There are very few things you can’t do year-round in Atlanta, but some things shine especially bright in the cooler winter months. From finding the perfect cup of hot chocolate from a local cafe to hiking one of our nearby trails for breathtaking views, you’ll want to check off this bucket list before the temperature and humidity start to rise. Keep reading for our favorite ways to say farewell to winter.

Take a Winter Road Trip from Atlanta

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Even after the temperatures have cooled, nothing beats Covid cabin fever than a road trip. Atlanta is within five hours of the beach, the mountains, and long list of historic sites worth paying a visit. So pack your family’s bags and gas up your tanks, because we’ve zeroed in on five fantastic winter road trips for families that start in Atlanta.

Take a Hike

a family goes hiking in the wood, led by a joyful little boy
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Atlanta is known as the city in the trees for good reason, so it’s no surprise that there are miles and miles of pristine nature preserves and more rugged hikes nearby. Hiking with kids near Atlanta is easy when we’ve got waterfalls, nature preserves, and state parks at our doorstep, and it's especially good during our mild winter months. Here are a dozen of our favorite hikes for all ages.

Explore Atlanta's Museums

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From science and epidemiology to art and design, with everything in between, Atlanta's museum scene is legit. And, with Covid precautions in place, you'll be able to plan your trip with fewer crowds for a more relaxed experience. Here are our favorite museums for kids and families around Atlanta. 

Turn Your Kitchen into a Lab

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Looking for kids’ science experiments? Thanks to common household ingredients, some ingenuity and our guide, these classic science experiments and projects for kids make any day exciting. And we’ve rated each experiment from one to five sponges so you know the messiness factor ahead of time.

Cozy Up with Children's Books by Local Authors

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February is the perfect time to cozy up to a little local lit with your kiddos. From the familiar Pete the Cat to the lesser known Listening Me, these books are awesome, no matter where you’re reading them. We just think it’s really cool that the authors have spent their fair share of time traveling Peachtree. Give these children's book with Atlanta authors a look. 

Go Out for a Cup of Local Hot Chocolate

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When Old Man Winter starts getting on your nerves, bundle up your babes and battle the brr’s with a cup of hot chocolate at one of our favorite hot chocolate and coffee houses. These are five of our favorite places to score hot chocolate in Atlanta. 

Visit the MLK National Historical Park

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What do you know about the Civil Rights Movement? Learn something new about the people from the past—famous and not so famous— who played a part in the movement. The Visitor Center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Birth Home is open for ranger-led tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Fire Station No. 6 is staffed by park volunteers and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when volunteers are available. All sites are free to the public.

Note: In accordance with guidance from the CDC and recommendations from public health authorities, all buildings within the park are temporarily closed. Visitors are welcomed to park and take a self-guided tour of our campus until further notice. Click here for more details.

Take Advantage of Free Admission to The High

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On the Second Sunday of each month, you can enjoy free admission to The High Museum of Art. During Covid, all programming will be cancelled and guests are asked to adhere to strict social distancing endeavors—making it a nice place to spend an afternoon outside your house (and the elements). Here's what you need to know.

Hit Some Nearby Slopes or a Cozy Cabin

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Pack up for a road trip and hit one of these nearby southern ski slopes for a long weekend of fun. If the snow's already gone, try check out one of these cozy cabins for a fun escape from the city. 

Binge Watch a Netflix Series

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Cozy up on the couch for a Netflix binge sesh with the whole family. Here's what's new and noteworthy on Netflix this month. 

—Shelley Massey

RELATED STORIES:

17 Atlanta Parks & Playgrounds Worth a Visit

7 Important Places to Visit with Kids for Black History Month

6 Actionable Ways to Celebrate Black History Month, Every Day

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