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

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.

Even though it’s the end of summer for school kids, it’s still hot in the A-T-L so stay cool with our Guide to Beat the Heat in Atlanta. And sign up for our free Mommy Poppins newsletters for even more end-of-summer activities and much more!

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

1. Splash Pads

Take younger kids to a local splash pad or sprayground to burn off energy and cool off. Many of these are completely free!

2. Dive into a Swimming Pool

Visit amazing swimming pools that offer day passes; if you’re on a budget, Atlanta boasts free swimming pools, too.

3. Water Parks

Soak up fun at an outdoor water park with lazy rivers and waterslides. Take more adventurous kids to Terminus Wake Park with cable wakeboarding and an inflatable playground.

4. Relax at the Lake

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

5. Canoe

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

6. Shoot the 'Hooch

Rent tubes from NOC – Metro Outpost and float the day away on the Chattahoochee River. Options include half-day and full-day trips with shuttle service back to your vehicle.

7. Interact with Animals

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

8. Amusement Parks

Try out the thrilling new Surf Coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. You'll find more roller coasters, rides, go-karts, and live entertainment as well. 

9. Stone Mountain

If you have kids who don't care for amusement park rides, Stone Mountain Park is a good alternative with a train ride, obstacle course, zipline, and miniature golf.

10. Atlanta Gardens

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

Spend a summer evening at City Springs Outdoor Concerts. Photo by the author

11. Outdoor Concerts and Movies

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

12. Dine Al Fresco

Eat dinner at a restaurant with great outdoor spaces or one of the many kid-friendly breweries (some even allow 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 Tiny Doors

Take the kids on a scavenger hunt of Tiny Doors ATL! These 7-inch doors, created by artist Karen Anderson Singer, will bring a smile to your child's face.

15. Topgolf

Enjoy $15 unlimited play on weekdays, 9am-noon. Plus with climate-controlled bays, 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, feature lanterns made from eco-friendly materials and proceeds benefit Water.org.

17. Great American 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, perfect for a hike.

It's carbonation overload when World of Coca-Cola visitors try all the flavors at Taste It! Photo by the author

18. Atlanta Museums

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

19. Mirror Maze

Get lost in a 1,700-square-foot mirror maze while learning about mathematical patterns and numbers. Catch A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature at Fernbank before it ends on September 8, 2024.

20. Interactive Journey

Journey to the bottom of the ocean at Titanic: An Immersive Voyage. The VR experience allows families to learn all about the legendary ship, including its construction and sinking over 100 years ago.   

21. Animationland Exhibit

Animationland at Children’s Museum of Atlanta teaches younger children about animation techniques. Book tickets before the exhibit ends in early September.

22. "Visit" Ancient Egypt    

Although you probably can’t book a trip to Egypt before school starts, experience Horizon of Khufu instead. This VR experience transports families on a journey to explore ancient Egypt.

23. Ice Cream

We all scream for ice cream! Nothing beats a cold, refreshing taste of yummy goodness at these ice cream parlors in Atlanta. And visit the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival on July 27, 2024

24. Arcades

Let kids play at one of these Atlanta arcades. These spots will entertain kids of all ages while keeping them out of the summer heat.

25. Escape Rooms

Get your kids' brain cells active again with a challenging adventure at an escape room.

26. Indoor Performances

Atlanta offers many kid-friendly musical performances and live theater. Purchase tickets for Annie at Legacy Theatre or Sesame Street the Musical at Center for Puppetry Arts -- both end August 4, 2024.

27. $1 Family Movies

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

28. Bowling

Engage in friendly competition with your family at a bowling alley. The Kids Bowl Free promotion includes two free games per day, through the end of summer at participating locations.  

29. Indoor Pools and Water Parks

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

30. Hit the Beach

You can still plan a last-minute beach getaway to the Atlantic or the Gulf Coast. Most beaches are less than a six-hour drive from Atlanta.

31. Go Camping

Experience the great outdoors as a family. Reconnect with nature and encourage screen-free time with a family camping trip. 

32. Summer Day Trips

Skip the expense of an overnight hotel room; get 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 itinerary of Atlanta 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 an overnight stay at a local hotel or resort. Many offer tailor-made activities for kids and, of course, swimming pools.