Atlanta Parent March 2019

AtlantaParent March 2019 / atlantaparent.com

Soccer in the ATL From kid programs to Atlanta United, we love this game!

Like Us on FACEBOOK

Getting Up to STEAM Birthday Party Planner

Great Birthday Party Planning Starts Here!

TheArtBarn.com 678-319-0286

atlcp.org

404-423-3090

thesteamclub.com 770-321-4078

SKYZONE.COM

onceuponaballetatl.com

tinyTowne.com 470-545-7227

princessparties.com 678-768-7976

404-964-0529

autry mill AutreyMill.org

SamsPathPettingZoo.com 706-717-8837

678-366-3511

THELittlegym.com

FunopolisFamilyFunCenter.com 706-335-3866

pmprincess.com

ColorMePinkPartyPalace.com 770-679-4404

678-886-0609

SSAIRSOFT.COM 678-714-6001

PettitCreekFarms.com 770-386-8688

circuscamp.org 404-370-0001

jasonsmusicparty.com 678-708-2321

LittleRedBarn.us 678-493-5860

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Sandy Springs / Lawrenceville-Suwanee

404-409-0827 Sandy Springs

4 Atlanta Parent    March 2019

678-985-8080 Lawrenceville-Suwanee

atlantaparent.com

Inside 35 March

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Features 12

30 35 43

Soccer in the ATL

Departments

8 Publisher’s Note

With more and more kids hitting the field and a professional team of our own, Atlanta is excited about soccer! The parents of Atlanta United’s homegrown star Andrew Carleton share their experiences. Plus, find out how to get your child started in youth soccer.

Florida Beyond the Beach

Check out our list of favorite Florida parks, gardens and museums – the next time you go for a visit.

Montessori for Big Kids

10

Good Stuff

Things we like

Spring Fun Guide

The Montessori approach isn’t just for early learners – its philosophy and student-centered techniques are now being used with middle and high school students.

56

March Not-to-Miss Events

59

At the Symphony

The Power of STEAM

60 Atlanta Science Festival

It isn’t just a buzzword – STEAM is an important focus for many schools, inspiring a love of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Learn about the many opportunities available to your child.

61 St. Patrick’s Day Events 62 Cherry Blossoms Three Ways

63

Spring Festivals

64 Go on an Egg Hunt

21 The Happiest Birthday!

Learn how modern moms approach birthday parties. Use our planner to find great party venues and entertainers.

SPONSORED CONTENT Don’t Miss Atlanta Parent’s Camp Expo, March 16 at Perimeter Mall.

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

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 5

PUBLISHER Liz White

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

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Cindy Ford EXECUTIVE cford@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Emily Satterfield EXECUTIVE Esatterfield@atlantaparent.com

SPECIAL EVENTS Hannah Sykes COORDINATOR/ hsykes@atlantaparent.com SALES ASSOCIATE CONTRIBUTING Amanda Miller Allen

EDITOR STAFF Teresa Whiting WRITER tfarkas@atlantaparent.com

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

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

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery

ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

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

ASSISTANT

MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

Sign Up For Our e-Newsletter at AtlantaParent.com

Participants will receive compensation for time and travel.

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

Like Us on FACEBOOK

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

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

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

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

© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2019

6 Atlanta Parent March 2019

atlantaparent.com

Atlanta

PARENT

MOST-READ STORIES 15 Challenges Middle School Kids Face and How to Help 25 Best Beaches Near Atlanta 6 Go Kart Racing Tracks in Metro Atlanta

#

KID-FRIENDLY GUIDES

CONTESTS Keep an eye out for our #AtlantaParentContest every week on Facebook. Win birthday party for eight kids from:

Ultimate Guide to Overnight Summer Camps in Georgia, the Southeast, and Beyond

n Adventure Air Sports n Nitro Zone

12 Best Things to Do at the Georgia Aquarium

n Tiny Towne n Treetop Quest n Stars & Strikes

Enter today at atlantaparent.com/winaparty

Ultimate Guide to Kids’ Birthday Party Places in Atlanta

Also this month look for our big giveaway towards the end of the month for a visit to check out the new SoundWaves at Gaylord and win a two-night stay.

Facebook Feedback What’s your family’s favorite BBQ joint in the Atlanta area?

“I love Fat Matt’s Rib Shack” – Brittney Bones-Hernandez

Facebook

Join our over 31K followers @atlantaparentmagazine

“At home. No one barbecues better than my hubby” – Stacie Jackson “Fox Bros Bar-B-Q” – Katherine Cassidy

Twitter

Read our Tweets @atlantaparent

Instagram

Check out fun photos @atlantaparent atlantaparent.com

ATLANTA PARENT’S TOP 10 LISTS FOR EVERYTHING FAMILY Our curated list will help you explore all Atlanta has to offer.

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 7

Publisher’s Note Providing safe and reliable transportation for Metro Atlanta Children www.kruzinkidz.com 678-658-1220

Soccer, STEAM and Spring Atlanta has always had a love for soccer. I can’t believe I never attended a game until last year, when I was fortunate enough to attend an Atlanta United playoff game. From riding MARTA downtown, to being part of the crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, I could feel the excitement in the air. Now I’m hooked and can’t wait to go to another game. So many parents and their kids enjoy soccer, whether it’s participating in a recreational league or following a professional team. In this month’s issue, we’re offering our readers a sampling of all things soccer in Atlanta. We also profiled two outstanding high school soccer players.

We all have an image of the quintessential soccer mom – minivan, sports equipment in the back, dedicated to driving her young athletes to endless practices and games. When my daughter was growing up, she played basketball and then did cross-country, so I missed out on that “soccer mom” experience. Michelle Carleton takes the term to a new level. We spoke to Michelle and her and husband John about what it’s like to be the parents of Atlanta United’s first homegrown player, Andrew Carleton. Read their insights on parenting, the joys and challenges of supporting their kids’ dreams and raising successful children.

Part of the job of raising successful kids is paying attention to their education. STEAM is a word you’re probably hearing a lot these days. Our STEAM section gives plenty of ideas to help encourage that interest. And then there’s Montessori – it’s well known as a method for early education. To learn how Montessori works for big kids, read our story on page 35.

The arrival of spring is a fresh opportunity to explore Atlanta and all of its offerings. Our Spring Fun Guide has plenty of information on festivals, shows and events for families and kids of all ages. You’ll find even more information on fun things to do with your kids on our website.

Atlanta offers so many opportunities for us to inspire and encourage our kids. A trip to the Atlanta Science Festival could spark a passion for computer coding or space exploration. Giving a child the opportunity to play on a soccer team might be the beginning of a lifelong career in sports. Sometimes even a small event can be a life-changing experience.

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com

Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

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

8 Atlanta Parent March 2019

atlantaparent.com

atlantaparent.com

March 2019    Atlanta Parent 9

by Teresa Whiting

Good StUff

THINGS WE LIKE Gardening with Joanna Gaines Fixer Upper and Magnolia Home’s Joanna Gaines is publishing a children’s book about gardening with her children. “We Are the Gardeners” chronicles the adventures of starting a family garden, including failed endeavors, obstacles and tips. Available at magnolia.com/we-are-the-gardeners for $20.

Kids Can Fly Free Want to save on traveling from Atlanta with kids? If you sign up for Frontier Airlines’ membership program ($59.99 per year) children ages 14 and younger can fly for free. First sign up online with the Discount Den program, then choose a flight that qualifies for Kids Fly Free. One child can fly for free for every adult Discount Den fare purchased. Visit flyfrontier.com/ kidsflyfree to book and learn more.

Heating and Cooling Bear When younger kids get injured, they normally do not enjoy holding an ice pack or heating pad against the injury. ThermalAid Bears can be cooled in the freezer or heated in the microwave. The animals are made of natural elements preventing mold and odors, and are washable.

Zoo animal characters also available.

Available at thermalaidproducts.com/ collections/bears for $19.95 each.

Safer Messaging for Kids If you are worried about the safety of apps like Snapchat for kids and pre-teens, but want to allow messaging with friends and family, Facebook has a more controlled way complete with fun masks, frames and GIFs. Kids can download Facebook Messenger Kids, and parents have to approve who they can contact using the parent’s Facebook log in (kids do not have to have their own Facebook page).

Messages don’t disappear like on Snapchat, and can’t be hidden from parents.

Download for free at messengerkids.com.

10 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Rescue Dog Field Day Celebrate rescue dogs at the Rescue Dog Olympics.

Meet with pet rescuers and organizations to learn about adoption, compete in the games, or watch the fun.

March 10. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Piedmont Park Meadow and Park Tavern, 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. rescuedogolympics.com

atlantaparent.com

Are you ready to have the

Deer Run Camps & Retreats

best summer ever?

Get prepared with Atlanta Parent’s

2019 MARCH

16

PERIMETER MALL FREE 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. Camp Expo Sponsor:

To exhibit or for info call 770-454-7599 or hsykes@atlantaparent.com

atlantaparent.com atlantaparent.com

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 11

Altanta United

Meet Atlanta’s No. 1 SOCCER FAMILY

by Teresa Whiting

ATL IS A SOCCER TOWN! Soccer has always been a popular sport in Atlanta, but with the addition of a Major League Soccer team, the sport is bigger than ever. We spoke with the parents of an Atlanta United player, to learn the ins and outs of being a soccer parent as well as two rising high school stars. Our guide on Soccer Basics will help you get started.

M

ichelle and John Carleton are parents to Atlanta United’s first Homegrown Player, Andrew Carleton, and four other soccerobsessed children playing on club teams around the metro area. If anyone knows the ins and outs of being a soccer family, they do.

MLS-cup winning Atlanta United didn’t exist when Andrew began taking soccer lessons at age 5, and John and Michelle never imagined one of their children would have the opportunity to play for a major league team right at home.

In 2016, Andrew signed with Atlanta United FC, and after a season with the Charleston Battery, he came back to Atlanta in 2017. He was able to walk on to the field of Bobby-Dodd Stadium in front of Atlanta United’s growing fan base and most importantly his parents.

Michelle remembers what an incredible day it was for their family: “We were in the stands the first time to see him walk out on the field, and I remember seeing him coming up the sideline, and I hit John and said, ‘I think he’s going in, I think he’s going in!’ And just screaming at the top of my voice. It was so wonderful! It wasn’t the end of the dream, it was really the beginning. After all these years of preparation he finally takes the field for the first time.”

Andrew, U-17 U.S. National Team, playing at the World Cup in India.

12 Atlanta Parent March 2019

atlantaparent.com

The Carletons, A Family Snapshot n John Carleton: Played soccer in high school, coached a 3v3 team, and juggles his career as a warehouse operations manager while making time to support his kids soccer pursuits. n Michelle Carleton: A home-schooling Soccer Mom and a huge fan and supporter of her kids. n Andrew Carleton, 18: The best known soccer player in the family as a midfielder for Atlanta United. n Erin Carleton, 17: Plays varsity soccer for Hillgrove High School, and plays for her club team, Concorde Fire. She has done smaller runs with the U.S. National Team and will play soccer for Virginia Tech. n Erica Carleton, known as Coco, 15: On the varsity team with her sister at Hillgrove High School, and also plays for her SSA (Southern Soccer Academy) club team. n Alan Carleton, 13: Plays for the Atlanta United U-14 team.

From left: John, Andrew, Alan, Erin and Erica or “Coco.”

Below: Erica, Andrew, Erin, John and Alan when they all played on the same 3v3 team, “The Home Team.”

n John Carleton, 11: Plays for his SSA club team. He’s the only goalkeeper among his siblings.

Going Pro

Balancing Academics and Soccer John and Michelle made the decision early on to homeschool their children. This allowed each child time ample time to practice and travel for soccer. In Andrew’s training before Atlanta United, soccer took him to places like Mexico, India and Europe.

“The kids have been homeschooled since day one, this gives you a lot of flexibility to move things around. This has been crucial to allowing them to do what they do, get extra practices in and to travel to special places,” John says.

Michelle adds, “With soccer it is a bit different than the other sports, it is not so affiliated with the school. In order to get atlantaparent.com

college scholarships, almost all of that comes exclusively from the club side as opposed to the high school side. There is a huge amount of traveling, missing a lot of school.”

She remembers when Andrew was playing with the U-17 U.S. National Team and he spent a month in India for the World Cup. She says despite the schedule, it is important to have a good structure so the kids to are able to continue their education.

“You have one parent who is at home and one is traveling. Even though one is home, you may have two kids at different fields at different times and still have to find time to get the work and projects done.

There is a lot of studying and YouTube going on in cars and things like this as you are moving around,” she says.

Years before Andrew was signed to a MLS team, John and Michelle had a feeling soccer was going to be his calling.

“I knew there was something special about him. I know people think I’m crazy when I say that, but around 10 I was saying he is going to be special. He gave off such a great vibe of joy and this is just what he loved doing – being with his friends and playing,” Michelle says. “We are a very faith-oriented family and I just felt that was his calling, that was what he was going to do.”

John recalls the way he would act during practice – he could never get enough of soccer, and that continues.

“He used to have private sessions with his coach and when the coach was mad he would threaten him by saying we are going to do it 10 more times, and so he [Andrew] would purposely do it badly so he would get the chance to do it 10 more times. This is exactly what he wanted, to be able to do it more or practice longer.”

Cont’d on page14

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 13

Meet Atlanta’s No. 1 SOCCER FAMILY Tips for Other Soccer Parents Being this committed to a sport takes a lot of sacrifice, as John and Michelle Carleton know well. Their advice: Be prepared.

“There are ups and downs,” Michelle says. “It is a marathon not a sprint that is for sure.”

