March 2012

Parent atlanta

March 2012

High Chair Choices Shout Out for

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March 2012

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Inside March

On the Cover: Photo of Elliot Powell

by Studio 7 Photography.

Vol. 29 Number 3

Features

12

Spring Forward!

It can take a week to adjust to a one-hour time difference. Don’t miss our tips for keeping your family on track when daylight saving time arrives at 2 a.m. on March 11.

14

Girl Scouts: Going Strong at 100

20

Hippity Hoppity!

Girl Scouting has come a long way since Juliette Gordon Low founded the organization on March 12, 1912, in Savannah.

Departments 8

Publisher’s Note

10

News You Can Use

82

Humor in the House Band-Aids, Boys and Mommy’s Love

Family Fun Guide 63 64

Not-to-Miss Events

65 66

Free Fun: Museums and Exhibits

67 69 70

Playground: Rock Springs Park

Birthday Party Planner

71

Just like a child’s birthday comes once a year, so does our extensive party resource guide. Enjoy stories and a great list of party resources to keep until next year.

Easter Egg Hunts

72 79

March Calendar

Here comes the Easter bunny, and that means you might like to plan an Easter egg hunt. We give you plenty of tips to make it a hoppin’ good time.

22 56

27

Family Action in Florida

We take you to two fairly new hot spots in and near Orlando: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, and Legoland in Winter Haven.

High Chair Hits

Two tots with taste and high standards helped us test six new high chairs.

Eating Out: Mykonos Taverna Legoland at Phipps Review: Wildlife Rescue at Fernbank

High School Shows Review:

Clifford the Big Red Dog at The Children’s Museum

Consignment Sales: Part Two

Don’t Miss Atlanta Parent’s Camp Expo, March 17 at Perimeter Mall.

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2011 Award Winner

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine

Atlanta’s Award-Winning Parenting Publication PUBLISHER

Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com EDITOR Julie Bookman

editor@atlantaparent.com BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Amy Smith asmith@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Julia Sparks EXECUTIVES jsparks@atlantaparent.com

Andi Levine alevine@atlantaparent.com Stacy LaVictoire slavictoire@atlantaparent.com EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com PRODUCTION Natalie Thavenot MANAGER apads@atlantaparent.com STAFF WRITER Alexi Wilbourn

calendar@atlantaparent.com EDITORIAL Robin Mintz PRODUCTION rmintz@atlantaparent.com ARTIST COPY EDITOR

Glenn Emery

OFFICE Caroline Ward COORDINATOR cward@atlantaparent.com SPECIAL EVENTS Kaitlyn Morris COORDINATOR kmorris@atlantaparent.com MARKETING MOM

Felicia Barman

Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341.

Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699.

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

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Institute for Behavioral Medicine: 770-319-8025 6 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2012

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®

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Apr 5 - May 27 A new adaptation for everyone who is young at heart, with original music, songs and a Neverland full of adventure.

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Publisher’s Note Happy Birthdays and Cautionary Tales Birthday parties celebrate life, and we want our children to have lots of them for many decades to come.

I’ve been thinking about this lately for three seemingly unrelated reasons: (1) This month’s issue is all about planning fun parties that your children will remember for all the decades of their lives, (2) a tragic accident involving alcohol in Blue Ridge, Ga., and (3) singer Whitney Houston’s death.

In last summer’s Blue Ridge accident, a 16-year-old driver slammed his pickup into a Florida family’s van stopped at a light. The family’s 6-year-old daughter died, two daughters and the parents were seriously injured, and a 3-year-old son was critically injured, paralyzed from a broken neck. The 16-year-old driver, who was speeding and later charged with vehicular homicide, will probably face jail time. But in an instant, two families’ lives were changed forever.

And then there’s Ms. Houston. She wasn’t always troubled by alcohol and drugs. She came on the pop scene as a gifted performer with a golden voice she had begun developing as an 11-year-old in a gospel choir. It’s unclear when drug and alcohol abuse began to haunt her life, but most likely her first taste of drugs came long before she reached adulthood. As she descended into the abyss of addiction, her amazing voice suffered and her career began to falter.

Neither of these are happy stories, but they do provide an opportunity to open a discussion with our children about alcohol and drugs, and the effect abuse can have. Surprisingly, it’s a discussion a lot of parents never have with their kids. We all want to assume our own children would never try an illegal drug offered to them by a classmate, or that our teen would never drive while under the influence. The fact is, somebody’s kid is doing it.

Numerous studies have shown that early and frequent discussions about alcohol and drugs help kids make the right choices when they feel pressured because “everyone else is doing it.” Not everyone who samples alcohol becomes an alcoholic and not everyone who tries drugs becomes an addict, but those who do typically start when they’re underage and impressionable. Do you want to take that chance?

You can’t watch your children 24 hours a day or guarantee they won’t make a bad choice and suffer the consequences. But you can talk to them and hope they’ll take the discussion to heart.

Many birthdays later, they’ll thank you.

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Season supported in part by: Fulton County Arts Council, Georgia Council for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs

8 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599

E-Mail lwhite@atlantaparent.com

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

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ItFigures

by Cynthia Washam

When

Exercise

Prodigy Points 13

Age of University of Connecticut sophomore Colin Carlson in 2010, when he sued the university for denying his request to take a class involving field work in South Africa because he’s too young

is not Enough visit

Perimeter Plastic Surgery

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Age of Sho Yano in 2009, when he got a Ph.D. in molecular genetics and cell biology from the University of Chicago

Free Consultation

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Age his sister Sayuri earned her bachelor’s degree, in 2010, from Chicago’s Roosevelt University

in March

code AP

10

Age Bostonian Victoria Yin first displayed her paintings in an international art exhibit

8

Age her sister Zoe first displayed in an international exhibit

4

Age New Yorker Marla Olmstead started earning thousands of dollars for each of her abstract paintings, in spite of widespread suspicions they were the work of her father

Name Game 40

Percent of boys in the 1880s given one of the 10 most common names

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Percent given one of the top 10 today

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Percent of girls in 1945 given a top-10 name

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Percent today

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Percent of teachers who say they can spot troublemakers based on their names

3 to 5

Percent lower than average that children with names with unconventional spellings – such as Jackquelyn – scored on exams Sources: The Huffington Post, NBCChicago.com, Wikipedia. com, Artexponewyork.com, LiveScience.com, ScienceFocus. com, Brilliant-baby-names.com

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Mark F. Deutsch, MD, FACS

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

(770) 461-4824 Atlanta/Fayetteville www.perimeterplasticsurgery.com “Like” us on March 2012

Atlanta Parent 9

News You Can Use

by Alexi Wilbourn

Trap a Leprechaun

Baby Miss Atlanta Fair Princess Competition ENTER YOUR BABY, BOYS AND GIRLS from infant to 34 months, in the Atlanta Fair’s pageant on March 25 at Turner Field. Winners will be judged on personality, overall appearance and beauty. Call 770-947-3260 or email pageant@atlantafair. com for more information or to register.

A SMALL ARMY OF METRO ATLANTA CHILDREN will be setting traps for Lucky the Leprechaun on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day this year, and they won’t come up emptyhanded. Don’t expect them to catch the crafty fellow (you need a little magic for that), but they might snare a treat or a little money for good behavior.

Lucky is the creation of Johns Creek moms Risa Rae Ramji and Samantha Strum Brown, in their just-published book, Lucky the Leprechaun. For $19.99, the book comes with a CD of the story and a “trap” kids can construct and decorate, then set out to catch Lucky. (Or buy the book, $9.99, extra traps, $4.99 each, or the CD, $6.99.) The Fulton County Library System is enthusiastic about the story, and several branches are featuring the book during story times until March 17.

For information: luckytheleprechaun.com.

Walk for a Cause RAISE FUNDS FOR FAMILIES served by the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the MDA Muscle Walk. Entire families can participate.

There is no registration fee, but all participants are encouraged to raise funds. This year’s goal is to raise $200,000 for the cause.

Date: March 24, 8:30 a.m.

Location: Turner Field. 755 Hank Aaron Dr., Atlanta. 770-621-9800 Register: musclewalkMDA.org/AtlantaEast

Pin It! EVER HEARD SOMEONE drop the word “Pinterest”? Pinterest is one of the newest online trends and has become a tight-knit community for its users. The site acts as a virtual photo bulletin board, called a pinboard, and allows you to organize and share the inspiration you come across on the Internet.

Users can browse the pinboards of other users and re-post their favorite images, or can “pin” any image or link from across the Web. When you “pin” an image, you select a virtual bulletin board under which to categorize the image (recipes, style, etc.), and the item then becomes visible to others on Pinterest. Use it to plan your kid’s themed birthday party, new décor for the living room or for finding yummy recipes. Learn more or request an invitation to join the site at pinterest.com.

10 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Doodle 4 Google Contest ON VARIOUS HOLIDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES AND OTHER CELEBRATIONS, Google is known to alter its signature logo into a creative work of art. This month, Google is offering kids a chance to “doodle” a new logo. Kids in grades K-12 have a chance at one grand prize: their Google doodle displayed on the Google homepage in May, plus a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for their school. In addition, the winning doodler’s artwork will appear on a special edition of a Crayola 64-crayon box.

There will also be one winner from every state, and museums across the country plan to display the top doodles. Celebrity judges include singers Katy Perry and Jordin Sparks. To enter, doodle using the theme for this year’s contest: “If I could travel in time, I’d visit…”

Deadline: March 23. Visit google.com/ doodle4google.

www.atlantaparent.com

Anti-Obesity: Strong4Life Campaign Debate

Kali Beyah,

southwest Atlanta, mother of one (age 5) The billboards are powerful and effective. They absolutely make me think closely about making sure my child gets exercise and not too much junk food.

I’m excited that Type 2 Diabetes – a preventable disease – is gaining attention through the campaign.

The campaign’s use of direct, striking wording and the images of real kids help the messages of childhood obesity and diabetes hit home. Thinking about your kids’ eating and exercise habits early is a way to fight health problems before they start.

I

f you’ve driven anywhere in Atlanta over the past six months, you may have noticed the Strong4Life billboards along high-volume roads. These billboards bear messages such as: “Obese is only a bad word if you ignore it.”

The campaign, by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), aims to inspire conversation about childhood obesity among Georgians and encourage healthy eating habits. The billboards are just the initial phase of what CHOA calls “a movement.” Strong4Life is also training pediatric healthcare providers, partnering with the community and distributing consistent guidelines for a healthy lifestyle at venues frequented by children and families, says Dr. Mark Wulkan, the physician executive sponsor of the Strong4Life and Health4Life programs.

“Focus groups and market research showed that around 75 percent of parents of overweight or obese kids didn’t know their kids were overweight or obese,” Wulkan says, “so we felt the first thing we needed to accomplish before inducing change was to raise awareness and spark the intent to change.”

Brenda Cantrell, While the billboards have received some criticism, most response to the campaign has been “very positive,” Wulkan says.

Health4Life clinics, which specialize in treatment of obesity-related problems, are expected to treat many more patients than in recent years, he adds.

Because Strong4Life reached goals in many communities, some of the billboards have been taken down. However, a few remain standing in high-risk areas. Atlanta Parent offers two different opinions on Strong4Life billboards:

Lilburn, mother of two (ages 5 and 9) It was heartbreaking to me when I saw the Strong4Life billboards for the first time.

It has really become a very sad world when we have to display such pictures prominently throughout our city.

Overweight children already have many problems to deal with, such as low selfesteem, so I don’t understand why we have to add to them. I really don’t think the campaign helps send the correct message – it only encourages more teasing. Instead, we should focus more on promoting healthy habits.

– Alexi Wilbourn

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2/7/2012 10:23:39 AM Atlanta Parent 11

SPRING

1

FORWARD! 2 3 4 6 WAYS TO HELP YOUR FAMILY ADJUST TO DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

by Jen Henderson

F

ew things upset a well-tuned household routine like the annual switch to daylight saving time. This year, plan to spring forward on Sunday, March 11, at 2 a.m. local time.

On the one hand, you love the extra daylight at the end of the workday. However, jostling sleep schedules, managing irritability, and helping your children recover from the time change can be a challenge. But before you set those clocks ahead and bemoan that lost hour of sleep, take heart. There are things you can do to minimize the disruption and get your family’s circadian rhythms back on track.

12 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

5 6

Give Yourself an Extra Hour: Take time on the evening of March 10 to make lunches, set out clothing for your family, and prep breakfast items before you go to bed. The morning of March 11 will seem much too early to be up and about. The more you can do the night before to minimize the chaos the next day, the more relaxed you’ll be as you head into the week.

Hit the Sack Early: If possible, get your children to bed a halfhour earlier during the first week of March. Even if your kids aren’t tired, you can help them wind down by turning off digital devices, dimming the lights, reading them a story, and letting them have some quiet time a bit earlier than usual. Chances are that you’re fairly sleep deprived as well, so giving yourself extra time to unwind will help you fall asleep more quickly and stave off sluggishness the next day. Turn off your computer and television, keep your room dark and cool, and try deep-breathing exercises to relax.

Embrace the Morning Sun: Exposing yourself to bright sunlight first thing in the morning stimulates your brain and encourages your body to get moving. Open the drapes, head outside for a morning walk, or drink your cup of coffee near a window. If you can’t enjoy the sun before you head to work for the day, take a mid-morning break and go outside for a few minutes. The fresh air and bright light will help invigorate you through the lunch hour.

Eat Your Energy: Try boosting your intake of energy-boosting foods. Oats and berries or eggs in the morning, fruit and nuts as snacks, and high-protein foods at lunch and dinner (think lean meats, beans and veggies) will keep your blood sugar stable and help with concentration and energy. Be careful with your caffeine consumption. You may be tempted to down extra shots of espresso, but be forewarned that too much of a good thing can leave you anxious and jittery. No more than two cups of coffee a day is what most experts suggest.

Be Gentle with Yourself:

Studies show that it may take a week or more for your body to adjust to the new time difference, so cut yourself some slack and indulge in that well-earned nap. Hire a babysitter for an hour for a few days, enlist a friend’s help, or trade off with your spouse. Your family will function better if the adults aren’t in the same sleepy funk as the kids. If you have a baby or toddler, put her down for an early nap to ease her into the new schedule – even 15 minutes can make a difference over the course of a week.

Head Outside in the Evening:

Take advantage of that extra hour of daylight to get some much-needed fresh air and exercise.

During the dark winter days, a stroll after dinner may not have been much of an option. Now, however, you can probably sneak in 30-40 minutes, enough time each day to make a significant impact in your overall health.

Plus, letting the kids walk off evening wiggles will help them get ready for bed sooner, and encourage healthy habits for the rest of the year. c

www.atlantaparent.com

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R O F Y A R HOO !

S T U O C S L R I G E TH

er,” nder’s Bann ded the “Fou that was awar op tro a th wi ctober 1925 ft, poses in O n Low, far le out ideals.

The Girl Scouts – boasting 3.2 million Juliette Gordo for upholding the Girl Sc ize an annual pr members in this country alone, including

100 Years and Going Strong 14 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

by Julie Bookman Girl Scouts Together – it has always been their song, their promise. To become confident, courageous and young women of character who go on to lead – that has been their mission from the get-go.

The Girl Scouts, founded here in Georgia

by Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, has been winding the old trails rocky and long, hither and yon, for 100 years now. March 12 marks the specific centennial observation of the nation’s largest girl-serving organization, but celebration activities are on tap throughout this year.

Much as Boy Scouts around the world visit the home of their founder Robert BadenPowell in London, Girl Scout troops from near and far regularly visit the elegant Juliette Gordon Low home in downtown Savannah to honor their organization’s founder.

42,000 active girls in the Atlanta region plus 18,000 volunteers such as troop leaders – has come a long way. Yet the organization has also stuck close to a chief intent: to prepare girls to be kind, respectful and caring; to instruct them to protect the Earth; to help them become bold, adventurous, and wellrounded women who will be leaders.

New badges: Room Makeover and Netiquette.

www.atlantaparent.com

Cont’d on page 17

www.atlantaparent.com

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 15

Girl Scout Trio: They have memories old, new, strong and still to come…

l Eva Steinberg, 16, is a junior at Paideia School and lives in Virginia-Highland. She started as a Daisy 12 years ago and recently reached the Girl Scouting level of Ambassador. In a typical cookie season, she sells between 150 and 200 boxes of cookies.

Eva’s “favorite thing about Girl Scouts is being able to hang out with girls who don’t go to my school and whom I wouldn’t see otherwise, as well as the activities we do.” She calls her leader, Harriet Ruskin, “an amazing cook” who “is always happy to help and knows a lot about many things.”

As far as Eva’s best Girl Scouting memory ever? “It hasn’t happened yet, but this summer we’re going to Greece, which is sure to be a highlight.”

16 Atlanta Parent

l Jeannie Goodwin, of Roswell, mom to three grown sons and five grandchildren, still holds tight to “so many great memories” of her six years in Girl Scouts, including her time as a Junior Girl Scout in the 1950s in Bellaire, Texas.

On one troop outing, she remembers the girls brought bedrolls – “no one had sleeping bags back then” – and spent the night in a church. “The next day we must have done many things but my most vivid memory is a hike in the woods and drinking from a beautiful stream the clear, cold mountain water. I often think about that and our current situation of rampant water pollution.” Another camping trip took her troop to a farm. “We slept in our bedrolls in a barn. Over the night it got so cold you could not move in your own bedroll or you would lose your warm spot!”

She also remembers makeshift ways of cooking, such as using “buddy burners” fashioned from large tin cans, and another slow-cook method of digging a hole in the ground; each girl would bring a can of stew-type ingredients to help create one big “Girl Scout Stew.”

Goodwin also remembers the mosquito net she had to set up over her bed in a tent at a lake camp, and her chance at that camp to try a canoe: “For the rest of my life, I wanted a canoe!” she says. The camp was called Camp Arnold, and even though she was there more than a half-century ago, she can still sing the camp song.

l Karen Ceesay, a graduate of Spelman College who today lives in Southwest Atlanta, earned her troop’s Top Cookie Seller patch two years running: in 1979 and 1980 in a suburb of Philadelphia.

“Yes, I still brag about it!” Ceesay says. “I have fabulous memories of my time as a Brownie and Girl Scout. I loved my meetings, as well as camp.” But cookie time was a big deal because both her parents got in on the action and took ordering forms to their workplaces. “Our dining room became Cookie Central and no one could stop by without buying at least two boxes.”

Another thing that Ceesay, now mom to a 7-year-old son, won’t ever forget is the Brownie song. She sings it over the phone, in a pretty voice: “I’ve got something in my pocket, it belongs across my face.

I keep it very close at hand, in a most convenient place.

I’m sure you couldn’t guess it if you guessed a long, long while.

So I’ll take it out and put it on, it’s a Great Big Brownie smile!”

March 2012

www.atlantaparent.com

GIRL SCOUTS, cont’d “I grew up in Augusta, where I was not a Girl Scout,” Riemersma recalls. “My sister was a Girl Scout and my brother was a Boy Scout, and I don’t think there was room in the schedule for my parents to run me back and forth.” She remembers the collapsible cups that her older sister Rhonda got to use for camping trips.

Fast-forward some 35 years. That’s when Riemersma became a Girl Scout for the first time, just as daughter Rachel got her Brownie uniform. Riemersma is mother to three children and stepmom to two other grown children. She also works as a public accountant, so doesn’t have much spare time.

She did wonder if she could give adequate time to troop leadership, which she estimates takes about 10 hours per week. She worried about the sacrifice her involvement would mean to the rest of the family. Having troop meetings at her home, where the troop also had a recent sleepover, helps curb travel and meeting-location coordination time.

“My feeling is that any of us who has achieved any level of success in life are where we are because someone took the time to invest in us,” Riemersma says. “Girl Scouts is one of my opportunities to do the same for others. It feels much like a part-time job.

Sammi Riemersma and daughter Rachel

The benefits package for this job, though, are hugs, smiles, and the satisfaction of knowing that I’m making a positive difference in the life of a child. It’s truly rewarding to see the girls light up as they learn about and experience new things.”

One thing her Brownies have learned thus far: the proper way to fold an American flag, a requirement toward earning their Citizenship badge. Upcoming troop goals include a rollerskating outing and an overnight camping trip at a nearby Girl Scout camp – hopefully with collapsible cups!

INSTITUTE for BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE: Ashraf Attalla, M.D. Psychiatry 770-319-8025

Cont’d on page 18

www.atlantaparent.com

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 17

GIRL SCOUTS, cont’d Girl Scout Cookie Crumbs The sale of cookies as a way to finance troop activities began as early as 1917, when the Mistletoe Troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma, baked and sold cookies in a high school cafeteria.

l

l In the 1920s and 1930s, Girl Scouts around the country baked their own simple sugar cookies, packaged them in wax paper, sealed them with a sticker, and sold them door to door for 25-35 cents a dozen. l In 1942, Girl Scouts sold calendars in lieu of cookies due to sugar, flour and butter shortages during World War II.

Being a troop leader “stretches me as a person and as a mom to manage both career and family,” Riemersma says. “But it’s not without its rewards.” Her involvement in Girl Scouts has helped her make friends in her new Forsyth County home.

At the moment, the Brownies led by Riemersma and assistant troop leader Lynne Hughes are busy bees buzzing about with their cookie sales, which help the young girls learn money-management and customerservice skills. “Our girls have been very, very excited to sell. They love the opportunity.”

Even those with no links to Girl Scouts are apt to know that cookie season is upon us. As a new year begins, there are Girl Scout cookies to purchase in support of the organization – from favorite Thin Mints and the rich and chunky Samoas (try one after zapping it in the microwave for just five seconds), to the allnew Savannah Smiles, a lemony wedge touted as the “official 100th anniversary” confection.

“

Every year I have always told my daughters that they don’t have to be Girl Scouts, but I will still be a Girl Scout leader.

”

– LaShun Robinson, leader, Troop 1717

Until the middle of March, you can snap up six Girl Scout cookie varieties from the eager and smiling faces of all levels of Girl Scouts, which also include Cadettes (grades six through eight), Seniors (ninth and 10th grades), and Ambassadors (11th and 12th grades).

Today, one box of Girl Scout cookies costs $3.50, a far cry from when this reporter trudged through thick snow drifts in rural Pennsylvania to sell them for 50 cents a box (as if her very life depended on it).

Gwinnett County’s Troop 1717 of Lilburn, with a pre-order of 14,429 boxes of cookies, seems to be the leader of the pack this year.

18 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

l Thin Mints are the biggest seller nationwide, making up 25 percent of all sales, followed

by Samoas at 19 percent. l Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta expects to sell 4.5 million boxes of cookies in 2012.

About 200 million boxes are sold every cookie season; the Girl Scout cookie program has generated about $700 million per year since 1999.

l

The free Cookie Locator App lets you find Girl Scout cookies for sale near you by ZIP code or city. You can call **GSCOOKIES and the link for the app will be sent to you via text or visit the iTunes App Store.

l

Led by LaShun Robinson, Troop 1717 is an especially large “multi-level” troop, with Girl Scouts from Daisies to Ambassadors in its mix. Of the 88 girls in the full troop, 72 of them sold cookies, with most selling several hundred boxes. Once booth sales are added, Troop 1717 aims to sell upward of 17,000 boxes this season. That will earn the troop about $10,000. Was there particularly strong motivation this year to earn “cookie dough” ?

“Yes,” says Robinson, “but these girls are motivated to begin with and always raise funds for some kind of summer trip.” Last year, this troop sold 13,358 boxes, which brought in some $8,700. “My troop always sets goals, and this year they wanted to attend the Girl Scouts’ ‘Rock the Mall Sing-a-Long’ ” on June 9 on the National Mall in Washington.

Robinson was a Girl Scout herself for seven years of her Indiana girlhood. Mom to two daughters (now in high school and college), she’s been a troop leader, as well as cookie chair, for the last 13 years. She is also a service unit director, overseeing 15 troops in the Lilburn area. She also works full time as a clinical psychologist.

