December 2016

Atlanta

PARENT December 2016 / atlantaparent.com

A Month of Holiday Fun Toys for All the Girls and Boys Neighborhood Holiday Lights Cures For Cabin Fever Cruising with Mickey Mouse

Sandy Springs / Lawrenceville-Suwanee

404-409-0827 Sandy Springs

678-985-8080 Lawrenceville-Suwanee

Help Researchers Understand Cystic Fibrosis Diabetes Seeking Healthy Children Ages 1-9 for a Research Study l

The study requires one visit at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Research Center

l

Blood glucose testing will be performed

l

Compensation will be provided for time spent

l

Visits will be in the morning and last approximately three hours

If your child is between the ages of 1-9, has no chronic illnesses, and has never been hospitalized, he or she may be eligible to participate in the study.

Contact Joy Dangerfield at 404-727-4786 or jdanger@emory.edu 4 Atlanta Parent December 2016

atlantaparent.com

Inside 33 December

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Vol. 33 / Number 12

Features

12 14

Departments 7 Publisher’s Note

At Sea with Disney

A zip through the AquaDuck water rollercoaster is just one unforgettable experience during a family cruise on the Disney Dream.

Book Now for Summer Camp

Learn about 10 overnight camps where your children can make summer memories to last a lifetime. Psst, summer camp makes a wonderful holiday gift. Sponsored content

16

Our Top Toys

Atlanta Parent kid-tested hundreds of new toys to compile our list of this year’s best. You’ll find the perfect something for all the kids on your list, from infants to tweens.

26 40

8

Good Stuff

Things we like

58 For the Fridge

Words of humor & wisdom

Family Fun Guide 33

Not-to-Miss Events

34 Last

Chance Exhibits

35 Eating Out at Cheeky Chastain

36 Cures for

Winter Cabin Fever

Head of the (Preschool) Class

You can’t go wrong with early education that fosters curiosity in a fun environment and prepares kids to succeed. Start your search with these go-to schools. Sponsored content

Don’t Miss These Holiday Traditions

Atlanta Parent has rounded up the top holiday events, from swimming Santa to a Chinese Lantern Festival, the annual Christmas Parade to a Teddy Bear Tea. Plus, find the best neighborhood lights, where to ice skate or find a Nutcracker production.

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner atlantaparent.com

38 Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights

40 Top Holiday Events 44

Holiday Calendar

54

December Calendar

55

New Year’s Eve Events

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine December 2016 Atlanta Parent 5

PUBLISHER Liz White

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

BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT MGR asmith@atlantaparent.com ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Libby Hammonds EXECUTIVE lhammonds@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Sarah Bergeron EXECUTIVE sbergeron@atlantaparent.com SPECIAL EVENTS & Jordan Lisvosky

DIGITAL SALES jlisvosky@atlantaparent.com CONTRIBUTING Amanda Miller Allen

EDITOR STAFF Teresa Farkas WRITER tfarkas@atlantaparent.com

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery

ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

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

ASSISTANT MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

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

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

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

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

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

© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2016

6 Atlanta Parent December 2016

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TWO Locations….

Double the Relaxation!

Publisher’s Note Our Gift to You? Holiday Memories Atlanta Parent’s staff is feeling a little bit like Santa Claus this holiday season. We’ve rounded up a lot of treats for good boys and girls that will make special memories for your family.

The holidays are a time when many families actually have time to be together – school is in recess, businesses have a lighter work schedule and many parents take leave time to be with the kids. With that extra family time comes plenty of decisions, and that’s where our magazine comes in.

You’ll find every event you need to know about to plan holiday outings in our Family Fun Guide, from the annual Christmas Parade to a Menorah Lighting, a Teddy Bear Tea to a puppet show, even cultural celebrations around the world at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. We’ve picked our top holiday events of the season (Page 40), found the best neighborhood holiday lights (Page 38) and great places to go ice skating (Page 45) and compiled an extensive list of holiday happenings for every budget and interest.

Like all of our readers, my family will be super busy this holiday season, getting together with family, taking in light shows, maybe even hoping aboard the Pink Pig. My grandchildren and I also will be spending some time with Mickey and Minnie at a Disney Live! show.

Metro Atlanta has so many experiences and none of us have enough time to take it all in, especially if we’re still doing holiday shopping. If you’re stumped for a great gift for the kids, we’ve made another list and checked it twice (Page 16). We’ve even kid-tested our picks so you won’t be disappointed.

Once the holidays are over, kids still will have some free time before school resumes, and we know just what you should do. For indoor and outdoor fun, take a look at our Cures for Cabin Fever (Page 36).

In all this activity, we need to be sure not to let the reason for the season get lost. Let’s make time to celebrate our faith, whether we’re observing Hanukkah or Christmas. And let’s help others less fortunate, during this season of giving and throughout the new year.

To all our readers, we wish you the happiest of holidays. Connect with us on Facebook.com/AtlantaParentMagazine and share your holiday plans.

Roswell 500 Sun Valley Drive, Suite D2 • 30076 Atlanta 1164 N. Highland Avenue NE • 30306 Our Massage Specialties: • Pregnancy • Postpartum • Fertility • Neuromuscular

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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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December 2016 Atlanta Parent 7

by Teresa Farkas

Good StUff

THINGS WE LIKE

Crafting for a cause Kids and groups can decorate and personalize care packages for the elderly or the armed forces.

Drop-in periods are every Tues. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. or Sat. and Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at 5517 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, (Behind The Fresh Market in the Dunwoody Village Courtyard) or host an event. You can donate $5 per bag to use their supplies or visit thepackagedgood.org to get a list of approved supplies you can bring. “The Big Give” is Dec. 10, 11 a.m.4 p.m., to create holiday-themed packages.

Stylish fitness tracker The new Fitbit Flex 2 comes in wristband, bangle and pendant designs, making the older, bulky version a thing of the past. It has call and text notifications, reminders to move throughout the day and up to five days of battery life. It is also swimproof, and has LED lights on the top to notify you to keep moving. Available at fitbit.com for $99.95.

Personal stylist for your child With Wee Blessing’s subscription box clothing service, simply take the style quiz on their website and the company chooses four brand-name outfits to try. You have seven days to decide which ones to keep, and outfits have discounts from 40 to 80 percent off. Available at weeblessing.com for $9.95 plus the cost of outfits you decide to keep.

8 Atlanta Parent December 2016

Ward off bedtime fears The Sleeper Hero doll and book set can help solve some of the fears children face at bedtime. This doll has a special light on its chest that shines bright in the dark to ward off imaginary bad guys. It will also teach your child when it’s time to get out of bed in the morning with a green light for go and a red light for stay in bed. Available at sleeperhero.com/shop for $49.99.

Better views for bike rides The creators of the iBert Child Bicycle Safe-T-Seat were tired of their kids facing the other way during bike rides, getting too hot or not being able to see. The T-bar assembly of this seat allows your child to sit higher for a smoother ride, face forward and ultimately allows for better balance of the bike. Available at ibert.bike or sears.com for $116.95 atlantaparent.com

BEST OF THE

WEB

n Style by Emily Everyone wants an inviting home, but most of us don’t have the eye of a designer and can’t afford pricey furnishings. That’s where Emily Henderson comes in, with ideas and designer services for a moderate budget. stylebyemilyhenderson.com

n Internet Safety Alert No parent can monitor their children’s internet and social media use 24/7. Bark technology will scan internet use for signs of bullying, predators, dangerous behavior or viewing of material that doesn’t meet parental approval.

Test it for a month free of charge, then $9 per month or $99 per year. bark.us

n AtlantaParent.com Tell us about the best local resources for Atlanta area families. Please vote for your favorites now at www.atlantaparent.com/bestof

Nominate today!

ATL ANTA PARENT’S

MOM-APPROVED

DENTISTS

Tell us about your favorite dentist, orthodontist or oral surgeon by Dec. 16.

Go to www.atlantaparent.com/nominatedentist atlantaparent.com

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 9

Cheers for Rudolph See a Puppet Show

Run,Run,Reindeer On Dasher, on Dancer … you know their names. And you can bet that Santa’s not going anywhere without his trusty team so, in their honor, we salute all things reindeer.

If you want to see Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer come to life, take the kids to the Center for Puppetry Arts for an adaptation that’s become an Atlanta tradition. Performances run through Dec. 31 (no shows Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day).

Call 404-873-3391 or visit puppet.org.

Reindeer Cups This craft is cute, easy and makes a great gift for friends and classmates. You could fill the cup with any treat or small gift but Maggie Brereton at smashedpeasandcarrots.com fills hers with Hershey’s Kisses in seasonal colors. With only a few supplies and a red kiss for a nose, you’ll have these done in the flick of a reindeer’s tail.

You’ll need: Hershey’s Kisses in red, green, and silver foils; brown paper cups; brown card stock; googly eyes; glue stick; scissors; pencil.

Instructions at smashedpeasandcarrots. com/hersheys-kisses-reindeer-cups/

See a Reindeer Up Close Mark your calendar for Reindeer Day at the Chattahoochee Nature Center (noon-4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11). Visit with a live reindeer.

Crafts, face painting, hikes and marshmallow roasting round out the day. Event is included with general admission. Call 770-992-2055 or visit chattnaturecenter.org.

Reindeer Chow

Did you know?

Pulling that sled all night is tough. Sure you could leave a carrot out for those hardworking reindeer, but what they really need is a little something yummy for an energy boost. Chex cereal is the base for this sweet and salty mix of chocolate and peanut butter. Be sure to make plenty, because your family will gobble it up, too. Go to thissillygirlslife.com and search “Reindeer Chow” for the recipe and step-by-step instructions.

Source: thissillygirlslife.com

If you turn a gingerbread man upside down, he makes the perfect base for a reindeer cookie. The legs become antlers, the arms become ears and the head becomes the reindeer’s face. Pipe white icing for details (add a little black for the eye) and a round chocolate candy is the nose. Be sure to use one red candy, because every herd needs a Rudolph.

Reindeer Footprints Imagine the surprise when your children wake up Christmas morning and see hoof prints outside the front door. All you need is a template and something to use for “snow.” An easy option is spray snow in a can and a stencil cut out of plastic coffee can lid. You can also use the insta-snow available online at Walmart, Amazon and other retailers. Rosie at roamingrosie.com made hers with flour and a cardboard template. For instructions go to https://roamingrosie. com/2015/01/02/how-to-make-snowy-floridian-reindeer-footprints/. If using a kit is more your style, amazon.com also sells Hoppy Paws.

10 Atlanta Parent December 2016

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WINTER BREAK CAMPS The weather outside is frightful and the kids are home from school.

These cool camps wrap up winter fun and learning into one neat package.

404-624-5822 / zooatlanta.org

404-733-4700 / alliancetheatre.org

770-992-2055 / chattnaturecenter.org

404-370-0001 / circuscamp.org

770-993-7975 / highmeadowscamp.org

559-825-7836 / parentsdeserveabreak.com

770-394-3447 / spruillarts.org

Zoo Atlanta: Let your kids go wild this winter break! Winter Safari Day Camp at Zoo Atlanta offers daily camps that bring out the animal in us all, through hands-on learning, nature discovery, up-close animal encounters and wildlife appreciation.

Camp starts December 19! Register at zooatlanta.org/education.

Alliance Theatre: Join the Alliance Theatre for drama camp this holiday season!

The Alliance Theatre presents a brand new camp opportunity for young actors Kindergarten through 5th grade. Students can take a one day camp, or spend their week learning drama skills and having fun! Learn more at alliancetheatre.org/ winterbreakcamp or call 404-733-4700.

Chattahoochee Nature Center: Get a dose of summertime fun in the winter with hikes, animal encounters, outdoor games, hands-on science and our new survival camp! Winter Camp is open for current K-7th graders. Prices vary per session – Dec. 27-30; Jan. 2-4/5 (Cobb / Fulton). Register today. 770-992-2055 x222; chattnaturecenter.org Circus Camp is designed to introduce children from 5 thru teen, performing, and visual arts in a safe and noncompetitive environment. December 19-23 and December 26-30 (Daily rates available). Children will be introduced to Trapeze, Juggling, Clowning, Magic, Unicycling, and more. Circus Camp provides campers with the opportunity to learn something new and exciting every day. Decatur Location Only.

High Meadows Camp: Summer fun will get a winter twist with traditional favorites and new activities designed for a week of laughter and learning, Groups will rotate between Archery, Wilderness and Lore, Art, and Sports. Special events such as Tipi Fire and Animal Adventures will change daily. Current Kindergartners through 8th Graders are welcome. Monday, Dec. 26 - Friday, Dec. 30th. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kaleidoscope Kids Camp of Georgia: Atlanta’s best camp secret since 2009 for young scientist ages five to ten. With a fun filled STEM curriculum planned, students are bound to enjoy the fun and wonders of anime and mathematics, this winter and summer 2017. 2016 Winter Camp will take place at Dave & Buster’s at Sugarloaf Mills, Dec. 19-23 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Register your child today at parentsdeserveabreak.com.

Spruill Center: School Break Art Camps for campers (ages 5-10) will explore art through a variety of mixed-media such as drawing, painting, collage or clay projects. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with Before & After Care Available in Dunwoody.

Price averages $75 per day. Dates: Dec. 10, Jan. 3-6, 16; Feb. 16. Register at spruillarts.org/youthclassesandcamps or 770-394-3447 x 0.

The Sunshine House: A break in school shouldn’t break your schedule – or your child’s opportunities for fun! Winter Break Camp at The Sunshine House is affordable, festive and fun! 30 Atlanta locations. sunshinehouse.com/winter.

sunshinehouse.com

atlantaparent.com

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 11

Disney Cruising for First-Timers A Disney cruise combines the fun of Walt Disney World with fewer lines and a more personalized experience. Here’s what we learned from our three-day cruise to the Bahamas.

by Laura Powell

n Booking Your Cruise A three-day test cruise provides plenty of time for first-timers to get a feel for the cruise experience. We booked an ocean view room with a verandah, and we enjoyed relaxing and taking in the breeze on the balcony. Our 4-yearold also loved the nifty bed that came out of the ceiling.

Be sure to check-in online to pick earlier arrival and dining times; we were able to choose earlier seating to suit our younger kids.

On embarkation day, bring snacks to the port. Even if you get an earlier arrival time, allow for plenty of wait time before you board the ship.

n On Board Fun Because you may have a couple of hours before you can check into your room at 1:30 p.m., wear bathing suits under your clothes and bring towels. Many guests will eat or explore the ship when they first board, so the water play areas will be less crowded then.

One of the highlights of our 4-year-old’s trip was the AquaDuck, an elevated water coaster that takes you high above the ship and even over the ocean. Elliot was just tall enough at 42 inches to ride with an adult – and he’s been talking about the fun he had on the AquaDuck ever since.

With animation everywhere you look, Animator’s Palate was our favorite family meal on the ship. During the meal, characters from Finding Nemo appear and Crush the Turtle interacts with diners. A Mickey Mouse dessert at the end was a big hit.

There’s so much to do on the ship from watching movies in the theater, to mini golf, ping pong, crafts, character meet and greets, and theme nights like Pirate Night. After dinner each night, we dropped the kids off at the kids club and they got to stay up late. It gave us the time to catch a show and check out the adultonly pool and bar, while the kids took a cupcake class and had a PJ party with Pluto. One night we even ordered Mickey Mouse ice cream bars through room service. What a treat!

