Looking for some fun things to do around town this fall? Here’s a list of family-fun adventures to enjoy in your homeschooling.
Ongoing:
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve — This lovely nature preserve in Johns Creek offers monthly, themed homeschool history and nature classes for two age groups — ages 6-11 and ages 9-13 — as well as a nature center, historical buildings, and wooded hiking trails. Pre-registration is required. More information can be found online at their website.
Chattahoochee Nature Center — This 127-acre nature center in Roswell is a wonderful place to visit in the fall. In addition to hiking, canoeing, and family activities, they also offer a monthly homeschool science class on Tuesdays from 1:45 to 3pm. The classes are open to homeschoolers ages 5+, and are free with admission (and free to members).
Discover Science Center Workshops — In addition to the regular homeschool science classes offered at DSC throughout the year, you’ll also find a variety of interesting homeschool workshops on the schedule. Some upcoming offerings include: Lego Mindstorm Robotics, Plant Anatomy, Chemistry Lab, and Snake Biology and Anatomy. Workshops meet on Fridays from 10am to 11:30am. Check out the link for more details.
Medieval Times (Partners in Education) — If the Middle Ages are your thing, you’ll want to check out the monthly educational field trip options offered at Medieval Times. Each event features a 90-minute show, a four-course lunch, and an educational presentation. The field trips are open to school groups as well as homeschoolers. Contact them for more information.
Studio Ghibli Fest — The third annual Studio Ghibli Fest showcases a different beloved movie from this acclaimed animation studio each month! For September 29 & 30, it’s The Secret World of Arietty, October features Spirited Away, and in November it’s Princess Mononoke. Check out the website for costs and locations near you.
Zoo Atlanta Homeschool Academy — Fall at the zoo is near-perfect; the weather is nice, the crowds are small, and the animals are active. Visiting for the day is great, but Zoo Atlanta also offers homeschool field trips, as well as a monthly, two-hour, themed Homeschool Academy science program for grades K-12. To find out more or to register for Homeschool Academy, visit them online.
September:
Atlanta Botanical Garden — The Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of our favorite places to visit, so I always include them on my lists of fun things to do! In the fall, along with their permanent and temporary exhibits, they also have a variety of fun things planned. One we’ve done in the past and plan to do again is the Creative Chocolate Creatures family program on September 21 & 22, from 10am to noon. More information can be found at the ABG website. (And don’t forget — Scarecrows in the Garden opens October 1!)
Atlanta Botanical Garden (Gainesville) — If you want to turn your visit to the Garden into a day-trip, consider checking out Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Gainesville location. It’s a lovely garden to explore, and they have a few events scheduled this fall, including a Children’s Show on September 28, from 11am to noon. The show will feature children’s performers and entertainers to engage the whole family.
JapanFest at the Infinite Energy Center — September 21 & 22; this annual event, now in its 33rd year, celebrates all things Japanese, and draws thousands of visitors each year. This year there will be over 120 vendors featuring Japanese food, Japanese goods, and more, together with 25 performers and workshops, bringing Japan to metro Atlanta. There is also an anime village, kids activities, and a sake & beer garden for adults. Purchase tickets online to save money and time!
October:
Candler Park Fall Festival — October 5 & 6; With live music, awesome food trucks, a dedicated kids area, over 200 artists & vendors, a 5k fun run, and a tour of homes, this is one of the biggest and best neighborhood festivals in town. It’s free to attend, but be sure to bring money for eating and shopping.
High Museum (Community Pop Up Art Show) — Have you ever imagined what it would be like to have your artwork on display in an art museum? Well, now is your chance! The High Museum of Art is hosting a Community Pop-Up Show for students in pre-k through grade 12. This 4-week show runs from October 5 through 27, and the public is invited to participate or just come out and enjoy the display. Be sure to check out the information at the link. Free for members and with museum admission
Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival — The tagline for this event is “Play By Day, Glow By Night,” and visitors are invited to spend the day enjoying all the usual park offerings, and then stay on for some spooky evening entertainment. Take an enchanted evening stroll through classic storybook tales that come to life with 40 newly imagined scenes featuring massive carved pumpkin displays, glowing lights, rolling fog, boundless bubbles, and plenty of not-so-spooky, glow-in-the-dark adventures after sunset. There’s also an immersive 3-D Alice in Wonderland experience, a night time glow parade, pie-eating contest and more. The festival runs Friday-Sunday, September 21 through November 3. Details and ticket information can be found online.