Gimme 5 Friday!

It's Friday and we've got FIVE fun activities for you around town. Click on the highlighted links to get more info!

1. Celebrate Fall by making an Autumn Tree Collage at Lakeshore Learning in East Cobb. FREE workshop from 11am-3pm on Saturday.

2. See a movie!

• Children's Saturday Cinema at the Central Library: Mary Poppins at 3pm on Saturday
• Sherlock Holmes Film Festival at East Cobb Library at 2pm on Saturday
• Madagascar 3 at The Picture Show at Merchant's Exchange - showtimes vary so visit movies.com to check times

3. Fun with Food!

• Celebrate Fall and have fun with apples at Harry's Farmers Market during their Healthy Eating Kid's Club at 1:30 Saturday. Best to call ahead so they can be sure they have enough for everyone but drop-ins are welcome.
• Make Your Own Healthy Wrap Fundraiser at Whole Foods at Merchant's Walk from 11am-2pm on Saturday. For only $3 each, make your own wrap for lunch - fun way to get kids to experiment and try new foods. Proceeds go to the Whole Kids Foundation in support of school garden grants and salad bars. 

4. Enjoy a fun day on Sunday at East Cobb Park's Sunday Funday from 4pm-7pm. Pack your picnic and enjoy the evening set to music and fun!

5. Field Trip!

• Going on all weekend - Fall Fun on the Farm! Corn Maze, farm tours, and evening Bonfire Hayrides at Cagle's Family Farm. Check online for schedule of activities & ticket prices
• Atlanta History Center's Fall Folklife Festival Saturday from 10:30-4:30. Traditional cooking, craft, farming, and blacksmith demos, music, food for purchase, and more! Included with admission. If you haven't been to AHC with your kids, check out my "Beyond Cobb" Guide.

There is a lot going on this weekend! If you are looking for something else, be sure to check out our website calendar and follow us on Facebook for daily posts.

Daily Picks for this Week! July 23-27

Our daily guide to fun! Click on the highlighted links for find out more. Don't mean to frighten you...or excite you (depends on your perspective!) but there are only 3 more weeks of summer for Cobb County School children!

MONDAY: Creative Thinking Storytime at Learning Express in Woodstock & West Cobb Locations at 11am for ages 5+ - FREE!


TUESDAY:

•  One of my favorite characters is in the spotlight during Barnes & Noble's FREE Storytime at 11am at their Town Center Prado location. Find out what happens to Harry when he travels to the beach with his family in Harry by the Sea. This book will make a great storytime for ages 5-8! 
• Get a taste of different cultures without a plane ticket at West Cobb Regional Library's Multicultural Extravaganza from 3pm-5pm. FREE, Open to all ages & just show up - nor pre-registration required 

WEDNESDAY: Grab a cheap seat on Regal's Summer Movie Express! Kids 12+ will enjoy the fairy tale character twists in Hookwinked Too showing at Regal's Town Center Stadium showing at 10am. Tickets are $1.


THURSDAY: Let your kids go Kung-Fu crazy at "Karate for Kids" at the Ben Robertson Community Center in Kennesaw at 9am. FREE sample classes this month for kids and adults to celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month!


FRIDAY:

• Have fun with food at Whole Kids Club from 3pm-4pm at Whole Foods at Merchant's Walk. FREE and it's best to pre-register (in store or call 678-996-9700) so they can plan. It's ok to just drop-in but be on time because space is limited! 
• Take part in live-action drills, challenges and on-field demonstrations! Learn more about Kennesaw's sports leagues & classes during their Youth Sports Spectacular from 6pm-9pm at Adams Park. Afterwards, hang around for an outdoor movie. Journey2: The Mysterious Island rated PG is showing at dusk! 

Plan Ahead:
Outdoor Romping & Stomping Series: July 30, July 31st
Chattahoochee Nature Center Olympics: July 28


Be sure you follow us on Facebook for more summer fun ideas. Be sure to check our calendar often since we are always updating as we find fun.

