Get Better Inside by BEING OUTS DE
By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
When walking outdoors in forests and other green spaces, we feel at peace and almost intuitively know time spent in the beautiful outdoors has benefits. Scientific studies confirm that children experience both health and developmental benefits from spending time enjoying free play outside in a natural setting.
Time ou T doors helps ease issues
W i T h aTT en T ion.
Studies show that immersion in nature can help with attention restoration. During the school day, your child is constantly reminded to pay attention to instructions provided by the teacher and to focus on classwork. This can result in what is referred to as ‘Directed Attention Fatigue.’ Immersion in nature and spending time looking at water, trees, flowers and other parts of the natural environment helps the part of the brain responsible for directed attention rest and recharge. This may help relieve attention issues and impulsive behavior in kids. Studies showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when children diagnosed with ADHD spent time engaging in unstructured playtime outdoors in a natural setting.
Immersion in naT ure may help improve mood and reduce sTress.
Studies found a reduction in the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, along with a reduction in anxiety, depression and fatigue when people spent time outdoors in a natural setting. The studies did not find similar benefits to spending time outdoors in urban settings that contain no trees or green space.
Time ou T doors creaT es in T eres T in s T em Topics.
Free play outdoors in a natural setting encourages kids to form a connection with nature and inspires a desire to explore nature and all its wonders. When a child is outdoors, her imagination and curiosity are not limited to what is contained in the classroom. The curiosity about a lizard that she tried to catch or the worm she found in the dirt may inspire her to learn more about them, leading to a deeper interest in science. While reading books on STEM topics to your child is a great way to encourage their interest, but it does not replace putting the STEM concepts into context by interacting with the real world. When she goes outdoors, your child can experience in person what a hawk sounds like or how a bird catches a bug to eat.
Immersion in naT ure helps W i T h T he developmen T of fine and gross mo T or skills. There are many activities that can only be done outdoors, in a natural setting where there is more space. Your child can run and play ‘tag’ with friends, build a fort from sticks she finds or skip rocks in a creek or pond. She can collect leaves and make leaf rubbings with a crayon and plant seeds in a garden that she helped to dig. Also, time spent exercising outdoors helps reduce the risks of obesity, improves cardiovascular health and assists with the healthy development of bones and muscles.
u ns T ruc T ured play in a naT ural se TT ing helps kids socialize and build life skills. The natural outdoor setting is full of free materials that encourage creative play and collaboration. Your child and her peers are free to work together to collect sticks to design and build a play fort or find interesting rocks for a rock collection. Spending unstructured time outdoors also helps your child practice problem-solving and builds self-confidence. For example, allowing your child and her friend to walk in front and take the lead when enjoying the hiking paths at the park gives her a sense of accomplishment. Interacting with nature and experiencing challenges such as reading a complex trail map or walking up a steep, rocky trail also teaches resilience.
HOO’s INSPIRED Moms Need A Time Out Too!
by Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
As Mother’s Day approaches, many moms of young children, especially those adjusting to the recent arrival of a newborn, may feel like having some ‘alone time’ on Mother’s Day (or any other day) is not realistic. You may feel guilty about leaving your child with a sitter while you spend time working out or taking a walk outdoors. However, remember that to provide quality care for your child, you need to make sure you are not neglecting your self-care. It is easy to feel ‘burnt out’ when you ‘on call’ 24/7 and always on the lookout to ensure your child is safe and her needs are met.
Here are some steps to take towards placing time for self-care high on your list of priorities.
Stop comparing yourself to other moms. Often, we compare ourselves to other moms who, according to their social media posts, appear to be able to do it all without resting or asking for help. We put pressure on ourselves to meet a standard that is often based on a false perception or defies logic. For example, you cannot
physically be at two soccer games at the same time when they are on different fields, and, in reality, you may miss one of your kids kicking a goal. When you stop holding yourself to an unrealistic standard, you acknowledge that you, like all other people, require a little alone time for self-care.
Evaluate your schedule. If you do not prioritize self-care as a necessity, it is easy to put it off indefinitely. Even if your schedule does not allow you to take more than a few minutes for time alone each day, find a way to fit it in. For example, you could start waking up early, before your kids usually wake up, and fit in a few minutes of yoga and meditation.
Learn to set boundaries. Sometimes, the only way to protect the small amount of time you have set aside for self-care is to ask for help or to turn down a new commitment that you cannot take on without giving up your self-care time.
