Fun, Local, and Kid-Approved: The Best Things To Do in Atlanta With Kids

Atlanta is a great city for families, whether you live here or you’re visiting for a few days. From world-famous attractions to low-cost neighborhood favorites, there are plenty of things to do in Atlanta with kids that work for different ages, budgets, and energy levels.

Below is a practical guide to the best kid-friendly activities around Atlanta, with local tips to help you plan your day.

Top “Big Ticket” Attractions Kids Love

These are the major Atlanta attractions most families put at the top of their list. They’re especially good if you’re visiting or planning a special outing.

Georgia Aquarium

Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: Toddlers, school-age kids, teens

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature experiences with kids. Highlights include:

• Massive viewing windows with whale sharks and manta rays
• Touch pools with stingrays and sea stars
• Dolphin and sea lion presentations
• A tunnel you walk through surrounded by fish

Local tips:

• Go early in the day or on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.
• Parking is available in the official garage on Luckie Street.
• If you’re also visiting the World of Coca-Cola or the Center for Civil and Human Rights, you can easily walk between them.

Zoo Atlanta

Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Best for: All ages

In historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is especially well-known for:

• Giant pandas (a major hit with kids)
• Kid-friendly areas with farm animals
• A train ride and carousel
• Shaded paths that make summer visits more bearable

Local tips:

• Plan 2–4 hours, depending on your child’s age and pace.
• Parking is available in nearby paid decks around Cherokee Avenue and Boulevard.
• Morning visits are usually cooler and animals can be more active.

World of Coca-Cola

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: School-age kids, tweens, teens

Right next to the Aquarium in Pemberton Place, the World of Coca-Cola is a colorful, sensory-heavy experience that many kids enjoy, especially:

• Bright exhibits and brand-themed displays
• The tasting room with soda flavors from around the world
• Historical artifacts and interactive displays

Local tips:

• This is a good half-day pairing with Georgia Aquarium.
• Younger kids may move quickly through, so don’t over-schedule expecting it to last all day.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: Toddlers and young kids (roughly 0–8)

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is built around hands-on play. Kids can:

• Play in pretend kitchens, stores, and construction areas
• Explore water and science exhibits
• Join staff-led activities and story times

Local tips:

• This is especially useful for rainy or very hot days.
• It’s walkable from MARTA’s Peachtree Center Station or from many downtown hotels.
• Peak times include weekends and holidays, so consider weekday mornings for a calmer visit.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
Best for: School-age kids and up

At Fernbank, kids can see:

• Giant dinosaur skeletons in the main atrium
• Permanent and rotating science exhibits
• A large IMAX-style giant screen theater (ticketed separately)
• Outdoor nature play areas and walking trails in Fernbank Forest

Local tips:

• Bring comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the forest or outdoor exhibits.
• This is a good alternative to downtown if you want a more relaxed setting.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Best for: All ages, especially kids who like nature and art

Right next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers:

• A dedicated Children’s Garden with interactive features
• Seasonal displays like the canopy walk and large plant sculptures
• Fountains and shaded paths that help on hot days

Local tips:

• Combine with Piedmont Park (playgrounds, open fields) for a full day out.
• Paid parking is available in the shared garage off Piedmont Avenue.

Outdoor Adventures and Parks for Kids

Atlanta’s green spaces are a big benefit for families. These spots are ideal for free or low-cost time outside.

Piedmont Park

Location: Main entrances from 10th St NE & Charles Allen Dr NE and 12th St NE
Best for: All ages

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s “central park” and a favorite with local families:

• Several playgrounds (including Mayor’s Grove)
• Open fields for running, soccer, or flying kites
• Walking and biking paths
• Dog parks if you’re bringing a pet

Local tips:

• Street parking around the park fills quickly on weekends; the Piedmont Park / Atlanta Botanical Garden parking garage is the most reliable option.
• You can easily walk to kid-friendly restaurants in nearby Midtown.

Centennial Olympic Park

Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: Toddlers, young kids, visitors staying downtown

Across from the Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park has:

• Open lawns for picnics and play
• Views of downtown’s main attractions
• A splash pad area (check seasonal schedule)

Local tips:

• This is a great spot to rest between big-ticket attractions.
• Food options are close by in the Luckie-Marietta district and around CNN Center.

The BeltLine (Eastside Trail & Westside Trail)

Best for: Stroller walks, biking, scooters, school-age kids and up

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails connecting neighborhoods. For families, the best sections are:

• Eastside Trail (from around Piedmont Park down toward Memorial Drive): cafes, murals, people-watching
• Westside Trail: a bit quieter, with parks and neighborhoods to explore

Ideas with kids:

• Bring scooters or bikes for a safe, car-free ride.
• Stop for ice cream or snacks at businesses along the trail.
• Look for public art and murals—you can turn it into a “spot the artwork” game.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Popular access point near Atlanta:
Island Ford Visitor Center – 8800 Roberts Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Best for: School-age kids and teens who enjoy nature

The Chattahoochee River north of Atlanta is a good option if you want:

• Gentle hikes with river views
• Spots where kids can throw rocks in the water and watch wildlife
• Short, manageable trails near parking areas

Local tips:

• Bring proper footwear; trails can be muddy in wet weather.
• If you’re tubing or boating, check local outfitters for age requirements and safety rules.
• There can be parking fees at some units of the National Recreation Area.

