Fun Things To Do in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the City

Looking for fun things to do in Atlanta? Whether you live in the metro area, are in town for the weekend, or are planning a longer visit, Atlanta offers a mix of history, food, music, outdoor spaces, and family-friendly attractions that are easy to reach and enjoy.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to the best ways to have fun in Atlanta, Georgia, organized by interests so you can quickly find what fits your plans.

Top “Only in Atlanta” Attractions

These are the big-name experiences people usually think of first when they ask what to do in Atlanta.

Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park Area

This area is compact and walkable, so you can combine several attractions in one day.

Popular spots include:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for whale sharks, manta rays, and interactive exhibits.

  • 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Fun for: Families, couples, and anyone who enjoys marine life.

• World of Coca-Cola – An interactive museum about the history, marketing, and flavors of Coca-Cola, including a tasting room.

  • 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• Centennial Olympic Park – Green space with fountains, walking paths, and seasonal events.

  • 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Good for: Picnics, kids running around, relaxing between attractions.

• College Football Hall of Fame – Hands-on exhibits, sports memorabilia, and a large indoor field.

  • 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Tip: 🚶 If you’re short on time, focus on Georgia Aquarium + a stroll through Centennial Olympic Park for a classic downtown Atlanta experience.

Explore Atlanta’s Neighborhoods

Each Atlanta neighborhood offers a different vibe. If you want to understand the city beyond the big attractions, spend time walking these areas.

Midtown: Arts, Parks, and Nightlife

Midtown is one of the best areas for walkable fun.

• Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s “Central Park” with walking trails, dog parks, playgrounds, and skyline views.

  • 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
  • Great for: Walking, jogging, festivals, and casual hangouts.

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail Access (from Midtown) – Connects Midtown to Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park. Ideal for walking or biking to restaurants and street art.

• Fox Theatre – Historic theater hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts, and special events.

  • 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• High Museum of Art – Major art museum with rotating exhibits and a strong permanent collection.

  • 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park: Hip & Historic

These side-by-side neighborhoods offer a mix of history, food, and the BeltLine.

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Includes Dr. King’s birth home area, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and visitor center.

  • 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • A powerful, educational stop closely tied to Atlanta’s history.

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – A paved multi-use trail lined with murals, sculptures, and popular places to eat and drink.

  • Access points throughout Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park.

• Krog Street Market & Krog Street Tunnel – Food hall plus a famous graffiti-covered tunnel, popular for photos and street art.

Buckhead: Shopping and Upscale Dining

Buckhead is known for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

• Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza – High-end shopping centers with a range of stores and restaurants.

  • Lenox Square: 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
  • Phipps Plaza: 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

• Buckhead Village District – Walkable area with boutiques, restaurants, and outdoor gathering spaces.

Little Five Points & East Atlanta Village: Artsy & Alternative

If you like vintage shops, record stores, and live music, these areas offer a more eclectic, local feel.

• Little Five Points – Known for its independent stores, street art, and casual restaurants.
• East Atlanta Village – Small, lively commercial core with bars, music venues, and late-night spots.

Outdoor Fun in and Around Atlanta

Despite its busy highways, Atlanta has plenty of green space and easy ways to get outdoors.

Parks Within the City

• Piedmont Park – Central park for Atlanta, with dog parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, and festivals.

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Near the BeltLine with a lake, splash pad (seasonal), and green space.

  • 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• Grant Park – One of the city’s oldest parks, home to Zoo Atlanta and shady walking paths.

  • 840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Hiking, Rivers, and Day-Trip Nature

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) – Multiple access points north of the city for hiking, tubing, and kayaking.

  • Popular units include Palisades (Atlanta), Island Ford (Sandy Springs), and Cochran Shoals (near Vinings).

• Stone Mountain Park (just east of the city) – Large park centered on Stone Mountain, with hiking, a summit trail, and family activities.

  • 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Outdoor tip: 🌳 If you want a simple, low-planning experience, start with Piedmont Park or a short walk along the Chattahoochee River at Cochran Shoals.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is well-suited for kids, multi-generational trips, and school breaks.

Major Family Attractions

• Georgia Aquarium – Touch pools, dolphin shows, and large viewing windows keep kids engaged.

• Zoo Atlanta – Located in Grant Park with pandas, gorillas, and a children’s area.

  • 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Hands-on exhibits for younger kids (roughly age 8 and under).

  • 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest – Dinosaur exhibits, nature trails, and an IMAX-style theater.

  • 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Simple, Low-Cost Family Activities

• Picnic or play in Piedmont Park or Grant Park.
• Rent bikes or scooters (age-appropriate) and ride a safe, flat stretch of the BeltLine.
• Check out public festivals that frequently pop up around Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and city parks.

Art, Culture, and History

Beyond headline attractions, Atlanta has a rich civil rights history, arts scene, and cultural institutions.

Civil Rights & History

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Free to visit, it offers insight into Dr. King’s life and the broader Civil Rights Movement.

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Interactive museum connecting local history with global human rights issues.

  • 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• Atlanta History Center – Exhibits on Atlanta’s past, plus the Swan House and gardens.

  • 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Arts and Performance

• High Museum of Art – The city’s flagship art museum, with family days and evening events.

• Alliance Theatre (in Midtown) – Produces new plays and classics.

• Fox Theatre – For big-name concerts, touring Broadway, and special events in a historic setting.

Sports and Live Events

If you enjoy live sports or major events, Atlanta offers options almost year-round.

Professional Sports

Most major venues are close to downtown or on MARTA rail lines.

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United FC.

  • 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• State Farm Arena – Home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and a main venue for concerts.

  • 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Truist Park – Home of MLB’s Atlanta Braves, located in the Cumberland area northwest of downtown.

  • 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Other Events

• Seasonal festivals in Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and along the BeltLine.
• College football games and special sports events throughout the year.

Food, Drinks, and Nightlife

Food is a big part of having fun in Atlanta. The city offers Southern staples, international restaurants, food halls, and nightlife.

Where to Eat for Fun, Not Just Convenience

• Food Halls:

  • Popular options include large, indoor markets where everyone can choose something different, often along the BeltLine or in central neighborhoods.

• BeltLine Dining:

  • The Eastside Trail is lined with casual spots, patios, and dessert shops. Walking or biking between stops can be a full outing on its own.

• Classic Southern & Soul Food:

  • Commonly found across the city, especially in historic neighborhoods and long-standing restaurants.

Nightlife Areas

• Midtown – Mix of lounges, clubs, and casual bars.
• Buckhead – Higher-end bars and rooftop spots.
• Old Fourth Ward / Edgewood Avenue – More laid-back, local nightlife with music and late-night eateries.

Tip: 🌃 If you’re new to the city, Midtown and the BeltLine are usually the easiest, most straightforward areas to combine dinner, drinks, and a walk.

Quick-Plan Ideas: What to Do in Atlanta by Time and Interest

Use this overview to shape your day based on how long you have.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta

To make the most of your time in Atlanta:

• Plan for traffic: Driving can be slow during rush hours. Consider MARTA rail for trips to downtown, Midtown, and the airport.
• Check hours and tickets: Major attractions sometimes require timed entry, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Stay hydrated and dress for the weather: Summers can be hot and humid; light clothing and sunscreen help if you’re on the BeltLine or in parks.
• Use central hubs: Staying near Midtown, Downtown, or along the BeltLine makes it easier to access multiple fun things without long drives.

Whether you want big-name attractions, quiet parks, live sports, or local neighborhoods, Atlanta offers plenty of fun things to do that can fit almost any schedule or budget.