free things to do with kids summer

FREE Family Fun: Family Fun Day ‘It’s About Sports’ @Centennial Olympic Park

July 22, 2010 By Amy Leave a Comment

CentennialPark

The Fourth Family Fun Days at Centennial Olympic park is back. The first in the series for this family theme day is a ‘It’s About Sports’ day.

The whole family can enjoy free entertainment, interactive activities, educational programming, specialty workshops, children’s crafts, prizes and many more.

Fourth Family Fun Day Info:

Place: The Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, GA
Date: Jul 24th (Saturday)
Time: noon – 4 pm
Cost: FREE

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Photo Credit: j3ku

FREE Summer Fun: Atlanta’s Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic

July 20, 2010 By Amy Leave a Comment

Whew… That’s a long name for an event!

What’s Atlanta’s Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic? It’s a fun day out picnic style with Hebrew National hot dogs and fun activities. The unique part is the giving back project for the community. So we are not only gonna have some fun but we will be giving back and share the love to others as well.

Join four fabulous Atlanta bloggers (Mishell from SecretAgentMama, Dawn from MyHomeSweetHome, Stacy from DivineMissMommy, and Renee from CutieBootieCakes) as they host the annual ‘Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic picnic’ for a fun, family friendly event that not only entertains a whole family but will be doing a service project to give back to the community.

The detail of the service projects are here as posted on @SecretAgentMama website:

DONATIONS:

Atlanta Community Food Bank-Kids in Need: Sometimes it’s the simplest of tools that are the hardest to obtain, like school supplies. Kids in Need is a program through the ACFB that works with eligible teachers and schools to help provide students with those much needed supplies.

The Atlanta Children’s Shelter: It’s easy to make a child happy—a stuffed animal, a matchbox car, a set of paints or playdough; they can all easily do the trick. Unfortunately not every child has the means to attain simple pleasures. Donations of this kind can make a difference in a child’s life. We have the power to make that happen, one gift at a time!

IN-KIND PROJECT:

Photographs can spread a message. We will be taking pictures of kids who attend the Hebrew Nations Better-than-a-Picnic Picnic and creating a mosaic of the beauty and innocence that is childhood, and we’ll present this framed mosaic to the Atlanta Children’s Shelter to hang on their walls!

Hebrew National Picnic Information:

Place: Centennial Olympic Park
Date: July 24th (Saturday)
Time: 11:30am – 3:30pm
Cost: Free

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Summer Fun: Cheap and Free Movies for Kids Around Atlanta for week of July 20th

July 18, 2010 By Amy 2 Comments

It seems like the weather in Atlanta this week will be another unpredictable one with a chance of rain. So for a great indoor alternative kid friendly activity, you can’t beat a cheap or free movie in a movie theatre around Atlanta. I will only list the movies that are playing this week. So you can figure which one you want to take your kids.

1. Studio Movie Grill Summer Children Series: Monsters VS Aliens

Place: Studio Movie Grill, 2880 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA
Show: Monsters VS Aliens
Date: July 19th-23th (Monday – Thursday)
Time: 11 AM
Cost: $1 for kids, $2 for adults

2. AMC Summer Movie Camp: Hotel for Dogs

Show: Hotel For Dogs
Date: July 20th (Tuesday)
Time: 10 AM
Cost: $1
Participating Theatres:

Avenue Forsyth, 350 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, GA
Barrett Commons, 2600 Cobb Place Ln. NW Kennesaw, GA
Discover Mills 18, 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway Lawrenceville, GA
Parkway Pointe 15, 3101 Cobb Pkwy. Atlanta, GA
Phipps Plaza 14, 3500 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA
Southlake Pavilion 24, 7065 Mount Zion Circle Morrow, GA
Stonecrest Mall 16, 8060 Mall Parkway Lithonia, GA

3. Regal Cinema Free Family Film Festival: March of the Penguins (G) & Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)

Show: March of the Penguins (G) & Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)
Date: July 20th-21st (Tuesday-Wednesday)
Time: 10 AM
Cost: FREE
Participating Theatres:

North Point Market 8, 6500 North Point Pkwy., Alpharetta ,GA
Mall of Georgia Stadium 20, 3333 Buford Drive, Buford ,GA
Arbor Place Stadium 18, 6600 Douglas Blvd., Douglasville ,GA
Medlock Stadium 18, 9700 Medlock Bridge Road, Duluth ,GA
Town Center Stadium 16, 2795 Town Center Drive, Kennesaw ,GA

