ATLANTA ZOO
If you ’ re an animal lover , then this is the city for you ! The Atlanta Zoo prides itself in its preservation programs and building natural habitats for the animals , especially those who are endangered species . Their giant pandas from China are paws down the most popular attractions and are easiest to spot during the cooler months when they venture outside , or you can always spy on them with the Panda Cam . Other popular exhibits are the African elephants , lions and cheeky gorillas who are separated into social groups by moats . There are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals , ranging from feeding time and safari camps to sleepovers and twilight treks .
COCA-COLA MUSEUM
With soaring temperatures and humidity in the summer , you ’ ll welcome an ice-cold Coke when visiting Atlanta — and where better to grab one than at the World of Coca-Cola Museum ? In fact , the famous soda ’ s prototype recipe was originally founded in a Columbus , Georgia , drug store ( initially as a coca wine ). Visitors to the museum can travel back through soda history in the Milestones of Refreshment exhibit , or visit the vault to learn Coca-Cola ’ s secret recipe . From the past , guests get catapulted to the present with a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process , before diving into the story of Coke in the fully immersive 4-D theater .
PONCE CITY MARKET
The historic Sears , Roebuck & Co . building in the Old Fourth Ward has been taken over and transformed into a cool eat , play , shop location collectively known as Ponce City Market . The Central Food Hall captures authentic flavors from Atlanta — Hop ’ s Fried Chicken , anyone ? Or guests can get a caffeine fix at the adorably named Dancing Goats Coffee Bar . The Collier Candy Co . brings kids ’ sweet dreams to life , while Honeysuckle Gelato offers servings of brain freeze . However , the coolest area is Skyline Park on the roof , which is overflowing with fun games and rides like Derby Race , Basketball , Skee Ball , Ring Toss , High Striker , Three-Story Slide and Heege Tower . There ’ s even an 18-hole mini golf course and a breathtaking view up there , too !
PIEDMONT PARK
A favorite among local families for its connection to Mother Nature , Piedmont Park offers an easy escape from city life without having to venture too far . With 200 acres of green space and hundreds of events each year , there ’ s a lot to love . Dating back to 1887 and the Piedmont Exposition , the former forest and farmland area is now home to Lake Clara Meer , Noguchi Playscape , Mayor ’ s Grove Playground , Walker Woods , the Aquatic Center and Six Springs Wetland . Adults can play softball , soccer or bocce ball , and shop at the farmers ’ market ; kids can get rambunctious in the playgrounds or attend summer camps , and even the furry members of the family can kick back in the dog park . The summer calendar is packed with exciting events from Nature Detectives and Predator Prowl to Water Week .
Guest viewing fish and whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium
Credit : © 2014 , Gene Phillips , Courtesy of ACVB & AtlantaPhotos . com
CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK
This 21-acre park serves not only as a permanent legacy to the 1996 Summer Olympics but also as an entertainment center for millions of visitors each year . While the Games themselves were marred by the fatal July 27 bomb attack , Centennial Olympic Park is all about the celebration of life . The highlight is the Fountain of Rings where computer-controlled lights and jets of water synchronize with music . Kids and revelers of all ages can leap onto the splash pad to cool off as 251 jets shoot high into the sky . Along with the ongoing attractions , Centennial is downtown ’ s music hub with the “ Music at Noon ” series offering free lunchtime concerts and Wednesday WindDown giving Hump Days an extra umph . The park is now boasts SkyView Atlanta , which literally gives you a bird ’ s eye view of the city from a 200-foot tall Ferris Wheel as the gondolas gently rotate through the sky . Think of the London Eye complete with a colorful light show at night … and far less rain !
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 32 SUMMER 2018