John adds, “Virtually all of our friends are made through soccer ... it dominates everything in our lives. It is not a thing you can do in an hour and a half a day. It takes a ridiculous amount of dedication, work and passion. If it is in you, throw gas on it and go!” n Listen to your child (Michelle): For Erin, she came along in the National team group, but she really wanted to get her college degree, so we didn’t train as much as we did with Andrew as he got older because her dream changed. With Coco, her dream changed. With Alan, his dream is still there. … I think this has been a huge part of our kids’ success ... they lead it. n Kids lead the charge (Michelle): When Andrew was just starting out, we left the club close to our house and we decided to go to UFA, up in Cumming. We took

We took all five kids and would leave at 3:15 p.m. and we would get home between 10:30 and 11 p.m. because everybody had different schedules. I would cook dinner in a crockpot on a converter in the suburban as we were driving. all five kids and would leave at 3:15 p.m. and we would get home between 10:30 and 11 p.m. because everybody had different schedules. I would cook dinner in a crockpot on a converter in the suburban as we were driving. We did crazy things, but it was all based on what they wanted. They led the charge and we gave them the support and sacrifice whatever we needed to make that happen. n Choosing a soccer program (John): There were very few decisions made about the coach along the way.

Michelle adds, “And we had some wonderful ones.” John continues, there were times where the kids wanted to play with certain people, that was probably the single biggest thing that yanked us one way or another.

n Invest in extra training (John): Whenever you have a big group with one coach and you divide it up amongst 20 people that math is not as advantageous as one coach and four kids. The Carleton family had a primary coach to practice with and also worked on skills together at home. I don’t think any person can play a sport on their team and get to the highest level. They have to augment it. n Practice at home (Michelle): Our kids spent a tremendous amount of time in the backyard practicing. I remember looking out one day and Andrew had built a wall with the wheelbarrow and something else to practice his free kicks over. We had a wooden balance beam, and he would kick the ball to then give him a return pass practice. It truly is what the kid puts in it and you have to have good coaches, but it was more about surrounding the kids with good people and teammates.

WE OFFER LEAGUES, CAMPS AND CLINICS FOR: Soccer Flag Football Baseball Basketball Lacrosse Volleyball Cheerleading

SERVING:

Fulton Forsyth Gwinnett Cobb Dekalb Rockdale Barrow

Cherokee Paulding Hall Jackson Walton Athens

www.i9sports.com 14 Atlanta Parent March 2019

atlantaparent.com

SOCCER BASICS A Parent’s Guide to Getting Started

by Mary Williams

So your child wants to play soccer … where to start?

Grab a ball and head for the backyard! Even very young players can learn basic skills and game concepts.

If she’s ready to play on a team, choose a program with a low-stress experience. Church leagues, the YMCA and local recreational leagues are great places to start. Many offer programs for players as young as 2. With summer coming soon, soccer camps and clinics are also a great way to introduce the sport.

Basic equipment for playing includes shin guards, long soccer socks and closed-toe athletic shoes. Many leagues and clubs provide jerseys. As players advance, additional equipment can be required.

The Soccer Club If your child is getting serious about the sport, a soccer club is a great choice.

These organizations promote soccer and organize leagues, tournaments and teams. Clubs usually involve a fee but can provide added benefits such as individual coaching, clinics and a path toward playing on a college or national level.

Soccer clubs offer programs based on age and desired level of involvement.

Age groups are designated as U10, U11, etc., which stands for under 10, under 11, and so on. This can be based on the calendar year but many clubs use their season’s start date to determine age group.

atlantaparent.com

Find a Soccer Club With Georgia Soccer’s “Georgia Club Directory” parents can search by zip code and distance range to find a close-by club. There is even a map showing the locations, which click through to reveal each club’s details. Visit georgiasoccer.org/ club_directory to get started.

For more serious players, look for these club designations: n USSDA – U.S. Soccer Development Academy – focuses on elite player development; players try out for and play on a US National team. n ECNL – Elite Clubs National League – supports elite female players and offers team opportunities on a national level. Boys ECNL is a similar program for male athletes.

Recreational n For kids of all ages who want to play for enjoyment n A great way to gauge your child’s interest level before advancing n More emphasis on participation vs. winning n No tryouts or cuts n Can be co-ed or girls/boys teams

Academy

Atlanta United Academy ATL UTD Academy is a specialized training program sponsored by Atlanta United and is designed for players in U12-U19 age groups. Players compete in the USSDA and are eligible to be signed to Atlanta United as a Homegrown player. The Academy also assists athletes in pursuing opportunities to play at colleges and universities nationwide.

n Ages U9-U12 n Tryout based, girls’ and boys’ teams are separate n Often requires travel to regional or state tournaments

Benefits of Playing Soccer n Promotes an active lifestyle

Athena/Classic

n Encourages physical development and endurance

n Ages U13-U19

n Improves coordination

n Tryout based, players may be cut, girls’ and boys’ teams are separate

n Builds the concept of teamwork and developing relationships

n Often requires travel to regional or state tournaments

n Develops confidence and self-esteem

Source: georgiasoccer.org

Source: usyouthsoccer.org

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 15

Sports Sweet Photography

TWO RISING STARS to Watch

Nieva Gaither, 16, Lilburn n Positions: With her Elite Clubs National League

(ECNL) team she plays attacking midfielder and on her Parkview High School Team she plays attacking midfielder and forward.

Gatorade Georgia Girls Soccer Player of the Year for 2017-18, Nieva Gaither, has been playing soccer since she was 4 years old, following in the footsteps of her older brother Dylan, who now plays for the Atlanta United Academy.

Winning Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year means she owns the title for best high school female soccer player in the state of Georgia. The award honors outstanding players who also have high academic achievement and character.

“I’m most proud of getting Gatorade Player of the Year.

Being a sophomore and winning it, I’m very proud of that. It is huge for an underclassman,” Gaither says.

She says the hardest part about soccer has been learning about time management, especially because she plays for a club team and her high school soccer team, spending 10-12 hours per week practicing plus playing in games on the weekends.

“As a student athlete time management is important.

You get home late from practice and then still have to do homework. It is stressful, but worth it,” she says.

At only 16, Gaither has also made a verbal commitment to play soccer on scholarship at Furman University for fall 2020, and her big dream would be to win a national championship for her school. When asked if she plans to go pro she said, “Right now I want to just focus on soccer and school. If I get an offer to go pro I may go for it.” n Advice for younger players: “Be determined and work hard. It is hard at first, but if you are having fun while practicing a lot and improving yourself with every practice, that is all that matters.”

16 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Holden Tracy, 16, Johns Creek n Position: Goalkeeper for his Chattahoochee High School team and club team, Alpharetta Ambush.

As many young children, Holden Tracy started trying out sports like baseball and soccer. Soccer was the one that stuck in kindergarten and he hasn’t stopped playing since. In second grade, he started playing for his club team, the Alpharetta Ambush, and this is when he found his calling to be a goalkeeper, which he says takes a special skill set.

“When you are playing other positions you can switch between them on the field. Being a goalie takes a unique skill set – repetition and being able to communicate with teammates,” he says.

In 2018, he was selected as one of the two goalkeepers from across the country in his age group to attend the Super Y National Experience at the USL Phoenix Rising Soccer Club, a national summer soccer program. The program looks at club-level players in their regular season to determine if they qualify for a spot.

He says one of his favorite parts about soccer is getting to meet other players from around the country during this program and regular season.

“I don’t think I’ve ever not known someone on the field when I was playing. You meet so many amazing people, even some who move out of state, and you get to reconnect with them at tournaments,” he says.

In 2018, with his help, Alpharetta Ambush won the Georgia State Cup for club soccer for his age group.

“We really worked hard and put everything on the field. This was the best thing I have done personally with the help of my team,” he says.

Right now Holden is focusing on academics and figuring out which major to choose in college, but if given the opportunity to play for a Division I college soccer team, he says he would take it. For the time being his goal is to win the state cup again at the end of the school year, and go on to regionals and nationals with the Ambush. n Advice for younger players: “Work your hardest, but have fun doing it. You don’t want to work yourself into the point of not enjoying it.” atlantaparent.com

GET IN ON THE ACTION: Attend an Atlanta United Game

W

atching an Atlanta United game is exciting for all ages, with constant movement on the field, enthusiastic fans and added fun like the golden spike ritual. Atlanta United FC won the MLS Cup in early December 2018, so this season is sure to be an exciting one.

Homegrown Players like Andrew Carleton, George Bello and Chris Goslin are who Atlantans cheer for most. Being designated a Homegrown Player in Major League Soccer means these players went through Atlanta United’s youth academy for at least one year and signed a professional contract.

Home Games this Spring: March 10 vs. FC Cincinnati March 17 vs. Philadelphia Union April 20 vs. FC Dallas April 27 vs. Colorado Rapids May 8 vs. Toronto FC May 12 vs. Orlando City SC May 29 vs. Minnesota United

atlantaparent.com

n The Experience: Outside Mercedes-Benz

Stadium, make sure to arrive early and visit tailgating areas, which can include kid-friendly fun like poster making, stilt walkers or even the Chick-fil-A cows. Atlanta United “Supporters” (fan clubs) cheer and chant as you enter the Stadium. Their enthusiasm is electric with drums, cheerleaders and colorful flags. At each game, the Supporters carry in a large golden spike and a special guest of the game will hammer it three times as a ritual before the game.

n Good to Know: An afternoon

game would be perfect for families with young children. You must have a clear bag or purse under 12x12x6 to enter the Stadium or a clutch no larger than 4.5 x 6.5. n How to Buy Tickets: See atlutd.com/tickets to purchase. Atlanta United FC season tickets (you must join the waitlist), multi-game pack or single tickets available. Prices vary.

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 17

Are you a WellBehaved Parent?

by Dr. Sherrie Campbell

We are all concerned about our children’s behavior, and yet so often, we act like jerks to our kids, losing patience, yelling, not saying please and thank you when we ask them to do something. If you don’t like the behavior of your children, maybe it is time to look in the mirror. Try these seven steps to becoming a well-behaved parent.

Dr. Campbell is a clinical psychologist; her new book is “Success Equations: A Path to Living an Emotionally Wealthy Life.”

18 Atlanta Parent March 2019

atlantaparent.com

Grow Up Being a grown up is more than age. The more you learn about yourself and learn to identify your own tendencies, the closer to grown up you’ll be. We must be more mature than our children so they have someone to model.

Watch Your Tone of Voice If you speak down to your children or yell at them, they will speak that same way to you.

They will get in trouble for speaking to you this way, while you get away with it because you are the parent. This unfairness creates anger and confusion in your children, who will then act it out on you and others. Talk to your children with love and respect.

Don’t Throw Tantrums If you lose emotional control on a consistent basis, you are teaching your children to handle themselves in that same way. If you are annoyed with your children’s response to a setback in life, look at yourself and see if they learned this from you. Having a tantrum or playing the victim creates angst in your children. Teach your kids to stay calm through challenge.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Children are growing and they are not going to be perfect or exactly what you want them to be. If you ride them on all of their “flaws,” they will feel they are not good enough.

Avoid PassiveAggressive Actions Joking down humiliates and damages the self-esteem of your children. When they show hurt to your sarcasm and you say you were just joking, you humiliate them even more for being sensitive and human.

Stop Complaining If you complain all the time about how things are never how you want them, you fill your household and children with negative energy and, unconsciously, they learn to complain.

They will get in trouble for complaining, even while you continue to model it for them. Find a way to see the positive in each situation and model this instead.

Give Up Laziness

If you are lazy, sitting around watching TV, sleeping, not helping with household chores, but demanding your children do what you won’t, you teach them to be lazy and entitled to do whatever they want. Hard work is part of being an adult. As their parent, you need to be an active participant in the family “business” of keeping things happy, clean, organized and put together. atlantaparent.com

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 19

A MODERN MOM’S GUIDE TO BIRTHDAY PARTIES

by Sara Kendall

Birthday parties today can be simple, at-home affairs or more elaborate themed celebrations at a special venue. Modern moms can create the party they – and their child – want, but all choices have pros and cons. Here’s what to consider when choosing what’s best for your family and budget.

l PAPER

INVITES OR EVITE

Paper invitations are classic and memorable, while evites are all the rage in our technologyfueled world. Paper invitations add a personal touch to an upcoming event, make an excellent keepsake item, but are not low-cost.

Evites and other digital invitations are gaining in popularity and most are free to send by simply signing up – all you need is the recipients’ email addresses.

atlantaparent.com

l HOME

PARTY OR PARTY VENUE

By hosting your child’s birthday party in your home, you have complete control – no guest count limits, time or date restrictions. Hosting at home may be less expensive, but it involves more work for you. Food, decorations, activities and entertainment will fall on your to-do-list, and don’t forget about the tons of cleaning, before and after the party.

Choosing a party venue usually takes only a telephone call or two to take care of most of the work, but can come with a price tag.

“I am a huge fan of holding birthday parties at a venue verses my home. One of the biggest factors for me is I feel it allows me to really experience the party with my kids and be in the moment with them verses worrying about all the details,” says Amy Hornor, mom of two. “Having a party coordinator with you takes the pressure off you trying to be Mom and a party hostess.” l CHARITABLE

GIVING

One trend is opting for a party that benefits a charity, and decorating along that theme.

Some families collect food for a food pantry, toy donations for children’s hospital, or pet food for an animal rescue organization or shelter. Older children might invite their friends to a service day to benefit a charitable organization. l NO

GIFTS, PLEASE

Some parents may choose a “no gifts” party because their child already has many toys and space in their home is limited. Sometimes that choice is in consideration for other parents – those $10 or $20 gifts start to add up when kids go to multiple parties in a year.

Party Planner

l TRADITIONAL

CAKES, CAKE POPS OR DOUGHNUT CAKES Serving a traditional cake is a statement piece especially when made to convey the birthday theme, but it can also be expensive.

