Melanie Preis
Melanie Preis is a writer, editor, wife, and mom of three (including her beloved bernedoodle). Before joining Mommy Poppins, she worked at StyleBlueprint, Turner Broadcasting, and HowStuffWorks. She loves reading, anything Bravo, art fairs, and, of course, her bernedoodle.
Latest posts by Melanie
Tiny Doors ATL opens children's eyes to the power of art and imagination in our everyday world. This Atlanta-based art project unlocks big fun in tiny packages with these whimsical 7-inch doors installed throughout the city. There's no better joy than watching children (and even adults) discover a Tiny Door ATL, either by accident or as part of a scavenger hunt, and admiring the care and wonder put it into each of these wonderful art pieces.
Learn more about the Tiny Doors ATL movement—where to find the adorable sculptures, the artist behind Tiny Doors ATL Karen Anderson Singer, the Atlanta Beltline adventure, and even a children's book to relive the fun at home!
Passover 2025 is almost here—time to add some crunchy matzah to your shopping list of tasty spring treats. We're going into detail about the when, what, why, and more of this Jewish holiday, including its hallmark delicacy: matzah! Whether you're Jewish or not, you've probably seen boxes of these large, flat "crackers" lining the aisles of your local grocery store each spring. Read on to learn more about matzah, as well as how to celebrate Passover (also known as Pesach) as a family and make it fun for kids of all ages.
For more tips on celebrating Passover with children, check out our list of 10 ways to make Seders more fun for little kids.
Take kids to Florida state parks near Orlando for outdoor fun and picturesque trips. Whether you're an Orlando resident looking for a day trip or pastoral staycation, or a tourist who wants to go beyond the theme parks, these Central Florida state parks are wonderful resources to get closer to Mother Nature. These gorgeous spots offer outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and more!
Most of these Florida state parks are open year round, but always check with individual sites and park rangers as areas of the park may be closed due to environmental factors, maintenance, etc.
Stroller-friendly hiking trails in Atlanta allow families with young children to easily explore the outdoors. And because Atlanta has so many lush, outdoor spots to explore, kids will never be bored during time well spent on the hiking trail. We've chosen picturesque Atlanta trails that don't require special all-terrain strollers (though you may want to use something with a bit more power than an umbrella stroller on some of these).
Maneuvering Atlanta trails with a stroller also makes it easier to schlep water, sunscreen, diapers, and an extra pair of clothes (in case of accidents and/or messy stops along the way). Introduce young children to the wonders and natural beauty of Atlanta by walking these awesome stroller-friendly trails.
Spending five days at Walt Disney World with kids is a marathon, not a sprint. A Disney vacation that hits all four Orlando parks--Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios--inevitably meets our four Es: exciting, exhausting, entertaining, and Excedrin (or whatever your preferred pain medicine brand). Creating a five day itinerary for Walt Disney World is crucial for getting the biggest bang for your buck and planning is key. Hopefully you're reading this article before your scheduled Disney World trip so you can book in-demand activity and restaurant reservations, but if not, go with the flow—Disney is always a magical place for kids and adults.
This five-day Disney itinerary was created with the idea of visiting all four of the Walt Disney World parks; however, if you or your kids love one or two specific parks, spend multiple days there. Buying and using MagicBands+ (like a Disney smartwatch) make life easier when it comes to attraction entrances, meal payments, etc, plus they light up with different choreographed colors at various parts in the park and during fireworks and evening shows. And if you visit during the warmer months, don't forget about the Disney water parks!
Stone Mountain Park offers a unique combination of amusement park, outdoor destination, and historical landmark. Located in DeKalb County, about 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park welcomes Georgia visitors and residents alike with wonderful attractions, including Summit Skyride, a Swiss cable car, that quickly transports riders 825 feet in the air to the top of Stone Mountain itself. (Hikers can also get up the mountain the old-fashioned way by foot, too.) Whether families want to spend an extended period of time by camping in the park; a day of outdoor fun and attractions; or a few hours at a seasonal event, like Lunar New Year, Stone Mountain Park satisfies everyone's needs.
History buffs, outdoorsy folk, and families looking for a day of fun activities like mini golf, dinosaurs, and laser shows, all enjoy the amenities of Stone Mountain Park; those who truly love it don't even have to leave to sleep —the park houses an on-site campground, inn, and resort. Take a look at our trip through Stone Mountain Park and get ready to bring your own kids!
As the new year begins, many families work to make better, healthy food choices. And Atlanta healthy restaurants offer a variety of options that not only taste good, but are also good for you. Sure we at Mommy Poppins love the occasional frozen treat and slice of cake, but for everyday nutrition, we prefer our kids to eat a wholesome meal that hits all the food groups. Whether your kids are snackers, pickers, dessertaholics, anti-green eaters, or something in between, we've rounded up our favorite healthy restaurants in Atlanta sure to please the entire fam!
It's important to note that these healthy restaurants aren't focused on weight loss, low sugar, etc.; they offer fresh ingredients, wholesome recipes, customizable options, vegetarian-friendly meals, and a welcome space for all eaters.
2022 in Atlanta has been making news for all the great, kid-friendly spots that have opened this year. In fact, as we speak Atlanta is still making headlines for 2022 with Winter Storm Elliott's freakishly cold temperatures (Christmas weekend 2022 is the coldest it has been in years in Atlanta). Stay cozy by curling up to your device and reading about our favorite openings and new events that made Atlanta children smile this year!
We at Mommy Poppins love a good recap, so we've rounded up awesome things in Atlanta this year. From engaging exhibits to delicious eateries, 2022 was a great year for Atlantans to try some fabulous new options. Take a look at just some of our favorites!
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