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16 Fun Things to Do in Atlanta in Summer to Beat the Heat

ByPaige Watts

Summer in Atlanta can be seriously hot, so it helps to have a list of fun ways to cool off. Whether you want a shady hike, a good ice cream shop, or somewhere to splash around, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season without spending the whole day overheating.

After many hot Atlanta summers, I’ve found the best ways to beat the heat. Things like a rooftop bar or a picnic date are fun for couples, while waterparks and theme parks are perfect for families. Major attractions like Zoo Atlanta and the Atlanta Botanical Garden are great if you’re visiting Atlanta, and they have fun seasonal events that locals won’t want to miss, too.

These are the Atlanta summer activities I think are most worth it when you want to have fun without melting in the heat.

| Tip

My favorite way to explore Atlanta in the summer is on a Mystery Picnic Date! Solve clues that will lead you closer to your next picnic food pickup and to your final secret picnic spot on this Midtown Atlanta Mystery Picnic Date.

Splash fountain sprays across a wide brick plaza in front of a tree lined Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia, with a large Ferris wheel and downtown skyscrapers rising in the background. The open square, green trees, and skyline make the scene feel like a busy urban gathering place on a warm day.

Summer in Atlanta Quick Picks

Best Things to Do in Atlanta in Summer

1. Go on an Atlanta Mystery Picnic

in sunglasses sit on a striped picnic blanket in the grass with takeout boxes, chips, and drinks spread out between them. The Atlanta shirt, casual flannel layers, and sunny park setting make the photo feel like a relaxed AmazingCo Mystery Picnic Date in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia.

As an Atlanta local, I love doing these mystery picnics as a way to get to know a new Atlanta neighborhood! AmazingCo Mystery Picnics are perfect for a date, a family day out, or a get-together with friends.

Kevin and I have done a Mystery Picnic Date in Roswell and in Midtown, and the Midtown one is the perfect Atlanta picnic experience (not to spoil anything, but it’s not hard to guess which Midtown park we ended up picnicking in).

AmazingCo mystery picnics are self-guided food and adventure tours where you solve riddles and clues that guide you to pick up different food items for your picnic. You’ll visit a bunch of different local shops and try some of their best goodies before unlocking your final picnic location.

In the Atlanta area, mystery picnics are available in Midtown, Roswell, and Marietta. If you want a low-effort date idea where the planning is basically done for you, I definitely recommend booking a Mystery Picnic Date.

You can read my review of the Roswell Mystery Picnic Date here to see what you can expect.

Book your Atlanta Mystery Picnic here!

Book titled "What's With Atlanta?" by Paige Watts on a marble table. Surrounding it are a notebook, pen, and tulips.

Want to learn all about Atlanta? Check out my new book, What’s With Atlanta?: The Quirks, Personality, and Charm of the ATL. Whether you’re a local or are just passing through, this entertaining guide will answer all of your Atlanta questions.

2. Cool Off by Tubing on the Chattahoochee River

Chattahoochee River tubing outpost in Alpharetta, Georgia with rows of yellow and red inner tubes, two bright kayaks, and picnic tables sits beside a small yellow building and a parked shuttle bus. The stacked river gear and sunny roadside setup make the scene feel like a casual launch point for a day on the water.

Tubing down the Chattahoochee River is part of the quintessential Atlanta summer.

Once the weather gets warm, Atlantans flock to the riverside to cool down (because the water is very chilly). So grab your inner tubes and some alcohol and cool off with a two-hour float down the river.

For locals, it’s pretty easy to “Shoot the Hooch” yourself. We’ve done it a ton of times, and I have a whole guide to tubing the Chattahoochee here; basically all you need are some innertubes, life jackets, a couple cars, and a little patience for the parking situation.

If you’re visiting Atlanta or you just don’t want to deal with launching yourself, this Chattahoochee River Tubing Experience with Nantahala Outdoor Center is a great option that launches from just outside the I-285 Perimeter. You can take a 2 hour or a 4 hour trip down the river over gentle currents. It’s the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area’s only on-site outfitter.

