Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts

Monday, June 1, 2015

What to do when there is nothing to do...

School is out, work is slow and everyone is itching for something exciting to do. Sometimes in our small, but always growing city, it might seem like there is nothing to do during these summer months. Below is some inspiration for your next week day or weekend adventure for families, couples and even some personal time!


Family Time


Float-N-Movies: The City of Auburn is excited to bring you a movie series that combines some pool time and a family friendly movie all in one awesome night! Bring a pool float and find the perfect spot to enjoy a movie. Admission is $2 per person or FREE with a 2015 Splash Pass. Join them at Samford Pool on June 11 for A Lego Movie, July 9 for Paddington and August 13 for Muppets Most Wanted. All movies begin at 8:30 p.m.

Summer Swing Concert Series: The City of Opelika is bringing you the sounds of summer with their popular concert series at the Municipal Park in Opelika. The concert is held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. now through August 4. The concert series features a wide variety of musical entertainment including Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Praise and Worship, Oldies, Country, Big Band Swing, Folk and Community Band music. With concessions by the Opelika Band Boosters, complimentary lemonade from CharterBank and the Kona Ice Truck, you are sure to have some family fun that promises to be memorable.



Don't forget activities that are available at all times of the year, but are great summertime activities:

For the Couple


Whether you have kids or you don't, every couple needs some time to yourselves. Below are some ideas for dates during the day and night!

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art: Spend the afternoon exploring your artistic side! Start out at the museum's cafe. The cafe serves lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and features light, freshly prepared salads, Italian Panini sandwiches and seasonal soups and entrees. After lunch, explore the wonderful exhibitions featured in the museum. For more information on exhibitions and collections, please visit www.jcsm.auburn.edu!



Wine Sampling at The Overall Company: The Overall Company would like you and your significant other to come enjoy a free wine sampling on Saturday, June 6 from 7:30-10 p.m. Head to downtown Opelika and have dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants in the heart of downtown before you head to sample wines from The Overall Company's wine list. For more information, please visit www.overallco.com.

A Downtown Auburn Night: Don't let a little construction steer you away from a magical night in Downtown Auburn. With dining to satisfy any taste bud, and after dinner treats for any mood, you are sure to be on cloud nine. For a more romantic setting, head to Hamilton's, Amsterdam, Ariccia or Acre to give your taste buds a thrill, and then head to Piccolo or Avondale for a few drinks to top off the night. If casual is more your style, try Cheeburger Cheebuger or Moe's BBQ for a laid back dinner, and then head to Steel City Pops for a refreshing treat to satisfy that sweet tooth.

First Fridays in Downtown Opelika: On the First Friday of each month, downtown Opelika shops will stay open until 8 p.m. to give you time to grab dinner and do some shopping afterwards. With music and entertainment on the street corners, this is a great way to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.


In need of some "YOU" time:


Sometimes all you need is some peace and quiet and time to yourself. Here are a few ideas to give you that much needed life break!

Walking Trails at Kiesel Park: Sometimes the best way to clear your mind is to take a walk and breathe in the fresh air. Kiesel Park offers a 2 1/4 mile walking trail and is dog friendly, so feel free to take your four-legged friend along to listen to you.

Farmer's Markets: If you are like me, sometimes the best therapy is retail therapy, and what better to shop for than fresh produce. Luckily, both Auburn and Opelika have fabulous Farmer's Markets during the summer. The Opelika Main Street Farmer's Market is held at the Courthouse Square in Opelika every Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. going on now through August 25. The Market at Ag Heritage Park is held every Thursday from 3-6 p.m at Ag Heritage Park on the campus of Auburn University going on now through August 27.



Perch Bead Studio: Head to Perch for a relaxing afternoon of Jewelry making to express your creativity and style in a fun and affordable way. Come learn wire wrapping, hand stamping, and other jewelry making techniques and leave with a custom designed piece. For more information, please visit www.perchjewelrystudio.com.

Coffee at the Overall Company: Come have a date with you, yourself and I at The Overall Company. With a wide variety of espressos and coffee that consists of single-origin coffees, microlots and handcrafted blends, you are sure to find the perfect brew to give you a little peace and quiet. Don't forget to grab a handmade popsicle from the popular Pop Factory. For more information, please visit www.overallco.com.


These are just a few suggestions of things to do, but the calendar is constantly growing with new and exciting things to do this summer! For more information, please visit www.aotourism.com or give us a call at (334) 887-8747, we will be happy to give you suggestions!

 

This week in Auburn-Opelika:


June 1-5: Summer Ecology Camp, Young Naturalist I at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center
June 4-5: Camp War Eagle at Auburn University
June 5: First Fridays in Downtown Opelika until 8 p.m.
June 6: Science on Saturdays at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center beginning at 10 a.m.


Monday, May 4, 2015

Boda Getta BBQ

Summer is right around the corner, and what better way to kick it off than a good ole fashioned BBQ? Katie Tynes, Auburn Chamber of Commerce PR & Marketing Intern, is here to tell us all about it!
 
