Things to do in Atlanta with Kids A Family Fun Guide

Things to do in Atlanta with kids unveils a treasure trove of adventures just waiting to be discovered! From the depths of the ocean to the heights of dinosaur exhibits, and from the sweetness of Coca-Cola to the magic of puppetry, Atlanta offers a kaleidoscope of experiences perfect for families. Get ready to dive into a city where every corner promises a new and exciting adventure, a place where memories are made, and laughter echoes through the streets.

This comprehensive guide will lead you through Atlanta’s top attractions, offering detailed insights into the Georgia Aquarium’s underwater wonders, the interactive exhibits at the World of Coca-Cola, and the animal encounters at Zoo Atlanta. We’ll explore the city’s beautiful parks, family-friendly hiking trails, and engaging museums like the Children’s Museum of Atlanta and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Plus, we’ll uncover the fun at LEGOLAND Discovery Center and the Center for Puppetry Arts, plan a day of seasonal events, and even sniff out the best family-friendly dining options and the best ways to get around, making sure your Atlanta adventure is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Atlanta’s Top Attractions for Families: Things To Do In Atlanta With Kids

Things to do in Atlanta with Kids A Family Fun Guide

Atlanta, a city brimming with Southern charm and modern attractions, is a fantastic destination for families. From underwater adventures to interactive exhibits and historical explorations, Atlanta offers a diverse range of experiences to captivate children of all ages. Prepare for a journey through some of the city’s most beloved destinations, where fun and learning go hand in hand.

Georgia Aquarium

Dive into an aquatic wonderland at the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. This impressive facility is home to thousands of aquatic creatures, offering an immersive experience for the whole family. Explore diverse habitats, from the vibrant coral reefs to the icy depths of the Arctic.

Key exhibits and kid-friendly features at the Georgia Aquarium include:

Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot: This massive exhibit houses whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of other fish, providing a breathtaking underwater panorama.
Cold Water Quest: Discover beluga whales, sea otters, and other fascinating cold-water species.
Aquatic Animal Health Center: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the aquarium cares for its animals.
Touch Pools: Little ones can gently touch starfish, sea urchins, and other marine invertebrates.
4D Theater: Enjoy exciting shows that combine 3D visuals with sensory effects.

World of Coca-Cola

Step into the sweet world of Coca-Cola at this interactive museum, a celebration of the iconic beverage. The World of Coca-Cola offers a fun and engaging experience for all ages, allowing visitors to explore the history, culture, and global impact of Coca-Cola.

Interactive exhibits and tasting opportunities at the World of Coca-Cola include:

Milestones of Coca-Cola: Journey through the history of Coca-Cola, from its humble beginnings to its global presence.
Pop Culture Gallery: Discover how Coca-Cola has been integrated into popular culture through advertising, art, and music.
Taste It!: Sample over 100 different Coca-Cola products from around the world.
The Vault of the Secret Formula: Get a peek at the legendary vault where the secret formula is kept.
4D Theater: Enjoy a multi-sensory movie experience.

Zoo Atlanta

Embark on a wild adventure at Zoo Atlanta, home to a diverse collection of animals from around the globe. The zoo is committed to conservation and education, offering a chance for families to learn about wildlife and their habitats.

Zoo Atlanta’s focus on animal encounters and conservation efforts includes:

Giant Panda Exhibit: Observe these beloved creatures up close.
African Savanna: See elephants, giraffes, lions, and other African animals in a naturalistic setting.
Orangutan Habitat: Watch orangutans swing and play in a habitat designed to mimic their natural environment.
Conservation Programs: Learn about the zoo’s efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.
Animal Encounters: Participate in opportunities to interact with certain animals, such as feeding giraffes.

Attraction	Entry Fee (Approximate)	Hours	Approximate Visit Duration
Georgia Aquarium	$40-$50 per person	Varies; typically 9 AM – 9 PM	2-3 hours
World of Coca-Cola	$20-$25 per person	Varies; typically 10 AM – 6 PM	1.5-2 hours
Zoo Atlanta	$25-$35 per person	Varies; typically 9 AM – 5 PM	2-4 hours

Outdoor Adventures and Parks

Atlanta’s lush greenery and vibrant parks provide a perfect escape for families seeking outdoor fun and adventure. These green spaces offer a variety of activities, from playgrounds and recreational areas to hiking trails and nature explorations, promising a day filled with fresh air and memorable experiences.

Best Parks in Atlanta

Atlanta boasts a variety of parks, each offering unique experiences for families. These parks are perfect for picnics, playtime, and enjoying the outdoors.

Here’s a look at some of the best parks in Atlanta for kids:

Piedmont Park: This expansive park in the heart of the city offers playgrounds, walking trails, open green spaces, and a splash pad. It often hosts events and festivals, providing ample opportunities for family fun.
Centennial Olympic Park: Created for the 1996 Olympic Games, this park features a splash fountain, playground, and beautiful landscaping. It’s located near many other attractions, making it a convenient spot for a break.
Grant Park: Home to Zoo Atlanta, Grant Park also features playgrounds, walking trails, and open spaces. It’s a great option for combining a zoo visit with outdoor recreation.
Candler Park: This neighborhood park offers a playground, a lake, and walking trails, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Family-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Atlanta

Explore the natural beauty surrounding Atlanta with these family-friendly hiking trails. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty and provide opportunities for nature exploration and physical activity.