12 Atlanta Parent December 2016

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n Should I Book an Excursion?

It depends upon the age of your kids and whether you’ve cruised before. We decided to stay on the ship, except for Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. If you are able to get off early, you can borrow strollers and wagons to haul your stuff or little kids. Since you have until 4 p.m. to enjoy the island, consider staying on the boat until 11 a.m. This will allow your kids a few rides on the AquaDuck with barely any wait and play in uncrowded pools. We went later and still had time for a bike ride around the island, the waterslides, beach and a delicious lunch. The island has beach chairs, but you may want to pack a few small sand toys. Beach toys are available for purchase.

n A Night Out for Parents The Oceaneer Club is included in the cruise cost for kids 3-12, and Small World Nursery looks after kids 3 months to 3 years, for an additional charge. Book an adult fancy dinner at Remy or Palo. You’ll feel like you’re on the Titanic (minus the iceberg, of course!) as you enjoy amazing food and watch the sunset.

n The Details Find out more at disneycruise.com. Booking offseason (avoiding school breaks) can help save extra dollars. c

even more dinosaurs closes January 2, 2017

See the special exhibition The World’s Largest Dinosaurs today.

FernbankMuseum.org l @FernbankMuseum

JOIN TODAY AND SEE IT FREE! atlantaparent.com

The World’s Largest Dinosaurs is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org), in collaboration with Coolture Marketing, Bogotá, Colombia.

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 13

SPONSORED CONTENT

GET READY FOR CAMP! Summer may be far from your mind right now, but it’s time to think about how your kids will make lasting summer memories. Camp registration is under way, so check out these overnight camps your kids will love.

✸ Riverview Camp for Girls

Adventure, inspiration, character and confidence building await you in Mentone, Alabama atop beautiful Lookout Mountain where there is a camp community full of fun, friends and adventure. Swing from a zip line, dress in the colors of your tribe, and try activities like archery, horseback riding or canoeing. The Riverview Equestrian program is a favorite and there is no extra fee to participate. There are over 20 activities to choose from with something for every interest. Riverview creates a positive, Christian environment and a feeling of family for girls to make life-long friendships. Many girls return year after year and more than 200 girls have received 10-year blankets. Mother-Daughter weekends, oneweek and two-week sessions with longer stays available for girls ages 6-16 from June 4-Aug. 4. Only 2 hours from Atlanta. For an information packet: 800-882-0722 or riverviewcamp.org

Athens Y Camp for Boys/ ✸ Camp Chattooga for Girls

Riverview Camp for Girls

Fun, tradition and Christian values in a rustic setting – that’s what makes Athens Y Camp for Boys and Camp Chattooga for Girls special, along over 600 wooded acres in the North Georgia mountains. The programs provide opportunities for personal development, spiritual growth and friendship building. Daily activities allow kids to learn new skills or improve existing ones. These include archery, sports, guitar, ropes course, riflery, crafts and more. Campers enjoy watersports including The Blob, 100-foot Bullet Slide, Zip Line, Dive Tower and Wet Willie slide as well as fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Trips to nearby locations include Tallulah Gorge State Park and the outpost camp on Lake Rabun. One-week sessions for boys and girls ages 7-14 from June 5-July 30. Tallulah Falls, Ga. athensycamps.org

✸ Deer Run Camps & Retreats

Athens Y Camp for Boys/Camp Chattooga for Girls

One-hundred acres of wooded property makes Deer Run Camp a 95 percent outdoor-based camp. A 45-foot climbing tower, paintball, giant swing, waterslide, zip lines, low and high ropes initiatives, canoes and kayaks among many other activities will keep campers engaged and keep their adrenaline pumping. Kids can also develop their skills through their choice of tracks in fishing, percussion, drama, sports or archery. Deer Run is a Christian camp with the goal of influencing good character, building life-long friendships and encouraging adventurous experiences. Camp counselors and staff members want to plant seeds for loving others by sharing love and the word of Christ through everyday activities. Camp sessions for kids who have completed grades 3 through 12 are available; vary depending on age from June 4-Aug. 29.

Thompson’s Station, Tenn. (10 miles from Franklin, Tenn.) deerrun.camp

✸ YMCA Camp Ocoee

Activities such as archery, mountain biking, horseback riding, high ropes and more are a staple in the daily activities at Camp Ocoee. Kids enjoy water sports on Lake Ocoee including canoeing, water skiing and stand up paddleboards. The camp is situated in the Cherokee National Forest with open-air cabins. Campers have the opportunity to go on an overnight campout in tents by the lake, and cook s’mores over a campfire. The Christian values learned and the confidence gained by campers becomes a way of life. Generations of families have fond memories of their time at Camp Ocoee. One-week sessions for boys and girls ages 7-15 for up to four weeks from June 4-Aug. 4, excluding July 2-8. An early bird special is available until Jan. 31. Ocoee, Tenn. campocoee.com Deer Run Camps & Retreats

14 Atlanta Parent December 2016

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✸ Camp Barney Medintz

Located in the North Georgia Mountains, Camp Barney, the MJCCA’s Jewish overnight summer camp, provides a meaningful and transformative Jewish camp experience for rising 3-11 graders. Camp Barney’s facilities are extensive, and the activities endless, but the Camp Barney experience is about much more. Campers develop lifelong friendships, challenge themselves with new activities, gain self-confidence and independence, and strengthen their connection to their Jewish identity – all while having the best summer of their lives. Information sessions: Dec. 11 and Jan. 8, 1 p.m. at the Camp Barney office in Atlanta. Two-week and four-week camping options available.

Cleveland, Ga. campbarney.org

✸ Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp

Camp Barney Medintz

Is your daughter horse crazy? At Valley View Ranch girls get their own horse to care for and ride the entire time they are at camp. This includes grooming, tacking and cleaning the horse stable. Girls can spend four to six hours per day with the horses, and 600 acres of trails allow for trail riding time outside of training. Campers get instruction in Western and English riding, with an instructor ratio of two to one. Traditional camp activities such as archery, swimming, and arts and crafts are woven into each day, and nightly activities include karaoke, campfires and scavenger hunts. One-hundred percent of the staff comes back year after year. One or two week sessions are offered for girls ages 8-17 from June 4-Aug. 4. Cloudland, Ga. valleyviewranch.com

✸ Camp Juliette Low

For nearly 100 years, girls have been coming to Camp Juliette Low (CJL) to gain independence, develop leadership skills, and create friendships that last a lifetime!

Located on Lookout Mountain, CJL is one of Georgia’s oldest summer camps and maintains a traditional setting including platform tents, limited electricity, and camp activities like archery, canoeing, swimming, and horseback riding. Campers will find a place to learn new skills like paddle boarding, sailing, ceramics, zip-line, backpacking and outdoor cooking. The counselors and staff are alumnae and provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment. One-week and two-week sessions for ages 7-15 from June 4-July 29. Early bird special is available until Jan. 15. Cloudland, Ga. cjl.org

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp

✸ Cub Creek Science Camp

Imagine a camp that is also a private zoo with over 300 animals, where you can adopt your favorite animal for a week, such as a lemur, arctic fox or sloth. Campers will have fun solving a mystery in the crime science course, making fudge or cotton candy in the candy factory and exploring the ropes course. In addition to adventure and science areas, traditional camp activities include roasting marshmallows, archery, crafts and singing songs. The camp also has a pool for swimming and area ponds for fishing. Oneweek to six-week sessions for boys and girls ages 7-17 from June 4-Aug. 12. Rolla, Mo. mosciencecamp.com

Cub Creek Science Camp

✸ Camp Tekoa

Climb through caverns, go waterfall hopping and ride the lake zipline at Camp Tekoa, located close to the Pisgah National Forest. The classic camp experience is mixed with more extreme activities. Choose from overnight camps with lake activities, canoeing and campouts or from adventure camps for middle and high schoolers with whitewater rafting, stand up paddle boarding and mountain biking. Camp Tekoa takes pride in hiring passionate staff members, who play with the children, lead devotions or guide activities. Campers leave with a mission to share the light of Christ. One-week sessions for boys and girls ages 7-17 from June 11-Aug. 5. Hendersonville, N.C. camptekoa.org

Camp Tekoa

✸ Camp Westminster

Let your kids become immersed in the outdoors at Camp Westminster, trying the cable wakeboarding system, going horseback riding or taking a cooking class. With 120 acres, campers have many opportunities to explore the outdoors including canoeing, fishing or the high ropes course. Dance classes and group sports are also offered. Counselors are seen as strong mentors, who build relationships and help campers learn about the gospel.

Staff members want campers to leave having encountered Jesus, with friendships and memories for a lifetime. One-week sessions for boys and girls ages 6-17 from June 4-July 23 excluding the week of July 3. Conyers, Ga. campwestminster.org

atlantaparent.com

Camp Westminster

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 15

2016 Holiday

TOY GUIDE We reviewed the coolest gifts for your kids this holiday season.

Here are our top picks for each age.

Reviewed by Felicia Barman, Teresa Farkas, Jordan Lisvosky and Laura Powell. Shop early and check with stores on availability. Prices listed are MSRP.

♥ With Seedling‘s Design Your Own Marble

Atlanta Parent Favorites

Maze kids can build a maze using walls, traps and start and end points provided with the kit.

Testers loved using the side knobs to tilt the maze back and forth to guide the marbles to the final hole. Players can download the Maze app on a smartphone to experience the maze through virtual reality. 8 and older. Treehouse Kid & Craft and seedling.com. $60

♥

♥ The Manhattan Toy Company’s Playful Pony and it’s Playful Dino take an activity cube to a fun new place! It has multiple play surfaces, bead runs, peg mazes and more. 12 months and older. Brilliant Sky Toys. $68

♥ WellieWishers Dolls

by American Girl come in several ethnicities and with the message of “being a good friend.” Five dolls have different looks and interests – animals, performance, art, princess and the ocean. 5-7 years. americangirl.com/shop. $60.

16 Atlanta Parent December 2016

♥ Dr. Eureka by Blue Orange is a fast-paced game where players must

rely on quick thinking and sharp fine motor skills. Pick a challenge card showing which color combinations should go into each test tube, then transfer 6 colorful balls between 3 test tubes without touching them, or letting balls fall out of the tubes. 8 and older. Kazoo Toys, Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop, School Box and Brilliant Sky Toys. $20.

atlantaparent.com

♥ MiO’s Playing

Eating Sleeping Working set allows for open-ended play with dolls, moving rooms and other pieces to let kids imagine a sailboat, house or whatever setting they wish. The 41-piece set is made from mostly natural wood and fabric. 3 and older. Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop and Treehouse Kid & Craft. $100

♥ Do Art Paint with Marbles by Faber-

♥ With the Spirograph Junior by Kahootz Toys

kids can create creative designs with the gears and markers, while improving fine motor skills. The set includes jumbo gears, 5 washable markers and 24 pages of design paper, and the carrying case doubles as a desk. 3 and older. Brilliant Sky Toys, HobbyTown and fatbraintoys.com. $24.99

Castell lets you create abstract works of art with paint and marbles. Coat the marbles in paint, drop them into the reusable painting tray and create fun shapes. 5 and older. Shenanigan’s Toys and fabercastell.com. $24.99

♥ The Pretend Play Sets by eeBoo

promote creativity and imagination by letting children perform different roles like teacher, world traveler, restaurant visitor and more. 3 and older. Brilliant Sky Toys, Greene’s Fine Foods & Treehouse Kid & Craft. $13

♥ The Rescue

♥ The Memory Palace game by Peaceable Kingdom made our testers giggle and get creative. Players create silly stories about 27 animal tokens as they place the tokens face down.

The goal is to remember the story and where each animal is hidden without turning over a “Memory Monster.” 5 and older.

Brilliant Sky Toys and Target. $15.99

Boat & Helicopter

by Green Toys is specially designed to float in the water and can be put in the dishwasher. Great for anywhere play including the bath tub.

2 and older. Brilliant Sky Toys, Kazoo Toys and Learning Express $34.99

Cont’d on page 18

Win these Toys! Go to atlantaparent.com/contests for a chance to win prize packs for each age group valued at $150-$250 each. atlantaparent.com

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 17

2016 Holiday TOY GUIDE / BABY & TODDLER n Yookidoo’s Spin ‘N’ Sort Spout Pro

n Kids Preferred Amazing

is a battery-operated bath spout that attaches to your drain and draws water to create an endless stream. It includes more than 10 different water activities, which introduce your child to sorting, constructing and spinning gears. 9-36 months. amazon.com. $34.95

Baby Pop-Up Activity Ball has several elements to let babies practice fine motor skills – stimulating prints, sounds, rings and flaps cover the ball.

Birth-2 years. amazon.com. $12.88 n Grimm’s Rolling Wheel

n Oball’s Go Grippers

Bounce ‘N Zoom Speedway has cars that are easy for small hands to grasp encouraging the development of fine motor skills. It has multiple ramps the cars can fly down and other elements that move the car for increased imagination. 2 and older.

Major retailers. $69.95

18 Atlanta Parent December 2016

is made of stained wood, and has bells and wooden balls inside. The toy is easily pushed and rolled around during play. 1 and older. Treehouse Kid & Craft and grimms.eu/en. $40

atlantaparent.com

2016 Holiday TOY GUIDE / BABY & TODDLER n The Fisher Price Laugh

& Learn Crawl-Around Learning Center has 20+ activities to keep your child occupied. Your baby can learn to crawl by moving through the arches and then move on to other areas when they grow. 6 months-3 years. Major retailers. $50

n The Manhattan Toy

Company’s Snuggle Baby Bear is a soft adorable doll that comes with a plush, hooded sleep sack. 6 months and older. manhattantoy.com. $18

It’s time for our annual

Best of Family Fun Awards!

Go to atlantaparent.com/ bestof and vote for your favorites.

Vote in at least 10 categories & you’ll automatically be entered to win $50.

n Fat Brain Toys’ Spin Again is an update from

older stacking toys; the rings spin around, and it has interchangeable flat and moving bases. It is visually stimulating and allows kids to practice hand-eye coordination and engineering. 1 and older. Brilliant Sky Toys, Kazoo Toys, School Box and Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop. $30

atlantaparent.com

For more information, call 770-454-7599.

Atlanta Parent’s

BEST OF

n The Mickey &

Friends Beach House by LEGO has multiple pieces for varied play including Donald Duck, Goofy and Mickey Mouse.

The set can help develop role-play and imagination through building and rebuilding. Ages 2-5.

Major retailers and Kazoo Toys. $35

The winner will be announced Friday, Dec. 9 on our Facebook page.

2O17

FAMILY Cont’d on page 20

FUN

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 19

2016 Holiday TOY GUIDE / PRESCHOOL n The Jumbo Glow-

in-the-Dark Magnatab

by Kid O is made of magnetic beads and a magnetic stylus that allows children to draw shapes, letters and pictures. This version glows in the dark for nighttime play. 3 and older. Kazoo Toys, Treehouse Kid & Craft and Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop. $35

n The Irish Fairy Door Kit

n Shape Mags by Magnetic

n Little Red Riding Hood game by

Stick N Stack are plastic, brightly colored tiles that stack together with magnets. The 100-piece set comes with two magnetic wheel bases and lets kids create everything from a car to a house. amazon.com. $69.99

Smart Games lets players use puzzle pieces to make a path to grandma’s house.

