Atlanta Back to School Bucket List: 35 Things to Do Before Back to School in Atlanta | Mommy Poppins

Summer is over in the blink of an eye—at least according to many Atlanta school calendars. Enjoy the last moments of summer with our list of things to do before school starts in Atlanta. Check out our list of must-see summer activities, including the best pools, day trips, exhibitions, and other things to do in Atlanta that will please the entire family.

Atlanta Back to School Bucket List

1. Children’s playgrounds

Take the little ones to a paddling pool or water playground to burn off some energy and cool off. Most of these activities are completely free!

2. Dive into a pool

Visit amazing pools that offer day passes; if you’re on a budget, Atlanta also has free pools.

3. Water parks

Have fun in an outdoor water park with lazy rivers and water slides. Take the more adventurous kids to Terminus Wake Park with windsurfing and an inflatable playground.

4. Relax by the lake

Pack a picnic and head to the nearby lakes and swimming beaches. Kids can build sandcastles and enjoy nature.

5. Canoeing

You don’t need any previous canoeing experience for Family Canoe Days, held weekly through August 31, 2024 at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

6. Pull the “Hooch”

Rent tubes from NOC – Metro Outpost and spend the day floating down the Chattahoochee River. Options include half-day or full-day trips with shuttle service back to your vehicle.

7. Interact with animals

Say goodbye to the giant pandas before they leave Zoo Atlanta later this year. You can also interact with the animals at the new Georgia Safari Conservation Park and at petting zoos, animal farms and wildlife parks.

8. Amusement parks

Try the new thrilling Surf Coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. You’ll also find other roller coasters, rides, go-karts and live shows.

9. Stone Mountain

If you have kids who don’t like amusement park rides, Stone Mountain Park is a good alternative with a train ride, obstacle course, zip line and mini golf.

10. Atlanta Gardens

Before the flowers fade and the fall leaves settle in, visit Atlanta’s most beautiful gardens. Kids will especially want to see the Alice’s Wonderland exhibit (complete with singing flowers!) before it leaves the Atlanta Botanical Garden in September 2024.

Spend a summer evening at the City Springs outdoor concerts. Photo by the author

11. Open-air concerts and movies

Enjoy summer evenings with your family by attending either a free summer concert or a free outdoor movie.

12. Outdoor dining

Dine at a restaurant with large outdoor spaces or at one of the many kid-friendly brasseries (some even accept dogs!).

13. Breakfast with butterflies

Held at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, the event includes a light breakfast and admission to the nature preserve. Through August 4, 2024.

14. Find small doors

Take the kids on an ATL Little Doors scavenger hunt! These 7-inch doors, created by artist Karen Anderson Singer, are sure to put a smile on your child’s face.

15. Topgolf

Enjoy unlimited play for $15 on weekdays from 9am to noon. Plus, with air-conditioned spaces, you won’t feel like you’re playing outside in the summer heat!

16. Water Lantern Festival

The Water Lantern Festival, August 2-3, 2024, features lanterns made from environmentally friendly materials with proceeds going to Water.org.

17. American Great Outdoors Day

The National Park Service will offer free admission for Great American Outdoors Day on August 4, 2024. Sites include the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Kennesaw Mountain, which is perfect for hiking.

It’s a carbon dioxide explosion as visitors to the World of Coca-Cola sample all the flavors of Taste It! Photo by the author

18. Atlanta Museums

We promise these kid-friendly museums will keep the whole family entertained! From the World of Coca-Cola to the Georgia Aquarium, we’ve got you covered.

19. Mirror Maze

Get lost in a 1,700-square-foot mirror maze while learning about math patterns and numbers. Don’t miss A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature in Fernbank before it closes on September 8, 2024.

20. Interactive travel

Journey to the bottom of the ocean aboard the Titanic: an immersive journey. The virtual reality experience allows families to learn more about this legendary ship, including its construction and sinking over 100 years ago.

21. Animationland Exhibition

Animationland at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta teaches youngsters animation techniques. Book your tickets before the exhibit closes in early September.

22. “Visit” Ancient Egypt

While you probably can’t book a trip to Egypt before school starts, try Horizon of Khufu instead. This virtual reality experience takes families on a journey to discover ancient Egypt.

23. Ice cream

We all crave ice cream! Nothing beats a nice, cool, refreshing taste at these Atlanta ice cream shops. And visit the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival on July 27, 2024

24. Arcades

Let the kids play at one of these Atlanta playrooms. These places will entertain kids of all ages while keeping them safe from the summer heat.

25. Escape Rooms

Reactivate your kids’ brain cells with a stimulating escape room adventure.

26. Indoor shows

Atlanta has plenty of musicals and plays for kids. Buy tickets for Annie at Legacy Theatre or Sesame Street the Musical at Center for Puppetry Arts, both ending August 4, 2024.

27. $1 Family Movies

Summer Movie Express, at participating Regal Theatres, runs every Tuesday and Wednesday at 11am through August 7, 2024 for $1.

28. Bowling

Join in some friendly family competition at a bowling alley. The Kids Bowl Free promotion includes two free games per day, through the end of summer at participating alleys.

29. Indoor swimming pools and water parks

Enjoy water activities beyond the summer sun at indoor pools and water parks.

30. Go to the beach

You can always plan a last-minute beach getaway to the Atlantic Coast or the Gulf Coast. Most beaches are within a six-hour drive of Atlanta.

31. Go camping

Experience the great outdoors with your family. Reconnect with nature and enjoy some screen-free time with a family camping trip.

32. Summer day trips

Skip the expense of staying in a hotel room; hop in the car and head to these great family-friendly spots for a summer day trip instead.

33. Act like a tourist in Atlanta

Use our 3-day Atlanta itinerary with kids to experience the city as a tourist.

34. Walkable neighborhoods

Explore Atlanta’s walkable neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland and Decatur, with fun activities, restaurants and shopping.

35. Spend the night

Enjoy a night at a local hotel or resort. Many offer tailored activities for children and, of course, swimming pools.