Elsa Simcik

Elsa Simcik has been freelance writing for 20-something years, covering a hodgepodge of fields--health & fitness, human interest stories, and even dating. After becoming a mom she segued into writing for local magazines and websites, focusing on parenting, fun things to do with kids, and travel. The travel part is fun, but not as glamorous as it sounds, because it's traveling with kids. Still, she'll take it.

Latest posts by Elsa

18 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, Drone Shows, and Other Atlanta Celebrations for Kids

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 12/22/2024 - 9:16am

Kids and parents can party into 2025 at the daytime New Year's Bubble Bash at Children's Museum of Atlanta. Photo courtesy of the museum

This article is currently being updated for 2025.

Usher in the new year as a family with kid-friendly Atlanta New Year's Eve events! We've got the details on New Year’s Eve and Noon Year’s Eve activities in Atlanta—many of which end early since the kids usually can't last until midnight. Another fun way to celebrate the new year? Driving or walking through one of Atlanta's many holiday light shows! It's your last chance to catch some of our favorites like Noel Magic Light Show at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park.

For more inspiration over New Year's weekend, read our Fun Things to Do Over the Christmas Vacation with Atlanta Kids, as well as our Winter Activities Guide in Atlanta. And don’t forget to subscribe to our free newsletters to stay in the know of all the 2025 kid-friendly events and activities in Atlanta!

Christmas Weekend 2024 in Atlanta Top Things To Do: Santa Visits, Holiday Lights, and More

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 12/20/2024 - 7:15am

The dazzling Glow Light Show offers a leisurely drive through illuminated installations for all ages. Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do in Atlanta this Christmas weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend!

Christmas weekend is almost here, and kids in Atlanta are bursting with anticipation. Luckily, we here at Mommy Poppins have lots of ways for your family to make amazing memories all Christmas weekend long. Meet Santa, for last-minute gift requests and photo opps, at his Post Office at The Battery and Georgia Aquarium. It's also a great time to drive through Cosmic Sleigh Ride by World of Illumination, Glow Light Show, and Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park. We also have the scoop on all the best Atlanta Homes with Spectacular Christmas Lights!

And make sure to enter the Wiggles Bouncing Balls! Tour Giveaway! This month, we're giving away a family four pack of tickets to The Wiggles Bouncing Balls! Tour concert. You can enter to win by signing up for our newsletter here!

What's Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta: A List of Awesome Things To Do

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 12/15/2024 - 8:43am

Millions of twinkling lights completely transform the Atlanta Botanical Garden into the magical winter wonderland of Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Photo courtesy of the garden

Get out of the house during the holidays and visit great places open on Christmas in Atlanta.

Cirque du Soleil Brings Acrobatics and Holiday Magic to The Fox

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 10:54am

Cirque du Soleil's first holiday show, 'Twas The Night Before... is a classic Christmas story about rediscovering the magic of the holiday season. Photo by Michael Last

Atlanta families can see the incredible acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil, with a holiday twist, at The Fox Theatre. ‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show, and it's at The Fox November 29 - December 15, 2024. Based on the classic poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore, the show features Cirque's mesmerizing acrobatics, familiar Christmas songs, and a heartwarming tale. The show is a perfect Christmas event for the whole family!

The Nutcracker Ballet and More Holiday Shows for Atlanta Families

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 11/10/2024 - 1:29pm

One of the most popular takes on The Nutcracker comes from Atlanta Ballet, performed at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Photo by Kim Kenney

The Nutcracker ballet and other holiday shows in Atlanta bring families together for memory making and festive fun. Atlanta offers plenty of holiday shows and options for The Nutcracker, including those with cool twists on the story, like Hip Hop Nutcracker at The Fox and Once Upon a Holiday in Roswell.

Some holiday shows are so kid-friendly (especially the ones with puppets) that even the wiggliest of children are mesmerized! Take a look at our comprehensive list of The Nutcracker performances and holiday shows to choose which will add theatrical magic to your family this holiday season!

Activate Atlanta: A Physical Gaming Experience for Big Kids and Teens

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 10/06/2024 - 10:38am

Test your physical and mental prowess at Activate Atlanta, a gaming facility perfect for big kids, teens, and adults!

Activate Atlanta is an exciting, live-action gaming activity for families with children ages 10 and older. While kids will love the state-of-the-art gaming elements and light effects, parents will appreciate that this is an active gaming experience, utilizing teamwork with physical movement that includes running, jumping, climbing, crawling, and throwing. My kids were so excited to visit Activate — after only five minutes, my 13-year-old asked, "Can I have my birthday party here?!"

30 Things to Do With Atlanta Babies Before They Turn One

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 11:11am

Experience an adventure on the slides at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of ABG

There are lots of things to do with Atlanta babies before they turn one, including those important moments...first bath, first smile, first teeth. (Put down those tissues...this is a fun list.) Grab the camera because we've come up with 30 fun, playful, and even educational activities to do with Atlanta babies before they turn one—a baby bucket list, if you will! Luckily, Atlanta is a great place to grow up with tons of outdoor spaces, family-friendly attractions, and plenty of FREE things to do.

Best Summer Day Camps in Atlanta

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 04/07/2024 - 9:42am

Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC)'s Camp Kingfisher is popular with kids of all ages who love being outdoors! Photo courtesy CNC

There are so many fun options for summer day camps in Atlanta! We've rounded up amazing day camps for Atlanta kids —most of these are traditional summer camps with outdoor games, crafts, and swimming. All of the included Atlanta day camps run approximately 9am-4pm (some even offer extended hours). Camp themes typically change week to week so summer campers stay engaged.

If your child prefers a specific focus at summer camp, choose a specialty camp (like STEM, arts, and sports —all listed in our Camp Guide).

Elsa Simcik

Latest posts by Elsa

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