Things to Do in Atlanta While You’re Social Distancing

By Joleen Pete
Posted April 1, 2020

Looking for things to do in Atlanta? Here are our best boredom busters and sanity savers.

While most of us are working or schooling from home, it is important to get out of the house for fresh air and exercise and to stay in touch with the larger world if only from your sofa. We’ve gathered some resources to help you beat boredom and de-stress while social distancing.

Get Outdoors

Enjoy fresh air and sunshine with a brisk walk through one of your favorite trails or park paths. Stay away from group events, but take the kids out for a picnic, to fly a kite or play catch at your local park, walk a more secluded section of the BeltLine or plan a photo scavenger hunt at Historic Oakland Cemetery. Try going during less popular times and find wide, open areas so that you can keep at least six feet apart from others. If there are too many crowds, find another outdoor location with more space. 

Biking Around Atlanta

The Atlanta BeltLine provides a ready-made path for bicycle enthusiasts and families looking for a ride. Again, make sure you keep at least six feet away from other people. In addition Atlanta offers plenty of paved and off-road options for cyclists. Here is our weekend guide to biking in Atlanta. 

Read Books by Atlanta Authors

Readers may already know that Atlanta is rich with authors and literary gems in the form of independent bookstores and an amazing book festival. Atlanta History Center highlighted some of the authors from the 2019 AJC Decatur Book Festival and their most recent releases. In addition, you might pick up a book or two from among these notable Atlanta authors who have recently published new books:

• Karin Slaughter
• Anissa Gray
• Joshilyn Jackson
• Susan Rebecca White
• Jessica Handler
• Mary Kay Andrews
• Patti Callahan Henry
• Soniah Kamal
• Tayari Jones

Street Art Tour

Atlanta is a mecca for street art. The ever-changing landscape features murals and art installations ranging from Tiny Doors ATL to murals all around town. Download one (or more) of the 7 self-guided Atlanta street art tours to your phone and head out to explore the colorful creations of Atlanta’s local artists.

Take a Drive

Pollen got you down? Why not take a scenic drive through Atlanta instead. Put on your favorite jams or listen to an audio book while you explore the city and see what different Atlanta neighborhoods have to offer.

Watch a Movie or TV Show Filmed in Atlanta

Did you know that Atlanta is the Hollywood of the South? Many of your favorite movies and shows are filmed right here, so why not plan your own Atlanta-themed film fest? Add these Atlanta-based shows and films to your must-watch list:

• “The Walking Dead”
• “Ozark”
• “Black Panther”
• “Hidden Figures”
• “Captain America: Civil War”

Here is a list of more films shot in Atlanta. 

You can even visit some of the more popular filming locations by checking out the top filming locations in Atlanta and best Atlanta neighborhoods for film fanatics.  

Go Hiking

Want to knock a few hours out of your day and really get away from it all? Plan a family hike. You don’t have to venture far from the metro area to explore one of these beautiful areas and easy hiking trails. Stone Mountain Park is still open and makes for a great family hike. Consider a sunrise hike to avoid crowds.

Support Local Business

Now more than ever it’s important to support our local economy and small businesses especially. While some are open and finding creative ways to do business and help those stuck at home, your local favorite may be temporarily shuttered. Order coffee or send balloons to your favorite kiddos stuck at home. Need to telecommute but it’s too noisy and distracting at home? Use a hotel room. This post shares some innovative ways to keep supporting local businesses.

Know someone who could use a pick me up? Sensational Baskets has a special selection of “At Home 2020” treats, and Tiff’s Treats is open for pick-up and contact-free deliveries. 

Discover Atlanta Virtually

Maybe you can’t get out of the house but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all that Atlanta has to offer, virtually. Many of Atlanta’s top attractions and museums are offering virtual tours and activities that you can view in the comfort of your own home. Been meaning to take your kids to the aquarium? Tune into the aquarium’s web cameras to watch a number of exhibits live. Want to catch the latest from the Center for Puppetry Arts? Now you can via the Center at Home program. From virtual concerts and online watch parties, check out more virtual events here. 

Hospitality Resources to Help and Get Help

Looking for ways you can help? This list shares ways to support our local infrastructure and keep our economy strong. Need help? We’ve got resources for that as well. Most importantly, remember we’re all in this together. With patience and perseverance, Atlantans, like others around the world, will rise up to meet challenges head on.

Visit here for a complete list of coronavirus-related cancellations and closures in Atlanta. 

Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.