Spring Fun Guide Spring is blooming! Here’s your guide to festive fun!

Not-to-Miss March Events! Page 52

Gibbs Garden Hippity Hop: Easter Egg Hunts Easter comes early this year and there are egg hunts galore in March. Grab your basket and head to one of these hunts, meet the Easter bunny or attend an Eggstravaganza. Pg. 56

Atlanta A-Bloom: Places to See Flowers Spring means flowers and our city has a number of places to see tulips, daffodils, azaleas and more. Walk through gardens, attend children’s activities and stop to picnic. Pg. 60

Top Spring Festivals These outdoor events bring food trucks, children’s areas and artists markets. Mark your calendar for exploring the many top festivals in March, April and May. Pg. 62 Dogwood Festival atlantaparent.com Spring Fun Guide March 2018 Parent 1 n Atlanta Parent’s Camp Expo MARCH Perimeter Mall March 3. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet camp directors NOT-TO-MISS and former campers, watch camp videos and collect brochures from programs suited for any interest. EVENTS Atlanta. 770-454-7599. Free. Events may be cancelled or changed atlantaparent.com before our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com

n Monster Energy Supercross Mercedes-Benz Stadium March 3. Pit Party, noon-6 p.m.; Main Event, 6:30 p.m. Motocross competition includes stunts, racing and high-power action. Atlanta. 800- 745-3000. $20 and up; Pit Party, $20 plus main event ticket. supercrosslive.com

n Southeastern n Atlanta Fair Cowboy Gathering Former Turner Field Grey Lot Booth Western Art Museum March 9-April 15. March 8-10. Mon.-Fri. 5-10 p.m. Southeastern Chuck Wagon Sat. and Sun. 1-11 p.m. Invitational, cowboy concert, children’s Take a spin on the Ferris wheel activities and more. Cartersville. 770-387- or ride bumper cars, plus rides for 1300. See boothmuseum.org for event younger children, games and fair prices and schedule. foods. No entrance after 9 p.m. on Mon-Fri. and 10 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Atlanta. 404-913-3247. See atlantafair.com for prices.

n Superhero Science Night Children’s Museum of Atlanta March 10. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dress up as your favorite superhero and enjoy hands-on scientific activities throughout the museum. Test lung capacity, solve crimes in Gotham City, shape your own magnetic field and more. Atlanta. 404-527-3693. Advance ticket purchase required. $18 per person. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

2 Atlanta Parent March 2018 Spring Fun Guide atlantaparent.com n Second Sunday / March 11. Noon-5 p.m. Free admission to the Museum the second Sunday n Touch-a-Truck of each month, and family programs including art Get up close with heavy making, storytimes and more. March’s theme is “Full construction equipment, police STEAM Ahead.” Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free. high.org cars, fire trucks and more. Kennesaw: Depot Park, March 10. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 770-422-9714. kennesaw-ga.gov Decatur: East Lake MARTA Station, North Lot. March 17. n UniverSoul Circus 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 678-553-6541. The Former Gold Lot at Turner Field through decaturga.com March 11; Gwinnett Place Mall March 14-18. Enjoy international performers, circus arts, theater and music. See universoulcircus.com for showtimes. Atlanta and Duluth. $20 and up.

n Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade / March 17. Noon-1:30 p.m. Bagpipe bands, Clydesdales, world’s largest walking Irish flag, Irish dancers, decorated floats and marching bands. Starts at the intersection of and 15th Street, and continues down Peachtree to 5th Street. Free. atlantastpats.com Cont'd on page 54 Are you ready to have the best summer ever? Day Camps Overnight Camps Summer Programs

MARCH 3 PERIMETER MALL

FREE 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

To exhibit or for info call 770-454-7599 or

Camp Westminster [email protected] l 2018 atlantaparent.com atlantaparent.com Spring Fun Guide March 2018 Atlanta Parent 3 MARCH NOT-TO-MISS EVENTS

n Atlanta Science Festival Exploration Expo March 24. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Interactive science event to promote science exploration, discovery and innovation with demos, experiments and performances. Atlanta. Free. atlantasciencefestival.org.

