Even if you’re 100% enthusiastic about gathering with your relatives or friends this holiday, face it: —We’re all out of practice.
It will take extra finesse to plan outings that will accommodate all ages, particularly when people haven’t been hanging out together for a year or more. To get geared up, consider one of these options that allow some level of participation from everyone.
Some scenarios involve grown-ups coming along and happily hanging out with (or sans) adult beverages while the younger set participates, but others have activities everyone can enjoy together.
Laser tag at Andretti Karting
As long as they’re taller than 42 inches, anyone in the family can join in laser tag at the two-story, 4,000 square foot arena at Andretti Karting (1255 Roswell Road, Marietta).
Less mobile adults (or those who don’t want to get zapped) can hang out and watch, or head for the grill for scratch-made American fare and a full bar menu that includes signature cocktails.
Fort Yargo State Park
Between Atlanta and Athens, this Georgia state park (210 South Broad St., Winder) is a great meeting spot for the holidays. The onsite 1792 log fort offers a bit of history, and there’s hiking and mountain biking alongside its 260-acre lake.
For extra cheer, show up 11 a.m. – noon Dec. 22 for a winter craft session. For those who aren’t into decorating, perhaps disc golf? For a modest fee, Fort Yargo has a full course, and it’s pretty easy to learn.
Sweets and treats at Cafe Intermezzo
Whether sweet tooths are a shared family trait or you’re looking for a warm, welcoming spot for coffee or spirits, Cafe Intermezzo (100 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta and 1065 Peachtree St., Suite 2, in Midtown) can oblige.
Along with a menu of fabulous pastries and frothy Euro-style hot beverages, it also features a full wine, beer and signature cocktail list.
If you’re looking for a spot to share lunch, dinner, or after-caroling or shopping appetizers, the cafe can accommodate. The venue for this instant family tradition spot can handle large parties, but they only take walk-ins, so you might want to call ahead to see if they’re crowded.
Illuminights at the zoo
A feast for the eyes and a gift to animal lovers, Illuminights at the Zoo (800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta) showcases more than 80 animal lanterns created by Chinese artisans, a few of them towering 20 feet tall.
The experience is wondrous, and kids in particular will enjoy the nighttime start time.
This event takes place through Jan. 16, so there’s plenty of time to get there if you have folks you gather with later in the season. Just make sure to get a reservation. Groups of 15, and up to 50, can get a discount rate.
Prices are lower Jan. 2, 5, 6, 9, 12 and 13, while the rest of the dates are considered “peak,” with higher prices and more competition for slots. Illuminights is not available Christmas Eve or Day, or Mondays and Tuesdays those two weeks in January.
And if you’re still looking for a family gift, a zoo membership and this outing are both fitting and clutter-free.
‘Christmas Vacation’ at Regal Cinemas
See “Christmas Vacation” on the big screen at 1 p.m. Dec. 18 at Atlanta-area Regal theaters, including Regal Woodstock and Regal Cherokee. Tickets are $5 each, and Regal Crown Club members (free to join) pay $5 for a combo.
The price is right for taking kids to their first movie theater experience or their 40th. Another nifty feature: You buy tickets online, and they’re already available. You’ll also choose the seats you want before you purchase
But hustle up if you’re bringing a big group that needs to sit together, because the best seats go fast. Also, check online now to make sure there are still seats available before you set out with a big group.
