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

11 Family-Friendly Summer Day Trips from Atlanta

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 06/24/2022 - 9:10am

Step into a Bavarian village without ever having to leave the state when you visit Helen, Georgia. Photo by Bill Leffler

When Atlanta parents need a solution for summertime boredom but aren't quite ready for a Disney-level extravaganza, why not plan a summer day trip? Yes, just one full day that is sure to entertain and wear out the kids. Luckily, Atlanta is centrally located between lots of fun, easy-to-visit destinations. Our criteria for this summer day trip list? They are located about two hours by car from Atlanta; the destinations include summertime activities (preferably water-based ones); and they don't require overnight stays. All distances and times are from downtown Atlanta.

Best Drive-in Movie Theaters in Georgia and Tips to Throw Your Own Outdoor Movie Night Party

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 05/13/2022 - 10:01am

Enjoy a wholesome drive-in movie at Trenton's Wilderness Theater in northwest Georgia. Photo courtesy of the theater

Drive-in movie theaters are a blast from the past; a nostalgic reminder of days gone by. All of the drive-in movie theaters in Georgia are historical and have been around since the 1960s, some even as far back as the '40s! But don't let the age fool you —these drive-in theaters are well maintained, have modern movie screens, and show first-run movies. Bonus? The drive-in movie theater offers yummy concessions, often more elaborate than your run-of-the-mill, modern indoor movie theaters. We've gathered the drive-in movie theaters in Georgia for your next family adventure.

Can't make it to one of these drive-in theaters? Check out our tips below for throwing your own outdoor movie party! Creating a neighborhood or backyard outdoor movie night is a great way to enjoy the thrill of outdoor movie watching with the comfort of home!

Get Pumped for Peppa Pig Live! Coming to a Theater Near You

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Mon, 04/11/2022 - 12:59pm

Peppa Pig is coming to your town for a live theater experience that delights kids. Photo by Shore Fire Media

Peppa Pig fans are squealing with delight because their favorite pig and her friends (George, Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and Gerald Giraffe) are coming to a live theater near you in Peppa Pig’s Adventure. The show is making stops in Red Bank, NJ on Wednesday, April 13 before heading up to Lowell, MA on April 16 and then stopping in Boston on May 1. We had the privilege of seeing the show when it stopped in Atlanta. Dressed in matching pink shirts adorned with their names, my crew headed to the theater with lots of giggles, anticipation, and cries of “How much longer until we see Peppa?”

Read on for the inside scoop on this show that's sure to delight your favorite preschooler.

Best Arts Camps in Metro Atlanta Including Theater, Music and Dance Camps

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 04/01/2022 - 11:18am

Summer camp at the High Museum of Art is a haven for art-loving kids. Photo courtesy of the museum

Atlanta has tons of options for art camps, whether your kid likes drawing and painting or drama, music or dance. We've put together a list of the best summer camps from all areas of Metro Atlanta and options for all ages. (We didn't forget about the preschoolers and teens!)

Need more summer day camp ideas to fill your calendar? Check out our Atlanta Summer Camp Guide, which breaks it all down for you with lists like the Best Sports Camps Near Atlanta, Free and Affordable Summer Camps Near Atlanta, and the Best Atlanta Camps for Preschoolers.

The Best Pigeon Forge Hotels and Hotels in Gatlinburg, TN for Families

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sat, 03/26/2022 - 12:00pm

Stay right on Dollywood's property at the DreamMore Resort & Spa.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee and its neighbor, Pigeon Forge, offer a wonderful mix of outdoor adventure, yummy Southern food, and tons of family fun (Dollywood, here we come). Just read our post about 70 Fun Things To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN to see all of the kid-friendly activities in these eastern-Tennessee mountain towns. It's no surprise, then, that there are also a ton of family-friendly Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge hotels.

Many of the hotels in Pigeon Forge, TN and Gatlinburg are more than just places to crash. Many Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge hotels also have amenities like water slides, playgrounds, kids' activities, and on-site restaurants. Several are located just north of Pigeon Forge in Sevierville, TN, a great option for families visiting Dollywood and Pigeon Forge attractions.

Read on for our list of the best Gatlinburg hotels and hotels in Pigeon Forge, TN for families. While you're in vacation-planning mode, be sure to also check out our Family Travel Guide for more ideas for fun family getaways.

Top Attractions in Atlanta: Best Things to See and Do with Kids

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 02/11/2022 - 9:08am

Stone Mountain Park's Dinosaur Explore attraction is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Photo by Melanie Preis

Here in Atlanta, a city full of history, bustling activity, and beautiful scenery, there is no shortage of things to do . And when it comes to family fun, Atlanta attractions soar with unique opportunities, historical connections, interactive museums, and amazing outdoor experiences. The combination of lush greenscapes and tourism spots makes Atlanta a fascinating city to visit and live in. Read on for a list of our favorite Atlanta attractions to visit with kids!

Looking to experience the full, 360-degree A-T-L way of life? We've rounded up some delicious spots in our Atlanta restaurants guide and awesome Atlanta parks and playgrounds.

Best Atlanta Playgrounds for Toddlers to Climb, Run, and Explore

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 02/06/2022 - 10:10am

Toddlers can climb among the tree canopy at the Fernbank Forest WildWoods playground . Photo by Kristin Kneeland

Playgrounds for toddlers in Atlanta mean smaller slides, lower ladders, and bucket swings. (And if it has a perimeter fence to secure toddler escape artists, even better.) We're lucky to have gorgeous parks and playgrounds in Atlanta, as well as green space galore right in the heart of the city. Many of these parks offer playgrounds with slides, rope courses, swings, even a splash pad; but if you have toddlers, parents need to be more playground particular. That's why we have scoured Atlanta for toddler playgrounds that suit the under-three set.

Looking for more fun for your little ones? Check out our ideas for 25 Great Things To Do in Atlanta with Toddlers and Preschoolers as well as Easy Toddler Games.

10 Atlanta Acting Classes and Schools for Kids to Steal the Show

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 09/19/2021 - 8:12am

Georgia Ensemble Theatre & Conservatory. Photo courtesy of the theater

Atlanta is often called the "Hollywood of the South," so it's no wonder the acting bug is spreading to local kids interested in Atlanta acting classes. Living in a hub for film, TV, commercials, and theater also provides potential opportunities for young people to take acting classes from the pros and get noticed by industry insiders. Even if your child doesn't have aspirations of Oscar fame, Atlanta acting classes foster confidence, social skills, and public speaking expertise. Check out our list of theaters and Atlanta acting schools to add a little more drama—the good kind—into your lives!

Elsa Simcik

Latest posts by Elsa

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