Have an Iconic Atlanta Summer
Remember the fun of being a kid in Atlanta? We’ve rounded up some classic summer experiences that may bring back some fond memories of being a kid in Atlanta. They’ve gone through some changes over the years, but these favorites are still fun for all.
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Go Roller Skating
Maybe you skated down the street in front of your house, went to skate night at the local church, or even hung out with friends at Jellybeans or Sparkles. Recently, roller skating has made a comeback! Skate to your favorite grooves at an array of rinks, including Atlanta’s Cascade Skate Center, Golden Glide in Decatur, or Stone Mountain Skates. Look for family nights, lessons and more special events, plus extras like laser tag, arcade games and live DJs. There are even spots to get your roll on outdoors, like Historic Ward Skate Park on the BeltLine or Arabia Mountain Path east of Atlanta.
Play Mini Golf
Putt Putt Golf Course in Chamblee and the mini golf course at Stone Mountain, with their no-frills designs, were hot spots in the ‘80s for kids, teens and families. Today, you can still make a hole-in-one at Stone Mountain, with its fun railroad theme. Make par at the course on Ponce City Roof, where you can also play classic arcade games and ride the Heege tower. More Atlanta favorites include the Fringe at Area 51, Pirate’s Cove and Swing Atlanta. Mini golf goes high-tech at spots like Puttshack and Putt Nation, with digital scoring, laser lights and more.
Go on a Picnic
Picnicking in one of Atlanta’s beautiful green spaces is a long-time favorite summer activity. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra expanded the experience in the late 1970s with their free concert series at Piedmont Park. Today, the tradition continues with free concerts all around Atlanta, from the Summer Concert Series on the Green in Alpharetta, to Groovin’ on the Green at Brook Run Park and Riverside Sounds at Riverside Park. Find out who’s hosting concerts this summer. Plus, be sure to save the date for ASO’s Concert in the Park September 30.
Enjoy a Cone
Ice cream made the old-fashioned way — with a hand-crank machine and plenty of elbow grease — always tasted best. Local ice cream trucks had Rocket Pops, Push Ups and Good Humor Bars; you may have loved a Varsity frosted orange or a milkshake (and a Chubby Decker) at Zesto. Out and about, you may still see that neighborhood ice cream truck, but there are also lots of Atlanta-based scoop shops with flavors both trendy and traditional. Don’t miss the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival, July 27 in Piedmont Park — make it a summer tradition with your own kids.
Run Through a Sprinkler
Remember the simple joy of running through the sprinkler in your backyard? Perfecting your surf moves on the Slip n’ Slide? Days spent with neighborhood friends made us all wish summer would last forever. Today, families can go beyond the at-home sprinkler to one of Atlanta’s many splash pads and interactive fountains. Check out the Piedmont Park’s Legacy Fountain Splash Pad, the splash pad at Two Bridges Park in Dunwoody, or Laurel Park Sprayground in Gainesville. Find one near you with our list.
More Atlanta Favorites
These perennial favorites keep the good old days alive for today’s kids.
Stone Mountain Park
Families have long enjoyed picnicking at the park, riding the Scenic Railway and Skylift, and climbing the mountain. The laser show was added in 1982 and became a top summer attraction. Today, the “Music Across America” Light Show has the latest technology, with pyrotechnics, music, lasers and drones. Families also love the park’s many festivals and special events, from Summer at the Rock to the Fantastic Fourth Celebration.
Zoo Atlanta
In 1889, a small menagerie of animals was deserted in Atlanta by a traveling show. The city relocated them to Grant Park, a popular picnic destination, and the Zoo grew from there. A major renovation took place during the late 1980s with the addition of Flamingo Plaza, the Wildlife Theater and the Ford African Rain Forest — a lush new home for gorillas, including the iconic Willie B. Today, the Zoo is a world-class attraction, home to more than 1,000 animals, with a strong focus on research and conservation programs. Zoo Atlanta is one of the city’s most popular destinations, not only for the animals, but also for its educational opportunities, behind-the-scenes experiences, special events and more.
Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier was formed in the 1950s, and with 680 miles of shoreline, quickly became a favorite spot for Atlantans who enjoy boating, camping, fishing and watersports. In the ‘80s, Lake Lanier Islands featured PineIsle Resort, Emerald Pointe Golf Club, a few waterslides and a wavepool. Today, millions of people visit Lake Lanier’s parks and recreation areas, campsites and marinas. The Lanier Islands Resort has expanded to include a campground, lodge, villas and plenty of things to do, including the popular Margaritaville and newly designed Fins Up Waterpark.
