What: Kids Golf-4-Free
Where: Marriott Golf Clubs (including Stone Mountain Golf Club)
When: Anytime with a paying adult
Cost: Free for kids when accompanied by a paying adult

Designed to promote the game of golf among young people, Kids Golf-4-Free allows kids 15 years old and under to play for free after 3:00 p.m., when accompanied by a full paying adult.

In addition, Kids Rent-4-Free provides junior golfers participating in Kids Golf-4-Free with a free rental set of Accu-Length clubs for use during their round.

Available at select Marriott Golf properties, Kids Golf-4-Free also enables kids to receive a free golf lesson when accompanied by an adult who is taking a fully paid golf lesson from a Marriott Golf instructor.

All of these programs are based on availability and restrictions may apply, so contact the Stone Mountain Golf Club to reserve your tee time or lesson and ask about the program.

Marriott is also hosting a Family Golf Festival at Stone Mountain Golf Club on May 15, 2011. Families are invited to Marriott Golf properties for an afternoon of FREE golf instruction, clinics, fun activities, interactive golf games, family golf programs, a chance to win a variety of prizes, and more.

What: Snow Mountain Snow Park
Where: Stone Mountain Park, Ga.
When: Dec. 11  – March 6, 2011 Fri. – Sun. and Holidays
Cost: $27 (get $4 coupons from Kroger), Other Special Offers
Stay the night too! Rates start at $199
Parking Fee $10 per vehicle
Photos: Visit the Field Trips with Sue Facebook page

At Snow Mountain, where every day is a snow day, you don’t have to wait for mother nature to enjoy some wintertime fun. Snow Mountain is especially fun for younger kids or those who have never seen snow. It’s also fun for those Southerners who don’t normally get to play in the snow. There are lots of different activities from tubing to building snowmen to s’mores.

Tickets to Snow Mountain are sold on a timed basis. The time reflects your two hour access to the snow tubing, but the other attractions are open all day. It’s a good idea to reserve your tickets online prior to going. Only a limited number of tickets are available for each session. They can, and do sell out.  In addition, there is a kiosk for reserved tickets, so you won’t have to wait in the ticket booth line. If you want to avoid crowds, Fridays are a best bet, also the first and last session times each day.

It may go without saying, but dress warmly and wear waterproof clothing – not water resistant. We went on a warm day, but even then, the snow is cold and wet. Winter activities are never fun when you are wet and cold. Here’s the lowdown on activities and some suggestions too. Feel free to add your own experiences and thoughts.

Tubing Runs

Snow Tubing: As I mentioned, the time on your ticket is for the tubing. We went from 1 – 3 pm and found the last 15 minutes of every hour the line got a lot shorter. Every hour a new group comes on the mountain and another goes off, plus those hitting their second hour may decide to head to the play area or Avalanche Alley. This transition time is the best time to get in a few quicker runs. We also found the magic carpet on the left moved faster. The one of the right fits more people, but if you just want to get up the hill, take the left conveyor. All that said, we only waited about 10 minutes in line before tubing and easily went 5 – 6 times in our two hours. There are 10 runs, and the staff is pretty efficient, so the lines move. I was told the runs are slowest during mid-day, when the sun is at full strength. If you’re going for speed, go early in the morning or late in the evening when the shade covers the hill. Children must be 46 inches tall and able to ride in their own tube, they cannot sit on your lap.

Avalanche Alley: This is the new family tubing run. If you’re pressed for time, skip this. You have to walk around the entire tubing hill and the line was much slower than the tube runs, even though there are three shoots. It was fun to go down with the entire family at the same time, but the run was so slow, we weren’t sure we’d make it all the way.  If we hadn’t waited here, I’m sure we’d have gotten quite a few more runs in on the regular tube shoots. If you must try this, go here first. Children must be 36 inches tall to ride.

Snowball Target Practice

Snow Zone: There are several attractions here. My 6-year-old loved the snowball targets and the 11-year-old liked the blowing snow. I enjoyed looking at all the different snowmen and loved the snowman closet where you can grab everything you need for snowy fun including fort molds, buckets, shovels, hats, scarfs, wigs and eyes . I was impressed with the creativity in the Snow Zone. A few girls were topping an inherited snow fort with a scarf roof, and the snowmen were as varied as the guests.

