Fernbank Atlanta: Your Guide to the Museum, Forest, and Experiences Locals Love

When people in Atlanta say “Fernbank”, they may mean a few related but different things:

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
• Fernbank Forest
• Fernbank Science Center

All three are in or near Druid Hills on Atlanta’s east side, and all are popular with families, students, nature lovers, and visitors. This guide walks you through what each “Fernbank” is, what to expect, and how to plan your visit.

The Main Attraction: Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the “Fernbank Atlanta” most visitors are looking for. It’s a large natural history museum known for dinosaurs, huge exhibits, and immersive science experiences.

Location:
767 Clifton Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30307

What You’ll Find Inside the Museum

Fernbank Museum focuses on natural history, science, and the environment, with a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits. Common highlights include:

• Dinosaur exhibits
  • Giant dinosaur skeletons in the Great Hall
  • Exhibits that explain how scientists study fossils
• Georgia-focused natural history
  • Displays on Georgia’s geology, wildlife, and ecosystems
  • Exhibits that connect Atlanta to the broader natural world
• Hands-on science for kids
  • Interactive displays where kids can press buttons, build, and experiment
  • Areas designed for younger children to touch and explore safely
• Cultural and global exhibits
  • Rotating galleries that sometimes feature world cultures, archaeology, or global environments

The museum usually offers a balance of visual displays, interactive elements, and educational content, so it works well for both children and adults.

Giant Screen Theater

Fernbank often features a giant-screen theater showing films on nature, science, and exploration. These are typically large-format movies (shorter than standard Hollywood films) about:

• Oceans and marine life
• Space and astronomy
• Dinosaurs and prehistoric Earth
• Wildlife and conservation

Tickets may be separate from general admission, so it’s smart to check current pricing and showtimes before you go.

Outdoor Experiences: WildWoods & Fernbank Forest Access

Your Fernbank Museum admission usually includes access to outdoor areas behind the museum, such as:

• WildWoods

  • Elevated walkways and bridges
  • Outdoor play spaces for kids
  • Art installations and nature-focused exhibits

• Access point to Fernbank Forest (more on the forest below)

  • Marked trails through mature forest
  • Educational signage about plants, animals, and ecology

These outdoor spaces give you a chance to shift from galleries to fresh air without leaving the overall Fernbank campus.

Fernbank Forest: An Old-Growth Oasis in the City

Fernbank Forest is a 65-acre old-growth forest directly connected to the museum’s property. For many locals, it’s one of the most unique natural spaces inside the Perimeter.

Though the land is forested, access is organized through Fernbank Museum. In practice, that means:

• Entry is generally through museum-managed gates or trailheads
• Access may follow museum hours, programs, or guided walk schedules

What to Expect in Fernbank Forest

Fernbank Forest gives Atlanta residents and visitors a glimpse of what the region’s forest once looked like:

• Tall, mature trees and a layered forest canopy
• Marked trails suitable for casual walks (not backcountry hiking)
• Seasonal changes: wildflowers, fall color, and varying bird activity

It’s typically quiet and shaded, making it a good option if you want:

• A short nature break without leaving the city
• A low-key walk before or after time inside the museum
• A kid-friendly, educational outdoor experience

⛰️ Tip: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Trails can be uneven or muddy after rain.

Fernbank Science Center: Separate Campus, Different Focus

Many people assume Fernbank Science Center is part of the same organization as Fernbank Museum, but it’s actually operated by the DeKalb County School District.

Location:
156 Heaton Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30307

It’s close to the museum (also in the Druid Hills area) but on a separate property with its own programming and schedule.

What Fernbank Science Center Offers

Fernbank Science Center focuses more on STEM education, especially for students. Typical features include:

• Planetarium

  • Astronomy shows and star presentations
  • Programs often designed for school groups and families

• Science exhibits

  • Displays on space, Earth science, and technology
  • Hands-on learning experiences

• Educational programs

  • Activities aligned with K–12 science education
  • Events and lectures open to the public at certain times

Because it’s school-district run, hours and public access can vary. Locals often check the center’s current schedule before visiting, especially for specific planetarium shows.

