As the summer sun bears down, Atlantans have a plethora of ways to cool off that take full advantage of the city’s beautiful lakes, rivers, and aquatic attractions.
From tubing down the Chattahoochee River to enjoying a splash pad in the neighborhood, the options for beating the heat in Atlanta are abundant and varied.
**Lakes and Outdoor Water Activities**
Stone Mountain Lake, nestled inside Stone Mountain Park, offers opportunities for boating enthusiasts including kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Visitors can also enjoy pontoon boat tours and rentals that allow for leisurely exploration of this scenic area.
For those looking for a relaxing day by the water, Lake Clara Meer in Midtown’s Piedmont Park is a favorite. It’s popular for catch-and-release fishing, with the lake being regularly stocked with large mouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. If you plan to fish, remember to secure a valid Georgia fishing license.
Approximately an hour’s drive north of Atlanta lies Lake Lanier, a hotspot for swimming, water skiing, and fishing. Lake Lanier gained recognition as a venue for the rowing events and canoe/kayak competitions during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. For a fun-filled day, Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands entices visitors with sandy beaches, exciting water slides, and lakefront cabanas.
**Chattahoochee River Adventures**
The Chattahoochee River, which originates in Union County, Georgia, and winds through Atlanta before meeting Lake Seminole at the Georgia-Florida border, is iconic among local residents. Known affectionately as ‘the hooch,’ it attracts many for tubing or rafting, especially during the warm summer months.
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area becomes a hub for activities such as rafting through rocky shoals, fishing, and picnicking along the riverbanks.
Additionally, the Chattahoochee Nature Center, situated in suburban Atlanta, offers visitors trails and exhibits spread across 127 acres of diverse habitats, including forests and wetlands.
**Family-Friendly Attractions**
For families seeking a mix of nature and fun, the Atlanta Botanical Garden serves as a stunning summertime retreat. In the Children’s Garden, kids can frolic and cool off in the splash pad, adding an element of play to a botanical experience.
The Georgia Aquarium is another must-visit destination for water lovers. With over 10 million gallons of water, it stands as one of the world’s largest aquariums. Thrill-seekers have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in interactive experiences such as the shark and ray interaction, where visitors can suit up and enter the water alongside these incredible creatures, including whale sharks that can weigh up to 75,000 pounds.
**Thrilling Water Parks**
Adventure seekers can head to Six Flags Over Georgia and explore the water features at its Hurricane Harbor. Attractions include the Bonzai Pipeline, an array of thrilling slides, and the expansive Calypso Bay Wave Pool. Other highlights include the paradise-like water playground of Paradise Island and the adrenaline-pumping Tsunami Surge.
Similarly, Six Flags White Water is home to an impressive 20 water rides and attractions, featuring everything from a wave pool and activity pool to an array of exhilarating slides like the fast-paced Python Plunge, which brings riders through exciting twists and turns.
**Splash Beyond Aquatics**
Zoo Atlanta also offers fun in the sun with the Splash Fountain located in the KIDZone area. This 2,500-square-foot attraction showcases 18 water jets and is open from April 1 through November 1, making it a refreshing stop for families visiting the zoo.
Swimming pools across Atlanta provide additional options for enjoying a cool dip. The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation operates outdoor public swimming pools that open at 12:30 p.m. and close at 7 p.m. during the summer months, with free admission. These pools are found in neighborhoods ranging from historic Adams Park to the picturesque Candler Park and Grant Park, where Zoo Atlanta is also located.
Hotel pools are another excellent option, with many Atlanta hotels offering day passes for individuals looking to relax by the water without staying overnight. The city’s vibrant rooftop pools are especially popular for those wanting a chic swimming experience.
Community pools are available in several locales, including Piedmont Park, Garden Hills, and Chastain Park, providing additional opportunities to cool off across the city.
Lastly, a variety of splash pads are open to the public from May 1 through October 1 and can be found throughout Atlanta. Prime locations for splash pads include the Center Hill Sprayground, Rodney Cook Sr. Park, and the Fountain of Rings at Centennial Olympic Park, among others.
As summer settles in, the multitude of swimming spots and water activities across Atlanta ensure that both residents and visitors can comfortably stay cool while enjoying the vibrant outdoor life the city has to offer.
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