The Best Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is one of the most family-friendly cities in the Southeast. Whether you live here or are planning a visit, there’s no shortage of activities that work for kids, teens, grandparents, and everyone in between. From world-class attractions in downtown to parks, playgrounds, and festivals in the neighborhoods, you can easily fill a weekend—or a whole school break—without leaving the metro area.

Below are some of the top family-friendly things to do in Atlanta, organized by type of activity so you can quickly find what fits your family.

Must-See Atlanta Attractions for Families

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature family experiences.

• Why kids love it: Whale sharks, manta rays, sea otters, penguins, and interactive touch pools.
• Why parents love it: Indoors, climate-controlled, stroller-friendly, and easy to combine with other nearby attractions.
• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (downtown / Centennial Park area)

Tips:

• 🕒 Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
• Consider planning 2–3 hours at a minimum; younger kids may tire sooner.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next to the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola focuses on the history and pop culture of one of the world’s most famous brands.

• Good for: Elementary-age kids through teens, especially those interested in pop culture and interactive exhibits.
• Highlights: Tasting area, vintage ads, memorabilia, behind-the-scenes look at bottling.

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

World of Coca‑Cola pairs well with the aquarium for a full day in the Centennial Olympic Park area.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a classic family outing, especially for younger children.

• Animal highlights: Giant pandas, gorillas, elephants, reptiles, and a well-loved petting zoo.
• Why families like it: Walkable, lots of shade in warmer months, and a train and carousel for younger children.

Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Practical tips:

• Weekday mornings are usually less crowded than weekends.
• Combine the zoo with a picnic or playground time in Grant Park, which surrounds the zoo.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum blends dinosaurs, science, and nature in one stop.

• Indoor highlights: Dinosaur skeletons, interactive science exhibits, rotating special exhibitions.
• Outdoor highlights:WildWoods and Fernbank Forest—elevated walkways, nature play areas, and forest trails.

Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Druid Hills area)

This is a strong option for a rainy day (indoor exhibits) or a mild-weather afternoon (outdoors). It works especially well for elementary and middle school ages.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

For younger kids (roughly ages 2–8), the Children’s Museum of Atlanta in downtown is very hands-on and play-based.

• Features: Imaginative play zones, building activities, water play, and early-learning exhibits.
• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

It’s small enough to enjoy in a couple of hours and is easy to pair with nearby Centennial Olympic Park for outdoor play.

Outdoor Parks, Playgrounds, and Green Spaces

Atlanta is known for its tree canopy and large parks, which can be just as memorable as the big-ticket attractions.

Piedmont Park & Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside Trail)

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s “central park” and a go-to for families, especially when the weather is nice.

• What to do:
  • Multiple playgrounds for different ages
  • Open fields for frisbee, soccer, or picnics
  • Walking and biking paths
  • Seasonal events and festivals

Main entrance area: 1071 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Just to the east, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail connects to neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Old Fourth Ward. Families often:

• Walk, bike, or scooter along the paved trail
• Stop for ice cream, casual food, or coffee at BeltLine-adjacent spots
• Play at Historic Fourth Ward Park, which has a splash pad in warm months

Centennial Olympic Park

In the heart of downtown, Centennial Olympic Park is surrounded by the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

• Good for: Letting kids run around between attractions, taking photos, and enjoying the Fountain of Rings, which operates seasonally.
• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Chastain Park

Located in Buckhead, Chastain Park offers:

• Walking trails
• Playground areas
• Open green spaces
• A swimming pool and tennis center (some facilities require membership or registration)

General area: 140 W Wieuca Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342

It’s a quieter alternative to Piedmont Park and popular with neighborhood families.

Historic Fourth Ward Park & Splash Pad

Right off the BeltLine, Historic Fourth Ward Park combines:

• A modern playground
• A seasonal splash pad
• A large pond area with walking paths

Location: 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

It’s easy to pair playground time with a family-friendly meal along the BeltLine.

Museums and Educational Fun for Kids

Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center in Buckhead offers a mix of indoor exhibits and outdoor historic homes.

• Highlights for families:
  • Interactive history exhibits
  • The Swan House mansion
  • Historic farm and gardens
• Good for: Upper elementary through high school, plus adults who enjoy local history.

Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

The grounds are large, so comfortable walking shoes are helpful.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

For families wanting to combine sightseeing with meaningful history, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is very impactful.

• Sites include:
  • Visitor center with exhibits
  • Dr. King’s childhood home (tours are limited and often require advance planning)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • The King Center and reflecting pool area

Visitor center address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Families often talk with older children ahead of time about the civil rights movement to help them understand what they’ll see.

College Football Hall of Fame

For sports-loving families, the College Football Hall of Fame in downtown is highly interactive.

• Features: Indoor turf field, skill challenges, exhibits on teams and players.
• Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

This pairs nicely with a visit to the aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola for a full downtown day.

Active Adventures: Trails, Trees, and Sports

Stone Mountain Park

Just east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a major outdoor family destination.

