By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Art gallery openings are exciting events. An opening, such as this one for the Dogwood Gallery’s Martin Pate exhibit, can bring an early understanding and appreciation of art to any child.

Like many kids, Brianna likes to draw. Like many parents, we like to go to art gallery openings—the night when a gallery introduces a new show or artist. We decided it wasn’t too early to let her come along, so Brianna has attended several openings with us the last few months—the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia for “Rising Movers & Shakers,” Callanwolde for its Elizabeth D’Angelo exhibit, and, just this past Saturday night, Dogwood Gallery in Fayette County for its Martin Pate opening.

Gallery openings are usually vibrant events—colorful artwork, art-funky attired people, and tasty hors d’oeuvres and drink. Of course, gallery openings are also usually adult gatherings, but I have noticed several other parents bringing children of all ages along on these outings. And the gallery owners I’ve met don’t seem to mind—especially if children stick close to their parents and display some interest in what is going on. A gallery opening can be an educational experience. Brianna certainly appreciates the artwork she sees, and we supplement the trip with talking about her favorite piece of artwork and introducing her to the artist if it is someone we know personally. (more…)

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

At the top of Atlanta’s Stone Mountain, you can have a picnic and get a panoramic view of the countryside, including the Atlanta skyline and Kennesaw Mountain to the west.

Any time of year you can find something to do with kids at Stone Mountain Park just east of Atlanta. It might be the Lasershow Spectacular, the annual Yellow Daisy Festival, Georgia Frontier Days, playing in the Great Barn, cruising on the Paddlewheel Riverboat or chugging the five miles around the mountain in a 1940s open-air railroad car.

But if you want to do something a little more vigorous, try hiking the 1.3-mile trail to the top of the mountain. (more…)

 By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

At the World of Coca-Cola, parents and older kids can enjoy tasting Coke products from around the world in the unique and colorful Taste It! room.

While you’re visiting the Georgia Aquarium, you might consider a trip through the World of Coca-Cola. After all, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away; and there is a special discount when you buy tickets for both—which is what we did.

Now, first of all, in my opinion, the World of Coca-Cola is more suited to older children. In our party, we had a six-month old and a five-year old, who does not consume soft drinks and whose reading is still on the level of a kindergartener. So, once having met the Coca-Cola Polar Bear in the lobby, the two of them became bored fairly quickly. (more…)

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

At the Georgia Aquarium, children of all ages can get an up-close and personal look at African penguins as well as sea otter, sea lions and beluga whales in the Cold Water Quest gallery.

The Georgia Aquarium has been high on my list of places to visit since it opened in 2005, but I purposely waited until now. Although Brianna might have enjoyed it a little sooner, I think age five is the perfect age for first time visits to a lot of attractions—especially ones that cost $20 for children. So, a few Saturdays ago, we made the visit.

I must admit I’m not a big fan of aquariums. I visited the Chattanooga aquarium a number of years ago and thought it was a step in the right direction, but the Georgia Aquarium is inspiring—miles of glass, millions of gallons of water and hundreds of thousands of fish and animals. It’s laid out in pod-like areas around a huge food court and open area, which gives it a much more unclaustrophobic feeling than other aquariums. (more…)

There are lots of events and special programs coming up at Georgia State Parks that make great Georgia family vacations that last a day or a weekend.

MARCH 21

Scottish Heritage Day Encampment
Saturday, March 21
Fort King George Historic Site - Darien
Come to this pretty site on the coast to see a variety of
living-history demonstrations devoted to colonial and Scottish culture.
A battle re-enactment will take place at 2 p.m. $2.50-$5.

APRIL 4 

Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park - Omaha
Children can bring their baskets and hunt for eggs and prizes, while
the giant Easter Bunny will be on hand. $3 parking.

Fiber Day
Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette
Help shear the sheep, then card, spin and weave the wool. $3.50-$5.00.

Tree Top Excursion:  Introduction Climb
Saturday, April 4, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge
Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is
an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical
Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for
this moderately strenuous activity. $10 plus $3 parking.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Thursday, April 9, 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs
This 1.5-mile guided hike is moderately difficult and visits the Civil
War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely
rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. The hike will continue if
it is overcast but will be cancelled if raining. Bring a flashlight and
sturdy shoes. No children under 6 or dogs please. $1-$2 plus $3 parking.

See more upcoming events on the Georgia State Parks website.