The game includes 48 challenges, which allows for critical thinking and problem solving. 4-7 years.

Brilliant Sky Toys, Learning Express and Kazoo Toys. $24.99

brings a magical “fairy” into your home. Place the door anywhere in your house or yard, and then register your fairy on the website to access stories and play ideas each week. 4 and older. Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop. $25

n The Manhattan

Toy Company’s Travel + Comfort Stowies Fox hides away toys and trinkets inside the zipper pouch located on the fox’s tummy. The fox stands on its own and is a good size for small hands. 3 and older. manhattantoy.com. $15

n LeapFrog’s

n The Green Market Spinner Game by eeBoo

is a fun way for kids to build vocabulary and sorting skills. Spin the wheel to collect products on your farm stand and match them with the picture on your board. 2-4 players. 3 and older.

Greene’s Fine Foods and shop.eeboo.com. $17

20 Atlanta Parent December 2016

LeapStart Interactive Learning System has different level books available for each stage of young learning. The interactive system has over 200 key skills for your child to learn with sounds and an easyto-hold stylus. 2-4 years. Major retailers. $30

atlantaparent.com

2016 Holiday TOY GUIDE / AGES 5-8 n “Ready, aim, fire!” was the battle

cry heard among our 5-, 8-, and 10 year-old testers while playing Kaboom by Blue Orange. Children take turns being the Master Builder or a Saboteur as one player quickly constructs towers with wooden blocks while other players fire wooden dice on catapults to knock down the towers. 6 and older. Kazoo Toys and Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop. $24.95

n Hape Toys’ Space City Quadrilla is a glow-in-the-

dark version of a marble maze with loops and turns. It has 176 pieces to custom build the maze and helps develop engineering skills. 6 and older. Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop and Treehouse Kid & Craft. $149.99

n Learning Resources’ Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set lets

your child develop coding skills by programming the robot mouse to go through a sequence of steps then race to find the cheese. 5 and older. Kazoo Toys and Toys R Us. $60

Cont’d on page 22

atlantaparent.com

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 21

2016 Holiday TOY GUIDE / AGES 5-8 n The LEGO Medium Creative Brick

Box has bricks in 35 different colors to encourage open-ended play. It also includes windows, eyes and wheels for construction play. The set comes in a plastic storage box to keep pieces together. 4 and older. HobbyTown and major retailers. $35

n My First Bananagrams utilizes

n The Activating Origami n The Slackers Ninjaline lets your kids train like

a Ninja with seven different hanging obstacles to swing from. Attach the Ninjaline between two trees and attach the different obstacles down the line, then swing from one to another until you make it to the end. 5 and older. Brilliant Sky Toys, Kazoo Toys and Treehouse Kid & Craft. $100

22 Atlanta Parent December 2016

lowercase letters and word-building to help your child build his or her vocabulary. Place all of the 80 letter tiles facedown and each player takes 15 tiles. Be the first player to use all of your letters in a connected word grid.

Variations of the game are by reading level.

4 and older. Barnes and Noble and Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop. $14.99

Set by Teknikio lets paper meet electronics. Using circuits and conductive tape, you can add light to origami shapes.

3 and older; adult supervision recommended for 7 and younger. Treehouse Kid & Craft and teknikio.com. $24.

atlantaparent.com

AGES 5-8

2016 Holiday TOY GUIDE / TWEENS n Seedling’s Make a

Mini Foosball Table allows kids to craft a portable foosball table that can be played right on the kitchen table.

Contains everything needed to build the field, create the players, and play a foosball game. 8 and older. seedling.com. $40

n Thinkfun’s Yoga Spinner Game encourages

physical activity – players must perform the yoga pose on their card and hold it for 10 seconds; first player to collect a card in each color wins!

Our 5-year-old tester loved the game but had a little trouble holding the poses. 5 and older.

Learning Express and Shenanigan’s Toys. $14.99

n Nancy B’s Science

n The SkyPaper Paper

Club Way to Grow Hydroponics Kit & Gardening Diary by Educational Insights includes a 22-page activity journal and the ability to grow and study plants without any soil. 8 and older. Kazoo Toys, School Box and Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop. $21.99

Plane Launcher blasts paper planes up to 100 feet. The kit includes 24 do-it-your-self planes and instructions. 8 and older.

Toys R Us. $24.99

n Crayola’s Air Marker

n Pop ‘emz by Fat Brain Toys has over 200

colorful pieces that suction to windows or mirrors.

Kids can create art of many shapes and sizes with the colorful hexagon-shaped suction cups.

5 and older. fatbraintoys.com. $19.95

Sprayer converts Crayola-brand markers into a smooth spray of ink. Users can spray their own designs and patterns or pair with the stencils included. 8 and older. Major retailers. $29.99

n Hasbro’s Simon Air Game is a twist on the

Simon game where players need to watch, remember and repeat patterns. This version recognizes when a player follows the color sequence using touch-free technology. 8 and older. Major retailers. $19.99 n With the Craft-tastic Yarn

n Make your own toy dog

with Pup 002 by Paper Punk. This comprehensive paper figure kit doesn’t require any scissors or glue. It comes with over 20 shape templates, stickers and adhesive dots to help customize different figures. Follow the symbols and fold until the figure is built. 6 and older. Target and paperpunk.com. $14.99

atlantaparent.com

Tree Kit by Ann Williams Group your tween can create a colorful place to hang necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The kit includes an 18" bendable wire tree and colorful yarn to wrap around. 8 and older. Brilliant Sky Toys and Learning Express. $29.99

Cont’d on page 24

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 23

2016 Holiday TOY GUIDE / STOCKING STUFFERS n The original Crazy Foam

n Jumbo Tri

3-in-1 body wash, shampoo and conditioner is back with new designs. These include: Looney Tunes, Fairy Tale, DC Comics and more. The colorful foam makes bath time fun. 3 and older. Brilliant Sky Toys and crazyfoam. com. $4.99; set of four, $19.95

Color “Mixies” pencils by eeBoo add swirls of color with every drawing creating an ombre effect. 5 and older Greene’s Fine Foods and shop. eeboo.com. $7.50

n Firefox’s Paint-n-Fly Glider can be decorated

according to your child’s interest. Paint is included with the kit, and the toy can be soaked in water to remove and then can be re-decorated.

Put the pieces together and watch it soar. 6 and older. HobbyTown and Kazoo Toys. $10

n The Super Genius Alphabet

learning game by Blue Orange Games allows kids to learn the alphabet in a fun way with corresponding images and letters on flashcards. The goal is to match two similar letters and sound out the illustrated word.

3 and older. Kazoo Toys and Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop. $12.99

n Add water to The

Dinosaur Who Lived Inside the Volcano

by Seedling and watch the volcano erupt, revealing a big surprise – a dinosaur that grows larger over the next 72 hours.

Our testers were fascinated. 3-6 years.

Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop and Seedling.com. $5.99

n Disney Pixar’s Finding Dory Swimming Nemo

lets kids re-create all of their favorite scenes from the movie. When submerged in the water the robot fish moves like a real fish. Collect all of the characters from the movie. 4 and older. Toys R Us. $11.99

n With Plus Plus Tubes n The Play-Doh Sparkle collection

adds some shimmer to the traditional molding dough. Each color is sprinkled with glitter, and the set comes with two cutters for open play. 3 and older. Major retailers. $8.99

24 Atlanta Parent December 2016

kids can free play and build different creations using the bricks inside. The sets come in one color or a variety of colors. 3 and older. plusplus.us. Brilliant Sky Toys, Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop and Treehouse Kid & Craft. 3 and older. $6.99

atlantaparent.com

Gifts for Book-Loving Kids

by Cindy Hudson

If you know a child who loves to read, you probably also know that buying gifts for him or her is not as simple as picking up a new book.

He may not like the book you choose for him, or she may have her heart set on a different title.

It’s sometimes easier to buy book-related gifts.

These items can often be worn, displayed on a wall, or used as part of everyday life.

Here are five ideas to thrill the book-lover on your gift list. n Put the writing on the wall... or the clothing, or the book bag.

At Litographs (litographs.com) you can find posters, T-shirts and totes that feature every word from a variety of popular books arranged around an image familiar to readers. For instance, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz design includes a cyclonelike spiral along with a house and flying monkeys. Peter Pan features an outline of Peter and Tinkerbell. Designs are available for about 20 classics stories, such as Alice in Wonderland and The Secret Garden, as well as a recent title, Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

n Box it up. Kids love to read the same stories over and over again. So if you know of a series they like, you can look for a boxed set they can cherish for years to come. Younger readers may get excited about a Dr. Seuss collection, or Junie B. Jones books. Kids who like potty humor may love the Captain Underpants books.

Middle readers may be attracted to a set of The Little House books or Percy Jackson and the Olympians. You can even find collections aimed at teens, such as The Hunger Games trilogy.

n Sneak in a few literacy skills.

Storytelling games let the whole family get in on the fun. Plus, don’t tell reluctant readers, but making up stories is actually a way to boost reading and writing skills.

Look for Rory’s Story Cubes (storycubes. com), which lets you roll the word-sided dice and make up a tale from the words that roll out. Or pick up The Storymatic Kids (thestorymatic.com), which is a box of 360 thick cards easy for small hands to hold. Choose one or more and create a story or draw a picture inspired by the words you see.

n Shine some light on it. Book lights are especially helpful for kids who share a room with a sibling or during travel, when the whole family may be sleeping in one hotel room. Try a handsfree version like the MyLight Hug Light Buddies, which are stuffed animals that contain LED lights in moveable limbs.

The animal’s body creates a pillow at the back of the neck, while its legs can be positioned to point at the pages of a book. Choose from a bear, cat, dog, panda or other animals at showertek.com

n Warm their hearts and their hands. What could be better than sitting down to read a book while sipping hot chocolate or warm tea from a literary-themed mug? The Unemployed Philosophers Guild (philosophersguild. com) offers mugs to celebrate favorite writers, like Shakespeare, Mark Twain, or Jane Austen, or characters such as Sherlock Holmes or the Cheshire Cat. You can find a mug that gives tribute to banned book titles, Shakespearean insults, and many more.

Porter Academy Enabling Children with Learning Differences to Succeed

• Pre-K–8th • Small Groups • Individualized programs • Hands-on learning activities

770-594-1313 | www.porteracademy.org | 200 Cox Rd., Roswell atlantaparent.com

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 25

SPONSORED CONTENT

Preschools at the Top of Their Class These great preschools foster learning in a caring and fun atmosphere and get kids started on the right path for success in school and in life.

Little Sunshine Playhouse & Preschool

Little Sunshine Playhouse & Preschool

The importance of using imagination and growing socially through hands-on activities is emphasized at Little Sunshine Playhouse & Preschool. A Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum is used and teachers personalize lesson plans to each child’s learning style. The teachers plan programs specific to each classroom, which are tailored to those students’ interests.

Playing and nature is incorporated into the lessons to make learning engaging and fun. Additionally, the preschool provides exploration and learning opportunities in areas such as music, art, sports, cooking, dramatic play, storytelling and problem solving. Kiddie Cams™ are provided so parents can see into the classroom throughout the day and LuvNotes™ are available for parents and teachers to electronically communicate. All menus exceed nutritional guidelines and are focused on the long-term impact of providing children with healthy, nutrient-rich meals. Five-day, three-day and two-day programs are offered for infants through pre-kindergarten.

Alpharetta; littlesunshine.com

The Spanish Academy

The Spanish Academy is a total immersion program where children are immersed into Spanish daily by native speaking teachers. Your preschooler will be exposed to a second language by learning through play, songs and conversation.

The Spanish Academy’s goal is to create an atmosphere in which children become global citizens who are creative, inquisitive, independent problem-solvers who experience the joy of learning and look forward to coming to school each day. The low student-to-teacher ratio allows for relationship building and personalized learning time. Learning a second language from a young age has many cognitive and cultural benefits. Preschoolers are linguistic geniuses and acquire languages naturally when exposed at a young age.

Half-day programs offered from 18 months. Four Atlanta area locations; thespanishacademy.com The Spanish Academy

Sunshine House

26 Atlanta Parent December 2016

Sunshine House

Sunshine House plans a day full of engaging learning experiences that optimize critical thinking, creativity and social growth for preschool children. Creative Curriculum, a nationally-recognized, scientifically-based program is used.

In the infant and toddler classrooms, this is supplemented with brain-based experiences, developed by early education experts to provide for optimal brain development. These experiences provide active learning in critical thinking, movement, language, sensory exploration and relationship building. Their literature-focused program, Seeds of Literacy, draws out characters in children’s books to build literacy and character development, and teachers use a hands-on approach to engage children in the learning process. They want learning to be meaningful to the children’s lives, and want to encourage curiosity and problem-solving. Music, dance, Spanish and sign language are also offered in the classrooms.

All of the food is made in house, and children eat family-style in the classroom. Programs cater to a family’s schedule for infants-5 years. 30 Atlanta locations; sunshinehouse.com

atlantaparent.com

Preschool: What to Look For After you’ve researched and narrowed your preschool choices, it’s time to visit.

Here’s what to pay attention to:

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

Ahava Early Learning Center

Ahava Early Learning Center

The keystone of Ahava Early Learning Center’s program is love (ahava) – a love of children, Judaism and learning. The Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum encourages children to wonder, ask questions, and to make connections with the world around them. Jewish culture, traditions and values blend into each day’s activities through music, art, language, cooking and dramatic play. Each child’s interests are taken into account with individualized goals and a hands-on approach. Learning is tailored to be authentic to children’s lives, with creativity, play and deeper thinking woven into all experiences. The highly educated and experienced teachers are passionate about their work and believe that children have many different ways of expressing themselves. The teachers honor and respect each child by incorporating their interests into the curriculum. A wide variety of scheduling options are offered for children 12 weeks to 6 years; additional drop-in days for registered part-time students are also available with prior notice. Atlanta; ahavalearning.org

The Chastain School

Teaching through play to engage, challenge and prepare preschoolers for the future is how The Chastain School believes children learn best. The program focuses on social, cognitive, emotional, physical and educational development.

The continuity of care program allows for children to have the same class group and instructor from the time they come in as an infant through 4K. This allows for the building of social skills and the bond between student and teacher. Using a combination of different curriculum styles, the lessons are personalized for each student’s needs. Each month the preschool classrooms have a theme allowing children to learn about different cultures, and the teachers integrate iPads into the lessons. The Chastain School is a NAEYC accredited Preschool & Child Development Center with Christian-based programs. Five-day programs are offered for infants to age 5; two-day or three-day programs available by request. Sandy Springs; thechastainschool.com

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

Students in the Primary School at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School move to the next level of their educational journeys equipped with global minds, that are academically prepared, global hearts with empathy for others and global hands, ready to serve and make a difference.

Young students arrive excited to be at school, knowing that they are in a place where they are safe and loved – a place where they can become confident and courageous learners.

A learning resource coordinator does a unique assessment of each student to determine how he or she learns best.

