Some grandparents and grandkids in the Atlanta area no doubt reveled in last week’s rare snowfall, or they may have huddled and enjoyed indoor fun throughout.
Now that temperatures are more moderate and the snow melted, you have the chance to share ice-free outdoor activities once more — at least until more wintry weather resumes. You needn’t take on extreme hikes for sunshine and reenergizing. Instead, look into these short jaunts and cozy activities available this week:
Lifeline Animal Project adoption event at Moondog Pub & Grub
2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, free. Moondog Pub & Grub, 5077 Peachtree Road, Chamblee.
Here’s a chance for adults, grandkids and four-legged friends to go out together. The adoption event from the Lifeline Animal Project welcomes leashed dogs and is held at a dog-friendly eatery, Moondog Pub & Grub in Chamblee. Various adoptable pets are featured throughout the two hours, and each adoption includes a spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccine and other pet parent support. But you don’t have to bring home a new family member. Just seeing cool dogs and enjoying being out and about can boost your mood — not to mention the adult beverages available at the venue.
Hike, bike or walk at Big Creek Park and Greenway
Dawn to dusk daily, free. Big Creek Park, 1600 Old Alabama Road, Roswell.
Big Creek Park opens on to 13-miles of multiuse paved greenway. It’s 12 feet wide, making it ideal for bicycling, walking or even jogging. If it’s been too long since your roller blades have escaped the garage, bring them along.
The park also includes mountain bike trails maintained by Roswell-Alpharetta Mountain Bike Organization — RAMBO for short. While dirt jumps and pump tracks are not exactly a spontaneous activity, your group may come across racers and even mountain biking newbies who can put you in the picture about the sport, which welcomes beginners.
If you’re unfamiliar with Big Creek Park, be sure to look at the online photo show beforehand — ideally with the whole group together. That way, you can find potential favorites and keep surprises at bay. When you’re entertaining younger kids and toddlers on the outing, revisiting the slides in the days after the visit can provide fuel for conversation.
Enjoy a fire pit and cozy seating at Colony Square Midtown
8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, complimentary. Colony Square Midtown, 1197 Peachtree Street, Suite 511, Atlanta.
The Winter Squares concept is ever so charming — free access to a firepit and seating for a group in Colony Square, aka “living room of Midtown.”
Instead of just thinking, “That’s appealing,” why not follow through and take your grandkids to enjoy one of the 12 firepit/seating areas? You won’t be able to BYO food or drink, but takeout from on-site restaurants is encouraged. The free offer is strictly first come, first served via the on-site concierge service. Go in with patience and a backup plan to stroll the area if you’re not among the first 12 groups that shows up at any given time.
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