Some parents spend less on the decorations and put more money into a large cake, which becomes the centerpiece of the party.

These days, parents have become more mindful of serving reasonably sized sugary treats, and that’s where cake pops come in. Cake pops are small-portioned treats on a stick making them a big hit with the kids.

Doughnut cakes are a new twist on the cake scene; a couple of dozens doughnuts arranged in a fun way makes for an easy cake, saving on time and money.

If your child is old enough, ask which option he or she would prefer. l TO

OPEN GIFTS OR NOT

Some parents feel it would be more polite to open gifts. Others think it puts more emphasis on the gifts rather than the focus on the party. The advantage of opening presents teaches children to be gracious, but opening them after the party takes the pressure off children who are unable to express proper gratitude or hide disappointment. l THANK

YOU NOTES

Many parents are firm believers in thank you notes, to teach kids to be gracious and polite and even to hone writing skills. Other parents may feel a note attached to a goodie bag, thanking kids for coming to the party, or a personal thank you from the child as guests leave the party, is sufficient.

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 21

Put some fun into your function!

We have all kinds of great locations... plenty of room for the kids to play and celebrate.

Your reservation is just a call 770.822.8840 or click away

PICCADILLY PUPPETS Let us entertain you with puppets, music, storytelling and audience participation.

Birthday child always gets a puppet!

Puppet making workshops available

404-636-0022 www.gwinnettPARKS.com

22 Atlanta Parent    March 2019

Party Planner

www.piccadillypuppets.org piccadillypuppets@gmail.com

atlantaparent.com

Birthday Party Resource Guide CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA childrensmuseumatlanta.org

A party at Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the perfect way to celebrate your child and provide a fun and memorable experience for your guests. Basic, Deluxe, and Ultimate Party Packages are available. Packages include lunch tables or private party room, party host, make-and-take science or art activity, and fun and exploration on the Museum’s interactive exhibit floor. Recommended for children ages 2 - 7. Discounts available for Museum Members.

SKY ZONE skyzone.com

Let Sky Zone plan a birthday party they’ll never forget! Sky Zone offers a variety of party packages and will customize the package to your needs.

Parties include jumping, attractions, party space, food and beverage!

Sky Zone will make your party as easy and seamless as possible so you can focus on the fun! Call to plan the best party ever! Kennesaw 678-426-4400, McDonough 770-914-9444, Newnan 678-745-9900, Roswell 678-745-9900, Suwanee 678-745-9900, Skyzone.com

TINY TOWNE – DRIVE SAFELY tinytowne.com

Test your driving skills, hop on the train and even earn your very own Tiny Towne permit. Kids ages 3-18 drive three different size cars on two different tracks. Enjoy a real life driving experience by following the rules or get pulled over by Tiny Towne police. Delight in the Carcade games and high-tech driving simulators. The Indoor Edutainment park has private themed party rooms, healthy and tasty food made fresh at the Grill to serve our guests. Unique, Fun, Safe and Educational. Drive Safely! 2055 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross. 470-265 6665.

TREETOP QUEST treetopquest.com

Plan your children’s adventurous birthday party at our Treetop Obstacle Course and Ziplining in Dunwoody or Gwinnett! From ages 4 and up, this outdoor recreational activity is different from other birthday party places! Tight ropes, rope swings, slides, net bridges and zip-lines for older kids … just outdoor fun! Birthday parties are complete with goody bags and exciting add-on activities at each of our locations!

Dunwoody, 770-365-0356, dunwoody@treetopquest.com Gwinnett, 404-277-6113, gwinnett@treetopquest.com atlantaparent.com

Party Planner

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 23

E R E WH N FU !

S E V I L ADE ARC NG I WL INE O B L E PO URS TS M R A TR A CO KA NJ GO NI

BOOKY! TODA 30

36-32 .com 6 ) 0 e (47 rozon t i n @ ntact

co

6344 Cash Ct NW, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071

ENGAGE. EMPOWER. ENRICH. The STEM HANGAR is the Place for

ALL-INCLUSIVE

LASER SPORTING Festival Events & Party Rental

PARTIES!

• • • • •

Aviation/Pilot Party Crazy Science Party STEM Beauty Camp® Party Artist Party Robotics Party

INFLATABLES CARNIVAL GAMES ROCK WALLS • ARCADE GAMES TRACKLESS TRAINS ARCADE GAMES • LASER TAG And more

Decorations, Pizza, Drinks, Cupcakes, Labs, Supplies, Balloons and Staffing

LASER SPORTING/THE BOUNCE HOUSE

BOOK NOW AT:

https://bookeo.com/thestemhangar www.thestemhangar.com • 678-304-0088 120 Arnold Mill Park, Ste 400 • Woodstock

24 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Party Planner

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

atlantaparent.com

LET’S EAT! Fun ideas for kid-friendly party food

Easy ice cream: Pre-scoop and freeze ice cream to make cake-serving time easier.

n Ice cream bowls: Press premade cookie dough into muffin tins, bake and cool; serve filled with ice cream and toppings. ahelicoptermom.com

n Mini chicken waffle sliders: Sandwich a baked chicken nugget between two toasted mini waffles. Serve with syrup for dipping. kimscravings.com n Mini-pizza party: Give each guest a prebaked crust; set out sauce and toppings in bowls and let them get creative! Before baking, place them on parchment-lined cookie sheets and use a pencil to write a name by each pizza. n Chocolate frogs: Coat 2 mini pretzels and a chocolate sandwich cookie in green candy bark. Press the cookie on top of the pretzels; add candy eyes and a tongue cut from a red fruit rollup. Chill until set. bakingandboys.com

n Fruity cones: Dip the top of an ice cream cone in melted chocolate, add sprinkles and chill until set.

Fill the cone with fresh fruit.

We Come To You!

Mobile Petting Zoo

Monkey - Kangaroo - Zebra - Camel - Goats - Mini Horse

Camel Rides

706-717-8837

www.samspathpettingzoo.com atlantaparent.com

Party Planner

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 25

Parties Fit for a Princess!

Fashion Runway Perfect Princess Girls Rock Spa-tacular!

Unicorn Mermaid

Sweetest Party Destination in Town!

Do you want to learn more about what Sweet & Sassy of Cumming has to offer?

Call 770-781-0300 to Book Now or for more information!

Enter to win a party from:

Win a Party

678-384-2020 adventureairsports.com

470-636-3230 nitrozone.com

PROMOTION brought to you by Atlanta Parent

Who loves birthday parties?

The kids!

678-965-5707 starsandstrikes.com

Who loves FREE birthday parties?

The parents!

470-545-7227 tinytowne.com

Win a birthday party for eight guests from Atlanta Parent’s party partners.

Did your child just celebrate their birthday?

No problem, you have until March 2020 to redeem.

treetopquest.com

Enter to win at atlantaparent.com/winaparty now through March 31!

26 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Party Planner

atlantaparent.com

Party Planner Whether you’re planning a birthday bash for 20 kids or a block party for 100, our Party Planner is your ultimate resource for finding entertainers, party places and everything you need to plan your event.

Listings provided by advertisers

Entertainers / Mobile Party Services/ Party Rentals Auntie Renee Storyteller auntiereneestoryteller.com Party entertainment for boys and girls. Includes storytelling, puppet shows, games, face painting, arts and crafts. 770-402-0564.

Clowning 4 You clowning4you.com The one-stop shop for event entertainment.

Clowning 4 You provides face painters, balloonists, clowns, costume characters, wait staff, event sitters, singing telegrams, lawn displays, magicians and more. 678-646-9741.

Dream Friends Entertainment dreamfriendsentertainment.com Costumed characters, live and themed entertainment for private and corporate events. All the family favorites. Local in Atlanta with 16 years in business. Over 250 party options. 404-319-0180.

Jason’s Music Party jasonsmusicparty.com A birthday concert for children! Interactive, live musical entertainment. Ages 1-7. $150 and up.

678-708-2321.

Kid’s Hop Skip and Jump kidshopskipjump.com Let Kid’s Hop Skip and Jump turn your party dreams into reality! Kid’s Hop Skip and Jump’s party inflatable rentals will make your child’s birthday party the talk of the neighborhood! What are you waiting for? Let us handle your party needs. Book your rental online or 470-633-9397.

Laser Sporting/The Bounce House lasersporting.com Toddler inflatables, bounce houses, interactive inflatables, carnival games, rock walls, arcade games, trackless trains, laser tag, tables and chairs and more. Serving metro Atlanta and beyond. 770-253-0407.

Little Red Barn littleredbarn.us Brings friendly, minature farm animals and ponies to you. For more information or to book text 678-493-5860.

Pampering Me Princess pmprincess.com Pampering me Princess is the premier mobile party company for girls! Offering fun and affordable Spa, Princess, and Sleepover parties.

Custom dessert tables and party favors are also available. 678-886-0609.

atlantaparent.com

Piccadilly Puppets piccadillypuppets.org Choose between several interactive puppet shows with stories and music. The birthday child receives a puppet. Make-a puppet activity also available. Ages 2-10. $185 and up.

404-636-0022.

Sam’s Path Mobile Petting Zoo samspathpettingzoo.com The petting zoo can come to you! Monkey, kangaroo, zebra, camel, lemur and farm animals. Camel and pony rides. $250 and up.

706-717-8837.

Science Creations sciencecreations.com Science Creations birthday parties are fun, interactive, & hands-on! It’s educational and fun.

Parents and kids love it! Chemical reactions, physical changes, magic tricks, slime- and ROCKET upgrades. 678-531-2357.

Party Places Adventure Air Sports adventureairsports.com Celebrate with fun-fitness and stress-free party packages. Essentials provided - pizza/ drinks, invites, set-up, cean-up, tableware and an Epic Experience with a personal host.

Packages include access to one of the largest Ninja Courses in the state, Dodgeball, Zip line, WipeOut, Climbing Wall & so much more!

Prices start at $279. 425 Ernest Barrett Pkwy NW, Kennesaw. 678-384-2020.

Atlanta Contact Point atlcp.org Your PLAY DAY is all about sports and activities!

Enjoy our indoor turf facility for soccer, dodgeball, capture the flag, Gaga, obstacle course, kickball, flag football, and more! Parties and camps! 404-423-3090.

The Art Barn theartbarn.com A small farm that’s big on fun! Celebrating Art, Animals, and Agriculture with an interactive experience. Birthdays, playdates, field trips, summer camps and more. Something for everyone. 678-319-0286.

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve autreymill.org Autrey Mill gives children the tools to safely explore the natural environment and the opportunity to find inspiration in preserving the past or what is under a log. 678-366-3511.

Party Planner

Once Upon a Ballet

Buck’s Sports Barn buckssportsbarn.com Buck’s is located in a barn built in the 1940s and offers themed and circus parties at your place or ours. Offers over 100 costumes and 30 professional performers.

404-869-8003.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta childrensmuseumatlanta.org A party at Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the perfect way to celebrate your child and provide a fun and memorable experience for your guests. Packages include private party room, party host, make-and-take science or art activity, and fun and exploration on the Museum’s interactive exhibit floor.

Discounts available for Museum Members.

275 Centennial Park Dr., Atlanta.

Circus Camp circuscamp.org Jump, twirl, spin and swing! Circus parties with aerial trapeze training and more.

Other circus arts available. Ages 5 and up.

404-370-0001.

Color Me Pink Party Palace colormepinkpartypalace.com Color Me Pink Party Palace is the ultimate day spa location, with fun for every princess.

Activities and parties for girls ages two years old and up. 770-679-4404.

Funopolis Family Fun Center funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com 11 acres of indoor/outdoor FUN for all ages.

Come to Funopolis and celebrate your next big birthday bash. Funopolis is the place where the Fun Begins and Never Ends for Birthdays! Try our new GLOW Parties!

Commerce. 706-335-3866.

Continued on page 28

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 27

A Birthday Concert for Your Child

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

678-708-2321

www.jasonsmusicparty.com

Party Planner Georgia Aquarium georgiaaquarium.org Having a premium party at Georgia Aquarium means all the fun of the aquarium without any of the stress of planning a party! Contact groupsales@georgiaaquarium.org for more information.

Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation gwinnettparks.com Various facilities available to rent for birthday parties, team celebrations, class parties, pools, gymnasiums, pavilions, community rooms.

770-822-8840.

Linda’s Riding School lindasridingschool.com Linda’s provides a unique setting for birthday parties or any special function. Party at our place or yours. One-hour parties include a demonstration for 15 minutes and ring-riding for 45 minutes. 770-922-0184.

The Little Gym thelittlegym.com An Awesome Birthday Bash at The Little Gym includes private use of the facility, paper goods, drinks for the kids and invitations. Have a classic The Little Gym Party, or choose from one of their themed parties. Alpharetta, 404-600-4894; Smyrna, 770-434-6661; Snellville, 770-982- 0901.

Musical Theater Center musicaltheateratl.com Musical Theater & Acting birthday parties full of music, acting, dance, games & more.

Professional teachers will lead your performers in a memorable end of party performance.

Show-offs Welcome!

Nitro Zone nitrozone.com Buckle up for an Explosive Birthday Party. Give your Child a Party they will never forget and parents will have a VIP experience for their child’s special day. Packages are custommade to provide reserved access to activities.

Peachtree Corners; 470-636-3230.

Linda’s Riding School Love Horses?

Linda's provides a unique setting for birthday parties or any special function. Activities include ring riding.

One-hour parties include a 15 minute demonstration and 45 minutes of ring-riding for $225.

ce Party aotr oyuorurspla!

Camps Lessons Trail riding

770-922-0184

www.lindasridingschool.com 28 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Once Upon a Ballet onceuponaballetatl.com Enchanted birthday parties with a choice of story ballet that includes costumes, props, dance & more! Professional & Nurturing teachers will leave your child with birthday memories that will last a lifetime! 404-964-0529.

