Atlanta Parent_March 2024

Inside

March

12

Cooking Up Savings

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Make the most of your food budget with tips for saving on groceries, storing food and reducing waste.

19 32

The Happiest Birthday!

Smart tips for making it a worry-free party. Plus, throw a sleepover bash they won’t forget.

Montessori Myths Busted

Learn about some common misconceptions and how Montessori has stood the test of time.

41 The Power of STEAM

Inspiring a love of science, technology, engineering, art and math sets kids up for success. Encourage a curiosity for STEAM with our ideas.

Family Fun Guide: Top March events, spring festivals, the best Easter egg hunts and St. Patrick’s Day fun. Plus, the Atlanta Science Festival is this month — make plans with our guide! Page 55

Atlanta’s Top Party Places / Page 22

For 50 years, High Meadows Camp has offered an authentic, traditional outdoor program on more than 40 acres of farm, woodland, and unique facilities Registration is now open for three, 3-week sessions

Session Dates:

June 3 – June 21

June 24 – July 12

July 15 – August 2

Founded 1973 | Roswell, GA | highmeadowscamp org

PUBLISHER Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell

PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter

EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Genie Lockeretz

EXECUTIVE glockeretz@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Alyssa Gerold

EXECUTIVE agerold@atlantaparent.com

STAFF WRITER Emily Webb and DIGITAL ewebb@atlantaparent.com

CONTENT CREATOR

CONTENT Mary Williams

PROJECT MANAGER

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery

ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

ADMINISTRATIVE Amanda Allen ASSISTANT

MARKETING Felicia Barman MOM

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END THE SCHOOL YEAR STRONG!

STEAM is everywhere — the acronym even has a permanent place in our vocabulary. There probably aren’t many parents or kids who haven’t heard about STEAM. Science, technology, engineering, art and math have become interconnected, and STEAM is an essential component to prepare our kids for the future.

Our March issue has a special focus on kids and STEAM learning. Read about why it’s so important and how we can encourage a love of STEAM in our kids at an early age. Atlanta has unlimited ways to get your kids excited about STEAM concepts — hands-on museums, interactive exhibits, classes and camps, and more. We put together a short list of STEAM programs around Atlanta to get you started.

For a STEAM-on-steroids experience, don’t miss the Atlanta Science Festival from March 9-23. This year’s event has even more activities and events for families and kids. Just in time for spring, there are lots of outdoor programs like a salamander stroll, science scavenger hunt, adventure lab, tree treks and even a pollinator parade. Kids can engage in a wide variety of hands-on STEAM activities that don’t require screens. Don’t miss the Exploration Expo, the highlight event for families, on March 23 in Piedmont Park. From electricity to art making, there’s something for everyone to explore. Use our guide to the Science Festival (page 59) to start making your family’s plans.

Our Family Fun Guide also has details on everything happening this spring around Atlanta, from the newest shows and exhibits to festivals. And it’s time for Easter egg hunts — they’ve taken on a few twists! Now kids can hunt for eggs underwater and in the dark. There are sensory-friendly egg hunts and even a large-scale hunt with thousands of eggs dropped by helicopter. Find one that’s perfect for your kids with our list.

Spring is probably my favorite season in Atlanta. The dogwoods and azaleas are blooming, the weather is warming up and we’re all ready to get outside. We’re lucky to live in a city with such an abundance of opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. There are parks, playgrounds, festivals, gardens and so many other places to explore. Let us know about your family’s favorite spring activities. Find us on Facebook, visit atlantaparent.com or email us at editor@atlantaparent.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

PRESENTED BY

150+ STEM Events Across Metro Atlanta

StUff G oo d

by Emily Webb

THINGS WE LIKE HOP INTO SPRING

Mini Gardeners

Have a radish-ingly good time with Ridley’s Games’ Can You Dig It? Use your cards to harvest fruits and veggies from the four community plots in order to create the most impressive feast at the end of the game. Collect ingredients to make as many recipes as you can. But a roaming chicken may steal your harvested vegetables! Available at chroniclebooks.com for $12.

Banded Beauty

Celebrate the season of spring with Great Pretenders’ Float Like A Butterfly Headband. Add enchanting magic to spring playtime with this headband decorated with watercolor paper butterflies for an exciting dress-up adventure. Available at shopgreatpretenders.com for $7.99. A Float Like A Butterfly Wand is also available at shopgreatpretenders.com for $4.99.

The Bunny Hop

Perfect for your child’s Easter basket, say hello to Steiff’s Hoppie Rabbit. This light gray, long-eared rabbit playtime is ready for cuddles or adventures. Made of soft plush, the rabbit is machine washable for easy clean if playtime creates a little dirt. Available in four sizes: 7”, 11”, 15” or 19,” at steiff.com for $18.95-$99.

An Egg-cellent Read

Storytime is delightful with “Scrambled Eggs: Mix and Match” from Happy Yak. Scramble up some fun with more than 140 combinations to create an interactive story. This board book features a space egg, a pirate egg, a disco egg, a chocolate Easter egg and more. Available at amazon.com for $9.99.

Cute Critters

The On-The-Go Game Duo Garden Friends from Petit Collage features cute ladybug and bumblebee tokens for a special twist on Tic-Tac-Toe and Snakes and Ladders. Easy to pack up in the travel pouch, keep kids entertained no matter where your spring plans take you. Available at petitcollage.com for $22.

by Emily Webb

Cooking Up Savings How to Make the Most of Your Food Budget

If the recent rising prices have you rethinking your money-spending habits, one great way to start saving more money is by eating more meals at home. But be aware that inflation has affected the cost of groceries, too! So how can you be smarter about spending your hard-earned cash and saving yourself from food mishaps? Here are five areas in which you can be savvier in the kitchen.

Save on Groceries

Grocery shopping can rack up a big bill, but making your own meals at home will get you the most bang for your buck. Start small — you can incorporate more of these tips as your shopping habits become more natural.

BEFORE YOU GO

“Make a plan,” says Katherine Shary, a licensed dietitian at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Strong4Life. “It’s definitely an ageold tip, but by making a plan, you know what to buy at the grocery store, so you’re not grabbing items that are going to add up at checkout. By sticking to that plan, you can save money. You might have to do a little meal prep, but it doesn’t have to be for a full week.”

To start, plan meals for two days out of the week, and create a list for your grocery store visit. Planning your meals and sticking to a list will keep you from splurging on unnecessary items. You also won’t have to return to the store to pick up items you forgot.

Before you head to the store, do your homework to compare savings at different

grocery stores to find the best deal. “Look at store ads and compare prices,” Shary says. “You’re going to get the best bang for your buck at those stores that have sales compared to going to one store.”

Try to plan your meals around sales items. Shop BOGO deals, and stock up on items your family is more likely to go through quickly. But don’t buy items you won’t eat just because they’re on sale! It’s not a deal if your family will waste it.

Consider signing up for loyalty programs at the store you visit the most for extra savings. “They’ll often offer discounts, and those can be really helpful,” Shary says. And, consider shopping at irregular times. If it’s less crowded and you feel less rushed, you’re more likely to take your time browsing items to find the best price. If you can, try to visit the grocery store less often. Shopping less frequently cuts down on travel costs and encourages you to use up what you already have at home.

If you’re not sure how much you usually spend on food, it can be helpful to go over your expenses from the last couple of months. You may be the type of person who is more likely to stick to your goals if you have help, so consider downloading a budgeting app to hold yourself accountable.

WHILE YOU SHOP

Peruse the store smartly and don’t be brand loyal. Usually, the most expensive items are at eye level or at the end of the aisles to capture your attention. The top and bottom of the shelves often hold the cheaper items or showcase the grocery store’s version rather than the name brand. Beware of impulse shopping or browsing the aisle at the checkout line. And don’t shop on an empty stomach, as you’re more likely to make impulse purchases!

Consider eating less meat, as meat has seen the highest price increase. “Try meatless meals,” Shary says. “Cooking meatless meals 1-2 times a week is typically less expensive, as those protein sources — beans, lentils, tofu — cost less than buying meat and poultry, which can help you save money.”

“We do tend to fall into certain marketing traps with buzzwords, such as natural or organic. We start to think that those are the only foods we should buy to eat healthy,” Shary says. “Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are just as healthy and contain all the same nutrition. They still contain the vitamins and minerals we need.” Canned and frozen produce are often cheaper than fresh produce and will last longer in the pantry or freezer.

Consider shopping at irregular times. If it’s less crowded and you feel less rushed, you’re more likely to take your time browsing items to find the best price.

Shop locally grown, in-season vegetables at a farmers’ market. Produce will be fresher and more affordable than outof-season items. “Organic simply means the food has been produced without pesticides,” Shary says. “But it takes a lot for farmers to get that recognition. So, while it might not have the label, shopping at your local farmers’ market or stand will get you the same great produce. There’s nothing wrong with purchasing organic, but it’s also OK to eat foods that are not organic.”

“When buying frozen entrees, think about balanced plates,” Shary says. “With frozen pasta or pizza, think about what your whole meal will look like. What are you going to have as a side? Microwave frozen green beans or bring out a can of peaches, so you have a more well-rounded meal that’s filling for your family while being convenient.”

Compare prices on items. “Try not to buy individually cut fruit. That’s often much more expensive than buying a full pineapple and cutting it yourself at home,” Shary says. “You’re paying the store for its labor. The same goes for snacks — it’s better if you buy the regular bag as opposed to buying individual snack packs.” Items like pre-shredded cheese also may cost more due to convenience.

Shopping the deli or buffet bar may be tempting, but food is usually more expensive than buying the ingredients to make the recipe yourself. Also, pay attention to sizes. The price per unit may differ, but you’re getting more bang for your buck in the long run. Calculate unit price at unitpricecalculator.com.

AT HOME

The meals you cook also don’t have to be difficult. “We think we have to cook everything from scratch and give our family fancy meals,” Shary says. “It’s a financially friendly, filling and healthy meal to have a sandwich night. Make PB&Js, have a fruit cup on the side and serve milk. It’s not a fancy meal, but it’s filling and family friendly. You can also plan semi-homemade meals. Make your main dish but get help with your side dishes by serving frozen veggies or canned fruit.”

Bad day at work? We’ve all been there! Have convenient meals on hand. That way, when your day is done, you’ll be less tempted to order from a restaurant and spend the extra money. Some ideas to keep onhand are frozen ravioli, lasagna or pizza; premade pasta or rice; bags of salad; canned soup or beans; frozen fish or chicken.

Involve your family. If your children love food, make eating at home a source of pride for them by involving them in the planning and cooking of the meal, so they can feel accomplished. If they’re disappointed to be eating out less, make the at-home meal feel special by using decorative plates or fun décor to upgrade your dining room to feel like you’re at a new restaurant.

“Eating at home allows us to know what’s in our food,” Shary says. “Making 2-3 dinners can contribute to health, and not just because of the food. Eating together as a family, putting the screens away and enjoying each other’s company is also a health benefit. Eating at home is great, and maybe it can’t happen all the time, but that’s OK. Make those meals family time, where everybody can enjoy the meal and time together.”

Have convenient meals on hand. That way, when your day is done, you’ll be less tempted to order from a restaurant and spend the extra money.

Cooking Up Savings

Storing Food Correctly Can Save Cash

It’s not just about saving at the store; the way you put your groceries away can also help make your dollars go further.

n Foods that can be safely stored at room temperature are called “shelf stable.” Most canned items are shelf stable. High-acid canned food, such as tomatoes, grapefruit or pineapple, can be stored unopened on the shelf for 12-18 months, while low-acid canned food, such as meat, poultry and veggies, will keep for 2-5 years if the unopened can remains in good condition.

n Refrigerate perishable food within two hours. Check the temperature of your fridge and freezer; your fridge should be at 400 or below and the freezer 00 or below. Ensure fridge and freezer doors are closed tightly, and don’t open doors more than necessary.

n Cook or freeze poultry, fish and ground meats within two days of purchase, and cook or freeze other beef, veal, lamb or pork within 3-5 days. If freezing, wrap the store-bought package again with foil or plastic wrap meant for the freezer.

n Picking out fresh produce is a test of your senses! To make sure your items last, don’t stow fruits and vegetables too close together. Here’s how to properly store some fruits and veggies:

n Apples: Keep them in an uncovered fruit bowl on the countertop out of direct sunlight. If you need to extend shelf life, keep apples in your fridge’s crisper drawer. Apples contain ethylene gas that’ll ripen other produce more quickly, so don’t store them next to other produce.

n Avocado: Keep it whole and place it on your countertop away from other fruits and veggies. Check ripeness daily. Once ripe, place it in the fridge.

n Bananas: If you’re not going to eat them immediately, buy them still slightly green. Keep them away from other fruits and direct sunlight.

n Berries: Once home, remove any bad berries from your packaging. Don’t rinse until you’re ready to eat them. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, and store on a refrigerator shelf.

n Carrots: Trim off the carrot greens and avoid washing until right before you plan to eat or cook them. Wrap them in a dry paper towel and store them in an airtight container or bag in your fridge.

n Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges and limes): Keep them out at room temperature, but once they’re past peak ripeness, store them in the fridge.

n Grapes: Wash, pat dry and store in a well-ventilated container in the crisper drawer.

n Lettuce: Remove any damaged leaves. Wrap in paper towels and place in plastic bags in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Don’t wash until you’re planning to eat them. For iceberg lettuce, leave in its original packaging until you’re ready to use.

n Mushrooms: Purchased prepackaged, you can leave them as they are in the fridge. Don’t wash until you’re ready to use them.

n Onions and potatoes: Store in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing them in plastic bags.

n Tomatoes: Store on the counter to ripen. Once ripe, consume them or put them in the fridge to preserve.

Understanding Food Expiration Dates

All those dates on food products can be confusing! What do they really mean?

In the U.S., there are no universally accepted labels on food. As such, the dates printed on packaging are actually more flexible than you might think. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 30% of food is lost or wasted at the retail and consumer levels, partly due to confusion over labeling. The dates applied to food are for quality, not for safety. Here’s how you can interpret those guidelines for yourself.

Best if used by/before: Indicates when a product will be of best flavor or quality.

Sell by: Indicates to the store how long to display the product for sale.

Use by: Indicates the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. It is only a safety date when used on infant formula.

Freeze by: Indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain peak quality.

