Outdoor Activities for Families in Atlanta

Spring has definitely sprung in Atlanta (at least for now). It's so refreshing to cast aside our bulky sweaters and jackets, and step outside to soak up the warmth of southern sunshine. Not since last October will there be as nice a weekend to explore the great outdoors.

Here are a few suggestions of old-fashioned things to do outdoors with your kids:

Treat the entire family to a round of putt-putt mini golf
There are dozens of putt-putt courses in Atlanta, and a round of 18 holes won't break the family budget. This is a great way to spend time outdoors, while working on quality family time (think of your own childhood and playing Goofy Golf!). Some of the more popular courses are Pirate's Cove in Gwinnett County, Malibu Grand Prix in Norcross, Mountasia Family Fun Center in Marietta and Rainforest Golf near Stone Mountain. Malibu Grand Prix also offers go cart tracks, bumper boats and batting cages.

Start an old-fashioned game of kickball or baseball!
Call your neighbors, and have everyone gather in the cul de sac or a near-by park for an invigorating game of kickball or baseball. Kids will enjoy this team activity, especially if the adults join in! Have everyone bring bats, balls and liquid refreshments.

Here are other outdoor activities to do with kids this weekend in and around Atlanta:

Leap into SPARKS Fair at Zoo Atlanta
Come out for Zoo Atlanta's first SPARKS Fair on Saturday, March 7 at Base Camp Discovery from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn about the important role zoos and other cultural institutions can play in engaging parents in science education. The Zoo's SPARKS (Supporting Parents in Advocacy, Reform, and Knowledge in Science) program utilizes the zoo's resources to empower parents in enriching their children's lives with science. The Leap into Spring SPARKS Fair is free for Zoo Members and children under 3; free with general admission.

Phoenix Flies Celebration of Living Landmarks
The annual Phoenix Flies Citywide Celebration of Living Landmarks includes multiple events throughout Atlanta. Preservations partners, like the Atlanta Cyclorama, Atlanta History Center, Callanwolde, Fox Theatre, Grant Park, and Wren's Nest host tours and special programs. Check the website for a full schedule of events, and which include programs for young children. All walking and trolley tours are appropriate for kids six and up. http://www.preserveatlanta.com.

Searching for Spaceship Earth at Elachee Nature Science Center
See a 100-pound meteorite that is older than any Earth rock, discover how much you weigh on other planets, check out the current moon phase, make a rubbing of star constellations, and watch an astronomy video. Keep up to date with the latest earth and astronomy discoveries through ViewSpace, a continually updating video display from NASA's Space Science Telescope Institute including views from the Hubble Space Telescope of earth, other planets, and celestial bodies. Children can enjoy the moonscape, hands-on activities, and a special reading area.

New Manchester History Hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park
This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) leads through the ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focuses on the history of the Sweetwater Creek valley. Ages: 7-18. Time: 1pm-3pm. Cost: $1-$2; Parking $3.

Enjoy this warm weather as we all catch spring fever in Atlanta!