Best Amusement Parks in Atlanta: Where to Go for Roller Coasters, Rides, and Family Fun

If you search for an “amusement park in Atlanta”, you’ll quickly discover something important: Atlanta doesn’t have a single giant theme park inside city limits the way some cities do. Instead, the metro area offers a mix of major regional amusement destinations, in-town attractions with rides and thrills, and water parks and adventure parks that together give you plenty of options for a fun day out.

This guide focuses on amusement park options in and around Atlanta, Georgia—how far they are, what to expect, who they’re best for, and practical tips for planning your visit.

Quick Comparison: Atlanta-Area Amusement & Theme Parks

Use this at-a-glance guide to pick the right spot for your group:

All drive times assume typical conditions from central Atlanta; rush hour can add significant time.

Six Flags Over Georgia: Atlanta’s Closest Full-Scale Amusement Park

Location: 275 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168
About 15–20 minutes west of downtown via I‑20 (longer in peak traffic).

Six Flags Over Georgia is the closest true amusement/theme park to Atlanta and usually the first choice for big roller coaster fans.

What to Expect

You’ll find:

• Major roller coasters for thrill-seekers
• Family rides like carousels, gentle coasters, and spinning rides
• Kids’ areas themed for younger guests
• Live entertainment and seasonal events (like Halloween and winter-themed celebrations)
• Onsite food stands and restaurants

It’s designed for full-day visits, so plan to be there for several hours if you want to experience most of the park.

Who It’s Best For

• Teens and adults who love high-speed coasters and intense rides
• Families with mixed ages, as there are both thrill rides and gentler options
• Visitors staying in Atlanta who want a full amusement park day without driving to Orlando or further

Tips for Atlanta Visitors

• Parking & traffic: Expect backups near opening and closing, especially on weekends. Leaving early or staying late can help you avoid the worst congestion.
• Heat & weather: Atlanta summers are hot and humid. Bring water-friendly clothing, sunscreen, and plan for breaks in shaded or indoor areas.
• Crowds: Weekends, holidays, and school breaks tend to be busiest. Weekdays outside peak season are often less crowded.

Six Flags White Water: Atlanta’s Popular Water Park

Location: 250 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062
Roughly 25–30 minutes north of downtown Atlanta, depending on traffic.

Six Flags White Water is focused almost entirely on water-based attractions, making it a go‑to spot for hot summer days in the metro area.

Main Attractions

• High-speed body and tube slides
• Large wave pool
• Lazy river for relaxed floating
• Children’s splash and play areas with smaller slides and water features
• Family-style raft rides that can seat multiple riders

Who It’s Best For

• Families looking for a day of cooling off together
• Teens and older kids who like water slides
• Anyone in Atlanta in late spring through summer wanting a water-park experience without traveling far

Practical Planning Tips

• Operating season: Generally open during warmer months; always check current season dates before you go.
• Locker rentals: Available for storing valuables; many visitors bring basic sandals or water shoes for walking between attractions.
• Sun protection: There’s sun exposure almost everywhere, so hats, sunscreen, and rash guards can make the day more comfortable.

Fun Spot America Atlanta: Classic Amusement Fun South of the City

Location: 1675 GA-85, Fayetteville, GA 30214
About 30–40 minutes south of downtown Atlanta.

Fun Spot America Atlanta offers a more classic amusement-park feel on a smaller scale than Six Flags Over Georgia, with a strong focus on go‑karts and family rides.

What You’ll Find

• Roller coasters (more limited in number than Six Flags, but still offering thrills)
• Go‑kart tracks, including multi-level tracks
• Spinning and swinging rides, kids’ rides, and family attractions
• Arcade games and concession-style food

Good Fit For

• Families and groups wanting a half‑day or full day of rides without the intensity of a huge park
• People on the south side of Atlanta who prefer a closer option than driving to Austell or Marietta
• Mixed-age groups where some want thrill rides and others enjoy milder attractions

Indoor “Amusement” Options in the Atlanta Area

While not traditional outdoor amusement parks, several indoor entertainment centers around Atlanta offer ride-like experiences, making them great for rainy days, extreme heat, or evening fun.

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Metro Atlanta locations commonly include:

• Near Marietta (northwest of downtown)
• Near Buford (northeast of Atlanta, closer to Mall of Georgia)

These facilities typically feature:

• High-speed indoor karting
• Arcade and VR experiences
• Laser tag, rope courses, or similar attractions at some locations
• Onsite food and beverage options

Best for teens, adults, and corporate groups or parties who want a mix of racing and arcade-style fun.