Waste Not, Want Not! Reducing Food Waste

Each time you toss food into the bin, imagine you’re throwing money in the trash! Make more of an effort to consume all the food you buy.

n Blitz stale bread in a blender or food processor to make breadcrumbs, cube and bake into croutons, or consume as French toast for breakfast.

n Save vegetable trimmings and peels for homemade broth.

n Freeze fruits and veggies. Blend leafy greens or fruits with a touch of water and freeze in an ice cube tray to use in curries, stews or smoothies.

n Fresh herbs can be frozen in an airtight container or chopped and frozen in oil or water. Blend leftover herbs with butter for a flavorful spread.

n Bananas too ripe? Whip up a batch of banana bread or muffins.

n Save an open can of tomato paste by freezing in ice cube trays or scoops, then seal in an airtight bag.

n If a recipe calls for egg yolks, freeze the whites instead of throwing them out.

n Encourage your family to eat what’s in the fridge by pre-washing items like grapes, apples and berries and putting the items in a space where they’ll see them.

n Compost fruit and vegetable peelings, egg shells, coffee grounds and more — you’re reducing landfill waste and helping the environment.

n Save fruit scraps to boil in a pot of water for a natural air freshener.

n Bake or air fry veggie scraps to create your own vegetable chips.

n Save cheese rinds, like from Parmesan cheese, and throw them into soup to add flavor. Store in the fridge or freezer until you need them.

n Don’t waste your leftovers. Eat them or “recycle” them into another meal.

Fresh herbs can be frozen in an airtight container or chopped and frozen in oil or water. Blend leftover herbs with butter for a flavorful spread.

Applying Technology

Use these resources to help make your kitchen goals more manageable.

Daily Meal Planner: This app allows you to create a daily menu, classify staple foods, main dishes and side dishes, view the calendar for a look at monthly meals, manage your recipes and more. You can even share the information with your family, so they know what’ll be on their plates. Available on Google Play and Apple App Store.

SuperCook: Create zero waste with this website. Input the products you have in your pantry and fridge, and it’ll generate recipes you can make with the items you already have on hand. supercook.com

Prepear: Organize your recipes, plan your meals, and get your groceries with this app. Save your favorite recipes so they’re all in one place, create meal plans, and shop using the automatically made grocery list. prepear.com

Ibotta: Make your money work with you using this cash back app. Add cash back offers to your list, submit your receipt, and withdraw earnings once you reach $20. Grocery retailers include Walmart, Kroger, Sprouts and more. ibotta.com

The Coupons App: Browse exclusive deals, coupons and promo codes to find the best savings at your favorite stores. Use your location to find the best local offers and save money on everyday essentials, pantry items and more. thecouponsapp.com

CozZo: Keep a food inventory of your at-home supplies, so you’ll know what you do and don’t need when shopping. The catalog also keeps track of when items expire, and you can look up recipes, so you’re not wasting any food. cozzo.app

FoodKeeper: Learn how to store food and beverages with this app from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Categories include baked goods, meat, produce, beans and more. foodsafety.gov

CHARTING THE RIGHT COURSE

CHARTING THE RIGHT COURSE

Learn more about these top charter schools and their enrollment deadlines.

Charting the Right Course

Learn more about these top charter schools and their enrollment deadlines.

Learn more about these top charter schools and their enrollment deadlines.

CHARTING THE RIGHT COURSE

Ethos Classical is a tuition-free public charter school in South Atlanta serving Kindergarten–Fifth Grade. With an emphasis on the humanities and the arts, Ethos Classical focuses on getting to know each and every child so they are challenged in a warm and supportive environment. Through tailored small group instruction and two teachers per classroom, Ethos Classical provides an extraordinary education to all scholars. Spaces are limited. Now enrolling Kindergarten–5th Grade for the 2024-2025 school year. Apply today!

2295 Springdale Cir. SW, Atlanta 30315 l 470-502-0046 l ethosclassical.org

Learn more about these top charter schools and their enrollment deadlines.

Georgia Cyber Academy is a tuition-free, online accredited public charter school serving students in grades K-12 throughout the state of Georgia. They provide an online learning environment where students are empowered to reach their full academic potential through live interactive classes and an engaging curriculum that supports individualized learning paths. The open enrollment period begins on March 15. Let them bring school to you! For more information visit: georgiacyber.org/enrolltoday

1745 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta 30349 l 470-400-7875 l georgiacyber.org

International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICAGeorgia)

is a K-5 Japanese-English Dual Language Immersion State Charter School providing rigorous academic instruction aligned with Georgia Standards in both languages. ICAGeorgia aims to broaden the horizons of students so that they may become global citizens who promote peace around the world. Students have opportunities to participate in local and global-level service learning projects and Japanese cultural events such as JapanFest, tea ceremony, calligraphy, rice pounding and more. Apply today!

3705 Engineering Dr., Peachtree Corners l 770-604-0007 l internationalcharteracademy.org

WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL?

l Charter schools are tuition-free, public schools that establish their own curriculum and learning approach and operate under the terms of a charter, or contract.

l Charter schools are governed by an autonomous non-profit board of directors, and they have more autonomy and flexibility than a traditional public school.

l There are currently 96 charter schools in Georgia.

2 Atlanta Parent <ISSUE> <DATE> atlantaparent.com

l Start-up charter schools are often grouped by their authorizer, either at the local or state level.

l A conversion charter school is a charter school that was previously a traditional public school. Source: gadoe.org

Birthday facts&figures

Top Party Themes 2023 Unicorn Slime Mermaid Dinosaurs

Most Popular Party Games Freeze Tag Charades Treasure Hunt

Chocolate

The most popular birthday cake flavor

The average kid’s birthday party involves

16 9 3 guests presents hours of celebration

2 billion

THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF BIRTHDAY CARDS SENT ANNUALLY IN THE U.S.

The most common birthdate

Sept. 9

“Happy Birthday To You”

The most recognized song in the English language

72,585

MOST CANDLES LIT ON A CAKE –THE RECORD WAS SET IN 2016 IN NEW YORK CITY

Sources: facts.net, guinnessworldrecords.com, aytm.com, swnsdigital.com, partygoat.com

Party Planner

Birthday Party Primer: Avoid these pitfalls for a zerodrama bash

by Malia Jacobson

It happens all too fast: one minute, you’re wiping up the crumbs from the first-birthday cake smash. A few whirlwind years later, your precocious preschooler brings home a stack of birthday party invitations penned by parents you’ve never met. Party e-vites invade your inbox. Your child has hit the birthday party scene, and it’s hoppin’.

Given that kid birthday parties are big business — the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions reports that kids’ party venues charge an average of $370 per party. So, it’s understandable that parents want to get it right.

That’s easier said than done, though. Parents bring different expectations, cultural norms, communication styles and budgets into the party planning process. Etiquette can fall through the cracks. While there’s no formula for the “perfect” party, avoiding party planning pitfalls keeps the focus where it belongs — celebrating your not-so-little one’s big day.

l RSVP Reframe: In today’s highly-connected world, responding to party invites has never been easier; email, texting, or simply checking a box on a web-based e-vite takes all of 30 seconds. But these days, many guests mistakenly consider RSVPs optional, says Jacqueline Whitmore, an internationallyrecognized etiquette expert, author and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach. This leaves the party-planning parents

having to guestimate attendees or query parents about whether their child will attend. And nobody has time for that.

“If you’re fortunate enough to be invited to party, respond as quickly as possible,” Whitmore says. Whether you can or can’t attend, respond to invites — including e-vites and text invites — within a week at the most. And if plans change and your child can’t attend, contact the host ASAP so the food, activities and party favors earmarked for your child can be repurposed.

l Tiny Glitterati: A top parental pet peeve: Supersized (or super spendy) soirees that make your casual neighborhood cupcake-and-juice fête look ho-hum by comparison. “I’m tired of over-the-top parties that make my kiddos wonder why we don’t spend five grand on their birthday,” says mom of three Lynne Williams. “We went to one a few years ago that had two bouncy houses, hired entertainment, catered food, full bar, craft projects .... all for a 3-year-old.”

While the size of the budget and guest list are personal preferences, you can skip some stress (and save green) by focusing on party details your child will notice and remember.

One way to dial down the crazy is to only include activities and entertainment that can reasonably fit into a 90-minute party — roughly the party attention span of a kindergartener — with enough schedule space for cake and relaxed socializing. That means you don’t need the bounce house, band, slip n’ slide, pizza-making station and petting zoo. One or two “main event” activities, with a quieter option like crafting or coloring for overstimulated kiddos, is festive without feeling forced. Scale back on decorations, too, says mom of two Yin Chang. “Kids either completely ignore decorations, or they look at them for five seconds.”

l Skip the Sibs: As soon as invitations go out, the “are siblings welcome?” queries come in. And some parents will show up with their entire brood in tow. This stressful scenario stretches party budgets and party hosts’ patience, because some parties are simply more enjoyable on a smaller scale.

“We do small birthday parties at our house, and if a child comes with a sibling or two and both parents, the party triples in size for food, gift bags and activities,” says Gretchen Coulson Smith, a mom of two.

Avoid this sticky subject by clearly addressing paper invitations to the invited child, says Whitmore. This gets trickier for e-vites, which may not allow senders to specify which child the invite is for. In those

l Goodie Bags Gone Bad: Goodie bags filled with dollar-store junk irk mom Amy Hussey. “Keep it consumable so it doesn’t add to the clutter!” Or skip goodie bags entirely — most families won’t miss them.

If you just can’t abandon giveaways, consider a copy of the birthday child’s favorite book, a packet of seeds or a bulb to plant, a single can of Play-doh,

cases, a quick email or text with “We hope Ameila can attend Jake’s party!” can spare an awkward back-andforth later on.

On the other hand, “the more the merrier” parents can let guests know that siblings can attend with a simple “siblings welcome!” note on the invitation. When you’re not sure — because of limited space at your venue, for example — write “please inquire about siblings” to head off sibling surprises. And if sibs aren’t on the guest list, consider making the party a “drop-off” celebration (also, of course, indicated on the invitation); parents with young kids may not be able to stay for the party if their children can’t attend.

crayons and a small notepad, or a takehome craft like a hair barrette or bookmark. A party favor that fosters family time or quiet play after the excitement of a party will be welcomed by guests’ parents — who may be inspired to reciprocate when their child’s party rolls around.

Party Planner

Atlanta’s Top Party Places Plan the Ultimate Birthday Bash!

n  Birthdays Made Fun and Easy

Hey parents! Tired of the same old birthday party blues? Say hello to Big Idea Entertainment – your ultimate solution to party planning pandemonium! They bring the bash to you with their amazing mobile children’s party service. From epic Foam Palooza events to mobile mini golf courses and backyard carnivals, they have something for all ages to make your kid’s special day unforgettable. Let them handle the chaos while you kick back and enjoy the smiles. With Big Idea Entertainment, birthdays just got a whole lot easier and a whole lot more fun! Atlanta. 404-200-2037; bigideaentertainment.com

n  A Whale of a Party

Have a birthday party with hundreds of special guests at Georgia Aquarium. To start, party-goers will get VIP access into the aquarium – avoiding lines and letting everyone enjoy the whole day with all the animals. You’ll also get the option to enjoy pizza served fresh from the aquarium’s own Coastline Café. And to make it the best day possible, their friendly staff will be there to assist you at every step. Reach out now to learn more about party options and availability. Atlanta. 404-581-4000; georgiaaquarium.org

n  Party Like a Hall of Famer

Make your little fan’s next birthday party legendary by hosting it at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. With more than 45 interactive exhibits and three floors of entertaining fun, this will be a party they’ll remember long after their last score. From kicking a field goal and running through the SkillZone on the 45yard football field, to performing their favorite cheer at Fight Song Karaoke and seeing which friend has the fastest 40 yard dash, your party is sure to be a fan favorite. Contact groups@cfbhall.com to book. Atlanta, 404-880-4841; cfbhall.com

n  Throw a Perfect Strike

At Stars and Strikes, they understand parents, because they are parents and that means birthday parties are kid-pleasing and easy to book! Parties include bowling, arcade games, laser tag and bumper cars to keep everyone entertained. Packages include everything from set up to clean up. The most popular package, the MVP, is a party on the lanes with a host, a session of bumper cars, laser tag, arcade time and a choice of food and drink. Balloons and paper products provided. At the end, the party parent gets a Grown Up Play Date Voucher for another visit. Seven metro Atlanta locations. 678-965-5707; starsandstrikes.com

Georgia Aquarium

Big Idea Entertainment

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

Stars and Strikes

n  The Ultimate Gaming Party

Throw the ultimate gaming bash at Battle and Brew and enjoy all of the XP with none of the stressful planning. Party packages include two hours of gaming for you and your squad, including Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox, PC and tabletop, unlimited fountain drinks and dinner. Upgrade your party for up to 6 hours of game time, expanded food menu, dessert and more! Two convenient locations in Sandy Springs and The Battery. The only thing more legendary than the games are the memories you’ll create! Book your party today. 678-560-1500, battleandbrew.com

n  Celebrate in Nature

Celebrate your child’s special day surrounded by the beauty of nature at the Dunwoody Nature Center! DNC’s birthday parties offer a unique and memorable experience, filled with outdoor adventures and hands-on activities. Expert staff will ensure a stress-free celebration for parents and an exciting (and educational!) experience for the birthday child and their friends. From guided nature hikes to live animal encounters, you can customize your party to your child’s unique interests. Parties are held on the beautiful screened-in Sun Porch, a location sure to impress your guests in any season! Dunwoody. 770-394-3322; dunwoodynature.org

n  A Brick-Tastic Birthday Bash

Get ready to crush your party planning to-do list!

LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta has you covered with 2 all-inclusive packages to choose from. A Premium party includes admission to all attractions and movies, a private LEGO-themed party room with host, pizza and beverages, party crowns, a mascot meet-and-greet, and more. The Ultimate party experience also includes a private LEGO building session with an expert, along with a ride on The Great LEGO Race Virtual Reality Experience! Book your party today and give your mini model builder the most brick-tastic birthday ever. Atlanta. 404-848-9252; atlanta@legodiscoverycenter.com; legodiscoverycenter.com/atlanta

n  Embark on an Epic Adventure

Adventure Air Sports Kennesaw invites you to party at its state-ofthe-art Family Entertainment Center. Experience a variety of attractions, from the massive Slick Slide Tower featuring 3 slides, to one of the largest Ninja Warrior obstacle courses in the area. Take it to another level with interactive trampoline attractions like Valo Jump and Cardio Wall Duo! Challenge your friends to a game of AirTrack Basketball or fly high above the foam pits on the indoor zip line. There’s something for everyone! Get $150 off an Extreme Party on weekdays with discount code ATLBDAY150. Kennesaw. 678-384-2020; kennesaw.adventureairsports.com

Adventure Air Sports

LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta

Dunwoody Nature Center

Battle and Brew

Sleepover Success

Planning a sleepover birthday party, but looking for ways to make it more “wow”? Whether it’s a couple of close friends or a group of 10, make your child’s sleepover party unforgettable with these easy, fun and extra-special ideas .

by Mary Williams

Tips for First-Timers

Whether you’re hosting, or sending your child off to their first sleepover, consider these tips.

l Check Readiness. If you discuss a sleepover, see how your child reacts. Is she excited? Or, is she nervous? A child who is ready to spend a night without you will be interested in the idea.

l Start Small. Don’t go for a slumber party too fast! Try hosting one friend for a sleepover so your child gets comfortable with the idea. Or, keep it in the neighborhood so your child knows you’re nearby if he wants to come home.

l Stay Informed. If you’re hosting, share details on your home, activities and what guests need to bring (sleeping bags, pillows, etc.). Ask if anyone has allergies or needs medication. Make sure you have contact information for parents. If your child

is sleeping away, ask the host parents questions so that your child won’t be taken by surprise. Will older siblings be home? Will the kids be sleeping on the floor or in beds?

l Pack and Prepare. If sleeping away, help your child pack an overnight bag with the essentials, including a special stuffed animal or blanket for nighttime. Make sure your child knows how to reach you and let the host parents know if your child has any specific fears or needs.

l Plan for Fun. When you’re hosting, have plans ready if self-directed supervised play seems to get stale. Remember, a sleepover is much longer than a playdate! Have the kids DIY dinner (think make-yourown pizzas or taco bar), an art project to do, or a new game the kids can learn together. When you’re ready for everyone to settle down and get sleepy, dim the lights and start an age-appropriate movie.

l Be on Call. You spoke to your child at 10 p.m. and all seemed fine, but at midnight, he wants to come home. It happens, especially to first-timers! It’s no big deal if the first try doesn’t last the whole night, and it’s important that your child knows you’ll come get him if he needs you. At your home, make sure young guests know they can wake you during the night if they have an emergency or need to call their parents.

l Recap the Night. Whether your child makes it through a first full sleepover or not, check in with them the next day. Talk about what they liked and what they didn’t, so you know what could work better next time, at home or away. Your child will be your guide to whether sleepovers are a good addition to their social lives, now or later.

Get Out and About

Just because it’s a sleepover doesn’t mean you have to spend the whole time at home. Keep them busy by heading to a fun venue.

l See a movie on the big screen, then play a few rounds of movie trivia at home.

l Catch an Atlanta Braves baseball game at Truist Park; enjoy dinner or a post-game treat at The Battery.

l Take the group to visit Zoo Atlanta during the day, or register for a special experience like Twilight Trek (zooatlanta.org).

l Older kids will love teaming up to solve challenges at an escape room venue.

l Head to the bowling alley, mini golf course or game center for a game night.

l Hit the rink! Go roller skating at a local rink — try Sparkles Family Fun Center (sparklesfamilyfuncenters.com) or Cascade Skating (cascadeskating.com).

Destination: Sleepover

Want to take getting out and about to the next level? Try a destination sleepover. Sleep under the sea at a Georgia Aquarium birthday party (georgiaaquarium.org). For older kids, you could opt for somewhere further out of town like Great Wolf Lodge, Callaway Gardens or a cabin in North Georgia.

Have a Sleep “Under”

When your child (or you!) isn’t quite ready for the full sleepover experience, a sleep “under” is a great option. It has all the fun without actually spending the night.

l Plan your event for early evening. Your event could include dinner or a fun snack.

l Ask guests to wear their pajamas and bring sleeping bags, pillows and a favorite stuffed animal.

l Plan several fun activities — a kid-friendly movie, games or a make-your own-sundae bar.

l At the end of the evening, send guests home to spend the night in their own beds.

Ways to Make a Sleepover Party Special 6

Go Glamping

Enjoy all the fun of camping, in the comfort of your home. Go simple, with lots of sleeping bags and pillows, or elaborate, with air mattresses and indoor teepees.

l Make mini teepees — purchase frames online at amazon.com or orientaltrading.com and dress them up with colorful fabric, mini lights, paper flowers, cozy blankets and fun pillows.

l Go all out and let someone else do the work. Southern Charm Sleepovers will set up a themed indoor teepee party, or an outdoor bubble tent for a sleepover under the stars (southerncharmsleepovers.com). Enchanting Teepees has an array of girl- and boy-friendly themes, including Barbie, mermaid, outer space and woodland animals (enchantingteepees.com).

l Set up a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, sprinkles, whipped cream and flavored syrups, served up in oversized mugs.

l Put on the music and stage a glow dance party, karaoke sing-along or a talent show.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Whether the kids sleep outside or just enjoy some camping-style fun before heading back inside, make your outdoor venue as rustic or as fancy as you want!

l Plan a nature-themed scavenger hunt or make leaf rubbings.

l Play camping-themed bingo (find printable cards at gluesticksgumdrops.com). Set up giant Jenga and other backyard games, play flashlight tag or charades using camping-themed ideas — think “act like a bear” or “catch fireflies.”

l Serve up grilled hot dogs and burgers or make “silver turtles” cooked in the campfire. Set up a nacho bar or DIY trail mix. Have DIY s’mores ready to go by packaging graham crackers, marshmallows and a square of chocolate in individual bags.

l Create ambience with battery-operated lanterns, strings of lights and a real or pretend campfire.

l Pitch store-bought tents or make your own by stringing clothesline between trees and draping it with a sheet. Use rocks or weights to anchor the corners. Build teepees with poles, clothespins and a sheet (find instructions on mamapappabubba.com).

Georgia Aquarium

6

Ways to Make a Sleepover Party Special

Have a Spa Session

Make the girls feel special with an evening of pampering, from head to toe.

3

l Sheet face masks are easy (and less messy) to apply and remove for an at-home facial; look for kid-friendly versions with fruity scents and fun colors.

l Buy nail polish in a variety of fun colors, along with decals and adhesive gems. Cover a table with paper for easy cleanup; you could even enlist an older sibling to help paint nails.

l Provide plush robes, slippers and sleep masks for guests to wear at the party.

l Serve up delicacies like mini tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, petit fours and sparkling punch.

l Splurge on a glam at-home spa party by SpaPartyz (spapartyz.com) or a mobile spa truck from Pamper Me Pretty (pmpatlanta.com).

Make it a Movie Night

4

Whether you go with classic cartoons, an ‘80s throwback classic or a popular current release, a movie night party has appeal for all ages.

l Rent, buy or borrow a home projector and screen. Set up the ultimate backyard viewing area with blankets and pillows for lounging. During the summer, look for an outdoor movie showing at your local park. Many have food trucks on-site, or you can pack your own treats.

l Indoors, set up oversized pillows, bean bag chairs and cushions so everyone has a cozy spot.

l Set up a popcorn bar with bags of popcorn and caramel corn in fun paper cups or bags, along with mix-ins like chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and shake-on flavorings. And no movie is complete without Twizzlers, M&Ms, Nerds and Milk Duds!

Bring on the Games

Plan a game-themed party for kids; be sure to choose age appropriate activities that everyone can participate in and that your child and guests really love.

5 6

l For gaming enthusiasts, bring in a game truck — try Virtual Reality Game Truck (virtualrealitygametruckatlanta.com) or Gamer vs. Gamer (birthdayparty2you.com)

l Stage a backyard Nerf war with obstacles, targets and plenty of foam ammunition.

l Work together to solve a mystery with an “Unsolved Case Files” game, or crack a code to escape in “Clue: Treachery at Tudor Mansion” (find both on amazon.com).

l Let the screens rule and play a few rounds of Heads Up, 7 Second Challenge or Psych (available on Google Play and Apple app stores).

l Get creative and develop an escape room at home using clues about the birthday child.

Keep the Fun Going!

No matter your sleepover theme, use these ideas to prevent any “I’m bored!” moments.

l Balloon Pop: Write activities on small pieces of paper, like “watch a movie,” “eat cake,” “play charades,” “create and act out a silly skit” — and place each inside a balloon. Inflate the balloon and write a time on it with permanent marker. At the appointed hour, the birthday boy or girl pops the balloon to reveal the activity.

l Photo Booth: Capture the moments! Set up a photo booth area with fun props and accessories. An instant-print cameral makes this one extra fun.

l Games: Be ready with some fun group games to play, like Pictionary, bingo, flashlight tag or “name that tune.”

l Be Creative: Plan a craft that matches your party’s theme — tie-dye T-shirts, make beaded bracelets, paint canvases, decorate cookies.

l Midnight Breakfast: Set up a waffle bar with syrup, whipped cream, fruit, chocolate chips and cinnamon sugar.

— Dalia Faupel also contributed

Zone of Light Studio

zoneoflightstudio.com

Zone of Light is THE place for any kind of party, you tell us what you want – we’ll make it a party! Plus, we have the coolest Black Light room. Check us out – we put the ART in parties!

Altitude Trampoline Park altitudeeastcobb.com

Atlanta’s premier trampoline park in the heart of East Cobb is the place for kids to freeplay! Parties are indoor adventures that will have guests bouncing, soaring, tumbling and battling their way to a oneof-kind experience. Call today! 770-693-7627.

Bucks Sports and Circus Barn

buckssportbarn.com

Buckhead’s top spot for private parties and camps! More than 300 costumes and epic performers. Themes: Circus, Sports, Crafts, Superheroes, Princesses, American Ninja Warrior and more.

PARTY PLANNER

A Birthday Concert for Your Child. Interactive live kids music for all occasions. Performing classics and new favorites, percussion jams, singing, dancing and more. Options for every budget. Easy set-up, best for ages 1-8.

Auntie Renee Storyteller

auntiereneestoryteller.com

Auntie Renee’s captivating performances use interactive story props to bring classic tales and modern stories to life. Parties for all ages, 30-, 60- or 90-minute sessions. Make your next party one they’ll never forget! 770-402-0564.

birthday parties and events for fun, learning and making memories! Call to book your party today! 781-249-2459.

Dream Friends Entertainment dreamfriendsentertainment.com

Birthday parties, corporate and themed entertainment. Favorite kids characters, circus, fire, holiday, DJs, dance acts and more for all ages at your location. Atlanta Based Since 2001. 275 entertainment options to choose from.

Circus Camp

circuscamp.org

Celebrate your child’s birthday with our trained professionals. One-on-one instruction. Magic shows, balloon sculpting, juggling, face painting and other extras available. Register online Dunwoody and Decatur, 404-370-0001.

Lockeretz at 678-938-8116

MONTESSORI

A Time-Tested Approach

The Montessori approach to learning is unique. The educational process and lessons are driven by the student, guided by the teacher and supported by the parents. Montessori follows the natural patterns of child behavior and development and allows students to deeply connect with their own interests. It’s been a staple of the educational scene for more than 100 years.

Classroom Structure

Multi-age groupings and dedicated work periods are cornerstones of Montessori education. Here’s how it breaks down:

n Infants (ages 2-15 months): Six to nine children per class.

n Toddlers (ages 12 months-3 years): Ten to 14 children per class; two hours of uninterrupted work per day, at least four days a week.

n Primary (ages 3-6) and Elementary (ages 6-9 and 9-12, or ages 6-12): About 24 to 35 children per class; three hours of uninterrupted work weekday mornings for all children; two to three hours of uninterrupted work for older children weekday afternoons.

n Secondary (ages 12-18, divided as ages 12-14, 14-16 and 16-18, or as ages 12-15 and 15-18): A continuation of the Montessori curriculum at a deeper level, encouraging independent study as well as group collaboration, community service and experience outside the classroom. Work periods vary in length each day and typically are not divided into one-hour study units on a particular subject.

Be Careful Out There

Any school can call itself a “Montessori school” or say it uses Montessori ideas, because the name is not copyrighted. Look for schools that are certified by a professional organization.

Atlanta’s First Montessori School

Springmont School, located in Sandy Springs, is the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast. It opened in 1963 as the First Montessori School of Atlanta.

Famous Montessori Students

n Maya Angelou, poet, playwright and best-selling author

n Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon

n Sergey Brin and Larry Page, co-founders of Google

n George Clooney, actor and director

n Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, rapper and music industry executive

n Katherine Graham, former owner of the Washington Post

n Will Wright, video game pioneer and creator of SimCity and Super Mario Brothers

Sources: Montessori Administrators of Georgia, Association Montessori International/USA and American Montessori Society

C h o o s e a M o n t e s s o r i E d u c a t i o n F o r y o u r C h i l d

B A R R O W

n d i v i d u a l i n s t r u c t i o n a n d f o s t e r a j o y o f l e a r n i n g . v e s c h i l d r e n a g e s b i r t h t h r o u g h a d o l e s c e n c e .

W e a r e t h e l a r g e s t M o n t e s s o r i c o m m u n i t y i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s .

F i n d a s c h o o l i n y o u r n e i g h b o r h o o d !

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K u l i m a M o n t e s s o r i - k u l i m a m o n t e s s o r i o r g

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C H I M o n t e s s o r i A c a d e m y - c h i m o n t e s s o r i o r g

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M a y l a n A c a d e m y - m a y l a n a c a d e m y o r g

M i l t o n M o n t e s s o r i - t h e m i l t o n m o n t e s s o r i s c h o o l c o m S t e p p i n g S t o n e s M o n t . - s t e p p i n g s t o n e s m o n t e s s o r i . c o m

V i l l a g e M o n t e s s o r i - v m s c h o o l . c o m

G W I N N E T T

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C O A C H I N G A N D C O N S U L T I N G

N i k k i T o r r e s - M o n t e s s o r i E d u c a t o r s ' T r a n s f o r m a t i o n

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A f f i l i a t i o n : A M S

w w w m o n t e s s o r i t e a c h e r e d c o m

Experience an Authentic Montessori Environment

Arbor fosters independence in each child through supportive relationships, joyful learning, and meaningful work in a Montessori environment. Enrolling at our two Decatur campus locations for the 2024-25 school year.

Schedule your campus visit online!

2998 Lavista Road • 1434 Scott Boulevard 404.321.9304 • www.arbormontessori.org

Arbor Montessori admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, family structure or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, family structure or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Montessori Myths BUSTED

by Emily Webb

If you peek inside a Montessori classroom, what will you see?

Children busy and engaged in self-directed learning. Montessori education values fostering children’s natural desire to learn. The Montessori method of education dates back to 1907 and was developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori. Despite its long history, you might have some misconceptions about this educational approach.

MYTH #1

The school day isn’t structured.

A day at a Montessori school begins with an uninterrupted work cycle, which may range from one hour to three hours, depending on the age group. Students peruse the classroom for activities to complete lessons.

“The parallel in a different environment would be that the time is broken into adult-oriented activities: ‘We’re doing art now; Now, we’re reading,’” says Cara Friedline, the Toddler/Primary Division Head at Springmont School. “In Montessori, we have those things going on at the same time, as each child chooses what to do.”

Students are allowed playtime outdoors, time as a group and a break for a snack and lunch. After lunch, younger children will nap, while older students complete a second work cycle.