Here’s a list of family-friendly hiking trails near Atlanta, including their difficulty levels and estimated hiking times:

Arabia Mountain Trail: (Easy, 2.5 miles, 1-2 hours). Features granite outcrops, wildflowers, and scenic views.
Stone Mountain Walk-Up Trail: (Moderate, 1 mile, 1-1.5 hours). Offers panoramic views from the top of Stone Mountain.
Vickery Creek Trail (Roswell Mill): (Easy to Moderate, 3 miles, 1.5-2 hours). Features a waterfall, historic mill ruins, and wooded trails.
Cochran Shoals Trail: (Easy, 3 miles, 1-1.5 hours). Located in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, this trail offers beautiful views along the river.

Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

Spending time outdoors with children provides numerous benefits, contributing to their physical and mental well-being. Engaging in outdoor activities encourages physical activity, fosters a love for nature, and creates lasting memories.

Some of the key benefits include:

Physical Activity: Hiking, playing in parks, and other outdoor activities promote physical fitness and healthy habits.
Nature Exploration: Exploring nature encourages curiosity, appreciation for the environment, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Mental Well-being: Spending time outdoors reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances overall mental health.
Family Bonding: Outdoor adventures provide opportunities for families to connect, create shared experiences, and strengthen relationships.

Museums and Educational Experiences

Atlanta offers a wealth of museums and educational experiences that provide engaging and enriching opportunities for children. These institutions offer interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and immersive learning environments that make learning fun and memorable.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is designed to spark curiosity and imagination in young children. With interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, this museum provides a fun and educational environment for kids of all ages.

The museum’s exhibits focus on various themes, including:

Leaping into Learning: This area is designed for toddlers and preschoolers, with activities that promote early literacy, fine motor skills, and social interaction.
Let Your Creativity Flow: This area encourages artistic expression through painting, drawing, and building.
Fundamentally Science: This exhibit introduces children to basic scientific concepts through interactive experiments and demonstrations.
Tools of the Trade: Kids can explore different professions and learn about the tools and skills used in various careers.
Build It!: This exhibit provides building blocks and other materials for children to design and construct their own creations.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Things to do in atlanta with kids

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers a fascinating journey through the natural world, from dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures to the wonders of the present day. This museum provides an immersive experience that engages visitors of all ages.

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Key features of the Fernbank Museum include:

Dinosaur Plaza: Explore a stunning outdoor exhibit featuring life-size dinosaur sculptures, including a massive Argentinosaurus.
Giants of the Mesozoic: Discover towering dinosaur skeletons and learn about the prehistoric world.
WildWoods: Experience the beauty of the outdoors with a nature-focused exhibit that includes a canopy walk and interactive displays.
Fernbank Forest: Explore a 65-acre old-growth forest with walking trails, providing opportunities to connect with nature.
IMAX Theater: Enjoy breathtaking films on a giant screen.

Educational Focus Comparison

Both the Children’s Museum of Atlanta and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History offer unique educational experiences. The Children’s Museum focuses on interactive play and early childhood learning, while the Fernbank Museum explores natural history and scientific concepts.

Here’s a comparison of their educational focuses:

Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Target age groups: toddlers to elementary-aged children. Learning styles: hands-on play, interactive exhibits, early literacy, and social interaction.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History: Target age groups: all ages, with a focus on elementary-aged children and older. Learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning through exhibits, demonstrations, and outdoor exploration.

The towering skeletal remains of a Tyrannosaurus Rex dominate the museum’s entrance hall. Sunlight streams through the large windows, illuminating the intricate details of the bones. Visitors of all ages stand in awe, gazing up at the massive predator, its jaws agape in a silent roar. Surrounding the dinosaur are lush, prehistoric-looking plants, creating a vivid scene of the Mesozoic era.

Interactive and Engaging Activities

Atlanta provides a range of interactive and engaging activities perfect for families, offering unique experiences that entertain and educate. From building adventures to puppet shows, these activities create lasting memories and spark creativity in children of all ages.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta

Step into a world of LEGO bricks at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta, where imagination comes to life. This indoor attraction offers a variety of rides, building experiences, and interactive exhibits that will delight LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.

Key features and activities at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta include:

Kingdom Quest Laser Ride: Embark on an exciting laser ride through a medieval world, shooting at targets along the way.
MINILAND: Explore iconic Atlanta landmarks and other cities built entirely from LEGO bricks.
4D Cinema: Enjoy action-packed LEGO movies with special effects.
LEGO Build & Test: Build and race LEGO cars on a test track.
LEGO Master Builder Academy: Learn building tips and tricks from LEGO experts.

Center for Puppetry Arts

Experience the magic of puppetry at the Center for Puppetry Arts, a renowned institution dedicated to the art of puppetry. The center offers captivating performances and engaging workshops that bring stories to life.