n Living History Panola Mountain State Park March 18. 2-4 p.m. Learn about Panola’s history through hands- on demonstrations that depict everyday life during the 1820s and 1830s at the Parker House. Candle and rag doll making, butter churning and cooking. Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. $5; parking $5. gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain

n Flying into the Future Chattahoochee Nature Center March 25. Noon-4 p.m. Learn about birds and test tinkering skills with STEM-themed activities, including a birds of prey show. Roswell. 770-992-2055. Included with admission. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

n Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour / March 24. 1 p.m. Dance, sing and play games Child Models with Disney Junior characters Sofia The First, Puppy Dog Pals, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina and more. We’ve booked Atlanta. 855-285-8499. $32.50 and kids for $2,000 up. foxtheatre.org per day and more, others at $50 - $60 per hour. Could your baby, toddler or n Little Critters Fernbank Museum of Natural History kid be one? March 31. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ring in spring with a baby animal petting zoo, spring-themed crafts, games and activities. Atlanta. 404- Atlanta, New York, LA 929-6300. Included with admission. Adults $20; ages 3-12, $18; 2 and 404-636-1974 younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org www.williamreynoldsagency.com

4 Atlanta Parent March 2018 Spring Fun Guide atlantaparent.com DR. SEUSS COMES TO TOWN With Read Across America Day on March 2, plenty of Seuss-inspired shows and events are happening across Atlanta. n Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration Children’s Museum of Atlanta March 2. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cat in the Hat meet and greet, Dr. Seuss story read aloud, scavenger hunt, make your own Lorax tree and more. Atlanta. 404-659- 5437. $15.95-$18.95; younger than 1, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org n National Read Across America Day Celebration Central Park / March 2. 4-7 p.m. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the joy of reading. Meet Cat in the Hat, storytimes and a presentation from . Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Free. atlanticstation.com/events n Seuss at the Symphony Atlanta Symphony Hall / March 4. 3 p.m. Join Sam-I-Am and the gang to meet Seuss at the Symphony. Watch as the timeless Dr. Seuss story, Green Eggs and Ham, comes to life on stage along with other selections. Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $16.34-$21.78. atlantasymphony.org

n The Cat in the Hat Center for Puppetry Arts March 20-May 13. See puppet.org for showtimes. The timeless tale will come to life and take families on a mischievous adventure filled with plenty of rhymes, wit and tricks. See Cat, Thing One and Thing Two and more of your favorite scenes from the book. Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $25. n A Suessome Twosome! Conant Center for the Performing Arts March 24. 11 a.m.-noon. An easy to understand introduction to the world of opera presented by Capitol City Opera Company that brings two well known Dr. Seuss books to life. Atlanta. 678-301-8013. $10 per person. ccityopera.org