Gimme 5 Friday

FIVE FUN & FREE ideas for your weekend! Click on the highlighted link to learn more.

1. Kid's Fishing Rodeo at Lost Mountain Park from 9:00am-11am Saturday.

2. Free Classes Saturday at Ben Robertson Community Center in Kennesaw to celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month:

• KidzArt Demo (Class) from 9:15 to 10 a.m.
• Jump Rope Jam (Workout) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

3. Wear your favorite Hero Costume to the Touch-A-Truck event at Roswell Corners Chick-fil-A 4pm-7pm Saturday. (FREE)

4. Create an Olympic Torch at Lakeshore Learning Saturday from 11am-3pm to inspire your family to take part in your own Backyard Olympics (FREE)

5. Pack a picnic and enjoy an Outdoor Movie at Roswell's Riverside Park. Puss in Boots (PG) starts at dusk.

Be sure to check our website calendar for even more to do this weekend!

Gimme 5 Friday!

Five fun things to do this weekend! Click on the highlighted link to learn more.

1. Its a "Day of Discovery for Kids" at the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site in Cartersville. On Saturday from 1-3pm, kids will learn what archaeology is from a professional archaeologist. Hear about history and see real artifacts. Take part in mock excavations and learn how to clean and identify treasures that you find. COST: $3.50-$5.00 770-387-3747. 813 Indian Mounds Rd., S.W., Cartersville.

2. Hear ye, Hear ye, you are invited to join the Royal Court...well, actually it's the Upper level of the JC Penney Wing at Town Center Mall but a grand event just the same! Simon Kidgits Club Prince & Princess Party is Saturday from 1pm-3pm. The festivities will include special prizes, fun activities and a DJ! Wear your favorite prince/princess costume OR your Kidgits shirt, to receive a special prize (while supplies last). COST: FREE for current Kidgits Club Members; $5 for nonmembers includes an entire year of fun activities!

3. Meet the Author Event at the Town Center Prado Barnes & Noble Saturday at 11am. Author Anthony Pearson will read his new book, Baby Bear Eats the Night. He will also sign copies for sale. COST: FREE

4. Enjoy all things butterfly this weekend at the Butterfly Festival at the Chattahoochee Nature Center on Saturday (10am-3pm) & Sunday (12pm – 5pm). Be a part of butterfly releases & encounters, crafts & face painting, sidewalk art & fairy house construction. Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks and so much more! Little ones can wear their butterfly or caterpillar costumes and take part in the Butterfly and Caterpillar Costume Parade. Go online to find schedule of the weekend activities! COST: 
$10 General Public/$8 CNC Members 

5. Get creative and leave the mess on someone else's floor!! FREE crafts for kids around town this weekend.

• Michael's Passport to Imagination is taking everyone to Japan from 1-4pm Saturday.
• Kids can make "My Pet Fish" with their handprint from 11am-3pm at Lakeshore Learning East Cobb on Saturday
• Lowe's is celebrating kid's favorite movie characters this summer. This month's project at Lowe’s Build & Grow Workshop for Kids is a "Kung Fu Panda Spinning Attack" on Saturday at 10 and Sunday at 2pm. Register online!

Looking for something else? Check our website calendar & follow us on Facebook!

Daily Picks for July 9-13

Our daily guide to fun! Click on the highlighted links for find out more.

MONDAY: Creative Thinking Storytime at Learning Express in Woodstock at 11am. Every Monday in July! 

• Enjoy Dinner at the Depot in Downtown Kennesaw tonight (and every Monday) from 5-8pm. Everyone can take their pick from the variety of food trucks. After dinner, burn off the last bit of energy at the Depot Playground before heading home for PJ time. Follow them on Facebook to get the scoop on what trucks will be there or weather cancellations. 

TUESDAY: Come play with food at Whole Kids Summer Camp at Harry’s Farmers Market for kids ages 5-10 from 10:30-11:30. FREE and you can drop-in but because space is limited it’s best to call ahead to let them know you are coming: 770-578-4400. Parent’s you can drop & shop – pick up what you need for dinner while the kids have fun.