Other Indoor Family Fun Centers

Across the Atlanta metro area (including suburbs such as Duluth, Kennesaw, and McDonough), you’ll find:

• Trampoline parks
• Indoor playgrounds and bounce centers
• Arcade-focused family entertainment centers

These often work well for younger kids or birthday parties, and while they’re not full amusement parks, they serve a similar purpose if you just want a few hours of entertainment without a big day-long trip.

Stone Mountain Park: Light Thrills and Attractions with Scenic Views

Location: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Roughly 25–30 minutes east of Atlanta.

Stone Mountain Park is not a classic amusement park like Six Flags, but it offers several ride-style attractions combined with outdoor recreation and scenic views.

Attractions with an Amusement-Park Feel

• Summit Skyride: A cable car that takes you to the top of Stone Mountain for panoramic views.
• Scenic railroad: A train that circles the base of the mountain, appealing to families and younger kids.
• Seasonal events and shows: Certain times of year include special experiences, festivals, and nighttime programming.

Who It’s Best For

• Families wanting a mix of light attractions and outdoor time
• Visitors interested in scenery, walking trails, and picnicking, with a few ride-style experiences on the side
• Anyone wanting to add a “mini amusement park feel” to a more relaxed day trip

Smaller Amusement-Style Spots in and Around Atlanta

If you’re looking for shorter outings or have younger children, smaller family fun centers can be more manageable than a full-scale park.

Common features at these types of places include:

• Miniature golf
• Small go‑kart tracks
• Bumper boats or bumper cars
• Kiddie rides like small trains or spinning rides
• Arcades and prize games
• Snack bars or simple food options

These centers are scattered across the metro area, often along major corridors like I‑75, I‑85, and GA‑400, and can be a convenient choice if you don’t want to cross the entire city.

Choosing the Right Amusement Experience in Atlanta

When deciding which Atlanta-area amusement park or attraction fits your needs, consider:

1. Age and Interests of Your Group

• Young kids (under ~8):
  • Smaller family fun centers
  • Stone Mountain Park attractions
  • Shallow areas and kids’ zones at Six Flags White Water
• Pre-teens and teens:
  • Six Flags Over Georgia (coasters and thrill rides)
  • Six Flags White Water (slides, wave pool)
  • Fun Spot America Atlanta (coasters, go‑karts)
  • Andretti or other indoor karting/arcade locations
• Adults and groups:
  • Six Flags Over Georgia for big thrills
  • Indoor karting, arcade, and VR centers
  • Water park days at White Water

2. Time of Year and Weather

• Summer:
  • Water parks (White Water) and evening amusement park visits are popular due to the heat.
• Cooler months:
  • Coaster parks on milder days, indoor karting and arcades when it’s cold or rainy.
• Holiday seasons:
  • Major attractions often host special holiday events, which can be a draw but may increase crowd levels.

3. Travel Time and Traffic

Atlanta traffic is a practical consideration:

• Parks in Austell, Marietta, and Fayetteville are all within about an hour of most parts of the metro area, but rush-hour traffic can significantly extend the drive.
• When possible, plan your trip to avoid peak commute times on I‑20, I‑75, I‑85, and the Perimeter (I‑285).

Practical Tips for Visiting Amusement Parks Around Atlanta

A few general pointers can make your amusement park day smoother:

• Check hours and operating calendars: Some parks are seasonal, and hours can vary by day.
• Review height requirements: If you’re going with kids, look up ride restrictions so there are no surprises at the gate.
• Plan for the weather:
  • Summer: sunscreen, hats, lightweight clothing, water bottles.
  • Winter/shoulder seasons: layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
• Parking and payment:
  • Many large parks charge for parking; bring a card or digital wallet.
  • Smaller centers may charge per attraction, wristband, or time block.
• Food planning:
  • Larger parks have multiple dining options; prices can be higher than typical fast food.
  • Some locations restrict outside food, except for medical or infant needs—check policies before packing a cooler.

If You’re New to Atlanta or Just Visiting

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want a straightforward amusement-park experience:

• For a full theme-park day with roller coasters and shows, Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell is usually the primary choice.
• For a water-focused day in warm weather, Six Flags White Water in Marietta is the main water park close to the city.
• For a classic rides and go‑karts experience on a slightly smaller scale, Fun Spot America Atlanta in Fayetteville is a strong option.

Locals often rotate between these spots throughout the year—coasters in spring and fall, water parks and evening visits in summer, and indoor options when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

By focusing on these Atlanta-area amusement parks and attractions, you can match your plans to your group’s energy, the season, and how far you’re willing to drive, and still find plenty of ways to enjoy rides, thrills, and family fun around the city.