If
you are a parent, you know how hard it is to keep little ones entertained through
the long summer months. To keep them busy and your bank account full, here is
our list of top five places to take the kids this summer on a budget.
1.
Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta: This interactive museum keeps kids
of all ages busy for hours. They can paint on the painting wall, load balls in
a kid-sized crane and put on a raincoat to fish for ducks. During the month of
May, visit weekdays from 1-4 p.m. and receive half-off the $12.75 admission.
2. Chattahoochee
Nature Center: Located just 15 miles north of Atlanta, the nature reserve
allows kids to learn about the ecology and habitat of the Chattahoochee River. Kids
will enjoy guided trail hikes, animal encounters and a visit to the fairy
village. General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for children ages
3-12 and children under 2 are free.
3.
Stone Mountain Park: Pack a picnic, and head over to Stone Mountain for a day
of outdoor family fun. A $10 one-day parking pass will get you access to public
picnic areas, hiking and nature trails, children’s playground, walk-up trail,
Quarry Exhibit, the Confederate Hall Historical and Environmental Education
Center and the Lasershow.
4. Atlanta
Botanical Gardens: Kids will love running and playing in the Children’s Garden.
On a warm day, bring their swimsuits to splash in the Sunflower Fountain, weave
through the Butterfly Maze and stop in Peter Rabbit’s Garden to see what’s
growing this season. You can also walk on the 600 ft. long Kendeda Canopy Walk
for an aerial view, and find their favorite fruit or vegetable in the Edible
Garden. Tickets are $18.95 for adults, $12.95 for children ages 3-12 and
children under 3 are free.
5. Story Time:
In and around Atlanta, many libraries and bookstores host free, 30 minute-1
hour story times for children of all ages. This is a great activity for kids,
and will give you some down time too.
Photo courtesy of: http://impactnw.org/main-navigation/programs/youthfamily/communities-for-safe-kids/
