Old Fourth Ward Park New Altanta Treasure ( A MUST See)

Let me start by saying I have just found out about Fourth Ward Park today. But it is already on my must do list just by looking at the video and pictures. For those of you who know about how much I dont like driving in the city you know that says a lot. This place looks incredible. They have so many exciting features for the whole family.

An Atlanta BeltLine project, Historic Fourth Ward Park is a glistening oasis where  there was once only cracked asphalt, and trash covered fields.  Dedicated in spring of 2011, Historic Fourth Ward Park now offers 17 acres of greenspace, an incredible park packed full of fun and amenities for everyone to enjoy. The main section of the park includes open lawns, walking/jogging trails, a playground,  splashpad, an outdoor theater and a 2-acre lake, while a second phase features a huge skatepark, another terrific playground, and a large athletic field.

The Lake

The new 2-acre lake provides beautiful views and meeting place, but also serves as a storm water retention basin. 

Playground

The play ground has plenty for all ages so every one, starting from tottlers on you to the little at heart in you so everone will be able to have fun and enjoy. Theis so full of slides, swings, rock walls, and climbing centers that you littles biggest problem will be not having enough time to play with everything on just one trip!

Splashpad

The huge splashpad features multiple jets of streaming water at ground level as well as overhead,  space for kids to play without feeling like sardines, and plenty of benches for the parents!

Hours: 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., from May 1 through October 1.

Skatepark

With contibutions from the Tony Hawk  foundation towards the construction and he local skateboard community being highly involved in the design of  the skateboard it offers something for skaters of every skill level. 

Atlanta Scavenger Hunt Adventure, Also Available in Other Large Cities

Spend an amazing day with your family or just get a group of friends together and go on a citywide scavenger hunt. Any day is a great day.

Urban Adventure Quest - Atlanta:
This is a great way to spend time together and get to experience to history of down town Atlanta. You will travel through Atlanta and time visiting Olymipic history, viewing famous inventors and boardcast moments, as well as exploring an antebellum cemetery. Along the way the game will give you tips on places to eat, thing to stop and see, and provides historical information.

For more information on Atlanta and other cities go to Urban Adventures

Sign up at Urban Adventure Quest - Atlanta. Once you sign up you can download the the game to your internet capable device when you are ready to play. You are in control of your game. 

• Start point is Centennial Olympic Park
• Takes around 3 hours and you can stop and resign in later if you would like to take a break.
• Price $49.00 per team any number
• Addition cost maybe Marta fees
• Any age can come out and play
• Recieve points for challenges you complete.

$1.00 Flip Flops at Old Navy June 29 Plus 10% OFF Coupon (Nationwide)

Its the sale we have all been waiting for. Old Navy is doing their $1.00 Flip Flop Sale again. 

On Saturday June 29th Old Navy will have their flip flops on sale for a dollar a pair and if you plan on doing some extra shopping while you are there go to their Facebook site and print this extra 10% off coupon.

For those of you that havent been to this sale:

• 5 pair purchase limit per person, only 5, mens womens and/or childrens.
• If you plan on going you will need to get their early because the flip flops go fast. 
• Some stores maybe opening ealy for this event so make sure to call your local store to find out what time they are opening.
• Those of you with little children I would advise leaving them at home because this at times becomes the Black Friday of flip flops.

Home Depot Kids Workshop "Despicable Me 2" July 6 (Nationwide)

Come to Home Depot and build the surprise "Despicable Me 2" craft with your littles.

I cant wait to see the surprise craft that Home Depot Kids Workshop & "Despicable Me 2" have in store for Us! With "Despicable Me 2", starting July 3, 2013. Home Depot is starring "Deppicable Me 2" in thier July Kids Workshop. 

The Kids Workshop at Home Depot offes FREE hands-on workshops designed for kids, the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. My littles and any other littles I have taken to the Kids Workshops have really enjoyed them and always request to go when they are at my house.

You will recieve :

• An Home Depot work apron for your little 
• A commemorative pin 
• Certificate of achievement.
• Craft to build in store and take home for you littles
• Child size tools and materials are availible for use while you are in store.

