The sun is out, the heat is here. Everyone is looking for ways to enjoy the sunshine. Metro Atlanta is a great place to run around, but sometimes the back yard is even better! Tuck these refreshing outdoor activities in your think tank.
- Zoo Atlanta’s Splash Pads
Worried your family will overheat during your visit to the Atlanta Zoo? Never fear, the splash pads are here! Similar to Centennial Olympic Park’s water area, but smaller, our Atlanta Zoo offers a nice break from the Georgia heat.
| Do’s
-Bring a towel for each kid -Take an extra change of clothes -Remember sunscreen |
Don’ts
-Let the kids wear their shoes -Forget to wipe everyone down -Forget to wash hands and take a bath after |
- Take a Wagon Ride Around the Neighborhood
Remember the fun of being pulled in a wagon? Hard to forget the simpler times. Give your kids a break from running around the house by taking them on a walk. Designating a caboose is quintessential for a calm stroll.
| Do’s-Make sure everyone is wearing tennis shoes
-Have water in the wagon |
Don’ts-Stop and talk to neighbors for long
-Forget to ask the neighbors to join |
- Chalk It Out
Magic sidewalk chalk can build castles and dragons in your own yard! Never underestimate the power of a drawing contest. Try best shapes, best animal or most colorful to decide who wins today’s chalk contest. Driveway edification can yield hours of free time for adults!
| Do’s
-Grab a few boxes of chalk next time you go grocery shopping -Throw all the chalk into a basket or cloth tub |
Don’ts
-Underestimate the heat. Periodically offer water or ice pops -Forget to hose the chalk off the kids |
- Sprinkler Time
When it’s too humid to do anything besides cool off, turn on thesprinkler! Georgia’s heat is one-part sun, three-parts humidity. Might as well water the lawn while the kids have fun. Plus, letting the kids wear themselves out is fun to watch and gives parents more time to get things done.
| Do’s
-Lather the kids in sunscreen -Check the status of the yard (mud vs. grass) |
Don’ts
-Forget to have towels ready -Leave the sprinkler on all day |
- Fly a Kite
Piedmont Park is a great place to fly kites. With multiple fields, levels and plenty of space for the whole family to run around, Piedmont Park is a crowd favorite. Fourth Ward Park also has a nice soccer field perfect for kite flying. Fourth Ward backs up on the Atlanta Beltline Trail. Consider biking your way to the park for extra site seeing.
| Do’s
-Bring scissors in case the string gets tangled -Wear tennis shoe for quality running |
Don’ts
-Forget to inspect the kites before leaving -Leave your hat or sunglasses at home |
- Check on the Spring Gardening
Following the growth process of plants can be fun! Make a growth chart for the kids and ask them to measure how tall their favorite plants grew each week. Even though we get a lot of rain in Decatur, sometimes certain plants need more. The children will take pride in the yard once they realize how much fun water jugs can be.
| Do’s
-Give each child their own ruler -Let everyone water different plants |
Don’ts
-Forget to utilize gardening hats -Leave the weeds around plants |
- Shoot the Hooch
Azalea Park offers more than just a few playgrounds and picnic areas. The Chattahoochee River flows all the way through Metro Atlanta! Using the actual tubing company, Shoot the Hooch is only one option. Grab a couple over-sized floats and some friends for a day trip on the river. Leave on vehicle at the launch spot and one at the exit dock.
| Do’s
-Bring a life-preserver and water bottle for each tuber -Remember the sunscreen and water shoes
|
Don’ts
-Leave the towels at the launch location -Forget to leave a few snacks in at the exit location |
It’s a nice to have the kids fall asleep in the car on the way back home from outdoor adventures! Two Men and a Truck Decatur understands the need to have a little peace and quiet every now and then. Here’s to a fun-filled summer, Decatur!
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