Summer is quickly approaching, and keeping your kids active during the summer months can sometimes be a challenge. Not only is summer a good time for vacations and relaxation, but all of that free time also presents an excellent opportunity to volunteer and help out your community.
Getting a head start on service hours for schools and clubs is a great way to spend your summer. Why not make a positive impact in your community or learn something new while you have spare free time? Here are some suggestions from Pebble Tossers on ways to be productive and have the most enriching summer possible!
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Join the Summer Reading Program at The Metropolitan Library
The Library has many ongoing programs for the summer, the theme for this year’s Summer Reading is Oceans of Possibilities.
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Go to Zoo Atlanta or the Georgia Aquarium
Who doesn’t love going to the zoo or aquarium? Get lots of pictures!
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Participate in a River Cleanup with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
River cleanups are done by kayak or on land, to help preserve the natural beauty in your community.
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Go Biking on the Atlanta Beltline
The Beltline is made up of many trails and parks. Rent a bike at the Atlanta Bicycle Barn and explore them all!
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Visit a Museum
Atlanta has quite a few museums to choose from, here is a list of some that may be more popular to the younger crowds:
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
• Tellus Science Museum
• Center for Puppetry Arts
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Have a fun day at Stone Mountain Park
Minigolf, Geyser Towers, a Dinotorium, even a Railroad! Stone Mountain has everything you will need for a fun day trip.
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Take part in one of the numerous volunteer events organized by Pebble Tossers.
Check our service calendar to see which volunteer opportunities work best with your schedule.
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Visit the Farmers Market
Metro Atlanta is home to quite a few Farmer’s Markets if you know where to look. Here are a few options for your next visit:
• Grant Park Farmers Market
• Peachtree Road Farmers Market
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Visit the Food Truck Park
What could be better than up to fifteen trucks all serving different tasty foods? Nothing! Visit nearby Underwood Hills Park for some time on the playground.
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Join the Junior Ranger Program at any State Park in Georgia
The Junior Ranger Program is a unique and fun opportunity to learn more about the wildlife and the people who take care of it at your local State Park.
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Go to Summer Camp!
We had to stop at five recommendations, but there are so many exciting and specialized camps organized in the Metro Atlanta area:
• Spruill Center for the Arts
• Camp Kingfisher
• Charlie Elliot Residential Camp
• Camp Invention
• Atlanta Braves Baseball Camp
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See a Waterfall!
There are more waterfalls near Atlanta than you think. Here is an article on three close enough for a day trip.
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Hike the trails at the Dunwoody Nature Center
Voted “Best Place for Kids to Have Fun” by the Dunwoody Crier in 2021. Pets are very welcome!
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Support a locally-owned Bookstore
Supporting your local Bookstore is a good habit yearlong, but during the Summer, many of these bookstores host children-focused author events and readings. Here is a list of some of our favorite spots:
• Little Shop of Stories in Decatur
• Medu Bookstore in Greenbriar Mall
• A Capella Books in Inman Park
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Write Cards of Encouragement for a Local Senior Living Facility
Pebble Tossers partners with several facilities that serve seniors or our community members in need. While many are not open for visitation due to COVID they do accept cards and letters of encouragement. Here is a list of current Pebble Tossers’ projects or simply reach out to a Senior Living Facility in your area:
• InCommunity
• Atlanta Mission
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Visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
This is a great place to spend the day. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational programming for kids, playgrounds, and more!
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Visit The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
Located at the Carter Center, the Library also houses a museum dedicated to President Carter’s time in office. The museum contains a full-sized replica of The Oval Office and a cabin recreation of Camp David.
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Volunteer Time at FurKids Rescue, Shelter, and Sanctuary
Furkids is one of the only shelters in Georgia that accepts youth volunteers. Here is a link to the list of positions available for youth volunteers.
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Check out a Rooftop Arcade
Skyline Park at Ponce City Market has food, new and vintage amusement games, and mini-golf. Who wouldn’t want to spend a day there?
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Go Camping
Camping is the perfect way to connect with the outdoors, rest, and unwind. Here is a list of Campgrounds within an hour of Atlanta.
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Visit The King Center
The King Center is an excellent place to spend the day learning about the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The continued work and education this center provides is vital to the Atlanta community.
Download our Summer Bingo Card and see how many you can check off! When you have completed the card, be sure to take a picture and tag us and use #PTSummerBingo.
