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

Mid-Winter Break Survival Guide

Forsyth County Schools are closed for 3 days beginning this Friday (and assuming our Inclement Weather day sticks around between now & then).  When you add the weekends in, we end up having 5 full days off!

I must admit, I’m pretty excited to NOT be setting the alarm for five days straight!

It looks like it will be pretty chilly most of the break, but then again who knows.  We had a picnic several weeks back so it’s certainly possible.  But in the event it’s too cold to hit a playground or ride bikes on the driveway, we’ve rounded of a list of some Indoor Fun to keep YOU warm & the KIDS entertained!

Enjoy an Indoor Playcenter

Visit the Library:  Forsyth County Public Library

  • Spend time checking out new books.
  • Enjoy a movie with your older girls – Family/Teen Cinema at Hampton Park on Saturday, 2/18.
  • Note: Library will be closed for President’s Day on Monday, 2/20.

For more information on the current Program Schedule, click here.
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.

Slapshots Online | Slapshots on Facebook

Go Ice Skating: The Ice

  • All sessions are just $7. Skate rentals available for $3.
  • Note: Typically closed on Mondays.  Call in advance or check their “Public Skate” online as some sessions are cancelled due to other scheduling.

The Ice Online

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 Bowling: Stars & Strikes

Stars & Strikes Online | Stars & Strikes on Facebook

Go Pottery Painting: Glazed & Fired

  • Take advantage of Open Studio from 11am to 7pm. 
  • Note: Closed on Monday

Glazed & Fired Online | Glazed & Fired on Facebook

Enjoy a Sweet Treat Together

  • Creations BakeryCreations Bakery OnlineCreations Bakery on Facebook
    Bring the kids to Creations Bakery & let them decorate their very own cupcake to take home! Stop in between 12:30pm and 4pm on Friday, 2/17. Cost is $5. No reservations required.  Click here for more information.
    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.  Definitely take advantage of their current BOGO FREE offer.
  • 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!

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

Market Place Christmas

The Market Place Christmas is an afternoon of fun on Market Place Boulevard, Saturday December 4th.

Festivities begin at 3:30pm with the Cumming Christmas Parade & Festival.  Businesses, churches, schools & bands will parade down the street.  The street will be lined with spectators young & young at heart!  This is a really fun event for children to see decorated floats and characters and just a great way to officially kick of the December events and season!

The parade concludes at Hwy 20 where everyone is invited to view the annual tree lighting at Northside Hospital.   The tree is already up and ready to be lit.  This has definitely become a very fun tradition.

And driving down Georgia 400, the Northside Hospital Forsyth Tree has become synomonous with the Christmas season

Refreshments, entertainment & the tree lighting ceremony begins at 4:30pm.

For more information, visit www.MarketPlaceChristmas.com.

Family Entertainment

Adventure Kids – Play, Learn, Party

4335 Bethelview Rd, 30040
Phone:  678.777.4813

Catch Air Party

1515 Redi Road, 30040
Phone:  678.965.6868

Monkey Joe’s

5055 Post Rd, 30040
Phone:  770.887.5678

Slapshots Family Skate Center

5065 Piney Grove Road, 30040
Phone:  770.888.5000

Stars & Strikes

133 Merchant Square, 30040
Phone:  678.965.5707

The Ice

1345 Atlanta Hwy, 30040
Phone:  678.845.0105

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.