Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Atlanta: Where to Stay With Kids
Planning a family trip to Atlanta, Georgia, or hosting out-of-town relatives with kids? Atlanta has a wide range of family-friendly hotels that make it easier to balance fun, comfort, and convenience—whether you want to be near downtown attractions, the Georgia Aquarium, the BeltLine, or the airport.
This guide focuses on what matters most to families in Atlanta: location, room setup, kid-friendly amenities, nearby attractions, and practical details.
How to Choose a Family-Friendly Hotel in Atlanta
Before jumping into specific options, it helps to think about where in Atlanta you want to stay and what your family needs.
Key factors to consider:
Location
- Want to walk to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park? Look downtown.
- Prefer a quieter stay near Atlanta Botanical Garden and Piedmont Park? Check Midtown.
- Need fast access to highways and the airport (ATL)? Consider the airport or perimeter areas.
- Looking for more of a neighborhood feel near the BeltLine and markets? Look at Old Fourth Ward or Inman Park–adjacent options.
Room configuration
- Suites with separate living areas work well for families.
- Kitchenettes or full kitchens can save money on meals.
- Ask about cribs, rollaway beds, and connecting rooms.
Kid-focused amenities
- Indoor or outdoor pool
- Free breakfast
- On-site laundry (helpful for longer stays)
- Proximity to parks and playgrounds
Transportation & parking
- Cost of parking can add up downtown.
- Being near MARTA stations (like Peachtree Center, Five Points, Arts Center, or Airport) can simplify getting around without driving.
Quick Comparison: Popular Family Areas to Stay in Atlanta
| Area of Atlanta | Best For Families Who… | Nearby Kid-Friendly Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | Want to walk to “big ticket” sights | Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park |
| Midtown | Like parks, museums, and a slightly calmer feel | Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, High Museum of Art |
| Buckhead | Prefer upscale, quieter stays and shopping | Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, LEGOLAND Discovery Center (inside Phipps) |
| Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park–adjacent | Enjoy local restaurants, BeltLine access, walkable neighborhoods | Ponce City Market, BeltLine Eastside Trail, Historic Fourth Ward Park |
| Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson area) | Need quick flights, early departures, or a stopover | Delta Flight Museum, easy MARTA access downtown |
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Downtown Atlanta
Downtown is the most popular area for first-time visitors with kids because many attractions are within walking distance.
1. Family-Oriented Hotels Near Georgia Aquarium & Centennial Olympic Park
Staying near Centennial Olympic Park puts you in the middle of:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta
- College Football Hall of Fame
Hotels in this area that tend to work especially well for families often offer:
- Suites or larger rooms
- Microwaves and mini-fridges
- Indoor pools or splash areas
- Easy stroller access to nearby attractions
Helpful tip: When booking, look for “family suite,” “double queen with sofa bed,” or “one-bedroom suite” in the room description to make bedtime easier with kids.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Midtown Atlanta
If you want a balance of green space, culture, and city access, Midtown is one of the best bets for families.
Why Midtown Works Well for Families
- Piedmont Park: Atlanta’s signature park, with large play areas, a splash pad (seasonal), and room for kids to run.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden: Seasonal exhibits, a canopy walk, and children’s garden areas.
- High Museum of Art and nearby arts institutions that often host family days and kid-friendly activities.
- MARTA access via Arts Center or Midtown stations for easy trips downtown.
Midtown hotels that are good for families often feature:
- Suites with living rooms
- Kitchenettes or at least a microwave and fridge
- Short walk to Piedmont Park (ideal for burning off energy at the end of the day)
If you’re an Atlanta local planning a “staycation,” Midtown is especially convenient because you can leave your car parked and mostly walk or use MARTA.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Buckhead
Buckhead appeals to families who prefer a quieter, more suburban-feeling base with access to shopping and indoor activities.
Why Buckhead Can Be a Good Choice With Kids
- Close to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza for dining and shopping.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta inside Phipps Plaza is a major plus for families with younger children.
- Many hotels in this area:
- Offer larger rooms and suites
- Have pools
- Provide garage or on-site parking
Travel tip: This area is well-connected by MARTA’s Red Line (Lenox and Buckhead stations), making it possible to stay in Buckhead and still easily reach downtown attractions without driving every day.
Family-Friendly Options Near Atlanta’s Airport (ATL)
If you have a very early flight, late arrival, or overnight layover, it can be easier to stay near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and then head into the city.
What to Expect From Airport-Area Hotels
Most family-appropriate hotels near the airport typically offer:
- Free airport shuttles to and from terminals
- Free breakfast
- Indoor or outdoor pool
- Easy access to the Airport MARTA Station, which connects directly to downtown and Midtown
This can work well if:
- You’re driving from elsewhere in Georgia and flying out the next morning.
- Your family is arriving late and you want to rest before starting your Atlanta trip downtown the following day.
