Trees Atlanta - Growing Atlanta One Seed At A Time

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Homeschool group helping to weed one of the hills on the BeltLine.

In the heart of Decatur there is a tree house! This tree house is not your ordinary tree house though and belongs to a very unique organization. It is a place that we think is very special, and one which we think deserves some attention.  So let me cultivate some awareness about the organization that owns this tree house. They are called Trees Atlanta and they are not only helping to protect and improve Atlanta's flourishing urban forests, but are also helping to grow family fun!

Did you know that Atlanta is known as the city in the forest? Or that the tree canopy in Atlanta covers almost half of the city, 47.9%  percent to be exact? Atlanta has the country’s densest urban tree canopy. But keeping this canopy is no small feat however, since Atlanta is still expanding and new buildings are popping up everyday. Trees Atlanta is one of the many organizations in Atlanta that helps protect and improve Atlanta's urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. Trees Atlanta is a nationally-recognized non-profit citizens’ group founded in 1985. They serve the Metro Atlanta area and focus primarily on those communities within the City’s outerbelt.

You may be aware of the Atlanta BeltLine, but did you know that Trees Atlanta is one of the organizations that keeps many sections of the BeltLine pristine? Trees Atlanta offers free Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Tours for the entire family. These 1 mile tours which are led by expertly trained Trees Atlanta docents will educate attendees on the design and history of the Atlanta BeltLine, the horticultural collections of the Arboretum, and the positive changes the project is having on Atlanta communities. Have your cell phone handy, so that you can interact with the If Trees Could Sing installations and hear some of your favorite musicians talk about their favorite trees.

Ms. Sabrina teaching about leaves. 

But that’s not all. Trees Atlanta has a variety of youth education programs. If you have a scout be sure to check out the 2 hr programs that helps scouts earn their nature focused badges. If you have a child in grades K-6th make sure you sign them up for the Acorn Club. The cost is $10 per year. Acorn Club is an environmental stewardship program for children who are eager to learn more about our urban forest. Little ones will love the weekly Thirsty Roots Reading Club where they will  learn about the outdoors through nature-themed book readings and hands-on arts & craft projects. If you are looking for a summer program Trees Atlanta has Junior TreeKeeper Camps June-July. They also offer BreakAway camps and Spring Break camps. During camps Junior TreeKeepers will experience a new adventure everyday! They will explore the outdoors with hands-on activities in environmental science, biking the Atlanta BeltLine, field trips to local attractions and more fun! Trees Atlanta also has programs for homeschoolers and public schools. Our family has attended many homeschool days and my children really enjoy their time with Ms. Sabrina the Youth Education Coordinator for Trees Atlanta. We asked Ms. Sabrina what she loves most about working for Trees Atlanta and she said, "utilizing the Atlanta BeltLine arboretum. It's cool because most kids (or people) don't know that the trees planted  on it are an arboretum and are planted intentionally with respect to the toughness of the species and neighborhood history." Before you hit the BeltLine with your children be sure to also pick up the BeltLine Clue Town booklet which is an educational scavenger hunt. 

Collecting leaves and pointing out trees.

One of our family’s favorite things to do together is service projects. We volunteer at nursing homes, volunteer at Save the Horses, put together shoeboxes filled with gifts for Operation Christmas Child, donate to Operation Homefront, and volunteer with Trees Atlanta. Trees Atlanta has a variety of ways to volunteer and even children can get involved. Last Summer I took several classes at Trees Atlanta to become a TreeKeeper. So if your family is looking for a way to dig in to help our beautiful city and make some fun summer memories check out all the volunteer opportunities that are available. 

If you haven’t been to the Trees Atlanta Treehouse or Arboretum on the Atlanta BeltLine be sure to check them out soon. As you can see this hidden gem offers something for everyone! And if you see us at Trees Atlanta Tree House or on the BeltLine be sure to say hello!

Urban Adventure Quest Discount

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Our family loves a good adventure and anything that resembles a scavenger hunt. We geocache, do local clue town booklets, discover painted rocks, go picking, dig for rocks and gems, go fossil hunting etc. Not only are we spending time as a family while out on these fun filled adventures but we are most certainly learning as well.

