Atlanta Parent October 2025 by Atlanta Parent

Atlanta Parent

n Best Haunts for Older Kids

n Incredible Corn Mazes

n Spooky Events

n Go Trick-or-Treating

n Top Ghost Tours

Dillard House Farm & Resort

Carriage Rides & Pumpkin Patch.

Inside October

Publisher’s Note / 8 For the Fridge / 70

56 / Ready for Halloween Fun!

n Best Haunts for Older Kids

n Incredible Corn Mazes

n Spooky Events

n Go Trick-or-Treating

n Top Ghost Tours

10 18 21

Neighborhood Spotlight:

Make the most of family fun in the Vinings and Smyrna areas with playgrounds, attractions, yummy eats and more! Page 44

Talking to Kids About Tragedy

Help your children cope with their fears when scary things happen in the world around them.

Halloween: Teachable Moments

Use the holiday to help your children practice kindness and empathy toward others.

Dyslexia and Science

Explore the research available about how brains with dyslexia work, and learn how you can help your child with remediation.

Family Fun Guide: Top events, exhibits, festivals, fairs and shows! Page 49

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

Best Family Businesses / 12

Private School Open House Directory / 29

Spotlight on Private Schools / 32

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Immerse your child in the language of music.

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PUBLISHER Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Genie Lockeretz EXECUTIVE glockeretz@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Kaylee Gahagan EXECUTIVE kgahagan@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Sonya Jefferson EXECUTIVE sjefferson@atlantaparent.com

STAFF WRITER Emily Webb and DIGITAL ewebb@atlantaparent.com CONTENT CREATOR

CONTENT Mary Williams PROJECT mwilliams@atlantaparent.com MANAGER

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

ADMINISTRATIVE Amanda Allen ASSISTANT

MARKETING Felicia Barman MOM

Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699. Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge throughout the metro area and as a digital issue at atlantaparent.com. 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. 2025 Sign Up For Our e-Newsletter at AtlantaParent.com

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BLOCK PARTY

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Publisher’s Note

October is one of my favorite months! In my family, Halloween is a big deal. We start planning our costumes early and really get into the spirit of things with a group costume. In the past we’ve dressed up as Yo Gabba Gabba! and the Mysterious Benedict Society.

The costume trends I’m seeing on social media this year are a fun mix, with everything from Wednesday Addams, Wicked and KPop Demon Hunters to Taylor Swift and the Minecraft chicken jockey. For little kids, Bluey, Blippi and Lilo and Stitch are top choices. Whether you go traditional with a ghost, witch or monster, or choose something unique (light-up banana costume, anyone?) it’s a fun time to let your kids’ imaginations run wild.

Cooler weather has finally arrived in Atlanta, and with it comes all kinds of fun events and festivals. If Halloween is your jam, this month is full of events like trunk-or-treats, local parades and costume contests, and community celebrations. And of course, October is peak farm season! Plan a trip to a nearby farm and wander through a corn maze, grab some pumpkins, go on a hayride, and enjoy the fall scenery.

We’re super excited about a few exhibits that have recently arrived on the scene — Bubble Planet has an ocean of bubbles, an underwater world and a VR experience. Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy is a new experience themed around a “forgotten” amusement park. Kids can learn about underwater artifacts at Fernbank Museum, or go outdoors and explore at Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Naturally Artistic exhibit.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month; in our story on page 21, find out more about this learning disorder and how the brain of a dyslexic child works differently. It’s encouraging that more and more advances are being made in the approach to helping kids with a dyslexia diagnosis learn and be successful.

Hopefully you and your family have settled into the school year and the fall routine. If you’re new to the area, or if you’re looking for a school change, check out our directory to private school admission events. Attending an open house or tour is a great way to learn about a school and help decide whether it would be a great fit for your student.

Looking forward to seeing you out and about with your family this month! Let us know about your favorite October activities — visit us on Instagram, Facebook or email.

When the Unthinkable Happens:

How to Talk to Kids About Tragedy

by Tali Benjamin

As a society, we tend to shy away from discussing things that make us uncomfortable or sad. These “off-limit” subjects often include sex, money and death. But, as parents, it is important to understand how to approach conversations around difficult topics, especially death, as it is an inevitable part of life.

The news and social media amplify stories of tragedies in our country like school shootings and natural disasters, as well as accidents and those who lose their battles with illness. Knowing how to address your child’s fear around safety and death are paramount for protecting our child’s mental health.

Addressing Safety Concerns

According to the K‑12 School Shooting Database, there were 254 school shooting incidents last school year in the U.S. So, it’s no wonder that children (and parents) may have concerns about safety at school.

Now that the school year is underway, keep the lines of communication open. “This is first and foremost,” says Melissa Brymer, Ph.D., Psy.D. who is the director of the Terrorism & Disaster Program for the UCLA/Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress and a researcher with the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. “Start the conversation with, let’s check in about the good parts of your day. Then, ask: Did anything happen that was stressful or caused anxiety?”

This will open the door for your child to share information with you daily. “Some kids have social concerns. Some kids have safety concerns,” says Brymer. “Many times, there are warning signs of a school shooting, so having these conversations can

be preventative and also help us teach kids to cope with day to day stresses.”

It is crucial that your child knows it is OK to talk about their concerns. If you hear about a violent event while your child is at school, don’t avoid the subject when they get home. “This is especially true for older kids with social media,” says Brymer. You can approach things gently with probing questions, such as: did you hear about news today while you were at school? What did you hear? How does that make you feel?

“The goal isn’t to provide every detail, but to create a safe space for your child to ask questions and feel heard,” says Marti Munford, LPC, NCC with Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta. “Let them know it’s OK to talk about things that feel confusing or scary, and that they can always come to you when they need help making sense of the world.”

Another way to illustrate your support is to model with your own behavior. “Kids pick up on our reactions,” says Munford.

“So it’s OK to say, ‘It makes me sad or worried, too,’ and tell them how you’ve been coping yourself.”

If your child says they don’t want to go to school at all because of news related to a school shooting, ask what would make him feel safer. “Come to the conversation with curiosity,” says Brymer. “Ask what can we do to help with this circumstance?”

“While staying home might feel safer in the moment, it can actually increase a child’s worry,” explains Munford. “Let them know schools take many steps to keep students safe such as drills, secure entrances and trained staff. You can also remind them that, while the news is scary, these events are still very rare. You can use metaphors such as going over safety protocols before flying in an airplane or wearing a seatbelt when riding in a car. We practice those things every time, even though most of the time we get where we’re going safely.”

Some children may have anxiety about safety measures themselves, especially security guards on campus and drills. “If you check in daily, this can be a part of that regular conversation,” says Brymer. “We want to help our kids not worry, so validate their

“When kids understand what’s happening in their brain and body during anxious moments, they often feel less overwhelmed by it.”

– Marti Munford, LPC, NCC, with Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta

feelings and then use reassuring language such as ‘Just because we practice doesn’t mean the school is unsafe. It’s to help us know what to do in case of an emergency.’”

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published a report in August for best practices during emergency drills on recommendations for limiting negative social/emotional impact for students. One of the key findings for schools to consider is discontinuing unannounced active shooter or hard lockdown drills. “We don’t want to deceive children and make them anxious for no reason during a drill,” says Brymer, who was on the study committee. “The whole point of drills is to learn skills, so if a child is too emotional to absorb that information, the drill has done more harm than good.”

While agencies are working on this larger issue, you can also give your child strategies for situations that can elicit fear. If your child says she feels nervous during a lockdown drill, suggest they stand or sit near a friend. Help him practice breathing exercises that can calm him in the moment. Give her time and space to share the experience with you after school.

“One of the most powerful tools we can give kids is an understanding of how anxiety works,” says Munford. “When kids understand what’s happening in their brain and body during anxious moments, they often feel less overwhelmed by it. You can explain that anxiety is the brain’s alarm system: it’s there to protect us, but sometimes it goes off even when we’re actually safe. Just knowing that can boost resilience.”

Atlanta Parent’s

Atlanta Parent’s Best Family Businesses

TAKING CAMP TO THE NEXT LEVEL

WinShape creates next-level camps that turn summers into meaningful experiences for campers, families and summer staff. Camp is the place where friendships take root, personal growth is front and center and faith runs through all you do — camp is the place for life-changing, memory-making and adventure-taking awesomeness. Whether you’re looking for an overnight camp experience, a day camp right in your community or the ultimate summer job, WinShape provides the space to flourish! The best part is that first-time campers at one of our one or two-week overnight locations will receive half off the cost of registration with our 50% gift! Learn more and register today at WinShapeCamps.org!

Atlanta Parent’s Best Family Businesses

SUMMER CAMPS

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Atlanta Parent’s Best Family Businesses

Dr. Hemant Dhawan and Dr. Javid Yavari are pleased to announce the addition of a new location to their dentistry and orthodontic practice. Patients now have three convenient locations to choose from in Duluth, Alpharetta and Cumming. From the moment patients walk through the doors they are welcomed by an exceptionally warm and friendly staff in a relaxing state-of-the-art environment. Both doctors have a way of putting kids and parents at ease, because they truly enjoy what they do and love caring for patients of all ages. Their positive energy and light-hearted personalities are felt throughout each patient’s visit.

Dr. Dhawan and Dr. Yavari always take time to speak to all their patients and parents, keeping them well informed during every appointment. “I want everyone to feel welcome in my off ices; it is truly our passion to create a distinct and beautiful smile on every single patient,” says Dr. Yavari.

In addition to being named a mom-approved dentist in Atlanta, Dr. Dhawan has been peer-selected as one of America’s Top 40 Dentists Under 40 and featured in the Delta Airlines Sky Magazine. With more than 30 years of combined experience, both doctors have specialized training in their field and provide patients the lifelong gift of smiles.

Their children’s dental practices are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive dentistry for kids from infancy through their teenage years and specialized care for children with special needs. They also offer complete orthodontic treatment for all ages. Haven’t established a dental home for your family yet? Schedule an appointment in one of their family friendly off ices, Serving families in Cumming, Vickery, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Buford, Duluth, Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Dawsonville.

Atlanta Parent’s Best Family Businesses

EXPERT CARE FOR EVERY WOMAN’S NEED

Every Woman’s OBGYN in Stockbridge, Georgia is dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care for women at every stage of life. The practice offers a full range of services, including well-woman exams, obstetrics (low and high risk), fibroid treatment, bladder issue evaluations, adolescent gynecology, and minimally invasive surgery.

Known for their compassionate specialists and commitment to equitable care, the team empowers women to make informed decisions about their health. Every Woman’s OBGYN welcomes international clients, accepts most insurance plans, and provides flexible cash-pay options.

With a focus on individualized care in a supportive environment, the practice ensures that each patient feels heard, respected, and confident in their healthcare choices. Your health and wellness are their top priority.

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Dr. Alexa Dantzler joins Sandy Plains Healthcare and brings a warm, global perspective! Originally from Manassas, Virginia, she first came to Atlanta to attend undergrad at Emory University. After a transformative year in Haiti as a Global Health Fellow, she returned to earn her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and then completed her pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She is excited to be back in the Atlanta area, where her journey began.

Dr. Dantzler is passionate about preventive care and empowering families to build healthy foundations through nutrition, sleep, and physical activity. She enjoys caring for children of all ages and forming lasting connections with the families she serves. Get to know Dr. Dantzler at your baby or child’s next appointment. Now accepting new patients — schedule your visit today!

Atlanta Parent’s Best Family Businesses

AUTISM DIAGNOSTICS & THERAPIES

Atlanta Autism Center offers Autism evaluations, therapies, and research for children ages 18 months - 6 years old. If your child isn’t meeting key developmental milestones — such as babbling, responding to their name, pointing, waving or using simple words and two-word phrases — these may be early signs of autism.

Their expert clinical team provides comprehensive evaluations designed to identify autism early when intervention is most effective. In addition, they offer individualized ABA, Speech, and OT therapies to help children build communication, social, and daily living skills in a nurturing, play-based environment. The goal is to empower families with clear guidance, compassionate care, and proven therapies that promote growth and independence.

Early action makes a difference — and they can support you every step of the way. Schedule a visit today at one of their seven convenient locations and take the first step toward a brighter future for your child.

Atlanta Parent’s Best Family Businesses Atlanta Parent’s Best Family

Wiggle Giggle is a family owned and operated indoor playground and party center in West Marietta. Families with children are invited to play inside their one stop entertainment zone with state-of-the-art play structures; including wavy, spiral, and straight slides, trampolines, and a first of its kind: The Bubble Room, where they drop bubbles from the sky at the top of each hour! The meticulously clean environment allows parents and caregivers to relax while meeting the strictest guidelines for absolute safety. Wiggle Giggle is equipped with activities for all levels of development; they even have a private sensory room which doubles as a lockable nursing room.

Join Wiggle Giggle for their annual festivities: a Halloween Party on October 25th, Breakfast with Santa on December 20th, and a New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop!

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INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS, SUPPORTING FAMILIES

Premier Academy, Inc . is a trusted nonprofit early childhood education and care provider proudly serving families in the Atlanta area. For decades, Premier Academy has remained dedicated to nurturing the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically—through high-quality education, strong family partnerships, and deep community engagement.

Premier Academy serves children from infancy through Pre-K, off ering a range of developmentally appropriate programs designed to meet the needs of each child and family. These include Early Head Start, Head Start, Montessori, Traditional Preschool, and Georgia Pre-K. With a focus on accessibility and excellence, the Academy is especially committed to families seeking aff ordable, high-quality childcare and early learning options.

In addition to classroom instruction, Premier Academy provides a comprehensive array of services that extend beyond the classroom. These include Family Engagement Activities that strengthen parent-child bonds, robust Community Impact initiatives, and the Comprehensive Acute Mental Health Program (CAMP), which addresses the mental and emotional well-being of young children. The organization also supports the broader early childhood education field through ongoing Professional Development opportunities for educators.

As a Quality Rated provider, Premier Academy meets rigorous state standards for early learning, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment. Now enrolling, Premier Academy invites families to become part of a caring community that believes every child deserves a strong start and every family deserves support on the journey.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Carve Out Time for Halloween Fun

6 Traditions to Start with your Kids

by Sarah Lyons

Halloween means pumpkin carving, costumes and trick-or-treating. Try some of these ideas for making family memories and creating new Halloween traditions with your kids.

Ready, Set, Decorate!

The kids will need something to collect all that candy in; try decorating your own bucket, bag or pillowcase for trick-or-treating. Kids could use the same one in the future and enjoy looking back on what they created when they were younger, or make a new one each year.

Prepare for trick-ortreaters by setting up a spooky atmosphere. Get the kids involved in decorating both inside and outside the house before Halloween. Concentrate on your front door; change the light bulbs to purple or orange and hang up homemade or store-bought decorations.

Pumpkin Time

Once you have your pumpkins picked out (visit a local pumpkin patch if you can) and it is time to do the carving, make things more interesting by coming up with an original theme each year. Some ideas include sports, cartoon characters, animals, words or traditional spooky faces. Many ideas and templates can be found online to get you started.

Fun and Games

Play Halloween-themed music while you carve your pumpkins, bob for apples and create some holiday-themed treats, such as mummy hot dogs, witch finger pretzels, pumpkin shaped pizza or caramel apples. Try using squash or small pumpkins to bowl, use toilet paper to make friends and family into mummies or play pin the hat on the witch.