“The work cycle gives children the opportunity to work on lessons they’ve already received or to receive new lessons. Dr. Montessori knew uninterrupted time was important for children to get into their work and accomplish tasks,” says Kathryn O’Neill, the Toddler & Primary Coordinator at Arbor Montessori School.

At the middle school level, students begin with skills classes, working to master different subjects, such as foreign language or math. Lessons might include teachers, sometimes called guides, who specialize in those areas of study. In the afternoon, they complete integrated project studies, such as a biology unit in the garden.

MYTH #2

The Montessori classroom is chaotic.

Since Montessori education is self-directed, you might expect a wild classroom atmosphere. Instead, students work in an organized and efficient manner on independent lessons. Dr. Montessori created learning materials that are still used today, and students use those to complete lessons.

Students learn the expectations of the classroom and practice the rules. They learn to respect the environment and the materials, returning items to the appropriate shelf and cleaning up after themselves.

“We’re giving you experience with making choices, when you want to start and when you want to finish. With older kids, we do expect that they’ll complete their work,” says Gina Ward, the Director at Carlisle Montessori School. “It’s a peaceful environment, and students treat each other with grace and courtesy.”

Adhering to classroom rules may require a learning curve. “They’re not expected to be perfect, but they’re practicing,” Ward adds. “And once they accomplish these practical experiences, they’re so proud.”

MYTH #3

There is too much freedom in the classroom.

Montessori education is a child-focused approach encouraging self-motivated growth. As such, Montessori approaches focus on independence; however, students learn to adhere to the expectations.

“It’s a self-regulated environment. They get to choose what they are going to do first and what they’re going to do next,” says Bhairavi Chandramouli, Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs’ School Leader. But students are not allowed complete control of the classroom. “If a child is wandering around the classroom wondering what to do next, the teacher knows his work plan and can help him. We give them the freedom to pick what they want, which helps them become decision makers.”

Because the Montessori classroom caters specifically to the student and her age group, the child is allowed more freedom.

“Montessori is a triangle between the child, the adult and the environment. The environment is prepared to answer every one of their needs,” Friedline says. “There’s nothing that’s not for them, in contrast to the child’s home environment, where they’re sharing space with parents, grandparents, older siblings. It’s an environment where we get to say ‘yes’ a lot: ‘Yes, you may try that; yes, you may take that off the shelf.’ It allows the child to be self-directed.”

As children age into elementary and adolescent programs, this balance of responsibility and freedom continues.

“We offer choices for one to choose how to use the time and day. If the rules are not respected, then the freedom can be limited by the teacher choosing appropriate or challenging works for the student,” says Kellie Mosel, the Adolescent Math & Science Guide at Carolyn Barron Montessori School.

MYTH #4

Mixed age groups push the kids too quickly.

In Montessori education, instead of grouping kids by grades, students are placed in mixed age classrooms corresponding to their plane of development.

“The misconception with age groups is that they’re being stretched prematurely, or they’re asked to do something they’re not ready for yet,” Friedline says.

Younger children observe what older students are learning, so they know what’s expected of them when they move up, and older children can serve as mentors.

“One of the most beautiful elements of Montessori are the age groups working together,” Chandramouli says. “The older ones lead the classroom. They can guide and support the younger ones. It’s a moment of pride for them when they get to help.”

MYTH #5

They’re not learning anything.

“Because education doesn’t look the way it did for most people, they can have a hard time seeing how we’re working — the kids are having too much fun, they can’t be learning,” says David Tyler, Arbor Montessori School’s Adolescent Program Coordinator. “Teachers connect them to learning in a meaningful and joyful way.”

As part of Arbor’s adolescent program, students participate in a miniature economy where they run their own businesses, teaching them economic independence, business management, how to spend money responsibly and more.

Students learn to respect the environment and the materials, returning items to the appropriate shelf and cleaning up after themselves.

“They’re learning extensively. Behind the scenes, we double check they are meeting the standards they’re supposed to,” Tyler says. “Once they reach middle school, we have more traditional means of evaluation with homework and tests. The driving mission is preparation for the real world, which is the reality of the educational climate at the majority of schools our students will go into.”

Because students learn on their own time, they can spend as much time as they need to with a subject.

“One of the key concepts of Montessori is scientific exploration. Students get to explore deeply with the work,” Friedline says. “They learn 6 times 4 is the same as 8 times 3, and they become owners of that discovery, rather than something someone tells them they need to know.”

Cont’d on next page

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs

Springmont School

Montessori Myths BUSTED

MYTH #6

The lessons are just busy work.

Projects allow students to dive into subjects that are interesting to them, allowing them to feel excited about learning and their work. Projects are often the culmination of skills, resulting in a final product of which they are proud.

Lessons also build upon future subjects. When Chandramouli taught the periodic table, she asked her students to organize their own interests into groups similar to the periodic table. “One student grouped cars; one used Pokémon cards. They’re associating their learning with an interest. In middle and high school, when the teacher shows the students the periodic table, they won’t find it scary. They’ve already been exposed to it and developed a familiarity with it.”

Independent projects become more important as students age. “We try very hard to let them take the lead, as much as they can,” Tyler says. “We allow students to select what they want to be working on. Most students can handle more autonomy than they’re given credit for. Some students propose whole units or courses of study we didn’t anticipate. Some ideas don’t lead to success, but we don’t want them to be so afraid of failure they don’t try things. Even if it didn’t work out the way they intended, the process of trying is just as important.”

Teachers are available when students need adult guidance, but they are given more responsibility than in a traditional classroom. “We go on a four-night trip at the end of the year, and students plan the entire trip. Renting a car, booking flight tickets, budgeting for meals and figuring out where to stay are all their responsibility,” Mosel says.

Projects allow students to dive into subjects that are interesting to them, allowing them to feel excited about learning and their work.

MYTH #7

Montessori programs are only for young children.

Some Montessori schools have programs that continue into adolescence, such as Arbor Montessori School and Carolyn Barron Montessori School. Montessori education follows children’s planes of development. This is why younger children explore subjects using tactile materials and older children phase out of that tradition as they naturally transition to abstract learning.

“At this level, students are the age to learn abstractly, and there are less of the physical materials required for lessons,” Mosel says. “Many discussions begin to occur regarding current events, social issues and in-depth conversations about lessons. There are some physical materials, like the fraction set or maps. We build upon those materials seen early on in the primary and elementary classrooms.”

Arbor Montessori School

MYTH #8

Grades are necessary to assess progress.

Most Montessori programs, particularly for younger ages, don’t include graded tests or projects. Instead, parents observe classes to see how their kids are thriving. When issues arise, parents are called in for a conference.

“We want everybody to be on the same page: ‘We’ve noticed so-and-so is only interested in painting, but we also need to focus on these skills.’ We might give them an idea for what they can do or not do at home,” O’Neill says. “If parents emphasize academic work at home, children may not want to do it at school. We make sure we’re all working for the best interest of the child.”

Schoolwork will depend on the child’s age and ability.

“We focus on the quality of the work rather than the quantity,” says Mosel. “We work with our students to set deadlines for assignments and projects. Some students may have a different due date than others based on circumstances or abilities. The classroom is not a ‘one size fits all’ curriculum.”

MYTH #9

Transitioning to traditional schools will be difficult.

Carlisle Montessori School enrolls students ages 1-5 years. “Parents think because students are not producing work sheets, when they graduate, they’re not going to have a sense of order,” Ward says. “Our kids go to first grade programs in both public and private schools and excel. Over and over, I hear from local school directors that they love Montessori kids — they’re responsible and mature, adaptable and smart.”

The smaller environment allows teachers to guide students in cultivating real-world skills.

“We teach them conflict resolution. If we address these moments at the right time, they learn how to navigate relationships,” Chandramouli says. Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs has programs for ages 13 months-12 years. “Middle school is a tricky phase of life, but in most cases, Montessori children have such high self-awareness, they can navigate when they’re in awkward social

scenarios and can self-regulate.”

Arbor Montessori School’s adolescent program helps students find the next stop in their educational journey. “We put students in touch with our alumni. When they’re ready to leave here, we can find the best next fit for them and their families,” Tyler says.

Carlisle Montessori School

Montessori Summer Camp 2024

Summertime at Endeavor Montessori!

Full-Day Summer Camp for Ages 6-12 Years

Fun Educational Themed Camps from 6/3 - 7/31

Wide variety of topics, including robotics, aviation and visual arts!

For more information, call or visit us today!

48 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta, GA 30346 770-637-1242

endeavormontessori.com

Montessori Schools

Interested in exploring a Montessori education for your child? Learn more about these area schools today.

Montessori Schools

404-321-9304 / arbormontessori.org

Interested in exploring a Montessori education for your child? Learn more about these great area schools.

amischool.com

Cliff Valley: 404-602-0553, Druid Hills: 404-531-2067

Arbor Montessori School invites parents and children to experience an authentic Montessori community in the classroom and beyond. Since 1970, Arbor Montessori School has fostered lifelong learners ages 18 months to 14 years at two Decatur campuses. Teachers encourage independence, self-direction, and critical reasoning at every age. Students learn collaboration, cooperation, and peace, and become agents of change anywhere they go in the world.

Atlanta Montessori International School (AMIS) provides authentic, high-quality Montessori programs for students from the infant stage up to upper elementary school. With an innovative curriculum and talented teachers, AMIS inspires students to learn more and dig deeper. Now enrolling all ages at its Druid Hills and Cliff Valley campuses.

Endeavor Montessori in Dunwoody (EMD) provides a modern Montessori experience for students up to 12 years of age. With its innovative curriculum that combines the Montessori philosophy with STEM, arts, and social studies, EMD encourages active participation and deep learning. Conveniently located in Dunwoody, EMD is now enrolling all ages.

Montessori Schools

Montessori Schools

404-949-0053 / carlislemontessori.com

Interested in exploring a Montessori education for your child?

Carlisle Montessori of Buckhead provides a strong foundation in the most important first six years of life, which creates opportunities for leadership, independence, sense of community, and critical thinking skills. Carlisle aims to provide a beautiful, safe and challenging environment that inspires independence, creativity, social consciousness, personal responsibility and a love for learning. AMI Accredited. Year-round programs for ages 12 months-6 years.

Learn more about these great area schools.

Interested in exploring a Montessori education for your child? Learn more about these great area schools.

770-258-6877

montessoriacademysharonsprings.com

404-370-0620 / decaturmontessori.com

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs is proud to offer a high quality individualized Montessori education focused on fostering independence combined with a sense of community and global awareness in each and every child. Serving children 13 months-12 years with a rich and rewarding Montessori experience, Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs provides a comprehensive method of education resulting from an integration of research on development, learning, curriculum and teaching. Now enrolling all ages.

Decatur Montessori School is an AMI-accredited institution with over 30 years of commitment to fostering independence, critical thinking, and a love for learning from infancy to age 6+. Their globally diverse faculty, including many long-tenured educators, offers Spanish immersion and personalized curriculum. Embracing community involvement, they create a supportive environment where every child thrives and parents are valued partners in their educational journey.

Atlanta Montessori International School (AMIS) provides authentic, high-quality Montessori programs for students from the infant stage up to upper elementary school. With an innovative curriculum and talented teachers, AMIS inspires students to learn more and dig deeper. Now enrolling all ages at its Druid Hills and Cliff Valley campuses. amischool.com

Cliff Valley: 404-602-0553, Druid Hills: 404-531-2067

770-268-2642 / montessorivickery.com

770-637-1242 / endeavormontessori.com

Montessori at Vickery is proud to offer a high quality individualized Montessori education focused on fostering independence combined with a sense of community and global awareness in each and every child. Serving children 13 months-12 years with a rich and rewarding Montessori experience, Montessori at Vickery provides a comprehensive method of education resulting from an integration of research on development, learning, curriculum and teaching. Now enrolling all ages.

Endeavor Montessori in Dunwoody (EMD) provides a modern Montessori experience for students up to 12 years of age. With its innovative curriculum that combines the Montessori philosophy with STEM, arts, and social studies, EMD encourages active participation and deep learning. Conveniently located in Dunwoody, EMD is now enrolling all ages.

770-258-6877

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs is proud to offer a high quality individualized Montessori education focused on fostering independence combined with a sense of community and global awareness in each and every child. Serving children 13 months-12 years with a rich and rewarding Montessori experience, Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs provides a

amischool.com

Cliff Valley: 404-602-0553, Druid Hills: 404-531-2067

Montessori Schools

high-quality Montessori programs for students from the infant stage up to upper elementary school. With an innovative curriculum and talented teachers, AMIS inspires students to learn more and dig deeper. Now enrolling all ages at its Druid Hills and Cliff Valley campuses.

Atlanta Montessori International School (AMIS) provides authentic, high-quality Montessori programs for students from the infant stage up to upper elementary school. With an innovative curriculum and talented teachers, AMIS inspires students to learn more and dig deeper. Now enrolling all ages at its Druid Hills and Cliff Valley campuses. amischool.com

Cliff Valley: 404-602-0553, Druid Hills: 404-531-2067

Interested in exploring a Montessori education for your child? Learn more about these area schools today.

770-637-1242 / endeavormontessori.com

770-637-1242 / endeavormontessori.com

770-258-6877

montessoriacademysharonsprings.com

770-258-6877

Endeavor Montessori in Dunwoody (EMD) provides a modern Montessori experience for students up to 12 years of age. With its innovative curriculum that combines the Montessori philosophy with STEM, arts, and social studies, EMD encourages active participation and deep learning. Conveniently located in Dunwoody, EMD is now enrolling all ages.

Endeavor Montessori in Dunwoody (EMD) provides a modern Montessori experience for students up to 12 years of age. With its innovative curriculum that combines the Montessori philosophy with STEM, arts, and social studies, EMD encourages active participation and deep learning. Conveniently located in Dunwoody, EMD is now enrolling all ages.

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs is proud to offer a high quality individualized Montessori education focused on fostering independence combined with a sense of community and global awareness in each and every child. Serving children 13 months-12 years with a rich and rewarding Montessori experience, Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs provides a comprehensive method of education resulting from an integration of research on development, learning, curriculum and teaching. Now enrolling all ages.

Montessori Schools

montessoriacademysharonsprings.com

Interested in exploring a Montessori education for your child? Learn more about these great area schools.

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs is proud to offer a high quality individualized Montessori education focused on fostering independence combined with a sense of community and global awareness in each and every child. Serving children 13 months-12 years with a rich and rewarding Montessori experience, Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs provides a comprehensive method of education resulting from an integration of research on development, learning, curriculum and teaching. Now enrolling all ages.