“Every year I have always told my daughters that they don’t have to be Girl Scouts, but I will still be a Girl Scout leader,” she says. “I do it because it is rewarding to me. It’s my way of pulling into the lives of girls and giving back to my community.” It helps that her husband Jimmy is supportive; he even built her a “Girl Scout project room” in the basement of their Lawrenceville home.

Over the past century, “it has become apparent that Girl Scouts is not just a nice activity, but it’s necessary,” Beth Messer adds. “It helps to prepare girls for the future.

For today’s girls, the obstacles are so much greater than yesterday. There are so many things they can trip over, or problems they may have to face. But on the other hand, there are so many opportunities now. And Girl Scouts can open many doors for girls.”

That, you could say, is her song. c www.atlantaparent.com

Advertorial

“Our goal at Kumon is to help all children cultivate a high level of reading ability, regardless of age or school grade.”

- Dr. Mary Mokris, vice president of materials & instruction at Kumon North America.

to have. The more animated you are, the better!

Make a Connection Connect the character’s experience to something your child can relate to, like overcoming a challenge, gaining courage or even making a new friend.

Help Your Child Develop a Love of Reading Kumon Encourages Strong Reading Skills for Success in School and Beyond Establishing strong literacy skills early in children’s lives can significantly impact their future. From academic success to the development of imagination and creativity, exposure to literature is essential to children’s growth.

“When it comes to making reading a part of your child’s everyday life, one of the most important things to remember is to keep it fun,” says Dr. Mary Mokris, vice president of materials & instruction at Kumon, a global math and reading program for kids.

Dr. Mokris suggests several ways to make reading a part of your child’s life: Movie Time Some of your child’s favorite animated movies began as books. Read stories like Where the Wild Things Are, Hugo, and The Adventures of Tin Tin with your child and then watch the movie together.

Bring Stories to Life Read stories aloud while dressed as one of the characters. For example, wear a Dr. Seuss hat while reading any one of his classic books.

Also, read in a voice you imagine the character

© 2012 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Bringing Books to Children in Need Kumon, the world’s largest afterschool program, is partnering this month with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest children’s literacy organization dedicated to providing books and literacy resources to underserved children across the country. For every student that enrolls this month, participating Kumon Centers nationwide will donate $10, equivalent to four new books, to RIF. Together, they share the vision of all children developing a love for reading that continues into adulthood.

Having access to books at school and at home is vital. “Children with access to books within the home have a much more positive attitude towards reading and learning overall,” says Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. In middleincome neighborhoods the ratio of books per child is 13 to one, while in low-income neighborhoods, the ratio is one age-appropriate book for every 300 children.

The Kumon Reading Program “Our goal at Kumon is to help all children cultivate a high level of reading ability, regardless of age or school grade,” says Dr. Mokris.

Kumon’s reading comprehension program strives to enhance the reading ability of children and create lifelong readers. With learning

centers in 47 countries and regions, Kumon Instructors around the world create personalized lesson plans for each student. The curriculum is designed to foster independent learning skills that allow students to progress through the work, eventually studying above their grade level.

“We often see students with advanced reading skills gain confidence and excel in other subjects in school,” says Dr. Mokris.

In addition to academics, Kumon believes reading builds character in children and helps develop wellrounded personalities. Students are encouraged to excel and complete the entire reading program.

Excerpts from books on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List can be found throughout the curriculum, exposing students to a variety of genres, writing styles, cultures and history. The list contains 520 books designed to help parents select material that enhances their child’s appreciation and understanding of the English language. Its titles range from classic read-aloud books like The Cat in the Hat to works of Shakespeare and T.S. Eliot.

Kumon has served 16 million children worldwide since it was founded in Japan, dedicating more than 50 years to helping students in preschool to high school develop a love of learning.

To find a Kumon Center near you visit www.kumon.com or call 1-877586-6673. For additional literacy resources and games, visit www.rif.org.

EXCITING EASTER EGG HUNT IDEAS

by Belinda J Mooney

Egg hunts are an Easter tradition.

They also are a fun way for the kids to get outside and enjoy the warmer spring weather. This year, plan ahead and give that annual event added pizzazz. Try these ideas: The Basic Hunt If your children are young and time is limited, you can plan the basic Easter egg hunt using your back yard. Just fill brightly colored plastic Easter eggs with candy and hide them in your yard for the kids to find. This is simple and easy and perfect for children 5 and under.

It’s also great for last-minute egg hunts.

Treasure Hunt A treasure hunt is perfect for older kids, especially elementary age and pre-teens. This adventurous hunt can even be held inside if bad weather is forecast. In this hunt, the children get a plastic egg at the beginning. Inside the egg is a clue to where the next egg is hidden.

The kids follow the trail of Easter eggs and clues until they reach the treasure. This can be a large special egg filled with candy, an Easter basket, a holiday video or a big fuzzy stuffed bunny.

Fun-Filled Eggs Parents can make the basic Easter egg hunt more exciting by putting special items inside the brightly colored plastic eggs, such as candy, small toys, gift certificates or coins. Make one or two special eggs with large prizes in them such as a dollar bill or a movie ticket.

Limit large prizes to one per person. You also want to remember where you hid the eggs in case no one finds them.

Easter Bunny Hunt Another fun idea for an Easter egg hunt is to have the children come dressed as the Easter bunny. Encourage them to create their own costumes. When the Easter egg hunt is over the children can stand before a panel of “judges.” Be creative with your categories – the funniest Easter bunny, the silliest, the softest – and make sure everyone who participated gets a prize.

Design a Basket This is a great idea for an Easter party. Let children design their own Easter baskets before they go on the egg hunt. Set up a table with craft supplies such as glue, stickers, construction paper and something that can be used for a basket. The bottom halves of empty, clean, two-liter soda bottles work great. The website Kids Kreate (kidskreate.com), under its holiday section, has directions for making Easter baskets out of paper sacks.

Quick Tips Keep it simple – making it too complicated just leads to frustration in both kids and parents. l Keep it fun – laugh, giggle and enjoy your kids. l Make sure special prizes are clearly marked and allow only one per child. l

20 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

l Ages should be separated for a fair egg hunt. l Encourage children to share what they find with others who have fewer eggs. l Check your local paper or online for egg hunts hosted in your town or neighborhood.

www.atlantaparent.com

Avoid This! l Don’t hide hard-boiled eggs – germs can get in the small cracks, and eggs can go bad in just a couple hours. l Avoid hiding small objects younger children can choke on. l Don’t allow one or two kids to gather all the eggs. Make sure they share.

Age-Appropriate Hunts Parents need to make sure that the egg hunt is fair. Two-year-olds shouldn’t have to compete with teenagers. One way to do this is to hold your egg hunt in a large park or field. Mark off specific areas for various age groups. Good age breakdowns: Age 3 and under, ages 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12.

Obviously, you would hide the eggs more in plain sight for the younger children.

Keep It Safe

Make It Fair Establishing some ground rules can spare feelings. Don’t let one or two kids grab all the eggs. Decide ahead of time how many eggs a child can pick up. Once they have reached their limit, encourage them to help a friend. If you have special prizes for the egg hunt, make sure they are in distinctive eggs and allow only one per child. c www.atlantaparent.com

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You want the kids to have a good time and this means being safe. One of the biggest problems at an egg hunt is children falling down or running in to each other. Some simple safety rules and adult supervision can prevent injury. Have a “no running” rule and spread adults out across the egg hunt.

When planning an Easter egg hunt for small children, keep in mind the choking hazard. Don’t put tiny hard candies or coins inside their eggs. Chocolate can melt and be messy, so you want to keep in mind how long the eggs will be in the heat. Use only plastic eggs – hard-boiled eggs that have been un-refrigerated for more than two hours can be unsafe.

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March 2012

Atlanta Parent 21

Take 2 in O Squeeze your way into the Wizarding World

of Harry Potter or stroll the gardens and hop the rides of Legoland – these new attractions are fun additions to the City the Mouse Built.

by Julie Bookman

If You Go The Wizarding World of Harry Potter part of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, Fla. universalorlando.com n Tickets: $85 per adult for a one-day pass, $79 ages 3-9 for one-day pass; various ticket packages available.

(Prices same for Universal Studios park.) n Hours: Vary according to time of year, spring breaks, holidays, etc., so it’s best to confirm times in advance.

A

musement park action in Orlando is never a relaxing vacation, but if the top goal is a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then your family really has its work cut out. You need to set priorities and strategize the wait lines. For example, go for the famous “butterbeer” (think a shortbread and butterscotch concoction – with a frothy vanilla topping) as a sugary jolt for the morning, because you might spend 30 minutes in line for it later in the day. If a visit to Ollivander’s wand shop is a must, make that first thing in the morning, or last thing at night – otherwise expect to wait more than an hour just for your few minutes inside for the demonstration by

wise old Ollivander himself.

Since it opened in 2010, the $265 million Potter section has brought capacity crowds to Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure park. On the recent day I visited with a Potter-loving daughter and other youngsters, the theme park was bursting at the seams and not everyone inside could happily get their fix of Harry, Hermione and Hogwarts. The Harry Potter world within – a wonderfully atmospheric street lined with steep-roofed, “snow”-draped stone shops reminiscent of merry olde England – was at capacity; patrons were given numbers that allowed them to return to the Potter zone at a specific time later that day.

Cont’d on page 24

Jennifer Aqua of Sandy Springs sports a butterbeer mustache, along with kids (from left), Matthew, 7, Sarah, 9, and Abigail, 14. The family recently enjoyed two days in Orlando, mostly to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure park.

22 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

www.atlantaparent.com

RLANDO If You Go Legoland One Legoland Way, Winter Haven, Fla. 877-350-5346; florida.legoland.com n Hours: Vary (often 10 a.m.-5 p.m.), so it’s best to check schedule. n Tickets: $75 ages 13 and up; $65 ages 3-12 and seniors. n Parking: $12 cars, $15 campers/RVs.

by Dana diLorenzo

T

here’s more to Orlando-area vacation options for your family than just that magical mouse – or Harry Potter.

For years (even before I had kids), I planned every Florida visit around Disney fun, from cruises to theme park packages. If we were anywhere near Orlando, I would be likely to book a “character meal,” when you get to dine with any number of characters (such as Mickey) at a Disney property.

On one previous visit to Orlando, I even became one of “those moms” by pushing my then 4-year-old to ride the Tower of Terror at Disney’s MGM Studios. He’s never forgiven me, and I’ve never forgiven myself. As a result my now 7-year-old flat-out refuses to ride anything that might even slightly ruffle the hairs on his head.

On our last mouse-centered vacation, my “scarred” son and husband (no great lover of thrill rides himself) would stand and dismally watch as I enjoyed ride after ride with our younger child.

So, in an effort to restore my elder son’s faith in both his mom (me), and amusement parks, we planned a trip to Legoland. The former Cypress Gardens, located in Winter Haven, was transformed Lego brick by Lego www.atlantaparent.com

brick into Legoland and opened in the fall of 2011. Staying true to the Winter Haven tradition of Cypress Gardens, Legoland has retained the historic garden areas. A creative haven of fun, Legoland is a quieter, gentler theme park geared toward ages 2 to 13. That said, there’s still plenty of action for tiny thrill seekers such as our 4-year-old, and older siblings and parents will also enjoy themselves.

From Fun Town, with its beautiful twostory carousel, to the action-packed Land of Adventure featuring the Coastersaurus and Lost Kingdom of Adventure rides, there’s a nice range of rides in-between “slow and easy” and the “chills and thrills” category.

Amid all the attractions, there’s plenty of opportunities to sit, rest, relax and enjoy shows. The Pirate’s Cove Live Water Ski Show, complete with water-skiing pirates, guards and a princess (of course), will make a splash (literally!) with the entire family. The Fun Town 4D Theater offers several different shows throughout the day; we caught the Lego Racers show and experienced quite the ride, complete with wind, snow and water.

The entertaining Fun Town Fire Department offers the “Big Test” live show featuring upbeat music, zany fun and acrobatics while also teaching fire safety.

Cont’d on page 25

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 23

Wizarding World of Harry Potter “It was definitely worth it to stay at an official Universal property,” says Jennifer Aqua of Sandy Springs, who recently ventured to Orlando with husband Stephen Szabo and their three kids to soak up some Pottermania. When you stay at one of three Universal properties, such as the Loews Portofino Bay, your hotel key card doubles as an “Express” pass that lets you bypass the regular wait line for most rides in both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.

Another Universal guest benefit: You get a one-hour jump on the rest of the Muggles (human types) and gain entrance at 7 a.m.

That’s what the Aqua-Szabo family did, and also what we did. We rose in the dark to be at the water taxi dock by 6:30 a.m. – just to be smack at the entrance gates by 7 a.m.

Suddenly, everyone was running through other park sections, such as the crazy-colorful Seuss Landing, just to reach the 20-acre Potter site inspired by J.K. Rowling’s seven-book series. Once you get to the magnificent gates and glimpse the Hogwarts Express train (an exact replica from the one in the film), you are pretty amazed. Two things pop into your head: How the heck did all these other folks already beat us here? And: How on Earth did they dream up this place? For the true Potter fan, this is the next best thing to reading the book series for the first time. Unlike the Universal Studios park next door (with rides and attractions inspired by movies from E.T. to Twister), or the rest of the Islands of Adventure park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter feels intimate – a world unto itself. You’re surrounded by “veddy British” places such as

24 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Once you get to the magnificent gates and glimpse the Hogwarts Express train (an exact replica from the one in the film), you are pretty amazed. the Hog’s Head pub. You’re saying “hello” to fellow book lovers, many wearing their goldand-red Gryffindor scarves or Hogwarts robes.

Best of all, you don’t have a sense that other sections of the park are anywhere nearby, such as that Lost Continent section where you can consider the remains of Poseidon’s Fury if you don’t mind standing a lot, or the Marvel Super Hero Island, which has a great Incredible

Hulk roller coaster and a thrilling SpiderMan 3D ride that was our favorite non-Potter experience.

A number of Rowling’s literary locations in both Hogsmeade (the village near Hogwarts school) and other parts of England have been linked for this Potter land. When we visited, it was impossible to turn around inside either Honeyduke’s sweet shop or Dervish and Banges, which has loads of clever general merchandise such as quill pens with super-long feathers. Hottest souvenir by far: A carved wand, in a handsome box, from Ollivander’s ($30, many varieties).

Jennifer Aqua said that her three kids, including Harry Potter expert Abigail, 14 (who has read every book 10 times), had initially been given a vacation choice, but the Wizarding World at Universal “won out over going someplace fancier, like the Bahamas.”

In the end, Abigail “was not disappointed,” Aqua said. “I can say that Harry Potter lived up to our expectations. We did everything we wanted to do, and two days was enough.”

Thanks to the early-bird scheme, our group rode the multimedia Forbidden Journey ride twice in one day, then again the following day. We spoke to a number of guests who declared it the “greatest ride ever,” and plenty said they felt as if they were actually following Harry Potter on a wickedfast broom ride. Equally exhilarating was the one-hour walk through the Hogwarts castle on the way to boarding our “brooms.” There’s so much to examine throughout the immense castle, including props from some of the Harry Potter films, that we actually wanted to go through the line all over again.

In fact, we want to go back to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But for now, a good book with a fantastical plot will have to do. c www.atlantaparent.com

Legoland Perhaps the most inspired part of Legoland is its Miniland. Made from millions of Lego bricks, this is where you’ll find miniature replicas of the Kennedy Space Center and Daytona International Speedway as well as entire areas dedicated to California, New York, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas and to pirates sailing the high seas. It’s almost like a vacation within a vacation. Many of these displays are fully functioning, complete with lights and sounds.

The highlight of the day for my boys was the Ford Driving School (for ages 6-13) and the Ford Junior Driving School (ages 3-5) a “real-life”’ driving experience. Kids enter the driving school, have their picture taken for their driver’s license (available for purchase at $17 each, or you can receive a basic license with no picture for no cost). They also watch a safety video, receive a drivers’ orientation, and then take to the track for a hands-on driving test.

www.atlantaparent.com

Three quick tips for Legoland fun: n Make your first stop the Islands in the Sky ride near the Legoland entrance, because it provides a slow, spectacular view of the park. n There’s a reason for the long line at Granny’s Apple Fries – be sure to try these addictively yummy treats! n Legoland offers shuttle service from Orlando Premium Outlets on Vineland Avenue.

If you plan to spend the entire day at Legoland, climb aboard a motor coach for the 45-minute drive, which drops off/picks up at the park entrance; a great way to avoid traffic stress and save on time, fuel and parking fees. (Reserve on the Legoland website in advance; $10 per person.)

Lego brick-building opportunities abound throughout Legoland – even in the restaurants, which cater to younger diners and include fruit as an option with kid meals. The Fun Town Pizza and Pasta buffet seemed quite the bargain with “all you can eat pizza and pasta” ($10.99 for adults, $6.99 children) – but my boys did not want to miss a moment of fun by slowing down for lunch. I was happy to find a kids’ grilled cheese meal, complete with fruit

and milk for just $5.49, which could also be enjoyed in air-conditioned comfort.

I owe Legoland a lot. Its relaxed, familyfriendly fun was the elixir needed to mend past theme park damages. As my 7-yearold and I strolled through Miniland again to “ooh and ahh” over the sheer genius of that section, a shy smile crept across his face as he said: “Race you to the Dragon roller coaster, Mom!” c

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 25

Fun and Fabulous

Partie

on a Budget

by Elisa Goldklang

“Whatever happened to cupcakes in the back yard?”

Another mom muttered this question to me as we both stood watching our young daughters play at a fanciful Princess Party for which no expense had been too great. Sure, the girls were certainly having a marvelous time sipping “tea” (apple juice) in gorgeous china cups with a grown-up Cinderella. The lucky guests had already decorated their own fairy wings, danced to tunes spun by a DJ, and gobbled up gorgeous cupcakes that really did look too pretty to eat. Their hostess gifts (or party favors) were decorative floral wreaths, plus bags full of candy and costume jewelry.

Would these 4-year-olds have had a less wonderful time if the tea set had been plastic and Cinderella had been someone’s older sister, rather than hired for the event? What if they had instead danced to a CD of favorite Disney tunes? They might have had just as much fun, but for a fraction of the cost of that pricey party with the professional DJ and bona fide “presents” (as opposed to simple goodie bags) for every party guest.

For most parents, the goal is to throw a birthday party that’s a win-win: for the guest of honor (your child who’s turning a year older), and his friends. But in today’s cost-conscious economy, there are plenty of ways to have a grand party without breaking the piggy bank.

If an off-site location such as Sports-a-Rama is the top desire, then a chunk of budget may need to go toward those fees. If inviting a large number of party guests is essential, then that might help you focus on finding a free or low-cost place to host a large number of children. Perhaps you’ll decide that a key goal will be to save money on food and favors. www.atlantaparent.com

Party Planner

For her seventh birthday Ruth Mandell (center back), and friends enjoyed an affordable “scavenger hunt party” at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

10 Questions To Ask

Before You Begin A birthday party should suit the individual child’s style, interests and wishes. Here are 10 questions to address before you begin planning a party for your youngster. As you tackle this list, consult with your child on questions that involve his wishes and opinions. n Who and how old is the birthday child? (Obvious?

Sometimes parents need to be reminded.) n What are the most important aspects of the party to

the birthday boy or girl? n What are your child’s passions and favorite activities? n What are the most important aspects of the party to

you and your child? n What is the real budget for the party? n When is the best time and date for the party?

(Consider the season, weather, vacations, etc.) n Where do you plan to host the party? (Location dictates

many factors.) n How many guests do you intend to invite, or how many

can you comfortably invite? n How much time to plan the event will you need? n How will you divide the work? Which tasks will you

handle, and which ones do you expect others to do?

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March 2012

Atlanta Parent 27

28 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Party Planner

www.atlantaparent.com

Cont’d on page 30

www.atlantaparent.com

Party Planner

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 29

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Party Countdown

Checklist

Keep your birthday party planning on track with this helpful checklist. From setting a budget to welcoming your guests, it’s sure to make throwing your bash a cinch.

Six Weeks to Go n Decide on time and money budget n Begin researching costs of external locations n Research entertainers for in-home party n Check out books about kids’ parties from the library for theme and game ideas Four Weeks to Go n Choose party theme n Select party location n Determine maximum number of guests n Finalize date and time n Book and send deposit for entertainers or external locations Three Weeks to Go n Make or buy invitations and send them n Make transportation arrangements to external location n Finalize menu n Order cake and food if not homemade n Arrange for extra helpers Two Weeks to Go n Shop for paper goods, theme props, goodie bags and game prizes n Make favors and/or assemble goodie bags www.atlantaparent.com

n Plan games and make any decorations or game props n Select music as needed n Buy any craft supplies needed for party crafts One Week to Go n Confirm final numbers with party location n Confirm arrangements with entertainer n Create menu and ingredients shopping list n Shop for non-perishable foods and ingredients n Develop a timetable for the party day Three Days to Go n Confirm that helpers will show up n Call entertainers and party rentals to confirm your order n Finalize all props and music needed for games and crafts n Check camera, video supplies and batteries n Choose party clothes and get them ready to wear

PARTY DAY Six hours to go n Pick up last minute items, such as helium balloons n Clean up clutter and put away any special items not used for the party Four Hours to Go n Decorate house Three Hours to Go n Make final food preparations n Make final game preparations One Hour to Go n Set table n Dress yourself and your children

Two Days to Go n Make food that will keep in refrigerator or freezer n Check the house for safety hazards n Put away any special breakables

30 Minutes to Go n Have helpers arrive n Run through timetable and basic responsibilities with helpers n Put out materials for first activity or game

One Day to Go n Bake or pick up cake n Rent videos for sleepovers n Review day of party timetable

Party Time! n Welcome your guests

Party Planner

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 31

Birthday Traditions 15 Ways To Create Magical Moments

A

by Kara Ferraro

A child’s birthday might be the most anticipated day of the year, and every parent wants it to be memorable. As your child gets older, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of trying to outdo the previous year’s party.

My parents tried their best to make birthdays special for me and my two siblings. Each year on our birthday we would arrive home from school to see balloons, gifts and handmade cards around the “Birthday Chair.” After dinner and cake, the birthday child was seated in the birthday chair and would open gifts. It was a magical moment for which I waited all year.

On my 10th birthday I received a blue three-speed bike.

Aside from that, the only other gift I remember was a small wooden trinket box my mother collaged with random magazine pictures and a groovy photo of me with a “shag” haircut and the date 1976 on the inside.

That was 36 years ago, and I still have my trinket box.

Finding simple, inexpensive ways to turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary birthday celebration may take a little time and creativity, but it doesn’t have to empty your wallet.

What children want on their birthday is to feel that it is their own special day. So find ways to help celebrate it with them.

Here are 15 ways you can create some magical moments your children will remember for years to come.

32 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

1 2 3

4

Have your child help you make the birthday cake.

It’s more fun to decorate the cake and get sugared up eating the extra batter, frosting and sprinkles than it is actually eating the cake – regardless of age.

The night before your child’s birthday, decorate the house or her room with balloons, confetti, flowers or a homemade banner.

Wake up your child by singing the Happy Birthday song.

Start the day with a special birthday breakfast.

Party Planner

5 6 7 8 9 10

Decorate the house with some baby pictures or birthday pictures from years past.

Stick a special birthday snack or note in your child’s lunch box.

Plan a family outing: a trip to the beach, a picnic in the park, or even a trip to your favorite pizza joint.

Start a scrapbook each year on your child’s birthday and decorate the cover with a picture taken on the big day.

Take a picture each year of your child at the exact time he was born or as soon as he wakes up.

Let your child pick out all of the meals that day. If she wants spaghetti for breakfast or pancakes for dinner – go for it. It’s her day!

www.atlantaparent.com

11 12 13 14

Give gifts that reflect the same number as your child’s age. For example, if your child is turning 5, how about 5 markers, 5 coloring books, 5 lollipops, 5 pairs of socks, etc.

Make something for your child each year: a special pillow, frame, jewelry box or toy chest. She may not appreciate it now, but in years to come she’ll cherish these handmade mementos.

