10 Things To Do In Atlanta Georgia For Kids

things to do in atlanta georgia for kids

Atlanta is a city full of fun family-friendly attractions and kid-friendly activities. It has world-class museums, outdoor adventures, and unique experiences. There’s always something exciting for kids to do here.

The Centennial Olympic Park is a top spot for families. It’s a 22-acre park built for the 1996 Olympics1. The park has festivals and events all year, like the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel for amazing views2. Kids will have a blast at the playgrounds and in the Fountain of Rings.

Don’t miss the LEGO Discovery Center for its new rides and LEGO exhibits2. The Sloomoo Institute is another great spot for slime fun for all ages2.

For nature lovers, Atlanta has plenty to offer. The Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell has programs for families to learn about nature2. Sweetwater Creek State Park is close by, with activities like hiking, camping, and fishing2.

Sports fans will love Atlanta’s teams, including the Falcons, Dream, and Hawks2. Watching a game is a great way to spend time together.

On a rainy day, Topgolf is perfect for families with its indoor golf2. For culture, visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. It has a Visitor Center, tours of his childhood home, and Fire Station No. 61.

Skyline of Atlanta, Georgia at sunset with cars on a road in the foreground and tall buildings in the background.

Key Takeaways

  • Atlanta has many family-friendly attractions and activities for kids
  • Centennial Olympic Park is a key spot with festivals, events, and playgrounds
  • LEGO Discovery Center and Sloomoo Institute offer unique kids’ experiences
  • Outdoor fun is available at Chattahoochee Nature Center and Sweetwater Creek State Park
  • Professional sports teams provide thrilling entertainment for families
  • Indoor spots like Topgolf and cultural sites like Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park are great for any weather

Explore the Wonders at Georgia Aquarium

Start an amazing underwater adventure at the Georgia Aquarium. It’s the largest aquarium in the US and shows off a wide variety of marine life from all over the world. With over 10 million gallons of water, it’s home to hundreds of animals and plants3. Everyone will love the aquatic exhibits, showing more than 500 species from over 60 different places4.

See the Ocean Voyager exhibit, a huge 6.3-million-gallon space that’s 284 feet long, 126 feet wide, and 30 feet deep4. You can walk through a 100-foot tunnel to see whale sharks, manta rays, and other sea creatures up close3. The second-biggest exhibit has 800,000 gallons of water and is where six beluga whales live4.

The Georgia Aquarium offers a truly immersive experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the underwater world.

Check out the aquarium’s many galleries and exhibits, like:

  • SHARKS! Predators of the Deep
  • Tropical Diver
  • Cold Water Quest
  • Southern Company River Scout
  • Dolphin Coast
  • Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone3

There are also special events all year, like workout events, conventions, family events, and ones just for adults5. Make sure to catch the Sips Under the Sea series, which is always changing3.

Ticket Type Box Office Price Online Price
General Admission (ages 3+) $44.95 $39.95
Children (ages 2 and under) Free Free
Birthday Admission (with GA ID or birth certificate) Free Free

Buying tickets online saves you $5 per person3. The aquarium has special prices for groups of 25 or more4. Parking costs between $11-$17, depending on your membership and ticket3.

The Georgia Aquarium is open every day, at 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, right in downtown Atlanta4. This amazing place supports marine life conservation, research, and education. By becoming a member or donating, you help fund important research and conservation efforts5.

Discover Hands-On Fun at Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a place where kids can learn and have fun. It’s perfect for children aged 9 and under. Here, they can explore, discover, and learn through play.

Children's Museum of Atlanta interactive exhibits

Visiting the museum is easy with a timed entry system. General admission is from 10:00am to 3:30pm6. Members get a special hour from 9:00am to 10:00am6.

Buying tickets online is a good idea, as walk-up tickets are limited6. Ticket prices change based on the day and session7. The calendar shows the prices for each date and session7.

Interactive Exhibits for Learning Through Play

The museum has exhibits that make learning fun. Kids can play in a grocery store, café, farm, and paint wall. These activities help them be creative and learn social skills.

The two-story climber is a hit with kids. It helps them be active and solve problems.

Engaging Science Experiments and Activities

There are also science experiments, reading times, and arts and crafts. These activities make learning fun and exciting. They help kids develop a love for discovery.

The museum always has new things to see. It focuses on hands-on learning and fun. It’s great for families with young kids who love to explore and learn.

At the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, we believe that play is the foundation of learning. Our interactive exhibits and educational activities are designed to inspire children to explore, discover, and learn in a fun and engaging environment.

