cheap things to do with kids in atlanta

Family Deals: SWAPtember Member Savings at Atlanta Attractions

August 31, 2011 By Amy Leave a Comment

Great news for members of Atlanta Attractions! The SWAPtember Member Savings is back.

For the whole month of September, Atlanta attractions have collaborated to offer the community a way to experience all that Atlanta has to offer. SWAPtember offers members of participating attractions discounts at all of the others. If you’re not already a member, it’s a great time to join. Members of any of the participating attractions can show their membership card and receive all of the fantastic offers including $3 off general admission; 10% off in retail store; membership discounts (vary by attraction).

If you are a member at one of the following Atlanta Attractions, don’t forget to take advantage of this great deal:

Offers valid only for members of participating attractions:

Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Atlanta History Center/Margaret Mitchell House
Booth Western Art Museum
Callaway Gardens
Center for Puppetry Arts
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Georgia Aquarium
High Museum of Art
Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Museum of Design Atlanta
Tellus Science Museum
Zoo Atlanta

SWAPtember Member Savings Information:

Place: Atlanta attractions listed above

Date: Sep 1-30, 2011

Fee: $3 off general admission; 10% off in retail store; membership discounts (vary by attraction)

Family Fun Giveaways: 4 Tickets to Cirque du Soleil: Dralion @ The Area at the Gwinnett Center

August 29, 2011 By Amy

This Giveaway is CLOSED

Congratulation to Joann, a winner of our giveaway!

I would go to all the Cirque du Soleil shows if I can afford them! Our last experience was beyond amazing. So when they contact me and ask if I want to do a giveaway of family of 4 pack tickets to Cirque du Soleil: Dralion show at the Arena at Gwinnett Center, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. It’s a great show and one that you and your kids will absolutely love!

Cirque du Soleil: Dralion @ The Area at the Gwinnett Center Information

About: Fusing the 3,000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion (pronounced “Dra-lee-on”) draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West.

In Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form. Each element is represented by its own evocative colour: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; earth is ochre. In the world of Dralion, cultures blend, Man and Nature are one, and balance is achieved.

The Cirque du Soleil: Dralion @ The Arena at the Gwinnett Center 4 Tickets Giveaways This Giveaway is CLOSED

Prize:

4 Tickets to the matinee performance on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. at The Arena at Gwinnett Center

How to Enter:

It’s very simple. Just Subscribe to Atlanta With Kid Email. Make sure to confirm your subscription and leave a comment that you have subscribed.
The comment must be entered before Noon EST on Wednesday, August 31, 2011

That’s easy enough, right? Please make sure that you enter valid email address because we will use that to contact you. Don’t worry. We will NOT share or publish your email address.

Additional Entries:

Yes, there is bonus.. For any readers, who would love to get more chance to win this great giveaways, here is how:

1) Share our giveaways on Facebook by click on ‘Share’ button and come back here to leave a comment to get extra entry.

2) Tweet our giveaways on Twitter with the following info: “I entered @AtlantaWithKid giveaways to @Cirque Dralion Show. You can win too! goo.gl/x8o8t” and come back here to leave a comment to get extra entry.

Winner:

The giveaway will be closed at Noon EST on Wednesday August 31st, 2011. I will choose ONE lucky winner randomly via random.org and the result will be announce here on Wednesday, August 31st, 2011. I will contact the winner to get information for the shipping address for your winning tickets.

Since this giveaway is time-sensitive, a winner must contact me no later than 5pm EST on Wednesday otherwise I will pick a new winner.

Rules:

Duplicate comments and anonymous comments will be discarded.
Please make sure that the email address in your comment form is valid so that we can contact you (email addresses are never made public or shared).
Winners must claim their prize within 1 business days after the date of notification of such prize. We will disqualify any entries that we believe are generated by scripts and other automated technology.
No substitutions including for cash are permitted.
Winners shall be responsible and liable for all federal, state and local taxes on the value of their prize.
Immediate family of Atlanta With Kid are not eligible to win.

So what are you waiting for?

Also for more chance to win this great giveaways head out to AtlMomsOnthemove.com for her giveaway as well.

NOTE: There is some funky thing with our comment. After you enter your comment, you might get 404 page but don’t worry your comment is saved!