4. Merchant’s Walk Stadium Cinemas: Madagascar 2 & Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)

Place: Merchant’s Walk Stadium Cinemas, 1301 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA
Show: Madagascar 2 & Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Date: July 20th & 22nd (Tuesday & Thursday)
Time: 10 AM
Cost: $1

5. Park 12 Cobb Stadium Cinemas: Planet 51

Place: Park 12 Cobb Stadium Cinemas, 2925 W. Frank Gordy Pkwy, Marietta, GA
Show: Planet 51
Date: July 20th & 22nd (Tuesday & Thursday)
Time: 10 AM
Cost: $1

6. Cherokee 16 Stadium : Planet 51 & Monsters VS Aliens

Place: Cherokee 16 Stadium, 355 Cinema View, Woodstock, GA
Show: Planet 51 & Monsters VS Aliens
Date: July 20th & 22nd (Tuesday & Thursday)
Time: 10 AM
Cost: $1

7. Hollywood 15 Stadium : Planet 51 & Monsters VS Aliens

Place: Hollywood 15 Stadium, 120 Green Hill Circle, Gainesville, GA
Show: Planet 51 & Monsters VS Aliens
Date: July 20th & 22nd (Tuesday & Thursday)
Time: 10 AM
Cost: $1

8. Movies ATL : The Tooth Fairy

Place: Movie ATL, 3760 Princeton Lakes Pkwy., Atlanta, GA
Show: The Tooth Fairy
Date: July 20th & 22nd (Tuesday & Thursday)
Time: 10 AM
Cost: FREE

9. Movies At 400 : The Tooth Fairy

Place: Movies at 400, 415 Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA
Show: The Tooth Fairy
Date: July 20th & 22nd (Tuesday & Thursday)
Time: 10 AM
Cost: FREE

10. Dawson 400 Stadium : Ice Age 3 & Shrek The Third

Place: Dawson 400 Stadium, 189 North 400 Center Lane, Dawsonville, GA
Show: Ice Age 3 & Shrek The Third
Date: July 20th & 22nd (Tuesday & Thursday)
Time: 10 AM
Cost: $1

11. Cinemark Tinseltown 17 : Hotel for Dogs

Place: Cinemark Tinseltown 17, 134 Pavilion Parkway, Fayetteville, GA
Show: Hotel for Dogs
Date: July 19th-21st (Monday-Wednesday)
Time: 10 AM
Cost: $1

Summer Fun: FREE Happy Campers @ Atlantic Station

July 9, 2010 By Amy 2 Comments

As we are half way through our summer here in Atlanta, most parents probably have a routine down to the science on things to do with their kids this summer. But for the rest of us who love to live at the moment and don’t really have solid plan, you might be interested to know that the good folks at Atlantic Station are planning a great FREE summer camp for kids next week.

It’s a week long FREE summer camp for kids age 4-10 years old from 10am-noon for a whole week.

Each day will be filled with kid-friendly activities sponsor by many great Atlanta attractions and organizations.

Monday – Children will enjoy fun activities provided by Georgia Aquarium like ‘Build-a-Jelly’ and ‘Create-a-Shark’.

Tuesday – Kids will have a chance to make their own take-home hand puppet courtesy of Center for Puppetry Arts and Horizon

Wednesday – Kids will learn magic tricks and art of juggling, face-painting and other crafts from Disney’s ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ Magic workshop.

Thursday – For animal lover kids, they will get up close with animals and learn through fun activities and bio facts from Zoo Atlanta.

Friday – Well that’s a surprise!

Happy Campers Week Information:

Place: Atlantic Station, 171 17th Street, Atlanta, GA
Date: Jul 12th-16th(Mon-Fri)
Time: 10am-noon
Cost: FREE

Summer Fun: 5 Family Friendly Things to Do to Beat the Heat in Atlanta

July 5, 2010 By Amy 1 Comment

Family Friendly Things to Do this Summer to Beat the Heat in Atlanta

When I came back from our trip to Thailand, I didn’t expect Atlanta to be this hot. It was so hot that our A/C was broken for a couple days. As much as I love the idea of enjoying outdoor adventures around Atlanta, the heat is something we have to worry about with little ones.

So here are our top 5 Family Friendly Things to Do this Summer to Beat the Heat in Atlanta

1. Pool Time: If you live in a swim community, you don’t have to look further. Enjoy that amenity that you have been paying for. If you don’t, be friend to one who live in a swim community. Make sure not to go out during mid-day and use sunscreen regularly. Or check out a list of free swim in pools around Atlanta from Field Trips With Sue – my favorite local Atlanta blogger for family.

