Centennial Olympic Park

Over three million visitors annually come to the 21 acre Centennial Olympic Park. It is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta and is surrounded by other Atlanta landmarks such as the Georgia Aquarium, the New World of Coca-Cola and the CNN Center. This park was built for the 1996 Olympic Games hosted by Atlanta and hosts many events and festivals throughout the year.

There’s a lot to do this summer at Centennial Olympic Park starting with the Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days. This event occurs once a month until fall and designed to be educational, entertaining and theme based. A different theme is featured each Saturday.

Other events include the 4th of July Celebration, Music@ Noon, Wednesday WindDown, and the ones so beloved by kids – The Fountain of Rings, the 4th of July Celebration, and Holiday in Lights.

4th of July Celebration at Centennial Olympic Park is Atlanta’s best fireworks display. Get their early to secure a spot. Kids activities run from 5:00pm – 9:00pm on the south end of the park.

Music @ Noon features a variety of music by local artists. Styles include Jazz, Pop, and R& B and shows at 12:00pm – 1: 00pm every Tuesday and Thursday April through October.

Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days is a fun event for kids as well as parents to participate in.
Centennial Park invites entertainers, performers, and organizations from all over the South to join the program.

Popular activities include children’s art and crafts, family-friendley performances, life-size chess, touring shows, and educational events. There’s even contest and prizes that are awarded. Be sure to bring the family and this festive event occuring every fourth Saturday of the month from April through September.

Wednesday WindDown features live music performances every Wednesday at the Southern Company Amphitheatre located inside of Centennial Olympic Park. This is Atlanta’s longest running free concert series and runs at 5:30pm to 8:00pm May through September.

Billed as the world’s largest interactive fountain featuring the Olympic Ring Symbol, the Fountain of Rings is one of the most recognized and famous landmarks in the State of Georgia. The Fountains Of Rings goes on everyday, 365 days a year at 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm and 9:00pm.

Songs featured in this amazing show include:

1812 Overture – Tchaikovsky
Chariots of Fire – Electronix
Dancing in the Streets – Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder
Summon the Heroes – John Williams
Twist and Shout – The Beatles
Under the Sea – Samuel E. Wright
William Tell Overture – Gioacchino Rossini
Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
Circle of Life – Lion King / Elton John

A festive Atlanta tradition starts again this holiday season as the 11th annual Holiday in Lights gets underway. Centennial Olympic Park becomes a winter wonderland illustrated by a spectacular show of lights.

Thr Holiday in Lights also features Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink on the great lawn. Marvel at the sparkling lights and join in on the Holiday spirit November 14 through January 3rd. Park hours are 7:00am – 11:00pm everday, including Christmas.

Upcoming Events:

6/1/2010 Music @ Noon – Am/Pm
The perfect summer, lunchtime getaway – take a break from the office and eat lunch in the sun while listening to local talent perform a variety of live music including R&B, jazz, and reggae. From noon – 1 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

6/3/2010 Music @ Noon – Water Seed
The perfect summer, lunchtime getaway – take a break from the office and eat lunch in the sun while listening to local talent perform a variety of live music including R&B, jazz, and reggae. From noon – 1 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

6/8/2010 Music @ Noon – Tony Waters
The perfect summer, lunchtime getaway – take a break from the office and eat lunch in the sun while listening to local talent perform a variety of live music including R&B, jazz, and reggae. From noon – 1 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

6/10/2010 Music @ Noon – Jazz Ambassadors
The perfect summer, lunchtime getaway – take a break from the office and eat lunch in the sun while listening to local talent perform a variety of live music including R&B, jazz, and reggae. From noon – 1 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

6/15/2010 Music @ Noon – The ConSoulTant
The perfect summer, lunchtime getaway – take a break from the office and eat lunch in the sun while listening to local talent perform a variety of live music including R&B, jazz, and reggae. From noon – 1 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

6/17/2010 Music @ Noon – Tawana Lael
The perfect summer, lunchtime getaway – take a break from the office and eat lunch in the sun while listening to local talent perform a variety of live music including R&B, jazz, and reggae. From noon – 1 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