HOO’s HUNGRY
CHICKPEAS Chocolate
These Chocolate-Covered Chickpeas are easy, healthy vegan protein snacks easy to make with only 3 ingredients. They are gluten-free, dairyfree, and sugar-free!
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). I recommend using the convection mode for faster roasting, but the recipe works on conventional mode as well. Open the can of chickpea, drain under a sieve and rinse them under cold water. Shake the sieve to remove any water, then place the chickpeas onto a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Gently rub the chickpeas with a clean towel or absorbent paper to remove a part of the moisture. If some skin peels off of the chickpeas, leave it and remove it later. Bake for 50 minutes, making sure you stir them with a wooden spoon every 20 minutes to roast all sides. Keep baking until the chickpeas are hard, smaller in size, very dry and crispy. The best way to test if they are ready is to eat one! If not crunchy and too soft, keep baking. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheet while you melt the chocolate. In a large saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together on low heat. Stir constantly until fully melted. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in salt and the roasted chickpeas. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of chocolate-covered chickpeas on a plate covered with a lightly-oiled piece of parchment paper. Repeat this step, leaving half thumb space between each chickpea chocolate cluster. When the plate is full, pop in the freezer for 10 minutes to let the chocolate set. Remove the plate from the freezer, release the chocolate chickpeas cluster from the parchment paper, and store in an airtight box in the fridge for up to 1 week.
SUPPLIES
• 1 can Canned Chickpeas
• 3/4 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
• 1 tsp Coconut Oil
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
beach days
As the final azaleas bloom across Callaway Resort & Gardens, the vibrant energy of spring gives way to summer adventures that invite families, couples, and outdoor lovers to make the most of the season.
While March and April were packed with the beloved Celebrate Spring Festival, featuring over 250,000 azaleas, garden tours, and picture-perfect photo ops like these I captured on a recent visit, the magic doesn’t stop there.
Memorial Day Weekend at Callaway Resort & Gardens (May 24–26) marks the official start of summer fun. Expect live music on the beach, fireworks lighting up the sky over Robin Lake, and classic warm-weather traditions like paddleboarding, mini golf, and lounging in a cabana with a frozen treat. It’s a full sensory celebration that blends nature, nostalgia, and new memories for the whole family.
By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
Then in June, the summer season kicks into high gear. Guests can take full advantage of everything Callaway has to offer—daily beach activities, zip-lining through the treetops, and winding garden paths that feel like a world away from the everyday. Whether you’re booking a cottage stay or just coming for the day, Callaway Resort & Gardens is a one-stop summer destination filled with Southern charm.
From spring’s blossoms to summer’s beach days, Callaway Resort & Gardens offers a seamless seasonal experience that feels like stepping into a storybook—one that just keeps getting better with each new chapter. Plan your visit at callawaygardens com
Show begins at 1:30pm
HOO’s CRAFTY
This pressed flower craft is a great activity for kids and adults. These pressed flower lanterns are SO PRETTY and so easy to make to enjoy around the house or give to someone special.
DIRECTIONS
Paint a small area of the outside of the jar with a thin layer of Mod Podge. It’s best to work in small areas, as the Mod Podge starts to dry very quickly. Press a dried flower onto the mod podge. Cover the flower with another layer of Mod Podge. If the flower has layered petals, you may need to “glue” the top petal to the one beneath it with mod podge. This will ensure the flower sticks properly. Repeat these steps, covering as much of the jar as you like with pressed flowers. Once all the flowers have been placed on the jar, let the Mod Podge dry for five minutes. Cover the entire jar with a thin layer of Mod Podge. This will ensure all the flowers stick, and it creates an even texture for any glass that’s showing on the lantern. Starting from the center of the twine, loop it around the mouth of the jar several times. Make a knot and then tie a bow out of the remaining twine. Add a candle and light it to see your lantern glow.
TIP: You can purchase pre-pressed flowers or make your own with this tutorial: www.onelittleproject.com/how-to-press-flowers/.
SUPPLIES
• Straight/ smooth glass jar
• Pressed flowers
• Mod Podge
• 4 feet twine
• Tealight or votive
• Paintbrush
BOOK your summer fun
By Jeannine Scott, Branch Manager, North Columbus Public Library
Summer break is almost here! Whether you’re planning a big adventure or just relaxing at home, don’t forget to pack the ultimate travel buddy—your library card. The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries have everything you need to keep the fun going all season long!