Rainy-Day and Indoor Fun With Kids

Atlanta weather can be unpredictable, but there are plenty of indoor kid activities when it rains or gets too hot.

College Football Hall of Fame

Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: School-age kids, tweens, sports fans

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame is highly interactive:

• A large indoor turf field where kids can throw, kick, and run drills
• Touchscreen exhibits featuring teams and players
• Helmet walls and memorabilia displays

Escape Rooms & Interactive Game Venues

Several escape room and interactive game centers operate in Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and other areas. These can work well for:

• Tweens and teens who like puzzles
• Small groups or birthday outings

Check age recommendations and difficulty levels when booking.

Libraries and Story Time

The Fulton County Library System and other metro-area libraries offer:

• Story times for toddlers and preschoolers
• Homework help and teen spaces
• Free access to books, computers, and quiet play areas

A centrally located branch is the Central Library at 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq, Atlanta, GA 30303, but many neighborhoods have their own branches that are more convenient for daily visits.

Science, History, and Learning Experiences

Atlanta has several kid-friendly museums that make learning feel like an outing rather than homework.

Tellus Science Museum (Day Trip)

Location: 100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120
Best for: School-age kids and science fans

Though not in Atlanta proper, many local families consider Tellus an easy day trip from the metro area. Kids can explore:

• Dinosaurs and fossils
• A large mineral gallery
• Hands-on science exhibits
• A planetarium (often ticketed separately)

If you’re based in Atlanta, it’s generally reached via I-75 North.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Best for: School-age kids, tweens, teens

This site in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood includes:

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home (tours may require advance planning)
• Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
• Visitor center with exhibits about the civil rights movement

Local tips:

• This can be a powerful, meaningful stop for families teaching kids about history and social justice.
• Pair with nearby street art walks or a quick stop at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market for food.

Atlanta History Center

Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Best for: School-age kids and older

Located in Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center includes:

• Indoor exhibitions on Atlanta’s past
• Historic homes and gardens you can walk through
• A focus on regional history that helps kids understand the city they live in or are visiting

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. Many neighborhoods offer free or budget-friendly options.

Neighborhood Playgrounds and Splash Pads

Popular family-friendly spots include:

• Lindsay Street Park and other Westside parks
• Old Fourth Ward Park (near the BeltLine Eastside Trail) with a playground and water feature
• Smaller neighborhood parks throughout Decatur, Kirkwood, Grant Park, and other intown areas

Splash pads and fountains are usually seasonal, so it’s worth checking ahead for operating months.

Free Festivals and Community Events

Throughout the year, Atlanta neighborhoods host:

• Art festivals and food festivals (often in Piedmont Park or along Peachtree Street)
• Holiday parades and seasonal celebrations
• Outdoor movie nights and concerts in parks

These events can be exciting for kids, though they can also be crowded. Bringing snacks, water, and a stroller for younger children helps a lot.

Window-Shopping and Exploring

A few walkable areas work well for low-key exploring with kids:

• Decatur Square: Short walks, casual restaurants, small shops, and a central lawn where kids can run.
• Virginia-Highland and Inman Park: Good for stroller walks, small boutiques, and quick treats.
• Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308): Shops, food hall, and direct access to the BeltLine. The rooftop (ticketed) often has games and activities suitable for older kids.

Seasonal Activities: What To Do With Kids by Time of Year

Atlanta’s best kid activities can change with the seasons. Here’s a quick overview.

Always check current hours and any special seasonal events before heading out, especially around holidays.

Getting Around Atlanta With Kids

Atlanta is spread out, so planning your routes helps the day go smoother.

MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA rail and bus can be useful for kid outings, especially to:

• Downtown (Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park) via Peachtree Center or CNN Center/GWCC stations
• Midtown (Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden) via Midtown or Arts Center stations
• Some limited bus routes to museums and attractions outside the core

For families from out of town, public transit can reduce the stress and cost of parking in central areas.

Driving and Parking

Most local families rely on cars. Keep in mind:

• Many major attractions have paid parking decks.
• Street parking around popular parks and neighborhoods can be competitive on weekends.
• If traveling with strollers or lots of gear, consider decks that connect directly to attractions (such as the official garages for the Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Atlanta Botanical Garden).

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta With Kids

To keep kid outings smoother and more enjoyable:

• Plan around naps and traffic. Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially during weekday rush hours; schedule so you’re not stuck in the car with tired kids.
• Hydrate and shade up. Summers are hot and humid; pack water, hats, and sunscreen for outdoor activities.
• Look for combo days. Pair nearby attractions—like Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park, or Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden—to minimize driving.
• Check age guidelines. Some experiences (like certain tours, escape rooms, or rooftop attractions) have age or height requirements.
• Buy in advance when possible. Popular attractions often encourage or require timed tickets, especially during busy seasons.

Whether you’re a local parent looking to mix up your weekend plans or a visitor planning a family trip, Atlanta offers a wide mix of educational, active, and just-for-fun experiences to keep kids entertained and engaged.