Some things, like your ability to weather both heat and traffic with grace, are easy giveaways that you’re from Atlanta. But there are some baby names that are even more Atlantan than that and will let everyone know how much you love our fair city. Keep reading for a peck of perfectly peachy Georgia-inspired baby names for boys and girls that you’ll love.

Asa
Asa Griggs Candler founded the Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta in 1892, and was our city’s 41st mayor from 1916 to 1919. Since he had 5 children, though, and countless grand, great-grand, and great-great grandchildren (most of whom have Asa in their name somewhere), you’re bound to run into one of his descendants at the playground sometime. Just be prepared to be grilled on your lineage.

Ansley
Atlanta’s first suburban neighborhood can be found in Midtown, between Peachtree St. and Piedmont Park. Designed in 1905 for automobile travel, it features wide, winding roads that are still as fun today to travel as they were over a century ago.

André
André Lauren Benjamin, better known as André 3000, is an Altanta rapper, singer-songwriter, musician, record producer and actor. You might know him for being part of hip-hop duo OutKast, alongside fellow rapper Big Boi.

August or Augusta
In addition to being the city where every spring The Master’s Tournament takes place, this Georgia town shares a name with Helen Augusta Howard, who established the Georgia Woman Suffrage Association (GWSA) in the 1890s.

Bless
Another sweet middle name, not a one of us can say anything mean about anyone else without saying “bless his heart” to soften the blow.

Candler
See Asa, above. For additional inspiration, Candler Park is one of our favorite spots for a picnic, and is the site of one of our city’s best festivals.

Carter
Jimmy Carter may not be from Atlanta, but we claim him like he is.

Dex
This one’s for you, Decatur. For your funky independence and our favorite book festival of the year, we feel like you need to be honored in the next generation of Atlanta baby’s names.

Eve
Because EAV (East Atlanta Village) would cause some serious distress on standardized test forms later in life, we’ve taken the liberty of transforming one of our city’s most transformative neighborhoods into an easier-to-spell-and-pronounce baby name.

Georgia
Because, you know, we live in Georgia? Also, it’s one of our favorite girl names of all time.

Grady
Henry W. Grady was a Reconstruction-era journalist who coined the phrase “the New South,” and who helped reintegrate Georgia into the Union after the Civil War. Atlanta’s downtown hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, is named after him, as is Grady High School in Midtown.

Gladys
The “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight—a four-time Grammy Award-winner best known for hits Midnight Train to Georgia and I Heard It Through the Grapevine— was born and raised in Atlanta.

Hot
Because it is. Right now. Atlanta is so. stinking. hot. And will be, until October.

Hartsfield
If the world’s busiest airport is worthy of being named after former Atlanta mayors William B. Hartsfield and Maynard Jackson, your special delivery is, too. Really, what’s cuter than a nickname of “Hart?”

Inman
One of Atlanta’s oldest and most scenic neighborhoods, first developed in the late 1800s, Inman Park is home to many historic homes and parks. It was Atlanta’s first planned suburb, connected to the city by the first of Atlanta’s electric streetcar lines along Edgewood Avenue. Today, it’s home to one of Atlanta’s longest-running and best annual festivals.

Ivy
Atlanta has its share of Blah Blah Blah, IV, so to make it easier on everyone, just name your namesake Ivy. We’ll know it means “IV.”

Jimmy
Thirty-ninth U.S. president, Jimmy Carter was born in Plains. And even though he lost the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan, we Georgians still see him as a two-termer.

King
Dr. King was born, lived, worked, worshipped, and is buried in Altanta. A Baptist minister, Dr. King advocated civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience, and was the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in Memphis in 1968.

Keisha
Our current Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, is someone whose name you’re going to be hearing a lot of, on both our local and national political stages. Yeay for strong women!

Killer
If you want a name with an edge, naming your little one after local Atlanta musician and businessman Killer Mike (Michael Santiago Render). But don’t let the name fool you. He’s not scary.

Lanier
One of Georgia’s own literary giants, Sidney Lanier also has a pretty big pond (Georgia’s largest recreational lake) named after him—Lake Lanier.

Maynard or May
Atlanta’s first African-American mayor, Maynard Jackson, was elected in 1973, during a time that many cities were still struggling to embrace the forward momentum of the Civil Rights Movement. Also, everyone in Atlanta knows that Marietta is properly pronounced “MAYetta.”

