Fun, Kid‑Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is one of the easiest big cities to enjoy with kids. Whether you live here or you’re visiting for a weekend, you’ll find plenty of family activities in Atlanta that work for all ages, budgets, and attention spans.

Below is a practical guide to what to do in Atlanta with kids, organized by interest and area of town so you can actually plan your day.

Top Classic Atlanta Attractions for Kids

These are the “only in Atlanta” stops that many families put at the top of their list.

Georgia Aquarium

Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown)
Good for: Toddlers through teens

Highlights:

• Massive viewing windows with whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles
• Touch pools with rays and anemones
• Play areas and shorter shows to break up the day

Tips:

• Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
• Bring snacks for younger kids; there are food options on site, but lines can be long on busy days.

World of Coca‑Cola

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown)
Good for: Ages 5+ who can handle crowds and lots of stimulation

What kids like:

• Colorful exhibits about the brand’s history
• Tasting room with sodas from around the world
• Short films and interactive displays

Pair this with the Georgia Aquarium—they’re right next to each other at Pemberton Place.

Zoo Atlanta

Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (Grant Park)
Good for: All ages, especially under 10

Highlights:

• Giant pandas, gorillas, and a popular reptile house
• Kids’ area with rides and a petting zoo
• Shaded paths that help in Atlanta’s summer heat

Tips:

• Weekday mornings are usually calmer.
• Combine with Grant Park playgrounds or a picnic nearby for a lower‑cost day.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Druid Hills)
Good for: Ages 3+ and dinosaur fans

Why kids like it:

• Huge dinosaur skeletons in the main hall
• Hands‑on science exhibits
• Fernbank Forest and WildWoods outdoor area with nature trails and climbing features

This is a great rainy‑day option, but the outdoor spaces make it fun in good weather too.

Outdoor Activities and Parks for Kids in Atlanta

Atlanta’s green spaces make it easy for kids to run off energy between museum visits.

Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden

Piedmont Park
Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (Midtown)
Good for:

• Walking, scooters, and bikes
• Multiple playgrounds
• Open fields and a splash pad area seasonally

Atlanta Botanical Garden
Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Connected to Piedmont Park, the Garden offers:

• Children’s Garden with water play, climbing structures, and tunnels
• Seasonal displays like holiday lights and orchid exhibits

This combo makes a full day: play at Piedmont Park, then explore the Garden for something calmer and shaded.

Centennial Olympic Park

Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown)

What to do with kids:

• Open lawns for picnics and ball play
• Views of the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel
• Convenient to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame

It’s ideal as a rest stop between nearby attractions.

BeltLine Trails

The Atlanta BeltLine is a multi‑use trail that’s stroller‑friendly and great for bikes and scooters.

Popular segments for families:

• Eastside Trail: Runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and to Ponce City Market. You’ll find:
  • Public art
  • Access to playgrounds like Historic Fourth Ward Park
  • Easy food stops for snacks or ice cream
• Westside Trail: Quieter, good if you want a more relaxed walk or ride.

Interactive Museums and Learning‑Focused Fun

If you’re wondering what to do in Atlanta with kids that also feels educational, these spots balance learning with hands‑on play.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown)
Best for: Ages 1–8

Features:

• Pretend play areas (grocery store, kitchen, construction zone)
• Water and science exhibits
• Art and music spaces

It’s compact, which helps if you have toddlers or younger kids who tire easily.

Tellus Science Museum (Day Trip)

Location: 100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120 (about 45–60 minutes north of Atlanta)
Best for: School‑age kids and science lovers

Why consider the drive:

• Big fossil gallery, including dinosaurs and giant mammals
• Interactive physics and astronomy exhibits
• Gem and mineral gallery that fascinates many kids

This works well as a day trip for locals or visitors with a car.

Budget‑Friendly and Free Things To Do with Kids in Atlanta

Atlanta can be expensive, but you do have low‑cost family options.

Public Libraries and Story Times

The Fulton County Library System and nearby county systems regularly offer:

• Story times for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
• Homework help, teen programming, and maker activities
• Summer reading programs with prizes

Key branch:

• Central Library: 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq, Atlanta, GA 30303

Check local branches in your neighborhood for specific kids’ calendars.

Free or Low‑Cost Parks and Playgrounds

Some well‑known kid‑friendly parks:

• Grant Park: 537 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Shady playgrounds, walking paths, near Zoo Atlanta.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park: 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  Modern playground, splash features seasonally, pond area.
• Chastain Park: 140 Chastain Park Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
  Walking trails, playground, fields.

