Travel & Vacation: Federal Reserve Bank, Atlanta Monetary Museum, & Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner (Atlanta, GA)
On the steps of Atlanta’s Federal Reserve bank & Monetary Museum (white building on the right side of the picture)
We had a lot of fun exploring Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum on one of our recent trips to Atlanta, Georgia. The kids didn’t believe us at first when we told them that we were going to a bank to learn about money. Although the more we talked about it the more interested they became.
In order to go into Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum all adults must present a valid ID such as a driver’s license or passport. You cannot carry any electronics, phones, cameras, purses, or other devices into the museum. They do have lockers next to the restrooms to put your items into if you need them. We just put my id in Jake’s wallet and that is the only thing we brought into the museum so he could carry everything we needed. The admission and self guided tour is completely free. The only thing we had to pay for was parking since it is near downtown Atlanta and there was not any free parking available at the time (it was just a couple of dollars for parking so it wasn’t too bad).
It would have been really neat to be able to get some pictures of the museum and some of the items we saw while there, but no photography is allowed. The employees were really nice and helpful. The kids learned some cool history about money.
Probably the kids favorite part was the robots toting the containers of money back and forth between the various rooms. It was fascinating to watch them carry the bins full or partially filled with money from one place to another. In some of the bins there may have been a million dollar or more in cash! Did you know that they shred about 10 million dollars of cash every day? These are bills that have been crumpled, destroyed, or otherwise deemed as unusable. You could see people physically counting the bundles of money as they came in as well which was interesting to watch.
The kids had a little “quiz” or worksheet they filled out as we explored. It was a neat learning activity and the kids loved it. At the end we picked up a bag of shredded money to take home (which the kids thought was awesome)!
We did get some pictures on the outside of the Federal Reserve Bank though to help us remember our adventure that windy day in Atlanta. You can locate the Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum at 1000 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309. If you are already at the Federal Reserve Bank you should check out the rock spinner is directly across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank.
Across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank was the Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner (pictures below) which fascinated the kids as well. As we were waiting for the stoplight to turn so we could walk across the street I happened to read the description on the rock spinner and mentioned for the kids to come over to see if they could move the huge boulder. They of course thought it was so cool they could spin such a massive rock!
Large Federal Reserve Building in Atlanta
Where’s Waldo…I mean Karlie, Brina, and I outside the building? If you look for the specks in front of the statue that looks like spots of “Red, White, and Blue” that’s us!
Our family visiting the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta
Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner! Once the girls starting spinning the rock other kids stopped to try it out too!
Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner – is a kinetic sculpture that helps you understand about the transformation of one’s relationship to mass. This particular boulder weighs 22,000 pounds and would normally be considered immovable, however, with a little art and engineering this huge boulder becomes something fun to move and play with (both for kids and adults). There is a plague next to it saying “Take it for a spin!” YES, you can spin it, stop it from moving, and switch directions, but no climbing is allowed on the boulder (for obvious reasons).
Making is move…
Brina and Karlie trying to see how fast they can get it to move
Who knew that a spinning boulder could provide so much entertainment!? If you are already in the area it is something neat to check out – Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner The kids thought it was neat!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Family Outings: All Star Greenville Drive Baseball Game
Karlie and Brina in their Greenville Drive All Stars Shirts Karlie and Brina received their Greenville Drive All Star TShirts for completing the reading program through the library. They were super excited to get the free Tshirts, to walk in the parade, and to get free tickets to a Greenville Drive baseball game!
Brina and Karlie walking in the "All Star" parade before the Greenville Drive game The girls were loving the “parade” around the field before the Greenville Drive game. They were amazed at all the dents in the scoreboard from all the baseballs hitting it. I think it surprised them that the balls would hit it so hard. The shirts were really big (one size fits all) so they had a hard time figuring out how to wear them without them being a dress, in this picture Brina is just holding hers up and Karlie has her tied up.
Watching the Greenville Drive play baseball! The girls loved watching the Greenville Drive baseball games. They really started getting into the games, really cute. It was a great activity with the family and we had extended family join us for this game (Luke, Kristen, and Hudson) as well making it even more fun!
Hanging out at the game with Daddy Thanks Daddy for getting us great seats! The girls got free tickets for finishing the reading program and Daddy was able to get the rest of us seats through work! We had a blast even though the Greenville Drive didn’t win that night!
Family Outings: FREE Downtown Greenville Activities (Weekly)
We live in an area with a beautiful downtown and plenty of fun free family activities. Below are some weekly free family activities you can enjoy.
Free Wednesday Night Activity
Last week I introduced the Moonlight Movie series they are doing downtown Greenville throughout the month of May. If you are looking for a fun family activity tonight and you live near Greenville, SC? The “Moonlight Movies” Series is at The Peace Center Amphitheater on Wednesday nights sponsored by Fidelity Investments!