Well I recently learned about a new scavenger hunt adventure where you can turn Atlanta into a giant game board. Urban Adventure Quest combines the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. You can play anytime during daylight hours. Start when you want and play at your pace. Doesn't that sound like great family fun?

Right now you can save 20% - Only $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people after Promotion Code: FGBLOG. Sign up online at www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com.

*Review coming soon.

Five Ways To Savor Summer At World Of Coca-Cola + A Giveaway

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We have been to The World of Coca-Cola many times and every time we visit we see something new. The World of Coca-Cola offers something for all ages which makes it a great destination for families. So if you are looking for some family fun be sure to check out all that The World of Coca-Cola is uncapping – just in time for summer! With interactive exhibits celebrating everything from Atlanta artists to soccer around the world, World of Coca-Cola is bubbling with exciting ways for families and friends to create memorable moments together.
1. ICE COLD Summer Fun. When you arrive at Pemberton Place on July 15 and 16, expect a warm welcome with a cold beverage. During the “Share an ICE COLD Coke” experience, sip on free customized mini cans of Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero before interacting with the Bubble-izer, one-of-a-kind technology that virtually transforms you into an effervescent fizzy form. Be sure to snap a photo and share your new look with your friends!

2. Pop Culture Paradise. World of Coca-Cola is celebrating 10 years at Pemberton Place with a new Pop Culture Gallery exhibit that is overflowing with creativity and inspiration. “10 Artists, 10 Bottles” features 10 different four-foot sculpted Coke bottles uniquely designed by 10 renowned Atlanta artists. With everything from abstract art to recycled glass bottles, the new gallery offers up a taste of local talent.

3. #InstaFamous. Visitors have been buzzing about the #ShareaCokeWithATL gallery – so much so that World of Coca-Cola is extending the temporary exhibit through November. Featuring the work of 12 local Instagram artists, the #ShareaCokewithATL gallery celebrates the rich history of Atlanta and Coca-Cola with images pairing popular Atlanta landmarks with the iconic glass Coke bottle. Snap and share your own photos using #ShareaCokewithATL for a chance to be featured online by World of Coca-Cola.

4. GOOOOAAAALLLL! Whether you call it “soccer” or “football,” we are all excited to welcome Atlanta United to our hometown. To celebrate the team’s inaugural season and Coca-Cola’s longstanding support of soccer worldwide, World of Coca-Cola is unveiling the “Coke and Soccer” exhibit in the Hub this summer. With more than 20 countries represented, fans of all ages will have a ball exploring the collection of soccer memorabilia.

5. A World of Taste Awaits. Take your palette on an adventure this summer in the Taste It! beverage lounge, where you can sample more than 100 beverages from around the world. Savor new flavors like Indonesia’s Frestea Green Honey or the Dominican Republic’s Country Club Merengue, available for a limited time. Then, head over to the Sampling Bar to try one of the latest products from The Coca-Cola Company, like Honest Sport, which launches nationwide this summer.

Summer Deal:
If you’re thirsting for savings this summer, you’re in luck. In celebration of 10 years at Pemberton Place, World of Coca-Cola will offer a limited-time Summer Pass. Valid May 26 through Aug. 31, the pass provides unlimited chances to chill with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear for just $25 – less than the price of two general admission tickets. Throughout the season, World of Coca-Cola will also announce special offers on its social channels, so follow @WorldofCocaCola on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to score some sweet deals! 

Giveaway:

Guess what? One winner will receive 4 tickets to World of Coca-Cola. Just fill out the Rafflecopter entry form below. Only the first entry is mandatory. Other entries are optional and give you extra chances. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in any way. The winner will be posted on the blog and will be emailed. Winner must reply within 24 hrs with their contact information or another winner will be chosen. Prize will be shipped via USPS (US addresses only). Wait a moment for it to load...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Historic Oakland Cemetery - Sights, Symbols & Stories

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As strange as it may sound we love exploring cemeteries. Our favorite is Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta. We visit this historic garden cemetery several times a year to learn about nature, history, geology and more. Audrey Bierhans said, “Cemeteries should be more than places where stones lie on the ground. Cemeteries hold the stories of the people who have lived in the past ... people who have shaped our past," and I couldn't agree more. 

