What To Do With Kids in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Family-Friendly Fun

Atlanta is one of the best cities in the Southeast for families, whether you live here or are visiting with kids for a weekend. From big-name attractions downtown to neighborhood parks and free festivals, there’s always something to do with kids in Atlanta.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to what to do with kids in Atlanta, organized by interest, age, and budget.

Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in Atlanta

These are the big, can’t-miss places families usually start with. They’re especially good if you’re visiting or planning a special day out.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature kid attractions, with massive viewing windows, touch pools, and shows.

• Best for: Toddlers through teens
• Highlights: Whale sharks, dolphin presentations, penguins, touch tanks
• Tip: Go early in the morning on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.

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

World of Coca‑Cola

Right across from the aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola is more of a brand museum plus tasting experience. Kids usually love the interactive exhibits and the tasting room.

• Best for: Elementary-age kids and up
• Highlights: Vintage ads, bottling displays, world flavors tasting room
• Tip: Combine with Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park for a full downtown day.

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

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is a solid choice for younger kids and animal lovers. The layout is walkable and shaded, which helps in Atlanta’s summer heat.

• Best for: Toddlers through tweens
• Highlights: Giant pandas (check current status), African savanna, Kids Zone, train, and carousel
• Tip: Arrive at opening time; animals are more active before midday heat.

Location:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: 404-624-5600

Fernbank Museum and Fernbank Science Center

Families often mix up these two, but both are great with kids.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

• Best for: Ages 4+
• Highlights: Dinosaur exhibits, natural history galleries, rotating special exhibits, indoor play areas, and outdoor WildWoods trails with climbing structures.
• Tip: Plan time outside in Fernbank Forest and WildWoods, especially if kids need to burn off energy.

Location:
Fernbank Museum
767 Clifton Rd SE
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: 404-929-6300

Fernbank Science Center (separate facility)

• Best for: School-age kids and science fans
• Highlights: Planetarium shows, space and science exhibits
• Tip: Check showtimes in advance; hours are more limited than the museum.

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

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a hands-on play and learning space downtown, ideal for younger children.

• Best for: Ages 1–8
• Highlights: Water play, building zones, pretend play, climbing/soft play, rotating exhibits
• Tip: Sessions are often timed; advance tickets help you avoid onsite disappointment.

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

Outdoor Fun: Parks, Playgrounds, and Trails

Atlanta’s green spaces give kids room to run, bike, and explore nature.

Piedmont Park & Atlanta BeltLine

Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine are central to kid-friendly outdoor life in Atlanta.

• Piedmont Park highlights:
  • Multiple playgrounds, including the Mayor’s Grove Playground
  • Open fields for soccer, frisbee, and picnics
  • Dog parks (fun for pet-loving kids)
• Atlanta BeltLine highlights:
  • Paved multi-use trail great for strollers, bikes, and scooters
  • Public art and murals
  • Access to playgrounds, parks, and family-friendly restaurants

Tip: Start near Monroe Dr & 10th St for Piedmont Park, or Historic Fourth Ward Park for a playground + BeltLine combo.

Centennial Olympic Park

Located in downtown’s tourist district, Centennial Olympic Park ties together several major attractions.

• Open green spaces for running around
• Fountains of the Rings (check current operation; fountains may be seasonal or under maintenance)
• Often hosts festivals and events

Location:
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: 404-223-4412

Chattahoochee River and Nature Areas

For families who like the outdoors, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and nearby trails are an easy escape without leaving metro Atlanta.

Popular family-friendly spots include:

• Cochran Shoals (Powers Island / Interstate North) – flat river trails, great for biking and walking
• Island Ford – short hikes and river views

Tip: Pack extra clothes if kids like to splash near the water, and check parking/park pass requirements.

Local Neighborhood Parks Kids Love

Some consistently popular in-town options:

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Modern playground, splash-style features (seasonal), near the BeltLine
• Grant Park – Shady, classic playgrounds and easy access to Zoo Atlanta
• Perkerson Park (Southwest Atlanta) – Large playground and open fields

These are go-to choices for low-cost, low-planning afternoons with kids.

