine if the tree you’ve selected is adequate. n Decide whether you want to build up in the branches of the tree, use the tree to brace your structure, encircle the tree with your house or build a house underneath that’s shaded by the tree. “It’s easier to build on the ground than up in the tree branches,” Harris says, but once you get the footing and platform done, building is about the same. n Have an idea of how many people might use the treehouse and the maximum weight. The house will need to be strong enough to withstand people gathering in one area of the house, such as a deck. n Decide whether you want a platform structure or a more elaborate house with roof, windows and door.

“A lot of people start out with a simple plan, and then it gets fancier,” says Harris, who’s worked on more than a few plans in his 26 years with Home Depot. “We always want to see photos of the finished project.”

Farber family treehouse

atlantaparent.com

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 31

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Resources for Design, Building

TREEHOUSE

These resources will give you ideas and help you with the technical aspects of building. n Tree Houses You Can Actually Build by David and Jeanie Stiles outlines five basic treehouse designs that can be adapted for different situations. Even the most inexperienced builders can follow the simple line drawings and instructions in this book.

The Building Even if you have never swung a hammer in your life, you can build a treehouse with your kids. If you do not feel confident in your skills, invite a friend or family member over to help you. Some of the best memories are made while working together. The interaction between parents and children, siblings, and even friends can build bonds that last a lifetime.

“If I were building a treehouse with a child,” says Pete Nelson, host of the popular TV show Treehouse Masters, “I would want him to learn that the experience of working with one’s hands, with friends or family, is a joyful time – not like writing a term paper is a painful thing. Building a treehouse is never a painful thing.”

If you are working with different ages of children, keep the little guys busy counting nails, making piles of five and multiplying them, or comparing the lengths of different

Bell family treehouse

boards. They can also run errands or fetch drinks. But do not underestimate their abilities.

My youngest could drive a nail straight from the time he was age 3.

What do you say? Is this the summer to make memories building a treehouse so your kids can dream?

Amanda Allen contributed to this article.

65 Days Of Summer

n Home Tree Home: Principles of Treehouse Construction and Other Tall Tales by Peter Nelson and Gerry Hadden is the most comprehensive guide in building treehouses from the simplest design to an adult retreat with modern conveniences.

This book covers site selection, safety issues, tree care, and more. n Black & Decker’s The Complete Guide to Treehouses by Philip Schmidt features step-by-step details to building three different treehouses, complete with plans. Sections on zoning laws, platform basics, and installing windows are included.

Fight boredom! Visit atlantaparent.com to win prizes and find fun activities for everyday this summer.

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June 2014    Atlanta Parent 33

BaBY STePS How to Pick the Best Shoes for Your Toddler

W

hen it comes to baby’s first shoes, which is best – the cute babydoll style or the more traditional lace-ups? The answer could be both, or neither.

The best shoe is more about shoe fit and features than shoe style, but there’s no reason you can’t have all three in one shoe.

Shoe selection – just like many other decisions parents must make from birth onward – is important, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. A person’s lifelong gait or walking pattern begins with the first steps, and taking those steps initially without shoes helps babies use their toes and heels for stability and develop their muscles for walking.

Once baby gets really mobile, though, he’ll need shoes to protect his tiny feet. Look for these features, the AAP says: l Shoes should be lightweight and flexible in the forefoot and should provide stability in the mid-foot, and cushioning in the heel. l Shoes should be made of breathable materials (leather or mesh), and soles should be made of flexible rubber for traction to prevent slipping. Arches aren’t necessary until ages 2-3.

And moms on a budget will hate this advice: Handing down shoes from one child to another is a no-no, the AAP says, because each child has a unique foot pattern.

34 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Get the Right Size Toddlers’ feet grow fast, and your baby may need a new set of shoes every two to three months. A trained shoe sales person can accurately measure width and length, or try a fun new measurement tool: Squatchi.

The tool, which comes in a variety of colors, is advertised to be as accurate as metal measuring tools used in stores and virtually foolproof. Though you may still want to get a store measurement, Squatchi also is a keepsake – you can mark your child’s foot measurements as he grows and chart his progress. Buy at squatchi. com; $19.99 for one, $39.99 for a twin pack with marker.

Most children’s shoe companies also have measurement tools on their websites that parents can download to tablets or print.

atlanta baby

atlantaparent.com

Get the Right Fit Malinda Freitas, brand marketing manager for Stride Rite shoes, says shoe sizes change every three months for ages 12 months to 2½ years. Then parents get a break: shoes sizes change every four months for ages 2¼ to 4 years old, and every six months for children 4 to 6 years old.

The most common mistake parents make, she says, is not getting their child’s foot measured and not buying a shoe that fits properly. Young children often have wide feet and the wrong size or width, or shoes that are too heavy or not flexible and breathable, can affect their feet and gait, she says.

Angela Edgeworth, president and founder of pediped footwear, adds: “The most common mistake most of us are guilty of is buying too large of a size for your child to grow into to get that extra wear. Have your child fitted, and they should have approximately one-third inch room to grow and no more. Any additional space may cause a tripping hazard. Buy the correct size and realize that shoes, like clothing, will be grown out of since they are growing kids.

Buy quality footwear in smaller quantities.

Quality over quantity.”

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And sometimes parents compound that mistake by just increasing the size once the child outgrows the first shoes, Frietas says. The first shoe fitting, and the 10th or 20th shoe fitting, are equally important because children’s feet don’t begin to form critical bones until age 5 and feet continue growing through their teen years, she says.

For children with wider feet, go up half a size and similarly for children with narrow feet, go down half a size, Edgeworth says.

Shoes that are too big can cause foot problems, blisters and discomfort, Frietas says.

Pediped’s Adventure line sandals are a perfect water/mountain/outdoor shoe – lightweight, rugged, water-friendly and flexible.

Socks or No Socks?

If your child is wearing leatherlined footwear or sandals, no socks are perfectly fine, Edgeworth says. Leather breathes and also absorbs sweat.

If the shoes are not made of natural materials, your child’s feet will tend to sweat and be uncomfortable without socks.

Socks are useful for warmth, to absorb sweat or for additional

Stride Rite’s sandals are cute, but more importantly, comfortable and flexible.

Cont’d on page 36

atlanta baby

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 35

“

BaBY STePS

What local parents are outfitting their toddlers in right now:

cushioning. If the child is in an athletic shoe, and is active, use socks as they will provide an extra layer of support and absorb some perspiration, Edgeworth says.

Look for socks that are seamless so they don’t gather under the child’s foot and cause discomfort.

Get Ready for Summer Kids will be walking outside more on uneven surfaces, so wearing the right shoes is essential.

On the beach, make sure they have water-friendly sandals or water shoes to protect against rocks or seashells, and bacteria in the sand.

If the tops of their feet are exposed by sandals, be sure to apply sunscreen to prevent burns.

A child’s foot sweats more than an adult, and so they are vulnerable to blisters. Avoid sandals made of vinyl or plastic as they can rub and prevent the foot from breathing.

For the summer, keep the shoes, light,

36 Atlanta Parent June 2014

My kids run through tennis shoes. Right now I like the Velcro New Balance shoes for my toddler and my older child likes the Nike tennis shoes.

Andrea Bowes, Alpharetta

Pediped Mirabella in silver

breathable and flexible. Sandals with open toes are fine but not ideal for outdoor activities, Edgeworth says. Try to keep those toes protected if they are involved in any sports or recreational activities.

Slip on shoes for kids are trendy now but be careful of shoes that kids can come out of easily, particularly if your child is running or engaging in active exercise.

“Remember, their feet will last them a lifetime, so it’s important to start them off on the right ‘foot’!,” Edgeworth says.c – Amanda Allen

atlanta baby

We buy Crocs every summer.

We like them because the kids can get them on and off by themselves and they are easy to clean.

Felicia Barman, Dunwoody My toddler loves his Pedipeds.

One pair holds up really well, is easy to throw in the wash and also fit the best of any shoes we purchased.

Kevin Powell, Decatur

”

atlantaparent.com

Baby Bits

by Amanda Miller Allen

Baby Food Sales Decline

What to Name Baby?

2013’s Top Monikers

If you don’t know Jack, chances are, you will soon.

Jackson was the most popular boys’ name for a male child born in 2013, according to babycenter.com, followed closely by Aiden, the most popular name in 2012. And a variation on Jackson, Jack comes in at No. 10.

For girls, Sophia led the list for the fourth year in a row. Emma was No. 2, holding that position for the third year.

Moms are busier than ever, so you’d think prepared baby foods made by Gerber and Beech-Nut or the newer all-natural brands would be flying off grocery store shelves.

Not so, says IRA, a data and research firm.

Since 2005, sales of baby food, in ounces, have fallen about 4 percent a year.

Some mothers apparently don’t like the ingredients they’re seeing on labels and have decided that they feel better about steaming and pureeing their own fresh vegetables.

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Top 10 for boys and girls: Boys: 1. Jackson 2. Aiden 3. Liam 4. Lucas 5. Noah 6. Mason 7. Jayden 8. Ethan 9. Jacob 10. Jack

Girls: 1. Sophia 2. Emma 3. Olivia 4. Isabella 5. Mia 6. Ava 7. Lily 8. Zoe 9. Emily 10. Chloe

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Babies Make Women Smile Is the smell of a newborn as pleasant as chocolate for women? Researchers think so.

In a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, they tested 30 women, giving them a shirt to smell that a newborn had worn for two nights. Reward center receptors in the women’s brains lit up, even if the women had no children. Researchers theorized that the scent may give new moms the urge to take care of their infants and may even encourage a woman to care for a baby that’s not hers.

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June 2014 Atlanta Parent 37

PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES DIAGNOSTIC AND EVALUATION SERVICES SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPY SPECIALIZED COMMUNITY AND

6 Ways To Reuse Diaper Wipes Boxes

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by Christina Katz

I have not used diaper wipes boxes for their originally intended purpose in many years, but I still go through plenty. Maybe because the natural, unscented types of wipes are useful in so many ways, as makeup removers, hand wipes, and even, in a pinch, for a quick sponge bath for older kids, tweens and teens.

It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity, or service.

1 Trash can liner dispenser.

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Nobody likes to look at a roll of naked trashcan liners. Perfect for the nursery, the pet room, or the laundry room. You can even keep one in the car or garage for quick backseat cleanups.

Use up plastic bags from the grocery store instead of store-bought bags or give yourself a choice by keeping a box for each.

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2 Battery storage.

The clean and dry interior of your old diaper wipes box is just the right size for the variety of unused batteries you have floating around the house. If you don’t have an opportunity to recycle often, you can create a disposal box for used batteries and recycle them annually.

This concept also works well with new and used printer ink cartridges.

3 Tiny toy box.

&

Embracing Strengthening

Metro Atlanta Families since 1983

770-234-9111 • www.focus-ga.org 38 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Diaper wipes boxes are the perfect solution for sorting tiny toys. Each time your child receives or buys a new collection, make them a new “home.” These are perfect to store Polly Pockets, Squinkies, even Matchbox cars. You’ll waste less time trying to put the complete set back together down the road.

4 Crayon box.

The reason a diaper wipe box is so perfect for crayons is that it’s portable. Your home is probably swimming in crayons, so why not pull together several crayon boxes and store them around the house? Do the same with sidewalk chalk and say good-bye to melted puddles where chalk got left out in the rain. This concept also works for pencils and markers.

atlanta baby

5

Travel snacks box.

Next time you have to leave the house in a rush and everyone is hungry; your travel snacks box will save the day. When you notice nuts, seeds, crackers, and dried fruit on sale, stock up. Divide items into snack bags, then pack your box and it’s ready to grab next time you are on your way out. Restocking the travel snacks makes a fun chore for older kids. Use a second box to store juice boxes or juice bags, ready to roll, right in the fridge.

6 Emergency car kits.

Every family is different, so customize your kit to your family’s needs and keep out of reach of small children. Consider including: wet wipes packets, tissues, hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, first aid ointment, bandages, aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, heartburn medicine, indigestion medicine, lip balm, breath mints, pet waste bags, and pet treats. Or create one box for first aid, one for bored kids, and one for pets. Fill the bored kids’ box with decks of cards, finger puppets, and cars. Or have each child grab a tiny toy box for the trip. c

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Spotlight on

Baby Resources Northside Pediatrics

A

s parents, we all want happy, healthy babies. It doesn’t take long to develop the confidence and calm of an experienced parent. Your baby will give you the most important information—how he or she likes to be treated, talked to, held, and comforted.

As your baby grows, there are common problems and questions which arise that can be upsetting and puzzling to new parents. There are many approaches to various problems and these vary from child to child. Loving your child, common sense, and the ability to adapt to particular situations are the keystones to successful child rearing.