Event Details:- When – 8:00 PM (at sundown) on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
- Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater & Wyche Pavilion (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
- What’s Showing – “Batman”
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity (movies will be rated G or PG or family friendly Not Rated)
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or you can buy a wristband
- What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
- For More Information – Greenville Moonlight Movies / Phone: 864-467-5741
If you cannot make it out to the movie tonight there will be more “Moonlight Movies” events coming!
Future “Moonlight Movies”:
- Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:00 PM – “Winchester”
- Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 8:00 PM – Viewer’s Choice
Even if you do not live in the Greenville area I encourage you to check out events in your local city. Many towns offer free events that your family can enjoy.
Free Wednesday Night Activity
Bring your family and a picnic while listening to music on the Reedy River on Wednesday nights starting June 1st through August 31, 2011.
Event Details:- When – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM starting Wednesday, June 1st to August 31st
- Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
- What Type of Music – A Variety (Jazz, Country, Patriotic, Rock & Roll, Blues, Reggae)
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food
- What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
- For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Reedy River Concerts / Phone: 864-467-5741
Free Thursday Night Activity
On Thursday nights starting in March through August Greenville has Downtown Alive featuring live music.Event Details:- When – starting Thursday, March 17 to August 25
- Where – Downtown Main Street
- What Type of Music – A Variety (Rock & Roll, Blues, Funk and Cover Bands) Local, Regional and National Bands
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or Buy a Wrist Band
- What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
- For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Downtown Alive / Phone: 864-467-5741
Free Friday Night Activity
Bring your family to Downtown Greenville for Main Street Fridays featuring music, children’s activities and other special activities throughout the season. Main Street Fridays start in March and goes through September. Enjoy a meal at one of Greenville’s downtown restaurants, take a walk and enjoy the entertainment.
Event Details:- When – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM starting Friday, March 18 to September 30, 2011
- Where – Downtown Main Street
- What Type of Music – A Variety (Jazz, Blues, Oldies, and Soul)
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or Buy a Wrist Band
- What to Bring – Your Family
- For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Main Street Fridays / Phone: 864-467-5741
Free Week Day & Weekend Activity
Shakespeare in the Park
Upstate Shakespeare Festival Events
Bring your family and a picnic to Shakespeare in the Park at The Carolina First Amphitheater starting in May. The plays are presented by Warehouse Theatre and Greenville City Parks & Recreation.
May through August
The Carolina First Amphitheater in Falls Park
The Upstate Shakespeare Festival (USF) celebrates its eleventh summer of presenting free productions of Shakespeare’s classic plays in beautiful Falls Park. These imaginative stagings exhibit the best of regional talent in productions that entertain the entire family. Bring a picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy exciting theater under the stars. USF is presented by the Warehouse Theatre and Greenville City Parks and RecreationEvent Details:- When – 7:00 PM Thursday – Sunday
- Where – Falls Park at The Carolina First Amphitheater
- What Type Plays – Shakespeare Plays
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food
- What to Bring – Your Family, a Picnic, Lawn Chair, Food, Drinks & Snacks
- For More Information – about the event or the musicians go to Upstate Shakespeare Festivals / Phone: 864-467-5741
Upcoming Events:
- May 26 – 29: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- June 2 – 5: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- June 9 – 12: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- June 16, 18, 19: “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan (NOTE: no performance on June 17th)
- July 14 – 17: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- July 21 – 24: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- July 28 – 31: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
- August 4 – 7: “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare directed by John Fagan
Downtown Greenville has a lot of other great activities going on throughout the week and weekend. If you are looking for a fresh produce and homemade goods you should check out their Saturday Farmers Market.
Family Celebrations: Happy Mother’s Day
Relaxing in the Hammock with my girls! Jake got me a hammock for Mother’s Day. The girls and I enjoyed some time relaxing, laughing, talking and reading stories together in the hammock on Sunday.
Karlie told me “Mom, I think you’ll have a lot of fun relaxing in your hammock, you can read a book or read the Bible and talk to God outside now!”
Brina caught a couple little ladybugs to take on the hammock with us “They like to relax and swing too Mom!”
I am blessed with two beautiful thoughtful girls and a sweet husband. This year the girls planned Mothers Day from Breakfast in Bed to the gifts and activities. It was a fun, memorable and relaxing day with the family. My cup truly runeth over….there was a time in my life when I wondered if I would ever have kids and a family of my own. Thankful that God chose to bless me with these two wonderful daughters. Being a Mom brings so many precious rewards, fun, and laughter.
- Breakfast in Bed – Brina and Karlie brought me Cinnamon Raisin Toast, Fresh Fruit (Strawberries, Pineapple, Cantelope, Honeydew, Mango, & Grapes) and a Strawberry Lemonade Fruit Slushy, delicious! (sorry no pictures of the breakfast in bed)
Sweet Mother's Day Cards the girls made at school! The girls had fun “surprising” me with their goodies! Their cards were so cute!
