Click to view
entire publication

Click to view
entire publication

1

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK): $

This Gainesville staple has been entertaining kids for years. While it’s a bit of a drive for southsiders, it’s worth every minute in the car. Kids will love exploring the town complete with a bank, dentist’s office, hair salon, grocery store and diner – kids act as the adults in these interactive areas.The museum also boasts a life-size plane, fire truck and police car kids can climb on and in to see how they work.

Did you know? The only fire truck to survive the tornado that destroyed downtown Gainesville in 1936 is located inside INK.

999 Chestnut St., Gainseville. 770-536-1900. www.inkfun.org.

2

Dunwoody Nature Center: Free

The 18-year-old park features a wetland boardwalk, woodland and streamside trails; display gardens; a picnic meadow; a tree house classroom pavilion and a shaded playground. Open sunrise to sunset, seven days a week for free, finding a few hours for DNC this summer is a must.

Did you know? Last year DNC served more than 8,000 participants in scheduled programs, and at least 25,000 people visited the park on their own.

5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. www.dunwoodynature.org.

3

Children’s Art Museum: $

The museum is designed to bring art into kids’ lives with interactive exhibits. New this year is Arts Safari, a collection of six colorful kiosks, each with its own animal sculpture, represents different art disciplines including visual art, literary arts, drama, dance and music. The museum is also home to DIY puppet theater and a magic kaleidoscope.

Did you know? The 20,000-square-foot Children’s Art Museum opened eight years ago when the Arts Center was renamed the Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for the Arts.

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-623-6002. www.artsgwinnett.org.

4

Bartow History Center: $

Go back in time 200 years to explore the culture of the region’s first settlers – the Cherokee Indians. The interactive exhibits tell the story of Cherokee removal, Civil War strife and the lifestyles of former Bartow County residents. This summer, a special exhibit that focuses on style and color will present a look at history through clothes and accessories.

Did you know? Bartow County had the first woman U.S. Senator – Rebecca Latimer Felton. Her very brief term took place in 1922.

13 North Wall St., Cartersville. 770-382-3818. www.bartowhistorycenter.org.

5

BabyLand General Hospital: Free

Established in 1979, the birthplace of the hand-sewn Cabbage Patch Kids dolls is a great destination for little girls. At the “hospital,” you can tour the nursery to see the newborns, and even “adopt” a baby to take home with you. And, what you’ll spend in gas money getting there, you’ll save on admission – it’s free.

Did you know? In 2000, a Cabbage Patch Kids stamp was made to honor the Xavier Roberts’ creations.

US 129, Cleveland. 706-865-2171. www.cabbagepatchkids.com.

6

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: Free

This 2,884-acre is home to one of the first battles of the Civil War’s Atlanta campaign. As you hike through the park, you’ll discover cannon emplacements and monuments. You can watch a short video and even see a living history demonstration. There’s a variety of wildlife to see as you hike, so keep your eyes peeled.

Did you know? More than 5,000 soldiers were killed here in a battle that lasted from June 19 until July 2, 1864.

900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr., Kennesaw. 770-427-4686. www.nps.gov/kemo.

7

Wren’s Nest: $

The former home of author Joel Chandler Harris, this museum was originally opened in 1913. Known for his Brer Rabbit Tales, Harris always strove to improve literacy and education in children. Now his home serves as a center for storytelling and writing opportunities for Atlanta’s youth.

Did you know? The Wren’s Nest is Atlanta’s oldest house museum, and one of only a few remaining Queen Anne Victorian homes in the city.

1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. SW, Atlanta. 404-753-7735. www.wrensnestonline.com.

8

Noah’s Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center and Children’s Care Homes: Free

Opened in 1990, this center is home to animals and children that otherwise would not be cared for. With more than 1,000 animals in its 40-acre habitat area, visitors get the chance to see many exotic animals, and a few standard ones along the way.

Did you know? Kids living at Noah’s Ark participate in “pet therapy” as a way to learn how to care for other living things, and in turn, themselves.

712 LG-Griffin Rd., Locust Grove. 770-957-0888. www.noahs-ark.org.

9

Marietta Museum of History: $

Devoted to preserving the history of Cobb County and Marietta, this 11-year-old museum’s four permanent exhibits focus on the Civil War, local history, home life and the military. The facility also offers children’s programs and street festivals throughout the year.

Did you know? The Marietta Museum of History is the exclusive home to the story of the only slave buried in the Marietta Confederate Cemetery.

1 Depot St., Marietta. 770-794-5710. www.mariettahistory.org.

10

Senoia Buggy Shop Museum: Free

Take a gander at antique everything at this museum housed in the former Baggarly Bros. Shop about 35 south of Atlanta. Kids will love looking at old musical instruments, jewelry, silver, books and more.

Did you know? Senoia is pronounced she-noy, but most people say she-noy-uh.

74 Main St., Senoia. 770-632-6057.