6/22/2010 Music @ Noon – Davin McCoy
The perfect summer, lunchtime getaway – take a break from the office and eat lunch in the sun while listening to local talent perform a variety of live music including R&B, jazz, and reggae. From noon – 1 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

6/24/2010 Music @ Noon – Modern Course
The perfect summer, lunchtime getaway – take a break from the office and eat lunch in the sun while listening to local talent perform a variety of live music including R&B, jazz, and reggae. From noon – 1 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

6/26/2010 Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day
Enjoy an afternoon of FREE, themed family fun once a month from spring to fall at Centennial Olympic Park’s Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day! The event is full of interactive, entertaining and educational activities for children and each Saturday features a different theme. The Park invites civic organizations, hobby enthusiasts, artisans, school groups and entertainers from around the Southeast to participate in the program.

6/29/2010 Music @ Noon – The Joanne Smith Experience
The perfect summer, lunchtime getaway – take a break from the office and eat lunch in the sun while listening to local talent perform a variety of live music including R&B, jazz, and reggae. From noon – 1 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

6/30/10 Wednesday WindDown
An evening with jazz trumpeter Melvin Miller. From 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

7/07/10 Wednesday WindDown
An eclectic mix of Jazz, Soul, Blues and Sumba from Ahasa Ahla and Woodsound. From 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

7/14/10 Wednesday WindDown
R&B Soul artists The 911 Band take the stage. From 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

7/15-18/2010 National Black Arts Festival
The NBAF (National Black Arts Festival) is one of the premier national and international celebrations of the art, music and culture of people of African descent. The mission of the NBAF is to engage, cultivate and educate diverse audiences about the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and provide opportunities for artistic and creative expression. Come out to the Park July 15-18 and enjoy the festival. For additional information on this Atlanta Event please visit www.nbaf.org.

7/21/10 Wednesday WindDown
Soul/R&B artist Kelsy Davis performs. From 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

7/24/2010 Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day
Enjoy an afternoon of FREE, themed family fun once a month from spring to fall at Centennial Olympic Park’s Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day! The event is full of interactive, entertaining and educational activities for children and each Saturday features a different theme. The Park invites civic organizations, hobby enthusiasts, artisans, school groups and entertainers from around the Southeast to participate in the program.

7/28/10 Wednesday WindDown
TBA. From 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the Southern Company Amphitheater, across from CNN.

Related Articles:
Atlanta July 4th Fireworks
Centennial Olympic Park Becoming Tourist Mecca
The Ice Rink at Centennial Olympic Park

Zoo Atlanta

Are you looking for what to do with your kids in Atlanta? Then go to one of all time favorite kids attractions in Georgia. After all, what better way is there to spend quality time with the family and children than having a picnic or meandering through 40 acres and 250 species of animals at Zoo Atlanta. There is much to see and learn including interactive live animal shows and events that evolve around the daily lives of over 1000 kinds of wildlife.

One of the more fascinating exhibits is the Gorillas of the Ford African Rain Forest. This is home to over 20 western lowland gorillas and was also home to the local favorite Willie B. who was named after the former Mayor of Atlanta, William B. Hartsfield. The gorillas can weigh up to 500 pounds and are the largest primate species in the world. They are extremely fun to watch and it’s hard to imagine they can be that big while consuming only vegetables. This nationally renowned collection of great apes is one of the largest primate habitats in North America and is partnered through conservation with The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.

Perhaps the most famous attraction at the Zoo are the Giant Pandas Lu Lu, Yang Yang and their two cubs. These adorable mammals can weigh over two hundred pounds and are strikingly beautiful. References to the Giant Panda date back to over 3000 years in China where it symbolizes peace since it rarely feeds on other animals. The giant panda shares many characteristics of both the bear and raccoon families and it wasn’t determined until recently which one they belonged too. Scientists finally agreed after DNA results determined that giant pandas are more closely related to bears and the red pandas are related to raccoons.

Some of the more engaging collections include the African elephants, the black rhinos, the Sumatran orangutans, and the Komodo Dragon. The Sumatran tiger is one of the rarest and most endangered species in the world. The World of Reptiles is one of the best in the country and features snakes such as the green anaconda, king cobra, and black mamba.

One of the children’s favorite venues is the petting zoo where they can stand face to face with sheep, goats and pot belly pigs. Of Course, they won’t want to miss the playground or riding the carousel and zoo train. Some of the current programs that parents and kids can take advantage of are the Family Nightcrawler Overnites and Mommy and Me. Over 1,000,000 visitors a year come to this 40 acre facility located in historic Grant Park. AtlantaGaToday recommends the family friendly environment of Zoo Atlanta and ranks it as a top Atlanta attraction and a favorite Georgia destination.

Related Articles:
Brew at the Zoo Event
Zoo Atlanta Embraces New Black Rhino
Zoo Atlanta Offers Unique Kids Program

Zoo Atlanta Upcoming Events and Programs

May 12
HomeSchool Academy

May 15
The 2010 Beastly Feast, Silverback Gorilla Gala

May 20
Wild on the Rocks

May 22
Mommy and Me – Animal Moms

May 22
The Great Zoo Caper! Family NightCrawler

May 22
Keeper for a Day – Australia & Carnivores

May 22
Members Only Night

May 28
Don’t Fry Day

May 29
Brew at the Zoo

June 1 – August 13
Summer Safari Day Camp

June 5
Tusks at Dusk Deluxe Family NightCrawler

June 10
Mommy and Me – Animal Eyesight

June 12
Mommy and Me – Animal Eyesight

June 12
Keeper for a Day – Elephants & Warthogs

June 17
Mommy and Me – Animal Dads

June 19
Mommy and Me – Animal Dads

June 19
Father’s Day After Dark Family NightCrawler

June 24
Mommy and Me – Animal Hearing

June 26
Mommy and Me – Animal Hearing

June 26
Keeper for a Day – Australia & Carnivores

July 10
Keeper for a Day – Elephants & Warthogs

July 10
Mommy and Me Single Day: Herbivores

July 13, 20, 27
Mommy and Me: Animal Appetites

July 14, 21, 28
Mommy and Me: Animal Appetites

July 15
Mommy and Me Single Day: Herbivores

Go here for more information on Mommy and Me.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s biggest, containing eight million gallons of water and more aquatic life than any other aquarium. Sometimes referred to as the Atlanta Aquarium, this is one of the top Atlanta Attractions drawing millions of tourists and locals each year. It is situated on a 20 acre site adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

The Georgia Aquarium has over 100,000 aquatic animals from all over the globe that are housed in five different galleries.  The first is the Georgia Explorer which is geared towards kids (with touch tanks) and shows wildlife related to Georgia’s coast. The next gallery named Ocean Voyager, contains most of the aquariums fish including the whale sharks. It also has an under water tunnel and one of the worlds largest viewing windows.

The second largest exhibit is the Cold Water Quest featuring animals from the polar regions of the world. This area contains the beautiful Beluga whales, sea lions, and the curious looking black footed penguins. The River Scout is a regional section that features an overhead river. One of the more fascinating fish in this exhibit include the piranha. The fifth gallery is the Tropical Diver and has many weird forms of aquatic life and includes a marvelous living reef with live coral.

Georgia Aquarium Events 2010

Jazz Journeys
Friday Nights, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
May-September
Georgia Aquarium
Jazz Journeys is back for summer 2010! Jazz Journeys is sure to lighten your mood with the sounds of upbeat,
cool tempos and smooth melodic jazz tunes as you take in the sights at the world’s largest aquarium. Jazz Journeys will be complemented with drink specials and a special Jazz bites menu featuring gourmet packages, specially created by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Jazz Journeys is included with the purchase of Friday general admission tickets. FREE for Members! Check out the schedule of performers and join us for Jazz Journeys.

Princess Day: A Benefit for Frog Conservation
May 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Georgia Aquarium
May 8-9 at “Diana: A Celebration” at the Atlanta Civic Center
Georgia Aquarium’s Princess Day, presented by “Diana: A Celebration,” invites you to join our princesses and princes as they appear in person to help raise awareness for frog conservation. Festivities include special parades, photo opportunities, giveaways, arts, crafts, games and more! Kids under 12 in princess, prince or frog costume receive free Aquarium admission with a paying adult
or Member.Continue the celebration at “Diana: A Celebration” on May 8 or May 9, where all kids under 12 in princess, prince or frog costume receive free admission with a paying adult.** Learn more and join us.

*1 FREE child admission with each paid adult or Member. Offer includes Aquarium general admission only.
**1 FREE “Diana: A Celebration” child admission (12 and under) with each paid adult. Not valid with any other offer.

Ocean 101 Workshop Series: Day at the Georgia Coast
Saturday, May 8 from 9 – 11 a.m.
Georgia Aquarium
Come experience the Georgia Coast without having to leave Atlanta. During a “Day at the Georgia Coast,” discover the uniqueness and magic of the Georgia coast from habitats and animals to cultures.
You will be introduced to our living collection of Georgia species
and explore beach ecology, conservation efforts and the impact of
invasive species through interactive labs.

Cost: Members – $20; Non-Members – $30

Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Georgia Aquarium Oceans Ballroom
Seating Times: 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day to the fullest this year and join us for our annual brunch at the Georgia Aquarium. We’ll help you make it a special day by presenting a fabulous meal catered by Wolfgang Puck which you can follow with a fun stroll through the Aquarium.
Learn more about this special Mother’s Day event and sign up today.

Fish & Chips Golf Tournament
Monday, May 17, 2010
Atlanta Country Club
Spend a relaxing day at Georgia Aquarium’s Fifth Annual Fish
& Chips Golf Tournament.  Following a round of golf, hang your golf clubs and enjoy our Awards Luncheon and Presentation Reception.  The tournament raises money to ensure the mission of the Georgia Aquarium is safeguarded for future generations.  The proceeds will allow us to continue, and grow our educational programs.

Science on Tap – Collection of an Invasive Species:
Lionfish off the Coast of Georgia
Thursday, June 10, 2010 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Speaker: Jeff Reid, Manager, Dive Safety Programs
Learn answers to questions such as: What is a Lionfish? How did they get here? What problems are they causing? And how do you catch them? In addition, learn about Georgia Aquarium’s collaborations with NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuary Program and the future of Lionfish as an invasive species.

Cost: Members – $25, Non-Members – $35

Fish & Chips Junior
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Georgia Aquarium
Plan ahead for Father’s Day and challenge your dad to a
unique game of mini-golf at the Georgia Aquarium. Putt-putt golf
under the sea at our 18-hole miniature course and fill up on tasty snacks and drinks as you play. It’ll be a day with dad he never forgets.

Ocean 101 Workshop Series:
Choosing and Using a Home Aquarium
Saturday, June 26 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Georgia Aquarium
Have you ever dreamed of having your own aquarium, but did not know how or where to start? Then this is the workshop for you. We
will be introducing participants to the joys of owning your own home aquarium with the help of a Georgia Aquarium biologist. You will
learn how to choose which type of aquarium is best for you, how to
set it up and what equipment you need. Participants will also have
an opportunity to go behind the scenes of the Aquarium and see
how our exhibits are designed.

Ocean 101 Lecture Series – Got fish, now what? Seminar with Veterinarian Tonya Clauss
Thursday, July 8 from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Georgia Aquarium
You finally have your tank set up with some amazing fish and all is going well when, suddenly, your fish die and your tank changes colors.
Now what? This seminar will focus on basic fish diseases – how to identify and treat them – and on trouble-shooting and
solving common issues that hobbyists encounter with home aquariums. Georgia Aquarium veterinarian Dr. Tonya Clauss will
lead the discussion and help you save your fish

Breakfast with Biologists – Turtle Conservation and Rehabilitation
Saturday, July 10 from 8:30 – 10 a.m.
Georgia Aquarium
Speaker: Dr. Tonya Clauss, Chief Veterinarian
Learn about the Georgia Aquarium’s efforts in turtle conservation.

Cost: Members – $20; Non-Member – $30
Includes breakfast and Aquarium admission

Related Articles:
Georgia Aquarium Jazz Nights
Discover Sharks at the Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium Says Hello to Old Friends
Georgia Aquarium Discount Tickets Here!

Location:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 581-4000

Hours: Generally Sunday-Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm Saturday 9:00-6:00pm (Hours Vary)
Open 365 days

For more information: www.georgiaaquarium.org

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