2. Head to Local Library: Summer reading is a great way to beat the heat and encourage kids to read at the same time. Check out your local library for storytime and fun summer activities. Also if you have a rising reader in your house, you might want to check out various Summer Reading Programs to help motivate them to pick up the books this summer.

3. Water Parks: We are fortunate to have several water parks in Atlanta areas. Some are bigger than another and cost more. But there are many that are more affordable with smaller scale. So check out the list of water parks and pools around Atlanta.

4. Free or Cheap Movies: Summer Movie is one of my kids favorite thing to do even though some of the movies they have seen it so many times. It’s just something about watching a movie in the movie theatre that makes kids feel like a special treat for any day of the week. Check out the list of free or cheap movies around Atlanta to help you plan your week this summer.

5. Bowling: A perfect way to escape the heat while kids get to spend their energy throwing a ball too heavy to lift. Check out your local bowling alley for discount and deal. Some even offer free bowling this summer!

Do you have other fun activities to beat the heat to share with other readers? Please feel free to leave a comment!! We love to hear from you.

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Summer Fun: Budget Friendly Things to Do with Kids in Atlanta

July 2, 2010 By Amy 3 Comments

Find out what are cheap and budget friendly things to do with kids this summer in Atlanta from my guest – Michelle & Leslie – the owner of KidVentures.

It’s officially summertime here in “Hot-lanta”!! Looks like it’s going to be a scorcher, too, true to the name! Are you looking for some fun things to keep your kids busy this summer? We all have this problem – it’s tough to find budget friendly things for the kids to do, especially when you have two or more!

Leslie and I both have three children (including a set of twins each), and we’ve been able to learn about all sorts of things around town because we were both events coordinators for the North Fulton Mothers of Multiples Club. Combined, we have 5 years of events experience under our belts. We love to help other parents solve this age-old dilemma!

Here are some ideas to keep you & your family occupied this summer!

1. Go to the theater! There are lots of places that offer puppet shows – The Center for Puppetry Arts, The Roswell Cultural Arts Center, and the Kudzu Playhouse, just to name a few.

2. Go to the pool! If your neighborhood doesn’t have a community pool, then try your local city pool, or join the YMCA. (or ask to be a guest at a friend’s pool!)

3. Go to a bounce house! Take your kid for some cool indoor fun at one of the local inflatables places – Monkey Joe’s , Catch Air, etc. Kids absolutely love these places where they can burn off lots of energy before you have to bring them home! Many places have free wi-fi so you can work or catch up online in peace!

4. Go out for ice cream! Lots of options here – Brusters, Cold Stone, Ben & Jerry’s, Dairy Queen, or your local hometown shop….the list is endless. Who doesn’t love a cool treat on a hot summer day?

5. Create some artwork! There are a few places around town that let you paint & decorate your own pottery. Kids love to work on projects like this, and the price point can be as low or as high as you like based on which items you choose to decorate.

6. Let your kids learn their way around the kitchen! The Young Chef’s Academy has several locations around Atlanta and does a wonderful job in teaching kids how to create a special item.

7. Play time indoors is always fun and refreshing! Superior Play Systems in Alpharetta offers open play time in their playset showroom, Lollipops in Dawsonville (near the North Ga Premium Outlets) offers open play times as well. Both are easily accessible from GA 400.

Lastly, we’ve put our events planning experience to work by starting a new company called “KidVentures”. We plan several outings a month and all you have to do is pre-register, bring your kid(s) and have fun! We even offer a discount to those who sign up for more than 5 outings per quarter.

Michelle Bell & Leslie Glass are the owners of KidVentures – Local Adventures for Kids business. Check them out on Facebook where you can view their monthly events schedule and find the link to easily register online. You can also email them at KidVenturesInfo@Gmail.com or call 678-587-8541 to request a copy of the schedule.

FREE Family Fun: Outdoor Movies and Concerts Around Atlanta this Weekend

May 25, 2010 By Amy Leave a Comment

One of the nice thing about summer time is the variety of fun outdoor entertainment around town. Free outdoor concerts and movies are a great way to spend quality and fun family time together.

Check out what fun we have in Atlanta Metro Area.

1. Movie: Screen on the Green – National Treasure @Piedmont Park

Moviegoers are welcome to bring picnic baskets, food, alcoholic beverages, but no glass containers can be brought into Piedmont Park. In consideration of others, SCREEN ON THE GREEN attendees are asked to leave pets at home. Umbrellas, high-backed chairs and grills are strictly prohibited.

