9 Places to Pretend to be an Olympian

The 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro begins this week. If you've always dreamed of becoming an Olympic athlete, but maybe lacked the dedication to see it through, don't worry, you can still experience the thrill of victory by participating in Olympic sports a little closer to home. Here are three of our favorites. Visit Field Trips with Sue family travel blog for six more.

Triathlon: Kids can get a taste of what it’s like to compete in an Olympic triathlon on Sept. 18 in Alpharetta. The IronKids Alpharetta Triathlon brings kids from across the Southeast to compete in three age categories: junior (ages 6-8), intermediate (ages 9-12) and senior (ages 12-15).

Track and Field: According to a Top End Sports poll, Athletics, or track and field, is the second most popular Olympic sport at the Rio Games (gymnastics was first). Ease your self, and your kids into running with the Running Nerd Nation’s One Mile Race Series. The next race is on August 27, so you have a little time to train.

Mountain Biking: First-timers and advanced riders can check off more than 68 miles of mountain bike trails at Georgia State Parks with the Muddy Spokes Club. The club highlights designated trails at 11 state parks, the most popular being Cloudland Canyon, Fort Mountain, Fort Yargo, Unicoi State Park and Watson Mill Bridge state parks. To join the Muddy Spokes Club, mountain bikers buy a $10 membership punch card. Complete all the trails, and receive a Muddy Spokes Club t-shirt.

For more ideas on where to experience the Olympics in Atlanta, visit Field Trips with Sue family travel blog.