Elsa Simcik

Elsa Simcik has been freelance writing for 20-something years, covering a hodgepodge of fields--health & fitness, human interest stories, and even dating. After becoming a mom she segued into writing for local magazines and websites, focusing on parenting, fun things to do with kids, and travel. The travel part is fun, but not as glamorous as it sounds, because it's traveling with kids. Still, she'll take it.

Latest posts by Elsa

23 Best Things To Do in Atlanta with Kids August 2025

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 07/27/2025 - 9:01am

Sandy Springs is combining its annual Back-to-School Bash with its National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Photo courtesy of the City of Sandy Springs

School is starting in Atlanta, but that doesn't mean summer fun is over! August in Atlanta is a great time to enjoy outdoor movies and concerts, summer festivals, and cool events.

August brings fun family events like the Sandy Springs Back to School Bash as well as the Piedmont Park Arts Festival in Midtown. The City of Kennesaw parties with the community at its yummy August event, Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival, which includes music, a kids' zone, and delicious barbecue. And don't miss one of the most popular events in Atlanta...Dragon Con, kicking off on August 28.

Even as kids head back to school, there's still time for summer fun on the weekends —check out our list of 46 Ways to Beat the Heat in Atlanta and our Ultimate End-of-Summer Bucket List for inspiration!

Best Ice Cream Spots in Atlanta for Kids

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 07/04/2025 - 11:01am

Ice cream never fails to put a smile on kids' faces! Photo by the author

Who wants ice cream? Everybody, especially in the summer! Fortunately, we have no shortage of ice cream near Atlanta. We've got all the big ice cream chains, but we especially love local ice cream spots—these ice cream parlors are the ones that really hit the sweet spot. It was a tough job, researching and tasting various flavors and styles of ice cream near Atlanta, but somebody had to do it! Read on for the "scoop" on the yummiest ice cream spots near Atlanta, including local mobile ice cream and popsicle stands.

4th of July Weekend in Atlanta: Fireworks, Parades, and More Things to Do with Kids

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Wed, 07/02/2025 - 10:38am

Stone Mountain Park lights up the sky every night during its Fantastic Fourth Celebration, July 1-7. Photo courtesy of Stone Mountain Park

Looking for the best things to do in Atlanta this 4th of July weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend!

Kick off the first weekend in July with Independence Day festivities at Atlanta attractions like Fantastic Fourth at Stone Mountain Park, which boasts six nights of fireworks in a row, Head to FREE 4th of July events in Decatur, Marietta, Dunwoody, and more! Find a complete list of all the awesome July 4th parades and events at Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Atlanta 2025!

And of course, it wouldn't be Fourth of July in Atlanta without the annual AJC Peachtree Road Race, the biggest 10K in the world! This year they are bringing back fireworks on July 3, 2025 at 9:15pm as part of a huge pre-race celebration. Read on for more fun weekend events in Atlanta!

Best Things to Do in Atlanta July 2025

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 06/29/2025 - 10:43am

Decatur starts its 4th of July festivities with the Pied Piper Parade. Photo courtesy of the event

Atlanta sizzles with family fun this month, starting with 4th of July fireworks and continuing with shows, events, and summer festivals!

Kick off July in Atlanta with a bang at popular attractions like Stone Mountain Park and Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. Want more July 4th fireworks and patriotic events? Check out our guide to 4th of July Fireworks and Parades in Atlanta. When your kids need air-conditioned fun, head to Atlanta's theaters and museums this month. The guys from Dude Perfect bring trick shots into Gas South Arena; Roswell Summer Puppet s and More launches a new show each week; and Aurora Theatre in Lawrencville hosts a Summer Break Magic Show. At the end of July, we'll all be screaming for ice cream at the annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival in Piedmont Park!

Since there's more summer fun to be had, we've got ideas for the whole season! Check out our Ultimate Atlanta Kids Summer Vacation Guide for all the hottest ideas to stay cool this summer.

Best Splash Pads in Atlanta for Kids This Summer

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 06/15/2025 - 9:01am

Head to the Duluth Town Green Fountain for a romp through the refreshing splash pad. Photo courtesy Explore Gwinnett

Let kids frolic in an Atlanta splash pad, sprayground, or fountain to cool off during sweltering months. Our list will point you to the best splash pads all over Atlanta -- at parks, kid-friendly attractions, and community green spaces. Put these budget-friendly (and some even FREE) splash pads in Atlanta on your summer bucket list.

Where To See 4th of July Fireworks in Atlanta 2025: More Atlanta July 4th Parades and Events

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 06/13/2025 - 9:12am

July 4th fireworks light up Marietta's night sky! Photo courtesy of City of Marietta

Enjoy spectacular Atlanta fireworks 2025 for a memorable holiday. (Bonus: it's on a Friday this year!) Practically every Atlanta suburb and intown neighborhood is putting on its own July 4th fireworks display, festival, and parade. Folks can also celebrate kid-friendly fireworks at Atlanta attractions like Stone Mountain Park, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, and Truist Park, cheering on our Atlanta Braves. Most of the patriotic parties in Atlanta will take place on Friday, July 4th, including Atlanta's internationally known AJC Peachtree Road Race!

Read on for all the details about the best 4th of July fireworks in Atlanta and find even more ways to make memories in our Atlanta Kids' Summer Vacation Guide.

Father's Day Weekend 2025 Things To Do in Atlanta: Plus, Honoring Juneteenth and More

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Wed, 06/11/2025 - 9:31am

Spend the day with dad at one of the many events happening in Atlanta this Father's Day weekend. Photo by the author

Looking for the best things to do in Atlanta this Father's Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list this weekend!

Celebrate Father's Day weekend in Atlanta with events at Your 3rd Spot in West Midtown and The Fringe and Chattahoochee Nature Center, both in Roswell. All weekend long folks have opportunities to honor Juneteenth at inspiring Atlanta events, including downtown's Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival and at the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead. Check below for more details on these exciting happenings and even more cool events in Atlanta this weekend!

20 Best Swimming Pools in Atlanta: From Public Pools to Hotels with Day Passes

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 06/08/2025 - 11:07am

Dive into cooling relief at Roswell Area Park pool. Photo by the author

Atlanta has great public swimming pools, in addition to Swimming Lakes and Beaches Near Atlanta, fun for families and perfect for summer temps. Many of these local swimming pools feature diving boards, water slides, and splash pads for little ones, making them more engaging than typical swim/tennis neighborhood pools. And did you know certain Atlanta hotel pools offer swimtime without requiring an overnight stay?! Several Atlanta hotels offer day passes to enjoy the posh amenities.

Many of the public swimming pools near Atlanta listed here have set times for open swim sessions, so be sure to check the schedule and pool rules. For more ways to cool off this summer, check our awesome Atlanta Kids Summer Guide!

Elsa Simcik

Latest posts by Elsa

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