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

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!

Atlanta's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 06/06/2025 - 9:19am

Children can dance the night away at Avalon Nights outdoor music series. Photo courtesy of Avalon

When parents need summer activities that are fun and easy, free concerts for families are music to our ears. Atlanta is full of free concerts and music festivals during summer—pack up tailgate chairs, blankets, snacks, and drinks, and head to a nearby greenspace to hear live free music. We've rounded up the best outdoor summer concerts and music festivals all over Atlanta. And the best part? Every Atlanta event on our list is FREE! Bonus: Most of these summer concerts happen after sundown so families won't be sweating to the oldies.

23 Best Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids June 2025

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 05/30/2025 - 6:46am

Parents love the activities specifically geared for children during Virginia-Highland Summerfest. Photo by Debra Thibodeaux

Get ready for summer vacation! Things to do in Atlanta this month include Juneteenth celebrations, Father's Day, and lots of summer festivals.

June in Atlanta brings popular summer festivals, like Virginia-Highland Summerfest with music, art, and an entire Kidsfest! Don't miss the Chattahoochee Nature Center Butterfly Festival with games, entertainment, and hundreds of butterflies. Celebrate Juneteenth at Atlanta events like the Downtown Juneteenth Parade & Music Festival and Acworth's Juneteenth Concert on the Green. On select weekends in June, Thomas the Train fans can spend the day with Thomas and Friends in Cordele, Georgia. And honor dad at Father's Day events in Roswell and downtown Atlanta.

Get more ideas by checking out our Ultimate A tlanta Kids Summer Vacation Guide, which includes inspiration for FREE Things to Do This Summer as well as Summer Day Trips from Atlanta.

Atlanta Summer Fun: 50 Amazing FREE Activities for Kids

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 05/25/2025 - 8:19am

Family Fun Nights in Woodstock returns for its third season this summer with fun, themed nights. Photo courtesy of Visit Woodstock

"Free summer activities in Atlanta" is our favorite phrase when it comes to this time of year. ("Cheap" is a close second!) More importantly, kids are happy and worn out playing at a free park or splash pads. Since an Atlanta summer usually requires water, air conditioning, evening shade (or all three), we've kept those prerequisites in mind while gathering the best free kids activities in Atlanta this summer!

15 Family-Friendly Summer Day Trips from Atlanta

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:10am

Step into a Bavarian village without ever having to leave the state when you visit Helen, Georgia. Photo by Bill Leffler

Consider a summer day trip from Atlanta to keep the kids entertained, busy, and cool beyond the city's brutal summer heat. These Atlanta summer day trips are budget-friendly options, saving on the cost of overnight accommodations, yet allow families to explore the surrounding areas. Luckily, Atlanta is centrally located between lots of fun, easy-to-visit destinations all within a two-hour drive or less from downtown!

Memorial Day Weekend 2025 in Atlanta: Best Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Wed, 05/21/2025 - 10:16am

Families head to Stone Mountain Park Memorial Day weekend to honor our troops at this four-day event. Photo courtesy of Stone Mountain Park

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

Most Atlanta students are officially out for summer! Luckily, Atlanta has lots of FREE evening concerts like Riverside Sounds in Roswell and City Green Live in Sandy Springs. Also, check out Alpharetta Arts Streetfest happening this weekend, with face painting, food trucks, and art. Honor our armed forces at Stone Mountain Park's Memorial Day tribute, featuring a laser light show followed by patriotic fireworks. Plus, Memorial Day weekend is perfect for Summer Day Trips from Atlanta as well as a visit to nearby Georgia Swimming Lakes and Beaches.

18 Swimming Lakes and Beaches Near Atlanta for Georgia Families this Summer

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 05/18/2025 - 11:43am

Enjoy the views during your summer visit to Don Carter Beach at Lake Lanier. Photo courtesy Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Swimming lakes offers a refreshing and fun way to beat the heat during an Atlanta summer. When it gets too hot for the playground and you want a break from pool chlorine, head to one of these lakes where the family can reconnect with nature. These Atlanta swimming lakes with great beaches make great summer day trips for Atlanta families. We've narrowed it down to our favorites, all about two hours or less from Atlanta. And in case you're wondering, these spots have restrooms and many offer boat rentals!

To stay cool this summer when temperatures soar, check out these Cool Ways to Beat the Heat in Atlanta, B est Outdoor Water Parks, and Spraygrounds and Splash Pads in Atlanta for Kids. Be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletters to stay informed about more exciting things to do this summer!

26 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Atlanta for Families

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 05/16/2025 - 10:52am

Join the sweet festivities at Atlanta Ice Cream Festival for a fun-filled day of America's favorite dessert. Photo courtesy of the event

Get hyped for summer festivals in Atlanta as more fun events are announced every day! From yummy food and live music to bouncy houses and parades, there is something to keep every family member happy at these fun-in-the-sun summer festivals near you. We picked our faves to add to your summer calendar...don't miss the delicious Atlanta Ice Cream Festival, as well as lots of Fourth of July events, and the always popular Dragon Con, as well as Summer Shade Festival and Virginia-Highland Summerfest.

Elsa Simcik

Latest posts by Elsa

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