The school’s vibrant academic curriculum is then tailored to each child’s learning style. Parents know that caring HIES teachers help their children thrive by using tools such as Promethean Activboards, a Mobile iPad laboratory, the Earth Magic Learning Garden and a Brainstormers Design-Thinking class, where students creatively solve real and imaginary problems. Programs from 3 years. Atlanta; hies.org

Holy Spirit Prep Preschool

The Preschool at Holy Spirit Prep is a loving, Christ-centered environment, and an extension of your family. They believe the love of learning begins at home. Holy Spirit Prep builds on that foundation by fostering a passion for daily learning. Your child will be loved by teachers and caretakers, and become a happy and successful student. Compassionate teachers meet weekly to construct engaging lessons. Teachers use the OWL program, “Opening the World of Learning,” which includes language-based learning with visual, multi-sensory and hands-on experiences to teach fundamentals. Play activities are incorporated, which inspire spiritual, intellectual, social and emotional growth. Children attend chapel once a week, building a strong Catholic foundation from a young age. Spanish, art, music, and creative movement classes are offered weekly. Two, three, or five-day programs are offered from 6 weeks to kindergarten; extended day programs are also available. Atlanta; holyspiritprep.org Cont’d on page 28

1

Look for a warm interaction between the teacher and the kids.

2 Make sure the classroom has different activity areas for reading, art, naps, books and toys.

3 Check the preschool’s daily routine and pacing.

4 Find out how parents and teachers communicate.

5 Learn about the school’s policies on illness and discipline.

6 Consider whether the preschool is convenient to your home and/or office.

The first five years have so much to do with how the next 80 turn out.

– Bill Gates, Microsoft founder The Chastain School

atlantaparent.com

Holy Spirit Prep Preschool

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 27

PRESCHOOLS Legacy Academy

Legacy Academy encourages creativity and curiosity to help children explore and understand the world around them. Through purposeful play, students at the Academy gain important life skills; and under the guidance of experienced, caring teachers, children develop a lifelong love of learning. Legacy Academy Berkeley Lake and Legacy Academy Satellite provide a positive and enriched learning environment with experiences that foster the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of your child. They offer low child-to-teacher ratios and a copyrighted curriculum that helps young minds grow. For years, parents have entrusted the Academy with the high privilege of nurturing and teaching their children. Tour either of the schools, meet the other young students and talk with parents. Legacy Academy is “the perfect beginning for your Legacy.” Programs offered from 6 weeks-4 years. Norcross and Duluth. laberkeleylake.com; legacysatellite.com

Legacy Academy

Mount Vernon Presbyterian Preschool

Mount Vernon’s dynamic preschool program is created based upon a child’s abilities, passions and natural curiosity. The school’s highly-trained teachers form strong relationships with every child. A thorough understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and child development is at the heart of their Preschool and Early Learning Center. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Mount Vernon’s program fosters confident learning by building on a child’s imagination and exploration. Connecting students to the natural world, the new innovative outdoor playspace – Frontier – builds on Mount Vernon’s STEAM focus with instruments, a working water pump, an amphitheater, a tree fort, a sandpit, tunnels, pathways, tree stump stools and slides built into hills; this parklike setting is a space for all to discover and explore. Two-day, three-day or five-day programs are offered for infants to age 5; flexible full day, half-day or extended hours programs. Atlanta; mountvernonschool.org.

Mount Vernon Presbyterian Preschool

Peachtree Park Prep

Peachtree Park Prep has provided a “Loving to Learn” environment for over two decades. With challenging and engaging curriculum, combined with an unrivaled industry teaching tenure of over 10 years, the school positions students to graduate into area schools at the highest levels of performance. Owner Kay Paschal treats her students and faculty like family, and many alumni come back to visit her and their former teachers. Dedicated and enthusiastic teachers perform enriching and hands-on lessons, combining many elements to make the learning experience fun for each child. The curriculum is accelerated with preschoolers learning at a kindergarten level, and kindergartners learning at a first-grade level. Learning is enhanced with specialty instruction in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Music, Art and more in their state-of-the-art facilities. Visiting the school will show you why children never want to leave when it’s pick-up time. Two-, three- or five-day programs are available from 6 weeks to kindergarten. Johns Creek and Alpharetta; peachtreeparkprep.com

Peachtree Park Prep

Pinecrest Academy Preschool

Starting with hugs and prayers in the morning, preschoolers at Pinecrest Academy thrive in a warm and loving environment. Children know that they are safe and loved, thus feeling secure enough to begin to explore and gain self-confidence in their talents. The teachers incorporate Montessori materials proven to develop intrinsic learning and fine motor skills. Preschoolers work in small groups with a student-to-teacher ratio of eight to one, which allows teachers to personalize lessons making sure all academic needs are met. Teachers work with different learning styles to meet objectives necessary to prepare for kindergarten and beyond. The preschool provides a strong foundation for Christian leadership skills to grow, with each child attending chapel weekly and with a hands-on faith interest program. Three-day or five-day programs for ages 3-4, with half or full day options. Cumming; pinecrestacademy.org

Pinecrest Academy Preschool

The Walker School Preschool

The power of play and instilling from a young age that learning can be fun is key at The Walker School. Playing has a purpose with improving a child’s fine motor skills, number sense and working memory. With a nurturing and loving environment, Walker helps build confidence and fearlessness to learn any concept. Curiosity is encouraged and skilled educators help guide the wonder of each preschool student. The preschool curriculum is structured and child-centered, with a focus on language arts, mathematics, social studies and science with a hands-on approach. Children learn through play, song, movement and problem-solving, and teachers build one-on-one relationships with each student. Spanish language skills are acted out with daily open-ended questions and children learn to read music through heartbeats. Half-day and full-day options are available for ages 3 and older, as well as extended after school programs. Marietta; thewalkerschool.org The Walker School Preschool

28 Atlanta Parent December 2016

atlantaparent.com

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

HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

Montessori School at Emory

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

Accredited Toddler Through Middle School Programs

Atlanta Country Day School (ACDS) is a private, SACS & GAC accredited, coeducational college preparatory school that serves grades 6-12. ACDS was founded in 1977. ACDS provides exceptional education in a positive environment by offering: ● Low Student: Teacher Ratio (6:1) ● 4-Day School Week ● Fridays are for tutoring and electives ● Mandatory Study Hall ● 100% College Acceptance Rate ● Award-winning PERFORMING ARTS company ● Project-Assisted Learning ● School Field Trips

8725 DUNWOODY PLACE ATLANTA, GA 30350

atlantacountrydayschool.com atlantaparent.com

Over $1.2 million in Scholarships

Teen Entrepreneur

Drama Interp.

Runner Up

CALL FOR A TOUR!

Perfect Math S.A.T. Score

770-998-0311

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 29

Fulton County Schools

Is Here To Help…

The school system can evaluate any child age 3 or older for a suspected disability, at no cost.

➢ Diagnostic and Evaluation Services ➢ Speech/Language Therapy ➢ Specialized Community and School-Based Education We serve students with disabilities such as developmental delays, speech/language delays, autism spectrum disorders, hearing and vision impairments, orthopedic impairments who are three to five years of age and reside within the Fulton County School District.

Call or visit for more information: 470-254-0404 fultonschools.org

Holiday Gifts Teachers Really WaNt

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

GAC ACCREDITED ESTABLISHED 2002

G FR A P EE re K

• Year-round open enrollment Infants - 12 Years • M-F 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM • Certified and Experienced Montessori Teachers • Fully Equipped Montessori Classrooms

• Full Service Childcare • Summer Camp, Field Trips, ASP • Ballet, Karate, Music, Piano, Spanish, Chinese • Full & Part Time, Mother’s Morning Out ARSHIPS Franchising Opportunity Available • SCHOL YEARS OLD FOR 4/5 !

www.CrescoMontessori.com

etails

Call for D

The Bedford School accepts students in grades one through nine. Students receive proper academic remediation in a small class setting, as well as specific help with physical skills, peer interaction and self-esteem. The Bedford School also offers Squirrel Hollow Camp, a remedial summer camp program.

For Children With Learning Differences

770-774-8001

Open Houses

5665 Milam Rd. Fairburn, Georgia 30213

Wednesday, February 15, 2017 9:00 am (Begins at 9)

www.thebedfordschool.org

Sunday, January 29, 2017 1-3 pm (drop-in) Thursday, March 23, 2017 9:00 am (Begins at 9)

The Bedford School maintains a non-discriminatory policy concerning admissions, scholarships, use of facilities and employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or creed.

30 Atlanta Parent December 2016

by Kerrie McLoughlin

You want to show appreciation for your child’s teacher but are most likely short on time and perhaps money. I polled teachers to find out what gifts they love and which ones they would happily take a pass on. The answers might surprise you.

Gifts to Give n Gift cards for local and chain restaurants. n Gift cards for teacher supply stores to buy classroom items such as tacks, books, markers, pens, calendars and fun items that might not be provided by the school. n Gift cards for discount stores such as Target or Wal-Mart. atlantaparent.com

Experience what school should be. n Homemade gifts from the kids such as cards and pictures because those are extra special. n Notes of appreciation that come from the heart. One teacher said, “I have kept every drawing or art project a kid has ever gifted me from teaching preschool back in the day.” n Chocolate and coffee products! Consider putting together a basket of special chocolate bars, hot chocolates, fancy coffees and creamers and other treats.

Register online for upcoming Admission Events.

Gifts to Skip Any homemade food.

It may be easy for you to whip up a batch of cookies or give your famous banana bread, but the teacher may be watching his or her sugar, gluten, calories or worse … they might be allergic!

Lotions.

Everyone is different and it’s hard to pick out a scent that every teacher will love. Some hate fruit or food scents while others love them. Some are bothered by the smells entirely.

Evening to Inform Pre-K Preview Open House

Dec 8th Dec 15th Jan 22nd

Pre-K through 8th Grade | Roswell, GA 770.993.2940 | www.highmeadows.org An International Baccalaureate® School

Announcing the opening of our New Second Campus at 1434 Scott Boulevard in Decatur

Candles and mugs.

A teacher can only burn and store so many candles every year. And where to store so many mugs, and how to rotate and use them all so every kid gift-giver feels special?

Ties.

This may seem like a slam dunk for a male teacher, but they likely already have quite a few. Delve a little deeper into the teacher’s personality to find out what else he might like: fishing lures, golf or tennis balls, something fun for camping, a special book, maybe even an iTunes gift card.

Serving children ages 18 months to 6 years.

Limited space available for the current school year.

Call 404-321-9304 for more information. www.ArborMontessori.org

Anything with an apple on it and random knick knacks!

Lots of families are trying to downsize and declutter, so why add to your teacher’s overflow of stuff? atlantaparent.com

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 31

32 Atlanta Parent    December 2016

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Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

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Free Fun

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Exhibits

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Playground

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Calendar

Not-to-miss events for December

Top y Holidats Even 0 4 Page

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SEC Fanfare

Georgia World Congress Center Dec. 2 and 3. Fri. 2-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebrity quarterbacks, pep-rallies, attractions and more to celebrate the SEC Championship Game.

Football games, interactive elements and TVs displaying games from the season.

285 International Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 404-223-4000. $10; 12 and younger, $5. secsports.com

atlantaparent.com

Children’s Christmas Parade

Children’s Christmas Parade

Peter Pan Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Dec. 9, 8 p.m.; Dec. 10, 2 and 8 p.m.

The Atlanta Lyric Theatre performs the timeless story about a boy who doesn’t want to grow up, and his mischievous sidekick, Tinkerbell. See all of your favorite characters in Neverland. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-9162800. $25-$61.50. cobbenergycentre.com

Downtown Atlanta Dec. 3. 10:30 a.m.

Downtown will be filled with festive floats and holiday cheer during the annual parade benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Floats, giant helium-filled balloons and marching bands will flow down the street, and the arrival of Santa will announce the holiday season. Begins at Peachtree St. and 16th St. 404-785-7974. Free. choa.org/parade

Family Fun Guide

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 33

Family Fun Guide Last Chance: See These Exhibits Before They Leave Town

Through

Face-to-Face With Dinosaurs The Details World’s Largest Dinosaurs Exhibit Fernbank Museum of Natural History 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300; fernbankmuseum.org n Admission: Adults $18, ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free. n Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.; closed Christmas Day.

K

ids know that dinosaurs are big. The World’s Largest Dinosaurs exhibit at Fernbank Museum of Natural History teaches kids and their parents why and how they got to be so big.

In the exhibit, you’ll meet the enormous sauropod, Mamenchisaurus, and get to know the dinosaur inside and out. The exhibit also makes comparisons of creatures great and small. How does an ant’s strength stack up to a human? What are the largest and smallest specimens from different animal species?

As you move through the exhibit, you’ll interact with the Mamenchisaurus’ heart and lungs superimposed onto a dino-sized model. The benches in the stadium seating rumble as if the giant creature is walking among us.

Kids can demonstrate with their own strength how

Through TINKERTOY: Build Your Imagination

Jan. 2

Jan. 2

Tellus Science Museum Design, build and team up together to build TINKERTOY structures, experiment with renewable energy and clean water technology and create your own inventions. Free play and construct whatever you imagine with sets in the Discovery Garden. 770-606-5700. Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org

34 Atlanta Parent December 2016

much a heart needs to pump blood through an adult’s body versus an elephant’s. They can measure dinosaur bones and their own and see how much food it takes to fill an enormous dinosaur’s belly. Then, they can fit themselves into a dinosaur’s footprint.

The youngest dinosaur fans will get a kick out of the wall-mounted dinosaur puzzles and interactive scenes.

My kindergartner marveled at models of dinosaur eggs, and loved seeing how fast baby dinosaurs grew! My second-grader, who loves science, was fascinated by all the parts of the exhibit that he could touch and move. There are buttons to push and levers to pull – The World’s Largest Dinosaurs exhibit has tons of hands-on fun.

– Nicole Mabry

Through I See a Story: The Art of Eric Carle

Jan. 8

High Museum of Art Features more than 80 collages from 16 of Eric Carle’s most popular books that span his 50-year career, including many original works rarely on view. See the Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear and more of Carle’s famous illustrations. 404-733-4400. $14.50; ages 5 and younger, free. high.org

Family Fun Guide

Through Magic Tree House

Jan. 16

Children’s Museum of Atlanta Hop inside Jack and Annie’s magical tree house and explore American history through a timetraveling adventure based on the Magic Tree House books. Experience life on the prairie during a tornado, team up with Clara Barton during the Civil War and help pilgrims prepare the first Thanksgiving. 404-659-5437. $14.95; younger than 1, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

atlantaparent.com

Cheeky Chastain

4600 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs (other locations in Cumming, Norcross and Suwanee) 404-963-7390; eatatcheeky.com Mon.-Sun. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.

EATING OUT

Cheeky’s extensive menu is perfect for an easy family meal. The restaurant specializes in Latin America-inspired food, but has options to please the child who liked tacos yesterday but not today.

Diners are surrounded by flat-screen televisions showing all the games. In warm weather, patio seating is available. n What’s on the menu: The kids’ menu includes everything from tacos to grilled cheese, with numerous side dishes, but both my children ordered cheeseburgers with a side of French fries or rice.

We started with a Trifecta of house-made guacamole, refried beans and queso ($9), calamari with jalapenos and chipotle cream ($9) and authentic pork tamales ($9). All were delicious, but the pork tamales served with salsa verde made me miss Christmas back home in Texas and the queso was eaten so quickly by my children that it was almost embarrassing.

The menu has lighter fare including the Tipico salad ($10 grilled chicken, lettuce, pico, avocado and black bean puree) and Top Shelf tacos filled with pork belly, ahi tuna or skirt steak.