Peachy
Peachtree just doesn’t work when it comes to a first, or even middle, name. But shorten it, and you’ll find yourself with a Peach of a name—perfect for a precious baby from the Peach State.

Simon
In the 1850s, Spanish explorers used Catholic missions along the Georgia coast to assimilate Native Americans into the colonial system spreading north from Florida. The village of San Simón on current-day Saint Simons Island was a refugee village for non-converts, and is the island’s namesake.

Savannah
Founded in the early 1700s by English colonists led by James Oglethorpe, Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and was once named Yamacraw Bluff. We think Savannah is a prettier baby name than Yamacraw, but you choose.

Ty
Georgia’s baseball player Ty Cobb was born in Narrows. Nicknamed “The Georgia Peach,” he was the first player elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1936.

Wylie
Just outside the Krog Street Tunnel, where you’ll find a constantly evolving slice of Atlanta street art, is the BeltLine and Wylie Street. It’s a cool part of town, and an even cooler boy baby name or girl baby name.

Walker
This is for all our Georgia fans, because in the world of sports, there no name more revered in this state than Herschel Walker. And it’s a great name, too.

Yonah
Just a few hours from Atlanta’s city lights is Yonah Mountain, located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest between the towns of Cleveland and Helen. Yonah is the Cherokee word for Bear, which we also love, but is a little to Alabama-y for our taste.

Make sure to capture all the pics of your little Atlantan—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

There can never be too many corny jokes on hand

While we don’t recommend quitting your day job and taking these corny jokes on the road (do people still throw rotten tomatoes?), we do promise that if delivered with enough enthusiasm—or by an undeniably cute kid—these cheesy jokes will get some chuckles. And, when you’re done with these, be sure to share our favorite knock-knock jokes, summer jokes, funny dad jokes, and our ultimate list of jokes for kids that are always good for a laugh.

Q: Why did the cookie go to the hospital?
A: Because he felt crummy.

Q: Why did Johnny throw the clock out of the window?
A: Because he wanted to see time fly!

Q: Why was the baby strawberry crying?
A: Because his mom and dad were in a jam.

Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Theodore
Theodore who?
Theodore wasn’t open so I knocked.

Q: What do lawyers wear to court?
A: Lawsuits

Q: What did one toilet say to the other toilet?
A: You look flushed.

Q: Why is there a gate around cemeteries?
A: Because people are dying to get in!

Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Cows go
Cows go who?
No silly, cows go MOO.

Q: Why wouldn’t the shrimp share his treasure?
A: Because he was a little shellfish.

Q: What has one head, one foot, and four legs?
A: A Bed

Q: What do you call an angry carrot? 
A: A steamed veggie.

Q: What do you call a fake noodle?
A: An impasta.

Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Little old lady
Little old lady who?
I didn’t know you could yodel.

Q: Why shouldn’t you write with a broken pencil?
A: Because it’s pointless.

Q: Why did the man put his money in the freezer?
A: He wanted cold hard cash!

Q: What do call cheese that isn’t yours?
A: Nacho Cheese

Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Etch
Etch who?
Bless you!

Q: How do you make an egg roll?
A: You push it!

Q: What word is always spelled wrong in the dictionary?
A: Wrong.

Q: How do you make a tissue dance?
A: Put a little boogey in it!

Q: What do you call a sleeping bull?
A: A bulldozer!

Knock, knock
Who’s there?
Mikey
Mikey who?
Mikey doesn’t fit in the keyhole!

Q: Why were the fish’s grades bad?
A: They were below sea level.

Q: What do you call a sad berry?
A: A blueberry

Q: Why are cornfields bad places to tell secrets? 
A: They’re full of ears.

Q: Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? 
A: In case he got a hole in one.

Q: Why shouldn’t you write with a broken pencil?
A: Because it’s pointless.

Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact and give back this season? Spread some holiday cheer to the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® by participating in their third annual St. Jude Joy Drive.

Since it opened on Feb. 4, 1962, St. Jude has helped countless families. So much so, that treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% when they first opened their doors to more than 80% today.

To further its lifesaving mission, St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes freely, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. With assistance from generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

While St. Jude has made great strides, there is still more to be done to find a cure for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases—and that’s where you come in! Read on to learn more about how to spread holiday cheer for a good cause (and have fun while doing it)!

Spread some holiday cheer to the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in their third annual St. Jude Joy Drive. Visit their site to learn more and participate.

St. Jude patient Connor, who is diagnosed with medulloblastoma, pictured with his mother Brooke and father Christopher.