Fort Snow: This is a mini tube run for the younger set. Perfect if you have young children who aren’t ready for the larger runs, as the maximum height is 54 inches. There are also tunnels in Fort Snow to crawl through.

Little Angels: This area is for the littlest snow babies and offers a slight hill for sledding. The maximum height here is 42 inches.

Snodeck and SnoFire: Winter fun can make you hungry. There is a cable car called Snodeck where you can get hot dogs or snacks, or roast a marshmallow at the SnoFire. Smore kits are $5 (fixings for 3 smores), marshmallows  for $3 (about 10) and hot chocolate for $3 or $4 for  the deluxe version with whipped cream.

Bonus: Not only does a Snow Mountain ticket allow you to experience lots of outdoor fun, the ticket is also good for the Summit Skyride, Journey to the Center of the Earth 4D Theater and Memorial Hall Museum. All great places to get out of the cold or take a break from the snow.

What: Stone Mountain Christmas
Where: Stone Mountain Park
When: Nov. 13, 2010 – Jan. 2, 2011
Cost:$27 for adults, $21 for children (3-11) + $10 parking (discount tickets available at Kroger) Special $119 includes 4 tickets, 4 meals and 4 unlimited hot chocolates.

If you like shows, and holiday sing-a-longs, you’ll love Stone Mountain Christmas. There are nine different shows plus several attractions and activities to get you in the holiday spirit, all for one admission price (unless noted). Most activities are in the Crossroads Area of the park.

Note that Saturdays and holidays are the most crowded. If you want to go on the weekend, consider Sunday and get there early. Shows are limited seating and the Park recommends you get there 15 minutes before each show to ensure a spot. The earlier shows are less crowded and you can likely walk up a little later. To see pictures of Stone Mountain Christmas, go to the Field Trips with Sue Facebook page (and go ahead and “Like” it if you haven’t already).

Everything we saw and did was fun, but here are a few of our favorites and a short video of the experience:

At The Crossroads
Crossroads Christmas Carol: This ragtag band performs a funny rendition of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol in just thirty minutes! This program is done outside, so if it’s cold, bring an extra scarf.

The Polar Express in 4-D: Take a ride to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express. In this 12 minute movie, you’ll smell hot chocolate, feel the snow and take an exhilarating train ride that feels like a roller coaster. This is one of the most popular attractions, so make sure you get there a bit early to ensure a seat. As with most of the attractions, crowds are lighter earlier in the day, so maybe plan this one first.

MistleTales with Mrs. Claus: Mrs. Claus will answer questions and tell holiday tales in front of the Gingerbread House. This program is also outside.

Snow Angel Snowfall and Fireworks: The Snow Angel descends like Tinkerbell from the castle. That part of the show is a bit campy, but the snow fall and fireworks display is fantastic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen fireworks through snow. The best place to be for this show is in front of the Toy Store or the Candy Store. The Snow Angel comes from Memorial Hall, so you may want to be on the side across from the stores to see her. The Fireworks are in front of the Mountain, so the best place to be is in front of the store. There is a snow machine next to the Toy Store, so for maximum snow, situate yourself underneath it.

Holiday Lights: The entire Crossroads area is adorn in lights. It’s a beautiful site and there are lots of great photos opportunities. Gas South sponsors fire pits and you can purchase s’more fixings. A great way to kick back, stay warm and enjoy the lights.

Sing-Along Christmas Train showing The Gift: This is a popular attraction and even though it’s a big train, it can still be at capacity during very busy times. We were advised to come to the last show directly from the fireworks (if you situate yourself by the Toy Store, you’re a short walk to the train station). You want to sit on the left side of the train, so you have the best view of the lights and the show. The only bad part of going on the last train is that it’s dark out. Great for the lights displayed along the way, but there are a lot of sections without lights and it can be cold, so pull out that extra scarf again. We did sing along to the music when we could hear it, but our train was exceptionally loud and at times the train drown out the music.

Visit with Santa: We met Santa at dinner, so we didn’t wait in line to talk to him, however, when we met him he was incredibly nice, patient and a wonderful guy. The set up for the pictures has a lot of red in the background, so if you want the kids to stand out, maybe put them in green.