A surprising hit were the Agave Chili Lime wings (six for $8). They were crispy and sweet and everyone at the table loved them.

atlantaparent.com

n Why the kids will like it: They can choose from American classics like a burger or wings, but also try calamari. n Why parents will like it: The restaurant has a laid back atmosphere with craft cocktails like the prickly-orange margarita ($9), made with prickly pear puree, fresh orange juice and basil or the P.Y.O.B. (Pour Your Own Beer) with local beer on tap. Also, the large menu makes Cheeky a really easy place to eat if you have a variety of appetites.

Family Fun Guide

– Lauren Townsend

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 35

iFLY. Atlanta

CURES FOR WINTER Keep the kids busy over winter break with these ideas for indoor and outdoor fun. Go on a scavenger hunt, try an adrenaline pushing activity or pretend it is summer while whirling down an indoor water slide.

Skydive indoors If your kids are not old enough to do the real thing, but are after an adrenalineboosting experience, the new indoor skydiving facility will let them have a taste. n iFLY. Atlanta; iflyworld.com

Jump on a trampoline These indoor trampoline parks let you jump to new heights. Some even have foam pits and balls to play with. n Get Air. Suwanee; getairjohnscreek.com n JumpStreet. Lawrenceville; gotjump.com n Sky Zone. Kennesaw, Roswell, Suwannee, McDonough; skyzone.com n X-drenaline. Marietta; xdrenaline.com

Sky Zone

36 Atlanta Parent December 2016

South Cobb Aquatic Center

Family Fun Guide

Get splashed at an indoor water park Pretend it is summer and glide down water slides, swim in wave pools and get splashed. n Bethesda Park Aquatic Center. Lawrenceville. gwinnettparks.com, search “Aquatics” n Bogan Aquatic Center. Buford; gwinnettparks.com, search “Aquatics” n South Cobb Aquatic Center. Austell; cobbcounty.org, search “Aquatics”

Shoot arrows at Panola Mountain State Park Let your kids release their inner Katniss while learning basic archery. Some classes are indoors and some are outdoors. For ages 9 and older. Equipment is provided with each session most Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon. Call to reserve a spot, 770-389-7801. gastateparks.org/archery

Panola Mountain State Park

atlantaparent.com

Snow Mountain

CABIN FEVER Play in the snow These outdoor areas transform into Winter Wonderlands, and bring lots of snow to Atlanta. Build a snowman; shoot snowballs, tube down snow slides and more. n Snow Mountain. Stone Mountain; stonemountainpark.com n Winter Adventure. Lake Lanier Islands; lanierislands.com

Go rock climbing Test your climbing skills and stamina with these large, indoor rock climbing gyms. n Stone Summit Climbing and Fitness Center.

Atlanta and Kennesaw; ssclimbing.com n Atlanta Rocks! Atlanta; atlantarocks.com n Wall Crawler Rock Club. Atlanta; wallcrawlerclimbing.com n Adrenaline Climbing. Suwanee; adrenalineclimbing.com

Hunt for tiny and secret doors Go on a family scavenger hunt for the tiny and hidden doors of Atlanta. They are hand-crafted and painted to go along with their locations; some even include tiny figurines and pets. n Tiny Doors of Atlanta. Locations include: Krog Street Tunnel, Old Fourth Ward Skate Park, King of Pops and more. tinydoorsatl.com n The Secret Doors of Decatur.

Locations include: Sushi Avenue, Decatur Visitor Center, Wylde Center and more. secretdoorsdecatur.com – Teresa Farkas

Artz for the Harp Beginner group harp enrichment classes and day camps!

No prior music experience necessary!

Weekly classes includes harps and all instructional materials.

Sign up for a class near you!

Stone Summit Climbing

atlantaparent.com

Tiny Doors of Atlanta

Family Fun Guide

www.artzfortheharp.org 678.902.ARTZ December 2016 Atlanta Parent 37

Best Neighborhood CHRISTMAS LIGHTS in Atlanta These families and neighborhoods do it big for the holidays. See bright, sparkling lights, listen to holiday music and donate to worthy causes while enjoying family time. If your house missed our list this year, email calendar@atlantaparent.com.

Christmas in the Grove This family’s love for Christmas turned into a giant display getting people in the mood for the holidays since 2010. Now it has over 115,000 lights plus trees, computerized animation and more. Donations are collected for ALS, and if you tune into 87.9 FM, music is synchronized with the show.

Go see it: Nov. 24-Jan. 1. Mon.-Thurs. 6:30-10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 6:30-11 p.m.

1428 Oak Grove Dr., Decatur; christmasinthegrove.net

Gaddy Family Christmas Light Extravaganza For more than 20 years the Gaddy family has hosted a drive-thru Christmas display with light tunnels and blow up Christmas décor. They collect donations for Toys for Tots and The March of Dimes.

Go see it: Nov. 24-Jan. 1.

6-10 p.m. 898 Sandy Creek Rd., Fayetteville; facebook. com/gaddylights

Felix Family Christmas

A Whole LOT of Christmas For more than 25 years, this family has been decorating their home to the extreme. Different sections of the yard include snowflake lane, an antique fire engine, Santa’s workshop and more. In 2012, they began collecting donations for Make-a-Wish Georgia and hope to continue with a goal of $5,000 this year. Santa sits in the sleigh for photos Sat. and Sun. Go see it: Nov. 24-Dec. 31. 6:15-11:45 p.m. nightly. 1833 Smokerise Summit, Stone Mountain; facebook.com/AWhole-LOT-of-Christmas

38 Atlanta Parent December 2016

Family Fun Guide

Animated display with thousands of lights coordinated to Christmas music. Light arches, giant stars and tons of trees fill this yard.

Go see it: Nov. 24-Dec. 31.

Week nights, 6-10 p.m.; weekends, 6-11 p.m. 224 Oliver Overlook, Dallas; facebook.com/Felix-FamilyChristmas-Lights

atlantaparent.com

Vinyard Christmas The 13,000 lights are synced to music on 91.7 FM. They even let you control some of the lights on your phone with their website while you’re watching the show.

Go see it: Nov. 27-Jan. 1. 5:30-10 p.m. nightly. 3690 Vinyard Way, Lawrenceville; vinyardchristmas.com

Mint Julep Christmas Display More than 40,000 lights are synchronized to 20 songs. Tune into 88.3 FM to “listen to the lights.” The display is free, but donations are accepted for the Sibley Heart Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Go see it: Nov. 24-Dec. 31. Sun.-Thurs.

6-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 6-11 p.m. 116 N Mountain Brooke Dr., Ball Ground; facebook.com/MintJulepChristmasDisplay

Smoot Family Christmas Light Show They have over 50,000 commercial LED Christmas lights that wrap around their home and are coordinated to 8-10 different songs each week. Donations are collected for The Lupus Foundation of Georgia Chapter. On Saturday nights, they also serve cookies and hot chocolate to visitors.

Go see it: Begins Nov. 24. 5:30-10 p.m. week nights; 5:30-11 p.m. weekends. 3699 Autumn View Dr., Acworth; facebook.com/SmootFamilyChristmasLightShow

Christmas in Castille Tune into 89.9 FM for music synchronized to their house’s lights. The Christmas tree in the front swirls with multi-colored lights, and the outline of the house flashes to the music. They change the playlist each year, and bring in extra elements throughout the yard.

Go see it: Dec. 1- 24. Thurs.- Sat. 6-9 p.m. 4220 Tivoli Way, Alpharetta; christmasincastille.com

More bright areas: l More

than 200 blow-up Santas, elves, reindeer, snow men and more at the corner of Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. and Winwall Down Rd., Buckhead. l Former

Governor Roy Barnes’ House on Whitlock Ave., Marietta l Logan

Circle and Briarwood Road, Brookhaven l Hillside

and Powers Ferry at Chastain Park, North Buckhead l Meckley

Family Xmas, 4291 Edgewater Dr., Kennesaw l The

Calumet West neighborhood raises money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. 1045 Peace Dr. NW, Kennesaw l Atkinson

Christmas Lights at 18 Riverwood Landing, Dallas

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 39

TOP HOLIDAY EVENTS:

TIME TO MAKE A LIST

Most Famous Reindeer of All l Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Center for Puppetry Arts Through Dec. 31. See puppet.org for show times.

Rudolph is back with this faithful adaptation of the holiday story.

Recommended for ages 4 and older. 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta.

404-873-3391. Ages 2 and older, $20.50-$24.50. l Reindeer Day Chattahoochee Nature Center / Dec. 11. Noon-4 p.m.

Meet live reindeer, make reindeer crafts and eat campfire treats.

9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Included with admission.

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

Watch a Parade l Children’s Christmas Parade Downtown Atlanta / Dec. 3. 10:30 a.m.

Floats, giant helium-filled balloons and marching bands will flow down the street, and the arrival of Santa will announce the holiday season. Begins on Peachtree St. at 16th St. 404-785-7974. Free.

Visit the Icy Kingdom l The Snow Queen Serenbe Playhouse Dec. 1-30. See serenbeplayhouse.com for show times.

Follow the brave Gerda on her epic quest to save her brother from the icy allure of the mysterious Snow Queen. Bundle up for this outdoor production. 9065 Selborne Ln., Chattahoochee Hills. 770463-1110. Adults, $20; 12 and younger, $15.

A Squealing Good Time l Macy’s Pink Pig Lenox Square Mall Through Jan. 1. Search “Macy’s Pink Pig” for schedule.

Closed Christmas Day. Atlanta’s famous pig train takes families for a life-sized storybook ride. Upper Level Parking Deck. 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta.

404-233-6767. $3 per ride.

Chattahoochee Nature Center

40 Atlanta Parent December 2016

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Atlanta Symphony Hall

Celebrate World Cultures

Sounds of the Season

l Celebrations in Light Children’s Museum of Atlanta Dec. 3-30. See childrensmuseumatlanta.org for schedule.

A showcase of different holidays from around the world with themed activities, cultural performances, puppeteers, art workshops and more.

A different holiday is celebrated each week. 275 Centennial Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-527-3693. $14.95; younger than 1, free.

l Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Clayton State University Dec. 9, 7 p.m.; Dec. 10-11, 3 p.m.

A fusion of classic favorites and new selections to showcase the talents of the 170-member children’s choir. 2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow. 678-466-4200.

Tickets start at $25.

l The Chinese Lantern Festival Centennial Olympic Park Dec. 9-Jan. 15. Nightly 6-11 p.m.

Chinese culture will be illuminated through brightly-colored lanterns and cultural performances. The South Park will be decorated with 25 handcrafted lanterns, a three-story pagoda and a 200-foot-long Chinese dragon. 265 Park Ave. W, Atlanta. 404-223-4412. Free.

l Cirque de la Symphonie’s Holiday Spectacular Atlanta Symphony Hall Dec. 20-21. Tues. 8 p.m.; Wed. 2 and 8 p.m.

Jugglers, clowns and acrobats will be flying high above the orchestra as it performs the Cirque de la Symphonie with an impressive score of classical hits. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta; 404-733-4900. $16.20-$125.

Stone Mountain Park

atlantaparent.com

Horizon Theatre Company

Family Fun Guide

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 41

TOP HOLIDAY EVENTS Play by the Lake l Winter Adventure Lake Lanier Islands / Through Jan. 4.

See lanierislands.com for schedule.

Lanier World transforms into a wonderland with play snow, slides, carnival rides, light displays, a live nativity and more. Also meet Santa and see holiday movies. 7000 Holiday Rd., Lake Lanier Islands. 770-932-7200. Light tour: $45 per car; rides and snow area: $29.99 per adult/child above 36 inches; $19.99 per child under 36 inches.

12 Little Girls from Paris l Madeline’s Christmas Horizon Theatre Company Dec. 3-31. See horizontheatre.com for show times.

A musical holiday adventure with Madeline and her friends in Paris. 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta. 404-5847450. Adults, $15; ages 11 and younger, $12.

Holiday Tea Time l Teddy Bear Tea Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Dec. 4 and 11. 2-3:30 p.m.

Bring a special teddy bear for a festive children’s tea and hot chocolate with Santa. Includes admission to the home and each child receives a gift bag. Ages 4 and older. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Pre-register. $25/ person. l Holiday Tea with American Girl American Girl Store and Bistro Dec. 4, 11 and 18. 2 p.m.

Holiday menu of tea treats, snowflake craft and more. Ages 8 and older. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Reservations required. $21.50 per person.

Atlanta History Center

42 Atlanta Parent December 2016

Georgia Aquarium

Christmas Classics

Aboard the Polar Express

l Stone Mountain Christmas Stone Mountain Park.

Through Jan. 4.

Visit stonemountainpark.com for schedule.

More than two million lights, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D movie, live performances of holiday favorites, Singalong Train, Christmas Parade, holiday shopping, visit with Santa and fireworks finale. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770498-5690. $25.95 per person for Christmas Adventure Pass. Parking, $15.

l Polar Express Adventure Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History Dec. 10. 2:30-7 p.m.

Walk through the museum decorated like “The Polar Express” and see performers bring the story to life including the British Academy of Performing Arts dancers. Enjoy readings of “The Polar Express” between performances and visits with Santa. Come in PJs. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-4272117. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; ages 3 and younger, free.

l Candlelight Nights Atlanta History Center Dec. 9 and 16, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

See the grounds and gardens decorated for the holidays and enjoy a candlelit stroll.

Holiday traditions of years past come alive with interpreters, music and special activities.

130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-8144000. Adults, $15; ages 5 and younger, $8.

Watch Holiday Classics l Roswell Winter Puppet Series Roswell Cultural Arts Center Dec. 15-17; Dec. 21-23. See roswellgov.com for show times.

Get ready for hilarious holiday high-jinx as residents of the North Pole perform in their annual talent show. 950 Forrest St., Roswell.

770-594-6232. $5; ages 1 and younger, free. l Holly Jolly Film Fest Fernbank Museum of Natural History Through Dec. 17. Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Holiday movies with some days featuring crafts and cultural programing. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Included with museum admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

Spin the Dreidel l Hanukkah Story Time Little Shop of Stories / Dec. 22. 7 p.m.

Listen to stories about the Festival of Lights, menorahs, latkes, dreidels and gelt, plus dreidel games. 133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free. l Menorah Lighting Marietta Square Dec. 30. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Meet at the Glover Park stage for a Chanukah celebration including holiday music and children’s games presented by Congregation Ner Tamid. Enjoy hot chocolate after the lighting. 100 Cherokee St., Marietta. 678-264-8575. Free.

For a full list of menorah lightings see our Hanukkah section in the holiday calendar.

Dine with Santa’s Helpers l Elf on a Shelf Dinner Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Dec. 16. 6:30-8 p.m.

Elves serve dinner in the Superior Court Ballroom, with the big elf himself available for photos. Includes photo opportunity, decorate a cookie and craft. 185 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Pre-register before Dec. 14. 770-822-5450. $15 per person; 12 months and younger, free.

atlantaparent.com

Santa Swims!

l Festival of the SEAson Georgia Aquarium / Through Jan. 1.

See georgiaaquarium.org for times.

Galleries and exhibits turn into a winter wonderland, incorporating light and music shows, appearances by Santa and SCUBA Claus, holiday entertainment, daily treelighting ceremonies and more. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Adults, $39.95; ages 3-12, $33.95; ages 2 and younger, free. l Swim with Santa Bethesda Park Aquatic Center Dec. 17. 11 a.m.