Family Deals: Tickets Deal for A Child’s Garden of Verse Show @ Alliance Theatre

August 29, 2011 By Amy 2 Comments

The Alliance Theatre for the Very Young presents A Child's Garden of Verses

Look for way to save and enjoy your time with your family? Check out special deal for The Alliance Theatre for the Very Young – A Child’s Garden of Verse show.

A Child’s Garden of Verses is a highly interactive multi-sensory performance for very young children and their grown-ups. A “cultural” garden in which children can grow their imaginations, and become gardeners themselves! This show is good for children age 18 months to 5 years old.

The Alliance Theatre for the Very Young Information:

Place: Alliance Theatr, 1280 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309

Date: Sep 2-14, 2011 (Check site for show schedule)

Price: $10. To receive special “Buy One Get One 50% Off”, call 404.733.4702 and mention the “Buy one, Get one 50% off” deal for the special price.

Labor Day Weekend 2011 Events in Atlanta With Kids

August 26, 2011 By Amy Leave a Comment

Labor Day Weekend Events in Atlanta

For families that decide to stay in town for the Labor Day weekend, there are plenty of fun events around town to keep you busy.

Check out our round up of fun, family-friendly events on Labor Day Weekend in or around Atlanta

**1. Dragon*Con Parade @ Atlanta**

You don’t have to be a geek to enjoy the Dragon Con parade. This annual convention is one of the biggest fantasy and sci-fi convention in the country. If your kids love Star Wars like my kids, they will probably enjoy this parade. Head downtown to watch the parade in the early Saturday morning and have a chance to interaction with almost-real costume. Beware that some costume might be more realistic than a little one can handle. Use your parental guidance and judgement call on this one.

Also check out our ultimate guide to Dragon*Con Parade for Families with Kids

Make sure to head out early to secure a front row spot. Limited parking so it’s best to use Marta to get to downtown.

Place: Downtown Atlanta
Date: September 3, 2011
Time: 10AM
Cost: FREE

2. Arts on the Creek @ Johns Creek

This Music & Arts festival is hosted by Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce. The festival is a fun family friendly filled with performances, art exhibits and children activities.

Place: Perimeter Church 9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097
Date: September 3-4, 2011
Time: Sat 10am – 5pm , Sun 1pm-6pm,
Cost: FREE

3. Sixth Annual AJC Decatur Book Festival @ Decatur

Calling all bookworms young or old, it’s time to check out the 2011 AJC Decatur Book Festival this Labor Day weekend. Meet your favorite authors, check out various children activities, listen to the Live music performed by nationally touring musicians, watch Cooking demonstrations by noted cookbook authors and enjoy food and beer from local vendors. This is a Bookzilla size festival that will entertain the whole family.

Place: Downtown Decatur, GA
Date: September 2-4, 2011
Time: See event schedule here
Cost: FREE

4. Arts in the Park @ Marietta

Explore fine art shows features an artist market, children’s art alley and an artist demonstration area and the famous Painted Pots. Art displayed will include paintings, photography, pottery, graphic arts, sculptures, jewelry, woodworking from 150 of the countries finest artists. Festival guests will also have the opportunity to visit the unique shops and boutiques, restaurants, museums and galleries, take in a historic walking tour plus much more, all within walking distance to the festival.

Place: Glover Park/Marietta Square, 50 Park Square, Marietta, GA
Date: September 3-5, 2011
Time: 10am – 5pm
Cost: FREE

5. Love the Lake Festival @ Acworth

The Acworth Love the Lake Festival takes place on Saturday, September 3, 2011 from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, September 4, 2011 from noon to 6pm. The Labor Day weekend festival takes place at Cauble Park near downtown Acworth and features over 150 arts & crafts vendors as well as 30 food vendors and live entertainment. There is also a large kids zone.

Place: Lake Acworth Beach at Cauble Park near Downtown Acworth, 2293 Beach Street, Acworth, GA 30101
Date: September 3-4, 2011
Time: Saturday: 10am – 6pm, Sunday: noon – 6pm
Cost: FREE

6. Powers’ Crossroads Country Fair and Art Festival @ Newnan

Two hundred fifty talented artists and craftsmen from across the nation gather each Labor Day Week-end to display their works from Saturday through Monday. One of the many highlights of the Festival is the abundance of delicious country cooking. Highlights include demonstrations of plantation skills such as blacksmithing, sorghum syrup mill, spinning yarn, and the original Powers’ Plantation grist mill. Many of exhibitors demonstrate their art or craft at the booths during thorugout the weekend.

