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Archives for January 2014

Free Kids Building Workshop at Home Depot

January 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Cabin Fever settling in at your house? Need to get out of the house with the kids?

Build a Race Car at Home Depot!

Home Depot Race Car

Home Depot is hosting their FREE Kids Building Workshop on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin. One workshop kit, apron and pin per child, while supplies last.

Register to make sure there are enough supplies for your child!

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2014 Braves Caravan in Hixson

January 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Bring your lil’ slugger to see the Braves and grab an autograph!

caravan_logo_140x110

The 2014 Atlanta Braves Country Caravan will be at Academy Sports in Hixson on Thursday, January 30th from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Kris Medlen, Ryan Doumit, Gavin Floyd, David Hale and Don Sutton will be signing autographs and visiting with fans.

I’ve never been to this event, but I would say be prepared to possibly stand in line. Get there early!

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Chattanooga Fun for Kids at the Creative Discovery Museum

January 13, 2014 by 16 Comments

As a mom of two active little boys, I love the chance to get out in a public place where it is ok to touch everything in sight! A place where things are encouraged to be explored.  A place where everything is secured and we don’t risk breaking anything. Can I get an “Amen” from the two-year-old crowd?

Creative Discovery Museum dinosaur bone dig

The thing is, I’m pretty sure my little guys like the same places for the very same reasons–because if the risk of getting in trouble is low, mommy will be a little more low-key and let them play to their heart’s content!

As an early childhood educator turned homeschool mom, I love places jam-packed with fun, hands-on learning activities for kids–places where the line between learning and fun is so blurry that they just melt into each other…because that’s the way learning should be.

Creative Discovery Museum

I think that’s why we’re so drawn to the Creative Discovery Museum.

It’s one of our favorite indoor activities for kids in Chattanooga. We’ve been there in every season and every type of weather. In the winter, it’s perfect for a day out of the house and fighting cabin fever in kids. In the summer, it has air conditioning, water play, and doesn’t require wrestling a toddler to apply sunscreen.

Creative Discovery Museum water play

The rotating exhibits are always so impressive. Just when I think they can’t top the last one, they bring in a new one just as exciting as before! So far, this mom’s favorite has been the Magic Treehouse Exhibit, but I can’t wait to see the Wizard of Oz that is coming in May 2014.

Creative Discovery Museum exhibit

When I asked my boys what their three favorite areas were, they told me the Rooftop Fun Factory, Performing Arts Gallery, and Riverplay, but ultimately, they love everything there! The Creative Discovery Museum is one of our go-to spots around Chattanooga.

As a frugal mom, the price for a yearly membership is just about perfect. I love the bang-for-your-buck that you can get when you add in all the special events the museum hosts. If our family of four were to pay full price for 2 trips to the Creative Discovery Museum, we would end up paying the yearly membership price.

Because we love it so much, we want to bless one of you with a chance to enjoy it, too! Creative Discovery Museum has partnered with us at Chattanooga Families to offer our readers a chance to win a Family Four Pack of Tickets!

Creative Discovery Museum Giveaway

Mandatory entry: Leave a comment answering the question–What is your favorite exhibit at the Creative Discovery Museum?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Explore, Families, Kids, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Farm Play Days at Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club

January 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment

There’s a hidden gem in the area that I think everyone should know about, but at the same time, I want to keep it all to myself because I don’t want it to become too crowded!