Have a picture taken with Santa and enjoy crafts and games. Children 7-10 must be accompanied by an adult. Children 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult in the water. 678-277-0880. Pre-register by Dec. 9. 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville. $12 per child; free adult admission.

atlantaparent.com

Fox Theatre

Admire Dancing Sugarplums and Snowflakes l The Nutcracker Fox Theatre Dec. 9-24. See foxtheatre.org for show times.

The Atlanta Ballet’s presentation of the holiday classic live with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-2100. $21.50-124.50.

For more Nutcracker performances see our list in the holiday calendar.

Family Fun Guide

See the Story of Christmas on Stage l Black Nativity Southwest Arts Center Performance Theater Through Dec. 18. See blacknativityatlanta.com for show times.

A rendition of the Christmas Story with thrilling voices, dance and gospel music. 915 New Hope Rd., Atlanta. 404-613-3220. Adults, $45; 12 and younger, $15.

For additional live nativity scenes see our list in the holiday calendar. c

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 43

HOLIDAY CALENDAR THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS DECEMBER! Holiday Events Christmas Tree Lighting. Vinings Jubilee.

Enjoy holiday music, train rides, face painting, pictures with Santa and more. Dec. 1.

6-8 p.m. 4300 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta.

770-434-2400. Free.

Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting. Decatur Square. Annual lighting of the giant tree with music, hot cocoa and Santa. Dec. 1. 7 p.m.

East Court Square, Decatur. 678-615-0915.

Free.

Celebration of Lights. Northside HospitalForsyth in Cumming. Tree lighting with live entertainment, live animals, kids’ activities and photos with Santa. Dec. 2. 6 p.m. 1200 Northside Forsyth Dr., Cumming. 770-6674483. Free.

Melted Snowman Party. Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center. Decorate a holiday tree in the pool, write a letter to Santa, drink hot chocolate and swim. Dec. 2. 7 p.m. Children 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Pre-register. 2200 Collins Hill Rd., Suwanee. 770-237-5647. $6 per child; free adult admission.

Home for the Holidays Expo. Infinite Energy Center.

Holiday shopping, visits with Santa and an entertainment stage. Kringle’s Kids Korner with ornament making, character appearances, face painting and the Ice Cream Man monster truck.

Dec. 2 and 3. Fri. noon-6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-6262464. Adults, $5; 12 and younger, free.

Season on the Square. Colony Square. Atlanta artists will transform the area with 20 uniquely painted Christmas trees. Special events throughout the month. Begins Dec. 3. Corner of Peachtree and 14th Streets. colonysquaremidtown.com.

Free.

Community Free Day. Chattahoochee Nature Center.

As part of the Back to Nature Holiday Market and Festival all guests receive free admission to the exhibits, trails and programs. Dec. 3. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Free.

Reindog Parade. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Holiday dog parade and dress-up competition, plus Doggie Expo. Have your pet’s photo taken with Botanical Saint Nick. Dec. 3. 11 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Dogs, $18; adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Holiday Celebration on the Square. Roswell.

Carolers from schools, lighting of the Historic Town Square, a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a visit from Santa Claus. Dec. 3. 5 p.m. Intersection of Hwy. 9 and Hwy. 120, Roswell. 770-641-3950. Free.

Christmas Tree Lighting. Historic Downtown Alpharetta. Annual lighting of 45-foot live spruce tree, photos in the giant snow globe, music and activities. Dec. 3. 5-9 p.m. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 5 p.m. and lighting at 7 p.m. Milton Square City Park, Alpharetta. 678-297-2811. Free.

Holiday Bricktacular. LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Santa takeover of MINILAND with big tree build. Dec. 3 and 4. More activities SatSun. through Dec. 25. Sat. 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3500 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-848-9252. Included with admission. $20; 2 and younger, free.

Atlanta Ballet Centre Ensemble & Meet and Greet. American Girl Store and Bistro. See ballerinas perform scenes from the Nutcracker, make holiday crafts and bring your camera for a meet and greet with the ballerinas. Dec. 4.

1-4 p.m. Ages 5 and older. 1202 North Point Cir. Alpharetta. americangirl.com/retail/atlanta Free.

Holiday Lights Celebration. East Cobb Park.

Live entertainment, Santa and Rudolph, plus the lighting of the great tree. Dec. 4. 4-7 p.m.

3322 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-591-3160.

Free.

Polar Express and Pancakes. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center. Pancake breakfast, hot chocolate bar, crafts and “Polar Express” playing on the big screen. Dec. 10.

9 a.m. Pre-register by Dec. 5. 678-277-0890. 3 and older, $6.

Christmas for Kids. Bulloch Hall. Hunt the yule log, make a seasonal craft, sing in the Christmas sing-a-long and more. Meet the Winter Princess, Mrs. Claus and Santa. Dec. 10. 10 a.m.-noon. 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell.

770-992-1731. $10.

Christmas at the Cabin. Red Top Mountain State Park. 1800s-style Christmas with music, cooking, toys and games. Bring a camera for free pictures with Santa. Dec. 10. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 50 Lodge Rd. SE, Cartersville. 770-9750055. Free; parking, $5.

Cont’d on page 46

Let it Snow Show, Atlantic Station

44 Atlanta Parent December 2016

Family Fun Guide

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7

Rinks for Ice Capades

Practice your twists and twirls or improve on last year’s moves at these outdoor rinks.

Astor Holiday Rink at St. Regis Atlanta Through Jan. 1. Thurs.-Sun. Hours vary.

Twinkling lights, holiday melodies, hot cocoa and s’mores. Reservations recommended. Adults, $30/hr.; 15 and younger, $18/hr. n Where: 88 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta.

404-563-7797. stregisatlanta.com/atlanta-ice-skating

Avalon on Ice

Avalon on Ice Through Jan. 22. Mon.-Fri. 3-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun. noon-7 p.m. Holidays 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Lace up your skates and glide on the ice.

Adults, $18; 9 and younger, $14; season pass, $175. All include skate rental. n Where: 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta.

770-765-1000. experienceavalon.com

SKATE Atlantic Station Through Feb. 14. Mon.-Thurs. 4-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat. noon-11 p.m.; Sun. noon-9 p.m.; Holidays 3-11 p.m.

A 10,000-square-foot, open-air ice skating rink.

Adults, $13; 12 and younger, $10. n Where: 17th St., Atlanta. 404-410-4010. atlanticstation.com

The Rink at Park Tavern Through Feb. 20. Mon.-Fri. 4:30-8 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Heated tent, state of the art sound system and rink-side dining. $15-$20, all day skate for all ages until 8 p.m.; after 8:30 p.m. must be 16 or older. n Where: 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-2490001. parktavern.com/ice-rink

Centennial Olympic Park Through Jan. 8. Mon.-Thurs. 4:30-10 p.m.; Fri. 4:30-11 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.10 p.m. Holiday hours may differ.

Skating in the park with views of the holiday lights. Sessions run 90 minutes. $12/person including skate rental. n Where: 265 Park Ave., Atlanta. 404-2234412. gwcca.org/park

Ice Days Ice Skating Rink Olde Town Conyers Pavilion Through Feb. 26. See icedaysconyers.com for schedule.

Indoor/outdoor rink in a botanical setting with real ice. Adults, $10; ages 7 and younger, $8. Skate rental included. n Where: 949 S. Main St. NE, Conyers. 678374-7655. icedaysconyers.com

The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill Through Feb. 19. See icerinkatsugarhill.com for schedule.

Practice your ice skating moves on this real ice outdoor rink. Adults, $12; 8 and younger, $10. n Where: 5039 West Broad St., Sugar Hill.

770-554-7506. icerinkatsugarhill.com

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & Bumble © andTM under license to Character Arts, LLC.

ATLANTA’S OFFICIAL WINTER WONDERLAND Presented By

November 12 - January 4 (select dates)

November 19 - February 26 (select dates)

ENJOY TWO GREAT WINTER EVENTS WITH A COMBO TICKET Tickets available at stonemountainpark.com

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Family Fun Guide

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 45

HOLIDAY CALENDAR Holiday Community Day. Phipps Plaza. Carols and good cheer, with performances by local organizations. Dec. 10. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-231-8119. Free.

Gingerbread Party. Little Shop of Stories. Enjoy gingerbread stories and decorate gingerbread men to eat. Dec. 10. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. $5 per child. Reservations required.

Christmas Parade. Historic Downtown Newnan.

Songs of Christmas-themed holiday parade.

Floats, walking groups, decorated cars, trucks and marching bands. Dec. 10. 6 p.m. 72 Greenville St., Newnan. 770-254-2682. Free.

Polar Express Pajama Party. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center. Drop your child off for the Polar Express movie, hot chocolate, pizza and popcorn. Write a letter to Santa and make a special Christmas craft. For ages 5-12.

Dec. 10. 6 p.m. Pre-register by Dec. 5. 100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0890. $21 per child.

Holiday Model Train Show, Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Story Time. Little Shop of Stories.

Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic with meet and greet. Dec. 11. 3 p.m.

133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-3736300. Free.

H lly J lly Fun

Magic Monday: Jingle Bells. Atlanta History Center.

Toddlers and preschoolers celebrate the holidays through song. Enjoy sing-a-longs, dances and musical instruments to get into the holiday spirit. Dec. 12.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404814-4000. Adults, $6.50; ages 5 and younger, $5.50.

Get in the holiday spirit by decorating your family’s Christmas tree, practicing moves on the ice or enjoying a festive performance! Enter our contest by Dec. 9 to win holiday prizes at atlantaparent.com.

PEN NOW Othis Outdoor Rink

eal Ice at Skate On R ate Events rties & Priv te Birthday Pa on our websi dule Y: Full Sche OPEN DAIL

Olde Town Conyers Pavilion 949 S. Main St. Conyers, Ga icedaysconyers.com • 678-374-7655 46 Atlanta Parent December 2016

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Holiday Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast.

Decatur Square. Roast marshmallows on the square. Dec. 15. 7-8 p.m. Downtown Decatur.

404-371-8386. Free.

Christmas Extravaganza. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. Live entertainment, vendors, Santa and more to benefit Lift Up Atlanta.

Dec. 17. noon-6 p.m. 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. liftupatlanta.org. Bring a toy for admission.

Polar Express Story Time with Santa. Little Shop of Stories. Christmas classic with Santa. Dec. 17. 5 p.m. and Dec. 18. 1 p.m.

133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. $5.

Reservations required.

The Mighty Mo & More. Fox Theatre. A musical prelude on the beloved Mighty Mo organ followed by a special screening of “The Santa Clause.” Dec. 19. 7:30 p.m.

660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-8812100. Free.

The Night before the Night before Christmas Story Time. Little Shop of Stories.

Children follow along at this read-aloud story time. Dec. 23. 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. 133 E. Court St., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.

Reservations required.

Let it Snow Show. Atlantic Station. Take a snowy walk through Central Park and enjoy holiday music while watching the snow fall. Daily shows through Jan 1. 17th St., Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Free.

Holiday in the Park. Six Flags. More than one million LED lights, Christmas trees and Santa Claus in all his glory with holiday themed attractions. Through Jan. 4. Visit sixflags.com for schedule. 275 Riverside Pkwy., Austell. Adults, $63.99; children under 48”, $48.99; ages 2 and younger, free.

Holiday Model Train Show. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Six tracks of G-scale choo choos.

Through Jan. 7. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and evenings during Garden Lights. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Included with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Winter Wonderland. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. An exhibit showcasing different holiday displays from cultures across the globe. Through Jan. 8. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-9296300. Included with museum admission.

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

Light Displays Holiday Lights of Hope. Hobgood Park. Walkthrough light display, lighted maze, visit with Santa, a children’s area with games and a bounce house, concessions and live music. All activities included in admission.

Dec. 8-23. Opens nightly at 6 p.m. 6688 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock. 678-504-6388.

Ages 15 and older, $10; and ages 14 and younger, free.

Christmas at Callanwolde Light Show.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Illuminating Design, Inc. adds an exterior walking tour of Holiday Illumination Displays to the already ornately decorated home. Through Dec. 29. 6-10 p.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338. Adults, $20; ages 3 and younger, free.

atlantaparent.com

TAKE IN THE GLOW! Candlelight Nights December 9th & 16th 5:30–9:30pm

Kick off the holidays with a candlelit stroll through our beautifully decorated gardens and historic houses. atlantahistorycenter.com

Family Fun Guide

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 47

HOLIDAY CALENDAR Holiday Light Spectacular. Atlanta Motor Speedway. Millions of twinkling lights, including glowing versions of Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman. Meet Santa in the village and take a keepsake photo. Through Dec. 30. Sun.Thurs., 6-9 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 6-10 p.m. 1500 Tara Place, Hampton. 770-946-4211. $15-20 per vehicle; Santa visits extra.

Pettit Creek Farms Christmas Lights. Pettit Creek Farms. More than one mile of light displays, reindeer, Santa visits, petting zoo, live nativity and more. Nightly through Dec. 30.

337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-386-8688. $15 per car; $12 per person for hay ride.

Lights of Life. Life University. Drive-thru 1.5 mile light show. Pony and train rides, concession stand, petting zoo and live music. Nightly through Dec. 31. Mon.-Thurs. 6-9 p.m.; Fri.Sun. 6-10 p.m.; 1269 Barclay Cir., Marietta. 678331-4334. $5/car weekdays; $10/car weekends.

Stone Mountain Christmas Lights. Stone Mountain Park. More than two million lights and activities. Through Jan. 4. Visit stonemountainpark.com for times and prices. U.S. Highway 78 E, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Nearly one million bulbs light up the garden with Orchestral Orbs, Glittering Galaxy, Radiant Rainforest and Model Trains.

Through Jan. 7. 5-10 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Thurs.-Sun. Adults, $26; ages 3-17, $20; Mon.-Wed. Adults, $23; ages 3-12, $17.

Fantasy in Lights. Callaway Gardens. Drive through more than eight million twinkling lights and a garden decorated for the season.

Through Jan. 7. Opens at 6 p.m. Hwy. 27, Pine Mountain. 800-225-5292. Adults, $21-$28; ages 6-12, $10.50-$14; ages 5 and younger, free.

Holiday in Lights. Centennial Olympic Park.

Thousands of lights decorate Centennial Olympic Park. Through Jan. 8. 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Lights begin at dusk. 265 Park Ave., Atlanta.

404-223-4412. Free.

Nativity Evening in Bethlehem. Roswell United Methodist Church. Indoor, dramatic re-enactment of the first Christmas with live characters and real stable animals. Dec. 3. 4 p.m. 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. 5814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-9936218. Free.

Bethlehem Walk. Mountain View United Methodist Church. Walk through the town of Bethlehem, depicted as it was the first Christmas, complete with shopkeepers. Dec. 3 and 4; Dec. 10 and 11. 7 p.m. 2300 Jamerson Rd., Marietta. 770-928-0050. Free.

Nativity Tour. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.

More than 250 nativity scenes from around the world made of everything from wood to volcanic ash. Dec. 3-11. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. 2-4 p.m. 2089 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 404-373-8338.

Adults, $5; 12 and younger, free.

48 Atlanta Parent December 2016

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atlantaparent.com

H lly J lly Fun Get in the holiday spirit by decorating your family’s Christmas tree, practicing moves on the ice or enjoying a festive performance!

