Family Fun in Atlanta
Atlanta may not get as much attention as other family destinations, but this busy city can compete with the best of them, and is full of all kinds of family fun. With everything from a thriving arts community and gorgeous outdoor parks to rich Southern history and culture, there are so many fun activities in Atlanta for kids and families.
Atlanta is host to the world’s busiest airport and a great public transportation system — it’s easy to get to and get around once you’re here. And with a great climate year-round, any season is a great time to visit Atlanta. Whatever your family likes to do, it’s a great place for families to explore and have fun. If you’re wondering what to do here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to take the kids during your visit to Atlanta.
Kid-Friendly Museums in Atlanta
If your family loves exploring museums, Atlanta is the place for you. Whether you love science, history, or art, Atlanta has a wide variety of family-friendly museums for you — including one especially geared for the kids. Each of the museums on this list provides education and entertainment for the whole family — try them all!
1. Atlanta History Center
More than just a single museum building, the Atlanta History Center is a collection of museum exhibits, historic homes and farms, trails, gardens, and forests on more than 32 acres. Learn about the Civil War, the 1996 Olympic Games, and so much more. The Smith Family Farm has historically costumed characters to teach kids about homesteading in the South. Also on site is the gorgeous 1920s Swan House, where another cast of characters in period costume will teach you about the home’s former inhabitants. If your kids are fans of the Hunger Games, they may recognize the Swan House from the movies.
Admission to the History Center also includes admission to the Margaret Mitchell House, which is five miles from the main center. Here you can see the apartment where the famous author wrote “Gone With the Wind.” With such a vast collection of artifacts and activities, the Atlanta History Center has enough to keep the whole family entertained all day.
2. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
If your kids love dinosaurs — and who doesn’t! — this is the museum for your family. The Fernbank Museum of Natural History has some of the world’s largest dinosaurs on display. Besides the dinosaurs, this museum has tons of interactive science exhibits the whole family will enjoy. Learn about Georgia’s natural history, including the historic re-creations of the plants and animals of the Okefenokee Swamp.
You can also explore more hands-on exhibits on the natural world, culture, and history, as well as a huge, colorful collection of seashells and the all-new STEM exhibit on the forces of nature. A day at the Fernbank can also include 3D and IMAX movies as well as playtime and exploring in their Outdoor Adventures area with treehouses and nature walks.
3. High Museum of Art
As the leading art museum of the Southeast, the High Museum of Art boasts more than 17,000 works of historic and contemporary art. The museum’s vast collections are housed in architecturally beautiful buildings designed by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. Every member of the family is sure to find their favorite type of artwork here, with everything from photography and modern art to folk art and decorative art and design.
Families are welcomed at the High Museum of Art, and special programs and activities for kids ensures everyone has a great time learning about art. Be sure to check out the museum’s weekly family-friendly activities, as well as the Greene Family Learning Gallery, which is specially designed for families with babies and children up to age 8. This safe, inclusive space is meant for children and families to have hands-on experiences with the art, celebrating creativity and imagination.
4. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
This recently renovated and interactive museum is a hit with the younger kids up to about age 8. The kids will love this museum designed just for them, from painting in the hands-on art studio to launching rockets and playing in a magical castle. At the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, kids can learn about the continents while they climb through the layers of the earth, or follow our food’s journey from farm to table in all-new exhibits that make learning fun.
The museum holds daily storytimes as well as fun interactive programs that encourage art, music, science, and more. All of these wonderful programs are included in the price of admission. Spark your kids’ imaginations and encourage learning through playtime. Your family will want to spend the whole day exploring this amazing Atlanta spot for kids.
Atlanta Parks for Kids to Explore
Atlanta is full of awesome parks for the whole family to enjoy — it’s the perfect way to get in a little exercise and some fun in the sun too! Whether your family is interested in hiking, biking, swimming, boating, or any other outdoor activity, you can find it here. For some of the most fun family things in Atlanta, check out these top-rated parks.
1. Stone Mountain Park
This huge park — covering more than 3,200 acres — is one of Atlanta’s top attractions. Spend the day hiking to the top of the mountain to enjoy the beautiful scenic views, or choose to take a classic Swiss gondola or leisurely train ride up to the top. There’s something for everyone at Stone Mountain Park, with many different outdoor attractions to enjoy. Pack a picnic lunch and then rent bikes, Segways, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards for an outdoor family adventure. Take one of several different group tours, try a round of golf, or swing through the treetops in one of the country’s largest outdoor adventure courses.
The calendar at Stone Mountain Park is packed with various festivals and events for all ages to enjoy, so check it out and see what fun awaits. This park is perfect for both a day trip or an extended stay — with campgrounds and resorts on-site, you can make a long weekend of it and take in more of the park’s fun activities!
2. Piedmont Park
Known as “Atlanta’s Central Park,” and one of the most beloved urban parks in the city, Piedmont Park is loaded with family fun. With plenty of park trails to explore, a family-friendly pool area, a huge splash pad for kids, and two playgrounds to keep the little ones busy, you’re bound to find something fun for your family to do. Bring a picnic and spend the whole day at this classic park with gorgeous views of the city skyline.
