The Best Family Things To Do in Atlanta, GA: Local Guide for All Ages

Atlanta is one of the South’s most family-friendly cities, with a mix of big-ticket attractions, free outdoor spaces, and low-key neighborhood spots. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting for a weekend, there are plenty of family things to do in Atlanta, GA for toddlers, teens, and everyone in between.

Below is a clear, practical guide organized by type of activity so you can build a day (or a whole week) that fits your family’s energy level, budget, and interests.

Top “Must-See” Family Attractions in Downtown & Midtown

These are the classic Atlanta family attractions most visitors (and many locals) put at the top of the list.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s biggest family draws, especially for kids who love animals and science.

Why families like it:

• Massive tanks with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish
• Touch pools and interactive exhibits
• Dolphin and sea lion presentations (check daily schedule)

Tips:

• Plan 2–4 hours.
• Go early to avoid the heaviest crowds.
• Bring a light jacket; some areas are cool.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next door to the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola is a colorful, sensory-heavy experience.

Good for:

• Elementary-age kids through teens
• Short attention spans (lots of visual exhibits and tasting areas)

Expect:

• Exhibits about the brand’s history
• A tasting room with flavors from around the world
• Photo ops and interactive displays

It’s easy to pair this with the Georgia Aquarium in a single day.

Centennial Olympic Park

Across from both attractions, Centennial Olympic Park gives kids space to run around between museum stops.

Highlights:

• Open green lawns for picnics and play
• The Fountain of Rings splash area (check that it’s operating, especially in cooler months)
• Walking distance to CNN Center area and downtown restaurants

Families often make this their “home base” downtown—great for stroller breaks and snack time.

Animal & Nature Adventures Around Atlanta

If your kids love animals or the outdoors, Atlanta has several great options within a short drive.

Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)

Zoo Atlanta, located in historic Grant Park, is a favorite with younger children.

Why it’s popular:

• Giant pandas (a standout for many visitors)
• Gorillas, elephants, lions, and more
• Children’s zoo area with farm animals and play spaces

Allow at least 2–3 hours. The surrounding Grant Park neighborhood also has playgrounds and shaded walking paths.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Right next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is surprisingly kid-friendly.

Family-focused features:

• A Children’s Garden with interactive exhibits and climbing structures
• Seasonal displays (like holiday lights and summer sculptures)
• Walkable paths for strollers and young walkers

This is a good choice if you want something calmer than the major attractions but still engaging for kids.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Located in the Druid Hills area, Fernbank Museum and the surrounding Fernbank Forest offer a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences.

Inside the museum:

• Dinosaur skeletons and natural history exhibits
• Rotating science and culture displays

Outside:

• WildWoods elevated walkways and outdoor playscapes
• Access to Fernbank Forest, a large urban forest with trails

This is a strong pick for school-aged kids and curious preschoolers.

Parks, Playgrounds & Outdoor Spaces Families Love

Atlanta’s parks system is one of its biggest family assets. Many options are free or low-cost, and they’re spread throughout the city.

Piedmont Park (Midtown)

Often called Atlanta’s “backyard,” Piedmont Park is central, large, and very family-friendly.

What families do here:

• Play at the Mayor’s Grove Playground and other play areas
• Ride bikes or scooters along paved paths
• Picnic on the lawns with a view of the Midtown skyline
• Visit the nearby Atlanta Botanical Garden

On weekends, parking can be tight—arrive early or consider MARTA to Midtown.

Historic Fourth Ward Park & BeltLine Eastside Trail

Near the Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park neighborhoods, this area combines park space with a major walking/biking corridor.

Historic Fourth Ward Park:

• Modern playgrounds
• Green space, a pond, and paved paths

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail:

• Popular for strollers, bikes, and scooters
• Connects to Ponce City Market, Inman Park, and Krog Street area

This is ideal for a casual family walk, especially if you want easy food options nearby.

Chastain Park (North Buckhead / Sandy Springs Area)

Chastain Park is a large, residential-feeling park in north Atlanta.

Family features:

• Playground and open fields
• Walking/jogging path around the park
• Tennis courts and ballfields

It’s a nice option for families staying or living in Buckhead who want a quieter green space.

Museums & Educational Fun for Kids

Many family things to do in Atlanta, GA center around learning—without feeling like school.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta (Downtown)

This hands-on museum is designed for younger children, particularly toddlers through early elementary.

Inside you’ll find:

• Interactive play exhibits about food, science, and building
• Soft-play areas for very young children
• Rotating special exhibits and programs

It’s walkable from other downtown attractions, which makes it easy to combine with Centennial Olympic Park or the aquarium.

