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

Room to Run - Great Outdoor Places to Run Around

March 24, 2009

With the weather being so nice recently it's hard to imagine being cooped up inside!  It's a magical time of year; the weather is beautiful, yet the pollen hasn't completely taken over and attacked our sinuses and it's not too hot to be outside.

So why not take advantage and get out and run around.

Some of our favorite outside destinations when you just have to get out and run around....

1. East Cobb Park in Marietta.  I love this park.  Not only is there a fantastic playground and picnic facilities, but there is room to run, ride bikes, play soccer or football or cricket... it's fantastic.

2. Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw.  Still growing and being developed, but this park has great playgrounds for toddlers and big kids, lots of fields, walking & bike paths and plenty of open fields for flying kites!

3. Red Top Mountain in Cartersville.  Walk the trails, play on the playground and in the summer splash in the lake.  This Georgia State Park is one of our favorite weekend destinations!

4. Piedmont Park. More walking and biking trails, fishing, playgrounds and just a great place in the city to escape!

5. Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Not only is the Children's Garden amazing, but you'll have fun looking around and playing hide and seek in the Garden's other areas as well.  Just because you have kids, doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to the Children's Garden. And with an amazing new expansion due to open this spring, it's sure to be a great place to run around!

So, get out, enjoy the beautiful weather and make sure those kids get their fresh air and exercise!  Do you have a favorite?  Please share!  Read more...

Weekend Round Up March 20 - 23 2009

March 19, 2009

When we first moved here, little did we know that Kennesaw was one of the best places to raise a family. For the last two years, it's made the Family Circle's list of Top 10 Best Towns for Families. And I tell you, they earn that title. Not only is the crime rate one of the lowest in Cobb County, but they are forever doing things for families with kids of all ages. From movies on the green in the summer, the Big Shanty Festival, Folk Tales of the Rails, Christmas Santa Parade and so much more!

And this weekend, is one of our families favorite events. The annual "Touch a Truck."  This is a great day out for kids of all ages. Come see and climb in and around all sorts of city vehicles -- Firetrucks, Police Cars, Diggers, Street Sweepers and more.

Best of all, the event is free and the City provides FREE Hot Dogs and Drinks. 

 Details on the event from the city: 

Reach out and Touch-A-Truck on Sat., Mar. 21
Attention kids of all ages... it's time to rev up your engines, get into the driver's seat and put your imagination in gear. Touch-A-Truck rolls into Kennesaw's Depot parking lot on Sat., Mar. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Get up-close and personal with dozens of trucks, cars and oversized construction vehicles on display. Climb aboard the Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services' Fire Safety House -- designed to simulate real fire-related dangers often found in a typical home. As kids tour the home, they will be challenged to identify potential hazards. The Kennesaw Police Department will have vehicles on display, as well as the Kennesaw Public Works Department. Some of the more unique modes of transportation that will be showcased include a horse and buggy, tricycles, earth movers, party buses and a giant roller skate.

Free hot dogs and beverages will be provided courtesy of the Kennesaw Public Works Department. Bring your camera for some great photo opportunities. Admission to the event is free.

The Depot is located across the street from the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Parking is available along Main Street, at the intersection of Main Street and Moon Station Road, behind the Southern Museum (off Shirley drive), and off Sardis Street (near the intersection of Big Shanty Drive). Cherokee Street, from Main Street to Big Shanty Drive, will be closed during the event.

On Going/Weekly Events

High Museum of Art : Toddler Thursdays. 11:00 a. m. - 3:00 p. m.

March 19th Things That Go There are many vehicles that keep life moving in a busy town. What helps you move around?

March 26th Music, Music, Music! Instruments from the Civil War were very similar in what we have today! Come and learn some fun songs.

American Girl Boutique & Bistro: American Girl Crafts 2:00 - 4:00 pm -- Reservations are required for all events.

March 24 A Smart Girl’s Guide to Manners Reservations required. For girls ages 8 and up. View event details

March 20 Felicity’s Ball-and-Cup Game Craft Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up. View event details

March 26 Bitty Bear’s Story Time Reservations required. For girls ages 3 and up. View event details

March 29 Memories with Mom Reservations required. For girls ages 6 and up. View event details

 Lakeshore Learning Store : Crafts for Kids Ages 3 and up, every Saturday 11:00 - 3:00.

