Imagine It: A Local’s Guide to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta

If you’re looking for a fun, hands‑on place where kids can learn, explore, and burn off energy in downtown Atlanta, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta (originally branded “Imagine It!”) is one of the city’s best-known spots for families with young children.

This guide walks through what the museum is like, what to expect, how to plan your visit, and how Atlanta locals and visitors can make the most of it.

Where It Is and How to Get There

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

The museum sits right on the edge of Centennial Olympic Park, within easy walking distance of:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel
• CNN Center

Getting there

By car:

• Located just off I‑85/I‑75 in downtown Atlanta.
• Nearby streets to look for: Baker St NW, Marietta St NW, Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW.
• Public and private parking decks are available around Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium. Expect typical downtown parking rates.

By MARTA:

• Take MARTA to Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold line).
• It’s roughly a 10–15 minute walk west to the museum.
• Signs for Centennial Olympic Park can help guide you in the right direction.

Tip: 🚗 If you’re visiting on a busy weekend or during a big event (concerts, games, festivals), give yourself extra time for traffic and parking around downtown.

Who the Children’s Museum of Atlanta Is Best For

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is designed primarily for younger kids, with a focus on:

• Toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1–5)
• Early elementary kids (around 6–8)

Older elementary kids may still find certain exhibits fun, but most activities are geared toward early childhood learning: sensory play, pretend play, building, and basic science and math concepts.

It’s especially helpful for:

• Atlanta parents looking for indoor activities in summer heat or on rainy days
• Visitors staying downtown who want a half‑day kid-focused activity
• Grandparents or caregivers needing a safe, contained play space for young children

What to Expect Inside: Main Exhibits & Experiences

The museum is relatively compact compared with larger attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, but it’s densely packed with interactive exhibits. Most areas are designed so kids can touch, climb, build, and explore freely.

Core exhibit areas you’re likely to find

While specific exhibits can change over time, these are some of the common types of areas families experience at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta:

1. Imaginative Play Zones

• Grocery store / farm / kitchen play: Kids can “shop,” weigh food, cook pretend meals, and learn about food and nutrition.
• Construction or building zone: Oversized foam blocks, tools, and structures where kids can stack, build, and knock things down safely.
• Costumes and role-play: Spaces where kids can act out different community roles (like doctors, firefighters, or performers).

Why it matters for Atlanta families:
These zones are a great place for kids to practice social skills, sharing, and imagination, especially during playdates or sibling outings.

2. STEM and Hands-On Science Areas

• Simple machines (levers, pulleys, gears)
• Ball tracks and gravity-based activities
• Water or air flow exhibits (often with balls, pipes, and fans)

These are built for exploration rather than lectures—kids learn by trying, failing, and trying again.

3. Art and Creativity Spaces

• Art studio with rotating crafts
• Painting, drawing, collage, or simple sculpting activities
• Seasonal or themed projects (often tied to holidays or cultural events)

This can be especially helpful for Atlanta parents living in apartments or condos who don’t love messy art projects at home—kids can get creative here and leave the cleanup to the museum.

4. Climbing and Gross Motor Play

• Climbing structures scaled for younger children
• Soft play areas for toddlers
• Balance activities and movement games

These spaces help burn energy when outdoor playgrounds are too hot, rainy, or crowded.

5. Rotating and Special Exhibits

The museum typically features temporary or rotating exhibits focused on topics like:

• Space and astronomy
• Music and sound
• Engineering and building
• Cultural themes or global exploration

If you live in Atlanta, these rotating exhibits can make repeat visits feel fresh.

Programs, Storytimes, and Special Events

Beyond open exploration, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta usually runs structured programs throughout the day.

Common offerings include:

• Storytime sessions
• Music and movement activities
• Science demonstrations or simple experiments
• Themed days or weeks (for holidays, seasons, or cultural celebrations)

These programs are led by staff in dedicated spaces or stages within the museum. Schedules often vary by day and season, so checking the daily program board once you arrive can help you plan your visit around specific sessions.