Children ages 5 – 12 

FREE 

SaturdayJuly 6, 2013

 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Saturday "Wonderful Water" at the Chattahoochee Nature Center

Beat the heat on Saturday, June 22 and go to Wonderful Water at the Chattahoochee Nature Center on the Chattahoochee River. The whole day is focused on water activities. “Wonderful Water" is a fun family event. You can play with your little which in this busy world we dont get a lot of time to do. Come out and remember summer is for littles as well as liitles at heart. Hope to see every one out there.

Dive into wet and wild activities when the center shows guests how to have fun with water from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities will include bubble show, water crafts, sprinkler and water Olympics. All activities are included with general admission.

•  $6 for children
•  $10 for adults,
•  $7 for seniors 65 and older,
•  $7 for students ages 13 to 18 
•  Free for kids 2 and younger and center members.

    Amazing Bubble Show: 11am & 12pm

The Amazing Bubble Show will create bubbles that are out of this world.  Bo the Bubblologist will create HUGE bubbles, super long bubbles, bubble chains, square bubbles, and bubbles in bubbles and even put a live person IN A BUBBLE!

·    The ArtBarn’s Good Clean Fun Crafts: 12-2pm  

Farmer Sue of the ArtBarn is making some good clean fun with mud, fish and a little soap. Try your hand at making a fish rubbings (also known as Gyotaku) and decorate mud cakes that are a pretty as a picture!

·    The Sprinkler: 12 – 3pm

The sprinkler is back! Our sprinkler shoots water 12 feet into the air and is sure to get you soaked. Don’t forget your towel!

·    Bubble Time: 1pm

Come and play! Make your own bubbles with Bo the Bubblologist. Using bubble wands made from normal and recycled materials, you can fill the sky with a million bubbles.

·    Water Olympics: 1-3pm

Can you float pennies? How high can you stand water above the rim of a glass? If you have what it takes to win the Water Olympics, come out and show us your stuff.

·    Miss Julia’s Story Time: 3 pm

Miss Julia is ready to make a splash with a Story Time that is all wet!  Join Miss Julia as she reads Water, Water Everywhere, Water Dance, and The Water Hole. This is fun and interactive reading romp for the whole family.

Chattahoochee Nature Center, a private non-profit nature center and project of the Master Gardeners of Cobb County, has activities planned each day. For more information, visit www.chattnaturecenter.org. For more information, call (770) 992-2055.

The Chattahoochee Nature Center is on the Chattahoochee River at 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, on the border of Cobb and Fulton counties at Timber Ridge and Willeo roads.

The Great American Backyard Campout on June 22

Calling all campers and the maybe I want to try campings, The Great American Backyard Campout is right around the corner. This yearly is a great chance to get out there and enjoy your own backyard, and let your littles get there feet wet on camping. You mighteven realize how fun and easy it is to go camping with your family. 

On June 22, 2013, join thousands of people across the nation gathering in their back yards to take part in a one-night FREE campout event. Take the chance to connect with nature and spend the night under the stars.

The positive effects of daily, unstructured time outdoors on kids’ health are wide-ranging. National Wildlife Federation encourages families and friends to Be Out There™in order to give back to American children what they don’t even know they’ve lost—their connection to the natural world.

When you register for this FREE event you will get  instant access to a Camping Guide, full of fun activities, great recipes, camping tips and more!

If June 22nd isn’t convenient for you, no problem! You can still be a part of this year’s Campout, support this movement and get all the camping tips and activities we have in store. Just register now and camp at a later date of your choosing.

Books for Young Readers

The Adventures of Maddie: Meet Maddie  

by Monyetta Shaw

Ages 3 to 7

 Inspired by her own daughter, Shaw has produced one of the best books supporting and celebrating young girls' self-esteem.

 “The Adventures of Maddie” (Meet Maddie)" Is the first book of the series, shows little girls that they can like a variety of things and be proud of their accomplishments. The book also integrates the morals of playing hard, being fair and sharing. If you have any Pre-K girls in your life, you need to get them this book.