Place: Powers’ Art Festival, 4766 West Highway 34 – Newnan, GA
Date: September 3-5, 2011
Time: 9am – 5pm
Cost: $5 for Advance purchase and $7 at the door. Children 6 and under are FREE.

7. Celebrate Freedom Atlanta @ Marietta

Join 104.7 the Fish and Switchfoot at one of the Largest FREE one day concert in Atlanta where christian musicians and bands lined up to celebrate with free children activities and performances. The event lasts the whole day and if your kids are up for it then there is firework at 11pm. Check out their site for more detail on event features and how to get free ticket.

Place: Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road Southwest, Marietta, GA 30008
Date: September 3, 2011
Time: 9am – 11pm
Cost: FREE. ($5 parking)

8. Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival and Family Fun Day @ Decatur

The Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival and Family Fun Day will give residents of Metro Atlanta the opportunity to experience the best in Caribbean culture and cuisine. will feature activities such as jerk preparation demonstrations, the crowning of Atlanta’s Top Jerk Chef, a celebrity cook off, live reggae and calypso bands, top Caribbean music DJS, a kiddies’ playground and games tent.

Place: 2817 Clifton Springs Rd. Decatur, Georgia
Date: September 4, 2011
Time: noon – 10pm
Cost: Admission $12. Children under 12 free. Free parking

9. Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival @ Pine Mountain

If you are looking for a quick weekend getaway from Atlanta that doesn’t involve a really long drive from Atlanta, Callaway Gardens will fit the bill perfectly. Plus this weekend, you will get to enjoy the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival.

After a fun day at the gardens, you can enjoy the view of sky filled with colorful hot air balloon. Between the launch you can also enjoy wide range of entertainments, family activities, music, exhibits and demonstrations.

Place: 17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, Georgia 31822
Date: September 2-4, 2011
Time: Varies
Cost: Adult $25, Children (6-12) $12.50

For more kids friendly events for Labor Day weekend, check out AtlantaMoms.com here.

Family Fun Deal: Bowling, Arcade Game and Food @ Stars and Strikes From Groupon Atlanta

August 26, 2011 By Amy Leave a Comment

When it’s hot, it’s good to have a backup plan to take kids to an indoor fun entertainment center like Stars & Strike. You and your kids can enjoy a day of bowling, arcade game and food at Stars and Strikes from just $29! Don’t wait because time is running out.

Today deal for cheap and budget-friendly things to do with kids brought to you by Groupon Atlanta.

New to Groupon? Sign up HERE for free daily email for deal in Atlanta.

Groupon Atlanta: Stars & Strikes Deal Information:

Place: Stars and Strikes – multiple locations

Expiration Date: Nov 15, 2011

Cost: From $29 for Bowling and Game Outing for Two or Six with One Hour of Bowling, Shoe Rental, Game Credit, and Dining Credit @ Stars and Strikes – Multiple Locations

How: Purchase online at Groupon Atlanta Deal. For a new user, click HERE to register.

*The link includes is the affiliate link. If you plan to purchase or join, please use the link to send me some love my way. Thanks!

Family Fun Deal: Film and Fores @ Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe Miniature Golf from SweetJack

August 26, 2011 By Amy Leave a Comment

A great way to wind down after a long school week is to see a movie and enjoy miniature golf. This deal brings both fun family activities together in one low price!

Today deal for cheap and budget-friendly things to do with kids brought to you by SweetJack Atlanta.

New to SweetJack? Sign up HERE for free daily email for deal in Atlanta.

SweetJack Atlanta: Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe Miniature Golf Deal Information:

Place: Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe Miniature Golf, 5100 Commerce Parkway, Roswell, GA 30076

Expiration Date: 3/22/2012

Deal: $13 for $26.50 value of one Movie Package (ticket, medium popcorn and medium soda) and one Miniature Golf Package (admission and soda) at Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe Miniature Golf

How: Purchase online at SweetJack Atlanta Deal.

*The link includes is the affiliate link. If you plan to purchase or join, please use the link to send me some love my way. Thanks!

