Suit Up: The Best Ways to Get Wet and Stay Cool in the ‘Burbs

As the mercury rises in town, we are always looking for ways to chill out with the kids. There are plenty of splash parks in town, and even more spots to splash OTP. So whether you live in one of these ‘burbs, or just need somewhere to beat the heat—peel yourself off the couch, slather on the sunscreen and suit up as we have rounded up the best ways to get wet and stay cool all over the metro area during the dog days of summer. 

Roswell’s Spraygrounds Parks
With 2 locations, Riverside Park and East Roswell Park, Roswell’s sprayground parks offer a cool relief at an affordable rate of $1 a person.

Splash ‘n Play at Riverside Park
575 Riverside Rd
Roswell GA 30075
770-594-6158

The Spray Station at East Roswell Park
9000 Fouts Rd
Roswell, GA 30076
770-594-6188

Suwanee’s Town Center Park
Suwanee’s Town Center Park boasts the largest interactive fountain in Gwinnett County.  They have recently added sun shades to the fountain area, which should help you and your little splashers keep even cooler. 

330 Town Center Ave
Suwanee, GA

Duluth’s Town Green Fountain
Also in Gwinnett is the Town Green Fountain on Duluth’s Main street.  It’s also shaded, but perhaps better-suited for older kids because the interactive fountain tends to be high and powerful. Located in the middle of the downtown business district, it’s convenient to many amenities and other areas in the heart of Duluth.

3578 West Lawrenceville Street
Duluth, GA

Cumming Aquatic Center
The aquatic center offers classes, lessons and features several different levels of diving boards, indoor and outdoor pools, and opportunities for intense swimming and diving lessons. The outdoor facilities include shade umbrellas, a slide, lazy river and play structure for children. 

201 Aquatic Circle
Cumming, GA 30040
770-781-1781

Gwinnett Aquatic Centers
Gwinnett county’s various aquatic centers, including the West Gwinnett Aquatic Center, offer walk-in pools, sprayers, slides, floating rivers, and more. With other locations throughout the county, there’s bound to be a center near you. 

4488 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Norcross 30071
678.407.8801

Cherokee County Aquatic Center
This community center offers indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a super-cool water playground, two water slides, beach-style entry, pavilions for shade and concessions.  There is also a special splash park at Cline Park. 

1200 Gresham Mill Pkwy
Holly Springs, GA 30142
678-880-4760

Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park
Also known as “Lanier World,” this popular spot is worth a day trip.  The Raging River sends older kids down rapids, complete with splashy turns.  Wild Waves is the state’s largest wave pool. (And it’s got a kid-size version the the small set, Wiggle Wave.)  There’s also their splash park, Kiddie Lagoon, as well as a swim and beach area.  Then there’s the ultimate “floating playground,” Aquatic Adventures, along with several thrilling water slides for older kids over 42″ tall.

700 Lanier Islands Parkway
Buford, GA 30518
770-945-8787

Stone Mountain’s Geyser Towers
Stone Mountain’s Geyser Towers is a great option for anyone over 32″ tall. With an intricate web of nets and tunnels, kids enjoy occasional splashes. You can bring your bathing suit, or just a change of clothes—either way, you’ll need water shoes for this one.

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
770-498-5690

Six Flag’s White Water
With over 50 water different attractions, Six Flag’s offers a way for everyone to get wet. Note that many attractions are geared towards older kids (over 36-42″ tall), but Captain Kids Cove is just right for wee ones.

250 Cobb Parkway N #100
Marietta, GA 30062
770-948-9290

How do you and your kids keep cool? Tell us in the comments section below! 

—Barbara Burns

Photos courtesy of Visit Roswell, Visit Gwinnett, City of Duluth via Flickr, City of Cumming, Peachtree Corners Patch, Woodstock Patch, Lake Lanier Islands, Dekalb County Chamber of Commerce