• Popular activities:
  • Hiking the Walk-Up Trail (older kids and teens)
  • Taking the Summit Skyride cable car (for those who prefer not to hike)
  • Lakeside picnic areas
  • Seasonal events and attractions

Main entrance: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Parking and some activities involve fees, so families often check pricing and hours before going. Plan for several hours or a full day.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Along the northern edge of Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River offers easy access to nature.

Common family-friendly spots include:

• Powers Island / Cochran Shoals (popular for walking and biking on flat trails)
• Island Ford (wooded trails, visitor center)

General contact for the national recreation area:

• Headquarters Address: 1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Families often:

• Walk along the river
• Have a picnic
• In warm weather, wade in designated shallow areas or rent tubes/kayaks from outfitters nearby (check age rules and safety guidance in advance)

Local Sports: Braves, United, and Hawks

If your family enjoys live sports, Atlanta’s professional teams offer fun game-day experiences.

• Atlanta Braves (baseball): Truist Park, 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
  The surrounding area, The Battery Atlanta, has shops, food, and open spaces where kids can move around.

• Atlanta United FC (soccer) and Atlanta Falcons (football): Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Soccer matches in particular tend to attract many families.

• Atlanta Hawks (basketball): State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

Families often choose day or early evening games and arrive a bit early to avoid rushing with kids.

Budget-Friendly and Free Family Activities in Atlanta

Not every family outing has to center on big-ticket attractions. Atlanta has plenty of low-cost or free things to do with kids.

Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds

In addition to Piedmont and Grant Park, other family favorites include:

• Candler Park – 585 Candler Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Playground, open fields, and nearby casual dining.

• Brookhaven Park & Blackburn Park (Brookhaven area)
  Both parks offer playgrounds and open spaces, and Brookhaven Park is especially popular with families who also have dogs.

• Perkerson Park – 770 Deckner Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
  Large greenspace with a splash pad (seasonal) and disc golf course.

Checking the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation can help you find parks near your neighborhood:

• Main office: 233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30303
• General parks information (non-emergency): 404‑546‑6813

Public Libraries and Story Time

The Fulton County Library System and neighboring county libraries regularly offer:

• Children’s story times
• Craft programs
• Teen events
• Homework help and reading programs (especially in summer)

Fulton County Central Library:

• 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Main phone: 404‑612‑8700

These programs are typically free and can be a great option for rainy days or quieter outings.

Seasonal Festivals and Farmers Markets

Many Atlanta neighborhoods host family-friendly:

• Arts and music festivals
• Holiday parades and light displays
• Farmers markets with live music and kid activities

Examples of areas with frequent events:

• Piedmont Park (Midtown festivals)
• Decatur Square (Decatur Arts Festival, book festivals)
• Grant Park, Inman Park, and Virginia‑Highland (neighborhood festivals)

Event specifics change year to year, so families usually check local calendars or neighborhood association listings when planning.

Indoor Play and Rainy-Day Options

When the weather doesn’t cooperate—or when it’s extremely hot—Atlanta still has plenty of family-friendly indoor activities.

Trampoline Parks and Indoor Play Spaces

Across metro Atlanta, you’ll find:

• Trampoline parks
• Indoor climbing gyms
• Indoor playgrounds for toddlers and preschoolers

Typical features:

• Open jump areas
• Foam pits
• Toddler-only zones
• Birthday party rooms

Because offerings change over time, families usually search by neighborhood (e.g., “indoor playground in Buckhead” or “trampoline park near Dunwoody”) and check age limits and waiver requirements before heading out.

Bowling, Mini Golf, and Arcade Centers

Several Atlanta-area bowling alleys and family fun centers offer:

• Bowling with lighter balls and bumpers for kids
• Indoor mini golf
• Arcade games and prize counters
• Food options

These can work well for mixed-age groups because teens, younger kids, and adults usually find something enjoyable.

Planning Your Family Time in Atlanta: Quick Guide

Here’s a simple overview to help match activities to your family’s needs:

Practical Tips for Family Outings in Atlanta

• Traffic & timing: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially weekday rush hours and game days. Plan extra travel time with kids in the car.
• Parking: Downtown and Midtown attractions often use paid decks or lots. Many families find it easier to park once and walk between nearby spots.
• Weather: Summers are hot and humid. For outdoor plans, consider mornings or early evenings and look for parks with shade or splash pads.
• Public transit:MARTA trains and buses can be useful for reaching downtown and some major attractions, especially to avoid parking stress.

MARTA Headquarters (for route and fare information):

• 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

• Customer service (non-emergency): 404‑848‑5000

• Reservations & tickets: Popular attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola often recommend or require timed tickets, especially during holidays and school breaks.

• Food options: Many main attractions have on-site cafes, but families often pack snacks or plan meals at nearby kid-friendly restaurants in Midtown, Downtown, or along the BeltLine.

By mixing a few signature attractions with parks, neighborhood discoveries, and simple outings like library visits or local festivals, families can experience a wide range of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta without feeling rushed—or breaking the budget.