Sky Zone skyzone.com Let Sky Zone plan a birthday party they’ll never forget! Sky Zone offers a variety of party packages to meet your needs! Locations: Kennesaw 678-426-4400, McDonough 770-914-9444, Newnan 678-745-9900, Roswell 678-745-9900, Suwanee 678-745-9900.

SS Airsoft ssairsoft.com Reserve a military-themed, replica bomb shelter for an Airsoft or Nerf Party! SS Airsoft offers up to 25 different types of battle games. Have the best birthday ever! 4729 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Sugar Hill. 678-714-6001.

Stars and Strikes starsandstrikes.com Brag worthy kids parties with more fun and less stress during the big day. Party packages for kids and teens with bowling, arcade, laser tag, bumper cars and more. Parties include party host and grown-up play date. Book your reservation online and party planners take care of the rest. 10 Georgia Locations; 678-965-5707.

The Steam Club thesteamclub.com Offering Studio Art Parties & Science Lab Parties. Kid themes include Rocket Lab, CSI Lab, Sweet Treats Lab, Canvas Painting, Special FX Studio & more. Grown-up themes include Canvas Painting, Paint-Your-Own Wine Glasses and Sip’n Spa. 770-321-4078.

The STEM Hangar thestemhangar.com The STEM Hangar offers amazing and fun all-inclusive parties – from aviation, science and robotics to STEAM Beauty and Artist! The STEM Hangar provides it all – decorations, food, all supplies, balloons, and staffing for one price – just show up! Woodstock. 678-224-6188.

Sweet & Sassy sweetandsassy.com Sweet & Sassy is the place to be for your little girl to have “wow” party experience! Sweet & Sassy offers Fashion Runway, Perfect Princess, Girls Rock, Spa-tacular, Mermaid, Unicorn Parties & more! Book the party of her dreams today! 678-931-8356.

Pettit Creek Farms pettitcreekfarms.com Farm animal birthday parties are great for kids of all ages. Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Cane Pole Fishing, Sports Field, and Picnic Tables/Gas Grills. 770-386-8688.

The Princess Room Parties theprincessroomparties.com Book your event at The Princess Room where we party with a purpose and every girl leaves empowered, enriched, and entertained.

678-768-7976.

Party Planner

Stars and Strikes

atlantaparent.com

Treetop Quest

Tiny Towne – Drive Safely tinytowne.com Indoor Park for aspiring drivers, ages 3-15.

Learn the rules of the road, drive, ride, play, eat and party! Private party room and packages.

Packages are $249 and up. 2055 Beaver Ruin Rd., Norcross. 470-265-6665.

Treetop Quest treetopquest.com Family-friendly treetop obstacle course and zip lines for kids starting at 4 years old! Tightropes, rope swings, slides, net bridges and more. Birthday parties are complete with goody bags and exciting add-on activities at each location! Buford: 404-277-6113 and Dunwoody: 770-365-0356.

Tumble Bus tumblebusatlanta.com Acrobats and gymnasts...Our gym comes to you! Rock climbing walls, trampoline, monkey bars and more. Ages 2-6. 770-529-5771.

Zoo Atlanta zooatlanta.org Be a party animal! Celebrate birthday parties at Zoo Atlanta. Includes 90-minute pavilion rental, admission and catering for 16 guests.

Additional entertainment options available.

Contact specialevents@zooatlanta.org or 404-624-5650.

Located in the middle of Buckhead, BUCK’S SPORT BARN is a multifaceted event and sport venue located in a 4,000 sq. ft. barn built in the ‘40s.

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

Circus and Themed Parties for All ages with 30 Performers and 100 plus Costumes

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

We also offer Classes in Circus Arts, Ninja Parkour, Tumbling and Team Acrobatics

404-869-8003 www.buckssportsbarn.com atlantaparent.com

Party Planner

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 29

Fun South of the (Georgia) Florida is Georgia’s backyard playground – so close and so much to do, the beaches are just a bonus. Head south for a trip the family will never forget. Try these ideas.

Tallahassee

North Florida l Air Force Armament Museum, Fort Walton Beach. Kids can climb into the cockpit of a fighter plane, see vintage military aircraft and armament from World War I on, or test their skills in a cockpit simulator. afarmamentmuseum.com l The Challenger Learning Center, Tallahassee. The center fosters interest in science and space, with a Space Mission Simulator, an IMAX 3D theater, and a Digital Dome Theatre and Planetarium. ChallengerTLH.com. l The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Jacksonville. Art Connections lets kids explore art through touch-friendly computer technology. Special activities for kids are the third Saturday of each month. cummermuseum.org l Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Jacksonville. Stroll the grounds with more than 1,000 plants and 2,000 animals and touch a stingray and pygmy goat or feed a giraffe or lorikeet. jacksonvillezoo.com

l National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola. The world’s largest naval aviation museum has more than 150 restored aircraft, giant screen theater and flight simulators.

Time your visit to see the Blue Angels practice. navalaviationmuseum.org l Pier Park, Panama City Beach.

Play lasertag or climb on amusement rides, see an IMAX movie, listen to live music, attend a seafood festival or other special event, dine in a fun restaurant, and shop for most anything at this destination park. visitpanamacitybeach.com l Seacrest Wolf Preserve, Chipley.

Reserving a Wolf Encounter Tour will get families close enough to pet these beautiful animals in this preserve just west of Tallahassee. (Kids must be age 10 or older.) seacrestwolfpreserve.org

l Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville. The Art Explorium Loft lets kids create in interactive art stations; in one station, they build a scarecrow from household objects. mocajacksonville.unf.edu

l Tallahassee Museum, Tallahassee. Visit the galleries, then see exotic animals outdoors, walk nature trails or take the Tree to Tree Adventures zip line course for children and adults. tallahasseemuseum.org

l Museum of Science & History, Jacksonville. A current exhibit, Backyard Adventures, lets visitors discover the outdoors from the perspective of a bee, see plants grow digitally super fast, and play mini-golf. The planetarium also is a big draw. themosh.org

l The Tallahassee Automobile Museum, Tallahassee. See an eclectic collection, with everything from Abraham Lincoln’s hearse carriage to a Batmobile and Batman movie memorabilia. tacm.com

Central Florida

Jacksonville

l Busch Gardens, Tampa. For kids and adults who love roller coasters, this is the place; for those who don’t, the theme park offers other amusement rides, 12,000 animals, live entertainment and more. buschgardens.com l Crystal River, Fla. Swim with a manatee or just observe these giants in their winter gathering place from boardwalks or on a boat tour. More than 1,000 converge to enjoy the warm spring waters. discovercrystalriverfl.com

Orlando

l Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier, Daytona Beach. Take in a concert or enjoy thrill rides, arcade games, shops and restaurants and nightly fireworks in spring and summer. daytonabeach. com/boardwalk

Miami

South Florida l Edison Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers. Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb and the phonograph, and Henry Ford, the inventor of the Model-T, had sideby-side estates that are fascinating to tour. edisonfordwinterestates.org l Everglades National Park, Homestead.

Stop at Coe Visitor’s Center for maps and information, then take a 45-minute drive to see crocodiles and manatees and the amazing Florida Bay. At the Shark Valley entrance, hop on the tram or take an airboat tour. nps.gov/ever

Tallahassee Museum

30 Atlanta Parent March 2019

l Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Sarasota. View sharks, manatees, sea turtles and more and learn about the center’s marine research and sealife rescues. mote.org

atlantaparent.com

l The Florida Aquarium, Tampa. Exhibits focus on Florida’s sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs. Plan ahead: Bring a swimsuit for the splashpad or reserve a time to swim with sharks or other sea creatures. flaquarium.org

l LEGOLAND Florida, Winter Haven. Rides, shows and even a water park pay tribute to everyone’s favorite childhood toy, and LEGO Movie World opens this month. legoland.com

l Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville. Visit a Butterfly Rainforest and Florida Fossils, along with other exhibits displaying Florida’s natural history. flmnh.ufl.edu.

l Oldest House Museum Complex, St. Augustine. A mustsee tour that includes Florida’s oldest house, two museums, a changing exhibition gallery, an ornamental garden and museum store. saintaugustinehistoricalsociety.org/ oldest-house-museum-complex/.

l Gatorland, Orlando. This 110-acre theme park is teeming with more than 2,000 alligators and offers live shows and zipline thrills. gatorland.com l GatorWorld Parks, Wildwood. More than 400 alligators swim and feed in this drivethrough park near Orlando, and guests can feed the gators from an observation platform. gatorworldparks.com l ICON Orlando, Orlando. This huge observation wheel soars 400 feet, with a view of the Kennedy Space Center and the East Coast on a 25-minute tour. iconorlando.com

Some things you just can’t visit anywhere but the Sunshine State.

l SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando.

Watch the amazing feats trained marine animals can perform, take a thrill ride or swim with a dolphin. seaworld.com

l Mission San Luis, Tallahassee. At Mission San Luis, you enter a 1703 community, where Apalachee Indians and Spanish newcomers lived together. missionsanluis.org.

l Tampa Museum, Tampa. Art Spot every Saturday afternoon features a different beginner art project for kids; on the Imagination Playground, kids can build creations with giant blocks. tampamuseum.org

l Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. The gardens’ Hammock Hollow is an outdoor playground for kids full of the wonder of plants, animals and art. The Singing Tower carillon has entertained visitors since 1929. boktower.org

l Walt Disney World, Orlando.

Even if you’ve been, there’s always a new reason to go back to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. disneyworld. disney.go.com

l The Ringling Circus Museum, Sarasota. Stroll through the 44,000-piece hand-carved miniature circus display, climb into a clown car, balance on the wire, see costumes and circus wagons and more. ringling.org/circus-museum

atlantaparent.com

Iconic Florida

l Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine.

Roaming the old fort is a fun and painless history lesson about the clash of cultures – the Native Americans and Spanish settlers. nps.gov/casa l Daytona International Speedway, Daytona.

Even if you’ve never watched a Daytona 500 race, you’ll be fascinated by the Motorsports Hall of Fame and the tram ride that takes you onto the track. daytonainternationalspeedway.com l Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral.

Kids love the Shuttle Launch Experience, the Astronaut Training Simulators and tours with an astronaut. kennedyspacecenter.com l St. Augustine Lighthouse, St. Augustine.

Of Florida’s 29 lighthouses, this one, built in 1874, may be iconic. Climb the 219 stairs to the top (must be at least 44 inches tall) for a great view, then visit the 1876 keeper’s quarters, now a museum. staugustinelighthouse.com

l Seaquarium, Miami. Swim with a dolphin or take in exhibits of manatees, sea turtles, penguins and stingrays while learning about marine life. miamiseaquarium.com l Truman’s Little White House and the Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West. Learn the highlights of President Harry S. Truman’s White House years at his Florida getaway, and see where Ernest Hemingway lived and worked – kids will love the six-toed cats that roam the property. trumanlittlewhitehouse.com; hemingwayhome.com

Kennedy Space Center

l Safari Wilderness, Lakeland.

Visit this 260-acre ranch for close encounters with eland, waterbuck and Grant’s zebra, to ride a camel or take a kayak safari and more. safariwilderness.com

l Universal Orlando, Orlando. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a huge draw, as is the new water park, Volcano Bay. universalorlando.com

LEGOLAND Florida

Photo by Spark for Visit Florida

Border

l Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs is one of Florida’s oldest attractions, recalling the Florida of 1947, when the show began. Visitors also see wildlife and can cruise the river on a pontoon boat. weekiwachee.com

The Ringling Circus Museum

l Mixon Farms, Bradenton. Take an hour-long Orange Blossom Tram Tour of the groves, past gator pens, to see what Florida looked like when groves covered miles and miles; let kids run off steam in the play area. mixonfarms.com

Cont’d on page 32

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 31

© Disney, © Disney/Pixar

Fun South of the (Georgia) Border

C’mon! Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples

Just for Kids When kids need a break from all the excitement of new places, it’s time to play “pretend” and just be kids. l C’mon! Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, Naples. Children can make art in a kid-sized studio, or become a weather forecaster, farmer, chef, fisherman, architect or veterinarian; special activities each day encourage kids to try something new. cmon.org l Boca Raton Children’s Museum, Boca Raton. All of the hands-on activities will keep kids engaged, from a multicultural dress-up room, to a pirate ship, a bank and supermarket. cmboca.org

INFINITE ENERGY ARENA APR 25 – 28 DisneyOnIce.com

l Crayola Experience, Orlando. This attraction inside the Florida Mall has 25 activities for kids, including animating their creations on a big screen and seeing how crayons are made. crayolaexperience.com l Explorations V Children’s Museum, Lakeland. Kids can explore, learn and imagine using their five senses in three floors of hands-on activities. explorationsv.com l Great Explorations Children’s Museum, St. Petersburg. Kids younger than age 10 will have a grand time in imaginative play. greatex.org

APS is caring

l Miami Children’s Museum, Miami. From a Music Makers Studio to a Health and Wellness Center, there’s something to engage every kid. miamichildrensmuseum.org

Caring for parents and students.

Do you know a child who resides within the city of Atlanta in need of special education services?

Atlanta Public Schools Child Find services can open a window of hope for a brighter future for infants, children and young adults identified with a disability or developmental delay.

For more information, call the Dept. of Special Education at 404-802-1609 or 404-802-2665.

Crayola Experience

32 Atlanta Parent March 2019

atlantaparent.com

Montessori School at Emory

Montessori for Big Kids

by Janeen Lewis

When Pilita Mallari and Jared Hudson were looking for a preschool for their 3-year-old daughter, Sabena, they toured Counterpane Montessori School in Fayetteville.