Also check with local libraries for special Read Across America Day events. atlantaparent.com Spring Fun Guide March 2018 Atlanta Parent 5 HIP, HOP OVER TO THESE EGG HUNTS Here comes Peter Cottontail! Bring your basket and participate in one of the many egg hunts this spring around Atlanta and beyond. n Magic Mondays: Egg Hunt. Atlanta n Illuminated Egg Hunt. Rhodes Jordan n Egg-citing Hike Hunt. Panola History Center. Search for eggs hidden through Park Soccer Fields. Experience the thrill of night Mountain State Park. Peter Cottontail is the farm, play games, meet the Easter Bunny and time egg-hunting, enjoy games and themed leaving lots of eggs and prizes hidden on make crafts. March 12. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 West crafts. Bring your basket and flashlight. March our nature trails. Bring your basket and be Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, 24. 7-10 p.m. 100 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. ready for age-appropriate hunts. March $6.50; children, $5.50. atlantahistorycenter.com 678-277-0890. Pre-register by March 19. $6. 31, 10 a.m.-noon. 2620 Highway 155 SW, gwinnettcounty.com Stockbridge, GA. 770-389-7801. Pre-register. n Bunny Breakfast. Ben Robertson $5 plus $5 parking. gastateparks.org Community Center. Enjoy breakfast with the Easter n Mount Pisgah Community Easter Egg Bunny, crafts and games. March 17, 8 a.m.-11: 15 Hunt. Mount Pisgah Patriot Athletic Complex. n Underwater Egg Hunt. Bethesda a.m. 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. $6. 25,000 eggs, inflatables, games, food and Park Aquatic Center. Hunt for eggs kennesaw-ga.gov prizes. Hunts held every 30 minutes across underwater, visit with the Easter Bunny five age groups. March 24. 9 a.m.-noon. 9825 and participate in activities. Bring your n Easter Egg Scramble. Laurel Park. Egg Brumbelow Rd., Alpharetta. 678-336-3000. Free. swimsuit, basket and towel. March 31. 11 hunt by ages with candy and prizes; visit with the mountpisgah.org a.m.-2 p.m. 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Easter Bunny afterward for pictures. March 23, Lawrenceville. 678-277-0880. Pre-register. 6:30 p.m. 151 Manning Rd., Marietta. 770-794- n Eggstravaganza: Callanwolde’s $12. gwinnettcounty.com 5601. Free. mariettaga.gov Easter Egg Hunt. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Thousands of candy-filled eggs to find, music, n Underwater Hunt and Bunny n Acworth Easter Egg Night Hunt. dancing, LEGO building station, face painting, Bonanza. Bogan Park Aquatic Center. Acworth Sports Complex. Over 50,000 eggs filled games and prizes, and a chance to meet the Easter Hunt for eggs underwater, visit with the with toys, candy and prizes. Hunts are separated Bunny. March 31, 8 a.m.-noon. 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Easter Bunny, and make crafts. March 31. 9 by age group. Ages 10 and younger. Easter Bunny Atlanta. 404-872-5338. $5. a.m.-1 p.m. 678-277-0853. 2723 N. Bogan arrives at 7:15 p.m. March 23, 6:30 p.m. 4000 S. callanwolde.org Rd., Buford. Pre-register by March 29. $15. Main St., Acworth. 770-529-6006. Free. acworth.com gwinnettcounty.com n Taste of Forsyth. Cumming Fairgrounds. n Easter Egg Hunt. First Baptist Church of More than 25,000 eggs will be spread across the n Duluth Easter Egg Hunt. Bunten Decatur. Join the Easter Bunny in age-appropriate lawn. Afterward, enjoy sample restaurant food, play Road Park. March 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. hunts for eggs in Downtown Decatur. March 24, in the kid’s zone, and touch-a-truck. Groups are Special programming, 1 p.m.; Hunt, 2 p.m. 11 a.m. 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. 404-371- divided by age. March 31, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Kids Bring your basket to collect hundreds of 8386. Free. decaturdba.com Zone costs extra. 770-781-3491. cummingfair.net eggs. Hunts are separated by age group. 3180 Bunten Rd., Duluth. 770-814-6981. n Easter Egg Hunt. E.E. Robinson Park. n North East Cobb Community Egg Free. duluthga.net Age-appropriate egg hunts, inflatables and Drop. Sprayberry High School. Food, games, the Easter Bunny. March 24, Noon-3 p.m. 850 activities and egg hunts for everyone as a helicopter n Easter Egg Hunt. Smyrna Level Creek Rd., Sugar Hill. 770-831-7413. Free. drops thousands of eggs are dropped onto the Community Center. March 24, 10 a.m.-1 cityofsugarhill.com football field. Free photos with the Easter Bunny. p.m. Inflatables, food vendors, egg hunts March 31, 10 a.m-5 p.m. 2525 Sandy Plains Rd., separated by age group and pictures with n Children’s Easter Eggstravaganza. Marietta. 770-423-1330. Free; Kid Zone unlimited the Easter Bunny. $10 per family. 770-431- North Park Softball Fields. Enjoy face painting, rides, $7. marietta.com 2842. smyrnacity.com balloon art, petting zoo and photos with the Easter Bunny. Kids are divided into age groups to hunt n Avondale Estates Egg Hunt and n Cobb County Egg Hunt. Al Bishop for eggs and goody bags. March 24, Noon. 13450 Parade. Community Club at Lake Avondale. Hunt Softball Complex. March 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cogburn Rd., Alpharetta. 678-297-6140. 10 and for eggs filled with candy and toys and bring your Hunt for eggs, enjoy children's art activities, younger. Free. alpharetta.ga.us furry friend for the pet parade. Egg hunts separated live entertainment, inflatables, a Hulu Hoop by age group. March 31. 10 a.m.-noon.. Ages 10 contest, tug-of-war, musical chairs and food n Easter Eggstravaganza. Etowah River and younger. 59 Lakeshore Dr., Avondale Estates. trucks. 1082 Al Bishop Dr., Marietta. 770-528- Park. Egg hunts by ages and for children with 404-294-5400. Free. avondaleestates.org 4333. Free. cobbcounty.org special needs; also, petting zoo, moonwalks, carnival games, face painting, food and more. March 24, 1-3 p.m. 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton. 770-667-4483. Free. northside.com n Hop Into Spring. Town Center at Cobb. Live music, an appearance by the Easter Bunny and crafts. March 24. 1-3 p.m. 400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-424-0742. Free. simon.com

