There are lots of reasons to Airbnb it in Atlanta. Whether you’re planning a staycation, thinking about making a trip to Atlanta with your kiddos, or looking to outsource your best friend’s weekend visit with tots in tow, these family-friendly Airbnb’s are epic. From manse to mini, graceful to mod, we’ve picked our favorite crashpads in town. Keep reading for everything you need to know about our city’s best kept Airbnb secrets.
Secluded Intown Treehouse
This property is Airbnb's #1 most wish-listed property in the world, and is described as being the most relaxing, romantic, dreamy and unique place you'll ever stay. What could be better than falling asleep in the trees and waking up to birds singing around you—all within the city limits? Located near Northside Drive in Buckhead, visitors here will have easy access to the interstate, Buckhead and Midtown.
Llama Luxury Cottage
Stay with the Dali Llama once at this Llama Luxury Cottage and you'll never book a traditional hotel stay again. Kids will love these gentle creatures (but take a spare shirt—llamas spit when mad), the on-site hens (and fresh, organic eggs), and the bamboo forrest. This quirky urban oasis is located only 20 minutes from the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Children's Museum, and Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta.
Buckhead Carriage House
If Southern charm is what you're after, then this graceful Buckhead Carriage House is for you. Situated in the heart of Atlanta's in-town neighborhood known for its restaurants, shopping, and beautiful homes (also for the Legoland Discovery Center, Atlanta History Museum, and within striking distance to some of the city's prettiest parks and playgrounds), this beautiful abode with its own pool is perfect for families.
Teepee in the City
The Teepee is tucked in the corner of a unique property in East Atlanta that is shared with another Tepee, a Sovereign Airsteam, a Caravel Airstream, and a Dalton Camper—all rented out to other guests. It's high on the novelty list and certain to delight any adventure-loving littles, but isolated it is not. Families can use the fenced in backyard, complete with a garden, hammocks, hot tub, treehouse and zipline, and fire pit, and the owners live on-site with their two younger kids.
Midtown Modern and Miniature
This Tiny House packs a big punch when it comes to cleanliness, thoughtful design, and proximity to in-town's favorite hotspots near Piedmont Park and the Botanical Garden, the BeltLine, the Krog Street Market, the Atlanta Zoo, and more. The tucked-away bedroom and the enchanting loft space make this tiny house a big hit with your kiddos, and don't let the size scare you. This casa is located close to everything worth seeing and doing, so your couch time will be limited. But while you're there? Magic.
Bah duh duh dum…snap snap. There’s another Addams Family movie coming out this fall and the new poster just dropped! “Unhappy to see you again” colorfully captures the crew as they prepare for one last family vacation.
In The Addams Family 2, Morticia and Gomez are struggling with the fact that their children are growing up and skipping family time. The solution? Cramming the fam into the haunted camper and hitting the road! As they adventure across America, they’ll have laughable run-ins with Cousin It and a host of kooky new characters.
The cast is packed with star power, featuring Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Snoop Dogg, Bettle Midler and Bill Hader! It’s directed by Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon and is scheduled to premiere in theaters on October 1. Just in time for spooky season!
—Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC.
If you’ve been wanting to add a sensory kit to your child’s play options but the DIY has got you down, outsource it! Clever crafters over at Etsy have put together the cutest options with themes like dinosaurs, the beach and fairies. A favorite among Montessori educators, kits like these develop fine motor skills and help with early math lessons like sorting and counting. You’ll never be able to pick just one!
Get your diggers and hard hats out, this set is for all you construction fans out there! It comes with colorful chickpeas and lentils, along with scoopers and diggers to get the job done!
Bright red and blue colors bring together the elements of this fun superhero-themed kit. You can even have the kit scented with your choice of essential oils for the full sensory experience.
Kinetic sand, homemade playdough, personalized letter tiles and loads of dinos made up this fun kit. Gems, glitter balls and river rocks allow your little paleontologist the gear they need to build their dinosaur world.
We love the bright colors and all the accessories that come with this space-themed kit. Astronauts can blast off to the blue moon to rescue aliens with their spaceship.