The Great Barn: This attraction isn’t specific to the holiday season, so you can really go here anytime. The Great Barn is a four story interactive playground with lots of foam balls, air cannons, slides, and climbing structures. It’s a great place to burn off holiday treats.

Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf: We love mini-golf and this is a great course. As the evening wears on, it gets more crowded. If you have little ones, best to go here early.

Activities at Memorial Hall
Holly Jolly Cabaret: This program is at Memorial Hall, which is a short walk from the central Crossroads area. This indoor musical revue is a heartwarming and funny show of holiday tunes that make you want to sing-a-long.

Snow Angel Meet and Greet: My boys didn’t want to wait in the line to meet the Snow Angel, but I thought she was beautiful and her dress was fabulous. The Snow Angel is Stone Mountain Park’s answer to the Disney Princess.

Cookie Decorating: At $3 for 1 or 2 for $5, this is a pretty good deal. You get your choice of sugar or chocolate chip cookie, enough icing to frost a cake (ok, not that much, but it’s a lot) and two toppings. Cookie decorating is held in Memorial Hall.

Notes on other attractions:
Snow Mountain: This attraction opens on December 11 and runs through March 6. You can reserve your tickets now if you’d like.
SkyHike and Ride the Ducks: These attractions are closed for the season, so if this is an attraction you want to see, better wait for March when it reopens.

Disclosure: Field Trips with Sue participated in a media day at Stone Mountain for the purposes of reviewing the attraction. The views expressed here are our own.
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What: Pumpkin Festival
Where: Stone Mountain
When: Weekends Oct. 1 – 31, 2010, 10 – 5 pm Fri. & Sun., 10 – 7 pm w/a Lasershow at 8 pm on Sat.
Cost: $27 plus tax for adults; $21 plus tax for ages 3-11; $10 vehicle entry (discount tickets available at Kroger)

This festival sounds like a ton of fun. There’s so much to do it’s got me thinking about a weekend get-a-way to Stone Mountain staying at the Evergreen Hotel or camping. There’s a family scavenger hunt that takes guests to multiple Stone Mountain attractions to answer clues. Each weekend one winner receives a four-pack to Snow Mountain, the popular snow tubing attraction that begins in December. You can also decorate your own scarecrow, costume contests, parades, campfires and audience participation shows. That’s all in addition to the everyday fun at Stone Mountain which includes the Sky Hike, Summit Skyride, Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard, Scenic Railroad, 4D Movie, Adventure Golf, The Great Barn and more!

I love being in studio at CBS Better Mornings Atlanta when they have fun guests. This morning I got to meet Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat! I love Curious George.  You can see them too this week at the Fox Theatre.

If you missed this morning’s Field Trips with Sue segments on BMA, we announced the winner of the tickets to see South Pacific at the Fox Theatre. Our winner is Gail! Congratulations.

If you missed it, here’s a wrap up of the segment that featured posts from this week:

Stone Mountain Fun Break Deals
North Georgia Eco Canopy Tour (aka ziplining) deal
BOGO Offer to see South Pacific at the Fox Theatre
$5 Tickets for the Braves vs. White Sox exhibition game this weekend

And here’s a preview of the posts we have for you next week:

FREE Golf Lessons  and More FREE Golf Lessons
Spring Football at the University of Georgia
FREE Concerts at Centennial Olympic Park (look for a post next week)

What: Spring Fun Break
Where: Stone Mountain Park
When: April 2 – 10, 2010 10 am – 7 pm
Cost: Adventure Pass – $27 Adults/$21 Children 3-11 (tax not included) Use the coupon code GASSOUTH for $3 off admission

If you’re staying in town for spring break, but want to enjoy all a theme park has to offer, try Stone Mountain. In addition to Easter activities that include the Easter Bunny and hat crafts, guests can also take advantage of the regular Stone Mountain attractions such as Sky Hike, Journey to the Center of the Earth 4D Adventure, Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, mini-golf, Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard, The Great Barn and Memorial Hall. In addition, the popular Lasershow Spectacular will be be showing for the duration of the Spring FUN Break.

There are also special shows for the break including a Field Trips with Sue favorite, Laughing Pizza and Dr. Busybody’s Boogiebot Blast – say that 10 times fast. There’s even an Improv show where families become part of the act.