A Spooky Story

Choose age-appropriate movies or books to get the kids in the mood for Halloween. Make up your own stories and share them by candlelight. You can host a spooky movie night for your family or allow kids to invite a few friends over to celebrate with a frightfully fun sleepover.

Give Back

Parents can use the holiday as an opportunity to give back to the community. Try participating in a trunk-ortreat in the area; participants decorate the trunk of their cars and hand out candy to families who attend. You could also do a “trick-or-treat for hunger” on or around Halloween. Ask neighbors for non-perishable food donations to give to a local food pantry.

Be Inclusive

Many families also participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project by offering allergen-free treats or small toys so that kids with food allergies can safely participate in Halloween activities. Visit foodallergy.org for more information on the Teal Pumpkin Project.

Family traditions are easy to start and worthwhile to keep. As your children grow, they may not remember everything you hope they will, but the traditions that you return to, year after year, will create lasting memories that they will treasure for years to come.

Caring not Scaring Teaching Compassion Through Costumes and

Candy

by Shannon Dean

It’s easy to see Halloween as a blur of plastic pumpkins, costume stress and frantic trick or treating. But what if it could also be meaningful? What if Halloween allowed us to build empathy, spark thoughtful conversations and help our kids spread kindness in the world, even if they’re dressed like a ninja or a sparkly vampire?

It may sound like a tall order. But buried under the candy wrappers and yard skeletons is a surprisingly rich chance to teach kids about understanding others. And it starts with what they choose to wear and how they treat those who show up at the door.

Costumes Can Be More Than Just Cute

Choosing a costume can be more than just “What do you want to be?” It can become “Why do you like that character?” or “What do you think it would feel like to be them?” When children dress up as different characters, they’re practicing understanding others’ perspectives, which is one of empathy’s most crucial skills. English Professor Cris Beam, author of “I Feel You: The Surprising Power of Extreme Empathy,” notes that one of the simplest, earliest forms of compassion is the ability to “stand in another’s shoes.” That’s exactly what kids do on Halloween.

So, if your daughter chooses to be a firefighter, talk about what it feels like to run toward danger to help others. Your son wants to dress as a doctor? Discuss how it feels to spend your days trying to heal people who

are scared and hurting. These don’t have to be long or serious conversations. In fact, they work best when they feel like a natural part of the fun, but they insert a bit of heart into the Halloween hype.

Trick-or-Treating with Kindness and Acceptance in Tow

Even in the holiday hustle, there’s plenty of room for kindness. Remind your child to make eye contact if they’re comfortable, say “thank you” and be gentle with younger kids who are nervous. If you’re walking with siblings, encourage older kids to slow down and make space for little ones. If your child is shy, let them know it’s OK to hang back or skip a house. There’s no prize for filling the candy bucket to the top. The real win is having a night that feels fun, safe and compassionate for everyone.

And what about the kids who don’t say thank you, barely speak or the teens who show up without much of a costume? These are the moments where empathy really matters. Some kids experience Halloween differently. Misty Standard, co owner of Milestones and Milestones at Home, explains it this way: “The sudden appearance of ghoulish masks, the flickering lights of jack o’ lanterns, and

the eerie sound effects are all part of the sensory smorgasbord” that can overload some children.

If a child seems overwhelmed, withdrawn or out of sync, offer candy or a smile with compassion. And if your child notices and asks for an explanation later, try phrases like, “Let’s be supportive and friendly. We don’t know what someone else is going through.” Or “Sometimes people show up in ways we don’t expect, and that’s OK.”

Older kids deserve understanding, too. If a teen rings your bell dressed in a hoodie and says “trick or treat” with a voice deeper than yours, consider what they might be looking for. Maybe it’s not just candy, but a safe place to be a kid for one more year.

Remind your kids that neighbors who aren’t participating may have their own reasons.

An Inclusive Porch Goes a Long Way

If you’re passing out candy this year, small choices can make a big impact. Consider offering non food treats for kids with allergies. (Those teal pumpkins on porches aren’t just cute. They signal allergy safe options.)

Some kids might not say “trick or treat” or might skip talking altogether. That’s OK. Patience and understanding are part of empathy. And when it comes to decorating, there’s nothing wrong with having fun, but remember that younger kids or those with sensory sensitivities might be startled by sudden scares.

One of my neighbors leaves a bowl of glow sticks labeled “Take one if you’re scared of the dark,” and has been amazed at how many

Some families donate part of their stash to shelters or community programs.

kids, both big and small, take one proudly. It’s a small kindness, but one that acknowledges fear without teasing or judgment.

Make the Morning After Matter

Halloween doesn’t have to end when the candy bags hit the floor and the costumes get tossed in a pile. In fact, the day after can be a great chance to slow down and talk

about what stuck with your child.

Try asking: “Who was the nicest person you met last night?” or “Did anything surprise you?” Kids often notice more than we think. They might mention a quiet kid who helped someone smaller, or a neighbor who gave out little notes with candy that said things like “You’re brave” or “You’re awesome.”

And if your child came home with a candy haul big enough to last until spring? Consider encouraging them to share the fun. Some families donate part of their stash to shelters or community programs. You can frame it as, “We had such a great night. Let’s help someone else have a sweet one, too.”

The Heart Behind the Holiday

You don’t have to take the fun out of Halloween to make it meaningful. Embrace the candy, the silly costumes and the neighborhood laughter. Keep it all. But also listen, notice and ask the questions that make your kid pause and wonder. Empathy, compassion and kindness linger longer than any candy high. And long after the mask comes off, the most meaningful thing they wear this Halloween might be the compassion that’s left behind.

Discover the Wardlaw Difference!

Wardlaw children aren’t defined by dyslexia. Wardlaw children define themselves.

The Wardlaw School’s singular focus is teaching children with dyslexia. Wardlaw’s highly trained staff see each child, teach to their strengths, and support challenges with proven, evidence-based practices.

Specialized in structured literacy approaches like Orton–Gillingham and Wilson, Wardlaw teachers individualize instruction while also fostering empathy, critical thinking, and executive functioning within a rigorous academic curriculum. This foundation builds deep reading—the kind of reading that allows children not only to comprehend words, but to connect, reflect, and envision their future.

From the moment a child arrives, Wardlaw prepares them for the next step and their lifetime, equipping them to move forward with confidence and to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Wardlaw School

BRAIN MATTER:

The Science of Dyslexia

by Emily Webb

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences. Often misunderstood as a problem with intelligence or vision, dyslexia actually stems from neurological variations in the brain’s structure and function when it comes to language processing. Brain imaging and cognitive science studies have improved understanding on how dyslexic brains work, offering insights, challenging outdated myths and paving the way for more effective strategies.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a diagnostic condition. Professional evaluations test your child’s skills, and a diagnosis can be used to advocate for the student to get her the accommodations she needs.

“Dyslexia is not a general term that can be used for all kids who can’t read,” Brenda Fitzgerald, the Executive Director of Georgia Educational Training Agency. “It’s a very specific diagnosis, and it’s for kids who have difficulty breaking the code with reading, writing and spelling.”

A person with dyslexia struggles to accurately and fluently read and spell words. The literacy process isn’t automatic for him, so it can take him longer to process information.

“Dyslexia is a result of a difference in the wiring and processing of those neuropathways in the brain’s reading and language functioning,” Fitzgerald says. “A dyslexic student has difficulty holding the correct sound long enough to connect it to the part of the brain that matches the sound to the letter. This can affect reading, writing and spelling.”

Reading and the Brain

“Reading is very new in the brain. We don’t have an area solely dedicated to reading. We have areas to help. The network in the brain utilizes a bunch of other systems — language, attention, memory,” says Dr. Nikki Arrington, Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Psychology at Georgia State University.

Cont’d on next page

BRAIN MATTER: The Science of Dyslexia

Children with dyslexia process information differently, a phenomenon that is still being researched.

“Reading and language is processed in the left hemisphere, and the four regions — frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital — work together to recognize words for reading, spelling and understanding,” says Jenn Parks, the Structured Literacy Coordinator at Saint Francis School. A functional MRI (fMRI) is a type of scan showing which areas of the brain are most active. “There are fMRIs of children with dyslexia and children without dyslexia, and when they’re given the task of reading, the brains of children with dyslexia are not activating all four lobes.”

Reading is a complex task requiring different areas of the brain to work together to recognize and interpret words. For a learner with dyslexia, this task is even more complex.

“You’ll see less activation in the areas of the brain that we see in typical readers, specifically in the areas of the brain that map sound onto written language,” says Dr. Rachael Harrington, a clinically trained speech language pathologist, neuroscientist and Assistant Professor in Georgia State University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. “We see increased areas in the right hemisphere, which is a part of the brain that is not usually involved in reading.”

CHILDREN WITH DYSLEXIA PROCESS INFORMATION DIFFERENTLY, A PHENOMENON THAT IS STILL BEING RESEARCHED.

A 2020 “Asian Journal of Psychiatry” study showed participants with dyslexia used areas in the brain more involved in recalling memory. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a neuroimaging technique for white matter microstructure, has shown widespread disrupted structural brain connectivity with reading impairments, according to a 2019 “Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience” study. Both accuracy and processing speed are related to white matter, while reading processes are related to the development of gray matter volume and cortical thickness.

Literacy Learning

Dyslexia can affect any or all of the processes regarding reading, writing, spelling or comprehension.

“When you’re looking at a word, you have to identify the letter, connect it automatically to a sound and blend it together for the word. The brain also has to function in the opposite way. You hear

the word, segment the individual sounds, associate those with a letter and write down the word,” Parks says.

To make it more complicated, English doesn’t have a one to one relationship with a letter and a sound. Instead, there are multiple ways to create the same sound. “If the brain is working really hard to read or spell a word, it doesn’t have enough time to construct meaning,” Parks says.

Literacy skills build on top of each other. “With early literacy skills, you’re learning: this is a book; this is how you hold a book; you read it from left to right. With the early reading phase, you’re mapping the sounds onto letters, learning phonics instructions and building vocabulary,” Harrington says. “When other students are moving on to reading to learn with a science or history book, these kids are still a step behind.”

Dyslexia is not due to a lack of intelligence, and with appropriate remediation, a student can learn how to make these connections in his brain and build these skills.

“In the brain of kids with dyslexia, we see structural differences in those parts of the brain to help support reading,” Arrington says. “With reading intervention programs, normalization occurs. This is a lifelong difference in your brain. It doesn’t make you less; it just means your brain functions differently.”

Saint Francis School

Learn the Lingo

Dyslexia:

A specific, neurobiological learning disability characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor encoding (spelling or writing) and decoding (reading) abilities.

Phoneme:

Identifies the smallest unit of sound, such as “b,” “t” or “tch.”

Grapheme:

Individual letters and groups of letters representing phonemes.

Structured Literacy:

An approach emphasizing highly explicit and systematic teaching of the components of literacy, including both foundational and higher-level literacy skills. Learning is taught systematically (following the logical order of the language), cumulatively (building on previous concepts), explicitly (teaching is deliberate) and diagnostically (instruction meets a student’s needs). Common examples include OrtonGillingham, Wilson Language Training and Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes.

Phonemic/Phonological Awareness:

The ability to recognize, notice and manipulate phonemes.

Sound-Symbol Association:

Directly teaches students relationships between sounds and symbols, such as, “This is the letter b, and it says ‘buh.’”

Syllable Instruction:

The rules of a syllable in oral or written language, including the teaching of the six basic syllable types.

Morphology:

Teaching meanings of symbols, such as prefixes, to help students break down unknown words in the future.

Morphography:

The spelling patterns and rules, such as “ck” is typically at the end of a one syllable word with a short vowel like in snack, truck and duck.

Semantics:

The aspect of language concerned with meaning, leading to reading comprehension.

Syntax:

How words are strung together into meaning, including grammar, sentence variation and the mechanics of language.

Adapted from interviews with Brenda Fitzgerald, Jenn Parks, dyslexiaida.org, readingrockets.org, orton-gillingham.com, wilsonlanguage.com and lindamoodbell.com.

BRAIN MATTER: The Science of Dyslexia

How You Can Help Your Child

If your child has been recently diagnosed with dyslexia, you’re likely looking for the best ways to help her move forward in her educational journey.

A cure for dyslexia doesn’t exist. “You can’t cure a way that your brain has developed,” Harrington says. “You can train it, but there is no magic pill that’s going to change the structure of the brain.”

Because of research, we know how to help children with dyslexia learn.

Start remediation early. According to a 2019 study in “Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience,” early remediation takes advantage of the brain’s plastic state when white matter is still developing.

“Remediating early is critical,” Fitzgerald says. “Dyslexia can’t be cured, but it can be remediated well. When you delay remediation, it’ll bleed over into those other domains — emotional, social, cognitive, language, motor.”

At public schools, the state of Georgia has legislation requiring universal dyslexia screening for students in grades kindergarten to third to help ensure early identification and intervention.

Find a school using a structured literacy program, such as Orton Gillingham and Wilson, that targets different aspects of reading and language development.

Signs of Dyslexia

For a comprehensive list of warning signs, go to the Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org) and the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity (dyslexia.yale.edu).

n Late or delayed speech

n Difficulty rhyming

n Mispronouncing familiar words

n Difficulty learning and remembering letters of the alphabet

n Difficulty sounding out simple words

n Complaining about reading being hard

n Avoiding reading out loud

n Family history of reading problems

FIND A SCHOOL USING A STRUCTURED LITERACY PROGRAM, SUCH AS ORTON-GILLINGHAM AND WILSON, THAT TARGETS DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF READING AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT.

“A structured literacy program is an evidence based researched instructional approach that teaches reading and writing skills explicitly and systematically,” Fitzgerald says.

“Structured literacy focuses on two things: content and the principles of instruction. This means the what and the how,” Parks says. “At Saint Francis, we teach very clearly and directly what a rule is. We’re not leaving things up for students to discover on their own. We make sure the skills are mastered, not just introduced. Instruction is multisensory and hands on, so students are actively engaged. They’re moving letter tiles to build words, making motions when learnings sounds, color coding to understand syllables or using cards to build sentences. Our instruction tomorrow is informed by what happens in the classroom today.”

5 Common Dyslexia Myths

n People with dyslexia are unmotivated and not smart. Perhaps the most widespread myth about dyslexia, this one is also often the most hurtful for people who are diagnosed with it. In fact, people with dyslexia are often quite smart and very creative.

n Reversing letters is the main sign of dyslexia. The main sign of dyslexia is difficulty with accurate and/ or fluent word recognition, accompanied by poor spelling and decoding ability. This occurs because of misfires in the way the brain processes language in people who have dyslexia.

Celebrate your child’s strengths and acknowledge her accomplishments.

“They’re amazing. They think outside the box. They have compassion for other people, because they’ve felt what it’s like to feel different. Their thinking and reasoning isn’t compromised, and they’ll excel in the arts, math, sports, science. They’re super creative. They take in a lot of information and perceptional reasoning,” Fitzgerald says. “These students can go onto be entrepreneurs, surgeons, architects — whatever they want to be they can be.”

Check out available resources through International Dyslexia Association Georgia (ga.dyslexiaida.org), Georgia Educational Training Agency (georgiaeta.com), Decoding Dyslexia (decodingdyslexia.net) and Orton Gillingham (orton gillingham.com).

n Dyslexia is caused by a lack of exposure to reading or phonics instruction. Exposing young children to literacy is an important element of early childhood development, but a lack of it is not a cause of dyslexia. As with other learning difficulties, early intervention is key to success.

n Kids outgrow dyslexia. Since dyslexia is related to processing in the brain, it does not go away as someone gets older. Tools from structured literacy programs help people learn and live fully with dyslexia.

n Dyslexia only happens with English. While dyslexia occurs in every language, it can be harder to overcome in English, French, and Russian because of a higher frequency of irregular spelling and letter combination.