6 Atlanta Parent March 2018 Spring Fun Guide atlantaparent.com Beyond Atlanta Night Egg-stravaganza. F.D. Roosevelt State Park. Arrive early for a hot dog supper, fantastic egg games and the petting coral. Bring your basket and flashlight for age- appropriate candy-egg hunt. March 23. 6:30- 8:45 p.m. 2970 190, Pine Mountain, GA. 706-663-4858. $3 plus $5 parking. gastateparks.org

Easter Eggstravaganza. The Rock Ranch Features over 40,000 prize-filled eggs. March 24. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock. 706-647-6374. Free. therockranch.com

Easter Egg Hunt. Hard Labor Creek State Park. Bring your own basket and hunt for candy-filled eggs at the Lake Brantley recreation area for your little ones to hunt. The Easter bunny will be on site for photos. March 31. Noon. 5 Hard Labor Creek Rd., Rutledge, GA. 706-557-3001. $5 parking. gastateparks.org

For More Easter Fun, Go to Page 58

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Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Mall of Georgia. Join the Easter Bunny in the Dining Pavilion for breakfast and a craft. March 10. 8:30- 10 a.m. 3333 Buford Dr., Buford. 678-482-2365. Free for Simon Rewards members. simon.com

Breakfast With the Easter Bunny. Fowler Park Recreation Center. March 24. 10 a.m.-noon. Features pancake breakfast, children's activities, SATURDAY family entertainment and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming. 678- APRIL 21 294-0138. Adults, $8; ages 11 and under, $5. 11AM - 2 PM breakfastwiththeeasterbunny.com

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. FOX THEATRE Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Enjoy a warm, BALLROOMS delicious breakfast with the Easter Bunny, make 660 PEACHTREE ST NE a craft and receive a keepsake photo taken with ATLANTA, GA 30308 the Easter Bunny. March 31. 8:30-10:30 a.m. 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. Pre- Shopping, pampering, register by March 31. $22. gwinnettcounty.com prizes & more! Easter Sunrise Service. Join us to celebrate Park. Simultaneous, non-denominational Easter YOUR special delivery services at the top of Stone Mountain Park and on Memorial Lawn. April 1. 7 a.m. Park opens at l Thousands of dollars in door prizes 4 a.m. 800-401-2407. Parking, $15; sky-ride, $12. stonemountainpark.com l Fashion show featuring maternity wear l Great products for babies and parents Beyond Atlanta The Bunny Train. Tennessee Valley l Atlanta’s top baby professionals Railroad. Trains will depart from Grand Junction. Storytelling, temporary tattoos, coloring pages and meet the Easter Bunny. Visit tvrail. com for Buy $25 tickets in advance at www.AtlantaBabyandChildExpo.com departure times. March 17-18, 24-25, and 30-31. 4119 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-894- 8028. $23 for ages 2 and older. tvrail.com