Glitter playdough is just the beginning of the fun that you can find in this yellow play kit. Honeycombs, fuzzy bees and a honey dipper offer lots of opportunities for pretend play.
National parks are hot this summer. Last year 15 parks set a new recreation visitation record and five broke a record they set in 2019, according to NPS data. With parks fully reopened and travel skyrocketing, it might be tough to get away from the crowds, but a new campaign from the National Park Service gives you insider tips for making the most of your family’s visit.
“Plan Your Vacation Like a Park Ranger” features advice from actual park rangers, who share their knowledge for a memorable trip. To bag that trail you’ve been dreaming about and/or avoid an unpleasant encounter between your toddler and a wild animal, read on!
Have a plan…and a backup plan. Use the National Parks website to research in advance and be prepared for unpredictable weather, trail closures or lines. Sometimes the backup is even better than the original!
Be patient with each other and us. Park rangers are people too. The NPS is reminding guests that those who are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask indoors and in crowded spaces.
Travel off the beaten path. Did you know there’s an advanced search feature that will let you find parks or national monuments closest to you? There are more than 400 to choose from, after all!
Reservations may be needed. Especially at the bigger parks, where you’ll need a reservation ticket for Arches’ popular Fiery Furnace hike, for example.
Ask a ranger. They’re the experts on their parks and they’re happy to help!
Explore the new NPS app. Download this in advance of your trip (it even works offline)!
Keep safety in the picture. You might have to wait a minute for that perfect photo opp, so resist the urge to put yourself in danger to get one for the ‘Gram.
Don’t pet the fluffy cows. Bison, in case you were wondering. And that applies to all other wildlife in the park too! Keep your distance and never feed them to keep everyone a safe and happy camper.
Leave only footprints. Pack it in, pack it out. Stay on the trail. Basically, leave everything the way you found it for future generations to enjoy.
Ruffing it? Parks vary on their pet policies: some let you bring them on the trails, some require that they stay at the campground and some prohibit pets. Research in advance and remember, some have kennel options too!
You’ll find even more tips from individual parks all summer long by following the hashtag #PlanLikeAParkRanger across social media. The National Park Service official Instagram account is an especially good (and humorous) place to start. Parks are for the people and we can’t wait to see the epic trips you take!
Some parents love packing their kids for camp. Others don’t. Either way, every parent has asked themself (and likely all their fellow camp moms and dads) the vexed question: “What do I pack?”
Being the Founder & CEO of Happy Camper Live as well as a camp director and (according to dining hall talk) a “master of the camper packing list,” I’ve gotten this question a lot. As in, 22-years-of-running-summer-camp a lot. So, naturally, a great number of things come to mind when I hear it, like different articles of clothing, towels, snacks, water (preferably in a refillable bottle), sunscreen. The list could go on. Still, there is one big thing I did not list. One big thing I recommend no child sends off to camp without. And here’s some welcome news: parents don’t need to buy a larger camp bag for it.
That’s because, strange as it may sound, this most important item can’t be packed. It can’t be stowed in a secret pouch. It can’t be zipped into a pocket. This most-important item is indeed no item at all.
It’s one good disposition.
In other words, a positive attitude.
When I first heard about “one good disposition,” I was eight years old. It was the opening day of my summer program. A storage box and duffle bag were sitting in the living room of my childhood home, almost fully packed with clothes that I had folded myself (my mother taught me how). Sidenote: I recommend parents do this since most camps have kids take care of their own clothes.
My mother had also been sewing labels into my clothing for weeks. (I also recommend parents label their campers’ clothing. It’s much easier today with peel-and-stick or iron-on tags, like the ones Mabel’s Labels makes.)
“I’m just about ready,” I thought to myself.
I took out my packing list and read the items. I wanted to make sure I had everything. My most cherished pairs of jeans (kids should pack together with parents not only to bring about in them a sense of responsibility for their belongings but also to ensure their favorites are packed), plenty of socks, swimming gear. Check, check, check. I went on reading smoothly until the last item. It gave me pause. It gave me panic.
“One good disposition.”
Of course, I wanted to know what that was and where I could get one. Was it a type of shirt? Something I put on after swimming? In the end, I was too embarrassed to ask. And so I went off to camp still excited, yet imagining I lacked this important item.