– Tali Benjamin

Making a Difference: Carrington Manous, Miss Georgia Teen 2024

by Emily Webb

Crowned in June 2024 as Miss Georgia’s Teen, Carrington Manous uses her public platform to advocate for dyslexia. Diagnosed at the age of 7, Manous has spent her teenage years informing others about dyslexia. As part of her awareness efforts, she founded the non-profit organization Carrington Cares in 2022, published the children’s book “Dyslexia Doesn’t Define Me” in 2023 and helped work on Senate Bill 48, which provides identification and support for students with dyslexia. Atlanta Parent spoke with Manous about her journey with dyslexia.

When were you diagnosed with dyslexia?

I was diagnosed in second grade. I was at The Galloway School, and the principal realized I wasn’t on the same level as my peers and suggested that I be held back. My parents weren’t OK with that. I took tests, and they showed I had dyslexia. I was young and didn’t quite understand what dyslexia meant. I was ashamed, and I didn’t want to tell anyone. I had also been tested as gifted, so my parents and I didn’t understand how I can be both. It’s referred to as “Twice Exceptional,” as one can be both dyslexic and gifted. The principal told me, “You just have to take different routes to get to where everyone else is at.”

What are the challenges that come with dyslexia?

It can be different for anyone. I had a lot of trouble with reading and spelling, and I still have some trouble with those. I went to The Schenck School for three years, and they taught me a lot of tips and tricks. They do a lot of advocating for students with dyslexia. I am very thankful for them. That work inspired me to create my own non profit, and as I go off to college, I am excited to continue my work. I want to help other students who are like me realize that dyslexia isn’t something they should be ashamed of, and I want to empower them.

What are the strengths that come with dyslexia?

It gives me more time to think on things, so I have a different perspective on life. Without dyslexia, I wouldn’t be as artistic as I am now. I love to draw and dance. I also love to write poems, and especially when I was younger, those would help me to express myself. The arts have helped me push through any challenge.

Q:Why did you start Carrington Cares?

I realized that I wasn’t alone, and I saw that other people learned like me. I know I’m not the only person who thought that they were alone. I wanted to help students realize they have a voice, and they have someone they can look up to. Through my research, I found there are so many people who have dyslexia and are role models. They didn’t let dyslexia stop them.

Q:What advice would you give to students with dyslexia?

Don’t listen to what other people have to say. I didn’t want to share, because I felt like people would judge me. People are going to judge you regardless. You can stay in your bubble and not push yourself, or you can step out of your comfort zone, and block out the haters. Evolve into yourself — that will make a difference. My parents helped me realize I didn’t have to dim my light to fit in. It’s OK to be different. Let your light shine.

Q:What inspires your work?

I get to see so many kids, and I can attest to my journey and my testimony: I was once in your shoes. If I had had someone I could have looked up to back then, I know the world would just have disappeared except for me and that person. That would have comforted me. I love sharing them with that they shouldn’t let dyslexia stop them.

Q:How do you hope to inspire others?

I have learned that once I use my voice, I can make a difference. My dyslexia isn’t something that I wanted to tell the whole world about, but I was able to step out of my comfort zone. I’m really glad that I did, and that I didn’t let dyslexia define me. I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone. I hope that has a trickle effect for others and helps them know they can be comfortable with who they are. You can learn more about Manous on her Instagram page or on her website, decodedyslexia.com.

2025-26 Guide to Private School Admissions and Tours

Be sure to check websites for the most up-to-date registration information. Many schools also offer virtual tour options.

n Annunciation Day School annunciationdayschool.org

404-565-2850

2500 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta 30329

Preschool-Grade 8

Open Houses: Oct. 9 and Nov. 4, 9-11 a.m. Register online.

n Athens Academy athensacademy.org

706-549-9225

1281 Spartan Ln., Athens 30606

K3-Grade 12

Open House: Nov. 13, 8:30 a.m. Register online.

n Atlanta Academy atlantaacademy.com

678-461-6102

2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy., Roswell 30076

PreK-Grade 8

Open House: Kindergarten, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. Register online.

n Atlanta International School aischool.org

404-841-3840

2890 North Fulton Dr., Atlanta 30305 1701 Brandon Hall Dr., Sandy Springs 30350

K3-Grade 12

Tours available weekly. Register online.

n Atlanta Speech School atlantaspeechschool.org

404-233-5332

3160 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta 30327

Preschool-Grade 6

Wardlaw School Tour: Oct. 16, 9 a.m. Register online.

n Brookwood Christian School brookwoodchristian.com

678-401-5855

4728 Wood St., Acworth 30101 Grades 1-12

n Capstone Academy capstoneacademy.com

404-458-5160

1934 Cliff Valley Way, Atlanta 30329 Grades 5-12

n The Cottage School cottageschool.org

770-641-8688

700 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell 30075 K-Grade 12

n The Davis Academy davisacademy.org

678-527-3300

8105 and 7901 Roberts Dr., Atlanta 30350 PreK-Grade 8 Register online for a tour.

n Galloway gallowayschool.org

404-252-8389

215 Chastain Park Ave. NW, Atlanta 30342

3254 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta 30327

PK3-Grade 12

Campus Tours: Oct.-Jan.

Open House: Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Register online.

n GRACEPOINT School gracepointschool.org

678-709-6634

570 Piedmont Rd., Marietta 30066 Grades 1-8 Register online for a tour.

n Greater Atlanta Christian School greateratlantachristian.org

770-243-2273

1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross 30093 Infant-Grade 12 Register online for a tour.

n High Meadows School highmeadows.org

770-993-2940

1055 Willeo Rd., Roswell 30075

PreK-Grade 8 Register online for a tour.

n Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School hies.org

404-255-4026

805 Mount Vernon Hwy. NW, Atlanta 30327

PK3-Grade 12

Open House: Nov. 15, 9-11 a.m. Register online.

n Holy Spirit Preparatory School holyspiritprep.org

678-761-7992

4465 Northside Dr., Atlanta 30327

4820 Long Island Dr., Atlanta 30342

4449 Northside Dr., Atlanta 30327

6 Mos.-Grade 12

Open Houses Register online.

n The Howard School howardschool.org

404-377-7436

1192 Foster Street NW, Atlanta 30318

K-Grade 12

Open Houses: Oct. 28 and Dec. 2, 8:30-10 a.m. Register online.

n Landmark Christian School landmarkchristianschool.org

770-306-4647

50 SE Broadstreet, Fairburn 30213 770-306-4648

109 Milo Fisher St., Fairburn 30213

PK3-Grade 12

Campus Tours: Oct. 21, Nov. 11 and Dec. 2 Register online.

n Lovett lovett.org 404-262-3032

4075 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta 30327 K-Grade 12

Roam the Riverbank: Nov. 9, 1-3:30 p.m. Discover Lovett: Nov. 19 and Dec. 12 Register online.

n McGinnis Woods School mcginniswoods.org 770-664-7764

5380 Faircroft Dr., Alpharetta 30005 Infants-Grade 8 Register online for a tour.

n Mill Springs Academy millsprings.org 770-360-1336

13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta 30004 K-Grade 12

Open Houses: Oct. 8 and Nov. 9, 9:30 a.m. Register online.

n Mount Paran Christian School mtparanschool.com 470-250-0008

1275 Stanley Rd. NW, Kennesaw 30152

PreK3-Grade 12

Tuesday Tours: weekly, 9 a.m. Preschool Peek Open House: Nov. 4, 9 a.m. Campus Preview: Nov. 12, 9 a.m. Register online.

n Mount Pisgah Christian School mountpisgahschool.org 678-336-3400

9820 Nesbit Ferry Rd., Johns Creek 30022 PK-Grade 12

Parent Preview Days: Oct. 22 and 23, Nov. 12 Register online.

n Mount Vernon School mountvernonschool.org

404-252-3448

471 Mount Vernon Hwy. NE, Atlanta 30328

510 Mount Vernon Hwy. NE, Atlanta 30328

PreK2-Grade 12

Open Houses: Oct. 28; Nov. 6 and 11; Dec. 2, 4, 9 and 11 Register online.

Cont’d on next page

n North Cobb Christian School ncchristian.org

770-975-0252

4500 Eagle Dr., Kennesaw 30144

K3-Grade 12

2025-26 Guide to Private School Admissions and Tours

n The Schenck School schenck.org

404-252-2591

282 Mt. Paran Rd., Atlanta 30327

K-Grade 6

Current 5th-8th Grade Athletics Preview Day: Oct. 30, 5-6:30 p.m.

K3-12th Grade Preview Day: Nov. 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Register online.

Pace Academy n paceacademy.org

404-262-1345

966 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta 30327

PreK-Grade 12

Open Houses: Nov. 22, noon and 1 p.m. Register online.

n Pinecrest Academy pinecrestacademy.org

770-888-4477

955 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming 30041

PK3-Grade 12

Informational Coffee and Tour: Oct. 14, 8:30 a.m. Register online.

n Sage School sageschool.net

678-318-3588

800 Satellite Blvd. NE, Suwanee 30024

K-Grade 6 Register online for a tour.

n Saint Anne’s Day School saintannesdayschool.com

404-237-7024

3098 Saint Anne’s Lane NW, Atlanta 30327 12 Mos.-Kindergarten

Tour: Oct. 22, Nov. 12 and Dec. 3, 9 a.m. Register online.

n St. Benedict’s Episcopal School stbs.org

678-279-4300

Main Campus: 2160 Cooper Lake Rd. SE, Smyrna 30080

PreK-Grade 4

South Campus: 4295 Weaver St. SE, Smyrna 30080 Grades 5-8

Preschool Open House: Nov. 9, 2-3:30 p.m. K-8 Open House Chapel + Chat: Dec. 9, 8:15-10 a.m. Register online.

n Saint Francis School saintfrancisschools.com

770-641-8257

9375 Willeo Rd., Roswell 30075

678-339-9989

13440 Cogburn Rd., Milton 30004 K-Grade 12

Open Houses: Oct. 8, 21, 22 and 23; Nov. 4 and 5; Dec. 2, 3, 4 and 10 Register online.

n Springmont School springmont.com

404-252-3910

5750 Long Island Dr. NW, Atlanta 30327

18 Months-Grade 8

n Swift School theswiftschool.org

678-205-4988

300 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell 30075

K-Grade 8

Tour: Oct. 16, 8:30 a.m.

n Trinity School trinityatl.org

404-240-9450

4301 Northside Pkwy., Atlanta 30327

3 Years-Grade 6

Open Houses: Oct. 21, Nov. 12, Dec. 3 and 9

n The Walker School thewalkerschool.org

770-427-2689

700 Cobb Pkwy. N, Marietta 30062

PreK3-Grade 12

Tours available weekly. Register online.

n Wesleyan School wesleyanschool.org

770-448-7640

5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners 30092

K-Grade 12

Open House: Nov. 15

Parent Previews: Nov 4, Dec. 4 Register online.

n Woodward Academy woodward.edu

Main Campus:

404-765-4000

1662 Rugby Ave., College Park 30337

PreK-Grade 12

North Campus:

404-765-4490

6565 Boles Rd., Johns Creek 30097

PreK-Grade 6

Tours available weekly. Register online.

Ask Questions!

Asking questions is the best way to learn the “ins and outs” of any school. Think outside of the box to dig deeper. Here’s a list of a few questions, just to get you started:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

How much ongoing training do the teachers receive?

How can parents be involved in the classroom?

If students are put on ability tracks, how are they decided? Are the tracks flexible?

What is the main emphasis of the curriculum?

Does the school offer free tutoring services?

What are your goals for the students?

How can we support at home what you’re doing in the classroom?

Visit atlantaparent.com/openhouse for more open house and tour dates.

Centered in Christ, Children & Community

Annunciation Day School (ADS) serves a diverse community of students from Preschool - 8th grade with 30 different nationalities. Their mission is to provide an environment where every child can shine through academic excellence, character, and resilience built on Orthodox Christian principles. The core curriculum focuses on hands-on learning where students scored in the top 14% in the nation on standardized testing. Enrichment classes round out the school day with art, music, P.E., Greek, Spanish, and Religion. Morning and after school activities include STEM, ballet, karate, chess, drama club, and competitive sports in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and flag football in the MAAC League. The 18:1 student to teacher ratio offers one-on-one learning time and opportunities for students to become confident and successful learners. ADS is located near Emory and CDC. Register for one of their Open Houses to learn more. Applications open on November 1st!

2500 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta 30329

404-565-2850 | adsatlanta.org

& PreSchool

Serving Each Child, Every Day

Located in the beautiful rolling hills of Northeast Georgia, Athens Academy is built on a foundation of four pillars: academics, arts, athletics, and service and leadership. Athens Academy offers students an innovative curriculum taught by a talented and dedicated faculty; integrated media and technology programs; an emphasis on integrity and honor, beginning in the earliest grades; a global approach to learning, to prepare them for success in a rapidly-changing world; opportunities for service and leadership beginning as early as Preschool; and a wide variety of options for creative self-expression through the arts, technology, athletics, and more. Explore Athens Academy’s beautiful 152-acre campus in Athens, Georgia, and learn why they are consistently ranked one of the best private schools in the state by Niche.com.

K3-Grade 12

1281 Spartan Lane, Athens 30606

706-549-9225 athensacademy.org

Spotlight on Private Schools

Instilling Conﬁdence and Character

Atlanta Academy, located in Roswell, serves 415 private preschool through 8th grade students across North Fulton. Small classes of no more than 16 students allow teachers to recognize each child’s individual strengths and nurture their unique talents. From the earliest years, students build a strong foundation in academics, character, and curiosity, fostering both well-being and joy in learning.

Atlanta Academy offers students meaningful opportunities to grow into leaders on campus. Middle School students serve as role models for younger peers, gaining confidence and responsibility while contributing to a vibrant, connected community. A forward-thinking curriculum builds essential skills and independence, preparing students to thrive in prestigious private and top-ranking charter and public high schools.

Rooted in a non-denominational, student-centered community, teachers model values such as empathy, integrity, resiliency, and honesty. This foundation empowers children to become confident, capable problem-solvers ready for lifelong success.

Preschool – Grade 8

2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy., Roswell 30076 678-461-6102 | atlantaacademy.com

Celebrating 40 Years of Courageous Leaders

Atlanta International School (AIS) is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering Primary, Middle, Diploma and Career-Related IB Programs to 1,350 students from 3K to Grade 12. The world-class AIS language acquisition program begins in 3 and 4K with full immersion (Chinese, French, German, and Spanish) followed by dual and partial immersion in Primary School. Secondary School programs accommodate all skill levels, whether new to a language or pursuing a bilingual IB Diploma. Innovation is central to an AIS education and many students pursue STEM/STEAM-endorsed IB diplomas. Beyond the classroom, students enjoy award-winning arts opportunities, competitive athletics and global experiential learning.

AIS offers unparalleled U.S. and international college preparation, with personalized college counseling beginning in 9th Grade. AIS graduates are welcomed to leading universities around the globe — the Class of 2025 is now attending 95 U.S. colleges and 7 overseas.

Learn more about their unique programs.

