No grandparent who lives in metro Atlanta needs to plan a long trip to escape the everyday grind with grandkids. There are plenty of nearby events and venues that can transport the extended family to a different reality for a few hours — no long drives, plane tickets or packing required.
Here are options for avoiding the humdrum and sharing spontaneous fun for a few hours this week:
Be mesmerized by the Museum of Illusions
10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, starting at $24 ages 5-12, $29 ages 13-plus. Museum of Illusions Midtown Atlantic Station, 264 19th St. NW Ste 2200, Atlanta.
Other worldly optical illusions, eerie holograms and mind-boggling puzzles await at the museum, which is packed with 80 exhibits to explore. Family members and their buddies age 5 or older can enjoy different aspects of the collection, independently or in pairs or groups. Once it’s one, two, three back to reality, you’ll have lots to discuss and ponder with the grandchildren for weeks to come. What was seen and what was real? Did it only seem as if you were defying gravity? You may be surprised at group members’ different reactions to exhibits, especially the optical illusions.
Skate in a Winter Wonderland at Park Tavern
4:30-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday for ages 16 and under and adults. Open for adults only after 8:30 p.m. $15 Monday-Thursday or $20 Friday-Sunday until 8 p.m., Park Tavern, 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta.
Park Tavern’s seasonal ice skating rink is still in full swing through Presidents Day, Feb. 17. The 85′ x 40′ frozen pond and the wintry attire and sparkling lights are nostalgic and charming, and the venue offers a gorgeous view of the Atlanta Skyline.
Skate rental is included with admission and you’ll be able to can thaw out at a heated Garden Tent and purchase treats and cocktails, too. If you don’t ordinarily frequent Midtown, be sure to take some extra time to enjoy the city vibe and sights while you’re there. Take advantage of the discounted admission on weekdays if you have little kids in tow or can come after school. You can also go out for an active Saturday or Sunday turn on the ice with the whole gang. Buy tickets here.
WildWoods: AGLOW at Fernbank Museum of Natural History
6-9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1. Included with after-hours admissions $29.95. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta.
The forest is bathed in light under the night sky at this popular Fernbank Museum of Natural History event. The immersive experience is magical, blending natural beauty with glowing displays and dramatic music to enhance the native plants and flowers of WildWoods. Look for projections of nocturnal wildlife (hoo?), swarming bats and jumbo dandelions, for starters. It’s a treat to explore at night, and the wildlife devotees among you will delight in the glimmering lights showcasing their favorites. Buy tickets here.
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