Important indeed!
Okay, so, why must a camper metaphorically pack this “one good disposition”?
It’s common knowledge that summer camp is full of magic, fun, and adventure. While certainly great in their own right, all that magic, fun, and adventure aims toward a larger purpose. No, I don’t mean archery (although camps have that, too).
I’m talking about growth.
Growth has been the main purpose of summer camp since its rise in the late 19th century. The original summer camps promised to teach kids leadership skills and to build up their character. (Of course, at that time, camp was only meant for boys.) According to American Camp Association, building character is still a central theme for summer camps.
Challenging pursuits (for example, rope courses) give campers the opportunity to try and fail and try again, teaching resilience in a judgment-free setting and, in the end, showing them the fullness of their potential. Other games help campers learn teamwork, cooperation, and communication. Time away from home promotes independence. Clean up fosters responsibility.
All these lessons make summer camp a positive, productive experience for kids. One might wonder what any of this has to do with “one good disposition.”
Well, studies show there is a tight connection between mood and growth.
According to the broaden-and-build theory developed by Barbara Fredrickson, positive emotions are internal signals that encourage “approach behavior,” which motivates individuals to engage in their environments and familiarize themselves with new people, ideas, and situations. When people are open to new ideas and actions, they expand their horizons and learn and grow as people. In my view, that’s what summer camp is all about.
Of course, I could answer the question “What do I pack?” much more literally. (Actually, I recommend parents check camp policies for what they shouldn’t pack. Often, certain items are not permitted, such as cameras and cell phones.) In other articles I’ve written, I made detailed lists of actual items to stuff in the beloved “camp bag.” One thing I always emphasize to parents is not to overpack. But there is something I would say is quite impossible to overpack.
Allison Corey Miller is the Founder and CEO of Happy Camper Live, a lifestyle brand centered around the world of summer camp. Her vision is to bring the magic of summer camp to every kid in the world 365 days of the year.
Parents and caregivers need camp more than ever. Whether camp serves as child care or a just needed break, day and residential programs have become important for families. However, it is harder than ever for some families to pay for summer camp with unemployment and more limited funds or access to disposable income. Summer camp expert, Allison Miller, Founder, and CEO of Happy Camper Live, a 365-day year platform centered around the world of summer camp offers some advice for financing programs.
1. Camper Scholarships: “Camperships” are offered to families in need. Ask the Camp Director if full or partial scholarships are available. Most camps reserve a number of spots for campers in need.
2. Offer your services: Working for a summer program is a great way to pay for camp. Camps have a variety of roles besides the typical camp counselor role. Office, food service, activity leaders, camp moms are common needs and roles for adults that may provide a way for you to earn money to pay for the camp experience for your children.
3. Ask your employer: Some employers will assist parents with summer camp tuition.
4. Consider Non-profits: Non-profits such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA’s, Scouts, and local Parks and Rec Centers provide great free or low-cost day and residential programs. Local groups and organizations such as churches, synagogues, civic and military programs run camps as well.
5. Research organizations that provide camp experiences for income-eligible families. For instance, SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities for Children) complete an application, including an essay, and apply to one of their partner camps. Morry’s camp is a free-of-charge program for children from underserved communities in New York City. Another great organization to check out is Kids2Camp.org which also provides camp scholarship programs. Google the word “camperships” plus your area to find participating camps.
6. Create your own neighborhood camp: Parents and caretakers can hire local camp counselors or share hosting a program. Happy Camper Live provides great on-demand camp activities that they can use to run the program or reference from art to dance to music and sports.
7. Check to see if you qualify for a tax credit. The child and dependent care credit gives a tax break for many parents who are responsible for the cost of childcare if your child is under 13 years old or no age limit if they are disabled. Day camp or summer camp fees may apply if the camp was selected to provide care while the parents are at work. Overnight camps do not qualify. You will be required to get a receipt from the camp or organization and then file Form 2441 to claim your credit. Be sure to speak with your accountant or tax expert if you have any questions.
