While store shelves are filling up with spooky season merchandise, the temps in the South are as high as ever. But we’re feeling pretty chill here in the District! With a range of indoor and outdoor attractions and activities, you can have fun and stay cool as the summer drags on. Read on to discover some of our favorite ways to beat the heat during the warmer months:
There’s still time to soak up the summer sun with a refreshing, splash-tastic experience at the Hapeville Splash Pad or the Charles Phillips Park Splash Pad in College Park! These interactive spray grounds check all the boxes for a cool and fun-filled summer afternoon for the whole fam. The Hapeville Splash Pad is open through September 1st, Tuesday - Sunday from 12 pm - 8 pm, but the last day to enjoy the College Park splash pad this season is THIS Saturday, August 12 from 1 – 5 PM.
On days when A/C is a must, make an appointment for a family-friendly challenge at the indoor rock climbing wall at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Center in College Park. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a first-timer, rest assured knowing that experienced instructors will be with you every step of the way during your 25-minute appointment, available Monday through Friday from 5 pm – 8 pm and Saturday from 10 am – 1 pm. Or, if you’re looking for a little less adrenaline, step into the world of art, music, and culture at the Academy Theatre in Hapeville. As Georgia’s longest-running professional theatre, this historic gem has captivated audiences with classic and modern theatrical performances since 1956. Coming up this month, 'Real Women Have Curves', a two-act play that tells the story of a group of first-generation Mexican-American women working in a sewing factory in Los Angeles in the late 1980s, is playing August 18 - 28. Be sure to check out their website to stay up to date on their exciting Sunday Variety Series line-up!
Take advantage of the longer days of summer and head to the Rooftop at the Kimpton Overland Hotel where you can enjoy stunning views and refreshing cocktails. With a chilled drink in hand, gaze out and watch the action on the 2.9 miles of test track next door at the Porsche Experience Center and planes take off and land at neighboring Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Hot tip: the golden hour photo ops on this rooftop are picture-perfect and totally "insta-worthy"!
Finally, what better way to cool off than with a flavorful scoop of ice cream…or three?! Tempt your tastebuds with more than 200 flavors of frozen treats at Hapeville’s newest dessert haven, Jake’s Ice Cream! This popular sweet spot is known for its signature favorites like “Chocolate Slap Yo Mama” and “Brown Shugah Vanilla,” and serves up delicious dairy-free and vegan sorbet offerings, such as “Tropical Sunshine” to “Very Berry.” At Gaby's Ice Cream and Mexican Cuisine, a fiesta of flavors awaits, including butter pecan, pistachio, frosted caramel, strawberry cheesecake, mango, lemon and more. Seeking a slice of history á la mode? Check out the Chick-fil-A Hapeville Dwarf House, where you can indulge in the classic Icedream and mouthwatering milkshakes at an iconic location, which also features exclusive desserts like homemade lemon, chocolate, and coconut pie.
Enjoy soaking up the final weeks of summer on the Southside while you can, and stay cool out there!