The Peanuts Easter Beagle Express. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Meet Snoopy, Lucy, Charlie Brown and the Easter Bunny aboard the train. During a 90-minute train stop, take part in an egg hunt, crafts, enjoy snacks with Snoopy and more. March 30-31. Trains depart #1 Cleaning Special #2 Cleaning Special No Time To Clean? since 1988 at 11 a.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800- AMERICAN HOME CLEANING $57.95 $87.95 872-4681. Adults, $51; ages 2 and older, $29. 1 Bedroom, gsmr.com • A CHRIST-centered Home Cleaning Ministry 1 bathroom, 3 bedrooms, • Licensed, Bonded, Insured, over 85,000 homes cleaned Kitchen and Breakfast 2 1/2 Bathrooms, Room, Living Room, Kitchen and Celebrating over 35 years! Halls and Foyer. Breakfast Room, All work 100% Living Room, guaranteed! Dining Room, 1 Stairs, Maternity & Halls and Foyer. Childrens’ Up to 800 sq ft Clothes!

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8 Atlanta Parent March 2018 Spring Fun Guide atlantaparent.com Fancy Nancy the Musical

n Waiting for Balloon. . Two childlike clown characters are waiting near the railroad tracks for “balloon.” NOT-TO-MISS The problem is that neither of them knows exactly what “balloon” is. Designed for ages 5 and younger. Limited availability March 10-April MARCH SHOWS 1. See alliancetheatre.org for showtimes. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4700. Adults, $10; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. From classical ballets to movie-inspired productions, this month has plenty of exciting shows for the entire family. n Black Swan. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Atlanta Ballet takes you ahead in the story to the third act of Swan Lake. n Rainforest Adventures. Center for Puppetry Arts. Go on a wild March 16-18. Fri. 8 p.m. Sat. 2 and 8 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. 2800 Cobb adventure beneath the Brazilian treetops to experience traditional Brazilian- Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 404-892-3303. $20-$139. style music and come face-to-face with more than 30 exotic plants and n Folksongs for the Family. Aurora Theatre. Wendy Bennett and animals. Through March 4. See puppet.org for showtimes. 1404 Spring St. Ritchie Crownfield present scenes from stories including “A Year with at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $19.50 per ticket; 1 and younger, free. Frog and Toad,” “The Cat in the Hat,” n Fancy Nancy the Musical. Synchronicity Theatre. Based on the “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “The popular Fancy Nancy books by Jane O’Connor, Fancy Nancy and her best Secret Garden.” March 24. friend star in a school play. Ages 3 and older. March 2-4. Fri. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 128 East Pike St., 7 p.m. Sat. 1 and 4 p.m. Sun. 2 and 5 p.m. 1545 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404- Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7. 484-8636. Adults, $23-$33; ages 3-12, $17-$27. n Disney’s The Little n The Addams Family. Morris & Rae Frank Theatre. Based on the Mermaid. Serenbe Playhouse. characters from the original cartoons and popular ‘60s television series, The Travel under the sea with Ariel and Addams Family. March 1-11. See atlantajcc.org/habima for schedule. 5342 admire a set and costumes made of Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. 678-812-4002. $35; ages 12 and younger, $15. recycled treasures. March 28-April 22. Wed., Thur., Sun. 7:30 p.m. n The Wizard of Oz. Center for Puppetry Arts. Dorothy travels down the Fri., Sat. 8 p.m. Matinees Sat. and Yellow Brick Road to find out why the Lion, the Tin Man and the Straw Man Sun. 2 p.m. 10504 Serenbe Lane, are all singing the Blues. March 6-18. See puppet.org for showtimes. 1404 Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110. Spring St. at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $19.50. $35 and up. Disney’s The Little Mermaid

n Peter Pan. Infinite Energy Center. Peter Pan is the classic tale of the n Travels Around China. Infinite Energy Center. The Atlanta boy who never grows up. Follow this exciting tale to Never Never Land Chinese Dance Company presents a journey through each of presented by Northeast Atlanta Ballet. March 9-11. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sat. 10 China’s geographic regions through music, dance and drama. a.m. and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770- March 31. 2 and 7:30 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 626-2464. $19-$25. 770-626-2464. $17-$24.

AtlantaShakespeare.org Atlanta TUMBLE TOTS Drama Preschool & Parties & Drop In Shakespeare summer Company Ages 1-7 404-874-5299 ext. 42

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Visit some of the area’s most colorful gardens and spot tulips, daffodils or other lush landscapes. Play in children’s areas, picnic on lawns and make sure to bring a camera.