Six Flags Over Georgia
You may remember riding the Dahlonega Mine Train, being dropped by the Great Gasp, and seeing live shows at the Southern Star Amphitheatre as a kid. The amusement park originally opened in 1967 and has been thrilling Atlantans ever since. Today, Six Flags features high-tech rides including the Dare Devil Dive, Batman: The Ride and the new Georgia Surfer. For these popular rides, you can add on a flash pass to speed up your time waiting in line. Kids and families love the water rides at Hurricane Harbor, and special events like the Summer Vibes Festival, through June 30.
The Atlanta Braves
There’s nothing quite like taking in a ball game in the summertime! The Braves have been part of Atlanta’s culture since they began playing at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in 1966, then at Turner Field in 1997. Getting downtown and finding parking wasn’t always easy, but when you did, tailgating was fun. Today, see them play at state-of-the-art Truist Park, which holds 41,500 fans and has restaurants, canopy shading and a Monument Garden. Kids can play on their very own playground, run the bases and get fun extras as Kids Club members.
More Atlanta Classics
These institutions have stood the test of time! Put them on your summer must-do list.
Oakland Cemetery
Originally a six-acre burial ground known as the Atlanta Graveyard, Oakland was established in 1850. The cemetery underwent an extensive restoration in the ‘70s and is now a city treasure, with extensive gardens, educational opportunities and events like Sunday in the Park.
Atlanta History Center
Founded in 1926 to “preserve and study Atlanta history,” the center has grown to include 33 acres of gardens, historic houses, and exhibits, including the historic Cyclorama painting.
High Museum of Art
In 1926, Harriet “Hattie” High donated her home on Peachtree Street to be an art school and museum. The High’s world-class collection has grown to more than 18,000 works of art, along with special exhibits, the Greene Family Learning Gallery and a wide variety of events and educational opportunities.
Starlight Drive-In
When it opened in 1949, the art deco theater had a single screen; today, Atlanta’s only drive-in shows digitally-projected movies on multiple screens and has a popular weekend flea market.
Fernbank Science Center
Part of the DeKalb County School District, the center opened in 1967 and today features exhibits — including the Apollo 6 Command Module — as well as a planetarium and observatory.
Southeastern Railway Museum
Since 1970, this museum has told the history of Georgia transportation, with a collection of “rolling stock” that includes trains, cars, buses and railroad memorabilia.
The Southern Museum
The Southern Museum
Opened in 1972 to tell the story of the famous “General” locomotive, the Southern Museum has grown to include a large collection of railroad artifacts and an interactive education center.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
This urban oasis in Midtown opened its doors in 1973 and is renowned for its beautiful displays and exhibitions, an award-winning Children’s garden and Canopy Walk above the Storza Woods.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Founded in the mid-1970s, CNC’s mission is to connect people with nature. Its 127 acres are visited by 140,000 people each year, who enjoy the center’s hiking, live animals, garden and special events.
Center for Puppetry Arts
Opened in 1978 (with help from Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog), the Center for Puppetry Arts hosts more than 600 performances each year, and is home to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, where visitors can see more than 5,000 puppets and artifacts.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park
The park was established in 1980 and includes historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the King Center, Fire Station, World Peace Rose Garden, “Behold” Monument and King’s birth home. More than 700,000 people visit annually to learn about King’s life and legacy.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum began in 1988 as a “museum without walls,” bringing educational programs to local schools. Today, its permanent home in Centennial Olympic Park has creative, hands-on exhibits for children as well as innovative programming and events for families.
Blast From the Past
Fraggle Rock: If you’re a child of the ‘80s, you probably watched the antics of Sprocket, Red and Mokey in Jim Henson’s popular TV show. Today your kids can watch classic and new episodes on Apple TV+. See classic puppets from the original series at Center for Puppetry Arts’ new exhibit, “Down in Fraggle Rock,” through Oct. 27.
The Peachtree Junior: Remember the thrill of running the Peachtree Junior? The 14-and-under event drew 600 kids in 1987, its first year. Today, over 1,000 kids sign up to run the mile race, with the same finish spot as the Peachtree Road Race on July 4. More kid fun includes a dash, track and field zone, awards and more. This year it’s free for all kids! July 3.
Coin-Operated Kiddie Rides: Remember when your parents bribed you at the mall with the promise of a ride? You can still find your favorite ride-ons at a few spots in Atlanta! Your kids the vintage horse at Richard’s Variety on Peachtree Road, and check out a variety of choices at The Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta in Woodstock, Wal Mart and other spots.