2017 and 2024 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

TOURING

GRADE

2000 HOLCOMB WOODS PKWY. ROSWELL, GA

S erving the North Fulton communities of Roswell, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs and more.

Life-balance, family-time and strong academics matter here

Capstone Academy is a private school serving grades 5-12 with an innovative, successful model changing young lives since 2008. College-prep academics are at the honors level and above in high school and advanced levels in the middle grades. Capstone is a school whose structure works best for students who desire the camaraderie of a classroom setting but require a flexible schedule to pursue outside interests and quality family time. This is accomplished without sacrificing learning and eliminates the wasted time and stress of a traditional school schedule. The core belief at Capstone Academy is that students who are balanced and understand their own power, can explore their education, and pursue their passions with authenticity. To schedule a tour please visit capstoneacademy.com or call 404-458-5160.

Different From Day One

The Cottage School (TCS), founded in 1985, has been Different from Day One by creating a place where students who learn differently are understood, supported, and celebrated. As an accredited K-12 school in Roswell, TCS offers small 10:1 class sizes, individualized instruction, and a structured environment that empowers students to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

With the recent addition of a second Roswell campus for elementary grades, TCS continues its mission of early intervention. Students thrive in core subjects while also engaging in hands-on opportunities such as STEAM, culinary arts, music, video production, and athletics.

From kindergarten through graduation, TCS uses a unique work-based and incentive-driven model to prepare students socially, emotionally, and academically to become confident, independent adults. Learn more at cottageschool.org

l cottageschool.org

Give Your Child an Exceptional Start to an Unstoppable Future.

The years from Kindergarten Prep — Grade 8 are special, consequential, and deserving of intentional focus. These are the years when children are most open to exploring: as students, athletes, artists, friends, and leaders. It’s when students begin to set great expectations, and when they discover their inner self is as important as their academic development. It’s when children recognize their critical role within their family, their community, and the greater world.

These are the formative years – and at The Davis Academy, they mean everything. As both a highly academic independent school and a Reform Jewish Day School, we are intentional about giving children an exceptional start to their school experience, providing students with individualized learning, well-rounded opportunities, and a loving community rooted in inclusive values.

Kindergarten Prep – Grade 8

8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta 30350

770-671-0085

davisacademy.org

High Expectations. Low Anxiety.

Founded in 1969 on eight acres in Atlanta’s Chastain Park, Galloway emerged as a pioneer in progressive education. Today, it continues to be defined by exceptional faculty who place students’ natural curiosity at the heart of the center of education to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Galloway offers a model of superior independent school education—one that actively prepares students for a changing world. The school is deeply committed to ensuring every student is seen, that learning remains joyful, and that students have high expectations for themselves.

Galloway believes children learn best when they are drawn –not forced – to do so and when they learn by doing. As a result, our students are happy at school, authentic and kind with one another, and unafraid to assert themselves.

Pre-K3-Grade 8

Chastain Campus

215 Chastain Park Ave NW, Atlanta 30342

Grades 9-12

Northside Campus

3254 Northside Pkwy NW, Atlanta, 30327

404-252-8389 | gallowayschool.org

More Than a Classroom, More Than a School

Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) is one of Atlanta’s largest PK–12 schools, serving more than 1,750 students across a walkable 90-acre campus in Norcross, just ½ mile off I-85. Families from Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Peachtree Corners, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Tucker, and beyond find GAC to be centrally located, with bus routes providing convenient access across metro Atlanta.

Visitors are invited to tour GAC’s new Business & Innovation Center and newly renovated Elementary building, featuring a stateof-the-art Innovation Lab and Environmental Learning Center designed to inspire the next generation of thinkers.

With over 30 AP classes (with a 93% AP exam pass rate), 8 world languages, dual college credit courses, and flexible online and hybrid pathways, GAC equips students to thrive academically and spiritually. GAC is more than a school—it’s a community with innovative spaces and real-world experiences that prepare students for their future.

Infant-Grade 12

1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross 30093 770-243-2273 | GAC.org

Learning is an Adventure at HMS

Adventure and play are built into the program, along with a culture where children become highly prepared students, respectful community members, and confident participants in their learning journey. When you step onto 42 acres of historic farm property at HMS, you immediately experience the difference in the school’s progressive approach to education. HMS believes unapologetically in the value of play and inquiry-based learning. High Meadows faculty and staff honor student voices and embrace the wonders of childhood while preparing students for success in high school and beyond. With an inquiry-based approach to education, students are encouraged to ask questions. Those curiosities matter as much as the answers, and the campus provides students with ever-changing experiential lessons. Make plans to visit today! Group tours are offered year-round at 10:00 a.m. on most Mondays and Fridays. Visit highmeadows.org/visit to schedule a tour.

Pre-K3 - Grade 8

1055 Willeo Road, Roswell 30075 770-933-2940 | highmeadows.org

Discover HIES: Learning, Leadership, Community and Faith

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School is the country’s largest Parish Episcopal school, serving 1,400 students ages 3 years old through 12th grade. On its 43-acre campus located just north of Chastain Park, HIES has an impressive campus anchored by an expansive pedestrian-friendly quad.

From a very early age, students cultivate a love of learning in cutting-edge academic facilities, guided by exceptional, dedicated educators. They cultivate respect for themselves and others through global travel and experiential learning. HIES students grow in their faith in God in an inclusive community where all faith traditions are welcomed. They learn to become ethical leaders driven by a desire to make a difference in and serve the world community. The HIES college-prep curriculum challenges students, encourages collaboration and inspires creative thinking. Plan your visit to HIES today at hies.org/admissions!

PK3 – Grade 12

805 Mount Vernon Highway NW

Atlanta 30327

404-255-4026 | hies.org

Rich, Rewarding and Relevant

Landmark Christian School is dedicated to helping students through a rich, relevant, and rewarding education.

A rich education is deep and meaningful, cultivating a love of truth, goodness, and beauty. It provides depth of thought, encouraging students to become confident problem-solvers and innovators. It allows students to think deeply while engaging diversity of thought in a vibrant learning community.

A relevant education stimulates the creation of real, tangible products and encourages students to take pride in their investment of time and energy. It’s learning for life.

A rewarding education provides students with memorable and engaging experiences, within which they develop agency and ownership regarding their education. While preparing students for the future, it constantly keeps the larger perspective in view. It chooses character over comfort. It recognizes that the greatest gain is through giving, the greatest honor through humility, and the greatest success is through service. Learn more today.

PK3 - Grade 12

50 SE Broad St., Fairburn 30213

770-306-0647 landmarkchristianschool.org

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School - PK3-12 - hies.org

Approaching Life with Conﬁdence

Mill Springs Academy is a K–12 private school that empowers students with ADHD, learning differences, and those on the autism spectrum to discover their strengths and thrive. Through a handson, project-based learning approach, they integrate academics with practical skills to build critical thinking, executive functioning, and social-emotional intelligence. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to prepare students to be Real World Ready, equipped with the confidence and resilience to succeed in any path they choose.

Located on an 85-acre campus in Alpharetta, Mill Springs offers a supportive environment where students are truly seen and understood. Small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a focus on advocacy help learners gain the tools to succeed academically and personally. The school also offers arts, athletics and extracurriculars that foster creativity, collaboration and self-expression. Whether a student’s goal is college, career, or creative pursuit, Mill Springs is committed to helping them unlock their potential and approach life with confidence. Learn more today!

13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta 30004 770-360-1336 | millsprings.org

Move Mountains at MPCS

For 50 years, Mount Paran Christian School has provided an elevated experience in academics, award-winning arts, and championship athletics — all with Christ at the center. Within small class sizes (12:1 student-teacher ratio), MPCS offers 56 AP/honors courses, instructional support, robotics, Spanish and STEAM starting in PK3, and a 1:1 device program.

It’s crucial to guarantee a moral and faith foundation through everything your child learns on the school journey. Through curricular Bible classes, weekly chapel, service, and discipleship groups, faith becomes fused into who they are. Highly-qualified career educators know and love each student to raise up servant-leaders who can move mountains – in the classroom, on the ball field, on the stage, and ultimately in the community.

Chart your path at mtparanschool.com/explore.

Preschool – Grade 12 1275 Stanley Rd. NW, Kennesaw 30152 770-578-0182 | mtparanschool.com

Educating with Intention

Mount Pisgah Christian School’s mission is to provide an outstanding college preparatory education grounded in Christian faith and values. The school is defined by a sense of belonging for families and students, with educational, spiritual and interpersonal growth central to its vision.

Located in the heart of North Atlanta, Mount Pisgah is an independent, non-denominational, coeducational day school serving students from age six weeks through 12th grade. The school offers a caring learning environment that challenges, nurtures and strengthens students intellectually, spiritually and physically. Students are given curated opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities in order to develop the whole person as a contributor to a thriving school community.

The school is known for an exceptional faculty; proven performance in personalized instruction; comprehensive AP, Honors and STEAM curriculum; 54 athletic teams, fine arts programs and an exceptional college placement program.

Six weeks – Grade 12 9820 Nesbit Ferry Rd., Johns Creek 30022 678-336-2400 mountpisgahschool.org

PICTURE

Belonging

H E R E

Standing

Firm on What Matters Most

At North Cobb Christian School, families’ deepest values are reaffirmed. With a curriculum grounded in biblical truth and programs that foster authentic discipleship, students glean an identity firmly rooted in Christ.

A robust team of school resource officers, three school counselors, weekly chapel, daily Bible class, and peermentoring programs provide students with the emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental support needed to thrive. Plus, North Cobb Christian School is the first school in the nation to earn Guardian SafeSchool® certification, which requires a thorough best-practice approach for school security.

Combine this level of support with exemplary academics, specialized tracks in STEM and entrepreneurship, championship athletics, and award-winning arts, and NCCS students truly are unstoppable. Call 770-975-0252 and come explore North Cobb Christian School — the way school should be.

K3 - Grade 12

4500 Eagle Dr., Kennesaw 770-975-0252 | ncchristian.org

class of ‘25 Accepted to Yale, Brown, Purdue, West Point, GA Tech + 385 more! // 50% UGA acceptance rate // 23% college athletic signings // 100% biblical foundations

Full-Day

Transitional Kindergarten

Nestled in the heart of Buckhead, Saint Anne’s Day School & Enrichment Programs is a Reggio-inspired preschool serving children ages 1-6. The Transitional Kindergarten is a fullday program and gives children with late spring and summer birthdays the gift of time before entering elementary school. A Spanish immersion program provides an introduction to the language through child-directed experiences. Before and Aftercare is available from 7:30-6:00, as well as classes such as Tinkergarten, PlayBall, and Dance.

Saint Anne’s is known for its innovative teaching practices and beautiful spaces. As part of the Saint Anne’s community, classes connect with the on-campus retirement community and engage in service projects with the church.

Inquiry and play-based learning inspire young learners and are at the core of the Saint Anne’s Day School Pillars: The image of the child as competent, The environment as a third teacher, and Documentation as a tool for learning and collaboration.

Learn, Grow and Flourish

St. Benedict’s Episcopal School in Smyrna, Georgia, serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a mission rooted in Episcopal tradition, inspiring a love of learning and nurturing personal growth. The curriculum is intentionally designed to provide continuity from the earliest years through middle school, ensuring students are supported at every stage of development.

In the Lower School, students build strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while also engaging in art, music, Spanish, drama, and physical education. Beginning in 5th grade, Middle School offers a dynamic program tailored to students’ expanding social, emotional, and intellectual needs. STEAM is woven into every classroom, from infants through 8th grade, fostering creativity and problem-solving across subjects.

With small class sizes and a community grounded in belonging, kindness, respect, and integrity, St. Benedict’s prepares students to be confident, compassionate, and independent thinkers, ready to thrive in high school and beyond.

Discover the Saint Francis Difference

Since 1976, Saint Francis School has been guiding students across the Atlanta area to success in a challenging yet supportive environment. As a non-religious, independent college preparatory school, they serve grades K-8 in Roswell and 8-12 in Milton. In August 2026, they are proud to expand their 50-year tradition of Middle School excellence with the opening of a new 6-8 middle school program on the Milton campus.

With small classes and individualized attention, every student is guided to thrive. Their curriculum includes Honors, Traditional, Support, and Academic Enhancement courses. High school students can pursue advanced opportunities in STEAM, robotics, and AP classes that prepare them for college and beyond.

Saint Francis is also home to one of Georgia’s best dyslexia remediation programs, with Wilson Reading®, Fundations®, Just Words®, and comprehension support woven into the curriculum without pulling students out of core classes.

Discover how Saint Francis can help your child build confidence, find their home, and achieve success.

Grades K - 12

Roswell Campus: K-Grade 8 | 770-641-8257

Milton Campus: Grades 6-12 | 678-339-9989

saintfrancisschools.com

Atlanta’s First Montessori School

As the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, Springmont offers students 18 months through Middle School an authentic Montessori education. Individualized, hands-on learning is balanced with social/emotional well-being, inspiring our diverse and inclusive community of learners to become creative, independent, and globally minded.

Multi-aged classes and specially designed materials are complemented by highly experienced and caring teachers who guide students’ curiosity towards meaningful, collaborative discoveries. Large, light-filled classrooms and a beautiful campus with natural areas, class gardens, and farm animals afford rich outdoor experiences.

Springmont’s Middle School prepares students for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools and life beyond academics. Opportunities to hone time-management skills, experience active leadership roles, and work both independently and in diverse groups allow students to become engaged learners.

Springmont School – Extraordinary by Design.

18 months – Grade 8

5750 Long Island Drive NW

Atlanta 30327

404-252-3910 | springmont.com

Bright, Young Minds Flourish Here

Established in 1951, Trinity School is Atlanta’s sole elementary-only independent school and serves children age three through Sixth Grade. Students enjoy small class sizes, low student-to-teacher ratios, play- and passion-based units of study, and flexible indoor and outdoor learning spaces on a beautiful 43-acre campus. Offering high-quality, multi-sensory learning in a nurturing environment, Trinity is known for its challenging academics, amazing arts program, and community that cares like no other.

Trinity School cherishes the magic of childhood, encouraging students to try things they never imagined and cheering mightily when they succeed. Students have ample opportunity to follow their interests and find their passions. With the support of teachers who are experts in elementary education, Trinity students gain a lifelong love of learning, confidence in their abilities, and strategies to adapt to new situations and an ever-changing world.

Age 3 – Grade 6 4301 Northside Pkwy., Atlanta 30327 404-240-9450 | trinityatl.org

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

Walker graduates are leaders who excel in a diverse and ever-changing world. Their students thrive in an environment focused on student-centered education. The result? Active, dynamic engagement in the learning process that excites students and gives them agency. They focus on creating and nurturing relationships and fostering a deep sense of community and belonging. They do all of this by creating a caring school community that is special, one that is diverse and one that fosters belonging and kindness.

That combination is what differentiates Walker. Walker students reflect the world around them and are prepared for a future yet to be seen. Walker is located two miles from the Marietta Square and offers more than 20 bus routes in the metro area. Schedule a tour and learn more today!

PK3 - Grade 12

700 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta 30062 770-427-2689 | thewalkerschool.org

Change lives … Change the world

Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. The leadership and faculty work to provide students with a challenging atmosphere, reinforcing the value of hard work, and emphasizing character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan School has made a commitment, in the midst of a rapidly changing culture, to never waiver on the core principle of dedication to Jesus Christ. This is at the heart of everyday life at Wesleyan as students learn and faculty strive to model the school J.O.Y. motto – Jesus, others, and then yourself.