Oakland Cemetery is a hidden treasure located less than 1 mile from the hustling and bustling city of Atlanta. It is the 3rd largest green space in Atlanta. This sanctuary was founded in 1850 and is the final resting place of many of Atlanta's settlers, builders, and most noted citizens like Bonny Jones, Margaret Mitchell  and Maynard Jackson. And it is also a showplace for some spectacular sculpture and architecture and a luscious garden with ancient oaks and magnolias.

When you walk down the paths of this outdoor museum you are transported through time, and if you listen closely you will hear stories of victories, love and tragedies. Sometimes the epitaphs, grave markers and even the graves location help tell a story, but if you are looking for more details be sure to stop by the gift shop to pick up free guides or to purchase some amazing books on Oaklands resident's.

If stories don't interest you then you can marvel at the sights and symbols that you will come across. The impressive art and architecture can be seen in many styles: Victorian, Greek Revival, Gothic, Neo-classical, Egyptian and Exotic Revival. Several mausoleums feature stained glass windows from Tiffany Studios. Bronze urns over six feet high were cast at Gorham Manufacturing Company in New York, the first art foundry in America.

Oakland also offer many fabulous events and recently started offering homeschool days and educational fieldtrip opportunities. But that's not all, they also have educational resources for parents and teachers.

Also be sure to check out my blog on Clue Town booklets there is one for Oakland.

And my Lessons From The Grave blog post which lists ways you can use cemeteries as an educational opportunity and also lists more amazing cemeteries for GA.

Also check out:

Thaleia from Something 2 Offer with her Jackson Cemetery, Piqua, Ohio post.

Leigh from Campfires & Concierges with her Chicago’s Graceland Cemetery post.

8 Benefits of Swimming for Fitness

Swimming is a fun activity for kids and adults, but you may not realize there are also many benefits of swimming as a fitness activity. During the summer, going for a swim is a great way to entertain your children or meet up with family and friends for a relaxing, cool activity. However, you can also easily use your swimming pool as the spot for multiple exercises and workouts that bring a wealth of benefits to your body!

Low Impact Activity

Swimming is seen as one of the most popular low impact activities for fitness. There is very little risk of energy, and the water assists in supporting your weight. During a swimming session, you only have to bear 10% of your body weight, thanks to the buoyancy of the water. Because of this, people of all abilities and fitness levels can partake in swimming to get fit or stay in shape. Senior citizens or disabled people confined to wheelchairs can even take part in swimming for fitness.

No-Sweat Exercise

One of the best benefits of swimming for exercise is that you don’t have to sweat to get a good workout in! The cool water of the swimming pool keeps your body temperature down, no matter how intense you are moving in the pool. You won’t even need a shower if you need to rush off to another commitment after your swim. People who are against exercising because it makes them feel icky have no excuses when swimming is an option!

Supports Optimal Oxygen Usage

Swimming requires you to breathe efficiently in order to finish your workout. The more you hold your breath underwater, the more you train your lungs to take deeper breaths. Your body also learns to be more efficient with the oxygen you have. The deeper breaths also help you to expel more carbon dioxide, further support proper lung function.

Another cool side note on swimming benefits on the lungs: The moist air you breathe in while in the pool can help to curb symptoms of asthma, especially cases where your breathing may become difficult during exercise.

Works the Entire Body

You can get that all-body workout you need in less time with swimming. Many fitness gurus see swimming as both a cardio and strength training activity. Wouldn’t you rather be in the pool for 30 minutes and get the same benefits as one hour in the gym, lifting weights and running on the treadmill?

Promotes Cardio Health

Since you are working your entire body when you swim, your heart rate goes up and you burn more calories. Your body needs more energy, which it can get from fat storages in your body. Swimming works just as well as other cardio activities, including jogging or walking, to burn calories and develop improved cardio health.

Provides Multiple Levels of Fitness

Though it is a low impact exercise, swimming exercises can be done in different levels of intensity, depending on your needs. You can choose to participate in a vigorous water aerobics workout, or perform a more leisure swim from one side of the pool to the other multiple times. Again, it’s all about the abilities of the swimmer, and the exercise routine can easily be adjusted to fit the person who wants to get fit in the water.