Have the birth day party everyon e will be talking about!

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Party Guide

Party Entertainers • Clowns Party Places Supplies • Magicians Petting Farms • Moonwalks • Sports Photographers AND MORE!

The key to making your child feel special is that you remember the whole day is his birthday and let him enjoy it. Whatever you choose to do, family birthday traditions give your child something to look forward to throughout the year and to remember for a lifetime. c

Kid’s Party

www.poloclubofatlanta.com

t Magazine’s Atlanta Paren

15

Call today to book your Party 770-649-6600, Ext. 0 or info@cooler.com

Visit our website for cool, cooler and coolest party package details!

BIG BOOK of Parties

The Birthday Chair. It’s been a tradition in my family for years, and to this day I still get to sit in the birthday chair with balloons and handmade cards. And now, so do my lucky kids!

10800 Davis Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Ask about group discounts

Create a time capsule. Each year on your child’s birthday put a photo of your child, a newspaper, perhaps a drawing your child made and a note about what’s going on in his life.

File away for the next year or for years to come.

Have lunch with your child at school and bring cupcakes.

OK, they may not like this when they get older, but during the elementary years you and that box of cupcakes will be more popular than Taylor Swift, iCarly or Beyblades!

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Family Night Out, Field Trips, Scouts, Camps, Hockey & Figure Skating

THE ALPHARETTA FAMILY SKATE CENTER

DEADLINE: March 20, 2012

Call Andi at 678-222-1917 for advertising information Party Planner

424-2287

WWW.COPYCATSFORKIDS.COM

A One of a Kind SPA’rty They’ll Never Forget Mobile SPA’rties Glitz, Gloss, & Glam TuTus & Tiaras B.Y.O.P (Bring Your Own Pajamas) Creative Crafts & Keepsakes Unique Party Décor Party Treats Dress-up SPA-tastic Party Fun! Themed Parties Sugar & Spice Girls Glam Spa 888.557.5254 or 404.590.5308

SugarAndSpiceGirlsGlamSpa.com March 2012

Atlanta Parent 33

THE DESIGNER

Cake Craze P

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man, bake me a cake as fast as you can – and make it look like a tropical rainforest with tigers and elephants.

by Alexi Wilbourn

lain sheet cakes are passé.

Even a layer cake with a simple “Happy Birthday” in decorative frosting looks a little dated. Popular TV shows, such as Cake Boss on TLC and Ace of Cakes on Food Network, showcase designer confections that make traditional cakes seem oh so ordinary.

But you don’t have to own a bakery or be a pastry chef to whip up a Kodak-worthy creation. With a mixing bowl, carving knife and a little patience, you can slice in half the $30-$100 cost of a novelty cake by making it yourself.

If you’re a novice baker or want to save time, use a boxed cake mix. Pillsbury brand produces firm cakes capable of withstanding the pressure of elaborate decorations, says Acworth mom Mary Greer, who bakes

imaginative birthday cakes for her two daughters, Miabella, 6, and Natalia, 3, and for nieces and nephews. Add extra flavor and moisture by dumping a box of instant pudding into the batter, she suggests. That plain chocolate cake mix can taste like butterscotch-fudge for less than $2.

If you have a little more time, don’t be afraid of making the cake from scratch.

“Personally, I think if you can read, you can bake,” says Caryn Nash, baker and owner of Caryn’s Cakes in Atlanta. Although it may seem daunting, whipping up a homemade cake is as simple as following the recipe and measuring carefully, she says. You may already have many of the ingredients, such as baking powder and all-purpose flour in your pantry.

Look online or through cookbooks for design inspiration. After surfing the Internet for cake ideas, Bethany Chatterjee of Marietta attempted a carousel cake for 2-year-old daughter Kessa’s birthday. To make it even more special, she enlisted the help of a baker so that the carousel would rotate. Use your home or city for additional inspiration.

SPECIALTY SHOPS AND WEBSITES SELL PROFESSIONAL MATERIALS TO CONSUMERS, INCLUDING EDIBLE CAKE DECORATIONS, SHAPED PANS, SUPPLIES AND MORE. Mary Greer bakes birthday cakes for her two daughters, Miabella, 6, and Natalia, 3.

34 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Party Planner

www.atlantaparent.com

For her son Eston’s third birthday last year, Chatterjee created a construction site cake, incorporating LEGOs and small bulldozer toys into the design.

Not quite sure how to make the cake look like the Spider-Man figure sitting on your counter?

Consider a cake decorating class, Greer suggests, such as the ones offered by the baking products company Wilton at hobby and craft stores. You can also call local bakeries to see if they offer “how-to” classes. A thriftier option: Borrow an instructional book from the library or find videos online. Even Nash uses YouTube as a resource, plugging in new ideas to get tips from people who have attempted a similar method or design.

Professional decorating and cake-making equipment may help you achieve the best results, Nash says. Specialty shops, such as Cake Art in Tucker, and websites sell professional materials to consumers, including edible cake decorations, shaped pans, supplies and more. Craft stores, such as Hobby Lobby and Michaels, also sell cake accessories and kits, though the selection may be more limited.

Don’t become discouraged if your first attempt at a novelty cake falls short of success.

It took Greer more than a dozen times to fine-tune her skills with fondant (a dough made from sugar and water for sculpting and creating smooth decorations and textures).

Your family won’t mind being the guinea pigs for those cracked cakes, either!

If decorating techniques seem difficult, start small. “Cupcakes are a little less intimidating to start with,” Nash says, so use them for practice. Edible glitter or pearls can be purchased from a cake supply store to make the miniature creations sparkle, or you can practice a variety of icing piping skills on each one.

Bethany Chatterjee made a construction scene cake for her son’s third birthday, and created a carousel cake for her 2-year-old daughter.

DON’T BECOME DISCOURAGED IF YOUR FIRST ATTEMPT AT A NOVELTY CAKE FALLS SHORT OF SUCCESS. But the most important advice for making specialty cakes: Always have fun. Even if your final creation is cracked and crumbling, you can feel a sense of accomplishment.

“It’s so rewarding to see your family’s expressions and know that you made the cake for them,” Chatterjee says.

Even if your cake isn’t perfect, it can be more memorable than a professional one from the store. c

Auntie Renee Storyteller Children’s Parties Leave all the work to us.

We facilitate your party from beginning to end, from greeting your guests to cutting the cake.

Party entertainment includes: Storytelling, Games, Face Painting, and Puppets.

Book Your Birthday Party Today!

770-402-0564 www.AuntieReneeStoryteller.com www.atlantaparent.com

Party Planner

Book by Mar. 31st and receive $25 OFF March 2012

Atlanta Parent 35

BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNER

Entertainers Animals

Want ponies for your party, or a superhero, perhaps? How about a giant movie screen?

Looking for an inflatable arena for an off-site birthday bash? Our annual guide will help you find what you’re looking for, plus provide plenty of new ideas and inspiration. Party on!

A Zoo to You – Wildlife Wonders. A variety of animals: alligators, kangaroos, monkeys, zebras and parrots. Petting zoo and pony rides available. $200 and up. 706-348-7279.

Exotic Paradise Animal Shows. Owls, parrots, cockatoo, iguanas, tortoises, monitors, a variety of insects and arachnids. Full show $250; half show, $195. 770-969-1112 or 954-592-0047.

Little Red Barn Mobile Petting Farm. Brings friendly, miniature farm animals and ponies to you. $375/hour and up. 678-493-5860.

Mr. Greg’s Reptile Roadshow. Alligators, snakes, lizards and more. $150 for ages 4-6, 30 minutes; $200 for 7 and up, 1 hour. 678-764-3636.

The Mane Event Pony Parties. Mobile themed pony parties, a barnyard of farm animals. $225 and up. 770-962-7545.

My Reptile Guys. Snakes, iguana, tortoise, lizards and more. Educational and interactive with tricks, jokes, demos and surprises. $189/hour and up. 678-472-8441.

Reptile Wrangler. Critter shows with reptiles or giant bugs. Select from a collection of over 25 critters including snakes, lizards, frogs, tortoises, gator and more. $125 and up. 770489-3512.

Sam’s Path Petting Zoo. Monkeys, camels, parrots, kangaroos, fox, zebras. $300 and up.

706-717-8837.

Summer & Friends. Pony rides, face painting, clowns, balloon art and concessions. $145 and up. 678-508-0475.

Clowns A & E Clowns. Face painting, balloon twists, comedy magic, sing-a-longs and bubble shows. $155/hour and up. 404-345-1094.

INDEX Entertainers

Places to Go

From clowns to critters, magicians to makeovers, these folks help get the party started. l Animals ...................... 36

The experience is the party at these places with a built-in theme. l Amusement Center/ Arcades ...................... 38

A Clown Named Ruby. Magic show, balloon art, face painting and live music. Also interactive bubble, music or clown magic workshops.

Ages 1 and older. $175 and up. 404-895-2312.

Tommy the Clown. Professional clowning, mime, magic, comedy, balloons, plate spinning and juggling. $160 and up. 678-462-1009 or 770867-2696.

l

Clowns ....................... 36

l

Beauty/Glamour ......... 39

l

Costumed Characters ................. 36

l

Cooking ...................... 39

l

l

Dance and Music ....... 37

Dance/Music/ Theater ....................... 39

l

Gaming....................... 37

l

Jump Places............... 39

Costumed Characters

l

Magic ......................... 37

l

Museums ................... 40

l

Misc. .......................... 37

l

Nature/Farms ............. 40

Copy Cats For Kids. TV and movie look-a-likes, princesses, superheroes, cartoon characters and moonwalks. $95 and up. 770-424-2287.

l

Science ...................... 37

l

Party Places ............... 41

l

Storytelling/ Puppet Shows ............ 38

l

Sports/Athletics/ Gymnastics ................ 42

Supplies & Rentals Balloons, bounces and everything else it takes to make your event a success. l Equipment rental ........ 43

36 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Party Planner

Happy Face Entertainment. Clowns, costumed characters, face painting, magic, balloons, jugglers, superheroes, martial arts, dance, circus arts. $135 and up. 404-762-7845.

Captain Jack Sparrow Parties. Costumed, lookalike characters. $300 and up. 404-388-4544.

Fun-O-Rama Parties. Theme décor, face painting, balloon art, costumed entertainers, inflatables and rental. $75-$250 per event. 770-572-1737.

Dream Friends Entertainment. Characters and entertainment. Princesses, superheroes, Hannah Montana and cartoon characters. $115 and up. 404-319-0180.

Kidazzl Parties. Storytelling, theme characters, illusions, song, dance, games, musical activities, face painting, balloon twisting. $175/hour 770-318-3652.

www.atlantaparent.com

Caricatures by Susan Moreno. Professional artist. From $125/hr. 770-443-1824.

Creative Caricatures. Full-color caricatures on canvas by Kourosh and Patrick. $125/hour and up; 2-hour min. 770-966-8804.

Clay Time Mobile Ceramics Studio. Paint your own ceramics or make a clay project. $100 and up. 404-313-1425.

Events by Noelle Kidz. Theme parties specializing in Spa-jama, Pirate, Glamalicious, Mad Scientist and otheres. Starting at $300 for 12 kids, 90 min.

404-234-5675.

Fun Bus. Tumble, climb, jump, swing and slide. 1 hour of fitness fun with music and games. Ages 2-7. $235 and up. Metro Atlanta, 770-569-7529; North Gwinnett, 770-676-6356.

Georgia Outdoor Laser. Laser tag party comes to you, includes set up. 100 minutes, ages 8-12. $300/12 kids; $450/20 kids. 404-314-2129.

Glazed And Amused. Mobile pottery party, from babies to moms, any time, anywhere. $125 and up/8 people. 770-876-2304.

The Mane Event Pony Parties

Party Animals Entertainment. Costumed characters, balloon art, temporary tattoos, face painting, magic. $125 and up. 770-645-0901.

Magic Ladder Entertainment. Party services include theme parties, magic tricks, face painting, balloons and more. $225 and up. 770-307-7646.

Dance and Music

Bill Packard’s Magic Man Entertainment. Bill Packard the Magic Man and other magicians, balloon twisters, face painters, clowns, characters. $150-$300. 770-926-1168.

All Star Kids’ Party DJs. Party packages include music, games and interactive entertainment. $195 and up. 770-664-0320.

Disc Jockey’s Unlimited. Theme parties, karaoke, novelty prizes, music, games, and face painting. $275 and up. 770-498-7030.

Jason’s Music Party. Interactive, musical entertainment. Ages 1-8. $150 and up. 323-387-0366.

Little Beat Music DJ. DJ services, children’s music CDs, bounce house rental and more. $275 and up. 877-545-2328.

Music Together with Ms. Gail. Interactive musical parties. Up to age 6. $165 and up. 678-437-3304.

Gaming Games 2 U Entertainment. A mobile gaming and entertaiment provider. $249/6 kids and up. 770807-0212.

Game Truck Party. Air-conditioned video game theater with over 40 multi-player games and seating for 16. 90 minutes. $299. 770-755-5100.

Rolling Video Games A mobile video game theater for parties with Xbox 360, Wii and PS3 titles. $225 and up, ages 5 and older. 877-426-3007.

MisterGreggy.Com. Comedy magic shows, Rocky Raccoon puppet, balloons, face painting, juggling classes. 45 mins. for 2 hrs. $195 and up.

404-452-4620.

Never Grow Up Magic. Kid comedy, birthday party magic, live bunny, puppets, and balloons. $200 and up. 678-591-0018.

Miscellaneous Alison Agency. Clowns, characters, balloons, face painting, magic. $125 and up. 770-509-9409.

Artzy Party. Mobile art party brings all art supplies and table coverings. 1 hour for ages 3-6; 90 minutes for ages 7-10. $120 and up/6 kids for ages 3 to 6; $150 and up/6 kids, ages 7-10.

404-895-7069.

Auntie Kim’s. Children decorate a personal sized birthday cake. Tots to teens. $20/child. 770-3106963.

Caricatures By Fitzroy. Black and white pencil drawings for each guest. Custom-designed logo for the birthday child. Ages 1-12. $125/hour; $25 off the 2nd hour. 678-851-5656.

Xtreme Gaming 360. Portable gaming karts for video games. Provides set-up anywhere with electricity.

Ages 5 to adult. $150-$175. 678-859-4605.

Mobile Masterpieces Inc. Mobile art studio for 3-hour party. Each guest paints 16x20 acrylic canvas to take home. Ages 7 and up. $30/person and up; 6-child minimum. 404-909-7541.

Pottery on Wheels. Create pottery at your location. $150 and up. 770-862-6354.

Red Hot Fire Truck Events. Take a ride or sound the siren of a real, red fire truck. “5-Alarm Fun” package includes fire truck ride, squirting water from a real fire hose, decorations, kid-size firefighter gear and more. $175-$500 (5-Alarm Package). 404-925-1221.

Southern Outdoor Cinema. Movie screens, sound systems, digital projection and DVD players for indoor and outdoor parties. $349 and up with delivery, set up and tear down included. 678689-8143.

Spoiled Rotten Princess Parties. Over 19 themes, includes: fashion shows, spa parties, photo shoots, jewelry making. Packages start at $250.

770-354-7548.

Sugar and Spice Girls Glam. Mobile spa party. Décor, crafts, rose petal-pedis, fashion show, makeup, tutus, karaoke, red and pink carpet, and more.

Starting at $80 for 90 minutes. 404-395-5308.

Tumblebus Atlanta. A Gym on Wheels with tumbling, rock climbing, monkey bars, trampoline and more. Ages 18 mos.-6 years.15-child maximum. $200/hour and up. 404-370-0001.

Science Big Thinkers Science Exploration. Interactive, hands-on birthday parties. Experiment with rockets, bubbling potions and more. Ages 4-12. $189 and up. 678-392-1500.

Magic

Club Scientific. One-hour interactive science parties with demonstration and take-home projects. Pick from different themes. Goodie bags included.

Ages 4-13. $225 and up. 678-880-6460.

Dan Garrett Magic. “Dan the Wizard” show for ages 4-12. Harry Potter theme available. Also shows for older kids. $275 and up. 770-981-0310.

GA Bubbleman. 1-hour interactive show with bubbles from pinheads up to the size of a person. $135 and up. 770-717-9158.

Ken Scott Magical Entertainment. Magic shows with a live bunny, balloon sculptures, games and more. $275 and up. 770-252-1516.

High Touch-High Tech, Inc. Hands-on science experiments such as volcanoes, silly putty rockets, gemstones and more. Ages 5-12. $225-$250.

770-667-9443.

Magic Debbie. Interactive comedy magic shows with birthday child as the star. Free balloon animals, magic kit for birthday child. $250 and up.

404-630-1120.

www.atlantaparent.com

Science Creations

Party Planner

Imagine That! Science, technology and art birthday parties with party favors. $190 and up.

770-392-1627.

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 37

BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNER Science Creations. Science parties plus horseback riding, reptiles, face painting, ballooning, and more. $150 and up/10 children, ages 4-13. 678-531-2357.

Yes! Youth Engaged in Science. Build robotic models you program to move and use sensors. Ages 6-9, 10-14 coming soon. $180/8 children for 90 min. 404-551-3993.

Storytelling/Puppet Shows Akbar Imhotep. Storytelling, puppetry and stories from around the world. $175 and up.

404-468-3392.

Auntie Renee Speaks. Storytelling, puppet shows, games, face painting, arts and crafts. $95 and up. 770-402-0564.

Curious Moon Puppets. Songs, games and prizes. Puppets, portable stage, puppet gift, puppet making. $175 and up. 404-377-8141.

Kevin Pittman and His Forest Friends.

Fairytale puppet shows, costume character, handcrafted animal characters. $100. 770312-8451.

Lori’s Stories. Storytelling, music and interactive performances. Have a custom song written for the birthday child. $180 and up.

678-425-6229.

Mama Koku Storytellin’. Interactive storytelling. $175/hour. 404-305-8549.

Miss Mary’s Storytime. Storytime, puppetry and music. $50 for 30 minutes. 770-656-4602.

Piccadilly Puppets Company. Shows with puppets, music, audience participation and stories. Make-a-puppet activity also available. $175 and up. 404-636-0022.

Young Audiences, Woodruff Arts Center.

Theatre, music, literary arts, dance, visual arts activities by professional artists. $185 and up. 404-733-5293.

Places to Go Amusement Center/ Arcades Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. All-inclusive packages include 1 hour in the party area, tableware, decorations, invitations, ice cream cake, kids’ meal for each child, arcade credit and host. $300 to $425, 10-child minimum. 11000 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell.

770-992-5688

rties! Ages Science Pa 3-12

We come to YOU!

 Bubbling Potions!  Rockets!  Cotton Candy!  Much More!

678-392-1500

Big-Thinkers.com MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% DISCOUNT!

38 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Malibu Grand Prix

Chuck E. Cheese. Includes food, cake, tokens, special show and visit from Chuck E. Cheese. $11.99-$16.99/child for 2 hours; 4-child minimum. Alpharetta, 678893-0171; Buford, 770-614-5803; Cumberland, 770-435-9036; Conyers, 678413-0045; Douglasville, 770-577-8951; Kennesaw, 770-420-3340; Jonesboro, 770-996-3250; Marietta, 770-971-0002; Norcross, 770-449-1767.

Dave and Busters. 2-hour parties include kids’ meal, eat & play combo, or youth buffet. Unlimited soft drinks and Power Card with chips also provided. $16.99$24.99/child; 10-child minimum. Duluth, 770-497-1152; Lawrenceville, 678-8475400; Marietta, 770-951-5554.

Dixieland Fun Park. All-day fun pass group packages for 10-19 guests. Includes fun pass, 10 percent off one-time food purchase, 5 arcade tokens each, free nonrider pass; reservations required. Party room rental available. $24.99-$45/person up to 19 guests; $100 for party room rental. 1675 Hwy 85 North, Fayetteville.

770-460-5862.

Laser Voyage Café. Two games of Pirate laser tag, arcade tokens, party tables, email invitations, free return pass for birthday child, 2 for 1 return pass guests. $150 and up. 1866 Buford Hwy., Duluth.

678-514-3430.

Legoland Discovery Center. Packages and prices to be determined. Recommend booking at least six weeks in advance. Parties begin summer 2012.

Phipps Plaza, Atlanta. 404-848-9252.

Malibu Grand Prix. Miniature golf, bumper boats, gokarts, arcade and more. Several packages available. $12.99/child and up, 8-child minimum. 5400 Brook Hollow Pkwy., Norcross. 770-416-7630.

Monster Mini Golf. Indoor monster-themed glow in the dark 18-hole mini golf course and arcade games. Many packages, party room included. $175/12 kids. 2505 Chastain Meadows Pkwy. NW, Marietta. 770-423-2212.

Mountasia Family Fun Center. Miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats, game room, party host, tickets. $12.99/person and up, 8-child minimum.

175 Barrett Pkwy. Marietta. 770-422-7227.

Sandy Springs Funhouse. Multi-level tag arena, inflatable obstacle course, arcades, private party rooms and more. $150 and up. 6650-B Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-843-1121.

Funopolis. 5-acre indoor/outdoor complex, Sky Zone. All-trampoline, walled playing courts. Inlaser tag, mini-golf, bumper boats and cludes one hour jump time and shoe rental, 40 min. cars, go-carts, mini-bowling, arcades, four in private party room, invitations, paper supplies, party rooms, and more. 90 min., minimum food and drinks. Add-ons available. Starting at $16/ 8 children. $111.60 and up. 40155 Hwy person, minimum 10 kids. 560 Old Peachtree Rd. Atl Parent 3-12_Layout 1 8/16/11 12:13 PM Page 1 Suwanee. 678-745-9900.

4415, Commerce.

706-335-3866.

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404-851-2980 beanheadtoysonline.com

Party Planner

www.atlantaparent.com

Dolls and Divas. A dress-up party venue for girls ages 3-14. $250 and up. 740F N. Glynn St., Fayetteville. 1-800-388-2810.

Pigtails & Crewcuts. Themes include: Ahoy Matey, Princess, Darling Divas, Let’s Luau or Howdy Partner party; Includes dress-up, craft, party favors. Prices vary by location, $250/7 children and up. Buckhead, 404-963-5612; Buford, 770271-1990; East Cobb, 770-565-8765; Roswell, 770-993-3303; West Cobb, 770-795-9450, Pink Pastry Parlor. Customized theme events, tea parties, pampering spa, loft sleepovers, baking parties, and more. $200 and up for 8 children.

6385 Spalding Dr., Norcross. 770-263-8303.

Salon Red Kids. Themes and activities including jewelry making, manicures, cowboy, updos, makeup, storytime, games, and more. $195 and up for 8 children; $15/additional child. 123 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 404-377-6230.

Snip-its. Glamour, Hollywood, Style-A-Doll, Rock Star, Spa, Slumber Jam party. Prices vary. $100 and up. Snellville, 770-979-3818.

Sugar & Spice. Several theme party packages to choose from: arts and crafts, manicures, pedicures, and fashion show. Sleepovers available. Ages 3-18. $250 and up for a maxium of 10 children. The Spa at Stonecrest, 8052 Mall Parkway, Suite 104, Lithonia. 678-672-4100.

Sweet & Sassy. Theme party packages include Pajama Jam, Perfect Princess, Fashion Diva and more. Spa treatments, makeovers, stage sets, limo rides and more. $249/9 children and up. 410 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming. 770-781-0300.

Cooking Chamberlain’s Gourmet Chocolatier. Chocolatemaking parties include instruction, chocolate, goodie bag and more. 6365 Spalding Dr., Norcross. 678-728-0100.

Greene’s Fine Foods. Candy making activities, tour and learn how candy is made. Full-service theme party packages available. $250 and up.

141 E. Trinity Place, Decatur. 404-378-2001.

Henri’s Bakery. Decorate your cake or cookie parties; tea sandwiches and juice provided.

Includes apron and hat. $18/child; 10-child minimum; 25 maximum. 61 Irvy Ave., Buckhead.

404-237-0202.