• Beyond Cobb Adventure! Pack a picnic and enjoy FREE “Music at Noon” while you munch your lunch at Centennial Park. Then walk across the street to Imagine It’s Target FREE Tuesday from 1-4pm. 

WEDNESDAY: Keep it Cool with a classic! Watch Charlotte’s Web at the Central Library at 2pm.

• Just for moms! Grab your BFF's for Girl's Night Out on Wednesday at Studio Movie Grill in Alpharetta. The chick flick classic this month is Notting Hill and starts at 7:30. Tickets are only a buck! Get there early to enjoy drinks and appetizers together. 

THURSDAY: Get your Passport to Imagination and travel to Russia. Stop by your favorite Michael’s Craft Store between 2-4pm to make a fuzzy bear – a national symbol of Russia. FREE!

FRIDAY: Get Crazy as a Loom! Register by July 11 (770-427-4686) for this fun craft activity for kids using a cardboard loom & yarn at the Kennesaw Mountain Visitor Center at 10am. FREE!

Plan Ahead:
Outdoor Romping & Stomping Series: July 11, July 18th, July 30, July 31st
Family Camp at Red Top Mountain: July 16-20
Fishing Rodeo: July 21 (FREE!)

Be sure you follow us on Facebook for more summer fun ideas. Be sure to check our calendar often since we are always updating as we find fun.

Gimme 5 Friday

Five fun things to do this weekend! Click on the highlighted links to find out more.

1. Kids Karate on Saturday at 10:00am at the Ben Robertson Center. Kennesaw Parks & Recreation is celebrating Parks & Recreation Month by offering a calendar full of FREE Drop-In classes for kids & adults at the community center and their parks. Click HERE to get the calendar and try something new this month!

2. Send Dad to your neighborhood Home Depot with the kids to build a Moving Truck Saturday morning while you relax (HA- yeah right! Catch up on laundry, dishes, paperwork, vacuum, mop, change sheets…) Kids workshop is from 9am-12pm...drop-in anytime but give yourself plenty of time to finish the project. Our experience with these FREE fun workshops – the later you go, the more crowded.

3. Head to the mountains and make tasty treats that your backyard birds will love. Red Top Mountain is hosting a kid’s Pine Cone Birdfeeder Workshop from 3pm-4pm on Saturday. Meet at the park office. The cost for the workshop is $1 (plus $5 State Park Parking fee). Make a day of it and enjoy a hike on one of their trails before or after the workshop. Address for GPS: 50 Lodge Rd SE, Cartersville

4. B at the Movies is at East Cobb Park Saturday for Movie Night! Bring the family out for Rio. Music by B98.5 begins at 7:30, movie starts at dusk. Event is FREE but Friends for the East Cobb Park will  host a concession stand to benefit the park. Arrive early for a picnic & beat the crowds!

5. Insect Field Day for ages 7+ at the Chattahoochee Nature Center on Sunday from 10:30am-11:30am. Observe and identify insects you collect in nets and learn why these small creatures are vital to our world. Stick around for a guided trail hike at 1pm. Both activities are included with admission: $8 for adults, $5 for kids ages 3-12, 2 and under FREE.

Looking for something different? Check our website calendar & follow us on Facebook to find the fun!

Daily Picks for July 2-6

Here are our picks for the week! Click on the highlighted link to learn more. Remember to check our website calendar for even more fun during the week!

MONDAY: "Page to Screen" Movie Series for Teens (ages 13+) at 3pm Mountain View Library. Watch your favorite page turners on the big screen weekly through July! For the younger ones, head to PLAY in Roswell for their FREE weekly storytime at 10:30. Only pay if you stay but on Mondays in July it’s only $5 per child for open play! Craft room is also open from 10:30-3pm and is included if you pay & stay for open play.

TUESDAY: Don’t need a passport to travel to this week’s pick for Tuesday! Michael’s Passport to Imagination destination: USA! From 1pm-4pm make a Patriotic Flag in honor of 4th of July. If you prefer to celebrate July 4th on the 3rd, head to Kennesaw for their Salute to America celebration from 6pm-11pm!

WEDNESDAY: Celebrate the 4th! Take your pick of local festivals & fireworks

• 4th in the Park (Marietta square) 
• Freedom Fest (Woodstock) 
• Roswell’s Fireworks Extravaganza (Roswell) 
• July Fourth Concert and Fireworks (Cauble Park in Acworth) 
• Fourth of July Celebration (Wills Park in Alpharetta) 

THURSDAY: Sleep in and get to bed early to make up for your late night of celebrating! Enjoy a museum together. Locally, head to The Southern Museum in Kennesaw for their weekly Mommy & Me program at 10:00am or 11:30am. This week learn what will you need for a Civil War camping trip during “A-Camping We Will Go”. Beyond Cobb it’s Toddler Thursday at the High Museum. Drop-in from 11am-3pm for “Butterfly” themed activities & craft.

FRIDAY: Take a Twilight Hike at Red Top Mountain from 7:30pm-9pm. Start the night off in the Discovery Room at the Visitor Center. You’ll meeting one of Georgia's native snakes and then follow a Park Ranger on a moderate, 1-mile hike. COST: $1 plus $5 parking.

Know of a fun event but don't see it here? Email me at cobbtotsnkids@gmail.com. 

Cheap Seats to Beat the Heat - June 30th

Picture Show at Merchant's Exchange is showing the following family-friendly movies:

• The Lorax
• Mirror, Mirror
• The 3 Stooges
• Pirates, Band of Misfits

Click here to see today's showtimes! Not sure these movies are ok of your kids...I love  iMom's Movie Monitor

Mountain View Library has Beat the Heat Movies for Teens (ages 13 to adults) showing at 3pm. Today's flick is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (PG-13)

Studio Movie Grill in Alpharetta has KidToons today at 11am. Strawberry Shortcake's Bloomin' Berry Garden is showing - tickets only $2 each.

"Dream Big" with Cobb Libraries

The 2012 Summer Reading Program "Dream Big - READ" begins on June 1 and ends on July 31, with an end-of-summer reading celebration scheduled for Saturday, August 4.  Here are 5 of Cobb Tots & Kids "Don't Miss" activities for June at the library! There are  over 700 programs and activities this summer to celebrate reading so it was a challenge to narrow it down!  I'll be back with a list for July. More information about these and even events can be found at www.cobbcat.org/calendar: 

1. Dream Big and get creative with The Art Station. The creative minds at the Art Station have come up with all sorts of fun. Open to children of all ages with caregiver. Powder Springs Library at 11am on Tuesday, June 4th

2. Learn about Frogs & Toads during a fun program about the frogs in our own backyard with Rachel Small from the Cobb Watershed Stewardship Program. Listen to a the zany story "Tuesday" by David Wiesner and Ms. Small will demonstrate the differnent sounds that frogs and toads make. Registration is required. For grades 3-6. Mountain View Library Tuesday, June 5th at 3pm

3. Summer Fun for Tweens is a weekly program at Gritters starting June 7th from 3:30-4:30. Each week the topic changes...from Calligrapghy to Soap Carving kids get to try something new while having fun. Regsitration is required so call 770-528-2524.

4.  Kids Writing Workshop at Kennesaw Library on June 12th from 1:30-3:30 with Best-selling author and Kennesaw resident Margaret Johnson-Hodge. Young writers will be presented with tools to tap into their creativity and tips tailored especially for students ages 9-12. The workshop will be hands-on, and will include handouts and on-site exercises. Participants also will learn methods for tackling the hardest part of writing - the first page!

5. Watch Joe the Magician on June 12 at 11am at the Powder Springs Library. Open to children all ages with caregiver.

Children from birth to 5th grade can participate in the Summer Reading Program at the library. Pick a folder to log the books they have read. Return the reading log anytime after July 4th to receive receive a certificate and to be eligible to win prizes. Stevi B’s has also sponsored a pizza giveaway for participants, and the first 5000 children to return their folders any time after July 4 can receive a coupon for a free kid’s buffet at any local Stevi B’s location!

