Kids Bowl Free {Parents can too} – 2012 Summer Fun


FREE Summer Bowling at Stars & Strikes

Last month I shared that FREE Summer Bowling is back!  FREE bowling! Have you signed your family up yet?

My family definitely took advantage of this last year.  It’s perfect for those really hot summer days.

Registered kids receive TWO free games of bowling, every day all summer long.  And the best part?  You can register up to six kids!  So even if you’re bigger than a family of four, you’ll still save!

The following restrictions apply to Stars & Strikes Cumming:

Dates: April 15th – August 31st
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am to 5pm
Saturday, 9am to 12pm
Ages: 15 and Under
Notes: Standard Shoe Rates Apply

If you want to bowl WITH your kids this summer, you have the option of adding a FAMILY PASS.

Family Pass

After signing up for “Kids Bowl Free”, you’ll be given the option to add the Family Pass. This allows you to bowl 2 games each day with your kids for a ONE-TIME payment of $24.95. You can even add up to three more adults onto the Family Pass. This is great for mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, older siblings, or even the babysitter!  Depending on how many adults use it, you could pay that off in no time!

I just snagged my Family Pass – the great thing is you can purchase it now, add one member and then wait to add the other three until you know which adult will use it the most.  Once you add a name it can’t be changed but you don’t have to add more than one member at the time of  purchase.

So, with SIX kids and FOUR adults on your Family Pass, the biggest hurdle will be finding a car big enough to carry everyone!!

Click here to sign up for Kids Bowl FREE.

More About Kids Bowl Free

Kids Bowl Free is in 950+ locations, in 46 states plus Canada and all offer any registered child two free games every day, all summer long!  For all locations, click here.  While there is absolutely no cost for children to participate, it’s easy & affordable to make it a frequent family event!  The Family Pass was created to allow for adult family members to enjoy bowling throughout the summer as well.  Starting from $24.95 and including 2 games per person per day for up to four family members, this makes bowling fun & frugal!


Links:

Main Site: kidsbowlfree.com
Locations: http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/all_centers.php
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kidsbowlfree
Twitter: @kidsbowlfree

Disclosure: I registered for Kids Bowl Free passes on my own, but was provided Kids Bowl Free – Family Passes from Debutante Media at no cost. All opinions regarding the product are my own.

Kids Bowl Free – 2012 Summer Fun in Forsyth County


FREE Summer Bowling at Stars & Strikes

It’s back for 2012!  Free bowling!  My family definitely took advantage of this last year.

Registered kids receive TWO free games of bowling, every day all summer long.

The following restrictions apply to Stars & Strikes Cumming:

Dates: April 15th – August 31st
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am to 5pm
Saturday, 9am to 12pm
Ages: 15 and Under
Notes: Standard Shoe Rates Apply

If you want to bowl WITH your kids this summer, you have the option of adding a FAMILY PASS.

Family Pass

After signing up for “Kids Bowl Free”, you’ll be given the option to add the Family Pass.  This allows you to bowl 2 games each day with your kids for a ONE-TIME payment of $24.95.  You can even add up to three more adults onto the Family Pass. This is great for mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, older siblings, or even the babysitter!

Click here to sign up for Kids Bowl FREE.

No School: Things To Do in Forsyth County

What to do?

Later this week, Forsyth County Schools are out of class for a day and a half.  It’s an Early Release Day on Friday, March 16th followed by an Inclement Weather Day on Monday, March 19th.  Since it’s combined into a long weekend, some of you may be headed out of town.  But if you’ll be sticking around Forsyth County, here’s a few ideas to keep everyone having a good time.

Play Outside

If it’s not raining, definitely try to catch some good Vitamin D over the break.  Play at a local playground, ride on the Greenway, or maybe even hike Sawnee Mountain.
Click here for a list of Forsyth County Parks & Rec information.

Enjoy an Indoor Playcenter

Visit the Library:  Forsyth County Public Library

Forsyth County Public Library Online | Forsyth County Public Library on Facebook

Flexible Childcare:  Recess by Charley

  • Still need to get some work done even though the kids are out of school?  Consider Recess by Charley – they’ll get to play & have fun and you can enjoy flexible childcare options.

For rates, more information & to reserve your spot, call 678.876.3456.
Recess by Charley Online | Recess by Charley on Facebook

Go Rollerskating: Slapshots Family Skate Center

  • Always open for Forsyth County School breaks.
  • All sessions are just $6. Quad or Inline skate rentals available for just $3.
  • Tip:  Get $1 off admission when you mention this FB Posting (click here) and visit Friday, March 16th from 1pm to 4pm.

