Elsa Simcik

Elsa Simcik has been freelance writing for 20-something years, covering a hodgepodge of fields--health & fitness, human interest stories, and even dating. After becoming a mom she segued into writing for local magazines and websites, focusing on parenting, fun things to do with kids, and travel. The travel part is fun, but not as glamorous as it sounds, because it's traveling with kids. Still, she'll take it.

Latest posts by Elsa

Activate Atlanta: A Physical Gaming Experience for Big Kids and Teens

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 10/06/2024 - 10:38am

Test your physical and mental prowess at Activate Atlanta, a gaming facility perfect for big kids, teens, and adults!

Activate Atlanta is an exciting, live-action gaming activity for families with children ages 10 and older. While kids will love the state-of-the-art gaming elements and light effects, parents will appreciate that this is an active gaming experience, utilizing teamwork with physical movement that includes running, jumping, climbing, crawling, and throwing. My kids were so excited to visit Activate — after only five minutes, my 13-year-old asked, "Can I have my birthday party here?!"

33 Best Things to Do in Atlanta October 2024 with Kids

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 09/29/2024 - 6:19am

Trick or treat, snap cute photos, enjoy themed entertainment, and more at Zoo Atlanta's Boo at the Zoo. Photo courtesy of Zoo Atlanta

Families are in for a treat this October in Atlanta with a packed calendar of fun events to enjoy, including Halloween and fall festivals!

Kick off October events in Atlanta with fried food, amazing rides, and spectacular shows at the Georgia State Fair and the Cumming Country Fair and Festival. The delicious Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay takes place across two weekends in October, so families have their pick...of apples and fun! Then it's Halloween with Boo at the Zoo, Goblins in the Garden, and sooooo many more Atlanta Halloween events.

If you are excited about fall in Atlanta and want to make the most of it, check out our Atlanta Fall Guide, which includes tons of ideas for family fun like hayrides & corn mazes and pumpkin patches.

Top Free Halloween Events in Atlanta

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 09/27/2024 - 8:45am

Kick off Halloween weekend with the Duluth tradition of the spooky Town Green. Photo courtesy of the event

The leaves are falling in Atlanta and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are flowing at Starbucks. That means Halloween is fast approaching! But before fretting about the rising costs of Halloween costumes, candy, and decorations, check out our list of FREE Halloween events in Atlanta.

You read that correctly! Atlanta offers tons of Halloween events that are completely free to attend. Our list includes fall festivals, parades, trunk-or-treats, and more. Many of these free Halloween events are hosted by fun cities and neighborhoods to explore, including Duluth and Virginia-Highland.

Get out your calendar and start mapping out these free Atlanta Halloween events. If you plan accordingly, your family can freebie hop most weekends in October. Also, be sure to check out our Atlanta Halloween Guide for more great ideas with kids this season.

30 Things to Do With Atlanta Babies Before They Turn One

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 11:11am

Experience an adventure on the slides at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of ABG

There are lots of things to do with Atlanta babies before they turn one, including those important moments...first bath, first smile, first teeth. (Put down those tissues...this is a fun list.) Grab the camera because we've come up with 30 fun, playful, and even educational activities to do with Atlanta babies before they turn one—a baby bucket list, if you will! Luckily, Atlanta is a great place to grow up with tons of outdoor spaces, family-friendly attractions, and plenty of FREE things to do.

Best Summer Day Camps in Atlanta

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 04/07/2024 - 9:42am

Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC)'s Camp Kingfisher is popular with kids of all ages who love being outdoors! Photo courtesy CNC

There are so many fun options for summer day camps in Atlanta! We've rounded up amazing day camps for Atlanta kids —most of these are traditional summer camps with outdoor games, crafts, and swimming. All of the included Atlanta day camps run approximately 9am-4pm (some even offer extended hours). Camp themes typically change week to week so summer campers stay engaged.

If your child prefers a specific focus at summer camp, choose a specialty camp (like STEM, arts, and sports —all listed in our Camp Guide).

Best Free & Fun Things To Do in Atlanta with Kids April 2024

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 03/31/2024 - 8:29am

An Atlanta staple for over 80 years, there is something for everyone at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival

April brings Earth Day and spring festivals, so it's a great time to get outside and enjoy free fun in Atlanta! Don’t miss our favorite FREE things to do in Atlanta with kids in April.

We kick off April with spring break for most Atlanta students. Families who stay in town will have plenty of options for free fun like Movies on the Square at Colony Square and the Spring Festival on Ponce, and there's even more FREE things to do for the rest of the month. Don't miss the beloved Dogwood Festival, back for its 88th year, in Piedmont Park; Dunwoody's Lemonade Days Festival for fun, food, and of course, lemonade; and even more awesome spring festivals in Atlanta.

Find more seasonal fun, including activities and travel guides, check out our Spring Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids and check out our Atlanta Family Activity Calendar that we update daily!

Best Sports Summer Camps in Atlanta: Soccer Camps, Baseball Camps, and More

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 03/10/2024 - 10:02am

Fellowship Christian School summer camps introduce kids to a variety of sports. Photo courtesy of the school

Sports summer camps in Atlanta allow kids to burn off energy at summer camp, learn or improve skills, and stay out of their parents hair during the long break. Atlanta has tons of sports camps options; whether your kid is into soccer, baseball, basketball, cheer, or another sport, there is an entertaining sports summer camp for his or her interest! Or, for the kid who likes all the sports, Atlanta has oodles of multi-sport summer camps. We've narrowed down sports camps here, so you can spend less time researching and get right to registering.

Best Free & Fun Things To Do in Atlanta with Kids March 2024

Submitted by Elsa Simcik on Sun, 02/25/2024 - 11:46am

The Atlanta Science Festival is an annual celebration of world-class learning and STEM career opportunities, featuring engaging events for kids and adults. Photo courtesy of the festival

From Purim to St. Patrick's Day to Easter, March is a great time to get out and enjoy free fun in Atlanta! Don’t miss our favorite FREE things to do in Atlanta with kids in March.

As we spring forward into March, Atlanta families can head to FREE events, especially leprechaun-friendly ones, like the Atlanta St. Patrick's Day Parade, Shake Your Shamrock in Buford, and Avenue Shamrock in East Cobb! Purim falls in late March this year and families can attend several events, including Purim Carnival with a Cause. Easter arrives on March 31, so that means Easter egg hunts all month long at free events like Egg-cellent Adventure in Doraville, Milton Community Egg Hunt, and the Easter Egg Hunt in Norcross.

Find more Atlanta spring fun, including activities, travel guides, and more in our Spring Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids!

Elsa Simcik

Latest posts by Elsa

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