What: Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
Where: Movies showing at the Fox Theatre, Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station, Lefont Theatre in Sandy Springs, United Artists North Point, Georgia Theatre Company Merchants Walk and United Artists Tara Cinemas
When: Feb. 8 – 29, 2012
Cost: Matinees are $8, Others $9 for students and seniors $10 for adults
Discounts available for multiple show purchases

If you or your children have ever dreamed of visiting the Cannes or Sundance Film Festivals, here’s an opportunity to participate in a world class film festival right here in Atlanta. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is the 2nd largest of it’s kind in the world and will be screening 70 films from 17 different countries. It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce teens to a variety of narrative, documentary and short films not normally available and you don’t have to be Jewish to participate. Many of the films (at least the ones I noted) have historical significance and are a great way to followup on school studies or just learn more about history in general. Some films have English subtitles, great for a student learning another language.

Here are a few films that caught my eye. If you are planning to attend, let us know your favorites and what ones might be  a good bet for tweens or teens.

Nicky’s Family – I’ve screened this documentary about Sir Nicholas Winton, a British stockbroker who rescues Czech and Slovak children from the Nazi’s before the beginning of World War II. It’s a heart wrenching true story of parents giving up their children to man they don’t know, so he can send them to people they’ve never met, in a country they haven’t visited.  Without Sir Nicholas, all of the children would have died at the hands of the Nazis. The uplifting ending shows “Nicky’s Family” today with their own children and grandchildren and the legacy of good will his act of altruism spawned. I am a history buff, so I truly enjoyed this movie. It’s made me wonder the depth of fear these parents felt that would move them to send their children away. It would be a good movie for older tweens and teens.

Foreign Letters – Immigrant girls from Israel and Vietnam form an inseparable bond as they adjust to life in America

My Dad Baryshnikov – A scrawny Russian teen dreams of ballet stardom amidst the social upheaval of Perestroika.

Back Door Channel – Diplomats reveal the secrets behind the 1979 Camp David Accords between Egypt and Isreal.

Otto Frank, Father of Anne – Meticulous portrait of the man who dedicated his life to preserving his daughter’s memories. To go in-depth on this subject, visit the exhibit Anne Frank: In the World 1929 – 1945 in Sandy Springs.

Dirty Dancing – Set in the Catskills, (but filmed at Mountain Lake, Va.), this chronicles a coming of age summer romance between Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Just remember, “No one puts Baby in the corner.”

What: Ruth and the Green Book
Where: Center for Puppetry Arts
When: Feb. 7 – Feb. 26, 2012
Cost: Tickets are $25 and available by visiting www.puppet.org or called 404-873-3391.
Enter to win a pair of tickets by clicking the link below.

I’m fascinated by the topic behind the Center for Puppetry Arts latest show Ruth and the Green Book for two reasons. 1. I love that the Center is hosting shows specifically for tweens and teens. Ruth and the Green Book is recommended for ages nine and up
2. The subject of this show is travel, but not just any travel. African American travel in the 1950′s and the need for a “Green Book” that served as a guide to establishments that welcomed African Americans. It’s a perfect show to commemorate Black History Month.

A travel guide for African Americans. First published in 1936. Last published in the 60s.

The puppet show is based on the book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey. Chronicling a relatively-unknown chapter in Civil Rights history, Ruth and the Green Book follows an African American family as they travel from Chicago to Alabama in the Jim Crow South of the 1950s. After being turned away from hotels, gas stations and restaurants, 8-year-old Ruth and her parents are introduced to “The Green Book,” a travel guide for black motorists conceived as a response to the humiliation and violence experienced by African Americans while traveling. There will be talkback sessions following every performance. I’m sure kids (and maybe a few adults) will have lots of questions.

If you’d like to meet the author of Ruth and the Green Book, he is doing a book signing at the Center for Puppetry Arts on Saturday Feb. 11 from 9 – 10 pm after the 7:30 pm performance. The meet and greet is free with your show ticket and books will be available for sale.

