Atlanta is one of the best cities in the Southeast for family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a local planning weekend adventures, a visitor on a short trip, or hosting out-of-town relatives with kids in tow, there’s no shortage of things to do in Atlanta with children of all ages.
Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you plan kid-approved activities across the city and nearby areas.
The Georgia Aquarium is a must-do with kids in Atlanta.
Tip:
Location:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000
Next door to the aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola is another kid favorite.
Best for:
Elementary-age kids and up, though younger children enjoy the bright visuals.
Location:
World of Coca‑Cola
121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 676-5151
Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park offers a full day of outdoor fun.
Highlights for kids:
Parent tips:
Location:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: (404) 624-5600
For dinosaur lovers and curious kids, Fernbank Museum is ideal.
Good for ages: preschool through middle school, especially kids who love science and nature.
Location:
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 929-6300
Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s “backyard” and a staple for families.
What kids can do:
Location:
Piedmont Park Conservancy
400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 875-7275
The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of trails built on old railway corridors and is very family-friendly in sections.
Popular stretches for kids:
Family tips:
Located near the aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park is convenient for a break between attractions.
Location:
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 223-4412
A short drive from the city, Stone Mountain Park is a popular day trip.
Kids can:
Tip:
Plan for most of a day here, and check ahead for parking and attraction hours.
Location:
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: (800) 401-2407
Especially good for younger kids, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park is hands-on and play-based.
Features:
Best age range: roughly ages 1–8.
Location:
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 659-5437
For older kids and teens, visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is a meaningful, educational experience.
What to see:
Tip for parents:
This visit often leads to thoughtful questions; many families combine it with age-appropriate conversations about history and equality.
Location:
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: (404) 331-5190
For sports-loving families, the College Football Hall of Fame is very interactive.
Kids can:
Best for: Elementary-age through teens who enjoy sports.
Location:
Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 880-4800
The High Museum of Art in Midtown is surprisingly kid-friendly when you plan it right.
Family-friendly features:
Tip:
Introduce kids to one or two galleries at a time rather than trying to see everything in one visit.
Location:
High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 733-4400
Local Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System branches often host free or low-cost children’s programs.
Common offerings:
Check nearby branches such as:
Libraries are calm, air-conditioned spaces—useful on very hot or rainy days.
Atlanta and surrounding counties operate recreation centers that are often family-friendly and budget-conscious.
These may offer:
Examples in the City of Atlanta:
C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center
3201 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
Phone: (404) 505-3186
Rosel Fann Recreation Center
365 Cleveland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30354
Phone: (404) 624-0772
Calling ahead can help you confirm open gym times and age requirements.
Around metro Atlanta, families often turn to:
Details and offerings vary by location, but many have:
Since hours and offerings change, it’s best to call the specific facility you choose to confirm current options.
Just north of Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offers easy “nature escapes.”
Kid activities:
Family tips:
One commonly used access point:
Next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is both beautiful and child-friendly.
Highlights for kids:
Best for: All ages, especially toddlers through elementary school.
Location:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 876-5859
In the broader metro area, you’ll find:
These are often in surrounding counties like Cobb, Gwinnett, and Henry. Because farm schedules are seasonal, calling ahead or checking official information is important before you go.
Atlanta has many small and mid-size parks that are perfect for a quick outing.
Examples around the city:
Parks are ideal when you want:
Throughout the year, Atlanta hosts many family-friendly festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal events.
Common kid-friendly features:
Because these events change each year and season, it’s helpful to:
| Age Group | Good Options in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Toddlers (1–3) | Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, Piedmont Park playgrounds, libraries |
| Preschool (3–5) | Georgia Aquarium, Fernbank Museum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, local parks |
| Elementary (6–10) | World of Coca‑Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, Stone Mountain, BeltLine trails |
| Tweens (10–12) | High Museum (short visits), MLK Jr. National Historical Park, Chattahoochee River area |
| Teens (13+) | BeltLine biking, downtown attractions combo days, festivals, sports venues |
With a mix of world-class attractions, neighborhood parks, and educational experiences, there are plenty of fun things to do in Atlanta, GA with kids—whether you have a few hours or several days to explore.
