What: Laughing Pizza Red Carpet Event
Where: Georgia Aquarium Ocean’s Ballroom
When: Feb. 4, 2012 11 am
Cost: There are two ticket options for families to purchase: VIP Red Carpet Premiere tickets include admission to the film, live performance by Laughing Pizza, meet and greet with the band, and red carpet festivities. VIP Red Carpet Premiere tickets are $15 (Children under 1 years old are free). For an even more spectacular experience, guests can upgrade their tickets to the VIP Red Carpet Premiere Plus ticket, which includes admission to the premiere and its events, as well as admission to the Aquarium and the 3:30 p.m. showing of AT&T Dolphin Tales. VIP Red Carpet Premiere Plus tickets are $34.95 for adults and $28.95 for children. Children ages 1-3 years old need only a film pass, as they are admitted to the Aquarium for free.

For more information on the program and how you can enter to win a four pack of tickets to the VIP Red Carpet Premiere click the link below. (Giveaway Tickets are for VIP Red Carpet Event Only, and do not include general admission to Georgia Aquarium.)

Atlanta’s family-favorite musical group, Laughing Pizza, invites families to the grand Oceans Ballroom at Georgia Aquarium for a one-time, VIP family film premiere Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11:00 a.m. The award-winning band and world’s largest aquarium are teaming up for the world premiere of Laughing Pizza: The Concert Movie as well as a live performance by Laughing Pizza after the screening.

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., guests will get the “red carpet treatment” with photographs, spectacular views into the world’s largest aquatic habitat, Ocean Voyager, as well as views into the charismatic beluga whale habitat from within the grand Oceans Ballroom. There will also be entertainment by Atlanta’s own Circus Camp and more. The VIP screening of Laughing Pizza: The Concert Movie, will begin at 12:00 p.m. (The film has already won 5 out of 5 Doves from the Dove Foundation, and was endorsed by the Parents Television Council.) After the screening, Laughing Pizza will perform a few of their hits, and guests will have the opportunity to meet Billy, Lisa and Emily, up close and in person!

Laughing Pizza is a real family band that writes and performs all original pop-music for families. Their music videos can be seen every day in more than 18 million homes on PBS stations and TV On-Demand channels around the country. This mom, dad and daughter trio travel across the nation performing at theatres, museums, music festivals, nightclubs, schools, and other venues – including the White House (with Miley Cyrus and The Jonas Brothers). Their live performances are energetic, interactive, dance-filled shows that get kids and parents up and moving, and they have a loyal following all across the country.

The event is sponsored by Shumate and B-98.5FM. A portion of all proceeds will go to The Georgia Aquarium’s SEA Program.

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View of Centennial Park and Downtown Atlanta from the Omni Hotel at CNN Center

What: Atlanta with Kids: A Downtown Atlanta Vacation
Where: Base out of the Omni Hotel at CNN Center
When: Anytime
Cost: Through Dec. 31, 2011, Enjoy the Partridge in  Peachtree Package beginning at $129 per night.
For other times, be sure to check travel deal sites like expedia.com, hotels.com, travelocity.com and Orbitz.com for deals
Donate: Starting Nov. 30, donate $10 to Passports with Purpose for a chance to win this trip or one of more than 100 other vacations and outings.

At the invitation of the Omni Hotel, my boys and I had a wonderful opportunity to experience Atlanta as a tourist. Downtown Atlanta is a perfect family vacation destination packed with fun and instead of wasting hours in the car or on a plane with inquires of “are we there yet?”, we were able to enjoy our destination and just being together.

Fresh cookies and ice cold milk await guests traveling with children, so be sure to indicate when there are children in the room!

Where to Stay in Downtown Atlanta with Kids
We based our stay out of the Omni Hotel at CNN Center and everything we wanted to do was within a one mile radius, safely accessible by foot. Down the elevators and into CNN Center is the Georgia Dome, home of the Atlanta Falcons, and Philips Arena, home to the Atlanta Hawks. Both venues also welcome family friendly shows year round, so check to see what’s playing while you’re in town.

Out the front doors of the hotel is Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Our room had a fantastic view of the park and the Fountain of Rings. The bird’s eye view made my son realize the fountains he loved playing in were in the shape of the Olympic Rings – sometimes you just have to change your vantage point to see something new.

Upon check in, kids receive a Omni Kids Discovery Backpack

The hotel itself is a luxury convention hotel, perfect for a weekend family escape. My youngest was thrilled to receive his very own kid’s club backpack upon check in. The backpack included treats and games similar to a nice birthday party goodie bag. For warmer months, there is an outdoor pool and even a spa if mom needs to get away. There are also the simple pleasure’s of hotel visits, like riding up the glass elevators with a regal view of the CNN Center.

Upon returning from our first evening out, we were greeted with fresh, homemade chocolate chip cookies and ice cold milk, which we enjoyed nestled in the many pillows and under the multiple covers while we watched a movie.

