Community Corner
Grab & Go Kids Planner: Great Family Events for a Great Weekend
Firehouse tours, pet adoption, carnival rides, park cleanup and mini golf.
Hey moms and dads, what do you have planned for this weekend? Nothing? Well, I have a few ideas that may spark your fancy. Most of the events are also economical, if you don't want to spend a lot of money. It's going to be a sunny weekend with high near 80 degrees, so get out there and have some fun.
Take A Tour of your local Fire Station
Find out what's happening in Lilburn-Mountain Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
When: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday, March 20
Where: Lilburn-area Fire Stations , 12 Harmony Grove Road; , 4394 Five Forks-Trickum Road; and , 2180 Stone Drive.
Find out what's happening in Lilburn-Mountain Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Why Go: Gwinnet County Fire Department is commemorating its 40th anniversary by inviting the community to celebrate with them. Your local firehouse will have tours of the fire station, equipment demonstrations, a meet-and-greet with firefighters. There also will be educational materials about fire safety. This event is not only a great opportunity to meet your local emergency workers and see their cool, red trucks in person, but also it is a great way to start talking with your children about what to do in an emergency.
Pricing: Free
Help Beautify a Park
What: "Park'nership"
When: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday, March 19
Where: Yellow River Park. 3232 Juhan Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. 770-978-5271
Why Go: This local park was damaged by flooding, and needs some sprucing up. Bring the whole family out for this wonderful community service project. When you're done, enjoy a picnic before heading out for a scenic bike ride on this parks' 12-mile hard surface trail.
Pricing: Free!
Go Putt-Putting
What: Family Fun at Rainforest Golf
When: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Fridays; Noon – 11:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.
Where: Rainforest Golf, 5500 Bermuda Road, SW, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. Located near Highway 78 and East Park Place.
Why Go: Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend by taking your kids on a putt-putt adventure. This venue features several waterfalls, lots of greenery, rainforest animal models, two sets of 18 holes, and the best part is ice cream! Come out, and have some fun!
Pricing: $7 for ages 11 and older, $5 for ages 4-10. Children 3 years old and younger are free. (Prices given are for 18-hole round)
Go Adopt a Dog
What: Pet Adoptions at The Avenue at Webb Ginn
When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays; 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Sundays
Where: Gwinnett Humane Society at The Avenue at Webb Ginn, 1350 Scenic Highway, Suite 204, Snellville GA 30078. Adoptions located between Bonefish Grill and Famous Footwear.
Why Go: Is your home lacking a furry, friendly, tail-wagging friend? Then head out to the Gwinnet Humane Society's new adoption center at Webb Ginn to take home a new bundle of love! Be prepared to have your kids begging for a new friend.
Pricing: Free to look! But if you are ready to take a friend home, the website lists the adoption fee as $150. The fee ensures that your new doggy pal will be heartworm free, have current vaccinations, and either be spayed/neutered or given a certificate covering some or all of the cost to do so.
Go to a Fantastic Street Fair!
What: Atlanta Fair 2011
When: Ongoing until April 3rd. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Mondays through Fridays; 12 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturdays; and 1 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sundays
Where: 164 Ralph David Abernathy B Atlanta, GA 30312. Parking information here.
Why Go: If you and your family love a good carnival, then this is the place to go. The daredevils in your family will enjoy heart-pounding rides such as the "Sky Wheel" ( a double Ferris wheel), the "Sea Ray" ( a giant swinging boat), and the "Street Fighter" (a fast turning ride). There are also traditional rides and activities for toddlers. This is a carnival that the whole family can enjoy! More information on rides here.
Pricing: Gate admission is separate from tickets for rides. Free: Children 2 years old and younger. Children 2 to 12 years old, $1. Older children and adults, $3-$8, depending on the day. Ride tickets are $1 each, and some rides take up to five tickets. An "Unlimted Ride" arm band can be purchased for $20, up to an hour before closing on most days. Check website for more details.