Slapshots Online | Slapshots on Facebook

See a (Discounted) Movie

Lots of new movies are out. Check out the AMC Theatres Schedule or the Carmike (formerly Movies 400) Schedule.

AMC Theatre Tips:

  • Showtimes before Noon are just $6.

Carmike Cinemas Tips:

  • Go on Tuesdays & Save!  (which doesn’t help here since we’re not out Tuesday – oh well!)
  • Super Stimulus Specials on Tuesday – $1 Popcorn, $1 Drink, $2.50 Candy & More

Go Bowling: Stars & Strikes

  • Bowling, Arcades, Poker, Lazer Tag, Bumper Cars & More.
  • Tip: Check out their Specials Page & see if you can save on the day you plan to go.

Stars & Strikes Online | Stars & Strikes on Facebook

Go Pottery Painting: Glazed & Fired

  • Take advantage of Open Studio hours.  Also open Saturday & Sunday.
  • Note: Closed on Monday

Glazed & Fired Online | Glazed & Fired on Facebook

Take the Girls for Some Pampering:  Sweet & Sassy

  • Take advantage of a Sweet & Sassy Girl’s Night Out Event on Friday, March 16th from 5 to 7pm.  Click here for more information.
  • Or schedule an appointment any time during the long weekend.

Sweet & Sassy OnlineSweet & Sassy on Facebook

Enjoy a Sweet Treat Together

  • Creations BakeryCreations Bakery OnlineCreations Bakery on Facebook
    Stop in during regular business hours and treat yourself to some tasty creations. Rice Krispy treats, Chocolate Covered Oreo cookies – all sorts of fun and beautiful chocolate & treats!
  • Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt – Menchie’s Cumming Marketplace Facebook Page
    Always a tasty treat & fun for the kids to make their own!
    Tip: Follow on Facebook for the latest coupons or discounts available.  A new coupon usually comes out each Friday.
  • Ice Cream Social - Ice Cream Social on Facebook
    There are always fun flavors at the Ice Cream Social – several even made in house.
  • Dutch Monkey Doughnuts - Dutch Monkey Facebook page.
    Fresh, made daily doughnuts with flavors for the kids & mom or dad too!
    Note: Closed Monday
  • Donut Depot: Donut Depot on Facebook
    New Donut Shop in town – getting lots of good feedback from our readers on taste & price!
  • The Chill Hill: Chill Hill on Facebook
    Self Serve Frozen Yogurt with toppings galore to choose from.

So, those are just some of our ideas.  Do you have any?  Feel free to share in the comments below.

Photo Source – D Sharon Pruitt

Christmas Break Survival Guide

Forsyth County Schools are closed for 11 days over the Winter / Christmas / Holiday Break.  When you add the weekends in, it means the kids will be home 15 days straight.

I am completely thrilled to have my kids at home for such a long period.  The days will be filled with staying up late, sleeping in (hopefully) and we’ll be so busy with family fun & activities that those 15 days will seem more like just a few!  But the truth is – they’ll also get bored.  They’ll start to fight with each other.  And on December 27th, they’ll likely complain that they have nothing to play with.  Sound familiar?

If you have extended family in town or if you’re just looking to explore some fun things with you friends and immediate family, it might be a great time to check out some fun things right here in town.

Looking at this list, I think we’re pretty lucky here in Forsyth County.   Lots of things to do in Cumming GA!  Here’s a Top Ten round up of some ideas:

1.  See FREE Movies at the Library:  Forsyth County Public Library – Free Family Cinema

  • Three movie screenings at the Hampton Park Library.  Three different takes on the classic “Christmas Story” by Charles Dickens.
  • All Showings December 23rd
  • 10:15am – Mickey’s Christmas Carol (Rated G, 26 minutes)
    11:00am – The Muppet Christmas Carol (Rated G, 35 minutes)
    2:00pm -  A Christmas Carol (Rated PG, 96 minutes)

For more information & directions, click here.
Forsyth County Public Library OnlineForsyth County Public Library on Facebook

2.  Take advantage of Flexible Childcare:  Recess by Charley

  • Open regular &/or extended hours most of the break.  Offering flexible, per hour childcare.
  • Open:  December 21st – December 23rd
  • Open:  December 27th – December 30th

For rates, more information & to reserve your spot, call 678.876.3456.
Recess by Charley OnlineRecess by Charley on Facebook

3.  Enjoy an Indoor Playcenter:  Catch Air

  • Free Wi-Fi & Coffee for the parents + indoor fun for the kids.
  • Offering Extended Hours during the break.
  • Open Christmas Eve (til 2pm), the day after Christmas, & New Year’s Eve (til 2pm)
  • Tip:  Always check their Facebook Page.  They are awesome at offering daily specials to their Facebook fans.