For a complete list of attractions, shows and entertainment, visit the Stone Mountain Spring FUN Break site. You can even get $3 off admission by using the coupon code GASSOUTH. Plan to go more than once this summer? Purchase a Mountain Membership Annual Pass – $54 Adults /$42 Children 3-11 (tax not included) There is also a Family Value Pass- 4 one-day Adventure Passes, 4 meals and stadium cups with unlimited refills $119 (tax not included). Sold exclusively online.

The following is a post from Atlanta on the Cheap. I’ve re-printed it with permission because I know a lot of you are wondering about Stone Mountain’s Snow Mountain attraction. If you didn’t get enough of the white stuff today, head to Atlanta on the Cheap and enter the contest for free tickets to Snow Mountain, but hurry, the contest ends at noon on Saturday.

From Atlanta on the Cheap
Stone Mountain Park has a snow option for you: Snow Mountain. My family went to check it out last week, and we had an awesome time. There’s tubing & a snow play area. The girls built little snowmen, smacked each other with snowballs, & got a taste of what it’s like to play in the snow.

I learned a few valuable lessons while I was there:

1) Dress in layers (natch), and bring a change of pants, socks & shoes with you. Very few people had snow boots at Snow Mountain—I saw cowboy boots, fur-lined boots from Old Navy, rain boots from Target, and sneakers, but not one pair of snow boots.

2) Tube first, then play. You may get a little wet when you tube—one lane tended to kick up a bit more ice & dump it in my tube, which then melted & got my pants a bit wet. But that’s nothing compared to how wet the kids will get when they decide to throw themselves into building snowmen. And you’ll want to keep your gloves dry as long as possible if yours, like mine, are designed to protect your hands from cold winds, not moisture.

3) Get there early. If you buy the 9am time slot, make sure you get there a bit early & start tubing right away. While we were there, I was told that you can only tube for the 2-hour window on your ticket. We didn’t test the theory to find out how well it’s enforced, so YMMV (your mileage may vary). And you’ll want the 9am ticket window. While it’s just one batch of people, you can get through the line in 10 minutes or less. It doubles at 10am when there are two groups, and your wait time is closer to 15-20 min. per ride.

4) There are single tubes & double tubes. BUT kids need to be at least 42″ to tube, even if they’re riding in a double tube with an adult. There is a pint-size snow play area though, and they can ride down a small hill there.

5) I’ve got good news & bad news re: admission:

* The bad news: It’s expensive. If you’re not a member, tickets are $25 per person, and it’s not cheap for members either—their tickets are $15 each. Plus, there’s a $10 parking fee unless you have a pass. You can save $2 on admission by picking up a coupon at Kroger.
* The good news: You can win your way in. I have five Family Four-Packs of tickets to Snow Mountain. If you win & need extra tickets, you have to buy them at the regular rates, but this will save you $60-$100.

Here’s how to enter: Post a comment (one per email address) on Atlanta on the Cheap. That’s it. At noon on Saturday, I’ll let the random number generator choose five winners (one per family four-pack of tickets), and then I’ll email you with details.