Throughout December, St. Jude is hosting the St. Jude Joy Drive—a social media-driven campaign that highlights St. Jude supporters through heartwarming and inspirational storytelling of why they continue to give to St. Jude.

To join them, share what brings you joy over the holidays on your social media account. To participate, simply post a video about what makes you light up during the festive season and why you donate and support St. Jude. Be sure to tag @stjudela, who will share it on their social media during the month of December. You can include your favorite traditions, activities, things to eat and drink, or a favorite memory.

Invite your friends, family and followers to share what they love about the holidays, and to give a suggested donation of $10, or whatever they can donate to St. Jude.

Spreading joy is an easy way to bring some holiday magic to families and children who are spending their holidays at the hospital. Help share the joy of the holidays from your heart with the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in the St. Jude Joy Drive and make a lasting difference!

Happy Holidays!

No parent imagines themselves navigating the NICU until it actually happens, and the dreams of taking home your new baby, or in my case, babies, are put on hold. The NICU, as a serious reality, met me at 29 weeks. I can still recall my first visit from the neonatologist so clearly even though it was nearly four years ago. While on bed rest in the hospital for constant monitoring, he came in to discuss the “odds.” It was awful. The almost robotic, stripped-of-emotion forecast of what to expect was all medical and all about the babies. Rightfully so, they were the ones in jeopardy, but here I was a first-time mom, trying to understand what could medically happen to my babies, but there was no discussion of emotional care or support. Not for me, not for my husband.

I don’t envy medical practitioners: their words hold so much gravity for families. They communicate the odds of mortality, complications, and if/then scenarios in such a matter-of-fact way that they must have to turn themselves off to interact with families. And in my experience, medical jargon leaves no room for your emotions.

The twins were taken out at 32+0. My son had stopped growing. Their environment was dubbed “toxic” by my perinatologist. My daughter was 3 lbs 15 oz, but my son was just 1 lb 15 oz. No one could have prepared me for the journey we were about to take, but my hope is that from the journey we walked, I can help another mom or dad prepare for what navigating the NICU might look like; your emotions, and that there are some things that sound scary, but aren’t.

First Things First: Don’t Feel Pressured to Feel a Certain Way
The feelings I had after giving birth scared me. They scared me because I didn’t have many feelings at all. It felt like an alternate reality. I was no longer pregnant, but I never went into labor, and I didn’t get to hold my babies. They were immediately taken away. I had a rough recovery and didn’t see them for more than 24 hours. Not because I couldn’t, but because I was afraid to. I went home five days later, never having held them (I wasn’t allowed to), and returned every day but one for 56 days. I finally got to hold my son and daughter after two weeks.

Until then, all I could do was sit by their isolettes, pump, lay pressure on their tiny bodies, and just be. It took weeks to feel like a mom, to connect to them, and start to feel that love grow. NICU or not, not everyone feels that instantaneous love that movies and social media often portray. Love, at first sight, is not what everyone feels, and that is ok. We need to talk openly about that so it’s normalized and women don’t think something is wrong with them if the love takes time to grow.

Second: Find Your Voice
Your friends and family won’t really know what to do. Sometimes people respond by giving you more space than you want or need (which can feel like they don’t care) or laying it on too thick with constant checking in. Be vocal about what you do and don’t want or need from them. Finding your voice in the midst of the journey is key for processing and navigating. The sooner it’s found the better.

And on That Note…
If you need more time with a doctor during rounds, don’t let them rush you. It’s always helpful to let one of your nurses know you have questions and need more time so they can prep the doctor beforehand. Ask questions until you understand what you’re told. Doctors often forget not to talk to us like we’re another doctor. If you don’t like how a nurse interacts with you, or how they are with your child, ask for another one. You are the only one who will advocate for yourself and your baby—you have to find your voice even when it’s uncomfortable.

The Role of the Social Worker
In the NICU, social workers are your friend. “Social worker” always had a negative connotation to me, so when I was told one was going to meet with me, my first thought was they must think I did something wrong in my pregnancy that caused this “situation.” Not the case. Social workers are there to help you get services for your child when you leave the hospital. That can be in the form of financial aid and therapy assistance that is often required to get NICU babies “caught up.”

Easier Said Than Done but… Don’t Panic
There are machines and cords everywhere. If I got a crash course on the machines, it’s a blur. One day an alarm sounded for my son that sent me into a panic; it was longer, louder, and harsher sounding than any I had heard before. It was only alerting that his feeding tube “feed” had completed. Don’t try to interpret the numbers or the beeps on anything. Trust that if there is something that needs attention, a nurse, or five, will be there in an instant.