Catch Air OnlineCatch Air on Facebook

4.  Go Rollerskating:  Slapshots Family Skate Center

  • Offering extended hours during the break.
  • Highlights:  Open Christmas Eve (till 4pm) and New Year’s Eve.
  • All sessions are just $6.  Quad or Inline skate rentals available for just $3.

Slapshots OnlineSlapshots on Facebook

5.  Take advantage of Drop-Off Childcare:  Adventure Kids

  • Offering two days of Drop-Off Childcare for those last minute errands you need to run.
  • December 22nd:  10am to 6pm
  • December 23rd:  10am to 11pm
  • Also check out Adventure Kids on “regular” days where you stay while the kids play.  It’s cheap & fun!

For rates, more information & to reserve your spot, call 770.406.8952.
Adventure Kids OnlineAdventure Kids on Facebook

6.  Go Ice Skating:  The Ice

  • Open through Christmas Eve (til 4pm) & the Day After Christmas.
  • Open New Year’s Eve.
  • All sessions are just $7.  Skate rentals available for $3.

The Ice Online

7.  See a (Discounted) Movie

Lots of new movies are out this time of year.  Check out the AMC Theatres Schedule or the Carmike (formerly Movies 400) Schedule.

AMC Theatre Tips:

  • Showtimes before Noon are just $6.
  • Senior Day (60+) is on Tuesday ($6 tickets).
  • Student Day (with valid Student ID) is on Thursday ($8 tickets).
  • Check out the current Holiday Promotions before arriving.

Carmike Cinemas Tips:

8.  Go Bowling:  Stars & Strikes

  • Provides Bowling, Arcades, Poker, Lazer Tag, Bumper Cars & More.
  • Tip:  Check out their Specials Page & you’ll really save.
  • Tip:  For a family bowling outing, go on Wednesdays – just $0.99 for bowling or $1.99 for boutique bowling (shoe rental regular price).

Stars & Strikes OnlineStars & Strikes on Facebook

9.  Go Canvas or Pottery Painting:  Glazed & Fired

  • Take advantage of two Canvas Nights during the break – perfect for a girls night out after some stressful days:  Thursday 12/22 & 12/29 from 7pm to 9pm.  Visit the Calendar for details.
  • Bring the Family & Pop-In for some Open Studio Time – let everyone pick out a pottery piece to paint & remember the holiday season.

Glazed & Fired OnlineGlazed & Fired on Facebook

10.  Celebrate Christmas Eve Together

Check out our listing of Christmas Eve (and some Christmas Day) Services.  Many options around Cumming & Forsyth County for traditional, communion, and candlelight services.

Bonus Tip:

Don’t forget to check out the Christmas Light Shows in Cumming GA through New Year’s!  Both Christmas in Cumming GA & Blink Midwinter are a great way to show off our city’s talented, generous & selfless residents!

Most Importantly?

Have fun & enjoy this Season.  I know I am!

Photo Source

Veteran’s Day Fun & Freebies

Veteran’s Day Freebies & Discounts …

Stars & Strikes is giving both fun & food to our Veteran’s this Friday.

Other Local Savings:

Other local businesses are also offering discounts on food & purchases to our Veterans.  Check out this list of local savings that we spotted on Facebook throughout the day:

Slope’s BBQ Cumming - Veterans save 50% off their meal all day Friday.
Fagan’s Biscuit Barn – Veterans receive a Free Sausage Biscuit on Friday.
Kids Go Green -  Veterans save an additional 15% off their purchase on Friday.
Dutch Monkey Doughnuts – Veterans save 25% of their purchase on Friday.

*Proper ID Required.

Additional National Savings:

Several other national chains are also saying thanks with free meals throughout the day and into the weekend.  Including Golden Corral, Chili’s, Applebee’s & more.  Veteran’s can also save a percentage at retail stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s.  For more information on national savings, click here.

And most importantly … thank a Veteran … today and EVERYday!

Early Release Days = Half Fun Days

Photo Source: blue2likeyou

Forsyth County Schools* will have three (yes … three!!) half days next week.  If you’re looking for something fun to keep everyone entertained, here’s a little list of options that won’t break the bank too terribly bad.

Wednesday, October 19th:

Stars & Strikes - Check out Stars & Strikes on the first half day off & you can score 99Cent Bowling!  This offer is good on Wednesdays only & is available from open to close.  If you prefer the “boutique” side, that will cost $1.99.  Shoe rental is still regular price, but 99 cents for bowling isn’t too bad!