Many fun festivals and events are planned throughout the year at Piedmont, as well as guided tours and bird walks. If you visit on a Saturday in the summer, be sure to check out the Green Market, one of Atlanta’s best farmers’ markets. Here you can pick up all your favorite artisan goods and enjoy live music and demonstrations as well as a special kids’ activity area.
3. Centennial Olympic Park
Designed for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games, Centennial Olympic Park was re-designed for long-term public use shortly after the games. This top tourist destination is located right in the heart of the city and has much for families to discover. Check out the visitors’ center for information on the 1996 games and how the park was used during the Olympic events, and explore all of the park’s monuments and Olympic tributes.
Don’t miss the park’s Fountain of Rings — the kids will love splashing around here, or enjoying the show that plays four times daily and coordinates the fountain jets to music. The park also hosts the Skyview Ferris Wheel — another can’t-miss attraction. Ride in a climate-controlled gondola to the top of this 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel and enjoy the cityscape views.
More Things to Do in Atlanta With Kids
There’s still more fun to be had for the whole family in Atlanta. Check out these creative ideas for kid-friendly things to do in Atlanta.
1. World of Coca-Cola
Atlanta is the birthplace of world-famous beverage brand Coca-Cola as well as home to the company’s headquarters. At this interactive museum, families can learn all about the history of the company and meet the famous Coca-Cola Polar Bear. Exercise your taste buds and get your sugar rush in the World of Coca-Cola tasting room, where you can sample every beverage the company has ever made. Try old favorites, regional flavors, or sample something new.
Check out the 4D movie and the thousands of Coke-related artifacts in this fun museum. See the vault and learn more about the closely-guarded secret formula and bottling process for this popular soda. Parents and kids alike will find fun things to do in this famous Atlanta institution.
2. Six Flags Over Georgia
For thrilling rides and other amusement park fun, Six Flags Over Georgia is the family destination to check out. From the kiddie rides to the more extreme thrill-rides, kids of all ages will enjoy this classic amusement park. You might run into Bugs Bunny and his friends wandering through the park — perfect for a photo op with your favorite characters. Or join these characters in a fun dance party with some of the best dance music from all eras, which happens several times each day.
Be sure to bring your swimsuits so you can check out Hurricane Harbor — Six Flags’ own on-site water park. This fun attraction has waterslides, a wave pool, and tons of other fun things to explore, and is included in the Six Flags admission price. Rent out your own private cabana for the day to give your family a place to rest and relax in between all the splashing and sliding.
3. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta
For the LEGO builder of any age, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta is a great place to spend the day. Explore the LEGO-themed exhibits, including replicas of many familiar Atlanta landmarks — built out of LEGO bricks, of course! This attraction also includes two fun rides, a 4D movie theater, and several hands-on play areas where the kids — or adults — can build to their hearts’ content. There is also a DUPLO building area for the younger kids.
Meet your favorite LEGO characters, and then take a factory tour to learn how the popular bricks are made. Challenge the whole family to build and race their own LEGO cars in the Build & Test zone, or build a tower together and test its strength on the earthquake tables. There’s enough brightly-colored LEGO fun to keep the whole family entertained all day at this unique attraction.
4. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Since 1976, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has welcomed families to its lovely collection of plants, gardens, and displays. Visiting the Botanical Garden is one of the best ways in the city to get some fresh air, and there’s something for everyone here. Immerse yourselves in nature and enjoy the beautiful scenery, walking along the more than 30 acres of gorgeous plants and flowers.
During your family visit to the Botanical Garden, be sure to check out the Lou Glenn Children’s Garden. Enter the garden by crossing over the Flower Bridge to explore the many entertaining and educational exhibits designed for kids. Learn about edible vegetable gardens, observe venus fly traps and other carnivorous plants, and climb, splash, and play in the garden’s playground and splash pad. With the cityscape nearby and the stunning array of trees, flowers, and topiaries, the Atlanta Botanical Garden makes for a lovely way to spend the day together as a family.
Finish Your Day at Catch 12
Whatever family activities you choose for the day, why not end the day with a delicious, upscale meal together? Introduce your children to the art of fine dining at Catch 12 with our contemporary American menu and excellent service. Join us for dinner in our intimate dining room or on our outdoor terrace. After a busy day of exploring the city and all of its exciting attractions, unwind with handcrafted cocktails and creative, award-winning menu items — everything from sushi to traditional steakhouse fare.
Or, if the kids are worn out after a tiring day of seeing the sights, and you have a sitter, enjoy an adults-only date night at Catch 12. Our local ingredients and chef-driven menu will tempt the tastebuds, while you enjoy our modern, upscale atmosphere and indulge in glasses of wine or creative cocktails. Treat yourselves after your fun family day exploring Atlanta at this amazing and delicious Atlanta hotspot.
