Vintage is the name of the game at these old-school Atlanta bowling alleys

Don’t get us wrong, winter in Atlanta is tons of fun. Who doesn’t love snow tubing and sledding when the snow flies. Or heading out for a day of skiing? There’s lots of love about the cooler months. But sometimes it doesn’t hurt to duck inside when the temperatures are still chilly. So we found all the indoor bowling fun you need to get out and have family fun together. There’s nothing quite like watching your child bowl their first strike at a bowling alley near Atlanta. So, pack up your family and head to these Atlanta bowling alleys to turn back the clock on entertainment. Each spot is family-friendly and goes beyond bowling with everything from laser tag to epic arcade games. Consider this the perfect rainy day line-up of family-friendly bowling alleys in the city.

1. Midtown Bowl

An Atlanta tradition since 1960, get your game on with 32 lanes at this classic Atlanta bowling alley. Stepping inside, you’re welcomed by the charm of a 1970’s colorful, retro-chic bowling alley with lane tables that sit up to six and a jukebox. Jukebox lessons with your kids are always fun since they’ve probably never tried one. 

Beyond Bowling: This vintage bowling alley focuses on the main event, but the food is an excellent distraction. For kids, they’ve got everything from fish sticks to corn dogs, and big kids will love the signature burgers. Check out the vegan and vegetarian menus, too. 

Insider Tip: Midtown Bowl is a cash-free business. 

1936 Piedmont Cir. N.E.
Atlanta
Onlinemidtownbowl.com

2. Main Event Atlanta

Get ready for an immersive bowling experience with the latest tech for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you need a kid-friendly lane with bumpers or a professional lane to show your stuff, Main Event Atlanta offers that and more. In addition, bowling birthday packages start at just $15.99 per person and give you your party space and an enthusiastic host to guide you through the best day of the year. 

Beyond Bowling: When everyone is ready for more, play adrenaline-pumping Virtual Reality or sign up for a multi-level area Laser Tag game. Then, grab your crew for a friendly game of pool, air hockey or one of the immersive Story Rooms. 

3101 Cobb Parkway S.E., Suite 104
Atlanta
Onlinemainevent.com

3. The Painted Duck

Be sure to visit this Atlanta bowling alley that offers upscale bowling before 5 p.m. when kids are allowed. It is nothing short of amazing. Thankfully, each duckpin bowling alley and seating area is sparkling clean, and the tableside service makes bowling with kids much more manageable. You’ll get three rolls per turn with duckpins, and the smaller balls are great for little hands.   

Beyond Bowling: The Painted Duck has many fun games besides bowling, and the menu offers excellent food and cocktails far from typical bowling alley fare. The Duck Phat Fries and Duck Nuggets are the perfect options to start. Then, go all in and order the Whole Peking Duck. After dinner, take a walk around and pick one of the vintage games to play, like Horseshoes or Toad Hole. 

Insider Tip: You are limited to two lanes and two hours of bowling. Valet parking ($3 plus gratuity) is available onsite. 

976 Brady Ave.
Atlanta
Onlinethepaintedduckatl.com

4. Round1 Bowling & Amusement

Head over to Cumberland Mall for bowling starting at $5 per person at Round1 Bowling & Amusement. You can bowl your new personal best and watch your crew jump up and down with excitement as they knock down pin after pin. 

Beyond Bowling: This bowling alley offers much more for the whole family. Try out your singing voice with karaoke, put on some VR goggles or watch your little ones climb to the ceiling in the Spo-Cha area, an indoor sports complex. There’s an arcade game around every corner and family-friendly food for your crew. 

Insider Tip: Check their website before you arrive, as they often run special promotions and giveaways. 

2860 Cumberland Mall Ste 1500
Atlanta
Onlineround1usa.com

5. Stars and Strikes

You’ll want to plan an entire day here with bowling, laser tag, arcade games, a full menu, and more. And if your whole family is looking for a Friday evening activity, Stars and Strikes offers unlimited play for only $18.99 from 5 PM-close and half-price arcade play all day on Monday. Your kids will love it so much that you may end up planning your next birthday soiree here. They have premium bowling with advanced scoring for older kids and bumpers and ramps for younger party goers.