Choosing the right pediatric practice is one of the most important decisions you can make for you and your baby. During your baby’s first year, you will visit your pediatrician’s office many times for check-ups, shots, and other unanticipated baby events. You should rely on your pediatric practice for answers to your questions, including those about infant feeding and nutrition; development; immunization schedule and conditions common in newborns.

Being comfortable with the practice and how they treat you and your baby is important to your well-being. Many new parents don’t realize that your baby’s pediatrician is also your “go-to” when there are middle of the night fevers, terrible two tantrums or emotional outbursts at age 15.

Take time to interview, understand and select a pediatric practice that best fits you and your family’s needs.

At Northside Pediatrics, we focus on total wellness of children from birth through age 21. We call our comprehensive care philosophy 360Care™. That means we spend more time with each child because some things that can impact your child’s long-term health can’t be determined quickly. When it comes to your children, we will not compromise on quality.

We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. It’s a higher standard, and many families in Atlanta are looking for that.

Call 404-256-2688 (Sandy Springs) or 770-928-0016 (Woodstock) to schedule an appointment at Northside Pediatrics.

For more information, visit www.northsidepediatrics.com.

Families Of Children Under Stress (FOCUS)

McGinnis Woods Country Day School

W

hen a baby is diagnosed with a lifelong disability or serious medical condition, parents just want to kiss and make it better. This can be a scary and emotional time, and some parents may be so overwhelmed by the medical terms and by their emotions that they really do not understand; they might not even know the questions to ask! Parents often feel relieved to know that they are not alone.

Families Of Children Under Stress (FOCUS) offer comfort and encouragement and is there to help – to listen and cry, to inform and educate, and to offer programs for the families and the baby with special needs through our support groups and programs. Seek support so you can have the information and tools to help your baby and to help meet your emotional needs.

FOCUS offers support groups all over metro Atlanta; a newsletter with stories by families about their experiences and information about equipment and resources; an education conference; community respite programs; and several annual activities for the entire family. FOCUS believes that if your baby has special needs, then your family has special needs – FOCUS cares. If your child has a physical, cognitive or developmental disability, please call FOCUS at 770-234-9111 or visit www.focus-ga.org. atlantaparent.com

T

he preschool at McGinnis Woods Country Day School is a nationally accredited preschool that provides the highest quality of early childhood care and education. McGinnis Woods preschool is accredited by The National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC. NAEYC accreditation represents the mark of quality in early childhood education. The program, from infancy through pre-kindergarten, focuses on the social, cognitive, and emotional development of young children. The warm and loving teachers of McGinnis Woods are both qualified and experienced. The low student-teacher ratios and small class sizes allow for the individualized attention that the children need to learn and grow.

The private Pre-K and Elementary/Middle School currently serves students through eighth grade.

McGinnis Woods preschool uses Creative Curriculum which embraces the philosophy that children learn best by doing. Each classroom offers weekly lesson plans based on the “theme of the week.” Zoo-phonics in an integral part of the curriculum. The school’s mission is “to inspire students with the passion to excel!”

The developmentally appropriate curriculum, low ratios, and enthusiastic teachers provide a fun environment and a strong sense of community and belonging rarely found elsewhere.

Experience the McGinnis Woods difference! Visit their website at www.mcginniswoods.org or call 770-664-7764 to set up a tour.

Special Advertising Section

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 39

Summer Safety Slip-ups

by Sandra Gordon

No big deal, you think – so what if my child doesn’t want to wear his helmet? He can go for a bike ride without it just this once. Or you get caught up in conversation at a pool party instead of keeping an eye on your toddler.

Accidents happen, even when we’re trying to be careful. But because we’re outside more and the days are longer, summer can be an especially dangerous time. According to SafeKids Worldwide, there’s an 89 percent increase in children drowning in the summer months and a 45 percent surge in bikeriding deaths.

Fortunately, making your child’s summer safer is a matter of making a few precautionary tweaks. Here are some small risks you might be taking that can lead to big problems, and tips for avoiding them.

Slip-up: Letting your child ride his bike without a helmet.

Studies show that kids ages 11-15 tend to wear helmets less often than younger ones. n Play it safe: Be on helmet patrol. A bike helmet can reduce the risk of bicycle-related traumatic brain injury by up to 88 percent. So, of course, you’ll want to make sure everyone – you included – is protected with a properly fitted helmet. Insist that your older child always wear one.

Slip-up: Assuming someone else is watching the kids.

“At pool parties, many parents assume somebody else is watching. Mom assumes Dad’s watching. Dad assumes Mom’s watching and it’s easy to get distracted,” says Phyllis F. Agran, professor emeritus of pediatrics at the UCI School of Medicine, in Irvine, Calif. Even a few unsupervised minutes in the water can be deadly. n Play it safe: One of you needs to be officially on duty and concentrating on your child. At pool parties with children present, 40 Atlanta Parent June 2014

assign a supervisor and make it clear by saying to your spouse, for example, “Okay, you’re on duty while I’m chatting with our friends.”

But don’t think it’s enough to make your older kids, who are having fun, keep an eye on your younger ones. Make that supervisor your spouse or another adult.

Slip-up: Keeping the wading pool filled.

“Young kids can drown in an inch of water or less,” says John Dregenberg, consumer safety director at Underwriters Laboratories, in Northbrook, Ill. Don’t think the water in your child’s baby pool is harmless. n Play it safe: “Dump the wading pool when you’re done with it,” he says. “And turn it upside down so it doesn’t catch rain water.”

In fact, empty all outdoor containers of water after use, including five-gallon buckets and insulated coolers; they’re a formidable drowning hazard.

Slip-up: Tossing charcoal after a BBQ. Cleaning out the grill and disposing of coals in a remote section of your yard or at the beach may seem like a good idea because it’s far away from everyone. Trouble is, kids run all over the place in the summer and they’re often barefoot. “Charcoal can get up to 1,000 degrees F,” Drengenberg says. Even if the coals have cooled and don’t look hot, they can retain heat for hours. It only takes a moment’s contact with a scorching coal to seriously burn a child’s foot. n Play it safe: Whether you’re at home, at the beach or camping, cool down hot coals before disposing of them by dousing them with a garden hose or a bucket of water after cleaning out the grill. atlantaparent.com

Slip-up: Letting children play

Slip-up: Leaving your child in the car.

During July, some 200 people per day visit emergency rooms with fireworks-related injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fireworks, even seemingly harmless sparklers, can cause serious injuries and burns. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, and a child excitedly waving them around could injure himself or someone nearby. n Play it safe: Never allow a child to play with or ignite fireworks; only adults should ignite them – and carefully. Make sure to light fireworks one at a time and to keep body parts clear of the fuses; back a safe distance away when the fuse is lit. A bucket of water or a garden hose should be handy for an emergency, and to douse fireworks after they’ve completed burning to prevent an accidental fire. Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying. Better yet, plan to attend a professional fireworks show in your community – you’ll see a better display of light and sound.

Each year, children die from heat stroke after being left unattended in motor vehicles. From 1998 to 2012, in fact, 20 children have died this way in Georgia alone, according to a state-by-state report by researchers at San Francisco State University. The inside of a car can heat up quickly – to as high as 122 degrees F in less than 20 minutes on an especially hot day. Moreover, young children overheat faster than adults because they’re less able to regulate their body temperature. n Play it safe: Never leave your child in the car, even with the windows “cracked,” or even just for a few minutes. And keep in mind that a change in routine or a bad night’s sleep can lead to the unthinkable – driving to work with your sleeping baby in the car and forgetting that it’s your day to drop her off at daycare. To help you remember that your baby is in the car, put a soft toy in the front seat. Or secure something you need, such as a purse or backpack, in the backseat near your baby. Also, get in the habit of checking to make sure that everyone has exited the car and lock car doors when you leave so a curious toddler can’t climb into your car. Keep car keys out of your child’s reach, too.

Cont’d on page 42

with fireworks.

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June 2014 Atlanta Parent 41

Summer Safety Slip-ups

Kevin R. Jackson, DDS

Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Slip-up: Leaving

“Every Child Deserves a Healthy Smile!”

your medication on the hotel night stand.

www.youngsmilesdentistry.com (770) 222-1344 Se Habla Español ~ State-of-the-Art Facilities Most insurance plans accepted Two Locations:

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“When we’re traveling, it’s often much easier for youngsters to get into things that might be safely stored at home,” says Rose Ann Soloway, a clinical toxicologist at the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, D.C. We stow medication and vitamins in suitcases, on night stands – places that are accessible to children. n Play it safe: Store your medication and vitamins out of your child’s reach, just like you would at home, and do the same at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house.

Slip-up: Keeping Tiki oil within your child’s reach.

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Toddlers and older kids are drawn to anything that looks like juice. Tiki oil, which is used to light tiki torches, comes in purple, blue and red. An enticing container of it can easily be upturned and ingested.

Another common mistake parents of young children make: “They’ll pour gasoline for the lawn mower into smaller container, like a measuring cup, and leave that sitting around,” says Soloway. “Kids can swallow it or breathe it into their lungs, causing aspiration pneumonitis, which can be fatal,” Soloway says. n Play it safe: Store Tiki oil in its original container out of your child’s sight and reach, in a locked cabinet just like you do medicine and vitamins. The same goes for gas, charcoal lighter fluid, antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid. These containers don’t have child-resistant caps, which a determined toddler may be able to override anyway.

If you believe your child has something potentially poisonous, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-2221222. You’ll be connected with a nurse, physician or pharmacist at a local center who is specially trained in recognizing and treating poisoning. Do this instead of heading directly to a hospital emergency room or calling 911 – you’ll get the fastest advice on how to handle the situation. c atlantaparent.com

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June 2014    Atlanta Parent 43

Hook a Bookworm Encourage your children’s love of books by offering tantalizing activities and options.

by Colleen Wright

Set the Hook by Creating a Book Nook Just as book stores create enticing displays to draw you in, make a special book nook in your home and fill it with cozy things that will attract your children. This can be as simple as filling a corner with a soft mat, pillows and blankets. Place a collection of books nearby, so that your children will come to associate reading with the time they enjoy in their special space.

For additional charm, decorate the area with framed pages from their favorite books, or use storybook characters to create a mobile or wall mural. Give your children a feeling of ownership by asking for their help and opinions along the way. Feeling like they had a hand in creating the space will give them a sense of pride, and they’ll be drawn to a spot with colors and props they’ve picked out.

Purchase bookplate stickers so that they can claim the book collection for their own, and allow young children to affix the stickers to their books. Encourage expansion of their book collection by adding bookshelves.

While traditional shelves get the job done, the small spines can become overwhelming when crowded together on a shelf.

Consider shelves that allow you to display the books’ entire front covers. Each time they walk by the area, they’ll glimpse interesting storybook characters and be drawn to stop and read about them.

Reel Them In with Interactive Reading Whether you have a calm cuddler or active jumper, all children will enjoy reading in an interactive way. Use different voices and hand movements to keep them engaged in the story, and encourage them to participate as much as possible. Older children can be given a character’s “part” to read. Young children can fill in words to their favorite refrain, or make sound effects that go along with the dialogue and pictures.

While many older children still love being read to, another option is to ask them to read a book to you. The role reversal is a great confidence builder, and another way to have fun with reading.

Adventures Beyond the Book Create a stronger reading bond with your children by choosing family activities related to their favorite books.

Many books have related movies that you can watch together and then discuss. Or, if they enjoyed a particular movie, see if there are any books about their favorite characters.

Turn a book into a game by giving your children paper bags or socks to decorate as storybook characters.

Help them reenact the book as a puppet show. Once the show is over, children of all ages will still enjoy playing with the puppets as the book is being read – and long after. This is a great way to encourage an interest in both reading and storytelling.

Infuse reading with newness and excitement by taking trips to the library. Many libraries offer story time and other book-related events, and will give library cards to children of all ages. They’ll love choosing books and then checking them out with their own library cards.

Older children may enjoy reading parts of a chapter book with you each night, and then discussing it over dinner the next evening. The suspense of what will happen next, combined with family conversation, is sure to create special book-related memories.

44 Atlanta Parent June 2014

atlantaparent.com

Dangle the Bait with Book Allowances and Wish Lists In addition to the traditional allowance, consider giving your children a “book allowance” which would allow them to buy one book per week or month.

By using books as a reward or special treat, you’ll encourage them to think of reading as something fun.

Build excitement by helping them create a “wish list” of books they want to read. Scan Amazon for books that look intriguing, or take them on an excursion to the book store. The stacks of new, colorful books can persuade even the most hesitant of readers to start a wish list.

While some children will pick a dozen books right away, others may get overwhelmed with the huge selection. If you think that your children will need help, prepare ahead of time by making a list of reading material, and then point out some of those books that you think will intrigue them. Of special interest will be books that include hobbies they like, relevant transitions and upcoming life events.

