Atlanta's spring break is time for family fun

Most metro area schools are out for a five-day break bookended by four weekend days, but this is a tough year for family getaways and out-of-town trips. If you're looking for ways to have some fun nearby, it may be as close as your local library, a neighborhood volunteer project or a jaunt to a state park. Here are some other recommendations for staying busy during spring break without going far from home.

Courteous Mass bike ride in downtown Atlanta

The second Friday of every month, area bike riders gather for Courteous Mass, the gentler version of the more boisterous Critical Mass bike ride. At 10 miles, it's a long ride for some kids, but fun for little ones in trailers, and it often draws a lot of teens. The ride adheres strictly to safety precautions and traffic laws — wearing helmets, stopping at red lights and signs, riding two abreast or single file on two-lane roads and treating all users of the road with respect.

6-8 p.m. April 10, Woodruff Park, Peachtree Street and Auburn Avenue, Atlanta. www.atlantabike.org, 404-881-1112.

Rock & Ride at Six Flags Over Georgia

The amusement park's rides and roller coasters, usually a weekend and summer treat, are open through spring break, featuring a "Guitar Hero" competition and teen dance parties. On April 10-11, the park will hold its Christian Music Weekend, featuring acts such as Krystal Meyers, Newsboys, Barlowgirl and NewSong.

6-11 p.m. April 3, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. April 4 and 11, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. April 5-10. Rock & Ride tickets valid through April 12 are available for $25 online. www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia. 770-739-3400.

Spring Break Storytelling Extravaganza at the Wren's Nest

Wren's Nest storytellers will share Brer Rabbit stories for free at noon outside Joel Chandler Harris' historic home. Bring lunch and stay for a picnic on the lawn and a house tour after lunch. It's buy-one-get-one-free admission if you arrive before noon. Storytelling lasts for about 30 minutes.

10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Free spring break storytelling at noon, April 7-10. Regular admission $5-8. The Wren's Nest, 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. S.W., Atlanta. 404-753-7735. www.wrensnestonline.com.

'Stellaluna' at Center for Puppetry Arts

In this puppet performance by Tears of Joy Theatre from Portland, Ore., a baby fruit bat named Stellaluna finds herself in a nest of birds and tries to make it her home. But as she discovers how she's different from her bird brother and sisters — hanging upside down, playing with worms instead of eating them — she learns about her true self. The story is based on a classic children's book by Janell Cannon. The cost of a show ticket includes museum admission and a Create-a-Puppet Workshop.

11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. April 4, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. April 5, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. April 7-10, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. April 11. $9 for members, $16 for nonmembers. Center for Puppetry Arts, 1401 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-873-3089. www.puppet.org.

Spring Fun Break at Stone Mountain Park

Activities include the debut of "Journey to the Center of the Earth" 4-D movie, sky hike adventure course, Backyard Circus show and arts and crafts. For younger kids, characters Bob and Larry from "VeggieTales" will make their rounds. The laser show will run at about 8:30 p.m. April 4-11 for spring break.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. April 4-12. All day passes $21-$109; parking: $8. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com.

Under the Sea Family Fun Day at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank will show the Imax movie "Under the Sea" through Aug. 16, but it will mark spring break with family fun on Saturday. The activities, which are free with museum admission, include souvenir photos from 10 a.m. to noon, ocean crafts, learning games, fish printing, a scavenger hunt and visitors from the Georgia Aquarium. The film shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Imax tickets must be purchased separately.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 4. $15; $14, students and seniors; $13, children 3-12; free for members and under 2. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Tree Climbing at Lake Horton Park

Climbing classes led by Tree Climbing USA teach safety and technique for scaling tall trees around Lake Horton. Equipment and instruction are provided. Climbers must be at least 8 years old, but climbing is open to adults, too. Check out the schedules at other city, county and state parks for more fun spring break activities.

2-5 p.m. second Sunday of each month. $12, free parking for participants. Lake Horton Park, Antioch Road at Brooks Woolsey/Fletcher Ford, Woolsey. 770-716-4320, www.fayettecountyga.gov/parks_and_recreation /lake_horton_park.htm.