Stock Up on Stories
Summer reading isn’t just fun—it helps keep your school skills sharp! Before you hit the road (or the couch), stop by your local Library for a free “shopping spree.” With up to 40 items allowed per card, you’re sure to find books that match your mood, from silly stories to epic adventures.
Planning a special trip? Check out books about exciting destinations like Disney parks, national landmarks, or even faraway countries. Staying home? Take a virtual vacation with cool cookbooks or craft guides and create your own adventure right in your kitchen! Need help picking out the perfect reads? Library staff can create a customized book bundle just for your child. Visit cvlga.org/services/ children to learn more.
Go Digital
HOO’s learning
No room in the suitcase? No problem! Many books are available as e-books and audiobooks you can download straight to your device. Most library apps even have a kids’ mode for safe, easy browsing.
Play While You Learn
Want some screen time you can feel good about? Borrow a Launchpad tablet from any library branch! These kid-friendly tablets are preloaded with educational games and stories—and they don’t connect to the internet. Kids can play, learn, and build skills anywhere, worry-free. Launchpads are also great for children learning English!
Track Your Reading, Win Prizes
Wherever summer takes you, the Beanstack app makes it easy to log your reading. You can even scan books from home or set a reading timer. Plus, when you join the Summer Reading Program through Beanstack, your reading earns you chances to win awesome prizes! So wherever your summer adventures lead, let the library come along for the ride. Visit cvlga.org for more information.
Southern Stitched Southern Stitched
Infant, Child & Adolescent Care
Dental Screening & Treatment
www.valleyhealthcolumbus.com Well-child & School Exams Hearing & Vision Exams
Children’s book
By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids
It’s spring and the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Jennifer Roberts, a local children’s author, brings the fun and adventures of exploring a local park to life in her book, A Magical Day at Ellerslie Park. Ellerslie Park, located in Harris County north of Columbus, is a favorite of many families in the Chattahoochee Valley. This book is the first one in a series authored and illustrated by Jennifer Roberts, who is a retired Army veteran and mom of two.
Jennifer Roberts credits her grandmother, who is a watercolor artist, for helping her develop her talent for art. After finishing high school, Ms. Roberts pursued a degree in Fine Arts and continued to work towards it during her career in the Army. After she retired, she finished her degree in 2020. Even though Ms. Roberts is a busy military wife and mom, she was determined to pursue her interest in the arts. At first, she worked as a photo editor and designed business logos. She says, ‘I felt the need for a more creative outlet. I was not sure what that looked like or how I would balance that with our very busy family life…until I decided to step outside my comfort zone to learn how to make A Magical Day at Ellerslie Park a reality.’
When asked what inspired her to write and illustrate ‘A Magical Day at Ellerslie Park,’ Jennifer said, ‘This literary journey was inspired by my
daughter and her friends… this book was an attempt to capture the unique qualities of each of the girls that makes them special. Ellerslie Park seemed to be an obvious choice for the location of the story…the trails and the nature are awe-inspiring. ‘
Jennifer further described the process of authoring the book, saying, ‘I attempted to not only capture each girl’s personality but also ignite the imagination of the reader with the illustrations.’ When asked about the next book in the ‘Adventures of Nora, Stella and Willow’ series, she indicated that it will be available later this year.
Purchase a copy of Jennifer’s book to share with your child at https://amzn.to/3Eeuaww.
HOO’s HEALTHY
Scarlet Fever is a childhood illness that is characterized by a full-body, bright red rash. This illness is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria and it sometimes develops in patients that have strep throat. In the past, scarlet fever was considered a serious childhood illness, but the currently available antibiotic treatments have made the disease easier to treat. It is best when the infection is caught early, as untreated scarlet fever can lead to serious complications.
Scarlet fever symptoms include a red rash. Typically, the rash starts on the face or neck and then spreads to the chest, torso, arms and legs. The rash has the same appearance as a sunburn and feels like sandpaper. When you push on the area covered by the rash, the skin turns pale. There may also be a deeper red rash in the folds of the skin and the face may look flushed, with a pale ring around the mouth.
Symptoms can also include a strawberry tongue. The tongue appears red and bumpy and may be covered in a white coating.
Scarlet fever patients almost always have a sore throat. Sometimes, white or yellow patches will be visible, as well
By Linda, Ligon, Family & Kids
What is: SCARLET FEVER
as a fever, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, headache, body aches, and swollen neck glands.
