What: Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale When: Several times a year Where: Kennesaw and Covington Cost: Free admission, cheap books

For the past year, I have been intrigued by the Scholastic Book Warehouse Sales that happens every few months. The most recent sale was last week. My curiosity got the best of me (that and I got suckered into the [...]]]>

What: Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale
When: Several times a year
Where: Kennesaw and Covington
Cost: Free admission, cheap books

For the past year, I have been intrigued by the Scholastic Book Warehouse Sales that happens every few months. The most recent sale was last week. My curiosity got the best of me (that and I got suckered into the 39 Clues series when my son picked the first book as his “free” book from one of the summer reading programs. Free my eye, not only do I need to buy 38 more books, but they just released number 10, so I’ve got to wait, I don’t know how many years to finish the story! I feel the same way I did when I saw the Empire Strike’s Back – really, you’re not going to tell me the ending for TWO MORE Y-E-A-R-S!)

But I digress. The big Scholastic Warehouse sales are apparently in December and March (when presumably they’ll have the 39 Clues books available, as well as Ranger’s Apprentice – another series we’re hooked into through the “free” summer reading program*). According to one person I talked to, all the warehouse isles are open and there are literally thousands of books for sale.

Last week’s sale was still a good one. Most books were less than $5 and as you’ll see from the video, there were some titles for $1, $2 and $3 as well. The best bargain was fill a bag for $5. At the end of the video, you’ll see what I bought – the total coming to less than $10. I gave some of the books to the boys outright, but did pull several items aside for the holidays. I printed a coupon online prior to going that gave me $10 off a purchase of $50 or more and $25 off a purchase of $100 or more. There is a version of that coupon for all the sales, so make sure to go online and get it before you go.

* Just as an aside, I’m kidding about the “free” books. I think it’s fantastic that bookstores are doing free summer reading programs and love the fact that my kids have multiple series to keep their interest (and I thank the man upstairs that we’ve moved beyond the Hardy Boys). We’re raising readers and it’s really because there are so many great books out there for kids (ok, and me) to read.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival Presented by DeKalb Medical is an annual, free book festival that takes place over Labor Day weekend in Decatur, Georgia at several venues located in and around the downtown Decatur [...]]]> What: AJC Decatur Book Festival
When: Sept. 3 – 5, 2010
Where: Downtown Decatur
Cost: Free, but you can donate

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival Presented by DeKalb Medical is an annual, free book festival that takes place over Labor Day weekend in Decatur, Georgia at several venues located in and around the downtown Decatur Square. The Festival brings more than 300 authors together for readings, talks, and panel discussions.

In addition to authors and book signings, there is also a children’s stage featuring interactive activities and presentations by top authors like Anna Dewdney, author of the Llama, Llama series. My crowd would be super excited about Sunday’s Star Wars Extravaganza that features real Storm Troopers and other costumed Star Wars characters, as well as the presentation of puppets from Charlotte’s Web by puppeteers from the Center for Puppetry Arts.

There will also be live music, cooking demonstration by noted cookbook authors, a Poetry Slam for kids 12 – 18 and adults, plus lots of great food and drink.

What: Dragon Con 2010 Parade Where: Downtown Atlanta When: Sept. 4, 10 a.m. Cost: Free

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk down the street and see Storm Troopers milling about? Maybe a gang of Klingons or the entire Star Fleet? What if you could meet the Hogwarts Griffindor or Slytherin teams, maybe have a [...]]]>

What: Dragon Con 2010 Parade
Where: Downtown Atlanta
When: Sept. 4, 10 a.m.
Cost: Free

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk down the street and see Storm Troopers milling about? Maybe a gang of Klingons or the entire Star Fleet? What if you could meet the Hogwarts Griffindor or Slytherin teams, maybe have a chat with a fairy or a princess? Well, you can this weekend. It’s the annual Dragon Con convention in downtown Atlanta and although you need a ticket to get into the show, you don’t need a thing to watch the amazingly bizarre parade of convention participants that takes place on Saturday morning. Plan to stay for lunch, you could end up sitting next to a Wookie.

The parade begins promptly at 10 am. The route goes from Woodruff Park (at Peachtee St and Auburn Ave) north on Peachtree St back to the Hyatt’s front entrance, then onto Baker Street, and finally to the Marriott’s front entrance on Peachtree Center Ave where the parade ends. Last year’s event had more than 1400 costumed members of Dragon Con strutting their stuff down Peachtree and spilling out into the streets too. Be warned, some of these costumes are VERY good, and participants are encouraged to interact with the crowd, so your little ones could get scared.