Young Chefs Academy. Cooking birthday parties. Druid Hills location accomodates special needs. Ages 3-18. 90 min., $275 and up. North Druid Hills, 404-633-2633; Sandy Springs, 404-255-9263.

Dance/Music/Theater ARTS @ West Cobb. Private parties with music, face painting, princesses and more. $195$225. 19 Powder Springs St., Marietta. 770425-9660.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. 2-hour show and four-course dinner in an 11th century-style castle with music, sword fighting and jousting. Ages 4-12, $37.93; 12 and up, $45.35; 10-person minimum. 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. 888-935-6878.

www.atlantaparent.com

The Royal Dance Academy. Interactive princess dance party, arts & crafts and more. Includes facility and clean-up. 2 hours, $200 for 10 children, $10/additional child. Ages 3-8. 7784 McGinnis Ferry Rd. Suwanee. 770-232-2997.

The Singin’ Bean. Tea parties include private room, dress-up, food and drink. Also, 2-hour karaoke parties. $200/12 people and up; $10/additional person. 195-B N. Perry St., Lawrenceville. 678534-5220.

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY THE TALK OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD! 770•934•8600 www.shawtent.com • Family business since 1963 • Specialize in Customer service • Our Packages give you the Biggest Bang For Your Buck!

Jump Places The Bounce House Amusement Center. Two jump arenas and toddler area. Private jumping and party room packages for up to 25 kids; full arena private party for up to 40 kids. Ages 2 and under jump free. $155 and up. 765 Ash St., Canton.

770-345-5867.

HippoHopp. 90 min. in play area and 45 minutes in party room. Drinks and paper goods included.

Six packages for up to 40 children, $99 and up.

1936 Briarwood Ct. NE, Atlanta. 404-634-4964.

• Most Stress-free Birthday Party in Town • Inflatable Rentals from $75

BounceU. Open bounce, structured play, giant inflatables. $129 and up 1634 Cobb International Blvd., Kennesaw, 770-919-2226.

Catch Air. Playhouse, wall climbing, moonwalks, movie and more. Includes party room, drinks and invitations. $129 and up. 1515 Redi Rd., Cumming. 678-965-6868.

Glow Galaxy Private party with one of two glow-inthe-dark play arenas with sports court and minigolf course. $190 and up. 6527-D Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross. 770-368-3008.

Jump 4 Joey. Inflatable jump arena. Four party rooms, arcade, concession stand, 120-inch movie screen. $100 for 8 children, $150 for 15 children, $210 for 25 children. 782 Cleburne Pkwy., Hiram. 770-222-5867 Jump for Joy Adventure Island. Party package includes jump time on inflatables. Add-ons include pizzas, drinks. 90 min., $99 and up. Discover Mills, 678-847-0073.

Jump Oasis Party Studio. 2-hour party provides 75 min. of play and 45 min. private party room with pizza, drinks, and host. $99 and up for 6 children.

1940 Parker Ct., Suite F, Stone Mountain. 678713-4503.

KangaZoom. 90 min. Includes juice boxes, paper products, set-up and clean-up. Birthday child gets 2 jump passes. Non-private parties, $195 and up; private parties, $295 and up. 5530 Windward Pkwy., Suite 400, Alpharetta. 770-772-0552.

Leapin’ Lizards. Includes 2-hour party with private party room, admission, set up, clean up and juice boxes. Starting at $180 for 10 children. 185 Sams St., Decatur. 404-537-3030.

Leaping Lions Family Fun Center. 2-hour experience. Private party room, snacks. $100/10 children and up. 4855 Old National Hwy., College Park. 404-819-5877.

Mighty Jumps. Private party room for 1 hour, unlimited play time. Includes drinks and admission. $100/8 children and up. 1019-B Collier Rd., Atlanta. 404-351-1818.

Monkey Joe’s Party and Play. Inflatable playgrounds with moon bounces, slides, jumps and private party rooms with drinks and paper goods. $99-$299. Pricing varies by location. Cumming, 770-887-5678; Dacula, 770-682-5437; Duluth, 770-497-9887; Fayetteville, 770-461-2723; Lawrenceville, 770-338-7529; Marietta 770-792-2244; Morrow, 770-960-7529; Newnan, 770-251-7226; Roswell, 678-381-0400; Tucker, 770-270-6292.

Party Planner

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Diamond Girlz Day Spa and Boutique. Several party packages to choose from, Diamond Diva facial party, glam party, fashion shows, spa treatment, music, mini mani-pedi, hair do’s and more. Ages 3-15. $255-$500/8 girls. 11705 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 678-240-9056.

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Jump Its Indoor private party facility with inflatables and music. Various party packages available. $119-$349. 102 Greystone Power Blvd., Dallas.

770-505-2891.

Museums Atlanta History Center. Custom parties for all ages and interests. $250 and up. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4110.

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March 2012

Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Includes unlimited access to the museum for 10 kids and 10 adults; 2 hours in private room, dinosaur throne, T-shirt for the birthday child, favors. $275 and up; add-ons available. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6318.

Georgia Aquarium. Theme parties like Deepo Party, Island Party, Pirate Party or Ocean Party.

Includes activities, decorations and a themed cake, admission to the aquarium. 15-person maximum. $647.95; $37.75/additional person.

225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta. 404-581-4000.

Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

Includes admission to the museum, party room, host and each guest receives admission for future date. $270. $13.77/additional. Max. 23 guests. Ages 1-8. 275 Centennial Park Dr. Atlanta. 404-527-3693.

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Parties include admission to the museum for 16 kids, 90 minutes in the party room and a T-shirt for the birthday child. $150 and up. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900.

Southeastern Railway Museum. Parties in restored rail cars or outdoor pavilion. Includes admission for up to 20 guests. 2 hours, $150 and up. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013.

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Self-guided tour and access to train depot. 5-child minimum. $5/child, $50/hour to reserve train depot. Reservations required. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117, ext. 3058.

Nature/Farms Art Barn – Farmer Sue & Her Barnyard Buddies.

Private party with farm animals, create an art project and take a hayride. 2 hours. $425 for 18 children; hand-led ponies, additional $75. Ages 2-12. 208 Roper Rd., Alpharetta/Canton. 678319-0286.

Big Boot Ranch. Complete 3-hour party for 15 children includes half-hour horseback riding, petting zoo, hayride, moonwalk, private pavilion and more. Off-site pony parties and moonwalk rentals also available. $250. 677 Panola Rd. Ellenwood. 770-808-6262.

Cagle’s Family Farm. Barnyard birthday parties at a working farm. $350 and up. 362 Stringer Rd., Canton. 770-345-5591.

Chastain Horse Park Pony Parties. Includes pony rides, horse-related arts and crafts and games.

2 hours. Ages 4 and up. $500. 4371 Powers Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-252-4244.

Chattahoochee Nature Center. Includes invitations, refreshments, party favors, live animals, activities, hiking and more. $200 and up for 12 kids and 4 adults. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell.

770-992-2055, ext. 237.

Corn Dawgs. Corn Dawgs Country Theme Park and Corn Maze offers a unique party experience year round. $130 and up/11 children. 955 Leone Ave., Loganville. 770-359-9852.

Party Planner

Farmhouse in the City

Dunwoody Nature Center. Must be a DNC member. Includes invitations, DNC educator, gift for birthday child, stickers, favors. $150 and up.

5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322.

East Cobb Stables. Outdoor pony ride parties. 2 hours. $220 for up to 10 kids, $249 for up to 20 kids for weekend parties. 1649 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta. 678-560-9154.

Elachee Nature Science Center. Nature and live animal parties. Hikes, exhibit tours or handson science programs, plus goodie bags and postcard invites. Ages 4-12. $150 for 12 kids and 12 adults. 2125 Elachee Dr., Gainesville.

770-535-1976.

Ellenwood Equestrian Center. Birthday parties with horseback riding, above-ground pool and indoor recreation room. $200 and up. 500 Clark Rd., Ellenwood. 770-507-0464.

Fairhope Stables. Horseback rides with picnic area. $375 for up to 12 kids. 2755 Bunten Rd., Duluth. 770-813-1287.

Foxhall Equestrian. Pony rides, games, party room, hay rides and more. $350 and up for 10 children. 8000 Capps Ferry Rd., Douglasville.

770-573-2193.

Fruition Farm. Horseback riding parties. Peachtree City has indoor party room, Vinings location, rain or shine. Extras include hayride, cake, extra riding time. Ages 4 and up. $250/12 children for 3 hours. 404-512-0834.

Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center.

Admission, crafts or guided activity, host, paper products and invitations. Three themes based on age. Age 5 and up. Tree Top Quest available. $15-$18/child, 10-child minimum. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500.

Linda’s Riding School. Parties at the farm with covered arena or at your home. Includes ring lead-arounds for ages 7 and under, lessons and trail time for ages 8 and up. Home parties, $300 and up; farm parties, $195 and up. 3475 Daniels Bridge Rd. Conyers. 770-922-0184.

Oakhurst Community Garden Project. Includes private room, use of garden, picnic tables, recycling, compost, playhouse and view of chicken coop. Theme parties with host available. $100 and up. 435 Oakview Rd., Decatur. 404-3711920 Pettit Creek Farm. Includes fishing, pony rides and petting zoo. Add-ons include hayrides, moonwalks, and invite your favorite animal. $225 and up. 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville.

770-386-8688.

www.atlantaparent.com

Ages 3+

The Polo Club of Atlanta. Pony parties including petting zoo, pony rides, dressing up miniature horse and donkey, play and picnic area. $500 and up.

5890 Polo Dr., Cumming. 770-344-0274.

Rancho Alegre Farm. Hayride, moonwalk, pony rides, petting zoo, food. $350 for up to 20 children for 2 hours; $195 for up to 10 kids for 90 minutes.

2225 Givens Rd., Dacula. 770-339-3065.

Tanglewood Farm. Pet and feed more than 100 miniature farm animals. Pony rides, bungee bull rides, picnic and play area. $400 and up. 171 Tanglewood Dr., Canton. 770-667-6464.

White Dog Farm. Horseback riding parties with picnic area. Three party packages available. $250 and up. 685 Old Alpharetta Rd., Alpharetta.

770-889-7373.

WildeWood Farm Inc. An encounter with horses and nature. $225 and up for 8 riders. $15 each additional rider. 4867 Heardsville Rd., Cumming.

770-843-2478.

Zoo Atlanta. Includes 90-minute pavilion rental, admission and catering for 16 guests. Additional entertainment options. $400. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-5650.

Party Places American Girl Boutique and Bistro. Deluxe: 90 min. in private room with game, craft, dining service.

6-14 kids, 8 years and older. $45/child; $35/adult.

Bistro: Dining service. 5 years and up. $28/child. $18/adult. $28-$45/child; $18-$35/adult. North Point Mall, 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877247-5223 Art Station. Pottery parties including supplies and 3 hrs. in party room. $200 for 10 children. 5384 Manor Dr., Stone Mountain Village. 770-469-1105.

Atlanta Kids Zone. Indoor playground parties with music, private party room with 2-hr. occupancy and hostess. Food, cake, crafts and goodie bags additional cost. $275 for unlimited guests. 1940 Briarwood Ct., Atlanta. 404-315-4658.

Baskin-Robbins. Party room reservations required.

Decorate a Mini Cake Party $16.99/child or Ice Cream Sundae Party $10.99/child, 10-child minimum. 230 Hammond Dr., Sandy Springs.

404-252-6311.

Bean Head Toys. Choose the “Garden” or “Jungle” room, then select a theme: Mad Scientists, Mock Sleepover, Pirates, Pinkalicious, Webkinz, Train and more. $195 and up. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd. N.E., Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980.

Bean Work Play Café. Packages include: Space Explorer, Tea Party, Puppy Power and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Includes decorations, partyware, games, food and clean up. $385 for 10 guests.

134 New St., Decatur. 404-828-0810.

Build-a-Bear Workshop. Ages 3 and up make their own stuffed animals. Party of six includes party favors for all children and a special gift for the guest of honor. $10/child and up.

Alpharetta, 770-442-0900; Atlanta, 770-4829239; Buford, 770-945-2990; Douglasville, 678-838-4567; Kennesaw, 678-354-0603.

Center for Puppetry Arts. For members only.

Includes performance, birthday announcement before performance, crown and throne for birthday child. $125/hour room rental, $8.25/person for 2 years and older, with every 10th person free, Create-A-Puppet add-on $4.50/child. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-881-5149.

Circus Camp Birthday Parties. Learn to fly on the trapeze, spin on the Spanish web and aerial silks. Face painting. Includes party room. Ages 5-teen. $400/2 hrs. for 12 kids. Dunwoody and Decatur locations. 404-370-0001.

Farmhouse in the City. Dress-up, face painting, crafts, bracelet making, scavenger hunts and time with Farmhouse bunny and guinea pigs.

Also canvas painting parties. $275 for up to 10 guests. 1094 Green St., Roswell. 770-312-7926.

Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation. Various facilities available to rent for birthday parties. $35/hour and up. 770-822-8840.

Little Bears Indoor Playground. Four packages, multiple themes. Include decorated party room, coordinator and paper products. $75-$350, 5-child min. on weekdays; 12-child min. on weekends. 440 Earnest Barrett Pkwy, Suite 58, Kennesaw. 770-429-0331.

Little Shop of Stories. Book-themed parties include room, storytime, juice boxes, invitations, paper goods. $175 for 12 children; $5/additional child. 133 East Court Square., Decatur.

404-373-6300.

Little Voyages Birthday parties with an international flair. Set up, clean up, decorations, invitations, video display, arts & crafts, party hostess included. $175 for 2 hours and 10 kids.

5975 Roswell Rd., Suite C-311, Sandy Springs.

1-855-698-6924.

The Music Class. Birthday Bash includes singing, dancing, movement and instrument play, CD party favors, invitations and thank you cards.

Up to 15 children, $300 includes use of our Buckhead facility, parties at your location start at $200. 257 Buckhead Ave., Atlanta. 770-6455578.

Play: An Activity Center for Kids. Private gym play with party room, tattoos and party favors for each child, invitations included and more.

105 min., $289/20 children and up. 10930 Crabapple Rd, Roswell. 770-650-0122.

Tumbletots Preschool & Birthday Parties. Private parties with indoor playground, moonwalk, theme cake, crafts, tattoos, storytime, balloons and gift bags. Ages 1-7. $200/12 children; $10/ additional child. 6375 Spalding Dr., Suite D, Norcross. 770-729-9660.

www.atlantaparent.com

SPA & GLAMOR PARTIES Guests are pampered from head to toe with music, spa treatments & cupcakes.

diamondgirlzdayspa.com 11705 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek

Professional Magic Shows

DACKids. Pirate birthday parties at pirate cove. $89 and up for 5 children. 3102 Loring Rd., Acworth. 770-966-9900.

RY Robotics Explorers. Engage in head to head robot competition. Ages 9-14. $75/8 guests and up. 715 Hembree Place, Roswell. 770-772-6622.

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678-240-9056

Yellow Llama. Create custom T-shirt artwork and Yellow Llama gift bag. 90 min. private party room. $265/12 children; $12/additonal child.

4420 Hugh Howell Rd., Tucker. 770-493-8030.

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March 2012

Atlanta Parent 41

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BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNER

Sports/Athletics/Gymnastics 300 Atlanta. Includes 90 minutes of bowling, pizza and sodas, invitations, keepsake bowling pin, paper products. Ages 12 and under. $17/child, 10-child minimum. 2175 Savoy Dr., Atlanta.

770-451-8605.

Adrenaline Climbing. “Parties on the Rocks”. $125 and up for up to 5 climbers. 460 Brogdon Rd. NE, Suwanee. 770-271-1390.

All American Skating Center. Packages include admission and skate rental for up to 10. $89 and up. Hwy. 78 at W. Park Pl., Stone Mountain.

770-469-9775..

Athletic Club Northeast. Indoor/outdoor pool, rock wall, gym or combination. Four party packages. $300 and up. 1515 Sheridan Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-566-4580.

Atlanta Braves All-Star Kids Party at Turner Field.

Includes invitations, personalized welcome message, visit from mascot, cake, drinks and goodie bags. Min. purchase of 20 tickets required from the Club Pavilion, Outfield Pavilion, Upper Box, Upper Reserved, and other locations. Fri., Sat. and Sun. only. Players do not attend. Ages 12 and younger. Tickets $6 and up, $50 fee. 755 Hank Aaron Dr. SE, Atlanta. 404-614-1404.

Atlanta Eagles Sport Center. Parties include coach running soccer drills and games on indoor field and time in inflatable party zone. $149 and up. 5660 Buford Hwy., Doraville.

770-455-0641.

Events by Noelle Kidz Unique! Creative! Stress free!

Themed Parties, Spa Parties, Sleepovers, Arty Parties, Science Parties and More!

Ages 3-18 404-234-5675 www.ebnkidz.com

Atlanta Hawks. Includes gift for birthday child, birthday message on arena scoreboard. Addons: popcorn, beverage, mascot visit. Ages 12 and younger. $16/person and up, varies with package; 10-child minimum. 101 Marietta St., Atlanta. 866-715-1500, ext. 4.

Atlanta Rocks Indoor Climbing Gym. Includes use of the facility, one instructor for every six climbers, harness and climbing shoes for each guest. $25/climber for 2 hours, 10-person minimum for party room. 1019 Collier Rd. NW, Suite A, Atlanta. 404-351-3009.

Atlanta School of Gymnastics. 90 min. for parties. $175/ 1-10 children; $210/ 11-20 children; $250/ 21-30 children. 3345 Montreal Station, Tucker. 770-938-1212.

Atlanta Swim Academy. Swim parties in indoor heated pools. Party room available. Certified lifeguard, pool toys and floats included. $150 and up. 732 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta. 770973-3120.

Braves Museum/Tour Turner Field. Admission includes the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame and visits to the press box, broadcast booth, clubhouse, dugout and more. Groups of 20 or more should make reservations two weeks in advance. Group rates for children’s birthday parties are $5/child and $7/adult. 755 Hank Aaron Dr., Atlanta. 404-614-2311.

Alligators, Monkeys, Farm Friends and more!

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www.azootoyou.com 42 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Brunswick Bowling. Includes bowling, balloons, invitations, shoes, food and paper products. $11.99/child and up. East Cobb, 770-988-8813; Kennesaw, 770-427-7679; Lawrenceville, 770925-2000; Marietta, 770-435-2120; Norcross, 770-840-8200; Roswell, 770-998-9437.

The Cooler- Alpharetta Family Skate Center.

Roller- or ice-skating. Includes party room, popcorn, drinks and birthday T-shirt for party child. Fri., Sat. and Sun. only. $175-$225, up to 8 children; $13-$15/additional child. 10800 Davis Dr., Alpharetta. 770-649-6600.

Party Planner

Fayetteville Fun Bowl. Each guest gets two arcade tokens, a free pass for another visit, hot dog or pizza and drinks. Includes 90 min. of bowling and 30 minutes in the party room. $100 for 8 children, $12.50/additional child. 124 North 85 Pkwy., Fayetteville. 770-461-8822.

Gymboree. Play and song activities using parachutes, tunnels, bridges and more. Ages 1-5. $179 and up. Alpharetta, 770-772-4000; Mall of Georgia, 678-482-4440; Sandy Springs, 404-256-2223; Toco Hills, 404-320-0060; West Cobb, 770-499-0023.

Gym South. Parties are 90 min.; include 1 hour of gymnastics and games, and 30 minutes for cake and presents in the snack bar. Tablecloth and drinks included. Packages $130 and up.

119 North 85 Pkwy., Fayetteville. 770-461-5528.

Ice Forum. Skating parties include admission and rental, 45 minutes in party room, unlimited drinks. $75 package for 6 children; $12.50/additional child. Duluth, 770-813-1010; Kennesaw, 770-218-1010.

Jump Start Gym. Gymnastics or Mighty Mites, or a combination. 90 min. Includes birthday banner, gym time, instructor, activities. Ages 3 and up. $200 for 10 kids; $10/additional guest.

5920 Roswell Rd., Ste. C, Sandy Springs. 404252-5867.

Laser Quest. Two Laser Quest missions/person, 20-minute game, free pass for birthday child, two for one passes for guests and a private party room. $16/person, 8-child minimum. 3650 Satellite Blvd., Duluth. 770-814-8801.

The Little Gym. Gymnastics-based. Private and instructor led. Includes invitations, paper goods, drinks, use of inflatables and parachute.

90 min. Pricing varies by location, $235 and up. Duluth, 770-476-4400; Smyrna/Vinings, 770-434-6661; Snellville/Lawrenceville, 770982-0901.

MetroPlex Atlanta Bowling area, skating rink, playland and super-sized video arcade. $161.95/10 children and up. 1959 Metropolitan Pkwy., Atlanta. 404-767-1990.

Midtown Athletic Club at Windy Hill. Parties include use of facility, host, fountain drinks, paper products, decorations and activities for ages 4 and up. About $295/party. 135 Interstate N. Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-953-1100.

Midtown Bowl. Bowling, private party room and food. $17.75/child (plus tax). 1936 Piedmont Circle, NE., Atlanta. 404-874-5703.

Modern Gymnastics. Gymnastics parties. Ages 3 and up. Sat. and Sun. afternoons. 12 kids for $150 and up, $7 per additional child. 736 Johnson Ferry Rd. NE, Marietta. 770-977-3637.

My Gym Children’s Fitness Center. Includes songs, dances, games, puppet shows, spaceflight and more. Ages 1-9. $275 and up for 20 children. 267 W. Wieuca Rd., Suite 101, Buckhead. 404-252-1201.

Nellya Fencers. Instruction on technique/footwork. After drills and practice, participants compete. $300/10 guests; $25/additional child, 2 hours. 1530 Carroll Dr., Atlanta. 404-603-3600.

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. Miniature golf. $6.50/child. 3380 Venture Pkwy., Duluth.

770-623-4184.

Q-Zar Family Entertainment Center. Includes laser tag, pizza and more. Birthday party packages available. $46-$250. 3750 Venture Dr., Duluth. 770-497-1313.

www.atlantaparent.com

Supplies & Rentals Equipment Rental A-1 Tent & Party Rentals. Moonwalks, dunk tanks, tents, tables, chairs and more. $30 and up. 770-458-7740.

Action Packed Parties. Tropical waterslide, Pirate Ship, 3D Disney Princess Castle, obstacle courses, moonwalk/slide combos and moonwalks and more. $89 and up. 770-466-3437.

rubytheclown.com

AirPlay Parties. Balloon decorating, moonwalks, slides, décor and obstacle courses. Party packages available. $125 and up. 404-451-5943.

Laser Quest

Rainbow Ranch Trout. Includes use of rods, reel, bait and tackle in trout-stocked pond. Picnic pavilion available with reservations. $5.49/lb. of trout caught. 41 Ruth Lane, Cumming. 770887-4797.

Rome Braves. Packages include 15 Home Run Hill tickets, food, drinks, reserved picnic tables, mascot visit, stadium announcement and video board salute. $250 and up; $11/additional child.

755 Braves Blvd., Rome. 706-368-9388.

Sandy Springs Parks and Recreation. Gymnastics and sports parties with relay races, obstacle courses and tumble track. Ages 2 and up. $165 up to 28 kids with instructors. Hammond Park Gym, 705 Hammond Dr., Atlanta.

770-206-2037.

SeaVentures. Swim, snorkel and scuba parties in an indoor, heated pool. Includes use of party room. $150-$300 for 8-14 children. 2880 Holcomb Br. Rd., Alpharetta. 770-992-3772.

Skatetown. Includes pizza or hot dog, drinks, popcorn, decorations, tableware, skate rental and more. $105 for 10 children; $10.50/additional child. 5570 Old National Hwy., College Park.

404-768-0095.

Stars Athletic Club. Packages include 1 hour on the indoor field with facilitator and 30 min. in decorated party room. $120 per 10 kids and up. 14295 Birmingham Hwy., Milton. 678-3669008.

Sparkles Family Fun Center. Pizza, game tokens, admission, skate rental, party room, soda, paper supplies. $149 and up, 10 child minimum.