Book your Chattahoochee River Tubing Experience here.

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3. Sip Drinks at a Rooftop Bar

Four cocktails from O-Ku Rooftop Bar in Atlanta, Georgia line a weathered bar top at night, including pale pink and yellow drinks in coupe glasses and two tall mixed drinks with black straws. The softly lit rooftop crowd in the background makes the scene feel like a stylish evening out with friends.

Checking out the newest rooftop bar is my favorite summer tradition!

Atlanta has tons of rooftop bars for you to sip craft cocktails, relax while you take in the summer air, and admire views of the Atlanta skyline.

These rooftop bars are located all over the city, in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and even the Atlanta suburbs. Each location offers a unique view of Atlanta and delicious cocktails to go with it.

I’m making it my mission to visit every rooftop bar in the city, and I’m compiling my list of the best rooftop bars in Atlanta here.

4. Take an Air-Conditioned Atlanta City Tour

Panoramic view of the Atlanta, Georgia skyline on a bright day, with Midtown high rises and the tall Bank of America Plaza tower rising above trees and lower buildings in the foreground. The wide cityscape and scattered clouds make the scene feel expansive and unmistakably urban.

The summer weather is perfect for taking a guided tour of Atlanta. The city has a ton of unique tours where you can see Atlanta in a whole new light.

If you want to escape the heat, I highly recommend this air-conditioned bus tour of the major sights, or this evening city lights tour that takes you around the city after the sun has gone down. These are the tours I’d choose for a July or August visit when walking around the city sounds miserable.

If you still want to get outside, choose a tour that keeps you moving, like a bike tour, Segway tour, or electric car tour. You’ll get some breeze while still seeing the city. I recommend taking this bike tour of the tree-lined lanes of Inman Park, this Segway tour from Downtown to Midtown, or this electric car tour through Atlanta’s top neighborhoods.

No matter what you choose, you’ll learn a whole lot about Atlanta’s top sights, street art, foodie scene, and film industry on a guided tour of the city.

Book your air-conditioned Atlanta Sightseeing Bus Tour here.

5. Walk the Beltline and See Atlanta’s Street Art

Colorful street art on a long concrete wall on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail in Atlanta, Georgia. The art features a robot, vibrant patterns, and a bird. A sidewalk with trees lines the right side on a bright, sunny day.

Summer is a great time to walk or bike along the Atlanta Beltline and discover Atlanta street art at its finest. The Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail showcases colorful murals and unique sculptures, running from Piedmont Park to Memorial Drive.

Spend some time exploring Ponce City Market or the numerous bars and restaurants along the trail. Be sure to follow the trail all the way to Atlanta’s famous Krog Street Tunnel that is completely covered with ever-changing works of art.

My favorite summer strategy is to walk a short stretch, then duck into Ponce City Market or a patio for a drink before continuing.

You can even take a guided tour to learn about the Atlanta Beltline in depth. This guided bike tour guides you on a ride along the Beltline, meanwhile this food, history, and street art tour takes you to Ponce City Market and the Beltline to spend the day like a local, and this Beltline food, chocolate, and margarita tour gives you a diverse taste of restaurants on the Beltline.

Book your Atlanta Beltline Food, History, and Street Art Tour here.

6. Visit Zoo Atlanta Before the Afternoon Heat

Elephant habitat at Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia with a shallow pond and sandy enclosure sits outside under a bright sky, with two elephants standing near the water and fenced pathways around them. The wide view and zoo style setting make the space feel open, sunny, and designed for animal viewing.

Summer is a great time to visit Zoo Atlanta. Most of the zoo animals love the warm weather, so you’ll be able to see plenty of animal activity.

I do recommend going earlier in the day in July or August because the shaded paths help, but the humidity still catches up fast. Getting there earlier also means you can avoid some of the mid-day crowds. It’s also worth booking your ticket ahead if you’re visiting on a weekend.

As an Atlanta local, I’m a zoo member and I make sure to get good use of my membership. They have some great summer events, like Brew At The Zoo and Sippin’ Safari, that take place in the evening when the weather has started to cool off.