However, if you have a crew like mine that have been entertained all summer by Percy Jackson and Camp Half-Blood or can name all the planets, ships and characters in Star Wars in alphabetical order forwards and backwards, this field trip is a winner.

Atlanta-born author Joanne O’Sullivan challenges your kids to a global scavenger hunt to see the 101 Places You Gotta See Before You’re 12?

Places like: a sculpture park, a big cave, a swimming hole, or a ghost town. You don’t need to travel [...]]]> What: 101 Places You Gotta See Before You’re 12!
When: Now
Where: Anywhere
Cost: $9.95 on Amazon

Atlanta-born author Joanne O’Sullivan challenges your kids to a global scavenger hunt to see the 101 Places You Gotta See Before You’re 12?

Places like: a sculpture park, a big cave, a swimming hole, or a ghost town. You don’t need to travel way out west for a grand canyon. Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon” is just a few hours from Atlanta at Providence Canyon State Park and Cloudland Canyon is an easy day trip. 101 Places You Gotta See Before You’re 12! includes types of places (a hall of fame, an old growth forest) and examples of those places in every region of the US. Kids can tick off their lists and rate their favorites with stickers

Want to win a copy of 101 Places You Gotta See Before You’re 12! Tell us about a special place your family “discovered” in or near Atlanta and you’ll be entered to win a signed copy of the book!
For extra chances to win:
TWEET:Follow @suerodman and Tweet: Learn101 Places You Gotta See Before You’re 12! on Field Trips with Sue from @suerodman
FACEBOOK: “Like” Field Trips with Sue on Facebook and leave a comment about a special place your family “discovered” in or near Atlanta.

We’ll announce the winner of the book on Thursday.

DragonCon Parade (Labor Day Wkend) (A must see, [...]]]> If you weren’t up bright and early this morning to catch the Field Trips with Sue segment on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta, here’s a recap. If you’d like to see the segment, go to CBS Better Mornings Atlanta and search the more videos for Field Trips with Sue.

DragonCon Parade (Labor Day Wkend) (A must see, really)
Callaway Gardens Sky High Air Balloon Festival (Labor Day Weekend)
Ice Cream Festival at Piedmont Park (This Saturday!)

Georgia Aquarium Mommy & Me program ($25 for Mom (or Dad), 4 kids under 5 AND parking! Best deal going)
Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshop (This Saturday)
See Georgia State Parks FREE (All you need is a library card!)

What: Dunwoody Nature Center Where: 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody, Ga. 30338 770-394-3322 When: Sun up to sundown seven days a week Cost: Free

Dunwoody Nature Center is an oasis in the suburbs. We visited recently to film 11 Alive Friday Freebies and I wish we had more time to explore. The Center features woodland, creekside and wetlands hiking, as [...]]]>

What: Dunwoody Nature Center
Where: 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody, Ga. 30338 770-394-3322
When: Sun up to sundown seven days a week
Cost: Free

Dunwoody Nature Center is an oasis in the suburbs. We visited recently to film 11 Alive Friday Freebies and I wish we had more time to explore. The Center features woodland, creekside and wetlands hiking, as well as a shaded playground and playhouse. There is an activity building which is the center for camps and classes. My boys were intrigued by the playhouse, but were totally drawn to the creek. We all took our shoes off and waded, cooling off from the oppressive Georgia heat. My oldest even caught a tiny fish that flopped out of his hand and back to freedom.

The center offers plenty of structured programming, but it’s also a great place for do-it-yourself discovery. In addition to take and return cards along the paths explaining plant and wildlife you may see, the center also offers I-Spy backpacks for a $10 fee. The backpacks include a parent guidebook with sample questions and activities for all ages from pre-school through high school. You’ll also find field guides, drawing materials, story books and games.

While you are there, be sure to find the bottle cap sculptures. Throughout the center you’ll find a butterfly, frog, turtle and more all made from bottle and other plastic caps. What a fun and creative way to recycle.

What: Georgia State Parks Where: All Over Georgia When: Anytime with a Pass from the Library or Wednesdays, Sept. 25, 2010 Cost: FREE

People often ask me to tell them a great deal on family fun. Hands down, I would have to say the best consistent deal for family entertainment is Georgia’s State Parks. Not [...]]]>  

Providence Canyon State Park

What: Georgia State Parks
Where: All Over Georgia
When: Anytime with a Pass from the Library or Wednesdays, Sept. 25, 2010
Cost: FREE

People often ask me to tell them a great deal on family fun. Hands down, I would have to say the best consistent deal for family entertainment is Georgia’s State Parks. Not only is the price right, but every time my family visits a state park, we connect more, smile a lot, and come back with stories that will still be told 10 years from now. In addition to self discovery, there is planned programming at the parks. Check the Georgia State Park website for park activities near you. Below is a paragraph from a State Park press release. I thought about rewriting it, but why? So get out there, get dirty and visit a State Park – it’s FREE.