Hiram, 770-943-4446; Kennesaw, 770-4283941; Lawrenceville, 770-963-0922; Smyrna 770-432-6222.

Sports-a-Rama. Flag football, dodgeball, kickball and wiffle ball parties. $14-$20/child and up.

736 Johnson Ferry Rd. NE, Marietta. 770-9779789.

Stars and Strikes Getaway-n-Play. Includes bowling, shoe rental, hostess, pizza, drinks, paper goods, invitations, balloon bouquet, bowling gift cards. Option: laser tag/game center. $184.99 and up, 8-child minimum. Cumming, Decatur, Dallas, Stone Mountain. 678-965-5707.

Tree Climbers International, Inc. Safe climbing with a rope and saddle. Ages 7 and up. $25/ climber, minimim $300. DeKalb County’s Blackburn Park. 404-377-3150.

Twin Bridges Lake. Includes use of pole, line, hook, sinker and floater. Extra fish stocked in the lake. Picnic and staging area available. $7.50/person, 10-person minimum. 1119 Braselton Hwy., Lawrenceville. 770-963-6739.

www.atlantaparent.com

Astro Events of Atlanta. Super water slides, SlipN-Slides, theme moonwalks, combos, obstacle courses, hoops, food and more. $125 and up.

770-972-6500.

Atlanta Moonwalk and Party Rentals. Theme moonwalk, combos, tables/chairs, karaoke, yard art, cotton candy, hotdogs, snow cones, popcorn. $8-$200. Windy Hill, Atlanta. 770432-4555.

Better Moonwalks of Georgia. Moonwalks, giant slides, combos with slides, games, and cotton candy, popcorn, snow cone machines. $35 and up. 770-844-9978.

Clownin’ Around Amusement Rentals. Over 75 attractions. $200 and up. 888-386-3861.

Burgess Amusements. Inflatables, carnival games, and rides for your event. $500 and up.

770-788-9109.

Fun-Fare. Moonwalks, slides, obstacle courses, dunk tanks, rock walls, concessions and carnival games. $99 and up. 770-425-3033.

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770-729-9660

FUN INDOOR PLAYGROUND

J & S Funtastic Entertainment. Miniature train rides, 24-foot rock climbing wall, moonwalks, water slides, combos, concessions, carnival games and more. $99 and up. 770-973-2633.

Jumping for Joy. Tents, moonwalks, slides, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cone machines. $135 and up inlcuding free delivery and set-up in Cobb, Cherokee and Paulding. 770-7897675.

Kool Bounce. Moonwalks, obstacle courses, carnival games, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cone machines, picnic tables and more. $80 minimum rental. 770-995-6777.

Moonwalk Stop and Jump. Moonwalks, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and more. $119 and up. 770-322-3100.

O’Brien Productions. Trackless train, DJs, rock walls, inflatables, concession items and party supplies. $200 and up. 770-422-7200.

The Rental Place. Tents, tables, chairs, linens, popcorn, cotton candy, frozen drink machines, carnival games and more. Prices vary. 770594-9000.

Shaw Special Events. Moonwalks, inflatable slides, popcorn, snow cone and cotton candy machines. Packages available. $50 and up.

770-934-8600.

Space Walk of Marietta/Cobb County. Inflatables, rides, games and concessions. $99 and up, delivery or pick up available. 770-794-8338.

Suburban Rental. Inflatables, carnival games, concessions, tables, chairs and more. No minimum. 678-569-1271.

TLC Rents. Concessions, tenting, children’s tables and chairs, and karaoke. $1 and up.

404-873-0833. c

Party Planner

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 43

Experience a Summer Adventure of Learning

and SERIOUS FUN!!

May 29th-August 3rd for Grades K-8th l 7am-6pm l l l l l

Math & Reading Science & Technology Drama, Dance, Music Horseback Riding Swimming

l l l l l

Arts & Crafts Field Trips Foreign Language Chapel Tumbling, Sports

And much more!!!

Serving Cobb & Paulding counties for over 10 YEARS!

678-768-1844

l

www.childofpromise.org

WildeWood Farm, Inc. “Experience the Difference” Beginner – Advanced Horse Camps for Ages 5-16.

Register!

TODAY

Affordable rates Inexperienced welcome!

Hot, homemade lunch provided daily Sibling & referral discounts

Now in our 17th year!

Wildewoodfarm.com 770-843-2478 44 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Camp 2012

www.atlantaparent.com

Established 1922

CAMP JULIETTE LOW A t op Lookout M ount ain in Cloudland, G A

For All Girls 7-17

1 & 2 week sessions available June 3 - July 28, 2012

Horseback

Canoeing

Swimming

Dramatics

Ropes Course

Hiking

Crafts

Climbing Wall

Archery

Sailing

Call or Write for Free Brochure or DVD

P.O. Box 5113, Marietta, GA 30061 770-428-1062 www.cjl.org

• Day Camps • Overnight Camps • Summer Programs

Presented by

Atlanta Parent Magazine

2012 Jump into the action and learn about all types of fun camps! Meet camp representatives, view camp DVDs, and collect camp brochures!

March 17 Perimeter Mall Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm Atlanta

FREE Admission!

www.atlantaparent.com

Camp 2012

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 45

CIRCUS ARTS SOCIAL SUMMER

Speciically designed for children with learning differences.

REGISTERING NOW July 9-13; 16-20; 23-27 from 9:30am-3:30pm

404-549-3000 www.CircusArtsInstitute.com Conveniently located near Candler Park

Now Enrolling

Summer Camp & Foreign Language Immersion Classes Ask about our parties!

Enjoy Midtown for a week with Camp Registration!

Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Hindi, English and Sign Language

Ultimate Swim Camp - Ages 5-14 For more information contact Chris Roberts, Aquatics Director

(855) MY-VOYAGE

LittleVoyages.com

Ultimate Kid’s Camp - Ages 5-14

5975 Roswell Rd. Hammond Springs Plaza

Wee Camp - Ages 3-4 Basketball Camp - Ages 5-14 For more information contact Shannon Lindsay, Camp Director Ultimate Tennis Camp - Ages 5-18 For more information contact Andrew Sirota, Tennis Director

To make reservations call 770.953.1100 Full and Half-Day Camps available beginning May 29

We also host birthday parties!

We provide a fun event in a safe, hassle-free environment 49 Foot Rock Climbing Wall • Indoor Pool • Gym Activities 135 Interstate N. Parkway NW • 770.953.1100 Atlanta, GA 30339 • midtown.com/windyhill 46 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Camp 2012

ng ps i l It’s cal camnot too all late Call NOW to advertise in our April (Day Camp) issue.

Make sure parents know about your summer camps & programs.

770-454-7599

www.atlantaparent.com www.atlantaparent.com

Countdown to

Overnight Camp You’ll have the best shot at registering your child at your top pick now rather than later. Believe it or not, some overnight camps are already full for their summer season.

Here’s a month-by-month guide to preparing for the camp experience. n Now: If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to finalize your top picks for an overnight camp. Call each camp on your list of finalists and talk with the director and other references to see if the camp is a match for your child. n Four Months Ahead: Now that you’ve selected a camp, be sure to send in all registration forms and fees on time. You should also receive an information packet with details on what your child can expect from the camp experience. Your child may have to submit a physical form. If so, schedule it early and mark it off your to do list. n Two-Three Months Ahead: Camp time will be here before you know it! Spend these months preparing your child for camp.

If you can, visit the camp during an open house so your child can meet the director and tour the facilities.

Now is the time to start making travel arrangements and stocking up on supplies.

Your camp should provide a list of clothes and toiletries your child will need during his session. n Just Weeks Away: Summer is here!

As your child starts his session, prepare yourself for his departure and start writing a few letters. c www.atlantaparent.com

NOW ENROLLING - Spring Break Camps March 5-9 April 2-6 April 9-14 Go to www.jumpstartgym.com for more camp info and to see our full offering of gymnastics and more!

404-252-JUMP (5867) • 5920 Roswell Rd. Sandy Springs

Camp 2012

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 47

A Camp for Everyone There are camps to meet every interest, price range and schedule.

Knowing your options, as well as your child’s personality, will help you identify the best programs for your child. The following information will help you as you start your search.

Six Age/Grade Camp Divisions: (4 years old-9th grade) Preschool/Rising K: 9:45 am-1:45 pm Rising K-9th grade: 9:15 am-4:00 pm

June 4-June 22 June 25-July 13 (no camp July 4th)

July 16-August 3

June 4 – August 3

n Overnight Camp: Most offer a variety of programs for children starting at age 7.

Overnight camp options include coed, single sex and specialty camps that focus on a particular program. Overnight camps offer varying overnight accommodations, such as cabins, tents and tepees. n Day Camp: Similar to resident camps, these camps take younger children, starting at age 4, and everyone returns home at the end of the day.

For ages 3 through rising 12th-graders Arts & Sports

Camp IQ

Science & Technology

Summer School

For more details and to register, visit gallowayschool.org 215 W. Wieuca Rd., Atlanta, GA 30342 | 404.252.8389

Virtual Camp Fair

Check out our complete list of camps and summer programs online at www.atlantaparent.com

48 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Camp 2012

n Specialty Camps and Programs: Campers can embark on adventures as varied as learning how to ride a horse, water ski or dance.

If your child has a special interest, there likely is a camp that specializes in it. n Special Needs Campers: A physical, medical or mental disability is not a roadblock to a camp experience. Each year more than 1 million special needs children benefit from summer camp.

Some camps specialize in serving certain groups while other camps integrate special-needs campers into the total camp population. n Session Lengths Vary: Children may stay at camp for a few days, a few weeks or the entire summer. At camp, there’s a session length for every child, budget and schedule. n Cost: Camp prices vary greatly. Most day camps cost from $100-$500 per week. Overnight camps range, on average, from $400-$850 per week. Many camps and other organizations offer financial assistance based on need. c www.atlantaparent.com

Learning Math: Why Kids Get Frustrated and What Parents Can Do

by Maureen Stearns

When it comes to math, some students do just fine. Others seem to hit all the snags and pitfalls.

Why is learning math frustrating for so many? Even bright and hardworking students sometimes have difficulty. College classes get bottlenecked with students who must take the same math class for the second or third time.

I’ve often heard, “I just have to pass this math class or I won’t graduate!”

As a math teacher, here’s my hypothesis: When learning math, a student must pay full attention to the instruction. All it takes is for a student to daydream for just a few minutes and the whole week’s key points can be lost.

A student can get away with occasional daydreaming in other subjects, like reading and writing, and still grasp the week’s main point. But having an absent mind for just a few minutes in math can produce poor results on tests.

Learning math is a sequential process.

Learners need to know all the steps that lead up to the final answer, and they need to have adequate time to process and practice justtaught information before a new concept is introduced. For some students, information presented in math books needs to be broken down into sub-steps that are not found in the textbooks. Ideally, the instructor would do this. Unfortunately, because of classroom limitations, there isn’t enough time to teach at every student’s skill level or to break down www.atlantaparent.com

math information for those who need it most.

A typical classroom of math students rarely starts on an even academic playing field. The differences and needs can be vast. Because of the abstract nature of mathematics, some students require multisensory techniques and extra drill and practice in order to catch on.

Often, there’s not enough time to do this in most classes. If parents are unavailable to help or don’t understand math themselves, the students suffer. It is hard for teachers to meet the needs of all math students, even with their earnest efforts and best intentions.

While working with students, I have found that the most glaring deficit in math understanding is a skill called “number sense,” or the ability to have a feel for mathematical amounts. Students who have developed number sense do much better in math. Weak math students often produce answers that are not even close to being correct. They won’t think to challenge whether their answer is logical, one indication they lack number sense.

The good news: Math frustration can be minimized with the help of adults playing fun and motivating math games or activities at home. Games develop number sense and get kids involved – and there are no class grades tied to the outcome. These activities

Learning math is a sequential process.

Learners need to be firm with all the steps that lead up to the final answer and they need to be provided adequate time to process and practice just-taught information before a new concept is introduced. do not need to be purchased, and no tricky math understanding is needed for the adult.

And don’t let the word “game” make you think that playing is not academically worthy.

Developing number sense outside of school will certainly help struggling students, who will be able to transfer their learned information into the classroom. Instead of just guessing the answer, students will better know when their answer seems logical or not, and they’ll have enough mathematical sense and confidence to keep on working.

Maureen Stearns is an educator and parent, and author of Multiply and Divide with Sticks and Steps: Teach this Easy Method in Just 5 Minutes. Learn more at sticksandsteps.com or ksblinks.com.

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 49

Math Made Easier: Try Some of These Ideas n Grab a handful of anything – jellybeans, marbles, paper clips or pennies – anything that can produce “a bunch of.” Have the child guess and write down the estimate, then count to confirm. Hands-on counting is a wonderful activity for students who need tactile validation. n Find another handful of anything, estimate the amount, and then grab another handful of the same amount. Do the different handfuls hold the same amount? n How many cereal O’s does the child eat each morning? n What is the value of a handful of pennies, nickels, dimes, or mixed coins? n Fill three different-sized cups with the same item. Estimate and write down how many are in one of them, count, then estimate how many are in the others. n Look quickly in a drawer, close the drawer and then estimate how many items are in it.

n How much time would it take to reach a certain destination? n Estimate the weight of a backpack. n For older students, determine how many miles they can travel by car for 6 or 8 hours by traveling 55, then 65 miles per hour. n Place three pennies on the counter.

How many more are needed to make 10 pennies? Repeat using different amounts that will equal 10. Put 12 cents on a counter. How much more will make 50 cents? n How long would it take to earn a certain amount of money? How long would it take to earn $1,000 if you earned $5 a day walking the dog? n How long would it take to spend $1 million, spending a specific amount each day? n How many inches would a 100-foot building be?

n Estimate amounts in a see-through container. Guess the amount, write it on paper, count to confirm. n Estimate weights of objects, then step on a scale. Fill a bag or suitcase with items and estimate the weight. n Arrange objects heaviest to lightest. n Finally, discuss the child’s strategies used for their estimating. c

imagine Your Child?

What do you want for

IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE YOUR CHILD LEARNS…

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

Montessori School at Emory

Montessori School of Cumming 4601 Post Rd., Cumming 30040

3290 Old Alabama Rd., Alpharetta 30022

404-634-5777

770-205-6773

770-667-1277

3021 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur 30033

Montessori School of Alpharetta

Now enrolling children ages 15 months – 12 years • www.MontessoriSchoolsofGeorgia.com 50 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

www.atlantaparent.com

Cool Math Websites Want your kids to stay on their toes in academics? Introduce them to these fun and educational websites.

Mathcats.com Friendly cats lead the lessons on this site. Your kids can learn how old they are in days, hours, minutes or seconds on the age calculator. Play math trivia, games and puzzles.

Funbrain.com Kids can play more than 100 interactive games and even brush up on their reading and literacy skills. The “Match Arcade” will keep them busy for hours.

Figurethis.org The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics designed this site for students.

The games, or challenges, include a note on how the math is used in the real world.

Coolmath.com Math can be cool with this site, which has 13 million visitors per month. Parents gain tips on how to prepare their youngster for classes. Kids choose from games, flash cards, equation generators and more.

– Alexi Wilbourn

LOVE COMPASSION POSITIVE REGARD PROCESS COMMITMENT PERSEVERANCE

H O P E

pre-k - 12 sb-10 approved

COME SEE AND FEEL WHERE HOPE

RESIDES.

SAIS-SACS ACCREDITED PRIVATE SCHOOL AND THERAPY CENTER Behavior Services, Cognitive Behavioral erapy, Outdoor erapeutic Program, Music erapy, Recreation erapy, Brain Mapping, Neurofeedback, Sound erapy Program, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber erapy, Individual Counseling, and Academic Tutoring are available on an hourly basis in our erapy Center. Most insurance accepted.

Tours available Every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Please join us for a free seminar! Registration required. “e Brain’s Ability to Change: Building a Foundation for Learning.”

AMY O’DELL, M.ED., LPC, TRS, CNC

April 12, 2012 June 21, 2012 September 13, 2012 407 HARDSCRABBLE RD. | ROSWELL, GA 30075 | 770-998-1017 | WWW.JACOBSLADDERCENTER.COM

www.atlantaparent.com

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 51

Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens

• Laughing Gas • Low Dose X-Rays • Free School Screening Elyse M. Morceau, D.D.S., P.C.

770.926.3400 www.MyKidsDentists.com 205 Hawkins Store Rd., NW • Suite 100 Kennesaw, GA 30144 (Just off of Bells Ferry Road, North of I-575)

The Suzuki School is a SACS-accredited private preparatory preschool for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our curriculum surrounds children with activities and experiences designed to maximize emerging growth in all areas of development. Please visit our website for details about our programs and facilities.

Now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 school year

Infants through Kindergarten Enrichment Programs Include French, Spanish, Chinese, Gymnastics, Ballet, and Sports Movement Low Student/Teacher Ratios Degreed Teachers Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm Accredited Kindergarten Designed for Late Spring/Summer and Early Fall Birthdays

Still accepting applications Primary - Middle School (2 1/2 - 14 years) AMI, SAIS and SACS accredited Established 1970

Go here. Then go anywhere.

404-321-9304

founded 1976 2 convenient Buckhead locations

www.ArborMontessori.org

404.869.1042 www.suzukischool.com

2998 La Vista Road, Decatur, GA 30033

http://slpai.com

The Atlanta Parent Family of Publications Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

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Places to Zip, Scale and Soar Meet Some Amazing Kids Strategies for Handling Meltdowns Experimental Therapies Offer New Hope for Pediatric Brain Tumors Early Education

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Brought to you by Atlanta Parent Magazine Current through July 2012

Call for advertising information • 52 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Cakes Costumed Characters Jump Places Magicians Party Places . . . and more!

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My kids are screaming for ice cream. Help me find a birthday party place. I need a restaurant that caters to kids.

What should I look for in a childcare center? Where can I take my family on a hike? How can I find a good private school?

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770-454-7599 • www.atlantaparent.com www.atlantaparent.com

Ask a Teacher

Q: A:

What can I do if my child is not motivated to read?

As a parent of both a middle school and elementary student, and having taught in the elementary classroom for 15 years, I have run across my fair share of unmotivated readers.

The scenario goes a little like this: You have read aloud to your child since they were in the womb. Your child has also grown up watching all their family members read for various purposes, including pleasure. Your child is now in elementary school and does not have a desire to read. What went wrong?

Step One: The first thing that I suggest is to ask your child what it is that they do not like about reading. “Is it boring?” or “Is it hard?” might be some good conversation starters. Your child’s response could possibly give you a clue as to why he is not motivated Laurie Luckmann to read.

Step Two: The next step would be to talk to your child’s teacher. Ask her what your child’s reading level is. The teacher should be able to tell you what grade level text your child is able to read independently. If your child is reading below grade level or struggles with decoding (sounding out) words, contact a reading specialist or reading teacher for additional assistance.

Step Three: Once you know your child’s level, you will be able to help your child select appropriate books. Your child’s independent reading level will give you a place to start. Do not be afraid to let your child read books below or even a little above this. As long as they can pass the five-finger test: Pick any page and read it; if your child struggles with fewer than five words, the book is most likely readable. One resource that will help you find appropriate books is arbookfind.com. When you type a title in the search bar, you’ll be given the book level, as well as an interest level.

As you are helping your child select books, don’t forget to look for books on topics that he enjoys. The school or public libraries are great places to explore for possible topics.

In my journey of parenting and educating, I have found that getting the right books into young readers’ hands is the most beneficial thing that we can do to encourage a life-long love for reading. Finding that one book that will hook your child, and encourage a love for reading, is out there just waiting to be found.

– Laurie Luckmann is a third-grade teacher at Morningside Elementary in Atlanta and was recently named her school’s “teacher of the year” for the 2011-2012 school year.

www.atlantaparent.com

Creative. Nurturing.

Unpretentious.

GAC Accredited GA Special Needs Scholarship Email or call today to schedule your personal tour

SMALL CLASSES • 1st - 12th Grade • College or Tech Prep • Wilson Reading Program

For students who need extra help in reading 678-401-5855

Kim.Wigington@BrookwoodChristian.com 4728 Wood Street • Acworth 30101 At the corner of North Main St. and Wood Street, north of the Hwy 92 overpass

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 53

School Matters Letters of Encouragement ON MARCH 15, elementary students in Title I schools in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties will receive handwritten letters of encouragement from local businesses and organizations. The program, part of the “Absolutely Incredible Kid Day” from the United Way, connects volunteers with kids to let them know the community supports their dreams and goals for the future.

Charter School Update CHARTER SCHOOL SUPPORTERS rally behind the newest amendment, House Resolution 1162, which would give the state power to approve charter schools despite objections by local school boards. The House and Senate must each approve the amendment with a two-thirds majority before voters have a say in the matter. If it proceeds, voters will most likely face the issue in November.

2012 Barron Prize for Young Heroes

SE HOU OPEN . 11

Are you ready for CHANGE?

Mar oon -N 10amscount

Waiver from No Child Left Behind

Di n tratio Regis

Call: 404-326-5132 54 Atlanta Parent

THE BARRON PRIZE FOR YOUNG HEROES, created by children’s book author T.A. Barron (right), seeks kids who are leaders in their community. Ten winners, ages 8 to 18, will each receive $2,500 for their education or service project and 15 other finalists will be recognized.

For more information and to nominate someone, visit barronprize.org. Deadline: April 30.

Limited Scholarships available

March 2012

www.augustineprep.info

GEORGIA HAS JOINED a group of only 10 states to receive a waiver from No Child Left Behind. The state aims to better hold schools accountable for student preparation and education, as well as reward them in areas of excellence.

The plan is to identify schools as Priority, Focus and Reward schools. The former two will replace current Needs Improvement schools and Reward will be the new identity of the “Distinguished” schools designation. Georgia will also roll out a College and Career Ready Performance Index for a statewide accountability system. Learn more at doe.k12.ga.us. c – Alexi Wilbourn

www.atlantaparent.com

THE RECTORY SCHOOL Est. 1920

AN INDEPENDENT, COED JUNIOR BOARDING (5–9) AND DAY SCHOOL (K–9)

Rectory students get a noteworthy education.

We celebrate the individual and develop proficiencies in academics, arts, athletics, and citizenship. Our students graduate with confidence, character, and commitment: true sounds of success!

860-928-1328 Pomfret, CT www.rectoryschool.org

“Your Child Can Succeed in the Right Environment” n

We help students with Sensory Processing, Auditory Processing, Language, Speech, Reading & Math

n

Serving Students PreK - 8th Grade

n

Music, Art and Daily Physical Education

n

Group OT & Speech Therapy for All

Also Offered: n n

iLs - Integrated Listening Systems Before and After School Programs

770-594-1313 www.porteracademy.org

FRENCH CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Saturday program ages 18 mo-12 yrs • Buckhead location at Atlanta International School New Class: Bébé et Moi (Baby and Me) for children ages 18-36 months

Register for Classes

NOW!

Register online at: www.frenchschoolatlanta.org

770-634-6228

www.atlantaparent.com

Loganville Christian Academy exists to prepare students academically, spiritually and socially for God’s call on their lives.

• 50 Acre Campus • Fully Accredited

• Fine Arts Program • Competitive Sports Program

• College Preparatory Curriculum • Gifted, Honors and AP Program

The decision of where and how your child is educated is among the most important and most difficult choices a parent can make.

At Loganville Christian Academy we aim to provide the highest standards of college preparatory education.

Students at LCA receive a broad and balanced curriculum infused with biblical principles. From the Friday night football games to the Night of the Arts, LCA provides many avenues for students and family involvement. Contact Suzanne Perry, Registrar, 770-554-9888 ext. 3106, to experience the LCA difference first-hand. Tours are offered every Tuesday at 11:00AM or may be scheduled individually.

2575 Highway 81 • Loganville • 770-554-9888 • www.lcalions.com Applicants for admission are considered without regard to sex, race, age, or national origin.

