Staying sane in this heat while the kids are out from school can get a little crazy. Make this summer a good one and fall in love with this city.

Here’s 8 places we love that we think you will too. They go beyond your typical playdate at Monkey Joe’s and local park picnics. See if you can hit all of them this summer!

1. Old Fourth Ward Beltline Park

Atlanta really outdid themselves with this one. This district is probably one of our all-time favorites in Atlanta, and this park is brand new and part of the Atlanta Beltline. It features a giant lake, stunning trail, amphitheatre, and greenspace.

Why it’s awesome: Tons of modern play structures for kids that go beyond your standard swings and monkey bars. Also, a splashpad with jets that runs everyday from 10-8. Yeah!

2. Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary

This place is a little outside of Atlanta but worth the drive. Noah’s Ark is a 250 acre sanctuary for abused, unwanted and neglected animals. A beautiful “park like” setting with paved pathways to bring your family and enjoy an afternoon out. There’s no admission fee; you pay what you’d like.

Why it’s awesome: Noah’s Ark has a really wide range of animals, and is one of the only places a lion, bear, and tiger live together in one enclosure. Way cool.

3. Anderson Sunflower Farm

Did you know there’a stunning sunflower farm in your backyard? This family owned farm is super welcoming. It’s $10/car and enjoy the sunflowers for as long as you’d like. If you’ve never seen a field of flowers, this WILL take your breath away and remind you of Allah’s grace and power.

Why it’s awesome: It’s a giant field of sunflowers. Might be time to snap those family pictures you keep talking ‘bout!

4. Fernbank Science Center

We can feel the eyerolls right through the screen but hear us out on this one! The Fernbank Science Center has free admission (with a box of donations right out front.) It’s a great way to pass what could have been a lazy afternoon. It’s educational, and they’ve got decent rotating exhibits.

Why it’s awesome: They have regular shows at the planetarium, which is one of the largest in the country. There is an admission fee for the shows, but they are well worth it.

5. Centennial Olympic Park

This never gets old, especially on a hotter day out. There’s benches out for parents to stay dry, and a lawn nearby if you’re feeling like turning it into a picnic. There’s a great ice-cream shop nearby or pizza if you’re feeling fancy. Head to Al-Farooq for prayer afterwards, because the stunning masjid never gets old.

Why it’s awesome: This has always been a huge hit with kids. Great to walk around downtown a little afterwards, too.

6. Center for Civil and Human Rights

This is going to be an Atlanta gem for sure, and it’s a great way to get your older kids a little more involved and educated about our history. The brand new center features a ton of great exhibits like one “gallery includes a news ticker and a map documenting the state of freedom around the world — represents a fresh approach to teaching and applying the lessons of history.”

Why it’s awesome: The center was designed by an award-winning architecture firm. Plus, it’s right next door the park which is just asking to turn it into a picnic date.

7. Consolidated Gold Mines

This gold mine is the largest east of the Mississippi River and they conduct engaging tours that last about 45 minutes. You’ll go 200ft underground into a mine that stays at around 60 degrees year-round–a nice break from the southern heat.

Why it’s awesome: After the tour, you’ll get a bucket of dirt and you can pan for your own gold! They have lots of really great gem stones for display, and your more curious little ones will love it. 

8. Your Local Farmer's Market

Islam has comprehensive laws regarding business–most importantly that the business operates ethically and pays its workers fair wages. There’s no better way to be sure of that than buying local. My personal favorites are the Decatur Farmer’s Market (held on Wednesdays and Saturdays) and the Alpharetta Farmer’s Market. Seeing a long spread of the fruits and vegetables in season is kindof awesome.

Why it’s awesome: Lots of food samples, breakfast and lunch options, homemade nut butters and local honey, and get your grocery shopping done knowing that it benefitted the local community around you.

Any additional recommendations? We'd love to hear in the comments!

This article brought to you by ILM Academy, a premiere Islamic school located in Roswell. Now enrolling, pre-K3-7th grade. www.ilm-academy.com

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