Spring is a time of new beginnings, and that moniker holds true in Atlanta, as well. New exhibits, new rides and new adventure await you. Here are five exciting openings coming to metro Atlanta this spring.
Scaly Slimy Spectacular at Zoo Atlanta
After years of planning, Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience opens at Zoo Atlanta this spring. The newest complex replaces the oldest, World of Reptiles and is home to more than 70 species of scaly, slimy reptiles and amphibians.
The 45-foot tall glass entry dome creates a beautiful juxtaposition to the 9,700 sq. ft. of custom-designed rockwork winding through the massive space. This is the zoo's first new exhibit in over a decade, and with state-of-the-art exhibits showcasing extreme size, speed, color and behavior, it is poised for success.
Bruce Munro: Light in the Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden explodes with light in May, with six massive art displays from Bruce Munro. The beauty happens at dusk, as each installation uses optic fiber and light as a medium. "This show will be something unlike any other that Atlantans have experienced," says Garden President & CEO Mary Pat Matheson. "At dusk, the Garden will become this enchanting yet natural landscape that visitors just have to see to believe."
Light is Muro's largest exhibit in the Southeast, and the largest installation of the exhibit is named Forest of Light. It features more than 30,000 flower-like stems of lights blanketing Storza Woods, which are visible from the ground and from the Canopy Walk. The exhibition will run May thru October, and the garden will offer extended nighttime hours Wednesday – Sunday.
BATMAN: The Ride...backward at Six Flags Over Georgia
As of March 14, guests of Six Flags Over Georgia can experience the popular BATMAN: The Ride rollercoaster backward. For a limited time only, you'll tower up 10 stories...backward, ride the coaster at speeds of up to 50 mph...backward and roll, corkscrew and loop over 2,700 feet of track...backward.
The 2015 season kicks off with BATMAN in reverse, and follows with two new Gotham attractions. THE JOKER Chaos Coaster spins riders in a large loop, forward and backward, even suspending them upside down at times. Harley Quinn Spinsanity spins and twists families in classic fun. Six Flags Over Georgia is now open on weekends through May 17 and daily for spring break April 4-12. Daily summer operation begins Memorial Day weekend, with the opening of Hurricane Harbor.
Dunwoody Opening of Treetop Quest
Treetop Quest opens its second treetop obstacle course and zip-line course in Dunwoody March 28. Kiddos ages 4-6 may access Kiddie Quest, the Giant Net Trampoline and a ropes-inspired obstacle course. Those 7-11 can tackle three levels of obstacles, including some zip-lines stretching 300 feet. Adults and kids 12 and older may access the same three levels, plus an additional, more challenging course.
The new outdoor ropes course will be located at Brook Run Park, which is already home to a dog park, enormous playground, skate park arena and community garden. Pricing will be the same at both locations. 30 minutes of orientation, plus two hours of activity time range from $22-49 per person.
Gainesville location of Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden opens a new location to the public May 2 in Gainesville. Visitors will stroll through the outdoor gardens, drop into the visitor's center or lose themselves at the model train garden. The greenspace also includes an amphitheater, set as the new home of the city's Concerts in the Garden summer series.
Charles and Lessie Smithgall donated the land; if their name sounds familiar, it might be because of their other generous donation near Helen, Ga, Smithgall Woods State Park. The conservationist spirit on the Smithgall family lives on at the Gainesville location, brandishing the title of largest conservation nursery in the Southeast. Additionally, expect to hear about exciting exhibitions, events and educational programs in the near future.