Planning a daytrip to the beach doesn’t have to include an overnight stay at an oceanfront hotel. Simply head to one of Georgia’s State Parks free lakeside swimming beaches.  A library card is all you need to check out a ParkPass or Historic Site Pass at Georgia’s public libraries.  The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the 63 state parks and historic sites statewide. For a listing of Georgia’s public libraries, go to www.georgialibraries.org. Or, plan a family outing in the woods or play date at the playground mid week.  Wednesdays are free days in Georgia’s state parks, allowing visitors to skip paying the parking fee.  You won’t find a better excuse for a mid-week getaway for families with young children, retirees and people with flexible schedules. With a diverse geographic topography, Georgia’s state parks and historic sites offer adventures in northern mountains, midland swamplands, piedmont plains and along the beautiful Georgia coast.  

Every child at some point goes through a dinosaur phase. If your little guy or gal is there right now, plan on attending the [...]]]> What: Dinosaur Birthday Bash
When: Saturday, August 21, 2010 from 10 – 2 pm
Where: Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Cost: $15 for adults, $14 for students and seniors, $13 for children 3 – 12

Every child at some point goes through a dinosaur phase. If your little guy or gal is there right now, plan on attending the Dinosaur Birthday Bash at Fernbank Museum of Natural History this weekend. They have a stellar line up of entertainment, including two of my favorites, That Puppet Guy and The Bubbleman, plus another favorite – Bruster’s Real Ice Cream! Here is a complete list of activities:

Birthday Treats, courtesy of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Hall
Celebrate this special occasion with free treats provided by Bruster’s Real Ice Cream (Toco Hill and Decatur locations). Available while supplies last.

Special Appearance by Triton the Triceratops
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet walk-around character Triton the Triceratops and take a photo with this friendly dinosaur.

Birthday Wishes
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Hall
Help create birthday wishes with special dinosaur stamps and coloring, and then share your birthday wish with the dinosaurs by adding your design to the giant present box.

Dinosaur Photo Opportunities
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Hall
Bring your camera for a variety of special dinosaur photo opportunities around the Museum, including pictures in in front of the Lophorhothons in the Dinosaur Entrance Plaza, in front of a Giganotosaurus skull and more

Dinosaur Birthday Craft
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Hall
Create a dinosaur birthday hat to wear at the party.

 “Dr. Dinosaur” Puppet Show by Lee Bryan, “That Puppet Guy”
11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. 3 p.m., Auditorium
Join Dr. Dinosaur on an exciting prehistoric expedition. (Limited seating; puppet show runs approximately 20 minutes.)

Georgia Bubbleman
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enjoy an interactive demonstration with bubbles of all sizes, including bubbles inside other bubbles and bubbles ranging from tiny to some as big as the juvenile Lophorhothon in the Dinosaur Entrance Plaza.

Dinosaur Birthday Party Games
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy a variety of traditional birthday party games with a dinosaur theme, such as pin the tail, a giant crossword puzzle, and an egg balancing game.

Sidewalk Sale at the Museum Store
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sale continues through Sunday)
Don’t miss the opportunity to find great deals at the Museum Store’s Sidewalk Sale, featuring unique items at discounts up to 75% off.

Simon Malls Kidgits Club has lots of fun activities for toddlers, pre-schoolers and young elementary students. There is always something fun going on at [...]]]> What: Kidgits Club Groovy Sixties Party
Where: Gwinnett Place Mall (Belk Wing)
When: Sat., Aug. 21, 2010, 2 – 4 pm
Cost: Free for Kidgit Members or sign up onsite for $5 annual membership fee

Simon Malls Kidgits Club has lots of fun activities for toddlers, pre-schoolers and young elementary students. There is always something fun going on at one of the Simon Malls and the Kidgits Club sounds like a pretty good deal. For a $5 annual membership fee, you get all the parties FREE.

This weekend is a 60’s party at Gwinnett Place Mall. There will be songs, games and a trivia contest based on TV and pop cluture of the 1960’s. My current favorite show is Mad Men, where we’ve just entered 1965. As kids after school our local TV channel always had re-runs of Get Smart, To Catch a Theif and Bat Man. I think I could hold my own in the trivia contest. There will even be a Sixties costume contest with prizes, so get your Halloween costume a bit early and join the fun. Then check out the Kidgit’s website for more fun and games coming this fall.