There Is an Upside
While the NICU is an uncertain place to be, you will bond with nurses and have an instant connection with other NICU parents. You’ll see new babies come and others leave while you wait. A friendly smile or knowing when to avoid eye contact can go a long way. And while there is so much uncertainty, one thing that is certain about having a NICU baby, if you are blessed to take them home, you will look at them differently and savor every single milestone.

Lauren moved to California in her mid-twenties where she met Brandon; they’ve been married for almost 7 years and have 4-year-old twins. Lauren had the twins prematurely and left her job at Google to care for them. Though grueling, Lauren considers it a blessing and the most rewarding job (in addition to running bökee)!

Itching see a side of Atlanta you don’t usually get to see? These Atlanta tours offer unforgettable experiences

If there’s one thing kids love, it’s finding out how things are made. So when you get the chance to draw back the curtain and see the inner workings of…well, pretty much anything, we know your kids will be on board. Whether they can’t wait to take a seat in the Braves’ dugout, aspire to hold public office, or are just dying to know where babies come from (hint: it’s not what you think), you can show your kids just how it’s done at these behind-the-scenes Atlanta tours.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzSxiXaFdgp/?hidecaption=true

Governor's Mansion Tour

Take a tour of the governor's three-story, 30-room mansion that rests on 18 acres. The mansion is open for public tours on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and promises to be an educational experience for kids and grown-ups alike. Tours are offered annually from February 1 through October 27, and include a hybrid of self-guided exploration and docent-led discussion. Pre-registration is required.

391 West Paces Ferry Road N.W.
Atlanta
Online: gov.georgia.gov

Related: 10 Women Who Changed Atlanta Forever

Truist Park Ballpark Tours

As the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves have plenty of history to share with their fans. Tours of Truist Park are offered year-round and take guests to many areas off limits during games. With artifacts and exhibits distributed throughout the ballpark, it is a definite must for any Braves or baseball fan. Tours begin at the Right Field Gate, and tickets must be purchased in advance online. Keep in mind that tours run rain or shine, and usually last around 1.5 hours.

755 Battery Ave. S.E.
Atlanta
Online: mlb.com

Related: Take Me Out to the Ballgame: A Family's Guide to Truist Park

World of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola Company

Spend the day interacting with multiple exhibits, learning about the storied history of the iconic beverage brand, and sampling beverages from around the world. See the vault where the secret recipe for Coke is stored, check out the 4-D film about the global brand, and see an impressive collection of Coke—and Americana—memorabilia. You can watch to see how Coke is bottled, and pick one up on your way out.

121 Baker St. N.W.
Atlanta
Online: worldofcocacola.com

Related: That's Amore! Atlanta's Best Pizza

Babyland General

Head to BabyLand General® Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia to learn where Cabbage Patch Kids come from. Situated on 650 acres in the North Georgia Mountains, this "hospital" is filled with Cabbage Patch Kids and Mother Cabbage is always on display beneath the branches of the Magic Crystal Tree. Pollinated by fanciful Bunnybees®, the magical Cabbage Patch is tended by Licensed Patch Doctors and Nurses. Babyland General Hospital is the only place in the world where you can witness the birth of a hand-sculpted Cabbage Patch Kid.

300 NOK Dr.
Cleveland, GA
Online: cabbagepatchkids.com

Related: Play All Day: Discover Atlanta's Top Playgrounds

Mercedes Benz Stadium Tour

Experience the signature features of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including stops at locker rooms, the field, Window to the City, Skybridges, and Clubs. Tour routes and locations are subject to change. In addition to the traditional tour offering, students can experience the signature features of Mercedes-Benz Stadium through the lens of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

125 Ted Turner Dr. N.W.
Atlanta
Online: mercedezbenzstadium.com

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Atlanta Motor Speedway

Learn a little about the racing industry with a tour of the AMS. Twice a year, it's the bustling center of the NASCAR Cup Series world, but the rest of the year it's open to the public for speedway tours and a behind-the-scenes look at the track, the start/finish line in the grandstands, the infield, and Victory Lane. Appointments are required at this raceway, and are offered five times daily, Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

1500 Tara Pl.
Hampton, GA
Online: atlantamotorspeedway.com

Get ready to feel all the feel-good feels—volunteer opportunities are all over LA—the hardest part will be picking which organization you’d like to help out first

There are a ton of good reasons to volunteer with your kids—it helps provide a sense of purpose, a sense of community, helps you meet new friends and improves self-esteem to name a few. And thankfully, there are tons of organizations around LA that welcome little kids into their organization that appreciate all those extra (little) hands. So whether your little one is more into saving our oceans and cleaning up the beach or you have a talented artist who can make get-well cards for Children’s Hospital, there are plenty of ways to put those good intentions to work.