The Auburn Chamber of Commerce is hosting its third Boda Getta BBQ competition at University Station RV Resort off Highway 14 in Auburn on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. This Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned event will bring professional and amateur barbecue teams from all over the Southeast to the Plains to compete for the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion titles. Event proceeds will benefit FACES- The Foundation for Auburn's Continuing Enrichment in Schools- a local non-profit that funds and encourages creative programs in classrooms within Auburn City Schools.
 

 
The two-day competition will boast barbecue in every style and form. For those who consider barbecuing more of a spectator sport, there will be live entertainment throughout the weekend, vendors such as Sweet Bones, Cindy Cakes, Snack Shack and Fork in the Road, LLC, sponsors, antique tractor exhibits, a kids' zone with inflatables and crafts and a children's one-mile Fun Run. General admission tickets will be $5 per person per day at the gate, while children age 15 and under accompanied by parents can attend for free.
 

Professional Teams will have the opportunity to compete for $11,000 in cash prizes along with the Grand Champion title. Amateur "tailgate" teams will compete for the chance to have their team announced as the "Best Tailgaters in Auburn" at the first home football game on the newest and largest college jumbotron in the country.
 
The weekend festivities will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday night, with entertainment from the Fountain City Players from 7 to 10:30 p.m. On Saturday morning, children from throughout Auburn City Schools will get an early start at the FACES one-mile fun run. The Kid's Zone will open at 9 a.m. when gates open back up to the general public.
 

Families can meet Travis the Camel and Fred the Alpaca from Fred the Alpaca from Farmer Brown's Party Animals petting zoo from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. The Kid's Zone will also include a tractor exhibit, inflatables and more. Entertainment from the local Spicer's Music will begin at 11 a.m. and play until the competition winners are announced at 3 p.m.
 


Who is FACES?

All the proceeds from the event will go toward FACES, the Foundation for Auburn's Continuing Enrichment in Schools. FACES is a non-profit organization that promotes innovative opportunities that enrich the educational experiences of students at Auburn City Schools. The Foundation falls under the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and funds mini-grants of up to $600 to teachers promoting programs for classroom experience enhancement. With over 1,000 grand proposals received since its start in 1985, they have given a total of 567 mini-grants to teachers in the amount of over $224,000.
 

Event Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Auburn Rotary Club
Pit Master Sponsor: Prewett Insurance Group
Pit Master Sponsor: Kinnucan's
Backyard Griller Sponsor: MAX Credit Union
 
Auburn Chamber of Commerce
Verge Pipe Media
Alabama Contract Sales
Country's Barbecue
 
For a detailed schedule of events or for more information, please visit www.bodagettabbq.com!
 

This week in Auburn-Opelika:

May 5: Koresh Dance Company at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m.
May 7: May Concert Series at Town Creek Park from 6-7:30 p.m.
May 7 & 8: S'More Fun with Mom at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center from 6-8:30 p.m.
May 8-9: Boda Getta BBQ at University Station RV Resort
May 8-10: Auburn Baseball vs. Alabama at Plainsman Park (F: 6 p.m., Sat: 3 p.m., Sun: 1 p.m.)
May 9 & 10: Auburn University Graduation ceremonies at the Auburn Arena
May 9: Garden in the Park at the Opelika Municipal Park from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.


 

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Spring Break "Stay-Cation"

Well it’s finally here – next week is the week of break that sends your kids into jumps of joy as they relish an entire week away from school. Dreams of adventure and swim trunks dance in their heads, and some may be lucky enough to jet off (with parents in tow) to an out-of-town vacation.
But you don’t have to leave Auburn-Opelika to have some spring break fun and quality family time! Here’s what’s going on next week for you and your kids to enjoy:


Monday, March 24
Superhero Academy
Auburn Public Library
2 p.m.
Do you have a Wonderwoman or Superman living under your roof? Take them to the Auburn Public Library on Monday, March 24, at 2 p.m. for Superhero Academy. They’ll learn all the super-skills required to put on their capes and save the world, all while improving their reading skills. Intended for children in grades K-5. Registration required - call Youth Services at (334) 501-3196.

Tuesday, March 25

AU Baseball vs. Kennesaw State
Plainsman Park
6 p.m.
Take your tykes out to the ball game and watch the Auburn baseball team take on Kennesaw State at 6 p.m. in Plainsman Park. Tickets are $8.

Superhero Movie Matinee

Auburn Public Library
3 p.m.
The Auburn Public Library will be showing a superhero film at 3 p.m. Snacks will be provided.
Intended for children in grades K-5.

Spring Break Camp (March 25-26)

Louis Kreher Ecology Preserve
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Spring into nature with the Louis Kreher Ecology Preserve spring break camp! Campers will learn about blossoming Alabama plants, busy bees, animals and more through hiking, fishing and gardening activities. Registration is $20 for members and $25 for non-members per child per day. For more information, click here. Camp intended for 1st-6th grade children.

