Posted by Every once in a while, it’s good to shake up the routine. Step out of the daily noise and let the city take you somewhere unexpected. For us, that escape came in the form of an Atlanta day trip—an all-out adventure with our littlest explorer, Sawyer. What started as a casual weekend plan turned into a whirlwind of underwater giants, squishy sensations, high-tech putt-putt, and dessert that might’ve broken the laws of physics (and possibly parenting).
Georgia Aquarium: Face to Fin with Wonder
We started with the big one—the Georgia Aquarium, home to some of the most mesmerizing creatures on the planet. And for Sawyer? It was all about the whale sharks. Massive. Gentle. Otherworldly. We stood shoulder to glass with these floating titans as they glided past like living submarines, their silhouettes casting waves of silence and awe across the crowd.
Sawyer didn’t say much—just stared. Eyes wide, little fingers pressed against the glass. It wasn’t just fascination, it was full-on kid hypnosis. You can show your kids videos, books, movies… but seeing a whale shark drift by in real time? It’s magic you can’t download.
We got lost in that blue room for what felt like forever. And honestly, I think the whole day could’ve ended there and felt complete. But Atlanta had more in store.
Sloomoo Institute: The Slime Cathedral You Never Knew You Needed
Next stop: the Sloomoo Institute—which, if you haven’t heard of it, sounds made-up and absolutely is… in the best way. Imagine a neon dreamscape dedicated to slime. Yes, slime—in every color, texture, and scent you can imagine. And then imagine being encouraged to get your hands messy.
Sawyer was in heaven. We squished, we stretched, we made our own custom goo (complete with glitter and marshmallow scent), and even walked across a slime lake. It was science, art, and chaos all rolled into one glorious sensory experience.
Bonus points: they somehow made slime elegant? The lighting, the music, the visual storytelling—it was immersive. It was weird. It was unforgettable.
Puttshack: Where Golf Meets a Tech Upgrade
Now fully covered in slime residue and whale shark facts, it was time to burn some energy. Enter Puttshack—mini golf, but not the kind you remember. This was mini golf reimagined by someone who clearly grew up gaming.
Each hole was interactive, smart-scored, and full of surprises. One had us playing trivia to earn strokes. Another made us bounce balls off digital targets. And then there was Sawyer, who spent most of his turn smacking the ball as hard as possible and laughing every time it did something unexpected. Golf etiquette? Not today.
Puttshack was the perfect bridge between experience and play. Adults stayed engaged. Kids were in full play mode. And the neon-lit vibe made it feel more like a party than a sport.
The Yard Milkshake Bar: Where Diets Go to Die (Happily)
To end the day, we made the mandatory dessert detour to The Yard—a milkshake bar that doesn’t mess around. These aren’t shakes. They’re edible monuments to excess.
Sawyer’s choice involved cookie dough, an entire brownie, chocolate drizzle, and a rim coated in frosting and candy. It was less a dessert and more an architectural feat. We shared. We failed to finish. We accepted our sugary fate with sticky hands and full hearts.
A City That Played Back
Atlanta showed up for us in the best way. It reminded us that a great escape doesn’t always need plane tickets or months of planning. Sometimes it’s just a day of leaning in—into curiosity, into creativity, into joyful chaos.
And through it all, Sawyer was right there—soaking in every color, creature, bounce, and bite. This wasn’t just a trip. It was a memory stitched together by shark fins, slime splats, glowing golf balls, and one epic milkshake.
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