Friday Five: Ideas to Stay Cool in Atlanta with Kids

August 9, 2011 By Amy Leave a Comment

We are not called ‘HOTlanta’ for nothing. The heat is excruciating during the day and even late into the night. So for parents who are looking for ways to beat the heat with their kids, we feel for you.

Here are our 5 Ideas to Stay Cool in Atlanta with Kids

1. Indoor Pool

Pool time is definitely a lifesaver during summer for all parents. But if you are not in the pool with them, sitting in the scourging Sun is not a way I picture myself spending time during summer. However, there are many indoor pools in the Atlanta metro area that you can check out.

2. Cheap Movie

An escape for a couple hours in a crisp cool air inside the dark theatre with family-friendly movie is another way to fight those high temperatures. Check out local movie theatres and see if they also offer family summer movie which normally shows kids-friendly movies that are out for a while. Typically tickets will run around $1 or even free.

3. Ice Skating Ring

You might feel weird packing light jacket when you leave your house in the 90 plus degree temperature. But your kids might not even want to put on those jackets when they get to the ice skating ring. It not only help you escape the heat but kids will get plenty of exercise without knowing it. It’s hard work pushing those feet on the slippery ring.

4. Bowling

Bowling is a great family entertainment option. It’s cheap and fun. Plus majority of bowling alleys are now more family-friendly than before. Smoking are prohibited in most places. Many also run great discount program for family during the days.

5. Indoor Inflatable Playground & Jumping Place

A couple years ago, the indoor inflatable playground and jumping places are all the rage. You can see them pop up in every corner. But now that the bubble is burst, only the ones with the most value survive. There is no doubt it’s a great entertainment option for family. With cheap entrance fee, parents can have their kids enjoy a few hours of fun indoor. But keep in mind that not all inflatable playgrounds are created equal. Some places have better options and some places have better environment. Check around to find out about your favorite places to take your kids during a hot day.

Chattahoochee Nature Center with Kids

July 9, 2011 By Amy 8 Comments

A couple weekends ago we took the kids to explore Chattahoochee Nature Center. We got free admission tickets from our friends. But I think I would have paid to go there ourselves even if we didn’t have tickets. The center is located in the Roswell area not too far from GA400 at Exit 6.

We planned to start off the day early but as usual we were running late. We got there around noon and the parking lot was full so we had to park in the staff parking area. It was not a bad deal because we got to walk a short distance to test out the hiking trail to the center.

We headed to the Discovery Center and started to explore the area. Inside the center, kids got to check out various interactive centers and learn about nature. It is a wonderful educational approach. The kids were totally engaged, and learned a lot while having fun. Once we headed downstairs, we checked out the Nature Exchange center. It is such a cool concept. Kids can collect nature items ranging from bird feather, shell, twig or leaf (from anywhere but inside the center) and then bring it back to earn points. The more detail or information kids can give about certain item the more points they will receive. Then they can trade their points for the various items available at the center.

Afterward, we headed to the Watershed area which is another great interactive exhibit with multiple galleries teaching kids all about water and watershed habitats. By this time, we were so hungry… We headed to the Lakeside Pavillion to enjoy our quick snack (we forgot to pack lunch).

Next to the pavillion is the Bald Eagle Aviary and various raptor aviaries. Kids were so excited to see those creatures. We stopped by to say hi to lovely set of turtles at the Kingfisher Pond. By this time, our energy were running low. So we decided to do shortest hiking trail and headed home. We picked the Stone Cabin Trail because it was the shortest trail based on our map and also the closest to our parking spot.

The trail was perfect for family with small kids. The path was very easy to navigate and shaded throughout. The trail was very short at 0.23 miles even for the whiniest kid can conquer. It took us less than 15 minutes to walk through the trail. Kids enjoyed a quick stop to enjoy the view of the Beaver Pond. Overall, it was a great day for us, non-outdoor family to enjoy the outdoor adventures in Atlanta. We love it so much that we plan to go back there again to check out their Family Canoe Day.

Family Favorites:

Discovery Center: The best part of the center apart from a fun interactive place full of great information for kids about nature is the AC part. For the Hotanta as we are, the heat is the main thing – I think – that makes me think twice about planning any outdoor activities with my kids. The center is great for a quick escape from the heat to regroup and get ready for the next fun adventures.