More information: Call Stars & Strikes at 678.965.5707 or Visit them Online or on Facebook.

Creations Bakery – Bring the kids to Creations Bakery & let them decorate their very own jumbo cupcake!  Stop in between 1 and 4pm.  Cost is $5.  No reservations required.

More Information: Call Creations Bakery at 770.887.4944 or Visit them Online or on Facebook.

Adventure Kids: For an all day price of just $5 (age 2-12) and $3 (under 2), let the kids play in the sand, on the inflatables, in the fort, playgrounds & more!  And Wednesday Only, if you pay regular price, you’ll receive a pass to come back on Thursday or Friday for free!  Thanks to this special posted on Facebook.

More Information: Call Adventure Kids at 770.406.8952 or Visit Adventure Kids Online or on Facebook.

Thursday, October 20th:

**CAMP IS FULL – Glazed & Fired - On Thursday, Glazed & Fired is offering a “mini camp” for students aged 5 to 12 years.  Campers will paint a 12×12 canvas, a piece of pottery and sculpt with clay!  Cost is $30 per child.  Time is 2pm to 5pm.  Reservations & pre-payment are required.  *The G&F Facebook page has been updated to show this camp as full.  Other camps are noted to come in November, so make sure you’re following them!

More information: Call Glazed & Fired at 678.208.6096 or visit Glazed & Fired Online or on Facebook.

Fun Any Day:

Adventure Kids: For an all day price of just $5 (age 2-12) and $3 (under 2), let the kids play in the sand, on the inflatables, in the fort, playgrounds & more!

More Information: Call Adventure Kids at 770.406.8952 or Visit Adventure Kids Online or on Facebook.

Catch Air: The weather can be good or bad outside and you’ll still have fun inside!  Be sure to visit Catch Air on Facebook.  They publish a new deal {almost} daily.  Most times, the savings are for 25-30% off admission.

More Information: Call Catch Air at 678.965.6868 or Visit them Online or on Facebook.

Glazed & Fired – Buy one Paint Your Own Pottery Piece and get the second (equal or lesser value) at half off!  This is an October special offered Tuesday – Friday throughout the month.  Cannot be combined with any other coupons, weekly promotions, events or private parties.

More information: Call Glazed & Fired at 678.208.6096 or visit Glazed & Fired Online or on Facebook.

Kinsey Family Farm: The fall festivities at Kinsey are in full swing.  The farm is open to the public everyday during October.  From 10am to 5:30pm, catch a hayride, enjoy a picnic, see the farm animals, feed the fish or just enjoy the fall weather.

More Information: Call Kinsey Family Farm at 770.887.6028 or Visit Kinsey Family Farm Online or on Facebook.

Warbington Farms: The farm is open Monday – Saturday from 8am to 7pm.  And on Sunday 1pm to 6pm.  The whole family can enjoy a “hey”-ride, let the kids have fun on the bounce slide, a pony ride or just petting the animals.  Don’t forget to grab a pumpkin (pay for it of course though) while you’re there!

More Information: Call Warbington Farms at 770.380.2920 or Visit Warbington Farms Online or on Facebook.

Monkey Joe’s Cumming:  With cooler temps on the way, it may be the perfect time to head indoors for some fun.  At the time of publishing this article, Half Off Depot was featuring Monkey Joe’s Cumming.  Purchase an admission pass for just $4.99.  If you don’t want to purchase through Half Off Depot, you can also check out their Coupon page.

More Information: Call Monkey Joe’s Cumming at 770.887.5678 or Visit Monkey Joe’s Cumming Online or on Facebook.

And don’t forget to take advantage of some of the great parks & the libraries throughout Cumming & Forsyth County too!

Fun for the Sweet Tooth:

Sometimes a trip for something sweet is just as much fun.  Be sure to check out these great stops around town:

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt - Always a tasty treat & fun for the kids to make their own!  Follow the Menchie’s Cumming Marketplace Facebook Page for the latest coupons or discounts available.

Dutch Monkey Doughnuts - Fresh, made daily doughnuts with flavors for the kids & mom or dad too!  Last week, we scored some buy one, get one’s just by watching the Dutch Monkey Facebook page.  But fair warning – your mouth will start watering!

Ice Cream Social - There are always fun flavors at the Ice Cream Social – several even made in house.  Follow the Ice Cream Social on Facebook for more information.