Place: Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive, NE , Atlanta, GA
Date: May 27 (Thu)
Time: Sunset
Cost: FREE

2. Movie: Movie & The Market – A Hard Day’s Night @Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station presents Atlanta’s longest running outdoor move series: “Movies & the Market” Join us starting at 6pm for Restaurant Specials, Prize Giveaways and the Atlantic Station Artist Market. Then at dusk, enjoy a blockbuster movie projected on a giant screen in Central Park.

Place: Atlantic Station, 171 17th Street, Atlanta, GA
Date: May 27 (Thu)
Time: At dusk
Cost: FREE

3. Concert: Concert on the Square @Decatur

Pack your picnic, bring your quilts & blankets and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment every Saturday night in May & September.

Place: The Square, Downtown Decatur, GA
Date: May 29 (Sat)
Time: 7PM-9:30PM
Cost: FREE

4. Movie: Movie at Riverside Park – Fantastic Mr. Fox @Roswell

This week for the Roswell residents you can enjoy Fantastic Mr. Fox movie in the Riverside park. It’s not just a movie. It’s the fun family night out. Head there early to find good spot on the lawn, play at the playground and listen to some tunes. Bring your picnic or enjoy the concession stands in the park.

Place: Riverside Park, Roswell, GA
Date: May 29 (Sat)
Time: At dusk
Cost: FREE

5. Concert: Sunday on the Square @Roswell

Enjoy great music from 3 – 4:30 p.m. by local orchestras & bands in the Roswell Square. Bring your picnic & enjoy a relaxed afternoon. Free and open to the public

Place: Roswell Square, Roswell, GA
Date: May 30 (Sun)
Time: 3PM-4:30PM
Cost: FREE

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Summer Fun: 10 Free or Cheap Things to Do with Kids this Summer in Atlanta

May 25, 2010 By Amy 5 Comments

No matter what the calendar say, summer is here for us. The weather is hot. The pool is open. The outdoor movies are on. What else is there to convince you that summer is here.

Summer time is probably the most fun time for kids and the most stressful time for parents as they scramble to find good summer camp or fun free/cheap things to do with kids this summer.

Here are our Top 10 Free or Cheap Things to Do this Summer with Kids in Atlanta.

1. Watch Movies: Enjoy free outdoor movies from various location. Check out Field Trips with Sue for a comprehensive list of free outdoor movies around Atlanta. Also various local movie theaters typically have summer movie program. Kids can enjoy free or cheap movie each week. Stay tune as I will update the list soon.

2. Listen to Outdoor Concerts: Have a fun evening at the outdoor concerts where kids will dance to the music and enjoy the summer beat from the entertainers around town.

3. Fun in the parks: Visit Piedmont Park for a fun day in the park. Kids will enjoy biking along the shade path or watching friendly dogs at the dog park. Check out your local city parks and recreations for fun and affordable programs for kids.

4. Cool down at Outdoor Water Fountains: There are several fun outdoor interactive water fountains around Atlanta for kids to cool down from the heat of summer. Check out the popular Centennial Olympic Park Rings of Fountain or the Big Splash at Suwanee Town Center Park.

5. Treasure Hunt with Geocache: All you need is a GPS and geocache eyes. Go online to find urban or park area cache and head out for a fun hunt with Geocache. Georgia State Park has a great program to motivate kids to collect stamp for unique collectible coins.

6. Tour at Mayfield Dairy: Only less than an hour from downtown Atlanta, Mayfield Dairy is a great day trip for the whole family. Plus who can say no to ice cream?

7. Splash in Water Parks: If you live in a swim and tennis community, you will probably have a spot with your name on the chair this summer. For the rest of us, there are several water parks around Atlanta that kids will enjoy.

8. Play at Indoor Soft Play Areas: Malls around town are a great way to escape the heat and enjoy a bit of window shopping. It’s good for the soul. Kids can also enjoy fun play time in these indoor soft play areas around Atlanta.

9. Bowl for Free: Selected AMF bowling centers roll out Kids Bowl Free for summer. Check out the detail and see if your local bowling centers are participated. Even if they are not, bowling is a fun family-friendly activity that doesn’t cost the fortune. Plus it’s a great way to enjoy indoor fun during the hot day in Hotlanta.

10. Library and Story Times: Libraries and book stores have geared up for the summer reading fun. It’s a great way to spend a hot day indoor and instill the love of reading at the same time. Check out your local library for fun events they have planned all summer long.

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FREE Family Fun: Fourth Family Fun Day @Centennial Olympic Park

May 21, 2010 By Amy Leave a Comment

CentennialPark

The Fourth Family Fun Days at Centennial Olympic park is back. The first in the series for this family theme day is a ‘Flight & Kites’ day.

