relocating to Atlanta than ever before and for good reason. There’s a little something for everyone, and the weather is beautiful year-round. Southern hospitality is more than a myth in The Peach City and, even though it’s one of America’s largest cities, it has a small-town charm, and, within twenty minutes of leaving the perimeter (Atlanta’s infamous freeways surrounding the city), you are in the middle of the country.
Atlanta is known for being one of the best places for new college graduates and hi-tech professionals, but it’s a wonderful place to raise a family, too. You’ll never run out of things for your children to do. There are hundreds of museums, parks, and fun activities. From national favorites to local secrets, there is more to Atlanta than you will ever have the time to fully experience.
This summer, while you keep your children cool and entertained, make it your goal to discover Atlanta together. Here’s a fun list of things to keep you happy and occupied in our proud city with your kids during the summer!
Concerts in Chastain Park
The amphitheater in Chastain Park has amazing shows with legendary performers. Interested in Blondie, Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson, The GooGoo Dolls, or Mary Chapin Carpenter? They’re all playing soon, and many great acts follow. Paul Simon, Sheryl Crow, the Gipsy Kings, and John Mellencamp all play at this location this summer. The Live Nation concert season covers 60+ concerts every year from April to October. Grab a blanket and enjoy a rocking out with the kids to some great musical acts at one of the most popular amphitheaters in the country.
Shoot the Hooch
A longtime favorite for an escape from the city, Shoot the Hooch is an adventure outfitter where families can rent canoes, kayaks, inner tubes, rafts, and paddleboards to meander down the Chattahoochee River for up to eight miles. Kids must be at least five to use the equipment, but if you have younger children, the whole family loves their Spirit of Roswell riverboat, too—an old-timey paddleboat with concerts and activities.
Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival
Located in Helen, this is the South’s oldest balloon event and the country’s only long distance hot air balloon race. The launch field is by a river with a tubing outfitter in front of the festival entry, and the most relaxing fun you can have is to watch the race from a tube on the water!
Family Farming Just Outside of Atlanta
Rock Ranch is some of the most fun in the area you can have with the family. There are festivals and events year-round, but Fun in The Summer events include huge fireworks displays, train and pony rides, pole fishing, a petting zoo, paddle boats, and lots of fun children’s activities. They have ziplines, a carousel, a working train, hay rides and a corn maze, and so much more.
Visit Lake Lanier
Just 45 minutes north of the city, at Lake Lanier families can boat and swim, go camping, check out the 1996 Olympic Center, and participate in many other incredible adventures.
Check Out the New Home of the Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves have played at Turner Field for as long as most of us remember, but this season they have a new home at SunTrust Park. Take the kids to a baseball game and make new memories. Baseball games, batting cages, and hot dogs with the Braves are rites of passage in Atlanta. Kids two and under are admitted to games for free.
Starlight Drive-in Movie Theater
One of the last drive-ins remaining in the country, the Starlight is open every day and plays all the blockbuster movies you can see at the biggest theaters. Kids under five have free admission and, from ages 5-10, they’re only $1. Adults are a bargain, too, at just $9 per ticket.
Weekly Movies at Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is a family all-in-one shopping center area with great stores, activities for kids, dining, and plenty of entertainment. These are outdoor movies under a view of the Atlanta skyline. Every year they do a theme, and this year the films are all our 1990s favorites, like Fried Green Tomatoes.
The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
Hands down the most fun festival for kids, this is actually a wellness event where children can learn about different fitness activities in Atlanta, like yoga, double dutch jump rope, and hula hooping while eating delicious ice cream to cool off on a hot summer day. It’s the perfect way to teach children the secret to enjoying life is finding balance!
Hurricane Harbor Water Park
A part of Six Flags Over Georgia, this is Atlanta’s biggest water park and one of the best in the country. There is a huge children’s area, and, for older children and adults, the slides, rides, and pools will keep you cool and entertained all day.
professional movers to help you make the move, there’s an activity for every member of the family to enjoy. Visit once, and you won’t want to leave! But don’t take our word for it. Bring the family to our magnificent events and parks and experience our fine dining and Southern hospitality as well. You’ll never forget Atlanta, and you’ll want to call it home, too!
