Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

Latest posts by Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

15 Wonderful Winter Day Trips from Atlanta

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 12/17/2021 - 8:22am

Take a winter day trip from Atlanta on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway

As the weather turns colder and the sun sets earlier, outdoor activities seem to dwindle. Kids stop riding bikes in the evenings, playing on playgrounds, or shooting hoops in the driveway. Soon, youngsters may complain of boredom. It's the perfect time to plan winter day trips from Atlanta!

To combat the winter blahs, get your family out of the usual routine. Look at our list and plan one (or two or three!) of these spectacular winter day trips from Atlanta and take advantage of the winter break, MLK Day, and President’s Day. Everyone will discover there’s so much more to do and see in our great state of Georgia!

If you’d rather stay closer to Atlanta, check out our Fun Things to Do Over the Winter Break with Kids in Atlanta. For more boredom-busting ideas, visit our Winter Activities Guide.

25 Fun Things To Do with Atlanta Teens and Tweens

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 10/31/2021 - 8:41am

Atlanta teens love Puttshack for raising the coolness factor at mini golf.

Raising Atlanta teens and tweens, compared to little ones, has a lot of benefits; besides getting a full night of sleep, you no longer need to change diapers, tie shoes, or swaddle (hopefully). As these teens in Atlanta participate in sports and school activities, it’s rewarding to watch their personalities and skills develop. They may even start performing chores around the house (hopefully)! On the flip side, these same wonderful kids begin asserting their independence, and parents eventually realize they may not be the center of their teen's world anymore.

Welcome to the tween and teen years! Although teens' behavior is completely normal, finding family activities can prove challenging. Let our guide of exploring Atlanta with teens help you find new and exciting things to do together in the area while keeping the bonds with your Atlanta teens strong.

Best Atlanta Museums for Families to Learn and Play

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 10/24/2021 - 9:10am

Take a bite out of discovery at Fernbank. Photo courtesy of the museum

As the weather turns cooler, it may be tempting to spend more time in front of screens. Instead, have everyone in your family put down the electronics and spend time at Atlanta museums. Research shows museums offer an excellent way to teach topics often missed in the classroom by engaging the three C’s—creativity, critical thinking skills, and curiosity.

Fortunately, Atlanta museums offer the best for families to learn something new and discover their world together, so we’ve put together our favorite Atlanta museums for kids and families. Be sure to check each website for hours, tickets, and Covid policies, as well as special exhibits and events. Now who's ready to explore!

Atlanta Hiking: 14 Family-Friendly Spots to Get Close to Mother Nature

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 10/03/2021 - 9:23am

Leita Thompson Memorial Park, photo by Bill Leffler

Living in Atlanta has many perks: impressive museums, appetizing restaurants, and boundless shopping. But sometimes the noise and congestion that often come with big city life gets to be too much. Parents may find they want to breathe fresh air, listen to the birds sing, and get back to nature—Atlanta hiking answers that need.

Fortunately, you don’t have to travel outside the city for a brief respite. With its dense tree canopy, the metro Atlanta area offers many parks and nature preserves to explore the outdoors with your little ones. Visit these natural areas on our Atlanta hiking list and you'll forget you’re still in a city of over 6 million people.

An Alpine Adventure Awaits in Helen, Georgia

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 09/12/2021 - 10:36am

Step into a Bavarian village without ever having to leave the state when you visit Helen, Georgia.

Families, tired of the same scenery as travel plans remain in flux, should try something unique: a Bavarian-style village right here in Georgia! Head to the town of Helen, Georgia, tucked in the mountains and only 90 miles from Atlanta.

Featuring high pitched roofs, half-timbered exteriors, and wooden balconies spilling over with flowers, Helen, Georgia reinvented itself from a dying lumber town to a major tourist destination. Today, it is home to the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the country and welcomes over 1 million visitors annually. With numerous shops, restaurants, and activities, Helen can be a bit overwhelming. Let our guide below show you the best family-friendly activities for your visit.

Westside Park: Explore Atlanta's Largest, Newest Greenspace

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 09/10/2021 - 8:31am

Westside Park will eventually be 280 acres, the largest park in Atlanta, with enough outdoor space for all families of shapes and sizes.

Atlanta’s long-awaited Westside Park recently opened (first phase) and it’s ready to be explored. The gigantic park, located west of Midtown, has been in the works for over 15 years at a cost of $44 million. The true beauty of the park, eventually spanning 280 acres, is the former Bellwood Quarry, now a reservoir set to hold 2.4 billion gallons of water, which contains the emergency drinking water supply for the city.

Larger than Chastain Memorial Park in Buckhead and Piedmont Park in Midtown, Westside Park is open 6 am-11 pm daily. Westside Park features amenities parents will enjoy: playground, stroller-friendly trails, free parking, and plenty of restroom facilities. Note: Though Phase 1 of Westside Park is complete, the public space is not completely finished and thus, some attractions, park hours, and other details could change as the project nears completion. Read our guide below and be one of the first to enjoy this urban oasis!

7 State Parks Near Atlanta for Families to Explore

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 08/08/2021 - 11:03am

Cherokee Falls at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia.

Who says you need to travel far to have fun with your family? Before you plan a large-scale trip, check out these Georgia state parks close to Atlanta. You’ll discover activities and wonders that are almost in your own backyard!

Your kids will love participating in the Junior Ranger Program. Pick up a park-specific book at the visitor center and complete the activities for a badge. Earn additional rewards for multiple camping, hiking, and other events in any of the 48 state parks.