 “The Adventures of Maddie” The six year old Maddie (in the book) shares and talks about her everyday adventures. Dancing, learning, playing, and even getting advice are all a part of Maddie’s experiences. The series of Maddie’s books has just begun and will follow the life of an adventurous, special, hardworking little girl tackling the values of life. There are plans for 8 books.

Shaw, Alpharetta resident and  CEO and founder of The Evan Grace Group, wrote the book out of the love for her children. Shaw gained who a new perspective on life since the birth of her children, and learned a new respect for stay-at-home moms. Feels it is important to  instill values, morals, and life lessons in her children and to leave the same messages in her books.

Can't-Wait Willow:     

by: Christy Ziglar

Ages: 4 to 8

Can't-Wait Willow!, Willow is very excited that the Circus has come to town! The problem comes when Willow is left to make her own choices.. On the way to the show, she is distracted and spends her money. When she does make it to the circus she is sad to find  has she run out of time, as well as money. Willow is given valuable advice and a second chance, and learns that sometimes you have to say no to some of the little things you would like to have to end up with some of the things you really want.

Can't-Wait Willow! is part of The Shine Bright Kids series which provides children and their families with a framework to explore the importance of making good choices. The series includes topics such as: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.

Christy Ziglar, Atlanta resident and niece to motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, has been inspired to continue her uncles legacy and help younger children learn leadership quailities  by getting them excited about the princeples of patiences and decision making that will help them through out life.

The Center for Puppetry Arts Preforms The Cat in the Hat

The Cat in the Hat will be at The Center for Puppetry Arts thru July 28, 2013.

I am so happy to have come across this. The Cat in the Hat has always been one of my houses favoritebooks, maybe because it is one of mine. I am looking forward to getting to see this with my littles.

Tickets are normally $16.50 each for nonmembers and $9.25 each for members but I have found a few discounts.

• Use code “WSB” to save 25% on tickets to Sunday performances of The Cat in the Hat; the code doesn't work online, but you can call 404-873-3391 to use the code
•  Atlanta Entertainment book, has a BOGO coupon for all-inclusive tickets on page E53 of the 2013 edition.

Or if you want to skip the show and just spend time checking out the Jim Henson exhibit & other puppets in the museum you have a few free admission options:

• 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. on Thursdays, it’s free to tour the museum.
• Saturday, July 6, 2013, is the next Fulton County Free Museum Day; making it free for Fulton County residents, government employees & students. You also get 25% off on a ticket to the show if you decide to watch it while you are there.
• The Center has also started a Georgia Libraries Passport to Puppetry. If you have a library card, you can check out a Passport to Puppetry at any participating public library. The Passport gives a family of four free admission to the Center for Puppetry Art’s museum. If you want to see a show while you’re there, you can buy same-day tickets for 25% off.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is located at 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th St., Atlanta.

Lego's, F-O-S-S-I-L-S, Story Time and More at Sequoyah Regional Libraries

The Sequoyah Regional Library System is about more then just reading this summer.

 Serving Cherokee, Pickens & Gilmer Counties, the Sequoyah System is offering a large variety of FREE programs for your kids this summer as well as a summer reading club. The events tend fill quickly so remember registation starts two weeks before the event and try to register then for the ones the require registration, if registration is not required would suggest getting there early. These events fill up so quickly because they are fun and well run and there for worth making the effort for.

LEGO

LEGO Clubs: Children can work alone or in a team to build a special creation matching the month’s theme, which is then displayed at the library until the next month's meeting. 

         Gilmer County Public Library – June 8 and July 13 @ 2:00 pm 

         Woodstock Public Library – June 16 and July 21 @ 3:00 pm

All ages are invited; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

LEGO Bingo: Come play LEGO Bingo. Winners will receive a prize.

        Registration is required.

        Gilmer County Public Library-Monday, June 17 @ 3:00 pm

Ages 6 and up; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

FOSSILS  

FOSSIL Features: Have you ever seen a real fossil? View and learn about fossils courtesy of the Tellus Science Museum. Following the viewing, participants will be able to design their own 

fossil.

         Registration is required.

