No worries, no hurries —when did you last take that kid-like apporach to life?
Of course, you can explore your inner child at Six Flags Over Georgia and the Skyview ferris wheel, but there are other lesser-known spots around Atlanta that cater to the young at heart.
Here are five to add to your list:
The complete candy store
Dedicated to sugar nostalgia, Rocket Fizz Soda Shop and Candy Stop is the place to revive that "kid in a candy store" attitude. They sell every penny candy and candy bar known to grade schoolers of any era. And, as commercials used to say back in the day, "That's not all." They emit more happy kid karma with hundreds of sodas from microbreweries all over the world and gag gifts like they used to sell in the back of comic books. Martian sodas are a must.
Glide and sing like a middle-schooler at Atlanta Iceforum's public skating gigs. They clear the ice of figure skaters and hockey players for a couple of hours in the afternoon on weekdays and Sundays and again on Friday and Saturday nights. Best of all, if you tumble or are slow to join in, the Breakaway Grill restaurant is there for you with a nice spot to watch skaters.
Admission $8 adults, $4 kids under 5; skate rental $4
2300 Satellite Blvd., Duluth. 770-813-1010
If you're old enough to remember Mario Andretti, Andretti Indoor Karting and Games could be the place to recapture your youth. Even if you're not that far into adulthood, the gas cart racing here is really fun and fast. The SODI GT5 karts are designed to balance speed and safety and you can achieve speeds up to 35 mph. Other thrill seeking fun includes zipline, a ropes course and rock wall and the XD Dark Rise motion theater.
Adult races start at $21.95, junior races at $11.95; XD Dark Rise motion theater starts at $4.95; zipline, ropes course and rock wall $5.95-$11.95
11000 Alpharetta Hwy., Roswell. 770-992-5688
You can't use a net or add any to your collection, but the Garden with Wings: Butterflies and Biodiversity exhibit at Smith-Gilbert gardens lets you see butterflies up close. The exhibit will open July 30 and is part of a worldwide "save the pollinators" project that appeals to any childlike heart.
Admission to exhibit and the gardens: adults: $7; seniors or active military: $6, children ages 6-12: $5 and children 5 and under free.
2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw. 770-919-0248
Hit (and be hit with) the paint
If you loved to play Kick the Can or even Battleship as a kid, Nitro Paintball sets the same tone for adults and kids. Features include a castle and fort, Western town and a huge speedball field. If you want a low-sting experience, Nitro even offers a low impact event.
New players with no gear: $35, with discounted rates for those with their own equipment
204a Lower Bethany Road, Ball Ground. 770-720-8466
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