Remember, kids must be with an adult to enter. Plan your visit well. Get ready for a fun and learning-filled adventure at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

Embark on an Outdoor Adventure at Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park is a top spot for families who love the outdoors and beautiful views in Atlanta. It’s known for its hiking trails, stunning scenery, and exciting attractions for all ages.

Stone Mountain Park scenic view

Hiking Trails and Scenic Views

Nature lovers will enjoy the park’s trails, like the Nature Garden Trail. It’s a ¾-mile trail that takes about 20 minutes to finish8. This trail is perfect for families with little kids, taking them through a beautiful oak-hickory forest8.

For breathtaking views, the Summit Skyride is open from 3/22/2024 to 1/5/2025. It lets guests see up to 60 miles away9.

Family-Friendly Attractions and Rides

Stone Mountain Park also has lots of fun things for families. The Scenic Railroad, running from 3/9/2024 to 1/5/2025, is a five-mile ride around the mountain9. Dinosaur fans will love Dinosaur Explore, open from 3/9/2024 to 1/5/2025, with over 20 life-size dinosaurs9.

For a cool break during Georgia’s hot summers8, the Geyser Splash Pad is perfect. It has water jets and dump buckets for fun9. SkyHike®, open from 3/16/2024 to 8/4/2024, is for those who love adventure, with a course in the treetops9.

Kids will have a blast at the Dinotorium, open from 3/9/2024 to 1/5/2025, with four levels of fun9. The Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf, also open from 3/9/2024 to 1/5/2025, is a fun mini golf course based on real events9.

Stone Mountain Park has many activities and events all year, like shops with crafts and souvenirs8. Events like the Yellow Daisy Festival, Pumpkin Festival, and Stone Mountain Christmas make it a great place to visit all year8.

Stone Mountain Park is a treasure trove of outdoor adventure and family fun, making it an essential stop on any Atlanta itinerary.

Meet Wildlife at Zoo Atlanta

Start an unforgettable journey into the wild at Zoo Atlanta, at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 3031510. This famous zoo has over 1,000 animals from all over the world. Visitors can see nature’s wonders up close11.

Zoo Atlanta wildlife encounters

Explore the world of giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta. These amazing animals will delight everyone with their fun and cute nature. The zoo is dedicated to saving animals and teaching people, making it perfect for families and animal lovers.

Join the Wild Encounters program for a closer look at the animals. Prices are from $45 to $130, plus admission, for ages 4 and up1211. These special moments help visitors learn more about the animals at Zoo Atlanta.

“Our visit to Zoo Atlanta was amazing! The animal exhibits were so well-designed, and we loved learning about the importance of conservation. The giant pandas were definitely the highlight of our trip!”

Zoo Atlanta also has special events and activities throughout the year. These events offer more chances to meet wildlife. Some events include:

  • Rise and Dine with the Animals: Have breakfast with the zoo’s animals on certain dates like May 11, 18, and June 15, 22. It costs $65, which includes admission11.
  • Petting Zoo Painters: See animals make unique art with safe paint. This happens on Saturdays and costs $75 for a group of four, plus admission11.
  • Kids Night Out: Leave your kids (ages 5-11) for a fun, learning-filled evening at the zoo. It’s on certain summer dates like June 15, 29, July 13, 27, and costs $42 per child11.

Remember, parking costs $3 an hour, with a max of $12 a day12. For Wild Encounters, canceling more than 7 days before gets a full refund. Canceling less than 7 days before costs a 10% fee12.

Experience the magic of animals at Zoo Atlanta. It’s where wildlife, learning, and helping animals come together. Visitors of all ages will leave with memories and a love for nature.

Unleash Creativity at Legoland Discovery Center

Start an amazing journey at Legoland Discovery Center, where dreams come alive. It’s a place where kids and families can dive into creative play and learn together. With lots of attractions and activities, it’s a hit for Lego fans of all ages.

Legoland Discovery Center

Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey has grown by 30%, giving families more space to play and explore13. Don’t miss the chance to save 30% on the Anytime Annual Pass early this summer, ending July 15th13.

Build and Play with Millions of Lego Bricks

Step into a world filled with Lego bricks. Build anything you imagine, from tall buildings to cool vehicles. The DUPLO park is perfect for little ones, offering fun and learning activities13.

Enjoy Rides and 4D Cinema Experience

Experience the thrill of Legoland Discovery Center’s attractions. Ride the Space Mission, play Kingdom Quest, or check out MINILAND14. Don’t miss the 4D movie with Lego’s Emmet and Unikitty for a unique adventure14.