770-268-2642 / montessorivickery.com

770-268-2642 / montessorivickery.com

404-784-1038 / montessoriintown.com

Montessori at Vickery is proud to offer a high quality individualized Montessori education focused on fostering independence combined with a sense of community and global awareness in each and every child. Serving children 13 months-12 years with a rich and rewarding Montessori experience, Montessori at Vickery provides a comprehensive method of education resulting from an integration of research on development, learning, curriculum and teaching. Now enrolling all ages.

Montessori at Vickery is proud to offer a high quality individualized Montessori education focused on fostering independence combined with a sense of community and global awareness in each and every child. Serving children 13 months-12 years with a rich and rewarding Montessori experience, Montessori at Vickery provides a comprehensive method of education resulting from an integration of research on development, learning, curriculum and teaching. Now enrolling all ages.

Montessori In Town is an AMI-accredited school that has served Atlanta’s diverse, vibrant intown neighborhoods since 2005. A locally owned and operated school that fosters a warm, welcoming, and accepting environment. Their dedication to Montessori philosophy means they work together, as a community, fostering a connection between home and school for children between the ages of 18 months and 12 years.

404-634-5777 / MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com

Montessori School at Emory was founded over 25 years ago becoming accredited as a Montessori School in 1993. With over 200 students, from 15 months through 14 years, the Montessori School at Emory supports the whole child and prepares them for life through accredited, authentic quality Montessori programs. Children are given one-on-one instruction from their teacher which creates an individualized program that engages their interests and skill levels.

404-252-3910 / springmont.com

Springmont, the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, offers students 18 months through Middle School a hands-on, experiential learning environment where highly-experienced teachers guide students’ curiosity towards meaningful discoveries. Recognized by AMI and accredited by SAIS/SACS, Springmont meets the highest educational standards for independent schools.

2 Atlanta Parent <ISSUE> <DATE> atlantaparent.com

STEAM UP for Success in the 21st Century.

Our special section can help you embrace your child’s curiosity and create connections to SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ART AND MATH.

Inspire lifelong learning when you explore these subjects at home and around metro Atlanta with our ideas.

Building a Love of STEAM

by Emily Webb

For years, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) has played a large role in education, connecting various subjects through project-based learning, and building lifelong skills like problem solving and collaboration. Developing a love of learning from a young age is easy and fun when you embrace STEAM.

The Importance of STEAM

As education tries to address future needs, STEAM learning has become more prominent.

“The practical answer is STEAM education is important because we want kids to grow up and have careers that make money and make a difference in the world,” says Meisa Salaita, the co-founder of Science ATL. “The fun answer is science and the natural world are so inspiring. They make you feel a sense of awe about the world. Sparking curiosity at a young age gets kids to ask questions. If they know more, they have an ownership and care for the world, the human body, animals.”

Building Blocks

n  Inquiring into STEAM concepts from a young age will help your kids associate learning with joy.

Maureen Myrie, the founder of The STEAM Generation, exemplifies this. “As a little girl, I built computers with my dad. I chose computer science as my degree just because it had ‘computer’ in it. I had always known I wanted to do something with computers.”

n  Inspire interest in STEAM before your children attend school.

“Engaging children in hands-on, project-based and age-appropriate STEAM activities sparks curiosity,” Myrie says. “Simple experiments, interactive games, and visits to libraries and museums make learning fun. Weaving STEAM concepts into everyday conversations and connecting to real-world scenarios helps children see the relevance and excitement in these subjects.”

n  Once your children begin school, they will have a basis for classroom learning.

“STEAM learning can have immediate benefits to your child’s education because it is a project-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning,” says Evangeline Ricks Agbogu, Science Akadémeia’s director. “All five disciplines are integrated and applied in a creative approach to problem solving. This approach to learning develops critical thinking skills, fosters collaborative learning, improves communication, nurtures creativity and imagination and ignites a life-long love of learning and exploration.”

Looking Ahead

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, nearly 10 million people worked in STEAM occupations in 2021 and, by 2031, this total is projected to grow by almost 11%.

“As for the future, STEAM education puts your child on the pathway to both academic success and prepares them for future careers,” Agbogu says.

The world of STEAM is everchanging, but by helping kids develop a STEAM mindset, you’re prioritizing more than subject knowledge.

“STEAM is crucial because it nurtures a holistic skill set essential for the 21st century,” Myrie says. “STEAM education fosters creativity, critical thinking and problem solving — skills vital for future success. It prepares children not just for specific careers but empowers them with adaptability and the ability to approach challenges innovatively.”

The Importance of the Arts

There’s a popular misconception that people are either left-brained or rightbrained. The theory suggests the left brain is more verbal, analytical and orderly, while the right brain is more visual, intuitive and creative; people tend to group themselves

The world of STEAM is everchanging, but by helping kids develop a STEAM mindset, you’re prioritizing more than subject knowledge.

accordingly based on their interests. However, there is no research showing that this theory is correct. The two sides of the brain function differently, but they work together, as people don’t use only one side of their brain at a time.

This separate thinking can follow into education. “People think the subjects of STEAM are all in their own silo,” says Sharon Duke Estroff, the founder and CEO of Challenge Island. “But when you think of STEAM as an all-encompassing mindset, there are opportunities to teach everywhere. It’s the mindset of how you approach the world. Kids are born creative, and creativity gives you the freedom to apply STEAM to everything.”

To prevent your family from falling into the trap of separate thinking, Salaita suggests finding themes and projects that cross the disciplines.

“There’s a lot of creativity in writing, and there’s a lot of creativity in science

to solve the questions of today. You can’t do the same things over and over again. Creativity is important in every aspect of learning.”

Screen Time

A possible fear you might have with incorporating STEAM with young kids is that it will lead to even more screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting school-aged children’s screen time to no more than two hours a day.

“The idea that technology has to be digital technology is a mistake. Technology is just a new solution to a problem,” Estroff says. One of Challenge Island’s pillars is “Screen Free Fun,” as kids turn off their devices and connect with their peers. “The wheel was technology — it was something new. Every time you solve a problem, you’re creating technology, and when you add the aesthetics to it, you’ve got STEAM.”

If you give your children materials, you will be surprised by their ability to innovate without needing to increase their time on devices.

Cont’d on next page

Atlanta Science Festival

Developing Soft Skills

Building a Love of STEAM AT MOUNT

Because of the importance of STEAM careers and the higherpaying jobs associated with this mindset, parents may be tempted to pressure their kids onto certain paths.

“One of the mistakes people make with STEAM is they think of it like magic. They think, ‘If I expose my kids to STEAM, they’ll be a CEO of Google; they’ll go to Harvard.’ That’s like making a cake with only flour. There’s other pieces to know, so they’ll be able to use their knowledge,” Estroff says. “You’ll need soft skills, too: flexibility, leadership, the ability to listen to others’ ideas, resilience.”

STEAM learning should incorporate soft skills with subject mastery.

“One way to think about STEAM is it’s everything you can’t test on standardized tests. Take the approach that your kids aren’t getting soft skills at school,” Estroff recommends. “They’re already doing all the school stuff, so with you, give them the other pieces — problem solving, social skills, flexible thinking. Think about the characteristics you want your kid to have.”

The STEAM Generation views STEAM as a team sport. “In group projects, children learn to express ideas, listen to others and solve problems collectively, emphasizing collaboration, communication and creativity,” Myrie says. “These experiences

It’s not a bad idea to think ahead, but make sure your kids are having fun. “Our job is to prepare kids for jobs that haven’t yet been invented,” Estroff says. “Let your kids lead the way rather than forcing it on them.”

Drop the Grades

Thinking about incorporating education into your family life may take you back to your own classroom days, where you might have loved STEAM. Or you might have hated it. If you approach STEAM learning at home the same as at school, you and your children will feel unmotivated to explore.

“The key is to present STEAM as a natural part of life, sparking curiosity beyond the classroom,” Myrie says.

Cater to your child’s interests. If they love the outdoors, on your next family walk, pay more attention to your surroundings and ask questions about what’s blooming and why. If your child loves shopping, use discounts to teach them how to calculate percentages.

“Parents feel so much pressure thinking their kids are already behind,” Estroff says. “Let go of that. Parents need to let their kids guide them.”

Schoolwork can be very intimidating, but creating an at-home learning environment doesn’t need to feel like school.

Science and the natural world are so inspiring. They make you feel a sense of awe about the world.

— Meisa Salaita, Science ATL

“Science learning is associated with in-classroom learning, which comes with tests, hard questions and pressure. It takes away natural curiosity because of the tasks associated with it,” Salaita says. “Science doesn’t have to be for you as a career, but it’ll be a part of your life in whatever you do. Having an exposure to science outside of the classroom reminds you of the wonder of science.”

As a parent, if you don’t feel like you are particularly skilled in STEAM, dropping the classroom mindset can free you to have fun with your child.

“Kids are natural scientists; they are curious about the world around them. It is important to nurture that natural curiosity to foster their love of science and learn about their environment and how things work,” Agbogu says. “Bring back your own childhood curiosity. Remember when you were a kid, and the world was an interesting and fascinating place to discover? Go on a journey of discovery with your child.”

Admit when you don’t know the answer.

“As the parent, we feel we have to know the answers. But science is all about not knowing. We don’t know so much, and science is a process about figuring it out,” says Salaita. “If they have a sense of curiosity about something, figure it out and explore together.”

Change your mindset about learning.

“Parents can make a big difference in their child’s approach to learning science if they take away the intimidation factor and approach it as a journey of discovery for both parent and child,” Agbogu says. “Taking this journey of exploration with your child and learning together can create an opportunity to bond with your child and have a positive influence, cultivating the love of life-long learning which will make an impact on the entire family.”

Bringing STEAM to Life

There are so many ways to learn about STEAM! These programs, just a sampling of what’s available around Atlanta, are designed to get kids engaged and excited about STEAM and STEAM-related careers.

Experience Flight

The EAA Young Eagles Program gives kids ages 8-17 their first ride in an airplane, helping to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. Find an event near you at eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights

Pursue an Aviation Career

The Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program at Peach State Aerodrome provides kids ages 14-18 guidance and mentorship in exchange for flight time towards a sport pilot or private pilot’s certificate; peachtreestateaero.com. The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program for ages 12-20 helps build skills in leadership, aerospace, fitness and character; peachstateaero.com

STEAM on Wheels

Saturdays with STE(A)M Truck is a free monthly event for families, with hands-on activities to challenge and inspire kids. Upcoming events are on March 16, April 27 and May 18 at Pittsburgh Yards. steamtruck.org

Dive into Math

Emory Math Circle is a free enrichment program taught by PhD students and faculty from Emory and Georgia Tech. Kids in middle and high school learn how to think logically and creatively while developing a passion for mathematics. Classes are held in the spring and fall. math.emory.edu/site/mathcircle/index.html

STEAM and Medicine

The Morehouse School of Medicine S.T.E.A.M. Academy immerses kids in grades 4-8 in the world of STEAM and explores its interrelation to health and medical professions. Saturday sessions are in fall and spring; a 4-week summer session is also available. msm.edu/Education/PipelinePrograms/STEAMacademy.php

Learn at Georgia Tech

Saturday STEAM programs at Georgia Tech include K.I.D.S. Club for grades 2-5 and STEAM Workshops for grades 6-12. Both encourage kids to study and pursue careers in STEAM with hands-on activities, problem-solving and teamwork. Sessions run from September-April. expandedlearning.ceismc.gatech.edu

Saturdays are for STEM

STEM Education Experience’s Saturday STEM Workshops take place in an informal setting where kids can learn, explore and collaborate. Robotics, 3-D printing, drones, makerspace projects and more help introduce STEM concepts. Check the website for dates, scholarship information, and summer camp details. seestem.org

Student Ambassadors

Kids with an interest in leadership can apply to the 4H STEM Ambassador program. During a one-year commitment, ambassadors undergo extensive training and develop programs to bring STEM education to kids in their community. Applications are due in late March for the 2024-5 program. georgia4h.org

Superhero STEM

Superhero Science, a STEM enrichment program from Club SciKidz, is an after-school program. Kids in grades K-6 learn science concepts through observation, measurement and experimentation. See the website for locations and summer camp information. atlanta.clubscikidz.com

STE(A)M Truck

The Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program

P

Take on a Challenge

During after-school programs through Challenge Island, kids team up to solve challenges using everyday items in their treasure chest. Groups meet weekly over 12-14 weeks and explore various STEAM themes at a variety of Atlanta-area schools; see the website for locations and dates, as well as summer camp information. challenge-island.com

One-Day Workshops

& 4-5pm)

STEAM Saturdays at KidsNextCode are for kids ages 8-16. Monthly topics include artificial intelligence, engineering, cybersecurity, programming and game design. Each 2-hour session is $25 and spring registration is now open. Sessions are held in Austell; summer camp and after-school programs are also available. kidsnextcode.com

Beyond the Classroom

The STEAM Generation programs are available through some metro Atlanta schools and at open-to-the-public locations. Spring courses include Jr. Explorers Club and Adventurers STEAM Club, with a focus on engineering, coding, robotics and more. steamgeneration.org

Learn at the Library

There are lots of STEAM activities for kids at libraries across metro Atlanta! Cobb County Libraries host STEEM for TEENS, Mad Scientists Club and Preschool Storytime STEAM Lab. DeKalb County library locations offer Digital Creation Club, Coding Club and more. At Gwinnett Public Library locations, check out a variety of STEM learning labs in math, coding, science and technology. South Fulton Library hosts a free Southside STEM Enrichment Program for kids ages 8-16. Visit your local library to find a program.

Nature’s Best

Explore connections between STEM and nature at Chattahoochee Nature Center’s EcoTinker stations. At each station, kids ages 8-12 can see how scientists work in the field as they complete activities in observation, experimentation and data collection. The annual event runs from March 11-May 31. chattnaturecenter.org

STEM Velocity

After-school enrichment programs from STEM Velocity include topics like STEAM Cuisine, STEM Velocity Lab, Preschool STEM Lab, Robotics and Programming and more. The programs are held at various Atlanta area schools; check the schedule for availability and information on their summer camp program. stemvelocity.com

Odyssey of the Mind

Teams work together to solve a specific problem and compete in local, regional, state and even world tournaments. georgiaodyssey.org

Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad offers events and tournaments covering all aspects of STEM. Teams of 15 compete in invitational, regional, state and national tournaments. soinc.org

4-H Mission Make-It Engineering Challenge

Held in September 2024, this event includes hands-on workshops, student-created STEM exhibits and lecturers, and gets kids engaged in the engineering design process focused on a specific topic. georgia4h.org/programs

Georgia Student Technology Competition

Held in March, this annual statewide competition challenges kids in grades 3-12 in a variety of technology categories. gastc.org

Destination Imagination Georgia

During the Challenge Experience, open to all grade levels, teams of up to seven kids work together to solve challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. steamgeneration.org/destination-imagination-georgia

Math Olympiad

Designed to generate enthusiasm and reinforce math skills, this program provides monthly problem-solving contests to elementary and middle school teams. Teams can compete among themselves or in regional tournaments. moems.org

American Rocketry Challenge

In this national competition, teams of middle and high school students design, build and launch model rockets to meet preset specifications; the highest-scoring teams go on to compete in a national fly-off. rocketcontest.org

STEMUp Youth Maker Competition

In this “Shark Tank” style competition by United Way of Greater Atlanta, kids in grades 6-12 compete to win grants up to $10,000 by proposing a project to improve their community. unitedwayatlanta.org/stemup

Odyssey of the Mind

American Rocketry Challenge

CODING: Language for the Future

by Tali Benjamin

The most commonly spoken language in the world is English, followed by Mandarin Chinese. The six official languages of the United Nations are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Scratch, JavaScript, Python, SQL and HTML are also common languages. Not familiar with them? They come from the world of coding.