8. Try virtual camp: There are plenty of great options for campers to experience right at home. For as little as $4.99 your child can experience camp on-demand at happycamperlive.com. Other virtual camps that offer live programming do so at a significantly lower price than in person.
Allison Corey Miller is the Founder and CEO of Happy Camper Live, a lifestyle brand centered around the world of summer camp. Her vision is to bring the magic of summer camp to every kid in the world 365 days of the year.
Are you counting down the days until your next road trip? Playmobil just debuted their VW line and we can’t wait to get on the road again. The iconic toymaker announced in September that two legendary Volkswagen vehicles would be given the Playmobil treatment in 2021 – the Playmobil Volkswagen T1 Camper Van ($63) and the Playmobil Volkswagen Beetle ($51).
Playmobil T1 Camping Bus ($49.99): The iconic red and white-colored van is equipped with a mini-kitchen, fold-down seating that converts into a sleeping area, and plenty of storage space. Remove the roof to access the camper’s interior, seating figures at the table or behind the wheel. Open the two side doors to reveal shelves for your non-perishable foods and a fold-down vanity with mirror. When you are ready to continue your adventure, pack away supplies in the truck and stow your luggage securely under the straps on the roof rack. Set includes two figures, van, luggage, map, camera, food supplies, thermos, cups, and other accessories.
Playmobil Volkswagen Beetle ($39.99): This classic compact car comfortably seats up to four figures. Use the roof rack to store your surfboard and beach bag, or remove the rack to access the car’s interior. The rear also opens for added fun. Set includes three figures, car, surfboard, cooler, beach umbrella and sand toys, and other accessories.
Both sets are currently out of stock on the Playmobil store, but you can request a notification for when they become available again.
Editor’s note: At the time of this writing, the vehicles had been released but are significantly less expensive on the Playmobil site than they are on Amazon so prices might not match right now.
We love our house. People can say what they want about living in a small home, but my husband and I both grew up in small houses and didn’t imagine anything different when we bought our first house. We love it so much, we decided to gut and remodel it in 2018. “It’s a solid structure, use what you have and make it yours,” said our contractor.
When we went to him with the concept, he took a few weeks to build up a plan, and a budget, and it was time to get started.“There’s one catch. You need to move out.” Two adults, two kids, and two dogs deep, we started researching other means of living during this large undertaking—rentals, corporate housing, hotel and residence inn stays—and finally, we found our “garden home” on Facebook Marketplace. We decided that it wasn’t necessary to go very far. After all, it was May and it would be a fun summer adventure to live in a pop-up camper in our backyard. It was an adventure that we would never forget. And guess what? It. was. an. adventure. we. would. never. forget. Ever. No, really, ever.
Summer was officially around the corner, so it felt like we were camping every night. My husband, who is incredibly talented and functions with an “I’ll make it work” attitude made it comfortable. He purchased foam topper mattresses for the beds, installed a standing air conditioner and a flat-screen television with Apple TV and cable. We moved our refrigerator to the garage and used the side door with access to the downstairs, which has a bathroom, shower, washer, and dryer.
Since we are training for a marathon in the fall, there was no better time for early morning runs. June: Things are coming along. The walls are removed, the structure is being built and things are starting to look like they are coming together quickly. Each night, we sit by the fire outside and talk and laugh. We wake up early and take turns running so we can train. I packed a small bin with clothes and bathing suits out for the summer. Less laundry.
July: They opened a wall and “uh oh.” Now we need to reconfigure the electric and the plumbing. New estimates on cost and time are proposed. Nights by the fire are replaced by our two kids fighting inside the camper and we can no longer agree on what to watch as a family. Waking up early to run is tiring and painful from sleeping on the camper mattress. And what is that smell outside? Skunks keep the dogs pacing night after night. I wish I kept more clothes out of storage, I’m so sick of laundry!
August: It’s over 90 degrees outside, day after day. We go on daily drives and bike rides. We try to wake up even earlier during the week and on weekends to train because by 8 a.m., it’s too hot to run. The kids are bored and miserable. The contractors are here, but not every day. On certain days they are waiting on supplies to show up and some days they are on vacation or taking a day off. I will puke if I have to grill one more chicken breast or eat another hot dog. Also, that skunky smell? That would be from the woman on the next block who has been feeding the skunks!