Spider Crabs at the Georgia Aquarium

What to do in Downtown Atlanta with Kids
Centennial Olympic Park is an amazing destination. Bring a frisbee or football and enjoy some time relaxing in the park playing on the green expansive field. On warm days, splash in the Fountain of Rings. At the south side of the park there are two children’s playgrounds including one made for all abilities. Chances are, you’ll happen upon special events in the park too. The day we were there, they were setting up for the Holiday Ice Rink and a holiday movie was being promoted with real snow to play in and a tube run.

Channeling Harry Potter with his invisibility cloak, my son learns how a green screen works.

Located on the edges of Centenial Olympic Park are numerous family attractions including: CNN Studio Tour, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Eventually this area will also house the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The CNN Tour is guided and takes about 1.5 hours, but leave at least two to three hours to visit any of the other attractions and depending on your families interests, maybe a bit more time.

Where to Eat in Downtown Atlanta with Kids
The Prime Meridian in the Omni Hotel at CNN Center offers an extensive breakfast buffet with fresh omelets, artisain breads and lots of fresh fruit, including a variety of berries and pineapple, not just melon. The restuarant even has signifcant gluten free items, although I wouldn’t recommend them unless you are gluten intolerant – or interested in seeing the look on your children’s face as they bite into a uber-dry muffin.

Making Pizza a Max's Coal Oven Pizza

Max’s Coal Oven Pizza is located a short walk from the Omni Hotel at CNN Center within a strip of resturants in the Luckie Marietta District. Max’s offers a kid-friendly atmosphere, inside and outside seating, with simple pies for the kids and more diverse ingredients for more sophisticated palattes. Pizzas are tossed in front of you and kids can amuse themselves while they wait by drawing on the blackboard walls with chalk left in a bowl by the wall.

Googie Burger is located inside Centennial Olympic Park near the Fountain of Rings. Delicious fresh cut fries, hand pattied burgers, and a very affordable and tasty kids menu make this a surprising must do while downtown. For a quick and cheap bite, CNN Center has a food court with a variety of familiar chains.

Although we were provided a complimentary room for the purpose of reviewing it (as is common in the travel industry), we only recommend places we would stay and products we would use.

 

Atlanta Vacations

What: Imagination Days
Where: Georgia Aquarium
When: Through March 13, 2011
Cost: $15

Thanks to reader Joy Morris for posting this on Field Trips with Sue on Facebook.

Everyone  loves the Georgia Aquarium, but it can get a bit pricey. From now until March 13, get your Georgia Aquarium tickets for just $15 each! This special price is valid for Adults, Children and Senior Guests -  one price for all age groups! Children 2 and under free. No limit to how many tickets may be purchased, no date or time is needed when booking your tickets. The offer is only valid online, so order your tickets. If you have questions, call 404-581-4138 or 4121.

What: Pirate Day
Where: Georgia Aquarium
When: Sept. 24, – 26, 2010
Cost: Free Admission for Boys and Girls 12 and under in a pirate costume

Playing on the success of their Princess Day, the Georgia Aquarium is hosting the first Pirate Day. Boys and girls, 12 and under, in pirate costume, receive free admission throughout the entire weekend.

Need a good pirate name to go along with your costume, take this survey and Find Your Pirate Name.

Another great way to see the Georgia Aquarium is through the Mommy and Me program. Plus, you can also get in free the Georgia Aquarium on your birthday!

What: Me & Mommy (or daddy or nanny) Deal
When: Now through Nov. 12, 2010 (but they often extend it)
Where: Georgia Aquarium
Cost: $25 for one adult, free admission for children age 5 and under (max 4 children per paid adult)
Bonus: FREE Parking!!

The Georgia Aquarium has a great deal going for Moms (or caregivers) of young children, but the best part, in my opinion, is the FREE parking that goes with it.

So what exactly is the deal you ask? Now through Nov. 12, $25 gets an adult and up to four children under age 5 admission to The Georgia Aquarium and includes parking. The offer is valid Monday – Friday, tickets can only be purchased online here and you have to have the little ones with you when you go.

So grab your child’s best friends and head to the aquarium. My favorites are the otters, the seaweed looking fish and those HUGE crabs that look like something from a sci-fi movie. There is also the Deepo 4-D show, but it requires purchasing an additional ticket. When my youngest was in pre-school, he got a bit spooked at the Deepo 4-D show. Keeping the 3-D glasses on him was bad enough, but when the rain came down and the chair jumped under him, it was a bit too much. That said, the older kids loved it.

Want more ways to see the Georgia Aquarium FREE? See this post from Valerie Hoff of 11 Alive’s blog VALues.