Fernbank Museum vs. Fernbank Science Center: Key Differences

People searching “Fernbank Atlanta” often want to know which location to visit first, or whether they can do both in a day. This quick comparison can help you decide:

Many Atlanta families visit both at different times:

• The museum for all-day outings and special exhibits
• The science center for planetarium shows or school events

Planning Your Visit to Fernbank Museum

If you’re coming from anywhere in metro Atlanta or visiting from out of town, planning ahead can make your trip smoother.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

By car:

• Located in Druid Hills, east of downtown Atlanta
• Reasonable access from I-85, I-20, or Freedom Parkway depending on your starting point
• On-site parking is typically available in a museum lot

By MARTA:

• The nearest rail stops are usually Decatur or Edgewood/Candler Park on the East/West line
• From there, most visitors use a rideshare or short cab ride to reach Clifton Road

When to Go

Common patterns visitors notice:

• Weekdays (non-holiday): Often less crowded, good for adults and young kids
• Weekends and holidays: Busier, especially on rainy days and during special exhibits
• Mornings: Often more relaxed before school groups or weekend crowds peak

If you’re driving from the suburbs, many locals try to:

• Arrive earlier in the day to avoid heavier traffic
• Combine the visit with nearby stops in Decatur, Candler Park, or Little Five Points for food and shopping

What to Do with Kids at Fernbank

For Atlanta-area families, Fernbank Museum is a go-to destination for school breaks, weekends, and rainy days.

Age-by-Age Ideas

• Toddlers and preschoolers

  • Explore lower-level interactive exhibits
  • Short outdoor time in WildWoods play areas
  • Shorter museum visits (1–2 hours) tend to work best

• Elementary-age kids

  • Dinosaur galleries and Georgia natural history exhibits
  • Outdoor trails and elevated walkways
  • Giant screen films on topics they’re curious about

• Middle and high school students

  • Deeper dives into geology, fossils, and cultural exhibits
  • Special exhibits that relate to school subjects
  • Combine with a planetarium show at Fernbank Science Center for a science-themed day

🎒 Practical tip: Many Atlanta parents bring snacks and plan a mid-visit break outside or in designated areas so kids don’t burn out quickly.

Tips for Locals vs. Visitors

If You Live in Atlanta

• Consider repeated visits as exhibits change and kids grow into new content
• Many locals use Fernbank as a year-round learning space, especially for:
  • Supplementing school science topics
  • Encouraging kids to care about Georgia’s environment
• The combination of indoor exhibits + forest access makes it useful even in changing weather

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

• Fernbank is a solid choice if you want something that is:
  • Family-friendly
  • Educational but still fun
  • Distinctly connected to Georgia and the Southeast

You can pair a Fernbank visit with:

• Downtown attractions earlier or later in the day
• A meal in nearby Decatur, Virginia-Highland, or Inman Park on your way back

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

Visitors typically find that:

• The museum building provides elevators and ramps to navigate different floors
• There are restrooms on multiple levels
• Outdoor areas like WildWoods include some boardwalk-style paths, though certain forest trails may feel less accessible for wheelchairs or strollers

If you have mobility or sensory considerations, it can be helpful to:

• Plan quieter visit times (mornings on weekdays)
• Start indoors, then shift outdoors if galleries feel too crowded or noisy

How to Choose Which “Fernbank” to Visit First

If you’re short on time and must pick just one:

• Choose Fernbank Museum of Natural History if you want:

  • Dinosaurs, big exhibits, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities
  • A broad introduction to Georgia’s natural history in a single stop

• Choose Fernbank Science Center if you want:

  • A planetarium show and more focused STEM content
  • A school-oriented science experience, especially if you’re connected to DeKalb County schools

If you have a full day in the Druid Hills area, many visitors:

1. Spend the morning and early afternoon at Fernbank Museum, including WildWoods and the forest.
2. Head to Fernbank Science Center later in the day for a planetarium show, if schedules align.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, “Fernbank” offers a rare combination of museum learning, urban forest immersion, and science education all within a few miles. Deciding which Fernbank to visit depends on your interests and schedule, but all three give you a distinctly Atlanta way to explore science, nature, and history.