When you’re looking for holiday fun to share with your grandchildren, remember that the “only in metro Atlanta” December events add an extra element of joy and nostalgia.
Here are event options that offer dazzling natural beauty and extraordinary area venues only found in the Atlanta area:
Soap-making gift workshop at Sweetwater Creek State Park
2, 3 or 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, ages 10 and up only, $10 admission, $5 parking. Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs.
Whether you still need a last-minute gift or are looking for an outing that’s both fun and productive, this soap making workshop is ideal for crafty tweens, teens and grandparents. It’s accessible, supplies are provided, and you can choose your scent. The Georgia state park offers wintry scenery and a place to walk off excess energy before or after the session. Note to procrastinating shoppers: The workshop itself also makes a wonderful gift, especially when you make a day of sharing time together.
Cosmic Sleighride at Six Flags White Water
6-10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday Dec. 11-15, starting at $39.99 per car. Six Flags White Water, 250 Cobb Pkwy North, Marietta.
Produced by World Illlumination, this themed, drive-thru light show is in its fifth dazzling year at Six Flags White Water Marietta. This year’s theme is “Cosmic Sleighride,” with holiday tunes and Shiny the Star hosting out of this world holiday sights. Along with an entirely different show each year, this event has the advantage of being one charge per car load — and you can pack your own snacks, so load up the whole fam. Buy tickets here.
Holiday Elf Hike and Scavenger Hunt
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Dec. 14-15, free admission and $5 parking. Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Hwy. 155 SW, Stockbridge.
Another great state park hiking option, Panola Mountain adds an extra twist for the holidays by creating an ornament-themed scavenger hunt. Pick up a packet at the Naturee Center and use it to merrily solve a puzzle over the course of the day. If you meet the 4 p.m. deadline, a prize is yours. This elven option is so much more enjoyable than waking up at midnight to move that Elf on the Shelf. And once the extended family sees how enjoyable the Atlanta-area state park can be, you may be able to start a year-round hiking or picnicking pursuit.
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