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

Best Places for Kids' Haircuts in Atlanta from Baby Haircuts to Cool Teen Salons

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 01/14/2024 - 11:16am

The Little Bluejay has some super cool rides for your kid to enjoy while getting a haircut. Photo by Emily Baas

Getting a first haircut is a monumental experience -- you don’t want just anyone cutting those precious locks of hair! And going forward, you need a good salon for kids haircuts to keep children calm, happy, and looking stylish. Many of these Atlanta salons offer fun toys, movies, and other distractions so your kids won’t want to leave.

For parents of younger kids, we've also got the skinny on the Best Baby Stores in Atlanta and the Best Atlanta Playgrounds for Toddlers.

Hanging at Halcyon: An Insider's Visit to Halcyon Alpharetta

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 12/03/2023 - 11:56am

The whole family is in for a treat at Halcyon Alpharetta! The 135-acre, live-work-play development boasts many free events, children’s activities, shopping, dining, a hotel, and entertainment experiences. Halcyon exudes a casual, laid-back vibe (even dogs are welcome), making it perfect for a day of fun.

Located on the southern edge of Forsyth County, Halcyon is easily accessed from GA 400. If you prefer to walk or bike, you can reach Halcyon along the Big Creek Greenway. Read on for the best things to do while visiting this walkable outdoor shopping area.

Virginia-Highland with Kids: 35 Best Things to Do in Virginia-Highland, GA

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 10/13/2023 - 10:38am

Explore Atlanta's beloved intown neighborhood of Virginia-Highland with our helpful guide!

Tucked between Midtown and Druid Hills, the historic Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta offers families a fun day of exploring tasty restaurants, shady parks, and popular community festivals. And unlike some Atlanta neighborhoods, Virginia-Highland, GA offers tons of sidewalks, making it extremely walkable and stroller-friendly.

Check out our list of 35 top places for families to visit in Virginia-Highland and the adjacent neighborhood of Morningside. Both neighborhoods--over 100 years old--exude a strong sense of community as evidenced by many festivals and events. Families enjoy locally-owned hangouts and independent retailers amidst tree-lined streets brimming with historic bungalow homes.

Best Museums for Kids in Atlanta: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in Atlanta

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 10/08/2023 - 11:10am

See Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, and other Sesame Street characters at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Photo by the author

Atlanta museums for kids offer young visitors to get off their screens and learn about the world. Families can put down the electronics and spend time together at wonderful children's museums in Atlanta. Research shows family museums offer an excellent way to teach topics often missed in the classroom by engaging the three C’s—creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity.

Children's museums in Atlanta offer families the chance to learn something new and discover their world together. Be sure to check each museum's website for hours and tickets costs, as well as special exhibits and events. Now who's ready to explore aweome Atlanta museums?

Visit Topgolf Atlanta Fore Family Fun

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 08/25/2023 - 11:05am

Introduce kids and teens to a sport like golf while having a family hang at Topgolf Atlanta.

Topgolf Atlanta, GA, with three locations in the metro region, is an awesome sports complex that features electronically tracked, microchipped golf balls, which visitors aim and hit at giant outfield targets, in a variety of available games. In fact, Topgolf's popularity is so widespread, it is an official medaled event for the 2024 Special Olympics!

Topgolf is not mini golf, traditional golf, or a boring driving range; it offers an exciting experience for people of all ages and skill levels. Families love coming to Topgolf Atlanta, GA to engage in friendly competition with a variety of fun golf games. Add the Topgolf menu of delicious food beverages, as well as comfy seating in your own climate-controlled bay, and you’ve scored a hole-in-one for the perfect family outing!

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs for Atlanta Kids

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 08/20/2023 - 8:05am

Kids create impressive pieces of art and engage in other activities with Georgia After School Program (GASP).

Afterschool programs provide safe solutions by keeping kids mentally stimulated, providing homework assistance, and allowing social interaction among peers in a supervised environment. Atlanta afterschool programs also help parents with the daunting process of juggling kids’ school schedules with work schedules.

To make this process simpler, we’ve rounded up cheap afterschool programs (some of which are FREE) for kids and teens all around the Atlanta area. Some of these afterschool options, including programs offered through school districts and non-profit organizations, provide transportation to a central location.

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Atlanta: Go-Karts, Axe Throwing, and More

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 08/11/2023 - 11:50am

Water ski with dad at Terminus Wake Park! Photo courtesy of the park

Extreme kids crave extreme sports! If you find your kids getting bored during typical family outings, maybe it’s time to up the ante. Atlanta is full of extreme sports for kids; age-appropriate activities guaranteed to satisfy all the thrill seekers in your family. Let kids test their limits with our list of extreme sports and activities in Atlanta—go-karts, axe throwing, rock climbing, indoor skydiving, wakeboarding, and more!

For more fun activities in Atlanta, check out 100 Best Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids Before They Grow Up. And stay in the know about upcoming activities when you sign up for our free Mommy Poppins newsletters delivered straight to your inbox!

Best Bowling Alleys in Atlanta for Kids

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 07/28/2023 - 11:20am

Midtown Bowl offers a classic bowling experience in the heart of Midtown. Photo courtesy of Failla Marketing

Atlanta bowling is a great way to spend time together as a family. No matter if the weather is hot, rainy, windy, or icy, Atlanta bowling alleys are always ready to host a day of friendly competition and indoor fun for kids. And you don't even need any specialized equipment — simply show up at the bowling alley wearing socks!

With helpful bowling bumpers and ball ramps, kids as young as age 3, older grandparents, and everyone in between can enjoy the sport together! And many of these Atlanta bowling alleys participate in the Kids Bowl Free during the summer. Get ready for fun as we’ve rounded up the best places for bowling in Atlanta.

Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

Latest posts by Rebecca Ruffin

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