If your family is experiencing the Jurassic Era at home, marked by dinosaurs everywhere, T-Rex facts at the dinner table, and playground dates that inevitably include you reminding Junior to “make sure they know you’re a nice dinosaur, not a scary one,” then we’ve got the perfect playbook for your next summer adventure. From digging for dinosaur bones to marveling at life-size replicas, Atlanta dinosaur activities abound. Keep reading for our favorite ways to please your pint-sized paleontologist.

Fernbank Museum & 3D Theatre

Fernbank exhibitions and programming about natural history are hard to beat, but its permanent exhibitions—including Giants of the Mesozoic that has a 123-foot long Argentinosaurus and a Giganotosaurus—comes pretty close. The permanent exhibition, A Walk Through Time in Georgia, tells the twofold story of Georgia's natural history and the development of the planet, including the era of dinosaurs in today's Georgia.

767 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA
404-929-6300
Online: fernbankmuseum.org

Dinosaur Explore

Extinct from Earth for millions of years, some Jurassic giants have made their way to Stone Mountain Park. This captivating creature collection features 20 life-size dinosaurs with special effects allowing them to move and roar just like their ancient ancestors. Begin your adventure with a trip through a time machine portal to find yourself among some of your pre-historic favorites including the giant T-Rex, Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, and more. Families will also enjoy interactive paleontology tents, fantastic photo ops, and a dinosaur feeding wall.

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd.
Stone Mountain, GA
800-401-2407
Online: stonemountainpark.com

Tellus Science Museum

Stare into the mouth of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, catch a glimpse of a saber-tooth cat and discover how life on Earth began in the Tellus Fossil Gallery. This walk through history will take visitors past millions of years of dinosaurs, reptiles, and giant mammals that dominated the land, sea, and air before becoming extinct. Follow up a tour of this gallery with a visit to the Fossil Dig. For an enhanced learning experience, download and print your own Fossil Hunting License and bring it with you to identify your finds.

100 Tellus Drive
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-606-5700
Online: tellusmuseum.org

Photo via iStock.

—Shelley Massey

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You don’t have to venture outside your house to take a trip to the museum––turn your living room in a prehistoric playland!  With the new Museum Alive app, David Attenborough will take your family back in time using the latest Unity AR technology.

Now you can use your iPhone to do more than scroll through IG or post pics of your kiddos on Facebook. If you have an iPhone 8 or up and use iOS 13 or iOS 14, you can blast into the past.

The Museum Alive app is a continuation of Attenborough’s BAFTA-winning Museum Alive film. Using AR (augmented reality) and spatial audio technology, the app magically transports users into a prehistoric experience.

Choose one of three photorealistic fossils to explore: A 300 million-year-old five-eyed fish-like Opabinia, a flying Diamorphodon dinosaur or the sabre-toothed Smildon. Use your phone’s camera to see the world through the eyes of your chosen prehistoric creature and learn about prehistoric life.

Creative and Technical Lead at Museum Alive production studio Alchemy Immersive, Elliot Graves, said in a press release, “We’re so proud to launch an app that can genuinely contribute to educating and inspiring children using immersive technologies. At a time when so many children are disengaged with learning, we really hope the excitement of bringing fossils to life in the home will provide a novel experience that showcases the potential of immersive story-telling within education.”

Graves continued, “We are particularly proud of the app’s visual quality and our distinctive approach to 3D menu design. Above all, though, David Attenborough’s captivating stories bring an infectious liveliness to this immersive experience that instantly makes it cinematic. You just won’t forget what it’s like to have a Sabre-tooth tiger prowl across your floor before pouncing on its prey – and we can’t wait to share what it’s like.”

Of the original 3D Natural History Museum Alive film and experience, Attenborough said, “It’s really exciting to take these stories and bring them to a new young audience via a digital platform which allows you to explore these extraordinary extinct creatures in a way people have never been able to before. I hope that it will make people think about these extinct creatures differently.”

Find Alchemy Immersive’s Museum Alive app in the App Store here!

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Alchemy Immersive

 

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If you’ve got the kind of green thumb that makes most houseplants go extinct, we’ve got your solution right here! A small-scaled terrarium that’s home to dinosaurs! It’s easy to make, hard to kill and brought to you by horticulturist Katie Elzer-Peters. Read on to find out how to DIY a fairy-sized and kid-friendly version of Jurassic Park.