Combine your trip to Legoland with SEA LIFE Aquarium and Peppa Pig World of Play for more fun14. SEA LIFE costs just $12 more and lets you see amazing sea creatures up close13.

Attraction Age Range Highlights
Lego Building Areas All ages Millions of Lego bricks for creative building
DUPLO Park Toddlers Interactive areas for learning through play
4D Cinema All ages Immersive cinematic experience with Lego characters
Rides and Attractions Varies Space Mission, Kingdom Quest, MINILAND, and more

Visit Legoland Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth in Grapevine, Texas. Check the schedule for Lego character appearances, usually Thurs-Sun, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m14..

Legoland Discovery Center is the perfect destination for family entertainment, offering interactive experiences that spark creativity and imagination in children of all ages.

Immerse in Nature at Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a hidden gem in Piedmont Park. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a journey through beautiful landscapes15. The garden is closed on Mondays but opens on special dates, giving families many chances to explore nature15.

Once inside, you’ll find a world of outdoor exhibits that show nature’s beauty. The Alice in Wonderland display is a must-see, taking you to a magical place. Walk through gardens that look like art and find surprises at every turn.

Atlanta Botanical Garden outdoor exhibits

The garden is easy to get around for everyone, thanks to wheelchair and scooter access. You can borrow wheelchairs for free and rent scooters for a small fee15. Visitors usually spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, enjoying the garden at their own pace15.

The “Glass in Flight” exhibit is a highlight, with 15 huge glass and steel sculptures of insects16. Artist Alex Heveri, a former lawyer, made these amazing pieces. They show the beauty and details of insects using the “Dalle da Verre” technique16.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a haven for families seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature while creating lasting memories together.

The garden also has events and programs for families. There are workshops, tours, and a kids’ area with a playground and water features16. It’s a place where kids can have fun and learn.

Remember, no outside food or drinks are allowed. But, there are places to eat inside, like the Longleaf restaurant and Snack Bar15. Pets aren’t allowed, but service animals are welcome15.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where nature’s wonders unfold before your eyes, creating an unforgettable experience for the entire family.

Step into a World of Puppets at Center for Puppetry Arts

Start a magical journey into the world of puppets at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. This place, opened in 1978, has over 5,000 puppets and artifacts17. It changes its puppets and props often, so you can see new ones each visit1817.

Center for Puppetry Arts

In 2015, the museum got bigger, showing how popular puppetry is18. You can take a self-guided tour for $12 for kids 2-12, $16 for teens and adults, $14 for seniors 55+, and free for babies17. It’s open Tuesday to Friday, Saturday, Sunday, but closed on Mondays17.

Explore the Jim Henson Collection

The Jim Henson Collection is a big deal here, with over 500 items from shows like Sesame Street and The Muppet Show1817. It’s the biggest Muppet collection in the world. Fans of all ages will love getting close to their favorite Muppets.

Watch Captivating Puppet Performances

There are over a dozen puppet shows every year, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Charlotte’s Web18. Kids aged 4 and up can join Puppet Workshops after the shows, lasting about 20 minutes18.

Sensory Sundays are special for families with sensitive kids, with lower lights and quieter volumes18. They also show movies like The Muppet Movie and Labyrinth, with tickets that include museum entry18.

For a full puppetry experience, try the Summer Camps for different ages18. A visit usually takes 2-3 hours, or an hour just for the museum17.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is perfect for puppet lovers or families wanting something different. It’s a place that will amaze and inspire everyone.

Play and Learn at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Interactive exhibits at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a great place for families who love natural science. It has three levels of exhibits, like dinosaurs, Georgia’s natural history, and a hands-on science exhibit. Kids can learn by playing and exploring.

There are summer camps for kids aged 5-12. Members can sign up on January 15, 2024, at 12 p.m. EST. Non-members can sign up on January 22, 2024, at the same time19. The cost is $300 for members and $350 for non-members, with a discount for the week of July 4th19.

Summer Camp themes include Ecology Day, Mirror Maze, and Oceans, among others. These themes run from June 3 to July 2619. Ranger Camp is for ages 10-12 and focuses on naturalist skills and exploring the 65-acre forest19.

Fernbank also has weekend activities for kids of all ages. Geology Rocks is for ages 6+, while Dino Talk is also great for that age group20. The Live Animal Encounter is fun for everyone20. Family Nature Walk and Morning Hike are best for ages 6+, and Story Time is for ages 1-620.

Date Activity Time
Saturday, August 17, 2024 Live Animal Encounter 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Saturday, August 24, 2024 Morning Hike 10:00 AM
Saturday, August 24, 2024 Meet a Ranger 11:00 AM
Sunday, August 25, 2024 Live Animal Encounter 1:00 PM

The Fernbank After Dark event on August 9, 2024, is a special night. It runs from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It’s a chance to see the museum in a new way20.