Volunteer Activities for Nature Lovers

Heal the Bay: Kids of all ages are welcome to Heal the Bay’s monthly Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanups. BYOB (bring your own buckets), snag some gardening gloves and get ready to have some serious family fulfillment oceanside. Be sure to register ahead of time as events tend to fill up fast!

Surfrider Foundation: The Los Angeles chapter of this national nonprofit hosts regular beach cleanups as well. Keep an eye out on their event calendar for upcoming opportunities.

TreePeople: Have a kid that doesn’t mind getting dirty? Nearly every weekend, this LA organization hosts local, mountain and forest restoration events open to all ages—check the volunteer event calendar for upcoming dates. Registration is required.

Volunteer Activities for Active Kids

volunteer opportunities for kids in LA

photo: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Walk/Run: Channel your kid’s energetic drive with a walk / run that helps raise money to cure childhood cancer. This nationwide 5K hybrid event, takes place in person and virtually so if you can’t make it to Griffith Park on Sept. 24, you can still participate.

Volunteer Activities for Kids Ready to Collect & Donate

Westside Food Bank: For food drives and donations check out Westside Food Bank. If you want to help seniors and the immunocompromised during COVID-19, visit alltogether.la for volunteer opportunities.

Baby2Baby: Teaching your children a lesson in philanthropy could be as simple as an overdue closet clean out! Get the kiddos to thin out those toy-stuffed cabinets or have little ones fill bags with brand new clothing that was barely worn. Baby2Baby also hosts outdoor volunteer opportunities during which participants can sort and organize donations or help assemble gift bundle bags for low-income kids and families in Los Angeles.

Related: Volunteer Vacations to Take with Kids

Volunteer Activities for the Pet-Obsessed

PAWS/LA: Have a kid desperate for a dog? Get them involved with this nonprofit organization, which helps low-income and ailing pet owners take care of their beloved animals. Insurance liability limits volunteer ages at shelters and kennels to those 18 and up, but kids (with grownups in tow) can assist by organizing and delivering needed supplies and food to homebound clients, fostering an animal for a short time, or even walking the dogs of people who are too sick to do so themselves. Find out more about the ways your little pet enthusiasts can help by contacting volunteer coordinator to set up an orientation.

Annenberg PetSpace: Help your young reader build communication skills and self-confidence by reading with adoptable pets or listening to a story. This in-space experience (weekly on Sat. and Sun.) includes a book reading, opportunity to meet an adoptable pet or critter ambassador, and craft demonstration with materials to take home and complete.

Volunteer Activities for Creative Kiddos

Best Buddies: Have a kid with a knack for writing? This group pairs children age 10 and up with intellectually and developmentally disabled counterparts (sharing like-minded interests). The goal? To create online pen pals in the attempts to decrease feelings of isolation. The long-distance friendships grow through weekly, private (anonymized) email communications, bridging differences and building understanding.

Related: 5 Easy Ways to Volunteer as a Family

Volunteer Activities for Future Entrepreneurs

iStock

photo: iStock

Big Sunday Lemonade Stand: Kids can set up a lemonade stand for a good cause with help from Big Sunday. The organization offers  downloadable signs and suggestions for how to make your stand a success. The money kids make will go to the Big Sunday Emergency Fund, which has helped displaced vets, families and more.

Volunteer Activities for Little Bookworms

Access Books: This group focuses on the redistribution of books, benefiting inner-city classrooms and school libraries. Little ones can go through their own shelves and select the gently used books they’ve outgrown to donate to others. Kids can also volunteer to help spruce up library spaces, as well as to organize book donations, librarian-style.

Related: 12 Ways Kids Can Give Back without Leaving the House

photo: One on One Outreach

Volunteer Activities for Social Butterflies

One-On-One Outreach: Have a kid who likes meeting new people? Once a month, volunteers (age 7 & up) gather to pack and deliver groceries to low-income families in South Central LA. Organized by a local businessman and an area resident, One-on-One Outreach also provides laptops to families so students can compete and succeed. Prepare for your kids to be inspired.

