Melanie Preis

Latest posts by Melanie Preis

Apple Picking near Atlanta: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 08/27/2023 - 7:23am

B.J. Reece Orchards is a great place to spend a weekend picking apples with the family. Photo by author

Atlanta apple picking checks every box for an enjoyable fall outing—getting close to Mother Nature, letting children frolic in an apple orchard, taking home delicious apples (souvenir bonus!), and enjoying autumn weather. Besides the actual apple picking, many Atlanta apple orchards and apple u-picks feature attractions for families.

Apple picking near Atlanta may include hay rides, petting zoos, and of course, filling one's face with as many apple-related baked goods as possible from the on-site bakery. There are no rotten apples in this bunch of wonderful Atlanta orchards!

Make a Beeline to the Atlanta BeltLine With Kids

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 08/18/2023 - 10:04am

The Atlanta BeltLine makes a perfect afternoon of outdoor exploring with kids.

The Atlanta BeltLine is some miraculous combination of exercise trail, tourist attraction, path to historical and environmental exploration, public art gallery, cultural site, and so much more. It is Atlanta's aorta, pumping life throughout the city and connecting various intown neighborhoods together.

This 22-mile loop is a fantastic place to bring your kids and discover what makes the Atlanta BeltLine and the people and places of Atlanta so special. This multipurpose trail hosts wonderful attractions along the way, perfect for kids to discover nature, stop by a playground or skate park, admire art, grab a meal or stop in a shop, and just get out of the house.

Best Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers in Orlando

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 08/13/2023 - 10:36am

Songbirds Music, Art & Dance offers amazing classes in all genres for toddlers. Photo courtesy of Songbirds Facebook

Orlando classes for preschoolers and toddlers keep little learners socialized, active, and ready to experience new skills and talents. Young children discover the wonders of their surrounding world in awesome toddler classes in Orlando—options include Mommy-and-me classes, large groups, and small group settings.

Take a look at some of our favorite classes in Orlando for toddlers and preschoolers looking to enrich their knowledge base. Get more specific insight into classes in Central florida by checking out our Guide of the Top Classes in Orlando, including the best baby classes, swimming classes, and much more!

25 Best Ways to Celebrate the Start of Atlanta Schools

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 11:17am

Summer may be coming to an end, but there is still time for one last luau-themed bash at Avalon! Photo courtesy of Avalon

Most kids have returned to Atlanta schools in early August...even if it does still feel like blistering summer. Transitioning from the carefree days of summer camp to scheduled routines can be tough for kids of all ages (don't even get us started on that school bus pick-up time). We think Atlanta students deserve a pat on the back for making that responsible adjustment, especially since academic calendars in Atlanta start up while friends outside the area continue enjoying summer camp, water parks, and weeknight fun. We've got great ways to reward your little students' return back to school!

If your kiddos are on the younger side and don't need to worry about the academic calendar yet, we've got great ideas for toddlers in Atlanta, too! Enjoy the great outdoors by visiting Atlanta Playgrounds for Toddlers and use our warm-weather guide of activities to do this Summer with Atlanta Toddlers and Preschoolers.

The Best Things to Do and See at Zoo Atlanta with Kids: Monkeying Around this Atlanta Zoo

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 07/21/2023 - 11:50am

It's double trouble with Zoo Atlanta's adorable giant pandas! Photo courtesy of the zoo

Zoo Atlanta welcomes wild creatures from near and far -- both exotic animals and overexcited kids ready to let loose! Located in the wonderful Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is the ultimate outdoor entertainment destination for its family-friendly attractions and year-round events. Use our helpful guide when visiting this beloved Atlanta zoo and your little wild animals will have an awesome time!

Kids AND adults will love seeing the famous Zoo Atlanta pandas, feeding giraffes, and catching a glimpse of the new and adorable baby sloth. The only thing better than all that cuteness overload is saving money on top of it —read below to find out how zoo visitors can save money on admission with an Atlanta CityPass.

8 Best Trampoline Parks for Bouncy Kids in Atlanta

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 11:45am

There's tons of space to roam, romp, and jump at Sky Zone. Photo courtesy of Sky Zone

Redirect kids bouncing off the walls to kids bouncing at trampoline parks! Atlanta trampoline parks make wonderful indoor play centers for kids to let out energy, especially during blistering summers and freezing winters when local parks may not be appropriate. And many of the trampoline parks in Atlanta offer much more than just a place to jump—kids can try obstacle courses, dodgeball games, foam pits, climbing walls, and more.

Jump for joy at these fantastic Atlanta trampoline parks! And for even more bouncy indoor fun, check out Ninja Warrior Gyms and Parkour for Atlanta Kids and Teens. Prefer "swimming indoors"? Spend a few hours at Disney's The Little Mermaid x CAMP Atlanta for a one-of-a-kind experience.

School Calendars 2023-2024: Start & End Dates for Atlanta Area School Districts

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 07/09/2023 - 7:13am

Be prepared this school year by accessing the 2023-24 academic calendars for Atlanta school districts.

Whether you're happy about it or not, school starts in about a month for Atlanta kiddos! Even though it feels like sweltering summer well into the Atlanta school year, there's just something exciting about buying new crayons and backpacks and figuring out the perfect first-day outfit.

Whether you live ITP, OTP, or somewhere way far out, we've tried to make your back-to-school life a little easier by letting you know the start and end dates of Atlanta area school districts. These calendar links also reference holidays, seasonal breaks, and teacher professional days to note as school closings pop up throughout the school year.

Peach Picking Near Atlanta: The Peach State Delivers

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 07/02/2023 - 7:36am

Fill your basket with Georgia Peaches at Dickey Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm

Peach picking in Atlanta just makes sense — after all, Georgia is the Peach State; every road and street in our fair city has "Peachtree" in the name; heck, the fuzzy fruit appears on our license plates! So now that we've established that peach picking near Atlanta is a no-brainer in the summer, it's time to figure out where and when to pick these juicy fruits with the fam.

Prime peach picking near Atlanta occurs from mid-May to early August, though timing can be affected by issues regarding weather, crop health, etc. And since we do live in The Peach State, we're lucky to have access to great u-pick peach farms that the entire family can enjoy. Beyond picking luscious peaches, many farms offer additional family-friendly activities to entertain the kiddos.

If peaches aren't your thing (blasphemy in Georgia, but we won't tell anyone), try blueberry picking, strawberry picking, or visit another awesome u-pick farm near Atlanta for wholesome, outdoor fun.