Staycation Ideas for Spring

Spring is seen as a time of growth, renewal and rebirth; of new life being born. It’s also seen as a time when many families get away, some sailing off to the islands, others flying overseas – all clamoring to take a break from having to pull double duty to stay afloat in a shaky economy.  

Still, many more are opting to take off and stay home for their vacations, much to the chagrin of their children who believe they need a vacation, may even deserve one.

For the pursed lips and furrowed brows, there are fun things to do at home. Here are a few options nearby:

• The Wren’s Nest Spring Break Storytelling Extravaganza features Brer Rabbit tales by professional storytellers and museum tours with a buy-one-get-one-free admission. Bring a picnic to enjoy lunch outside around the Joel Chandler Harris home.10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 6-9, storytelling at noon. $8 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, $5 for children ages 4-12. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more. The Wren's Nest at 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. S.W., Atlanta. 404-753-7735: www.wrensnestonline.com.

• Spring Break at Zoo Atlanta features a week’s worth of events, starting with the Gorilla Egg Hunt at 2 p.m. April 3, Easter Bunny visits from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. April 3 and 4, a character from “Where the Wild Things Are” roaming the ground April 9-11 and the new Zoo’s Clues program, which families can participate in any time. The Zoo’s Spring Safari Day Camp also accepts kids from kindergarten through fifth grade for one to five days; 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $19.99, $14.99 for ages 3-11, $15.99 for military, college students and ages 55 and older, free for children younger than 2. Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., S.E., Atlanta. 404-624-9453, www.zooatlanta.org . Also, thanks to a new partnership with the Georgia Public Library Service, residents can check out the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass for free admission for a family of four. For more details, go to: http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/hours_and_rates/family_pass 

• Spring Break at Georgia State Parks means a day of fun, sightseeing and adventure just 30 to 40 minutes away. Some parks have cascading waterfalls, nature trails, luxurious lodges and fine dining.  Sweetwater Creek State Park at 1750 Mount Vernon Road in Lithia Springs provides fishing, tree climbing, and boat rentals. Patrons can go bike riding, practice archery and take time to explore the ruins of an old textile mill. Redtop Mountain State Park at 50 Lodge Road in Cartersville offers overnight camping, fishing and hiking on 15 miles of paved trail. Check out the marina, walk on the beach or go boating. Both the parks and 40 more of the state’s 63 parks also provide geocaching- the popular treasure hunting game where you use a GPS to hide and seek boxes of trinket that can be traded for something of equal or lesser value. Also, each park has special events and classes for children such as: Sweetwater Creek Junior Ranger Day Camp on April 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.:This day camp is for children ages 6-12, who have not previously been in a Junior Ranger program,  to obtain the Level I Deer Badge. There will be nature hikes, a live animal program, and nature oriented arts and craft projects. Register in advance.  $20 includes lunch. $5 parking. 770-732-5871. http://www.gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreek. Red Top Mountain’s Springtime at the Homestead on April 2 -3: When the troops moved, they often camped on the property of local civilians. Patrons can step back into the 1860s to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of such an encampment as volunteers demonstrate daily life of the soldiers and their hosts... $5 parking. 770-975-0055. For more options, go to: http://www.gastateparks.org/RedTopMountain.