Creations Bakery - You might not know, but you can stop in during regular business hours and treat yourself to some tasty creations.  Rice Krispy treats, Chocolate Covered Oreo cookies – all sorts of fun and beautiful chocolate & treats!  Check out the Creations Bakery Facebook Page for some tempting pictures:)

*And as a Facebook Reader pointed out – FCS are only Early Release for Elementary & Middle.  High School Students have full days. I hadn’t even noticed that, so thanks to a reader for bringing that up!

‘Stars and Strikes’ to go HALLO FUN!!

stars & strikes in cumming ga

Festivities to benefit a local charity!

What: Stars and Strikes’ in Cumming, Dallas and Gwinnett will host “Hallo Fun” Every weekend in October starting September 30th.  Festivities include a Haunted House where proceeds will benefit a local non-profit which varies by location.  The haunted house will feature a series of hallways of which will be toned down for the younger kids during the day and stepped up in the evening to give older kids of all ages a fun scare! In addition, with ticket price – customers will have access to a variety of $2 specials and a $5.00 game card.

Participating locations will also have a pumpkin patch, craft vendors, indoor scavenger hunt, and Haunted Lazer Tag! Stars and Strike is also offering $25 off all Birthday Party packages* during the month of October. Also in the month of October, the Gwinnett location on Hwy 316 will have a 5K  Pumpkin Pacer Race on October 8 (www.pumpkinpacer.blogspot.com),  Wee-Cycle Upscale Children’s Consignment Sale October (http://weecycleconsignment.com)  and Family Fun Day Festival on October 29!

When: September 30 – October 31, 2011

Where: Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center
www.starsandstrikes.com

Cost: $7.00 Haunted House ticket

Why: To celebrate the Halloween in a family friendly fun capacity!

Event Background: With four locations across metro-Atlanta, Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Centers offer affordable family fun and entertainment for all ages.  Each center features twilight and boutique bowling (24-40 lanes per location); futuristic lazer tag; arcade game room, bumper cars and a full-service Coaches Corner Sports Bar, with a variety of menu items.  For information, log onto www.starsandstrikes.com or call 678-965-5707. For Vendor sign up information call 678-965-5707.

Contact:   678.965.5707 or email: info@starsandstrikes.org

Daily Deals in Cumming GA

There are several Daily Deals featuring stores in Cumming GA right now.

Below is a little recap for you to take advantage of:

Tippr is offering up to 62% off Facial or Massage from Skin Vitality (Atlanta Hwy in Cumming).  This deal is only available through Friday 8/26, so snag one today.
If you haven’t signed up for Tippr yet, click here to sign up.

DealSwarm is offering a $400 Certificate to Mattress Choice for just $99.  You can use the certificate towards any purchase of a BeautyRest or Sterling Thomas Mattress Set.  The location says Marietta, but the details say it includes their Cumming location.  This deal is available through Monday 8/29.  If you haven’t signed up for DealSwarm yet, click here to sign up.

And finally, Groupon is offering  up to 57% off Bowling & Games for Two or Six at Stars & Strikes.  This deal includes two different options of savings for a bundle – games, shoe rental, concessions & more.  This deal is only available through tomorrow, 8/25 so snag one quickly if you want it!  If you haven’t signed up for Groupon yet, click here to sign up.

Family Fun Day at Stars & Strikes

Stars & Strikes invites you to a “Community Family Fun Day” this Saturday, August 20th from 10am to 4pm.

The day will be filled with games, food, and fun for all ages!  Highlights of the day include:  inflatables, sports mascots, face painting, live entertainment, vendor booths & special family fun day pricing for bowling, lazer tag, games & food items!

Admission to attend is FREE!  Activity specials include:

  • $2 Twilight Bowling,
  • $3 Boutique Bowling,
  • $2 Lazer Tag,
  • $2 Bumper Cars &
  • $2 Shoe Rental.

For More Information:

Stars & Strikes – 133 Merchants Square, Cumming GA 30040
Phone – 678.965.5707

Stars & Strikes OnlineStars & Strikes on Facebook

Disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate, useful information about events, activities and small business within Cumming & Forsyth County. Information (including times and locations) is gathered from various sources including press releases, local newspapers, signs around town, event submissions and word of mouth. We always attempt to confirm details before published. It is possible that details change or we are given inaccurate information. Whenever possible we link our articles to the source or information provided and strongly urge you to confirm details before you go. Cumming Local is in no way responsible for any problems that occur while participating in activities recommended on this site or for any errors & omissions. The goal of this site is to highlight businesses in Cumming, GA – the availability of them and praise ones that I personally love. It is not to provide personal reviews of each, that will be left up to you.