Fun Things for Families to Do in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is one of the best big cities in the South for families. Whether you live here or are planning a visit, there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atlanta, GA that work for toddlers, teens, and everyone in between.

Below is a practical guide to Atlanta’s top family activities, organized by interest so you can plan an easy, memorable day out.

Top Classic Family Attractions in Atlanta

These are the “must-do” Atlanta family attractions that many locals and visitors return to again and again.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s most popular family spots. Kids can see whale sharks, manta rays, sea lions, penguins, and colorful tropical fish up close.

Highlights for families:

• Touch pools for stingrays and other small sea creatures
• Daily shows and educational presentations
• Stroller-friendly paths and elevators

Tip: Arrive early in the day or on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is another favorite outing with kids.

Family-friendly features:

• Giant pandas, gorillas, and elephants
• A children’s zoo with farm animals and a playground
• A small train and carousel that younger kids love

Pair your zoo visit with a picnic or a walk through Grant Park’s shaded paths.

World of Coca-Cola

At World of Coca-Cola near Centennial Olympic Park, families can explore the history of this famous Atlanta-born brand.

What kids tend to like:

• Interactive exhibits and a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process
• A 3D theater experience
• A tasting room featuring sodas from around the world (a big hit with older kids and teens)

This is a good half-day activity and pairs well with a visit to the Georgia Aquarium.

Outdoor Adventures and Parks

If the weather is nice, Atlanta has many parks, trails, and green spaces that are perfect for families.

Piedmont Park & The Atlanta BeltLine

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s “central park” and a hub for family activities.

What to do with kids:

• Playgrounds and open fields for running and sports
• Paved paths for bikes, scooters, and strollers
• Dog parks if you’re bringing a family pet

From Piedmont Park, you can easily access the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine, a multi-use path lined with:

• Public art and murals
• Ice cream shops and casual places to eat
• Small parks and play areas

This is a great low-cost day out where you can walk, bike, or scooter as a family.

Centennial Olympic Park

Located downtown and surrounded by major attractions, Centennial Olympic Park is ideal when you want open space between museum visits.

Family-friendly features:

• Large lawn areas for picnics
• Fountains and splash areas (in warmer months)
• Close walking distance to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame

This park is especially nice for younger children who need a break from indoor attractions.

Stone Mountain Park

Just east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park offers a full day of outdoor activities for families.

You can:

• Hike or take a skyride to the top of Stone Mountain for panoramic views
• Enjoy seasonal attractions and events
• Explore walking trails, mini-golf, and playgrounds

It’s a good choice if you want a mix of mild adventure and scenery without going far from the city.

Budget-Friendly & Free Things for Families to Do

Not every family activity in Atlanta has to be expensive. There are plenty of low-cost or free options.

Explore Atlanta’s Neighborhood Parks

Beyond Piedmont Park, consider:

• Grant Park – Shady, historic, and right by Zoo Atlanta
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Splash pad (seasonal), playground, and pond near the BeltLine
• Chastain Park – Walking paths, playgrounds, and ball fields

These parks are good for quick after-school outings or relaxed weekend afternoons.

Free or Low-Cost Cultural Stops

While some museums have admission fees, many offer discount days or free admission for children under a certain age. Check current policies directly, but families often enjoy:

• Atlanta History Center (Buckhead area) – Grounds, historic houses, and exhibits
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Includes the visitor center, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the area around Dr. King’s birth home

The MLK Jr. National Historical Park is a meaningful outing for school-aged kids learning about civil rights history.

Public Libraries and Story Times

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System operates branches throughout the city that often host:

• Story times for young children
• Homework help and teen activities
• Free events and workshops

Visiting your local branch is a simple, no-cost activity that also supports reading and learning.

Indoor Activities for Rainy or Hot Days

Atlanta’s weather can be hot, humid, or stormy, so it’s helpful to know indoor family options.