FOR A FEE: n Flowers in bloom alternate throughout the year, so each visit brings new colors and smells. March includes daffodils, iris, roses, crab apple and more. Stop by the newly-remodeled children’s garden with a bird nest shaped playground, hands-on building areas and water play. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876- 5859. Adults, $21.95; ages 3-12, $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org n Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville Walk through trails lined with blooming tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and more this spring. Kids will love visiting the model train garden to watch the train go around the tracks or playing with toy trains. 1911 Sweetbay Dr., Gainesville. 404-888- 4760. Adults, $8; ages 3-12, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org/visit/gainesville Atlanta Botanical Garden n The property is covered with 22 acres of gardens, woodlands and trails. Visit the Swan House Gardens with fountains and roses or the Frank A. Smith Memorial Rhododendron Garden bordered by rhododendron plants. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $21.50; ages 4-12, $9; ages 3 and younger, free. atlantahistorycenter.com

n Callaway Gardens Explore thousands of azaleas in the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl and Overlook Azalea Garden. The vivid red, pink, purple and white flowers are on display each spring. Also wander through the holly trail and hydrangea garden. Combine your flower-viewing trip with the butterfly center and birds n Smith-Gilbert Gardens of prey shows. 4500 Southern Spot daffodils, daylilies or bearded irises from spring until fall and Pine Dr., Pine Mountain. roses from May until late summer. The Pollinator Garden features a 844-512-3826. Adults, children’s area complete with smell-good plants, vegetable beds, a $24.95; ages 6-12, $14.95; weaving station, dirt pile and animal topiaries. 2382 Pine Mountain Rd., ages 5 and younger, free. Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. Adults, $7; ages 6-12, $5; ages 5 and younger, Callaway Gardens callawaygardens.com free. smithgilbertgardens.com

10 Atlanta Parent March 2018 Spring Fun Guide atlantaparent.com ATLANTA A-BLOOM: ADMIRE SPRING FLOWERS AT THESE GARDENS

Oakland Cemetery FOR FREE: n Oakland Cemetery Historically, flowers were added in honor of loved ones, and the Cemetery now includes many flowers popular during different time periods. Depending on the season, your visit may include thousands of heirloom daffodils, flowering trees or garden mums. 248 Oakland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-688-2107. oaklandcemetery.com

n Over 240,000 daffodils have been planted in downtown Atlanta since the Daffodil Project began in 2014. The Daffodil Project aims to build a Living Holocaust Memorial by planting 1.5 million daffodils around the world. Spot these bright yellow blooms this spring. atlantadowntown.com/initiatives/daffodil-project

n Lake Claire Community Trust The community-run garden relies on visitor donations and is built piece by piece over time, resulting in something new each visit. Artistic installations, ponds, paths and a variety of flower beds bring the area together, including a new child-focused garden. Don’t forget to visit Big Lou the emu and feed him raw fruits, vegetables and crackers. 270 Arizona Ave. NE, Atlanta. lcclt.org

n Woodlands Garden This urban preserve in Decatur has lots of native plants such as azaleas, tulip trees, white oak and red maple trees. More than 100 camellias bloom through March and a variety of Japanese maples bring color throughout the year. 932 Scott Blvd., Decatur. 404-373- 2222. woodlandsgarden.org

n Cator Woolford Gardens Hidden in a 39-acre forest full of hardwoods, this garden is an oasis in the heart of the city. Walk through n Gibbs Gardens the lush estate full of beautiful flowers and grassy areas. This garden is famous for their rows and rows of daffodils, but the area also Donations to the gardens support the Frazer Center offers a large Japanese garden, a rose garden and more. Visit from March 1 to for children and adults with developmental disabilities. April 15 to fully appreciate over 20 million daffodils of 100 different varieties. Cherry 1815 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-377-3836. blossom and dogwood trees bloom from mid-March through April. 1987 Gibbs catorwoolfordgardens.org Dr., Ball Ground. 770-893-1881. Adults, $20; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, – Teresa Farkas free. gibbsgardens.com