The Elusive Catch or Hooking Your Disinterested Reader

The key to hooking disinterested readers is to make it a treat instead of a chore. Magazines and comic books are a great place to start. The manageable size combined with interesting pictures and captions have more allure than the straight text of chapter books.

Offer reading rewards that will encourage more reading. Treat them to extra computer time dedicated to reading websites and internet articles that you’ve approved. Let them pick out a magazine subscription, which will have them checking the mailbox for their own mail.

When your children show interest in a sport or hobby, or ask about an upcoming vacation, refer to a book and find the answer together. If the topic is one they’re interested in, they may continue reading after you’ve moved on.

Show your children how special books can be, and their childhood reading experiences will stretch throughout a lifetime. c

Find Great Books for Your Home Library n nea.org/grants/teachers-top-100-books-

for-children.html Check out the books that teachers chose as their top 100 favorites. The list is based on a teacher survey given by the National Education Association. n ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb

The Association for Library Service to Children lists their top 100 book picks for 2013. n childrensbookadayalmanac.com

Former children’s book editor and publisher Anita Silvey highlights a book per day, along with a summary, background information and the suggested age group for each pick.

imagine Your Child?

What do you want for

IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE YOUR CHILD LEARNS…

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

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Montessori School of Cumming

404-634-5777

770-205-6773

3021 N. Decatur Road Decatur, GA 30033

4601 Post Road Cumming, GA 30040

Now enrolling children ages 15 months – 12 years • www.MontessoriSchoolsofGeorgia.com atlantaparent.com

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 45

5

n Libraries

Ways to Ramp Up Summer Reading

Kids often lose ground over the summer, especially when it comes to reading. With no teacher-assignments, many students don’t even open a book.

They arrive in the fall behind their classmates who read during the break – whether it was books,

46 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Reach Out

The Georgia Public Library System coordinates a statewide Summer Reading program that encourages children and families to read. Most local libraries have storytimes, and some offer arts and crafts, or magic and puppet shows to draw kids in. Most libraries also post suggested reading lists by age group or ability. Some encourage kids to keep reading logs and give awards when they reach reading goals. Check with your local library to see what’s available. n Scholastic’s

Program

comics, magazines, newspapers or websites – most anything with the printed word. With that in mind, educators, libraries and companies are stepping up efforts to encourage more children to read.

Here are some summer programs parents need to know about:

Online

Scholastic Books’ Summer Reading Challenge, a free online reading program, also aims to develop readers. On the site, scholastic.com/summer, kids pick books they want to read, then log how many minutes they’re reading to earn rewards and compete with others to see who can read the most. The goal is to set a new world record for summer reading.

Cont’d on page 48

atlantaparent.com

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Helping your child grow in character and faith while being successful in the modern world.

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June 2014 Atlanta Parent 47

5

Ways to Ramp Up Summer Reading

n Free

Books For Atlanta Readers The city of Atlanta will distribute 10,000 free books this summer geared toward readers from birth to age 8.

The “Mayor’s Summer Reading Club” books are made possible by a grant from PNC Financial Services Group’s Grow Up Great program. The “Let’s Read, Let’s Move” program is also in partnership with the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students.

Libraries, schools, summer camps, museums and farmers’ markets will hold book club reads and activities this summer.

Children who participate in the club will receive one of three books: In the Garden by Elizabeth Spurr, Amari’s Adventure by the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy at the Atlanta Speech School and The Monster Who Ate My Peas by Danny Schnitzlein.

For more information, visit iamatlanta.org. n Georgia’s

Learning Spotlights available in our

July & August issues – just in time for

Decatur 404-828-0810 134 New Street, Decatur 30030 East Point 1460 East Cleveland Avenue, East Point 30344 404-768-2111 Ask about The Green School Elementary Program at East Point For more information, call 404-768-2111 or visit www.LittleLinguistsPreschool.com

48 Atlanta Parent June 2014

back to school.

Call Atlanta Parent at 770-454-7599 to learn how you can participate in this advertising program.

Challenge to Read

Georgia officials are promoting a 2014 Summer Reading Challenge, asking students to take a summer reading pledge to read at least 15 to 30 minutes every day.

Georgia educators recommend these goals for summer: Grades K-2, 10 children’s books Grades 3-5, eight chapter books Grades 6-12, five fiction books and five nonfiction books.

Parents can find guidelines to assess their child’s reading level at georgiastandards.org, then use that information to find books that match their child’s interests.

For more information, search “Georgia Summer Reading Challenge” online. To match your child’s reading skills with appropriate books, visit Find a Book at lexile.com/fab/ga. n Barnes

& Noble’s Free Gift

Well, nothing’s really free here – kids have to work for a free book by reading eight books over the summer and recording them in their Reading Journal.

Kids take the completed journal to their local Barnes & Noble, and select a free book from the Reading Journal list at the store.

Find more on the program and download a Reading Journal at barnesandnoble.com (search for “summer reading program”). c atlantaparent.com

Make ‘Em Laugh,

And Other Tips To Get Boys Reading

M

ost educators will tell you that getting boys hooked on books is a harder sell than interesting girls, which is why boys usually score lower than girls on reading tests.

Try these topics to pique their interests, from two authors of books that appeal to boys, Jeff Baron, author of the Sean Rosen series of books, and Jon Scieszka, founder of guysread.com and author of The Stinky Cheese Man and other books. n Humor: Books that make boys laugh

will make them read, though what’s funny to boys may be in the Captain Underpants mode. Once boys decide a character is funny, they’ll read even a complex story about him. n Adventure/Sci-fi: The Harry

Potter series was an international hit with boys (and girls) for a reason – themes of fear and bravery appeal to boys, who might identify with the hero.

atlantaparent.com

n Graphics: Illustrated novels

might capture a boy’s imagination in a way that written descriptions will not – graphic novelists know this, as do cartoonists. Comic strips, comic books or graphic novels might be a backdoor to developing a reader. n Sports

or Nature: Stories set in the outdoors or based on a sport boys like or play will draw them in. Get them a magazine subscription based on their interest. n Poetry: Though it seems unlikely,

boys like rhymes and rhythms, and for non-readers following a poem from start-tofinish is less daunting than reading a book. n Age

and Stage: Make sure the characters in the story are people that boys can identify with, someone like them who goes on adventures.

n Let

Them Choose: Suggest a number of books and let them choose one to tackle.

Try reading the book yourself as they do, and discuss the characters and theme. n Build

Them a Bridge: If they’re on the Internet playing games, surfing or watching videos when not in school, find books that have an online component. n Respect

Them: Boys like to be challenged, if the language is simple, clear, and written the way they talk. c

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 49

Hey Kids! So you think you can Dance? Sing? Perform?

Enter Atlanta Parent’s Talent Showdown!

You’ll compete for a chance to perform in front of thousands at our annual Family Block Party, October 11th.

a t n a l t A s ’ t n e r Pa

T N E TAL WN O D W SHO

Guest judges will be on hand at the August auditions to select the winners.

ENTRIES:

$25/Act – up to 4 kids l $50/Group – 4 to 6 kids l $75/Dance studios – 6 to 15 kids per group l

Up to eight Family Block Party passes are included with each entry.

AGE GROUPS: 5-9, 10-13 and 14-18

TALENT CATEGORIES:

Singing, Dancing and Miscellaneous (includes jump roping, instruments, monologue, etc.)

DON’T MISS OUT!

Download an entry form today at atlantaparent.com/talent_showdown Deadline July 18!

Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

n

Summer Movies

n

Free Fun

n

Calendar

n

Fourth of July

Not-to-miss events for June

Free Tour5s6 Page

1

2

3

LEGO Kidfest

RockFest

Decatur Beach Party

Cobb Galleria Centre June 27-29. Fri., 4-8:30 p.m.

Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3-7:30 p.m.

Tellus Museum / June 14-15. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Downtown Decatur June 20. 5-11 p.m.

A LEGO extravaganza featuring millions of LEGO bricks, construction zones and live LEGO Master Builders. Life-sized LEGO models and displays include Batman, the Incredible Hulk, and Lightening McQueen.

Tickets are valid for one 4 ½ hour session. Two Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 1-888-7184253. Adults, $22; ages 3-17, $20; ages 2 and younger, free. legokidsfest.com.

atlantaparent.com

Gems, fossils, and minerals take center stage during this annual event. Bring treasures from your backyard to identify, play rock bingo, and create a pet rock. Vendors have unique gems and fossils on display and for purchase. The first 200 guests each day receive a free specimen. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org.

Family Fun Guide

LEGO Kidfest

Kick off your flip-flops and celebrate summer during Decatur’s annual beach bash. Sixty tons of sand covers the square where families can build castles and dig deep with provided sand toys.

The children’s boardwalk features games, activities, and inflatables, and Terry Lee & the GT’s perform a concert. Beach chairs are welcome and food and drinks are available for purchase. W. Ponce de Leon Ave. and Church St., Decatur.

404-371-8386. Adults, $8 in advance or $10 at the gate; ages 3-12, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. decaturdba.com.

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 51

Family Fun Guide Ronnie John’s Beach Café 1951 Canton Road, Marietta 770-356-5251; ronniejohnsbeachcafe.com Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Rounding the edge of a bright white fence in a strip mall parking lot, we entered a tropically colored beach café with outdoor seating, handpainted directional signs pointing to famous beaches (Maui, Key West, and Acworth Beach, of course …) and a laid-back atmosphere that seems far from the concrete jungle a few steps behind us. What a sight for my chain-restaurant weary eyes! It’s lunchtime at Ronnie John’s, and it’s all good, brah. n What’s on the menu: Ronnie John’s serves up “beach fusion,” marrying casual Pan Asian cooking and Hawaiian seaside flavors. Island favorites include grilled and fried seafood, chicken or beef, as well as “North Shore” Hawaiian barbecue. There’s a nice variety of burritos, rice bowls, tacos and salads, ranging $6-$9 for generous portions. Appetizers include chips and guacamole, fish fingers, spring lettuce wraps, and fried pickles, all $3-$6. The children’s “Grommet” menu is all priced under $5 and includes five

EATING OUT

kid-pleasing choices from chicken fingers to a Lil Kahuna rice bowl topped with teriyaki, spicy, or barbecue chicken. For dessert, Ronnie John’s serves Aloha rolls, deep-fried donuts topped with sugar ($2.50.) n Why kids will like it: Kids can be adventurous with spicy flavors, or stick to basics. My 5-year-old son ordered the cheese quesadilla and some fresh lemonade. Outdoor seating, plenty of colorful signs and decorations to look at, and beach vibe music set a unique scene for little diners. My son even got up to dance to a Bob Marley tune! He also enjoyed exploring the outdoor area and joking with the friendly servers who cater to families. n Why parents will like it: Food is fresh, but quickly prepared. The selections are varied enough to cover those with dietary restrictions, and those who want to splurge on a big entrée or an appetizer-sized nibble. Down with the tropical vibe, I ordered the South Beach chicken katsu (essentially Japanese-style fried

chicken cutlets) with teriyaki sauce, Asian slaw, macaroni salad and rice. We gobbled our dishes quickly because they were tasty, but hung out for about an hour to soak up the virtual vacation. For me, this was a welcome change from the bustling in-andout quick service restaurant scene.

– Valerie Shepherd

What’s New at Stone Mountain Park

THIS SUMMER

Atlanta Braves

Braves x Three n Atlanta Braves: Prepare for major league fun when you head to Turner Field – try to get on the big screen, enjoy Friday night fireworks, try out your pitching arm at Scout’s Alley, and running the bases after Sunday afternoon games. Tickets range from $6-$74. Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Dr., Atlanta; 404-522-7630; atlantabraves.com n Gwinnett Braves: Take your picture with Chopper, the Gwinnett Braves’ mascot, and play catch in the outfield at Gwinnett Braves’ home games. Similar to Turner Field, the Gwinnett Braves shoot off fireworks, let kids run the bases and allow dogs in for “Bark in the Park.” Tickets range from $7.50-$13.50. Coolray Field, 1 Braves Ave., Lawrenceville; 678-277-0300; gwinnettbraves.com n Rome Braves: For a more intimate game experience, make the trek up to Rome to watch our minor league single-A team play.

Pack a meal to enjoy on the picnic tables outside the stadium, and meet Romey and Roxie, the team’s mascots. (FYI, hot dogs are a good deal at State Mutual Stadium!) Tickets range from $4-$10.

State Mutual Stadium, 755 Braves Blvd., Rome; 706-368-9388; romebraves.com

52 Atlanta Parent June 2014

n Big Thinkers Science Exploration presents multiple interactive science experiment shows Tues.-Sun. Kids can join scientists on stage to assist and solve brain teasers. n Don’t Scare the Bear, an improv show, adds a twist to the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears tale when Goldilocks returns home to find three bears in her bed.

The 20-minute show performs multiple times a day.

If you go Summer at the Rock Stone Mountain Park. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd.

Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690 stonemountainpark.com n Adventure Pass: Adults, $24.95 online and $29.95 at the gate; ages 3-11, $19.95 online and $24.95 at the gate; ages 2 and younger, free; Ride the Ducks, $14. Parking, $10.

n Costumed characters Splash the Duck and Buddy the Bear from the Don’t Scare the Bear improv show host meet and greets in the Character Circle.

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

97 Days of Play Fernbank Museum 767 Clifton Rd. NE Atlanta. 404-929-6300 fernbankmuseum.org. n Cost: Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; ages 2 and younger, free.

97 DAYS OF PLAY AT FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

June Highlights

Soak up the fun all summer long with family days, giveaways and more ways to play.

n Super Hero Day: Father’s Day celebration super hero style with costumed characters, the Cartoon Network, costume contests, games and craft stations.

June 15. Noon-4 p.m. (see page 65 for details)

n Fins and Flipper Day: Ocean-themed day with a Circus Fanta-Sea puppet show by That Puppet Guy, the Georgia Bubbleman hosts interactive bubble shows, games, and craft stations. June 28.

Atlanta Box Drop

T

o kickoff The Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s new exhibit, Outside the Box, they are launching “Atlanta Box Drop” around the city the week of June 9. Families are encouraged to be on the lookout for small, Children’s Museum-branded, 10x10 boxes at prominent, recognizable venues and area attractions. Each box contains four tickets to the Outside the Box exhibit, arts and crafts supplies and instructions.

Whoever finds the box will be encouraged to think “outside the box” and use the materials inside to create a piece of art! Finders can also post a photo of their final masterpiece on #OutsideTheBox #ATLBoxDrop.

Clues about where to find the daily boxes will be available on The Children’s Museum’s Twitter (@ChildMuseumATL), Facebook (facebook.com/ childrensmuseumatlanta) and Instagram (@childrensmuseumatlanta) pages. Put on your thinking cap, and let the box hunt begin!

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta

If you go

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Commemorate the end of slavery in the United States while exploring the themes of freedom and family history. Enjoy performances in galleries and at Smith Family Farm, genealogy workshops, kid-friendly activities, and explore The Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, Where Art and History Intersect.

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Major funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council.

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Summer Screentime

Fill the lazy days (and nights!) of summer with free or inexpensive movies. We’ve highlighted some top picks for flicks in June; keep an eye on our calendar for dates in July and beyond.

Outdoor Films generally begin at dusk; check with the venue before heading out as weather may cancel screenings and film schedules may change; usually free; food available for purchase.

n Movies in Central Park, Atlantic Station 1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta blog.atlanticstation.com Each Thurs. through Aug. 7 June 5, “Frozen: Sing Along” June 12, “Hairspray” June 19, “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” June 26, “Up”

n Movies and Music in the Park, Emory Point 1727 Clifton Rd., Atlanta emory-point.com/special-events Every other Thurs. through Aug. 21 Entertainment, 6 p.m.

June 12, “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” June 26, “The LEGO Movie”

n B at the Movies Multiple locations; check full calendar b985.com/news Each Sat. through Aug. 23 “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” June 7, Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Rd, Roswell June 14, Laurel Park, 151 Manning Rd., Marietta June 21, Drake Field, 155 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City “Frozen” June 28, Brook Run Park, 4770 Georgia Way S., Dunwoody

n Movies under the Stars, Mall of Georgia 3333 Buford Dr., Buford simon.com/mall/mall-of-georgia Each Sat. (except July 5). Entertainment 6:30 p.m.

June 7, “Frozen” June 14, “Man of Steel” June 21, “Iron Man 3” June 28, “Mr. Peabody & Sherman”

n Town Brookhaven: Movies on the Town 4300 Peachtree Rd., Brookhaven townbrookhaven.net Each Thurs. through July 31 June 5, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013) June 12, “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” June 19, “The LEGO Movie” June 26, “Princess Bride”

54 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Film Festival

Movie Theaters Summer film series for kids and families are usually screened during morning hours at local theaters, with all titles rated ‘G’ or ‘PG”. Concessions specials make for an affordable outing. n Aurora Cineplex Summer Family Flicks 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell auroracineplex.com June 6- Aug. 8. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. $2 June 6-12, “How to Train Your Dragon” June 13-19, “Rio” June 20-26, “Despicable Me 2” n Cinemark Fayetteville 10 Summer Movie Clubhouse 157 Banks Station, Fayetteville Cinemark.com June 3-Aug. 6. Tues.-Wed., 10 a.m. $1; $5 for 10 movie-package June 3-4, “Night at the Museum” June 10-11, “Ice Age: The Meltdown” June 17-18, “Epic” June 24-25, “The Croods”

atlantaparent.com

n Georgia Theatre Company Multiple Locations including Merchant’s Walk Stadium Cinemas, Marietta and Cherokee Stadium Cinemas, Woodstock georgiatheatrecompany.com June 3-July 24.Tues. and Thurs., 10 a.m. $1 June 3 & 5, “Despicable Me 2” June 10 & 12, “The Croods” June 17 & 19, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” June 24 & 26, “Epic” n Regal Summer Movie Express Multiple Locations including UA North Point 8, Marietta, Regal Medlock Crossing Stadium, Duluth and Regal Arbor Place Stadium, Douglasville regmovies.com June 3-July 30. Tues. & Wed. 10 a.m. $1 June 3 & 4, “Hotel Transylvania”, “The Smurfs 2” June 10 &11, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2”, “Pirates: Band of Misfits” June 17 & 18, “Arthur Christmas”, “Despicable Me 2” June 24 & 25, “The LEGO Movie”, “Free Birds”

Family Fun Guide

n Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival at The Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta foxtheatre.org June 19-Aug. 21; Days and times vary $10-$20; advance purchase is recommended A pre-show experience takes place before each screening that includes a sing-along with the Mighty Mo organ and a vintage cartoon. Tours of the theatre (for ages 7 and older) take place before screenings and can be purchased with film tickets as a combo.

June 26, 7:30 p.m., “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade June 29, 2 p.m., “The Wizard of Oz” (75th Anniversary) Coming in August Aug 2, 10 a.m., “Saturday Morning Cartoons” Aug. 17, 2 p.m., “Mary Poppins Sing-A-Long” (50th Anniversary)

Library Screenings Check with your local branch for kids’ lunchtime screenings and family movie nights, and see select listings in our calendar.

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 55

FREE FUN How Things Work Tours: MER F

UN

M

A

W!

l

l

ST

This summer, go exploring in unexpected places! Take a free tour or two to find out how the businesses and organizations in your area do what they do.

SU

SUMMER EDITION

RT S N O

Roswell Recycling Center n Ages: n Tour:

Scottsdale Farms n Ages:

All Ages

n Tour:

30-45 minutes

Bring a group of five to 10 kids (or just your family) for a tour of Scottsdale Farms. You’ll view the greenhouses to learn about shrubs and trees, and explore other plants including succulents and those that thrive in sun or shade. Peek into the hen house and fish pond, and see what’s growing in the organic veggie garden. Email nancy@scottsdalefarms.com one to two weeks in advance of your preferred date. 15639 Birmingham Hwy, Alpharetta.

770-777-5875, scottsdalefarms.com

7 and older 45 minutes

Learn what happens to the newspapers, plastic bags and other items you recycle on a tour that follows the steps from receiving materials to sorting to what these items become next! Tours also include info about how to be a smarter recycler at home and reduce waste. Any size group can schedule a date by emailing recyclingcenter@roswellgov.com or calling.

11570 Maxwell Road, Alpharetta. 770-442-8822; roswellrecycles.com

DeKalb County Police Department n Ages:

All Ages

n Tour:

20-30 minutes

The DeKalb County Police Department offers headquarter tours for children.

A police officer guides the group through the offices and communication center with floor to ceiling video screens. Meet with officers to discuss safety and then climb into a police cruiser. Watch out as they have been known to turn on the sirens and lights!

Reservations and a minimum of five children are required. Contact Community Education Specialist Al Fowler at 770-724-7600 to schedule a tour. web.co.dekalb.ga.us/dk_police.

56 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Family Fun Guide

CalyRoad Creamery n Ages: n Tour:

8 and older 15 minutes

See how cheese is made from local cow’s milk and regional goat’s milk. Guests can also sample a few varieties of cheese. Tours are by request and for a maximum of 10 participants.

227 Hilderbrand Dr., Sandy Springs. 678-7730843; facebook.com/pages/Calyroad-Creamery

atlantaparent.com

Beyond Atlanta

Johns Creek Environmental Campus

Lane Southern Orchards Packing Line Tour n Ages:

5 and older May-Aug. Self-guided; about 30 minutes

n Ages:

7 and older n Tour: 2 hours

n Tour:

Where does the water go once it leaves your house? Take a guided behind-the-scenes tour highlighting the water treatment cycle, water conservation and water purification before it is returned to the Chattahoochee River. Visit the lab to perform experiments and then tour treatment plant. Reservations and a minimum of 10 participants are required. Call Cheryl E. McClellan, to schedule your appointment.

8100 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell.

404-613-3012; Fultoncountyga.gov/ exhibits-a-tours-jcec.

Climb to the catwalk to see harvested peaches getting a cooling shower to slow ripening, being sorted and graded by hand for quality, and getting packed to ship worldwide.

Signs explain the process at each point on this self-guided tour. Call after 3 p.m. the day before the morning you’d like to visit to ensure it’s a packing day. June and July are best bets for heavy harvests. 50 Lane Rd., Fort Valley. 800277-3224; lanesouthernorchards.com/tours

Great Harvest Bread Company n Ages: n Tour:

6 and older 45-60 minutes

Take a group of six or more kids to learn the art of bread making!

The Great Harvest Bread Company makes bread from scratch daily typically using only five ingredients.

Visitors see the stone mill used to grind wheat, the kneading station, and the commercial baking equipment. Each child is given a round of dough to knead while the guide explains the history of bread.

The tour concludes with a taste testing session. Reservations are required. Tours only at the Johns Creek and Marietta locations. greatharvest.com.

Papa John’s n Ages: n Tour:

5 and older 45-60 minutes

Step behind the counter and see the pizza preparation stations, how phone and online orders are taken, and make a pizza to eat or take home.

Tours are during non-peak hours at select stores and by reservation. papajohns.com.

Nora Mill Granary n Ages: n Tour:

All ages 30-45 minutes

See a water-powered gristmill in action as it grinds fresh grains to make grits, cornmeal and bread and biscuit mixes. Call ahead to schedule a weekend visit when grinding is scheduled.

Tours include learning about the mill process and sampling cooked version of Nora Mill products. 7107 S. Main St., Helen.

706-878-2375, noramill.com

Flex-a-Bed n Ages: n Tour:

All Ages 30 minutes

Visit the adjustable bed manufacturing plant to see the ups and downs of this Americanmade product. The guided tour includes seeing bedframe construction and welding and viewing industrial sewing machines for mattresses.

Tours are available for any group size with a reservation. 1825 Hillsdale Rd., LaFayette.

1-800-648-1256. flexabed.com c – Dalia Faupel and Jennifer Haslam

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 57

Sweet Summer Songs Photo by Jeff Roffman

Free concerts around town!

Performance on the Promenade Piedmont Promenade June 12, 19 and 26. 7:30 p.m.

(Gates open at 6 p.m.)

Pack a picnic and blanket for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s free orchestral concerts on the Promenade. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (no service charge) at 10 a.m. six days prior to each concert. Everyone (including babies) is required to have a ticket to enter. 1345 Piedmont Rd., Atlanta. 404-7334900. Free. atlantasymphony.org.

Pickin’ on the Square in Newnan n Who’s Performing: Acoustic musicians of all genres and skill levels are welcome to join in on the first and third Saturday of every month. n Tune Info: 11 a.m. on June 7 and 21; July 5 and 19; Aug. 2 and 16; Sept. 6 and 20. Historic Downtown Newnan Courthouse Square at LaGrange St. and E. Broad St. 770-253-8283.

Wednesday Wind Down at Centennial Olympic Park n Who’s Performing: Concert series includes jazz, R&B and blues performed by local and national touring acts.

Wednesdays through Sept. n Tune Info: Concerts from 5:30-8 p.m., 265 Park Avenue West, Atlanta. 404-223-4412.

Riverside Sounds at Riverside Park

Wednesday Wind Down in Douglasville

n Who’s Performing: Outdoor concert series in the park. Kristin Diable & The City, June 7; Big Something Band, July 5; Sonia Leigh, Aug. 2; Rosco Bandana, Sept. 6; Nathan Ware, Oct. 4.

n Who’s Performing: Concert series with various types of jazz and blues music.