Extended-Stay & Suite Hotels for Longer Family Trips
Families staying in Atlanta for more than a few days often prefer extended-stay or suite-style hotels, which give you:
- Kitchen or kitchenette (stovetop, microwave, fridge)
- On-site laundry facilities
- More space for kids to spread out
These are available in many Atlanta neighborhoods, including:
- Downtown (near the major attractions)
- Midtown (near Piedmont Park and MARTA)
- Buckhead (near shopping and LEGOLAND Discovery Center)
- Perimeter Center / Dunwoody (suburban feel, near Perimeter Mall, with easy highway access)
For local families hosting relatives, these can be a practical alternative to crowding everyone into your home, especially if visiting for holidays, graduations, or family events.
Kid-Friendly Amenities to Ask About When Booking
To make sure the hotel you pick in Atlanta is truly family-friendly, it helps to call or check details before you finalize.
Helpful questions to ask:
Rooms & beds
- Do you offer cribs or pack-and-plays? Is there a fee?
- Are connecting rooms available?
- Is there a sofa bed in suite-style rooms?
Food
- Is breakfast included?
- Do rooms have a microwave and mini-fridge?
- Is there an on-site restaurant with kid-friendly options?
Activities & downtime
- Is the pool indoor or outdoor, and what are the hours?
- Is there a quiet time policy at night?
- Do you offer streaming-friendly TVs (for logging into your own accounts) or basic kids’ channels?
Logistics
- What are parking fees and is parking on-site?
- How far is the hotel from the nearest MARTA station?
- Are there family-friendly restaurants within walking distance?
Family-Friendly Areas and Attractions Near Popular Hotel Zones
When picking a hotel in Atlanta, it’s smart to think not just about the property itself but what’s right outside the door. Here are a few family-friendly clusters:
Downtown Cluster (Walkable From Many Downtown Hotels)
- Georgia Aquarium – One of the major highlights for kids.
- World of Coca-Cola – Interactive exhibits and brand history.
- Centennial Olympic Park – Fountain of Rings and open green space.
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Ideal for younger children.
- CNN Center area – Indoor food court-style eating (offerings change over time).
Many families choose a downtown hotel specifically so they can walk to all of these and avoid separate parking fees at each attraction.
Midtown Cluster
- Piedmont Park – Playgrounds, walking paths, dog park, seasonal events.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden – Children’s garden and seasonal displays.
- Colony Square & surrounding blocks – Dining and relaxed outdoor seating options.
If your kids need outdoor time and you prefer a slightly less hectic feel than downtown, Midtown can be a strong choice.
Buckhead Cluster
- Phipps Plaza – Home to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta and various dining options.
- Lenox Square – Shopping and indoor walking when the weather is bad.
- Several nearby parks and neighborhood streets that are good for stroller walks.
BeltLine & Intown Neighborhoods
If you stay near the BeltLine Eastside Trail (for example, near Ponce City Market):
- Kids can enjoy walking or biking along the trail.
- There are frequent food and snack options.
- Historic Fourth Ward Park offers a lake, playground, and open space.
This area has more of a local neighborhood vibe than the traditional hotel districts downtown or in Buckhead.
Practical Tips for Staying in Atlanta With Kids
A few local-style tips to make your family hotel stay smoother:
Plan around traffic
Atlanta traffic can be heavy during rush hours. If you’re staying in one area and driving to another (for example, Buckhead to downtown), try to travel outside weekday rush hour when possible.Use MARTA when it makes sense
If your hotel is near a MARTA station, going by train to the airport or downtown can avoid parking and traffic stress.Check parking costs upfront
Many downtown and Midtown hotels charge nightly parking fees, which can be significant over several nights. Suburban or Buckhead properties sometimes have more affordable or included parking.Hydrate and plan for heat in summer
Atlanta summers are hot and humid. If your kids are sensitive to heat, choose a hotel with an indoor pool or easy access to indoor attractions, and plan outdoor time for mornings or late afternoons.Ask the front desk for local family tips
Many front desks or concierges in Atlanta are used to hosting families and can point you toward:- Nearby playgrounds
- Walkable kid-friendly restaurants
- Seasonal events or festivals during your stay
When a Local Staycation Hotel Makes Sense
Even if you live in Atlanta, a family-friendly hotel can be useful when:
- You’re celebrating a birthday with a pool and downtown attractions.
- You want a quick Midtown or BeltLine staycation without long drives.
- You’re remodeling or hosting large numbers of relatives and need overflow space.
In those cases, prioritize:
- Proximity to your home neighborhood (for convenience)
- Parking arrangements if you’ll be in and out frequently
- A room setup that allows kids and adults to have at least two separate sleeping spaces
Bringing It All Together
For families looking at the best family-friendly hotels in Atlanta, the most important decision is usually which part of the city fits your plans:
- Pick downtown if you want to walk to Atlanta’s biggest attractions.
- Choose Midtown for parks, museums, and a more relaxed city feel.
- Opt for Buckhead for quieter, upscale stays and access to LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
- Consider airport-area hotels for early flights or quick layovers.
- Look at extended-stay and suite hotels anywhere in the metro for longer visits or larger families.
From there, focus on room layout, kid-friendly amenities, transportation options, and nearby attractions. With a little planning, it’s straightforward to find a hotel in Atlanta that keeps both kids and adults comfortable, entertained, and well-rested.