Parenting. We could all use a manual every now and then, regardless of our kids’ ages. But it can sometimes be especially tricky for those who find themselves new to the game with a brand-new baby at home. Whether you’re hitting a wall because of too many consecutive sleepless nights or you’re feeling fantastic and are looking for a place to get out and strut your stuff, we’ve got the inside scoop on new Atlanta parent resources that you’ll be glad to know.

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If You Need Emergency Care

We hope you never need emergency care, but if you do, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta offers not only urgent care, but its network of pediatric specialists is second to none. So whatever takes you to the ER will be treated by pediatric specialists in the area of concern, all within the same system.

Pro Tip: You can check the wait times at all CHOA emergency departments and urgent care centers online before deciding where to go.

Children’s Egleston Hospital
1405 Clifton Road NE

Children’s Hughes Spalding Hospital
35 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE

Children’s Scottish Rite Hospital
1001 Johnson Ferry Road NE

Plus additional locations.

Online: choa.org

mom snuggling baby
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If You Need to Get Baby on a Schedule

Moms on Call was founded in Atlanta by two pediatric nurses who decided that babies really should come with instruction manuals, so they created a simple and easy-to-follow guide addressing parents’ most common curiosities and concerns. Now they’ve written three books, created three video courses, built two apps and have a flourishing network of consultants who do in-person visits and offer hands-on advice about optimizing a baby’s schedule and work towards sleeping through the night.

Online: momsoncall.com

If You Need a Delivery Service

When you have a little one at home, the wildest thing happens: you literally run out of time to run out for an errand—which is why we’ve got your back. These are our favorite grocery and meal kit delivery services, but you also need to know that Shipt will deliver (often within 2 hours) from stores like Target for when you need an emergency diaper delivery, and Instacart and Shipt will pick up groceries (and wipes) from Costco, regardless of your membership status. And if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get 2-hour grocery delivery from Amazon Fresh.

If You Need a Sitter

We get it. Leaving your precious bundle in the hands of a stranger is sometimes a hard pill to swallow. But nevertheless, sometimes you have to do it. For a babysitting service that gives you the opportunity to read what previous reviewers have written about their experience with each sitter, try Bambino Sitters. It’s an app-driven service that allows you to plug in your needed hours, preferences, and rate, and then you wait to be contacted by vetted sitters who meet those terms. Or, the app Usit (which is a mashup of “university” and “sitter” has a pool of Oglethorpe, Georgia State, and Emory students (primarily) who also similarly reply to requests for sitting jobs by parents. Other options include First Steps Network, an Atlanta-based company that connects trained sitters to parents’ job requests, and Care.com, which requires an annual joining fee.

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If You Need a Calm Place to Nap & Walk

Big Trees Forest Preserve, Sandy Springs
This urban forest includes three hiking routes—one of which is a mere one-mile loop that meanders beneath white oak trees—and is open sunrise to sunset, seven days each week. There is ample free parking. Dogs on leashes are welcomed in the Forest.

7645 Roswell Rd NE
Online: bigtreesforest.com

Island Ford Trail, Sandy Springs
Find it in the Island Ford Park, nestled among oversized boulders on the banks of the Chattahoochee. The walk is a two-mile loop that takes you past a waterfall and is manageable for all ages.

1978 Island Ford Pkwy.
Online: sandyspringsga.gov

Dunwoody Nature Center
This well-maintained 1.5-mile woodland loop gains a bit of altitude and is unpaved, but we’ve successfully traversed it with a rugged stroller. There are plenty of well-planned activities—ask at the Nature Center about the geocaching app and treasure hunt—to keep the big ones interested while also being easy to navigate for shorter legs.

5343 Roberts Dr.
Online: dunwoodynature.org

Chastain Park
This Buckhead staple has enjoyed renovation upon renovation and is now a happening hot spot nestled beside the running path, golf course, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds. With multiple rolling slides, nest swings, musical instruments, a treehouse, pavilion, and restrooms, this park is a sure-fire win.

4001 Powers Ferry Rd.,
N. Atlanta
Online: chastainparkconservancy.org

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If You Need Caffeine After a Long Night

As that old saying goes, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Well, sometimes the nights feel like they might never end. After a long night awake with your little one, you’ll need to pack up and head out for an early morning caffeine kick to get you through the day.

Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company
The doors are open, and the coffee is brewing at 7 AM. There’s a large patio in the back with pavers and grass that gives kids a place to play and run around, and your fur baby is welcome on the patio, too.

352 S Atlanta St,
Roswell
Online: landofathousandhills.com

ParkGrounds
When you need some fresh air after a long night in, head to the newly renovated patio area that offers shaded tables, hot coffee and even a little free library if you get a minute to read. Bring your family dog, and everyone will have someone to play with.

142 Flat Shoals Ave SE
Atlanta
Online: parkgroundsatl.com

—Angelica Kajiwara & Shelley Massey

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The most organic way to be kind is to start with small acts of kindness in your home. Encouraging kindness is an important skill that is foundational to a child’s development. Kindness is innate within us all however it is also a skill that can be taught and nurtured and the best place to begin cultivating this, is at home.

The easiest way for children to learn to be kind is when you as a caregiver, model kind behaviors. Children learn by what they see and hear, which is a reminder that our children are always passively watching and gaining an understanding of how we communicate and interact, from the closest people around them.

Try one of these engaging and hands-on activities to promote kindness in your home.

1. Kindness Begins with You

Being kind to yourself is the first step in being kind to others. Positive self-talk is a powerful tool to assist with increased self-confidence, motivation and improve your outlook. For examples of positive self-talk, check out: Yes I Can: A Guide to Courage from the Big World of Little Dude —a book series that promotes social and emotional learning.

2. Create a Kindness Jar

A kindness jar is a fantastic way to promote kindness. By acknowledging kind acts, it helps with positive reinforcement and is a great visual to see the kindness jar become full—full of kindness.

3. Create an Empathy Teddy Hospital 

Being kind to others begins with empathy. Empathy is a difficult concept to grasp for children. A concrete way to teach empathy is through dramatic or pretend play. Every child has been to the doctor and it can bring up feelings of stress or anxiety, so they can relate to the poor little teddy bears that are feeling unwell and are now in the teddy hospital.

4. Bake Kindness Cookies

Baking can be a fun way to show children how to follow a recipe, how to work together, and then have a gift they can thoughtfully give away. Being kind to others is both beneficial for the giver and receiver and putting hard work into making delicious treats, like kindness cookies, to give away will certainly sweeten the lucky recipient’s day!

5. Donate & Recycle

Recycle a box and put it to use! Go around your home, with your child, and asking them to select gently used items of toys, books, and clothing that they no longer need or use, and put them in the box. You could also decorate the box before donating it to a local charity, shelter, or a non-profit thrift store.

RELATED:
100 Easy Ways to Be Kinder, Starting Now
What’s Kitchen Table Kindness & 10 Ways You Can Practice It
5 So-Simple Ways to Teach Your Kids Kindness On & Offline

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Hi! I am an author, founder and educator. I have a Bachelor of Media Communications, Bachelor of Elementary Education Degrees as well as an Early Childhood Montessori Certification and in the process of completing a Master of Education. I live between New York and Byron Bay. I'm the mama of Grace, Theodore and Little Dude! 

These baby shadow box ideas are simple to make

A newborn shadow box is a beautiful way to display baby treasures like the hospital ID bracelet, birth announcement, going-home outfit, and first teeny hat. A baby shadow box is quick to DIY (just three steps!) and makes a special addition to your nursery. You’ll never forget the details of the amazing day you met your babe.

Step 1: Gather Your Keepsakes

Taking Care of Monkey Business

First, decide what to display. You could include a sonogram, baby's first photo, hospital ID bracelet, hospital hat, first socks or booties, baby's going-home outfit, the first pacifier, birth announcement, tiny footprints, crib shoes, or a piece of a beloved swaddling blanket. We love what Alli from Taking Care of Monkey Business included in hers (see above).

Related: 7 Pro Tips for Taking Monthly Baby Photos You’ll Want to Share

Step 2: Buy the Supplies

Or So She Says

Head to your favorite craft store (or open Amazon) to pick up items for your keepsake shadow box. First, you'll need the shadow box itself. We like the Studio Decor 4-Way Adjustable Shadow Box because it's flexible in depth so it can accommodate larger items like crib shoes or lovies. It's also sized well for this project at 12 inches square. 

You may also want to include small wooden letters for your baby's initials. To add color or a pattern, use scrapbooking paper for your background.

And finally, you'll need something to hold your keepsakes in place inside the shadow box. Try a few pretty pearlized pins or mini clothespins so you don't have to cover your keepsakes in glue. Visit the Or So She Says blog to see how Aimee put her shadow boxes together.

