Atlanta recently unveiled its ambitious Piedmont Park Aquatic Center. The center is part of the park's ambitious "Breaking New Ground" $41.2 million campaign and hopes to expand Piedmont Park by some 53 acres.
Spend the day in the lap lanes, shaded pool deck, "beach" entry and concession stands. Groups and family reunions traveling to Atlanta are required to make an advance appointment for 20 or more people. Call the park at 404-875-7275 for more information.
Piedmont Park Aquatic Center Information:
- Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday - Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Children 5 years and under: $1
- Children 6 to 16 years: $2
- Adults 17 to 54 years: $4
- Seniors 55 and older: $2
Candler Park, named for Coca-Cola magnate Asa Griggs Candler, offers public swimming along with golfing, recreational fields and a playground. The quaint neighborhood offers shops and slices at the neighborhood's Fellini's Pizza. Before swimming, take a quick stop for shopping at the nearby Little Five Points.
Candler Park Pool Information
- Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
- Children 5 years and under: Free
- Children 6 - 16 years - $2
- Adults 17 - 49 years: $4
- Adults 50 years on up: $2
Home to Zoo Atlanta and the Cyclorama, Grant Park is the fourth largest park in Atlanta. Go for a quick dip in the Olympic sized pool tucked away in the park with views of historic Victorian homes. While the pool is only about five-feet deep, it's public pool one of the few city-run watering holes open on Sundays.
Before a day of cooling off at the pool, take a quick scroll at nearby Oakland Cemetery. Or make a day around the neighborhood and look for a show at the private home turned music venue Grocery on Home.
Grant Park Pool General Information
- Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Children 5 years and under: Free
- Children 6 - 16 years - $2
- Adults 17 - 49 years: $4
- Adults 50 years on up: $2
Atlanta City Pool Tips
Before you budget for swim time, note that most of Atlanta's public city pools offer a free swim from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00, though Piedmont Park is currently excluded from this list.
It's always a good idea to call ahead to check swimming availability, as hours and prices are subject to change without notice. The city also does not refund money for inclement weather, even when the pool is shut down in the middle of your swim.
Families traveling to Atlanta are welcome to bring babies to public pools. However, little ones are usually required to wear swimming diapers in addition to swim pants.
Shoot the HoochIf you're looking for a unique experience in the water, keep cool and "Shoot the Hooch." Skirt down the Chattahoochee River in a canoe, raft, kayak or tube with Chattahoochee Outfitters in Roswell, Georgia. Guests can shoot down the 'hooch at Azalea Park from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. with the last rental at 6 p.m. seven days a week. Excursions typically run 1 1/2 to 3 miles with an all-day, 8 mile trek offered.
For an additional per-person fee, shuttle from Azalea Park to your destination of choice and then paddle or float your way back. Rental prices vary, but a two-man canoe starts at $20 per hour on up to $90 a day for a double kayak trip.
Walk-ins are welcome to Chattahoochee Outfitters, but rentals are known to quickly sell-out. Call ahead at 770-650-1008 for a rental reservation and more information.
Get Soaked
Sun-weary travelers who just want to cool off can head to Centennial Olympic Park's Fountain of Rings in downtown Atlanta. Just walk right in to get a refreshing soak in the world's largest interactive fountain featuring the Olympic Ring symbol.
Don't be shy about stepping right in, locals and visitors are frequent guests to the rings. After hosing down, stay for a choreographed water show at the fountain at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The park also hosts free lunchtime concerts and evening events throughout the year.
Centennial Olympic Park is located about a block away from the CNN Center, World of Coke and the Georgia Aquarium. Stop by to see some of Atlanta's best attractions and then cool off in the Fountain of Rings and free lunchtime concert.