Bring lawn chairs and picnics. Wednesdays, June -Aug.

n Tune Info: Concerts from 7-9 p.m. Free shuttle available from Azalea Park and Don White Park. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3705.

n Tune Info: Concerts at 7 p.m. O’Neal Plaza, 6695 Church St., Douglasville.

770-947-5920.

Concerts by the Springs at Heritage Green

Friday Night Live at Atlantic Station

n Who’s Performing: Yacht Rock Review, June 8; Grains of Sand Band, July 13; The Highballs, Aug. 10; Bogey and the Viceroy, Sept 14.

n Who’s Performing: Up-and-coming artists perform on the stage in Central Park; genres range from country to rock, jazz to blues. Last Friday of the month. Through Sept.

n Tune Info: Lawn opens at 5 p.m., concerts from 7-8:30 p.m. Bring picnic baskets, coolers and blankets. Smoking and pets prohibited.

6110 Bluestone Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-8519111.

Music at Noon at Centennial Olympic Park n Who’s Performing: Enjoy lunch and live music performed by local artists – everything from pop and R&B to classic jazz. Sign up for the Music at Noon weekly email to receive show information and concert updates. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Oct. n Tune Info: Concerts from noon-1 p.m., 265 Park Avenue West, Atlanta. 404-223-4412.

58 Atlanta Parent June 2014

n Tune Info: Concerts begin around 7 p.m. 18th St. NW., Atlanta. 404-733-1221.

Brown Bag Concert Series at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse n Who’s Performing: Various artists perform free music on the lawn of the Historic Gwinnett Courthouse. June 6 and Aug 1. n Tune Info: Concerts 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Includes crafts and face painting. Pack a lunch and bring a picnic blanket. 185 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450.

Family Fun Guide

Glover Park Concert Series n Who’s Performing: The Ruperts Orchestra, June 27; The American Flyers, July 25; John King Band, Aug 22; Paradocs, Sept 26. n Tune Info: Concerts begin at 8 p.m. Blankets and lawn chairs may be set up after 4 p.m. Picnics permitted, but no tarps or tents. Personal tables may be set up after 6 p.m. in the street on North Park Square. Glover Park, 50 Park Sq., Marietta. 770-794-5601.

Moonlight and Music Concert Series on the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Lawn n Who’s Performing: Grains of Sand, June 27; Electric Avenue, July 25; Sons of Sailors, Aug 29; Yacht Rock Schooner, Sept. 26. n Tune Info: Concerts begin at 8 p.m. Bring chairs, blankets and food. Alcohol is prohibited. 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678- 226-2639.

Norcross Concerts in the Park n Who’s Performing: 7 Yacht Rock Schooner, June 6; The Stranger “Face to Face,” June 20; Pure Soundz, June 21 (location: Skin Alley); Bruce in USA, July 3 (location: Lillian Webb Park); Walrus, July 18; A-town, A-List, Aug 1; Adrian Duke Project, Aug. 15; A1A (Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band), Aug 29; Terry Lee and the GT’s, Sept. 12. Concerts from 7:30-9:30 p.m. n Tune Info: Concerts in Thrasher Park unless noted.

Picnic dinners permitted. Thrasher Park: Buchanan St. and Park Dr., Norcross. Skin Alley: downtown Norcross. Lillian Webb Park: 31 College St. NW, Norcross. 678-421-2000.

Summer Concert Series at the Village Green in Smyrna n Who’s Performing: Open-air concert series features a wide array of talent from R&B, rock and soul. Concerts on June 7 and July 12. Various artists. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. n Tune Info: Bring friends, chairs and blankets.

200 Village Green Circle. Smyrna. 770-434-6600.

atlantaparent.com

Blockheads Unite!

A builder’s paradise is coming to Cobb Galleria June 27-29.

LEGO KidsFest is a traveling interactive brick extravaganza with hands-on experiences for all ages and levels of LEGO enthusiast. So what is there to do?

Everything looks “awesome” but here are a few highlights: n Race Ramps. Build LEGO race cars at one of the build tables and test it on race ramps against other creations. n Challenge Zone. Ready, set, build! An emcee presents a challenge and participants race against the clock to build an item the fastest.

Page Turners Make Great Learners In partnership with The Mayor’s Summer Reading Club Presents The Breaking News Story!

"Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street" by members of CBS46

Saturday, June 28th 11 a.m.

Great for ages 6-8!

Barnes & Noble Bookstore - Edgewood 1217 Caroline St. NE, Atlanta 30307

Free!!

n Disney Princess Universe. Build a magical scene to add to the enchanted LEGO Disney Princess story book. n Super Hero Station. Build your own super hero emblem like Spider-Man’s or Ironman’s and add it to the Hero Wall of Honor. n Master Builder Academy. Watch live demos by the professionals who get paid to play with LEGOs!

If You Go

n Model Museum. Walk among miniature and life-size models, from Batman to Lightning McQueen, built entirely of LEGO bricks. Bring a camera for photos!

atlantaparent.com

LEGO KidsFest Cobb Galleria. Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. legokidsfest.com n Hours: Reserve one of five sessions June 27-29. Fri., 4-8:30 p.m. Sat and Sun., 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3-7:30 p.m. Each session includes the same activities. n Cost: Adults: $22; ages 3-12, $20; 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 59

Disc Golf: Tee for Three (or Plenty More!)

Big Book of Parties

Don’t miss out on Atlanta Parent’s annual guide dedicated to readers looking for party ideas.

Call today

770-454-7599

to place your ad!

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

W

e approach hole one, and our 4-yearold son and I watch my husband line up his throw from the tee pad. He winds up and tosses his disc. It travels 100…

200… 300 feet and it lands near the basket.

Our son moves swiftly to the closer tee pad, ready to make his move. We’re disc golfing, and the game has become one of our favorite family activities.

Around since the 1970s, disc golf is played like ball golf, but instead of hitting a ball with a club, you throw a specially designed disc into a target, which most often is a metal chain basket raised off the ground on a pole. The object is to throw your disc into the designated hole in the fewest strokes possible. The number of holes varies, and some courses are more challenging than others. Each player utilizes three basic discs to play; a putter, a midrange and a driver disc, which can be bought as a set.

How did we discover disc golf? My husband used to play with friends, but one day when my son and I visited him on a course, we thought it looked like fun and realized we could all play together. The game is so easy to learn and anyone of any age or ability can play, and many courses are designed with two T-pads, one for intermediate/advanced players and another closer to the hole/basket

If You Go n Locations: Find courses at discgolfreview.com and discgolfatlanta. com/courses n Hours: Anytime during regular park hours n Cost: Free; disc set about $30 n Basics: pdga.com

for beginners and children, and those with physical limitations. The easygoing pace helps us develop strategic thinking skills as we consider how to reach a challenging hole.

It’s also a low-cost sport since most courses are free to use, and being outdoors keeps us in touch with nature.

Over the years, we’ve played throughout Georgia. In fact there are more than 70 disc golf courses in our state and counting, and the Professional Disc Golf Association is based in Appling, Ga. Disc golf can be played year-round, and gear is easy to take along so we’ve played on vacation in other states, too. With every game, we’re making memories, enjoying green spaces, and staying active. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a day with my family!

– Ayanna Cato-Hawkins Recommended Courses for Beginners n Alexander Park: 800 Old Snellville Hwy., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0890; gwinnettcounty.com n Wills Park: 11925 Wills Rd., Alpharetta.

678-297-6162; willspark.com n Oregon Park: 145 Old Hamilton Rd., Marietta. 770-528-8890; prca.cobbcountyga.gov/parksn-r.htm n Village Green Park: 204 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City. 770-631-2542; peachtree-city.org/index.aspx?nid=850

Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?

Atlanta, New York, LA

404-636-1974

www.williamreynoldsagency.com 60 Atlanta Parent June 2014

TRY IT!

Family Fun Guide

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Riders Ready:

DirtBike School Adventure

A

t 7:30 a.m., my children and I had never touched a dirt bike, let alone ridden one. By 2:30 p.m., we were clearing obstacles and making K-turns on a man-made hill! My whole family – including my husband, 9-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter – took the Basic MSF DirtBike School at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Alpharetta campus. As our instructors pointed out, “stupid hurts,” so we got smart about cycling and the rules of the (off) road.

After filling out paperwork, we got fitted for gear (including ventilated bike pants, guards and pads, gloves, helmets, and steel-toed riding boots) and learned about the curriculum. Certified coaches April and Mike were patient and enthusiastic. They have 50-plus combined years of riding and a decade of teaching newbies, so we were in extremely capable hands.

Our bikes had been selected and sized for each of us and we learned how to use kickstands, turn the bikes on, balance them and brake. It was impossible to talk to each other over the sounds of the bikes with our helmets on, so trust in our instructors was essential! April and Mike kept us progressing steadily, giving each person individual attention. We began walking our bikes across the course to learn balancing, and slowly worked our way up to riding.

My son said this was the best day of his life, so we’ll be riding again soon!

atlantaparent.com

At every step they had us visually take in the next challenge, and then they’d demonstrate what to do, and walk us through it until we were comfortable enough to try it ourselves. They kept us motivated to succeed, although it took some time to get the correct stance on the bikes and maintain their weight.

April and Mike ramped up challenges when we wanted more and scaled back when necessary. For example, after we mastered going over small wooden obstacles, they added on larger elements for us to clear. But when anyone felt unsure maneuvering the bikes, an instructor guided us through safely.

Closing class time was spent reflecting; cementing safety lessons and thinking about the day’s challenges and what we liked most. The obstacle course was my favorite part, while my husband loved riding up and downhill. Both kids liked “free riding” in our final minutes on the closed course. At the top of the course’s hill my daughter shouted, “I did it!” That summed up how we all felt.

Plenty of hydration and rest stops are planned, along with a lunch break. Prepare to commit the day – this is an investment of time and money! Participants must know how to ride a regular bike, and should be at least 6 years old. Many parents register their kids and observe from a covered outdoor area or indoor viewing space, but doing the class together was an awesome family adventure. The day was a rare opportunity

Family Fun Guide

If You Go MSF DirtBike School 1450 Morrison Pkwy., Alpharetta 770-442-2459; offroad-training.org n Hours: Daily, 7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. n Cost: Basic Rider Course $125 per person n Ages: 6 and older

to shut out distractions and learn something new as a team. We took home a packet of materials to review safety lessons, and got information about renting or buying dirt bikes and where to ride them.

My son said this was the best day of his life, so we’ll be riding again soon!

– Mary Block June 2014 Atlanta Parent 61

Calendar

June S M T W TH F S

n

Visit our Calendar at atlantaparent.com for calendar updates and ongoing events and attractions in Atlanta.

n

Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline.

n

Submit your Family-Friendly Calendar Event at least 8 weeks prior to the event by visiting atlantaparent.com/event/submit.

n

Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

PUPPETS PLAY

classes Summer Reading Bookmark Craft. American Girl.

Create a bookmark for summer reading. June 3, 10, 17, and 24. Noon-2 p.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Ages 8 and older, free.

ROSWELL PUPPET SERIES Roswell Cultural Arts Center JUNE 2-JULY 19. MON., TUE., THURS. & SAT., 10 A.M. WED. AND FRI. 10 A.M. AND 1 P.M.

Lil’ Bean Head Crafts. Bean Head Toys. Create an art project. June 4 and 18. 3-4 p.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980. All ages, younger children may need assistance.

Free.

n Jungle Book by Frisch Marionettes (June 2-7)

Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to complement the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4. Thurs. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Free with museum admission. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

n The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man

n Cinderella by Tanglewood Marionettes

(June 16-21)

by All Hands Productions (June 23-28) n Aesop’s Fantastic Fables by Lee Bryan

“That Puppet Guy” (June 30-July 3) n Tangle of Tales by Grey Seal Puppets (July 7-12)

Flower Anklet Craft. American Girl. Create a summer anklet for you and your doll. June 5, 12, 19 and 26. Noon-2 p.m. June 21. 3-5 p.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Ages 8 and older, free.

Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.

Different activities each week. June 5, 12, 19, and 26. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Recommended for ages 3-5. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; ages 3 and younger, free.

Yoga for Kids. Johns Creek Yoga. Preschool and children’s yoga classes each Sat. Ages 3-6, 9:3010:30 a.m.; ages 7-9, 11 a.m.-noon. 11705 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 678-951-8841. $12.

Indoor Basic Archery. Panola Mountain State Park.

Learn archery basics. Equipment provided. June 7-8: Sat., 9 -11 a.m., noon-2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.

Sun., noon-2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. June 14-15: Sat., 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. June 21-22: Sat., 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. 2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801.

Pre-register. $10; parking, $5.

Saturday Morning Art Classes. Vinings School of Art. Take a drawing, painting or pottery class.

Supplies included. Ages 2-13. Sat. 10 and 11 a.m. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678-2134278. Pre-register. $15, siblings $12.

n Peter Rabbit Tales by Tucker’s Tales (July 14-19)

950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6232. $5. roswellpuppets.com. (No shows July 4-5).