Boosts Weight Loss

Because you are working multiple areas of your body at once, swimming is great at burning calories and speeding up your metabolism, This, in turn, will cause you to lose weight. Follow a structured swimming for fitness schedule; 3-4 times per week is sufficient. You can choose to only swim for health, since it is effective enough alone, or add in order exercises such as walking or weights.

Assists with Better Sleep

When you are swimming for an hour or more of exercise each day, you will find your body tired and ready to relax by bedtime. Many people who have had problems falling asleep have found they sleep easier when they swim a few hours before it’s time for bed. The activity also helps to relieve stress and worries that can keep you from getting enough sleep, thanks to the release of “happy” hormones when you exercise.

Creating the Perfect Swimming Atmosphere for Exercise

If you plan to reap the benefits of swimming for fitness, you need to invest in a quality swimming pool for your backyard. That way, you can take a dip and work toward shedding unwanted pounds anytime you feel like it! Create your perfect swimming spot with Rec Warehouse - a popular swimming pool company right here in Georgia. The business offers pools, liners, ladders, chemicals, and everything else you need to keep your workout space up and running.

With locations in Kennesaw, Jonesboro, and Norcross, you can come by and check out the latest pool offerings that Rec Warehouse has anytime you are free. The company’s owner, David Doebler, has grown up around pools his whole life. His father and uncle started Rec Warehouse back in the early 1970’s, and David was their first employee. You will gain all the knowledge you need to properly maintain a swimming pool for exercising from David and his employees!

*This post is a sponsored post in which I received compensation for posting. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camp Discount - S.T.E.A.M. education: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math!

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Here is another awesome camping promotion for my readers in the Atlanta area. Do you have a kid that loves science, robots, engineering or art? Than the ROBOTS-4-U camps are the perfect fit!

ROBOTS-4-U summer camps are now enrolling!!!! At ROBOTS-4-U fun, thinking & learning comes to life! Campers will have a BLAST, while learning and playing in a dynamic environment. Right now my readers can SAVE 55% OFF with Code: ATL6015 but hurry this offer EXPIRES SOON! Camps start at $299.99 (regular pricing) for 1/2 day sessions.

More Camp Details:
- Robot / Science / Engineering / Day Camp / Challenges
- Camps Girls and Boys - Aged 7 to 14
- Robot Camps and Dynamic Art Camps offered during June, July and August
- Hands on Learning, Self-Paced. Beginners to Expert!
- 1 week (5 days) long
- Days: Monday to Friday Times: 9:00-11:30a.m. and 12:30-3:00 p.m.
- CAMPERS RATIO: 1 Instructor to 16 participants
-Register early as camps do fill up quickly!
- Each Camper Individually uses a ROBOTICS or DYNAMIC ART Kit. Robot kits do not go home with campers but are available for purchase!

Follow ROBOTS-4-U:
-Twitter
-Facebook

And don't forget about the special 55% OFF offer just enter code ATL6015 visit the www.ROBOTS-4-U.com.

These Are A Few Of Our Favorite Ruins (Georgia)

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One of our favorite ways to learn about history is through experiential experiences. And thankfully Georgia is full of historic ruins for us explore and observe. Every year we find more ruins to explore, and some are in the most unlikely of places, like in the middle of a busy city. Here are the top 10 ruins you need to visit in Georgia. Many of these ruins are mills that Sherman burned during his march through Georgia. These ruins are a fun, unique way to teach children about the history of Georgia, the Civil War, and life during the 1800 - early 1900's. We have visited all but 3 of these ruin sites (but the other 2 are on our list to visit soon).

Many of these sites are also located in State and National Park properties and you know I am a huge supported or our parks systems! Don't forget that April 16 through 24 is National Park Week! Many of the National Parks will have events going on like tours, etc. Check each parks website for more information!