Mason Jar pp 145

Supplies:
Glass container (mason jar works)
Small low-light pants (i.e. table ferns, polka dot plants, Selaginella, Croton, Alternanthera, and Ficus plants)
Few cups of sterilized seedling mix or potting soil
Reindeer moss
Activated charcoal
Dinosaur figurines

Dinosaur Terrarium Photo 2

Good to Know: Enclosed terrariums need a little light for the plants to grow and keep the water cycle going. Otherwise, plants will rot. If you can see condensation inside of the glass, then the terrarium is getting enough light. If the plants start to rot or become mushy, open the cover and let it dry out for a week or so. It may take a while to find the right balance of water for the terrarium to reach equilibrium.

Step by Step:
1. Fill the bottom of the container with ½ to 1 inch of rocks.

2. Pour activated charcoal on top of the rocks until the rocks are barely covered by the charcoal.

3. Add the potting mix on top of the charcoal. Start with 1 inch of potting mix. This doesn’t seem like much, but it is easier to start with a little, than it is to add more potting mix and dig holes.

4. Place the plants. If you’re using accessories, such as the dinosaur, you can set them in among the plants to gauge the effect see if you want to move the plants around prior to planting.

5. Remove plants from pots and plant them. The bottom of the plant root balls can be touching the rocks. Use a spoon to fill in with soil around the plants.

6. Add decorative mulches such as preserved reindeer moss or tumbled stones.

7. Position the accessories.

8. Water the terrarium. This is the trickiest step. It’s easy to overwater and then difficult to get the terrarium to dry out. Start by watering so that the top inch of soil (which might, in this case, be all of the soil) is about as damp as a wrung-out sponge. You can always add water.

9. Place the cover on the terrarium, set it in bright indirect light, and enjoy.

Even in such a small terrarium, you can make separate little scenes. Ideally, you’ll use accessories to make the terrarium interesting and inviting from all sides.

 

Katie Elzer-Peters is a horticulturist and author of gardening books, blogs, and articles. She also teaches classes and runs workshops dedicated to gardening and garden writing in Wilmington, North Carolina. Her guide to making “fairy + mini” gardens can be pre-ordered here on Amazon.

 

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In May 2014, I was overjoyed to learn that my second baby was on the way, but when I calculated my due date, my heart sank: January 27 was right in the middle of flu season.

Like any good mother, I did what I needed to make sure my home was prepared for a new baby during cold and flu season. I used Clorox wipes on doorknobs and faucets like nobody’s business. I limited my toddler’s time at playdates as I neared my due date, and I made sure we were all up-to-date on our flu shots. I also started asking close relatives to get their flu shot and their pertussis vaccine.

Once my son was born, I declined all visitors at the hospital and I refused to let my newborn be “passed around” at home. I kept him in an Ergo baby carrier for the majority of the day; close to Mama where kind—but too-close-for-comfort—strangers could not greet my little man. I definitely received my share of side-eyes, but the mama bear in me didn’t care. But what I didn’t realize that what I was doing was called “cocooning.” And turns out, cocooning is trending for good reason—because it’s helping to save the lives of newborns.

While miffed family members called me “extreme” and a “germaphobe”, the American Academy of Pediatricians’ was on my side. Their official policy on cocooning is this: 

“One of the best ways to protect very young children—who have not yet received the full range of vaccines for deadly diseases—is to ensure that all family members and caregivers who are in close contact with the children are up-to-date on their own immunizations.” Adding, “Creating a circle of protection around the baby is called ‘cocooning.’”

What Exactly Is Cocooning?

Cocooning is the practice of secluding yourself and protecting your newborn from illnesses and diseases. It’s not uncommon for new parents to cocoon their newborn from relatives (even aunts and uncles and grandparents) and friends until adults receive vaccine updates (like the flu shot or Tdap) and/or until baby receives his first set of immunizations.

3 Reasons Cocooning Is Important:

  1. Newborns are too young to receive all the necessary immunizations to be fully protected from diseases like whooping cough and the flu.

  2. According to the Immunization Action Coalition, it’s not strangers who most often get babies sick; it is unvaccinated family members who pose the greatest risks to newborns since they are in much closer contact with a baby (than a stranger). 

  3. Whooping cough and influenza are not extinct. Both outbreaks occur each year. 

How to Cocoon with Your Newborn

Cocooning is about protecting your baby; in this case, you are cocooning or shielding your baby by surrounding your little one with adults who are fully immunized against infectious diseases. You can cocoon your baby by:

  • Receiving immunization against whooping cough while pregnant; this is in line with ACOG recommendations for all pregnant women

  • Requesting that all family members in close contact with the baby receive their flu shot

  • Requesting that all family members in close contact with the baby receive their Tdap 

  • Immunizing your baby as soon as possible (per your pediatrician’s guidelines)

Of course, if you have questions, make sure to reach out to your baby’s doctor!

