Fun Things To Do in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the City

Atlanta is a city where history, food, music, and green space all collide in one place. Whether you live here, just moved to the metro, or are visiting for a weekend, there are countless fun things to do in Atlanta that fit every budget and interest.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you plan your time, explore different neighborhoods, and make the most of the city.

Classic Atlanta Attractions You Shouldn’t Skip

These are the big, iconic experiences people associate with Atlanta—especially useful if you’re new to the city or showing visitors around.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in Downtown is one of the most popular attractions in the city. It features:

• A massive ocean tank with whale sharks
• Touch pools and interactive exhibits
• Behind-the-scenes tours and special experiences

Tip: Weekday mornings usually feel less crowded than weekends and holidays.

Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Nearby: World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, College Football Hall of Fame

World of Coca‑Cola

Across from the aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola is a museum-style attraction focused on the history and branding of the Coca‑Cola Company, which is headquartered in Atlanta.

Expect:

• Historical exhibits and artifacts
• A bottling line demonstration
• A tasting area with drinks from around the world

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Zoo Atlanta

In historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a good pick for families, animal lovers, and anyone wanting a slower-paced day outdoors.

Highlights often include:

• Giraffes, elephants, gorillas, and other large animals
• Educational talks and feedings
• A children’s area with a train and carousel

Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Good to pair with: A stroll through Grant Park and nearby restaurants in Summerhill.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

For a meaningful and educational experience, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood.

This area includes:

• Dr. King’s childhood home (tours are sometimes available)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• The King Center and reflecting pool
• Visitor center with exhibits

This is a must-visit for anyone interested in civil rights history or understanding Atlanta’s role in it.

Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Outdoor Fun and Green Spaces in Atlanta

Atlanta is known for being a “city in a forest.” If you like parks, walking trails, or just fresh air, you’ll have plenty of choices.

Piedmont Park and Midtown Green Space

Piedmont Park is one of the city’s most beloved parks—think of it as Atlanta’s version of a central green hub.

You can:

• Walk or jog on paved paths
• Relax with skyline views by the meadow
• Visit the dog parks and playgrounds
• Access the Atlanta Botanical Garden from the north side of the park

Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (multiple entrances)

Nearby: Midtown restaurants, coffee shops, and the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Atlanta BeltLine: Walk, Bike, and Explore Neighborhoods

The Atlanta BeltLine is a multi-use trail and infrastructure project that connects many in-town neighborhoods. For fun, it’s one of the best ways to:

• Walk or bike between areas like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, and West End
• Discover murals, sculptures, and public art
• Stop at restaurants, breweries, and food halls along the trail

Popular segments:

• Eastside Trail: Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Poncey‑Highland
• Westside Trail: West End, Adair Park

🚲 Tip: Renting a bike or scooter is a common way to explore longer stretches of the BeltLine.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Located next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a scenic, well-maintained spot for plant lovers and anyone who enjoys immersive displays.

Expect:

• Seasonal flower and light displays
• Canopy walk above a wooded area
• Children’s garden and themed sections

Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (North Atlanta)

If you’re willing to head slightly north of the core city, the Chattahoochee River offers more active outdoor fun:

• Tubing and paddling in warm weather
• Hiking trails along the riverbanks
• Picnic areas with river views

Popular access points near Atlanta:

• Powers Island Unit: 5450 Interstate N Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
• Palisades Unit: 1425 Indian Trail NW, Atlanta, GA 30327

Check local conditions before going on the river and be mindful of water levels and weather.

Arts, Culture, and Museums in Atlanta

Atlanta’s arts scene stretches from large institutions to smaller neighborhood galleries and theaters.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art in Midtown is Atlanta’s flagship art museum.

You’ll find:

• Permanent collections covering American, European, African, and folk art
• Rotating exhibitions
• Family-friendly programming and events

Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
MARTA access: Arts Center Station (Red/Gold line)

Center for Civil and Human Rights

Near downtown’s tourist core, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights explores the American civil rights movement alongside global human rights issues.

Visitors can expect:

• Interactive, multimedia exhibits
• Deep coverage of Atlanta’s civil rights history
• Thought-provoking displays suitable for teens and adults

Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

College Football Hall of Fame

For sports fans, the College Football Hall of Fame is close to the aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola.

Features usually include:

• Interactive exhibits (kicking, throwing activities, etc.)
• Historical memorabilia and displays
• Team-specific areas

Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Fox Theatre and Live Performance

The historic Fox Theatre in Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most iconic venues.

You can:

• See touring Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy
• Take a guided tour of the ornate interior

Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Other venues for live performance and music include:

• Alliance Theatre (Midtown, at the Woodruff Arts Center)
• Tabernacle (Downtown, near Centennial Olympic Park)
• Variety Playhouse (Little Five Points)

Neighborhoods That Are Fun to Explore

Atlanta’s neighborhoods each have their own personality. Exploring them is one of the best ways to get a feel for the city.

Midtown: Culture, Parks, and Nightlife

Midtown is walkable by Atlanta standards and offers:

• Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden
• High Museum of Art and Alliance Theatre
• A variety of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops
• Access to MARTA rail stations

It’s a good base if you want a central location with both daytime and nighttime options.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park: BeltLine, Food, and Street Art

These in-town neighborhoods, connected by the BeltLine Eastside Trail, are popular for:

• Trendy restaurants and bars
• Murals and public art
• Walkable, tree‑lined streets and historic homes
• Easy access to the Krog Street Tunnel (known for street art)

If you enjoy strolling, people‑watching, and trying new food, this cluster of neighborhoods is ideal.