September: First day of school pictures take place in front of the camper. Good news! Our contractor said this could be the month we move back in! Hopefully, the temperatures start to drop now that it’s September. I purchased an electric skillet so we are making more pasta and one-pot meals and grilling less. Pasta is good for running. I’m pretty sure these added pounds are muscle. It’s definitely not the wine, beer, or carbs. I’m confident that running the marathon will be easy compared to the past months we’ve endured in the camper.
October: Was it just me, or was that the hottest September? The temperatures are so uncomfortable. Fixtures are being installed, walls are being painted. Our fall wardrobe is packed in storage and so I make a trip to Target to purchase a few replacement pieces until we move back in…which should be any day now. The marathon day has arrived and we stay in a hotel the night before the race. Heaven. I’m certain that the extra weight or lack of sleep had no effect whatsoever on my unfavorable finish time.
November 11: It’s finished. My husband and I stand quietly in the new house. There isn’t a scratch on the floor, the floorboards are white and crisp, no scuff marks on the doors, and the faucets are without fingerprints. The project went well over budget and the timeline was constantly pushed back. There were days that felt like we were moving forward and days that felt like we were taking many steps back. There were days of fighting and quiet days where none of us wanted to speak to each other. But as we stood there in the quiet, looking around, we knew it was all worth it. Our marriage, our family—we had an appreciation for each other and anything that was thrown at us in the future, we know we can always say “We lived in a camper for five months. We’ve got this!”
November 12: Goodbye floors, cabinets, and newly painted walls, the Dawkins are moving back in.
Looking back, this was a prelude for what was to come in 2020. I am confident that the camper experience allowed us to band together as a family and take on these challenges headfirst. This year, I remain grateful for my home and my family. Much like our experience in 2018, we are taking this experience—the good, the bad, and the really bad—one day at a time.
When I'm not working, running, mom-ing or sleeping, I try to do my most favorite thing, writing! My husband and I have been married for almost fifteen years and we have a nine-year-old daughter and six-year old son. We live in Clawson, Michigan with our two rescue mutts.
Between remote learning and working from home, parents have the opportunity to get creative with new schedules, routines and workspaces. According to RVshare, rental bookings are on the rise. A recent survey found that RV rentals are predicted to spike well into Fall with 69% of respondents planning to hit the road within the next 3 months.
With all of this new-found freedom, families are choosing to homeschool on the road. Each destination becomes part of the lesson plan. RVshare connected with 2 families who are hitting the road full-time.
Julie Patridge from Mount Airy, Maryland owns an event planning company, but recently decided to take her business on the road alongside her husband, four children and dog Chewy. Her family has been enjoying the outdoors for four years now and quickly noticed they were always happier when camping so they plan to homeschool and transition full-time into a camper by mid-November as soon as their house sells.
Patridge said, “There is something so freeing about living a simpler life with less stuff and more adventures! I started wondering if there was a way to make it work. I threw out the idea about two years ago and Jeff warmed up to it rather quickly. We’ve been slowly downsizing since then and are almost ready to go!”
Jenny St. Louis from Windsor, California has been traveling since July with her family. They are currently in Montana with plans to go to Idaho this weekend. Since they hit the road, they’ve stopped in California, Washington, Oregon and Montana with plans to visit most of the national parks in other states!
St. Louis said, “We decided to do it for a life change! We never saw my hubby! He was a general sales manager at a Ford dealership! Worked about 60 hours a week. So we didn’t really see him.”
If you want to take school on the road long-term or just for a short trip, RVshare allows you to do that easily with more than 100,000 rental options nationwide and flexible cancellation policies.
Like the rest of us, Portland’s awesome summer camp hosts have had to adapt to the changing dynamics of life during a pandemic. Some are offering online versions of their programming, some are rolling out abbreviated day programs that adhere to social distancing guidelines, and others have chosen to postpone programs until next summer. Whether you’re looking for a traditional camp experience for your child, or hoping your camper can join in virtually, there’s a good chance there’s an option for you. Here’s the latest on current offerings!