If you are interested in learning more about “The Green Book,” here are a few good links -
The Harlem World – A good overview article of The Negro Motorist Green Book and why it was necessary,
The Green Book - A link to the actual Green Book from 1949

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What: The Atlanta Ballet’s The Princess and the Goblin
Where: Cobb Energy Center
When: Feb. 10- 19, 2012
Cost: Tickets start at $20. Order by calling 800-982-2787. Purchase online at www.atlantaballet.com or www.ticketmaster.com (this link goes to a 25% discount)
Visit Atlanta on the Cheap for additional discounts
Enter to win tickets to the Saturday, Feb. 11 2 pm performance by clicking the link below.

The Atlanta Ballet is rightfully quite excited about the upcoming World Premiere of  the family friendly ballet Twyla Tharp’s The Princess and the Goblin. Tharp, a world renown choreographer, began her career in 1965 and since then has choreographed more than one hundred thirty-five dances, five Hollywood movies, and directed and choreographed four Broadway shows. The Princess and the Goblin is the first time she’s worked with children in a full-length ballet. The 13 children in the show were hand selected by Tharp from the Atlanta Ballet’s Centre for Dance Education.

There are 13 children from the Atlanta Ballet's Centre for Dance Education included in the show.

The story is based on George MacDonald’s late 19th century classic children’s tale “The Princess and the Goblin.” Tharp combines the formality of ballet and the emotional expressiveness and wit of modern dance to tell this magical adventure tale of adult redemption achieved through the trusting innocence and determined love of children.

Fernbank's NatureQuest is a nature lovers indoor playground

During the cold winter months, everyone heads indoors. For families looking for things to do in Atlanta with kids indoors, there are lots of options for every age. Here’s a list of twelve great indoor activities for everyone in your family from toddlers to teens. Even the adults will have fun. What are your favorites?

Waiting to get on the main court for the SkyMania session

1. SkyZone Indoor Trampoline Park: This is the latest attraction for families in the Atlanta area and a great place for tweens and teens.

2. Indoor Water Parks in Atlanta: Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t go swimming. These indoor water parks offer water slides, lazy rivers and play structures. NOTE: This link is to a post I did last year. Check current times and prices with the location before visiting.

3. Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Nature Quest: I love this nature themed indoor playground for the under 8 set. There are so many things to explore, it will take your little one several visits.

4. Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Atlanta: We’ve visited Stone Summit Climbing Gym, which was great for kids. I know other folks who like Atlanta Rocks.

5. Silver Scream Spookshow: This quirky variety show followed by vintage horror flick is free for kids under 12. In 2012 the Silver Scream Spookshow will run every other month at the Plaza Theatre on Ponce de Leon in Midtown starting in February.

Sagebrush Ranch is the indoor playground at the Booth Western Museum

6. Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta: This indoor museum is a great place for kids to play and parents can feel good about knowing their children are learning at the same time. Check out their When I Am cards to find out exactly what they are learning. The video on this link gives you a great overview of the museum’s permanent exhibits.

7. High Museum of Art: I love the High Museum for Kids. Be sure to check out a Discovery Backpack and the Green Family Gallery. Toddler Thursdays are a great way to introduce your little ones to art.

8. Home Depot Workshop and Lowe’s Workshop: No matter what time of year, my boys love donning an apron and hammering some nails.

9. LEGO Mini-Builds: This free activity can get crowded, but for the LEGO fan, it’s worth it.

10. Booth Western Museum: This Cartersville museum has become one of my favorites for kids. They have lots of hands-on activities.

11. Tellus: Another Cartersville museum, this one will keep them busy for hours.

12. National Infantry Museum: This fantastic museum is in Columbus Georgia, but it’s worth the drive, especially if you have tween and teens. You can even shoot on the rifle range.

Atlanta

Photo: Paul Kolnikstudio@paulkolnik.comnyc 212-362-7778

What: MEMPHIS
Where: Fox Theatre
When: Jan. 31 – Feb. 5, 2012
Cost: Prices start at $25 plus fees from Ticketmaster
Click the link to read more about Memphis and enter for a chance to win tickets to see Memphis

I’m looking forward to seeing Memphis, a 2010 Tony Award winning musical coming to the Fox Theatre next week. The show takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50’s, where a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun fell in love with everything he shouldn’t: rock and roll and an electrifying black singer. Memphis is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever. It looks like a lot of singing and awesome dancing.