1. Sweetwater Creek State Park - Take a short hike down to the river to see the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company. These ruins might look familiar and that is because as several movies have filmed here, like the Hunger Games. This 5 story  textile mill which produced cotton yarns and cloth. It employed 60-70 people supported a town of 200 people. But on July 9, 1864 the factory buildings and the company store were burned to the ground by Union soldiers. The ruins are fenced in to preserve their history. During your visit be sure to ask about a Ranger led tour of the ruins. 
2. Old Mill Park - Nestled in downtown Roswell you will find Old Mill Park which boasts several ruins. This is one of our favorite places to explore and splash around in the Summer. On the Old Mill Park side of the river which is the area closest to the parking area (owned by the city of Roswell) you can explore the 30-foot dam and millrace that was constructed on Vickery Creek in the mid-to-late 1830s to supply power for the mills. You can also check out the 1853 Machine Shop which is the only extant building left of the original 1839 Roswell Manufacturing Company. If you cross over the pedestrian bride to the other side of the river you will be on Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area property (NPS Property). Here you can find the ruins of Allenbrook, an antebellum home constructed between 1845-1857. And Laurel/Ivy Mill. This woolen mill was burned by federal troops in 1864, during the Atlanta Campaign. Women operatives of the mill were sent north after Roswell’s capture so that their skills would not benefit the Confederacy. The mill stood from about 1855 until 1864 and then was rebuilt by Barrington King and his son, James Roswell Kin. You can view a map of historical areas in Roswell here. 
3. Sope Creek Park - This is another Chattahoochee River National Recreation area (NPS Property). The Marietta Paper Mill is an amazing site to explore. They are tucked into a high-end neighborhood just outside Atlanta. There are over 3 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails to explore. The multi-story ruins were destroyed by Union troops during the Civil War. Make sure you walk across to the other side of the river too to view a few more ruins. 
4. Fort Mountain State Park - It's no secret we love exploring state parks and the ruins are definitely one perk. This is the second state park on the list that features some unique ruins. The mysterious ancient rock wall stands at the highest point of the mountain. The 855-foot-long wall is thought to have been built by early Indians as fortification against more hostile Indians or for ancient ceremonies.  It is definitely worth the hike.
5. Cumberland Island NPS - Revolutionary War Hero General Nathanael Greene purchased land on Cumberland Island in 1783. Following his death, his widow Catherine Greene, constructed a four-story tabby home that she named Dungeness. Thomas Carnegie and his wife Lucy began building another Dungeness on the original foundation in 1884. The Carnegie's Dungeness burned in 1959 and today only the ruins remain on the site. 
6. High Falls State Park - Visitors can hike along the river’s edge and through hilly forest to the remains of a hydroelectric power plant foundation.  In the early 1800s, this area was a prosperous industrial town with several stores, a grist mill, cotton gin, blacksmith shop, shoe factory and hotel. High Falls fell from prosperity in the 1880s when a major railroad bypassed it.
7. Lullwater Park - Lullwater Park offers multiple scenic walking and running trail loops nestled within Emory University’s North Decatur campus near Atlanta. The Lullwater Trail passes the Lullwater House mansion, skirts Candler Lake and crosses a span bridge to explore a mill beside a tumbling spillway waterfall. The 1920's two-story powerhouse tower is constructed in a octagonal shape. It now stands open to the sky above, ivy climbing skyward across its stone walls.
8. Arabia Mountain NPS - Not only can you find ruins at this fabulous National Park Site you can also explore the exceptional ecological wonders. As you explore the large granite outcrop be on the lookout for the evidence of quarrying activities. You will find industrial debris left on the mountain and abandoned structures once used by workers for storage, offices and shelter.  The ruins of quarry buildings are found interspersed throughout the park and metal spikes that were used to split the granite are still embedded in the rock.
9. Rope Mill Park - Located just North of downtown Woodstock is a park with hiking trails, bike trails and historic ruins. For the best view of the ruins cross over the bridge, and take the unpaved hiking trail to the right. On the banks of the Little River are the remains of a grist mill from the late 1840s. In the 1870s it it evolved into a cotton and wool yarn mill. Eventually the mill produced cotton rope that was used for well rope and plow lines. The mill was constructed out of wood orginally and replaced by brick in 1903. In 1949 it closed in anticipation of the construction of the Allatoona Dam. 
10. Ivy Creek Greenway - We stumbled upon this place by accident, well not really by accident we were on the hunt for a geocache that is in the area of the Woodward Mill ruins. You can reach these ruins by taking the Ivy Creek Greenway. There are multiple access points, we generally start at the Gwinnett Environment Heritage Center. I haven't found a lot of information on these ruins but it is a great and totally worth mentioning. The kids love taking a dip in the ater here. There are some nice water cascades and an old rusted water mill, which is all that remains of the Woodward Mill.
    
