Have you heard about the Nature Exchange at the Chattahoochee Nature Center? This is one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets that shouldn’t be a secret. The Nature Exchange is a cool place where nature lovers of all ages can bring in their collections of shells, rocks, seeds (or almost anything from the natural world) and trade them for new nature items to expand their collection. Since the Nature Exchange opened in June of 2009, well over 3000 people have come in to trade and many more have explored the fascinating nature objects from around the world.
The real secret behind the Nature Exchange is that it’s all about getting outside and learning about nature. The trading value of an object grows based on how the item was responsibly collected, how interested the trader is in the object, how much the trader knows about it and on the effort they took to learn about it. Lots of fun learning tools, from microscopes to rock testing kits, are available to give you a learning boost.
You can learn more about the Nature Exchange at CNC by visiting their website at chattnaturecenter.org/nature-exchange. There you can get ideas about getting started and to learn about the new activities available each month. Better yet, grab your favorite pinecone or polished stone and come out for a visit. The Nature Exchange is included with general admission and is open during regular CNC hours- 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sundays.
December 20th – Philly Pretzel Factory (Milton) – 2:00 pm
This event is always a big hit! Tour the Pretzel Factory, learn what ingredients go in pretzels, watch the dough being made and pretzels being baked – and the best part – dine on a pretzel of your very own! Maximum of 10 kids. ($10 per child)
December 21st – Scoops (Milton) – 4:00 pm
If you want your kids to think you’re the best parent on the planet, sign up NOW!!! Scoops is an old fashioned ice cream parlor with floor to ceiling candy, cakes and ice cream!! It is a sweet tooth’s dream come true!! We will be making ice cream sundaes and a candy treat to take home!!! ($15 per child)
December 28th – Chick Fil A (Cumming) – 10:00 am
Tour the Chick Fil A (behind the scenes too!) and learn how the restaurant is run. Includes a kids meal (nuggets, fries, drink)!! ($10 per child)
December 29th – Z’s Pizza (Alpharetta) – 4:30 pm
Another favorite event returns this month and your big kids can join us too for this afternoon event! Kids will be making their very own pizza, including a soft drink and a couple pizzas for the parents too!!! ALL organic ingredients and a whole lot of FUN! Come hungry…leave happy!! ($15 per child)
December 30th – Dutch Monkey Doughnuts (Cumming) – 10:00 am
Watch as Chef Martin makes & rolls the dough, learn how doughnuts are made, and decorate & eat your own special doughnut treat! Drink provided as well. ($15 per child)
January 3rd – Chamberlain’s Chocolate Factory (Norcross) – 4:00 pm
An event you don’t want to miss! KidVentures is returning to the chocolate factory and the kids will be making three yummy chocolate creations to bring home (a chocolate lollipop, chocolate-covered Oreo cookie, and chocolate pizza)! If you missed our previous visits to Chamberlain’s, be sure to sign up this time! ($15 per child)
We hope you’ll join us for some of these exciting “KidVentures” to help occupy your little ones while on break from school!
Pre-registration is required for all events. Please visit our website to register! www.kidventuresatlanta.com
The Holiday Ice Spectacular at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Transforms Into Icy Wonderland
What: The Holiday Ice Spectacular
When: December 16-24, 2010
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre | 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway
This winter, you’re invited to a seasonal show-stopper like no other with world-class skaters and entertainers setting the ice on fire at The Holiday Ice Spectacular. Join the colorful cast as they create a glittering world of holiday cheer December 16-24 and let the quick-witted humor and dazzling performances captivate as these outstanding athletes take to the ice-covered stage at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Henry, a charming, yet mischievous elf has decided (against orders) to let the audience experience the wonder of the North Pole. He and his wife will keep you roaring in your seats with their adult-friendly comic relief peppered throughout the show. You’ll see everything from a Hannukah celebration to an intricate line dance performed on skates. Humorous vignettes, a 12-minute bite of The Nutcracker and flawless skating filled with awe-inspiring catches and gravity-defying leaps will keep you entranced throughout the entire production.
“It’s exciting to be back home in Atlanta producing The Holiday Ice Spectacular during the most festive and reflective time of year,” says Jeb K. Rand, creator of The Holiday Ice Spectacular. “It was our goal to create a holiday revue that will redefine year-end traditions for years to come, and I believe our audiences will agree that we’ve done just that.”
The Holiday Ice Spectacular is the perfect way to spend a night out with your family, friends, or coworkers, and is just right for a delightfully surprising date. Tickets range in price from $25 to $89 and are available via Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com. Special VIP and group packages are also offered at select prices and discount levels. Want to spend a night out while giving back to two of Atlanta’s favorite non-profit organizations? Stay tuned for details about how your ticket purchase could give back.