THE CAT IN THE HAT Center for Puppetry Arts JUNE 12-JULY 20.

TUES.-FRI., 10 A.M. AND NOON. SAT., 11 A.M., 1 P.M. AND 3 P.M. SUN., 1 P.M. AND 3 P.M. The Cat in the Hat knows the importance of having fun. He concocts adventures with Sally, her brother, and their pet fish during this one hour puppet show based on Dr. Seuss’ classic tale. Expect appearances from Thing 1 and Thing 2! 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Recommended for ages 4 and older, $16.50. puppet.org. Closed July 4.

Crafts at Lakeshore Learning. Lakeshore Learning.

Make a different craft each week. Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-578-3100.

Free.

How to Ride a Bike for Kids. Washington Park Beltline. Introduction to riding a bike. June 8.

2-4 p.m. 1125 Lena St., Atlanta. 404-446-4410.

Registration requested. Free.

Home Depot Kid’s Workshop. All locations. Learn tool safety while building a craft and receive a kid-size orange apron. First Sat. of each month.

June 7. 9 a.m.-noon. Homedepot.com. Ages 5-12, free.

Mice Tours. Marietta Museum of History. Mascots Murray and Etta mouse introduce history through tours, storytime and craft. June 11. 10:30 a.m. 1 Depot St., Marietta. 770-794-5710. Reservations required. Ages 3-5, $5.

Saturday Teen Zone. Doraville Public Library.

Create a different craft each week. June 7, duct tape crafts. June 14, beaded jewelry. June 21, tape painting. 2:30-4 p.m. 3748 Central Ave., Doraville. 770-936-3852. Ages 11-17, free.

Fizz Boom Read! Science Fun. Salem-Panola Public Library. Learn about optical illusions and the Thaumatrop, an animation toy. Create one to take home. June 9. 2-3 p.m. 5137 Salem Rd., Lithonia. 770-987-6900. Ages 4-11, free.

62 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Family Fun Guide

Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and tots program including circle time, songs, activities, and a craft. June 12. 10:30 a.m.-noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth.

770-476-2013. Ages 2-12, $7 per child, 1 adult free; additional adult, $8.

Turtle Tours. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Introduce history through stories, hands-on exhibits and crafts, museum mascots Sandy the chipmunk and Spring the turtle. June 14. 11 a.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs.

404-851-9111. Recommended for ages 2-5. Donations encouraged.

atlantaparent.com

Calendar SLAM: The Art of Poetry. High Museum of Art. Writing in the galleries. Readings in the Black Box Theatre. June 20. Writing, 5:30-7 p.m. Reading, 7-9 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Ages 14-18, free with high school identification.

Flower Fairies. Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Learn about flower fairies, create a tiny fairy stepping stone and magic wand. June 21.

11 a.m.-noon 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta.

404-876-5859. Class, $6. Admission: Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Wild Things. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Learn about the wild things in the garden and create a craft to take home. June 28.

11 a.m.-noon 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta.

404-876-5859. Class, $6. Admission: Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

exhibits Outside the Box. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Create cities, buildings, castles and bridges with cardboard boxes, cylinders, tubes. Invent high-powered paper airplanes or walking robots. June 14-Dec. 31. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission after 1 p.m. second Tuesday of the month made possible through a Target grant. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $12.75; younger than 1, free.

FLYING COLORS BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL Chattahoochee Nature Center JUNE 7-8. SAT., 10 A.M.-3 P.M. SUN., NOON-5 P.M. BUTTERFLY PARADE: SAT., 2:30 P.M. SUN., 4:30 P.M. Put on your butterfly costume and head to this festival with live butterfly releases, a butterfly encounter exhibit, craft activities, face painting, and a butterfly costume parade. Visit the pollinator’s exhibit and peruse the vendors selling natural goods and butterfly plants. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $12; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

All Aboard! Train Exhibits. Tellus Museum. Model train exhibit featuring working trains that travel on one hundred feet of track and set in a seaside village. June 18-March 29. Mon.Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700.

Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free.

The Civil War in Sandy Springs. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Exhibit detailing the Civil War in Sandy Springs featuring letters, diaries, family artifacts, and cannon shells. Through April 2015. Wed. and Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Adults, $3; ages 6-12, $1; ages 5 and younger, free.

The Kinsey Collection. Atlanta History Center. A collection of historical art includes a first edition of Solomon Northrup’s 12 Years a Slave and other rare books in addition to paintings, early photographs, and sculptures. Through July 13. Mon.Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun., noon5:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; ages 3 and younger, free.

Fun begins with Fencing

Calling all Beginners!

Let us introduce you to the coolest Olympic sport around!

SUMMER CAMPS • (ages 7-10) FENCING IS FUN! PROGRAM (ages 5-7; 8-10; 11-13) TRY IT CLASS • (ages 5 + up) COMPETITIVE START PROGRAM (ages 5 + up) $25 discount code for Summer Camps and Fencing is Fun is 546

Training Champions of all Ages REGISTER NOW!

All programs under the direction of U.S. Olympic Coach, Maestro Arkady Burdan

1530 Carroll Dr. NW Atlanta 30318 (404) 603-3600 www.nellyafencers.com

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 63

Reach Atlanta’s Families Now! Exhibit At

Calendar

Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas.

High Museum of Art. Exhibit featuring cars by Ferrari, Bugatti, General Motors and Porsche from the early 1930s to the 21st century.

Through Sept. 7. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. until 8 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; ages 5 and younger, free.

To Reserve your Space Contact Jordan Lisvosky 678-222-1911 or jlisvosky@atlantaparent.com

Sat. October 11 10 am - 4 pm

Mercer University Atlanta Campus

MORE THAN 50 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES!

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden. An exhibit featuring twenty-eight topiary-like sculptures includes three life-sized gorillas, an earth goddess, a shaggy dog, and a unicorn. Through Oct. 31. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thur., until 10 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Centennial Olympic Games Exhibit. Atlanta History Center. Learn about the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun. noon-5:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; 3 and younger, free.

Dolphin Tales. Georgia Aquarium. The live show incorporates dolphins, actors and special effects. Multiple shows per day, times vary.

Reservations recommended. Sun.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta.

404-581-4000. Adults, $35.95; ages 3-12, $29.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Sea Monsters Revealed: Aquatic Bodies.

Georgia Aquarium. An exhibit of sea creatures includes an 18-foot-long, 3,000 pound whale shark. Sun.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000.

Adults, $35.95; ages 3-12, $29.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family in Amsterdam. Includes replica of Anne’s room. Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-206-1558.

Ages 10 and older, free.

movies Entertainment Toddler-only Play Area Storytelling Craft Activities Trick-or-Treat Street Exhibitors Brought to you by Atlanta Parent Magazine Benefitting Georgia Center for Child Advocacy and Page Turners Make Great Learners

www.atlantaparent.com 64 Atlanta Parent June 2014

MATTY B RAPS

Whales: Giants of the Deep. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The exhibit features life-sized whale skeletons, a walk-through replica whale heart, and a design-a-dolphin experience.

Through Aug. 24. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sun. noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404929-6400. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. High Museum of Art. Create a cardboard car and watch the movie.

June 1. 2 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404733-5000. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; ages 5 and younger, free.

Journey to the South Pacific. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Travel to the lush tropical islands of remote West Papua. Through June 5.

See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free.

Island of Lemurs: Madagascar. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Through Aug. 14. See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

Georgia World Congress Center JUNE 14. 4 P.M. MattyB, an 11-year-old musician from Atlanta, performs his original G-rated rap songs and covers of other popular artists’ hits during the MattyB Live Summer Tour concert. VIP packages with a MattyB meet and greet are available for an additional cost.

285 Andrew Young International Blvd., Atlanta. 404-223-4000. $25$110. mattybraps.com

music Spivey Hall World Music Festival. Spivey Hall.

Each concert features an instrumental artist, a vocal artist or an ensemble performing music that represents different regions and cultures around the world. June 4, Africa. June 18, India. June 25, Russia. 11:15 a.m. 2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow. 678-466-4200. $2.

DeKalb Symphony Orchestra Presents Mandolinist Carlo Aonzo. First Baptist Church of Decatur.

Italian mandolinist Carlo Aonzo performs Vivaldi, Mandolin Concerto in C Major; Johann Hoffmann, Mandolin Concerto in D Major; Handel (arr. Harty), Water Music; and Dvorak, 4 Slavonic Dances, Op. 72. June 10. 8 p.m. 308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur. 678-891-3565. Free.

Concerts in the Meadows. Dunwoody Nature Center. Bring picnics and blankets. June 14, The Rays. June 28, Buzzard Mountain Boys.

7-9 p.m. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-3943322. Adults, $5; ages 4-18, $3; ages 3 and younger, free.

Friday Night Lates. High Museum of Art. Live music with half-price admission, extended hours and access to special exhibitions. June 20. 5-10 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404733-5000. $9.75.

Jazz in the Alley. Skin Alley, Downtown Norcross.

Performance by Pure Soundz. June 21. 7 p.m.

South Peachtree St., Norcross. 404-514-1656.

Free.

Katy Perry. Philips Arena. Katy Perry sings her pop hits on the Prismatic World Tour. June 28. 7:30 p.m. 1 Philips Dr., Atlanta. $29.50-$129.50.

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Celebrate Dad! Father’s Day Events n Fizz Boom Kids Dad! Powder Springs Library. Celebrate Father’s Day with stories, music and a craft. June 11. 11-11:45 a.m. 4181 Atlanta St., Powder Springs. 770-439-3600. Ages 2-5, free.

Super Hero Day

Fernbank Museum of Natural History Sun., June 15. Noon-4 p.m.

n Family Tiles for Father’s Day. South Cobb Regional Library. Bring a family photo to create a coaster and other crafts for dad. June 13. 2-4 p.m.

805 Clay Rd., Mableton. 678-398-5828. All ages, free. n Father’s Day Card Craft. American Girl.

Create a Father’s Day card and matching envelope.

June 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m. June 14, 3-5 p.m. June 15, 1-3 p.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877-2475223. Ages 8 and older, free. n Celebrate the Holidays: Father’s Day. Children’s Museum of Atlanta. The Imaginators read I Love My Daddy by Sebastian Braun. Create a trophy for dad to take home. June 14-15. 3 p.m.

275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-6595437. Ages 1 and older, $12.75. n Dream Cars Gallery Talk: Sarah Schleuning. High Museum of Art. Dream Cars exhibition curator Sarah Schleuning guides dads and their families through the exhibit featuring cars

by Ferrari, Bugatti, General Motors and Porsche from the early 1930s to the 21st century. The exhibit is on display through Sept. 7. Gallery Talk: June 14-15. 2 p.m. Exhibit: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. until 8 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; ages 5 and younger, free.

© Fernbank Museum of Natural History

n Real Men Cook. Georgia World Congress Center. A Father’s Day celebration benefitting local charities includes food tastings, live music and performances, a health pavilion and a Kids Zone. June 15. 3-6 p.m. 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., Atlanta. 404-344-6594. Adults, $20; ages 12 and younger, $10. realmencook.com.

Celebrate dad with superhero costumed characters, games and craft activities. The Cartoon Network hosts the superhero costume contest (so dress up!), entertainment and giveaways. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400.

Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

n Father’s Day Jazz Series. Villa Christina. Live outdoor Jazz concert for dads. Bring a blanket and lawn chair for seating. June 15. 3:30-8 p.m. 4000 Summit Blvd., Atlanta. 678-686-4272.

Free. Food for purchase; parking $3-$5.

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Family Fun Guide

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 65

Calendar Bluegrass Concert Series. Red Top Mountain State Park. Bring a picnic, blanket and listen to the Blues each Sat. night. Through July 26. 8-9:30 p.m. 50 Lodge Rd., Cartersville. 770-975-0055. Concerts, free; parking, $5.

Glover Park Concert Series. Glover Park. Pack a picnic and blanket to hear the Ruperts Orchestra play Motown to Top 40 hits. June 27. 8 p.m. 50 Park Sq., Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free.

nature Canoe 101. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Learn the basics of canoeing in one of the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s ponds. Registration required. June 1. 10-11:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Ages 5 and older, $15.

Adventure Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Learn about animals on the African savanna, tour the zoo and meet an animal ambassador. June 4 and 7. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-9453. Recommended for ages 3 and 4. Reservations are requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission.

Treasure Hunt. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Search for golden and sparkly treasures in the Children’s Garden. Meet in the Levy Parterre. Thur. 10:30 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-8765859. Free with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Geology Hike. Sweetwater Creek Park. Georgia Geologist John Johnston leads a two-mile hike explaining how area rocks are formed and visit the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill.

June 7. 10 a.m.-noon. 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871. $5; parking, $5.