    

Save 60% Off ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camps

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Hey Atlanta followers! Are you on the search for the PERFECT Summer camp for your kids? Well look no further!  ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camps are now enrolling and my readers can SAVE 60% OFF with Code: TEX1660M15 but hurry this offer EXPIRES 3/31! Camps start at $299.99 (regular pricing) for 1/2 day sessions.

We actually own a few of the ROBOTS-4-U robot sets and they are a amazing. ROBOTS-4-U clearly has a passion for teaching kids about S.T.E.A.M.

ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camps are where fun, thinking & learning come to life. Choose from  Robotics, Dynamic Art, Battle Bots and Drones S.T.E.A.M. camp programs. Campers have a blast, while learning and playing in a dynamic environment. Kids will learn about robotics and science, in an independent and exciting way!

More Camp Details:
-Camps are offered for girls and boys - Aged 7 to 14
-Robot Camps and Dynamic Art Camps are offered during June, July and August
-Hands on Learning, Self-Paced. Beginners to Expert!
-1 week (5 days) long
-Days: Monday to Friday Times: 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3:00 p.m.
-Campers ratio: 1 Instructor to 16 participants
-Register early as camps do fill up quickly!
-Each Camper Individually uses a ROBOTICS or DYNAMIC ART Kit. Robot kits do not go home with campers but are available for purchase!

Follow ROBOTS-4-U:
-Twitter
-Facebook


Visit www.ROBOTS-4-U.com to see dates and locations for these amazing day camps.

For more details on the special 60% OFF offer visit the Robots-4-U Camp Special Offer Page.

March Madness Fieldtrip Style

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Have I told you how much I love Georgia? Like seriously it is such an awesome place to live. There is always a plethora of fabulous fieldtrips and exciting adventurers for us to go on. Which is great for our family since all we prefer learning through experiential means. Well next month it is going to be March Madness for fieldtripping in Georgia. I have completed our calendar and there are days we will be attempting 3+ fieldtrips (believe it or not our highest number in one day has been 7). Well I don't want to keep these awesome opportunities (many of which are FREE) all to myself so here are the 3 events you NEED to be aware of for March 2016.

March 5th - 30th Phoenix Flies 

Learn about and explore Atlanta’s historic buildings, landscapes and neighborhoods which are an integral part of the City’s culture and economy. The Phoenix Flies Celebration provides an opportunity to learn about, celebrate and strengthen these assets to the benefit of all. Many of the events are family friendly. Some of our favorites are the Box City workshop and Oakland Cemetery tours. You can page through the 200+ events here. 

March 19th - 26th - Atlanta Science Festival

Get your science on! The Atlanta Science Festival is an annual, week-long celebration of local science and technology. Science crazed people of all ages will explore the science and technology in our region and see how science is connected to all parts of our lives in a variety of hands-on activities, facility tours, presentations, and performances throughout the metro Atlanta region. The Festival culminates in the FREE, family-friendly EXPLORATION EXPO which is an interactive day with more than 100 mind blowing demos, hands-on activities, interactive exhibits and stage shows at Centennial Olympic Park.

Check out the 80+ events (many of which are FREE) here.
We are really excited about all of the fabulous science events this year. Some of the things on our list include building mini robots, stargazing, physics live, science illustration, the science of Star Wars, edible science (we are going to get to meet the author of the book below), song bird walks, chemistry technicolor, arboretum walk and more.

To help us get our science on we are utilizing these 3 fabulous books from National Geographic. 