Enrolling grades K-12, Wesleyan School prepares students for each stage of life and provides them the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Schedule a visit today.

5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners 30092 770-448-7640 | wesleyanschool.org

Discover the Woodward Way

At Woodward Academy, global citizens are cultivated and prepared to thrive with both intellect and empathy. From Pre-K through senior year, students are immersed in an environment that fosters discovery, innovation, and leadership — whether through advanced STEM labs, robotics, literary discussions, or the arts. With 25 AP courses, a nationally respected Transition Learning Support Program, 100+ student-led clubs, 18 varsity sports, and 75+ annual arts performances, Woodward provides unparalleled opportunities for growth.

Equally important is their values-driven culture, where students grow in confidence through challenge and learn to lead with compassion. Graduates don’t just leave for college — they launch prepared to lead, earning $30+ million in scholarships, contributing 5,000 hours in service, and enrolling at more than 100 top colleges.

Schedule your visit today and discover how your child can thrive at Woodward Academy!

PreK – Grade 12 College Park & Johns Creek 404-765-4000 | woodward.edu

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Vinings / Smyrna

A look at the top family-friendly spots in this part of metro Atlanta.

by Tali Benjamin

Truist Park & The Battery

If you love baseball, you’ve likely been to Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. With 41,000 seats, fans get a great view of the game. On game days, families can enjoy the kids’ zone with a rock-climbing tower and other interactive play experiences. During the offseason, schedule a behind-the-scenes tour of the venue. The Battery is the 2.25-million-square-foot mixed-use space surrounding Truist Park. It features an escape room, movie theater, indoor VR and golfing experiences, music venues, shops and restaurants. Kids will love options like ice cream, pizza and burgers; mom and dad will enjoy jazz brunch, prime rib night and seeing popular musical acts. The Battery also features green spaces for kids to enjoy.

Vinings

n Population: 13,538

n Zip codes: 30339, 31139

n Known for historic sites, shopping districts, and proximity to local freeways, The Battery and nature areas.

Play Here

For a shaded playground area, check out Lake Court Park in Smyrna. The 12.6-acre park also has an off-leash dog area, sand volleyball, bocce court, pavilion and lots of green space.

Nature lovers can’t get enough of Paces Mill Park in Vinings. The West Palisades Trail is a great starting point to the park’s broad network of running, walking and biking trails that have views of the Chattahoochee River. It is a paved path through a wooded forest and is ideal for spotting wildlife.

If your kids love adventure, try Smyrna’s Chuck Camp Park. With a walking trail, baseball and multi-use fields and concessions, sporty kids will have a blast. The 16-acre site’s playground features a large climbing structure, swings, slides and more.

Smyrna

n Population: 57,177

n Zip codes: 30080, 30081, 30082, 30126

n Known for being home to the annual Jonquil Festival, vibrant downtown and rich history.

Area Attractions

If you’ve always wanted to go skydiving, visit iFly in Vinings. The indoor experience gives all the thrill of skydiving in a controlled environment. Make a reservation online before you go and be sure to wear closed-toe shoes. Adventure lovers as young as 3 are allowed to fly!

From daily pleasures of shopping, dining and enjoying the green space to special events, Smyrna’s Village Green & Market has it all. The revitalized downtown is home to an annual concert series, festivals — including the Jonquil Festival in April — and the weekly Market Village on Sundays that features local vendors and ends on October 19 for the season. The Village Green Park has open green space, seating areas, playgrounds (including one just for toddlers), an arboretum and a pond. The destination is also walking distance to the Library and Community Center.

Music, dance, comedy and more take the stage at Vinings’ Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The whole family can enjoy Atlanta Ballet performances here. Adults may prefer the drama of the Atlanta Opera. In November, bring the kids to see Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!

Chuck Camp Park

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

l November: Suwanee/Johns Creek/Duluth

l December: Alpharetta/Cumming/Milton

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

We love the vibe/location of our neighborhood because:

Our neighborhood is filled with kids, friendly families, and there is always something to do close by. We are close to the The Battery, downtown always has festivals and markets, and there are tons of playgrounds nearby.

Our favorite restaurant is:

The Corner Taqueria. It’s right in downtown Smyrna, is kid friendly and has great food!

Our favorite playground is:

Taylor-Brawner because it has a playground, a huge green space to run and a path to ride bikes or walk. There are also food trucks on Tuesdays in the spring/summer!

You can’t miss this hidden gem:

The hiking and biking trails at North Cooper Lake Park are a hidden gem. My family loves to go there and walk down to the creek and hike on the trails.

The Clement Family – Smyrna Scott, Ali, Willow (left) and Amelia (right)

Corner Taqueria

Shop Here

Get personalized baby and toddler gifts at Marshmallow Dream, a monogram studio and shop in Smyrna. From bath time to blankets and clothes to stuffed animals, this family-owned shop carries and personalizes a variety of items and brands.

Shop baby and kids’ clothes and gifts at Baby Braithwaite on the Paces Ferry side of Vinings. Owned by a mother-daughter team, the boutique specializes in high-end brands. They also offer a variety of nursery accessories and a registry for new parents.

Eat Here

It got its reputation as a sandwich shop, but Muss & Turner’s has turned into a Vinings’ staple that serves lunch, dinner and brunch with fresh ingredients and unique takes on classics. Kids will appreciate the variety of options on the kids’ menu and that every meal comes with a cookie; parents will love the $10 price tag. The whole family will enjoy Street Food Sunday when the menu explores a new region of the world each month.

Kids eat free on Tuesdays at Creatwood Tavern & Rooftop in Smyrna. American favorites like wings, salads and burgers are the highlights of the menu. Kids’ meals come with fresh fruit or fries. Plus, they’ll love the variety of appetizers as much as the grownups. Ask your server about the spot’s historical name!

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

Fun for Tots

Even babies can have fun at The Little Gym in Smyrna. Parent/ child classes are available for babies starting at 4 months with the groupings determined by age ranges. Kids can enjoy gymnastics through age 12. The space also offers Parents’ Night Out for members, birthday parties and camps.

Little ones will love exploring Buddy’s Indoor Playhouse in Smyrna. Complete with an area for toddlers, including a driving track, young children can safely test their independence. Everyone who comes in must have on socks, and you can get a monthly express pass to save time and money.

Invest in your child’s creativity from a young age at Vinings School of Art. Parent & Me classes are available for children as young as 4. Or, opt for the $20 Children’s Art Class available one Saturday per month. This month, it’s on October 25 with two sessions based on the age of your child. The artful space also offers birthday parties and camps.

Leave the planning to us! From start to finish, Ready Set Fun ensures a seamless, stress-free party experience. You just bring the smiles! 404-596-5566.

or call 470-265-6665 .

Buck’s Sports and Circus Barn buckssportbarn.com

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

Muss & Turner’s

The Little Gym

OCTOBER: Things to do this month

Top Events l Festivals and Fairs l See a Show l Free and Cheap Day of the Dead l Halloween: Top Picks, Trick-or-Treating and More

North Georgia Live Steamers

West Fest

The Atlanta Fair

Sloomooween Trick-or-Treat

Georgia Aquarium

OCTOBER TOP EVENTS

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

6 You Just Can’t Miss

Fairies in the Garden Woodlands Garden

Oct. 4-18

Stroll the trails to find all the fairy homes on display. 932 Scott Blvd., Decatur. 404-373-2222. Free admission. woodlandsgarden.org

Twilight Trek

Zoo Atlanta / Oct. 9 and 24, 6:30-9 p.m.

Enjoy hands-on activities using technology to explore how animals are studied in the zoo and in the wild. Reservation required. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $27; ages 2 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org

Dog Man: The Musical

Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center

Oct. 11, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Oct. 12, 2 p.m.

Based on the children’s series by Dav Pilkey, follow the adventures of Dog Man who loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-206-2022. $34.80-$62.60. sandyspringspac.com

The Air Dot Show Tour

Atlanta Regional Airport

Oct. 11-12. Gates open at 9 a.m.

Watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, P-51 Mustang, Remax Parachute Team and more perform. 7 Falcon Dr., Peachtree City. 770-800-2079. $34.50+. air.show/atlanta

Air Dot Show Tour

Dog Man: The Musical

Fairies in the Garden

Twilight Trek

Repticon

Gwinnett County Fairground

Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Explore vendors and animal displays, including Classic Jurassic, Georgia Reptile Society and more. 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. 863-268-4273. $12-$20; ages 5-12, $7; ages 4 and younger, free. repticon.com

West Fest

Booth Western Art Museum / Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Watch demonstrations, shop vendors, see Native American dancers, make art, go on pony rides and more. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-387-1300. $16; ages 12 and younger, free. boothmuseum.org

Repticon

West Fest

SEE A SHOW

Watch the curtain rise at these special performances.

La Cucarachita Martina

Center for Puppetry Arts / Oct. 2-12. See website for showtimes.

Based on a popular Cuban and Puerto Rican children’s story, follow Martina’s adventure in this musical tale. 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $25; ages 1-12, $19; ages 11 months and younger, free. puppet.org

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center / Oct. 4, 2 and 6 p.m. Join Blippi, Meekah, singers, dancers and live musicians to explore what makes music as you jam through all your favorite hits. The Photo Experience will be available after each show. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-206-2022. $40-$81. sandyspringspac.com

Xanadu

Serenbe’s Art Farm / Oct. 10-12 and 17-19, 7:30 p.m.

This roller-skating musical comedy under the stars mixes the conventions of Greek theatre and the rocking ‘80s. 10690 Hutchesons Ferry Rd., Palmetto. $40-$50. artfarmatserenbe.org

Dino-Light by Lightwire Theater

Roswell Cultural Arts Center / Oct. 12, 2 p.m.

This glow-in-the-dark adventures tells the story of a scientist who brings a friendly dinosaur to life. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6120. $17-$37.25. roswell365.com

Imaginations at Play

Aurora Theatre / Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m.

This whimsical theatre-inspired storytime was designed especially for ages 0-5 with dramatic storytelling, playful characters and engaging songs. Reservation required. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. Free admission. auroratheatre.com

The Birthday of the World

Alliance Theatre / Through Oct. 25. See website for showtimes. This performance specifically for young kids shares the story of how the world was born and how you can help fill it with light. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-7334600. $12.50; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. alliancetheatre.org

FREE AND CHEAP

Youth Day Celebration

Roswell / Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Watch the themed “Growing Together” parade, visit the Art Block, explore vehicles at the Touch-A-Truck and taste delicious fare from food trucks. 38 Hill St., Roswell. 770-641-3727. Free admission. roswellgov.com

North Georgia Live Steamers

Conyers & Hightower Railroad / Oct. 4, 1-4:30 p.m.

Go on a miniature train ride. For ages 18 months and older. 1632 Centennial Olympic Pkwy. Conyers. 407-207-5025. $2; cash only. northgeorgialivesteamers.org

Family Night: Raiders of the Lost Art

Booth Western Art Museum / Oct. 9, 4-7:30 p.m.

Explore the galleries with Indiana Jones-themed activities, get hands-on with reptiles from Georgia Reptile Society, make art and more. Registration required. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-387-1300. Free admission. boothmuseum.org

UPS Second Sunday

High Museum of Art / Oct. 12, noon-5 p.m.

Get creative with art-making activities, performances for families and access to art exhibitions. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free admission. high.org

Community Touch-A-Truck

Cumming City Center / Oct. 17, 3-5 p.m.

Kids will get hands-on experience with various types of vehicles from construction trucks to emergency vehicles. 423 Canton Rd., Cumming. 770-781-2010. Free admission. cityofcumming.net

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

This joyful holiday reunites the living and the dead.

Halloween – Día de los Muertos

Plaza Fiesta / Oct. 26, 2-5 p.m.

Celebrate this special day with costume contests, music, prizes and candy. 4166 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta. 404-982-9138. Free admission. plazafiesta.net

Haints & Saints – Day of the Dead Halloween Parade

Downtown Decatur / Oct. 26, 5 p.m.

This Halloween-themed parade winds its way downtown and ends with a musical jam session and celebration. 229 Bell St., Decatur. 678-615-0915. Free admission. visitdecaturga.com

Día De Los Muertos

Woodstock Arts / Nov. 1, noon

On the green, enjoy fantastic food, entertainment and more. 111 Elm St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. Free admission. woodstockarts.org

Dia De Los Muertos Festival

Thrasher Park / Nov. 1, 5-9 p.m.

Join in a night of remembrance, dance and live authentic entertainment. 93 Park Dr., Norcross. 770-448-2122. Free admission. norcrossga.net

Day of the Dead Festival

Oakland Cemetery / Nov. 2, noon-5 p.m.

Enjoy traditional dancing, crafts, authentic Mexican food and entertainment. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-314-4147. Free admission. instituteofmexicanculture.org

Haints & Saints – Day of the Dead Halloween Parade

OCTOBER FESTIVALS AND FAIRS

Explore metro Atlanta at these events featuring art, markets, live performers, carnival rides and more.

n Atlanta Greek Festival. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Oct. 2, 5-10 p.m.; Oct. 3, 5-11 p.m.; Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Oct. 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Celebrate Greek culture with music, history, dancing, food and more. 2500 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta. 404-633-5870. $5-$7; ages 12 and younger, free. atlantagreekfestival.org

n Cumming Country Fair & Festival. Cumming Fairgrounds. Oct. 2-12. See website for schedule. Enjoy fair food, amusement rides and entertaining concerts and performers. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 770-781-3491. $7-$10; ages 10 and younger, free; ride tickets, extra. cummingfair.squarespace.com

n The Atlanta Fair. Georgia State Stadium. Oct. 3-Nov. 2. See website for schedule. Enjoy fall in Atlanta with thrilling rides, delicious food options, fun games and more. 688 Central Ave. SW, Atlanta. 772-266-9885. $5-$10; 42” and under, $3; ride tickets, extra. atlantafair.net

n Crabapple Fest. Downtown Milton. Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This annual arts and antiques fest features a market, delicious food, booths and more. Crabapple Rd., Milton. 678-242-2500. Free admission. miltonga.gov

n Korean Festival. Sugarloaf Mills. Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Oct. 5, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Share in Korean culture with traditions, music, dance and more. 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. $15-$30; ages 5 and younger, free. koreanfestivalfoundation.com

n Westside Stride Block Party. Upper Westside. Oct. 5, noon-6 p.m. Live music, vendors, an artist market, culinary experiences and activities just for kids. Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta. 678-560-2466. Free admission. westsidestride.org

n Conyers Latin Festival. Unidos Latino Association, Inc. Oct. 5, noon-6 p.m. Experience Hispanic culture, art, music and food at this festival. 915 Center St., Conyers. 678-806-5677. Free admission. unidoslatinoassociation.org

n Georgia State Fair. Atlanta Motor Speedway. Through Oct. 5. Mon.-Thur. 4-10 p.m.; Fri. 4-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. and Sun. noon-10 p.m. Watch incredible performers, travel back in time with the Stone Age Dinosaur Show, ride thrilling carnival rides and more. 1500 Tara Pl., Hampton. 901-867-7007. $15; ages 5-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free; rides, extra. georgiastatefair.com

n Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival. Downtown Alpharetta. Oct. 10, 6-11 p.m. and Oct. 11, noon-11 p.m. Listen to more than 30 nationally and locally recognized musicians perform. 20 S. Main St., Alpharetta. Free admission. wireandwoodalpharetta.com

n Lilburn Daze. City Park. Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore this festival with shopping opportunities, games, food trucks and entertainment. 76 Main St., Lilburn. Free admission. lilburndaze.org

n Diwali Market. Johns Creek City Hall. Oct. 11, 2-7 p.m. This large market offers a variety of food, retail, entertainment and more. 11360 Lakefield Dr., Johns Creek. 678-512-3202. Free admission. johnscreekga.gov

n Canton Multicultural Festival. Harmon Park. Oct. 11, 4:30-8 p.m. Celebrate different cultures in the city with live performances, music and interactive demonstrations. 226 Harmon Cir., Canton. 770-704-1500. Free admission. cantonga.gov

n Pine LakeFest. Pine Lake. Oct. 11-12, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Handmade arts and crafts, live music, festival food, chalk art, contests and more. Lakeshore Dr., Pine Lake. Free admission. pinelakefest.com