The Hiking Trails: There are 6 hiking trails all around the Chattahoochee Nature Center with various lenght but mostly less than 0.5 mils. So it’s perfect for family with kids. We have only done one trail so we plan to go back and check out other trails in the near future.

Family Programs: There are so many family oriented programs available through out the year at the center that I don’t think we will be able to attend every one of them. We would love to try out the Family Canoe Day and the Guided Hike.

Address: Chattahoochee Nature Center 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, GA 30075
Fee: Adult $8, Children (3-12) $5, Children (2 and under) Free

Summer in Atlanta With Kids: Family Fun Around Town on a Budget

April 20, 2011 By Amy 1 Comment

Family Fun in Atlanta With Kids

The summer months are not too far away. I don’t know about you but I always dread the long summer months. It’s the time where I scout the internet, parenting magazine and local news about what to do with kids in summer.

Saving money on family fun is particularly essential during the summer months, when the kids are out of school, restless, and looking to you for a number of entertainment ideas. It can make you feel guilty if you don’t have the money to repeatedly rent movies, take them to pricey kid-friendly places, and shell out big bucks for full fare activities.

This is where season passes come in handy. You pay once for full, year-round access to a wide variety of entertainment hot spots.

Fun at the Zoo

The zoo is a great place to save money with a season pass. A season pass to a zoo not only gets you in the door without paying again all year, but you typically get free parking, too.

Not only that, but a zoo membership allows you to access certain events that other pay-per-visit patrons don’t get to attend. And if you have to spend any money at the zoo on things like food, drinks, or gift shop items, you usually get a member’s discount price.

Beat the Heat at Water Parks

Another season pass that will save you money is one for a local water park. Water parks can be awfully expensive, costing approximately $50 per person per visit. A season pass is about $20-30 more, and you and your kids can visit as many times as you want throughout the open season.

Theme Parks Visits

Aside from water parks, other theme parks like Six Flags offer season passes to families who are on a tight budget. A season pass is the only smart way to go to one of these parks, because you can’t possibly enjoy everything in a single day!

Again, your family will likely save on food, drinks, and gift shop items, but they also have member only days and free perks like rent-free rafts for customers who prefer to pay for a year at a time.

Just two visits to a park would likely pay for a season pass, so if you plan to go more than once, or just want a place that you, your spouse and kids can have fun on a year-round basis, then consider upgrading to a membership that lets you have unlimited fun.

Cheer on Your Home Teams

Sporting events are another place where you and your clan can sock away money by investing in season tickets. The more games you buy ahead of time, the more you usually save – and you’ll never have to hear the kids complaining that you never take them anywhere!

Learning Time at the Museum

Family membership at the local art museums or children museums is another great way to have enjoyable time on a budget. The museum offers a great way to spend quality time while teaching kids valuable lessons at the same time.

Also most of the children museums or science museum offer reciprocal programs where you can enjoy free or discount passes to other museum in different cities.

Season passes and memberships ensure your family will get the fun they deserve while helping you save money at the same time. And in many cases, like with the zoo or an art museum, you’re contributing to the maintenance of the exhibits, too!

Also don’t forget to keep an eye out for many Atlanta daily deals that sometimes offering membership passes to popular attractions for more than 50% off.

Atlanta Attraction: FREE Admission to Center for Puppetry Arts Atlanta

March 2, 2011 By Amy Leave a Comment

Atlanta With Kid: The Body Detective Center for Pupptery Arts

Photo Credit: Kathryn Kolb, Courtesy of Center for Puppetry Arts

Good news for Fulton County residents this year. The Center for Puppetry Arts offers free admission for the Fulton county residents for first Saturday of the month starting on Jan 8th, 2011. Download the application here and fill out the form to redeem your ticket on the dates listed in the form.

Guidelines:

Only Fulton County residents and students, as well as Fulton County Government employees, are eligible for the free admission/discount. Non-eligible friends and family are not included.
An ID is required to establish residency. This can be a Georgia driver’s license or ID with a county code of 60, a student ID from a Fulton County based school (GA State, GA TECH, SCAD, etc), or a Fulton County employee ID card. Other proof of residence may be considered at the discretion of the ticket sales office.
Only museum admission is free. Performances and workshops are not included.
Eligible participants may purchase an all-inclusive ticket for a performance and workshop on the free museum day at a 25% discount.
Tickets are available to walk-ups only and are subject to availability. Some restrictions may apply.