​​20 Best Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids: Fun Family Activities for All Ages

Taking a trip to Atlanta with kids? We have you covered with tons of kid-friendly activities that will please the whole family, whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens.

From learning about African American history to visiting the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta offers many fun things to do with kids that suit various interests and seasons. And visiting Atlanta is fun whether you’re traveling for a few days, a whole week, or even longer.

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1. Georgia Aquarium

Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

The famous Georgia Aquarium is the country’s largest aquarium and is suitable for kids of all ages. Home to thousands of marine creatures, including magnificent beluga whales, manta rays, sea otters, and brightly colored fish, your entire family can spend hours wandering through the Georgia Aquarium’s 70 incredible exhibits.

Some of the must-sees include the Ocean Voyager exhibit, the sea lion show, the sweeping shark gallery and one of the more recent attractions, the coastal birds exhibit. 

If you are an Atlanta native or are staying in the Southern city long-term, the Georgia Aquarium also hosts birthday parties, camp programs, and volunteer opportunities perfect for kids. Make sure to stop by Cafe Aquaria for delicious lunchtime cuisine, and at least one of the two gift shops on your way out. 

2. Six Flags Over Georgia

Address: 275 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168

Bursting with shows, rides, and family fun, a day trip to Six Flags Over Georgia is the perfect summer activity. Only a 15-minute drive from the heart of Atlanta, this extraordinary amusement park has numerous options for teenagers and youngsters alike.

Commonly referred to as the “thrill capital of the South,” Six Flags Over Georgia offers numerous options for daredevil kids. Teens love the classic wooden roller coasters, high-tech 4D interactive rides, and the epic Goliath roller coaster. New in 2024 is the Georgia Surfer, combining the thrills of a roller coaster with a unique water feature and speeds of up to 60 mph.

There are also two delightful sections of the park catered entirely to the family’s youngest members. Head over to Bugs Bunny Boomtown for some wholesome toddler fun. Expect frequent visits from the Loony Tunes character in this area. Enjoy the playground, junior Ferris Wheel, and water attraction to help beat the heat. For the slightly more daring tots, next door is DC Super Friends. If your child is 36 inches or taller, they can experience the drop tower, flying jets, and helicopter. 

This park has programs that cater to families. One is the Baby/Child Swap program, which is handy when a child isn’t tall enough to ride. The whole family queues together, and the child waits at the exit with an adult while the rest of the family rides. Then, the adult who waited can board with another family member for a chance to ride.

I’ve put together some tips on how to buy Six Flags Over Georgia tickets at a reduced price.

3. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

I firmly believe that one of the most important things to do in Atlanta with kids is to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. The 35-acre national treasure provides an incredible opportunity to educate your children about the Civil Rights leader and appreciate his contribution to society.

Take a free 30-minute tour, led by one of the park’s rangers, to better understand Dr. King’s life and legacy. Protected by the National Park Service, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park includes the home where Dr. King was born. There’s also an informative and interactive visitor center with hands-on exhibits and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was a pastor.

This educational park also offers wonderfully scenic spots, including the BEHOLD monument and a seasonal rose garden. 

4. Zoo Atlanta

Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

The perfect spot for animal lovers, Zoo Atlanta takes your typical zoo experience to a new level. Only minutes away from downtown and open all year round, Zoo Atlanta is an easy and convenient day trip that is sure to satisfy every family member.

This one-of-a-kind zoo is one of the oldest in the country and home to an astonishing 1,300 animals. You will get an up-close look at them, and there are a few chances to interact with them, too. At Zoo Atlanta, families can feed giraffes and goats (the latter are in the petting zoo), and hang out with toucans. Feedings only happen several times a day, so make sure to check the schedule online the day before your outing. For now, you can still see the famous giant pandas, although they are set to return to China in 2024.

As if that wasn’t enough, at Zoo Atlanta children can also enjoy a range of fun activities. These include mystery hunts, entertaining stage presentations, and interactive learning activities at the Conservation Carts.