Westside Stride Block Party

The Atlanta Fair

Diwali Market

OKTOBERFESTS

This German tradition combines a beer festival with a fun fair. Enjoy a Southern spin on this type of festival at these events.

n Oktoberfest. Downtown Newnan. Oct. 3, 5-10 p.m. This annual beer tasting event features craft brews from across Georgia, complimentary refreshments, retail sales and treats. 100 Court St., Newnan. 678-673-5436. $33. mainstreetnewnan.com

n Oktoberfest. Printer’s Ale. Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy a full day of German-inspired fun with Oktoberfest-style beer, live music, food specials, contests and more. 940 Columbia Dr., Carrollton. 770-836-4253. Free admission. printers-ale.com

n Chalktoberfest. Marietta Square. Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Oct. 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. From the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, this chalk and beer festival features craft beers, live music, professional chalk artists and more. 99 S. Park Sq. NE, Marietta. Free admission. chalktoberfest.com

n OktoberFEAST. City Green. Oct. 18-19, 3-7 p.m. Enjoy live music, yard games, German beers, authentic Bavarian cuisine and polka lessons. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600. Free admission. citysprings.com

n Deutsche-Klassic All-German Autoberfest. Downtown Historic Norcross. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. See more than 200 show vehicles, vote for your favorite car, and enjoy German food and beverage. 11 Thrasher St., Norcross. 908-581-8962. Free admission. deutsche-klassic.com

n Oktoberfest. Six Flags Over Georgia. Through Nov. 2. Sat.-Sun. noon-7 p.m. This weekend fall festival offers premium beers, authentic German food, lively performances and family-friendly fun. 275 Riverside Pkwy. SW, Austell. $35+. sixflags.com/overgeorgia

BEYOND ATLANTA

n Helen Oktoberfest. Helen Festhalle. Through Nov. 2. Mon.-Thur. 6-10 p.m.; Fri. 6-11 p.m.; Sat. 1-11 p.m. and Sun. 1-7 p.m. Enjoy German-style entertainment with food, a parade and more at this 55-year-old festival. 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen. 706-878-1619. $10-$15; ages 6-12, $5-$7.50; ages 5 and younger, free. helenchamber.com

n Stone Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival. Stone Mountain Park. Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Oct. 18-19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. This presentation of a Scottish Highland Games features a unique Southern flair. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-521-0228. $22.50-$25; ages 12 and younger, free; parking, $20. smhg.org

n Cumming Greek Festival. Saints Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church. Oct. 17, 3-9 p.m.; Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Oct. 19, noon-5 p.m. Taste traditional Greek food and pastries, shop vendors, watch Greek dancing and more. 3074 Bethelview Rd., Cumming. 770-781-5250. Free admission. cumminggreekfestival.com

n Loganville Autumn Fest. Loganville Town Green. Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate the community with vendors, live entertainment, local dance academies, good food and more. 235 Main St., Loganville. 770-466-1165. Free admission. exploregwinnett.org

n Brookhaven International Festival. Lenox Park. Oct. 18-19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. A variety of live cultural performances and music, international cuisine, an art walk, art creation and more. 1277 Lenox Park Blvd. NE, Brookhaven. 404-637-0500. Free admission. brookhavenga.gov

n Crafts & Drafts. Downtown Smyrna. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Oct. 26, noon-5 p.m. Enjoy cold beer, watching football, arts and crafts booths and children’s activities. King St., Smyrna. 770-423-1330. Free admission. jrmmanagement.com

WORTH THE DRIVE

n Georgia National Fair. Georgia National Fairgrounds. Oct. 2-12. See website for schedule. Listen to live music, watch pigs race, view an America-themed water ski show and more. 401 Larry Walker Pkwy., Perry.. 478-987-3247. $15; ages 10 and younger, free; rides, extra. georgianationalfair.com

n Georgia Mountain Fall Festival. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Oct. 10-12 and 16-18. See website for schedule. On the weekends, enjoy music performances, arts, crafts, carnival rides and more. 1311 Music Hall Rd., Hiawassee. 706896-4191. $7; ages 12 and younger, free; ride tickets, extra. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

n Prater’s Mill Country Fair. Prater’s Mill Historic Site. Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Take self-guided tours, view displays of antique tractors and cars, enjoy delicious food, see live entertainment and more. 5845 Hwy. 2, Dalton. 706-694-6455. $10; ages 12 and younger, free. pratersmill.org

n Gold Rush Days Festival. Downtown Dahlonega. Oct. 18-19. See website for schedule. Celebrate the discovery of gold in this city with arts, crafts, food, entertainment and more. S. Park St., Dahlonega. Free admission. goldrushdaysfestival.com

Chalktoberfest

A-maze-ing Adventures

Solve your way through these corn mazes, go on a hayride, and enjoy other seasonal activities at these farms and orchards. Call or check websites for hours and availability.

l Lane Southern Orchards. Oct. 1-31. Walk through a six-acre corn maze, win prizes with the Maize-O-Poly game, race rubber ducks and go on a hayride. 50 Lane Rd., Fort Valley. 800-277-3224. $5-$14; ages 4-12, $3-$10; ages 3 and younger, free. lanesouthernorchards.com

l Carlton Farms. Oct. 4-Nov. 1. Fri. 6-9 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun. noon-6 p.m. Explore the five-acre corn maze, visit the pumpkin patch, go on a farm tour, see baby animals and more. 1276 Cartersville Hwy., Rockmart. 770-655-1503. $15; ages 3-12, $12; ages 2 and younger, free. carltonfarm.com

l Pettit Creek Farms. Through Oct. 31. A corn maze and a hay maze, hayrides, a petting zoo, ring toss, scarecrow building, Cinderella’s carriage and more. Extra admission includes camel rides, pony rides, swings, feeding the animals, Euro Bungy or the Aerial Course. 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-386-8688. $14.95-$59.99; ages 1 and younger, free. pettitcreekfarms.com

l Copper Creek Farm. Through Nov. 1. This farm has giant and kiddie corn mazes, a zip line, wagon hayrides, talking pumpkins, a bubble barn, animals and more. 1514 Reeves Station Rd., Calhoun. 706-280-5592. $15.89-$28.97; ages 2 and younger, free. coppercreekfarm.com

l Sleepy Hollow Farm. Through Nov. 1. Take a tractor ride around the farm, explore the corn maze, walk through the pumpkin patch, play games, see farm animals and more. 628 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Powder Springs. 770-880-8846. $12.65; ages 2 and younger, free. sleepyhollowtrees.com

l Warbington Farms. Through Nov. 1. Wander the pumpkin patch and corn maze, along with hayrides, a mega slide, jumping pillows and more. 5555 Crow Rd., Cumming. 770-889-1515. $11.95$15.75; ages 3 and younger, free. warbingtonfarms.com

l Dickey Farms. Through Nov. 2. On the weekends, enjoy the corn maze, hayrides, barrel train, jump pad, pumpkin patch and more. 3440 Musella Rd., Musella. 478-836-4362. $14.95; ages 2 and younger, free. gapeaches.com

l Cagle’s Farm. Through Nov. 2. Get lost in a corn maze or mini maze, play yard games, visit the animal barn, swing on the octagon swings and more. 362 Stringer Rd., Holly Springs. 470533-9388. $15-$20; ages 2 and younger, free. caglesfarm.com

l Southern Belle Farm. Through Nov. 2. Play in the corn maze, pick pumpkins, ride the cow train, shoot corn cannons, watch pigs race and more. 1658 Turner Church Rd., McDonough. 770-288-2582. $18.95-$24.95; ages 2 and younger, free. southernbellefarm.com

l Jaemor Farms. Through Nov. 2. This full farm experience includes hayrides, farm slides, a pumpkin train, a mini corn maze, apple cannons, treats and the pumpkin patch. 5340 Cornelia Hwy. 365, Alto. 770-869-3999. $17-$20. jaemorfarms.com

l Washington Farms. Through Nov. 9. Pick your own pumpkins and flowers, get lost in the corn maze, stroll through the petting zoo, jump on the jumping pillows, shoot a corn cannon, play on the pirate ship and more. 5691 Hog Mountain Rd., Bogart. 706-769-0627. $18.95; ages 1 and younger, free. washingtonfarms.net

l Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch. Through Nov. 9. Walk the pumpkin patch, solve the 15-acre corn maze, play on Tire Mountain, launch the corn cannon and more. 125 Bannister Rd., Dawsonville. 770-772-6223. $17-$27; ages 4 and younger, free. uncleshucks.com

l Buford Corn Maze. Through Nov. 16. Along with this fantastic corn maze, go on a hayride, jump on the popcorn jumping pillow, view animals, ride ponies and more. Wander the Haunted Forest for a fright. 4470 Bennett Rd., Buford. $18.52-$32.41; ages 2 and younger, free. bufordcornmaze.com

Lane Southern Orchards

Buford Corn Maze

Pumpkin to Talk About

It’s the season for pumpkins! Visit these spots to see special displays, pick the perfect pumpkin to take home, enjoy autumnal fun and more.

l Pumpkin Patch at Oakland Cemetery. Oakland Cemetery. Oct. 4-5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy the season with autumnal and Halloween activities, including a variety of pumpkins, a seasonal photo booth, pumpkin decorating and more. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-549-8932. Free admission. oaklandcemetery.com

l The Great Pumpkin Walk. Fayetteville Square. Oct. 20-30. Stroll the historic square to see the many creative pumpkins on display. Courthouse Sq., Fayetteville. 770-719-4173. Free admission. downtownfayetteville.org

l Randy’s Pumpkin Patch. Through Oct. 31. Explore this pumpkin patch with pony rides, a tractor-pulled train, carnival games, inflatables, face painting, delicious food and more. 1460 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lawrenceville. 470-590-9942. Free admission; activity tickets, extra. randyspumpkinpatch.com

l Enchanted Pumpkin Patch. Rock City. Through Oct. 31. Walk through this glowing autumn wonderland featuring lighted jack-o’-lantern displays, whimsical pumpkin lanterns, hay bale mazes and more. 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain. 706-820-2531. $21+; ages 3-12, $11+; ages 2 and younger, free. seerockcity.com

l Wargo’s Pumpkin Patch. Through Nov. 2. Visit on weekends to shop pumpkins, see farm animals, take fall pictures and more. Johnson Rd., Grantville. 770-377-8635. Free admission; activities, extra. facebook.com/ wargospumpkinpatch

l Scottsdale Farms. Through Nov. 2. This Family Fun Field includes a pumpkin patch, hayrides, animal encounters, a corn maze, sunflowers and more. Reservation required. 15639 Birmingham Hwy., Milton. 770-777-5875. $14; ages 3 and younger, free. scottsdalefarms.com

l Burt’s Farm. Through Nov. 10. Enjoy the cool mountain air of North Georgia as you shop pumpkins, go on a hayride around the property, and visit the country store. 5 Burts Pumpkin Farm Rd., Dawsonville. 706-265-3701. Free admission; hayride, $6.50. burtspumpkinfarmgeorgia.com

Pumpkin Patch at Oakland Cemetery

Top 13 Picks for Halloween

Scarecrows Galore

l Scarecrows in the Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Oct. 1-Nov. 2

See creative scarecrows handcrafted by businesses, individuals, schools and organizations. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $27.95-$34.95; ages 3-12, $24.95-$31.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

Shocking Sea Adventure

l Haunted Seas

Georgia Aquarium

Oct. 3-Nov. 2. See website for schedule. Explore the atrium decked out in eerie décor, watch themed dolphin and sea lion presentations and more. On weekends, enjoy trick-or-treating, hands-on crafts and a spook-tacular scavenger hunt. 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta. 404-581-4000. $44.49+. georgiaaquarium.org

Terrific Theatrics

Call or check websites for more details; some events require advanced ticket purchase.

l Spookhouse Annie

Center for Puppetry Arts

Oct. 15-Nov. 2. See website for showtimes. Dave is invited to Annie’s haunted house for a playdate, where he meets goofy and fun Halloween monsters. 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $25; ages 1-12, $19. puppet.org

Haunted Seas at Georgia Aquarium

HarvestFest at Glover Park

A Reaping Good Time

l HarvestFest

Glover Park, Marietta Square

Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

This festival features an arts and crafts show, pie eating contest, touch-a-truck and more. 50 N. Park Sq. NE, Marietta. 770-794-5606. Free admission. mariettaga.gov

A Haunting Parade

l Little 5 Points Halloween Festival + Parade

Little 5 Points

Oct. 18-19, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

This huge and spooky Halloween celebration is a two-day event featuring vendors, live music, ghost tours and more. Watch the parade at noon on Sunday. Moreland and Euclid Ave., Atlanta. Free admission. little5pointsofficial.com/halloween

Slimy Science

l Sloomooween Trick-or-Treat

Sloomoo Institute

Oct. 18-19, 25-26 and 31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Play with slime, go trick-or-treating, meet Sloomoo, participate in a costume contest and more. 3637 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. $23.99+. sloomooinstitute.com

Party with the Animals

l Boo at the Zoo

Zoo Atlanta

Oct. 18-19 and 25-26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

This fun family Halloween festival features trick-or-treating, photo opportunities, themed entertainment, costumed characters and more. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $29.70; ages 3-11, $23.70; ages 2 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org

A Thriller Night

l Halloween Hikes

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Oct. 24-25, 6-10 p.m. and Oct. 26, 5-9 p.m.

Explore the wonders of nature at night with costumed characters, glow-in-the-dark games, arts, face painting and more. Reservation required. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $25. chattnaturecenter.org

What a Treat

l Trick-or-Treat

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Oct. 25-26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Get into the spooky spirit with trick-or-treating, hands-on play, a live DJ, candy and more. Reservation required. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $25. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Music

of the Night

l Halloween at Hogwarts + ASO

Atlanta Symphony Hall

Oct. 26, 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Travel into the wizarding world with classic Halloween tunes and music from the “Harry Potter” movies. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4800. $25.95+. aso.org

Pumpkin Palooza

l Pumpkin Festival

Stone Mountain Park

Through Nov. 2. See website for schedule.

Enjoy special fall entertainment with character meet-n-greets, storytelling, fairy tale scenes, an Enchanted Glow-a-Long Parade more. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 478-478-6686. $39.99; ages 3-11, $36.99; ages 2 and younger, free. stonemountainpark.com

Fun-for-All

l Kids Boo Fest

Six Flags Over Georgia

Through Nov. 2. Sat.-Sun. noon-6 p.m.