Register now for full-day adventures for kids in grades 1-12. Your camper can try out birding, wildcrafting, art outdoors, archery, or hiking. Portland Audubon is planning to run camps on schedule, while adjusting in real time to follow changing guidelines for COVID-19. Campers will be notified of any changes four weeks prior to the start of camp.
Camp runs from 8:30-3:30 p.m.; aftercare available from 3:45-5:45 p.m. Space for camp and Aftercare is limited to 10 campers. Price range: $325-$725. Pick-up and drop-off locations vary depending on camp.
Survival skills and preparedness have never been more relevant. Join Trackers Earth Portland for outdoor, small group adventures and online programming. Small group adventures include Wilderness Survival, Photo Camp, Paintball, Learn to Bike, and Blacksmithing, plus so much more. Their Spark Channel offers small-group interactive webinars kids can participate in from home. Learn homesteading, survival skills, martial arts, and more. Offerings are for kids ages pre-K-12.
Day camps run 7:30-3:30, with after care available. Pricing starts as low as $5 for online camps, up to $395 for day camps. Locations throughout Portland.
In response to the pandemic, this outdoor education and leadership organization is offering small adventures, camp-at-home options, and online camps for kids in pre-K-7th grade. As of press time, they plan to offer their overnight expeditions as scheduled. Small Group Adventures meet at local outdoor recreation areas in Portland, and are week-long action-packed day camps for groups of 4-5 children. Many are now sold out, but check for availability. Camp At Home brings an instructor directly to you for a week of navigation, shelter building, outdoor cooking, wildlife education, Leave No Trace, emergency response and preparedness, and more. You have the option to meet instructors at local hiking and biking trails, or in the safety of your own neighborhood. Online camps are an affordable, interactive choice your kids can participate in from home.
Camps run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Costs are $99/week for online camps; $1250 for Camp at Home, which includes registration for up to 4 kids. Register in May with code ONLINE10 to participate in online camps for just $10!
Join this nationally-recognized organization for online coding camps for kids ages 5-18! These live online courses are interactive and designed for small groups of kids, with a maximum of 8 students per instructor. Little ones can check out My First Computer Skills and Little Coders, while older kids can enjoy Photo Editing, Minecraft, Roblox, and more. Check the website for tech and software requirements, which vary by camp.
Camps run a little over two hours per day, and run 5 days per week. Several start-times available for each camp. Costs start at $199. (Little Coders is $99 and 1 hour.)
At Portland Children’s Museum, registration is currently open for full-day Museum Summer Camps in July and August for children ages 4-10. Let the FUN shine in with weekly themes including Clay Inventors, Mystery Explorers, and Cosmic Detectives. Your happy camper will soak up creative adventure while combining art with science and nature—in both indoor and outdoor Museum exhibits.
Following state guidelines, the Museum plans to operate camps this summer with extra precautions to ensure your child’s safety, including a limited number of campers and a lower camper-to-counselor ratio. Participants will be contacted in the event that camps cannot be held for the week(s) they have registered.
Camps run 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; aftercare available 3-5:30 p.m. Cost is $305 per week.
This national hub of bike education offers half and full day camps for kids as young as 2, all the way to 12, who want to ride bikes this summer! Your kid will go from training wheels to two wheels in these fun learn-to-bike camps. Concerned about COVID? They’re going above and beyond to insure a safe camp experience for your biker this summer. They’re working hard to adapt programming to meet or exceed safety guidelines, including using equipment or barriers to support distancing requirements, keeping class sizes small and separated from other groups, and upping handwashing and cleaning procedures. Plus, they offer a no-hassle cancellation policy.
Locations in Portland, Beaverton, and Lake Oswego. Half-day camps 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. Full-day camps 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Before and after care available. Pricing is from $259-$455.
For kids ages 4 to 18, Oregon Episcopal School is offering online camps and in-person camps. Campers can choose from culinary arts, Jiu Jitsu, movie making, and more. Virtual camps are available for the first two weeks (Jun. 22-Jul. 2), while OES is exploring options for in-person camps for the remainder of the summer (Jul. 6-Aug. 22).
Check the website for updated offerings and pricing.
