Fun Things To Do in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the City

Atlanta offers a mix of big-city energy, Southern history, film culture, food, sports, and green space. Whether you live here or are planning a visit, there’s no shortage of fun activities in Atlanta for every budget and interest.

Below is a practical, neighborhood-focused guide to help you plan your days (and nights) around the city.

Classic Atlanta Attractions You Should Try at Least Once

Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown Landmarks

Downtown is a convenient starting point, especially if you’re visiting.

Top activities around Centennial Olympic Park:

• Walk through Centennial Olympic Park
  Fountains, walking paths, and city views. A good spot to relax between attractions or let kids run around.

• Georgia Aquarium – 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Known for its large marine exhibits, interactive touch pools, and family-friendly shows. Great for a half-day visit.

• World of Coca-Cola – 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  A museum-style experience focused on the Coca-Cola brand, memorabilia, and tasting room.

• SkyView Atlanta – 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  A large Ferris wheel offering views of downtown and the park, especially nice at night.

These attractions are all within walking distance of each other, making it easy to build a full day of fun in a compact area.

Explore Atlanta’s Neighborhoods by Foot (or Scooter)

BeltLine: Walking, Biking, Eating, and Murals

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the best ways to experience the city like a local. It’s a paved, multi-use trail looping through several neighborhoods with public art, food stops, and parks.

Popular BeltLine segments:

• Eastside Trail (Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland)

  • Ponce City Market (shopping, food hall, rooftop activities)
  • Murals and street art under overpasses and along walls
  • Direct access to Historic Fourth Ward Park

• Westside Trail (West End, Adair Park)

  • More laid-back and residential
  • Breweries, cafes, and community parks

Fun ways to enjoy the BeltLine:

• Rent a bike or scooter and cruise between neighborhoods
• Plan a progressive food crawl: snack in one area, dessert in another
• Take a self-guided street art walk and photo tour

Parks, Green Spaces, and Outdoor Fun

Piedmont Park & Midtown Outdoors

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s “Central Park” and a hub for outdoor activities.

What you can do at Piedmont Park:

• Walk or jog the loop paths with skyline views
• Use sports fields, tennis courts, and dog parks
• Have a picnic near Lake Clara Meer
• Visit Atlanta Botanical Garden next door – 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

The Atlanta Botanical Garden features plant collections, seasonal displays, canopy walks, and special evening events throughout the year.

Stone Mountain Park (Day Trip-Style Fun)

Located just east of the city, Stone Mountain Park offers:

• Hiking up Stone Mountain for panoramic views
• Scenic railroad and lake activities
• Family-friendly attractions and seasonal shows

It’s a popular spot for half-day or full-day adventures, especially on sunny weekends.

History, Culture, and Civil Rights Landmarks

Atlanta’s history is central to both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Many activities here are both fun and meaningful.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

• MLK Jr. National Historical Park – 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  This area includes the birth home of Dr. King, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center.
  You can walk between sites, view exhibits, and reflect at the memorial.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Center for Civil and Human Rights – 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Located near the Georgia Aquarium, this museum connects the U.S. civil rights movement with global human rights. It’s an impactful visit for teens and adults.

Atlanta History Center & Swan House

• Atlanta History Center – 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
  Located in Buckhead, it includes:
  • Historic homes like the Swan House
  • Civil War exhibits
  • Gardens and walking paths

This is a good choice if you’re interested in understanding how Atlanta has changed over time.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta & Grant Park

• Zoo Atlanta – 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
  Features a range of animals, educational programs, and seasonal activities. Located within Grant Park, which also has walking paths and playgrounds.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Hands-on exhibits designed for younger children, close to other downtown attractions.

Fun, Low-Cost, and Free Options for Families

• Explore the BeltLine and stop at playgrounds and parks along the way
• Visit Piedmont Park playgrounds and splash pads (seasonal)
• Check out public libraries in Fulton County and DeKalb County for free story times and kids’ programs
• Attend neighborhood farmers markets, often with live music and activities

Sports, Games, and Live Events

Major League Teams & Stadium Experiences

Atlanta is big on sports, and stadium visits can be fun even if you’re not a die-hard fan.