         Pickens County Public Library-Monday, June 24 @ 3:00 pm

         Rose Creek Public Library-Wednesday, June 26

 @ 10:30 am

         Hickory Flat Public Library-Wednesday, June 26

 @ 3:00 pm

Youth ages 7-12 

CRAFTS 

Fairy/Elf houses: Join us as we decorate awesome fairy/elf houses. This 

is a free program and all materials will be provided. 

          Registration is required.

          Gilmer County Public Library Tuesday-June 11 @ 10:00 am 

For ages 8 and up; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Sandcastle Lighthouses: Join us as we decorate beautiful sandcastle lighthouses; this is a free program and all materials will be provided. 

           Registration is required.           

            Gilmer County Public Library-Tuesday, June 18 @ 10:00 am

 For ages 8 and up; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Finger-painting Fun!: Back by popular demand!  Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to get creative with finger paints. Washable tempera paint will be used so children can make wonderful works of art. All materials will be provided. Come wearing play clothes as the fun could get messy!

            Pickens County Public Library-Tuesday, June 18 @ 10:30 am

This program is for children ages 5 and under. 

Butterfly Gardens: Children can make their own flitter flutter butterfly garden with the help of the Laurel Garden Club. All materials will be provided.

            Registration is required.

            R. T. Jones memorial Library-Wednesday, June 19 @ 10:30 am

Ages 6-12; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Dig Into Art:  Dig into Art with local artist Shanda McCloskey as we get creative and crafty with a fun art project! All materials will be provided.

Registration is required.

Ball Ground Public Library-Wednesday, July 10 @ 10:30 am

Children ages 6-12; Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Flower Power: We’re making flower boxes with the help of skilled craftsmen from the Woodworkers Guild of Georgia.

Registration is required.

Woodstock Public Library-Wednesday, July 10 @ 3:00 pm

Ages 5-12; children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Other Events: 

The libraries are offer many other events. I just listed a few of the options. Please go to the link at the top of the page for a full schedule. I hope you will got a chance to enjoy a few of them is Summer.

Cherokee Aquatic Center

The new Cherokee Aquatic Center has opened. We are really lucky to have this center in our area, and to be honest I think this one is arranged much better then the Gwinnett Center. There are plenty of places you can sit and relax and still be able to see your littles even if they are in different areas. They also have an amazing amount of life guards through out the pool area. You can come in the morning and spend the day. The consession stand has breakfast food as well as foods for the rest of the day. I was really surprised to notice the food prices are really fair and they do adult and children meal specials every day. I will warn you the water slides do have a minimum hieght requirement of 48" no matter how well your smaller child may swim. The life guards are very good at make sure everyone can have fun and stay safe at the same time. They also prove life jackets free off charge to any of the littles who want one. Although the place always seems busy it has never had that over crowded feeling. I hope you will get a chance to check it out.

•  Zero entry water area
•  Small child splash and play area with small slides
•  Swimming/play area that inclines to approx 4 foot depth 
•  2 large water slides for the bigger kids and adults 
•  Lazy river
•  Outdoor leisure pool with multiple features, large deck and pavilions 
•  Concession stand serving both indoor and outdoor components 
•  Generous locker rooms and family restrooms
•  2 indoor pools:
•      Indoor 50-meter competition pool with spectator seating for 700 
•      Indoor 25-yard recreational pool (therapy, exercise & instruction with warmer water) 

Hours of Operation

Summer- May 25th to August 2nd

	Lap Pool	Rec Pool
Monday to Friday	6am to 8pm	12pm to 4pm Open Swim 4pm-8pm Programs only (M-TH)
Saturday	8am to 6pm	8am to 1pm Programs only 1pm to 6pm Open Swim
Sunday	12pm to 6pm	12pm to 6pm

Outdoor Pool

Days of the week	Pool	Concessions
Monday/Wednesday Friday/Saturday	10am to 8pm	11am to 7pm
Tuesday/Thursday	10am to 6pm	11am to 5pm
Sunday	12pm to 6pm	12pm to 5pm

Weekends only August 3rd to September 15th. Open for all of Fall Break from Sept 16th to Sept 22nd.

