Fun Things To Do With Kids in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Family Activities

Atlanta is a great city for kids, whether you live here or are visiting for a weekend. From hands-on science museums to shady playgrounds and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities in Atlanta for every age and budget.

Below is a practical guide to kids activities in Atlanta, organized by type, with local tips to help you plan.

Top “Only in Atlanta” Kid Experiences

These are the big-ticket Atlanta kids activities many families plan their trips around.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s most popular attractions for families.

• Highlights for kids:

  • Giant whale sharks and manta rays
  • Touch pools with sea stars and other creatures
  • Dolphin and sea lion presentations
  • Colorful tropical fish and penguins

• Tips:

  • Go early in the day or on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.
  • Strollers are allowed, but be prepared for some tight spots on busy days.

Location:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is a favorite for younger kids and animal-loving older children.

• Kid-friendly features:

  • Giant pandas, gorillas, and elephants
  • Children’s area with a petting zoo
  • Train and carousel (often a hit with toddlers and preschoolers)
  • Shady paths, helpful on hot summer days

• Tips:

  • Mornings are usually cooler and animals may be more active.
  • Bring a stroller for little ones; the zoo has some hills.

Location:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: (404) 624-5600

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

This museum is designed specifically for young kids, especially toddlers to early elementary.

• What kids can do:

  • Climb, build, and pretend in interactive play zones
  • Explore basic science, art, and imaginative play
  • Participate in staff-led activities and story times

• Best for: Ages 2–8, especially on rainy or very hot days.

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

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Fernbank combines dinosaurs, science, and outdoor play.

• Indoor:

  • Dinosaur skeletons and fossils
  • Hands-on science exhibits
  • Rotating special exhibitions

• Outdoor:

  • WildWoods and Fernbank Forest: Elevated walkways, nature trails, and large play areas with climbing structures and nature-themed installations

• Great for: Curious kids who love nature, dinosaurs, or science.

Location:
Fernbank Museum
767 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 929-6300

Science, History & Learning Activities for Kids

Atlanta has several educational yet fun spots that turn learning into play.

Tellus Science Museum (Cartersville, Day Trip)

A bit outside the city, but popular for kid-friendly science exhibits.

• Fossil gallery and giant dinosaur displays
• Gem and mineral hall with sparkling crystals
• Hands-on science area where kids can touch and experiment
• Small observatory and planetarium shows on select days

Location:
Tellus Science Museum
100 Tellus Dr
Cartersville, GA 30120
Phone: (770) 606-5700

Atlanta History Center

This is more engaging for older kids and teens who can enjoy:

• Historic homes and gardens
• Civil War and local history exhibits
• Outdoor areas to walk and explore

Location:
Atlanta History Center
130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 814-4000

Center for Puppetry Arts

For kids who love stories and characters, the Center for Puppetry Arts offers:

• Puppet shows (including family-friendly productions)
• Museum exhibits featuring famous puppets
• Occasional workshops where kids can make simple puppets

Location:
Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 873-3391

Outdoor Playgrounds, Parks & Nature Spots

Atlanta’s green spaces are some of the easiest and most affordable kids activities.

Piedmont Park & Playgrounds

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s central green space, great for running, biking, and playing.

• Multiple playgrounds, including separate spaces for younger kids
• Open fields for frisbee, soccer, or kite flying
• Paved paths good for scooters and strollers

Location:
Piedmont Park Conservancy Office
400 Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 875-7275

Historic Fourth Ward Park

Near the BeltLine, this park has:

• A modern playground with climbing structures and swings
• Green spaces for picnics
• A large retention pond and walking paths

It’s easy to combine a park visit with a walk or bike ride on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Chastain Park

Located in north Atlanta, Chastain Park offers:

• A popular playground
• Wide sidewalks for biking and scootering
• Open fields for free play

Location (general):
Chastain Park area
140 W Wieuca Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30342

Stone Mountain Park (Day Trip)

About 30 minutes from downtown (traffic permitting), Stone Mountain is a mix of nature and attractions.