Make sure to capture all the giggles—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

If you just can’t wait for spring break, these off-the-beaten-path destinations close to Atlanta will satisfy your craving to get off your beaten path and explore—without too much of a time or money commitment. Buckle up for an adventure at a local Stonehenge, a little White House, or a general hospital for Cabbage Patch Dolls, and more. Who knew Georgia was so weird, or wonderful?

Hunt for Bigfoot Evidence

Ashley S. via Yelp

Expedition Bigfoot in Blue Ridge is dedicated to providing evidence for the existence of Bigfoot (aka Sasquatch). Either from personal experience and encounters to witness testimony and evidence, this mountain museum leaves the question of Bigfoot's existence up to you. Whether you’re a skeptic, believer or “knower,” all are welcome.

1934 Hwy. 515
Blue Ridge
706-946-2601
Online: expeditionbigfoot.com

Visit an Alpine Model Railroad Museum

kid-playing-train-tracks-istock
iStock

Charlemagne’s Kingdom, an Alpine Model Railroad Museum in the Georgia Mountains, features HO Scale German Model Railroads in a 50-foot exhitbit that depicts the various terrain and architecture of Germany. While you're in Helen, don't miss out on other fun Bavarian-inspired activities to round out your visit.

8808 North Main Street
Helen
706-878-2200
Online: georgiamodelrailroad.com

Georgia Guidestones, Elberton

Bruce K. via Yelp

Giant slabs of stone with different languages written on them standing upright in the middle of the countryside? Stonehenge, right? Nope! Elberton. A mysterious person under the name of R.C. Christian hired Elberton Granite Finishing Company to build the structure, which has 10 guidelines or rules in 8 different languages. You'll find these guidelines in English, Spanish, Swahili, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. To the left of the stone there is a tablet that states the astronomical features of the tablet and an apparent time capsule buried 6 feet below the monument. Also, on the tablet, it says “Let these be guidelines to the age of reason” and around it has 4 different ancient writing languages including Babylonian, Greek, Sanskrit, and Egyptian. So go. Check it out. You'll leave scratching your head but it's certainly a fun mystery to experience.

1031 Guidestones Rd.
Elberton, GA 30635
706-283-2551
Online: exploregeorgia.org

Old Car City

Nadia Z. via Yelp

Old Car City is “the largest open-air classic car museum in the world” which started as a car dealership in 1931 and is now a post-apocalyptic forest of rusting vehicles. While it doesn't sound classically beautiful, the mixture of rust, reforestation, and occasional surprises of vibrant vinyl or car paint combines to make an altogether unusually pretty (and cool) environment to explore. You can also find funky signs and a large styrofoam cup art gallery. Definitely head here if you're in the mood for a little bit of quirk, but expect to pay a bundle. Guests can be charged up to $30 to enter, depending on your age and whether you want to take a photo while there.

3098 Hwy. 411 NE
White, GA 30184
770-382-6141
Online: oldcarcityusa.com

Little White House

Bruce K. via Yelp

In Atlanta, there is a house that is exactly identical to the White House in Washington D.C. Built buy Fred Milani, this 3/4-scale model of the White House was his tribute to democracy and the United States, his adopted home after fleeing from Iran in 1979. With a replica of the Oval Office, a movie theater, a replica of Lincoln's bedroom, and a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, this real-estate novelty was foreclosed upon in 2011 but still stands in Druid Hills.

3687 Briarcliff Rd NE
Atlanta, Georgia, 30345
Online: atlantaobscura.com

Babyland General Hospital

Donghua S. via Yelp

Head to North Georgia to see the hospital where all Cabbage Patch Dolls get their starts. Babyland General Hospital was created when doll creator Xavier Roberts converted a former clinic into the original hospital space. Now, you can meet the hospital staff, watch a cabbage patch doll be born in the patch, and adopt your own doll during your visit.

300 NOK Dr.
Cleveland, GA 30528
706-865-2171
Online: cabbagepatchkids.com

The Rock Garden, Calhoun

Jill T. via Yelp

This volunteer-build roadside attraction offers 50 structures made out of tiny stones, shells, and fragments of pottery for visitors to marvel at behind the Calhoun Seventh Day Adventist Church. You'll find Cinderella's castle, the Coliseum, Notre Dame cathedral, houses, and more. It's a lot like seeing a sandcastle, but off the interstate, and made out of rocks.  

1411 Rome Rd. SW
Calhoun, GA
Online: exploregeorgia.org

Featured image via iStock.

—Shelley Massey

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