I’m not much for New Year’s Resolutions, so instead, I’m going to make a list of activities I’d like to do in 2010. These are in no particular order. What’s on your list? What should I add to mine?
1. Silver Scream Spookshow – This sounds so bizarre, that I’m dying to go. I don’t like horror. I’m still freaked about the Starskey and Hutch episode where a body fell out of the closet. But this is vintage horror and the pre-show sounds like a blast. Bonus: Kids under 12 are FREE.
2. Laurel and Hardy Museum – I saw this on my way to the Master’s last year. There is a sign off of I-20 West from Atlanta. The museum is free and you can watch any Laurel and Hardy movie.
3. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids – This has been on my list for years. The museum is in Gainesville, just north of Atlanta and from what I understand the museum is a city just the right size for little kids. I need to go this year before my little one is too big.
4. Snow Tubing – My kids got Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games for Christmas. I highly recommend it, except now everyone wants to go skiing and snowboarding. Not in the budget this year, but tubing at Snow Mountain might be.
5. Tubing Down the Chattahoochee – My youngest turns 6 in May, so he’s now old enough to go tubing down the Chattahoochee. We’re planning to head to Up the River Outfitters to try it out.
6. Canoeing at the Chattahoochee Nature Center – The CNC is a wonderful place. I’ve always wanted to do a canoe trip with CNC staff, but didn’t want to leave the youngest at home. The minimum age is 5 years old.
7. Providence Canyon State Park – Called the Little Grand Canyon, this has been on my list since before I had kids. I even cut out a story from Southern Living and saved it for years. I’m also dying to take the boys camping, so perhaps we’ll combine the two.
8. Fishing at the Carter Center – I recently discovered you can fish at the Carter Center. My middle son just got a fishing pole for his birthday. This is a beautiful spot for a picnic and a little fishin’ too. Bonus: it’s FREE.
9. Bird Walk at Piedmont Park – One of my sons is a birder. He loves birds. We keep saying we’ll take one of the bird walks at Piedmont Park, but it starts at 8 am. That’s been a little early for us in the past, but I imagine the park is beautiful in the morning. Bonus: it’s FREE too.
10. The Agrirama in Tifton – I just saw this in Brown’s Guide. The Agrirama is a 95-acre complex featuring a historic village with over 35 structures. Included is a museum, a main street, farmsteads, homesteads, a schoolhouse, community buildings, and more, all replicating the 1870-1890’s era.
11. Storytelling at the Wren’s Nest – I haven’t been to the Wren’s Nest since Joel Candler Harris’ great-great-great grandson took over the museum. He’s doing a wonderful job. I love the blog and the storytellers. We heard one of the Wren’s Nest storytellers at Oakland Cemetery’s Sunday in the Park and my children were enthralled.(ok, so was I) This year, I want to hear stories at the museum and see the fabulous renovation.

What: Holiday Light Displays
Where: Around Metro Atlanta
When: Now through Dec. 31
Costs: Vary

One of the things I LOVE about the holidays are the lights. One day, I’m going to rent a bus, stock it with good cheer and invite family and friends to tour the lights of Atlanta. Until then, here’s an incomplete list of where to find the lights so you can go on your own tour. Know a place I missed? Add it in the comments. While you’re at it, let me know a little about you — are you a white lights only or the more color the better?

Centennial Olympic Park Holiday in Lights
Dates: Nov. 14 – Jan. 3
Cost: Free
Info: 20 miles worth of lights blanket the 21-acre Park and include a 58 ft. holiday tree. While you’re there, enjoy Atlanta’s only outdoor ice rink.

It’s Snowin in Atlantic Station
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 31
Cost: Free
Info: View 250,000 lights within an 8 block radius. While you’re there, gather around Atlantic Station’s grand 50-foot tall Christmas Tree and experience the magic of a realistic snowfall weeknights at 7:30pm, and Fridays & Saturdays, hourly 6pm-9pm. (Snow is weather permitting)

Life College Lights of Life
Dates: Nov. 23 – Dec. 30
Cost: $5 per car, $10 per van and $20 per bus, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank
Info: More than 100 pieces displayed throughout the 1.5 mile drive through campus. The display of Santa and his sleigh stands over 65 feet high making it the tallest in the Southeast. There is a petting zoo and pony rides on weekends for free. You can also sit on Santa’s lap or have your picture taken for $10.

Lake Lanier Islands, Magical Night of Lights
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 30, 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Prices start at $33 for a pre-purchased car ticket. Vans and buses extra
Info: Known as the world’s largest animated light extravaganza. In addition there is a Holiday Village with carnival rides, pony rides and holiday treats. Warm up with a sweet marshmallow roast or step inside the Santa Shop for some holiday shopping.

Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights
Dates: Nov. 20 – Dec. 30
Cost: $25 per adult, $12.50 per child for same day purchases. Discounts apply for pre-purchased tickets (under 5 is free, but must have a ticket)
Info: More than eight million twinkling lights celebrate the holiday season. While you’re there, visit the Christmas Village where you can see every nutcracker imaginable, or view intricately decorated trees and dream of holiday mornings in Toyland.

A Stone Mountain Christmas
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 30
Cost: Various plans, but the best value is a $109 family of four pass, includes 4 tickets and 4 meals vouchers
Info: More than two million twinkling lights. While you’re there, watch live entertainment shows, see the Polar Express in 4-D, watch a festive Christmas Parade, a special laser show and more.

Here’s a map guide to holiday light displays from the Atlanta Journal Constitution for 2008. They don’t know if they’re going to update this for 2009, but this is a good place to start.