And there’s no need to let summer showers ruin your zoo visit: I’m a huge fan of visiting Zoo Atlanta on a rainy day because it’s cooler and there are way less people.

Book your skip-the-line Zoo Atlanta ticket here.

7. Spend the Day at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Water Park

Two staff members stand in the shallow splash pool at the bottom of twisting blue and yellow water slides that emerge from a wooded hillside. The slides are Twister and Typhoon Slides at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Water Park in Buford, Georgia. The empty landing area and the trees surrounding the slides make the water park scene feel calm before the next riders come down.

The water park at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat.

With adrenaline-pumping water slides, delicious lake-front restaurants, and refreshing margaritas at every turn, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy on a full-day summer outing.

This tropical-themed oasis has water slides and water attractions for all ages, a real sand beach, bars and concessions aplenty, lakeside dining, an arcade, and mini golf.

Even though it’s a bit of a drive an hour north of Atlanta, I love visiting for the perfect escape from the city, plus it’s a lot closer than going to the beach.

8. Catch Some Thrills at Six Flags and Six Flags White Water

Orange roller coaster track twists through a dense web of hills and turns, with a train climbing the highest crest against a soft blue evening sky at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Georgia. The low angle and looping layout make the ride look fast, dramatic, and packed with drops.
ACVB Marketing

You can get both thrills and water-park fun at Atlanta’s Six Flags parks. Six Flags Over Georgia is best if you want roller coasters, thrill rides, and a full theme park day, while Six Flags White Water is the better pick if your main goal is cooling off.

Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell has over 40 rollercoasters and thrill rides, as well as an attached water park. Or if you just want a water park experience, you can splash around at Six Flags White Water in Marietta.

You can’t really go wrong with either choice. But if you’re looking for a full day out with the best of both worlds, I’d recommend going with Six Flags Over Georgia since it has a water park built in that’s pretty extensive.

Book your Six Flags Over Georgia tickets here.

9. Get Ice Cream Around Atlanta

Three scoops of ice cream in a small paper tray include chocolate, cookies and cream, and a pale vanilla based scoop, served with two crisp waffle pieces and white plastic spoons from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Decatur, Georgia. The close overhead angle and marble table make it feel like a simple shared dessert on a warm day.

There’s no better way to cool off in the summer than with a giant scoop of ice cream!

From rolled ice cream to gelato to classic scoops, and classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate to flavors that are a little more out there, Atlanta has so many ice cream shop options.

Some of my favorites include Jake’s Ice Cream, Butter & Cream, or any of the many Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream locations around town.

10. Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Formal garden at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens with neatly trimmed hedges and blooming flowers surrounding a fountain topped with a blue glass sculpture, with visitors walking along brick pathways in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is in full bloom in the summer!

During the warm days, you can see the Earth Goddess in all her summer glory, with flowing flowering locks and rushing waterfalls. The walkways are shaded by towering trees, and there’s art hidden all around.

The gardens are alive in the summer with plenty of fun events and exhibitions, too. Cocktails in the Garden is their annual summer weekend event, featuring cocktails and live entertainment as you explore the garden in the cool evening air.

I prefer summer evenings here over midday visits because the garden feels more relaxed once the worst heat breaks.

11. Escape the Heat at Fernbank Museum

Kevin and Paige taking a selfie inside Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Georgia, with a large dinosaur skeleton displayed behind them and softly lit exhibit halls in the background.

When Atlanta’s summer heat gets too intense, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is one of the best indoor activities in the city. You can spend a few hours exploring dinosaur exhibits, natural history displays, rotating special exhibits, and immersive science-focused experiences without melting in the Georgia humidity.

It’s especially good for families, rainy afternoons, or anyone visiting Atlanta in July or August who needs an air-conditioned break between outdoor plans.

I’m also a big fan of Fernbank After Dark, the museum’s adults-only after-hours event. These events happen throughout the year, but summer is a fun time to go because you can enjoy the indoor exhibits first, then head outside to explore WildWoods and Fernbank Forest once the sun starts going down.