When most people think of Montessori, they envision young students at work with math manipulatives, kitchen tools and art supplies. But like many parents, Mallari and Hudson discovered Montessori isn’t just for little kids.

As the couple visited the upper grades’ room, they were impressed with activities like one student researching the differences between Russian and Asian languages while another focused on a chemistry project.

“One of the things that caught our attention was how quiet the room was even though there were about 20 students working individually or with peers,” Mallari says.

They realized Montessori would be perfect for Hudson’s daughter and Mallari’s stepdaughter, 12-year-old Eleanor. So in August, both Sabena and Eleanor started at Counterpane.

“It has been a one-eighty for Eleanor,” says Mallari, who also attended Counterpane until she was in the first grade. “Eleanor always loved school, but before she didn’t want to raise her hand to answer questions. We went for the parent observation day and she didn’t just answer the questions, her arm would shoot up and she would be so excited to talk in class. Whenever we have a school break, by Monday or Tuesday she wants to go back.”

Montessori at Every Age Montessori in the upper grades includes many of the same hallmarks of a Montessori education in the younger years. Student-centered and interdisciplinary, children learn about their own natural curiosities and inclinations, and learn life skills such as cleaning, cooking and gardening. Montessori students in upper grades also learn in multi-age classrooms just as their younger counterparts do.

Michelle Haggerty, Director of Education at Atlanta Montessori International School on Cliff Valley Way, says the adolescent program continues on the foundation that elementary builds.

“A high level of independence, self-direction and confidence is fostered,” Haggerty says. “They really are agents of their own learning.”

Just like in younger grades, students are taught to respect each other, contribute to their community and embrace learning.

“The ultimate goal is helping these kids develop a lifetime love of learning,” says Karen Minvielle, Admissions and College Counselor at Counterpane.

Cont’d on page 36

atlantaparent.com

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 35

Montessori for Big Kids When Montessori Meets Tweens and Teens Once Montessori students start seventh grade, some things change. Through sixth grade, Montessori students use manipulatives every time, with every lesson. But in seventh grade, students are at a different developmental level.

Atlanta’s Springmont, the oldest Montessori in the Southeast, serves students through the eighth grade. Julie Strickland, Marketing and Communications Manager at Springmont, says Montessori middle school is a natural extension of what is taught in the earlier grades.

“It is also a time of preparation for students’ transitions into more traditional learning environments,” Strickland says.

This includes subject-specific teachers, defined class periods and an integration of Montessori philosophy with Georgia’s Standards of Excellence.

“Teachers are seen as mentors and are keenly aware of time-tested research on the social, emotional and developmental needs of early adolescents,” Strickland says.

At Montessori School at Emory, middle school students’ daily routine is similar to a traditional school, says Ashley Beasely, Admissions Administrator. Students use lockers, classes start and end at regular intervals, work is assigned and evaluated, and concepts are tested.

“The approach, however, is entirely Montessori,’ says Beasley. “It provides students with the experiences and skills that they will need in order to build a foundation Why Montessori is Different For Kids n No quizzes, tests, or grades n No homework (at least not until adolescence) n Kids can talk to their friends and do school work in groups n Kids learn to do things for themselves n “Going Out” – field trips chosen and planned by students n Kids can investigate and learn about what interests them n Kids work at their own pace For Parents n Kids learn to keep track of their own school work n Kids learn to cook n Kids learn to clean up after themselves n Kids are excited to go to school and usually develop a love of learning

36 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Counterpane Montessori School

of life-long learning and to be successful in any secondary school setting.”

“Students are shifting into more abstraction,” says Mary Olivia Harrison, a humanities guide in the upper grades at Counterpane, which goes through 12th grade. “Their materials are books and laptops. They are having seminars and developing their own ideas and deciding on projects for the group. They have to do subject area work because there are high school graduation requirements, so they have different guides for different subjects.”

Up until the middle grade years in Montessori, there are no quizzes, tests or grades.

When Montessori students reach seventh grade, however, they start transitioning into earning grades to prepare them for high school. Grades count from ninth grade on at Counterpane because they will go on student transcripts.

Once Montessori students start seventh grade, some things change.

Through sixth grade, Montessori students use manipulatives every time, with every lesson. But in seventh grade, students are at a different developmental level.

‘Going Out’ and Practical Life Skills Students of all age levels in Montessori are taught practical life skills. They bake, cook, grow herbs and organic vegetable gardens, and take care of class pets and other animals like goats and chickens. They also participate in “Going Out” or field trips to interact with the world. Students often use practical life skills to plan and implement these trips.

This year the middle school students at the Atlanta Montessori International School are planning a trip to Puerto Rico. To fund the Going Out, students have to develop a “micro economy” or business. One way the students raised money was to plan a Mystery Dinner Theatre. They made a spaghetti dinner and performed a play for a sold-out audience.

Springmont

Cont’d on page 38

atlantaparent.com

Spotlight on Montessori Schools Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead

Montessori School at Emory

he goal at Carlisle is to follow Dr. Maria Montessori’s educational methods and philosophy in guiding and nurturing the “Whole Child,” both academically and socially. At Carlisle, each child is provided a strong Montessori foundation in the most important first six years of life, which provides opportunities for leadership, purposeful independence, sense of community, and critical thinking skills.

Carlisle aim’s to provide a beautiful, safe and challenging environment that inspires independence, creativity, social consciousness, personal responsibility and a love for learning. The classrooms are intimate, and Guides strive for daily excellence, both in the environment and instruction.

Parents can be sure the Montessori education their children receive is of the very highest quality.

The hands-on curriculum includes: language, math, science, geography, sensorial, practical life, art, music, Spanish, care of self, care of the environment, gardening, environmental awareness, cooking, social graces, respect, accountability and problem solving. AMI Accredited Carlisle Montessori welcomes children ages 18 months–6 years for year-round programs. Visit carlislemontessori.com or call to schedule a tour at 404-949-0053.

ontessori School at Emory was founded over 25 years ago becoming accredited as a Montessori School in 1993. With over 175 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.

Montessori School at Emory offers several options. Full day, half day, 10 month or year round formats are available.

Afternoon enrichment programs are also offered from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., in which children enjoy experiences in the creative arts and sciences such as music, art and foreign language. Also, early morning drop-off is available at 7 a.m. For more information about the Montessori School at Emory, call 404-634-5777 or visit MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com.

Springmont School

The Suzuki School

T

A

s the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, Springmont offers students 18 months through Middle School hands-on, experiential learning in a thoughtfully-prepared environment that includes multi-aged classes, speciallydesigned materials and highly-experienced teachers who guide students’ curiosity towards meaningful discoveries.

Classrooms are large, light-filled and aesthetically pleasing while the outdoor campus with its many natural areas, class gardens and farm animals afford rich outdoor science lessons. Opportunities to build skills through collaboration, inquiry and presentation help students develop socially, emotionally and academically.

Springmont’s Middle School prepares students for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools as well as life beyond academics. Students run micro-economies, participate in internships, and compete in regional academic competitions.

Opportunities to hone time-management skills, experience active leadership roles, articulate complex ideas, and work both independently and in diverse groups allow students to become engaged learners. Springmont School – Extraordinary

by Design. Learn more at springmont.com atlantaparent.com

M

T

he Suzuki School, located at three campuses in Atlanta, is a SACS-accredited private preschool for children between 3 months and 6 years of age. Founded in 1976, The Suzuki School is based on the philosophy and teaching methods of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and Maria Montessori, whose work in the education of young children is internationally recognized. The Suzuki philosophy affirms that learning begins at birth. The school’s mission is to develop in young children a lifelong love of learning by nurturing each child’s natural talent and ability in partnership with the parents. A low student/teacher ratio assures that each child receives focused attention from degreed teachers in a collaborative setting. Because the physical environment is so important in both of these teaching philosophies, the school’s three facilities, designed by nationally-known architectural firms, utilize color, art, nature, and music to stimulate young minds, while the inside of the classroom is designed to stimulate the independence and growth of each child.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. For more detailed information about the Suzuki School, please visit the website at www.suzukischool.com, or contact the Admissions Director at 404-841-3939.

Special Advertising Section

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 37

Montessori for Big Kids “When they organize their field trips they learn accounting, marketing and managing of employees,” says Sue Hansen, Head of School at the Atlanta Montessori International School.

At Springmont, the middle school experience includes an annual week-long trip to either Washington, D.C. or an ecologicallyimportant destination, says Strickland.

Students also participate in several microeconomy efforts such as Carpool Cafes, which is a weekly lunch delivery service, an annual Fall Festival, concession and flower sales at school performances and the sale of organic, campus-hatched eggs.

At Montessori School at Emory, students run a restaurant called the Elf Owl Café and are developing a furniture business, Beasley says. In the café the students count the cash drawer, make bank deposits with the teacher, plan menus, test recipes, and plan purchases.

College Prep in Montessori Counterpane is one of the few Montessori schools in Georgia and the country that go through the high school level, and there are several ways the school prepares students for college.

What is the Montessori Method?

One way is to emulate a college environment in the classroom.

“Many things may be happening at the same time – there might be some group work, some individual work,” Minvielle says.

“That is a life skill – being able to focus and concentrate when people are around you doing different things.”

Counterpane students also have to track their own assignments and their own deadlines.

“That is a life skill that’s more like college,” Minvielle says. “You know when your classes are. You get a syllabus and you have to be at your classes, and have your work done.”

Minvielle also says students preparing for college have to do two year-long research projects with a typed Modern Language Association (MLA) paper and oral defense, and seniors have to keep track of all their college application deadlines.

And this independent learning pays off. Minvielle says since 1992 one hundred percent of Counterpane graduates have been accepted into college. Last school year every graduate qualified for the HOPE scholarship, and half of those qualified for the Zell Miller level of the HOPE. Cont’d on page 40

Montessori is an educational method started

by Italian physician Dr. Maria Montessori after she made scientific observations of how children learn naturally. She opened the first Montessori school in Rome in 1907 and the approach quickly became a popular way to educate children around the world.

Here are some of the hallmarks of the Montessori Method: n Child-centered n Multi-age groupings n Children work at their own pace n Uninterrupted work periods n Teachers are guides – they don’t stand at the front of the room and lecture n Doesn’t use extrinsic motivation or rewards (there are no quizzes, tests or grades until adolescence) n Students don’t use desks – they sit at tables or on work mats and move around the room n Uses hands-on materials such as towers, beads and puzzles for every lesson through sixth grade n Classrooms are orderly, attractive, prepared environments n Adolescent program includes presentations, seminars, debates, individual contracts, group projects and team meetings

a school where your child learns

HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

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

Montessori School at Emory

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

Accredited Toddler Through Middle School Programs 38 Atlanta Parent March 2019

atlantaparent.com

atlantaparent.com

March 2019    Atlanta Parent 39

Montessori for Big Kids The Benefits of Montessori for Big Kids

Education that Inspires Discovery Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead implements an environment that inspires independence, creativity, personal responsibility, and a love for learning. Each Education Inspires Discovery child is provided athat optimum foundation in the most Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead implements an environment that inspires important first six years of life. independence, creativity, personal responsibility, and a love for learning. Each

child is provided an optimum foundation in the most important first six years of life.

Education that Schedule a Tour Today.

Inspires Discovery

404-949-0053| |CarlisleMontessori.com CarliseMontessori.com 404-949-0053 Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead implements an environment that inspires independence, creativity, personal responsibility, and a love for learning. Each child is provided a optimum foundation in the most important first six years of life.

Gems Learning Academy Infants to Pre-K

l

After-School Programs

l

Summer Camp

404-949-0053 | CarliseMontessori.com

Join the GEMS family!

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

Affordable rates

l

Multiple Discounts available

Enrolling now for Free GA PreK

770-306-6133 gemslearningacademy.com 40 Atlanta Parent March 2019

l

8850 Highpoint Rd., Union City 30291

Montessori middle school students who transition to more traditional high schools benefit from their Montessori background.

“High school principals often comment that Springmont students are unusually engaged in their own learning and interested in subjects beyond the class requirements, comfortable approaching teachers and advocating for themselves, socially-conscious and informed, and well-prepared for leadership roles,” Strickland says. “We credit this to the carefully-designed, intentional balance between responsibility and freedom in an environment that encourages students to challenge themselves, try new things, and learn from mistakes and failures.”

Montessori middle school students who transition to more traditional high schools benefit from their Montessori background.

Beasley says Montessori benefits middle schoolers socially. “Because Montessori middle schools have smaller class sizes, this really gives the opportunity to be who they are as individuals,” Beasley says. “This gives them the chance to try different personalities without criticism and judgment. They often leave confidently knowing who they are and what they like, ready to make their mark in society.”

Harrison says the authentic work upper grades’ students do at Montessori is beneficial. “It’s very important for the adolescent to be connected to the place where they are,” she says. “If the work doesn’t feel real, they feel like they are just going through the motions and they disconnect from it.”

This is one of the reasons Eleanor is flourishing at her new school.

“She is much more engaged with school.

Rather than just showing up and doing whatever they say, she is more excited about school,” Mallari says.

Hansen says that Montessori offers the benefit of critical thinking skills to adolescent students. “When you empower children like that, they are so happy to be here, they skip through the door,” Hansen says. “I feel that my kids become the best versions of who they are.” atlantaparent.com

Montessori Schools

Interested in exploring a Montessori education for your child?

Learn more about these great area schools.

404-321-9304 / arbormontessori.org

404-949-0053 / carlislemontessori.com

770-205-6277 montessoriacademysharonsprings.com

404-634-5777 / MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com

404-252-3910 / springmont.com

404-841-3939 / suzukischool.com

atlantaparent.com

Arbor Montessori School gives each child a unique educational experience, which determines how they learn and will feel about learning for the rest of their lives. Their curiosity and imagination will flourish as they move through the curriculum at their own pace. Children blossom in Arbor’s nurturing environment based on mutual respect, empowerment, and selfreliance. Since 1970, Arbor Montessori has been inspiring children ages 18 months to 14 years at two Decatur campuses.

