Fun Things to Do with Kids when Spring Fever Strikes in Atlanta

March usually signals warmer temperatures and the beginning of spring in Atlanta. When the temperature soars into the seventies, it's no doubt that flowers and trees will begin to bloom, turning the city into its usual springtime burst of color. This weekend is the perfect time to emerge from our cocoons, and enjoy an outdoor adventure!

Public parks are a great choice for families anxious to break free from the confines of their homes. Why not pack up an old-fashioned picnic lunch, throw in a blanket, and spend an entire day at one of our beautiful city parks? Of course, Game Boys, DS's and ipods are NOT allowed! Take along a big ziplock bag, and collect an assortment of flowers to be made into a spring collage later at home. How about skipping stones across a lake, flying a kite, or quietly reading a book under a tree? These are all things we did as kids, long before the electronic age hit and dramatically changed the way kids are entertained. Way back when, we actually knew how to have fun without headphones, buttons and batteries! Springtime is the perfect time to show our kids these simple pastimes.

The Chattahoochee Nature Center is still one of my very favorite places to go on a sunny, warm spring day. There you'll discover miles of hiking trails (including a charming river boardwalk), loads of native flora and fauna, beautiful gardens and a charming nature store. The Center offers a host of engaging and educational programs on the weekends. Every weekend, these fun family activities take place at the center:

Animal Encounters
Learn about the native wildlife living at CNC through a 30-minute live animal presentation. All ages. Every Thursday and Friday at 4:00 PM.

Guided Nature Hikes
A CNC docent guides you on a journey through the CNC trails using biofacts and activities to spark your "natural" curiosity. Every Saturday and Sunday 1:00 and 3:00 PM.

Weekend Specials
The topic changes every month, but each program is led by a CNC naturalist and the wildlife department. All ages. Every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM.

Unless otherwise indicated, all activities are free with admission. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under.

Another one of my favorite outdoor attractions in Atlanta is Stone Mountain Park. You and your family can enjoy an entire day climbing the mountain (and enjoy an extraordinary view of the city), riding the Ducks (amphibious vehicles that travel both on land and in the water!), having a family picnic in one of the many shaded pavilions, climbing aboard the scenic railroad or spacious paddlewheel riverboat, and exploring its quaint village and antebellum plantation. The day will be action-packed, with absolutely no complaints of boredom (always a plus!).

So, my advice to you is to break free and enjoy this upcoming weekend. There's so much to do and see outdoors in the ATL.

Related articles:

More to do and see at Georgia's greenest nature center

The Nature Exchange at the Chattahoochee Nature Center

Earth Day Kids Fest 2009