Even though it’s the end of summer for school kids, it’s still hot in the A-T-L so stay cool with our Guide to Beat the Heat in Atlanta. And sign up for our free Mommy Poppins newsletters for even more end-of-summer activities and much more!

Outdoor Adventures to End Summer with a Splash

1. Splash Pads

Take younger kids to a local splash pad or sprayground to burn off energy and cool off. Many of these are completely free!

2. Swimming Pools

Visit amazing swimming pools that offer day passes; if you’re on a budget, Atlanta boasts free swimming pools, too.

3. Water Parks

Soak up fun at an outdoor water park with lazy rivers and waterslides. Take more adventurous kids to Terminus Wake Park with cable wakeboarding and an inflatable playground.

4. Lakes and Beaches

Pack a picnic and head to swimming lakes and beaches nearby. Kids can build sandcastles and enjoy getting out in nature.

5. Canoe

You don't need any previous canoe experience for Family Canoe Days, held weekly through August 30, 2025 at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. 

6. Shoot the 'Hooch

Rent tubes from Nantahala Outdoor Center – Metro Outpost and float the day away on the Chattahoochee River. Options include half-day and full-day trips with shuttle service back to your vehicle.

7. Indoor Pools and Water Parks

Enjoy water activities beyond the summer sun at indoor pools and water parks. 

Atlanta Attractions for Beating the Heat

8. Interact with Animals

It's always fun to go to Zoo Atlanta but our city has even more animal attractions beyond that: petting zoos, animals farms and wildlife parks. 

9.  Amusement Parks

Try out the thrilling new Georgia Gold Rusher coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The park is open daily through July 29, 2025 and then weekends through August 31. 

10. Stone Mountain

If you have kids who don't care for amusement park rides, Stone Mountain Park is a good alternative with a train ride, obstacle course, zipline, and miniature golf.

11. Atlanta Gardens

Before the flowers fade and fall leaves set in, visit the top gardens in Atlanta. Kids will especially want to see the Alice’s Wonderland exhibit (with singing flowers!) before it leaves Atlanta Botanical Garden in September 2025.

VIDEO: Our reel about Atlanta Botanical Garden on Instagram! 

Spend a summer evening at City Springs Outdoor Concerts. Photo by the author

12. Outdoor Concerts and Movies

Enjoy summer evenings as a family by attending either a free summer concert or a free outdoor movie.

13. Breakfast with Butterflies - Roswell

Held at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, the event includes a light breakfast and admission to the nature preserve. Through August 3, 2025. 

14. Tiny Doors ATL - Multiple Locations

Take the kids on a scavenger hunt of Tiny Doors ATL! These 7-inch doors, created by artist Karen Anderson Singer, will bring a smile to your child's face.

15. Puttshack & Topgolf - Multiple Locations

Though Puttshack and Topgolf are two separate attractions, both use the coolest technology and games for a great summer afternoon. 

It's carbonation overload when World of Coca-Cola visitors try all the flavors at Taste It! Photo by the author

16 World of Coca-Cola - Downtown

Even if you've been before, this refreshing place is always worth another visit. It has a new exhibit, Coca-Cola Stories, and the always popular room--Taste It! 

17. Glow Nights at the Georgia Aquarium - Downtown

Every day after 4pm through August 17, 2025, visitors to the Georgia Aquarium are treated to glow-in-the-dark show with mesmerizing performances and sparkling treats. 

VIDEO: Our Glow Nights at the Georgia Aquarium Reel on Instagram! 

18. Arcades

Let kids play at one of these Atlanta arcades. These spots will entertain kids of all ages while keeping them out of the summer heat.

19. Escape Rooms

Get your kids' brain cells active again with a challenging adventure at an escape room.

20. Indoor Performances

Atlanta offers many kid-friendly musical performances and live theater. Purchase tickets for Harold and the Purple Crayon at Center for Puppetry Arts before it's run ends August 3, 2025. 

21. $1 Family Movies

Summer Movie Express, at participating Regal Movie Theatres, occurs every Tuesday and Wednesday at the first showtime through August 6, 2025 for $1.

22. Bowling

Engage in friendly competition with your family at a bowling alley. The Kids Bowl Free promotion includes two free games per day, through the end of summer at participating locations.  

23. SK8 The Roof - Old Fourth Ward

Atlanta's first rooftop skating rink just opened this summer at The Roof at Ponce City Market. Kids and parents can enjoy skyline views and roller skate until the rink turns to ice, sometime in November. 

VIDEO: Our reel about SK8 the Roof on Instagram!