Adults and Teens in grades 6-12 are also encouraged to participate in the "Dream Big" Summer Reading Program too by submitting book reviews. Forms can be picked up at the branches, downloaded from the website, or submitted online. Each person who enters a book review will be eligible to win a Sony eReader, courtesy of OverDrive, a provider of downloadable books and audiobooks.

Every person, regardless of age, who completes the library’s reading program will be entered into a drawing to win an iPad 2, courtesy of Cobb EMC. All winners will be announced at the End of Summer Reading Party, which will be held on Saturday, August 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Central Library. Any winners not in attendance can pick up their prize at the Cobb County Public Library System branch of their choice.

Cheap Seats for Kid Flicks

School is almost out! When a rainy day spoils your pool playdate or it's just too darn hot, enjoy a movie. Here is a list of free or cheap seats this summer. Click on the highlighted links to get the movie schedule.

Children's Summer Series at Studio Movie Grill on Holcomb Bridge Rd offering $1 tickets for kids $2 for adults Monday-Friday at 11am beginning May 8th through week of August 6th.

Town Center Stadium on Town Center Drive in Kennesaw is participating in Regal Theater's Summer Movie Express. Showing G or PG rated movies for only a $1 on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00 starting June 5th. A portion of proceeds from the Summer Movie Express will be donated to the Will Rogers Institute.

Park 12 Stadium Cinemas & Merchant's Walk Stadium Cinemas are hosting Georgia Theater Company's Summer Kid Show Series on Tuesday's & Thursdays at 10am staring June 5th. Door open at 9:15. Tickets are $1, $1.50 Kid-Size Popcorn, $1.50 Kid-Sized Drinks.

The Cobb County Libraries are showing FREE movies throughout the summer at various branches. Click on highlighted link to see schedule. If it its not posted, call the day of to get movie title.

• Central Library has "Movie Matinee" on Mondays & Wednesdays at 2pm beginning on June 4th through July 27th. Showing G or PG movies. No movie on July 2nd or 4th!
• Central Library also showing PG-13 movies for teens to adults on Mondays at 3pm.
• Hattie G Wilson Library will be showing movies on Wednesdays for school age children at 4pm. Starts June 6th until last Wednesday of July. No movie on July 4th!
• "Beat the Heat - Movies for Teens and Adults" at Mountain View Library on Saturdays in June & July at 2pm. For ages 13+ only! You may bring light refreshments.
• Stratton Library is showing G rated movies at 2:00pm on Thursdays in June and July. Feel free to bring a blanket and pillow and get comfortable.
• Page to Screen Series at Central Library every Monday afternoon in July at 3pm for a blockbuster movie based on a book. For ages Teen to adult only!
• July 16th bring the family out for "Family Night" at the Central Library at 7pm for a Mercer Mayer Short Film Festival - enjoy 3 short films based on the frog stories written by Mercer Mayer.
• "End of Summer Film Festival" starts July 30th through August 3rd at West Cobb Regional Library at 11:30am. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show! Open to all ages.

Follow us to find the fun! 

Rainy Day Playgrounds

The weather today has inspired me to make a list of a few of our favorite indoor play centers. Wherever you are - there is a playcenter close by! Always check playroom's website before heading over to check on special pricing, holiday hours or special events - I try to keep this post updated but specials change sometimes quicker than I can keep up! Click on highlighted link for their website