Little Five Points: Quirky, Creative, and Alternative

Little Five Points is known for its:

• Independent shops and record stores
• Streetwear, vintage, and eclectic boutiques
• Bars and live music at venues like Variety Playhouse

Fun for those who like offbeat, alternative atmospheres.

Buckhead: Shopping and Upscale Dining

Buckhead in north Atlanta is a hub for:

• High‑end shopping centers
• Upscale restaurants and hotels
• Nightlife centered around lounges and bars

It’s more car‑oriented but can be reached by MARTA at Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center stations, depending on your destination.

Fun Things To Do With Kids in Atlanta

If you’re planning family time, Atlanta has several kid-friendly options clustered conveniently around each other.

Top Family-Friendly Spots

Use this quick overview to plan a day out:

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Located near Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers interactive play for younger children.

Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

In the Druid Hills neighborhood, Fernbank is a mixture of indoor exhibits and outdoor nature areas.

Visitors can typically see:

• Dinosaur skeletons and fossils
• Interactive science exhibits
• Outdoor forest trails and play spaces

Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Free or Low‑Cost Fun in Atlanta

You don’t need a big budget to enjoy the city. Many of Atlanta’s best activities are either free or low-cost.

Enjoy Atlanta’s Parks

Some especially popular parks include:

• Piedmont Park (Midtown)
• Grant Park (Southeast Atlanta)
• Historic Fourth Ward Park (near the BeltLine)
• Freedom Park (connecting multiple intown neighborhoods)

Most parks are free to enter and good for picnics, exercise, or simply hanging out.

Walk the BeltLine and Explore Street Art

The BeltLine is free to use and is one of the best ways to see:

• Public art installations
• Pop‑up events and performances
• Murals and graffiti, especially near Krog Street Tunnel

Self‑Guided Historic or Neighborhood Walks

You can explore:

• Sweet Auburn (civil rights history, MLK sites)
• Inman Park (Victorian homes and shaded streets)
• Downtown (historic buildings around Peachtree Street and Woodruff Park)

This is an easy way to get to know the city better without paying admission fees.

Nightlife and Evening Fun in Atlanta

When the sun goes down, Atlanta’s nightlife, music, and bar scene come alive, especially in Midtown, Eastside neighborhoods, and Buckhead.

Live Music

Atlanta has a long music history and ongoing scene. Common types of venues include:

• The Tabernacle – larger concerts in a distinctive historic space
• Variety Playhouse – shows ranging from rock to indie to comedy
• Smaller clubs and bars – especially around East Atlanta Village and Little Five Points

Check schedules in advance; some venues are all‑ages for certain shows, but many are 18+ or 21+.

Rooftops and Skyline Views

Several parts of the city offer rooftop bars or restaurants with skyline views. While offerings change over time, the general pattern is:

• Downtown/Midtown: Views of the central skyline
• Buckhead: Views facing downtown and midtown from the north

If you prefer a non‑bar setting, Piedmont Park meadows and several spots along the BeltLine also provide skyline photo opportunities, especially at sunset.

Sports and Game-Day Fun

If you enjoy live sports, Atlanta offers major league experiences nearly year‑round.

Professional Teams

• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Home games at Truist Park in Cobb County
• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Play at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Downtown
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – Play at State Farm Arena in Downtown
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Also at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Game days often include fan activities and tailgating around the stadiums.

College Sports

Atlanta and the surrounding area have active college football and basketball scenes, including:

• Georgia Tech (Midtown Atlanta)
• Various other colleges and universities within the metro area

Tickets are often more affordable than major league games and can be a fun way to experience local sports culture.

Seasonal and Special Events in Atlanta

Certain times of year bring especially fun events to the city.

Festivals

Atlanta hosts a range of festivals across neighborhoods, often featuring:

• Live music and food vendors
• Art markets and local businesses
• Street closures for pedestrians

Well‑known recurring festivals often pop up in:

• Piedmont Park
• Inman Park
• Grant Park
• Old Fourth Ward

Check event calendars for specific dates and details before planning a trip around a festival.

Holiday Activities

Around major holidays, you can usually find:

• Light displays at attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Zoo Atlanta
• Holiday markets and ice-skating rinks (often in Midtown or Downtown)
• Special performances at venues like the Fox Theatre

Schedules and offerings vary by year, so it’s wise to confirm dates ahead of time.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Fun Things in Atlanta

A few local‑style tips can help you get more out of your time in the city:

• Plan for traffic: Atlanta is known for heavy traffic, especially weekday rush hours. If possible, schedule major attractions for mid‑day or use MARTA where practical.
• Use MARTA for big events: For games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, taking MARTA (e.g., GWCC/CNN Center, Vine City, or Five Points stations) can be easier than driving.
• Cluster your activities: Many attractions are grouped together (for example, downtown around Centennial Olympic Park or Midtown around the Arts Center). Plan your day by area to avoid extra travel.
• Dress for the weather: Summers can be hot and humid, making morning and evening best for outdoor activities. Winters are usually mild but can be chilly, especially at night.
• Parking varies widely: Some areas have garages and lots; others rely on street parking or paid decks. Watch for signs and neighborhood permit zones.

Whether you want family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, nightlife, or cultural experiences, Atlanta offers plenty of fun options within a short drive or train ride. Focusing on a few key neighborhoods and clusters of attractions can make your time in the city both enjoyable and manageable.