Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

Rebecca Ruffin Leffler is an LSU grad (Geaux Tigers!), wife, and mom to twin girls in Atlanta. She enjoys writing about parenting, hiking, and travel. Follow her family’s vacation adventures at FindingFamilyAdventures.com.

Latest posts by Rebecca Ruffin

Atlanta Camping and Campgrounds To Take the Whole Family

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 04/03/2022 - 10:28am

KOA campgrounds are great places for family camping, like KOA Blue Ridge Riverside Cabins (pictured here). Photo by Ali Kieffer

If you’re looking to spend quality, electronic-free time with your family without breaking the bank, consider an Atlanta camping trip. Gaining popularity during the pandemic, Atlanta camping and tent camping provides an escape to the great outdoors. And better yet, you don’t have to travel far since campgrounds near Atlanta, GA are plentiful.

Whether you’re looking for tent camping or RV and yurt camping, we’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly campgrounds near Atlanta (within two hours....depending on traffic). Although not a hard and fast rule, private campgrounds tend to cost more but offer a host of amenities and special events. On the other end of the spectrum, U.S. government campgrounds near Atlanta provide an affordable, no-frills experience. And as a happy medium of Atlanta camping, lies the Georgia State Parks campsites that showcase some of the most scenic spots in Georgia.

Refer to our Outdoor Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids if you’re looking for more outdoor inspiration. And be sure to sign up for the Mommy Poppins newsletter, so you never miss out on upcoming events and helpful reviews.

Zipping Across the Best Atlanta Zipline and Ropes Courses

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 03/11/2022 - 8:07am

Every step matters at TreeTop Adventure & Ziplines at Callaway Gardens. Photo by Bill Leffler

Looking for a great family activity to get you out of your comfort zone? Imagine soaring among a tree canopy on an Atlanta zipline or ropes course. Everyone will get a good workout and have fun while improving gross motor skills, balance, and concentration. An added benefit of the ropes course and zipline is the adrenaline rush and boost of self-confidence that completing an Atlanta zipline or ropes course provides.

Whether your family consists of novices or experienced thrill seekers, check out our list of Atlanta ziplines and ropes courses in the area. (Don't worry if the weather isn’t cooperative, we’ve included several indoor places as well.) Book reservations to ensure availability and make sure your group meets any age, height, or weight requirements. Wear sturdy sneakers and save time by completing waivers online.

For more fun ideas this spring, check out our Spring Fun Guide, as well as our Outdoor Activities Guide for Atlanta Kids.

Festive and Delicious Birthday Cakes for Atlanta Kids

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 02/13/2022 - 10:04am

A birthday cake from The Baking Grounds will make any child feel special on his or her big day. Photo courtesy of The Baking Grounds

After you’ve selected a birthday party location, booked an entertainer, and sent out invitations for your child’s birthday party, it’s time for the yummy part – picking out a birthday cake! No longer limited to round and rectangular shapes, today's birthday cakes can be tiered like wedding cakes or sculpted into baseball bats, cars, purses, and more.

Look to our list to take the guesswork out of your sugary search. We’ve got everything covered, from a traditional sheet cakes to a custom birthday cake, throughout metro Atlanta. If you don’t want to slice into a beautifully decorated cake, consider cupcakes, cake pops, or cookies that many of these bakeries also prepare.

25 Fun Things To Do with Atlanta Teens and Tweens

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 10/31/2021 - 8:41am

Atlanta teens love Puttshack for raising the coolness factor at mini golf.

Raising Atlanta teens and tweens, compared to little ones, has a lot of benefits; besides getting a full night of sleep, you no longer need to change diapers, tie shoes, or swaddle (hopefully). As these teens in Atlanta participate in sports and school activities, it’s rewarding to watch their personalities and skills develop. They may even start performing chores around the house (hopefully)! On the flip side, these same wonderful kids begin asserting their independence, and parents eventually realize they may not be the center of their teen's world anymore.

Welcome to the tween and teen years! Although teens' behavior is completely normal, finding family activities can prove challenging. Let our guide of exploring Atlanta with teens help you find new and exciting things to do together in the area while keeping the bonds with your Atlanta teens strong.

Atlanta Hiking: 14 Family-Friendly Spots to Get Close to Mother Nature

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 10/03/2021 - 9:23am

Leita Thompson Memorial Park, photo by Bill Leffler

Living in Atlanta has many perks: impressive museums, appetizing restaurants, and boundless shopping. But sometimes the noise and congestion that often come with big city life gets to be too much. Parents may find they want to breathe fresh air, listen to the birds sing, and get back to nature—Atlanta hiking answers that need.

Fortunately, you don’t have to travel outside the city for a brief respite. With its dense tree canopy, the metro Atlanta area offers many parks and nature preserves to explore the outdoors with your little ones. Visit these natural areas on our Atlanta hiking list and you'll forget you’re still in a city of over 6 million people.

An Alpine Adventure Awaits in Helen, Georgia

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 09/12/2021 - 10:36am

Step into a Bavarian village without ever having to leave the state when you visit Helen, Georgia.

Families, tired of the same scenery as travel plans remain in flux, should try something unique: a Bavarian-style village right here in Georgia! Head to the town of Helen, Georgia, tucked in the mountains and only 90 miles from Atlanta.

Featuring high pitched roofs, half-timbered exteriors, and wooden balconies spilling over with flowers, Helen, Georgia reinvented itself from a dying lumber town to a major tourist destination. Today, it is home to the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the country and welcomes over 1 million visitors annually. With numerous shops, restaurants, and activities, Helen can be a bit overwhelming. Let our guide below show you the best family-friendly activities for your visit.

Westside Park: Explore Atlanta's Largest, Newest Greenspace

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Fri, 09/10/2021 - 8:31am

Westside Park will eventually be 280 acres, the largest park in Atlanta, with enough outdoor space for all families of shapes and sizes.

Atlanta’s long-awaited Westside Park recently opened (first phase) and it’s ready to be explored. The gigantic park, located west of Midtown, has been in the works for over 15 years at a cost of $44 million. The true beauty of the park, eventually spanning 280 acres, is the former Bellwood Quarry, now a reservoir set to hold 2.4 billion gallons of water, which contains the emergency drinking water supply for the city.

Larger than Chastain Memorial Park in Buckhead and Piedmont Park in Midtown, Westside Park is open 6 am-11 pm daily. Westside Park features amenities parents will enjoy: playground, stroller-friendly trails, free parking, and plenty of restroom facilities. Note: Though Phase 1 of Westside Park is complete, the public space is not completely finished and thus, some attractions, park hours, and other details could change as the project nears completion. Read our guide below and be one of the first to enjoy this urban oasis!

7 State Parks Near Atlanta for Families to Explore

Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on Sun, 08/08/2021 - 11:03am

Cherokee Falls at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia.

Who says you need to travel far to have fun with your family? Before you plan a large-scale trip, check out these Georgia state parks close to Atlanta. You’ll discover activities and wonders that are almost in your own backyard!

Your kids will love participating in the Junior Ranger Program. Pick up a park-specific book at the visitor center and complete the activities for a badge. Earn additional rewards for multiple camping, hiking, and other events in any of the 48 state parks.

Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

Latest posts by Rebecca Ruffin

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