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

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Atlanta

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 01/17/2025 - 9:39am

Visit the second largest museum in the U.S. Air Force, the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robbins.

We have the scoop on FREE Atlanta museums, as well as the ones that have certain free museum days throughout the year, to spend a wonderful day with the kids. Atlanta museums are great ways to have fun, especially during freezing winters and scorching summers. Plus museums spark the imagination, help develop observation skills, and expose children to a broader world.

Many Atlanta museums participate in the Museums on Us program, in which Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders receive free admission to participating museums on the first weekend of each month. Also, Georgia library card holders can check out Experience Passes, which include free admission at many museums, parks, and Zoo Atlanta. And don't forget the upcoming Super Museum Sunday on February 9, 2025, when many museums and state historical sites offer free admission in conjunction with the Georgia History Festival.

MLK Weekend 2025 in Atlanta: 18 Best Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Wed, 01/15/2025 - 9:54am

Join Halcyon for a special and free MLK Kids Club Day (pantry item donations encouraged)! Photo courtesy of Halcyon

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

Atlanta families can enjoy MLK weekend with many options for quality time and fun; after all, MLK Day celebrations in Atlanta are abundant as our city is the birthplace of Dr. King. Families honor his legacy by volunteering as part of the MLK National Day of Service and attending MLK parades and events in Buckhead, Atlanta, Acworth, Lawrenceville, and more cities. If your kids haven't had the pleasure of ice skating this season (or want to do it again), this is the final weekend at many outdoor rinks, including Atlantic Station, S andy Springs, and Avalon.

All-Inclusive Hyatt Sunscape Coco Punta Cana Resort is the Perfect Sunny Family Vacation

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 12/29/2024 - 7:20am

Go from the pool to the beach and back again without ever leaving the resort.

If you're searching for an affordable, all-inclusive resort for a family vacation in a tropical paradise, I have a new favorite: Sunscape Coco Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. On a recent vacation, my family loved the family-friendly activities, which are perfect for all ages. We also loved that the resort is on the smaller side, and while it provided all the amenities, it was more intimate and easy to navigate.

We always appreciate the all-inclusive style resorts, because you get unlimited access to dining, refreshing drinks, and tons of activities without worrying about extra costs. My husband always says he loves putting his wallet in the safe and not getting it out until it's time to go home! And this resort skimps on nothing.

Read on for all the details about the Sunscape Coco Punta Cana Resort and why it's the perfect all-inclusive resort for families. Check out more of our favorite all-inclusive resorts for families and also our favorite warm and sunny family vacation ideas. They're both in our Family Travel Guide.

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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