Developed by Rand Family Entertainment, The Holiday Ice Spectacular is produced and directed by Cobb County native Jeb K. Rand, whose entertainment career began when he was just a small child with a passion for skating. A former nationally-ranked U.S. pairs figure skater, Jeb’s professional skating career spanned over a decade and included principal roles with Ice Capades, Disney on Ice, and Stars on Ice – Italian Tour. He and his wife and skating partner, Jen, were also featured in Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular from 1998 through 2005. His love for creating magical stories and shows that transform the stage provides the perfect segue into his current creative role as the President and Executive Producer of Rand Enterprises & Productions Inc, where he now serves as the creative force behind productions taking place around the world.
Showtimes: The Holiday Ice Spectacular will open December 16. Shows will run through December 23 with select matinee performances, including one on December 24. For more information or a detailed list of show times, please visit www.holidayicespectacular.com.
About Rand Family Entertainment: Rand Family Entertainment is a division of Rand Enterprises & Productions. Based in Las Vegas, Rand Enterprises & Productions is a full-scale entertainment production company specializing in original ice shows and events that combine skating and theatre. Since 1996, President and Executive Producer Jeb K. Rand has created, directed and produced critically acclaimed shows around the world. For more information, visit www.randproductions.com
GIVEAWAY! – presented by AtlantaMoms.com and TheMommyInsider.com
AtlantaMoms.com is giving 4 lucky readers tickets to The Holiday Ice Spectacular December 17th 8pm show – valued at $300!
2 lucky readers will win a 4 pack of tickets to the December 17th 8pm show AND 2 lucky readers will win a 2 pack of tickets to December 17th 8pm show.
Important: We are not able to choose which winners get 2 or 4 tickets. If you can’t go unless you get 4 tickets, please count on buying 2 extra tickets in the case that you win 2 tickets. You can buy tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.
We will attempt to contact the chosen winners 1 time and will move on to a new winner if the winner does not contact us within 24 hours. Tickets will be mailed, emailed, or at Will Call the night of the show.
Entries accepted through December 9th.
How to enter:
Leave a comment telling us why you want to go to The Holiday Ice Spectacular and you are entered to win!
Extra entries:
Tweet about this giveaway contest to earn 2 extra entries and feature this giveaway on your Facebook page for an additional 2 entries.
Sample text: “I just entered to win tickets to The Holiday Ice Spectacular! You can enter to win here: http://ow.ly/3jsZO”
Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook too! Tell us in the comments what you’ve done so we can add up your entries.
Chattahoochee Nature Center ‘Back to Nature Holiday Market and Festival’ website
Our gift to the community – FREE admission to CNC for the Market!
Buy local this Holiday Season! Find unique gifts while staying away from the crowds of the mall. Come browse local vendors selling a variety of items for the perfect holiday present!
Holiday Marketplace with vendors selling local, handmade, natural products
Musical entertainment from the Roswell High School Orchestra students from 11am – 2pm will get you in the spirit with this nature holiday shop around
Explore our Discovery Center and take home a fun nature gift from the Nature Store
Nature Exchange Traders can find a fun gift for parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters! Nature Exchange will have discounted trade items and exciting gift ideas all waiting to be traded out! Be sure to get a start early by stopping in today (due to the busy nature of festivals – please do not bring in items to trade; however, if you already have points saved up, feel free to do some shopping!)
Spend the day at CNC! Douceur de France will be serving delicious beignets, coffee and croissants in the café. They will serve lunch – with an assortment of delectable soups including Pumpkin; Mushroom or Tomato and Basil plus sandwiches such as Brie on French Bread; Ham and Swiss or Vegetable Panini’s. Their delectable desserts will include freshly made beignets, crème brulee, selections of petit fours; Madelines; Chocolate Éclairs and other French Pastries. Cash only for purchases.
Pick-up evergreen decorations from our horticulture department so you can beautify your home in a natural way with festive holiday decorations from local greenery.
Learn more about Camp Kingfisher with camp tours from Ms. Amy as well as roasting marshmallows by the campfire!
Parking is available in the CNC parking lot. Space is limited so please carpool or ride your bike.
Have you heard about the Nature Exchange at the Chattahoochee Nature Center? This is one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets that shouldn’t be a secret. The Nature Exchange is a cool place where nature lovers of all ages can bring in their collections of shells, rocks, seeds (or almost anything from the natural world) and trade them for new nature items to expand their collection. Since the Nature Exchange opened in June of 2009, well over 3000 people have come in to trade and many more have explored the fascinating nature objects from around the world.