What: Swaptember Deals
Where: Several Attractions in Atlanta
When: Sept. 1 – 31, 2010
Cost: Costs vary, see the flyer for complete details

If you are a member of the following Atlanta area attractions, you’ll get special deals during the entire month of September at all of the other attractions. Deals range from discounts to free admission. Participating attractions include:

Atlanta History Center/Margaret Mitchell House
Alliance Theatre
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Callaway Gardens
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Shakespeare
High Museum of Art
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Michael C. Carlos
Zoo Atlanta

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!)

A friend once told me she was surprised I could keep this blog going for over a year. “I would have thought you’d run out of things to write about,” she said. Well I am continually amazed at how many cool, fun things there are to do in Atlanta. I’m even more amazed that there are so many free and inexpensive things to do.

Here is a fantastic list of free and inexpensive summer activities for families from Amy Ryan and Amy Rice. We’ve reviewed many of these activities on this blog, so if you want a little more info, use the search box on the right column of the blog to find the post. There are also several videos we’ve reviewed at www.youtube.com/suerodman.

Thank you to Brandi Diamond, Pam Hansen, Patty Harris and Jaime Lackey who forwarded the Amy’s email to me. As summer begins, be sure to tell your family, friends and caregivers to subscribe (it’s FREE) to Field Trips with Sue via email, or Facebook and follow @suerodman on twitter for fun activities throughout the summer.

What: Meet and Greet with Dora the Explorer
When: Sat. May 15 – Tues. May 19, 2010
Where: See below
Cost: Free with admission to the attractions (Win tickets to an exclusive Meet and Greet, see info below!)

If you’ve got toddlers and preschoolers, you know all about Dora. I bet you’re singing the song right now, D-d-d-d-Dora… Well, Dora is coming to town with the rest of her Nickelodeon friends in the new stage show Storytime Live! at the Fox Theatre from June 11 – 13.

Dora is doing a bit of advance work and her appearances are listed below. However, we’ve got a GREAT opportunity for one lucky family to participate in an invitation only Meet & Greet with Dora at Gwinnett Place Mall from 5 – 6 pm tomorrow (Friday, May 14, 2010). If you would like to win the tickets, just leave a comment below and check back tomorrow afternoon when we’ll announce the winner.
Want an extra shot at winning? Tweet: I want to win tickets to see Dora from @suerodman of Field Trips with Sue #ftws.

Good luck! If you don’t win, here is the appearance schedule for Dora the Explorer.  Unless otherwise noted, Dora will be available for autographs, photos and—of course—hugs!

Saturday, May 15
Georgia Aquarium Meet & Greet – 12 p.m.
Dora will mix and mingle with little ones visiting her aquatic friends at the world’s largest aquarium.  Meet & Greet is included with admission.  To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org.

ALIVE! Expo at Georgia World Congress Center – 2 p.m.
This two-day event focuses on the benefits of natural products and green living.  Dora will make a special appearance in the Kids Eco Fitness Center alongside members of the Atlanta Falcons.  Event entry for children under 16 is free, and adult ticket information can be found at www.aliveexpo.com.  Discount tickets are available with a donation of two or more non-perishable food items and promo code:  DORA.

Sunday, May 16
Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona Diamondbacks at Turner Field – 11:45 a.m. (Game at 1:35 p.m.)
Dora will be in Fan Plaza before the game to meet little sports fans and help cheer on the Atlanta Braves as they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Families are also invited to stop by at 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for storytime with Dora.  Visit www.braves.com for ticket information.

Monday, May 17
Música y Baile and Cuentos! at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum – 2 p.m.
Dora will participate in two popular children’s programs.  Kids will move and groove at 2 p.m. during the educational Latin rhythms program, Música y Baile.  At 3 p.m. Dora will participate in a reading during Cuentos!, a bilingual story time.  Both events are included with museum admission.  Learn more at www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org.
**Dora will have limited availability between the two programs for photos.

Wednesday, May 19
Children’s Storybook Time at Atlanta Botanical Garden – 10:30 a.m.
Dora will lead an exciting literary adventure on the great lawn.  This event is included with garden admission.  To learn more, visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Tickets for Storytime Live! are on sale now. Pricing starts at $12. Tickets can be purchased through authorized ticket sellers at The Fox Theatre Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 1-800-982-2787.  Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000. For more information, visit www.nicklivetour.com.

This morning was a fun one on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta, I met Shane, of Shane’s Rib Shack. Shane’s supports my son’s local baseball program, so it was nice to have the opportunity to say thanks in person. In addition, I had a delicious breakfast of ribs. You can get your own free ribs too! Be one of the first 100 people to visit Shane’s Rib Shack on Sat. May 15 and receive a 1/2 rack of ribs, large beverage and a Shaniac t-shirt.

But what about the Field Trips with Sue segment this morning on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta? Here’s what I highlighted:

Albany Georgia and the Flint Riverquarium
Durhamtown Plantation
Buy One, Get One Free tickets to the Georgia Aquarium

Shrek Fest at Atlantic Station
Julie Andrews Book Signing at Little Shop of Stories
The Georgia Kite Festival
Dora The Explorer Appearances