You can purchase individual tickets for this or purchase it as part of a mini-season package that includes Memphis, Billy Elliot – The Musical (March 13-18), Les Miserables (April 24-29) and my absolute favorite Jersey Boys (May 22 – June 10). To purchase the package go to www.BroadwayInAtlanta.com or call 800-278-4447

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What: Space! at the Center for Puppetry Arts

Where: Center for Puppetry Arts
When: Jan. 26 – March 11, 2012
Cost: $9.25 members $16.50 non members
Click the link below to learn more and enter to win a family four pack of tickets to see Space! on Sat. Jan. 28 at 12 pm

Your child can make these extraterrestrials at the Create a Puppet Workshop included with your show tickets.

My son loves the Center for Puppetry Arts puppet shows and doing the Make-a-Puppet Workshop that is included in the admission price. The latest show by the Center for Puppetry Arts is Space! an out-of-this-world adventure where an extraterrestrial guides families on an educational journey through the solar system. Afterwards, make your own extraterrestrial hand puppet.

The show blasts off with a rocking band of extraterrestrial musicians. Astronomy fans can learn out-of-this-world facts about planets, stars, meteors and more. They can feel the gravitational pull with Sir Isaac Newton, gaze at Saturn’s rings with Galileo and rock out on the asteroid belt. Ever wonder what fuels the sun or where the planets got their names? Find out in this galactic trip filled with cosmic special effects and an eclectic musical score fit for a universe as vast and diverse as our own.

Space! is written and directed by Jon Ludwig with music composed by John Cerreta. Blending rod, shadow and blacklight puppetry with projections, this show offers a unique take on science. Kids can bop along to 15 original songs, gaze with awe at hundreds of NASA images and get silly with a host of unusual characters.

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Photo Credit: http://ow.ly/8uK0G

What: Three Kings Day Celebration
Where: Atlanta History Center
When: Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, 1 – 5 pm
Cost: The program is FREE (does not include admission to the museum)

I’ve always wanted to go to this program and never seem to make it. Here in the states we take down the Christmas tree the day after Christmas. Our celebration is the month prior. However, the true Christmas season isn’t over until the Epiphany on Jan. 6 (the actual 12 Day of Christmas). In Hispanic cultures, this is the celebration of the Three Kings, or Three Kings Day. As I understand it, the three kings – Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar saw the star on the day Jesus was born and traveled (over field and fountain, moor and mountain) to see the baby, arriving around this time.

The Three Kings Day Celebration at the Atlanta History Center is a festival of storytelling, music, and live performances. The Center is partnering with the Instituto de Mexico for this free celebration. Space is limited and does not include museum admission. For more information call 404-814-4000. Here is a schedule of events:

1 – 1:30 pm – Welcome
1:30 – 1:50 pm – Youth Pastorela performance by St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (children’s nativity play)
1:50 – 2:15 pm – Raffle
2:15  - 2:45 pm – Mexico Lindo, youth performance of traditional folkloric ballet
2:45 – 3:10 pm – Raffle
3:10 – 3:30 pm – Youth Pastorela performance by St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
3:30 – 4:00 pm – Traditional Music
4:15 – 5:00 pm – Raffle and Closure

Traditional Three Kings Day Mexican food items are available for sale. Every child under 12 receives a ticket for a free drink, tamale and a slice of rosca. There is also a free picture with the Three Kings.

The cash processing viewing area lets visitors see workers counting the money and watching it move in and out of the vaults.

What: Federal Reserve Bank  of Atlanta’s Visitors Center and Monetary Museum
Where: Midtown Atlanta
When: Monday – Friday 9 am – 4 pm Closed on legal holidays
Cost: FREE

We overspent a bit this holiday season, so I’m looking for some good free activities to keep my crew busy. Recently, we headed to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta in Midtown to check out the visitor center and free monetary museum.

Meet Cash Cow (Milk Money) from the 2003 CowParade Atlanta

The museum includes display cases, videos and interactive kiosks to show the history of the Federal Reserve and the monetary system in the United States. It may sound like a heavy subject, but it’s not all serious. In the lobby, you are greeted by Cash Cow or Milk Money as she is called, a fiberglass cow painted with a dollar bill coat and coins. Cash Cow was part of CowParade Atlanta, an art exhibition that raised money for charity and just happened to be one of my clients back in 2003. The cows still make me smile.