Beyond Bowling: Everyone in your crew will find something to do at Round1 because they offer arcade games, ax throwing, laser tag, escapology and bumper cars. And remember to come hungry. The food is delicious, and the portions are enormous. 

Locations in Cumming, Dacula, Dallas, Stone Mountain & Sandy Springs.
Onlinestarsandstrikes.com

6. Bowlero Atlantic Station

These lanes are some of the coolest and most stunning in the game, featuring black lights, soft lounge seats, and HD video walls that play everything from live sports and music videos to classic family films. And that’s just the bowling alleys at Bowlero Atlantic Station. 

Beyond Bowling: When you want to try something different, head to the bright arcade area for some old and new school games. Load up the prepaid card and get ready to play. The menu offers a little of everything from mile high burgers to overflowing street tacos. 

Insider Tip: It’s best to visit this bowling alley before 3 PM.

261 19th St. N.W., Suite 1150
Atlanta
Online: bowlero.com

 

 

 

Don’t be afraid of holiday hairstyles that include braids. These tutorials make it easy

Between the hustle and bustle of wrangling your little elves, baking cookies for the exchange, and figuring out what appetizers to bring to the neighborhood gathering, you might not have a lot of time to get gussied up.  But the good news is, producing all that holiday magic doesn’t mean you have to forgo the fun of getting glammed up for the holiday season. There are plenty of quick and simple ways to dress up your tresses. Here are a few of our favorite easy holiday hairstyles that glam you up for the season.

Save this entire list on Pinterest.

Messy Side Bun

Who knew a messy side bun could look so chic? This is an easy holiday hairstyle to do at home.

Modern French Twist

The French twist is a classic for a reason: it’s a timeless and elegant holiday hairstyle! This simple tutorial from Alex Gaboury takes what was once thought of as a difficult ‘do to a simple style that any mama can pull off. Cheers!

Twisted Holiday Pin-Up

This twisted pin-up is a great holiday updo for natural hair that keeps it protected and looks amazing. Check out the full tutorial here.

Related: Easy Hairstyles That Put the Mom Bun to Shame

Rope Braid Crown

A rope braid crown is a fun holiday hairstyle
Missy Sue via YouTube

Easier and quicker than a regular braid, this Rope Braid Crown updo from Missy Sue is going to give your coif a ton of attention! Delicate rope braids are made around the head to form a crown that really kicks up your holiday 'do effortlessly.

Easy Twisted Updo

A twisted updo is a fun holiday hairstyle for moms
Abby Smith/Twist Me Pretty via YouTube

While this style looks like something out of a magazine, it's actually just a lot of twisting and a few bobby pins! Abby Smith from Twist Me Pretty uses several elastics to secure and twist locks across the head and then finishes off this look that's fit for a queen, effortlessly. 

Quick Messy Updo

This quick messy updo is an easy holiday hairstyle
Lainey Marie Beauty via YouTube

You had us at messy!  This trendy look is actually just a ton of twisting and bobby pinning and can be pulled off in just five minutes. Lainey Marie Beauty gives a simple tutorial on her YouTube channel on this style that's perfect for holiday get-togethers, date nights, and any other fancy event.

Easy Triple Braided Updo

This triple-braided holiday hairstyle is easier than it looks
The Effortless Chic

There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to whip up an updo on your own, and that's why we love this Easy Triple Braided style from The Effortless Chic. Three simple braids and then wrapped around each other to create this million-dollar look and works just as well at a holiday soiree as it does on the playground.

Related: Mom Buns That Are Actually Stylish

Hair Bow

Tony Odisho

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a festive bow? Professional stylist, Tony Odisho, shares a cute and easy way to dress up your hair for the holidays by turning it into a bow. You can get all the easy steps to creating this look and the tools used here.

French Braid

A french braid can be a good holiday hairstyle
SweetHearts Hair via YouTube

Sure, you wear french braid's often but not like this! Rather than learn an entirely new style for the holidays, use this simple tutorial from SweetHearts Hair that involves a little extra oomph to take your braids from drab to fab this Christmas.

Faux Hawk

A faux hawk is a good holiday hairstyle
KayDee TV

Keep your natural hair protected and festive with this twisted Faux Hawk. You can watch the full tutorial video from KayDeeTV to get the look.