1. National Geographic Kids Cook Book - Master chef Barton Seaver takes readers on a year-round culinary adventure as he explores what it takes to create the ultimate dish. The book is loaded with yummy recipes, the ins and outs of healthy eating, fun crafts and activities, food challenges and more. The book is easy to read and follow and loaded with wonderful photographs and amazing facts.
2. Try This - 50 Fun Experiments for the Mad Scientist in You -  This book helps readers discover what makes science fun! It is filled with 50 creative science projects, weird, wacky science facts, easy to understand principles and more! All projects include easy to understand step by step instructions so kids can conduct experiments on their own with confidence and accuracy. Electrical charges, chemical explosions and food chemistry are some of the areas covered. 
3. Edible Science -  Who knew science could be so tasty? We are really looking forward to meeting author Jodi Wheeler-Toppen during the Atlanta Science Festival. This book uses food as the tool (or ingredient!). Kids will become saucy scientists as they measure, weigh, combine and craft their way through the kitchen.  Discover dozens of thoroughly-tested, fun, edible experiments, sprinkled with helpful photos, diagrams, scientific facts, sub-experiments, and more. And the best news is when all the mad-science is done, you're invited to grab a spoon and take a bite -- and share your results with friends and family.

March 21st - 25th - Tibet Week

And lastly Tibet Week. This is a must see. The Emory-Tibet Partnership is committed to bringing together the best of the Western and Tibetan Buddhist intellectual traditions. Our favorite part of this event is watching the monks complete their sand mandala works of art. Last year the kids even got to try it. It was such a memorable, exciting experience. Check the link for a full schedule of events, which include demonstrations, lectures and more.

Maybe we will see you around town this month!

Pirates of Penzance Opera - 10% Off Code

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One of the things my daughter requested to learn about this year was the opera. I have been on the search since August to find an opera that would be the perfect fit for her. After all I wante her first opera experience to be an amazing one! Well that search is over because I finally found it. The Pirates of Penzance sails into Atlanta on March 5th!  Pirates of Penzance is a rollicking show with serious operatic chops. Great for the whole family!

                           

As Frederic enters the rank of full pirate at the end of his apprenticeship, he and his fellow pirates court the daughters of Major-General Stanley, which sets off a hilarious course of events that pit Frederic against his pirate clan.

Bass Kevin Burdette, whom the New York Times hailed as the "Robin Williams of opera," sings the role of the Pirate King in his Atlanta debut. Sean Curran will direct this exciting interpretation of a Gilbert & Sullivan classic.

Learn more about the show here. If this sounds like a show you want your family to experience you can also Save 10% with code PIRATES10.

We'll see you there, mateys!

Why You Should Invest In Memberships?

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As you may know I admin a large homeschool group for the Southeast United States, called SE Homeschool Fieldtrips. There are over 2,000 families now in the group and well it keeps me VERY busy which is why you don't see me blogging as much as I used to :) You see we have embraced a different way of educating our children. Rather than sitting at the kitchen table reading about animals, nature, wars, knights, etc in a textbook we go out and experience them. Don't get me wrong books are awesome and we love and use them a lot too (especially in the car while we are driving to our destination for the day), but we also take full advantage of the world around us. I have found that the experiences are more memorable and unforgettable. And that is one of the many reasons I created the SE Homeschool Fieldtrips Group. It is a place for me to share with other families the amazing, educational opportunities we have available to us. It is a place for me to share tips and tricks for fieldtripping and traveling with children. And it is a place for me to share my passion for experiential learning.

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" - St. Augustine

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine - See more at: http://wanderingtrader.com/list-of-best-inspirational-travel-quotes/#sthash.0FhAK0I5.dpuf

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine - See more at: http://wanderingtrader.com/list-of-best-inspirational-travel-quotes/#sthash.0FhAK0I5.dpuf

In Georgia and our neighboring states there are endless educational opportunities for families. I often hear families say that they don't take advantage of these opportunities because of the expense involved with visiting some of them. And that is why today I am going to share some information about memberships and the reasons you should invest in them, how to save money on them and even how to get one for FREE in 2015.

Just about every museum, zoo, aquarium, history center, nature center, state park, amusement park, etc offers a membership of some sort. Since we cannot obviously purchase a membership to all of them every year we rotate our memberships. We generally have 3-4 memberships at a time. Some of our local favorites have been the HIGH Museum of Art, Georgia State Parks Pass, Fernbank, Atlanta History Center, Legoland Discovery Center, Zoo Atlanta, Elachee Nature Center and Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Reasons to invest in them:

