Whether you’re the type of extended family that jogs together on frosty mornings or the ones who struggle to detach from electronics and move from the couch, walking together is a good habit to develop.
Aside from the health benefits, it’s free, and strolling side by side can inspire heartfelt grandkid-grandparent conversations.
To add extra motivation if you’re out of practice, try extra-fun walks in the metro Atlanta area. Here are four possibilities this week:
Georgia Aquarium Haunted Seas
Selected entry time 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Tuesday, Oct. 25-31, complimentary with general admission starting at $42.99, 0-2 free, Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta.
You’ll do plenty of walking on a visit to the 13-acre Georgia Aquarium, but you may not notice you’re exerting yourselves with the fascinating sea creatures and pirate-theme spooky exhibits everywhere you look.
The exhibit hinges on a storyline where an 18th-century pirate chest has been gifted to the Aquarium, and apparitions of pirates and shipwrecks have been unleashed with the treasure.
The atrium decor and sea lion and dolphin presentations follow the theme.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and you can only change dates with 24 hours notice. No refunds. Purchase tickets and select an arrival time here.
Dope Dads’ Frightfully Fun Walk/Run
9:45 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 28, free to attend, Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta.
The Dope Dads group promotes healthy lifestyles and family time. Fellowship and refreshments kick off at 9:45 a.m., a group stretch starts at 10:15 a.m., and the fun run and walk at 10:30 a.m. lead into a cool down and more snacks and drinks at 11:30.
Should you be accompanied by one of those small grandkids who never want to shed their costume, note that costumes are encouraged here.
Get free tickets and donate towards school supplies for community kids or the Dope Dads organization here.
Trick or Treat on the McDonough Square
3-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, free, McDonough Square Proper, 5 Griffin St., McDonough.
Use the Halloween lure to encourage your grandkids to get hooked on walking. This outdoor event is a good chance to entertain preschoolers in your sphere or to let loose right after school with older kids.
Family-friendly activities and candy giveaways line the square and you can anticipate elaborate costumes from the locals.
About 30 miles from downtown Atlanta, McDonough has heaps of small-town charm so the visit and stroll will be pleasant for adults, too.
Fort Yargo Full Moon Cemetery Hike
8:45-9:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 28, $5 parking, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 South Broad St., Winder.
Do you dare? Here’s a chance for cool grandparents to impress their teen and tween grandkids.
This Georgia State Park event includes a short hike to the Fort Yargo State Park cemetery, starting at the Beach Pavilion. Racing back at top speed shrieking is optional and invigorating.
If your grandkids have somehow missed the fascination with flashlights phase, here’s your chance to show off your favorite models. You’ll probably need one flashlight per hiker for full effect.
To take full advantage of the hour-long drive to Winder, arrive early to enjoy the rest of the park.
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