24. Activate - Buckhead

Kids love this live-action gaming experience, testing their mental and physical agility. Plus, who wouldn't enjoy much-needed air conditioning?!

25. Beat the Bomb - West Midtown

Forget the screens and step into a real-life video game, with the ultimate goal of disarming a giant paint, foam, or slime bomb. 

VIDEO: Our reel about Beat the Bomb on Instagram!

26. Y3S - Your Third Spot - West Midtown

Enjoy more than 75 activities, including curling, cornhole, pinball, shuffleboard, bowling, and tons of classic arcade games. Kids welcome on weekends before 6pm.

Yums to Cool Off This Summer

27. Dine Al Fresco

Eat dinner at a restaurant with great outdoor spaces or one of the many kid-friendly breweries (some even allow dogs!).

28. Ice Cream

We all scream for ice cream! Nothing beats a cold, refreshing taste of yummy goodness at these ice cream parlors in Atlanta.  

29. Save on Supper 

Use our Kids Eat Free Guide to find affordable options every day of the week. 

Day Trips and Quick Getaways Near Atlanta 

30. Hit the Beach

You can still plan a last-minute beach getaway to the Atlantic or the Gulf Coast. Most beaches are less than a six-hour drive from Atlanta.

31. Go Camping

Experience the great outdoors as a family. Reconnect with nature and encourage screen-free time with a family camping trip. 

32. Summer Day Trips

Skip the expense of an overnight hotel room; get in the car and head to these great, family-friendly spots for a summer day trip instead.

33. Tour Atlanta

Use our 3-day itinerary of Atlanta with Kids to experience the city as a tourist.

34. Walkable Neighborhoods

Explore Atlanta’s walkable neighborhoods, like Virginia-Highland and Decatur, with fun activities, restaurants, and shopping.

35. Spend the Night

Enjoy an overnight stay at a local hotel or resort. Many offer tailor-made activities for kids and, of course, swimming pools. 

Can't-Miss August Events for Atlanta Families

36. Great American Outdoors Day  - Kennesaw & Sandy Springs 

Celebrate this day by exploring one of our National Parks, free on August 4. 

37. Pig & Peaches Barbecue Festival - Kennesaw

Spend two days enjoying good food, good music, and interactive fun. August 15 & 16, 2025

38. Piedmont Park Arts Festival - Midtown

On August 16 & 17, 2025, bring kids to Piedmont Park for a fun, outdoor arts festival.

39. Cobb County International Festival - Marietta

Head to Marietta for international music and art, eclectic dancing, food, crafts, and more. August 23, 2025 

40. Grant Park Summer Shade Festival - Grant Park

Say goodbye to summer by heading to Grant Park the last weekend of August. August 23 & 24, 2025

41. Yo Gabba Gabba Live!  - Atlanta 

Join Plex, Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Toodee, and Kammy Kam for a one-of-a-kind show full of music, dancing, and fun for the whole family. The Eastern, August 24, 2025. 

42. Dragon Con - Downtown

 You'll see some weird/oddball stuff, so perfect for older kids/teens who want to explore for four days of cult faves. August 28 - September 1, 2025. 

43. Hot Air Balloon Festival Weekend at Callaway Gardens - Pine Mountain

Head to Callaway Gardens for their annual Labor Day Hot Air Balloon Festival, with events throughout the weekend days and nights. August 29-31, 2025

44. Pioneer Days - Cartersville 

Parents and kids head to Sam Smith park in Cartersville for carnival rides, games and food. August 29 - September 1, 2025

45. Marietta Art in the Park - Marietta

Artsy kids and teens love this annual Labor Day event featuring artists' creations as well as street art. August 30-September 1, 2025

46. Fernbank Turtles - Atlanta  

Turtles may be slow but this awesome exhibition all about them will be gone fast! Catch it before it ends September 1, 2025. 

47. Scooby Doo at the Children's Museum - Downtown

The immersive experience Scooby Doo: Mansion Mayhem at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta lets kids act as detectives to analyze clues and put their problem-solving skills to the test. Book tickets before the exhibit ends September 7, 2025. 

End-of-Summer in Atlanta: FAQs

Q: What are good day trips from Atlanta with kids before school starts?
A: We have a lot of great day trips from Atlanta, including Chattanooga, Cartersville, and Athens.

Q: How can I make the last days of summer special for my kids?
A: Spend time with them! Also, check out our curated itineraries for Atlanta kids who love making art, tea parties, and more. And don't forget about your teens this summer, too!

Q: What should I bring along to outdoor Atlanta events?
A: Even though school is on the horizon, it's still super hot here in Atlanta. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and hats to stay cool at these Atlanta outdoor events!