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is perfect for families who want to spark their kids’ interest in natural science. It offers interactive exhibits and fun activities that make learning exciting.

Experience the Excitement of Atlanta

Family enjoying outdoor activities in Piedmont Park, Atlanta

Atlanta is full of fun for families with kids. It has thrilling attractions and outdoor adventures for everyone. Piedmont Park is a favorite spot for outdoor fun like playing frisbee, having picnics, or enjoying nature21. It also has weekly and monthly events for endless fun and making memories21.

Engage in Outdoor Activities at Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is a beautiful spot in Atlanta’s heart. It covers 30 acres and has many outdoor activities for families22. You can play catch, fly a kite, or explore trails here. The park’s green lawns and beautiful views are perfect for relaxing and spending time with family.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Events and Festivals

Atlanta has many events and festivals all year for families. There’s always something fun going on, like music festivals and cultural events. Events like the Atlanta Jazz Festival, the Dogwood Festival, and the Peachtree Road Race are great for fun and learning about Atlanta’s culture.

“Atlanta is a city that knows how to have fun. With its vibrant festivals and endless outdoor activities, it’s the perfect destination for families looking to create unforgettable memories together.”

Atlanta has more than Piedmont Park to offer. The Georgia Aquarium is the biggest in the U.S., with over 100,000 fish and marine animals23. Six Flags Over Georgia is a fun amusement park with roller coasters and attractions for kids2223.

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is great for learning. It has interactive exhibits and dinosaur displays that kids will love22. You can spend about 2 hours there, exploring and learning23.

Atlanta has something for every family’s interests. With its outdoor activities, events, and attractions, it’s the best place for a family vacation.

Discover the Thrills at Six Flags Over Georgia

Get ready for an exciting adventure at Six Flags Over Georgia. This amusement park is perfect for families. It has over 40 rides, including 12 roller coasters and three water rides. Everyone in the family will find something fun to do24.

Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park

Ride Heart-Pumping Roller Coasters

For those who love thrills, the park has many roller coasters. Blue Hawk has a 122-foot lift hill and drops over 50 mph. Dare Devil Dive has a 95-foot lift and reaches 52 miles per hour24. Twisted Cyclone is a unique ride with three inversions and a steep drop24.

Other coasters include Goliath and Superman, which can get busy on Saturdays25. The Great American Scream Machine is a classic wooden coaster26.

Enjoy Kid-Friendly Attractions and Shows

The park has rides and attractions for young children too. Bugs Bunny Boomtown and DC Super Friends area are great for little ones26. There are also smaller rides like Ferris Wheels and carousels25.

There’s more than rides at Six Flags Over Georgia. Enjoy shows like Looney Tunes and ShenaniGuns26. The 4D Justice League ride is fun for the whole family26.

Attraction Description
Hurricane Harbor A water park with attractions like Tsunami Surge and Bonzai Pipelines2426.
Fright Fest A Halloween event with scary shows and rides2426.
Holiday in the Park A festive event with holiday lights and trees2426.

Consider buying Flash Passes to skip lines, starting at $6025. There are also Dining Pass options and a drink bottle with unlimited refills for $19.99 each25.

Six Flags Over Georgia is at 275 Riverside Parkway, SW Austell, Ga. 301682426.

For more fun, visit Six Flags White Water, with its water park and attractions24. Check the park’s website for operating hours when planning your visit24.

Spark Imagination at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Take your child on an adventure at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. This place is full of interactive exhibits and hands-on learning. Since 1988, it has been a top spot for kids aged 0-8, right next to Centennial Olympic Park since 200327. Every year, over 200,000 visitors come to enjoy the fun and learn through play27.

In 2015, the museum got a big upgrade with an $8 million renovation. It added a 3000 square-foot second floor and a two-story climbing area27. Kids can dive into exhibits like Fundamentally Food and Gateway to the World. There’s also Leaping Into Learning, Let Your Creativity Flow, Step Up To Science, and Tools For Solutions. These exhibits help kids solve problems and make friends27.

The museum also has programs to help kids learn about reading, eating right, and more. They work hard to make sure all kids can come, even those who don’t have much money27.

Imagine It! keeps coming up with new ideas, like virtual workshops in STEM and the arts27. Don’t miss the Rube Goldberg™ exhibit and get ready for more fun with Storyland and Wild Kratts®27. The museum is part of the ASTC Travel Passport Program, so some families get in free28.