Melanie Preis

Latest posts by Melanie Preis

Disney's The Little Mermaid x CAMP Atlanta: Become a Part of That World

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 06/16/2023 - 8:51am

Experience The Little Mermaid in a whole new way at the new CAMP Atlanta. Photo by Melanie Preis

Disney's The Little Mermaid x CAMP Atlanta, which opened in Dunwoody earlier this month, is a unique, immersive experience that will have kids belting "Kiss the Girl" the entire ride home. CAMP is a wonderful combination of retail, media, and entertainment, open in many major cities across the country. CAMP's first location in Atlanta collaborated with Disney to celebrate the new Little Mermaid film with aquatic awe.

I recently took my kids to CAMP Atlanta for a morning of magic, merfolk, and merchandise, and it's truly the best. When it comes to Ariel, we always want to be a "Part of [Her] World" and the fantastic experience at CAMP made it happen. Take a look at our guide to Disney's The Little Mermaid x CAMP Atlanta for family fun!

Lighthouse Immersive Disney Animation Experience Puts Atlanta Kids into the Magic

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 06/11/2023 - 8:16am

Enjoy a full sensory experience at Atlanta's Lighthouse Immersive Disney experience. Photo by Melanie Preis

The Lighthouse Immersive Disney Animation experience puts Atlanta kids into their favorite movies. Children of ALL ages (I'm including you, parents) feel giddy remembering their favorite animated scenes with huge screens, amazing sound systems, and touchable elements in the Disney immersive experience. My daughters and I spent an afternoon at Lighthouse Immersive Disney Animation Atlanta, and it was wonderful to relive my own movie memories with theirs.

The Disney immersive experience Atlanta is a great summer activity -- to escape the season's brutal heat and afternoon thunderstorms -- and enjoy beloved movies in a whole new way. Plus, kids learn about the animation process, renowned Disney artists, and how to draw classic Disney characters!

We may not "talk about Bruno," but your kids will love talking about this "whole new world" of magic and fun at the Atlanta Lighthouse Immersive event!

Museum of Illusions Atlanta: Experience Mind-Bending Fun

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 05/21/2023 - 9:09am

Museum of Illusions Atlanta offers installations and hands-on experiences to confuse your mind and senses. Photo courtesy Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions Atlanta confuses the human mind with its never-ending brain twisters, visual oddities, and baffling (yet hysterical) photo opportunities. Up is down, black is white, right is left, and every other mind-altering direction goes at the Museum of Illusions Atlanta. Kids will LOVE the new museum, which opened this weekend at Atlantic Station, for its hands-on approach of upending everything you see in the world.

Fall down the rabbit hole of this topsy-turvy Wonderland to take a whole new look at the world of through the Museum of Illusions Atlanta!

Best Atlanta Restaurants with Play Spaces for Kids

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 05/12/2023 - 11:17am

Sky Trail high adventure ropes course, located two stories above the arcade at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games!

Atlanta restaurants with play spaces make it easy for families to dine out together. Atlanta has awesome restaurants to suit budgets of all sizes and family preferences. We've rounded up Atlanta restaurants with play spaces perfect for toddlers to eateries with go-karts and games for older kids. Your kids can even pretend to be air traffic controllers between bites!

Read on for the full list of restaurants with play spaces in Atlanta. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop on awesome happenings, including 100 Things To Do in Atlanta Before Kids Grow Up.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Atlanta for Family Fun

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 11:49am

Python Plunge is a two-person water slide featuring swirling discs and adrenaline-pumping drops, at Six Flags White Water. Photo courtesy of Six Flags White Water

Outdoor water parks in Atlanta are about to open and welcome kids to seek relief from sweltering summer temperatures. Southern summers can be brutal and spending the day at one of these awesome Atlanta water parks will bring a smile to any family member. Whether thrill-seekers prefer the more intense water park slides or younger/more cautious kiddos choose a calming lazy river ride, there is the perfect aquatic attraction for everyone!

Before heading out to these outdoor water parks in Atlanta, remember to load up on sunscreen and UV swimwear. Diaper-aged children must wear appropriate swim diapers in addition to swimwear. (If you forget to pack swim diapers, many water parks sell these at gift shops.)

Best High Tea and Tea Party Places in Atlanta for Kids

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 11:33am

Enjoy high tea in Candler Park at the quirky yet delicious Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party. Photo courtesy of Dr. Bombay's

Pinkies up for high tea and tea party places in Atlanta! Treat mom like a queen with a Mother's Day high tea or spend any afternoon getting the royal treatment at these Atlanta tea party spots. (In fact, keep that royal energy going with a weekend tea party in May at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, in honor of the coronation of King Charles III!) High tea in Atlanta offers a fun way to spend time with kids— trying new drinks and foods, dressing up, and feeling like a princess or prince.

A note that almost all Atlanta high tea spots require reservations (and deposits for some) so plan accordingly. Sip hot or iced brews at our favorite Atlanta tea party spots, enjoy finger sandwiches (remind kiddos no actual fingers were used), and have a royally fun afternoon!

Best Mother's Day Brunch Near Orlando

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 04/23/2023 - 9:15am

The Tea Room Experience offers a special Mother's Day celebration full of style and fun. Photo courtesy of The Tea Room Experience

Mother's Day brunch at an Orlando restaurant is a tried and true ways to show mom how much you appreciate her. Whether it's a lavish buffet, a delicate tea service, or something in between, moms will appreciate a lovely brunch.

We've rounded up some of our favorite Orlando restaurants serving a delicious Mother's Day brunch worthy of every family's queen. Interested in more pampering? Treat kiddos to an afternoon of relaxation by checking out Kid-Friendly Spas and Kid Spa Parties in Orlando or surprise kids with cool activities with our guide to 25 Secret Orlando Spots Kids Will Love.

Tiny Doors ATL: Big Fun Exploring Tiny Treasures

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Sun, 04/16/2023 - 11:58am

After a day at the Center for Puppetry Arts, check out the Tiny Door ATL installation (Door #11) at the attraction! Photo by Melanie Preis

Tiny Doors ATL opens children's eyes to the power of art and imagination in our everyday world. This Atlanta-based art project unlocks big fun in tiny packages with these whimsical 7-inch doors installed throughout the city. There's no better joy than watching children (and even adults) discover a Tiny Door ATL, either by accident or as part of a scavenger hunt, and admiring the care and wonder put it into each of these wonderful art pieces.

Learn more about the Tiny Doors ATL movement—where to find the adorable sculptures, the artist behind Tiny Doors ATL Karen Anderson Singer, the Atlanta Beltline adventure, and even a children's book to relive the fun at home!