Enter our contest by Dec. 9 to win holiday prizes at atlantaparent.com.

Fantasy in Lights, Callaway Gardens

Walk Through Bethlehem. Simpsonwood United Methodist Church. Walk through the candlelight outdoor nativity scene, complete with Roman guards, shopkeepers and live animals.

Hot chocolate served. Dec. 9 and 10, 7-9 p.m.; Dec. 11, 6-8 p.m. 4500 Jones Bridge Cir., Peachtree Corners. 770-441-2181. Free.

Bethlehem Walk. St. John United Methodist Church. Live nativity tour guided by shepherds, with light refreshments served. Dec. 10 and 11.

6-8 p.m. 550 Mount Paran Rd., Atlanta. 404255-1384. Free.

Live Nativity. Sardis United Methodist Church.

Performances run every hour on the front lawn and feature live animals. After the performance, Christmas carols and refreshments. Dec. 10 and 11. 6-8 p.m. 3725 Powers Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-237-6060. Free.

Drive-thru Living Nativity. Clairmont Hills Baptist Church. 26th anniversary of drive-thru scenes from the nativity. Dec. 9 and 10, 7-9 p.m.; Dec. 11, 6-9 p.m. 1995 Clairmont Rd., Decatur. 404634-6231. Free.

Live Nativity. Chamblee First United Methodist Church. Live nativity scene to re-create the glory of Christmas. Dec. 11. 7-8 p.m. 4147 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Chamblee. 770457-2525. Free.

Holiday Houses Marietta Pilgrimage. Marietta. Tour six private Marietta historic district homes and several public buildings decorated for the season.

Dec. 3 and 4. See times at mariettapilgrimage. com. Historic Marietta. 770-429-1115. $20-$35.

atlantaparent.com

Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes.

Grant Park. This year’s tour will highlight approximately eight private residences including the much loved Burns Mansion on Grant Street. Dec. 10 and 11. 6-10 p.m.

Free visits with Santa Sat. 4-6 p.m. 501 Grant St., SE, Atlanta. 404-660-1261. $25 for tour of homes.

Christmas at Callanwolde. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Historic mansion dressed for the holidays by Atlanta interior and floral designers. Through Dec. 13. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338.

Adults, $20; ages 3 and younger, free.

Barrington Hall Holiday Tours. Barrington Hall. Tour the decorated historic home.

This year’s theme is “Here Comes Santa” showcasing the history of Santa Claus.

Through Jan. 2. Tours every hour on the hour. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun., 1-3 p.m. 535 Barrington Dr., Roswell. 770-6403855. Adults, $8; ages 7-18, $6; ages 5 and younger, free.

  Open through December 30th



Over 1 Mile of Lights Display

• Live reindeer • Santa visits • Petting zoo • Live nativity • Hay rides • Trees for sale



770-386-8688 www.PettitCreekFarms.com

Images of Christmas. Archibald Smith Plantation Home. The plantation home is dressed in historic decorations through Jan. 3. Tours every hour on the hour. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun. 1-3 p.m. 935 Alpharetta St., Roswell. 770-641-3978. Adults, $8; ages 7-18, $6; 6 and younger, free.

Christmas Tours. Bulloch Hall. The antique house is decorated for self-guided tours.

Through Jan 31. Closed Jan. 1-4. Tours every hour on the hour. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.3 p.m.; Sun., 1-3 p.m. 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731. Adults, $8; ages 6-18, $6; ages 6 and younger, free.

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December 2016 Atlanta Parent 49

HOLIDAY CALENDAR Holiday Music Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular.

Philips Arena. A blend of stunning cirque performers and symphony music. Dec. 1.

7:30 p.m. 1 Philips Dr., Atlanta. 800-7453000. $29-89.

A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church. The Emory tradition established in 1935 continues with this candlelit evening service of choral music and readings by special guests. Dec. 2, 8 p.m. Dec. 3, 4 and 8 p.m. 660 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta.

404-634-3936. $20.

Gala Holiday Concerts. Rialto Center for the Arts. Georgia State University School of Music’s concert featuring more than 200 student and faculty musicians. Dec. 3. 8-10 p.m.; Dec. 4. 3-5 p.m. 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. 404-413-9849. Tickets start at $17.

Sounds of the Season. Mall of Georgia.

Local community, church and school groups will perform festive holiday performances in the food court. Dec. 8 and 9. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford.

678-482-8788. Free O Light Everlasting Christmas Concert.

Roswell Presbyterian Church Sanctuary.

Evening of music presented by RPC’s choir and orchestra. Dec. 9. 7:30-9 p.m.

755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-993-6316.

Free.

Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Atlanta Symphony Hall. More than 400 musicians perform classic Christmas tunes. Dec. 9 and 10. Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 and 8 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4900. Tickets start at $21.60.

Christmas at Callanwolde

Atlanta Christmas Musical. First Baptist Woodstock. Travel though time to see how three different families celebrate Christmas and how their lives are intertwined through faith, hope and love. Dec. 9, 10 and 11. Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 6 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. 11905 Hwy. 92, Woodstock.

678-494-2817. $10-20.

A Christmas Tradition. The Earl Smith Strand Theatre. High energy song and dance performance. Dec. 9-21. See earlsmithstrand. org for show times. 117 N. Park Sq., Marietta.

770-293-0080. $25.

Christmas with Atlanta Master Chorale. Emory University Schwartz Center. Hear the members of the chorale perform holiday classics. Dec. 10 and 11. Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 4 p.m. 1700 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta. 770-727-5050. $30.

Christmas Classics Holiday Variety. The Cumming Playhouse. Instrumental solos, classic guitar, vocal solos and more all to ring in the sounds of Christmas. Dec. 11. 3 p.m. 101 School St., Cumming. 770-781-9178. $15.

Holiday Concert. Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church. Atlanta Concert Band performs their annual Christmas concert. Dec. 11. 4 p.m.

471 Mount Vernon Hwy., Atlanta. 404-3581966. Free.

Handel’s Messiah. Atlanta Symphony Hall. Hear the Christmas story through an orchestra and chamber chorus. Dec. 16. 8 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4900. $21.60-150.

Atlanta Boy Choir Christmas Concert. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. World-renowned Atlanta Boy Choir and their Alumni Choir perform holiday arrangements. Dec. 16. 7:30-9 p.m. 435 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-3780064. $25.

A Very Merry Holiday POPS! Atlanta Symphony Hall. Holiday variety show featuring The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, a drum line, chorus and Santa. Dec. 16, 8 p.m. Dec. 17, 2 and 8 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.

404-733-4900. Tickets start at $21.60.

Come meet our new BEAVERS!

9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell, GA 30075 Chattnaturecenter.org

50 Atlanta Parent December 2016

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

Beach Boys Christmas. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Hear the classic sounds of the Beach Boys’ 1964 Christmas album. Dec. 17. 8-10 p.m. 950 Forest St., Roswell. 770-641-3727. $30.

Fun with Santa Breakfast with Santa at the Mall. Sugarloaf Mills. Eat with Santa in the food court. Dec. 3.

9-11 a.m. 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. 678-847-5000. Free.

Pictures with Santa. Alpharetta Welcome Center.

Stop in for a photo with Santa and have it printed and emailed to you. One free photo per family. Dec. 3. 10 a.m.-noon. 178 S. Main St. Suite 200, Alpharetta. Free.

Breakfast with Santa. Photo opportunity with Santa who arrives on a fire truck with local firefighters, then enjoy a pancake breakfast.

All proceeds benefit local fire stations. Dec. 3, Osteria 832.: 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m.; Dec. 10, Doc Chey’s Grant Park, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Osteria 832: 832 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-897-1414; Doc Chey’s Grant Park: 563 Memorial Dr. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-4238. $22.76 per person.

A Day with Santa. Downtown Kennesaw. During the parade see floats, vintage cars and costumed characters, then visit with Santa, go snow tubing and play on inflatables and amusements. Dec. 3. noon-6 p.m. Downtown Kennesaw. 770-424-8274. Free.

Science with Santa. Smyrna Public Library. Live music, photos with Santa, hands-on science activities and the Explore Earth exhibit on display. Dec. 3. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 100 Village Green Cir. SE, Smyrna. 770-431-2860. Free.

Cookies with Santa. Zoo Atlanta. Santa takes over the zoo. Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies, and kick off the holiday season with costumed characters, animal encounters and more. Dec. 3 and 4. See zooatlanta.org for time slots and reservations. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-2809. In advance, $15; day of, $18.

LIFT UP Atlanta’s

LEGOLAND Breakfast with Santa. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Live entertainment, breakfast and more. Includes admission to the home and each child receives a gift bag. Bring your camera for photos with Santa. Dec. 3 and 10.

9-10:30 a.m. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404872-5338. Pre-register. $25/person.

Cookies with Santa, Zoo Atlanta

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 51

HOLIDAY CALENDAR Breakfast with Santa. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Eat breakfast with Santa, make a craft and take home a photo with Santa. Dec. 3 and 17. 8:30 a.m. 185 West Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. Pre-registration required before Nov. 23 and Dec. 15. $13/ person.

Photos with Santa. Rhodes Hall. Visit and take a photo with Santa. Enjoy entertainment, refreshments and more. Weekends Dec. 3-18. Times vary. Reservations required. 1516 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. 404-885-7812. $40.

Breakfast Buffet with Santa. Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort. Eat with Santa and receive a free Stone Mountain park admission ticket with an all-attractions pass for each person, toy for each child and pictures with Santa and his elves. Benefits Friends of Disabled Adults and Children. Dec. 10. 9:30 a.m. 4021 Lakeview Dr., Stone Mountain. 770-491-9014.

Pre-register. Adults, $30; ages 5-11, $20; 4 and younger, free.

Breakfast with Santa. Decatur Courtyard Marriot. Santa arrives by fire truck and a buffet breakfast is served. Dec. 10. 8-10 a.m. 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. 404-371-8386.

Adults, $15; 11 and younger, $10.

PJ Party with Santa. Town Center at Cobb-Upper Level JCPenny wing. Cookies and milk with Mrs. Claus, plus story time, prizes, coloring and crafts. Dec. 10. 1-3 p.m. 400 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW, Kennesaw. 770-424-9486. Free.

A Day with Santa, Downtown Kennesaw

Story time with Santa. Avalon. Visit with St. Nick as he reads holiday classics. Preregister. Through Dec. 19. Mondays 6-7 p.m. 900 Third St., Alpharetta. 770-7652000. $15 per child.

Santa’s Wonderland. Bass Pro Shops.

Families can make Christmas memories including free pictures with Santa, crafts and activities. Through Dec. 24. Check basspro. com for locations and schedule of events.

678-847-5500. Free.

The Nutcracker

Stories + Santa. Colony Square. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will read Christmas stories to children.

Hot chocolate and cookies provided by Starbucks will be served. Dec. 13 and 20. 4-7 p.m. Corner of Peachtree and 14th Streets. colonysquaremidtown.com. Free.

The Nutcracker. Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, Cobb County Civic Center. Presented by The Georgia Ballet. Dec. 2-4. Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 and 5:30 p.m. 548 S. Marietta Pkwy. SE, Marietta. 770-5280881. $30-50.

Botanical St. Nick. Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Come tell all of your holiday wishes to St. Nick.

Saturdays through Dec. 17. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-8765859. Included with admission. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

The Nutcracker. Blessed Trinity Performing Arts Theater. Join The Fleetwood Dance Theatre for its annual performance of this family classic. Dec. 2-4. Sat. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m. 11320 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. 404-309-7735. Tickets start at $19.

The Nutcracker. The Grand Theatre. Cartersville City Ballet performs this annual presentation of the Christmas story through dance. Dec. 2-4.

Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. 7 N. Wall St., Cartersville. 770-386-7343.

Adults, $18; ages 18 and younger, $14.

The Nutcracker. Infinite Energy Theatre. Gwinnett Ballet Theatre show filled with dancing, music and even Sugar Plum fairies. Dec. 2-18. See gwinnettcenter.com/events for schedule. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-626-2464. $18-35.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker.

Rialto Center for the Arts. The classic tale is performed by dancers straight from Russia. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.; Dec. 10, 1 and 5 p.m. 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. 404-413-9849. $31-178.

The Children’s Nutcracker. St. Pius X High School Theatre. Presented by the Academy of Ballet of Norcross. Dec. 17 and 18. Sat. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sun. 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. 2674 Johnson Rd., Atlanta. 770-242-6379. $15-$25; ages 2 and younger, free.

The Nutcracker. Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

Follow Clara through a dream world of battling mice and dancing sugarplums presented by Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance and the Roswell Dance Theatre. Through Dec. 3. View tysod. com for show times and dates. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-998-0259. Tickets, $10-65.

Holiday Shows Rhythmic Christmas Red and Green. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Rapid-fire tap dancing to holiday music, beatboxing rendition of “The Grinch” and full-cast performance of “Linus and Lucy” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Dec. 1. 6:30 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-916-2800. $27-47.

Santa’s Missing Mail. Aurora Theatre. Help Santa and his elves find the mail. Dec. 3. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 20 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222.

Tickets, $7.

A Christmas Story. Fox Theatre. The hilarious account of Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that his most-wanted gift ends up under his tree this Christmas. See foxtheatre.org for show times. Through Dec. 4. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 855-285-8499. $30-80.

Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes

52 Atlanta Parent December 2016

Family Fun Guide

atlantaparent.com

A Christmas Carol. Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. Scrooge comes on the stage in this classic tale. Weekends Dec. 9-24. Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. 8534 Main St. Woodstock.

678-494-4251. $15 in advance; $18 at the door. ’Twas the Night before Christmas. Aurora Theatre. Classic Christmas Eve story come to life with puppets. Dec. 10. 10 and 11:30 a.m.

20 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222.

Tickets, $7.

Trouble in Toyland. Aurora Theatre. See Santa and his Elves in puppet form save Christmas.

Dec. 17. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 20 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. Tickets, $7.

Celtic Christmas. Rialto Center for the Arts.

Celebrate the solstice season with a host of fiddlers, harpers, pipers, singers, dancers and poets. Dec. 17 and 18. Sat. 8-10:30 p.m.; Sun. 3-5:30 p.m. 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. 404413-9849. Tickets start at $25.

A Christmas Carol. Alliance Theatre. A musical performance of the classic story. Through Dec. 24. See alliancetheatre.org for show times.

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

Tickets $18-72.

Holiday Family Shows. Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Enjoy a variety of live performances from some of Atlanta’s best storytellers and musicians.

Saturdays in Dec. 10:30 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Included with admission. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Hanukkah Fun Menorah Lighting. Virginia Highland. Music, donut decorating, latkes, raffles and much more.

Presented by Chabad Intown. Dec. 25. 3:30 p.m. 1017 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-8980434. Free.

Menorah Lighting. Decatur Square. Enjoy hot drinks, latkes and photos with Mr. Dreidel. Dec. 26. 6 p.m. Decatur Square. 404-898-0434. Free.

Menorah Lighting. Atlantic Station Green. Music, donut decorating, latkes, raffles and much more. Presented by Chabad Intown. Dec. 27.

6 p.m. 17th St., Atlanta. 404-898-0434. Free.

Your SCHOOL belongs in our award-winning Atlanta Parent January Education issue

Community Hanukkah Celebration. Temple Beth Tikvah. Celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah with lighting of the menorah, crafts, kosher food storytelling and more. Dec. 27.

