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

Celebrate Kid's Day This Weekend!

May 14, 2009

Saturday, May 16th is Disney's Kid's Day America - Dedicated to Children's health, safety and environmental awareness.

This year's celebration is being held at US Play parking lot in Kennesaw from 12 - 3 pm. 

There will be lots of activities for the kids:

Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood? Best Tours for Meeting your Community Helpers

May 12, 2009

My oldest son is in 2nd grade and they've just finished up a unit on Community Helpers. Apparently, they had some people working with Junior Achievement in to help with the unit. And when we went to tour the school he'll start in next year, we found out that they also work with Junior Achievement.

He really loved this unit and came home talking about Community Helpers and the JA.

Learning about a community and what makes it special should start long before second grade! Preschool aged kids are the perfect age to bring on all sorts of free field trips to learn about the people in the neighborhood and community helpers.  Here's my list of fun, free activities that both you and your kids (no matter how old) will enjoy to learn about the community.

Fire Station Tours - What kid doesn't love fire trucks? They are big and red and shiny with lots of ladders and gadgets. It really is one of the best tours you can go on with your kids - no matter what age. Most tours I've been on the fire fighters tell the kids about what they do, show them where they sleep and let them climb in and out of the truck. But the most beneficial thing they do is dress up in their full "Fire fighting" gear. They come out and let the kids touch them and then slowly they take off the masks and jacket so the kids can see they are a real person in the whole "scary suit." When fire fighters go into a burning building they don't want to scare the kids, they want them to know they're here to help. And by showing little kids that there is a real person in the suit, the hope is little kids won't be as frightened to go with them and at least they'll have seen the fire fighter in full gear before. That's the hope.

Police Station Tours - Similar to the fire station, the police officers have lots of fun cars to climb in and out of. The police usually talk to the kids about staying safe, not talking to strangers, what police officers do and such. 

** Note about Fire Station & Police Station tours - they really do appreciate any "Thank you's" from the mom's groups or people that tour the facility. They have a limited budget for food to feed their whole crew, and generally there are some rules about accepting home made treats. Before you bake cookies, please call and ask if they can accept them. I do know they love getting grocery store gift cards so they can suppliment their food budget!

Grocery Store Tours - All of the Publix Supermarkets in our area will give tours of their stores.  All you have to do is call and organize it. When Josh was in Kindergarten, this was his favorite field trip. They go behind the scenes and see how the different departments work (from bakery to produce to seafood to butcher), go in the refrigerator and freezer... and even get a free cookie or sample of fruit.

Post Office Tours - I bet you didn't know you could organize a tour of the post office, did you? You do have to call and sometimes they have a cap on the number of people, but it is a fun tour. You can go see how the mail is sorted and weighed and your child may even get to meet the postal worker that goes to his house. 

Target - Some Target stores will give torurs to mom's groups and school groups as well. Just call and organize one. Your kids can go behind the scenes to see the incoming stock and how the store is run.

Your Local Pizza Parlor - Johnny's Pizza, Big Pie in the Sky and Cici's are just some of the pizza places in our area that will give tours of their restaurants. Again, you must call and organize the tours and somtimes there may be a limit to the number of people allowed on the tour. You may also have to commit to purchase a slice of pizza and a drink - making this tour not quite free, but worth the money for a slice of pizza!

Just about any other place you can think of will give tours. If you have a friend who runs a small business like a coffee shop or book store, call them up and see if they'll organize a tour for you. Most businesses are generally open to educating kids about what they do. It's a great way for them to get some "free" word of mouth advertising.

My kids love going to see what people do at work and love to make the connection between how goods and services get from one place to another. They may not realize they're learning, but they are.

And when you're done, you can read Richard Scary's What Do People Do All Day (the best book EVER) together and talk about what they learned and what they saw.  Read more...

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...

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.

Talking to Kids About the Recession and Job Loss

February 16, 2009

There is no doubt that everyone has been affected by the current economic climate.  People everywhere are taking pay cuts or losing their jobs or scaling back on their spending.

If you know you need to address this with your kids, but you're not quite sure how, we here at the Savvy Source have some simple tips for you.

1. Talk about it.  Like I said before, you kids will know something is going on. Be sure to talk to your kids and let them know that things are going to be a little different for a while.  Use simple language that they will understand and don't lie to them.  You don't have to say you've been laid off, but that "Daddy will be home for a little while."  Or "Mommy is changing jobs so she'll be home for a while while she tries to find something new."

2. Reassure your kids.  Kids want to know how this will affect them.  Reassure your kids that Mommy and Daddy will always be there for them.  If you have to move to a new house or apartment, let them know.  But be sure to tell them that you will be a family where ever you live and you'll be together.  They need to be reassured that Mommy and Daddy will always take care of them.