5. The World of Coca-Cola

Address: 121 Baker Street NW Atlanta, GA 30313 (next door to Georgia Aquarium)

Who doesn’t love Coca-Cola? Even for the few who are averse to this sugary drink, the World of Coca-Cola is still worth visiting. This state-of-the-art museum is the only place you can discover the story behind the world’s most popular beverage. 

One of Atlanta’s top tourist attractions, the World of Coca-Cola offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how this popular soda is made. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to the tasting room to sip 100 colas from across the globe and explore the rich culture behind Coca-Cola milestones, including the cans created for the 1996 Summer Olympics.

You will even get a peek at the vault, storing the secret recipe behind this delicious soft drink. Finish off your day by taking a photo with the familiar Coca-Cola Polar Bear mascot to capture the experience. 

6. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Take a trip back in time with a visit to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This non-profit takes the museum experience up a notch by hosting indoor play places and outdoor learning experiences for little ones.

Dinosaur-loving kids can wander through Dinosaur Plaza to view one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered. Other intriguing indoor exhibits include a 900-gallon saltwater aquarium, a cultural walk through Georgia’s history, and an IMAX theater. 

Once you make your way through the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, spend an afternoon in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, which are part of the museum complex. These 75 acres of paths, treehouse platforms, and trail-side experiences are worth exploring.

7. Stone Mountain Park

Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Stone Mountain Park is located in the heart of Stone Mountain, approximately 30 minutes away from the center of Atlanta. This spectacular spot is the most visited tourist attraction in Georgia, receiving nearly 4 million guests every year.

Make the most of your visit to Stone Mountain Park by exploring the Scenic Railroad, the Music Across America Drone and Light Show, and the Dinotorium. To reach the top of the mountain, you can hike the mile-long trail or take the high-speed Summit Skyride Cable Car. 

This 3,200-acre natural wonder is the perfect family-friendly destination and includes two hotels if you want to extend your stay. This Georgian oasis also has two championship golf courses for parents who have a second to slip away. In addition to the outdoor adventures, be sure to check out the slew of seasonal events available during your stay. 

8. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers hours of hands-on fun and an unparalleled educational experience for kids. This kid-friendly paradise has exhibits exploring informative topics ranging from science and nutrition to creativity and engineering.

Does your little tyke want to try being a CMA Cafe’ Cook? What about the opportunity to sculpt some moon sand? All of these dreams can be achieved at The Children’s Museum.

Geared towards children up to 8 years old, curious younger kids will be delighted by the venue’s interactive displays and hands-on exhibits including enchanting castles, explosive rockets, and lively 20-minute musicals. This special museum even hosts a special kid-friendly art studio to spark children’s imaginations. Keep in mind, you must purchase a ticket online for entry to the museum. 

9. LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta

Address: 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

Bring your budding architects and little builders to LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta. Based on the extremely popular LEGO brick, this spectacular LEGO-verse offers a range of experiences, including a captivating 4D cinema, exciting LEGO-themed rides, and special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the LEGO Master Builder Workshop, where a group of experts will motivate kids to build anything their heart desires from the iconic colorful bricks. 

Completely renovated in 2023 to provide a more immersive experience, the LEGO Discovery Center is geared towards children ages 3-12. There is even a DUPLO Park for younger kids, and adults will appreciate the popular MINILAND exhibit designed to model the stunning Atlanta skyline. Get tickets before you go.

10. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Looking for a breath of fresh air or an excuse to get outdoors? Surround yourself with shady woody areas and gorgeous floral displays at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Featuring plant collections of roses, herbs, carnivorous plants, and more, this 30-acre garden is the ideal place to get in touch with nature. Don’t miss the Canopy Walk and the astonishing Earth Goddess display during the visit, you won’t regret it!

If you’re worried about your little toddler getting bored, don’t panic. The Lou Glenn Children’s Garden is packed with kid-friendly nature fixes, including climbing nets, a water painting wall, and an awesome three-story treehouse. This two-acre children’s garden even provides a section for little paleontologists to dig up dinosaurs. How cool is that? The children’s garden is a must-see with kids in Atlanta. 

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is open all week except on Mondays. To plan your visit accordingly, check the official website for any special events happening during your stay. 