The whole family can enjoy free entertainment, interactive activities, educational programming, specialty workshops, children’s crafts, prizes and many more.

Fourth Family Fun Day Info:

Place: The Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, GA
Date: May 22nd (Saturday)
Time: noon – 4 pm
Cost: FREE

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Photo Credit: j3ku

Summer Reading Program 2010 Around Atlanta

May 13, 2010 By Amy 3 Comments

Summer Reading Programs is a great way to spend time during summer without breaking a bank and a wonderful way to encourage kids to read.

Also most of the summer reading program will have prizes (mostly FREE book) as a reward at the end of the program.

So go on and collect all those passports to track their summer reading and enjoy free books at the beginning of the new school year.

There are various programs around town from public libraries to book stores. Please let me know if I miss any programs in or around Atlanta.

1. Barnes and Noble Summer Reading 2010

Download or pick up ‘2010 Barnes & Noble Passport to Summer Reading Program‘. Then read any 8 books this summer and record them on your passport. Return the completed passport between May 25th to September 7th, 2010. They will be able to pick a FREE book from the eligible list.

Place: Barnes and Noble
Date: May 25th – Sep 7th
Fun: Complete the Passport assignment and turn in for a FREE book

2. Borders & Waldenbooks Summer Reading Program 2010

Borders & Waldenbooks bookstores double-dog dare kids to read this summer.

Read 10 books, download the form and record your books. Return the form to the store and receive a FREE book from the selection in store.

Place: Borders
Date: May 24th – Aug 26th
Fun: Read 10 books, complete the form and turn in for a FREE book

3. HalfPrice Books Feed Your Brain Summer Reading 2010

Kids ages 14 and under can participate in this fun summer reading program. First pick up your Feed Your Brain reading log from local HalfPrice books store. Read at least 15 minutes and have your parent sign it. Bring the complete log back to the store at the end of the week. Get your reward ($3 shopping card good at all HalfPrice Books store). Repeat each week until July 31st.

Place: HalfPrice Books
Date: Jun 1st – Jul 31st
Fun: Read 15 minutes per day and can receive a reward per week.

4. Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Summer Reading Program 2010

Make a Splash-READ is a theme for this year summer reading from Atlanta-Fulton Public Library.

Throughout the summer, Atlanta-Fulton branch libraries will feature storytelling hours, puppet shows or music presentations.

Place: Atlanta-Fulton Public Libraries
Date: Start Jun 1st
Fun: Storytelling hours, puppet shows and music presentations. Check your local branches for schedule.

5. Gwinnett County Public Library Summer Reading Program 2010

Join the summer reading fun with Gwinnett County Library from May 15 through August 22, 2010, readers of all ages can set a goal, keep track of their reading activities, and collect great prizes. Look for special incentives and programs to keep the excitement going all summer long!

Place: Gwinnett County Public Library
Date: May 15th-Aug 22nd
Fun: Set your goal and read all summer. Then go back to collect the prizes once you have reached your goal. Also check out weekly drawing for additional prizes

6. Douglas County Public Library Vacation Reading Program 2010

There will be fun activities for kids of all ages all summer long. Parents and all adults are invited to join the fun of story times, crafts, and music during schedule events.

Place: Douglas County Public Library
Date: Start Jun 1st
Fun: Join the fun events schedule all summer long

7. Forsyth County Public Library Summer Reading Program 2010

Enjoy summer splash events from story time programs and summer showcase from magicians, puppets, songs and many more.

Place: Forsyth County Public Library
Date:May 28th – Jul 31st
Fun: Set reading goal, track reading and earn a prize book.

8. Clayton County Public Library Summer Reading Program 2010

Participate in this FREE summer reading program that will encourage kids to read and listen to books for fun. Pick up a reading log and track your reading. Then visit the library weekly to select a fun weekly incentive.

Place: Clayton County Public Library
Date: Start May 29th
Fun: Set reading goal, track reading and earn a prize book.

9. DeKalb County Public Library Vacation Reading Program 2010

There are a lot of fun activities and events ready for kids this summer.

Earn raffle tickets for hours read and/or literacy activities completed. Each “splash” on the reading log equals 15 minutes of reading time or one literacy activity.

Complete top half of reading log and receive a certificate, bag and raffle ticket.
Complete bottom half of reading log and receive a raffle ticket.

Children ages 5 to 8 who sign up for the Vacation Reading Program can receive a Hawks/Thrashers bookmark. Follow the instructions on the bookmark to receive free tickets to a Hawks or Thrashers game.

Place: DeKalb County Public Library
Date: May 22nd – Jul 31st
Fun: Set reading goal, track reading and earn prizes.

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