1. Save Money - of course the number one reason is that they save you money. Most memberships pay for themselves after 2 visits
2. Special Perks - who doesn't love some special perks? With a membership you can almost always guarantee that you will receive discounts in the cafe and gift store. But you can also sometimes get additional benefits like early registration to special events or discounts on special events.
3. Friend Benefits - sometimes things are way more fun with friends! Most memberships provide you with several guest passes that you can share with friends or extended family members. Some even allow you to bring friends for FREE (like Legoland Discovery Center on Friend Fridays, Atlanta Zoo). And others provide your friends with a generous discount every time you bring them (like the HIGH Museum of Art).
4. Reciprocity - if you travel often than this is a great reason to get a membership, because you can take advantage of reciprocity benefits (FREE or discounted admission) at participating attractions around the country, thanks to programs like the AZA, ASTC, NARM, ACM and others.
5. Discounted or More Accessible Parking - there are quite a few museums where the only parking available is paid parking. But if you have a membership you can receive discounted, FREE or more accessible parking.
6. Tax Deductible  - many memberships are tax deductible possibly saving you even more money come tax time. 
7. Homeschool Days - many attractions offer homeschool day programs and if you are a member they are often discounted or even included in the cost of your membership.
8. Support - by purchasing a membership your money is supporting a cause/effort ie: art restoration, animal conservation, etc.
9. Make Great Gifts - if you need to purchase a gift for a family and have no idea what to get consider an attraction membership. It is a gift that keeps giving and a great way for families to create special memories together.
10. Endless Learning Experiences and Memories - museums, zoos, state parks, etc are not only fun, but they are also great learning experiences for both kids and adults. And they are a great way to create special memories with your family. 
11. Changing Exhibits - exhibits, animals, and experiences come and go so you are always in store for something new at an attraction. Some obviously change more than others but by having a membership you can experience those changes and maybe even have some input into them. 
12. Freedom - have you ever been to a museum that is so large that you are overwhelmed and worried you won't be able to see it all? Or maybe you visited a museum with young children...and ended up having to leave earlier than you wanted?  Well having a membership gives you the freedom to enjoy the attraction without feeling rushed, stressed and overwhelmed.

But you don't need to take my word for it....check out what some of my fellow homeschool group members have to say about why they purchase memberships:

• "I love the freedom it gives us to explore places more deeply and fully, without feeling the need to see it all in one day. With a membership, we can spend 3 hours observing lions and not feel like we are missing out on anything else. We'll hit the other stuff a different day." - Betsy S.
• "With a family of 5 to buy one visit is just slightly less or sometimes more than buying an annual pass / membership. So we usually get the membership. It is also nice when a membership has extra perks like a discount at the cafe or gift shop. I like memberships that include grandparents or extra kids. RECIPROCAL memberships are the BEST I love when being a member to one place gets us in for free or a discounted rate at another place." - Elizabeth M.
• "We have several memberships , of course it saves money but for the major we really want to support the organization. The Atlanta Zoo, The High Museum , The Fernbank Natural History Museum and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens ETC... all have wonderful community programs. They give back in so many ways. Those are the memberships I feel are worthwhile for our family." Barbara BS
• "I also like memberships for the discounts it gives us on things like classes, gift shops, parking, etc. We really like being able to take out of town friends and family places. Either our membership gets them a discounted ticket, or we can take them in with our family pass." - Christina G.
• "A membership / and the membership card in my wallet is a gentle reminder to get out and enjoy life" - Alana G.

How to save money on them:

1. Educator Discount - if you are a homeschooler or teacher ask about receiving the educator discount. Many of the Georgia attractions offer about $10 off memberships if you show them proof that you homeschool or teach in the public school system. 
2. Split The Cost - many family memberships get in up to 4 kids and 2 adults. So if your spouse doesn't go often with you split the cost of a membership with a friend instead. 
3. Deal Websites  - take advantage of deal websites like Groupon, Sweet Jack, etc. Often attractions offer membership deals on these websites sometimes saving you up to 50% off.
4. Swaptember Savings - take advantage of Swaptember Savings which happens every September in Georgia. During the entire month you can show your membership from a participating attraction and save up to $10 off a membership or discounted admission at another participating attraction.
5. 4th Grader FREE National Park Pass - in 2015 every 4th grader can receive a FREE National Park pass thanks to the Every Kid In A Park initiative. The park pass will benefit the entire family of the 4th grader for 1 year.

And there you have it! So which memberships will you be investing in this year?