Just because school has started back doesn't mean there's no more time for fun. The first week can be stressful for many reasons — new classes, new schedule, class fees — but you and your kids will adjust.
Actually, you should celebrate surviving the first week. Check out these family-friendly picks around Atlanta.
Relax together with a mommy-and-me massage. $200 per pair for 60 minutes. 1432 Dresden Drive, Suite 300, Atlanta, Ga. 30319. 404-816-8801. www.naturalbody.com.
At Natural Body Brookhaven, mothers and daughters can share a rejuvenating experience together by having mommy-and-me massages. Choose from either a 60- or 90-minute massage to relax away all the stress the first week of school can bring. Each person will have her own massage therapist.
Have a family day at Atlanta Rocks. $20 per climber, free for one parent with climbing child. 1019 Collier Road NW, Suite A, Atlanta, Ga. 30318. 404-351-3009. www.atlantarocks.com.
You want your children to climb to new heights at school, so why not start them off right by showing them what it looks like. Wednesdays are family days at Atlanta Rocks, where you and your kids can scale the walls, test your endurance and see if you can reach the top. The Atlanta Rocks staff will supervise all areas and can assist you when climbing. You can also try out the family climbing class, for an additional fee, if you want to improve your climbing ability or just want to learn how to do it.
Sample handmade fudge at Kilwins. Prices vary. Atlantic Station. 1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Suite 14160, Atlanta, Ga. 30363. 404-817-7500. www.kilwins.com
Sure, your kids have probably eaten candy from the grocery store, but they might miss out on something truly magical if they haven't tried the handmade fudge at Kilwins in Atlantic Station. Made from an original recipe created and developed by Don and Katy Kilwin in 1948, their Mackinac Island Fudge will quickly become a family favorite. Make sure to take some home for later.
Enjoy a drive-in movie together. $9 for adults and children ages 10 and up, $1 for children ages 5-9. Starlight Drive-in Theatre. 2000 Moreland Ave. SE, Atlanta, Ga. 30316. info@starlightdrivein.com. www.starlightdrivein.com.
Nothing beats a drive-in movie. The Starlight Drive-in will deliver that nostalgic movie night you want for your kids. As Atlanta's only drive-in theater, the Starlight offers current movies on its four digital projection screens. Bring your own food, or purchase from the snack bar or food vendors on site.
Ride the glass elevators at the Sun Dial Restaurant. $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12, free for restaurant diners. Westin Peachtree Plaza. 210 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30303. 404-659-1400. www.sundialrestaurant.com.
If elevators make your knees wobble, you might want to hold on to your seat for this one. For a nominal fee, you and your children can ride the glass elevators at the Sun Dial Restaurant, which climb an amazing 73 stories. Throughout your ride, you will see an unbeatable 360-degree view of the Atlanta skyline. Better yet, the ride is free if you're dining at the Sun Dial.
The Ultimate Atlanta School Guide lets you find inside information on every school in metro Atlanta and the rest of Georgia. Check it out here.
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