12. Go on a Summer Hike

Expansive view from a wooded overlook along the Kennesaw Mountain Trail in Kennesaw, Georgia shows a dense green tree canopy stretching toward a hazy Atlanta skyline on the far horizon under a pale blue sky. The distant buildings peeking above the forest make the scene feel like a quiet natural vantage point over the city.

Atlanta has plenty of options for hiking. Whether you want a trail that can keep you cool and shaded or a trail that will let you soak up the sun, there’s something for everyone.

Some of my favorites include: an urban hike along the Atlanta BeltLine, a hike along the Chattahoochee to keep you cool, and mountain hikes like Stone Mountain or Kennesaw Mountain for a view of Atlanta in all its summer glory.

Just remember that Atlanta summers are hot and the sun can be brutal! Make sure to pack plenty of water and wear lots of sunscreen.

13. See the Summer Blooms at Gibbs Gardens

Waterlily Gardens & Monet Bridge, Gibbs Gardens, Ball Ground, Georgia

A visit to Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground is a great summer day trip from Atlanta! It’s only about a 1 hour drive from Atlanta to these award-winning gardens that are an oasis in the North Georgia Mountains.

Gibbs Gardens is a 300-acre estate with 16 flourishing gardens that are in beautiful bloom in the summer months. During the summer, you can enjoy the Daylilies, Crape Myrtles, Roses, Hydrangeas, Waterlilies, and annual and perennial flowers.

I think Gibbs Gardens is most worth it when you want a peaceful day trip instead of another busy city attraction. Because it’s a bit of a drive, I’d make this a slower half-day trip instead of trying to squeeze it between other Atlanta plans.

14. Take a Day Trip to Nearby Wineries

Big Door Vineyards

You don’t have to drive all the way to North Georgia for a summer winery day (although, that’s a great day trip option as well). There are several vineyards less than an hour from downtown Atlanta, so you can spend an afternoon sipping wine, listening to live music, and enjoying a slower summer day without committing to a full weekend trip.

For a nearby option, Painted Horse Winery and Vineyard in Milton is about 36 minutes from Atlanta and has handcrafted wines, live music, and outdoor space. Little Vine Vineyards and Winery in Villa Rica is another good pick, especially if you want patio seating, weekend music, wine tastings, and craft beer. Qualusi Vineyards in Acworth is another easy option if you want indoor and outdoor seating, weekend food trucks, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Summer is a great time to visit one of these Atlanta-area vineyards, especially if you want an easy date idea, girls’ day, or dog-friendly outing. Just check the vineyard’s hours and event calendar before you go since live music, food trucks, and tasting schedules can change.

15. Watch Fourth of July Fireworks

Fireworks in pink, purple, and white burst over a nighttime outdoor show while blue and green laser lights fan out above a large seated crowd at the Stone Mountain Laser Show Fireworks in Stone Mountain, Georgia. The glowing American flag image at center and the packed audience make the scene feel like a dramatic patriotic finale.
©2021, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

There are so many great places to watch fireworks in Atlanta on the 4th of July.

You can head Downtown to watch from a rooftop bar, to Stone Mountain for their family-friendly fireworks and laser show, to downtown Decatur, to Marietta Square, or even up to the Mall of Georgia.

My favorite place is at the King and Queen Towers in Sandy Springs because these are my favorite skyscrapers.

But there are literally hundreds of spots all over the city where you can participate in family-friendly events leading up to the show and grab a great view of the fireworks.

16. Check Atlanta’s Summer Festival Calendar

Tattooed performer in a bright purple sleeveless shirt points toward the sky while standing above a cheering crowd, as dozens of people hold up phones to record the moment at One Music Fest in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta’s skyline and a Ferris wheel rise in the background, giving the concert scene an energetic city festival feel.
©2019, Gene Phillips, Courtesy of ACVB & AtlantaPhotos.com

Atlanta has plenty of summer and late-summer festivals, so it’s worth checking the event calendar before you finalize your summer plans. Some festivals happen around the same time each year, but dates, locations, and lineups can change, so always confirm the current schedule before you go.