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 55

high style l

Put your baby in these stylish high chairs.

by Felicia Barman and Laura Powell

When it comes to high chairs, oh, baby, do you have choices. Need to save space? On a budget? Looking for a chair to grow with your child? Our discerning infants, Elliot Powell (left) and John Barman (right), tried out six chairs over several weeks. Here are their favorites (and ours):

The Chair to Grow With: OXO Tot Sprout

The Modern: Boon Flair Pedestal High Chair

The Space Saver: Baby Bjorn High Chair

l Why we love it: Looks fabulous in my dining room. Easy to adjust as child grows since he can use it up to age 5. Can remove the tray and pull the chair up to the table. Easy to clean.

l Why we love it: Very sturdy, doesn’t take up a lot of space. Easy to assemble – only has four parts and seven screws. Pneumatic lift means you don’t have to manually adjust the chair. Removable waterproof pad. Easy to clean because of the circular shape – no corners for food to get caught!

l Why we love it: Easy to clean, mainly all plastic and the straps and buckle can be spot cleaned.

Easiest high chair to assemble and disassemble, which makes it great for car travel.

It’s not hard to get him in and out. The tray pulls out as he gets bigger. Folds almost flat for storage.

l Wish it… was a little quicker to assemble, but the directions are easy to follow. Wish the tray did not slide off so easily, but baby can’t do it himself, and it can be removed with one hand.

$249.99. buybuy BABY, Amazon.com

56 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

l Wish it… had a bigger tray; it is really small!

The model we tested came with the white pad. I wish it wasn’t white because I would worry about stains over time.

$229.99; buybuy BABY, Amazon.com

atlanta baby

l Wish it… was a little more affordable, but worth the splurge.

$299.99; A Room of Their Own, buybuy BABY

www.atlantaparent.com

Look for these features:

1 2 3 4

Easy to clean.

Tray can be removed with one hand, and fits in the dishwasher.

Tray size is adequate.

Size fits your space.

5 6 7

Suction bowls and toys will stick to the tray.

It can grow with your child up to age 18 months.

It’s easy to assemble and disassemble, for portability.

The Affordable Modern: Babyhome Eat High Chair

The Traditional: Graco Contempo

Good Budget Buy: IKEA Antilop High Chair

l Why we love it: I like the sleek aluminum legs and how easily it collapses into a compact, portable high chair. Very simple, modern-looking design. Lightweight.

l Why we love it: The chair is easy to fold up and store. It’s really nice to use one with wheels that roll. The tray has two layers and it is easy to remove the top tray for washing. The chushy pad looks nice.

l Wish it… was narrower. The base of the high chair is a bit wide, so you may trip over it a few times. The tray is a bit smaller than a standard high chair. The tray can be removed with one hand but it is a little tough.

l Wish it… did not have a pad that had to be removed and cleaned. My child always got it dirty, so it has to be spot cleaned. Also wish it looked a little sleeker. If you have a bigger budget, Graco also makes the Blossom 4-in-1 seating system that looks more modern and can grow with the child.

l Why we love it: It is very lightweight and easy to pick up and move around the house. Simple design, so there aren’t a lot of crevices for food to get stuck.

$149.99; mbeans.com

www.atlantaparent.com

$109.99; Babies ”R” Us, Amazon.com

atlanta baby

l Wish it… had wheels, but it does have balls at the ends to slide along the floor. The tray has to be purchased separately. (not shown).

$19.99 (plus tray, $5.00); IKEA

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 57

NewBabyProductsWeLike Happy and Yummy Happy Family, a leading brand of organic and environmentally friendly food products, is making us happy with a new line of Happy Times snacks for older baby and beyond.

(The company has already brought us such treats as Happy Munchies and Happy Puffs for babies just starting to eat solids.) Your choices in the new line for older tots include Veggie Pals (carrot-orange-apple chews that contain one full serving of real fruit), and Yummy Yogis (caramel yogurt and apple bits made with real apples and organic yogurt). More new selections will hit shelves in April: Mixed Fruit Yogis (freeze-dried yogurt bites) and Crazy Crunchies (freeze-dried carrot-apple bits). Great for families on the go, all Happy Times products are sold in boxes of five pouches each and retail for about $5. Available at most major retailers and at amazon.com.

So Long, Spills Leaky sippy cups no more. Munchkin has developed a new leak-proof technology for its line of trainer and sippy cups. Turn the lid shut, hear it click, and know that the lid will not come off the cup as your child plays with it or drops it on the floor multiple times. $7.64, two-pack. Available at Target and most major retailers.

By the Sea, By the Sea

East Cobb Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

The Baby Einstein Company, now 15 years old, has just launched a series of toys and other products inspired by the ocean.

New arrivals include the Sweet Sea Dreams mobile; Sea Dreams Soother (for lulling baby to sleep with music and ocean images); Baby Neptune Activity Saucer; Music & Discovery Travel Mirror; and the Count & Discover Treasure Chest.

This new line features soft lights, bright sea colors and soothing melodies. Products available at major retailers and at the newly designed babyeinstein.com.

Baby’s Own Keys If baby is always playing with your keys, Kleynimals are a great alternative. Made of dishwasher-safe stainless steel, Kleynimals feel and sound like real keys. Each key ring includes three animal figures. Kleynimals make for a great baby gift for babies 6 months and up. $24. Available at Kleynimals.com.

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www.eastcobbpeds.com 58 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Empowering Parents to Confidently Care for Their Newborns

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• New Patients Welcome • Accepting Most Insurance Plans • Medical care for children Birth to 21

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1422 E. Cleveland Ave. East Point, 30344

404-766-3337

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www.WeCarePediatric.com

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CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY!

If YES then consider volunteering for a clinical research study conducted at Emory University. This clinical trial is for children 1–5 years of age, who suffer from wheezing.

We are trying to see if giving an antibiotic (azithromycin) for upper respiratory infections will help improve asthma symptoms and lower the incidence of more serious lower respiratory infections in preschoolers. You may be asked to participate for as long as one year (52 weeks) in this study.

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Shanae Wakefield 404-727-5176 slwakef@emory.edu or Denise Whitlock 404-712-1773 drwhitl@emory.edu

Study Includes: • Pulmonary evaluation • Physical exam (by a MD) • Study drug • Compensation for time and travel

Your ad belongs on our pages. call 770-454-7599 for details.

60 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

atlanta baby

There’s an App for that!

For tech-savvy moms-to-be, phone apps have replaced shelves of books. Atlanta Parent checked out some of the best. Here are our favorites:

iPregnancy

iPregnancy: Track your due date by weeks or days, store photos of yourself, save questions for your doctor, list favorite baby names and store important phone numbers – this pregnancy planning app does it all for $3.99. With iPregnancy, you can also schedule OB visits, keep track of weight gain and figure your total expected weight gain. Each week, learn more about baby’s development while looking at 2D/3D ultrasounds and images tracking your baby’s development. You can even link to Twitter or Facebook and decide what to share from the app. iPhone

What to Expect Pregnancy Tracker: If you’re familiar with the What to Expect book series, check out its free app, which provides information in an easy-to-follow format. Individually track your pregnancy with a countdown, compare your baby’s size to objects like a cabbage or tennis ball each week, keep track of your body’s development, get daily tips, add photos of yourself and more. iPhone and Android

BabyCenter: My Pregnancy Today, BabyCenter.com’s free app has daily tips, checklists, photos and informative videos.

The app also provides easy access to community forums and birth boards, which connect moms who are due around the same time. iPhone and Android

Pimp My Ultrasound/Baby Picture: This free app lets moms and dads get creative with ultrasound pictures. Make your baby into a sports fanatic, rock star or even capture the picture in a “Best Grandbaby” frame for the grandparents to be! The app lets you upload your picture and then add accessories and text bubbles to decorate the picture. iPhone

mPregnancy – for men with pregnant women:This app, developed just for dads, helps men follow their partner and their baby’s development throughout the pregnancy. For $2.99, it has a sense of humor and presents information in a simple, easy-to-follow manner.

Each week the app compares the baby’s size to items men can relate to – like a football or bottle cap. Plus, find answers to questions such as how to prepare a nursery and what foods your pregnant partner should avoid. iPhone – Laura Powell www.atlantaparent.com

Atlanta Baby

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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he birth of your baby is such a joyful event! Amid all the excitement, it can be stressful too, especially if you have more questions than answers.

Do you feel like ‘muddling through’ those first months of your baby’s life isn’t your best option? You and your baby deserve better!

Baby Care Connection (BCC) empowers parents to care for their newborns with confidence. It educates parents regarding: promotion of good sleep habits, infant massage, colic tips, breastfeeding support, tips on safeguarding the marriage relationship during new baby stress, and ‘nuts-n-bolts’ of baby care for new fathers.

Christine D. Carr, RN is certified in Infant Massage and “Happiest Christine D. Carr, RN Baby on the Block”. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at the University of Iowa in 1988 and her Master’s degree in Nursing at Loyola University of Chicago in 1994.She has worked at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in their NICU for more than 14 years. She was nominated for the AJC Nursing Excellence Awards in 2009. She’s a licensed registered nurse in the state of GA. For more information go to www.babycareconnection. com or call 770-345-5710 or 770-402-6950.

Families Of Children Under Stress (FOCUS)

W

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

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

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

y’s a d o T h Reac and s m o M New -be! o t s m o M

Ask abou t our

EARLY B ur IRD SPECIAL S!

Atlanta Parent magazine presents Big Baby Book 2012 arriving in May. Find the perfect products – large and small – for baby plus helpful parenting tips, product reviews and more.

Don’t miss the Atlanta Baby sections inside Atlanta Parent magazine in our March, June, September and December issues.

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To Advertise call 770-454-7599.

Advertising deadline April 16, 2012.

EVERYTHING BABY! www.atlantaparent.com

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Atlanta Parent 61

62 Atlanta Parent

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Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

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Free Fun

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Reviews

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Consignment Sales

Not-to-miss events for March

High l Schoos Show

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Atlanta Fair

The Golden Ticket

Atlanta Fair

Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre March 3, 6, 9, 11. Tues., 7:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.

Turner Field (gray lot) March 8-April 8.

Mon.-Fri., 5-10 p.m.; Sat., noon-11 p.m.; Sun., 1-11 p.m.

The Arena at Gwinnett Center March 28-April 1. Wed.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 10:30 a.m., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m., 3 p.m.

Funnel cakes, a carousel, carnival rides and games – it’s all in store at the Atlanta Fair.

Opening weekend (March 9-11) will feature a kids’ “SmashZone” area from the United States Tennis Association. Every weekend, the Wildlife Sanctuary will bring animals and critters to the fair.

164 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., 404-913-3247. Adults, $5-$8; ages 2-11, $1; under 2, free; rides and games extra.

Be prepared to smile as you watch your favorite Disney stars whirl around the rink in this new ice show. Special guests Rapunzel and Flynn from Tangled help lead the celebration of various Disney animated films. Tiana, Cinderella and other stars will also adorn the chilly center stage. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-813-7600. $15-$75.

A young boy named Charlie finds a “golden ticket,” admitting him into Willy Wonka’s secret chocolate factory. This comedic performance by the Atlanta Opera is based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-916-2800. $24-$139.

www.atlantaparent.com

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 63

Family Fun Guide Mykonos Taverna

2901 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta 404-638-6770; mykonostavernaatlanta.com Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Your family may never get the chance to visit Greece, but they can get a little taste of Greek food and culture at Mykonos Taverna in Atlanta. The restaurant is becoming one of my family’s favorites. We first visited right after it opened in April 2009, and we keep going back for great-tasting food and a super-friendly family atmosphere. n What’s on the Menu: The restaurant’s list of Greek dishes is extensive, from appetizers such as Spanakopita (spinach pie with scallions, feta cheese and dill baked in phyllo dough) to entrees such as Moussaka (layers of eggplant, potatoes and ground beef topped with Bechamel cream). The gyros are authentic and excellent. The seafood entrees are tempting – one is aptly named seafood ambrosia, a dish with shrimp, half lobster tail, scallops, mussels and Greek sausage tossed in spinach and plum tomatoes. Pace yourself, because the portions are huge. We’ve never left the restaurant without

EATING OUT

a take-home box with leftovers for the next day.

When my extended family was in town recently, we ordered a Zorba Platter appetizer and had enough calamari, fried eggplant, fried zucchini, dolmades and spanakopita for six adults and four kids to sample. My favorite salad is Elliniki, a generous Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, green peppers, kalamata olives and feta cheese served and potatoes with Greek dressing. I always add gyro meat. After your entrée, put all calorie-counting thoughts aside, and indulge in dessert. All the home-made desserts are in a mouth-watering display case. My favorite Greek dessert is Baklava, but the restaurant also offers a large assortment of mile-high layer cakes. Plan to split a dessert, or be prepared to fill another takehome box. n Why Parents Will Like It: It feels like you’re all guests of an extended Greek family – the staff is that warm and welcoming. The

food is tasty and prices are moderate, with a reasonably priced wine list and full bar, and Greek coffee. You’ll find the usual for familyfriendly places: high chairs, booster seats and crayons. Sign up for email offers, and you’ll be offered free appetizers from time to time and other discounts. n Why Kids Will Like It: They’ll have interesting new tastes to explore. Our young diners love the gyros, kabobs, chicken Florentine and just about everything else they’ve tried. If the kids want to stick to tried-and-true, the children’s menu offers grilled cheese, chicken tenders, pizza, spaghetti and burgers, accompanied by french fries and sodas or milk.

– Liz White

Let’s Go to LEGOLAND Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta is set to open on March 17 at Phipps Plaza.

With more than 30,000 square feet of interactive fun, the attraction will feature a Miniland exhibit that includes a number of Atlanta landmarks recreated out of Lego bricks. The new $215 million attraction also includes hands-on play areas, a 4-D cinema, master classes taught

by Lego experts, and a few rides, including the laser-action Kingdom Quest. Also in store: rooms that can be reserved for events such as birthday parties. Tailored especially for families with kids ages 3-10, Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta will be an experience that will take about two to three hours. 3500 Peachtree St., Atlanta.

Adults, $19; ages 3-12, $15; younger than 3, free; annual passes will also be available. atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

– Alexi Wilbourn 64 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Family Fun Guide

www.atlantaparent.com

Take in a little culture at some of Atlanta’s museums and exhibits.

These hot spots are all free of charge, although donations are always accepted.

AT&T Telephone Museum Tours by reservation only.

675 W. Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta. 404-223-3661.

What would the world do without phones? Browse the telephone museum, featuring exhibits, photographs, tapes and slides to commemorate the first 100 years of telecommunications in the country.

Visitors can examine old switchboards, various transmissions systems and more.

Museum of Design Hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

285 Peachtree Center Ave., Marquis II Tower, Atlanta. 404-979-6455.

The Museum of Design is an affiliate of the Washington-based Smithsonian Institution and is the only museum in the Southeast devoted exclusively to design. Wander through the museum to view exhibits and programs featuring fashion, graphics design, architecture and interiors, product design and more. The museum sometimes offers free programming for kids and students.

AT&T Telephone Museum Photo courtesy of Tom Abraham Photography

FREE FUN

Museums and Exhibits

Robert C. Williams Paper Museum Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 500 10th St. NW, Atlanta. 404-894-5726.

Discover and contemplate the history of paper. Learn what people used before it was invented and about technology. The museum is home to more than 10,000 watermarks, papers, tools, machines and manuscripts, as well as more than 2,000 books.

– Alexi Wilbourn

Museum of Design

See it today in Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre.

Visit fernbankmuseum.org for tickets and details. www.atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 65

Review: ‘Wildlife Rescue’ Will Capture Your Heart

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f there are animal lovers or veterinarian wannabes in your household, now’s the time to plan a visit to Fernbank Museum of Natural History, where the enchanting “Wildlife Rescue” exhibit has just opened. Focusing on wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and the task of returning animals to their natural environments, the exhibit easily captures the hearts of patrons both young and old. For example, you will get a sense of how orphaned elephant calves and baby orangutans are raised, lovingly rehabilitated and then released back into their natural habitats. Learning of the amazing bonds formed between wildlife experts and orphaned baby animals is both heartwarming and inspirational.

Going far beyond the typical look-andsee type of museum experience, this is truly a hands-on exhibit. Attendees can get a feel for what it’s like for elephants to control their trunks in order to pick up objects; help perform “surgery” on an injured turtle’s shell; watch medical procedures being done on animals; view X-ray images of injured wildlife; and learn how waterfowl are being saved from disastrous oil spills. With plenty of interactive games and simulators, the opportunities for exploration and learning are plentiful. One caution: Younger children may

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www.williamreynoldsagency.com 66 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Family Fun Guide

If You Go “Wildlife Rescue” Fernbank Museum of Natural History 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. fernbankmuseum.org n Hours: Through May 6. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. n Admission: Adults, $17.50; children 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

see something that catches their eye and could easily scamper away from you in this spacious floor plan.

At the end of the exhibit, attendees are given the opportunity to think about what they can do for wildlife rescue by digitally registering their personal commitments. I was disappointed that the “Wildlife Rescue” exhibit ends by requiring guests to exit through an “extra” gift shop devoted to related goods and trinkets (from books and toys to masks).

It just caught me off guard. We parents like to avoid the “Can I have something?” episodes when possible.

It’s also worth mentioning that the learning and fun here do not stop with “Wildlife Rescue.” Fernbank’s permanent “Walk Through Time in Georgia” boasts a rich history of Georgia, and exhibits including “Reflections of Culture” and “Sensing Nature” are also included in museum admission.

Special showings of the 40-minute IMAX film Born to be Wild, featuring an elephant calf reserve and an orangutan nursery, are also available on the huge screen (additional fee). The film is beautiful, and an excellent complement to “Wildlife Rescue.” There are several showtimes each day, and it’s a good idea to reserve your time in advance.

– Dana diLorenzo www.atlantaparent.com

Playground: Rock Springs Park

St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17. Noon. Starts at Peachtree Street and Ralph McGill Boulevard, and proceeds down Peachtree toward Woodruff Park.

Every year, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade grows in size and extravagance. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the event, so expect great things. The greenest holiday of the year will be celebrated with floats, bagpipes, Irish dancers and more. A festival in Underground Atlanta will accompany the event from noon6 p.m. Contribute to Underground’s “Pot of Gold” by donating a canned good or $1 and receive a free St. Paddy’s Day party favor.

Stpatsdayparadeatlanta.com. Free.

H I G H

n Features: Gwinnett County has parks and recreation down to an art! Rock Springs Park in Lawrenceville is home to a variety of amenities for kids of all ages. The vast playground is separated into two distinct areas. One structure is for smaller children, with small steps leading up for easy access to the slides, musical features (chimes that my daughter, 18 months, enjoys) and more. This structure also has a section where young children can run and play underneath. My daughter, really liked going up and down the incremental steps built into the area for younger kids; they are like natural building blocks and I think she enjoyed the challenge. A large set of swings has seats in varying sizes, to accommodate a wide range of kids. The other structure, for the older set, is more adventurous; big kids can enjoy everything from a daring, high boulder walk to a complex monkey bars section. Some awnings in the playground help parents and kids tolerate the sun on the hottest days.

A wide and paved multi-purpose path that’s two miles long appeals to families, joggers and cyclists alike. You’ll go over an exciting suspension bridge and at one point you’ll come to Lotus Pond. There’s plenty to explore, from fallen trees to mossy patches

of rocks, near this path that winds through a former horse pasture. n Amenities: Rock Springs Park includes a pavilion that’s great for such things as birthday parties and Scout activities. Restrooms are conveniently located.

Adjacent to the pavilion is a medium-size field, ideal for playing games. Lighted tennis courts and a football field with a walking track are also part of this park complex.

The park is open from sunrise until 11 p.m. n Location: 550 Rock Springs Road, Lawrenceville.

(Located between Old Peachtree Road and Hwy 20).

770-237-5647.

– Melissa M. Cruz

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART ATLANTA

FAMILY DAY Sunday, March 11 • 12 noon–5 p.m.

Art Projects, Dance Workshops, and Performances

STUDIO SPRING BREAK April 3–8 • 1 to 4 p.m. • $5 off tickets

Drop-in art workshops!

Tickets: High.org or 404-733-5000 | Members Always Free! www.atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 67

Atlanta Parent’s Camp Expo 2012 March 17 at Perimeter Mall, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

This is your last chance to take advantage of Atlanta Parent’s Camp Expo 2012! Perimeter Mall will be filled with representatives of day and overnight camps who can tell parents and kids about the summer fun they have in store. Spaces at camps fill up fast, so this is a great chance to meet with camp experts from throughout the area and gather the information you need to make your choices.

Whether your kid’s idea of a perfect summer is rock climbing, performing arts or horseback riding, you’ll find a great fit at our Expo. There will be scores of camps to choose from, so come prepared with all your questions. You will be able to meet with camp directors and former campers, as well as pick up brochures and watch informational videos.

Free Kids’ Movies at Tavern 99

FUN and SAFE for kids of all ages, 5 to 95!

See calendar on our home page for public event dates.

Weather permitting.

All gear provided. $25 per climber.

Unique birthday parties and private group outings also available.

Location: Dekalb County's Blackburn Park

Looking for something fun and inexpensive to do with the kids? Catch a kid-friendly movie every Wednesday at Tavern 99 in Buckhead as part of the restaurant’s new “Dinner and a Movie Night” series. Along with the family-friendly movie at 5 p.m., kids receive a free popcorn and soda. If you’re looking to fill up their hungry tummies, browse the $5 kids’ menu, which features kid-friendly, organic choices. Here’s the upcoming film lineup: Feb. 29: The Incredibles March 7: Cars 2 March 14: Mr. Popper’s Penguins March 21: Gnomeo and Juliet March 28: Hop Tavern 99 hours: Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m.-2 a.m.: Sat., 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m.-midnight.

128 E. Andrews Dr., Atlanta. 404-835-8311.

68 Atlanta Parent

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Season of School Shows

by Jaclyn Turner

A

s March arrives, spring fever begins to settle in. That’s the ideal time to explore the many energetic theater offerings from high school theater departments. Supporting the arts as an audience member is vital to the health of our local schools’ performing arts departments. School productions are often of high quality – as good as many professional productions. School shows also provide a fun and affordable way for the whole family to enjoy both well-known and lesser-known musicals and plays. Another good reason to consider a school theatrical production: You have the chance to get a glimpse and a taste of a school your own youngster may one day attend.

We’ve put together a roundup of some high school shows being staged in March. This month, high schools across the metro area are offering everything from old favorites (“Hello, Dolly!” at West Forsyth High and “The Music Man” at DeKalb School of the Arts), to unusual choices (“Xanadu” at Pace Academy or “Zombie Prom” at Starr’s Mill High in Fayetteville). You should be able to find a musical or play for all ages to enjoy!

Kennesaw Mountain High School’s production of Alice in Wonderland.

High School Musicals n Alice in Wonderland. Kennesaw Mountain High School. March 23-24, 7 p.m. 1898 Kennesaw Due West Rd., Kennesaw. 678-594-8190, ext. 280. $5 in advance, $8 door. n Anything Goes. Walton High School. March 1-2, 7 p.m; March 3, 2 and 7 p.m. 1590 Bill Murdock Rd., Marietta. waltondrama.com. $10. n Curtains. Sequoyah High School. Mar 22-24, 7:30 p.m. 4485 Hickory Rd., Canton. 770-345-1474. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. n Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Pebblebrook High School at the Earl Strand Theater. March 23-24, 8 p.m.; March 25, 3 p.m. 117 North Park Square, Marietta. earlsmithstrand.org. $15. n The Drowsy Chaperone. Milton High School.

March 14-17, 7 p.m. 13025 Birmingham Highway, Milton. 770-740-7000. Tickets available via showtix4u. com. $10-$15.

www.atlantaparent.com

n Starmites. Marist School. March 21-24, 7:30 p.m. 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE, Atlanta.

770-457-7201. $5 all seats. n West Side Story. North Atlanta High School Center for the Arts. March 22-24, 7 p.m.; March 29-30, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. 2875 Northside Dr., Atlanta. 404-802-4728. $10 adults; $7 students and seniors; matinees are free for APS middle and elementary school groups. n Zombie Prom. Starr’s Mill High School.

