Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Atlanta, GA

I'm sure if you've read even one of my posts, you are well aware that I love books.  I love reading and I love to expose my kids to books and reading too.  Sure bedtime stories and quiet snuggles with a book are great -- but sometimes you just gotta get out of the house. 

Enter Story Time.

Story times are great -- especially in our area.  It's more than story telling, it's active participation in the story telling, music and movement, and quite honestly -- time to wear out the kids with running, and singing and dancing. 

In fact, one of my first posts here at Being Savvy Atlanta was about Story Time.  And since today is list day and the topic is "Best Story Times in Atlanta" I'm more than happy to recap story times for you.

1. Southern-Prep.  This indoor play place may seem like an unlikely place for story time, but they have, hands down, the BEST story time in the city.  Not only are there stories, but music, dancing, parachutes, musical instruments and more.  Story times are Mondays 9:45 - 10:30 and Thursdays 9:30 - 10:15.  Immediately after story time, join the fun and continue to wear out your child at "Open Play." Story time is free, and your first visit to Open Play is free, but there is a charge after your first visit.  It's my kids (and husband's) favorite place to play!  Southern-Prep is located at 1880 West Oak Pkwy, Suite 218, Marietta, GA, 770-874-5200.

2. Kennesaw Parks & Recreation.  When she's not doing Story Time for Southern Prep, Miss Mary has story times for the parks and rec in Kennesaw.  Free Story Times are held on Tuesday's and Friday's from 10:30 - 11:00 at the Ben Robertson Community Center in Kennesaw.  More singing, dancing and general Mary-ment!  Ben Robertson Community Center is at 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 422-9714.

3. Little Shop of Stories.  This Decatur bookstore is packed with books, games, toys and educational activities.  They also do Story Times three times a week.  Tuesdays at 11:00 am, Thursdays at 7:00 pm and Saturdays at 3:00 pm.  If you go on Thursday nights, milk and cookies are offered, wearing PJ's is optional.

4. Atlanta Botanical Gardens.  This one deserves a mention simply because I love the Botanical Gardens so much!  The Children's Garden Story Book times are held the first Wednesday of each month in the Children's Garden at 10:00am.  Story time is free with your paid Garden Admission or membership.

5. Public Libraries.  There are lots of public library branches all over the city and most, if not all, have story times.  They are usually held 2-3 times a week at different times of the day and are targeted at different age groups -- just to keep everyone interested!

6. Large Chain Bookstores. Like Barnes & Noble, Borders and Books-a-Million.  With locations all over the Atlanta suburbs, there is sure to be one near you.

I know there are more great story times out there... please share your favorite.