Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

Latest posts by Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

26 Things to Do on Father's Day: Father's Day Events in Atlanta

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 06/05/2022 - 8:19am

Take dad on a tubing or kayaking trip this Father's Day for some outdoor fun.

Father's Day is almost here so take the time to thank your dad for all he does! Today’s fathers take on many various roles in their families, so let's show dad how much he means to us with some great Father's Day events in Atlanta. Don’t settle for buying Super-Man (aka dad) cliche ties, cologne bottles, or typical gifts this Father’s Day; instead, read our list of Father's Day activities to celebrate him and make memories together. Let this be the best Father’s Day ever!

And with school officially out for summer, check out these Free Outdoor Movies in Atlanta this Summer for Kids and Atlanta Summer Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss.

14 Kid-Friendly Spa Resorts & Hotels Near Atlanta

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 04/10/2022 - 9:28am

Great Wolf Lodge welcomes families of all ages and sizes with a ton of kid-friendly activities.

Whether you’re having an Atlanta staycation or traveling from somewhere else, this list of family-friendly hotels and spa resorts guarantees families will enjoy their stay in the A-T-L. With a metro population of six million people, Atlanta boasts world-class museums, sporting events, theaters, shopping, and restaurants, as well as fantastic hotels and spa resorts. Whether your family desires outdoor amenities, like fully loaded pools and water features, or indoor attractions, like family movie nights, these Atlanta spa resorts and hotels are perfect for guests of all ages.

We’ve also rounded up kid-friendly spa resorts way beyond the perimeter (still within 90 miles of Atlanta). If you’re looking to play golf, take a horseback ride, sail on a lake, or just relax by the pool, these nearby spots in The Peach State are worthy of a visit. When you book your hotel or spa resort stay, confirm amenities as staffing shortages may disrupt pool, fitness center, and restaurant hours of operation.

Atlanta Camping and Campgrounds To Take the Whole Family

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 04/03/2022 - 10:28am

KOA campgrounds are great places for family camping, like KOA Blue Ridge Riverside Cabins (pictured here). Photo by Ali Kieffer

If you’re looking to spend quality, electronic-free time with your family without breaking the bank, consider an Atlanta camping trip. Gaining popularity during the pandemic, Atlanta camping and tent camping provides an escape to the great outdoors. And better yet, you don’t have to travel far since campgrounds near Atlanta, GA are plentiful.

Whether you’re looking for tent camping or RV and yurt camping, we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly campgrounds near Atlanta (within two hours....depending on traffic). Although not a hard and fast rule, private campgrounds tend to cost more but offer a host of amenities and special events. On the other end of the spectrum, U.S. government campgrounds near Atlanta provide an affordable, no-frills experience. And as a happy medium of Atlanta camping, lies the Georgia State Parks campsites that showcase some of the most scenic spots in Georgia.

Refer to our Outdoor Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids if you’re looking for more outdoor inspiration. And be sure to sign up for the Mommy Poppins newsletter, so you never miss out on upcoming events and helpful reviews.

Zipping Across the Best Atlanta Zipline and Ropes Courses

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 03/11/2022 - 8:07am

Every step matters at TreeTop Adventure & Ziplines at Callaway Gardens. Photo by Bill Leffler

Looking for a great family activity to get you out of your comfort zone? Imagine soaring among a tree canopy on an Atlanta zipline or ropes course. Everyone will get a good workout and have fun while improving gross motor skills, balance, and concentration. An added benefit of the ropes course and zipline is the adrenaline rush and boost of self-confidence that completing an Atlanta zipline or ropes course provides.

Whether your family consists of novices or experienced thrill seekers, check out our list of Atlanta ziplines and ropes courses in the area. (Don't worry if the weather isn’t cooperative, we’ve included several indoor places as well.) Book reservations to ensure availability and make sure your group meets any age, height, or weight requirements. Wear sturdy sneakers and save time by completing waivers online.

For more fun ideas this spring, check out our Spring Fun Guide, as well as our Outdoor Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids.

Best Atlanta Summer Camps for Preschoolers

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 02/25/2022 - 7:19am

Chattahoochee Nature Center's Camp Kingfisher teaches preschool kids about nature and the joy of conserving it.

Summertime is quickly approaching and it’s time to start making summer camp plans. Parents know that kids need to stay busy and preschool camp is the perfect way to expose young kids to new interests and further develop socialization skills. Fortunately, the Atlanta area offers many summer camps geared for the younger set.

Festive and Delicious Birthday Cakes for Atlanta Kids

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 02/13/2022 - 10:04am

A birthday cake from The Baking Grounds will make any child feel special on his or her big day. Photo courtesy of The Baking Grounds

After you’ve selected a birthday party location, booked an entertainer, and sent out invitations for your child’s birthday party, it’s time for the yummy part – picking out a birthday cake! No longer limited to round and rectangular shapes, today's birthday cakes can be tiered like wedding cakes or sculpted into baseball bats, cars, purses, and more.

Look to our list to take the guesswork out of your sugary search. We’ve got everything covered, from a traditional sheet cakes to a custom birthday cake, throughout metro Atlanta. If you don’t want to slice into a beautifully decorated cake, consider cupcakes, cake pops, or cookies that many of these bakeries also prepare.

Tasty Atlanta Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 01/16/2022 - 10:20am

The angelic biscuits at Flying Biscuit are free for kids Monday through Friday at certain locations. Photo by author

There must be some kind of psychological trick where food just tastes better when its FREE (or at least discounted) —it's even that much better when you've saved the money on picky kids! So in that spirit, we've rounded up our fave Atlanta restaurants where kids eat free.

Before dining out, call the restaurant as specials can vary by location, especially franchises. Most require dine-in service and the purchase of an adult entrée. Friendly reminder: Since labor shortages have hit the restaurant industry hard, base tips on the original total, not the discounted amount.

Looking for more budget-friendly things to do? Check out our list of Free Museum Days in Atlanta to Explore Your World and Atlanta Attractions that Offer Free Admission for Kids. To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters and discover all the free events and activities near you in our Atlanta Free Things To Do With Kids Guide.

Dive Into Atlanta Indoor Pools and Water Parks

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 01/07/2022 - 8:55am

Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange has an amazing indoor water park full of slides, pools, and fun! Photo courtesy Great Wolf Lodge

When the "weather outside is frightful" and you’re desperately trying to keep your kids entertained (and maintain your own sanity), take them to the pool. "Baby, it's cold outside," but not in an awesome Atlanta indoor pool! Swimming in the wintertime? Atlanta offers many family-friendly options to enjoy heated indoor pools guaranteed to chase the wintertime blues away. Or do something different in the summer and hit up an indoor water park for a change.

Whether kids want to go down a water slide or swim laps in preparation swim team season, be sure to call the individual facilities before heading out as schedule and pricing may change (and in some cases, reservations are required). Many indoor pools and water parks offer showers and locker rooms, but bring your own combination lock, towels, and toiletry items. Due to COVID surges, be sure to check with individual indoor pools about current safety protocols and openings before leaving the house.