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb. Panola Mountain State Park. Explore the tree canopy using ropes and harnesses. Registration required. June 7. 1 and 3 p.m. 2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Ages 8 and older, $15; $5 parking.

Butterfly Encounter. Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Go inside and see hundreds of native butterflies and plants. Learn how to attract butterflies in your own backyard. June 8-July 13. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., noon-5 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding 101. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Learn how to paddle board, enter and exit the water safely, and paddling techniques. Registration required. June 11, 18 and 25. 5-6 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Ages 10 and older, $20.

Night Treks at the GEHC: Fireflies and Frogs.

Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center.

Night hike through the GEHC forest to the stream in search of nocturnal animals. Learn about the fireflies and frogs. June 13. 8-9:30 p.m. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-9043500. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $6.

Day of Discovery. Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site. Take the History Trail Geochallenge. Plant, animal and archaeology activities. June 14. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 813 Indian Mounds Rd., Cartersville.

770-387-3747. $2-$6.

Stroller Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Programs for babies to 2 years and parents/caregivers. June 28. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-9453.

Reservations are requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission.

66 Atlanta Parent June 2014

JUST FOR MOMS: SOUTHEASTERN WOMEN’S EXPO AmericasMart JUNE 7-8. SAT., 10 A.M.-6 P.M.; SUN. 10 A.M.-5 P.M. The expo offers shopping, information, free manicures and neck massages, free health screenings, nutrition and exercise tips, makeovers, fashion shows, jewelry, life coaching, vacation planning, financial advice and more. You’ll also find products and services, from yoga instruction to interior design. Expect plenty of free samples and items for sale. 230 Spring St. NE, Atlanta. 203-693-2401. Tickets: $7, children 12 and under, free. VIP Pass available at womensexpoatlanta.com

special events Beebo and Ravioli’s Spectacular Circus. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Be a clown, an acrobat, or circus animal in the Imaginators Beebo and Ravioli’s circus. June 1-30. Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m. Sat., 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Sun., noon. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437. June 10 is Target Free Tuesday with free admission after 1 p.m.

Ages 1 and older, $12.75.

Laugh and Learn. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

Work with Ace Tool, Chief Builder, and Ernie the Engineer to create building structures from pictures.

June 1-30. Mon.-Sat., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404659-5437. June 10 is Target Free Tuesday with free admission after 1 p.m. Ages 1 and older, $12.75.

Something Special Tuesdays! Vinings Library. June 3, meet a K-9 police team. June 10, Big Thinkers: What’s the Matter? (registration required). June 17, working with whales at the Georgia Aquarium. June 24, Fossil Detectives. 4-5 p.m. 4290 Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 770-801-5330. Free.

Performing Parrots. Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Public Library. Brenda Bean brings live parrots to see and touch. Learn about their habitat and eating habits.

June 4. 1-2 p.m. 1282 McConnell Dr., Decatur. 404679-4404. Ages, 6-12, free.

World Oceans Day. Georgia Aquarium.

Deepo Chat Show, Ocean Mysteries scavenger hunts, crafts, recycling prize wheel, and Beluga plinko game. June 8, 11 a.m-2 p.m. Puppet shows by the Brothers Young Productions, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Adults, $35.95; ages 3-12, $29.95; ages 2 and younger, free Fridays -N- Duluth. City of Duluth. Activities include movies, musicians, and children’s activities each Friday night. June 6, 13, 20, and 27. 6-9 p.m. Food for purchase from vendors or bring a picnic. 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-476-3434. Free.

Teen Arts Night. City Center. Teens can bring instruments, poetry, artwork, and short stories to share. Includes a slice of pizza and a soda. June 6. 6-8 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. Ages 12-15, $5.

Summer Celebration. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Tour the 1930s McDaniel Farm property, see tools from early farming days, make and eat homemade ice cream, and hear about daily farm life. June 7 and 21. 10 a.m.-noon. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Ages 3 and older, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.

OUTSIDE OF THE BOX Children’s Museum of Atlanta JUNE 14-DEC. 31.

Build skyscrapers, cities and airplanes with cardboard boxes, tubes and cylinders. Creative and pretend play is the exhibit’s focus.

Daily Outside the Box themed programs include storytimes and mini-musicals. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Ages 1 and older, $12.75. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Family Fun Guide

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Calendar Safe Summer Kidgits Club. Town Center Mall.

Learn how to stay safe and active this summer with DJ Steve. Craft activities, prizes and goody bags. June 7. 1-3 p.m. 400 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy. NW, Kennesaw. 770-424-0742. Kidgits membership, $5.

Locomotive Celebration. Southeastern Railway Museum. Locomotive hunt, craft corner, temporary tattoos and food. June 7-8. 10-5 p.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. Adults, $8; ages 2-12, $5; ages 1 and younger, free.

Fishing Derby. Brookside Office Park Lake. Bring fishing gear for a children’s fishing derby. June 7. 8-11 a.m. 3625 Brookside Pkwy., Alpharetta.

678-297-6100. Ages 4-12, free.

Super Saturday Carnival. Dog River Library, Douglas County Library, and Lithia Springs Library. Moonwalks, games, prizes, and more.

June 7. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dog River Library, 6100 GA Hwy. 5, Douglasville. 770-577-5186. Douglas County Library, 6810 Selman Dr., Douglasville. 770-920-7125. Lithia Springs Library, 7100 Turner Dr., Lithia Springs. 770-944-5931.

Free.

Family Fun Night. Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library.

Family game nights. June 9 and 23. 6-7:45 p.m.

5234 LaVista Rd., Tucker. 770-270-8234. All ages, free.

Magic with Ken Scott. Dunwoody Public Library.

Magic show featuring Ken Scott. June 9.

4-4:45 p.m. 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody. 770-512-4640. Ages 5-12, free.

Minute-To-Win-It Gresham Style, PT.1. Gresham Public Library. Play Minute-To-Win-It. Four 30-minute sessions. June 10. 1-3 p.m. 2418 Gresham Rd., Atlanta. 404-244-4374. Ages 5-14, free.

Lego Extravaganza. Kemp Memorial Library. All things Legos with Jonathan McKeown. June 12. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 4029 Due West Rd., Marietta. 770-528-2527. Free.

Get Outdoors Georgia Day. Sweetwater Creek State Park. Archery, paddling, disc golf, camping demonstrations, geocaching, tree climbing, and wildlife programs. June 14. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770-3897801. Free.

RockFest. Tellus Museum. Learn to identify gems, fossils, and minerals, play rock bingo, and create a pet rock. The first two hundred guests receive a free specimen. June 14-15. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-6065700. Adults, $10; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free.

3D Boxes and Bubbles. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. The Emory Math Club creates boxes out of bubbles. June 14, 21 and 28. Noon. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-6595437. Ages 1 and older, $12.75.

Asian Heritage Day. Zoo Atlanta. Celebrate wildlife from Asia including the pandas, the Komodo dragons and the Sumatran tigers. Dance demonstrations and origami and paper lantern crafts. June 15. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-9453. Adults, $21.99; ages 3-11, $16.99; ages 2 and younger, free.

Decatur Beach Party. Downtown Decatur. Build castles with sand toys in sixty tons of sand.

Games, inflatables, live music, and food/drinks for purchase. June 20. 5-11 p.m. W. Ponce de Leon Ave. and Church St., Decatur. 404-3718386. Adults, $8 in advance or $10 at the gate; ages 3-12, $5; ages 2 and younger, free.

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Go Skateboarding Day. Kennesaw Skatepark.

A day for skateboarders and spectators with open skate sessions, live music, contests, giveaways, game tables, a misting station, and a meet and greet session with the Red Bull Skate Team. June 21. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

3140 Old 41 Hwy., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714.

Admission, free; food for purchase.

Giggles. Emory Point. Circus-themed event featuring Beebo and Ravioli’s Spectacular Circus and other circus antics from The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Craft activities, live music, face painting and balloon animals. June 21.

10 a.m.-noon. 727 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 678686-3106. Free.

Craft Carnival. Stonecrest Public Library. A variety of craft stations to make creations and take home. June 23. Noon-2 p.m. 3123 Klondike Rd., Lithonia. 770-482-3828. All ages, free.

All Things Doctor Who. East Cobb Library. Make a tardis wallet, Doctor Who trivia, and dress as your favorite doctor. June 24. 3:30 p.m.

4880 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-5092730. Ages 11 and older, free.

Fizz Boom Kids Splash! Powder Springs Library.

Water-themed stories, music, movie and a craft. June 25. 11-11:45 a.m. 4181 Atlanta St., Powder Springs. 770-439-6664. Ages 2-5, free.

Lego Kidsfest. Cobb Galleria Centre. A LEGO extravaganza featuring millions of LEGO bricks, construction zones, life-sized LEGO models and displays, and live LEGO Master Builders.

June 27-29. Fri., 4-8:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3-7:30 p.m. 2 Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 847-284-9999. Adults, $22; ages 3-17, $20; ages 2 and younger, free.

North Georgia Live Steamers. Georgia International Horse Park. Ride on the miniature trains. June 28. 1-4:30 p.m. 1632 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. 770-602-2606. All ages, $2 per ride.

Family Day : Fiddlin’ Dan the Mountain Man. Historic DeKalb Courthouse. Fiddlin’ Dan (Reuben Haller) old-time Appalachian music and American favorites, demonstrates instruments, and tells stories about history. Learn how to play the spoons and make an instrument to take home. June 28. 10-11:30 a.m.

101 E. Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-1088. $10.

storytelling Storytime: Outside the Box. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. The Imaginators read and play while thinking outside the box.

June 1-30. Mon.-Fri., 3 p.m. Sat., 4 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404659-5437. June 10 is Target Free Tuesday with free admission after 1 p.m. Ages 1 and older, $12.75.

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Storytime. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. The Imaginators read Tree-Ring Circus by Adam Rex. June 1-30. Mon.-Fri., 3 p.m. Sat., 4 p.m.

275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404659-5437. Ages 1 and older, $12.75.

Children’s Storytime. FoxTale Book Shoppe.

Storytimes are followed by dance and songs.

Mon. and Sat. 11 a.m. 105 East Main St., Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free.

Family Fun Guide

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 67

Calendar Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories.

Storytelling three times a week. Thurs. nights kids can come in pjs. Milk and cookies provided. Tues. 11 a.m., Thurs. 7 p.m., and Sun. 3 p.m. 133 A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-3736300. Free.

Storybook Time. Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Storytime in the Children’s Garden Amphitheater. Wed. 10:30 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Free with admission.

Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Storytime by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join the volunteer librarian as she uses books, puppets and songs to share stories about nature. Ages 3-5. June 4, 11, 18 and 25.

10:30-11:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell.

770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

Storytime at Bean Head Toys. Bean Head Toys.

Listen to stories in the indoor tree house and make a craft to take home. Thurs. 10:30 a.m.

220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404851-2980. Free.

Family Day: The Games Granny Played. Swanton House. Storyteller LaDoris Davis teaches nineteenth century games, and tells stories from the past. Create a nineteenth century game to take home. June 7. 10-11:30 a.m. 101 E. Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-1088. $10.

Gourds Galore and Chores of Yore. Swanton House. Storyteller Cathy Kaemmerlen demonstrates and tells stories about how gourds were used in the pioneer days.Create a gourd craft. Give old-time chores a try in the Swanton House and log cabins. June 20. 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 720 West Trinity Pl., Decatur.

404-373-1088. Ages 4 and older, $10.

Wren’s Nest Storytelling. The Wren’s Nest.

Ramblers host storytelling each Sat. 1 p.m.

1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404753-7735. Adults, $8; ages 5-18, $5; 4 and younger, free.

Princess Bitty Baby Story Time. American Girl. Storytime fairytale featuring Princess Bitty Baby, a dragon and a frog. June 10. 10 a.m.-noon. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta.

877-247-5223. Ages 3 and older, free.

GO SKATEBOARDING DAY Swift-Cantrell Park JUNE 21.

11 A.M. - 4 P.M. This skateboarding celebration features open skate sessions for all levels, live music, contests, giveaways, game tables, and a misting station. Highlights include a meet and greet with the Red Bull Skate Team and viewing of their MXT truck. 3140 Old 41 Hwy., Kennesaw. 770422-9714. Admission, free; food for purchase. skatekennesaw.com

theater Roswell Puppet Series. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Jungle Book: The Story of Mowgli’s Fire by Frisch Marionettes (June 2-7), Cinderella by Tanglewood Marionettes (June 16-21), The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man by All Hands Productions, Aesop’s Fantastic Fables by Lee Bryan “That Puppet Guy” (June 30-July3), Tangle of Tales by Grey Seal Puppets (July 7-12), and Peter Rabbit Tales by Tucker’s Tales (July 14-19). June 2-July 19. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. Wed. and Fri. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6232. $5.

“Creating Smiles with Caring Hands” Hours: Mon 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tues-Thurs 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fri by appt.