6:30-8 p.m. 9955 Coleman Rd., Roswell. 770973-3533. Free.

Menorah Lighting. Avondale Estates. Music, donut decorating, latkes, raffles and much more. Presented by Chabad Intown. Dec. 28.

6 p.m. Avondale Estates City Green. 404-8980434. Free.

Beyond Atlanta Christmas Underground. Ruby Falls. Travel underground in Ruby Falls’ gem mines on an adventure to see Santa. Catch a view of the Northern Lights and journey through the Sugar Plum Fairy Village. Dec. 1-18, Thurs.-Sun.; Dec. 19-Dec. 23, daily. Noon-8 p.m. 1720 South Scenic Hwy., Chattanooga. 423-821-2544. Adults and ages 3-12, $11.95; 2 and younger, free.

A Country Christmas. Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Enjoy lavish holiday displays, performances of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” snow tubing and more. Through Jan. 1. 2800 Opryland Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 615-889-1000.

Activity times and prices vary.

The Polar Express. Great Smoky Mountains.

A 75-minute round-trip train ride with Santa Claus visit. Includes warm cocoa, carols and a treat while reading along to the story. Through Jan. 1. Departure times at gsmr.com. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800-872-4681.

Adults, $42-88; ages 2-12, $28-$64; ages 23 months and younger, $0-$21.

North Pole Limited. Tennessee Valley Railroad.

A round-trip journey to the “North Pole”, featuring storytelling, light refreshments, cookies and a visit with Santa. Dec. 2-31. See tvrail. com for dates and times. 4119 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-894-8028. Ages 1 and older, $35; Ride in Santa’s private car, $59.

Christmas at Biltmore. Biltmore Estate. Holiday décor of the main house, plus live music, visits with Santa, gingerbread house workshops and evening candlelight tours. Through Jan. 8. 1 Lodge St., Asheville N.C. Asheville, NC. Dates and pricing vary. Visit biltmore.com for details.

Country Christmas Nights. Rock Ranch. Drive through over a mile of Christmas lights and see falling snow. Dec. 9 and 10; Dec. 16-19.

5:30-9:30 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374. $5 per vehicle.

Caring Santa events at the Mall:

Candlelight Christmas. Jarrell Plantation Historic Site. A 1900s country Christmas, featuring decorations, spiced apple cider, cookies and fireside stories. Dec. 10. 6-8 p.m. 711 Jarrell Plantation Rd., Juliette. 478-986-5172. $4-6.50.

Parking, $5.

Pjs and Polar Express. Tennessee Aquarium.

Dress in your favorite pjs and enjoy a screening of “The Polar Express.” Meet a special character, sip hot cocoa and enjoy muffins before the movie. Dec. 17 and 18. 9:3011:45 a.m. 201 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 800-262-0695. Adults, $13.95; 12 and younger, $10.95.

Atlanta P

ARENT

January 2016

/ atlantapar

ent.com

Head of the Class Our

Annu Educational Guide

Lenox Square Mall. Enter the mall using the main entrance near Nike and Sprinkles. Dec. 4. 8-10 a.m. 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta.

404-233-6767.

Mall of Georgia. Enter the mall using the main entrance near Bebe and Bachrach. Dec. 4. 8:30-10 a.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-8788.

Sugarloaf Mills. Dec. 4. 9:30-11 a.m. 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville. 678-847-5000. c

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

Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?

Like Us on FACEBOO

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Fit Kids, Fit Families

Caring Santa is a private event designed for children and young adults with special needs and their families to have an opportunity to take photos with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. The event occurs during special mall hours.

Reservations required.

Child Models The city’s bes Calendar of t family-friendly events

Don’t Miss our Camp Expo on Saturday, Jan. 23

CALL for advertising info

770-454-7599 atlantaparent.com

Enchanted Garden of Lights. Rock City. See holiday scenes illuminated by a million lights around the mountain and Enchanted Trail. Dinner with Santa also available on select dates.

Though Dec. 31. 6-9 p.m., nightly. Closed Christmas Eve. 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain. 706-820-2531. Adults, $19.95$22.95; ages 3-12, $11.95-$12.95.

Family Fun Guide

Atlanta, New York, LA

404-636-1974

www.williamreynoldsagency.com December 2016 Atlanta Parent 53

Calendar

December S M T W TH F S

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

n

Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline.

n

Submit your family-friendly Calendar event at least 8 weeks prior to the event by visiting atlantaparent.com/event/submit.

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classes

Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

DISNEY LIVE! MICKEY AND MINNIE’S DOORWAY TO MAGIC

Turtle Tours. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum.

Museum mascots Sandy the chipmunk and Spring the turtle introduce history through stories, hands-on exhibits and crafts. Second Wed. of each month. 11 a.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Recommended for ages 2-5. Free. Donations encouraged.

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

Different activities each week. Every Thurs. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770427-2117. Recommended for ages 3-5. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; 3 and younger, free.

Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to compliment the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4. Every Thursday. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-7334400. Free with admission. 6 and older, $14.50; 5 and younger, free.

Drop-In Art Classes. Treehouse Kid & Craft. Enjoy weekly activities including painting, drawing and sculpting. Every Sat. 10 a.m. (ages 2-4) and 11 a.m. (ages 5-10). 533 W. Howard Ave., Ste. A, Decatur. 470-355-8305. $12.

Crafts at Lakeshore Learning. Lakeshore Learning.

Make a different craft each week. Every Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-5783100. Free.

Drop-In and Draw. Gas-Art Gifts at North DeKalb Mall. Make a different project each week. Any time between noon-3 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy., Decatur. 404-801-4926. $5.

Saturday Morning Art Classes. Vinings School of Art. Drawing, painting or pottery classes. Supplies included. Ages 2-12. Every Sat. 10 and 11 a.m.

1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678-213-4278.

Pre-register. $15, siblings $12.

INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Enjoy different themed crafts each week.

Check inkfun.org for schedule and times. $1 with museum admission. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sun., 1-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770536-1900. Mon.-Sat., $8; Sun., $6.

Indoor Basic Archery. Panola Mountain State Park. Release your inner Katniss while learning archery basics. All equipment provided. Ages 9 and older. Every Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-noon.

Pre-register. 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge.

770-389-7801. $15; parking, $5.

Home Depot Kids Workshop. All locations. Learn tool safety and make a craft. Dec. 3. 9 a.m.- noon.

Ages 5-12. Free.

Toddler Time. Georgia Aquarium. Meet and learn about a marine animal, enjoy a costumed character appearance, story time, craft activities and a small snack. Dec. 5. 10-11:30 a.m.

Reservations required. Ages 0-3. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. $8/person plus aquarium admission. Adults, $39.95; ages 3-12, $33.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

54 Atlanta Parent December 2016

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre DEC. 17, 2 AND 6 P.M.; DEC. 18, 11 A.M. AND 2 P.M. All of your favorite characters like Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella and more perform magical numbers. See the Fairy Godmother turn Cinderella into a princess, Toy Story’s green army men and Rapunzel rise among flying lanterns. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-916-2800. $20-$80. cobbenergycentre.com Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft.

Ages 2-4. Dec. 8. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Check-in before 10:20 a.m. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth.

770-495-0253. $10 per child, one adult free, additional adult, $12.

Mice Tours. Marietta Museum of History.

Mascots Murray and Etta mouse introduce history through tours, storytime and crafts geared for ages 3-5. Dec. 9. 10:30 a.m.

1 Depot St., Marietta. 770-794-5710.

Reservations required. $5 Lego Club. Adams Park Branch Library.

Different building theme every month. Lego creations will be displayed in the library.

Dec. 21. 3:30 p.m. 2231 Campbellton Rd. SW, Atlanta. 404-752-8763. Free.

music Matsiko World Orphan Choir. Children’s Museum of Atlanta. 18 children from Peru, Liberia and India perform energetic dances and sing original songs as part of the month-long celebration of world holidays.

Dec. 2. 2 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $14.95; younger than 1, free.

Family Fun Guide

First Friday Concert. Norcross Community Center.

Different concert first Friday of the month. Dec. 2.

7-9 p.m. 10 College Street NW, Norcross. Call 678421-2048 for reservations, seating is limited. Free.

Music for the Very Young: Meet the Strings.

Woodruff Arts Center. Your family will learn about the Woodwind, Brass, String and Percussion families during this series performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Dec. 3, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.; Dec. 4, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

404-733-5038. Adults, $15; ages 6-17, $8; ages 3-5, free.

nature Feeding Time. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join a naturalist for an in-depth look at one of the resident animals as the Wildlife Dept. feeds them.

Every Tues. and Sat. in Dec. 4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free.

Moonlight Mountain Hike. Panola Mountain State Park. Hike up Panola Mountain to enjoy the sunset over Atlanta then stop by a lakeside campfire to enjoy s’mores. Bring bug spray, hiking boots and water. Ages 10 and older.

Dec. 10. 4:40-6:30 p.m. 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $15; parking $5.

atlantaparent.com

Kid-Friendly Ways to Ring in the New Year Watch balloons drop early to ring in 2017, enjoy bubble play, live performances and more.

Noon Year’s Eve. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Let the kids celebrate early with a balloon drop at noon and music, bubbles and dancing. Dec. 31. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Included with museum admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

New Year’s Bubble Bash. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Countdown to 2017 with a dance party, special guests, bubble-wrap fireworks and more. Countdowns at noon and 4 p.m. Dec. 31. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 2-4:30 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $23 per person. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Noon Year’s Eve. LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Balloon drop at noon, large group LEGO build and giveaways. Dec. 31. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-848-9252.

Included with admission. $19.95; ages 2 and younger, free. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta

New Year’s Eve Celebration. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Welcome the New Year with fun activities and crafts. Dec. 31. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Parade, noon and 4 p.m.; magic show with Jeff McClure, 2 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900. Free with admission. $8. inkfun.org

Kids’ Early New Year’s Eve Celebration. Stone Mountain Park. Fireworks, snowfall and early New Year’s celebration at 9 p.m. Activities begin with costumed characters, music and dance-a-longs prior to countdown to 9 p.m. Dec. 31.1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Christmas Adventure Pass, $25.95; parking, $15. stonemountainpark.com

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Family Fun Guide

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 55

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MACH SPEED: MIG-21 JET COCKPIT Tellus Science Museum THROUGH MARCH 26.

MON.-SUN., 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Get a peek inside the cockpit of a MiG-21 and imagine what it was like to fly the jet fighter at supersonic speeds. The jet is the only two-seater version on display in the U.S. Also see a Soviet flight suit and an interactive control panel. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700.

Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org Intro to Tree Climbing. Panola Mountain State Park. A course on rope tree climbing for ages 8 and older. Dec. 17. 1-5 p.m. Pre-register. 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. $15; $5 parking.

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Family Fun. Woodruff Arts Center. Explore, play, learn and create art in an interactive, familyfriendly environment with free activities. Every Sun., 1-4 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.

404-733-4200. Free.

Spark Saturday: Human Rights Day. The Center for Civil and Human Rights. Celebrate the 68th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Storytelling, games and more.

Dec. 10. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta. 678-999-8990. Adults, $16; 17 and younger, free admission for the day.

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Parade and FanFest.

Downtown Atlanta. Catch the football frenzy as the parade starts on Baker St. near the

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56 Atlanta Parent December 2016

Family Fun Guide

World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium and concludes at the entrance of FanFest in the Georgia World Congress Center. Dec. 31. Parade, 9-10 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. depending on kickoff time.

FanFest, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or 2-6 p.m. depending on kickoff time. 285 Andrew Young Blvd., Atlanta.

404-586-8500. Parade, free. FanFest, $15.

New Year’s Eve Celebration. Duluth Town Green.

Ring in the New Year with activities, music, food and more. Dec. 31. 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-476-3434. Free.

storytelling Folktales from Around the World. Dogwood Branch Library. Hear stories from around the world and make a craft. Ages 5-8. Mondays in Dec. 4:15-5 p.m. 1838 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy., Atlanta.

404-792-4961. Free.

Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories. Thurs. nights kids can come in pjs for milk and cookies.

Tues. 11 a.m., Thurs. 7 p.m., and Sun. 3 p.m. 133 A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.

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Calendar

Classified Pages Party

Children’s Storytime. FoxTale Book Shoppe.

Storytimes are followed by dance and songs.

Every Sat. 11 a.m. 105 E. Main St., Woodstock.

770-516-9989. Free.

fUN-O-RAMA PARTIES

Storytime at Barnes & Noble. Perimeter Barnes & Noble. Come enjoy a different themed storytime with coloring and other activities to follow. Every Sat. 11 a.m. 120 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta.

770-396-1200. Free.

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

Ramblers host storytelling every Sat. 1 p.m.

1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404753-7735. Adults, $9; ages 4-12, $6; ages 4 and younger, free. Price includes storytelling.

Happy Tails. Buckhead Branch Library. Children can work on reading skills while reading to a therapy dog. 5 and older. Pre-register. Dec. 3.

11 a.m.-noon. 269 Buckhead Ave. NE, Atlanta.

404-814-3500. Free.

Winter Wonderland Storytime and Craft. College Park Branch Library. Listen to stories and create crafts in celebration of the holidays. Dec. 5 and 12. 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 and older. Pre-register.

3647 Main St., College Park. 404-762-4060. Free.

Full Service Themed Parties

Inflatables & Party Rentals • Face Painting Creative Balloon Art • Characters & Mascots Puppets, Magic & MORE!

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Seasons Readings: a Holiday Storytime and Craft. Central Library. Holiday-themed storytelling and craft. Ages 3-12. Pre-register. Tuesdays Dec. 6 and 13. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq., Atlanta. 404-730-1781. Free.

Storybook Time. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Listen to stories about bees, butterflies, frogs and flowers. Meet in the Turner Broadcasting Garden Theater. Dec. 7. 10:30-11 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Included with admission. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Storytime by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join the volunteer librarian as she uses books, puppets and songs to share stories about nature. Ages 3-5. Dec. 7. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

Storytime en Español. Hapeville Branch Library.

Stories, songs and activities conducted in Spanish. Knowledge of the language not required. Dec. 14. 11 a.m. 525 King Arnold St., Hapeville. 404-762-4065. Free.

Big Fish. Theatrical Outfit. Inspired by the novel and Tim Burton film, “Big Fish” spotlights Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose biggest hope is to live life to its fullest. Dec. 1-18.

See theatricaloutfit.org for show times. 84 Luckie St., Atlanta. 678-528-1500. $20-50.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Synchronicity Theatre.

The story of a man named Mr. Popper who is gifted a penguin from a South Pole explorer.

One penguin turns into twelve penguins, and Mr. Popper puts on a stage show. Dec. 9-Jan. 1. Fri. 7 p.m.; Sat 1 and 4 p.m.; Sun. 2 and 5 p.m. For ages 3 and older. Each Friday is PJs & Play; kids can wear pajamas and enjoy milk and cookies while watching the show. 1545 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-484-8636. $15-22. c

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theater Children’s Healthcare Tower of Talent. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Atlanta’s most talented kids will sing, dance and perform all to benefit the patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Dec. 4. 4:30 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-916-2800. $35-100.

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Family Fun Guide

December 2016 Atlanta Parent 57

e h t r o f fridge

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!

What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.

What if Christmas ... perhaps

... means a little bit more!

Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

58 Atlanta Parent December 2016

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