Fun, Family-Friendly Atlanta: Top Things To Do With Kids

Atlanta is one of the best big cities in the South for families. Whether you live here or are visiting for a few days, there are plenty of things to do in Atlanta with kids that are fun, educational, and easy to reach.

Below are the top family-friendly activities around Atlanta, organized so you can quickly find indoor options, outdoor adventures, free or low-cost ideas, and experiences for different age groups.

Top Classic Atlanta Attractions for Kids

These are the spots most families consider “must-do” kid activities in Atlanta.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is often at the top of the list for kids of all ages.

Why kids love it:

• Massive viewing windows and walk-through tunnels
• Sharks, manta rays, penguins, sea lions, and more
• Daily shows and animal presentations

Tips:

• Go early in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Plan at least 2–3 hours with young kids.
• Strollers are allowed, but it can get crowded in narrow sections.

Location:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta in historic Grant Park is a favorite with local families.

Highlights for kids:

• Giant pandas, gorillas, elephants, giraffes
• Kid-friendly rides and a train (availability may vary)
• Play areas and shaded walking paths

Good for: toddlers through middle schoolers.

Location:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: (404) 624-9453

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next to the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola is more about interactive exhibits and brand history than rides, but many kids enjoy the colors, displays, and tasting room.

What families usually like:

• Bright, immersive exhibits and displays
• Memorabilia and old commercials
• Tasting area with different flavors from around the world

Best for elementary and up; very young kids may just enjoy the visuals.

Location:
World of Coca‑Cola
121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 676-5151

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

If you’re looking for hands-on, play-based learning, this is a great pick, especially for younger children.

Ideal for:

• Toddlers and preschoolers
• Early elementary kids

Expect:

• Interactive exhibits focused on building, science, and pretend play
• Soft play areas for younger children
• Rotating exhibits and programs

Location:
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 659-5437

Outdoor Adventures and Parks

Atlanta’s green spaces give kids room to move, climb, and explore.

Piedmont Park & Atlanta BeltLine

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s central city park, with large playgrounds and plenty of room for kids to run.

Family-friendly features:

• Multiple playgrounds with equipment for different ages
• Open fields for ball games, frisbee, and picnics
• Paved paths good for scooters and strollers

Nearby, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is a paved multi-use path that’s great for walking, biking, or scootering with kids.

Location (main entrance area):
Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Centennial Olympic Park

Close to the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park is a handy stop if you’re spending the day downtown.

What families often do:

• Let kids play in the open lawn areas
• Enjoy the Fountain of Rings splash area in warm weather (check current operations)
• Rest and snack between attractions

Location:
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden, next to Piedmont Park, offers a calmer outdoor experience with kid appeal.

Kid-friendly features:

• Children’s Garden with interactive areas and water features (seasonal)
• Bridges, pathways, and canopy walks to explore
• Seasonal displays like scarecrows or holiday lights

Location:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 876-5859

Stone Mountain Park

Just east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a large outdoor recreation area with hiking, playgrounds, and seasonal attractions.

What kids often enjoy:

• Taking the Summit Skyride (a cable car) or hiking up the mountain if they’re older
• Playgrounds and picnic areas
• Special events and light shows at certain times of year

Location:
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Main information line: (800) 401-2407

Science, History, and Learning Experiences

If you want things to do in Atlanta with kids that are both fun and educational, these spots are strong choices.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum combines natural history with kid-friendly science exhibits.

Expect:

• Dinosaur skeletons and fossils
• Interactive science galleries
• Giant screen theater (check showtimes)
• Outdoor forest areas and trails

Location:
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 929-6300

Fernbank Science Center

Separate from the museum, Fernbank Science Center is operated by the DeKalb County School District.

Highlights:

• Planetarium shows (schedule varies)
• Science exhibits and educational programs

Location:
Fernbank Science Center
156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (678) 874-7102

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This site introduces kids to history and civil rights in age-appropriate ways, especially for older elementary and teens.

Family-friendly points:

• Visitor center with exhibits
• The King Center area with historic landmarks
• Sidewalk walking routes around the neighborhood

Location:
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: (404) 331-5190

College Football Hall of Fame

Sports-loving kids usually enjoy this interactive museum near Centennial Olympic Park.