Five Things to Look for in a Preschool Game

March 16, 2009

One night a week we like to have Family Fun Night.  Sometimes we go out, but quite often (in an effort to save money) we stay in and watch a DVD or have Family Game Night.  Choosing a game that is appropriate for a four year old does offer some challenges.  But, I have some great suggestions this week from a guest author.

In today's guest post, toy expert Jim Silver discusses features that parents should look for when choosing games for their preschoolers. Jim is a widely recognized and often-resourced authority on the toy and licensing industries, having worked within the publishing and toy industries for more than 20 years.  He's also editor-in-chief for www.TimeToPlayMag.com, a great website parents can go to for toy, gaming and entertainment information.   Read below to learn 5 things parents should look for in a preschool game, then check out Jim's list of top preschool games for 2009.



Five things to look for in a Preschool Game
By Jim Silver, editor in chief, TimetoPlayMag.com

1. Easy to play right out of the box.
Instructions should be very simple and easy, so that you can open the box and play right away. Set up should be minimal, which also means clean up should be too. Young children don't have the patience for long instructions, and parents don't want a lot of mess.

2. Appropriate levels of reading, color matching, sequencing and memory for the age group.
Playing the game should be fun...not frustrating. The great thing is that your children will let you know when they're ready for more advanced games. The child who loves Candy Land for months may suddenly realize he's too old for it, for instance.

3. Correct balance of chance and strategy.
For younger children, the balance should be more chance than strategy. They're learning counting, memory, and matching among other skills. As they get older, strategy-thinking a few moves ahead-can be introduced. Kids also respond well to games that have a clear winner, even if it's not them. Children like the defined beginning and ending of a game with a clear objective.

4. 15 minutes or less.
The younger the child, the quicker a game needs to be completed before a child gets bored or loses focus. For a three-year-old, a game should be completed in less than 15 minutes. As a child gets a little older, 20 minutes is the magic number. Many game companies are now putting game playing times on their packages; look for these to help gauge what's right for your child.

5. Motor skills.
Many games greatly enhance motor skills through the need of hand-eye coordination. Many young children don't have enough opportunities to develop these skills, and games are a great occasion for younger kids to develop them through play.  Read more...

99 Things to do Before Kindergarten in Atlanta

February 24, 2009

There are a few posts similar to this scattered throughout Being Savvy Atlanta.  I thought I'd post them all in one place. We may not make it to 99 this time, but I'm sure over time we'll get there!

Please feel free to leave comments with some of your favorites that you'd like to see added and I'll add them to the list!

1. Run the bases at Turner Field (after Sunday Home games during the regular season)
2. Play in the fountain at Centennial Olympic Park
3. Go to Story Time some place near you.
4. Have a picnic at your local park -- midweek.
5. Road trip to Chattanooga and visit the Tennessee Aquarium, Children's Discovery Center and all the great offerings the city has to offer.
6. Have a scavenger hunt at your closest Georgia State Park -- or take a drive to one you don't normally get to see.
7. Ride the train at Stone Mountain Park
8. Attend Toddler Thursdays at the High Museum of Art
9. Discover the new Tellus Museum
10. Sleep in, stay in your PJ's all day and make a pillow and blanket fort in the living room!  Be sure to bring your books and flashlights!
11. Walk, drive or take the bus to the top of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Kennesaw
12. Visit miniature farm animals at Tanglewood Farms in Canton 
13. Pick Blueberries
14. Pick your own pumpkins
15. Go on a hayride
16. Play in the Children's Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
17. Make history come to life at the Atlanta History Center
18. Go play at American Adventures in Marietta
19. Discover the peace and quiet of the outdoors right in the heart of the city at Big Trees Forest Preserve in Sandy Springs.
20. Take a tour of the Preferred Jet Tours at Kennesaw Airport.
21. Afterward, take your kids to Elevation Chophouse for lunch and watch the airplanes take off and land.
22. Go see Thomas the Tank Engine at the Tennessee Valley Rail 23. Or see Thomas at the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad
23. Or see visit Thomas Town at Six Flags Over Georgia
24. Go to the Georgia Aquarium -- off peak hours
25. Visit the new World of Coke
26. Check out the new Tellus Museum in Cartersville
27. Go see a Puppet Show.
28. And discover how puppets are made.
29. Check out the Jolley Education Center at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw
30. Go see trains at the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth
31. Play on the train tables at Hobby Town or Books-a-Million or Barnes and Noble
32. Have lunch at The Big Chicken. -- or at least drive by and see him on your way someplace
33. Grab a bite at The Varsity -- be sure to get a paper hat!
34. Go to the Zoo -- and go often!
35. Experience the American Girl Boutique and Bistro.
36. Go to the North Georgia State Fair
37. Experience the Renaissance Festival
38. Have an afternoon Tea Party
39. Visit the King Center
40. See a movie (or play or other show) at the Fox Theatre
41. Eat at the Silver Grill
42. Enjoy a concert at Chastain Park
43. Drive down Ponce de Leon Avenue
44. Take a tour of CNN
45. Ride MARTA
46. Visit Fernbank
47. Eat at Waffle House
48. Explore Lake Lanier
49. Watch a parade on Peachtree Street
50. Eat at the Marietta Diner
51. Chase butterflies at Callaway Garden
52. Discover any of the numerous indoor play places