This spooktacular festival features entertainment, exciting activities, trickor-treat trails and Halloween-themed experiences. 275 Riverside Pkwy. SW, Austell. 770-739-3400. $35+; parking, extra. sixflags.com/overgeorgia

Autumnal Delights

l Buford Corn Maze

Through Nov. 16. See website for schedule. Explore the corn maze, pumpkin patch, Kid’s Corner and more, enjoy festival food, go on a hayride and more. 4470 Bennett Rd., Buford. $18.52-$32.41; ages 2 and younger, free. bufordcornmaze.com

Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia

Trick-or-Treat at Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Sloomooween Trick-or-Treat

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

Your children will scream with delight at these entertaining Halloween events filled with characters, candy, activities and more.

Special Events

l Brick-or-Treat Monster Party. LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta. Sept. 25-Oct. 31. Full of eerie excitement, this event includes viewings of “The Great Monster Chase!,” brewing up fun at the Potion Kitchen, going on a scavenger hunt and more. 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-848-9252. $24.99+. legodiscoverycenter.com/atlanta

l Halloween at CMA. Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Oct. 2-Nov. 4. Celebrate all month long with activities, including building your own haunted house, joining in a spooky cooking show and more. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $17.95$23.95. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

l Halloween Encounter. Make a Scene Studio. Oct. 3-Nov. 2. Weekends only plus Oct. 30. See website for times. Walk through a spider maze, visit catacombs and set sail on a pirate ship. 11 rooms with more than 100 animatronics. Free, donations. Lilburn. Reservations; 404-290-4063. makeascenestudios.online

l Ghost Hunters Investigation. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Oct. 17, 7-10 p.m. and Oct. 18, 5-8 p.m. and 9 p.m.-midnight. Search for paranormal activity in the historic courthouse. For ages 10 and older. 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. $60; non-Gwinnett resident, $80. gwinnettcounty.com

l Spooky Mill. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. Oct. 18, 2-9 p.m. Enjoy carnival games, seasonal crafts, a haunted hike, exhibits and more. 9770 Autrey Mill Rd., Johns Creek. 470-598-7412. Free admission. johnscreekga.gov

l Boo Bash. Alpharetta Community Center. Oct. 18, 4-8 p.m. Wear family-friendly costumes for kids’ activities, games, music and more. 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta. 678-297-6100. Free admission. awesomealpharetta.com

l Goblins in the Garden. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Show off kids’ costumes with the Goblin’s Runway, enjoy fall activities, go on a train ride and more. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $31.95; ages 3-12, $28.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

l Howl on the Green. Downtown Duluth. Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m. This familyfriendly event is a mystical night of Halloween adventure with sweet treats, great food, aerialists, iconic characters and entertainment. Main St., Duluth. 678-475-3512. Free admission. duluthga.net

l Halloween Haunted House Chocolate Family Event. Chamberlains Chocolate Factory and Café. Oct. 25, 1-3 or 5-7 p.m. Choose your 3D haunted house to decorate together. 1575 Old Alabama Rd., Roswell. 678-728-0100. $45 per house. roswell365.com

l Mr. Shorty’s Boo Bash. Shorty Howell Park. Oct. 25, 6-9 p.m. This frightfully fun evening features games, costumes and spooky surprises. 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth. 678-277-0900. Free admission. gwinnettcounty.com

l Howl-o-ween. McDaniel Farm Park. Oct. 30, 7-9 p.m. Celebrate wolves and coyotes with a craft, nighttime hiking, spooky stories and s’mores around a campfire. Reservation required. 3251 McDaniel Rd., Duluth. 770-822-5450. $4-$7. gwinnettcounty.com

Halloween Encounter. Make a Scene Studio

l Buck’s Buckhead Haunted Cave. Buck’s Sports Barn. Through Nov. 1. Thur.Sun. 5:30-8 p.m. Get your scare on with this haunting cave with options for kid-friendly to adult horror. 2303 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404869-8003. $25. buckssportbarn.com

A Scarecrow Show

l BOO Y’aLL Scarecrow Contest. Historic Roswell. Oct. 1-29. See this family-friendly scarecrow display. Historic Canton St., Roswell. Free admission. roswell365.com

l Scarecrow Invasion. Downtown Woodstock. Oct. 1-31. View inventive scarecrows from local businesses and groups. 8588 Main St., Woodstock. 770-924-0406. Free admission. visitwoodstockga.com

l Scarecrow Contest. Campbellton Street. Oct. 1-31. See scarecrow creations from churches, organizations, businesses and families. Campbellton St., Douglasville. 770949-2787. Free admission. artsdouglas.org

l Scarecrows in the Gainesville Garden. Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville. Oct. 1-Nov. 2. Explore the woodlands stuffed with creations around the theme “Woodland Magic.” 1911 Sweetbay Dr., Gainesville. 404-888-4760. $14.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

l Squarecrows On The Square. Historic Marietta Square. Oct. 3-Nov. 2. The square will be filled with creative, fun and colorful scarecrows from businesses, schools and groups from Marietta. 50 N. Park Square NE, Marietta.

770-794-5606. Free admission. mariettaga.gov

l Squarecrow Showcase. McDonough Square. Oct. 6-31. Tons of different scarecrows will come alive with fun designs, and you can vote for your favorite. McDonough Square, McDonough. 678-782-6230. Free admission. mcdonoughga.org

l Scarecrow Harvest. Downtown Alpharetta. Oct. 8-Nov. 2. The downtown area features more than 150 scarecrows from tons of local groups. Main St., Alpharetta. 678-2972811. Free admission. awesomealpharetta. com

l SQUAREcrows. Historic Gainesville Square. Oct. 17-31. See displays from businesses, non-profits and organizations. 112 Main St. SW, Gainesville. 770-297-1141. Free admission. exploregainesville.org

Petrifying Performances

l Macbeth. Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse. Oct. 4-Nov. 2. See website for showtimes. Three witches and their magical prophecies influence murderous and tragic events – or are the events caused by the all too human desire for power? 499 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-874-5299. $26-$49. shakespearetavern.com

l Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Onstage Atlanta. Oct. 10-Nov. 2. See website for showtimes. Isolated on a train and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer. 3041 N. Decatur Rd., Scottdale. 404-897-1802. $13-$25. onstageatlanta.com

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Squarecrows On The Square, Historic Marietta Square

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

l Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. Woodstock Arts Theatre. Oct. 10-Nov. 2. See website for showtimes. Famed vampire hunter Jean Van Helsing and company chase Dracula from Transylvania to Britain through different antics. For ages 10 and older. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. $21-$25. woodstockarts.org

l Halloween Magic Show. Aurora Theatre. Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m. Watch magician Arthur Atsma perform in this Halloween-themed special. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7. auroratheatre.com

l Dracula. Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. Oct. 23, 7 p.m.; Oct. 24, 8 p.m.; Oct. 25, 2 and 8 p.m. and Oct. 26, 3 p.m. This ballet reimagines the classic vampire tale. Recommended for ages 12+. 528 S. Marietta Pkwy., Marietta. 770-528-0881. $22-$42. georgiaballet.org

l Dead Air: A Halloween Radio Event. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Oct. 24-25, 7 p.m. Presented by Atlanta Radio Theatre Company, experience a spine-tingling night of live radio drama. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-3120. $17. roswell365.com

l Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics. This musical experience features “Thriller,” the theme from “The Addams Family” and more. For ages 8 and older. The Chapel on Sycamore: Oct. 24 and 31, 6:30 and 8:45 p.m.; 318 Sycamore St., Decatur; $42.50-$65. Performing Arts Studio: Oct. 26, 8:45 p.m.; 1804 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta; $30.50-$52. Magnolia Hall: Oct. 30, 6:30 and 8:45 p.m.; 1322 Monroe Dr. NE, Atlanta; $30-$59. feverup.com

Bewitched by the Movie

l Movies On The Square. Colony Square. Oct. 2, 7-9 p.m. Watch “Monsters, Inc.” on the jumbo screen, and grab takeout from an onsite restaurant. 1197 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-879-2250. Free admission. colonysquare.com

l Spooky Movies at The Strand. Strand Theatre. Oct. 2, 5, 9, 15, 23 and 30, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10, 8 p.m. and Oct. 25, 3 and 8 p.m. This series includes screenings of “The Dark Crystal,” “Get Out,” “Hocus Pocus” and more. Come early for an organ pre-show. 117 N. Park Sq., Marietta. 770-293-0080. $15.44. earlsmithstrand.org

l Spooky Fridays on The Lawn. Ashford Lane. Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 7-11 p.m. Each Friday, watch a spooky, silly and scream-worthy Halloween favorite on the big screen. 4500 Olde Perimeter Way, Atlanta. Free admission. ashfordln.com

l Movies by Moonlight. Heritage Amphitheatre Lawn. Oct. 3, 8 p.m. View “Practical Magic” for a fun experience under the stars. 6110 Blue Stone Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600. Free admission. sandyspringsga.gov

l Flicks on the Green. Peachtree Corners Town Green. Oct. 4, 7 p.m. Watch “Hocus Pocus” against the backdrop of the night sky. 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners. 678-691-1200. Free admission. peachtreecornersga.gov

Easterseals North Georgia Family Fall Festival & Trick or Trot

l Moonlit Movie Series. Downtown Dallas. Oct. 10, 6 p.m. Watch “Hocus Pocus” for a familyfriendly scary movie. 11 Courthouse Sq., Dallas. 770443-8110. Free admission. mydallasga.com

l Forum Flicks. The Forum Peachtree Corners. Oct. 14, 6 p.m. Kick back, relax and watch “Halloweentown” on the big screen. 5155 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners. 770-375-4272. Free admission. theforumpeachtree.com

l Movies Under the Stars. Mall of Georgia. Oct. 18, 5 p.m. Enjoy music, entertainment, face painting and more before a screening of “Ghostbusters.” 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 770-271-9458. Free admission. simon.com/mall/mall-of-georgia

Frightfully Fun Festivals

l Easterseals North Georgia Family Fall Festival & Trick or Trot. Pinckneyville Park. Oct. 4, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. This family festival features games, raffles, food, face painting, STEM activities, a fundraising race and more. 4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners. 404-943-1070. Free admission; race, $30-$40. eastersealsnorthgeorgia.org

l The Great Pumpkin Fest. Cherokee Veterans Park. Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate fall with a DJ, craft vendors, food, hayrides, axe throwing, a costume contest, trick-or-treating and more. 7345 Cumming Hwy., Canton. 770-924-7768. Free admission. playcherokee.org

l Smyrna’s Spooky Festival. City Hall. Oct. 17, 6-9 p.m. Listen to a DJ, trick-or-treat through Market Village, play on inflatables, and watch “Hotel Transylvania.” 2800 King St., Smyrna. 770-434-6600. Free admission. smyrnaga.gov

l Spooky Pumpkin Decorating. OneStop Centerville. Oct. 25, noon-2 p.m. Decorate your own mini pumpkin with colorful paint, stickers and bright markers. 3025 Bethany Church Rd., Snellville. 678-277-0228. $2-$4. gwinnettcounty.com

l Snellville Fall Festival. Snellville Towne Green. Oct. 25, noon-6 p.m. Play with inflatables, climb a rock wall, ride the train, participate in costume and dog costume contests and more. 2342 Oak Rd. SW, Snellville. 770-310-0429. Free admission; All Activity Kids Zone Arm Band, $15; pumpkin decorating, $2. experiencesnellville.com

l Halloween Jambooree. Logan Farm Park. Oct. 25, 3-7 p.m. Come dressed up for a spooky good time with games, rides, food, music, costume contests and more. 4405 Cherokee St., Acworth. 770-917-1234. Free admission. acworthtourism.org

l Pumpkin Festival. Historic Courthouse Square. Oct. 25, 4-8 p.m. Enjoy fall festivities with a DJ, a festive train ride, an inflatable corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, costume contests and more. 200 Courthouse Sq., Fayetteville. 770-461-6029. Free admission. downtownfayetteville.org

Cont’d on next page

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

l Fall Glow Festival. Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center. Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m. Come in your favorite costume for trunk-or-treating, hayrides and glowing games. 4651 Britt Rd., Norcross. 678-277-0860. $7. gwinnettcounty.com

A Graveyard Smash

l Spooktacular Skate Party. Pinckneyville Park. Oct. 17, 7-9 p.m. This skate party includes a DJ, crafts, games, costume contests, candy and more. For ages 3-17. 4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross. 678-277-0920. Free admission. gwinnettcounty.com

l Monster Mash. Center for Puppetry Arts. Oct. 18 and 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This Halloween dance party is filled with trick-or-treating, a DJ and more themed activities. 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $19; ages 3-12, $15; ages 2 and younger, free. puppet.org

l Mother & Son Halloween Dance. Gainesville Civic Center Ballroom. Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy a catered dinner, dancing, costume contests, raffle prizes and more. Reservation required by Oct. 25. $50-$60; additional sibling, $17.50-$21. gainesville.org

Beyond Atlanta

l Voices of the Past – Lantern Tour. Jarrell Plantation Historic Site. Oct. 10-11, 6:30-10 p.m. Take a tour under the moonlight for stories of history and mystery. Reservation required. 711 Jarrell Plantation Rd., Juliette. 478-986-5172. $15. gastateparks.org

l A Haunted Evening. Victoria Bryant State Park. Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31Nov. 1, 4-10 p.m. Participate in the campsite decoration and costume contests, watch a Halloween movie, go trick-or-treating and enjoy delicious food. 1105 Bryant Park Rd., Royston. 706-245-6270. $1-$6; parking, $5. gastateparks.org

l Rails, Wizards & Spells. Tennessee Valley Railroad. Through Oct. 31. See website for schedule. Experience a trip through the enchanted forest for a ride to remember. Add the Potions & Spells Special-Tea for more fun. 4119 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-894-8028. $35; ages 1 and younger, free. tvrail.com

l Night of the Living Safari.