Kathryn is a self-proclaimed book nerd who has a passion for natural parenting and writing. As a homeschooling mother, she understands the dynamics of a busy family life. She is the founder of Cor Domum, a mission that guides families through life so that they can parent with joy. 

It’s official. With the news that the Perth, Australia Blockbuster Video store is closing, the last Blockbuster Video store on the planet is now located in Bend, Oregon. That’s right: there’s only one place left on Earth where “Please be kind, rewind” still applies.

Once king of the at-home movie world, VHS tapes went the way of the dinosaurs when DVD and BluRay technology gained popularity. While the disks have had a mighty reign, the rise of streaming services has all but made them obsolete. And now the one place that rented them out is about to go extinct—almost.

Lyn and John Borszeky—the soon-to-be former owners of the Blockbuster in Morley, a suburb of Perth, Australia—recently announced they will close their doors forever by the end of March. Ms. Borszeky told the Australian Associated Press, “We put in a pretty good effort to be the last one in Australia, I suppose, but it was going to happen eventually and now is the time.”

Now that the entire planet is forced to flock to Bend, Oregon for their movie rentals, what can we expect from this lone Blockbuster outpost? To start, it won’t close anytime soon. Even though Dish now owns Blockbuster, the Bend store (like the former other last holdouts) is a franchised store. That means its owner/operator can choose to keep the rental retailer open for as long as they please.

Bend Blockbuster general manager, Sandi Harding, told The Oregonian, “We probably open up 10 accounts a day. It’s crazy the amount of people that come in and want a Blockbuster card.” According to Harding, many of the store’s visitors don’t actually rent movies, but they do come in to buy Blockbuster t-shirts, stickers and other merch.

The nostalgia for the once-global video rental retailer isn’t going away anytime soon, either. Bend-area filmmakers Taylor Morden and Zeke Kamm are working on a documentary about the Oregon store. As of now there’s no release date for “blockbuster” flick.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Marvel Entertainment via YouTube

 

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It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and enjoy our lush natural playgrounds—especially if you love jogging! If you have a little one that’s not walking yet, you can still get out there and hit the trails with a stroller, no problem. There are lots of great stroller-friendly parks and paths all over the city. Below, we’ve chosen some of our favorite routes that are easy to use a stroller on. Read on to find out more!

photo: alanna via flickr

Powell Butte Nature Park

This extinct volcano makes a perfect nature exploration day! The visit center has restrooms, drinking water, and a display of the areas history, and the well-marked paths wind up to an amazing view. On a clear day you can spot at least 7 surrounding peaks, with help from the mountain finder circle that points them out. The paths around the meadow near the center are the most stroller friendly, and the there are several routes to head up, down and around.

SE 162nd & Powell Blvd
Online: friendsofpowellbutte.org

Mt Tabor Park

The paved road and trails winding up to the top of this extinct volcano park (one of 4 inside the city limits!) make an easy stroll–except for the elevation. You’ll get your exercise and be rewarded with a beautiful city view once you reach the top! Bonus points for being easy to get to and having a great playground for the kids.

SE 60th and Salmon St.
Online: portlandoregon.gov/

photo: jevonnie via yelp

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens

Tucked beside Reed College in SE Portland, Crystal Springs feels like one of Portland’s secret gardens. More than 2.500 rhododendrons and azaleas bloom here in full force in the spring, stretching until late July. The garden is still beautiful at any time of year, though, with lots of paths that your little one can choose that lead to secrets like a waterfall or hidden ponds. A large pond is home to more than 100 types of birds perfect for watching (no feeding them here). It’s an easy stroll rather than a strenuous hike, and makes a lovely day.

$12/adults, free for children 12 and under
No fees on Mondays or from October – February
5801 SE 28th Avenue
Online: portlandoregon.gov/

Sam’s Walker Nature Trail

In the Columbia Gorge on the Washington side, this sweet little loop winds around former farmland and offers some great sweeping views of the Gorge. The 1.1 mile path is gravel, so strollers with bigger tires might fare better here, but it’s well-maintained. You’ll see fields, oaks, and apple trees, and come across a picnic table for some snacktime.

About 25 miles outside Vancouver
Online: wta.org

photo: SpikeSoleil via flickr

Catherine Creek Universal Loop

This is a short loop with a big payoff. Well known for wildflowers in the spring, the loop also offers great views of the Columbia River, Catherine Creek, meadows, and the beautiful Catherine Creek Falls. As universal access trail, it’s paved and well-maintained– the bumpy parking lot might offer the biggest challenge, though!

