Atlanta is one of the best places in the Southeast for family-friendly activities, with a mix of major attractions, green spaces, history, sports, and free things to do. Whether you live in the metro area or are visiting for a weekend, you can easily fill your days with kid-approved adventures that adults enjoy too.
Below is a practical guide to the best things to do with family in Atlanta, GA, organized so you can quickly find ideas that fit your time, budget, and ages in your group.
These are the big, “only in Atlanta” spots many families start with. Most are within walking distance of each other around Centennial Olympic Park.
Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Great for: All ages, especially kids who love animals
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and a top family draw in Atlanta. Highlights include:
📝 Tip: It can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Many families prefer morning time slots for shorter lines and less rushed viewing.
Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Great for: Elementary age and up, pop culture lovers
Right next to the aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola is a museum-style attraction about the history, advertising, and global reach of Coca‑Cola, which is headquartered in Atlanta. Families typically enjoy:
📝 Tip: If you’re visiting the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and other downtown attractions, consider looking at multi-attraction ticket bundles to streamline planning and potentially reduce overall cost.
Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Great for: Picnics, quick play breaks, photo ops
Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park sits in the middle of the downtown attractions cluster.
Families use it as:
📝 Tip: Parking garages around the park can add up. If you’re doing multiple downtown attractions in a day, paying once to park and walking between stops is often more convenient than moving your car.
Atlanta has several spots where kids can learn through play and exploration.
Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Great for: Toddlers to early elementary
Across from the park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is designed specifically for young children. Features include:
📝 Tip: This museum can be a good rainy-day backup if outdoor plans fall through.
Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
Great for: Dinosaur lovers, nature-loving families
In the Druid Hills area, Fernbank Museum combines science, nature, and history:
Families often spend a half-day here, splitting time between indoor exhibits and the forest trails.
Location: 100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120 (about 45–60 minutes north of Atlanta)
Great for: Families willing to drive for a bigger science experience
While not in the city, many Atlanta families take day trips to Tellus for:
It can be a good option if you want a less crowded alternative to in-town museums, especially on school breaks.
Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Great for: All ages
Zoo Atlanta is a staple for local families and a popular stop for visitors:
The zoo sits inside Grant Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest parks, where families can also:
📝 Tip: Look for weekday mornings for a more relaxed visit and potentially milder temperatures in summer.
The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails built on old railroad corridors circling intown neighborhoods. For families, it provides:
Popular family stretches:
📝 Tip: Weekends on the Eastside Trail can be very busy. Families with smaller children often prefer mornings or weekday afternoons for easier navigation.
Location: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Great for: Active families and half- or full-day outings
A short drive east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park offers:
Some activities require separate passes or tickets, so check current offerings before you go.
You don’t have to spend a lot to have fun with family in Atlanta.
Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Great for: Picnics, sports, walking, festivals
Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park offers:
Families often combine Piedmont Park with a visit to:
Here are some lower-cost things to do with family in Atlanta that still feel special:
📝 Tip: The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation shares information about public parks and many city-run programs. Main office:
233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 546‑6813
Atlanta plays a major role in U.S. history, especially in the civil rights movement. Many families want to include at least one meaningful stop.
Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Great for: Upper elementary through adults (younger kids can still participate with guidance)
This site, managed by the National Park Service, includes:
Families often find it helpful to discuss key themes before and after visiting, especially with school-aged children.
Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Great for: Middle school and older
Near Centennial Olympic Park, this center focuses on:
Some exhibits are emotionally intense, so many families choose this for older kids and teens who can engage with deeper discussions.
Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Great for: All ages, with different interest levels covered
In Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center combines:
The outdoor areas and historic buildings give kids room to move while adults absorb more detailed information.
Atlanta’s weather can be humid, rainy, or very hot. Having indoor options in mind helps.
Across the metro area you’ll find:
These are especially useful on days when outdoor attractions aren’t appealing but kids need to burn off energy.
The Fulton County Library System and nearby county systems (DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett) often host:
Main Atlanta-Fulton County Central Library:
Location: 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 612‑8700
Checking local library calendars can uncover free, kid-friendly events that many visitors and even residents overlook.
Atlanta is a major sports city, and families often plan trips around games.
Depending on the season, families can attend:
📝 Tip: Look for family sections or promotional nights that cater to kids (for example, certain weekend daytime games, fan giveaways, or special themes).
Atlanta-area colleges such as Georgia Tech (midtown Atlanta) and Georgia State University (downtown) host:
These can be more affordable and lower-key than some professional games while still providing the excitement of live sports.
Atlanta’s seasonal events can be a highlight, especially if you time your visit right.
For city-run pools and splash pads, the Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation is a good point of reference.
Phone (general inquiries): (404) 546‑6813
Specific offerings change year to year; it’s helpful to check ahead for current schedules.
To make planning easier, here are simple, flexible outlines you can adjust.
Morning:
Afternoon:
Optional evening:
Day 1: Downtown Cluster
Day 2: Zoo + History
If you already live in Atlanta and want an easy weekend plan:
Saturday:
Sunday:
A few local-style planning notes can help your family day go more smoothly:
By focusing on these Atlanta-specific family activities—from the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta to BeltLine bike rides, local parks, and meaningful civil rights sites—you can build days that keep kids engaged, adults interested, and everyone connected to what makes Atlanta unique.
