The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WHERE YOU CAN FIND SOME FUN ON THE WATER
Cool off in the Chattahoochee or while visiting the aquarium.
With temperatures in Atlanta reaching well into the 90s, it’s safe to say summer is in full swing. But you don’t have to spend your days sweating it out in the heat. Instead, cool off with a refreshing water activity. A variety of them are happening all across the metro area.
Sweetwater Creek by Kayak
Spend two hours paddling in a tandem kayak, but that’s not how your session will end. After your trip in the water, you will be led on a short hike up the hill, where you will see a stunning view of the mill ruins and whitewater rapids. This event is for adults who can swim and children ages 12 to 17 who can swim and are with an adult. Organizers are encouraging attendees to register in advance.
5-7:30 p.m. July 29. $25 admission, $5 parking. Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mt. Vernon Road, Lithia Springs. 770732-5871. www.gastateparks.org/ sweetwatercreek.
Twilight Lake Paddling at Sweetwater Creek
End your busy day with a peaceful, ranger-led outing through the creek. As you watch the beautiful sunset, you’ll be on the lookout for wading birds and raptors. You can even choose how you’d like to glide through the water by picking either a canoe or kayak. Adults who can swim are welcome and so are kids 6 years old or older. They just need to be accompanied by a grown-up.
7-8:30 p.m. July 30. $15 admission, $5 parking. Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mt. Vernon Road, Lithia Springs. 770732-5871. www.gastateparks.org/ sweetwatercreek.
Sips Under the Sea at the Georgia Aquarium
Get up close and personal with many of the most fascinating sea animals at the glow-in-the-dark soiree. It requires you to throw on your brightest whites or neons to light up the night with the animals and dance the evening away as you sip signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.
1-6 p.m. Aug. 4. $28.95 for nonmembers, $19.95 for members. Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta. 404-581-4000. www. georgiaaquarium.org.
Water Family Fun Day at the Chattahoochee River
Make a splash with your loved ones at The Hooch. You’ll be able to take a break from the sweltering sun as you run through the sprinklers, play water games and build your own water crafts. If that isn’t enough fun for you, enjoy the live bubble show with Bo the Bubbleologist or have a blast canoeing at Kingfisher Pond.
Noon-4 p.m. Aug. 6. Free for CNC members and children under 2, $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (ages 65 and older) and students (ages 13-18), $6 for children (ages 2-12). Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. www.chattnaturecenter.org.
Rooftop Pool Party at the W
Ready to kick it poolside? The Triple Crown Group and W Hotel in Midtown have got you covered. Your ticket gets you complimentary towel access, lounge chair seating and sunscreen. At this 21-and-up shindig, you can grab some yummy bites and drinks from the cash bar and bust a move or two as the city’s best D Js scratch your favorite tunes.
1-6 p.m. Aug. 6. $20. W Atlanta Midtown, 188 14th Street NE, Atlanta. 404-892-6000. www.3xcrowns.com.
Wine Cruise Series at Lanier Island
This boating season at Lanier Island, it’s all about the wines. So have a glass of Merlot as you set sail on the Island Princess, an 85-foot excursion yacht. During the three-hour cruise, you will feast on the tastiest dishes that will be paired with the finest spirits as you delight in some live entertainment.
2-5 p.m. Aug. 13. $70. Lanier Island, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford. 678-318-2048. www. lanierislands.com
Family Canoe Day at the Chattahoochee River
Head over to Beaver Pond for a full lesson on all things canoeing. From learning the best paddling techniques to picking out
the finest equipment, the instructors will be on deck to teach you all the tricks. You’ll be able to participate in a few races and a ton of games, too. And make sure you get your hands on those water squirters.
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 19. $15 for public, $10 for CNC members. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. www.chattnaturecenter.org.
SUP Yoga at Morgan Falls
Switch up your fitness routine with SUP yoga, a workout that fuses stand-up paddling and yoga. Instead of hitting your best downward facing dog or warrior two pose on solid ground, you will be keeping yourself steady on a paddleboard in the water. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner. There are sessions available for all levels and ages.
9-10:30 a.m. Every Sunday in August. $35. Morgan Falls. 200 Morgan Falls Road, Sandy Springs. 770730-5600. www.highcountryoutfitters.com.
River Tubing on the Chattahoochee River
Grab your swimsuit and make your way to the water for some tubing fun. You can purchase a tube just for yourself or share the love with a four-person ride. Glide down the stream for up to four hours, and you can bring anybody above the age of 5.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. $10-$80. River Tubing 4349 Abbotts Bridge Road, Duluth. 844-3868823. www.rivertubing.com.