11. Centennial Olympic Park

Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

There are tons of free things to do in Atlanta with kids, including visiting the city’s impressive public parks. One picturesque park that is not to be missed is Centennial Olympic Park.

Built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, this impressive park is teeming with fun-filled activities, which can be appreciated by the youngest tots to the oldest teens. Centennial Olympic Park offers weekly free concerts during the summer months and has a water fountain for kids that reaches up to 25 feet tall.

Visitors can enjoy a spin around the Ferris Wheel, an afternoon picnic, or a leisurely stroll through the park. One of the best things about this park is its convenient location. Located in the hub of Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park is within walking distance of many other must-see attractions. 

12. Center For Puppetry Arts

Address: 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

Immerse yourself in the world of puppetry with a visit to the Center For Puppetry Arts. Founded in 1978, this magical center is the largest organization in the U.S. devoted to the art of puppetry. 

From Sesame Street to The Muppets, this cultural treasure possesses an astonishing collection of 200 puppets from around the world.

Discover the interactive Jim Henson collection, which features iconic scenes from Jim Henson’s active years and his famous puppets like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. Rotating world-class live shows will bring out the inner child in the oldest adults. On select days, children can participate in a Create A Puppet Workshop, where they can make a special keepsake to take home.

Check out the Center For Puppetry Arts’ official site to see what performances are playing during your stay, and reserve a ticket, just in case.

13. Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands

Address: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518

Looking for a day trip to soak up the sun? Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands is the place for you. Don’t be fooled by its name, Margaritaville is much more family-friendly than it sounds. 

About an hour away from Atlanta’s center, this is about as close to heaven as it gets for water enthusiasts and beach bums.

This 1500-acre resort hosts an impressive water park, including Wild Waves, the largest wave family-friendly pool in the South, a Raging River, and even opportunities to zipline across the lake.

If you are looking for some R&R, head to LandShark Landing Beach to get your feet sandy and bask in the sun. 

Although this park is known for its lakefront beach and water park, it also offers year-round outdoor activities. Families can revel in fun-filled activities such as snow tubing and ice skating in the winter months. 

14. SLOOMOO INSTITUTE

Address: 3637 Peachtree Road NE, Suite D Lower Level, Atlanta, GA 30319

Opened in late 2022, the Sloomoo Institute celebrates something few kids can resist – slime! Featuring hand-crafted, artisanal slime (lots of different textures and scents), Sloomoo is all about the sensory experience of this kid’s favorite. With a 150-foot DIY Slime Bar where you can mix your unique version of slime with interactive and virtual reality experiences, your kids will surely love it.

15. The Roof at Ponce City Market

Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Take a trip to The Roof at Ponce City Market for a night of old-school carnival fun! Perfect for youngsters, visitors of this roof-top attraction can indulge in carnival rides like the Hegee Tower, ride the three-story slide at Skyline Park, and engage in a lively game of mini golf.

Let’s not forget the beloved carnival food, including pretzels, hotdogs, and funnel cakes that young ones can snack on while they entertain themselves with old-fashioned games galore. 

16. Southeastern Railway Museum

Address: 3595 Buford Hwy, Duluth, GA 30096

Find automotive bliss at Southeastern Railway Museum. Perfect for train-loving tots, this 35-acre museum boasts more than 90 pieces of railway equipment, from old-fashioned Pullman cars to classic steam locomotives.

In operation since 1970, the museum educates children about the history of locomotives and automobiles in Georgia. Journey through the museum on a restored caboose, explore trail cars, and discover a wide-reaching collection of taxi cabs and buses.

Located in northeast suburban Atlanta, this museum is only a short ride away from the city. 

17. The Atlanta Beltline

Address: Varies by trail and park, so check the interactive map.

If you are looking for a hotspot in Atlanta, check out the Atlanta Beltline. The Beltline is composed of 22 miles of unused railroad tracks circling through the heart of Atlanta. It has been a long-term project in the making to convert these tracks into a loop of public parks, art displays, and long stretches of green space.