Carlisle Montessori of Buckhead provides a strong foundation in the most important first six years of life, which creates opportunities for leadership, purposeful 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. Atlanta.

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs is proud to offer a high quality individualized Montessori education experience, focused on fostering independence combined with a sense of community and global awareness, in each and every child. Serving children 8 weeks-18 years with a rich and rewarding Montessori experience providing a comprehensive method of education resulting from an integration of research on development, learning, curriculum and teaching.

Montessori School at Emory was founded over 25 years ago becoming accredited as a Montessori School in 1993. With over 175 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.

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.

The Suzuki School thrives with a mission to develop a lifelong love of learning, by nurturing each child’s natural talent and ability in partnership with the parents.

A low student/teacher ratio assures each child receives focused attention from degreed teachers in a collaborative setting. The Suzuki School, located at three campuses in Atlanta, is a SACS-accredited private preschool for children between 3 months and 6 years of age.

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 41

Science

n

Technology

n

Engineering

n

Arts

n

Mathematics

Get kids engaged in fields that are changing the world. Foster interest, take a field trip or try a project at home.

A LOOK AT

STEAM 69 The number of STEM/ STEAM certified schools in Georgia (about 250 more are seeking certification) Georgia Department of Education

Warp Speed!

Jobs in STEM/STEAM fields have grown 79 percent since 1990 and are projected to grow 13 percent in the next 10 years.

Pew Research Center

$87,570 The average annual salary for STEM/STEAM jobs; non-STEAM occupations pay an average of $45,700 annually.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

No. 1

The Washington Post and U.S. News & World Report ranked the Gwinnett School of Math, Science and Technology as the top school in Georgia. The Post ranked it 40 nationwide and U.S. News ranked it 31.

18% Percentage of computer science undergrads who are women, though women earn 57 percent of all bachelor’s degrees.

National Center for Education Statistics atlantaparent.com

50-50 Odds Nationwide, only 50 percent of high schools offer calculus, and only 63 percent offer physics.

U.S. Department of Education

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 43

RAISE A STEAM LOVER

by Janeen Lewis

STEAM has grown in popularity in recent years as a way to educate children for the 21st century. Foster a love of STEAM at home with these fun and easy ideas.

Create a kitchen science lab with common ingredients. Make ice cream in a zip-top bag, make butter from heavy cream in a mason jar or grow geodes in eggshells.

Science Children are inquisitive and love relevant, hands-on experiments. Here are some easy ways to inspire kids to dive into science.

Give them a strong start. Use scientific words and make exploring a part of everyday life.

Welcome questions such as “why is the sky blue?” Questioning is a first step in the scientific method.

Encourage household problem-solving.

Bread dough that doesn’t rise, an inside door that sticks in summer or an insect infestation in the garden are gateways to hypotheses, experiments and answers.

44 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Have a blast – literally! Many safe experiments involve things that erupt. Make a papier-mâché baking soda and vinegar volcano. Drop Mentos in a 2-liter soda or launch a bottle rocket. Discuss the science behind the blast.

Grow a garden. Start seedlings from kitchen vegetable seeds or trimmings.

Relate science to hobbies. Learn the physics behind hitting a fastball with a bat or discuss how a gymnast balances on a beam.

Fun Field Trips: n Fernbank Science Center n Atlanta Science Festival n Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center n Michael C. Carlos Museum n Discover Science Center n Museum of Aviation, Robbins Air Force Base n Bodies...The Exhibition n Chattahoochee Nature Center

Technology Most parents set screen time boundaries. But kids love devices, and future jobs will require technology.

Embrace the benefits that build technology skills.

Make the computer your friend. Teach your child how to do research, make brochures for school projects and use spreadsheets for chores and allowance. Let your child research places to visit for a family trip.

Start coding early. Check out code.org to find fun ways kids can code online or without technology. Other online coding sites to try are Codeacademy, Kodable, Lightbot, Scratch and Tynker.

atlantaparent.com

Teach kids the Engineering Design Process (check out a kid-friendly version at teachengineering.com).

Borrow a how-to-draw book from the library.

Step-by-step directions will give your child more confidence.

Let them join a LEGO Robotics Club.

Sculpt with air-dry clay. Your child doesn’t need a pottery wheel for clay creations.

Keep building supplies on hand. Try wooden blocks, K’nex, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys and Duplo bricks. Keep cardboard, paper towel tubes and cereal boxes. Pair edibles like cheese, grapes and marshmallows with toothpicks or pretzels for building.

Encourage children to complete tower building challenges with notecards or old playing cards and no additional materials.

Create catapults using craft sticks, spoons, drink lids, rubber bands and pom-poms.

Build a Rube Goldberg machine out of household materials. This machine is intentionally designed to perform a simple task through a series of complex chain reactions. To learn more, visit rubegoldberg.com.

Listen to a variety of music genres to open your child’s mind to different artists and styles.

Sign your child up for a creative writing class.

Read poetry books.

Fun Field Trips: n High Museum of Art n Fox Theatre n Callandwolde Fine Arts Center n Hammonds House Museum n Center for Puppetry Arts n Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

Join a radio control club. Planes, helicopters and boats often inspire children. Building their own encourages creativity and problem-solving.

Build a miniature roller coaster using materials such as pipe insulation, marbles, cups and duct tape. Watch them take their creativity for a ride.

Introduce Raspberry Pi. Kids can use this card-sized single board computer for basic programming.

Let them make a stop-motion video. Some apps to try: Lego Movie Maker, Stop Motion Studio, Lapse It, iStopMotion and Clayframes.

Fun Field Trips: n LEGOLAND Discovery Center n Southeastern Railway Museum n Delta Flight Museum n Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum n The Children Connect Museum, Newnan

Embrace digital tools in schoolwork.

Try dictionary.com, thesaurus.com and khanacademy.com. Explore study aid apps such as Tinycards and use apps like myHomework and My GradeBook.

Arts Children can be artists by painting, drawing, sculpting, singing, playing an instrument, dancing or writing. Take note of inclinations in these areas and foster a love of the arts.

Inspire creativity. Immerse your home in different types of art. Listen to music, collect art or art books.

Engineering Does your child love LEGO blocks or Minecraft? Does she want to take apart the toaster or fix the cell phone when it breaks? She may be a promising engineer. Try these ways to encourage a budding engineer. atlantaparent.com

There are many ways to make math relevant and interesting. If you hated math in school, don’t project it onto your child! Research shows that most children can succeed at math.

Teach number sense. Work through problemsolving logic with your child. Promote math discussions with books such as “Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late” by Laura Overdeck.

Check out Texas Instruments’ “STEM Behind Cool Careers” (https://education.ti.com/en/ activities/stem/gen-stem) for videos connecting algebra, geometry and physics to jobs like fashion design, flying jets and more.

Fun Field Trips: n Science and Technology Museum of Atlanta n Museum of Design Atlanta n CNN Center n Atlanta Movie Tours n AT&T Telephone Museum

Math

Be positive. Even if you don’t think you’re good at art, try some art mediums along with your child. He or she will be more willing to try, too.

Stock up on art supplies. Water colors, finger paints, crayons, colored pencils, pastels, construction paper, sketch books and origami paper are some examples.

Experiment with evaporation art. Mix salt with water and paint and have your child predict what will happen to the salt and water.

Cook or bake together. Measuring, equivalent fractions and conversions are all part of recipe building.

Try grocery store math. Have kids weigh enough produce without going over a dollar amount, compare prices for the best buys and stay within a weekly budget.

Measure the miles. When going on family outings, calculate the miles and time it will take to get there and how much the gas will cost.

Assign chores and give an allowance. They’ll be asking you for ice cream and movie money anyway, so why not teach practical budgeting skills in the process?

Fun Field Trips: n The Apex Museum n Atlanta Monetary Museum/ Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta n Children’s Museum of Atlanta

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 45

Inspiring Innovation Preschool - Grade 12 mountvernonschool.org/curiosity

Children have BIG ideas.

At Mount Vernon, we believe when teachers know their students’ curiosities and passions, incredible things can happen.

46 Atlanta Parent March 2019

atlantaparent.com

atlantaparent.com

March 2019    Atlanta Parent 47

SCIENCE is All Around Us

by Amanda Miller Allen

The data is in and the conclusion is indisputable: STEAM opportunities for metro Atlanta kids have grown exponentially in the past year. In everyday language, that’s more and more rapidly. A common theme of the STEAM programs across metro Atlanta is to help students see science all around them.

Kids participate in a design challenge to simulate ways to place a sensor into a volcano during the Chief Science Officers’ Summer Institute at Georgia Tech.

“If they can see the benefits of science in their everyday lives, they gain a better appreciation of it,” says Meisa Salaita, cofounder of Science ATL, which will offer year-round programs and events. “Atlanta is truly a science city – home to tremendous learning opportunities and a variety of STEM careers.”

Some highlights in science, technology, engineering, art and math education: The Atlanta Science Festival has expanded, a new $20 million STEM building has ramped up enthusiasm at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School and Atlanta International School’s Space Program has students preparing an experiment for the International Space Station.

Outside the classroom, kids are finding opportunities to learn with field trips to museums and nature centers, in school clubs, at summer STEAM camps and with board games or computer games that teach critical thinking and strategy.

This year’s Atlanta Science Festival will be bigger, with many events for kids, adults and families already sold out. Previous festivals have drawn more than 53,000 attendees, with some families driving hours to attend. (More on the Science Festival, page 60.)

Festival organizers were inspired to create Science ATL, which already has launched a number of programs, including a monthly calendar of STEAM events and a fellowship program in communication skills for post graduate students.

A fun event coming up May 4, the 5K Race Through Space at Piedmont Park, will have runners racing from the Sun to Neptune, and a 1-mile Fun Run will go from the Sun to Saturn. Along the race route, students from nine schools will hold posters, dress in costumes and shout out facts as the runners pass each planet. The Earth appears fairly early in the route, but Neptune is a long, long, long way away. Find out more at scienceatl.org.

At Holy Innocents’, students taking computer science courses have doubled – and that’s only one result of the STEM building that opened in 2015. Two more: An engineering course has expanded to a three-year program and art students are creating

Characteristics of STEM Learning Activities that meet these criteria help build on kids’ natural curiosity and interest in the world: n Learning grounded in real-world problems or phenomena that kids care about.

n Kids take ownership of learning, including planning and carrying out investigations.

n Kids collaborate and connect with peers. n Kids experience and learn from failure, to understand it is a critical component of STEM learning.

n Kids identify key questions and/or define problems for investigation.

n Kids use mathematical and/or computational thinking. n Kids create models, construct explanations, and/or design solutions based on evidence.

Students at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School work on an art project featuring 4,500 coded LED lights.

48 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Source: Shari Liss, CEO of Ignited, igniteducation.org

atlantaparent.com

digital art pieces and, in partnership with SCAD, tackling design challenges for corporate clients.

The engineering students built and programmed a robot to lead visitors around a section of the High Museum. The project is part of a three-year, Engineer Your World program with emphasis on solving real world problems.

In a digital art piece, Holy Innocents’ students are using laser cutters to make panels, and motion-capture technology to program 4,500 LED lights that will seem to follow you as you view the piece.

The Atlanta International School’s Space Program, launched this year, involves students from sixth- to 10thgrade, who designed and built a compact module for an experiment with slime mold. The module will launch to the Space Station in April for the 30-day experiment, testing whether the mold uses gravity to find its way as it grows.

This type of experiment has never been done, so the mold may use gravity – or not – but either way, the students will have advanced knowledge on how it operates.

Once the module returns to Earth, they’ll spend early summer analyzing data, and develop an algorithm that explains how the mold’s growth patterns and mazesolving ability differ in the absence of gravity. They’ll be consulting with MIT researchers and preparing a presentation for a scientific conference.

The school also is working with students at Garden Hills Elementary School on programming a LEGO robot on board the Space Station.

She’s a Real STEMbassador

A

sk 14-year-old Skylar Slone about a career and she doesn’t hesitate: Software Engineer.

“I enjoy experimenting with technology, computer coding, building websites,” says Skylar, one of two Chief Science Officers at Tucker Middle School whose mission is to grow a science community.

“Oh, and I love taking things apart – phones, computers, RC helicopters – and harvesting the parts to create other things.”

Twenty-two students in 11 public schools in Atlanta, DeKalb and Fulton are part of the CSO program created by Science ATL. More schools will join the program next year (for information on applying, contact Jordan@ atlantasciencefestival.org).

STEMbassadors are (from left) Brooke Slone, Skylar’s project Jayden McIlwaine, Skylar Slone and Kylie Slone. is STEMbassadors, organizing kids to help spread enthusiasm for STEAM to classmates. They’ll be assisting at a STEAM Expo, Pi Day and other events.

Skylar hopes to remain involved with CSO programs as she moves through high school and then on, she hopes, to MIT.

1275 STANLEY ROAD ✦ KENNESAW, GA 30152

PreK

STEAM FREE

Sessions for Preschoolers Ages 2- 6

EXPERIENCE MPCS STEAM www.mtparanschool.com/steam COBB COUNTY’S EXEMPLARY COVENANTAL CHRISTIAN PK3-12TH COLLEGE-PREP SCHOOL

56 AP/HONORS ✦ PK3-12TH GRADE STEAM ✦ PROUD PROJECT LEAD THE WAY® SCHOOL ✦ FTC® ROBOTICS ✦ SMALL CLASSES ✦ 100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE atlantaparent.com

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 49

Taking STEAM a Step Further

There is a wide variety of programs available to encourage an interest in math, science and engineering. Universities are recognizing the importance of developing STEAM skills; below are four local programs. Fall enrollment will be opening soon and classes fill quickly! n Georgia Tech CEISMC

STEAM Workshops

Read Our Digital Version Online atlantaparent.com

arent AtlantaP

Two series of hands-on workshops are designed for grades 2-5 and 6-12. Younger students explore topics such as bridge challenge, electricity and induction, and egg drop challenge.

