Dolphin Tales and Beluga Whales...

I had the opportunity to visit the Georgia Aquarium with my daughters recently. We took advantage of the Mommy and Me combo pass that expires on March 8th. It has been about a year since I last visited the aquarium because I like to buy this particular combo pass each year when it becomes available. Click on the link above to check out what the pass includes. If there is still time before the expiration, take advantage. If not, make a note for next year and buy a pass then.

There are a few things that are different about the pass this year. The best perk outside of free parking (usually $10) is the inclusion of the Dolphin Tales show and the Deepo 4D show with the pass. I have to say that I was most impressed with the Dolphin Tales show. My youngest has been talking about it everyday since our visit (and carrying around her blue dolphin). I have to say that I definitely recommend it. I actually felt like I was at SeaWorld watching a live "legitmate" theatrical performance instead of your run of the mill, self-guided aquarium tour. My personal favorite was watching the Beluga whales swim gracefully around their habitat. My oldest, a budding scientist, was so excited (the jumping up and down kind of excitement) each time she correctly identified a fish in the tank based on what she saw on the Ocean Voyager pictorial guide. So cool... I'm raising nerds. I love it! :)

As you can see, we are still chipping away at our All Things GA plan for 2012. We were short one from our crew though, hubby had to work. :(

Got Winter Break?

The kids are out of school... what to do, what to do? Have no fear, I have a comprehensive list right here! Luckily, here in Atlanta were are having some record high temperatures. For example, yesterday we experienced a high of 69 degrees! I saw an entire family in shorts like they were headed to the beach.
So don't suffer from cabin fever this holiday break and lose your sanity before 2012, when you don't have to! Majority of the activities are my girls' favorites.

Disclaimer: Be sure to check each respective sites for any changes to events or holiday hours.

I have a few great outing ideas...

Christmas Lights and Tree Display
Fernbank Museum of Natural History - Winter Wonderland
Lake Lanier - Magical Nights of Lights: Coupons available @ Publix
Clayton County International Beach - Festival of Trees and Lights
Stone Mountain - Snow Mountain: Coupons available @ Kroger
Centennial Park - Holiday in Lights display and Ice skating
Christmas on Peachtree - A nostalgic holiday festival at the old Macy's building (currently, 200 Peachtree ). Here is a printable coupon for a free Child's ticket.


County libraries and Storytelling
--Check the event calendars for the library branches are lost of great FREE, wholesome holiday fun! Did I mention that it was free?
Clayton County
Cobb County
Douglas County
Fayette County
Fulton County
Gwinnett County
Wren's Nest - Storytelling Saturdays 1pm; Adults $9, Kids $6

Mindless Fun and Cheap Movie Theatres
--Be sure to check the site for promotional coupons. I don't enter one of these places without a coupon in hand. Why pay too much, when you don't have to!
Monkey Joe's
Chuck E. Cheese 
Venture Cinema 12 - Duluth
The Picture Show at Merchant Exchange - Marietta
Cinemark Movies 10 - Fayetteville; (770) 460-0308


Science and Outdoor Fun
Fernbank Science Center - The Sky Tonight. Saturdays 11am; Adults $4, Kids $3. Free with Fernbank Membership
Panola Mountain - Afternoon and Night Hike recommended for children older than 10. Admission $7, parking $5
Autry Mill Nature Preserve - Exotic Ecotherms $3/person or $5/family
Imagine It! Children's Museum - Exploring the World of Fairy Tales
Zoo Atlanta - There have been several recent births at the zoo.
Lowe's - Build and Grow Workshop

If you have any other activity recommendations, please leave it in a comment box.