Activities offered at the Center for Puppetry Arts include:

Puppet Shows: Enjoy a variety of puppet performances, from classic fairy tales to original productions.
Create-A-Puppet Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops where children can create their own puppets.
Museum: Explore a vast collection of puppets from around the world.
Family Fun Days: Special events with additional activities and entertainment.

Planning a Fun-Filled Day

Create an unforgettable day by combining visits to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta and the Center for Puppetry Arts. This itinerary offers a balance of building, imagination, and entertainment.

Here’s how to plan a fun-filled day incorporating both LEGOLAND and the Center for Puppetry Arts:

Morning: Start the day at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta. Enjoy the rides, explore MINILAND, and participate in building activities.
Lunch: Have lunch at a nearby family-friendly restaurant.
Afternoon: Head to the Center for Puppetry Arts. Attend a puppet show and participate in a Create-A-Puppet workshop.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Venue	Age Recommendation	Ticket Prices (Approximate)	Accessibility Features
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta	Ages 3-10	$25-$30 per person	Wheelchair accessible, sensory-friendly days available
Center for Puppetry Arts	All ages (shows vary)	$15-$20 per person (shows), $10 per person (museum)	Wheelchair accessible, assisted listening devices available

Seasonal and Special Events

Atlanta’s vibrant event calendar is filled with seasonal and special events, providing families with unique opportunities for fun, cultural exposure, and community engagement throughout the year. These events offer a variety of activities that cater to different interests and ages.

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Seasonal Events in Atlanta

Atlanta’s seasonal events offer a delightful way to celebrate holidays and enjoy the changing seasons. From holiday light displays to festive celebrations, these events provide a festive atmosphere for families.

Here are some examples of seasonal events held in Atlanta:

Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights: A dazzling display of lights, sculptures, and festive activities during the holiday season.
Fourth of July Fireworks: Celebrations and fireworks displays in various locations throughout the city.
Fall Festivals: Events featuring pumpkin patches, hayrides, and other autumn-themed activities.
Spring Festivals: Events with arts and crafts, food vendors, and outdoor entertainment.

Special Events Throughout the Year

Throughout the year, Atlanta hosts special events that cater to families, providing diverse opportunities for entertainment and exploration. These events offer a variety of activities for all ages.

Here are examples of special events throughout the year, with a focus on family-friendly activities:

Summer Concert Series: Free concerts and performances in various parks and outdoor venues.
Holiday Parades: Festive parades with floats, music, and holiday characters.
Community Festivals: Events celebrating different cultures, with food, music, and crafts.
Farmers Markets: Seasonal markets offering fresh produce, local products, and family-friendly activities.

Benefits of Attending Seasonal Events

Attending seasonal and special events offers numerous benefits for children, including cultural exposure, community engagement, and creating lasting memories. These events provide opportunities for children to learn, play, and connect with others.

The benefits of attending seasonal events for children include:

Cultural Exposure: Exposure to different cultures, traditions, and celebrations.
Community Engagement: Opportunities to connect with the local community and participate in shared experiences.
Creating Memories: Creating lasting memories through shared experiences and family fun.
Learning and Exploration: Learning about different topics and exploring new activities.
Social Interaction: Interacting with other children and families.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival: April, Piedmont Park. A celebration of art, music, and culture.
Atlanta Pride Festival: October, Piedmont Park. A vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
Children’s Christmas Parade: December, Downtown Atlanta. A festive parade with floats and holiday characters.
Chinese Lantern Festival: Winter, Atlanta Botanical Garden. A beautiful display of illuminated lanterns.

Final Wrap-Up

So, as you plan your family’s Atlanta escapade, remember that this vibrant city is more than just a collection of attractions; it’s a place where imaginations run wild, curiosity is sparked, and families connect. Armed with this guide, you’re now ready to navigate Atlanta’s exciting landscape, creating unforgettable moments and building lasting bonds. Pack your bags, gather your little explorers, and prepare for an adventure that will fill your hearts and your cameras with cherished memories.

Atlanta awaits, ready to welcome you with open arms and endless possibilities for fun!

FAQ Compilation

What’s the best time of year to visit Atlanta with kids?

Atlanta is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Summer can be hot and humid, but it’s also packed with events, while winter brings holiday festivities.

Are there any free activities in Atlanta for families?

Absolutely! Many parks, like Piedmont Park and Centennial Olympic Park, offer free playgrounds and open spaces. You can also find free events like festivals and community gatherings throughout the year.

How accessible are Atlanta’s attractions for families with strollers or mobility issues?

Most major attractions in Atlanta are stroller and wheelchair accessible. It’s always a good idea to check the specific venue’s website for detailed accessibility information before your visit.

What are some good options for public transportation with kids in Atlanta?

The MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) system is a convenient and affordable way to get around, with stations near many attractions. Consider using the bus or ride-sharing services for destinations not directly accessible by MARTA.

How can I save money on attractions and activities in Atlanta?

Look for city passes that bundle admission to multiple attractions at a discounted price. Check for discounts online, and consider visiting during off-peak hours or days. Pack your own snacks and drinks to save on food costs.