Online: gorgefriends.org/

Hoyt Arboretum

Trails wind all across the 190 acres of this beautiful arboretum in the West Hills. With more than 6,000 trees, there’s always something to admire! You can stop by the Visitor Center for tips on what to look for, and have them direct you to their 1 mile stroller friendly trail. Don’t forget to grab a children’s activity map while you’re there, too! For a longer hike (2.5-3.5 miles), follow the expert route that Access Trails has laid out for the easiest rolling with the most diverse habitat.

4000 SW Fairview Blvd.
Online: accesstrails.org

photo: bradley via flickr

Smith and Bybee Wetlands

It might seem odd to pass warehouses and industrial terminals on your way to a hike, but the wetlands hidden in North Portland are another little secret jewel of Portland. The Interlakes Trail offers an out-and-back paved path that passes by viewpoints of both lakes, about 2 miles total. You’ll be able to spot pelicans, turtles, and maybe even a secretive beaver or two!

5300 N. Marine Drive
Online: oregonmetro.gov

Tualatin Hills Nature Park

The ponds and wetlands of this forested park make for a great place to scout out some frogs and ducks! 1.5 miles of the trails are paved for super easy strolling, and even more are hard packed surfaces or boardwalks extending over flowing creeks. Start at the nature center to orient yourself (and get a hint of what little eyes should be looking for out there!), then head out on the Oak Trail to the Tadpole Pond, the Ponderosa Loop, or the Vine Maple Trail.

15655 SW Millikan Way
Online: thprd.org

—Katrina Emery

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There are few animals as majestic and awe-inspiring as the rhinoceros, but sadly nearly all rhino species are considered critically endangered. World Rhino Day is not just about appreciating these beautiful beasts, but learning how to help protect them. Read on to learn more about rhinos and how you can help save them.

photo: Roman Boed via flickr cc

 

Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis): Lives in Africa, mostly in grasslands, savannahs and tropical bush lands. There are four types of black rhinos. Black rhinos are crtically endangered.

Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus):  Now found only in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park in west Java, they can live 30-40 years and are relatively solitary.

Sumatran Rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis): The most critically endangered of all the species only about 100 living in the dense tropical forests of Sumatra and central Borneo.

Greater One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis): This rhino species lives in northern India and southern Nepal, in floodplain grasslands and nearby woodland area. They are currently listed as vulnerable.

White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum): The near-threatened status of the white rhino applies to the Southern white rhino. Sadly, the Northern white rhino is extinct due to poaching. The white rhino lives in the African savannah.

How can you help?

1. Attend or help organize a Bowling for Rhinos night at your local alley.

2. Donate to Air Shepard, an organization that uses drones to stop poachers before they harm rhinos, elephants and other endangered species.

3. The International Rhino Foundation offers an adopt-a-rhino program. Adopt a Sumatran rhino and receive a photo and bio of your chosen rhino along with an adoption certificate. Friend the head rhino on Facebook to stay apprised of your rhinos adventures.

4. You can also adopt an African rhino through the World Wildlife Fund and receive a plush rhino along with an adoption certificate and more.

Got other ideas on how to help the rhinos? Share them with our community in the comments below.

—Amber Guetebier

When it comes to popularity, dinosaurs have maintained their status for millions of years. Unleash your kid-a-saurus on these awesome activities—from colorful dino eggs to DIY fossil kit—and we guarantee your craft table will never go extinct. Click through the gallery to get started.

Dino Egg Hunt

Planning a party for a dinosaur lover? This dinosaur egg hunt will make your party guests squeal with delight. Guests will love finding old Easter eggs, ahem we mean dinosaur eggs, with baby dinosaurs stuffed inside. Don't you just love an easy to put together, fun party game? Check out Apartment Therapy for other creative ideas on how to make your dinosaur themed party roar!

photo: Amy via Apartment Therapy

Which activity will you try with the kids? Share with us in a comment below!

— Aimee Della Bitta

Today Is Dinosaur Day

It’s going to be a good one.

1

First you’ll want to transform your kiddo into a dinosaur!
Check out 
our video that’ll show you how to make your own dino hat and feet in just a few simple steps.

2

Now that you’re in character, sit back with a family flick. We suggest scooping up a copy of the now-available The Good Dinosaur , which follows the adventures of Arlo and his human buddy in a world where dinosaurs never went extinct.

3

Good news: Even though in 2016 dinosaurs are extinct, you can still find a dinosaur egg. Better yet, hatch your own with our tutorial that requires only four supplies.

.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by The Good Dinosaur now available on Digital HD and Blu-ray }

©2016 Disney•Pixar

For parents, the fascination with figuring out whether a child is left or right handed starts at birth and can last through Kindergarten (Tip: Your child has a 10% chance of being left handed, unless both parents are left handed, and then it increases to 50%).

Most kids don’t show a preference for the right hand or left until around age 2 or 3, and some children remain ambidextrous until they’re 5 or 6. There is some interesting research about when and how child develop preferences here, including whether it develops invitro.

Whether your littles are just mastering the art of holding a crayon or leaning to the left or right, International Left-Handers Day is a celebration of all the dextrous lefties in the world. Read on for cool facts about some of our favorite famous left-handed celebs.

Photo by Angelina Earley via Flickr Creative Commons

Leonardo da Vinci
You probably know him from the Mona Lisa but it may surprise you to learn that Leonardo wrote more than 13,000 pages of writing in notes and journals. Cooler still is that most of it was in mirror-writing: you have to hold it up to a mirror to read it. (Give it a try!) He also invented many things including a mechanical knight, a steam cannon and multiple flying machines.

Photo by OnInnovation via Flickr Creative Commons

Bill Gates
Sure, he co-founded Microsoft, but did you also know he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth? He’s also been given the Silver Buffalo Award, the highest you can achieve, by the Boy Scouts of America. What tops that? Well, he does has have Costa Rican flower fly named after him: Eristalis gates.

Photo by Miriam Pottoni via Flickr Creative Commons

Pink
This fierce and fabulous left-hander was born Alecia Beth Moore in Doylestown, Pa. An outspoken animal rights activist, she’s recorded seven hit albums and her performances often include impressive acrobatics and dance moves. In 2011 she gave birth to a daughter whom she named Willow Sage.

Photo by Barry M. Hackner via Flickr Creative Commons

Barack Obama
The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hi. You probably already know he is the proud father of two girls and an avid Chicago White Sox fan, but did you catch his appearance on the Jimmy Fallon show? Jimmy dubbed him the “Barackness monster.”

 In fact, five recent presidents have been left-handed: Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

Photo by Peabody Awards via Flickr Creative Commons

Jon Stewart
Funny man, political satirist and Peabody Award winner Jon Stewart proposed to his wife with a New York Times crossword puzzle, designed wit with the help of editor Will Shortz. She said yes. They have two children, Nathan born in 2004 and Maggie born in 2006. Sidenote: Jon Stewart has been officially named a chief by the President of Liberia.

Photo by Mike Mozart via Flickr Creative Commons

Tina Fey
Born Elizabeth Stamatina Fey, she’s well known for her TV works like 30 Rock, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Saturday Night Live. She might win the award from your kiddos for coolest left-hander ever: she’s appeared on Sesame Street , iCarly, and the 2014 film Muppets Most Wanted. She’s even had a pint of Ben & Jerry’s named after her character, Liz Lemon. Fey is also a mommy of two girls: Alice born in 2005 and Penelope born in 2011.

Photo by Juan Salmoral via Flickr Creative Commons

Lady Gaga
Known for her outrageous costumes and elaborate shows, Lady Gaga was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. She has an entire genus of ferns named after her, Gaga;  a wasp, Aleiodes gaga; and even an extinct mammal, Gagadon.

 

More South Paw Celebs

Robert De Niro

Angelina Jolie

Prince William

Robert Redford

Sarah Jessica Parker (& Matthew Broderick!)

Keanu Reeves

Jerry Seinfeld

Nicole Kidman

Julia Roberts

Jim Henson

Luke Perry

Seth Rogan

Mary-Kate Olsen

Owen Wilson

Bruce Willis

Lisa Kudrow

Morgan Freeman

Diane Keaton

Mark Wahlberg

Matt Dillon

Tim Allen

Michael Landon

Justin Bieber

Oprah Winfrey

John Slattery

Ben Stiller

Emma Thompson

Paul McCartney

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Jay Leno

Demi Moore

Prince Charles

Celine Dion

Martina McBride

Drew Carey

Matt Lauer

Whoopi Goldberg

Richard Simmons

Goldie Hawn

Ron Perlman

Pierce Brosnan

Teri Hatcher

Dan Aykroyd

David Bowie

Spike Lee

January Jones

Eminem

Babe Ruth

Ashley Tisdale

Dennis Quaid

Jimi Hendrix

Ed O’Neill

A.J. McLean

Niall Horan

Greg Kinnear

Oprah Winfrey

David Letterman

Jim Carrey

 

 

Whose your favorite left handed hero? 

 

—Jacqui Boland & Amber Guetebier