Free and Frugal Ways to Beat the Heat in Atlanta – Inside

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.

Don’t feel like being outdoors, even with the relief of water? Check out these great indoor places (think AC!).

• Movie theaters around the Atlanta area frequently have summer specials. Check with your local theater for details.
• Legoland offers discount tickets through August. Your kids will enjoy themselves, and you can cool off, and mmmmaybe do a little shopping all at once.
• cruise around the mall. You’ll get a little exercise, and beat the heat all at once! (And run in to your favorite stores, and grab some extra Shopkick points, too!) The Mall of Georgia’s Village Pavillion Fountain is in front of the mall, near the food court and front entrance — so your kids can splash and play while you shop! My kids and I enjoyed quite a few “story time” sessions at the Disney Store at Perimeter Mall — and they even had a “rewards” card for repeat participants!
• The Childrens Museum of Atlanta is FREE every second Tuesday on of the month, through the end of 2014. But if you don’t want to wait, it’s $12.75 for any one over the age of 1. (Call ahead for group discounts.)
• Or visit your favorite indoor playgrounds, like KangaZoom, Catch Air, Hippo Hop, Jump Jump, or Monkey Joes — each frequently offer discounts through daily deal sites, like Groupon! Admission prices varies by location, but is typically under $10 per child, adults and children under one (non-walkers) are free.
• The Cooler – go ice skating or roller skating in Alpharetta! They have “Learn to Ice Skate” camps this summer, as well as public skate times. Call or hop online to check. 10800 Davis Drive, Alpharetta 30090 678-897-4250
• Let your kids romp around either of the two Atlanta locations of Superior Play Systems.  On Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm, kids can play at the big playset store to their hearts content.  It is literally a playset,  trampoline store, and other sports equipment store – and your kids can burn off some serious energy for three full hours twice a week – absolutely free.  (Except during school holidays, during which time admission is $6 per child. Still a great deal!)   Two locations: 1355 Stonefield Ct, Alpharetta GA 678-710-9237 OR 5463-A Goshen Springs Rd, Norcross GA 678-710-9238

Did I forget something? Do you have another favorite free or frugal way to beat the heat in Atlanta?  Do share! 🙂