For grades 6 and older, a variety of class choices includes Mobile App Game Development and Science of Infectious Disease. Saturday sessions take place throughout the year.

Fee: $50-$65. 404-894-0777, ceismc.gatech.edu/ studentprograms/kidsclub/home

aparent.com

March

Soccer in the ATL

From kid programsa to Atlant United, we love e! this gam BOOK on FACE Like Us

2019 / atlant

Getting Up to STEAM y Birthda Party Planner

n Emory Math Circle

Math Circle is a free enrichment program for students in grades 6-12, taught by Ph.D. students and faculty from Emory and Georgia Tech. A variety of class levels meet six times in fall and spring semesters. Students learn how to think logically and creatively while developing a passion for mathematics. 404-727-7580, mathcs. emory.edu/mathcircle

n *Georgia State University

Saturday School for Scholars and Leaders

This series of five Saturday sessions includes a variety of hands-on enrichment classes for students in grades K-8, ranging from fine and applied arts to math and science. Sessions are available throughout the year. Fee: $195. 404413-8029, saturdayschool.education.gsu.edu

n *Morehouse School of Medicine

S.T.E.A.M. Academy, Grades 4-8

A series of courses for students in grades 4-8, the MSM S.T.E.A.M. Academy immerses students into the world of STEAM and its interrelation to health and medical professions. Saturday sessions are in fall and spring; a 4-week summer session is also available. Eligibility requirements apply. Fee: $300-$800. 404-756-5024, msm.edu/Education/PipelinePrograms/ STEAMacademy.php *Applicants must meet eligibility requirements.

50 Atlanta Parent March 2019

atlantaparent.com

remarkable OUTCOMES Holy Spirit Prep embraces the traditions of Catholic education to form students of deep faith, advanced intellect, and heroic virtue.

THE PRESCHOOL AT HSP Learn

about our new rates, schedule a campus tour, and start your application at holyspiritprep.org/preschool.

APPLY NOW Application deadlines close soon!

A independent Catholic school in Chastain Park, forming students 6 months-12th grade. holyspiritprep.org

atlantaparent.com

March 2019    Atlanta Parent 51

Play to Learn

Books and games designed to engage your kids in STEAM concepts. n Thinking Putty Puzzle

This hands-on logic game challenges kids’ spatial reasoning skills.

Create paths on the puzzle board using challenge cards and colorful, stretchable “thinking putty” – but don’t let them intersect! Single player, for ages 8 and older. $29.99 at amazon.com and retailers.

n “This is Rocket Science: An Activity Guide”

by Emma Vanstone (Page Street Publishing Co., $19.99, ages 7-12) The book’s cover promises “70 Fun and Easy Experiments for Kids to Learn More About Our Solar System” and it doesn’t exaggerate. Experiments use everyday objects such as plastic bottles, milk containers, paper and aluminum foil and active ingredients including dish soap, vegetable oil, sand and vinegar to teach the concepts of friction, gravity, Newton’s laws of motion, air resistance, chemical reactions, trajectories and living in space.

n “The STEAM Team – Simple Science Explained”

by Lisa Burke and Professor Robert Winston (DK Publishing, $16.99, ages 5-9) Kids (and adults) who read this book will come away with a better understanding of how lots of things work, from electricity to the human body, from the earth’s water cycle to its ecosystems, from friction to robots. It’s all explained in an easyto-read text and illustrated with photos, graphics and fun STEAM characters.

n Gravitrax Interactive Track System

Kids can design their own action-packed marble runs and learn about the powers of physics and gravity. The starter set includes 100 modular building pieces and construction plans in varying levels of difficulty. Add-on components – trampolines, cannons and scoops – provide even more design possibilities. For ages 8 and up. $59.99 for Starter Set, at ravensburger.us and retailers.

n “More Curious Jane, Science + Design + Engineering

for Inquisitive Girls”

(Sterling Children’s Books, $16.95, ages 6-11) This follow-up to “Curious Jane” offers more crafts and projects to entertain and educate girls who like to tinker and experiment. One cool project uses an uncooked egg, a jar and vinegar to make the egg’s shell disappear and create a bouncy object. Another uses egg shells to create geode eggs. A third uses plastic bags to make ice cream, and explains the science behind how it works.

All of the projects look like fun.

52 Atlanta Parent March 2019

atlantaparent.com

Classes Offered

At Start Cod the creativity e, we focus on an technology w d wonder of hile giving students th direction to cr e skills and eate tomorro w.

atlantaparent.com

TAKE FLIGHT WITH S.T.E.M.

Summer Coding Camps for ages 8-18.

Make games, apps and create with technology!

Camps include Java with Minecraft, Game Design Unity3D, Roblox, and Summer Camps and Python and Java.

March 2019    Atlanta Parent 53

VOTE FOR YOUR FFAVORITE PLAYGROUND

Atlanta Parent is looking for the best playgrounds.

Have you found the perfect playground?

Let us know your favorite today!

Deadline: March 15 Go to: atlantaparent.com/voteplaygrounds

All submissions will be entered to:

WIN A $50 TARGET GIFT CARD. 54 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Spring Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Spring Fun Guide Spring is blooming! Here’s your guide to festive fun! y Cherr m Blossoals Festiv 62

St. Patrick’s Day Events

Page

Celebrate this holiday with parades and festivals, and don’t forget to wear green!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Spring Festivals Step outside and experience spring at the outdoor festivals with children’s areas, artist markets and more. Mark your calendar in April and May with our favorites.

Georgia Renaissance Festival

atlantaparent.com

Not-to-Miss March Events This month is packed with fun! From Candytopia and the Atlanta Science Festival, to the Wizard of Oz, and Atlanta Parent’s last camp expo of 2019.

Candytopia

Spring Fun Guide

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 55

MARCH NOT-TO-MISS EVENTS

n Candytopia

Atlanta

Lenox Marketplace Through June 2 Explore a candy-filled wonderland with a marshmallow pit, tons of pieces of art decorated with candy, whimsical swings and more.

Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 3535 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta.

Advance ticket purchase required. Adults, $28; ages 4-12, $20; ages 3 and younger, free. candytopia.com

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

n Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0 Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at City Springs / Feb. 28 & March 1 Based on the hit PBS KIDS series, Martin and Chris Kratt will bring audiences along on a “wild” ride with a mix of live-action and animation. 7 p.m. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-206-2022. $35 and up. citysprings.com

n KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge Piedmont Park / March 2 Kids (age 3 and older) get the opportunity to participate in a completion-based obstacle course designed to challenge speed, strength, agility and overall physical fitness. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 400 Park Dr. NE, Atlanta. Free. kidfitstrong.com/events

n Monster Energy Supercross Mercedes-Benz Stadium / March 2 Motocross competition includes stunts, racing and high-power action. FanFest, noon-6 p.m.; Main Event, 6:30 p.m. 1 AMB Dr. NW, Atlanta. 800-745-3000. $20 and up; FanFest, $20 plus main event ticket. supercrosslive.com

n National Read

Across America Day Celebration Atlantic Station / March 2 Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the joy of reading. Dr. Seuss photo opportunities, storytimes and a Dr. Suess-themed balloon artist. 1-3 p.m. Located in the space between Francesca’s and LOFT on 18th Street (former West Elm). 1380 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Free. atlanticstation.com/events

56 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Spring Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

n The Wizard of Oz Alliance Theatre Select dates March 9-April 14 This shorter production features iconic songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” from the original movie score.

See website for showtimes. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-7335000. Adults, $32; ages 6-18, $18; ages 3-5, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. alliancetheatre.org

n Atlanta Fair Former Turner Field Grey Lot March 8-April 14. Mon.-Fri. 5-9 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 1-9 p.m.

Family fun for all ages including the Giant Fun Slide, Ferris Wheel, rides for younger children, thrillseeking kids will love The Nemesis 360. Closing time is weather dependent, check Facebook for updates. 404-913-3247. See atlantafair.com for tickets.

n Touch-a-Truck Get up close with heavy construction equipment, police cars, fire trucks and more.

Kennesaw: Depot Park, 2828 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. March 9. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 770-422-9714. kennesaw-ga.gov Decatur: East Lake MARTA Station, North Lot. 2260 College Ave., Atlanta.

March 23. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

678-553-6541. decaturga.com

n Eco-Tinker: Interactive Exhibits Chattahoochee Nature Center / March 10-May 31 Head outdoors for nature-inspired tech and tinker stations where you can experiment and explore. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org Cont'd on page 58

Get Free Tickets at High.org atlantaparent.com

Spring Fun Guide

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 57

MARCH NOT-TO-MISS EVENTS

n Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Camp Expo Perimeter Mall / March 16 Meet camp directors and former campers, watch camp videos and collect brochures from programs suited for any interest. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta. 770-454-7599. Free. atlantaparent.com n Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Douglasville Cultural Arts Center March 16 Journey to the world of Alice in Wonderland.

Families can play flamingo croquet, join in a sing-a-long or in a storytelling session, participate in an egg hunt or pin the grin on the Cheshire Cat. Photo booth, face painting and cookie decorating. Ages 3-10. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 8652 Campbellton St., Douglasville. $10. artsdouglas.org/madhatter Read to your child today and inspire a lifelong love of reading.

www.read.gov

n Southeastern Chuck

Child Models

Wagon Gathering

Booth Western Art Museum / March 23 Southeastern Chuck Wagon Invitational, art comes to life, children’s activities, photo ops with Woody and Jesse from “Toy Story” and more. 501 N. Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-387-1300. See boothmuseum.org for event prices and schedule.

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

Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?

Atlanta, New York, LA

404-636-1974

www.williamreynoldsagency.com 58 Atlanta Parent March 2019

n Spring Scramble Scavenger Hunt Oakland Cemetery / March 30-April 7 Take a self-guided scavenger hunt around the cemetery. Purchase a Spring Scramble packet (one per team for $20) at the Visitors Center & Museum Shop (open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat. and Sun. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.) and follow cryptic clues to solve riddles. Must be returned by April 7, 8 p.m. to win prizes. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta.

404-688-2107. Free. oaklandcemetery.com

Spring Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Music for the Very Young

FUN AT THE SYMPHONY Lots of musical performances this month from movie sound tracks to magic! n Ravel’s Mother Goose and

Jump: A Cultural Symphony

Atlanta Symphony Hall March 2 The symphony tells the fable of the princess and the frog and Mother Goose through a reimagined stage featuring poetry, contemporary dance, video projection, and classical and contemporary music. 8 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $17 and up. atlantasymphony.org n Music for the Very Young:

Little Hansel and Gretel

Atlanta Symphony Hall / March 2-3; 9-10; 23-24 Join musicians and storytellers in songs inspired by classic stories, which will have kids dancing, playing and engaging with music. Sat. 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.; Sun. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. No 2:30 p.m. show on March 10. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Adults, $15; ages 6-17, $8; ages 5 and younger, free. atlantasymphony.org n “Star Wars: The Empire

Strikes Back” in Concert

Atlanta Symphony Hall / March 15 and 16 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs score of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” while the movie is played. Star Wars attire is encouraged.

7:30 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404733-5000. $59 and up. atlantasymphony.org n Magical Musical Adventure Atlanta Symphony Hall / March 17 Ignite your imagination with humor, drama and dance as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra unites with the visual theater of Magic Circle Mime Company. Learn about the Orchestra, music and the art of listening. 1:30 and 3 p.m.

1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000.

Lap pass, $5 (ages infant-2 yrs.); $15 and up. atlantasymphony.org

atlantaparent.com

Spring Fun Guide

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 59

Pregnant & looking for ways to relax?

MASSAGE SPECIALTIES

• Pregnancy • Postpartum • Fertility • Neuromuscular 60, 75 or 90 minute massage sessions!

Ask us about our home & hospital visits!

Atlanta

678-462-2173

pregnancymassage.com

$10 OFF

your first prenatal massage when you mention Atlanta Parent

Celebrating over 35 years! ity & Matern ns’ Childrees!

Cloth

Physics Live! at Emory University

TEST CHEMICAL REACTIONS! BE A SCIENCE SUPERHERO! DRIVE AN UNDERWATER ROBOT! Explore, learn and discover at the Atlanta Science Festival March 9-23.

Visit atlantasciencefestival.org for the full schedule of events, including times and admission fees for activities listed below.

Here are some highlights: n March 9: Wow in the World Pop Up Party!

At Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church n March 9: Superhero Science Night at Children’s Museum of Atlanta. n March 9: Mathapalooza at Ebster Recreation Center n March 9: Science of Superpowers at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum n March 10: Family Zoo Yoga “Panda”monium style at Zoo Atlanta

Now Accepting SPRING & SUMMER Clothes Selling Online at www.sweetrepeatsatlanta.com

800 Miami Circle • Buckhead 404•261•7519

n March 10: Full STEAM Ahead Second Sunday at the High Museum of Art. n March 16: Discovery Day, Discovery Stations at Georgia State University Petit Science Center. n March 16: Snake Day at Fernbank Science Center n March 17: Splash into Stream Science at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve n March 22: Physics Live! at the Emory University science building.

Exploration Expo Specializing in great haircuts for your big and small stars!

2752 East Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite B, Decatur 30030 404-549-2967 • hairlarioushaircuts.com

60 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Piedmont Park / March 23. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Free, interactive science event with family-focused demos, experiments and performances. n Encounter Zone: Encounter herbs and microbes, measure Atlanta’s pollen count, and create Minecraft code. (Emory University). n Discover Zone: Discover the microscopic world, battle bots, and chemical reactions.