Farm Play Days at Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club in Ooltewah, TN

If you haven’t been to a Farm Play Day at Hidden Hills Farm, you are missing out! Farm Play Days are a real treat for the kids. Pony rides, chickens to chase, and a giant sandbox are a few of my kids’ favorite things about the monthly events. Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club Farm Play Days in Ooltewah, TN The first time we went, we all piled on a hayride to learn how they make maple syrup. My oldest was fascinated and still talks about the adventure. Another time, my boys got to climb on all the tractors and pretend they were a farmer. If you didn’t know, Little boys + Tractors = Little boy Heaven Hidden Hills Farm Play Days in Ooltewah, TN A few tips to help you be prepared for your trip to the farm:

  • It can be muddy. Wear boots or old shoes. Rainboots will work just fine.
  • Along the same lines, wear some “play clothes” and not your Sunday best.
  • Pack a picnic or snacks. You are free to picnic at the Farm using their picnic tables.
  • An extra outfit and shoes in the car is always a wise choice!
  • Baby wipes. Lots and lots of baby wipes for dirty little hands.
  • Bring a plastic bag to throw your muddy shoes in so the mud won’t get everywhere in your car.
  • If it is a hayride day, bring a big blanket (to sit on or under depending on weather)
  • Bring cash
  • Don’t forget your camera!

Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club Farm Play Days in Ooltewah, TN; a review from http://www.chattanoogafamilies.com Farm Play Days take place on the second Friday and the fourth Wednesday of each month from 10:30am-12:30pm. Fees are $10 for the first child and $5 each additional child. Parents are FREE. Details for each play day are posted on the Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club Facebook page. The staff is great at communicating changes due to weather or other circumstances.

Important Info

Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club
5900 Edgmon Road
Ooltewah, TN 37363
phone: (423) 488-3993

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Chilly Willy Wednesdays at Chattanooga Zoo

January 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Peacock at the Chattanooga Zoo www.chattanoogafamilies.com

Every Wednesday through February 26, 2014, the Chattanooga Zoo will be hosting Half-price “Chilly Willy” Wednesdays.  Bundle up and get out to the Zoo to take advantage of this deal.

Half-price Ticket Prices:

Adults: $4.48
Seniors (age 65+): $3.48
Kids (ages 3-12): $2.98
Kids age 2 & under: FREE

Hours of Operation:

9:00 am–5:00 pm

 

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How to Subscribe to Chattanooga Families

January 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment

One way to make sure you don’t miss a thing on Chattanooga Families, is to subscribe. By subscribing, you’ll receive blog posts and/or the weekly Community Event Newsletter in your email inbox.

Have I mentioned that we’ve lined up some great giveaways to our local friends? You’ll want to be a subscriber so you don’t miss those…because they’re good. Oh. so.good.

We have two options for readers:

  • Blog posts–every time we hit publish, you’ll get a post delivered to your email inbox. You’ll never miss a thing.
  • Weekly Event Calendar–Every Sunday you’ll get a list of this week’s events. We’ll highlight some of the things posted throughout the week.

So what are you waiting for? Subscribe!

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How to use the Community Calendar Feature {video}

January 2, 2014 by Leave a Comment

The community calendar is full of fabulous fun for your family, but I know that it can be a little overwhelming to look at and find what you’re looking for. I made a video to help you get the most out of the calendar…and to help you fill up yours! Once you know how to sort through the items on the calendar, you’ll find it really easy to find what you’re looking for.

One reason we chose this calendar over the rest, was the ease of use and the ability for you to subscribe to events and sync them up with your own calendar. If you use the calendar on your mobile device, you’ll be able to send them straight to your personal calendar!

After you’ve watched the video, let us know if you have any questions.

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Free Home Depot Kids Building Workshops

January 2, 2014 by Leave a Comment

The first Saturday of every month, Home Depot hosts a FREE Kids Building Workshop from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. The hands-on workshops are designed for children ages 5-12.

Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin. One workshop kit, apron and pin per child, while supplies last. Home Depot prefers that you sign-up online so they have enough materials.

My husband usually takes our oldest to the workshops for a little special guy time. My son looks forward to the workshops and is always so proud of his creations when he returns. While our oldest goes to build with Daddy, the youngest stays home with me. Often, I will interest him in some toddler-friendly hammering activities using the toy tools from our Home Depot Big Builders Workshop Playset. Either way, both of the boys are happy!

The Home Depot Kids Workshop this month (Saturday, January 4, 2014) is a fun desk calendar. Enjoy!

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