Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

Rebecca Ruffin Leffler is an LSU grad (Geaux Tigers!), wife, and mom to twin girls in Atlanta. She enjoys writing about parenting, hiking, and travel. Follow her family’s vacation adventures at FindingFamilyAdventures.com.

Latest posts by Rebecca Ruffin

16 Best Skate Parks in Atlanta for Kids

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 08/18/2024 - 1:40pm

Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park was designed with input from the local skateboard community and received funding from Tony Hawk's foundation. Photo by Bill Leffler

To meet the needs of skateboarding kids, skate parks are popping up all over Atlanta (many of these Atlanta skate parks also allow bicycles, scooters, and inline skates). Skateboarding is a great sport for kids—it helps develop balance and coordination, as well as improves self-confidence, physical health, and focus. Just remember: Before heading out to any Atlanta skate park, equip kids with the proper safety gear, including helmets and protective pads. Check out some of the coolest skate parks in Atlanta below for kids of all ages!

16 Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Atlanta with Perks for Kids

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 08/11/2024 - 9:34am

Explore Midtown in style while staying at the Loews Atlanta Hotel.

We’ve rounded up family-friendly hotels in Atlanta guaranteed to be a hit with kids, whether you’re on vacation, a staycation, or hosting out-of-town guests. When you travel with kids, extra amenities and perks to ward off the occasional vacation meltdown are crucial.

From downtown to Stone Mountain, and everywhere in between, these Atlanta hotels put you near the most popular family-friendly spots. And since many families don’t want to kennel pets, we’ve included a few spots to bring your furbabies, too.

Teen Birthday Parties in Atlanta: 26 Cool Birthday Party Places for Teens

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 08/04/2024 - 10:03am

With two locations, the Splatter Studio offers private parties for guests to don disposable protective clothing and unleash their inner artist. Photo courtesy of Splatter Studio

Atlanta teen birthday parties are all about the FUN! Splurge on a truly memorable experience for your teen's birthday party with our helpful guide. We've listed specific birthday party venues to host your teen's special event, in addition to fabulous teen birthday party ideas to consider around Atlanta or in the comfort of your own home.

And don’t forget the cake! Be sure to check out these festive and delicious birthday cakes to provide a sweet finale for a teen birthday celebration. If you're looking for more ideas beyond the birthday realm, these extreme sports and thrilling activities are perfect every day of the year!

43 Ways To Beat the Heat in Atlanta: Heat Wave Indoor Activities and Cool Outdoor Fun

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 07/21/2024 - 10:02am

Atlanta summers seem more doable at a place like Lake Lanier Islands. Photo courtesy of the water park

There's one basic fact about an Atlanta summer: It’s HOT! When a heat wave hits, get ready to cool things down in Atlanta. Our list of places to have fun during an Atlanta heat wave will keep sweat, and boredom, away. And better yet, some of these places offer summer specials that make it easier on your wallet!

End of Summer Bucket List: 35 Things to Do Before School Starts in Atlanta

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 07/19/2024 - 12:05pm

Take a memorable trip to Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands before school starts. Photo by Elsa Simcik

Blink and it’s already the end of summer – at least, according to many Atlanta school calendars. Squeeze out the last few moments of summer with our list of things to do before school starts in Atlanta. Check out our summer bucket list of activities you won’t want to miss, including the best pools, day trips, exhibits, and more activities in Atlanta sure to please everyone in the family.

16 Atlanta Farmers Markets for the Whole Family

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 07/05/2024 - 7:58am

Let the kiddos play while you fill up on greens at the Grant Park Farmers Market.

Atlanta farmers markets help families embrace farm-to-table cooking and afternoons spent outdoors. Farmers markets in Atlanta allow families to select freshvproduce; support the local economy; teach kids about food; and enjoy a day of outdoor fun!

Added bonus? Many of these farmers markets offer kid-friendly features like arts and crafts, bounce houses, water play, and much more. Read on for a list of the best Atlanta farmers markets that appeal to kids, as well as parents.

14 Best Kid-Friendly Spa Resorts & Hotels Near Atlanta

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 06/16/2024 - 9:28am

Great Wolf Lodge welcomes families of all ages and sizes with a ton of kid-friendly activities.

These family-friendly spa resorts and hotels guarantee families will enjoy their stay (or staycation) in Atlanta. Whether your family desires outdoor amenities, like fully loaded pools and water features, or indoor attractions, like family movie nights, these Atlanta spa resorts and hotels are perfect for guests of all ages.

We’ve also included kid-friendly hotels and spa resorts beyond the perimeter (still within 90 miles of Atlanta). If you’re looking to play golf, horseback ride, sail, or just relax by the pool, these Georgia resorts are worth a visit.

For the best information about Atlanta attractions and museums to visit during your hotel or resort stay, check out Top Attractions in Atlanta: Best Things to See and Do with Kids and Best Atlanta Museums for Families to Learn and Play.

18 Best Pickleball Courts in Atlanta for Kids and Families

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 06/14/2024 - 11:34am

Kids can hone their skills by taking pickleball classes at the Sharon Lester Tennis Center at Piedmont Park. Photo courtesy of the center

The Atlanta pickleball craze offers families an awesome and healthy way to interact. Often compared to a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, this relatively new sport is easy to learn and only requires a paddle and ball. Plus, it's great for kids! Pickleball develops hand-eye coordination; uses math and memory for scoring; encourages sportsmanship; and facilitates social interaction. The equipment is inexpensive (often provided at facilities) and there’s not a huge time commitment as games run 15-30 minutes.

Atlanta families can play pickleball at indoor and outdoor courts. We’ve rounded up the best places to play, from public parks with nearby playgrounds and pools to pickleball clubs with indoor courts, shuffleboard, and restaurants.

Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

Latest posts by Rebecca Ruffin

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