Jurassic Park Atlanta: Where to Find Dino-Themed Fun in and Around the City

If you search for “Jurassic Park Atlanta” expecting a permanent dinosaur theme park inside the city, you might be surprised: Atlanta does not currently have an official, year-round Jurassic Park–branded park.

What it does have is a rotating mix of:

• Traveling Jurassic World–style exhibitions
• Dinosaur-themed walk-through experiences
• Permanent dinosaur displays in museums and zoos
• Occasional movie-in-the-park screenings of Jurassic Park

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and want the closest thing to a “Jurassic Park” experience, here’s what’s actually available, how it works, and where to go.

Is There a Real “Jurassic Park” in Atlanta?

No, there is no permanent Jurassic Park theme park in Atlanta, Georgia.

However, metro Atlanta often hosts:

• Temporary Jurassic World Live shows
• Pop-up dinosaur walk-through attractions
• Major museum exhibits focused on dinosaurs and prehistoric life

Most of these are time-limited events at places like the Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, or large fairgrounds. For year-round dino fun, you’ll be looking at Atlanta’s museums, zoo, and nearby nature attractions.

Top Places in Atlanta for a Jurassic-Style Experience

1. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Best for: Families, school-age kids, science lovers, and anyone who wants a realistic dinosaur experience.

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

Fernbank is the closest thing Atlanta has to a permanent dinosaur hub. You won’t see movie-branded Jurassic Park signs, but you will see:

• Gigantic dinosaur skeletons in the Great Hall
• Interactive dinosaur exhibits that explain how dinosaurs lived and moved
• Rotating special exhibits that sometimes focus on paleontology and ancient ecosystems
• Fernbank Forest, a 65-acre urban forest that can give you that “lost world” vibe when you’re walking among towering trees

Tips for visiting:

• ✅ Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends.
• ✅ Check the current special exhibitions before you go; sometimes they feature additional dinosaur content.
• ✅ Combine a museum visit with a walk in Fernbank Forest if you want a more “prehistoric jungle” feel.

2. Zoo Atlanta – Dinosaur Add-Ons and Kid-Friendly Fun

Best for: Families with younger kids, especially if you want animals plus some dino flavor.

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

Zoo Atlanta itself is focused on living animals, but from time to time, it hosts temporary dinosaur-themed exhibits or animatronic dino trails. These aren’t permanent, and availability changes year to year.

What to know:

• The core zoo does not have a permanent dinosaur exhibit, but it’s common for zoos to bring in seasonal dinosaur displays, especially spring through fall.
• You might find dinosaur statues, fossil dig play areas, or special events aimed at kids fascinated by prehistoric creatures.

If you’re planning a visit:

• ✅ Look at Zoo Atlanta’s current events and exhibits before you go to see if dinosaurs are featured during your trip.
• ✅ Even if dinos aren’t on display, a walk through the older, wooded parts of the zoo can still feel a bit “Jurassic” to dinosaur-loving kids.

3. Traveling “Jurassic” Attractions in Metro Atlanta

Atlanta is a major tour stop for traveling dinosaur shows and Jurassic-style events. These pop up throughout the year, usually for a few days or a couple of weeks.

Common types you might see:

• Jurassic World Live Tour at large arenas like State Farm Arena
• Walk-through dinosaur experiences at:
  • Georgia World Congress Center
    285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
    Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Large fairgrounds or expo centers around metro Atlanta

These attractions often feature:

• Life-size animatronic dinosaurs
• Interactive fossil dig pits
• Dino-themed rides or inflatables
• Photo ops with giant T. rex or velociraptors

Important reminders:

• These are not permanent. Dates, venues, and details change.
• Tickets often sell out on weekends and holidays, especially for daytime family sessions.
• Many events offer sensory-friendly sessions or quieter time slots; check event details if you need that.

If you’re trying to time a visit:

• Focus on school breaks, spring, and early summer, when family-friendly traveling shows are most common.
• Check major event calendars for downtown Atlanta and surrounding counties (like Cobb and Gwinnett) close to your desired dates.

Jurassic Park Movie Experiences in Atlanta

If your idea of “Jurassic Park Atlanta” is watching the film in a fun setting, there are several local options to keep an eye on.

Outdoor Movies in the Park

Many Atlanta neighborhoods and suburban cities host outdoor movie nights, and Jurassic Park is a popular choice.

