Family Fun in Atlanta

Let's face it. We're in the throes of winter, and school is in full swing. If you're a busy parent, like me, that means endless car pools to and from a wide variety of after school activities, the usual mountain of homework, followed by an endless barrage of complaints. Busy. Busy. Busy. Plus, it just too darned cold to go outside. However, all is not lost, because I know right around the corner is my absolute favorite time of year.

I'm talking about the fabulous months of March, April and May, when the weather suddenly becomes refreshingly warmer, but not too hot. The over abundance of trees in Atlanta provide the perfect backdrop for a spectacular kaleidoscope of pinks, yellows and orange. Children and families emerge from their cocoons to experience the awe and inspiration that can only be found in the miracle of nature. Yes, it's time once again for those wonderful family adventures, and Atlanta is chock full of fun and engaging places to explore the great outdoors.

Public parks are always packed on spring 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 flowers to be made into a spring 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! Springtime 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!).

To really get back to nature, and to appreciate the splendor of spring, 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 Earth Day Kids Fest, and it's a fantastic celebration of Mother Earth. The event is sponsored by Laura Turner Sydell's Captain Planet Foundation, and focuses on teaching children the value of nurturing our limited natural resources. I took my sons to this event last year, and highly recommend it!

Whatever you decide to do this spring, make sure you do it outdoors! March, April and May in Atlanta are simply spectacular; so don't miss your chance to experience its magic.