A Family Fun Summer

June is almost over, signifying the unofficial halfway point of summer, and if you have kids at home, you're probably starting to hear every parent's summer nightmare - "Mom, dad, I'm bored!"

Any suggestion is met with a 'no' or a 'but I've already done that!', and the option for going to the pool has probably been exhausted. If you're facing this battle at this time during summer vacation, or if you're just looking to shake things up, never fear! We've rounded up some of the best summer activities and attractions in Atlanta for kids.


Marvelous Museums 

If you have a young scientist to entertain, there are several great science museums around the metro area.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History features dinosaurs, rocks, and fossils, not to mention an IMAX theater. Their WildWoods exhibit features fun walkways through the forest near the museum as well as a nature inspired playground. Inside, the NatureQuest area has climbing spots and animal encounters for the whole family to enjoy.
Tellus Science museum in Cartersville is another great place to take budding scientists with galleries on fossils, vehicles and airplanes, and a solar house. Their planetarium also features showings of each night's sky and a trip across the galaxy with the gang from Sesame Street.
For a more hands-on and interactive museum, check out the LegoLand Discovery Center that features worlds made entirely of Legos, rides, games, and a builder's academy for kids to test out their architecture skills.
The Children's Museum of Atlanta is another great museum full of interactive exhibits. There is a magical castle to play in, a rocket to launch, an art studio, and performances throughout the day.
If you're looking for more stellar performances, check out the Center for Puppetry Arts. The museum features puppets from around the world including some Muppets and Sesame Street favorites, and there are multiple performances that kids will love!


Animal Attractions 

It's hard not to love some cute critters, and Atlanta offers several opportunities for animal encounters.
Tried and true, Zoo Atlanta is a great place to spend the day with the kids. With playgrounds, a train ride, a carousel, and of course a zoo full of awesome animals, there's plenty to see. Be sure to check out the animal encounters and presentation schedule when you arrive to get even more up-close-and-personal with furry friends.
If you're kids are singing "Under the Sea" on repeat, maybe a trip to the Georgia Aquarium would be best for them this summer. With the new additions of puffins, the dolphin experience, and a virtual reality dive into a prehistoric ocean, the trip will still feel fresh a new even if you've been once before.
For a true experience with nature, head out to the Chattachoochee Nature Center, which boasts a wildlife center, daily animal presentations, and miles of walking trails for you to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Parks 

You won't mind the heat if you're having fun, and Atlanta offers several parks to play in and enjoy.
Of course, you won't find more thrills and spills than at Six Flags over Georgia. The new Twisted Cyclone, a wooden and steel roller coaster, is now open, and there are plenty of rides and games for all members of the family. To beat the heat and still get your adrenaline pumping, check out Six Flags White Water.
If you're looking for a more casual way to enjoy the outdoors, Centennial Olympic Park has a number of great features including a splash pad that kids can play in that also has a synchronized show at various points in the day. Around the area there are other great attractions including SkyView Atlanta and the World of Coke to extend your day of fun.
Historic Fourth Ward Park has lots of green space and another splash pad and is located just off the Beltline. For more playgrounds in the metro area, check out Atlanta.net's list of the top 21 playgrounds here.
Further from the city is Stone Mountain. You can hike up the mountain to some spectacular views if you want the kids to burn off some energy, or there is a tram that can take you up the mountain with a little less effort. The park also boasts a ropes course for kids, petting zoo, putt putt golf, and a number of shows throughout the day, including the Lasershow Spectacular.

Whether you spend the day learning something new or enjoying the outdoors, there is something for every kid in the Atlanta area. It's not too hard to find somewhere to shake up the summer routine, and soon those complaints of "I'm bored" will be replaced with "best summer ever!"