Before we know it, it seems the sun is already setting on the summer. But don't put up the sunscreen quite yet. It's not too late for a last grasp at family friendly activities before school gets in full swing.
Ultimate Kids Day at Turner Field
When the Braves step up to the plate to face the Houston Astros on August 5, it's not all about the players on the field. This particular game also serves as a tip of the ball cap to the younger Braves fans in the stands. Ultimate Kids Day offers a slew of activities for the pint-size set, and it all kicks off when the gates open at 11 a.m., two and a half hours before game time. Face painting and other pre-game action takes place in the Fan Plaza area. That's where Braves alumni Marquis Grissom and Vic Correll will be signing autographs. Popular YouTube celebrity MattyB, a 9-year-old whose rap videos have chalked up millions of views, takes the stage in Fan Plaza for a pre-game concert. The games found in Scouts Alley, including the pitching and batting cages, are gratis on Ultimate Kids Day. The same goes for the Braves Museum, which features a visual history of the ball club with trophies, uniforms and more. Kids have a chance to participate in a pre-game parade, and those age 14 and younger can run the bases after the game. Base runners are asked to congregate at the Hank Aaron ramp at aisle 129 on the field level.
1:35 p.m. Aug. 5. $7-$95 plus Ticketmaster fees. Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta. 800-745-3000, www.braves.com.
"Take the Challenge" Scavenger Hunt at American Girl Atlanta
If a female kiddo resides with you, you're likely well aware that American Girl, the popular high-end doll line, has its own restaurant and retail shop at North Point Mall. Real life American girls typically pack the place shopping for dolls and accessories, and even taking their playthings to the in-store hair salon. Those ages 8 and older are invited to participate in the "Take the Challenge" Scavenger Hunt. This interactive activity is based on the stories of McKenna, the 2012 Girl of the Year doll, and the nonfiction companion book, "Take the Challenge." Each girl grabs a challenge card and a pencil, and takes off on a scavenger hunt throughout the store. That's where they'll find different challenge signs located at various spots. Each sign gives them instructions for specific challenges including practicing good posture, performing tongue twisters and playing memory games. Once the participant completes a challenge, she checks it off on her challenge card. When all six challenges are done the competitor takes her card to the customer service desk and gets a free American Girl poster. Cap off the event with a bite in the American Girl Bistro. Restaurant reservations are highly recommended.
2 p.m. Aug. 3, 4, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29. Free. American Girl Atlanta, North Point Mall, 1202 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 888-777-0010, www.americangirl.com.
Outdoor recreation at Panola Mountain State Park and Sweetwater Creek State Park
These parks, just a hop and a skip from the city, offer oodles of opportunities in the great outdoors. Panola Mountain includes a 100-acre granite mountain known for its yellow daisies in the fall, and red diamorpha in the late winter and early spring. The sprawling grounds include two lakes with fishing and boat rental, an archery range, bike, jogging and nature trails, tree climbs and more. Soak up the sights on a hike led by a park ranger. The trek, which takes place August 4 and costs $7 per person, winds through the trails to the top of the mountain, and explores the different plants and wildlife in the area. For $5 frog lovers can hop into the Frog Slog at 5:30 p.m. on August 4. Go on a frog and salamander hunt through the park's wetlands and streams. Organizers say you'll definitely get wet and muddy, and suggest bringing a flashlight and headlamp, nets, seines and buckets. Other upcoming events at Panola Mountain include the Full Moon Night Hike (August 18) and the Butterfly Safari (August 19). Sweetwater Creek offers its own share of activities in a unique environment. Its wooded trails weaves alongside a stream that leads to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. The trail then moves up onto rocky bluffs, which overlook scenic rapids. Fishermen appreciate the 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir, and others rent canoes and pedal boats. A special ranger-led Twilight Paddle in a canoe or tandem kayak takes place 7:30 p.m. August 3 and costs $15 per person. On the morning of August 4, adult kayakers can experience a two-hour paddle in a tandem kayak for $15 per person. Hikers get a history lesson on the New Manchester ruins and the Sweetwater Creek Valley as a guide leads the New Manchester History Hike at 10 a.m. on August 4 ($5 per person). Both parks offer additional activities throughout the year, so check their Websites for the complete schedule. Reservations are required for all events.
7 a.m.-dusk daily. $5 parking.
Panola Mountain State Park, 2600 Highway 155 S.W., Stockbridge. 770-389-7801, www.gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain.
Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mt. Vernon Road, Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871, www.gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreek.
Bar W Rodeo at Boling Park
Both parents and their little buckaroos may find some appreciation for this two-day professional rodeo event. It's sanctioned by the Professional Cowboy Association, the largest rodeo association east of the Mississippi. Organizers say more than 200 contestants are expected to compete across both days. Saddle up in the bleachers for a herd of competitions including bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, bareback riding and more. Keep in mind that the events aren't limited to cowboys. Moms and daughters can yip and yahoo as cowgirls participate in breakaway roping and barrel racing. Gates open two hours early so guests can peruse the rodeo related vendors and snack on concessions.
8 p.m. August 3-4. $12; $6 ages 5-10; free ages 4 and younger. Boling Park, 1200 Marietta Highway, Canton. 828-361-4695, www.barwrodeoco.com.
Yellow River Game Ranch
Animal lovers can rub paws and hooves with a variety of critters along a one-mile trail within 24 acres of woods. Buffalo, sheep, kid goat, white-tailed deer, bunnies and black bears are among the residents. Guests purchase animal food from the gift shop and share with the creatures. Some animals, including the deer, will eat right out of your hand. You can toss snacks to the bears and watch as a cougar walks above on a catwalk. The Bunny Burrows section of the park allows visitors to pet and play with an army of rabbits in a spacious habitat. Throughout the month of August guests can watch the deer as they gorge on their very own salad bar from 4 to 4:30 p.m. each day in the barnyard.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (after Labor Day closing time changes to 5 p.m. on weekdays). $8; $7 ages 2-11; free for those younger than two, one child per each paying adult. Yellow River Game Ranch, 4525 Highway 78, Lilburn. 770-972-6643, www.yellowrivergameranch.com.
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