Atlanta, Georgia, may be a land-locked city, but it still has its share of water attractions and parks. Here’s a list of my favorite five.
White Water
Marietta
By far, the best water park in the Atlanta area is White Water, part of the Six Flags family of theme parks. Among my favorite thrill rides are the Gulf Coast Screamer (I prefer the twisted side, rather than the more intense straight tube.) and the nine-story plummet of the Cliffhanger. When I want to rest up a bit, there’s no better spot than the Little Hooch River, White Water’s lazy river. Once a year, White Water hosts a Duck Derby . Adopt a duck for the race through the Little Hooch and support Georgia’s Special Olympics program. The park opens for the 2011 season on May 21, and for locals a season pass is a bargain at $49.99. Daily tickets purchased online are $29.99, a savings of $7 over the gate admission price.
The Beach at International Park
Jonesboro
Although there are a couple of slides, this is not a thrill-seekers water park. For those wanting a day-at-the-beach experience without driving to the shore, this is a perfect fit. Part of the Clayton County Parks and Recreation system, the beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year. Changing facilities and a snack bar are located nearby. Parents may want to give younger visitors a break from the summer sun and head for the indoor playground. There’s also a separate Kiddie Pool.
Prices are reasonable and season passes are available. A surcharge is added to all tickets purchased by non-Clayton County residents.
Chattahoochee Rapids Beach and Water Park
Lake Lanier
While Lake Lanier is known for fishing and houseboat rentals, a hidden gem within the Lake Lanier Resort complex is its water park. The park opens mid-May through Labor Day and offers family packages, which include accommodations at a Lake Lanier property. Regular daily admission is $27.99 for adults, but the park offers discounts for children, active military, and twilight (after 3:00 p.m.) admission. Some of my family’s favorite rides are tube rides, and this park has two great ones: the Typhoon and the Raging River. Both allow single or double riders. Tubes can be rented for the day. Single tubes are $7.00; doubles are $10.
Mountain Park Aquatic Center
Stone Mountain
Gwinnett County has a number of aquatic facilities offering admission for the low daily rate of $5.00 per adult with discounts available for children and seniors. The price is double for non-Gwinnett residents but still very affordable.
Indoor lap and instructional pools are open year ’round. Outdoor pools open from mid-May until Labor Day. Family-friendly pool depths, slides, and fountains make this park a great destination for a day outing. For some dry-land exercise, a one-mile paved trail meanders through a portion of the park’s 18 acres. The indoor pools and an adjacent community room can be rented for parties, reunions, or swim team practices.
Fountain of Rings
Centennial Park
Downtown Atlanta
While stretching a bit to call the Fountain of Rings a water park, it is a free water experience offering a respite from Atlanta’s summer sun. Jets shoot water several feet in the air above inlaid Olympic rings installed for the 1996 Summer Games. Four times per day a synchronized light and musical presentation plays. Playing in the fountain is not allowed during show times.
