By Denise K. James
Atlanta gets hot for at least half the year, and when the kids are out of school, it’s wise to have a few air-conditioned ideas in your arsenal to save everyone from sweating. We’ve rounded up several options — ranging from cultural and educational to just plain fun — around different areas of the metro.
None of us want the kids’ minds turning to mush over the summer, and luckily Atlanta has ways to ensure that doesn’t happen. Here, a few of our favorite options.
At the Alliance Theatre in midtown, kids can get a head start on arts appreciation with kid-friendly theater. Check out the Underground Repertory series for shows like The Great Ant Sleepover and Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed. Bring wee ones to the PNC Playspace, a no-cost indoor activity zone with programming like Baby Raves and Wellness Wednesdays.
Fernbank Natural History Museum’s special, interactive exhibition on T-Rex is open all summer through September 7, or opt to see an air-conditioned movie on the 3D giant screen, included in regular admission.
Visit the Georgia Aquarium after hours for Glow Nights, a summer-only event highlighting how some sea creatures, like jellyfish and coral, glow in the dark. Regular admission gets you and the kids into the Sea Lion and Dolphin presentations; just make sure to reserve ahead since seats fill up.
Need an idea for an indoor birthday party or playdate? These spots offer fun and games in an air-conditioned space.
The LEGO Discovery Center in Buckhead’s Phipps Plaza offers opportunities for watching LEGO movies, meeting favorite characters, experiencing virtual reality, and, of course, building. For the wee ones, the Duplo Park includes interactive fun such as duck fishing and a dino carousel.
Keep the older kids busy at Monster Mini Golf and Arcade in Marietta. At this glow-in-the-dark, monster-themed attraction, choose from classic arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, bowling, and even a laser maze. Or bring your sweetheart for date night.
Located in Acworth, the Portal Pinball Arcade has more than 90 pinball machines to choose from, ranging vintage 1970s games to modern tables. And don’t worry about quarters; all the machines are included with the price of admission, a modest $25 for all ages all day!
Atlanta’s immersive painting experience, the Splatter Studio, has locations in both Sandy Springs and Virginia Highland. Each 60-minute session includes gear, a demonstration, painting time, plus time to clean up and box up your art for safekeeping. Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty and leave the wee ones at home – it’s for ages 6 and up.
Sometimes, nothing but some good old-fashioned exercise will do the trick, and for times like those, we recommend these options.
Experience indoor rock climbing at The Overlook, located near Atlanta’s West End neighborhood, or at Central Rock Gym, located in midtown. At Overlook, opt to buy a day pass, take lessons, join a team and become a member. At Central Rock, start the younger ones with Intro to Rock Climbing for Kids, or sign teens up for Learn the Ropes.
If the kids are bouncing off the walls, take them to one of the many trampoline parks in the metro. Choose from Altitude Trampoline Park in Marietta; Sky Zone, with multiple locations in Roswell, Suwanee and Northlake; Xtreme Hopp in Johns Creek; and Urban Air in Kennesaw.