March 15-16, 7 p.m. Willie Duke Auditorium, 193 Panther Path, Fayetteville. 770-486-2710. $20 reserved seats, $10 general admission.

Plays n Eurydice. McIntosh High School. March 1617. 7 p.m. 201 Walt Banks Rd., Peachtree City.

770-631-3232. $7 adults, $5 students.

n Footloose. Duluth High School. March 15-17, 7 p.m.; March 18, 2 p.m. 3737 Brock Rd. NW, Duluth.

770-476-5206. $10 adults; $8 students and children.

n Lord of the Flies. Atlanta International School. March 29-31. 7 p.m. 2890 N. Fulton Drive NE, Atlanta. 404- 841-3840. $20 adults, $10 students and teachers.

n Hairspray. Woodward Academy. March 16, 4:15 p.m.; Mar 17, 2:30 and 7 p.m.; March 18, 2:30 p.m.

1662 Rugby Avenue, College Park. 404-765-4000. $6 general admission.

n A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Mountainview High School. March 2-3,7 p.m.

2351 Sunny Hill Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-4077600. $8 at door.

n Hello, Dolly! West Forsyth High School. March 22-23, ; March 24, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; March 25, 3 p.m. 4155 Drew Rd., Cumming. 770-331-6969. Tickets available via www.showtix4u. $11 adults, $7 students.

n Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Decatur High School. March 22-24, 7 p.m. 310 N. McDonough St., Decatur. 404-370-4420. $8 adults, $5 students.

n The Music Man. DeKalb School of the Arts. March 22-24 and March 29-31, 8 p.m. 1192 Clarendon Ave., Avondale Estates. 678-676-2552. $12 adults, $6 students.

n Twelve Angry Men. Whitewater High School Theater. March 2-3. 7 p.m. 100 Wildcat Way Fayetteville. 770-460-3935, ext. 210. $5 advance, $7 at door.

Family Fun Guide

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 69

Review: Clifford the Big Red Dog – A Larger-Than-Life Experience!

I

have fond memories of reading Clifford books when I was a little girl, so I was thrilled with the opportunity to take my boys to “Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog,” the new exhibit at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

Clifford definitely stands the test of time. I witnessed young children and their parents eager to enter the museum for a visit with the beloved red canine.

If you time it just right, you’ll encounter the big red dog himself, and children flock to him like a rock star! Be sure to bring your camera to snap pictures, and here’s a hint for a cute photo op: Get your child to pose with Clifford while holding one of his giant dog bones as a prop.

There’s lots to choose from once you enter Clifford’s oversized neighborhood. I wasn’t surprised when my boys scampered over to the

gigantic Clifford statue, where they quickly discovered they could slide down his short tail again and again. By far, the most popular attraction was filling Clifford’s huge feeding bowl with his equally large dog bones. It was rewarding to see children who didn’t even know each other using teamwork to load the dog bones onto a conveyor belt while taking turns spinning the wheel.

Next, my boys wrote letters to Clifford and conveniently “mailed” them in the mailboxes located outside the doghouse. This new exhibit has much in the way of hands-on creativity, “let’s pretend,” and performing arts. A bone-shaped sandbox is where youngsters can hone fine-motor skills. There’s a “restaurant” where kids can take orders and “cook” food, and a soundstage for playing instruments. In addition, each attraction has a sign pointing out specific life lessons, also known as “Clifford’s Big Ideas.” I’m sure I wasn’t the only parent who took satisfaction in pointing out the importance of helping others, working together, sharing, and being responsible.

I highly recommend checking out this exhibit and seeing Clifford’s larger-than-life world through the eyes of your kids.

– Felicia Barman

If You Go Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog The Children’s Museum of Atlanta 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437 childrensmuseumofatlanta.org n Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. n Dates: Through May 6 n Admission: $12.75 children and adults; children younger than 2, free. Admission is free on the second Tuesday of the month.

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www.weemonstersplay.com 770-995-5439 70 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Family Fun Guide

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The Hunt is on!

Here comes Peter Cottontail...and that means Easter events in Atlanta! Bring your baskets, sacks and baggies and participate in one of the many egg hunts and eggstravaganzas this spring. l Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt. Deer Lick Park. Bring your own flashlight and hunt for eggs in the dark. March 23. 8 p.m. 2105 Mack Rd., Douglasville. 770-920-7129. 7 and older. $5.

l Easter Eggstravaganza. The Rock Ranch.

Features over 26,000 prize and candy-filled eggs.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock.

706-647-6374. Free.

l Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Mall of Georgia. Join the Easter Bunny in the food court for breakfast and a craft. March 24. 8:30-10 a.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-8788. $5; Kidgit members, free.

l Easter Egg Hunt. E.E. Robinson Park. Ageappropriate egg hunts, inflatables and the Easter Bunny. March 31. Noon-3 p.m. 850 Level Creek Rd., Sugar Hill. 770-831-7413. Free.

At the Hop. Town Center at Cobb. Live music, an appearance by the Easter Bunny and crafts. Dress in a 50s-inspired costume or your Kidgits t-shirt for a special prize. March 24. 1-3 p.m. 400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770424-9486. $5. l

Eggstravaganza. Boundary Waters Park.

The biggest egg hunt in Douglas County for kids 12 and younger. March 25. 1 p.m. 5000 Hwy. 92/166, Douglasville. 770-920-7129. Free. l

Easter Egg Hunt. North Park Softball Fields. Games, inflatables and exhibitors; Kids are divided into age groups to hunt for thousands of eggs. March 25. 2 p.m. 1350 Cogburn Rd., Alpharetta. 678-297-6140. 10 and younger.

Free. l

l Easter Egg Scramble. Laurel Park. Hunt for eggs and meet the Easter Bunny. March 30.

6:30 p.m. 151 Manning Rd., Marietta. 770-7945601. Free.

Bunny Breakfast. Ben Robertson Community Center. Enjoy breakfast with the Easter Bunny, crafts and games. March 31. Seatings at 8 and 10 a.m. 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw. 770422-9714. $8; 3 and younger, free. l

l Bunny Bash Breakfast. Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center. Enjoy breakfast and pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts and egg hunts. March 31. 9 a.m.-noon. 4651 Britt Rd., Norcross. 770-723-9516. 3-12 (parents must attend) kids, $5; parents, free but $5 to enjoy breakfast. l Easter Egg Hunt. Governor’s Mansion.

Sandra Deal hosts the egg hunt at the Governor’s Mansion. Features Easter Bunny photos, cupcake decorating, face painting, a storybook station and more. March 31. 10 a.m.-noon. 391 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-261-1776.

Free. Reservations required.

Easter Egg Hunt. Decatur Square. Join the Easter Bunny in age-appropriate hunts for eggs on the square. March 31. 11 a.m. Downtown Decatur. 404-371-8386. Free. l

l Easter Egg Scramble. Adams Park.

Goody-filled eggs are hidden; three age category hunts. March 31. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 2753 Watts Dr., NW, Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free.

l Hip Hop Dance Party. Gwinnett Place Mall.

Enjoy desserts, games, dancing, visit with the Easter Bunny and more. March 31. 2-4 p.m. 2100 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth. 770-813-6840. $6; Kidgits members, $1. l The Hunt. Jim Miller Park. Children’s art activities, concessions, visits with the Easter Bunny, the Mad Hatter contest and the egg hunt. March 31. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. 770-5288875. Free. l Northside Easter Eggstravaganza. Northside Hospital-Cherokee. Egg hunts by age, petting zoo, carnival games, moon walks and photos with the Easter Bunny. March 31. 1-3 p.m. 201 Hospital Rd., Canton. 770-720-5474. Free admission; visitors encouraged to bring diaper or wipes donations. l Natural Egg Dyeing. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Use dyes from plants and learn about them while decorating eggs. March 31, April 3, 4, 7.

Sat.,10:30-11:30 a.m., 2-3 p.m.; Tues.-Wed., 10:30 a.m.-noon. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404876-5859. $6 plus admission; Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free. l Dinosaur Egg Hunt. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Age-appropriate egg hunts, music, games and more. Hunts for ages 4 and younger, 5-8 and two family hunts. April 7. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $20.50; 2 and younger, $5. l Easter Egg Hunt. Mall of Georgia. Separate hunts for ages 3 and younger and 4 and older. April 7. 8:30 a.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-8788.

Free. l Easter Egg Festival. Downtown Canton.

Hunt for eggs, get a picture with the Easter Bunny, live music, activities, inflatables and more. April 7.

1-4 p.m. 121 E. Marietta St., Canton. 770-704-1548.

Free. l Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Thousands of candy-filled eggs to find, as well as three special prize eggs, Atlanta Braves games and prizes, arts and crafts for kids, a chance to meet the Easter Bunny and a performance by Enzo Clown. Egg hunts: newborns-age 3, 11:15 a.m.; ages 4-6, 11:30 a.m.; ages 7 and older, 11:45 a.m. April 7. 10 a.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Adults, free; ages 12 and younger, $12.

Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt at Callanwolde l Golden Egg Hunt. Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Several age-appropriate hunts, prizes, food, kids’ activities and more. April 7. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford. 800-677-5304.

Free; parking, $8. l Northeast Cobb Community Egg Drop.

Sprayberry High School. Food, games, activities and egg hunts for everyone as a helicopter drops thousands of eggs are dropped onto the football field. Free photos with the Easter Bunny. April 7.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. 2525 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta.

770-423-1330. Free. l Underwater Egg Hunt. Bethesda Park Aquatic Center. Hunt for eggs underwater, visit with the Easter Bunny and participate in activities. Bring your swimsuit, basket and towel. April 7. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville.

678-924-6334. Gwinnett County residents, $6; nonresidents, $12.

Taste of Forsyth. City of Cumming Fairgrounds. Sample restaurant food, play in the kid’s zone, try the egg hunt, listen to live music and more. April 7. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming. Free admission; egg hunt, free; food samples, $1-$4.

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l Easter Sunrise Service. Stone Mountain Park. Simultaneous, non-denominational Easter services at the top of Stone Mountain Park and on Memorial Lawn. Park opens at 4 a.m. April 8. 7 a.m. U.S. Hwy 78, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690.

Parking, $10; sky-ride, adults, $9; ages 3-11, $7. l Magic Mondays: Egg Hunt. Atlanta History Center. Search for eggs hidden through the farm, play games, meet the Easter Bunny and make crafts. April 9. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $6.50; kids, $5.50.

Beyond Atlanta The Peanuts Easter Beagle Express.

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Meet Snoopy, Lucy, Charlie Brown and the Easter Bunny aboard the train. During a 90-minute train stop, take part in an egg hunt, decorate eggs, enjoy snacks with Snoopy and more. April 6-7. Trains depart at 10:30 a.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800-8724681. Adults, $49; ages 2 and older, $29. c

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www.atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 71

Calendar

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n Visit our Calendar at www.atlantaparent.com for calendar updates and ongoing events and attractions in Atlanta. n Events may be cancelled or changed after our deadline. n Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

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FAMILY DAY: MODERN PEOPLE

All Things Vanilla. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Make vanilla play dough, dissect a vanilla bean and make a vanilla sundae. March 10. 2-3 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $6 plus admission; Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

High Museum of Art MARCH 11. NOON-5 P.M. Become inspired by the museum’s current exhibits, then participate in a variety of activities.

Try the modern dance workshop, design your Brancusi-like artist studio in which to photograph yourself, piece together a Picassoinspired face and more. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4550. Adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; 5 and younger, free.

American Girl Crafts. American Girl Boutique and Bistro. March 4, Rebecca’s Embroidered Card Craft, 1-3 p.m.; March 6, Spirit Scrunchie Craft, 4-6 p.m.; March 11, Josefina’s Embroidered Card Craft, 1-3 p.m.; March 14, Julie’s Embroidered Card Craft, 4-6 p.m.; March 21, Springtime Card Craft, 4-6 p.m.; March 25, McKenna Mirror Craft, 1-3 p.m. 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 877247-5223. 8 and older. Free.

Build and Grow Clinics. Lowes. Clinics teach kids to build wooden crafts. Kids receive a free apron, goggles and merit patch. Saturdays, March 10. 10 a.m. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for locations.

800-445-6937. Pre-register. Free.

Crafts for Kids. Lakeshore Learning Store. Make a craft.

March 3, Designer Mirror; March 10, Totally Wild Animal Headband; March 17, Lucky Shamrock Rainbow Ribbon; March 24, Spring Flower Bouquet; March 31, A Buggy Scene. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-578-3100. 3 and older. Free.

EnviroVentures Saturday Drop-By. Piedmont Park.

Kids make crafts while parents shop at the Green Market. March 3, 17. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1320 Monroe Dr., Atlanta. 404-875-7275. Free.

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop. All locations. Learn tool safety while building a craft and receive a kid-sized orange apron. March 3. 9 a.m.-noon. homedepot.com. 5-12. Free.

INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Make a different craft each week this month.

Themes: March 5-9, Lion Week; March 12-16, St. Patrick’s Day Week; March 19-23, Spring is Here Week; March 26-30, Doctor Week. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900. $1 per person on top of museum admission: $8 for all.

Kids’ Chess Club. Barnes and Noble. Learn the game of chess. For kids of all skill levels. March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. 6:30 p.m. 120 Perimeter Center West, Suite 300, Atlanta. 770-396-1200. Free.

Lil’ Bean Heads Crafts. Bean Head Toys. Create an art project. All ages welcome but smaller children may need assistance. March 7, 21. 3-4 p.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980. Free.

Magic Mondays. Atlanta History Center. Storytime, sing-a-longs and crafts. March 12. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000.

Adults, $6.50; kids, $5.50.

Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Educational activities. March 1, I’ve Been Working on the Railroad; March 8, This Train; March 15, Green Day; March 22, Locomotives from Inside Out; March 29, Civil War Musical Instrument. 10-11 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. 3-5. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; 3 and younger, free.

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March 2012

National Geographic Little Explorers. Learn all about maps through activities, quizzes, songs and more. March 24. 10 a.m.-noon. Lenox Square Mall, Atlanta. 404-442-9122; North Point Mall, Alpharetta. 678-624-0149. 3 and older. Free.

Cinderella. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. The classic fairy tale performed by the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. March 3. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth. 770-813-7500. $13-$20.

Second Sunday Family Funday. High Museum of Art. Enjoy artist demonstrations, art-making workshops and live performances. March 11.

1-4 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-7334550. Free with admission. Adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; 5 and younger, free.

The Golden Ticket. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. A comedic performance by the Atlanta Opera based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” March 3, 6, 9, 11. Tues.

7:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-916-2800. $21.70-$100.94

Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Moms and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft. March 8. 10:30 a.m.-noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth.

770-495-0253. $7 per child; one adult free.

Emory University Symphony Orchestra.

Schwartz Center. A musical performance by the Emory University Symphony Orchestra.

March 8. 8 p.m.1700 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta.

404-727-5050. Free.

Tiger Cub Trek. Zoo Atlanta. Spend the morning with Sohni and Sanjiv (the zoo’s tiger cubs), learn about tigers and make a craft. March 17. 9:30-11:30 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. 4 and older. $20.

Singin’ Bean Kids Karaoke. The Singin’ Bean The coffee shop offers more than 94,000 song choices for kids. Fridays in March. 6-8 p.m.

195 B. N. Perry St., Lawrenceville. 678-5345220. 3 and older. $3 minimum purchase.

Toddler Thursdays High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to complement the museum’s current exhibits. March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404733-4550. Adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; 5 and younger, free.

Masterworks Concert. Bailey Center. The Georgia Symphony Orchestra performs with guest pianist Martina Filjak. March 10. 8 p.m. 1000 Chastain Rd. NW, Kennesaw. 770-429-7016.

Adults, $20; kids, $10.

dance & music Young People’s Concert Series. Spivey Hall.

Kids enjoy various concerts. March 1, The Jupiter String Quartet, grades 6-12; March 5, Dave Holland, ages 3-7; March 16, Queens University Chamber Singers, ages 10-18; March 20-21, Birmingham Children’s Theatre: The Little Engine That Could, agaes 5-10. spiveyhall.org for times. 2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow. 678-466-4491. $1-$2.

Family Fun Guide

Friday Jazz. High Museum of Art. Listen to jazz musicians. March 16. 5-10 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; 5 and younger, free.

Sleeping Beauty. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. Performed by the Northeast Atlanta Ballet with live music from the Gwinnett Symphony.

March 16-18. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth. 770-813-7500. $16.50-$19.50.

Pickin’ on the Square. Historic Downtown Newnan Courthouse Square. All musicians are invited to play acoustic music. March 17.

6 First Ave., Newnan. 770-253-8283. Free.

www.atlantaparent.com

Calendar Spring Concert: Callanwolde Concert Band. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center The band performs a variety of popular music. March 25. 2 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Adults, $10; kids, $5.

ATLANTA PARENT’S CAMP EXPO Perimeter Mall MARCH 17.

11 A.M.-4 P.M.

Rapunzel and Remember Me. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Rapunzel is a classic fairy tale and Remember Me” is a contemporary story to live music.

March 23-24. Fri.7:30 p.m.; Sat. 2 and 7:30 p.m.

(2 p.m. is only Rapunzel). 950 Forest St., Roswell.

404-438-3028. Adults, $23.50; kids, $15.50.

It’s your last chance to visit Camp Expo 2012. Meet with camp directors and former campers, gather brochures and watch informational videos to help you make your summer 2012 camp decisions. 4400 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd. NE. 770-454-7599. Free.

exhibits Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing. Atlanta History Center. How the Apollo Theater shaped American entertainment. Through March 4. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun., noon-5:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4062.

Adults, $14.50; ages 13-18, $11; ages 4-12, $9; younger than 4, free.

Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family and others who lived in the secret annex in Amsterdam; includes replica of Anne’s room in the annex. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 12-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-206-1558.10 and older, free.

Earth From Space. Tellus Science Museum. Showcasing high-resolution satellite images of Earth, its weather and geographic features over the last 20-plus years. Through April 22. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. Adults, $12; ages 3-17, $8.

www.atlantaparent.com

George Washington Carver. Jimmy Carter Library and Museum. Browse the exhibit that examines the life of this famous scientist and humanitarian. Through May 27. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; Sun., noon4:45 p.m. 441 Freedom Pkwy., Atlanta. 404865-7100. Adults, $8; 16 and younger, free.

Passages. Perimeter Expo Center. Discover the history of the Bible through 450 items in a non-sectarian, interactive format.

Through mid-May. Mon.-Wed. and Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon- 5 p.m. 1201 Hammond Dr. NE, Atlanta. 770-804-9427. Adults, $18.95; ages 6-18, $12.95.

Family Fun Guide

Picasso to Warhol: Fourteen Modern Masters.

High Museum of Art. Featuring 100 works by 14 iconic artists of the 20th century, including Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol.

Through April 29. Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat.,10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon5 p.m. Closed Mon. 1280 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; 5 and younger, free.

Hats Off To You Holliday Dorsey Fife House Museum. Features hats and vintage hat boxes from the 1860s-1960s. Through April 28. Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 140 Lanier Ave. W., Fayetteville.

770-716-5332. Adults, $5; kids, $4.

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 73

Calendar Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

Visit 9-foot-high Clifford and slide down his tail, create sand art and more. Through May 6.

Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 275 Centennial Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404659-5437. Adults and ages 2 and older, $12.75; younger than 2, free. Take advantage of Target Second Free Tuesday; admission is free on the second Tuesday of the month.

Wildlife Rescue. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Experience stories of animal rescue from around the world, experiment with techniques used to restore endangered species, investigate illnesses and more.Through May 6. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

Turner Field

Just off I-75/I-85 just south of downtown!

March 8 thru April 8, 2012

More than a Midway Fair Hours: Monday- Friday Fair opens at 5pm.

Saturday Fair opens at 12noon.

Sunday Fair opens at 1pm.

Free baby pageant!

Frogs: A Chorus of Colors. Georgia Aquarium.

Features 15 species of frogs in more than 3,000 square feet of habitats, with hands-on and interactive activities. Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit; Adults, $29.95 or $34.95; ages 3-12, $23.95 or $28.95.

Frida & Diego. High Museum of Art. Work by two influential Mexican artists, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera; the High will be the only U.S. venue for this exhibition. Through May 2013. Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat.,10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Closed Mon. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; 5 and younger, free.

Exotic Ectotherms. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve.

See reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Saturdays. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 9770 Autrey Mill Rd., Johns Creek. 678-366-3511. $3 per person; $5 per family.

www.Atlantafair.com “Creating Smiles with Caring Hands” Hours: Mon 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tues-Thurs 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

NEW

PATIENTS • Ages 1 - 18 WELCOM E! • Digital X-ray • TV’s in all exam rooms • Video game area • Calm caring environment for kids

CareCredit Patient Payment Plans

Dr. Sonya Windham

8052 Mall Parkway, Suite 102 • Lithonia • 770-484-4994 • www.ChildrensDentistryAtStonecrest.com

March 2012

movies Born to Be Wild. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Meet the people who rescue orphaned orangutans and elephants in the rainforests of Borneo. Through May 18. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m.; Sun., noon, 2 and 4 p.m.

767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300.

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

Kids’ Dinner and a Movie Night. Tavern 99. Kidfriendly movies each Wednesday; kids menu available. March 7, Cars 2; March 14, Mr. Poppers Penguins; March 21, Gnomeo and Juliet; March 28, Hop. 5 p.m. 128 E. Andrews Dr., Buckhead. 404-835-8311. Popcorn and movie, free; kids’ meals, $5.

Most insurance plans accepted including Peachcare & Medicaid

74 Atlanta Parent

KAWS: Down Time. High Museum of Art. A major multi-site exhibition of work by Brooklyn-based artist Brian Donnelly, a.k.a KAWS. Through May 20. Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat.,10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. Closed Mon. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-5000.

Adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; 5 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

The Greatest Places. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. A 40-minute film exploring seven of the world’s most geographically dynamic locations. Through March 15. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m., 10 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free.

www.atlantaparent.com

Calendar nature New Manchester History Hike. Sweetwater Creek State Park. This mile-long hike leads to the historic sites. March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. 1-3 p.m. 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770732-5871. 6 and older. $4; parking, $5.

Paleontology Workshop. Tellus Museum. Learn how fossils are made, how to tell geologic time, identification and make a take-home project. March 3. 9 a.m-noon. 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville. 770-606-5700. 8 and older. $35.

The Sky Tonight. Fernbank Science Center. An astronomer leads the tour through the constellations, planets and events of the evening sky.

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. 11 a.m. 156 Heaton Park Dr., Atlanta. 678-874-7102. Adults, $4; children, $3.

Weekends in the Naturalist Center. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Activities include animal encounters, science explorations and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sundays, noon-5 p.m. March 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400.

Included with admission. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

Kiddie Gardener Series. Smith-Gilbert Gardens.

Kids enjoy the gardens, storytelling, singing and more. March 9, 23. 10 a.m. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. Preregister. Adults, $7; children, $5.

Fly-Fishing Clinic. Panola Mountain State Park.

Learn casting, safety issues and tricks of the trade. Bring snacks, water and sunscreen.

Georgia fishing license required for anglers 16 years and older. March 9. 9-11 a.m. 2600 Hwy. 155, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $15 or $12 with own gear; parking, $5.

Night Hike. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join a naturalist through the wetlands or woods, visit with the nocturnal animals and roast marshmallows. March 10. 7-9 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. 5-adult. $10.

Coming Spring 2012 - your chance to

get closer than ever to one of Earth’s tallest living land mammals on the NEW giraffe feeding deck. zooatlanta.org 800 Cherokee Ave. Atlanta, GA 30315

Turtle Tours. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum.

Museum mascots Sandy the Chipmunk and Spring the Turtle will give tours with stories, hands-on exhibits and crafts. March 10. 11 a.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs.

404-851-9111. 2-5. Free, but donations encouraged.

Open 363 days a year

Wild About: Nature. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. A day of nature-themed activities.