For Atlanta locals, these programs can be a way to:

• Add educational value to free play time
• Build a routine outing with young kids
• Expose children to structured group activities in a low‑pressure environment

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Timing

Details like pricing and exact hours can change, but here are general patterns that can help you plan.

Typical visit length

Most families spend around 2–3 hours at the museum, depending on the child’s age and energy level. Some stay longer if they take breaks for snacks or naps.

Best times to go

• Weekday mornings: Often the calmest time, popular with local parents and caregivers.
• Weekends and school holidays: More crowded, especially late morning to mid‑afternoon.
• Summer and spring break: Expect heavier crowds, especially with tourists staying downtown.

If your schedule is flexible, Atlanta families often prefer weekday visits to avoid long lines at popular exhibits.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

Here are some practical tips for visiting the Children’s Museum of Atlanta:

Helpful things to bring

• Comfortable clothes for kids that can handle paint, water, or mess
• Grip socks or regular socks if play areas require them (check current rules)
• Reusable water bottles
• Small snacks for breaks, following museum policies on where food is allowed
• Stroller, if you have a baby or toddler (check if there are designated stroller parking areas)

Things to keep in mind

• Many exhibits involve water, paint, or sand-like materials—dress accordingly.
• The museum can get noisy during busy times; sensitive kids may benefit from noise‑reducing headphones.
• There may be designated eating areas; typically, food isn’t allowed directly in exhibit spaces.

Accessibility and Inclusive Features

Families in Atlanta often look for indoor spaces that work for a variety of needs. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta generally aims to be:

• Stroller-friendly with ramps and elevators
• Designed at a child’s eye level for most activities
• Equipped with family restrooms or changing areas

Some children benefit from:

• Visiting during quieter weekday hours
• Taking breaks in calmer corners or reading nooks
• Using social stories or photos of the museum in advance, if they prefer to know what to expect

If accessibility is a priority, calling the front desk at (404) 659‑5437 before your visit can help you understand current accommodations, such as sensory-friendly hours or special programs.

Nearby Food, Parks, and Add-On Activities

One of the biggest advantages of this museum’s location is how many other things there are to do nearby in downtown Atlanta.

Eating nearby

Within a short walk, you’ll typically find:

• Fast‑casual chains and cafes around Centennial Olympic Park
• Food options inside or near the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
• Sit‑down restaurants closer to CNN Center and hotels

If you’re an Atlanta local bringing younger kids, it can be easy to pair the museum with a quick lunch and an outdoor stop at the park.

Pairing with other attractions

Depending on energy levels, you might combine the Children’s Museum with:

• A stroll or picnic in Centennial Olympic Park
• An afternoon at the Georgia Aquarium
• A ride on the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel for city views

For many families, doing two big attractions in one day can be a lot, especially with toddlers. A common approach is:

• Morning: Children’s Museum
• Midday: Lunch + rest
• Afternoon: Short park visit or hotel/at‑home downtime

Tips for Atlanta Locals vs. Visitors

If you live in metro Atlanta

• Consider visiting during off‑peak times (weekdays, early mornings).
• Use the museum as a regular outing for young kids, especially in hot or cold weather.
• Watch for special events, cultural days, and rotating exhibits that can add variety.

If you’re visiting Atlanta

• Look at your downtown schedule (aquarium, Coke museum, games, concerts) and choose a morning or afternoon when the museum fits best.
• Budget enough transition time for traffic and parking downtown.
• Use the museum as a kid-centered break if your trip includes a lot of adult-focused activities.

Quick Reference: Children’s Museum of Atlanta at a Glance

For families in Atlanta—or those visiting the city with young children—the Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers a kid-sized, hands-on space right in the heart of downtown. With a little planning around timing, parking, and your child’s age and interests, it can be one of the most enjoyable and manageable activities on your Atlanta list.