Admission Prices:

Group	Daily Admission	3 month pass	Annual Pass
Under 2yrs	Free	Free	Free
Ages 2-13	$5	$60	$195
Ages 14-54	$6	$90	$295
Ages 55+	$5	$60	$195
Family Pass (includes up to 4 immediate family members residing at the same address)		$195	$425
Family Add-on*		$40	$100

* Family add-on is only available with the purchase of a family pass

There is a processing fee to use all Debit/Credit cards. The fee for purchases $64 and less is $2.50 and 3.95% for anything over $65.

Contact Phone #: 678-880-4760

Directions: From 575 North take the Sixes Rd Exit (Exit 11) and make a left. We will be on the left.

1200 Gresham Mill Pkwy

Holly Springs, GA 30142

Kids Crafts and Classes at Michael's

Michael's offers some great free and inexpensive craft classes for kids. I have taken my littles many time to do different crafts they have offered in the past and have always been impressed with the staff. They are very patient with all the children there and are more then willing to help them in ways that still lets the children build confidence and work their way through to keep it self made. Parents are more then invited to help out but should remember to let their littles enjoy the feeling of doing it themself.  

June Classes 

This is the calender from Kennasaw. Class hours and prices many vary. Please call you local Michael's to check dates time and pricing.

860 Cobb Place Blvd, Ste 140

Kennesaw, GA 30144-4864

Wilton Fun Fondant Cupcakes for Kids 

The 2 hour class is fondant decorating fun for kids who love cupcakes! This class

will specialize in making Father's Day cupcakes!

• $15.00 
• Materials Not Included
• Fri Jun 14, 4:00pm - 6:00pm 
• Ages 8-12

Kids Club - Father's Day Duck Tape Frame

Kids create a meaningful frame for Dad while Mom shops.

• $2 per 30-minute session
•  Materials Included
• Saturday,June 15th, from 10-12:00pm, Last group taken at 11:30am
•  Ages 3 and up are welcome to this event.

Passport To Imagination®

This summer, journey around the globe through craft. 

• $2.00 per session 
•  Materials Included
• 10 am to 12 pm
•  Three days a week.

Mon Jun 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: Grand Canyon and Hockey Sticks.

Wed Jun 19, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: God's Eye and Liberty BellPassport To Imagination®

Fri Jun 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: Clothespin Moose and Tissue Paper Flower

Mon Jun 24, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: Moai and Textile Weaving

Wed Jun 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: Soccer Goal and Paper Lizard

Fri Jun 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm Adventure: Yarn Art Vase and Poison Dart Frog

Kids Club - Silly Shells

Kids make some fun beach-themed crafts while Mom shops

• $2.00 per 30-minute session
•  Materials Included
• Saturday, June 22nd, 
• 10-12:00pm Last group taken at 11:30am
•  Ages 3 and up are welcome to this event.

Wilton Super Cakes for Kids

This 2 hour class specializes in cookie decorating!

• $15.00
•  Materials Not Included
• Fri Jun 28, 
• 4:00pm - 6:00pm 
• Ages 8 to 12 

Kids Club - 4th of July Hat

Kids create a patriotic hat for Independence Day while Mom shops

•  $2.00 per 30-minute session
•  Materials Included
• Saturday, June 29th
• 10-12:00pm, Last group taken at 11:30am
•  Ages 3 and up are welcome to this event.

Free Weekends at Tellus

Tellus Museum has been a favorite stop for my littles and I since it opened. We always find something we didnt see before and have a great day exporing together. 

Bank of America cardholders get free admission to Tellus during the first full weekend of each month as part of Museums On Us
Museums On Us is a Bank of America cardholder benefit program, offering Bank of America cardholders free admission to more than 120 of the finest museums and cultural institutions in the United States.