These parks are easy ways to add unstructured play time to your day.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (Sweet Auburn)

What kids can experience:

• Visitor center exhibits at a kid‑friendly level
• Walk around the neighborhood where Dr. King grew up
• Reflecting pool and eternal flame

There is no ticket cost for many parts of the site, making it a good educational stop for older kids.

Indoor Play When It’s Too Hot or Rainy

Atlanta’s weather can be unpredictable or very hot in summer, so indoor options are essential.

Trampoline and Adventure Parks

There are multiple indoor trampoline and climbing parks around metro Atlanta. These typically offer:

• Open jumps
• Foam pits and ninja‑style obstacle courses
• Toddler‑only times for safer play

Most require waivers and grip socks; check age/height rules before you go.

Malls and Indoor Play Areas

Several larger shopping areas around Atlanta have:

• Small indoor play zones for younger children
• Occasional kids’ events, crafts, or seasonal activities

These can be good backup plans when outdoor options aren’t possible.

Sports, Games, and Active Experiences

Atlanta Professional Sports (Kid‑Friendly Angles)

Depending on the season, families may enjoy:

• Baseball at Truist Park (Atlanta Braves) in nearby Cobb County
  Many families enjoy the surrounding The Battery Atlanta area with open spaces and kid‑oriented entertainment before or after the game.
• Soccer at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Atlanta United FC)
  Energetic atmosphere; older kids and teens often enjoy the noise and fan sections.
• Football (Atlanta Falcons)
  Better suited for older kids who can manage longer games and crowds.

Look for family sections or earlier start times if your kids are younger.

Mini Golf, Bowling, and Family Games

Across metro Atlanta you’ll find:

• Mini golf courses (indoor and outdoor)
• Bowling alleys with bumpers and lighter balls
• Family‑friendly arcade centers

These are good choices for mixed‑age groups or evening activities.

Seasonal and Special Events with Kids in Atlanta

Atlanta has a full calendar of seasonal family events. Offerings change year to year, but some patterns are common.

Spring and Summer

Common warm‑weather activities:

• Splash pads in city parks
  Check Piedmont Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, and neighborhood parks for seasonal water features.
• Outdoor movies and concerts in parks
  Many are family‑friendly; bring blankets and snacks.
• Festivals with kids’ zones, face painting, and crafts across neighborhoods like Inman Park, Grant Park, and Midtown.

Fall

Family‑focused fall traditions often include:

• Pumpkin patches and corn mazes at farms around the metro region
• Halloween events at attractions like Zoo Atlanta or neighborhood festivals
• Outdoor fairs and art festivals with kids’ activities

Winter and Holidays

In November and December, many attractions add:

• Holiday light displays
• Themed train rides or kids’ performances
• Indoor winter markets with crafts and activities

Times and offerings shift each year, so check current schedules before you go.

Quick Comparison: Popular Atlanta Kid Activities

Practical Tips for Doing Atlanta with Kids

• Plan around traffic: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially weekday rush hours. Try to schedule big attractions early morning or midday and avoid long cross‑town drives at peak times.
• Bundle nearby sights:
  • Downtown: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Children’s Museum, Centennial Olympic Park
  • Midtown: Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Grant Park: Zoo Atlanta, Grant Park playgrounds
• Watch the heat: Summers are hot and humid. For younger kids:
  • Do outdoor parks early or late.
  • Keep midday for indoor museums or play spaces.
  • Use splash pads or water play where available.
• Use MARTA when it helps:
  Downtown and Midtown are reasonably served by MARTA rail, which can be easier than parking with kids for some trips.
• Pack smart:
  • Extra clothes for splash pads or messy play
  • Snacks and water—especially if kids get overwhelmed by long lines or crowds
  • Small stroller for toddlers; distances between downtown attractions can feel long for little legs

How to Choose the Right Activities for Your Kids’ Ages

• Babies and toddlers:
  • Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  • Quiet walks through Piedmont Park or the Botanical Garden
  • Short visits to the Aquarium (focus on big viewing windows)
• Preschool and early elementary:
  • Zoo Atlanta
  • Fernbank Museum and Forest
  • Splash pads, playgrounds, simple BeltLine walks or scooter rides
• Tweens and teens:
  • Georgia Aquarium (more time at shows and specialty exhibits)
  • BeltLine biking, mini golf, bowling, and adventure parks
  • Sports events and more detailed historic sites like the MLK Jr. National Historical Park

Knowing what to do in Atlanta with kids comes down to mixing a couple of big attractions with plenty of simple play time in parks, on the BeltLine, or at local libraries and playgrounds. With these options, you can build an Atlanta itinerary that fits your children’s ages, interests, and energy levels without feeling overwhelmed.