The Zoo, Fernbank, Pools, etc. Impressions of Atlanta family-friendly entertainment/attractions during Covid (Woodstock: neighborhood)

[jeoff]

If anyone has experienced family friendly entertainment attractions/options during the pandemic, please post your impressions here. Pools? Camps? Six Flags?
(Also, even if you think someone is *crazy* for taking their family to some place, please try to express your concerns in a polite and constructive way—folks are more likely to listen to you, and you might help make someone’s family safer.)

We did the Zoo and Fernbank last weekend, both are probably much safer Covid-wise than a trip to Target. Both required reservations, but we were able to obtain reservations the same day.

https://zooatlanta.org

Parking: use the lot on the west-side. it is free and super-convenient with the reduced crowds. The east-side deck costs $10, is less convenient, and almost feels like it is being run as an old Turner Field gypsy lot.
Zoo: the crowd was very light. They had barriers up to direct visitors mostly in one direction. Although masks are required for over age 10, about 75% of adults were making an attempt to correctly wear a mask (though the zoo’s own cleanup crews did not correctly wear masks, all other observed workers/volunteers/police did). About half of kids over age 4 wore masks. If you made an effort, you could almost completely stay away from other folks. Zoo personnel directed folks how to behave while entering the treehouse area, but do not correct folks improperly wearing masks. With the Georgia heat, cloth masks are probably preferable, if you are comfortable with that level of protection. Food options are greatly reduced. Dippin dots, pretzels, a food truck with chicken strips, and *maybe* pizza (available for online order or something). Playground and rockwall are closed. Kiddie train and carousel are open. The sanitizer stations we tried were all functional. Even with the barriers, it was actually a nicer than average trip to the zoo. Overall, I think the zoo did a good job of keeping the place safe and fun.

https://fernbankmuseum.org

At Fernbank almost all workers and visitors that I noticed appear to be correctly using masks while in the building. Once you hit the trails it was maybe 75% for visitors—(even less the deeper into the woods you went.) The crowds are very light. Inside, a few parts of exhibits were closed. Food options are greatly reduced. My guess is that the exhibits you should feel most anxious about are the ones that require physical exertion that kids get excited about (the tug-of-war levers and the hoists)—unrelated kids could join in and infect one another—you could intensely observe your children, instruct your children to stay away from those stations, or avoid the exhibits that have those sort of stations altogether. We did not check out the super-interactive indoor playground—*if* it is open, I would consider avoiding that. Did not check out the IMAX—my guess is that if they are running, the crowds would be super-sparse and relatively safe. Stairs are one-way only. The passive exhibits all seemed very safe due to a very high level of folks correctly using masks and the light crowds.

[Citykid3785]

Flew - masks mandatory. Airport was empty, no off airport parking due to lack of need. Plane was not socially distanced.

Golf - courses are as busy as ever, but otherwise outside and lots of fun.

Hiking - trails are busy, but once again, great activity.

Neighborhood pool - fun, nothing to report about.

[Thulsa]

I had the same experience as jeoff at the Zoo and Fernbank. Crowd-wise, now is a great time to go.
At Fernbank some of the Senses display wasn't installed, but they were the ones that were about touching things.
At the Zoo, a few things were closed such as the reptile house, as well as the big outdoor bird and lemur house.


We went to the High Museum of Art, and they also are asking for reservations. Face coverings are required.
It was doubly nice because I prefer a quiet museum without people stepping in between me and the art. They had sanitizer here and there but not everywhere. But that's OK because we don't touch the artwork in spite of what the guards seem to think, lol.
The 1280 restaurant was closed which was disappointing because that's always part of our visit.

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are mostly open and also requiring a timed ticket and face masks. Some of the things are closed such as the children's splash pad. The conservatories don't open until noon.
Mondays are now open for members only! That's when we went and there were few people that morning.

In a way, though, it feels sad that these places are having to cut back on the crowds.

[vtecluder617]

Although not Atlanta per se, we have been frequenting the lake (Allatoona) most weekends for the past couple of months. There are probably roughly 10 beaches or so to choose from, and we go to Galts Ferry Beach close to Woodstock. The great thing about it is they have picnic tables with charcoal grills under big pine trees which offer great shade, and the tables are spread apart enough to allow for social distancing from other families (you have to get there early to get a good table!). We bring a cooler with drinks, food, and anything else we need for the day. The actual beach is a decent size, but can get busy closer to the afternoon. We brought kayaks with us too, and there are many spots to launch from. They have bathrooms not far from the beach/tables, and we simply throw on a mask if we need to use them. Hand sanitizer at the ready

[AtlJan]

My kids have been hanging out at city parks and the neighborhood pool. We flew to Nevada/California for a week earlier this month and it was great. I think it's a good time to fly--everyone wore masks, planes were half-empty w/ no one in the middle seats. We rarely had a person w/in 6 ft of us the whole time. Thanks, Delta!

Kids and dad went to Callaway Gardens. The lake was closed so not a great deal of fun.