But what exactly is coding and why does it matter? According to computerscience.org, coding tells a machine which actions to perform and how to complete tasks. Programming languages, aka code, provide the rules for building websites, apps, video games and more.

“Coding and computer programming are the new literacy,” says Jerry Massey, owner of three metro area locations of The Coder School. “The way the world is now, the younger generation needs to understand the way technology works. Coding teaches them to be creators not just consumers.”

For 11-year-old Ethan, creating quick animations is how it all started. “I liked playing Roblox and other similar games and wanted to understand how they worked.” His parents signed him up for coding lessons in Alpharetta as an after-school activity. Three years later, Ethan can now build games in four coding languages and continues to progress his skills.

“As with learning a second language,

the earlier one begins, the easier it is to learn as there is less to ‘unlearn’ as more connections are being made,” says Becah Jubon, education and programs manager at the Computer Museum of America located in Roswell.

Younger students can learn to group information and see patterns. Older

students can start with block coding languages like Scratch since they already have familiarity with technology. “There is no one-size-fits-all program, says Divya Sarin, general manager of The Coder School. “Lessons are mapped out for students based on their skills and abilities.”

Learning the syntax of a world

You can begin ‘coding’ without using a computer!

Coding builds on itself and kids can naturally progress their skills as they master the one before it. Some of the foundational skills in coding apply outside of the digital world:

n Play board games to learn rules and sequencing of events.

n Practice storytelling.

n Play with codes and ciphers. Encode your name using different methods such as Morse Code, pig Latin, cipher wheels, Polybius squares or other codes.

n Learn about Binary code in a book or online.

n Follow instructions to make crafts or drawings using Perler beads or graph paper.

n Practice writing instructions for someone else to follow to build a small LEGO structure.

language and understanding those same fundamentals for code is a key to success. “Most of the best coding professionals that I know learned early from their parents,” says Massey. “When kids learn coding or any language early, the syntax and the structure is innate, so there’s no intimidation as things get more complex.”

As Jubon explains, “Just as one needs to learn the correct syntax of subject, verb and object to speak any language and be understood, to code, one also needs to learn the correct syntax for programming commands and writing algorithms in any particular programming language.” Learning to be fluent in either takes repetition, practice and usage.

Even though starting early can help with acquisition, it’s important not to push coding on your child for fear they won’t catch up. “If your child hasn’t started yet, no worries,” says Jubon. “Knowing that it’s never too late to learn new skills and to be a lifelong learner is also very important.”

Your child might be interested in/good at coding if he or she is…

Naturally curious

Good at making up rules for games Good at following or creating step-by-step instructions

Detail oriented; for example: good at proofreading or noticing errors

Interested in automating processes; for example: making a sequence to get chores done efficiently

Exhibits creative thought, likes finding patterns

Likes logic puzzles and riddles: for example: frequently relating if this, then that or cause and effect

Likes to collect data; for example: frequently checking for updates on smartwatches, weather stations, or writes down when they last fed the pet

Wants to understand how things work; for example: building things or taking them apart

– Sources: Becah Jubon, Divya Sarin

The Coder School Cont’d on next page

CODING: Language for the Future

LEARNING LIFE SKILLS

When you learn a world language, it comes with additional benefits like understanding other cultures and having a different perspective on the world. Coding also helps students gain new skills that can help them as they grow.

Problem solving and perseverance: Coding is a problemsolving mindset. There is a lot of trial and error with coding. It also teaches kids that it is OK to make a mistake and gives them the confidence to start over and try again.

Organizational and logical thought processes: Coding is a great method by which kids can learn to break down information and tasks, then organize and prioritize. This is helpful for time management as students get older and can also relate to other subject matter, including math.

Modern skill set for the future: Knowing how to code or how computers work is useful in almost all career fields now. When young students enter the workforce, it will be an expectation. Setting kids up with the fundamentals now will help them be ready for whatever comes their way.

Where to Start

If you want your child to explore more about coding, check out these program:

Coding Programs in Metro Atlanta:

n The Coder School. Four metro locations, thecoderschool.com

n Code Ninjas. Multiple locations, codeninjas.com

n Kids Next Code. Multiple locations, kidsnextcode.com

n CodeCubbies. Cumming, codecubbies.com

n Code Wiz. Lawrenceville, thecodewiz.com

n Museum of Design Atlanta. Atlanta, museumofdesign.org

Online Coding Programs to Try:

n Hour of Code. code.org

n Khan Academy. khanacademy.org

At-Home Adventures: Everyday STEAM Learning Ideas

by Emily Webb

Things around us — inside the house, in the backyard, at the store — are opportunities to explore and ask questions. Creating a STEAM zone that naturally promotes making learning a lifelong pursuit at home is easy with these ideas.

STEAM up your screen time. Find YouTube channels on STEAM, look up family projects online, watch documentaries or science shows and download educational apps.

Check out online resources. Try code.org or girlswhocode.com for coding prompts, pbskids.org/designsquad or pbs.org/show/science-kids for projects, artsandculture.google.com for a look at famous artworks or coolmath4kids.com for tons of math games.

Think about gifts. At holidays and birthdays, consider buying age-appropriate science gear, science kits and books as gifts to inspire learning while playing.

Head to the backyard. Get your hands dirty with a garden. Plants need different amounts of space, sunlight, soil and water, so where should your child start digging? Study the growth of the plants and what happens to them depending on the weather.

Experiment with building. Try wooden blocks, K’nex, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys or Duplo bricks. Build edible structures with cheese, grapes or marshmallows and toothpicks.

Read about it. Have a STEAM-themed bedtime story. Check out “The Questioneers” or “Robotastic!” series. Pick up different activity books for experiments and projects you can do at home; see our sidebar for suggestions.

Consider a subscription box. With supplies and instructions mailed monthly, they keep learning interesting. Check out stevespanglerscience. com/club, creationcrate.com, bitsbox.com or stemdiscoveryboxes.com.

Hold a game night. Board games can have a STEAM element while indulging your family’s competitive spirit. Try Monopoly or Life for money management skills, learn about the environment with Planet, explore biology with Cytosis, get creative with Pictionary, or build train tracks with Ticket to Ride.

Go on a walk around the neighborhood. In the spring, so many plants and flowers are blooming! What do you spot growing first?

Explore with chores. Keeping a tidy house is a STEAM activity! Look online for using household items to create cleaners, and hypothesize why surfaces need different cleaners — why can’t you use glass cleaner on everything?

Uncover STEAM in one activity: Baking

n  SCIENCE: Discuss chemical reactions when mixing ingredients together

n  TECHNOLOGY: Look up a recipe online or create a video of your time in the kitchen

n  ENGINEERING: Discuss how the electric mixer works or build a tower out of the cookies you bake

n  ART: Use different colored icing to decorate cookies

n  MATH: Double or halve the recipe. How does this impact cooking time and how much you need to spend at the store?

By the Book

Use these project-based books to spark your child’s desire to learn.

n  Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEAM Projects & Why They Work by Crystal Chatterton

Use the hands-on science experiments in this book to show kids the basics of the scientific method. Build a Fizzy Rocket, create a Magnet-Powered Car, read the time with a Pencil Sundial and more. Part of the Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids book series, check out the other books in the series for physics, engineering, kitchen science and more. Available at simonandschuster.com for $14.99.

n  Let’s Invent Academy: STEAM Activities for Kids by Cecile Dean, Charles Johnson Jr. and Randy William This step-by-step guide contains tons of awesome STEAM activities to help kids engage in these subjects and spark their creativity and curiosity. With hands-on mini projects, kids will complete cross-curricula activities to help them make connections across STEAM. Available at amazon.com for $35.59.

n  STEAM Kids

Explore a year’s worth of STEAM projects that’ll keep your kids entertained. Created by an MIT engineer, educators, designers and homeschooling experts, this ebook will inspire enthusiastic learners. Seasonal books, such as STEAM Kids Christmas and STEAM Kids Valentine’s Day, along with other activity books, like STEAM Kids in the Kitchen, are also available for more year-round fun. Available at steamkidsbooks.com for $14.99.

n  100+ STEAM Activities Kids Won’t Learn in School!

For kids ages 8-14, move through this activity book with hands-on projects that start small, but grow with your child for building everything from a Wind-Powered Boat to an Air Hockey Table. Available at shop. popularmechanics.com for $21.95.

Blippi the Wonderful World Tour

Balloon Museum

Atlanta Science Festival

Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

MARCH TOP EVENTS

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

4 You Just Can’t Miss

Toddler Takeover

Sifly Piazza / March 16-17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Designed specifically for children ages 5 and younger, this weekend arts festival introduces preschoolers to creative endeavors. Featuring performances of the Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young, art making at the High Museum of Art, musical activities from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and more, little ones can participate in the arts. Atlanta. 404-733-4600. $25-$30; ages 6-17, $5-$10; ages 5 and younger, free. alliancetheatre.org

Germany’s Great Bavarian Circus

Stone Mountain Park’s Yellow Daisy Lot March 15-31. See website for showtimes. Imagine seeing the circus in the early 1900s! This month, you will have the chance to see for yourself one of Europe’s oldest circus show families, dating back nine generations. Appearing for the first time in the U.S., this circus includes unique ground, aerial and animal acts, hand-to-hand juggling, acrobatics, clowning and more. Stone Mountain. 800-756-8048. $24.99-$39.99; ages 3-12, $19.99; ages 2 and younger, free. bavariancircus.com

Dino Fest

Stone Mountain Park / March 16-April 28

Experience dinosaurs up and close and personal with Dinosaur Explore. The paleontologists here think human interaction is important for their dinosaurs, so they allow them to roam freely. You might hear dinosaurs rustling in the bushes or spot their footprints on the ground! Special activities include high-flying dinosaurs, a lighted dinosaur themed parade, a dinosaur Drone & Light Show and Jurassic Bark, a dino-themed dog show. Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407. $39.99; ages 3-11, $34.99; ages 2 and younger, free. stonemountainpark.com

UP, UP AND AWAY!

Balloon Museum Pullman Yards / Through April 14

The “Let’s Fly” exhibit brings the lightness and flight of air to life with beautiful installations created by 17 diverse international artists. These large-scale, inflatable contemporary works make art interactive; they are meant to be touched and moved. Explore Atlanta using air and environmental data, discover inflatable worlds, move through a maze of mirrored balloons and more. Atlanta. $39+; ages 4-12, $29+; ages 3 and younger, free. balloonmuseum.world

MARCH TOP EVENTS

Twilight Trek

Zoo Atlanta / March 8 and 22, 6:30-9 p.m.

Experience the zoo in a new way with an after-hours tour using the latest research technology to discover what animals do when humans are away. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $27; ages 3 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org

Flying into the Future

Chattahoochee Nature Center / March 10, noon-4 p.m.

Explore science and nature with STEAM activities, including learning about flying animals, testing your tinkering skills, making crafts and more. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $20; ages 13-18, $16; ages 3-12, $14; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

EcoTinker Science Stations

Chattahoochee Nature Center / March 11-May 31

Visit interactive stations to sharpen your investigative skills and learn about community science. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $20; ages 13-18, $16; ages 3-12, $14; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Cultural Arts Center / March 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Go on an interactive adventure based on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” for ages 3-10. 8652 Campbellton St., Douglasville. 770-949-2787. $15. artsdouglas.org

Fairy Tale Forest Festival

Dunwoody Nature Center / March 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Enjoy a day of magic in this enchanting woodland atmosphere with different activities, including building fairy houses, tree climbing adventures, fairy tale characters and more. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. $15; ages 3 and younger, free. dunwoodynature.org

Butterfly Lantern Parade

Jess Lucas Park / March 23, 5-10 p.m.

This event features food vendors, live music, local art vendors, a craft station and more, and the parade starts at 8:10 p.m. 608 S. Central Ave., Hapeville. 404-669-2100. Free admission. hapeville.org

Flora, Fauna & Flight

Fernbank Museum / March 23-June 23

Discover how plants and animals defy gravity in this artistic outdoor exhibit with sculptures of birds, bees, butterflies and more. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $25.95; ages 3-12, $23.95; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

Have you found the perfect pediatrician for your family?

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Photo by Steve Eberhardt

Butterfly Lantern Parade

EcoTinker Science Stations

DELVE INTO THE WORLD OF SCIENCE AT ATLANTA SCIENCE FESTIVAL MARCH 9-23

Visit atlantasciencefestival.org for the full schedule of events, including locations, times and admission fees. Registration for events may be required.

HIGHLIGHTS:

n Georgia Tech Science & Engineering

Day: Explore hands-on STEAM activities, exhibits, demonstrations and more to discover robotics, brains, biology, space, computer science and more. Registration required. March 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission.

n Animals in Motion: Biomechanics Day at Zoo Atlanta: Celebrate the diversity of animals by learning about the different ways they move. March 9, 11 a.m.-noon. $25.20-$30.45; ages 3-11, $20.20-$24.20; ages 2 and younger, free.

n The Paideia School’s Family Science Carnival: Play games based on some of your favorite science experiments and carnival games. Registration required. March 9, 1-4 p.m. Free admission.

n Superhero Science Night at Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Wear your supersuit to celebrate science and superheroes as you discover how their special powers tie into art, engineering and science. Reservation required. March 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25.

n Virtual: Center for Puppetry Arts’ Spiders in My House! Puppets + Science = Magic!: Part science class, part puppet building, learn about the attributes, life cycles and behaviors of spiders. March 10, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $15.

n Science of the Circus at Challenge Aerial: Circus performers will demonstrate their skills while scientific presenters explain the science behind the acts. March 10, 2-3:30 and 4:30-6 p.m. $5.

n The Science of Animation at Manuel’s Tavern: Discover how your brain perceives pictures in motion, and make your own optical toys and animations. March 10 and 17, noon-1:30 p.m. $5.

n Sprouting Scientists at Atlanta Botanical Garden: Little ones will explore the world of plants and animals with hands-on learning stations. March 12, 10 a.m.-noon. $26.95; ages 3-12, $23.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

n STEMFEST: Hands-On Science for Families at Oglethorpe University: Interactive STEM activities will explore biology, physics and more. March 14, 6-8 p.m. Free admission.