Rails, Wizards & Spells

North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park. Nov. 1, 5-6:30 p.m. Fall activities include scarecrows on the Safari Drive Thru, a pumpkin toss, photo opps, animals and more. 2912 Paradise Valley Rd., Cleveland. 706-348-7279. Free admission; donations welcome. northgeorgiazoo.com

l Ghost Train. Tweetsie Railroad. Through Nov. 1. See website for schedule. Go on a nighttime ride on the Ghost Train, watch the Palace Spooktacular Show, enjoy frights in the Haunted House and more. Reservation required. 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln., Blowing Rock, N.C. 800-526-5740. $65; ages 3-12, $45; ages 2 and younger, free. tweetsie.com

l Ghost Train. Pine Mountain Gold Museum. Oct. 2-31. Thur.-Sat. 6-7 p.m. The family-friendly hour features free candy and Halloween decorations on a mile-long train track. 1881 Stockmar Rd., Villa Rica. 678-840-1445. $13; ages 1 and younger, free. villarica.org

Haunts for Tweens

If your older kids are looking for some spookier fun, check out these locations for a good fright.

l Four Scythes Haunted Attraction Cumming Fairgrounds. Oct. 2-25. See website for schedule. Dive into an eerie adventure with an unsettling ambiance. Recommended for ages 13 and older. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. 678-341-0920. $20-$25. fourscytheshaunt.com

l The Dark Rows: Haunted Corn Trail Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31 and Nov. 1, dark10 p.m. This nighttime adventure is only lit by the light of the moon for a spooky, haunted trail through the cornfield. Ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by a parent. 125 Bannister Rd., Dawsonville. 770-772-6223. $22. uncleshucks.com

l Haunted House

Make A Scene Studios. Oct. 3-Nov. 2. See website for schedule. Walk through 13 rooms with more than 100 animatronics spooky props. Reservation required. Address will be shared after reservation. 404-290-4063. Free admission; donations recommended. makeascenestudios.online

l Haunted Village at HLC Hard Labor Creek State Park. Oct. 25, 1:30-9:30 p.m. Walk through the village filled with scenes of Halloween scares with a PG and a PG-13 tour. 5 Hard Labor Creek Rd., Rutledge. 706-557-3001. $8-$10; wagon ride, $3; parking, $5. gastateparks.org

l Paranoia Haunted House Canton. Sept. 27-Nov. 1. See website for schedule. This haunted house features two indoor haunted attractions for the brave to try to conquer. 2075 Marietta Hwy., Canton. 404-387-3203. $25-$35. paranoiahaunt.com

l 13 Stories Haunted House

Newnan. Sept. 12-Nov. 1. See website for schedule. This walk-through attraction includes a haunted house and Project Wasteland. 320 Temple Ave., Newnan. 770-251-9911. $25-$40. 13storieshauntedhouse.com

l Fright Fest

Six Flags Over Georgia. Sept. 13-Nov. 2. See website for schedule. Watch your back in the Scare Zones, walk through a haunted house and more featuring the scariest frights by night. 275 Riverside Pkwy. SW, Austell. 770-739-3400. $69+. sixflags.com/overgeorgia

l Folklore Haunted House

Acworth. Sept. 20-Nov. 8. See website for schedule. Haunting attractions include Winters Estate, Maze of Madness, Midway of Mayhem, The Casket Ride and Eerie Essentials. For ages 13 and older. 5389 N. Main St., Acworth. $26.99-$34.99+. folklorehauntedhouse.com

Netherworld Haunted House

Stone Mountain. Sept. 19-Nov. 8. See website for schedule. Explore two thrilling haunted houses, “Monsters Attack!” and a double feature, “Oblivion: Return of the Mangler” and “Grendel’s Feast.” Minimum age is 7. 1313 Netherworld Way, Stone Mountain. 404-999-3327. $25-$40+. fearworld.com

Netherworld Haunted House

Paranoia Haunted House

Fright Fest

Costumes, Candy and Creepy Fun!

These special trick-or-treat events are frightfully fantastic for the whole family.

l Halloween Fun House. East Roswell Park. Oct. 17, 4:30-7 p.m. Kids ages 8 and younger can come dressed in costumes for face painting, magic shows, arts and crafts, games, trick-ortreating and more. 9000 Fouts Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3727. Free admission. roswell365.com

l Fall Garden Boo Fest. Dacula Park. Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dress up in your favorite costume for crafts, cooking demos, games and fall gardening activities. 205 Dacula Rd., Dacula. 678-277-0890. Free admission. gwinnettcounty.com

l Train, or Trunk, or Treat. Southeastern Railway Museum. Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy trains, trick-or-treating, a costume contest and more for family fun. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. $19; ages 2-12, $13; ages 1 and younger, free. train-museum.org

l Boo Bash. Town Center at Cobb. Oct. 18, 2-4 p.m. Come dressed in costume for goody bags, pumpkin decorating, photo props, glitter tattoos and more. For ages 10 and younger. 400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-424-0742. Free admission. towncenteratcobb.com

l Sloomooween Trick-or-Treat. Sloomoo Institute. Oct. 18-19, 25-26 and 31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Participate in costume contests, meet Sloomoo, play with slime and more. Reservation required. 3637 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. $23.99+. sloomooinstitute.com

l Candy Crawl. Depot Park. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Enjoy a day of trick-or-treating. 2828 Cherokee St. NW, Kennesaw. 770-424-8274. Free admission. kennesaw-ga.gov

l BOO Fest. Lawrenceville Lawn. Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m. Collect goodies along the Treat Trail at this evening of thrills and adventure. 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville. 678-407-6653. Free admission. downtownlawrencevillega.com

l Trick or Treating at Avalon. Avalon. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-noon. Pick up a trick-or-treating map to stop by participating retailers for candy and treats. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000. Free admission. awesomealpharetta.com

l Dinosaur Trick-or-Treat. Fernbank Museum. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wear a costume to enjoy themed tables full of goodies, crafts and activities. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-9296300. $27.95; ages 3-12, $25.95; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

Best for Tots

l Halloween Fest. Bogan Park Community Recreation Center. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Go trick-or-treating on the trail, and enjoy moon bounces, lawn games, music and more. 2723 N. Bogan Rd., Buford. 678-277-0850. Free admission. gwinnettcounty.com

l Tick or Treat at YRWS. Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Go trick-or-treating at this animal sanctuary. 4525 Hwy. 78, Lilburn. 678-395-3453. $22; ages 3-12, $15; ages 2 and younger, free. yellowriverwildlifesanctuary.com

l HallowINK. INK Museum. Oct. 17, 4-7 p.m. Wear your costume for a night of trick-or-treating, games, food and more. Ticket must be purchased by Oct. 13. 3900 Ink Ave., Oakwood. 770-536-1900. $15-$25. inkfun.org

l Trick-or-Treat. Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Oct. 25-26, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Get into the spooky spirit with trick-or-treating, hands-on play, a live DJ, candy and more. Reservation required. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $30. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

l Munchkin Masquerade. Main Street Newnan. Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-noon. This downtown trick-or-treat event is specifically for little ones. 100 Court St., Newnan. 678-673-5436. Free admission. mainstreetnewnan.com

Trick or Treatment Tour

Trick-or-Treat, Children’s Museum of Atlanta

l Boo Bash. Avenue East Cobb. Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Go trick-or-treating, listen to live music, get your face painted, play in the bounce house and more. 4475 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-971-9945. Free admission. avenueeastcobb.com

l Emily’s Trick or Treat. Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church. Oct. 25, 2-4 p.m. Explore more than 50 different trick-or-treat stations, dance to music from a DJ, play with bubbles and more. 471 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Sandy Springs. $5-$35. emilystrickortreat.org/atlanta

l Spirits & Spice Festival. Downtown Newnan. Oct. 25, 2-7 p.m. Eat, drink and get spooky. Main St., Newnan. 770-253-8283. Free admission. mainstreetnewnan.com

l Spooky Springs. Abernathy Greenway Park. Oct. 25, 5-7 p.m. Halloween fun includes trick-ortreating candy stations, a face painting station, music and food trucks. 70 Abernathy Rd. NE, Sandy Springs. 770-206-2022. Free admission. citysprings.com

l Dinner & a BOOvie. Town Center Park. Oct. 25, 5-10 p.m. Go trick-or-treating along Town Center Avenue, play on inflatables, watch a double-feature of movies and more. 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee. 770-945-8996. Free admission. suwanee.com

l Monsters and Movie on Main. Lilburn City Park. Oct. 25, 6-9 p.m. Dress in costume to enjoy a frightfully fun move under the stars. 76 Main St., Lilburn. 770-921-2210. Free admission. cityoflilburn.com

l Fall Fest. North Point Community Church. Oct. 26, 9 and 11 a.m. Preschool and elementary school kids can wear their not-so-scary costumes to the Mega Awesome Costume Party, while middle schoolers will enjoy the Trick-or-Transit. 4350 N. Point Pkwy., Alpharetta. 678-892-5000. Free admission. northpoint.org

l ATL Halloween Candy Crawl. Downtown Atlanta. Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Trick-or-treat aboard Georgia’s first luxury horseless carriage. Park Ave., Atlanta. 404-500-6280. $60 for one adult, one child; additional adult, $30; additional child, $15. thelovecarriage.com

Trunk-or-Treats

l Fall Festival Trunk-or-Treat. Thurman Springs Park. Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wear your favorite costume to enjoy festive treats and fall fun. 4485 Pineview Dr., Powder Springs. 770-943-1666. Free admission. powderspringsga.gov

l Trunk or Treat. Johns Creek City Hall. Oct. 22, 6-8 p.m. Presented by Johns Creek Police Department, wear your best costume to enjoy candy, treats and kids’ activities. 11360 Lakefield Dr., Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. Free admission. johnscreekga.gov

l Trunk or Treat. Dunwoody Baptist Church. Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-noon. Explore family-friendly fun at this community-wide event. 1445 Mount Vernon Rd., Dunwoody. 770-280-1200. Free admission. dbc.org

l Carvin’ in Crabapple. Broadwell Pavilion. Oct. 25, 4-7 p.m. Bring your own pumpkin for carving, enjoy a trunk-or-treat, join in the costume contest and more. 12615 Broadwell Rd., Milton. 678-242-2500. Free admission. miltonga.gov

l Trunk-Or-Treat. Honeysuckle Park. Oct. 25, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy sweet treats, games, bounces and more Halloween fun. 3037 Pleasant Valley Dr., Doraville. 770-451-8745. Free admission. doravillega.us

l Truck or Treat. Brook Run Park. Oct. 30, 5 p.m. Wear costumes to collect candy, taste food from food trucks, explore Dunwoody Police vehicles and more. 4770 N. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody. 678-382-6700. Free admission. dunwoodyga.gov

l Halloween Treat. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Come dressed in costume for free admission. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $20; ages 13-18, $16; ages 3-12, $14; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

l Trick or Treat on the Square. Historic Gainesville Square. Oct. 31, 3-6 p.m. Trick-or-treat at downtown businesses with costume contests. 112 Main St., Gainesville. 770-297-1141. Free admission. exploregainesville.org

l Fall Fest. The Avenue West Cobb. Oct. 31, 4-6 p.m. Trick-or-treat from store-to-store, watch live magicians, have your face painted, meet characters and more. 3625 Dallas Hwy., Marietta. Free admission. avenuewestcobb.com

l Halloween Trail of Tricks & Treats. Rubes Creek Trail. Oct. 31, 4-8 p.m. Walk along the trail to enjoy music, carnival games, treats and more. 232 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock. 770-517-6788. Free admission. woodstockparksandrec.com

l Trick or Treatment Tour. Hemphill Water Treatment Plant. Oct. 31, 4-9 p.m. Tour the City’s drinking water treatment facility and enjoy an evening of Halloween fun. 650 17th St., Atlanta. 678-206-3813. Free admission. bit.ly/TrickOrTreatmentRegistration2025

l Hapeville Community Trick-or-Treat Map. Hapeville. Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. Locations across Hapeville will be participating in a trick-or-treat; see locations using the map. 404-669-2116. Free admission. hapeville.org

Truck or Treat, Brook Run Park

Halloween Treat, Chattahoochee Nature Center

It’s Spooky Season: Ghost Tours in Atlanta

Search for Ghosts

It’s spooky season! Learn more about town history while attempting to spot spirits on these tours. Tours require advance reservations.

l Covington Ghost Tours

1105 Washington St. SW, Covington. 404-455-1594. $30. covingtonghosttours.com

l Decatur Ghost Tour

101 E. Court Sq., Decatur. 404-296-7771. $20; ages 10 and younger, $12. decaturghosttour.com

l Marietta Ghost Tour

30 Atlanta St. SE, Marietta. 770-341-0382. $26; ages 7-16, $17; ages 6 and younger, free. usghostadventures.com/marietta-ghost-tour

l Roswell Ghost Tour

610 Atlanta St., Roswell. 864-517-0688. $20; ages 12 and younger, $10. roswellghosttour.com

l Atlanta Ghosts

814 Juniper St. NE, Atlanta. 470-289-6124. $26; ages 6-12, $17; ages 5 and younger, free. atlantaghosts.com

l Lawrenceville Ghost Tour

Through Nov. 1. See website for schedule. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $15-$20. auroratheatre.com

Visit a Cemetery

Cemeteries have a haunting feel, which is perfect for the Halloween season. They’re also great places to learn about history, view architecture and explore nature.

l Westview Cemetery

1680 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta. 404-755-6611. Free admission. westviewcemetery.com

l Historic Oakland Cemetery

374 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE, Atlanta. 404-549-8932. Free admission. oaklandcemetery.com

l Marietta National Cemetery

500 Washington Ave., Marietta. 866-236-8159. Free admission. cem.va.gov

l Utoy Cemetery

1465 Cahaba Dr. SW, Atlanta. Free admission. utoy-cemetery.org

l Farmer Street Cemetery

92 Farmer St., Newnan. 470-414-1647. Free admission. ccaahm.org

Know before you go:

l Wear comfortable shoes as most tours involve a lot of walking.

l Tours may be too scary for some young children, so be sure to ask about age recommendations.

l Make your reservations ahead; tours sell out quickly during the fall season.

l Check websites for schedules and release form requirements.

l Bring a camera or your smartphone to capture any paranormal activity.

l Tipping your guide at the end of the tour is optional.

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS

Dive under the sea, see art in a new light, play with bubbles and more at these special exhibits.

Sunken Treasures, Ancient Seas

Fernbank Museum / Oct. 4-Jan. 11, 2026

Dive into a treasure trove of underwater exploration with ancient artifacts and buried treasures. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $25.95-$27.95; ages 3-12, $23.95-$25.95; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

Extinct and Endangered: Insects in Peril

Fernbank Museum / Through Nov. 2

Discover the beauty and significance of endangered or extinct insect species at this photography exhibit. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $25.95-$27.95; ages 3-12, $23.95-$25.95; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

Naturally Artistic

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Through Nov. 30

Connect to art and nature with activity stations. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $20; ages 13-18, $16; ages 3-12, $14; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

Bubble Planet

Exhibition Hub, Atlanta Art Center Through Nov. 30

Visit 12 thematic environments for different sensory experiences, including an LED Room and Bubble Ocean. 5660 Buford Hwy. NE, Doraville. $23.90+; ages 3-12, $18.90+; ages 2 and younger, free. bubble-planet.com/atlanta

Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy

Pullman Yards / Through Nov. 30

Marvel at art in a whole new way with Basquiat’s towering Ferris wheel, Salvador Dalí’s mirrored Dalídom, Keith Haring’s carousel and more, all set to a unique soundtrack. Reservation required. 225 Rogers St. NE, Atlanta. $40+; ages 11 and younger, $25+. lunaluna.com

The Questioneers:

Read. Question. Think. PLAY!

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Through Jan. 4, 2026

Dive into the world of “The Questioneers” by exploring scientific tools, building with pancakes, playing with STEAM activities and more. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $17.95-$23.95. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Measurement Rules

Tellus Science Museum / Through May 3, 2026

This hands-on exhibit allows you to play with tools to explore weights, lengths, volumes and more. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $20; ages 3-17, $16; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org

LAST CHANCE

Faith Ringgold: Seeing Children

High Museum of Art / Through Oct. 12

Step into a world of children’s books with paintings, mixed media sculptures and narrative quilts from Ringgold’s career. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. $23.50. high.org

Space: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond

Illuminarium / Through Oct. 19

Go on an extraordinary journey across the galaxy to kick up dust on the moon, see Saturn’s rings and more. 550 Somerset Terr. NE, Atlanta. 404-341-1000. $35. illuminarium.com

Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy

Space: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond

Faith Ringgold: Seeing Children

— Ava Dellaria, American Author

We’ve always been here for families across Georgia. Now we’re doing it under a new name. Wellstar Children’s of Georgia brings expert care for every age and stage, supporting your family through the big leaps, growing pains and everything in between. That promise now extends through a growing system of care that includes the trusted teams at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta, bringing our care even closer to the families we serve. And that care starts by listening to you, because no one knows your child better. That’s why we’re your trusted partner in helping your kids grow well. Your child. Our expert care.

wellstar.org/childrensofgeorgia