Program Rules

• Each Bank of America cardholder is allowed one free general admission to Tellus during the first full weekend of the month.
• Photo ID is required along with the card.
• Only cardholders are granted free admission with their Bank of America credit or debit card, and photo ID. Spouses, children, and family members do not get free admission unless each has their own Bank of  America credit or debit card, and photo ID.
• Any valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card is acceptable.
• Admission is non-transferable and for the cardholder only.
• Offer does not include free admission to the Planetarium or to ticketed special events.
• The program applies only to the first full weekend (consecutive Saturday and Sunday) of every month.
• Expired cards and bank statements are NOT accepted. Cards must be valid and current.
• Bank of America associates are also eligible for free general admission on MOU weekends. They must present a current corporate ID along with an additional photo ID.

Questions? Call 770-606-5700.

Visitor Information

The museum is open seven days a week, Monday-Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM.
Please call 770-606-5700 for more information.

Directions are listed below.

Note: Some GPS and online map systems have Tellus located on Mineral Museum Drive. The road is now named Tellus Drive.

Admission (Includes Fossil Dig & Gem Panning)

Members – Free
Adults – $14
Children (3 – 17) – $10
Student with ID – $10
Active Military with ID – Free
Seniors (65+) – $12

PlanetariumMust include paid admission to museum

$3.50 – Must include paid admission, free member admission, or complimentary admission pass
$2 – second planetarium show for an individual during one visit
Basic Members – $2 planetarium show (free museum admission)
Leadership Members – no charge

All prices subject to change

Summer Concert Series (most if not all are FREE)

There are a lot of these going on around Ga. this summer but I am just adding a few for now and will add more as time premits. My children really enjoy going to these. There music genres vary and the atmosphere has always been very light. Many of them offer vendors and fun things for the littles to do either before or during the concert. Its a great place to bring a blanket and bring a picnic or grab some goodies to eat there and sit and enjoy the music. We have not had problems with overcrowding, which is quite good because my youngest always wants to have me get up and dance with her. At the end of the night we all leave very happy and the children easy to get to sleep.

I have not yet taken the children to all of the ones I will be listing so if you take your family and want to let me know how it went I would love to hear from you. Or if I have missed your favorite please list it the comment section and I will try to make sure it gets on the list.

 Woodstock Concert in the Park 

 The Park at City Center Downtown Woodstock 101 Arnold Mill Road Woodstock, GA 30188

Concerts begin at 7:30 PM, free of charge, no tickets are required.

From I-575, take Exit 8 for Towne Lake Parkway/Arnold Mill Road. If you are coming from the south on I-575 North, turn right off the ramp toward downtown Woodstock. If you are coming from the north on I-575 South, turn left toward downtown Woodstock. 

Community parking is available at the Woodstock Methodist Church, Woodstock Community Church, and Appalachian Technical Community College. As you approach downtown Woodstock, you will intersect Main Street and the City Park will be on your left. 

July 13

Ed Roland
& The Sweet Tea Project(Lead singer-Collective Soul)
Rock Americana

August 10

The Dazz Band
80’s R & B / Funk

September 14

The Marshall Tucker Band
Southern Rock

ALL SHOWS IN THRASHER PARK  AMPHITHEATRE

7:30p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Free to the public - bring refreshments (to-go picnics available in downtown eateries!), a blanket and your dancing shoes!

2013 Summer Concert Series 
The concerts are also collection sites for the "CAN" Do food drive, a county-wide effort to fill the shelves of local food pantries. Donations of canned food and non-perishable items can be dropped off in bins during each concert - everything will be collected and taken to the Norcross Co-op Ministries, our local charity dedicated to helping needy families in our community.

.

For questions or more information, contact Mary Beth Bender at (678) 421-4000 or mbender@norcrossga.net. 

All shows 7:30pm - 9:30pm in Thrasher Park, 93 Park Drive, Norcross

JUNE 21   

Continental Dance Orchestra

1940's big band, bebop & swing

JULY 5    

The Stranger "Face to Face"     

             Awesome Billy Joel & Elton John Tributes Band                

JULY 19    

Natalie Stovall

Livewire country rock sets her fiddle on fire!

AUGUST 2    

A-Town A-List  

  50 years of pop music with a very current edge    

AUGUST 16   

Bobby and the Aristocats

    9-piece party band sizzles MoTown to Disco

AUGUST 30   

A1A  

                        Calling all Parrot Heads to party!                               

Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center

678-421-2000