The red rash and the redness in the tongue typically fade after about a week or two. Often, after the signs and symptoms have disappeared, the skin that was covered in the rash starts to peel.
Complications can occur if the bacteria spreads to other parts of the body and include: pneumonia, skin and sinus infection, kidney disease and rheumatic fever.
Complications usually can be avoided if the patient is treated with antibiotics. Identifying the illness early and starting treatment promptly helps reduce the risk of complications. If your child has symptoms of scarlet fever, seek medical care without delay.
Scarlet fever and other illnesses caused by the group A strep bacteria are contagious. Good hygiene and limiting your child’s exposure to someone who is sick can help prevent infection. It is important for someone with scarlet fever to take antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor.
Movie Recs
Make it a movie night with these kid-friendly titles.
Nonviolent Family Titles from Common Sense Media
The Gruffalo (age 3+)
Octonauts & The Great Barrier Reef (age 4+)
Good Night Oppy (age 5+)
Kiki's Delivery Service (age 5+)
My Neighbor Totoro (age 5+)
Adventures of Milo and Otis (age 5+)
Song of the Sea (age 7+)
Dr. Doolittle 3 (age 8+)
Dreaming Wild (age 10+)
See commonsensemedia.org for full reviews on each
1 Simple Steps: Play. Ages 2-5. 10am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
1-4 Xanadu. Times vary. Ages 12+. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688
2-3 RiverFest. All Day. Uptown Columbus; 706-596-0111
3 Annual Uptown Columbus Strut the Hooch Parade. 10-11am. Springer Opera House; visitcolumbusga.com
3 Bluebelle’s Mercantile's Summer Outdoor Market. 11am-4pm; 706-327-1181
3 Bee-You-Tiful Mother Daughter Brunch. Noon-2pm. RSVP required. Martin Idle Hour Park Community Center; facebook.com
3 Steamboat Bill, Jr. – Silent Film with The Wave Theatre Organ. 7:30pm. $10. RiverCenter; 706-256-3614
3 Nature Play. 10am-Noon. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550
3-4 Annual Spring Cotton Fair. 8am-5pm. $5-$8. Gay; thecottonfair.com
3-4 Planes! Trains! And Things that Go Zoom. Sat @ 11am. Sun @ 2:30pm. Springer Theatre Academy; 706-324-1100
6 Little Sprouts. 10:30am. Ages 0-5. $5/ family. Columbus Botanical Garden, 706327-8400
6 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
6 Tabletop Tuesday. Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
6 Dan Tepfer: Music Under the Dome Series. 5pm. $8. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; 706-649-1477
May Events
7 4th Annual Mother’s Day Tea Party. 6-8pm. $45. RSVP. Hudson’s at Main Street; 706-507-5384
8 Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
8 Budding Naturalist. 10am. 1st-5th grades. $5-$7. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-3278400
8-11 Xanadu. Times vary. Ages 12+. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688
10 Celebrating Black Maternal Health Awareness. 10am. The Park at Cascade Hills; 706-596-4000
10 Spring Truck-Tacular. 10am-3pm. Whitewater Ave, Phenix City; Facebook.com
10 Crossroads Folk Art Festival. 10am-6pm. Columbus Collective Museums, 3218 Hamilton Road; 706-330-7806
10 Columbus Lions Football Game. 7-10pm. Columbus Civic Center; ticketmaster.com
10 Mother’s Day Market. 11am-4pm. Oakhurst Farm, West Point; 706-289-8762
10 18th Annual Picnic in the Garden. 11am2pm. Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange; 706-8823242
10-11 Concert: Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus. Sat @ 7pm. Sun @ 2pm. RiverCenter; 706-649-7243
13 After School Art Break. 2:30-4:30pm. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
13 Kids Art Studio. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
14 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (part 2). 12:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602
14 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting. 6pm. First Baptist Church, Columbus; facebook.com
17 Kids to Parks Day. 10am-2pm. Lakebottom Park, Columbus; 706-225-4658
17 Family Saturday at the Museum. 10amNoon. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562
17 Praise Fest. Noon-4pm. Woodruff Riverfront Park; visitcolumbusga.com
17 The Magical World of Fairy Gardens. 10am. Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange; 706882-3242
17 Midland Commons Concert Series - River City Horns. 6-10pm. 6835 Midland Commons Blvd; 706-987-3723
20 Color Our World: Family Stories. Ages 4-11. 3pm. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
20 Pony Bead Party. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
22 Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
23-25 Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament. Callaway Gardens; 800-CALLAWAY
24 Bugs on the Hooch. 8am-3pm. Free. National Civil War Naval Museum; 706-5277365