Center for Puppetry Arts

Located in Midtown, the Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique Atlanta experience.

Good to know:

• Features puppetry exhibits, including Jim Henson and “Muppets” displays
• Hosts puppet shows for different age groups
• Offers make-your-own-puppet workshops

Families often find this a fun break from more typical museum environments.

College Football Hall of Fame

Right by Centennial Olympic Park, this is especially appealing if your family likes sports.

What to expect:

• Interactive football simulations and games
• Exhibits on college teams and players
• Kid-friendly areas with plenty of hands-on elements

Even non-fanatic sports families often enjoy the interactive nature of the exhibits.

Free & Low-Cost Family Activities in Atlanta

Not every day has to be a big-ticket attraction. Atlanta offers plenty of budget-friendly options.

Explore the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of trails repurposed from old rail corridors.

Family-friendly BeltLine activities:

• Walk, run, bike, or scoot on paved, mostly flat paths
• Enjoy public art installations and murals
• Stop at playgrounds, parks, or local eateries along the way

The Eastside Trail is the most popular, but the Westside and Southside sections are growing and often less crowded.

Visit Neighborhood Playgrounds

Across the city, you’ll find well-loved local parks. A few that many families mention:

• Candler Park – Playground, open fields, and a neighborhood feel
• Grant Park – Large park with paths, near Zoo Atlanta
• Perkerson Park – Southwest Atlanta park with disc golf, playground, and fields

Most neighborhood parks are free, though some may have small parking fees depending on location.

Festivals & Community Events

Throughout the year, Atlanta neighborhoods host family-friendly festivals, often with:

• Live music
• Food vendors
• Kids’ activities or play zones

Popular areas for seasonal events include Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown. It’s helpful to check community calendars or official city listings as dates and festivals change year to year.

Indoor Play & Rainy-Day Options

Atlanta weather can be hot, rainy, or unexpectedly cold. Having a backup plan helps.

Indoor Attractions in Central Atlanta

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Downtown, near Centennial Olympic Park
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Older children and teens, more serious content but very educational
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Druid Hills area, strong indoor exhibits along with outdoor options when weather clears

These work well when you need air conditioning or shelter from rain.

Libraries & Public Spaces

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System and nearby county library systems often provide:

• Children’s reading areas
• Story times for toddlers and preschoolers
• Homework help or teen spaces

Major branches such as the Central Library (Downtown) and neighborhood branches in Buckhead, Southwest Atlanta, and East Atlanta typically publish event calendars for families.

Seasonal & Special Family Experiences

Some of the best family things to do in Atlanta, GA only happen at certain times of year.

Summer: Splash Pads & Pools

When it gets hot, families often look for water play:

• Centennial Olympic Park Fountain of Rings – Central, playful splash zone when operating
• City of Atlanta public pools – Neighborhood pools open seasonally, usually with lifeguards and designated hours
• Various city-run splash pads and spraygrounds in local parks (availability and hours can vary)

Check the City of Atlanta Parks & Recreation resources for operating schedules.

Fall: Fairs, Pumpkins & Outdoor Weather

Fall is one of the most comfortable times for outdoor activities in Atlanta:

• Pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the broader metro area
• Neighborhood fall festivals in parks throughout the city
• Playground visits and hikes in more moderate temperatures

This is also a good time for day trips to nearby hiking spots in North Georgia if your family enjoys nature.

Winter: Holiday Lights & Indoor Activities

The Atlanta area often features:

• Holiday lights displays at large attractions like botanical gardens and parks
• Special programming at museums and indoor centers
• More manageable crowds at some outdoor sites on cooler but clear days

Families often mix evening lights events with a shorter daytime attraction or park visit.

Quick Comparison: Popular Family Attractions in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Planning Family Activities in Atlanta

To make the most of family things to do in Atlanta, GA, a few planning steps go a long way:

• Consider traffic and timing. Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially on weekdays during rush hours. Building in extra time reduces stress with kids in the car.
• Use MARTA when it works for you. Downtown and Midtown attractions are often accessible via MARTA rail and bus, which can be easier than dealing with parking.
• Check hours and any reservations. Major attractions sometimes use timed entry or special schedules, especially during holidays or busy seasons.
• Pack smart for kids. Sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, and a lightweight blanket for park picnics are useful almost year-round.
• Mix big-ticket and free activities. Pair a major attraction with a free park or BeltLine stroll to balance costs and avoid overstimulating younger kids.

With a mix of world-class attractions, neighborhood parks, cultural experiences, and free outdoor spaces, Atlanta offers families many ways to spend quality time together—whether you’re here for a day, a week, or you call the city home.