some great parks for picnicking, playing or swimming. Tinsley Park just off Keith Street has it all for kids of all ages; swimming pool, play area and picnic pavilion. Ever wanted to teach the kids how to play tennis, they have several fine courts at Tinsley.

For the younger children Deer Park,17th Street have a clean and safe play area.

Ocoee: Every child loves to go to the beach...right? Pack the beach toys and a picnic cooler and head out on highway 64 east a few miles to Parksville Lake and the Cherokee National Forest. There are two beaches along the way, my personal preference is the second Mac Point beach, it is sandy and safe for the kids to splash around in the water.

The fee for parking for the day is $3.00. There is also a nice sandy beach at the top of Chilhowee by the campsite. On a real sizzling hot day, rafting the rapids with one of the many whitewater rafting professionals along the Ocoee River is an invigorating way to really chill out. For more information call: 423-476-9700

Athens: Visit the famous Mayfield Dairy. Follow the signs from Congress Parkway in Athens. The children will first watch a very informative video on the process of making ice cream and other dairy produce. The video is followed with a guided tour of the creamery. Later they can sit outside and enjoy their favorite flavor ice cream. The tour is free but not the ice cream cones.For more information go to www.mayfielddairy.com or call 1-800 Mayfield.

Chattanooga: The Tennessee Aquarium is sure to be a popular venue this summer with the introduction of the "Penguins Rock." The exiting new exhibit featuring the playful gentoo and macaroni penguins. The Tennessee Aquarium offer many other summer activities for the children as well as the aquatic exhibits which will include a  Fish n' Fun Derby on Saturday, June 16. Camp Jordan Park Arena and Pond. The kids are also invited to bring their dad or grandpa along on Father's Day weekend and get hooked on family fishing. The morning will start with fishing clinic at 8:30am where pros with American Fishing Schools will help children learn about

fish habitat, behavior and and fishing equipment. Then from 9:30 - noon volunteers from the Chattanooga Bass Club will teach kids how to cast, tie knots, bait hooks and reel them in using catch and release techniques. The event is for children aged 6-14 (accompanied by an adult.) Everyone over age 12 must have a fishing license. Registration is required for this event. For more information and the Aquarium's "Fun for Kids" calendar of events, go to www.tnaqua.org/Events/Fun_for_kids.asp

Of course, there are numerous other attractions for children in Chattanooga including the Imax Theater, Rock City, Ruby Falls, The Creative Discovery Museum, and many other museums of interest. For more information on Chattanooga attractions visit the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau www.chattanoogafun.com or telephone: (423) 756-8687.

There is no need to travel hundreds of miles to an Amusement Park, Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park recognized by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of America's top ten family amusement parks, is also close to home. Just 6 miles from Chattanooga in Rossville, Georgia, "Lake Winnie" has long been the South's favorite family amusement park. As well as numerous "thrilling" rides, kiddie rides, games, miniature golf and good food, Lake Winnie also hosts some great music concerts.

This summer's Jukebox Junction Concert headliners include; Josh Gracin, Mark Wills, Rodney Atkins, Jason Michael Carroll, Daryl Worley and Confederate Railroad. Gate admission to the Amusement Park for children under 18 is $5 plus a $12 value strip of ride tickets or $20 unlimited ride pass. Gate admission for adults over 18 is $5 with option to purchase individual ride tickets or a ride package. For more information call (706) 866-5681 or visit the website at www.lakewinnie.com.

Don't let the price of gas spoil your summer fun, there's plenty of excitement to be had locally. Vacation right here at home.

Have a great Summer.
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