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Serenbe Playhouse. Based on L. Frank Baum’s tale this production includes actors and puppets from the Center for Puppetry Arts. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Through Aug. 2.

Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. 9110 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110. Adults 13 and older, $15; ages 12 and younger, $10.

Squirrel Stole My Underpants: A Poignantly Silly Adventure Tale for Families. Center for Puppetry Arts. Follow the backyard adventures of Sylvie and a mischievous underwear-stealing squirrel. Through June 8, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m. and noon; Sat. 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun. 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391.

Ages 3 and older, $16.50.

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COMPLETE EVENT LISTINGS 68 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Family Fun Guide

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Calendar Evita. Fox Theatre. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical about Eva Peron during her rise and fall as first lady of Argentina. June 3-8.

Tue.-Thur., 7:30 p.m. Fri., 8 p.m. Sat., 2 and 8 p.m. Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 800-278-4447. $46.70-$110.40.

JUNETEENTH

A day honoring the end of slavery

Diggery Digger’s Rock ‘n Roar Dino Show. Aurora Theatre. Paleontologist Diggery Diggers discovers a “top secret” box taking the audience back into time to interact with dinosaurs.

June 4. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7.

Camp Aurora Magic Show. Aurora Theatre.

Magic and comedy show by Arthur Atsma.

June 11. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7.

Dr. Suess’ The Cat in the Hat. Center for Puppetry Arts. A puppet show based on Dr. Suess’ classic tale features The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Think 2, and Sally, her brother and their pet fish. June 12-July 20. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m. and noon. Sat., 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Sun., 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-8733391. Ages 2 and older, $16.50.

Music Makes a Splash. Aurora Theatre. Scott Douglas plays music and tells stories with African drums, didgeridoo, Native-American flutes, Chinese drums and gongs, the water phone and more. June 18. 10 and 11:30 a.m.

128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-2266222. $7.

Fizz, Boom, POP. Aurora Theatre. Big Thinkers Science Exploration shows that chemistry is all around us with exploding film canisters and indoor lightning. June 25. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7.

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ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER JUNE 21-22. SAT., 10 A.M.-5:30 P.M. SUN., NOON-5:30 P.M. Two days celebrating the end of slavery with genealogy workshops, costumed interpretive speakers, storytelling, Sweet Auburn Barbeque, Smith Family Farm experiences and children’s activities. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000.

A Wells Fargo grant offers free admission on Sat. and Sun. atlantahistorycenter.com

Family Fun Guide

CYCLORAMA JUNE 20. 11 A.M.-4 P.M. A day honoring the past includes children’s educational activities, poetry slams and theater performances. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-658-7625.

Admission, free; food and drinks available for purchase. atlantacyclorama.org

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 69

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The Bush Centre for Ballet: Classical Ballet Program (Ages 3-adult). Contemporary lyric jazz, pointe, pre-pointe. Annual recital. Summer Camp. Sandy Springs. www.bushballetcentre.com. 404-256-5542.

European School of Music & Chess. Guitar and Educational Enrichment Camp; Drummer’s Brain Class.

Special instruction in piano, voilin, saxophone, guitar, drums, voice, chess, math—improves critical thinking, focus, attention. 404-255-8382. www.euroschoolmusic.org.

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Princess Singing Telegrams by Taylin. Package combos include songs, pictures, favors or games.

Spanish available. Starting $75/6-12 children. 678-7552078. www.princess-singing-telegrams.com

To advertise please call 770-454-7599 70 Atlanta Parent June 2014

Zoo Atlanta JUNE 21. 10 A.M.-4 P.M. The zoo celebrates giant pandas, Komodo dragons, Sumatran tigers and more animals native to the Asian continent with live performances and native dances. Highlights include craft activities and educational experiences.

800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404624-9453. Adults, $21.99; ages 3-11, $16.99; ages 2 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org Cowgirls. Horizon Theatre. A classically-trained music trio is mistakenly scheduled as a cowgirl band to headline at a country roadhouse.

Through June 29. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m. Sat., 3 and 8:30 p.m. Sun., 5 p.m. 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta. 404-523-1477. Ages 10 and older, $25-$45.

beyond atlanta Kids Fishing Rodeo. Vogel State Park. Trout fishing rodeo for kids. A limited number of poles available on loan. June 14. 8 a.m. 405 Vogel State Park Rd., Blairsville. 706-745-2628. Free; parking, $5.

Full-Moon Suspension Bridge Hikes. Tallulah Gorge State Park. A 1½ mile hike down the gorge steps, across the suspension bridge to the gorge. June 14, 10 p.m. June 15, 10:15 p.m. 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls.

706-754-7981. Advance registration required. $5; parking, $5.

Kids Day at the Park. Smithgall Woods State Park.

Archery lessons, animal exhibits, compass games, and stream critters. Learn about healthy activities and outdoor appreciation.

June 14. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen.

706-878-3087. Free.

Chuggington: A Traintastic Adventure. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. All aboard in Bryson City. Young riders board the trains as “trainees” and complete challenges based on the hit television show. June 28-29. Departure 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800872-4681. Adults, $39-$59; ages 2-12, $30-$40; ages 23 months and younger, $10. c

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FUN FOURTH OFHJULY

CELEBRATIONS Fantastic Fourth Celebration. Memorial Lawn at Stone Mountain Park. Enjoy a fireworks display following the Lasershow Spectacular. July 3-5. 9:30 p.m. Hwy. 78, Stone Mountain. 770-4985690. Fireworks show, free; parking, $10.

Cumming Fourth of July Celebration.

Cumming Fairgrounds. Festivities begin July 3, 6-11 p.m., with music, inflatables and fireworks.

Steam Engine Parade on July 4 at 10 a.m. with antique cars, tractors and floats. Celebration ends at 1 p.m. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming.

770-887-0516. Free.

Sparks in the Park. E.E. Robinson Park. Fireworks, inflatables, food and drinks, live entertainment and a feature film. July 3. 6:30-11:30 p.m.

850 Level Creek Rd., Sugar Hill. 770-945-6716.

Free.

Fourth of July Festivities. Peachtree City.

Fourth of July parade begins in front of Village on the Green, travels up Peachtree Parkway and ends at Huddleston Elementary School. 4th Fest at City Hall Plaza with rock walls, kid’s activities, inflatables, food vendors and fireworks at dusk.

July 4. Parade: 9 a.m. 4th Fest: 5-9 p.m. 151 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City. 770-631-2525. Free.

Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade.

Dunwoody Village. Celebration features marching bands, floats, clowns and mascots who will march from Mount Vernon Rd. and Jett Ferry Rd. to Dunwoody Village where the fun continues with a festival. July 4. 9 a.m. Dunwoody Village Pkwy., Dunwoody. 770-393-9647. Free.

Fourth in the Park. Glover Park. A parade, free live concerts, museum tours, arts and crafts show, food, carnival games and fireworks. Parade begins at Roswell St. Baptist Church and ends at North Marietta Pkwy. July 4. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

50 Park Square, Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free.

Lenox Square

Fourth of July Celebration. Centennial Olympic Park. Live music, food vendors, fireworks set to patriotic music. July 4. Gates open at 6 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. 265 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-222-7275. Free.

July Fourth Concert and Fireworks.

Cauble Park. Live music in the afternoon, followed by fireworks at dark. Food, inflatables and more.

July 4. 4-10 p.m. 4425 Beach St., Acworth. 770917-1234. Free.

July Fourth Festivities and Fireworks.

Wills Park. Games, entertainment, local bands, food vendors and fireworks at dusk. July 4. 5-10 p.m. 1825 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta. 678-2976133. Free.

Chamblee Fourth of July Celebration.

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

Atlanta Braves Independence Day Postgame Fireworks. Turner Field. Celebrate the 4th of July with a Braves game and a fireworks display choreographed to patriotic music. July 4. Game starts at 7:10 p.m. 755 Hank Aaron Dr., Atlanta. 404-522-7630. $8 and up.

Beyond Atlanta Celebrate America. The Rock Ranch. A world-class fireworks extravaganza and night of family fun. Entertainment includes train rides, pony rides and more. June 28. 4-10 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374. $25/carload.

Fabulous Fourth. Mall of Georgia. Live music, kids’ zone, a movie and Gwinnett’s biggest fireworks display. July 4. Festivities begin at 5 p.m.; fireworks begin at dark; after the fireworks, “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” will play.

3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-8788. Free.

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Fourth of July Parade and Rotary Celebration. Downtown Newnan. A patriotic, hometown parade starts at Temple Avenue Park through downtown at 9 a.m.; followed by entertainment and food at Newnan High School’s Drake Stadium; fireworks at dusk. July 4.

Newnan. 770-253-8283. Free.

Annual July Fourth Fireworks Extravaganza. Roswell High School. Carnival games and activities begin at 5:30 p.m. July 4. Live music at 6 p.m. 11595 King Rd,. Roswell. 770641-3705. Free.

Legendary Fourth of July. Lenox Square.

Games and rides for kids in carnival area at 10 a.m., live music, food and the largest fireworks display in the Southeast. July 4. Family fun entertainment begins at 10 a.m., music at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:40 p.m. 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-233-6767. Free.

Fourth of July Extravaganza. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. March in the children’s parade around the museum floor, create flags to wave in the parade and take home, and see indoor “fireworks.” July 4. Noon and 2 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta. 404-659-5437.

Adults and children ages 1 and older, $12.75.

Pied Piper Parade, Concert and Fireworks. Downtown Decatur. Decorate a wagon, ride your bike, skate or walk along with the parade that begins at First Baptist Church of Decatur. The Callanwolde Concert Band performs after the parade. Fireworks display at dark.

July 4. Parade Line-Up, 5:30 p.m.; concert, 7 p.m.; fireworks, 9 p.m. Downtown Decatur.

404-371-8386. Free.

July Fourth “Day at the Beach.” Unicoi State Park. A day at the beach style weekend of fun, including a watermelon seed spitting contest, sack races and more. July 4-6. 9 a.m.5 p.m. 1788 Hwy. 356, Helen. 800-573-9659.

Free; parking, $5.

Mall of Georgia

Family Fun Guide

Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.

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

June 2014 Atlanta Parent 71

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June 2014    Atlanta Parent 73

Humor

by Lela Davidson

O

n a hot summer day, while unloading an obscene amount of groceries, I noticed a thick, pink substance on the garage floor.

Lemonade? Maybe, but it appeared to be coming from inside the car.

After I put away my dairy and frozen goods, I dipped my finger into the pink mess. It didn’t smell like anything and looked about as worrisome as IHOP syrup, which threatens only my thighs.

About an hour later I had to run an urgent errand.

If I didn’t get that double tall iced latte, someone was getting tied to a tree. Because my husband was out of town, I had another car to drive, one which did not have pink goo oozing out of it. However, I drove the leaky car. It started and drove fine, at first. Soon the thermometer light came on. I tensed when it started to blink, even though I had no idea what that meant.

If I designed cars, the light would say, “Pull Over.”

And if you didn’t immediately comply, another light would come on and say, “NOW!” If you still didn’t get the hint, the car would turn itself off. But my car doesn’t have this handy imaginary feature. Despite the warning light, my trip was uneventful. I finished my urgent errand and drove home.

The next afternoon, after loading the car with five children, four snorkels, two masks, a box of crackers, 45 fruit snacks, a gross of beach towels, and enough juice to flood a small country, it wouldn’t start. I tried again while the children whined, hot and cranky. Clearly this was another urgent situation so I did what I had to do. I switched cars and went to the pool.

Then I had to make the call. I told my husband about the harmless smelling gunk, the flashing red

Car Trouble thermometer, and the non-starting car. Luckily I married a man who remains calm in the face of mechanical trouble.

“Was the car leaking while you were driving?”

“No,” I said. “It was in the garage.”

“And the light, when was that flashing?”

Here’s where things started to turn against me.

“Oh, well…. see…. I needed to go to the –” “You drove the car?”

He is not so calm in the face of four-digit repair bills. I couldn’t feed his panic, but I assured him that there was nothing to worry about, just a task to accomplish. “What I need to know is whether I should have the car towed to the dealership or if you think we can put in some more of that pink stuff and drive it over.”

My husband sighed from another state and I heard the hang of his head. “I hope you didn’t seize the engine.”

“No.” I brushed it off. “I think it’s something else – something easy to fix.”

Neither my husband nor the mechanic agreed that it was something easy to fix. I may not be good with machines, but things always work out for me. For instance, my new car is very shiny. c

If I designed cars, the light would say, “Pull Over.” And if you didn’t immediately comply, another light would come on and say, “NOW!” If you still didn’t get the hint, the car would turn itself off.

Davidson is the author of Blacklisted from the PTA and Who Peed on My Yoga Mat? 74 Atlanta Parent June 2014

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