Children’s Museums and Science Centers

Families often enjoy:

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Hands-on play spaces for younger kids, located near Centennial Olympic Park
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Dinosaur exhibits, interactive science displays, and an outdoor forest area
• Tellus Science Museum (Cartersville, a bit north of the city) – Larger day trip option for families interested in science and fossils

These spots are ideal for curious kids who like touching, building, and exploring.

Indoor Play Spaces and Activity Centers

Around metro Atlanta, you’ll find:

• Indoor trampoline parks
• Climbing gyms with kid-friendly walls
• Bowling alleys and family entertainment centers

These can be especially useful for birthday parties, rainy weekends, or high-energy kids who need to move.

Sports, Games, and Big Events

Sports are a big part of Atlanta’s identity, and going to a game can be a memorable family experience.

Professional Sports

Depending on the season, families can:

• Watch a Braves baseball game at Truist Park
• See the Falcons play football at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Attend an Atlanta United soccer match, also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Check out Hawks basketball at State Farm Arena

Even if you’re not a hardcore sports fan, these venues often have family sections, kid-friendly food, and special events.

College Sports and Local Games

You can also look for:

• College football and basketball games at Georgia Tech, Georgia State, or nearby universities
• Local youth leagues and community sports events

These are often more affordable and less crowded than major league events.

Arts, Culture, and Learning Experiences

If you want to mix fun with learning, Atlanta offers plenty of cultural attractions that are still engaging for kids.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a beautiful place for a family stroll.

Why families visit:

• Seasonal displays, including large plant sculptures and light shows in certain months
• A dedicated children’s garden with interactive elements
• Shaded paths and water features that are refreshing on hot days

This works well as a half-day outing combined with playground time in nearby Piedmont Park.

Performing Arts for Families

Many Atlanta-area performing arts groups offer:

• Family-friendly theater productions
• Children’s concerts
• Holiday shows and matinees

Look for kid-oriented performances where show lengths and content are designed with younger audiences in mind.

Seasonal & Special Events

Atlanta’s family activities change with the seasons, so it helps to know what to look for throughout the year.

Spring and Summer

• Outdoor festivals in neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and Midtown
• Splash pads and pools throughout the city and surrounding counties
• Evening concerts in parks (some are free or low-cost)

Because summers can be hot, many families plan outdoor time in the mornings or evenings and save the middle of the day for indoor attractions.

Fall

• Pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the metro area and nearby rural communities
• Fall festivals with food, music, and kid zones
• Cooler-weather hikes at places like Stone Mountain and nearby state parks

Fall is a good season for full-day outdoor excursions without the extreme heat.

Winter and Holidays

• Holiday light displays at attractions like botanical gardens and large parks
• Seasonal ice skating rinks in certain city areas
• Special holiday markets and family events

Many of these activities are annual traditions for Atlanta families, so popular ones can get busy—visiting on weekday evenings can help.

Quick Planning Guide: What Kind of Family Day Do You Want?

Use this simple overview to narrow down things for families to do in Atlanta, GA based on your priorities:

Practical Tips for Family Outings in Atlanta

To make your day smoother:

• Plan around traffic: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially on weekdays. Allow extra drive time for downtown attractions.
• Check parking options: Many major attractions have dedicated parking garages or lots; some city parks rely on street parking.
• Look for combo days:
  • Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca-Cola + Centennial Olympic Park is a popular downtown combo.
  • Piedmont Park + Atlanta BeltLine + Atlanta Botanical Garden makes for a full Midtown day.
• Pack smart: Bring water, snacks, hats, and sunscreen for outdoor activities, and layers for heavily air-conditioned indoor venues.
• Consider naps and breaks: For younger kids, plan a calm park stop or a quiet lunch between big attractions.

Atlanta offers a wide range of family activities—from world-class attractions to simple park afternoons—so you can easily build days that match your children’s ages, interests, and energy levels while getting a real feel for the city.