Winter in Atlanta doesn’t usually mean snowball fights or sledding down ice covered hills, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of activities you can do. While Atlanta is made up of so many neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs, there are limitless entertainment options for you this winter. If you are just visiting or you are lucky enough to call Atlanta home, check out these activities and have yourself a cool winter!
Ice skating is a fun way to spend a cold winter day, and there are so many rinks set up during the cold months in Atlanta. The only outdoor skating rink in Atlanta proper can be found at Centennial Olympic Park downtown. Open daily from mid-November to early January, you can rent skates on site. Check their website for hours and prices. http://www.centennialpark.com/ Another outdoor skating rink located outside the Perimeter is in Conyers. Located at the Pavilion in Olde Town Conyers, this rink is open until January 21 and the cost is $6.00 per person.
Tanglewood Farm in Canton rings in the new year with their Babyfest. All of the farm’s newest additions are introduced. Take a pony ride and visit the almost 200 miniature animals, such as baby pigs, goats and donkeys. The farm is open Wednesday thru Sunday and admission is $8.00. There are hayrides by the hour for an additional fee. Visit their website for all the details. http://www.tanglewoodfarmminiatures.com/
If you are in the mood for music, the Dekalb Symphony Orchestra’s annual children’s concert will be Sunday, January 21, 2007 at 3:00 pm at Georgia Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus. There is a $5 regular admission and will feature many children’s classics including Peter and the Wolf.
The circus comes to Stone Mountain Park in February. The Big Apple Circus, in its 29th season, will begin February 9th. The theme is Amusement Resort by the Sea and features awesome rides, sideshows, jugglers, acrobats, and so much more. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster or you can more information at these websites: http://www.stonemountainpark.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=56
http://www.bigapplecircus.org/
Ready for some action on ice? Check out the Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena for a home game throughout the winter season. This National Hockey League team is quite popular around Atlanta, and special promotions are offered for home games. There are Chik-Fil-A family nights, 2-for-1 Wednesdays, and special giveaways to fans. Tickets are available at the box office and at Ticketmaster. http://www.atlantathrashers.com/
Get ready for spring! A premier horticultural event is held in the World Congress Center in February. The Southeastern Flower Show features more than three acres of landscape and floral exhibits. There is also a vendor marketplace where you can buy all sorts of gardening merchandise and lots of fresh flowers and hard to find plants. Amateur and professionals compete in garden design, photography, and many other areas to win a blue ribbon or trophy. Special events are scheduled throughout the show and guest speakers will present a variety of topics and demonstrations. For more information and to buy tickets for the show, visit their website: http://www.flowershow.org/index.html.
Not necessarily a special winter activity, but I have to mention, is the new Georgia Aquarium. See the beluga whales in the largest aquarium and more than 100,000 other species of animals. Whale sharks from Taiwan are among the most popular exhibits, as well as touch tanks with rays and sharks. Behind the scenes tours are also offered for an additional fee for ages 10 and up. Because of its popularity, plan to buy your tickets in advance and reserve a time to visit.