(Mercer University).

Spring Fun Guide

STEM Day at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

n Invent Zone: Invent your own music by coding, touch a brain and a heart, peep at physics, drive an underwater robot (Georgia Tech). n Thrive Zone: See how native plants and pollinators thrive, fold origami, and become a ham radio operator. (Georgia State University). n Curious Kids Zone: STEM and STEAM activities specifically for ages 3 and older (Atlanta Section of IEEE). n STEAM Zone: Express your love of science with a science haiku, paint a piece of a live mural, and get a science caricature portrait. n Power-Up Zone: Pedal a human-powered generator, form a human circuit, and explore robots and drones. (Georgia Power). n Ping-Pong Big-Bang: At noon, thousands of pink Ping-Pong balls will launch into the sky.

atlantaparent.com

ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENTS

Whether or not you’re Irish, don’t miss celebrating with a parade or festival in your area.

n Luck of Avalon Avalon / March 15 Celebrate St. Patrick’s day with face painting, Irish dancing, bagpipe and drum performance and more. 6-10 p.m. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta.

770-765-2000. Free to attend; some activities extra. experienceavalon.com

Luck of Avalon

Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade

n Atlanta St. Patrick’s

Day Parade

Midtown Atlanta / March 16 Bagpipe bands, Clydesdales, world’s largest walking Irish flag, Irish dancers, decorated floats and marching bands. Noon-2 p.m. Starts at the intersection of Peachtree Street and 15th Street, and continues down Peachtree to 5th Street. Free to watch. 770-805-8015. atlantastpats.com n Shake Your Shamrock Mall of Georgia / March 16 Live music, a performance from the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance, a bounce house, a festive photo booth, giveaways, family-friendly activities and more. 6-9 p.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. Free. simon.com/mall/mall-of-georgia

n Luck of the Square Colony Square Midtown / March 16 Celebrate post-parade with live music, food, family activities and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1097 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. Free. colonysquaremidtown.com/events n Smyrna St. Patrick's Day Festival March 16-17 Live music, games and family-friendly fun.

Saturday, don’t miss Mayor Max Bacon turning the fountain green at 5 p.m. Opens Sat., 11 a.m. and Sun., noon. 2840 Atlanta Rd. SE, Smyrna. 770435-1887. $12 per day; ages 12 and younger, free. freshtix.com/events/smyrnastpatricksday-2 Also check with your local library for storytelling and special St. Patrick’s Day events.

2018 Girl Scouts of the USA. All Rights Reserved.

atlantaparent.com

Spring Fun Guide

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 61

CHERRY BLOSSOMS ARE IN BLOOM! Visit one of these three Georgia festivals to get in on the fun: n Macon Cherry Blossom Festival March 22-31 This festival includes events and activities throughout Macon with more than 350,000 cherry blossoms in bloom as the backdrop. Featured events include the festival parade (March 24, 4-5:30 p.m.) and Central City Park amusement rides, vendors and fair food (March 22-31). Other fun events to attend include the wiener dog race (March 23. 11 a.m.), historical lantern tours (ongoing) March 22-24 and 29-31 and Tunes and Balloons with tethered balloon rides (March 31, 4-8 p.m.) See cherryblossom.com for event times, locations and prices.

n Conyers Cherry

Blossom Festival at Georgia International Horse Park

Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival

March 23 and 24 Hundreds of arts and crafts booths, children’s activities, musical entertainment and food vendors.

Don’t miss Lady Houdini’s daring escapes and magic, join in on the “pink out” by wearing all pink to win a prize or taste food from around the world including Thai, Greek and Japanese cuisine. 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 770-860-4190.

Free; one-day parking, $5; parking both days, $8. georgiahorsepark.com

Macon Cherry Blossom Festival

n Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

in Blackburn Park

March 30 and 31 The festival includes musical performances, a children’s area with inflatables and face painting, a dog show area and more. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 5K Race is March 23, 7:30 a.m. No parking will be allowed at Blackburn Park or surrounding retail lots. Use the satellite lots and MARTA. Free shuttle service will be provided. 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Brookhaven. 404-637-0722. Admission, free. brookhavenga.gov/festival

Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

Spring TURNER FIELD | GREY LOT

62 Atlanta Parent March 2019

Spring Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

TOP SPRING FESTIVALS

These outdoor festivals bring food trucks, children’s activities and artist markets. n Dogwood Festival. Piedmont Park. Three-day festival features artists from around the country, musical performances, kids village with inflatables, arts and crafts, face painting, rock climbing and more. April 12-14. Fri., noon-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 14th St. and Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-817-6642. Admission, free. n Big Shanty Festival. Downtown Kennesaw. Enjoy the artist markets, children’s activities and live music. April 13-14. Sat., 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (parade, 9:30 a.m.); Sun., noon-5 p.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-423-1330. Admission, free.

Georgia Renaissance Festival

n Georgia Renaissance Festival. Fairburn. Artist demonstrations, juggling, fire show, jousting, a hypnotist, parrot show, acrobatics and more. Games, rides and festival foods. April 13-June 2. Sat. and Sun. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd., Fairburn. 770-964-8575. Adults, $23.95; ages 6-12, $11.95; ages 5 and younger, free. n Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Arts Festival. Sandy Springs. Children’s play area, local musicians, interactive art stations, plus up to 150 arts and crafts participants. April 20-21.

Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 6100 Lake Forrest Dr., Sandy Springs. 404-873-1222. Admission, free. n Lemonade Days. Brook Run Park. Rides, games, concessions, arts and craft fair and live music. April 24-28.

Wed.-Fri. 4-10 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. noon-6 p.m. 4770 North Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody. 770-668-0401. Admission, free; unlimited ride pass, $20-$25. n Inman Park Festival. Inman Park. A self-guided home tour of the neighborhood’s historic houses, an artist market, dance performances, music and Kids’ Zone. April 26 (home tour only), noon-4 p.m. April 27-28. Sat. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (parade, 2 p.m.); Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Euclid Ave., Atlanta. inmanparkfestival.org.

Admission, free; home tour, $25. n Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival. Village Green. Artist market, live entertainment and children’s area. April 27-28. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 200 Village Green Cir., Smyrna. 770423-1330. Admission, free. n Cherokee County Indian Festival and Mother’s Day Pow Wow. Boling Park. Indian village and displays, traditional dance competition and drumming. Native Americans from around the country gather for this event. May 11-12. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 1200 Marietta Hwy., Canton. 770-735-6275.

Adults, $15; ages 6-12, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. n Sweet Auburn Springfest. Sweet Auburn Historic District.

Live entertainment, children’s area, international food court and more. May 11-12. Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. 1-8 p.m. 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta. 678-667-1375. Admission, free. n Marietta Greek Festival. Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Greek Hellenic dancing, Greek food and pastries, traditional gifts and jewelry and children’s activities. May 17, 18 and 19. Fri. 3-11 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 3431 Trickum Rd., Marietta. 770-924-8080. $5.

atlantaparent.com

Cherokee County Indian Festival and Mother’s Day Pow Wow

n Kirkwood Spring Fling. Bessie Branham Park. Artists market, children’s area, live music, barbecue cook off, 5K race and tour of homes. May 19. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 5K race 8:30 a.m.

Tour of homes May 18 and 19, noon-5 p.m. 2051 Delano Dr. NE, Atlanta. kirkwoodfling.com. Festival, free; tour of homes and 5K race, extra cost. n Atlanta Jazz Festival. Piedmont Park. A weekend of jazz performances and family entertainment. May 25-26. Charles Allen Drive and 10th Street NE, Atlanta. atlantafestivals.com.

Admission, free. n Fairy House Festival. Chimney Park. Enjoy live entertainment along with crafts, archery, storytelling, refreshments and costumes. Build your own fairy house to take home and visit the fairy house village. May 5. 2-5 p.m. 8201 Hazelbrand Rd., Covington. 678-925-3594. $5; ages 2 and younger, free. n Cars and Q for the Cause. Choate Construction. 100+ cars on display, barbecue, live music and more benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. April 21. 4-7 p.m. 8200 Roberts Dr., Atlanta. 678-892-1224. $20; ages 8 and younger, free.

Spring Fun Guide

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 63

HIPPITY, HOPPITY

EASTER EGG HUNTS ARE ALMOST HERE! We picked our favorites from the many egg hunts in the metro area. Make sure to check out your neighborhood community centers and churches for more, as well as our complete list at atlantaparent.com n Acworth Easter Egg Night Hunt.

Acworth Sports Complex. Over 50,000 eggs filled with toys, candy and prizes. Hunts are separated by age group. Ages 10 and younger. Easter Bunny arrives at 7:15 p.m. April 12. 6:30 p.m.

4000 S. Main St., Acworth. 770-529-6006. Free. acworthegghunt.com n Easter Eggstravaganza. Etowah River Park. Egg hunts by ages and for children with special needs; also, petting zoo, moonwalks, carnival games, face painting, food and more.

April 13. 2-4 p.m. 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton. 770-667-4483. Free. northside.com n Mount Pisgah Community Easter Egg Hunt. Mount Pisgah Patriot Athletic Complex. 25,000 eggs, inflatables, games, food and prizes. Hunts held every 30 minutes across five age groups. April 13. 9 a.m.-noon. 9825 Brumbelow Rd., Alpharetta. 678-336-3000. Free. mountpisgah.org n Easter Egg Hunt. Smith-Gilbert Gardens.

Hunt for eggs by age group, enjoy games, crafts and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny. April 20.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Park at Adams Park, 2600 Park Dr., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. Pre-register. $10 per person. smithgilbertgardens.com

No Time To Clean?

since 1988

AMERICAN HOME CLEANING • A CHRIST-centered Home Cleaning Ministry • Licensed, Bonded, Insured, over 85,000 homes cleaned

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

n Egg-citing Hike Hunt. Panola Mountain State Park. Peter Cottontail is leaving lots of eggs and prizes hidden on the nature trails.

Bring your basket and be ready for ageappropriate hunts. April 20. 10 a.m.-noon. 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801.

Pre-register. $5 plus $5 parking. gastateparks. org

n North East Cobb Community Egg Drop. Sprayberry High School. Food, games, activities and egg hunts for everyone as a helicopter drops thousands of eggs onto the football field. Free photos with the Easter Bunny.

April 20. 10 a.m-5 p.m. 2525 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. 770-423-1330. Free; Kid Zone unlimited rides, $7. communityeggdrop.org

n Eggstravaganza: Callanwolde’s Easter Egg Hunt. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Thousands of candy-filled eggs to find, music, dancing, food, face painting, games and prizes, and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny.

April 20. 8 a.m.-noon. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Park at 1256 Briarcliff Rd. Pre-register. $7.50-$10. callanwolde.org

n Taste of Forsyth. Cumming Fairgrounds.

More than 25,000 eggs will be spread across the lawn. Afterward, enjoy sample restaurant food and play in the kid’s zone. Groups are divided by age. Egg hunts 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming.

Free. Kids Zone costs extra. 770-781-3491. cummingfair.net

#1 Cleaning Special

$57.95

Sponsor of www.americanhomecleaning.org We are a non-profit that employs low income single Moms and allows then to earn a livable wage.

Proverbs 3:5,6.

64 Atlanta Parent March 2019

$87.95

1 Bedroom, 1 bathroom, Kitchen and Breakfast Room, Living Room, Halls and Foyer.

All work 100% guaranteed!

Up to 800 sq ft

3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 Bathrooms, Kitchen and Breakfast Room, Living Room, Dining Room, 1 Stairs, Halls and Foyer.

#3 Cleaning Special

#4 Cleaning Special

$167.95

(770) 795-8399

#2 Cleaning Special

Includes #2 Special PLUS we deep clean by hand all baseboards, easy-off inside oven, inside fridge and up to 3 Ceiling Fans.

Stay up to speed on the latest events.

WHOLE HOUSE ULTRA DEEP CLEAN

$327.95 A two cleaner team for all day for the ultimate deep clean.

Spring Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

COMPLETE EVENT LISTINGS atlantaparent.com

MARCH FREE FUN

n Daffodil Day Oakland Cemetery March 2 A day in Oakland’s Victorian gardens with guided walks, Q&A with Georgia Daffodil Society, children’s activities and more. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta.

404-688-2107. Free. oaklandcemetery.com

FREE MAR 10 register now woodruffcenter.org/ familyfun

n Design Club Day:

What is Your Story?

Museum of Design Atlanta March 10 Free admission the second Sunday of each month. Special programs include design activities, March’s theme is storytelling.

Noon-6 p.m. 1315 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.

404-979-6455. Pre-registration encouraged. museumofdesign.org

n Second Sunday High Museum of Art March 10 Free admission to the Museum the second Sunday of each month, and family programs from 1-4 p.m. including art making, storytimes and more. Free from noon-5 p.m. March’s theme is “Full STEAM Ahead.” 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. high.org

n One Hundred Free Days Michael C. Carlos Museum March 24 To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formal founding at Emory University’s Atlanta campus, the Museum is hosting 100 days of free admission in 2019. 571 South Kilgo Cir. NE, Atlanta. 404-727-4282. See the full schedule at carlos.emory.edu and search “100 free.”

atlantaparent.com

Spring Fun Guide

March 2019 Atlanta Parent 65

Deer Run Camps & Retreats

Are you ready to have the

best summer ever?

Day Camps Overnight Camps Summer Programs

MARCH

16

PERIMETER MALL

FREE

11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. Camp Expo Sponsor:

2019 To exhibit or for info call 770-454-7599 or hsykes@atlantaparent.com 66 Atlanta Parent March 2019

l

atlantaparent.com atlantaparent.com