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2012 Free Summer Activities for Kids in Atlanta

ATLANTA -- Here is a list of free summer activities for kids and families throughout the Atlanta area. There are plenty of free activities to keep your little ones busy: VBS, movies in the park, educational events, crafts, splash parks and more.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Many churches around Atlanta offer VBS free of charge. Some even include a free meal each day. Sign up fast because spots go quickly. The children will enjoy fun, games, and crafts while learning about Jesus. If any of these churches are charging for VBS, please let us know.

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When does the school year end?

When does the school year end?

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- The last day of school is right around the corner for Gwinnett County students.

Public schools will dismiss for the summer on Wednesday, May 23.

Buford City Schools, meanwhile, will end the school year two days later -- Friday, May 25.

The last days of school in other metro Atlanta districts are staggered throughout the second half of May. They include:

Wednesday, May 16
Clarke County

Thursday, May 17
Hall County

Friday, May 18
Bartow County
Clayton County
Fulton County

Tuesday, May 22
Atlanta Public Schools
Barrow County

Wednesday, May 23
Carroll County
Newton County

Thursday, May 24
Cobb County
Decatur City Schools
DeKalb County
Rockdale County

Remembering Many on Mother's Day

Remembering Many on Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there. Thank you for the sacrifices you make. For staying up all night with a sick child, for helping with homework, running the family taxi to endless ball games, and for all the things you do to keep the household running smoothly. May your day be blessed with flowers, breakfast in bed, extra chores from the kids, handmade crafts, and time to yourself.

Chick-fil-A to host mother-son 'Date Knight'

Chick-fil-A to host mother-son 'Date Knight'

ATLANTA -- All of the Chick-fil-A restaurants in metro Atlanta will host a special mother-son Date Knight on Saturday, Apr. 28.

The Date Knight format will be similar to that of the franchise's massively popular Daddy-Daughter Date Nights. It will give mothers and sons a special chance to enjoy some quality time together.

The event will have a medieval theme, hence the "Knight" part of its title.

"One of Chick-fil-A's goals is to promote community connections and enrich the lives of everyone we come in contact with," Robin Lomax, Chick-fil-A area marketing director, said in a statement. "We understand the importance of mother-son relationships and want to encourage local moms to come to Chick-fil-A, enjoy their sons' company over a meal and have fun."

Simon malls celebrate Easter

Simon malls celebrate Easter

ATLANTA -- Hop on over to your local Simon mall this Easter for plenty of fun for the whole family, including visits from the Easter Bunny himself.

Activities vary by mall. Learn more by following the Simon malls Easter Bunny on Facebook and Twitter.

Gwinnett Place Mall, Duluth
* Have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny beginning Saturday, March 24. For hours and prices, call 770-476-5160.
* The mall will hold a Hip Hop Bunny Party from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 31. The cost is $1 for parents, $1 for Simon Kidgits Club members and $6 for non-members, and includes plenty of fun and prizes, including a spin of the Easter egg prize wheel. Call 770-813-6840 to RSVP.

Need a vacation? Get 69 percent off a trip to Pigeon Forge

Need a vacation? Get 69 percent off a trip to Pigeon Forge

ATLANTA -- If the kids are getting restless and screaming for a family vacation, this weekend's DealChicken Atlanta deal was made for you.

Through Sunday night, DealChicken members can pay $99 for a weekend getaway to Pigeon Forge in Tennessee's beautiful Great Smoky Mountains.

This exclusive offer, valued at $328, is good for two adults and up to three children, and includes one night at the James Manor hotel, in the heart of all the action; $100 worth of dining certificates; a gift basket upon arrival; and five passes to the Lazer Port Fun Center.

GEHC extends run of space station-inspired exhibit

GEHC extends run of space station-inspired exhibit

BUFORD, Ga. -- Living in Space, a popular exhibit at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (GEHC), has extended its run until Mar. 3, 2012, the museum announced Wednesday.

The exhibit allows visitors to become crew members aboard the International Space Station, engaging in a series of astronaut activities. It resembles the look and feel of the actual space station.

"The Living in Space exhibit has been extremely popular with visitors and school groups," said Jason West, GEHC director of development. "The staff is excited to be able to continue to offer it as a part of the GEHC's traveling exhibitions for an additional two months."

Living in Space was created by the Children's Museum of Memphis and is sponsored locally by Cisco and the GEHC Foundation.

For more information, visit www.gwinnettehc.org.