Indoor Activities for Hot, Cold, or Rainy Days

Atlanta weather can be unpredictable. These indoor spots keep kids busy without relying on playgrounds.

Libraries and Storytimes

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System and nearby county library systems host kid-friendly programs:

• Baby and toddler storytimes
• Craft days
• Teen events and homework help
• Summer reading programs

Central downtown branch:
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library – Central Library
1 Margaret Mitchell Sq
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-730-1700

Tip: Check the branch closest to you; neighborhood branches often feel more relaxed with young kids.

Indoor Play Spaces and Trampoline Parks

Across metro Atlanta you’ll find:

• Indoor playgrounds and play cafés – Good for toddlers and preschoolers
• Trampoline parks – Popular with elementary-age kids and teens
• Climbing gyms – Many offer kid-friendly walls and beginner lessons

Because specific businesses can change frequently, it’s best to search by your neighborhood (e.g., “indoor playground Buckhead” or “trampoline park Decatur”) and check current hours and age rules.

Museums Beyond Downtown

Several smaller or more specialized museums work well with kids:

• Atlanta History Center (Buckhead) – Kid-friendly exhibits, historic houses, and outdoor space
  • 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404-814-4000
• College Football Hall of Fame (Downtown) – Interactive exhibits and skill challenges
  • 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | 404-880-4800

These are good add-ons if you’ve already done the major downtown attractions.

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

You don’t have to spend a lot to keep kids busy in Atlanta.

Free or Budget-Friendly Ideas

• Explore the BeltLine by bike or scooter – Bring your own or rent nearby.
• Visit local playgrounds – Try a new park in a different neighborhood to keep it interesting.
• Check out free festivals and neighborhood events – Many Atlanta neighborhoods host seasonal festivals with music, food, and kid areas.
• Window-shop at Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market – Walk, grab a snack, and watch BeltLine activity.
• Visit public art and murals – Areas like the Krog Street Tunnel have colorful, ever-changing artwork.

Discount Tips 💡

• Weekdays and off-peak seasons often mean lower crowds and sometimes lower pricing.
• Some attractions offer resident discounts, membership programs, or combo tickets that can cut costs if you plan multiple visits.

Seasonal Activities: What To Do With Kids Year-Round

Atlanta’s kid activities shift with the seasons. Planning around the weather and school calendar helps.

Spring

• Spring festivals in neighborhoods across the city
• Zoo Atlanta and Fernbank’s WildWoods when temperatures are mild
• Baseball games at Truist Park (Cumberland area) for sports-loving families

Summer

• Splash pads and spraygrounds at city parks (check City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation listings)
• Chattahoochee River for cooler temperatures and water play (with appropriate supervision and safety gear)
• Indoor attractions like museums and the aquarium to escape the heat

Fall

• Fall festivals and fairs around metro Atlanta
• Pumpkin patches and corn mazes on the outskirts of the city
• Comfortable weather for BeltLine walks and longer park days

Winter

• Holiday lights at area attractions (large venues often run seasonal light displays)
• Indoor museums and play spaces during colder or rainy stretches
• Occasional indoor skating rinks and seasonal activities in downtown and suburban town centers

Quick Reference: Kid Activities by Age & Interest

Practical Tips for Doing Atlanta With Kids

• Plan around traffic: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially weekday rush hours. Factor in extra time for driving and parking.
• Use MARTA when it makes sense: For downtown attractions (aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Children’s Museum, Centennial Olympic Park), MARTA rail to Peachtree Center or GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center stations can be convenient.
• Pack for the weather: Summers are hot and humid; bring water, sunscreen, and hats. Winter can be cold and damp; layers help for outdoor activities.
• Check hours before you go: Museums, parks, and splash pads may have seasonal hours or special events that affect accessibility.

If you keep a short list of go-to parks, one or two major attractions, and a couple of indoor backups, you’ll always have a solid answer to “What should we do with the kids today in Atlanta?”