As the amusing video from "It's a Southern Thing" makes clear, choosing your grandma name is serious business. But whether you're Mimi, Granny or something in between, any grandmother (or grandfather) worth their salt is going to be up for doing fun things with the grandkids once school's out and summer's in session.
The warm months when the kids are out of school are a lovely time for the older generation to bond with and entertain the younger. Anyone who has grandkids and lives in the metro Atlanta area has lots of great options for "field trips" and special treats that are tailor-made for active seniors with youngsters in tow. Here are a few of the best options for summer 2018 (some of them with season pass benefits that last the whole year long):
7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, 770-945-8787
Even though it's now under the Margaritaville moniker, this beach-front water park is still a worthy spot for grandparents and grandkids. It helps that the old and young (and short!) can score almost $40 off their season passes. Passholders enjoy season admission to the water park, unlimited ziplining, 50 percent off Bring a Friend tickets on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 99 cent unlimited refill fountain drinks, along with Magical Nights of Life and other benefits. If you really want to be the cool grandma, try to hit the park on Flyboard Wednesdays (10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.), when professional fly boarders bring their acrobatic stunts to Margaritaville and even train adventurous guests (or their grandkids).
Here's a chance to make sure the youngsters get some healthy summer food while having too much fun to protest (stories about the good old days are optional).
Be sure to call ahead to your favorite spot to make sure the crop is ready for you. Leave early to beat the heat and bring cash as most places don't take cards. Lots of the best pick-your-own spots near Atlanta include a picnic spot, so pack a lunch. If you're not exhausted, head home and bake a cobbler or make a smoothie together.
Credit: Nedra Rhone
Credit: Nedra Rhone
121 Baker St. NW, 404-676-5151
Play tourist in the ATL and introduce the grandkids (from far or near) to one of Atlanta's leading companies. The museum tour includes a meet and greet with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and a tasting with more than 100 beverage options. There's art on display, including vintage Coke stuff and a Pop Culture Gallery. The annual pass is the way to go, with its unlimited visits for a year and expedited entry. Make an adventure out of it and take the Atlanta Streetcar.
Multiple Atlanta-area locations
This is a fun way to introduce youngsters to the pleasure of a chilly theater on a hot day. It's also perfect for the Mimis and Pawpaws who work nights or weekends. Each week from May 29 to July 25, the Regal Cinema chain plays two different popular kids movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tickets are just $1 and a portion of the admission price goes to the Will Rogers Institute. While they don't ordinarily show current flicks, the choices are always rich and varied, and the "all ages" price gives a break to those grandparents who aren't quite in the senior discount range yet.
Toddler Thursdays at the High Museum of Art
Credit: Contributed by the High Museum of Art
Credit: Contributed by the High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St. NE, 404-733-4400
For those faced with entertaining a toddler in the summer, the High Museum helps meet the challenge with Toddler Thursdays. Purchase an adult general admission ticket ($14.50) and a child under six gets in free. Specifically designed for those ages 15 months to 3 years old, Toddler Thursdays feature age-appropriate art-making, stories and even tours. Best of all: no clean-up at grandma's place!
5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, 678-812-4000
Escape the heat and keep fit with an affordable, May-September membership to the outdoor pools and splash park at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, which welcomes people of all faiths, ages and backgrounds to join the center and take classes. There's a place to shower and change and a bath house with lockers. The snack bar is open all day on Saturday and Sunday and in the afternoon Monday through Friday during the outdoor pool months.
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