Mother's Day Picture Frames Brina and Karlie made in Sunday School! The girls were so excited to make these special picture frames in Sunday School.
Brina and Karlie having fun relaxing on the wooden swing Jake made me several years ago! Thanks Handsome! After church we came home and spent time relaxing together. We enjoyed the beautiful day outside in the yard!
Freshly picked bouquet of dandelions "lions" and clover compliments of Karlie! After lunch Karlie went outside to get a special Mother’s Day surprise for me. She came back in with a handful of freshly picked dandelions and clover.
Mother's Day gift from the girls! It is the gifts from the heart – the hug, kind word, and thoughtfulness that mean the world to me! At the same time as I celebrate this amazing day with my family my heart and prayers go out to those who have lost their Moms or who are unable to have children. Every life is a gift and every day is a treasure from above. I am thankful for the many blessings (both family and friends) in my life.
Family Outings: “Moonlight Movies” Series starts Tonight at The Peace Center Amphitheater
Looking for a fun family activity tonight and you live near Greenville, SC? The “Moonlight Movies” Series Starts TONIGHT at The Peace Center Amphitheater sponsored by Fidelity Investments!Event Details:- When – 8:00 PM (at sundown) on Wednesday, May 4, 2011
- Where – The Peace Center Amphitheater & Wyche Pavilion (300 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601)
- What’s Showing – “Father of the Bride”
- Cost – FREE
- Who – All Ages / Family Friendly Activity (movies will be rated G or PG or family friendly Not Rated)
- Food / Drink – Bring Your Own Beverage and Food or you can buy a wristband
- What to Bring – Your Family, Lawn Chairs, Blanket, Picnic, Drinks, and Snacks
- Not Allowed at the Event – No Pets / No Smoking
- For More Information – Greenville Moonlight Movies / Phone: 864-467-5741
If you cannot make it out to the movie tonight there will be more “Moonlight Movies” events coming!
Future “Moonlight Movies”:
- Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 8:00 PM – “Batman”
- Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 8:00 PM – “Winchester”
- Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 8:00 PM – Viewer’s Choice
Even if you do not live in the Greenville area I encourage you to check out events in your local city. Many towns offer free events that your family can enjoy.
Photo by Metromix Greenville
Family Outings: 2011 Reedy River Duck Derby (Greenville, SC)
Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend with your family? If you are near Greenville, South Carolina and want to participate in a fun activity with the family you should check out the 2011 Reedy River Duck Derby.
Specific Date / Time Information:
- Event – 2011 Reedy River Duck Derby
- Date – Saturday, May 7, 2011
- Time – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Location: Falls Park on the Reedy River, Greenville, South Carolina
- Duck Race – 2:30 PM
- Starting Point for Duck Race – Main Street Bridge
- Duck Prices – $5.00 each or 6 for $25.00
What is the Reedy River Duck Derby?
- The Rotary Club of Greenville puts on a great event to benefit local charities such as Mauldin Miracle League, Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network, EarlyAct FirstKnight, and other local charities. You can adopt a duck(s) for your family for $5.00 each or 6 ducks for $25. You can cheer for your duck(s) as it races along with thousands of other ducks down the Reedy River, over the falls and to the finish line. The winning ducks will be awarded prices.
How many ducks can I buy?
- As many as you want. It is $5.00 per duck or $25.00 for 6 ducks.
What are the Prizes for winning?
- Grand Prize – 1 Year Supply of Groceries at Bi-Lo
- 2nd Place Prize – Painting by Kavita Ball sponsored by Urban Peacock
- 3rd Place Prize – Child Care Tuiton Fees sponsored by Park Place Children’s Center
- 4th Place Prize – Greenville Charm Bracelet sponsored by JB Lacher Jewelers
- Plus Over 30 Additional Prizes to be awarded sponsored by local businesses (here are a few)
- Theater Ticket Packages – Camelot Theaters
- Park Passes – Greenville County Recreational District
- Pottery Lessons for 12 – Vitti Tile and Pottery
- Photography Sessions – White Blaze Photography
- Guest Package with golf 2 Guests for 2 Nights and 2 Rounds of Golf – Embassy Suites
- Gift Package – Hampton Inn Riverplace
- Weekend Gift Package with Breakfast – Courtyard by Marriott Downtown
- And Many More Great Prizes!!!!
What other activities are going on downtown Greenville during the Duck Derby Event?
- The Duck Derby Activities begin at 10:00 on Saturday, May 7, 2011
- Games
- Activities for Kids
- Entertainment
- Local Artist Exhibits
- Mauldin Miracle League Game
- Balloon Artists
- Face Painting
- Magicians
- Hoola-Hooping
- Musical Groups
- Demonstrations & Interactive Activities for Kids
The Reedy River Duck Derby is a fun filled day with activities and entertainment for the whole family, plus it benefits many wonderful local charities. For more information about the upcoming 2011 Reedy River Duck Derby please visit the Reedy River Duck Derby website.
