Kick the Air, Paint Some Colors, Hook a Fish

Hit a ball, kick the air, paint some colors, hook a fish, even drive a car. There are a lot of activities taking place this week for kids. When they are not pressing the pedal, it’s always a great time to settle down with a book. Click on links for more details.

Recreational Fun

This Saturday 3 to 5p.m., Dojo American Karate Center (5075 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek) is offering a free seminar for kids and adults to learn more about the art and skill of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a martial art, combat sport and self-defense system that focuses on grappling and ground defense.

… midget car that is. This Saturday, children race in Quarter Midget cars that are a scaled-down (approximately 1/4 scale) version of an actual midget-racer on oval tracks that are approximately 1/20th of a mile.

Quarter Midget Racing is a family-oriented sport for children ages 5 to 16. Teaching the life skills of safety, competition and sportsmanship, the North Georgia Quarter Midget Association provides a safe and rewarding first racing experience and provides a memorable family sporting activity.

Safety is No. 1, and drivers participate in a safety class before racing. Quarter Midget Racing was started to develop sportsmanship in the children while also providing a family-oriented racing activity. In recognition of the drivers, trophies are awarded at regional, state and national events. No cash prizes are awarded.

Quarter Midget racing is not a "drop off your kid" kind of sport, but an involved family sport.

Registration is 7:30 to 8:30 am; safety instructions are 7 to 8:30 a.m. The race begins at  9 and is located at the Cummings Fairgrounds (120 Castleberry Road, Cumming).

City of Alpharetta is hosting the Kids and Youth Fishing Derby this Saturday at Brookside Office Park Lake. Children ages 4 to 12 are invited to participate. Pre-registration is required for this free event. Prizes will be awarded for the longest fish and the most fish caught.  Bring fishing gear and bait.

The 2011 spring Miracle League registration for the Forsyth County Parks & Recreations Athletic League will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coal Mountain Community Building. The Miracle League of Cumming-Forsyth provides physically and mentally challenged children a safe and spirited program in which they can hit, run and catch on a baseball field.

Hey kids, have fun with your imagination. This week Kid Ventures is visiting Ms. Robin at Farmhouse (1094 Green St. Roswell). There will be exciting play time for kids of all ages with dress up, face painting and pottery painting. There are usually a few animals running around, too.

Do your children enjoy painting? Here is an opportunity for them to learn how to become the artist we know is hidden inside them. Join this class to learn more about the art of painting and have fun at the same time. Check out this link to learn more about the class structure:  Cork & Canvas . Classes are $20 per painter and are Wednesday's from 4 to 5:30 p.m.. Located in Historic Roswell in the Farmhouse at 1094 Green Street.

Studio Movie Grill provides Family Fun Programming every weekend at 11 a.m. This Saturday the kids will love Kidtoons: The Little Engine That Could. The Studio Movie Grill is located at 2880 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta.
 

Sharing a Book Opens an Adventure

NE Spruill Oaks Branch Library: Kid Story Time

This Wednesday at 10:15 a.m., children 5 and under enjoy interactive stories, fingerplays and songs.

Barnes & Noble Kids Storytime

 (Mansell Crossing, 10:30 a.m.) - Kids will learn about ducks. Storytime is free, doesn't even cost a buck. 

 (Mansell Crossing, 10:30 a.m.) - Kids need to prepare for St. Patrick's Day. Barnes & Nobles celebrates this event two days early during their Tuesday storytime. They'll learn many things about this long-lived tradition and should wear their green.

 (The Avenue Forsyth; 10:30 a.m.) - reading of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." Kids will be delighted by a special visit from Cookie Mouse himself. Bring your cameras, and don't be late – the Cookie Mouse can only stay for a short time, after all there are crumbs to eat. Appropriate for kids ages 6 and under.