• Roswell: PLAY - An Activity Center for Kids - $5 per child Mondays throughout the summer & $5 per child Family Nights on Friday! Craft Room Tues, Wed & Friday 10:30-1pm included with Admission; Storytime at 10:30 on Monday & Thursday FREE activity, only pay admission if you stay and play! Check their calendar for weekend hours.
• Alpharetta/Northpoint Mall: Inside Northpoint Mall there is a soft playground area near Dillard's & a REAL carousel in the food court (Cost is $2 per person, you must have cash to purchase tokens from the machine, carousel opens at 11:30 M-F)
• Sandy Springs: Funhouse
• Marietta: Champion Kids - calendar is updated weekly so be sure to check before heading over!
• Marietta/Kennesaw/Town Center Mall Area:
• Catch Air - Follow them on Facebook to get a daily password for admission discounts! 
• Monkey Joe's Kennesaw: (Get $4 admission - Click here for Half-Off Depot Deal!)
• Inside Town Center Mall there is a soft playground area located in the upper level near JC Penney's
• Kennesaw: Bounce U - open play hours vary so check website! Today Saturday June 30th - open bounce from 11-1pm and 4-6pm for only $6.99 per child! Check in at our location and get a FREE small sno-kone to keep you cool!
• Acworth: DAC Kids

Have we forgotten one?? Let me know!

Tuesday Storytimes

Take your pick of storytimes today...

• The library has TONS of storytimes for babies to preschoolers today even one at 4:15pm at East Cobb Library for ages 3-5 to help break up that LONG afternoon! When my kids were little I used to call that time of day the "witching hour"...Mom kids are getting tired and cranky! Click here to check for times and locations. 
• "Tales for Tots" at Whole Foods Market at Merchant's Walk at 10am? Supposed to pre-register by calling 678.996.9700 but I bet if you decide to drop-in they won't turn you away!
• Barnes and Noble at Town Center Prado on Barrett Parkway at 11am
• Cosmic Possum Storytime is at 10:30 at the Ben Robertson Community Center in Kennesaw. 

All of them FREE! Happy Tuesday Storytime!

Do you know of a local weekly storytime we've missed? Let us know by commenting here!

Weekend Family Fun!

You don’t have to spend much money this weekend to have some family fun.

• Let their creative juices flow at Lakeshore Learning’s FREE craft on Saturday. Drop by their East Cobb location between 11am-3pm to make a Honeybee Hive.
• Barnes & Noble at Town Center Prado has their storytime at 11am on Saturday. Grab a Starbucks for yourself, sit back along with your kiddos and enjoy finding out what happens when Itsy Mitsy tries to run away!
• Get your work boots on and head to Lowe’s for their Build and Grow Kid Clinic on Saturday at 10am. Kids will have fun building and decorating their own school locker. Each participant receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit along with their project. Although not required, it is best to make reservations online!
• Princesses (age 3 +) will be jumping for joy if you take them to the Disney Store at Town Center Mall on Saturday for their “The Story Begins with You” craft event on Saturday. Two 30 minute sessions are offered - stop by at 10:30am or 1pm dressed up as a princess for their enchanting crafts. If your princess is anything like mine, she will love any excuse to be in costume!
• Beyond Cobb, Centennial Olympic Park has their Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day from 12pm-4pm on…Saturday! The event is full of interactive, entertaining and educational activities for children based on this month’s theme “Games & Gadgets”. Activities include educational programming, specialty workshops, touring shows, street performers, family-friendly performances, children’s crafts, life-size chess games, appearances by on-air personalities, local sports mascots, contests, prizes and more. Oh, and don’t forget bathing suits and a towel so you can splash in the Fountain of Rings!
• If you want to get away from the city, scoot north on I-75 to Red Top Mountain. Pack a picnic, hike around a bit, then stop by the Visitor Center at 3pm for a special program about “Snaaaaaakes”. Everyone will get to touch a few of Georgia’s non-venomous snakes…if you want! Program is free but you’ll have to $5 for parking.
• Our pick for family flicks this weekend is the Coca Cola Film Festival at the Fabulous Fox Theater. On Saturday, catch Mr. Popper’s Penguins at 2pm & on Sunday, Cars 2 is showing also at 2pm. Be on time so you and yours can sing-a-long with “Mighty Mo” and watch a classic cartoon before the movie! Tickets are $8 each at the box office or online but B98.5 has a “Buy One Get One FREE” ticket deal! To take advantage of it, click here!
• Do a good deed on Sunday, eat ice cream! The 7th Annual Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ is happening on the Roswell Square from 2pm-4pm. For $5 per person or $15 per family, you can eat all the ice cream you want and you will help raise money for The Drake House, a crisis center for women and children. There will be entertainment, children’s activities, contests, and loads of hand cranked ice cream!