One of the biggest summer events is the Atlanta Jazz Festival, a free Memorial Day weekend festival held in Piedmont Park. For something sweet, check out the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival at Piedmont Park for a family-friendly event.

Near the end of summer, Grant Park Summer Shade Festival is another popular option with music, food vendors, an artist market, and family-friendly activities. And in the late summer, Shaky Knees Festival brings major rock and alternative bands to Atlanta.

Atlanta Summer Activities Map

Ready to experience these Atlanta summer activities? Use the map below to plan your Atlanta summer outings.

I hope you have an amazing time during summer in Atlanta!

Summer in Atlanta FAQ

What is summer weather like in Atlanta?

Summer in Atlanta is hot, humid, and often stormy in the afternoons. Most days are in the 80s and 90s, but the humidity can make it feel much hotter, especially if you’re walking around midday.

If you’re planning outdoor activities like the Beltline, Zoo Atlanta, Gibbs Gardens, or a summer hike, aim for the morning or evening. Save indoor activities like Fernbank Museum, a food hall stop, or an air-conditioned city tour for the hottest part of the day.

What are the best things to do in Atlanta in the summer?

The best things to do in summer in Atlanta are activities that either help you cool off or make the most of the season. Floating the Chattahoochee River, visiting a rooftop bar, getting ice cream, going to a water park, and exploring Fernbank Museum are all great summer picks.

If you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time, I’d also add an air-conditioned city tour, Zoo Atlanta, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the Beltline to your list.

How can I beat the heat in Atlanta during the summer?

The easiest way to beat the heat in Atlanta is to plan your day around the weather. Do outdoor activities early, take a break indoors in the afternoon, and head back out in the evening once the sun starts to go down.

For indoor or cooler activities, Fernbank Museum, an air-conditioned Atlanta tour, ice cream shops, food halls, and museum stops are good choices. For water-based activities, tubing the Chattahoochee River or spending the day at a water park will feel much better than walking around in the afternoon heat.

What are the best indoor things to do in Atlanta in the summer?

Fernbank Museum is one of the best indoor things to do in Atlanta during the summer because it gives you a real Atlanta activity without having to stay outside in the heat. You can also visit museums like the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium, explore food halls, take an air-conditioned city tour, or plan a long lunch or coffee stop between outdoor activities.

Indoor activities are especially helpful if you’re visiting in July or August, traveling with kids, or trying to plan around afternoon thunderstorms.

Are there summer festivals in Atlanta?

Yes, Atlanta has several popular summer and late-summer festivals.

The Atlanta Jazz Festival is a free Memorial Day weekend event at Piedmont Park. The free Atlanta Ice Cream Festival is also held at Piedmont Park. Grant Park Summer Shade Festival is a free outdoor festival celebrating historic Grant Park

Festival dates and details can change each year, so always check the official event calendar before planning your trip around one.

Is Atlanta good for families in the summer?

Yes, Atlanta has plenty of family-friendly summer activities. Zoo Atlanta, Six Flags, water parks, Fernbank Museum, ice cream shops, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden are all good options with kids.

For younger kids, I’d plan outdoor attractions in the morning and keep an indoor backup for the afternoon. Atlanta summer heat can wear everyone out quickly, especially if you’re walking a lot.

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Want to save big on Atlanta’s top attractions? with the Atlanta CityPASS, you can save up to 50% on the cost of entrance tickets to 5 top Atlanta museums and attractions!

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Top Atlanta Tours

A guided tour is always a good way to get to know a city! Check out these top Atlanta tours.

Where to Stay in Atlanta

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your Atlanta vacation!

More Summer Fun in Atlanta

Find even more fun summer activities in and around Atlanta, Georgia! Check out these posts for your summer inspiration:

Ready to visit Atlanta, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

  • Get Familiar With the City: Check out my Ultimate Guide to Atlanta to help plan your trip!
  • Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
  • Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Atlanta using Booking.com.
  • Save on Attractions: Save 50% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.

Cheers!

Paige

16 Fun Things to Do in Atlanta in Summer to Beat the Heat

What’s your favorite thing to do in Atlanta in the summer? Let me know in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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