Okay, so we're half way there.  Help me out Atlanta... what else should a preschooler do before starting Kindergarten?

The Child In the Mirror

by Mimi Jenkins

January 13, 2009

"Twist me and turn me and show me an elf, I looked in the water and saw.... Myself" from Brownie Girl Scout's Initiation pledge. When I first read the theme for today's national list topic, this was the first thing that came to mind. I can remember so clearly my Brownie initiation and how exciting it was. I felt so grown up! Anyway, I digress... Kids love looking at  Read more...

Ringing in the New Year, Family Style

by Mimi Jenkins

December 29, 2008

Remember before you had kids and New Year's Eve was the biggest party night of the year? Going out with friends, perhaps dancing the night away or watching any number of countdown shows on TV waiting for "The Ball to Drop?" I don't know about the rest of you, but since Rich and I have become parents, it seems harder and harder to stay up until midnight to ring in the New Year! And we like  Read more...

Reindog Parade at the Atlanta Botanical Garden's

by Mimi Jenkins

December 04, 2008

I know I mention the Botanical Gardens a lot, but they have lots of great activities for kids and adults. This weekend is no exception! New for this year is the Reindog Parade! On Saturday, December 6th from 11 am - 1 pm. The Garden's gone to the dogs this holiday season, with a parade for pups adorned in their finest holiday attire. Master of Ceremonies Lucky Yates is well  Read more...

Five Fab Toys for the Kids on Your Christmas List

by Mimi Jenkins

December 02, 2008

Now that I know you know about some of the great book reviews Savvy has, it's time to introduce you to the toys.  With Christmas just around the corner, check out the massive database of educational toys that Savvy has already reviewed for ideas on what to get any child on your list.  Here are a few of our family favorites.... Geotrax Rail and Road Grand Central Station :  Both the  Read more...

Crafts for the Birds

by Mimi Jenkins

November 15, 2008

One of my favorite fall activities with my kids is making bird feeders. There is just something about it's simplicity and the fun watching the birds eat at the feeder. And I think we must be on some sort of migratory path. Any day now I'm expecting our annual influx of some sort of black bird (may be starlings? I'm not really sure), flying south. One day a year our front  Read more...

Folk Tales of the Rails

by Mimi Jenkins

October 10, 2008

Friday Family Fun Night is moving to Saturday this week. Downtown Kennesaw is hosting the annual " Folk Tales of the Rails ," from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Saturday October 11th at the Depot. Lots of free activities including story telling, crafts, music and the Great Pumpkin trail. Come dressed in costume to help celebrate the spirit of the season! There will be prizes awarded at the end of the  Read more...

It Takes Two, or More... Fun Things to do With a Friend

by Mimi Jenkins

September 23, 2008

Today is List Day and the topic is fun things to do with friends. I know we all need some alone time, but doing things with a friend is always so much more fun. 1. Take a Class . There are so many classes offered in Atlanta and surrounds. Almost every place I've been has some sort of class or activity for preschoolers. Not sure where to start? How about your local parks and recreation  Read more...