If high gas prices and a sluggish economy are putting a crimp in your vacation budget, you’re not alone. Many families are deciding to stay and play close to home this summer.
Fortunately, metro Atlanta is a perfect place for a “staycation.” There are plenty of attractions and activities to entertain the kids without breaking the bank. Here are a few options.
State parks
Pack a picnic and head off for a day of hiking, swimming or sightseeing at some of Georgia’s most scenic spots. You could see the state’s tallest waterfall at Amicalola Falls State Park, learn about Georgia’s gold rush at the Dahlonega Gold Museum, or paddle a canoe on a 260-acre lake at Fort Yargo State Park.
A rental cabin can serve as an affordable and relaxing base from which to explore North Georgia’s mountains or other parts of the state. Many come with fully equipped kitchens, front porches and views. Cabin rates range from $85 to $160 per night. A free Junior Ranger Activity Book (available at any park) outlines great ways to explore nature and gives kids opportunities to earn badges for completing the activities. For information, call 1-800-864-7275 or go to www.georgiastateparks.org.
Kids play
Sue Rodman, author of “100+ Free and Cheap Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids,” has plenty of ways to keep children active, learning and having fun.
Rodman recommends BMX bike tracks at Noonday Park and Wild Horse Park in Cobb County. When not in use for races, practices or maintenance, kids can bring their bikes and helmets and ride for free.
Tennis-playing families can attend the Family Fun Festival Aug. 6-7 at Bitsy Grant Tennis Center in Atlanta. The event, which coincides with the Georgia State Adult/Senior Open Tennis Championship, includes free tennis lessons for kids 5 to 10.
For a $10 parking fee, you can hike up or around Stone Mountain, fish in the lake, have a picnic, paddle a kayak and stay for the spectacular laser show. For information, go to www.stonemountainpark.com.
“Or you can swim free at specified hours in the large pools at Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Garden Hills or Chastain Park,” Rodman said. “Many bowling alleys offer reduced or free rates for kids at specified times in the summer, so check your nearest alley. Want to introduce your children to golf? Kids under 15 play for free after 3 p.m. when accompanied by a paying adult at the Stone Mountain Park Golf Club.”
Atlanta CityPASS
The Atlanta CityPASS gives you access to five of the city’s top attractions at a 51 percent discount off individual ticket prices. The pass, which is good for nine days, costs $69 for adults and $49 for kids.
Choose from the Georgia Aquarium; World of Coca-Cola; the Inside CNN Studio Tour; the High Museum of Art or The Fernbank Museum of Natural History; and Zoo Atlanta or the Atlanta History Center. For information, go to www.citypass.com/atlanta.
Museum mania
If you’ve been to the High Museum of Art or the Atlanta History Museum, you’ve only scratched the surface. There are museums with something for everyone and many are free, Rodman said.
Young children love the Marietta Fire Museum, which displays equipment and trucks dating back to the 1800s. Older kids can learn about the history of money at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
Fernbank Science Center offers 65 acres of old-growth forest, trails, natural and astronomy exhibits (for free), as well as planetarium shows ($4 for adults, $3 for kids). Mummy lovers will enjoy the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. To see Jim Henson’s beloved muppets, try the Center for Puppetry Arts museum.
Creativity at home
“Kids miss school arts and crafts in the summer, but moms fear the mess,” said Elisha Bailez, an artist and owner of Peek a Boo Rooms, an original art and children’s furnishings business in Atlanta.
Bailez solved the dilemma by making a safe, creative space for her three children.
“You need a tabletop work area,” she said. “Use an old table, [a] card table or cover a good table for summer with a plastic or oil cloth taped underneath.”
For storage, choose an old console or buffet and use large plastic containers or tubs for crayons, markers, paints, paper and other supplies.
“Garage sales often have old consoles,” Bailez said. “A cheap outdoor carpet big enough to cover the floor under the table and console will protect the floor, and can be hosed down outside.”
Add paper towels and wipes for cleanup, and old T-shirts for budding artists.
“Before you head to a hobby store for supplies, scour your junk drawers,” she said. “Kids can always find a new use for old buttons, smooth rocks, yarn, ribbons, stickers and catalogs they can cut up. Mine recently made monsters using watercolors to paint the bodies and leftover eye-ball stickers.”
Buy a big piece of corkboard to hang nearby and display your children’s artistic creations.
“A creative space is great, too, for older kids with a hobby like building models or making jewelry,” she said.