atlantaparent.com Spring Fun Guide March 2018 Atlanta Parent 11 Lemonade Days

n Georgia Renaissance Festival. Fairburn. Artist demonstrations, juggling, fire show, jousting, TOP SPRING FESTIVALS a hypnotist, parrot show, acrobatics and more. These outdoor festivals bring food trucks, Games, rides and festival foods. April 14-June 3. Sat. and Sun. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 6905 Virlyn B. children’s activities and artist markets. Smith Rd., Fairburn. 770-964-8575. Adults, $23.95; ages 6-12, $11.95; ages 5 and younger, free. n Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival. MARCH Georgia International Horse Park. Hundreds of arts n Lemonade Days. Brook Run Park. Rides, n Macon Cherry Blossom Festival. and crafts booths, children’s activities, musical games, concessions, arts and craft fair and live Macon. This festival includes events and entertainment and food vendors. 1996 Centennial music. April 18-22. Wed.-Fri. 4-10 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.- activities throughout Macon with over 300,000 Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. March 24 and 25. Sat. 10 p.m. Sun. noon-6 p.m. 4770 North Peachtree Rd., cherry blossoms in bloom as the backdrop. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 770-860-4190. Free; one- Dunwoody. 770-668-0401. Admission, free; unlimited March 16-25. Featured events include the day parking, $5; parking both days, $8. ride pass, $20-$25. festival parade (March 18, 4-5:30 p.m.) and n Central City Park amusement rides, vendors and Cars and Q for the Cause. Choate fair food (March 16-25). See cherryblossom.com APRIL Construction. 100+ cars on display, barbeque, for event times, locations and prices. live music and more benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis n Dogwood Festival. Piedmont Park. Three- Foundation. April 21. 4-7 p.m. 8200 Roberts Dr., n Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival. day festival features artists from around the Atlanta. 678-892-1224. $20; ages 8 and younger, free. Blackburn Park. The festival includes musical country, musical performances, kids village with performances, a children’s area, 5K and 1K inflatables, arts and crafts, face painting, rock n Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Arts Race (March 25, 7:30 a.m.), dog show area and climbing and more. April 13-15. Fri., noon-11 p.m.; Festival. Sandy Springs. Children’s play area, more. March 24 and 25. Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 14th local musicians, interactive art stations, plus up 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., St. and Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-817-6642. to 150 arts and crafts participants. April 21-22. Brookhaven. 404-637-0722. Admission, free. Admission, free. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 6100 Lake Forrest Dr., Sandy Springs. 404-873-1222. Admission, free. n Big Shanty Festival. Downtown Kennesaw. Enjoy the artist markets, children’s activities and live music. April 21-22. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (parade, 9:30 a.m.); Sun., noon-5 p.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-423-1330. Admission, free. n Inman Park Festival. Inman Park. A self- guided home tour of the neighborhood’s historic houses, an artist market, kids’ yoga, live pet shows and Kids’ Zone. April 27 (home tour only), noon-4 p.m. April 28-29. Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (parade, 2 p.m.); Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Euclid Ave., Atlanta. inmanparkfestival.org. Admission, free; home tour, $20. n Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival. Village Green. Artist market, live entertainment and children’s area. April 28-29. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 200 Village Green Cir., Smyrna. Macon Cherry Blossom Festival 770-423-1330. Admission, free.

12 Atlanta Parent March 2018 Spring Fun Guide atlantaparent.com MAY n Fairy House Festival. Chimney Park. Enjoy live entertainment along with crafts, archery, storytelling, refreshments and costumes. Build your own fairy house to take home and visit the fairy house village. May 5. 2-5 p.m. 8201 Hazelbrand Rd., Covington. 678- 925-3594. $5; ages 2 and younger, free. n Sweet Auburn Springfest. Sweet Auburn Historic District. Live entertainment, children’s area, international food court and more. May 12-13. Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. 1-8 p.m. 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta. 678-667-1375. Admission, free. ATLANTA’S MOST FUN n Cherokee County Indian Festival and Mother’s Day Pow Wow. Boling Park. RUNNING EVENT FOR KIDS Indian village and displays, traditional dance competition and drumming. Native Americans UE S D BL HIEL AN D S OF from around the country gather for this event. S G Looking for a family weekend activity? O E R O May 12-13. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-6 C R E G Cheer your child on as they participate in one U I p.m. 1200 Marietta Hwy., Canton. 770-735- L A B 6275. Adults, $15; ages 6-12, $5; ages 5 and of three distance races and meet three-time younger, free. Olympic Gold Medalist Gail Devers. Then, watch them try nine other kid-friendly track and field events at the post-race decathlon!

