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

Surviving Spring Break

April 06, 2009

Spring Break has come and the kids are dying to be entertained. I've spoken with a few friends that have plans to travel south to warmer climates, but most of my friends are staying put this year. Which leaves Mom (or Dad) with the job of playing "Julie McCoy, Cruise Director." And, it always seems, the weather over Spring Break leaves something to be desired!

Here are some of my picks for fun activities to do with the kids over the coming week.

1. Dye Easter Eggs and do some Easter Crafts. Arts and crafts are a great (and cheap) way to pass the time. Even if all you have on hand is paper and crayons, you can draw pictures of bunnies, chicks, Easter Eggs, flowers or other "Spring" scenes. And kids love to dye Easter Eggs. Yes, it's messy, but lots of fun! And if you're just not into all the dye, try our Easy Easter Egg project. No messy dyes in sight!


2. Head down to IKEA. Ikea is having a weeks worth of free events for kids . They can do Arts and Crafts while you shop! Each day has a different activity and the hours do vary, but seem to be around noon - 3pm each day. But check the website for details on the event the day you head down. Go down for one of their yummy lunches and stay for the free activities!

3. Run around at Indoor Play Places. While the indoor bounce house-type places tend to be quite busy over school breaks, if you head out early you may miss the crowds. We have lots of indoor play places in Atlanta, for ideas and inspiration, check out this article from January, "Best Places to Play Indoors. "

4. Roadtrip to Chattanooga. We love heading up to Chattanooga for small day trips. There is so much to do there; you could spend a whole weekend if you had time. But it's perfect for a change of scenery. Our favorite Chattanooga places, The Tennessee Aquarium and the Creative Discovery Museum . Head out early, hit your favorite spot, have lunch and come home. It's a full day, but lots of fun!

5. Visit a Museum. We have so many great museums in Atlanta: Fernbank, Tellus, The High, World of Coke... and so many more! This way you can sneak in some "learning" while the kids are on break!

6. Have a Picnic. If the weather is nice, head out to your local playground or check out one further afield and have a picnic. Let the kids help pack it up, bring your bikes and go out and enjoy the weather!

And most importantly, go out and have some fun!  Read more...

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...

Best Places to Play Indoors

by Mimi Jenkins

January 20, 2009

Wow! The weather outside is frightful! I'm from Michigan and very familiar with cold weather, but I seem to have acclimated very well to the mild winters and I have been freezing these past few days! Of course it doesn't help that our heater isn't the greatest so the indoor temps have rarely been above 60! Luckily, Atlanta is home to the indoor play industry and we have lots and lots of  Read more...

Keep Them Busy (and active) During the Break at Southern-Prep!

by Mimi Jenkins

December 17, 2008

Sam, my three year old, had his last day of school yesterday.  Now he's home for three weeks and we're faced with finding something to do for a week.  That's when Josh, my 2nd grader breaks up, and shortly thereafter, Rich, my husband, will be off as well. I know I'm not alone and at least one or two of you are in the same boat as me.  Trying to find something fun to do.   Luckily, I  Read more...

Still Looking? Five More Toys for Your Christmas List.

by Mimi Jenkins

December 09, 2008

Here's my latest list of toy recommendations from Savvy Source for Parents database of toys and books.  Lego Road Construction Set :  My son got this for his 4th birthday and he loves it.  We asked him the other day what his favorite present was and he answered "Legos" without missing a beat.  I love how he and his older brother can sit and play with them for hours, use their  Read more...

More Books for Your Home Library

by Mimi Jenkins

December 04, 2008

I've got some more book recommendations for you from the  Savvy Source for Parents list of educational books, toys and games .  If you haven't yet checked out their lists, make sure you do.  Lots of great books, some new ones to check out along with classics that you may have forgotten about. Flotsam :  Both my boys (ages 4 and 7) love this book.  We got it from our local library  Read more...

Someone's in the Kitchen with Mommy... Cooking with Kids

by Mimi Jenkins

November 26, 2008

Both my boys love to help me in the kitchen. I love cooking and want to pass that love on to my kids. Cooking with your kids is a great way to keep them entertained, spend time with them and teach them healthy eating habits. And basic "help" can start as soon as they can stir a spoon. And as they grow, they can help more and more. The boys will help me with whatever meal I'm making. Sometimes  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...