Summer 2027 in Atlanta: the city's 12 free outdoor pools, Camp Best Friends and other city camps, Zoo Atlanta's Safari Camp and when to register.

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Where 2027 dates are not out yet, we give the 2026 schedule with the year stated. We never guess a new date.

Atlanta Public Schools’ last day is Thursday, May 27, 2027 (APS calendar). The city’s pools open around Memorial Day weekend, and the first camp registration dates fall in winter.

At a glance

  • City pools: 12 outdoor pools, free; 2026 opening was May 23-30
  • Camp Best Friends (city): 2026 ran June 8 to July 24, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Zoo Atlanta Summer Safari Camp: registration opens Monday, Jan. 25, 2027
  • Questions about city programs: dial 311

City of Atlanta outdoor pools

The city charges no admission at its outdoor pools. In 2026, four opened for Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25 (Grant Park, John A. White Park, South Bend and Maddox Park), and the rest opened Saturday, May 30. Every pool ran 12:30 to 7 p.m., closed two weekdays a week. An adult must always accompany children under 12. All city pools, recreation centers and natatoriums closed on Juneteenth and July 4. Source: ATL311: City of Atlanta outdoor swimming pools.

Closed Monday and Tuesday (2026) Closed Wednesday and Thursday (2026)
Adams Park, 1581 Lagoon Lane SW Candler Park, 1500 McClendon Ave. NE
Anderson Park, 100 Anderson Ave. NW John A. White Park, 1101 Cascade Circle SW
Grant Park, 625 Park Ave. Maddox Park, 1142 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW
Rev. James Orange Park, 1305 Oakland Lane SW Pittman Park, 952 Garibaldi St. SW
Rosa L. Burney Park, 477 Windsor St. SW Powell at Mozley Park, 1690 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive NW
Thomasville Park, 1750 Thomasville Drive SE South Bend Park, 2000 Lakewood Ave. SE

Pool rules and the city’s four indoor natatoriums are on the Department of Parks and Recreation aquatics page.

City camps

The Department of Parks and Recreation runs youth camps every summer. From the city’s 2026 listing (ATL311: Camp Best Friends Summer Program):

  • Camp Best Friends, the city’s summer day camp: June 8 to July 24, 2026, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Financial hardship assistance and a multi-child discount are available.
  • Athletic camps for ages 5 to 12: swim and tennis at Washington Park, soccer at Collier Park.
  • Summer arts camp for ages 5 to 12 at the South Bend Center for Arts & Culture.
  • Therapeutic camp for ages 6 to 18 at Coan Park.
  • Atlanta Teen Academy at C.T. Martin (ages 13 to 18), Thomasville (Junior Academy, ages 13 to 14) and At Promise South (ages 12 to 18).

Weekly fees differ for city residents and nonresidents; the listing gives each one. Registration is online through the city’s iPARCS system or in person at the camp site. The city had not posted 2027 camp dates on Oct. 6.

Zoo Atlanta Summer Safari Camp

Weekly day camp for ages 5 to 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (drop-off 8:30 a.m., pickup until 4:30 p.m.), with extended care from 8 a.m. and until 5 p.m. for an extra weekly fee. Campers explore the zoo, meet animals and work on science projects; the youngest group, Junior Rangers, is ages 5 to 7. Registration for 2027 opens Monday, Jan. 25, 2027. Source: Zoo Atlanta Summer Safari Camp.

Splash pads and fountains

We could not confirm 2027 splash pad schedules from an official page. We will add the city’s spraygrounds and park fountains here, with hours, once they are posted.

Frequently asked questions

When do Atlanta city pools open? In 2026, four pools opened May 23-25 and the rest May 30. 2027 dates are not out yet.

Are City of Atlanta pools free? Yes. An adult must accompany children under 12.

What is Camp Best Friends? The city’s summer day camp: in 2026, June 8 to July 24, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

When does Zoo Atlanta summer camp registration open? Monday, Jan. 25, 2027, for ages 5 to 14.

When does Atlanta Public Schools let out for summer? Thursday, May 27, 2027.

What this means for you

  • Mark Jan. 25, 2027, for Zoo Atlanta camp registration.
  • Check which two weekdays your nearest pool closes before you go.
  • City pools and centers closed on Juneteenth and July 4 in 2026.

Related: Memorial Day in Atlanta, kids’ activities and free things to do.