Free and Frugal Ways to Beat the Heat Around Atlanta – Part 2

They don’t call it “Hotlanta” for nothing, that’s for sure. Although Summer 2013 was drenched considerably with rain for the Atlanta area, who knows what’s in store for this summer!? Hot, humid seemingly-never-ending heat seems par for the course in the southeast, come June, July, and August.

But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer! Atlanta is home to quite a few fun, free, and frugal ways to stay cool during the dog days of summer. Be prepared with this extensive list of free and frugal ways to beat the heat around Atlanta this summer!

I’ve broken the guide in to three parts: splash parks/pads, water parks and attractions, and indoor places.
Check out these aquatic centers and attractions. While some are not necessarily “frugal”, it may be worth a shot to mix it up during the summer heat, offering a special treat for the family:

• Cumming Aquatic Center offers classes, lessons and more – there’s something for everyone here. Features include several different levels of diving boards, indoor and outdoor pools, and opportunities for intense swimming and diving lessons. The outdoor facilities are open during the summer, from May through September, and features a slide, a lazy river, and a play structure for children. The outdoor area also features four cabanas for birthday parties and three giant umbrellas for shade {FREE for kids 2 and under; up to $5 admission; or passes for longterm use}
• Gwinnett Aquatic Centers, including the West Gwinnett Aquatic Center,offer walk-in pools, sprayers, slides, floating rivers, and more! With locations throughout the county, there’s bound to be a center near you. Please note: all pools are closed for maintenance 5-17-13 through 5-24-13. {Residents: $3.25 – $5.50; non-residents: $6.25 – $10.50}
• Cherokee County Aquatic Center offers indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a super-cool water playground, two water slides, beach entry, pavilions, concessions, and more! There is also a special splash park at Cline Park as well. {FREE for kids 2 and under; up to $6 admission for adults and kids over age 2}
  

  photo courtesy of Cherokee County Aquatics

• Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park or “Lanier World” will keep you occupied and entertained for at least an entire day! The Raging River sends older kids down rapid, complete with splashy turns. Wild Waves is the states largest wave pool (And it’s got a kid-size version, Wiggle Wave.) There’s also their splash park, Kiddie Lagoon; as well as a swim area and beach area. Then there’s the ultimate “floating playground” – Aquatic Adventures, along with several thrilling water slides for kids over 42″ tall. {FREE for kids 2 and under; children and adults range from $12 to $35}

Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park – photo courtesy of http://www.lakelanierislands.com

• In addition to diving boards, shaded kiddie pool, and concession stand at Wills Park Pool, they also host “Dive-In Movie” nights during the summer! Located in Alpharetta. {$3/person/day}
• Six Flags Over Georgia – Ok, yeah, not necessarily a water park, but they DO have a handful of good water rides.  They, um, always leave me with wet britches, at least.  And now, two words: Hurricane Harbor!  Discount tickets frequently available via local establishments, like McDonalds (online promo code: MCDatl to save up to $20) and from a good ol’ Coke can.
• South Cobb Aquatic Center, located in Austell, is one of six aquatic centers in the county; it includes slides, diving boards, and a lazy river. {$2.12 – $4.50 daily admission}
• Stone Mountain’s Geyser Towers is a great option for anyone over 32″ tall. With an intricate web of nets and tunnels, kids enjoy occasional splashes. {Individual Attraction Tickets: Adults: $14.00; Children (age 3-11): $14.00; OR Included in Adventure Pass & Mountain Membership}
  

  photo courtesy of Stone Mountain’s Geyser Towers

• And then there’s always White Water: with over 50 water different attractions, there’s something for everyone, including the 90 foot Free Fall for the adventurous types, and the wave pool and hooch river for everyone, and Captain Kids Cover for wee ones. {Buy tickets for just under $30, or group tickets for under $25}