Exploration Expo

n Saving the Seas at Georgia Aquarium: Dive into the world of marine research and conservation with interactive demonstrations. Does not include admission to the Aquarium. March 16, 10-11:30 a.m. $10.

n Carnival in Your Cranium: Exploring the Brain at Fernbank Museum: Engage in mind-boggling puzzles and brain teasers to explore the complexity of the brain. March 16, 11 a.m.-noon, 1-2 and 3-4 p.m. $25.95; ages 3-12, $23.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

n Roadside Geology at Arts Center MARTA Station: Two geologist-educators will lead an exploration of the beautiful building stones and natural rock layers in Atlanta. March 14, 1-1:30 p.m. and March 17, 2-4:30 p.m. $5.

n Georgia State University –Perimeter College’s Magical Milk: A Color Explosion: Use common kitchen items to design a scientific experiment. Registration required. March 18, 11 a.m.-noon. Free admission.

n WABE Ask a Scientist at Create ATL: Join WABE’s Molly Samuels and science enthusiasts to discover answers to some of your most mystifying science questions. Registration required. March 21, 5:30-7 p.m.. Free admission.

Piedmont Park / March 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The culmination of this amazing festival is this free, interactive science event with 100 hands-on booths from local organizations, universities and companies. Touch a human brain! Print your own bones with a 3-D printer! Look inside a jet engine! Control a robot with your brain! Meet frogs, lizards and snakes! And much, much more!

CELEBRATE PURIM

Purim is a joyful Jewish holiday celebrating the miraculous events told in the Book of Esther. Visit these metro Atlanta spots to honor the holiday.

Atlanta Purim Parade & Festival

Atlanta Jewish Life Festival

Georgia Aquarium / March 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Join the Atlanta Jewish community for a day of Jewish music, delicious kosher food, aquatic species, prizes and more. Tickets include access to the aquarium during and after the festival. 246 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta. 404-883-2130. $22; ages 3-12, $11; ages 2 and younger, free; Family Pass, $75. atlantajewishlifefestival.com

Celebrate Purim

Children’s Museum of Atlanta / March 3, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Enjoy a musical performance by Michael Levine on the CMA Stage. Reservation recommended. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Atlanta Purim Parade & Festival

Beth Jacob Atlanta / March 17, noon-3:30 p.m.

View costumes and decorated floats in the parade, watch a juggler, listen to live music, ride a pony and more. 1855 Lavista Rd., Atlanta. 404-633-0551. Free admission; activity tickets, $0.50 each. bethjacobatlanta.org

Queen Esther’s Purim Tea Party

The Lawn at Ashford Lane March 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet enchanting princesses while sipping tea, eating cookies, creating Purimthemed crafts and more. 4500 Olde Perimeter Way, Atlanta. 678-739-4833. Donations encouraged. mitzvahouse.com

Purim Celebration

Congregation Or VeShalom / March 24, 4-7 p.m. Celebrate Purim with Gaga (Israeli dodgeball), a video game truck, PJ Library Stories and Songs, an inflatable slide and more. 1681 N. Druid Hills Rd., Brookhaven. 404-633-1737. $5; ages 2 and younger, free. orveshalom.org Purim Celebration

FREE FUN

Touch-A-Truck

Adams Park / March 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Get up close to big trucks, heavy construction equipment, cool cars and specialty vehicles. 2600 Park Dr., Kennesaw. 770-424-8274. Free admission. kennesaw-ga.gov

Sunday FUNday: Flowing Forces

Carlos Museum / March 3, noon-4 p.m.

In honor of Women’s Day, explore the relationship between women and water in parts of Africa in the exhibit “Flowing Forces,” before creating a clay pinch pot. 571 S. Kilgo Cir., Atlanta. 404-727-2163. Free admission. carlos.emory.edu

Touch-A-Truck

MARTA-East Lake Station / March 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kids can come touch, explore and see their favorite trucks or equipment on wheels, including dump trucks, fire trucks and more. 2260 College Ave. NE, Atlanta. 678-615-0915. Free admission. visitdecaturga.com

UPS Second Sunday

High Museum of Art / March 10, noon-5 p.m.

Enjoy art-making activities, performances and access to the High’s collection and special exhibitions. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free admission. high.org

Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra Crescendo Concert

Atlanta Symphony Hall / March 10, 6 p.m.

Watch the youth orchestra perform their second concert of the season. Registration required. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4800. Free admission. aso.org

Pop-in for Family Fun

Marietta History Center / March 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Explore activities themed around “Cool Tools.” 1 Depot St., Marietta. 770-794-5710. Free admission. mariettahistory.org

Atlanta Mushroom Festival

Park Tavern / March 17, noon

Listen to live music, hear talks all about mushrooms, shop food vendors and more. Registration required. 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. 470-869-1563. Free admission. atlantamushroomfestival.com

Touch-A-Truck Decatur

A SPOTLIGHT ON SHOWS

See a performance or a dance at these local spots.

Air Up There

Aurora Theatre / March 2, 11:30 a.m.

Big Thinkers Science Exploration dazzles and informs with an exploration on the properties of air and pressure. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7. auroratheatre.com

Into the Woods Jr.

MJCCA Zaban Park

March 7, 7:30 p.m.; March 9, 8:30 p.m.; March 10, 1 p.m.; March 14, 7:30 p.m.; March 16, 8:30 p.m. and March 17, 1 and 6 p.m. This adventurous story weaves together multiple storybook characters to search for Happily Ever Afters. Presented by Jerry’s Habima Theatre. (Inclusive theater company with actors with disabilities.) 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Atlanta. 678-812-4071. $36; ages 12 and younger, $15. atlantajcc.org

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Byers Theatre

March 8-24. See website for showtimes.

Step into this enchanted fairytale as Belle helps The Beast, who is trapped under the spell of an enchantress. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 404-477-4365. $38-$98. cityspringstheatre.com

Curious Cardinal

Sifly Piazza

March 8-April 27. See website for showtimes.

Travel through the seasons with the curious cardinal who explores all the changes the seasons bring. For ages 5 and younger.

1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4600. $10; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. alliancetheatre.org

“Charlie and The Dance Factory”

Roswell Cultural Arts Center / March 9, 2 and 7 p.m.

Step into a world of pure imagination with fun choreography, vibrant costumes and delightful magic presented by Roswell Dance Starz. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6232. $16.50. roswellcac.showare.com

Sleeping Beauty

Gas South Theater

March 9, 2 and 7:30 p.m. and March 10, 2 and 6 p.m.

Presented by Northeast Atlanta Ballet, love conquers all in this tale filled with fairies, a nasty witch, a fairytale princess and her handsome prince. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-813-7500. $21. gassouthdistrict.com

Blippi the Wonderful World Tour

Gas South Arena / March 12, 6 p.m.

Dance, sing and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special with this musical party. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-813-7500. $29.50$69+. gassouthdistrict.com

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Center for Puppetry Arts

March 12-24. See website for showtimes.

In this take on the Hans Christian Andersen tale, the pig Emperor falls for the tailors’ story about a magic cloth. 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $22-$27; ages 1 and younger, free. puppet.org

Rock of Ages

Legacy Theatre

March 14 and 15, 6 p.m.; March 16, 2 and 6 p.m. and March 17, 6 p.m. Rock out to the music of hit bands as our heroes try to save their party place from becoming a strip mall. 1175 Senoia Rd., Tyrone. 404-8951473. $20; ages 12 and younger, $15. legacytheater.com

The Firebird: Fairy Tales of Old Russia

Aurora Theatre / March 16, 11:30 a.m.

Journey with Prince Ivan to find the dazzling Firebird through this journey of Old Russia. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7. auroratheatre.com

Cinderella

Cobb Energy Centre / March 16-17, 1 and 5 p.m.

Atlanta Ballet 2 adapts this legendary fairy tale with celebrated characters, exquisite costumes and majestic staging. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 404-892-3303. $12-$72. atlantaballet.com

Peter Pan

Lawrenceville Arts Center

March 22, 7 p.m.; March 23, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; and March 24, 2 p.m.

The Southern Ballet Theatre adapts this story of a boy who never grows up. 147 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-682-9238. $15-$17. southernballettheatre.com

Alice in Wonderland

Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium / March 22-24.

See website for showtimes.

Follow Alice’s thrilling adventure through an enchanted land in this storybook ballet where she attends a mad tea party and joins a royal croquet match. 202 Boulevard NE, Gainesville. 770-866-5353. $25-$30; ages 15 and younger, $15-$30. gbcdance.com

Beauty & the Beast

Roswell Cultural Arts Center / March 23, 7 p.m. and March 24, 2 p.m.

Presented by Atlanta Dance Theatre, Beauty sees the man behind the Beast and breaks the evil curse. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6232. $26-$34. roswellcac.showare.com

Photo by Kim Kenney

Cinderella

Blippi the Wonderful World Tour

GO GREEN! ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Celebrate this Irish holiday at these family-friendly events.

Luck of Avalon

Avalon / March 15, 5-9 p.m.

Experience a pure gold celebration with special performances from King O’Sullivan School of Irish Dance and North Georgia Pipes and Drums. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-1000. Free admission. awesomealpharetta.com

Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade

Midtown Atlanta / March 16, noon-1:30 p.m.

Join in the 140th anniversary of this parade with more than 2,000 dancers, musicians, animals and Irish and local dignitaries celebrating the holiday. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 770-805-8015. Free admission. atlantastpats.com

Luck Of The Square

Colony Square Plaza / March 16, 1-3 p.m.

Experience live music, festive swag, drinks and shenanigans at this post-parade party. 1197 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-879-2250. Free admission. colonysquare.com

The Luck of the Irish

Atlanta Symphony Hall / March 17, 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Explore the whimsical world of Yeats’ fairy tales with mischievous Irish pipers, fairies and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4800. $16-$23+. aso.org

St. Patrick’s Day with Atlanta Concert Band

Roswell Cultural Arts Center / March 17, 4 p.m.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the music of the Emerald Isle. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6232. $15-$20. roswellcac.showare.com

Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade

HOP TO IT: CELEBRATE EASTER

Bring your basket to hunt eggs, get creative and more at these Easter events across metro Atlanta.

EGG HUNTS

n Main Street “Egg-travagant” Hunt. Worthan Park. March 11, noon-3 p.m. Search for hidden treasures throughout the park, and enjoy face painting, balloon animals, photos with the Easter Bunny and more. Parker St., Douglasville. 770-920-3000. Free admission. douglasvillega.gov

n Northside Hospital Cherokee Presents Easter Eggstravaganza. Etowah River Park. March 16, 1-3 p.m. Enjoy egg hunts, selfies with the Easter Bunny, snacks, carnival games and more. Donate diapers and baby wipes for MUST Ministries. Registration requested. 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton. 770-667-4483. Free admission. give.northside.com/easter

n Easter Bunny Hop. Creekside Park. March 22, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Go on an interactive walk around North Pond to find eggs, and take your photo with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny. 11360 Lakefield Dr., Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. Free admission. johnscreekga.gov

n Acworth Egg Hunt. Acworth Sports Complex. March 22, 6-8:30 p.m. Celebrate with games, crafts, timed egg hunts and a grand entrance from the Easter Bunny. 4000 S. Main St., Acworth. 770-917-1234. Free admission. acworthtourism.org

n Easter Eggstravaganza. Town at Trilith. March 23, noon-4 p.m. Easter festivities include arts and crafts tents, egg hunts and more. 240 Trilith Pkwy., Fayetteville. 678-519-1008. Free admission. trilith.com

n Milton Community Egg Hunt. Cambridge High School. March 23, 4-6 p.m. In partnership with Stonecreek Church, enjoy a day of Easter fun with games, face painting and more. The sensory-friendly egg hunt will be held at 3:30 p.m. 2845 Bethany Bend, Milton. 678-242-2500. Free admission. miltonga.gov

n The Great Swan House Easter Egg Hunt. Atlanta History Center. March 24, 2-4 p.m. Hunt for eggs on the beautiful Swan House lawn with hunts for ages 1-3 and 4-10, have your face painted, take photos with the Easter Bunny and more. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000. $25; ages 1 and younger, free. atlantahistorycenter.com

n Egg-tastic Hunt. George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center. March 25, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bring your basket for an egg hunt, egg decorating and meeting the Easter Bunny. Register by March 21. For ages 2-5. 55 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. 678-277-0910. $6; non-Gwinnett resident, $26. gwinnettcounty.com

n Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Bill Badgett Stadium. March 28, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enjoy a morning Easter egg hunt. 3636 College St., College Park. 404669-3773. Free admission. collegeparkrca.com

n Marietta Community Egg Hunt. Life University. March 29, 5-9 p.m. Kids will marvel at this hunt with more than 60,000 eggs, food, games, music, entertainment and more. 1269 Barclay Cir., Marietta. 770-423-1330. Free admission. jrmmanagement.com

n Egg-citing Scavenger Hunt. Panola Mountain State Park. March 29-31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Peter Cottontail has left eggs hidden in the park, so see if you can use the clues to find the hidden eggs. 2620 Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Parking, $5. explore.gastateparks.org

n Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt. McIntosh Trail Recreation Complex. March 30, 8 a.m.-noon. Hunt for eggs, play games, win prizes and more. 191 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City. 770-631-2542. Free admission. peachtree-city.org

n Hop-A-Long Easter Egg Hunt. Avalon. March 30, 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Collect 10 eggs and bring them to the trade-in tent to receive a bag of treats. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000. Free admission. experienceavalon.com

Hop-A-Long Easter Egg Hunt, Avalon

Marietta Community Egg Hunt

n Eggcellent Adventure. Honeysuckle Park. March 30, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Take photos with Peter Cottontail and Mr. Bunny, go on an egg hunt, play games and more. 3037 Pleasant Valley Dr., Doraville. 770-936-3850. Free admission. doravillega.us

n Northeast Cobb Community Egg Drop. Sprayberry High School. March 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A helicopter will drop thousands of eggs onto the football field to kickoff the egg hunt. 2525 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. 770-423-1330. Free admission. jrmmanagement.com

n Easter Eggstravaganza. Riverdale Town Center. March 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Children ages 12 and younger can receive gift bags of eggs, toys and candy from the Easter Bunny. 7210 Church St., Riverdale. 770-909-5300. Free admission. riverdalega.gov

n Egg Hunt Extravaganza. Bogan Park Community Recreation Center. March 30, noon-2 p.m. Hop into a good time with an egg hunt, crafts, snacks and a bounce house. 2723 N. Bogan Rd., Buford. 678-277-0580. $15; non-Gwinnett resident, $29. gwinnettcounty.com

