Summer is here and that means the coolest (or should I say hottest) things to do in Atlanta for kids out of school and ready to have fun! This is the South, and as most of us know, the humidity can trigger a bummer summer. That's why I focus on the wet and wild of an Atlanta summer by dunking my girls in the nearest body of water -- swimming pool, splash pad, water park, even a lake if we're in the area. If the water isn't there, we focus on the next best relief: air conditioning! Once kids are cooled down (and usually fed), we as parents can continue on with the rest of our Atlanta summer bucket, listed below!
Atlanta Summer Bucket List for Kids: At a Glance
This guide includes:
- 34 must-do summer activities for kids in Atlanta
- The best free summer things to do in Atlanta
- Classic Atlanta bucket list experiences
- Outdoor adventures across Atlanta
- Summer fun for kids of all ages, from babies to teens
- Summer festivals, concerts, and special events you can't miss
- Easy day trips from Atlanta
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The Atlanta BeltLine makes for a great summer morning. Photo by Melanie Preis
What Are the Best Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids in the Summer?
The best things to do in Atlanta with kids during the summer focus on staying cool. Look, they don't call it HOTlanta for nothing! Try to get wet and wild during the day, at public swimming pools, splash pads, and indoor playgrounds; then spend the nights outdoors at fun and FREE movie nights, live concerts, and family-friendly summer events.
Best FREE Things to Do in Atlanta This Summer With Kids?
1. Brook Run Playground
When it comes to outdoor playgrounds in Atlanta, it's all about the shade. Dunwoody's Brook Run Park has a shaded playground, as well as lots of trees, benches, and tables for picnics. There's also a dog park for four-legged kiddos to socialize.
Look for Tiny Doors ATL throughout the city. Photo courtesy of Tiny Doors ATL
2. Tiny Doors ATL
Without a doubt, trying to locate all the Tiny Doors throughout Atlanta is an awesome summer activity. Bonus? It's FREE!
3. Free First Saturday at Dunwoody Nature Center
Join Dunwoody Nature Center staff on a family walk around the property (every month is a different theme). Register in advance as the event often fills up. Also, enjoy the playgrounds, tree swings, and Wildcat Creek.
4. Fountain Rings at Centennial Olympic Park
This interactive splash pad, in the shape of the Olympic rings, features a revamped water show every day at 12pm, 2:30pm, 6:30pm, and 9pm. Besides the splash pad, enjoy running around the playground, green space, and more.
5. Historic Fourth Ward Park and Playground
Cool off at this amazing intown sprayground, right off the Atlanta BeltLine. Don't forget to pack a towel and a change of clothes as kids will most definitely get soaked. Find out about more Atlanta splash pads right here!
6. Roswell Riverwalk
I love bringing my bernedoodle to this boardwalk -- we love the calm of the surrounding Chattahoochee River and people watching at all the passers-by. My girls also loved exploring the marsh and discovering new "creatures."
Classic Atlanta Summer Experiences Every Kid Should Try
7. FIFA World Cup Atlanta 2026
Though this event isn't a "classic" one, Atlanta hosting the World Cup 2026 games is one every kid (and adult) should experience. Soccer fever hits Atlanta this summer so make sure to check out our upcoming guide of the coolest things to do in the city, beyond the actual matches.
8. Callaway Resort and Gardens
Located about 2 hours from downtown Atlanta, Callaway Resort and Gardens is an idyllic spot to enjoy the summer. Not only are there beautiful gardens and a butterfly site, but Callaway has its own man-made beach.
9. Splash Fountain at Zoo Atlanta
See how the animals stay cool during summer by heading over to Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park. Check out the elephants, monkeys, warthogs, among the others. Then cool down with a visit to the Splash Fountain, located by the Kids Playground.
10. Six Flags Over Georgia
My tweens and their friends love spending time riding the coasters at Six Flags. Younger kids can hang at Bugs Bunny BoomTown.
Nothing says summer in Atlanta more than a Braves game. Photo by Elsa Simcik
11. Atlanta Braves
Head to Truist Park to catch an Atlanta Braves game and root for the home team! Afterwards, wander around The Battery for even more fun.
Best Ways to Cool Off in Atlanta’s Summer Heat
12. Splash Pads and Spraygrounds
It's impossible to choose just one Atlanta splash pad for families to cool off so we've included an entire list of the best spots for kiddos to let loose and stay cool.
13. Great Wolf Lodge
Get a day pass to enjoy Great Wolf Lodge's indoor waterpark, outdoor pool, ropes course, bowling, and more. Or make a night/weekend out of it and get a room at the hotel to enjoy all the resort and LaGrange has to offer.
14. Cauble/Acworth Beach
Located on the north shore of Lake Acworth inside Cauble Park, this beach is a favorite area for lake swimming near Atlanta. Get more ideas of Atlanta swimming lakes by checking out our list!
15. Six Flags White Water
Manage Atlanta's boiling summer by spending the day at Six Flags White Water -- take a dip in the wave pool, coast the lazy river, and plummet down the best rides in the state.
16. The Oasis in Canton
Located at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, The Oasis Water Park features a water playground, water slides, beach entry, lazy river, and more!
17. Center of Puppetry Arts
It's all about the combo of air conditioning and entertainment at the Atlanta Center of Puppetry Arts. Throw in a puppet show and no one can resist this landmark.
The Bavarian town of Helen, Georgia is beyond cute. Photo by Bill Leffler
Best Atlanta Summer Day Trips for Families
18. Helen, GA
Enjoy Bavarian life without having to hop a plane to Europe! Helen, Georgia is one of the most charming day trips from Atlanta with its sweet architecture, access to the Chattahoochee River, and great hiking.
19. Cartersville, GA
Located about 45 minutes north of Atlanta, Cartersville offers cool things to do in the summer, like Terminus Wake Park and Tellus Science Museum.
20. Blue Ridge, GA
Spend the summer in the cooler Blue Ridge mountains of Georgia. Spend days outdoor horseback riding, hiking, zipline riding, and fishing at Lake Blue Ridge.
21. Athens, GA
Besides the famed University of Georgia, Athens hosts a number of fun things to do for a summer day trip. Take kids to the Alice H. Richards Children's Garden at the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia, as well hike wooded trails, play at trampoline parks, and more. Go Dawgs!
22. Chattanooga, TN
Drive two hours north to Chattanooga for a HUGE amount of family-friendly activities. My daughter just went with her school to the Tennessee Aquarium (great for all ages) and Ruby Falls. Finish the day on a riverboat sunset cruise before driving back to Atlanta.
23. Cleveland, GA
Kids who love dolls will LOOOOOVE visiting Cleveland, Georgia for the sole purpose of seeing Babyland General Hospital, the birthplace of Cabbage Patch Dolls. I had to pull my girls to the car when it was time to go. FYI, this is a great stopping point on your way to the North Georgia mountains if you want to make a night of it.
Best Outdoor Adventures for Atlanta Kids in Summer
24. Roswell Area Park
My kids LOVE this park (and we continue to bring their out-of-town cousins) because of all the awesome, kid-friendly amenities. Besides multiple playgrounds (divided by age) and restrooms, this massive park features sports fields, tennis courts, and a glorious public swimming pool.
25. Atlanta Botanical Garden
The two-acre Lou Glenn Children's Garden in Midtown's Atlanta Botanical Garden introduces children to the love of nature. Throughout the summer, ABG hosts kid-focused activities like storybook time, garden playtime, songs with Ms. Patty, and more.
Beware of dinosaurs along the paths of Stone Mountain Park. Photo by Melanie Preis
