Summer Activities to keep the kids busy in Atlanta!
Summer Activities for Kids in Atlanta That’ll Keep Everyone Cool (and Sane)
Hey, fellow ATL parents! If your kids are already bouncing off the walls this summer and you’re googling “things to do with kids in Atlanta before I lose it,” then you are so not alone. Summer is beautiful, but let’s be real—it’s also long, hot, and filled with tiny people needing snacks, stimulation, and a place to splash around that isn’t your kitchen floor. Here are summer activities to keep kids busy in Atlanta.
So I’ve rounded up some local gems that are fun, affordable, and give you a much-needed break (or at least change of scenery). Whether you’re team “Let’s get out of the house by 9am!” or “We’re still in pajamas at 2pm,” there’s something here for you.
🎬 Springs Cinema & Taphouse – Kids Club Movies
This is one of my favorite low-effort, high-reward summer outings. Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am, Springs Cinema in Sandy Springs hosts Kids Club movies—and tickets are just $3 each. Yup, you read that right. THREE. DOLLARS.
It’s perfect for those early morning hours when the house is already trashed, everyone’s had breakfast twice, and you need to sit in a dark room with popcorn and pretend you’re at the spa. Bonus: the films are all family-friendly throwbacks and recent hits that the kids love.
Pro tip: Bring a sweater. The AC is serious in there.
💦 Lynnwood Park Splash Pad – Cool Down Without Breaking the Bank
Welcome to the Lynnwood Park Splash Pad, aka the poor mom’s country club. Located in Brookhaven, this splash pad is clean, colorful, and a total lifesaver on those sticky Atlanta days. The best part? The pricing is totally family-friendly:
- Kids 3 and under: FREE
- Ages 4–17: $3
- Adults: $5 (yes, we pay to supervise. I know, I know…)
- Seniors: $1 (Shoutout to grandma if she tags along!)
Hours:
🕚 Sunday–Thursday: 11am–7pm
🕗 Friday & Saturday: 11am–8pm
Bring towels, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and maybe some snacks (unless you want to spend $20 on vending machine Gatorade and regret your life choices). This place is great for letting kids run wild while you sit nearby pretending you’re not mentally calculating the laundry waiting at home.
📚 DeKalb County Library – Events That Are Free (and Air-Conditioned!)
Want your kids to learn and be entertained while you bask in glorious air conditioning? Look no further than the DeKalb County Public Library system. They’ve got events happening all summer long that are free, educational, and fun—basically the unicorn of parenting wins.
Here are some highlights:
- Preschool Storytime – Classic. Engaging. Goldfish-snack-worthy.
- Tots and Tales (Ages 2–3) – Books, songs, movement, and all the toddler energy in one room.
- Tales for Twos (18–35 months) – Wiggle time + story time = tired toddler nap (hopefully).
- Story Walks – A mix of outdoor adventure and reading, perfect for early risers before the Georgia sun goes full oven mode.
- Crafting Classes – You know those adorable Pinterest moms? You can fake being one by letting the library supply the glue, glitter, and clean-up. Genius.
Most of these events happen at various branches across the county, so check their website or call your local library to find out what’s on deck. They fill up fast, so set a reminder, mark your calendar, or do what I do and show up 10 minutes early with coffee and a “we’re excited!” smile.
TL;DR: Your Summer Survival Kit
So here’s the cheat sheet:
✅ $3 movie mornings at Springs Cinema = air-conditioned peace
✅ Lynnwood Park splash pad = wet kids, tired kids
✅ DeKalb County Library events = free fun, no glitter in your house
Atlanta has plenty of affordable ways to make summer fun without burning out your brain or your wallet. And if all else fails…there’s always popsicles in the bathtub. No judgment.
Now go forth and summer like the semi-organized superhero you are. 💪✨
Want more ideas like this? Drop your email and I’ll send you monthly roundups of family-friendly events in the Atlanta area—because parenting is hard, but finding stuff to do shouldn’t be.