March 10. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

Georgia Daffodil Society Show. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Kingfisher Hall will be filled with hundreds of daffodils. March 17. noon-5 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055.

Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; 2 and younger, free.

On the Farm Day. Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Meet Farmer soon and her live farm animals, enjoy arts and crafts and heart stories about the animals. March 24. noon-4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; 2 and younger, free.

Solar Workshop. Tellus Museum. Learn about the Sun, tour the Georgia Tech Solar House and more. March 24. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville. 770-606-5700. 8 and older. $25.

www.atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 75

RetuRns afteR 8 sold-out Weeks!

COWBOYS ARE A-COMIN’ LOOK FORWARD TO TWO EVENTS THIS MONTH THAT CELEBRATE COWBOYS IN THE OLD WEST.

The producers of Menopause The Musical®, GFour Productions, present Atlanta cast. Photo by Jennifer Boxley.

n Southeastern Cowboy Gathering. Booth Western Arts Museum. Fiddle and banjo concerts, cook-offs, poetry and more; kids’ activities on Sat. and Sun. March 8-11. Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770-387-1300.

Adults, $10; ages 12 and younger, free. n Wild West Fest. Jim Miller Park. Real cowboys and cowgirls, fast-draw demonstrations, music, lasso lessons and more. March 24. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. 770-528-2342. $5; 3 and younger, free. www.clf-wildwestfestival.com

By Sue Fabisch

“Women Will identify with every little piece of it!”

- Philadelphia Inquirer

March 16-May 20

404-733-5000

woodruffcentertickets.org Great Discounts for Groups 10+ 888-440-6662 ext 1

14th Street Playhouse 173 14th Street • Atlanta, GA

motherhoodthemusical.com FOUR

G PRODUCTIONS 76 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Wild About: Archaeology. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Discover archaeology through activities, displays and demonstrations. March 24. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, Free.

special events

American Craft Council Show. Cobb Galleria Centre. Explore handmade creations, such as clothing, furniture, home decor and jewelry. March 9-11. Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-995-8000. Adults, $13 for one day, $20 for two-day pass, special $5 admission after 5 p.m. on Fri.; ages 12 and younger, free.

Harlem Globetrotters. Philips Arena. The world famous team brings their skills and athletes in this family-friendly event. March 17. 7 p.m. 1 Philips Dr., Atlanta. 404-878-3000. $21-$150.

Orchid Daze. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Visit the hanging gardens for the 10th anniversary of the Orchid Daze. Through April 15. Tues.Sun., 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Spring Green Festival. Downtown Lawrenceville.

Run the 5k or fun run at 8 a.m., or walk around the square, featuring crafters, artists, food, live music and a kids corner. March 17. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-222-8365. Free; some activities extra.

Taste of Holcomb Bridge Families are invited to contribute a dish from their country of origin to help celebrate. Also, live entertainment and a cake walk. March 1. 6 p.m. $5 per person, or $20 per family; free admission for five if you bring a dish that will serve 16 or more.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Downtown Atlanta. A festive parade celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. March 17.

Noon. Starts at Peachtree Street and Ralph McGill Boulevard, and proceeds down Peachtree toward Woodruff Park. stpatsdayparadeatlanta.com. Free.

Cup-Caking with Dr. Suess. Washington Park Library. Read two Dr. Seuss books and receive a cupcake, bookmark and certificate.

March 2. 3:30-4:30 p.m. 1116 Martin Luther King Jr., Dr., Atlanta. 404-752-8760. 7-12.

Free.

Vanilla Sunday. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, vanilla sundaes, a short chair massage and more. March 18. 10 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Free with admission; Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Touch-a-Truck Callaway Building Parking lot.

Get up close to touch, see and explore dump trucks, fire trucks, tractors, police cars, motorcycles and others. March 3. 10 a.m. 120 W. Trinity Place, Decatur. 678-553-6541. Free.

Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival. Georgia International Horse Park. International music, dance, games, food, crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities and more. March 24-25. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. 770423-1330. Free admission; one-day parking, $5; two-day parking pass, $8.

Atlanta Fair 2012. Turner Field gray lot. Enjoy rides, games and fair foods.March 8-April 8. Mon.-Fri., 5-10 p.m.; Sat., noon-11 p.m.; Sun., 1-11 p.m. 164 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404-913-3247. Adults, $5-$8; ages 2-11, $1; under 2, free; rides and games extra.

Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Enjoy an ice show that commemorates Disney animated films, including Rapunzel, Tiana, Cinderella and more. March 28-31. Wed.Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 10:30 a.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Sat., 7 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-813-7600 $15-$75.

Family Fun Guide

www.atlantaparent.com

Calendar Line and Swing Dance Marathon. Best Friend Park Gym. Line and swing dancing for all skill levels. March 31. 6 p.m. 6224 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross. 770-417-2212. 15 and older. $4.

Spring Break Family Kick Off. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center. Play sports, participate in activities, kids’-only yard sale, carnival games and more. March 31. 10 a.m. 100 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770822-5414. Game wrist band, $10.

Storytelling Children’s Story Time. FoxTale Book Shoppe.

Age-appropriate stories followed by dance and song period. Mondays and Saturdays. 11 a.m. 105 East Main St., No.138, Woodstock.

770-516-9989. Free.

Creature Feature – Nature’s Storytellers. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Learn stories about critters and some folklore. Thursdays and Fridays, 4 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055.

Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; 2 and younger, free.

Family Storytelling: Emerging Voices Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. The Charles R. Drew Charter School performers tell stories and folktales. March 9. 7 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Adults, $3; kids, $1.

Poetry Reading. Callanwolde Mansion. Two guest poets share selections. March 14. 8 p.m.

980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338.

Adults, $5; kids, $3.

Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories.

Storytelling three times a week; Thursday nights, milk and cookies provided and kids can come in pajamas. Sundays, 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, 11 a.m.; Thursdays, 7 p.m. 133A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.

Storytime by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Storytime for toddlers at the nature center. Ages 3-5. March 7. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055.

Adults, $8; children, $5; younger than 2, free.

Storytime with Bella. Cowlicks Yogurt and Floats.

The friendly cow Bella invites parents and children to enjoy a story and a free 8-ounce cup of yogurt. Pictures with Bella, coloring sheets and temporary tattoos also on hand. March 1. 11 a.m.-noon. 2460 Cumberland Pkwy., Atlanta.

770-433-9008. 6 and younger. Free.

Tales for Toddlers. Bean Head Toys. Stories read in the indoor tree house, then kids make a small craft to take home. March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. 10:30 a.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980. Free.

Stay up to speed on the latest events.

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

Wren’s Nest Ramblers host a storytelling session. March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. 1 p.m. 1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404-7537735. Adults, $9; children, $6.

The mission field is in your back yard plan your trip today

theater Space! Center for Puppetry Arts. Discover facts about the solar system with this musical show with hosts Ot and Eerna. Through March 11.

See puppet.org for showtimes. 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-873-339. $16.50; younger than 2, free.

www.atlantaparent.com

www.atlantaparent.com COMPLETE EVENT LISTINGS

Family Fun Guide

www.AtlDreamCenter.com March 2012

Atlanta Parent 77

Classified Pages Childcare

Calendar Snow White’s Birthday Surprises. New Dawn Theater. Snow White may get more than she wishes for at her birthday party. Through March 10. Thurs-Sat., 11 a.m. 3087 Main St., Duluth. 678-887-5015. $5.

The Phantom Tollbooth. Burlington Rd. Building.

The Phantom Tollbooth appears in a boy’s bedroom one day and he goes on a journey.

March 1. 7:30 and 9:10 p.m. 1804 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta. 404-727-5050. $6.

Adventures of Little Noodle. Center for Puppetry Arts. Little Noodle must journey across the grocery store to find her way home, meeting new friends along the way. Sat., 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 3 p.m.; March 8-11: Tues.Fri., 10:30 a.m. and noon; March 13- April 1: Tues.-Fri., 10 and 11:30 a.m. 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $16.50; younger than 2, free.

PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE CENTER

Atlanta Kids Zone

Wonderland, The Musical Misadventures of a Girl Named Alice. Marietta Church of God. A silly adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Classic tale.

March 8-10. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 and 6:30 p.m. 1083 Allgood Rd., Marietta. 678-8242381. Adults, $10; kids, $7.

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Recycle this magazine 78 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

Family Fun Guide

Robin Hood. City Center. Watch Robin Hood help the poor villagers to defeat the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. March 9-18. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock.

678-494-4251. $11.

Billy Elliot. Fox Theatre. Musical celebrating one boy’s journey to make his dreams come through as he discovers his talent for ballet.

March 13-18. Tues.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 800-982-2787. $28-$73.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The Art Place Mountainview. Four children discover the land of Narnia, where animals talk and magic exists. March 15-18. Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. 3330 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. 770-591-3736. $9.

Motherhood the Musical. 14th Street Playhouse.

Comedic musical about motherhood. March 16-May 20. Tues.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. 173 14th Street, Atlanta. 404-733-4738.

Older audiences. $45; save $5 with the code MARCUS. Pinocchio! Aurora Theatre. Based on the classic tale about a puppet. March 24. 10 a.m. 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7.

Young Frankenstein. Cobb Energy Center. Musical based on the novel by Mary Shelley. March 29-April 1. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta.

800-745-3000. $25-$63.

beyond atlanta Historic Trolley Tour. Augusta. Take the Lady Liberty Trolley for a kid-friendly ride to see some of Augusta’s most famous homes and the Augusta Canal. Hear a historical story and head to the James Brown exhibit at the Augusta History Museum. Saturdays. 1-3:15 p.m. 560 Reynolds St., Augusta. 706-7244067. Pre-register. $12 per person, includes admission to museum.

Wildlife Show. Fort Yargo State Park. Live wildlife demonstration with native and exotic animals.

March 10. 6 p.m. 210 S. Broad St., Winder.

678-963-8891. $3; parking, $5. c

www.atlantaparent.com

consignment Discount divas, get your checkbooks ready – this month presents plenty of reasons to head out for great deals on gently used clothes and toys.

Consignment sales are perfect for outfitting your kids who, no doubt, grow like weeds. For an up-to-date list, visit AtlantaParent.com.

Tykes, Tots, & Teens Consignment Sale

Carroll My Kidz Closet Children’s Consignment Sale.

Peachtree Community Church. April 19-21.

Thurs-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.1 p.m. 87 Blackstock Rd., Villa Rica. mykidzclosetgeorgia.com.

Cherokee First Baptist Canton Kids Consignment Sale, First Baptist Canton. Mar. 2-3. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (early entry at 8:30 a.m. with a $10 donation), Sat. 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (early entry at 8:30 a.m. with a $5 donation). One Mission Point, Canton. 678-525-6239. fbckidssale.com.

The Blessing Line Kids’ Consignment Sale.

First Baptist Church Woodstock. Mar. 2-3.

Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 11905 Hwy. 92, Woodstock. 770-591-2509. fbcw.org/blessingline.

Hillside UMC Spring/Summer Children’s Consignment Sale. Hillside United Methodist Church. Mar. 9-10. Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (No strollers). 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 770-924-4777. hillsideumc. org.

The Glen at Kingsgate Kids Sale. Kingsgate Subdivision. Mar. 24-25. Sat. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cash only. 158 Nocatee Trail, Woodstock. 770-591-7892.

Cobb All 4 Kids West Cobb Sale. Cobb County Fairgrounds (Jim Miller Park). Mar. 1-3.

Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. all4kids.com.

Kids Kingdom Consignment Sale.

Orange Hill Baptist Church. Mar. 1-3. Thurs.

6-9 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon.

4293 Austell Rd., Austell. 770-948-9388. http:// orangehill.org/Ministries/KidsKingdom/index.php.

Acworth UMC PASSitON Consignment Sale.

Acworth United Methodist Church. Mar. 2-3.

Fri. 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon.

4340 Collins Circle, Acworth. 770-974-3312. acworthumc.org/passiton.

Divine Children’s Show. The Mansour Center.

Mar. 7-8. Wed. 9:30 am.-9 p.m., Thurs.

9:30 a.m.-2 pm. 995 Roswell St., Marietta. dcskids.com All 4 Kids Woodstock with Woodstock Market.

Old Hobby Lobby. Mar. 8-10. Thurs. 9:30 a.m.7 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 5500 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth. all4kids.com.

www.atlantaparent.com

Due West Treasure Chest. Due West UMC. Mar. 8-10. Thurs. 9:30 a.m.7 p.m., Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.noon. 3956 Due West Rd., Marietta.

678-318-1908.

Lil’ Lambs Closet. First United Methodist Church of Marietta. Mar. 8-10. Thurs. 6-8 p.m. ($5.00 early shopping fee, Thurs. only), Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

No strollers. 56 Whitlock Ave., Marietta.

770-429-7850, ext. 7858. lil-lambs.org.

Twice Blessed Children’s Consignment Sale. McEachern United Methodist Church. Mar. 8-10. Thurs. 5-9 p.m., Fri. 9:30 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4075 Macland Rd., Powder Springs.

770 943-3008. twice-blessed.org.

Everything for Children Consignment Sale.

St. Andrew UMC. Mar. 9-10. Fri. 9 a.m.8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 3455 Canton Rd., Marietta. 770-926-3488. thepumpkinchurch.org.

Tots to Tweens Consignment Sale sponsored by Northwest Atlanta Moms of Multiples (formerly Cobb Parents of Multiples Club). Sandy Plains Baptist Church. Mar. 10. Sat. 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. 2825 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta.

678-453-6993. NOWAMOM.org.

Chestnut Springs Consignment Sale.

Chestnut Springs Clubhouse. Mar. 15-17.

Thurs.-Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 2477 Chestnut Springs Trail, Marietta. 678-401-3305.

All 4 Kids East Cobb Sale. Mt. Paran North Church of God. Mar. 16-17. Fri. 9:30 a.m.7 p.m.,Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1700 Allgood Rd., Marietta. all4kids.com.

KinderMart Children’s Spring/Summer Consignment Sale. Smyrna First United Methodist Church. Mar. 16-17. Fri. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (No strollers before 11 a.m.), Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 1315 Concord Rd., Smyrna. kindermartsale.com.

Lil’ Blessings Consignment Sale. Kennesaw First Baptist Church. Mar. 16-17. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 2958 North Main. St., Kennesaw. kfbc.org.

DeKalb Glenn School Kids Consignment Sale. Glenn Memorial Youth & Activities Building.

Mar. 2-3. Fri. 9:30 a.m. -7 p.m. (No children before noon), Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1669 North Decatur Rd., NE, Atlanta. 404-754-4255. glennclothingsale.org.

Oak Grove Young Children’s School Consignment Sale. Oak Grove UMC Young Children’s School. Mar. 2-3. Fri. 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1722 Oak Grove Rd., Decatur. 404-636-7951, ext.404. ogycsconsign.org.

Evansdale Elementary School Spring 2012 Kids Consignment Sale. Evansdale Elementary School. Mar. 3-4. Sat. 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sun. 12:30-3 p.m. 2914 Evans Woods Dr., Doraville. 404-210-2624.

Decatur Consignment Sale. First Baptist Church of Decatur. Mar. 9-10. Fri. 9 a.m.6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. 770-414-6099. decaturconsignment. com.

Kids Used Clothes n’ Stuff Sale. Decatur First United Methodist. Mar. 10-11. Fri. 9 a.m.4 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 300 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-372-7478. kidsusedclothesnstuff.com.

Dunwoody United Methodist Church Kids Consignment Sale. Dunwoody UMC. Mar. 15-17. Thurs. 5-8 p.m. (No children), Fri. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(Strollers or carriers only). 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody. 770-394-0675, ext. 248. dunwoodyumc.org.

KidStuff Consignment Sale. Kingswood UMC. Mar. 22-24. Thurs. 5-9 p.m. (No children under 10), Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 5015 Tilly Mill Rd. Dunwoody. 770-698-0306. kingswoodumc.org/missions/kidstuff.htm.

Ashford Park Play Group Consignment Sale.

Ashford Park Subdivision. Mar. 24.

8 a.m.-4 p.m. 2791 Ashford Rd., Atlanta.

1gale@comcast.net.

Douglas

Coweta

Little Angels’ Closet. Midway UMC. Mar. 15-17.

Thurs.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

1930 Midway Rd., Douglasville. 770-577-9171.

Consigning Closets Consignment Sale.

SonRise Baptist Church. Mar. 2-3.

Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 6 Shenandoah Blvd., Newnan. 678-485-8708.

ConsigningClosets.com.

My Kidz Closet Children’s Consignment Sale.

Community Fellowship Church. Mar. 22–24.

Thurs.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.1 p.m. 612 Cohran Store Rd., Douglasville. mykidzclosetgeorgia.com.

Family Fun Guide

March 2012

Atlanta Parent 79

Classified Pages

Marketplace

B U S IN ES S

CL ASSES

consignment

Raise your income AND your family. NO parties, stocking, inventory or selling. Not an MLM. Monthly residual income. www.stayinhomeandlovinit.com/greendream

CH IL D CA RE Children’s Choice Learning Centers: Infant through Ga. Lottery Pre-k. Fully NAEYC Accredited Childcare.

Accept Childcare subsidy. 100 Alabama Street Suite GR 50, Atlanta. 404-562-0158.

Fayette Peachtree Kids Market. PeachCity Event Center. Mar. 9-10. Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. 313 Dividend Dr., Peachtree City. 404.931.4243. peachtreekidsmarket.com.

TLC Sitters of Atlanta Inc. Providing in home childcare since 1986 to the Atlanta Metro area. Call us at 770-410-4774 to customize a program to meet your needs. www.TLCSittersofAtlanta.com.

CL A S S E S

Forsyth

IGF Virtual Christian Academy. Non-traditional Christian school. A Beka accredited curriculum. Small school/big results. Reading & writing workshops. Virtual teachers/instructional coaches. www.igf-k12.org 404-919-9212.

Kid’s Consignment Sale. Cumming First United Methodist Church. Mar. 8-10. Thurs. 8:30 a.m.1 p.m. (No strollers) and 5-8 p.m., Fri. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 770 Canton Hwy., Cumming. 678-873-2963. cfumcga.com.

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Sandy Springs wwwbushballetcentre.com 404-256-5542 Dance and Arts Showcase: Offering Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Piano, Guitar, Math, Reading, Middle Eastern, Yoga, Hip Hop, Ballroom. Chamblee, Alpharetta, 770-934-5010 www. danceandarts.com

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March 2012

Second Childhood Consignment. Kings Market Shopping Center. Mar. 1-4. Thurs. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. (No strollers before 8 p.m.), Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. 1425 Market Blvd., Roswell. 770-713-6628. secondchildhoodconsignment.com North Metro Mothers of Multiples Spring/ Summer Consignment Sale. Roswell Area Park, Bill Johnson Community Activity Bldg.

Mar. 3. Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. No strollers please.

10495 Woodstock Rd., Roswell.

678-445-0017. northmetromultiples.org/ consignment.html.

Angels Attic Consignment Sale, Johns Creek United Methodist Church. Mar. 8-10. Thurs. 6-8 p.m., Fri.- Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 11180 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. johnscreekumc.org.

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Babies to Prom to Wedding Sale. Fostering Hope Bargain Resale Shop. Mar. 1-3, & 8-10.

Thurs.-Sat.10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Mar. 10. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1425 Market Blvd., Roswell. 770641-9591. fostercares.org.

RCOG Children’s Consignment Sale.

Restoration Church of God. Mar. 9-11.

Fri. 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. 410 Rucker Rd., Alpharetta, 404-277-6650. restorationchurchna.org.

St. James Kids Consignment Sale.

St. James UMC. Mar. 9-10. Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 4400 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-261-3121. stjamesatlanta.org.

Babies, Kids and Teens, plus Furniture and Home Décor. Holy Redeemer Catholic School. Mar. 10. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 3380 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek.

IConsignMine.com.

South Fulton Mocha Moms Annual Consignment Sale, Jefferson Park Recreation Center. Sat. Mar. 31. 9 a.m.-noon.

1431 Norman Berry Dr. 404-270-7001. mochamomsofsouthfulton.org.

Gwinnett North Metro First Baptist Church MOPS Spring/Summer Consignment Sale. North Metro First Baptist Church. Mar. 2-3. Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-noon. 1026 Old Peachtree Rd. NE., Lawrenceville.

770-995-9055. northmetro.net/mops.

www.atlantaparent.com

Classified Pages

Marketplace

RE SE AR C H ST U DY

Lucky Deal for YOU!

Mountain Park UMC MOPS Spring Consignment Sale. Mountain Park UMC. Mar. 16-17. Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. & 4-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1405 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain. 404-229-3968. mtnparkmops. bravehost.com.

Hair & Eyelash •Sew-in weaving Extensions •Hair Replacement •Strand by Strand extension •Buy Indian or Brazilian Hair & service is HALF OFF!

McKendree Kids Clothes Closet. McKendree UMC. Mar. 17. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-3 p.m. (half price). 1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd., Lawrenceville. 770-339-9801.

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Babies, Kids and Teens plus Furniture and Home Decor Consignment Sale. Christ the King Lutheran Church. April 18-21. Wed.Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 5575 Peachtree Pkwy., Norcross. IConsignMine.com.

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Angels Attic Upscale Consignment Sale.

Johns Creek UMC. Mar. 8-10. Thurs. 6-8 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

11180 Medlock Bridge Rd. Duluth. 770-4978215. johnscreekumc.org.

Hall

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SE R V I C E S

Fairy Dust Spring Consignment Sale. Liberty United Methodist Church. Feb. 29-Mar. 3.

Wed.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

59 Charlie Smith Rd., Braselton. 404-4147158. fairydustconsignment.com.

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March 2012

Atlanta Parent 81

Humor

by Janelle Alberts

Band-Aids, Boys and Mommy’s Love

T

his morning, my 3-year-old son was standing in our kitchen fussing about the tiniest (imaginary) boo-boo on his finger.

Loving mother that I am (over-indulgent), I covered the “boo-boo” with a glow-inthe-dark Spider-Man Band-Aid. “Fanks,” said my son, admiring the band-aided finger and in the sweetest voice, he sighed and said, “I luf you.”

“Awww,” I said, “I love you too, buddy!” I was leaning in for a hug when my son looked up at me as if he’d forgotten I was standing there.

“I was tawking to da band-aid.”

Wasn’t I the one who paid extra for those things? Did I really forgo the expensive shampoo that I love (deserve!) just so I could rank lower than cartoon band-aids using a character whose movie I would not yet allow my child to watch?

It’s the job. Motherhood. There are limits to how excited kids can get over the purveyor of toothpaste and hand sanitizer.

You’d think it would be different with my 5-year-old daughter.

One day in our backyard sandbox, I wanted to boost her self-esteem by expounding on why I was always proud of Mommy’s little girl.

“Um, I’m Daddy’s little girl,” she responded, deadpan.

Well. She was right.

She was elbow-deep in the sand, scooping a muddy/ sandy moat around a big mound of wet, drippier sand.

I was sitting on the edge of the sandbox with my shoes on.

Her self-esteem seemed fine.

“But honey, Mommy’s so much better at putting your hair into ponytails,” I said with rapid little nods that said, Sweetie! It’s you and me against the stinky boys of this household!

She looked at me with her long lashes that practically swayed in the breeze. She tilted her head to one side. Her charming little face made my heart ache with love.

82 Atlanta Parent

March 2012

It’s the job. Motherhood.

There are limits to how excited kids can get over the purveyor of toothpaste and hand sanitizer.

This was the moment I thought she’d say the words, “I love mommy best!”

Instead, she said, “I hate ponytails. They really hurt my head.”

Later that night when tucking my band-aid boy into bed, I tousled his blond hair and began to leave the room.

“Mom!” “Yes, darling?”

“You furgot to hug me.”

Yessss! I’m back! The one you really love is the one you call out to for hugs at bedtime!

I scooped him up and smelled that fresh-laundry scent that was my little boy.

I paused.

I tucked him back in.

I paused again.

I turned off the light.

In the dark I heard a sigh from my little cherub. “I luf you.”

I hate those glow-in-the-dark band-aids. c www.atlantaparent.com

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