What to expect:

• Interactive exhibits and displays
• Opportunities to test throwing, kicking, and catching (depending on current setup)
• Team-themed areas and memorabilia

Location:
Chick‑fil‑A College Football Hall of Fame
250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 880-4800

Indoor Fun for Rainy or Hot Days

Atlanta summers can be very hot, and storms are common. These indoor options can help you adjust plans without canceling the fun.

Indoor Trampoline Parks and Play Centers

Around metro Atlanta, families often use:

• Indoor trampoline parks
• Inflatable play centers
• Indoor climbing gyms

These are spread across areas like Buckhead, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Marietta, and Snellville. Since individual businesses change, it’s best to search for locations closest to your neighborhood or hotel and confirm hours and age/height requirements.

Common tips:

• 🧦 Bring or buy grip socks if required.
• Check for toddler time sessions if you have young children.
• Look for waiver requirements you may need to sign in advance.

Bowling, Skating, and Movie Theaters

Bowling alleys, roller rinks, and movie theaters are popular things to do with kids in Atlanta in any season.

Options you’ll find around the metro:

• Bowling: family-friendly lanes often offer bumper lanes and lighter balls.
• Roller skating: classic rinks in several suburbs.
• Movie theaters: some have reclining seats and early showings that work better for younger kids.

Check local listings in neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Decatur, and Smyrna.

Free or Low-Cost Things To Do With Kids in Atlanta

Not every activity needs an admission ticket. Atlanta has plenty of budget-friendly family options.

Public Parks and Playgrounds

In addition to Piedmont Park and Centennial Olympic Park, consider:

• Grant Park
  537 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Shaded areas, playgrounds, and walking paths near Zoo Atlanta.

• Historic Fourth Ward Park
  680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  Playground, splash areas (seasonal), and a pond, close to the BeltLine.

• Chastain Park
  140 W Wieuca Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
  Walking paths, playgrounds, and ball fields in north Atlanta.

These parks are free to access, though you may need to pay for some parking areas.

Public Libraries and Storytime

The Fulton County Library System and nearby county systems (DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton) offer:

• Storytimes for different age groups
• Summer reading programs
• Homework help and educational events

Example central location:
Central Library – Fulton County Library System
1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 612-8700

Check your closest branch for children’s programs and schedules.

Atlanta BeltLine Art and Murals

Walking or biking along the Atlanta BeltLine is free and gives kids a chance to see public art, murals, and creative installations.

Family tips:

• Bring water, especially in warm months.
• Teach kids to watch for cyclists and other users on the shared path.
• Combine with a playground stop or picnic in a nearby park.

Seasonal and Special Experiences

Some of the best things to do in Atlanta with kids only happen at certain times of year.

Holiday Lights and Seasonal Events

Across the city, families often look for:

• Holiday light displays at major attractions
• Winter or fall festivals in neighborhoods and parks
• Halloween events at local attractions and community centers

Check current-year schedules for:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden (holiday lights)
• Zoo Atlanta (seasonal events)
• Stone Mountain Park (holiday and seasonal programs)

Sports Games

If your kids like sports, attending a game can be a big highlight.

Professional teams in Atlanta include:

• Baseball: Truist Park (Atlanta Braves) in Cumberland
• Football: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Atlanta Falcons)
• Soccer: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Atlanta United FC)
• Basketball: State Farm Arena (Atlanta Hawks)

For younger kids, consider:

• Day games or earlier start times
• Youth or family sections when available
• Minor league or college games in nearby areas, which may be smaller and easier for first-timers

Quick Planning Guide: Matching Activities to Your Family

Use this simple overview to choose what fits your kids’ ages, weather, and schedule.

Practical Tips for Exploring Atlanta With Kids

To make the most of your time:

• Timing: Weekdays and mornings are usually less crowded at major attractions.
• Transportation: MARTA rail and buses can be useful for downtown and some city neighborhoods; driving is often easiest for Stone Mountain and outer suburbs.
• Parking: Many big attractions have their own decks or lots; bring a card or digital payment.
• Heat and Weather: Summers are hot and humid; plan outdoor play for earlier or later in the day and keep indoor backups for storms.
• Snacks and Breaks: Most families find it helpful to build in snack or rest stops between major activities, especially with young children.

Exploring things to do in Atlanta with kids can easily fill a weekend or a whole summer. With a mix of parks, museums, animals, and hands-on fun, you can tailor your plans to your children’s ages, interests, and energy level while staying right in and around the Atlanta area.