Twisted Half Up-Do

Tessa Rayanne

A half-up holiday hairstyle is a great way to let your tresses down while still keeping them out of your face because who are we kidding––you're still a mom that’s going to be chasing a toddler at that holiday party. Add some waves, a simple twist, and a pretty hairpin to take that basic mom hairdo to party mode. Get easy-to-follow instructions for this look from blogger Tessa Rayanne here.

Elegant Updo

an elegant updo is a great holiday hairstyle
Tony Odisho

For that grown-ups-only party when you finally score a sitter, you might want to a more elegant look, but with kids demanding your attention while you get ready, you need something that doesn’t take hours to achieve. Stylist Tony Odisho’s Elegant Updo gives your hair that gorgeous look with very little effort. Check out the tutorial here.

Top Bun

a top bun is a good holiday hairstyle
Lexie Barnhorn via Unsplash

Swap out that basic mom bun for something a little more dramatic by sweeping your hair up on top of your head. Avoid those stray, static hairs when you pull your hair up by maintaining your hair’s natural oils to keep it nourished. Stylist Michelle Cleveland suggests, "Using a detangling brush such as “WETBRUSH” comb through your hair, evenly disbursing that scalp oil from roots to ends. The natural oils will help protect the hair from breakage. Next, reach for a dry shampoo and be sure to spray only at the root area, massaging it in with the pads of your fingertips to ensure complete absorption of oils only at the scalp.”

 

 

 

 

Were you lucky enough to snag tickets to Disney’s Oogie Boogie Bash? The separately ticketed event takes place at Disney California Adventure throughout the fall season and boasts special shows, limited capacity and lots of candy.

While you’ve likely visited a theme park during Halloween before, there are a few tips that will take your time with Oogie Boogie to the next level. Our editors recently hit up the special spooky soiree and we’ve got a few secrets you won’t want to miss.

Getting In to the Bash

There are two ways to get access to the Oogie Boogie Bash. First, if you have tickets to Disney California Adventure that day, you can head to the Blue Sky Cellar starting at 3 p.m. to get your wrist bands and treat bags. This is the way to go: do not leave the park if you don't have to. Tickets to the event also allow for a three hour "mix-in" period where you can gain entry starting at 3- something we highly recommend.

If you wait until 6 p.m. when the party officially starts, you will likely encounter a large line in front of the entrance gates. If you are not early enough to get in line before a crowd forms, do yourself (and your anxious kids) a favor and wait at least 20-30 minutes before heading to the gates. By then, the crowds will have dissipated and you can walk right in.

Get Ready for TONS of Candy

You may think you've hit it big on your local neighborhood trick or treating sesh, but it doesn't compare to the stash you'll bring home from the Oogie Boogie Bash. All attendees will receive a perfectly large enough bag to bring home plenty, but if you're the candy-loving type, you may want to bring a separate bag too.

There are lots of Treat Trails set up through the park, and all it takes is a short stint in the line before weaving past five or more candy stations where park employees will drop handfuls of candy in your bags. It seriously couldn't be easier.

We highly recommend hitting up the trail near the Hyperion Theater and behind Soarin'. These are not nearly as crowded as the other options.

Villain alert: Many of the lines have some of your fave scary characters interacting with guests from a stage. If your littles scare easily, take note!

The Parade is LONG

The Frightfully Fun Parade starts at 7:45 and 10 p.m. and it is a long one. To make sure you aren't camped out for 30+ minutes waiting for the parade to make it's way towards you, make sure you find a spot near the front.

For the 7:45 time, our editors made the mistake of waiting near Guardians of the Galaxy, which was actually the end of the parade route. After waiting for over 20 minutes, we started walking towards the front and still never caught the beginning of the parade!

Hit Up the Popular Attractions

Since the Oogie Boogie Bash is a special ticketed event, there are far fewer people than normal within the park. What does this mean?

First, that Spiderman Web Slingers does not have the virtual queue! That's right, normal folks can actually wait in line without snagging a spot in the hard-to-get virtual option. As one of Disney California Adventure's newest attractions, this is a can't miss.