24 Midland Commons Concert SeriesDixie Red. 5:30-9:30pm. 6835 Midland Commons Blvd; 706-987-3723
27 Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers. Ages 0-5. 10am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
27 Simple Steps Storytime: Preschoolers. Ages 3-5. 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
Events
PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
27 Kids Art Studio. Ages 5-12. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
27 Teen Takeover. Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805
27 Wicked Movie Night. Teens. 5pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
28 Seedling Storytime. 10am. $5-$7. Ages 0-2. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706327-8400
28 MAMA B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support meeting (part 2). 12:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Assoc; 706-221-4602
28 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting. 6pm. First Baptist Church, Columbus; facebook.com
29 Creative Kids: Alma Thomas. (special Columbus Museum program) Ages 6-11. 3pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
29 Creativi-Teen: Edible Art. Teen. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855
29 School's Out for Summer! Bash. 3-6pm. $30/family. HighSide Market; highsidemarket.com
30 Dogman Afternoon. Families. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
31 Sensory Studio: Self Portraits. Ages 6-11. 3pm. North Columbus Library; 706748-2855
31 Barks & Blues Music Festival. 3pm. $10. Woodruff Riverfront Park; 706-565-0035
31 Columbus Lions Football Game. 7-10pm. Columbus Civic Center; ticketmaster.com
Weekly Events
MONDAY
Simple Steps Storytime: Babies & Toddlers. Ages 0-36mo. 10am. Columbus Public Library; 706-243-2813 (Not 5/26)
TUESDAY
Simple Steps: Play. Ages 0-5. 10am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 (Not 5/27)
Get On Board With Board Games: Chess & More. Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
WEDNESDAY
Simple Steps Storytime. Ages 0-5. 11am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782
Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Story Time with Grammy Trish. 11am. Columbus Bound Bookshop; info@columbusbound. com
THURSDAY
Simple Steps Storytime: Family. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
Toddler Tales. 10am. Barnes & Noble Columbus; 706-653-7880
Family Night. 4-7pm. Urban Air Adventure Park; 706-341-1124
LEGOS®. Families. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813
FRIDAY
Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5. 10am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813
SATURDAY
Market Days. 9am-Noon. 900, 1000 & 1100 blocks of Broadway; uptowncolumbusga. com
Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. $10. Ages 5 and under. Launch Trampoline Park; 706-2218680
Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.
We invite her to reconnect nature, while enjoying a sup team atmosphere that nur leadership, encouragement friendships that will last a li
• Riding - English, Western, & Jumping
• Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course
• Climbing Tower • Nature Exploration
• Sports • Soccer • Basketball
• Gymnastics • Beach Volleyball • Tennis
• Canoeing • Archery • Knitting
• Voice & Music • Cheerleading
• Dance • Chorus • Drama
• Arts & Crafts • CIT Program
• Campfires every night
• Riverview Refinement & More!
June 2-6 Art Camp
June 9-13 A Bug’s Life
June 16-20 Culinary Creations
June 23-27 Dragons & Unicorns
July 7-11 Summer Splash
Ages 6 weeks - 7 years of age
Pre-registration form required with non-refundable deposit of $50/per camp. Deposit will be applied to camp tuition of $150 per camp.
director@stthomascolga.com 706-324-1268
Dining Deals for Kids
With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!
MONDAY
Sapo’s
5pm until close: free kid's meal with adult entree, dine in only
Tuesday
Chicken Salad Chick
Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal
Denny’s
4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under
Ruby Tuesday
5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée
wednesDAY
Your Pie
Kid's meals half off with adult entree
Red Robin
Kid’s meal half off with adult meal, for kids 11 and under
thursDAY
Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos
Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only
friday
Denny’s
4-10pm: Up to two free kids entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under
Saturday
The Food Mill
Free kid's meal with any regular priced brunch item from 9am-2pm
multiple days
Bruster’s Ice Cream
Kids under 40” get free baby cone
McAlister’s
Kid’s meals are $2.79 with dine-in order
Does your restaurant have a special offer for kids?!
Let us know and we can promote it here for free to 20K local parents monthly. Email it to us at: Tammy@familyandkidsga.com
All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.