Looking for more fun, follow us on Facebook to get daily tips, deals, and activity ideas for family fun.

Last Days of Summer!

The count down to the first day of school has begun but there is still time for summer fun!! Here are a few field trip ideas to squeeze in before summer vacation is over. Be sure to stay connected with Cobb Tots & Kids on facebook for daily activity ideas for your kids of all ages – and a few fun things for you too!

Zoo Atlanta – This month they are offering an early bird special to beat the heat. Arrive by 10:30 am and get $5 off admission when you mention “Beat the Heat”. The deal is good daily through August 28^th. The zoo opens at 9:30am and with the discount adult admission is $15.99, children 3-11 are 10.99, kids 2 and under FREE!

If you have a little person interested in “things that go”, consider heading to the Southeastern Railway Museum located in Duluth this weekend! August 6th & 7th from 10am-5pm they are having their “Trains, Trucks, & Tractors” Event! Exhibits of tractors and trucks with a mixture of current and antique equipment, hayrides, food, a craft corner for kids and The Jr. Model RR Club will do a demonstration. Admission is $8 for adults, $5.00 for kids 2-12 and children 2 and under FREE. To find out more about visiting the museum, click here!

Learn how milk gets from the farm to your fridge! Cagles Family Farm in Canton offers “Ag-venture Tours” Tuesday through Friday starting at 10am. Tours are $7 for everyone ages 3+. Make reservations online or call 770-345-5591. Mayfield Dairy in Braselton also offers tours weekdays (except Wednesdays) from 10am-4pm. Get the inside “scoop” on Mayfield milk, ice cream, and their famous yellow jugs! You can even try to “milk” a life-size replica Jersey Cow. Call 1-888-298-0396 for more information or visit them online.

My Cobb kids and I love Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville on any old ordinary day but on August 6th they are having their “Night at the Museum 3” event when the museum will come to life from 6pm-10pm. Meet characters from science fiction and science fact throughout the night, get your thrills on “roller coaster” rides in the planetarium, and more! Purchase tickets in advance by calling 770-606-5700 ext. 431. Cost for the event is $10 for members and for non-members $20. If your children are like mine and are not fans of costumed characters (yet) then go on a “regular” day to enjoy the exhibits of dinosaur fossils, gorgeous glowing gems, and old-fashioned cars & planes in the Science of Motion Gallery. You will have fun too in the hands-on science area, “My Big Backyard”, and everyone can dig for their own fossils and gems which you actually get to keep! There is a café onsite or pack your lunches and eat it outside in the pavilion. They are open seven days a week (except major holidays) from 10 AM - 5 PM. Non-member admission is $12 for adults, Children (3 - 17) & students with ID are $8 and Active Military with ID are FREE! Planetarium shows are an additional $3 if you are interested! FYI: this weekend (August 6th & 7th) is “Museums on Us” – a special program for Bank of America customers. Get FREE admission on Saturday and Sunday at Tellus by showing your ID and Bank of America Bank Card. For more information about this program and other participating museums, click here!

At Yellow River Game Ranch in Lilburn, you will meet “people friendly” wildlife as you stroll along a 1-mile trail. Over 600 birds and animals are waiting to be fed, admired and petted by you! The animals favorite treats are available along the way. During August, watch Whitetail Deer munch at "The Salad Bar" in the Barnyard daily from 4:00 to 4:30 pm. Yellow River Game Ranch is open 7 days a week from 10am-6pm (last ticket sold at 5pm) until Labor Day. Ages 12+ are $8, ages 2-11 are $7 and one child under 2 is admitted free with each adult admission.