• Hiking or walking up the mountain (older kids)
• Scenic railroad and seasonal family events
• Large lawns for picnics and playing

Location:
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: (800) 401-2407

Chattahoochee River Recreation

For water and nature:

• Fishing, wading, and skipping rocks at river access points
• Easy riverside walks and trails
• Popular access points include areas near Sandy Springs and Roswell

Check Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area resources for specific access sites and basic safety information.

Indoor Play & Rainy-Day Options

When it’s too hot, cold, or rainy, Atlanta has a range of indoor kids activities.

Indoor Trampoline & Activity Parks

Around the metro area you can find:

• Trampoline parks
• Ninja-style obstacle courses
• Climbing areas and foam pits

These are best for burning off energy, especially for elementary and middle school kids. Many offer toddler times, but always check age and height guidelines before going.

Bowling Alleys & Skating Rinks

Classic indoor activities include:

• Bowling: Many lanes have bumpers and lighter balls for kids.
• Roller skating: Popular rinks around metro Atlanta host family sessions and beginner-friendly times.

Check local listings for centers nearest to your neighborhood (Decatur, Marietta, Smyrna, and other suburbs all have options).

Public Libraries & Story Times

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System branches often offer:

• Story times for toddlers and preschoolers
• Homework help sessions for older kids
• Craft events and reading programs

Central Library Location (Downtown):
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System – Central Library
1 Margaret Mitchell Sq
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 730-1700

DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties also operate active library systems with children’s programming—useful if you live in those areas or are staying in the suburbs.

Free & Budget-Friendly Kids Activities in Atlanta

You don’t have to spend a lot to keep kids busy in Atlanta.

Great Free or Low-Cost Options

• Parks & Playgrounds: Piedmont Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, neighborhood playgrounds
• Atlanta BeltLine: Walk, scooter, or bike and stop for murals and public art
• Neighborhood festivals & farmers markets: Many offer live music and open spaces to roam
• Public splash pads: Some city parks and nearby suburbs open splash pads in warm months

For many families, a simple routine of park + BeltLine walk + picnic can fill a whole day.

Simple Planning Table: Atlanta Kids Activities by Type

Seasonal Kids Activities in Atlanta

Some activities in Atlanta change with the seasons, which can help you plan school breaks and holidays.

Spring

• Parks come alive with flowers and festivals.
• Many families visit Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium during spring break, so plan for crowds.
• Great weather for BeltLine bike rides and playground days.

Summer

• Use mornings for outdoor activities (parks, zoo, Stone Mountain).
• Afternoons are ideal for indoor, air-conditioned places: museums, libraries, activity centers.
• Look for summer reading programs at public libraries.

Fall

• Popular for outdoor festivals and farm visits around the metro area.
• Comfortable temperatures for longer hikes or full days at the park.

Winter

• Good time for museums and indoor play.
• Many attractions offer holiday-themed events and lights that are kid-friendly, often starting in late November.

Practical Tips for Doing Kids Activities in Atlanta

A few local-style tips can make family outings smoother:

• Traffic planning: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially on weekdays 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. Try to time your drives outside of rush hours when possible.
• Parking: Downtown and Midtown attractions often use paid parking decks or lots; keep a card or digital payment option handy.
• Heat & hydration: In warmer months, bring refillable water bottles, hats, and sunscreen for outdoor activities.
• Strollers & carriers: Many major attractions allow strollers, but consider a baby carrier for crowded spaces if your child tolerates it.
• Rest breaks: Plan one or two quiet breaks into the day—library visits, a park bench snack, or quiet time at your lodging can prevent meltdowns.

How to Choose the Right Activity for Your Kids

When picking kids activities in Atlanta, it helps to think about:

• Age & energy level:

  • Toddlers: playgrounds, Children’s Museum, short zoo visits
  • Elementary: zoo, aquarium, Fernbank, trampoline parks
  • Tweens/teens: Stone Mountain hiking, Chattahoochee River, history centers

• Budget: Mix one major paid attraction with free parks and library programs to spread out costs.

• Location: If you’re staying downtown or in Midtown, it’s easy to pair Georgia Aquarium, Children’s Museum, Centennial Olympic Park, and the BeltLine over a couple of days without long drives.

By combining a few of these options, you can build a kid-friendly Atlanta itinerary that fits your family’s interests, energy, and budget while making the most of what the city offers for children.