Although The Beltline is still a work in progress, thousands of visitors flock to this attraction every week for various outdoor activities. Visitors can skateboard off the East Side Trail, ride bikes along the Westside and Northside walking trails, and admire the colorful public art displays along the Beltline corridor.

Take your little tykes to play at the Historic Fourth Ward Park playground and splash pad for hours of entertaining fun. The Historic Fourth Ward Park has a skate park for older teens. 

18. Piedmont Park

Address: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Piedmont Park. This 185-acre park is one of Atlanta’s most popular due to its numerous walking trails, dog parks, and long stretches of green space perfect for picnicking.

Piedmont Park also has not just one but two fun playgrounds: Mayor’s Grove Playground and Noguchi Playscape. Located close to 12 Street Gate, the lively and colorful Noguchi Playscape is a one-of-a-kind playground designed by the famous artist and sculptor Isamu Noguchi.

In the summer months, grab a sweet Georgia treat at Piedmont Park’s Green Market and then cool off in the public, family-friendly pool. One of the best parts about Piedmont Park is the free parking. 

19. Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

Address: 1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Located in the heart of the Midtown Arts District is the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). This state-of-the-art museum is the only one in the Southeast dedicated to all-things design and is entertaining to kids and adults alike.

This one-of-a-kind museum’s exhibits are constantly changing, giving children the unique opportunity to try new hands-on STEM and design activities. If you are a Georgia native or spending a few weeks in this Southern city, MODA also offers classes, camps, and creative activities for children ages 5 to 18. 

20. Callaway Resort & Gardens

Address: 17617 U.S. Highway 27 Pine Mountain, GA 31822

Callaway Resort & Gardens is situated in the southern foothills of the Appalachian mountains. This 2,500-acre destination is open year-round for visitors to enjoy.

Although it’s about an hour from Atlanta, this stunning world-renowned spot is well worth the journey. Children will enjoy the remarkable Birds of Prey exhibit, the enchanting Butterfly House, and a trip to Robin Lake Beach.

Gorgeous themed gardens filled with Azaleas, Dogwoods, and Spring Blooms can be admired by all. 

Atlanta with Kids Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Atlanta with Kids on weekends?

All of the above attractions are fun things to do with kids in Atlanta on weekends, although some of the more popular spots may be more crowded.

If you are looking for a weekend-specific event, head over to The Wren’s Nest, Atlanta’s oldest house museum and the former home of Joel Chandler Harris, the recorder of the Br’er Rabbit Stories. Every Saturday at 1 p.m., there’s a special storytime for kids — but you must make an appointment beforehand. 

Additionally, if you happen to be in Atlanta on the second Sunday of the month, visit the High Museum of Art for free admission. This incredible museum showcases castles from the transatlantic slave trade. Kids ages 8 and under will love the interactive Greene Family Learning Gallery at the High Museum, where they can create their own artwork. 

Some other great spots include the College Football Hall of Fame and the Chattahoochee Nature Center on the Chattahoochee River. Football fans will love the College Football Hall of Fame, and the Chattahoochee Nature Center hosts a total of seven ziplines.

Head to The National Center for Civil and Human Rights or the Atlanta History Center for more educational activities. 

What Atlanta activities should be avoided with kids or a family?

Atlanta is a very kid-friendly and safe city, although, as always, you’ll want to keep your wits about you, especially in crowded spots where your child could wander off and get lost. 

Focus on the Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead areas where most of the tourist attractions and popular hotels are located.

However, you may want to avoid certain neighborhoods you are unfamiliar with, especially those southwest of the I-20 and I-85 interchange and on the outskirts of town.

When driving around Atlanta, make sure that you park in a safe location and remove all valuables from your car.

Where Should I Stay with Kids in Atlanta?

Atlanta is home to quite a few family-friendly hotels. Which you pick depends on budget and location. If you’d like more space and a kitchen, try Twelve Midtown (we’ve stayed here — great Atlantic Station location) or Twelve Downtown. These are both Marriott Autograph Collection properties.

For luxury hotels, I can also recommend Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta (ping me for rates and extra benefits), as well as several Buckhead hotels, including St. Regis Atlanta, The Whitley, and Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead.