Climbing temperatures, longer days and what every kid's been dreaming of - summer vacation has officially arrived!
»RELATED: 2019 guide to free outdoor movies in metro Atlanta
If you can't take another summer of whiny "I'm bored" sentiments, browse below for some suggestions of fun things to do with your family in and around our beloved home, Atlanta.
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Explore all of Georgia with a Farm Passport
It's hard finding the time (and money) to travel around the globe, but the Certified Farm Market program in Georgia can satisfy that itch by allowing you to explore farms around Georgia. Not only will you earn prizes as you rack up stamps in your farm passport, but you'll also discover where your food comes from and support those who make it possible.
Pick up a passport at any of the participating farms or at your local county farm bureau office.
Georgia Farm Bureau, 2850 Powder Springs Road SW, Marietta, 770-943-3531
Become an Atlanta history guru
The city of Atlanta is actually full. But rather than spending another afternoon griping about traffic, take a little time to stop and smell the roses, maybe even learn about the city's roots and what it took to get us where we are today.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, 450 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404-331-5190
Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw, 770-427-2117
Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, 404-814-4000
Catch a flick
Whether you're trying to watch a summer blockbuster or an indie flick, there's not much better than catching a movie in the summer. Check out what's happening at the Plaza Theatre, the drive-in or find the best deal at the dollar theatre. Just don't get caught sneaking candy in your bag!
Starlight Six Drive-In, 2000 Moreland Ave. SE, Atlanta, 404-627-3641
Picture Show at Merchant's Exchange, 4400 Roswell Road, Marietta, 770-321-7818
AMC DINE-IN Buckhead 6, 3340 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, 404-467-9619
Credit: Courtesy of Zoo Atlanta
Credit: Courtesy of Zoo Atlanta
Play tourist for a day
Whether you have guests in town or you just want to experience the classics, you can't go wrong with these Atlanta icons. Kids or no kids, don't forget to stop at The Varsity.
Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta, 404-624-5600
Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, 404-581-4000
World of Coca-Cola, 121 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, 404-676-5151
Be kind and volunteer your time
Summertime means longer days, which gives you more time to make a difference. Atlanta boasts plenty of ways for kids of all ages to lend a hand, alongside their parents. Choose an area of interest and shine on.
Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters Cat Shelter, 2650 Pleasantdale Road, Atlanta, 770-613-0880
Atlanta Community Food Bank, 732 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW, Atlanta, 404-892-3333
Hands On Atlanta, 600 Means St. NW, #100, Atlanta, 404-979-2800
Credit: Courtesy of Wikimedia
Credit: Courtesy of Wikimedia
For sporty kids
The Atlanta Braves play 81 home games between April and September, Atlanta United has $1.50 hot dogs and there are tons of college and minor league games. The little ones will love all the action and your wallet won't bust.
Atlanta United, 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, 470-341-5000
Atlanta Braves, 755 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta, 404-577-9100
Gwinnett Stripers, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville, 678-277-0340
Adopt the pace of nature
Hiking and camping and nature, oh my! There are so many places in Georgia to take advantage of the outdoors. From the Little Grand Canyon to the start (or end) of the Appalachian Trail, don't miss what Mother Nature has to offer.
Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, 770-732-5871
Red Top Mountain State Park, 50 Lodge Road SE, Cartersville, 770-975-4226
Morningside Nature Preserve, 2020 Lenox Rd. NE, Atlanta, 404-546-6788
Jump in!
If you need a nice getaway on a budget, Georgia's rivers and lakes have got you covered, whether tubing, rafting or just chilling with a tropical drink in hand.
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford, 470-323-3440
Dallas Landing Park, 5120 Allatoona Dr., Acworth, 770-917-1234
Cool River Tubing, 590 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, 706-878-2665
More to do with the little ones this summer:
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