3. Keep your routine.  It's important to let the kids have some sense of stability and having a routine is one way to keep the status quo.  If your kids are used to having a playdate on Wednesday's, keep those playdates.  Now, you may need to tweak your routine a bit.  If you normally go out to eat once a week, perhaps you can stay in and have a family meal at home -- Make your own pizza or Taco night perhaps.  And instead of going to a movie, watch a DVD or have Family Game Night at home.  Our take advantage of some of the free activities our city has to offer.

When the economy falls on tough times, it affects everyone.  And while we, as adults, may find it stressful, we need to make sure we're not forgetting about our kids.   Kids pick up on our moods and react in their own ways.  While they may not have a deep understanding of what's going on, they certainly know "something" is changing.

So talk to them, reassure them and keep your routine as stable as possible.

Start thinking about Summer -- It's Camp Expo time!

by Mimi Jenkins

January 16, 2009

When it's this cold outside, it's hard to think that soon the summer will be here -- and with it the heat and humidity that Atlanta is famous for! But it's time to start thinking about summer camps, believe it or not. Atlanta Parent Magazine has three Camp Expo's coming up over the next few months. They will have details on Day Camps, Overnight Camps and all sorts of summer programs.  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...

Reinforcing Preschool at home

by Mimi Jenkins

November 10, 2008

Both my kids absolutely love school. My second grader, Josh, has loved it from the moment he first attended preschool when he was three. His little brain was just a sponge ready to soak up any extra information he could get. Sam, my three year old (who will be four tomorrow! Yikes how time flies)... well if I'm honest, this is the first year he's really enjoyed going to school. When he  Read more...

All Aboard the Choo Choo Train! Fun for the little Train Conductors

by Mimi Jenkins

October 29, 2008

What is it about that trains that are so magical? There seems to be some sort of romance and excitement that surrounds them. I can remember when I was little we would visit train yards and look at engines. My had (and still does) have a large electrical train collection. Which really is fun to play with! Thankfully, the boys love trains too. And while they love Thomas the Tank  Read more...

Friday Family Fun Night: Halloween Crafts

by Mimi Jenkins

October 17, 2008

With Halloween getting closer and closer, the kids are getting more and more restless. At least mine are. They are constantly asking me if they can do Halloween crafts so we can decorate the house -- inside and out. So this Friday, grab your glue, scissors and crayons and make some crafts for your house. All it takes is a little patience, a little imagination and a bit of inspiration.  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...

Friday Family Fun Night: Little League at the Local Parks and Recreation

by Mimi Jenkins

September 12, 2008

Josh is playing coach-pitch baseball this year. He normally has practice on Tuesdays, but thanks to the thunderstorm here that night, practice was rescheduled for tonight. That means we're going to watch Josh's practice for FFFN this week. He just plays for our neighborhood league so there aren't many kids and there isn't really a lot of pressure. Last spring for one FFFN we went down to one  Read more...

The Return of "Friday Family Fun Night"

by Mimi Jenkins

September 05, 2008

Last spring we started what I hope will be something we can do for a long time. Well, at least until the boys are in High School. We call them "Friday Family Fun Nights." It's a great way for us to spend time together as a family at the end of a long week. We try to think of something fun to do together. My kids ages are 7 and 3. That is quite a span when you think of how to entertain them. So  Read more...

Get the Sillies Out At Story Time

by Mimi Jenkins

September 04, 2008

From The ThingsWe Do Did you know that September is National Literacy month? What better way to celebrate with your child than to attend Story Time. And if you want to attend the best story time in Atlanta, head up to Kennesaw. Miss Mary does the story times for Kennesaw Parks & Recreation twice a week; Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30, at the Ben Robinson Community Center (2753  Read more...

Five for Friday

by Amy Davis

June 06, 2008

Summer festival season is in full swing around Atlanta , so the options for weekend fun are pretty incredible right now. Here are five tips: 1. The annual Dixie Highway Yard Sale . Along the 90-mile drive from Marietta to Ringgold, you'll find more than 1,000 yard sales. ( Around Cobb County , we know Dixie Highway as U.S. 41 or Cobb Parkway .) In conjunction with the  Read more...

Five Best Ways to Enjoy Centennial Olympic Park

by Amy Davis

May 15, 2008

One of the most incredible changes to the city that we saw when returning here after a 10-year absence was the development of Centennial Olympic Park. Here are my five favorite ways to enjoy the park with the kids. What are yours? 1. When wet. The Fountain of Rings the centerpiece of the park is a great place to cool off on a hot day or to just sit and watch the water show. The  Read more...