Don't forget to grab a bag of shredded money on your way out. They are located in the kiosks in the lobby.

The highlight of the tour is viewing the cash processing activities at the Federal Reserve. Watch the bill counter spin through $10s or $20s; the cash bus that moves bags of money in and out of the vault and see the shredded money fountain. Be sure to get your own bag of shredded money on the way out.

To learn more about the history of money and the barter system backtrack to the first gallery. The history of money starts with items used for barter in ancient times and goes through the many variations of printed and minted money in the US and the world. It’s an interesting display. If you are a coin collector, you’ll love seeing the historic and rare pieces. You’ll also enjoy the mosaic of all the state quarters into a map of the United States.

The main room also has video kiosks to learn more about banking and the history and job of the Federal Reserve. For instance, did you know the idea for the Federal Reserve was hatch on Georgia’s Jekyll Island? The year was 1910. A group of politicians met at the Jekyll Island Club and drafted legislation (the Aldrich Plan) for the creation of the US central bank. Now you’ll want to go to Jekyll Island and see the room where this historic meeting took place!

Plan your trip to the Federal Reserve of Atlanta Museum

In addition to static displays, feel the weight of a gold brick and take the ‘Banker’s Challenge’ a video game where players manage a bank’s risk. I did great on the training and loan officer portion, but fell a bit short on investments.

Tips for visiting the Federal Reserve Bank Museum
1. Paid parking is available in lots or along the street on 11th Street
2. You may not take pictures or video in the museum. In fact, you’ll have to store your purse or any other bags in a free locker before entering the museum.

Looking for more FREE things to do in Atlanta with Kids? Check out the Field Trips with Sue book 100+ Free and Cheap Things to do in Atlanta with Kids.

Atlanta

What: New Year’s Eve 2012 Celebrations for Families
When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011
Where: New Year’s Eve 2012 in Atlanta with Kids
Cost: See each listing for costs.

New Year’s Eve has never been my favorite holiday, and with kids, it isn’t worth the premium on babysitting, given you can even get a sitter, to go out for the evening. But I’m never one to shy away from a reason for a bit of partying with the family, so here are some ideas on celebrating New Year’s Eve with your kids.

What: Medieval Times New Year’s Extravaganza
Where: Medieval Times, 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, Ga.
When: Sat. Dec. 31, 2011 9:30 pm show
Cost: $69.95 adults and $35.95 children 12 and under

I’ve been wanting to go to Medieval Times and this evening sounds like a great way to ring in the New Year with kids. The extravaganza includes: pre-show hors d’oeuvres, admission to the museum of torture, two-hour live tournament, four-course medieval feast, party favors, DJ and dancing, champagne toast at Midnight (non-alcoholic drink will be served to guests under 21), Midnight countdown with balloon drop, continental breakfast. Looking for a place to stay that continues the medieval theme? Try the Medieval Times Package at the Atlanta Marriott in Alpharetta.

What: Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
Where: Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
When: Dec. 31, 2011 11:30 am
Cost: Included with Museum Admission which is $12.75 per person online

What: Disney Noon Year’s Eve
Where: City of Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna
When: Sat., Jan. 31, 2011, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: Free

Radio Disney AM590 will be at the City of Smyrna for a Noon Year’s Eve with tons of interactive activities, dancing and more dancing.  Afterwards, talk a walk around the pond and look at the fish and ducks. There is also a small playground with room to run around. If you are hungry, visit the restaurants at the Smyrna Square.

What: Noon Year’s Eve Party
Where: Play Activity Center,  10930 Crabapple Rd., Roswell
When:  Sat., Dec. 31, 2011 11 am – 2 pm
Cost: $7 per child ($4 sibling) advanced ticket purchase required
Call 770-650-0122 for reservations (tell them you heard about it on Field Trips with Sue)

Play Activity Center includes two gyms that feature foam pits, trampolines, inflatables, slides and more. Play also has a creative play area, parent lounge and moms room. The Noon Year’s Eve celebration includes: noise makers toy walk, apple juice toast at 12 noon, gym play, snacks, games and more!