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS). The stadium offers tours, major concerts, and large events.

• Truist Park – 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
  Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB). The surrounding area, The Battery Atlanta, has restaurants, shops, and game-day activities, as well as events on non-game days.

Local Sports and Indoor Activities

• Join local kickball, soccer, or softball leagues through city parks and recreation departments
• Play indoor rock climbing, bowling, or mini-golf at various facilities across the metro area
• Look for public tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts in city parks such as Piedmont Park, Candler Park, and Grant Park

Arts, Music, and Theater

High Museum of Art & Midtown’s Arts Scene

• High Museum of Art – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Features American and international art, rotating exhibits, and family programs. Located in the Arts District, near theaters and symphony venues.

Nearby options include:

• Alliance Theatre for stage productions
• Atlanta Symphony Hall for classical and contemporary performances

Local Music Venues and Festivals

Atlanta has a strong music culture, especially in hip-hop, R&B, and indie genres.

Fun ways to experience it:

• Attend local concerts at mid-size venues around the city
• Look for neighborhood festivals in places like East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, and Old Fourth Ward, featuring live bands, art, and food
• Visit open-mic nights and smaller performance spaces for a more intimate experience

Food, Markets, and Atlanta-Style Dining Experiences

Food is a big part of having fun in Atlanta. You’ll find everything from classic Southern meals to global options.

Food Halls and Market-Style Eating

Food halls are great when you’re with a group or can’t decide what you’re craving.

Popular food-hall style experiences include:

• Multi-vendor markets with Southern dishes, international street food, and desserts
• Communal seating and casual atmospheres
• Often connected to BeltLine segments or walkable neighborhoods

Farmers Markets and Local Flavors

Farmers markets combine food, community, and casual entertainment.

Look for:

• Neighborhood markets with local produce, baked goods, and food trucks
• Occasional live music and kids’ activities
• Seasonal pop-up markets and night markets in various parts of the city

Nightlife, Date Nights, and Grown-Up Fun

Rooftops, Cocktails, and City Views

For an evening out:

• Try rooftop bars or restaurants for skyline views, especially in Midtown, Downtown, and Old Fourth Ward
• Plan a BeltLine evening walk followed by dinner and dessert
• Experience comedy shows or improv for a low-pressure date night

Live Entertainment and Special Events

You’ll find:

• Comedy clubs offering stand-up and improv
• Theaters hosting plays, musicals, and touring shows
• Seasonal events like outdoor movie nights, night markets, and festival-style concerts

Many venues cluster around Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown, so you can easily combine dinner, a show, and a stroll in one night.

Budget-Friendly and Free Fun in Atlanta

Fun in Atlanta doesn’t have to be expensive. A mix of parks, public spaces, and community events offer plenty to do.

Ideas under a tight budget:

• Walk, bike, or skate along the Atlanta BeltLine
• Spend a day at Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Freedom Park
• Visit public art installations and murals in neighborhoods like Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, and Edgewood
• Attend free festivals, parades, and community events that pop up throughout the year
• Explore historic neighborhoods on a self-guided walking tour, noting older homes, churches, and landmarks

Quick-Glance Guide: Fun Activities by Type

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta Activities

• Plan by neighborhood. Traffic can be heavy, so group activities in the same area (e.g., Midtown day, Downtown day, BeltLine day).
• Use MARTA when convenient. Stations near Airport, Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead can help you avoid parking hassles.
• Check hours and event schedules. Many attractions and markets have seasonal or special-event hours.
• Prepare for the weather. Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer; plan indoor activities midday and outdoor fun in the morning or evening.

With a mix of big attractions, local neighborhoods, and outdoor spaces, Atlanta offers plenty of fun activities whether you’re here for a weekend or you’ve lived in the city for years and want to explore something new.