Underwater Adventure

n Underwater Egg Hunt. Bethesda Park Aquatic Center. March 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. This fun-filled egg hunt features an underwater twist, prizes, games, crafts and snacks. The Sensory Underwater Egg Hunt will be held from 9-11 a.m. Register by March 20. 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0880. $12; non-Gwinnett resident, $23. gwinnettcounty.com

n Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza. Cherokee County Aquatic Center. March 30, 12:45-5 p.m. Go on outdoor and underwater egg hunts for different age groups. The sensory-friendly egg hunt starts at 12:45 p.m. Reservation required. 1200 WellStar Way, Canton. 770-924-7768. $10. playcherokee.org

Glow Up

n Flashlight Egg Hunt. Cherokee Veterans Park. March 15, 6 p.m. Meet the Easter Bunny, explore the Kid Zone, make crafts, dance to music and more before an egg hunt for different age groups. 7345 Cumming Hwy., Canton. 770-501-8002. $10-$15. playcherokee.org

n Glow-in-the-Dark Easter Egg Hunt. Laurel Park. March 23, 5-10 p.m. Fifty thousand glowing, candy-filled eggs will be available to find, take photos with the Easter Bunny and enjoy delicious food. 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy., Gainesville. 770-535-8288. Parking, $20. hallcounty.org

n Easter After Dark. Village Green Park. March 23, 6-9 p.m. Watch a movie, purchase sweets and treats, and hunt for glow-in-the-dark eggs. Reservation required. 1250 Powder Springs St. SE, Smyrna. 770-434-6600. $10. smyrnga.gov

n Illuminated Egg Hunt. Rhodes Jordan Park. March 23, 7-9 p.m. Before the sun goes down, enjoy games and activities before going on a nighttime hunt. 100 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0890. $6; non-Gwinnett resident, $18. gwinnettcounty.com

MORE EASTER FUN

n Drop-In Family Program: Natural Egg Dyeing. Atlanta Botanical Garden. March 22 and 30, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn more about plants that contain powerful dyes in order to decorate your own eggs. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $6; Garden admission: $29.95; ages 3-12, $26.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

n Easter Craft Week. INK Museum. March 25-30. See website for schedule. Celebrate the holiday with crafts. Reservation required. 999 Chestnut St. SE, Gainesville. 770-536-1900. $1; Admission: $9. inkfun.org

n Easter. Children’s Museum of Atlanta. March 30, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Make cotton ball bunnies in the art studio, listen to a story, participate in an egg race and more to celebrate the holiday. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

n Wonkariffic Scrumdiddlyumptious Eggstravaganza Easter Sunday Buffet. 1201 Café. March 31, 2-4 p.m. Help Charlie find the golden ticket, ride on a trackless train, pick up Easter bags, enjoy sensorybased children’s activities and more for families with kids on the autism spectrum or kids with developmental or cognitive disabilities. 1201 Collier Rd. NW, Atlanta. $10-$20. eventbrite.com/o/hearts-2-hugs-26478860579

Northeast Cobb Community Egg Drop

The Great Swan House Easter Egg Hunt

Acworth Egg Hunt

SPRING FESTIVAL PLANNER

Head to these festivals and fairs to enjoy warmer weather and tons of exciting activities.

ALL ABOUT THE FAIR

n Atlanta Fair. Old Turner Field. March 1-April 7. Mon.-Thur. 5-10 p.m.; Fri. 5-11 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. 1-11 p.m. Go on carnival rides, enjoy mouth-water fair food and more. 688 Central Ave. SW, Atlanta. 772-266-9885. $5-$8; 42” and under, $3; ride tickets, $1.25 each. atlantafair.net

n Town Center at Cobb Carnival. Town Center at Cobb. March 28-April 7. See website for schedule. Play all day on out-of-this-world rides, enjoy delicious food, and compete with games for a carnival experience. 400 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW, Kennesaw. Free admission; ride tickets, $1.50 each. dreamlandamusements.com

n ACA Spring Fair. Riverdale Town Center. March 31-April 9. Mon.-Thur. 4-10 p.m.; Fri. 4-11 p.m.; Sat. 1-11 p.m. and Sun. 1-10 p.m. Experience thrilling and family rides, play games, watch live entertainment and more. 7210 Church St., Riverdale. Free admission; ride tickets, extra. claytonchamber.org

n Spring Georgia State Fair. Atlanta Motor Speedway. April 26-May 5. See website for schedule. Take in exciting attractions, including Circus Hollywood and Puppy Pals, go on carnival rides, visit the petting zoo and more. 1500 Tara Pl., Hampton. $10; ages 5-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free; parking, $10; ride wristbands, $25-$30. georgiastatefair.com

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FESTIVALS

n Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Piedmont Park. April 12, noon-9 p.m.; April 13, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and April 14, 10 a.m.6 p.m. Explore all kinds of art, watch bands on the Coca-Cola Main Stage, see international acts perform, play in the Kids Village and more. 929 Charles Allen Dr., Atlanta. 404-827-8663. Free admission. dogwood.org

n The Georgia Renaissance Festival. Fairburn. April 13-June 2. Sat.-Sun. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Watch gallant knights battle, shop the Artisans Market with the merchants of Newcastle, test your strength, ride a camel and more. 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd., Fairburn. 770-964-8575. $26.95-$30.95; ages 6-12, $13.95-$16.56; ages 5 and younger, free. garenfest.com

n Lemonade Days Festival. Brook Run Park. April 17-21. Wed.-Fri. 4-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun. noon-6 p.m. Featuring full-scale carnival rides, food and beverage vendors, stage performances and the popular Dunwoody Idol contest, this festival is fun for the whole family. 4770 N. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody. 770-668-0401. Free admission; ride tickets, $1.25 each. dunwoodypreservationtrust.org

n The Atlanta Night Market. Suwanee Town Center. April 19, 5-10 p.m. and April 20, 2-10 p.m. Enjoy multicultural festivities that celebrate the diversity of the Atlanta community. 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee. Free admission. atlnightmarket.org

n Kids Day. CHaRM Decatur. April 20, 9 a.m.-noon. Environmental groups, recycling partners and corporate partners will help kids learn to engage in recycling, reusing items and benefiting the environment. 1221 Columbia Dr., Decatur. 404-600-6386. Free admission. livethrive.org

Atlanta Fair

Lemondade Days Festival

Georgia Renaissance Festival

n Kennesaw Big Shanty Festival. Downtown Kennesaw. April 20, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and April 21, noon-5 p.m. This festival features more than 200 arts and crafts booths, two entertainment stages, children’s activities, a parade and tons of food. Main St., Kennesaw. 770-423-1330. Free admission. jrmmanagement.com

n Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes. Inman Park. April 26, noon-4 p.m.; April 27, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and April 28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Join in the 52nd year of this event with a tour of homes, a street parade, an artists’ market, kids’ activities and more. Euclid Ave., Atlanta. Free admission; Tour of Homes, $35-$40. festival.inmanpark.org

n May-retta Daze. Marietta Square. May 4, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and May 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. There’s something for everyone at this festival with shopping, delicious food, art, a kid’s zone and live music. 99 S. Park Sq. NE, Marietta. 770-423-1330. Free admission. jrmmanagement.com

n Sweet Auburn Spring Fest. Historic Sweet Auburn District. May 11, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and May 12, 1-8 p.m. This annual festival celebrates the history, heritage and achievements of Atlanta’s African Americans with music, performances, food and more. 230 John Wesley Dobbs, Atlanta. Free admission. sweetauburn.com

n Kirkwood Spring Fling Festival & Tour of Homes. Bessie Branham Park. May 18, noon-8 p.m. Tour historic homes, show off your best wing recipe, play in the Kids Area, shop the artist market and more. 2051 Delano Dr. NE, Atlanta. Free admission; activities, extra. historickirkwood.org

n Cherokee County Indian Festival & Mother’s Day Powwow. Boling Park. May 11, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and May 12, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Shop crafts and wares from Native American vendors, watch drum performances and more. 1200 Marietta Hwy., Canton. 770-735-6275. $15; ages 6-12, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. rthunder.com

SEE SPRING BLOOMS

n Tulip Festival. Yule Forest. March 2-24. Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Celebrate the splendor of spring with giant tulip fields, u-pick flowers, farm animals, an artisan market, educational exhibits and more. 3565 Hwy. 155 N, Stockbridge. 770-954-9356. $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free. yuleforest.com

n Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival. Georgia International Horse Park. March 23-24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Shop unique art and craft exhibitors, eat through multiple food courts, enjoy cultural performances, listen to live music and play in the children’s area. 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. 770-860-4190. Free admission; parking, $10. georgiahorsepark.com

n Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival. Blackburn Park. March 23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and March 24, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Celebrate the spirit of community with tons of activities, including performances from +Live+, Moon Taxi, Barenaked Ladies and Crash Test Dummies. 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Brookhaven. Free admission. brookhavenga.gov/festival

n Spring Jonquil Festival. Downtown Smyrna. April 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and April 28, noon-5 p.m. Explore the season of spring with an entertainment stage, arts and crafts booths, food and children’s activities. King St., Smyrna. 770-423-1330. Free admission. jrmmanagement.com

Beyond Atlanta

n International Cherry Blossom Festival. Carolyn Crayton Park. March 15-24. Mon.-Thur. noon-9 p.m.; Fri. noon-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun. noon-9 p.m. See more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees a-bloom as you celebrate the season with tethered hot air balloon rides, pageants, performances, a parade and more. 115 Willie Smokie Glover Dr., Macon. $10; ages 10 and younger, free; ride tickets, $1.25 each. cherryblossom.com

n The Rhododendron Festival. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. April 12-May 12. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sun. noon-4 p.m. Spend a day in to explore beautiful native flowers. 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee. 706-896-4191. Free admission; Hamilton Gardens tour, $6. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Cont’d on next page

Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

Sweet Auburn Spring Fest

For 2024 Be The Most Informed Parent On The Playground!

SPRING FESTIVAL PLANNER

FOR THE ARTS

n Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Spring Arts Festival. Sandy Springs. March 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and March 31, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. This event includes a children’s play area, local musicians, interactive art stations and more; plus, enjoy an Easter egg hunt on Sunday at 2 p.m. 6100 Lake Forrest Dr. NE, Sandy Springs. Free admission. sandyspringsartsapalooza.com

n Festival on Ponce. Olmsted Linear Park. April 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and April 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Browse 125 displays of fine arts and crafts, folk art and more, play in the children’s area, and taste local food and beverage. 1451 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. Free admission. festivalonponce.com

n Acworth Art Fest. Downtown Acworth. April 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and April 14, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Explore this city’s hopping art scene as you take in the beauty of spring, and visit the Kidz Zone for artsy activities for the little ones. Main St., Acworth. Free admission. splashfestivals.com

n Illumine. Oakland Cemetery. April 17-28, 7:30-10:30 p.m. This after-dark festival will light up the night with the beauty of Atlanta. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. $15-$25; ages 3 and younger, free. oaklandcemetery.com

n Wesleyan Artist Market. Wesleyan School. April 26, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and April 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This premier school-sponsored art show hosts more than 80 professional artists and select student artists. 5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners. 770-448-7640. Free admission. artistmarket.wesleyanschool.org

n Duluth Spring Arts Festival. Duluth Town Center. April 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and April 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. This outdoor festival will feature more than 80 artists’ booths, artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, gourmet food trucks, dance performances and more. 3167 Main St., Duluth. Free admission. duluthartsfestival.com

n Chastain Park Arts Festival. Chastain Park. May 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and May 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy fine arts and crafts, a children’s area, local musicians and food and beverage concessions. 4469 Stella Dr. NW, Atlanta. Free admission. chastainparkartsfestival.com

n Dunwoody Art Festival. Dunwoody Village Parkway. May 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and May 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore artisans, vendors and exhibitors, a creative Kidz Zone and tasty cuisine. 1317 Dunwoody Village Pkwy., Dunwoody. Free admission. splashfestivals.com

n Alpharetta Arts Streetfest. Wills Park. May 25-26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy 100 artisans, children’s activities and street performers. 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta. Free admission. splashfestivals.com

Beyond Atlanta

n Super Spring Saturdays. Washington Farms. April 13-May 25. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy farm fun activities, such as wagon rides, a petting zoo, a cow train, paintball, homemade strawberry ice cream and more. 5691 Hog Mountain Rd., Bogart. 706-769-0627. $14.95; ages 2 and younger, free. washingtonfarms.net

n Georgia Strawberry Festival. Reynolds. April 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Honor this sweet fruit with a parade, picking the strawberry patch, music, kids’ activities and more. 3 E. William Wainwright St., Reynolds. 478-847-5301. Free admission. ga-strawberry.org

Alpharetta Arts Streetfest

NOT-TO-MISS EXHIBITS

For hands-on learning in art, science and nature, visit these special exhibits.

LEGO NiNJAGO Dragon’s Rising

LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta / Through March 24

Build a baby dragon, experience Ninja training, collect limited edition items, search for hidden characters in MINILAND and more. 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-848-9252. $20.99+; ages 1 and younger, free. legodiscoverycenter.com

Sportsology

Tellus Science Museum / Through May 5

Learn how your body works with hands-on challenges testing your athletic abilities. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $19; ages 3-17, $15; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org

LAST CHANCE

Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures

Exhibition Hub Atlanta Art Center / Through March 17

At this immersive exhibit, travel back to Ancient Egypt with reconstructed objects, breathtaking decorations and detailed explanations to discover the most famous archaeological discovery site of the 20th century. 5660 Buford Hwy. NE, Doraville. $29.90+; ages 4-12, $20.90+; ages 3 and younger, free. tutankhamunexpo.com

atlantaparent.com

Outside the Box

Children’s Museum of Atlanta / Through May 5

Empower your imagination with hands-on fun featuring everyday objects transformed into adventurous obstacle courses. Reservation recommended. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $15.95-$19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Spiders – From Fear to Fascination

Fernbank Museum / Through May 5

View more than 250 real and preserved spider specimens as you explore the fascinating world of arachnids. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $25.95; ages 3-12, $23.95; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Exhibition Hub Atlanta Art Center / Through March 17

Step into the artistic world of Vincent van Gogh with this 360-degree digital art exhibition. 5660 Buford Hwy. NE, Doraville. $34.90+; ages 4-12, $20.90; ages 3 and younger, free. vangoghexpo.com

for the fridge

If you hide 48 eggs and tell your kids there are 50, you can get a little nap in.

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