Public parks are always packed on October weekends with families anxious to break free from the confines of their homes. Why not pack up an old-fashioned picnic lunch, throw in a blanket, and spend an entire day at one of our beautiful city parks? Of course, Game Boys, DS’s and ipods are NOT allowed! Take along a big ziplock bag, and collect an assortment of leaves to be made into a fall collage later at home. How about skipping stones across a lake, flying a kite, or quietly reading a book under a tree? These are all things we did as kids, long before the electronic age hit and dramatically changed the way kids are entertained. Way back when, we actually knew how to have fun without headphones, buttons and batteries! Fall is the perfect time to show our kids these simple, yet oh-so-treasured and rare pastimes.
For a more elaborate outdoor adventure, load the kids into the mini van or RV, and take advantage of one of our area’s treasured outdoor attractions. My personal favorites are Stone Mountain Park and the Chattahoochee Nature Center, where you and your family can literally spend the entire day in the great outdoors. The possibilities are profound at Stone Mountain Park where you can climb the mountain (and enjoy an extraordinary view of the city), ride the Ducks (amphibious vehicles that travel both on land and in the water!), have a family picnic in one of the many shaded pavilions, climb aboard the scenic railroad or spacious paddlewheel riverboat, explore its quaint village and antebellum plantation, and end the day with an awesome laser show while sitting under the stars on the expansive lawn. The day will be action-packed, with absolutely no complaints of boredom (always a plus!). For more information, go to www.stonemountainpark.com.
To really get back to nature, and to appreciate the splendor of fall, head out to the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, a 127-acre delight with experienced staff to spark the spirit of discovery in children and adults alike. There you’ll discover miles of hiking trails (including a charming river boardwalk), loads of native flora and fauna, beautiful gardens and a charming nature store. The Center offers a host of engaging and educational programs on the weekends, including Animal Encounters where you get to see one of their resident animals up close and personal, guided nature hikes and canoe trips led by a knowledgeable naturalist, family canoe days, and so much more. One of their biggest annual events is called Halloween Hikes, and it’s a fantastic holiday treat, especially for children 10 and under. This non-scary adventure takes you and your child on a well-lit hike through the forest to meet woodland creatures, and hear about their lives. This evening full of fun activities includes arts and crafts, games, face painting, musical entertainment and a traditional bonfire! It’s good, clean fun for the entire family, and an excellent way to celebrate Halloween. For more information, log onto their website at www.chattnaturecenter.com.
Whatever you decide to do this fall, make sure you do it outdoors! October in Atlanta is simply spectacular; so don’t miss your chance to experience its magic. I hate to mention this, but just around the corner is the hectic holiday season. Whew, I’m tired just thinking about it. I think I’ll take a quick break, grab a book and go relax outside before the kids come home from school. Now, that’s what I call a real fall treat!
Labels: fall, Georgia, great things to do with kids, october weekends
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 4:47 PM
