Adventure awaits: Things to do with your grandkids this week

Even fun grandparents can get in a rut when planning activities in the Atlanta area to share with the kiddos. This week, why not embark on a new adventure together instead of doing the same-old same-old? Choose a daring pursuit or explore other cultures through performance and food.

One-hour Beat the Bomb paintball and foam team challenge

Preset times from 3-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $39.95 weekdays and $49.95 weekends include photos and videos. Beat the Bomb Atlanta 1483 Chattahoochee Ave. NW, Atlanta.

Thrills, strategy and suspense all rolled into one family adventure, Beat the Bomb is ideal for active grandparents and their teen and tween grandchildren. One-hour adventures are structured for teams of four to six people to crack codes and dodge lasers to “beat” a paint and foam bomb before it explodes. It involves some of the same skills the kids might employ in gaming so you can perhaps pry the young ones away from the consoles with this offering. Note that the venue is 21 and up on Fridays and Saturdays after 7:30 p.m. If you’re physically able, participate yourself instead of just providing transportation. The kids may marvel at your paintball and puzzle-solving ability, or you may mostly provide comic relief. It’s all good. Book tickets here.

Around the World in the DTL festival

5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13; 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. Free admission. Lawrenceville Lawn, 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville.

You don’t necessarily have to scale high mountains or dip into deep waters to experience an adventure. Get a thrill from engaging with new and different cultures at this cultural showcase a food fest. The gathering brings together the diverse international communities in Lawrenceville and includes live music, dance, foods from many nations for sale, and games and crafts.

Set a good example by sampling some of the foods, and if you’ve brought young kids with you, make sure to answer and ask lots of questions about the performers and exhibits. This is an especially nice way to shake up your routine with grandchildren who are timid or physically challenged. And hey, it’s free — always a plus.