Discovery Hike

Louis Kreher Ecology Preserve
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
The Discovery Hike is a hike designed for parents and kids to learn more about nature together. It’s a great way for families to enjoy the outdoors and fit in some quality time with nature. Guided hikes are free to the public. For more information, click here. Hikes intended for children ages 5-12 accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Wednesday, March 26

AU Baseball vs. Kennesaw State
Plainsman Park
3 p.m.
If you have a future Babe Ruth (or Bo Jackson!) practicing his tee ball swings in your backyard, take an afternoon to enjoy a game of baseball as the Auburn baseball team goes against Alabama State. Admission: $8.

Dr. Magical Balloons

Auburn Public Library
2 p.m.
What is better than books and balloons? On Wednesday, March 26, Dr. Magical Balloons will be at the Auburn Public Library along with storyteller Dewayne Reynolds. Intended for grades K-5.

Thursday, March 27

Nature Walk
Louis Kreher Ecology Preserve
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
If your young nature enthusiast is a little too old for the Discovery Hike or Spring Break camp, the Nature Walk is a perfect fit. A guided hour-long hike with other nature lovers will introduce your child to the beauty and diversity of the nature in Alabama. Guided hikes are free to the public. For more information, click here.


AU Baseball vs. Missouri
Plainsman Park
6:30 p.m.
It’s the SEC matchup of the month as the Auburn Tigers baseball team battles the Mizzou Tigers at Plainsman Park. Admission is $8.




Writing Fairy Tales
Auburn Public Library
4:30 p.m. 
Join the AU Student Writers as they share tips and help young authors develop their creative
writing techniques. Intended for grades 6-8.

Super Heroes Teen Café 
Auburn Public Library
6:30 p.m. 
Prizes for best (and appropriate!) comic-con style super hero costumes will be awarded, and games and refreshments will be provided. Intended for grades 8-12.

Friday, March 28

AU Men’s Tennis vs. Kentucky
Yarbrough Tennis Center
2 p.m.
If your child dreams of becoming the next Serena or Venus Williams or Roger Federer, take them to the AU Tennis vs. Kentucky match on Friday, March 28 at 2 p.m.

AU Baseball vs. Missouri, Game #2

Plainsman Park
6 p.m.
Part 2 of the SEC matchup of the month as the Auburn Tigers baseball team battles the Mizzou Tigers at Plainsman Park. Admission is $8.

Saturday, March 29

Base CAMP - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Chewacla State Park 
12 p.m.
The Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers host a free Saturday ride every week for kids of any age to learn how to mountain bike. There is also a specific ride for kids 13 years of age and older. For more information, visit www.camp-sorba.org or email club president Philip Darden at camp.sorba@gmail.com.

AU Baseball vs. Missouri, Game #3
Plainsman Park
Noon
Part 3 of the SEC matchup of the month as the Auburn Tigers baseball team battles the Mizzou Tigers at Plainsman Park. Admission is $8.

Keep Opelika Beautiful Garden in the Park

Opelika Municipal Park
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Keep Opelika Beautiful Garden in the Park is a fun arts-and-crafts festival, with presentations and performances by local bands and seminars by groups like Opelika Parks and Recreation pottery. This event is very kid-friendly, with many activities just for kids like the Rocky Brook Rocket. For more information, click here.


Junior Adventure Challenge
Chewacla State Park
Packet pick-up: 3 p.m. (changed due to weather)
The Junior Adventure Challenge is a fun obstacle course that will have your kid splashing through mud puddles, climbing over hay bales and running through beautiful Chewacla State Park. For more information and to register, click here.

Legomania!

Auburn Public Library
9 a.m. – 4 p.m., ages 4-12.
Build up the building blocks of reading skills with LEGO blocks! The Auburn Public Library is hosting its weekly Legomania! From 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. 

Sunday, March 30
C.A.M.P. Mountain Biking Skills Clinic
Chewacla State Park
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers will be hosting Eddie Freyer, Level 2 Certified Mountain Bike Instructor for a skills clinic! This clinic is open to all bikers ages 12 and up, and is free to the first 15 people who sign up! (C.A.M.P. members will get priority - but it's easy to join! Email camp.sorba@gmail.com).  Lunch will be provided. For more information, click here.

Still looking for more ideas?

Here are some timeless staycation ideas that can be done anytime, whether it’s spring break or an open weekend.



1. Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel and Conference Center
The Marriott Hotel at Grand National is very family-friendly and is perfect for an overnight stay for a springtime change of scenery. The hotel boasts an indoor pool, a spectacular outdoor pool and a game room for the kids. Call (334) 741-9292 now for rates or visit their website here.

2. Camping/Hiking/Biking in Chewacla

Chewacla State Park is a great choice for a spring break family outing. With multiple hiking trails for all ages and expertise, opportunities to mountain bike (visit www.camp-sorba.org for more information) and camping options, Chewacla State Park is always a good idea.

3. Laser Tag & Bowling

Auburn-Opelika has great options for indoor recreation, too. AMF Lanes (website), located on Opelika Road, is Auburn’s local bowling alley. Grab a few friends, have some pizza and tackle the lanes (gutters or not.)
If your kids desire more thrill, take them to Cyberzone (website) in downtown Opelika for some high-intensity laser tag! 

What are your spring break plans? Let us know in the comments! 


By guest blogger Rachel Pipan