Typical locations include:

• Piedmont Park (various lawns and event areas)
  400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Historic Fourth Ward Park
• City-sponsored movie nights in Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, and other nearby areas

What to expect:

• Free or low-cost screenings on big inflatable screens
• Families bringing blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic-style food
• Occasionally, themed nights where kids wear dinosaur shirts or costumes

To find a screening:

• Check seasonal “Movies in the Park” schedules from Atlanta Parks and Recreation or nearby city governments, especially in late spring through early fall.

Indoor Screenings and Specialty Theaters

Jurassic Park often returns to theaters for anniversary re-releases or special showings.

Check:

• Major cinemas like Plaza Theatre, Regal Atlantic Station, and AMC locations around town
• Specialty or retro movie nights that bring back older hits like Jurassic Park on the big screen

These events typically include:

• Big-screen, surround-sound experiences
• Occasionally, costume nights or trivia before the film

Dino-Themed Activities Around Atlanta

If you or your kids are into dinosaurs, Atlanta offers several supporting experiences that can round out a “Jurassic day” without needing a dedicated Jurassic Park.

Science & Learning Spots

1. Tellus Science Museum (Cartersville)
Not in the city proper—but a reasonable day trip from Atlanta.

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

Highlights:

• Full-size dinosaur skeletons
• Fossils and interactive geology exhibits
• Hands-on science areas for kids

It’s about 45–60 minutes northwest of Atlanta, depending on traffic, and offers a more in-depth paleontology experience than most in-city attractions.

2. Local Libraries and Community Centers

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library branches and suburban systems (like DeKalb County Public Library or Cobb County Public Library) often host:

• Dinosaur-themed story times
• STEM programs about fossils and prehistoric life
• Educational displays around summer reading themes

These are especially useful if you’re a local household looking for low-cost, repeatable dino fun.

Nature Spots With a Prehistoric Feel

While you won’t find real dinosaurs roaming Atlanta, certain places can capture that “ancient landscape” atmosphere:

• Sweetwater Creek State Park
  1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122
  Rocky trails, dense woods, and creek views that feel a bit like a movie backdrop.

• Stone Mountain Park
  1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  Forest trails, large rock outcrops, and lake views; occasionally hosts family events that may be dinosaur or movie-themed.

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (multiple units in metro Atlanta)
  River overlooks, lush greenery, and quiet trails that can easily fire up a dinosaur-lover’s imagination.

These are not Jurassic-branded in any way, but they’re good options if you want to blend outdoor adventure with dino-themed pretend play for kids.

Quick Comparison: Jurassic-Style Options in and Around Atlanta

How to Plan a “Jurassic Day” in Atlanta

If you want a full day that feels as close as possible to “Jurassic Park Atlanta,” you can combine a few stops:

Option 1: In-Town Science + Nature

1. Morning at Fernbank Museum – see dinosaur skeletons and exhibits.
2. Walk in Fernbank Forest for that ancient-forest feel.
3. Evening movie night at home or at a local theater watching Jurassic Park.

Option 2: Day Trip + Big-Screen Adventure

1. Drive to Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville for fossils and dino exhibits.
2. Head back toward Atlanta and hike a nearby park (Sweetwater Creek or a Chattahoochee unit).
3. Finish with a special Jurassic Park screening if one is scheduled, or a movie night at your hotel or home.

Option 3: Event-Focused Weekend

1. Book tickets for a traveling dinosaur show at Georgia World Congress Center or a metro Atlanta arena.
2. Pair it with a visit to Zoo Atlanta or a nearby playground to let kids burn off energy.
3. Look for an outdoor movie in the park showing Jurassic Park during warmer months.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Dino Hunters 🦕

• Check event dates early. Traveling Jurassic attractions and movie nights often sell out or have limited schedules.
• Plan around traffic. Reaching places like Stone Mountain, Tellus, or downtown arenas can take longer during rush hours.
• Consider memberships. If you live in Atlanta and have a dinosaur-loving child, memberships at Fernbank or Zoo Atlanta may pay off with repeat visits.
• Watch the weather. Many “Jurassic-feel” activities, including outdoor trails and park movies, are weather-dependent.

In short, while there’s no official “Jurassic Park Atlanta” theme park, the city and its surroundings offer plenty of ways to experience dinosaurs, prehistoric science, and movie-style thrills—from museum halls filled with fossils to outdoor screenings and traveling dino spectacles.