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...

Weekend Round UP March 25-29 2009

March 26, 2009

 There are lots of Easter events this and next weekend.  I've noticed lots of the churches in our area have signs up with the date and time of their Easter Egg Hunts -- I'm sure there are lots in your areas too!

Here are a few events that are this weekend --

Eggstraordinary Beauty - Oakhurst Garden, Decatur. Decorate hollow eggs for Easter.  March 28, 1-3 p.m. $15 Garden members, $20 non-members. (fee includes $5 material fee)

Children's Easter Egg Hunt - North Park Softball Fields, Alpharetta  Children ages 10 and under. March 29th. The hunt begins promptly at 3pm - so don't be late!  The Easter Bunny will be available for complimentary photos with children.  Thousands of eggs and candy will be hidden.  This event is co-sponsored by the Alpharetta Golden Age Club.

7th Annual Alpharetta Children's Festival - Alpharetta Community Center Event Lawn.  March 28 10:00 - 3:00 Activities include safety tips from local public safety personnel, interactive arts enrichment activities, vendors, and refreshments.  Admission and parking are free.

On Going/Weekly Events

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

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 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.

March 28th Royal Crown: Make home made crowns fit for royalty!