May 5 | Piedmont Park 3K, 1/2K & 50m Dash Ages 14 & under

Cherokee County Indian Festival and Mother’s Day Pow Wow n Marietta Greek Festival. Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Greek Hellenic dancing, Greek food and pastries, traditional gifts and jewelry and children’s activities. May 18, 19 and 20. Fri. 3-11 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission, $5. n Kirkwood Spring Fling. Bessie Branham Park. Artists market, children’s area, live music, barbecue cook off, 5K race and tour of homes. May 19. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 5K race 8:30 a.m. Tour of homes May 19 and 20, noon-5 p.m. 2051 Delano Dr. NE, Atlanta. kirkwoodfling.com. Festival, free; tour of homes and 5K race, extra cost. n Atlanta Jazz Festival. Piedmont Park. A weekend of jazz performances and family entertainment. May 26-27. Charles Allen Drive and 10th Street NE, Atlanta. atlantafestivals.com. Admission, free. atlantaparent.com Spring Fun Guide March 2018 Atlanta Parent 13 MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM TOUR

“Wow! That’s huge!” Georgia Homegrown Legends display, a wall that The Details This reaction came from my daughter, Gracie, holds football helmets from high school teams in Mercedes-Benz Stadium 8, when she first saw the panoramic views of the Georgia. 1414 Andrew Young International field from the top concourse of the Mercedes-Benz At the field level, Andrew, who is an avid football Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 470-341-5000, Stadium. fan, enjoyed visiting the Falcons players’ locker rooms mercedesbenzstadium.com The stadium’s sights engaged Gracie and her and walking through the tunnel the Falcons follow n Admission: Adults $25; brother, Andrew, 11, during our entire guided tour. to the their game field. Both kids’ favorite part was ages 3-12, $20; younger than From the moment we encountered the nearly 42-foot playing on the field. 3, free. Some fun facts from our tour: From the field to the tall stainless steel statue of a falcon clutching a football n Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. roof, the stadium could hold the Statue of Liberty. It until the finale – when the kids had permission to race Guided tours run every hour has 4,000 solar panels that produce enough energy and turn cartwheels across the playing field – we were but are not available on game to power 10 Falcons’ games. The Halo Board is the wowed. or event days. It’s best to reserve largest non-transparent LED video display in the The tour started at the top, or 300 Concourse, tours in advance online or by world, with 38.1 million LED bulbs. where we saw Atlanta’s skyline from the Window to phone. the City and meandered through the 100-Yard Club, With its blend of architecture, technology and n a space with field markers on the floor and columns art, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will impress family A Great Place for with 11-foot photos of the current Falcon players. Next, members of all ages. Lunch: Molly B’s Cookhouse, we stopped by the 200 concourse, which houses n Know Before You Go: This is a walking inside the stadium overlooking the AT&T Perch, a state-of-the art technology hub tour, so wear comfortable shoes. Strollers are the field, offers a variety of complete with a vast array of screens for game days. welcome, but must be checked at the gate. There moderately priced, tasty options On the 100 concourse, Gracie was awed by the are elevators, escalators and bathrooms with ($8-$18). There is no kid’s menu, jumbo football-shaped chandelier in the Gullwing baby changing stations throughout the stadium. but my kids said their meals Club, and I liked seeing the first automobile, patented Mercedesbenzstadium.com has a thorough A to Z from the regular menu were by Carl Benz, a one-cylinder three-wheeled car that guide under “Plan Your Visit.” “delicious.” mollybsatlanta.com went 10 miles per hour. We were all drawn to the – Janeen Lewis

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