What: Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Parade
Where:  Downtown Atlanta
When: Sat. Dec. 31, 2011 12:30 – 2 pm
Cost: Free

Long regarded as the official kickoff for game day, the Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade spreads football festivity throughout downtown Atlanta.  This free event launches at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Baker Street and concludes at the Georgia World Congress Center, leading fans into the Chick-fil-A Bowl FanFest Made Possible by Coca-Cola Zero.  Come watch the pageantry of floats, classic cars, cheerleaders, mascots, award-winning marching bands, dynamic dance groups and much, much more!

What: Chick-fil-A Bowl FanFest by Coca-Cola Zero
When: Sat. Dec. 31, 2011 2 – 6 pm
Where: Georgia World Congress Center (Halls C1-C4)
Cost: $15 per person

Fans of all ages can challenge themselves in an array of receiving, passing and kicking games, obstacle courses and rock climbing walls.  After mastering the competitions, take a well-deserved break with food and beverages from Chick-fil A and Coke Zero and check out official Chick-fi-A Bowl merchandise to arrive at the game in style.

As always, the FanFest culminates with the ACC vs. SEC Pep Rally & Team Walks.  The loyal legions can provide final words of encouragement to the teams as they make the walk through FanFest en route to the Georgia Dome.  Each squad’s band, cheerleaders and mascot will also be on hand to lead in traditional fight songs and cheers.

Hike the Falls for a great workout

What: First Day Guided Nature Hikes
Where: Georgia State Parks
When: Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012
Cost: $5 for parking. Some hikes are a nominal fee between $1 and $5

This isn’t a New Year’s Eve idea, but a great way to begin the New Year. All across the country, State Parks are inviting families to start the New Year with a “First Day Hike” and a commitment to healthy living. In Georgia, a dozen state parks have planned guided hikes where families can connect with nature and even re-connect with each other. The nationwide event is sponsored by America’s State Parks, with New Year’s Day hikes being led in all 50 states. For an entire list of New Year’s Day hikes, visit the Georgia State Park’s website under events. Families may want to call ahead to make sure hikes are suitable for the youngest family members.

St. Regis Astor Ice Rink

I had a request recently from a Twitter friend asking what there was to do in Atlanta on Christmas Day. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, or you’re dying to get away from the family after the packages are unwrapped and the dinner dishes are cleared, here are some suggestions. Do you have a favorite place you go on Christmas? If so, share it with us.

Ice Skating in Atlanta
Atlanta has three fantastic ice rinks within the city. Here is an overview of Atlanta area outdoor ice skating rinks.  The Astor Ice Rink at the St. Regis and the Centennial Olympic Park ice skating rink are both open on Christmas Day. Click the links for information on each rink. For photos of the Astor Ice Rink at the St. Regis, visit Field Trips with Sue on Facebook (note these photos are from our visit in 2010)

I'd like to see the new Muppet Movie

Movies in Atlanta
When I was a kid, my older brothers would come home from college for Christmas. After dinner, they’d take me with them to the movies. Goldstar had a great deal recently for discount tickets to AMC Theaters. In addition, here is a list of cheap movie theaters in Atlanta – call first to make sure they are open on Christmas Day.

Bowling in Atlanta
A quick call to Brunswick Zone confirmed that all Brunswick Bowling Centers are open on Christmas Day. A perfect holiday outing. I contacted AMF Bowling Centers too and it’s up to the individual lanes to determine if they are open, so call before you go.

Hike the Falls for a great workout

Georgia State Parks
Why not work off a bit of the holiday gluttony with a hike in the woods. You can visit any of Georgia’s State Parks on Christmas Day. Try Sweetwater Creek State Park just east of Downtown Atlanta or Amicalola State Park north of Atlanta. We’ve also liked biking on the Silver Comet Trail or hiking to the Sope Creek Ruins.

Holiday Lights
Many of the holiday light displays in Atlanta are visible on Christmas Day, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Holiday Lights, Garden Nights which is open from 5 – 10 pm. We haven’t been to the Garden yet, but it’s on my list. I’ve heard this is gorgeous!

Atlanta