Top 5 Locations for Summer Fun near Tucker, Georgia

Looking for summer things to do near your home in Tucker, Georgia?

Look no further. Today, our Atlanta Parent Squad, Cheryl, shares with us top 5 places to visit during this summer within 30 minutes from your home in Tucker, Georgia.

One of the greatest things about living in Tucker, GA, is being so conveniently located to everything. We can get almost anywhere in a half hour, so this Summer, my family has been taking advantage of the many fun things there are to do in Tucker and the surrounding areas. We had trouble narrowing our list, but finally came up with our favorites. So, here’s our “Top 5 Locations for Summer Fun (All Within 30 Minutes of Home)”

Top 5 Summer Fun near Tucker, Georgia

1. Callanwolde Summer Camp

This historic mansion was once the home to the famous family that started the Coca-Cola Company. It’s been kept in beautiful condition and is now a fine arts center near the Virgina Highlands area. My daughter took a week-long drama and art camp there recently and she absolutely loved it. We will be looking to see what other classes they offer before the Summer has ended. While the prices might seem a little high, the value is definitely there. She received quality instruction in a caring, fun atmosphere. And, she learned a lot, too! The Arts are slowly disappearing from our schools so I belive it is important for parents to supplement their child’s education in this area whenever possible.

You can view the many different classes (for adults, too!) right here: http://www.callanwolde.org/.

2. Your DeKalb Famer’s Market

If you have not been to this multi-cultural, multi-national, multi-sensory grocery, you are really in for a treat. A huge indoor farmer’s market, the DeKalb Farmer’s Market, located in Decatur, offers more than just a way to check things off your grocery list. It is a great way to teach your child about different types of foods and allow him to see a great assortment of foods from all over the world. There is even a small cafeteria where you can dine, a flower shop, a bakery, fresh fish and meat market and the greatest wine assortment you could ever dream of. And, they even have an Information Booth in case you need help finding something. It’s cold inside, so bring a sweater!

Your DeKalb Farmer’s Market is located at: 3000 E Ponce De Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030, (404) 377-6400, http://www.dekalbfarmersmarket.com

3. Zoo Atlanta

We recently spent a day at the Zoo and had a great time. I planned to be there for about three hours, but we easily could have stayed several more as there are so many exhibits and interesting animals to see. For the kids, the petting zoo is always a good bet, as well as the entire children’s area which is complete with a merry-go-round, small train, climbing wall and inflatable jumpy house. It’s best to pick a day when the weather will cooperate, but even hot days will be made more bearable after July 2. That’s when Zoo Atlanta will unveil its new splash zone. It will surely be a hit with kids and parents alike.

The Zoo is located in the historic Grant Park district near downtown Atlanta. For details, visit: http://www.zooatlanta.org/.

4. Stone Mountain Park

In Tucker, we are only a short drive away from the historic Stone Mountain theme park. The annual membership is the best way to save money and enjoy all the fun of the park year round. In the Summer, the best way to beat the heat is to head straight for Geyser Towers, the wet and wild ropes and swing bridge structure that has surprising sprays and gusts of water around every turn. Don’t forget to wear water shoes and bring a towell. You can dry off and then head over the “The Great Barn” where you can slide down large tunnels and shoot foam balls from air guns toward unsuspecting visitors four stories below you. It’s a fun, yet noisy, way to play.

For details and directions, visit http://www.stonemountainpark.com/. And, don’t forget to catch the fireworks on the fourth and all Summer long!

5. Shopping in the Northlake area

We’ve had quite a few rainy days this Summer, so when all else fails, we head to the Northlake Mall and the surrounding Northlake Festival. The new Kidgits Club at the mall has several fun activities scheduled every month for kids of all ages. For only five dollars, kids gain member perks for a year, get a free T-shirt, a chance to spin the prize wheel and are signed up to receive a gift on their birthday.

In the nearby area, known as Northlake Festival, Jason’s Deli is a great place to stop for lunch before we head over to The School Box to shop for educational toys, Monkey Joe’s to let the kids run wild or Toys R Us for some ideas to put on the birthday wish list. If there is still time, we visit the adorable pets at Petsmart before heading home. Another good option for a rainy day is the Northlake Movie Tavern which has comfortable seating as well as food and beverage service while you enjoy a movie, like Monster’s University.

While Tucker is conveniently located to almost anything, these are a few of the fun things my family has enjoyed so far this Summer. If you see something you haven’t tried before, then pack up the kids and head out. When you are not on vacation, there’s still a lot you can do to make this Summer one to remember!