Other notables you want to sneak on include Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout (which has a super cool overlay for the season), Radiator Springs Racers and the Incredicoaster, as these rides usually have long lines during regular business hours.

Final tip: have fun and dress up! The Oogie Boogie Bash is one of the only times that guests over 14 are allowed to go in costume, so take advantage of that fun family getup.

––Karly Wood

 

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This last year has brought a ton of changes when it comes to celebrating birthdays. From drive-by parades to Zoom gatherings, birthdays got a makeover we didn’t know they needed

Is it time to say goodbye to another soiree staple? This birthday charcuterie board has us thinking yes. So long, birthday cake!

photo: The BakerMama

Completely customizable, the birthday dessert board is packed with the all the goodness b-days have to offer, like the one featured above from The BakerMama who was way ahead of the trend. Fill it up with mini cupcakes, cookies, popcorn, cake pops––there’s no wrong way to birthday charcuterie!

Not only does this dessert concept avoid the “blowing out the candles and spreading germs everywhere” moment (thanks, COVID), but it also works great for guests with food allergies. Parents can thoughtfully include allergy-friendly snacks or create a completely unique board so kiddos don’t feel left out.

Whether you’re hosting a family-only event or planning your next party when things are back to normal, birthday charcuterie boards are a surefire win.

––Karly Wood

 

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If you’re having way too much fun during a rousing game of cards to cool off in the pool, now you can do both! The Swimline Game Station Set is a must for your summer soiree.

The inflatable comes with two inflatable swing seats with drink holders, game table and waterproof cards for fabulous fun. There’s even an option to attach the table to the chairs, for steady float fun!

The included waterproof cards are a standard set, and the game table top is made from the same inflatable material that pulls tight when everything is blown up. You can snag your own set on Amazon for $49.98. There’s also a floating blackjack table for $32.99 and a magnetic multi-game set for $59.99.

––Karly Wood

 

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Happy National Super Hero Day! It’s time to strap on your cape and celebrate this day of heroes, and Disney is here to help take your soiree to the next level.

In honor of the special day and to pay homage to his new WEB suit, Disney has released a special tutorial on how to draw Spider-Man! The new outfit has been spotted at Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Shanghai Disney Resort and the Disney Cruise Line and now you can bring it home.

The video is led by Brian Crosby, Creative Director, Themed Entertainment from Marvel Entertainment and demonstrates a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw Spidey himself. The 40-minute video is sure to keep the kids busy for awhile!

––Karly Wood

 

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If you have little adventure seekers in your crew, then head east to the city of Rocklin to check out the new adventure course that’s a guaranteed day of fun. Zip lines, rope swings, rock walls and more—this massive outdoor paradise is just waiting to welcome mini adrenaline junkies. We checked it out and have the full scoop below!

Quarry Park

The city of Rocklin is just past Sacramento on Highway 80, about two hours from San Francisco. Quarry Park gets its name from the park’s history as a granite quarry, supplying granite to the California State Capitol Building. This 5 1/2-acre adventure park features activities for adults, teens and kids of all ages.

The Activities

Thrill-seekers suit up in harnesses and undergo gear training at Ground School before they head to their choice of activities. At one end of the park is the large aerial adventure challenge course where guests traverse an obstacle course requiring concentration and balance. Different levels are available, head to the third story for the biggest challenges. The good news is this is a choose-your-own difficulty course with many options along the way and skilled guides to help you out if you get stuck.

In addition to some smaller zip lines on the challenge course, guests can race their friends on the Big Gun Zip Lines—a set of three zip lines that are each 1,200 feet in length. Taking you over the quarry to the start of the aerial adventure course, these zip lines are a definite kid favorite.

Perhaps the most heart-stopping of activities is the Cliff Hanger Free Fall. Jump from the rim of the quarry to the floor below, if you dare! The free fall device slows your decent and ups the excitement.

Rock climbers can test their skills on the wall near the aerial adventure course. This spot is great for the little ones as the minimum weight is 40 lbs. here. You can also clip on to the Via Ferrata and make your way along the walls of the quarry horizontally.

Quarry Kidz Kove

Don’t worry, the younger set isn’t left out of all the adventures at Quarry Park. Head to Kidz Kove where they can literally spend hours climbing rope bridges, swinging on zip line seats and pretending they are spiders on a massive web.

Parents can plant themselves at a shady picnic table and relax as the kids tire themselves out. You can even reserve a table for your next birthday party or school soiree. This fully-enclosed area does not require kids to wear harnesses or helmets.

Just past the climbing structure is the Miners’ Maze. Wind your way through to see if you can make it to the center before you encounter one of the boulders.

Quinn Quarry Lake

Right next to the climbing structure is a small lake with calm waters. Take out a pedal boat when you need a bit of a break from the action. A parent is required to ride along with kids.

The Details

Quarry Park Adventures is open for the season on a daily basis. Start times are available in 15-minute increments and the number of adventurers is limited per time period so there’s aren’t a ton of people on the course at one time.

They have free lockers for you to use while you are on the course and often there is a food truck or snow cone truck there for purchasing snacks. You must weigh between 70-250 lbs. to do the zipline and other activities in the quarry, except the rock climbing which has a minimum weight of 40 lbs.

Tickets:
All Access: $44.99/4 hours, $29.99/2 hours
Single ride: $9.99
Rock climb ticket: $9.99/hour (40-250 lbs)
Quarry Kids Kove: $9.99/hour for kids ages 3-13.
Kidz Adventure Package: $18.99/2 hours includes Quarry Kids Kove and rock climbing

5255 Pacific Street
Rocklin, CA
Onlinequarrypark.com

—photos and story by Kate Loweth

Halloween Time at Disneyland is about to get a whole lot better. From Sept. 17 to Oct. 31, park-goers will be able to celebrate the spooky season at the brand new Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure park.

The special ticket party will have plenty of new experiences, including a fresh stage show, villains and of course, Oogie Boogie. Keep scrolling to get all the details for this special seasonal event!

photo: Disneyland News

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort runs from Sept. 6 through Oct. 31, 2019, but the Oogie Boogie Bash only takes place on certain days. You can join the party on:

  • Sept. 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29 and
  • Oct. 1, 3,  6,  8,  10, 13, 15, 17,  20,  22, 24, 27, 29 and 31

So what can you expect at the brand new soiree? Check out the new “World of Color” show called “Villainous!” which highlights the villainous side of your favorite Disney characters. Get your groove on at the DescenDance party in the Backlot of Hollywood Land, enjoy the “Fridafully Fun Parade” that features The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, Mickey’s Trick or Treat show and lots of character encounters.

photo: Henry Ngo via Flickr

As for buying tickets, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa cardholders can start purchasing tickets on Apr. 23, with tickets being released to the general public on Apr. 30. There is a limit of eight tickets per person, per date and no ticket required for kids two years old and under.

You’ll need to have a special ticket for this event, which begins at 6 p.m. PT and take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the park for three hours before the event starts on Tuesday and Thursday nights or four hours on Sunday nights, plus Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.

Head to the Disneyland Resort website to purchase tickets online, buy at the Disneyland Resort main gate or call 714-781-4636. This popular event will sell out so definitely do not wait until the day of to grab your tickets.

––Karly Wood

 

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You know you’ve brought your kid up right when they ask for a Target-themed kids birthday party! Event planner Chelsea Flint was able to make a lucky six-year-old’s dream come true recently when she curated a birthday party that would make the retailer proud.

The red-themed party had all the makings of a Target run: a real shopping cart, plenty of splurge-worthy products, a checkout lane and yes mamas––even a Starbucks. No detail was left untouched in this super fun soiree.

Guests felt right at home when it came to getting the party started. They could get to shopping, scanning and buying with pint-sized accessories, and of course, take a break for a coffee when needed! Flint used cupcakes to mimic the iconic frappucino and we gotta say––it looks delicious!

 

Perhaps the pièce de résistance was the real live shopping cart. Flint tells Romper that she had to visit five different Target locations before a manager graciously let her borrow one and we’re pretty sure the birthday girl was a happy one.

While this definitely isn’t a new idea––Emily Kern’s 3-year-old daughter held her own bullseye bash several years ago––it’s no less a great one. And let’s also not forget the proud mama who loved the retailer so much she made her own Target birth announcement.

Now, who’s ready for a Target run?

––Karly Wood

 

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