Five years ago if someone had asked me if I could see myself living in the south, raising my family, and enjoying the relaxed pace; my northern soul would have yelled out a resounding “NO!” Yet here I am, in the Atlanta Metro area, raising my family and enjoying the relaxed pace!
Being here has afforded my family the opportunity to try out new things. So today, I am going to share my top 5 family activities in Atlanta that I am determined to complete before the end of the year.
I am happy to say that I actually achieved this goal a few months after arriving here; however, it’s my goal to go back because we had an awesome time. We were fortunate enough to find a great deal on Groupon (an app I strongly advise using for great deals) that saved us a ton of money. For $110.00 we purchased 4 tickets and had access to all the exhibits, including the 4-D movie and the dolphin show. The Georgia Aquarium is located in bustling downtown Atlanta. From the outside it seemed pretty nondescript, but upon entrance it did not fail to impress! There were plenty of interactive stations set up throughout the aquarium which engaged not only the kids, but myself as well. It was well worth the money spent, and even if it costs us a little more this time, I’d still think it is worth it.
Ok, I might have failed to mention how much of a nerd I really am on the inside; despite my trendy, fashionable, hip mom exterior *insert sarcasm here*. I truly enjoy learning and I enjoy it even more when my children are learning. My husband is actually owed the credit for stumbling upon this hidden little treasure. Fernbank is a small science center that boasts a great planetarium show, an observatory, and an exhibit hall full of nifty scientific facts and displays. Not to be confused with the larger Fernbank Museum of Natural Science (which I’d also like to visit), it’s still a spot that I think is well worth the exploration.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
I mean how could I not want to go? It’s an indoor trampoline park! There are 4 different locations throughout the Atlanta area; the one closest to me is Suwanee. I am totally counting down until I give birth because I am probably more excited about this than the kids are. It’s a great way to burn some energy (and calories) and be active with the kids. Anything that can keep me active and moving is a plus in my book. Their prices are beyond reasonable and they offer great deals on summer or all day passes. If that doesn’t do it for you, never fear, Groupon often has deals for Sky Zone!
Zoo Atlanta
I am pleased to say this is another location I have managed to visit! The zoo is up there with the aquarium for me; it must be revisited. The kids had a great time observing the plethora of animals on display. They actually took their time and read the information at each display, they oohed and ahhed, they excitedly ran from one habitat to another with an insatiable desire to learn. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the way they responded. Zoo Atlanta did not disappoint in size or variety of exhibits. There was a lot of walking, so if you are interested in visiting, I highly suggest a good pair of sneakers. The only possible downside I can foresee is the weather. On the day we went, it drizzled off and on, but it was nothing a couple of ponchos couldn’t fix.
World of Coca-Cola
This definitely has to happen! As bad as I know Coke is for my waistline, and any attempt at being healthy; in the great debate of Pepsi vs. Coke, Coke always wins in my book! I first saw the World of Coca-Cola when we went to the aquarium, as it is directly across from the entrance. I did a little digging because I wasn’t really sure what it had to offer. After browsing their website I was not disappointed. A visit to the World of Coca-Cola includes, but is not limited to: The Loft, Coca-Cola Theater, Vault of the Secret Formula, Milestones of Refreshment, and a 4-D Theater just to name a few. Coca-Cola is an iconic part of American history and what better way for the kids to learn it than through a fun, hands on experience.
If it were up to me, I would complete all these visits before summer is out! Life doesn’t always align it’s plans with mine though. I think trying to achieve these before the year is out is pretty reasonable. Now that I’ve shared my proverbial bucket list, how about you share yours with me? Drop a line in the comments or visit me at Atlanta Area Moms Blog on Facebook and join in the discussion!
We just visited SkyZone for the first time this past weekend & now I’m ready to get whatever type of annual pass they sell. It was GREAT for my 2.5 year old and I can’t wait to go back! (he was exhausted by the time we left – MOM WIN!)
You have got to get to World of Coca-Cola, the best part is trying all the different flavors at the end!
My kids love Sky Zone. I’m too chicken myself to attempt it but yes, that’s definitely one of our top 10 places to be on weekends.
Yes! I love these. I’ve only done two out of the five so I’m excited to add three new things to our Atlanta Bucket List! Another one I would definitely suggest is the Atlanta History Center. I visited for the first time this past weekend and I definitely need to go back with the kiddos.
We’ve been to all five! Woohoo! Sky Zone is great for a last minute trip to get out of the house. And on Thursdays they have Toddler Time in the morning before it opens and they actually encourage the parents not to jump! That’s a win in my book!
I had no idea about the Toddler time – that’s awesome! I will definitely have to check that out during a weekday off from work!
We just did Stone Mountain for the first time with our older daughter, but not our younger twins. And I’m so glad – it was an amazing place, but we had to cut the trip short since it was just unbearably hot. It’s on my fall bucket list to go back though – with ALL the fam!