Fun, Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta With Kids

Atlanta is one of the best big cities in the South for families. Whether you live here or are planning a visit, there are more kid-friendly activities than you can fit into a single weekend. From world-class attractions around Centennial Olympic Park to shady trails along the Chattahoochee, you can mix educational, active, and just-plain-fun outings in almost every part of the metro area.

Below is a practical guide to things to do in Atlanta with kids, organized by type of activity and neighborhood, with tips to make each experience smoother.

Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in Downtown & Midtown

If you only have a day or two in Atlanta with kids, Downtown and Midtown pack in a lot of the “headliner” experiences.

Georgia Aquarium

Where: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: Toddlers through teens

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the city’s biggest draws for families. Children can:

• Walk through massive tunnels of fish and sharks
• Watch dolphin and sea lion presentations
• See whale sharks and manta rays up close
• Enjoy touch pools with rays and other gentle creatures

Tips for parents:

• Go early in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Strollers are allowed but the layout can get tight on busy days.
• Consider timing your visit around scheduled animal presentations.

World of Coca-Cola

Where: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: Elementary-age and up

Right next to the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola is part museum, part interactive exhibit. Kids often enjoy:

• Colorful displays and historical ads
• The “vault” experience about the secret formula
• Tasting different drinks from around the world

This attraction is especially convenient if you’re already in the Centennial Olympic Park area and want a second activity on the same day.

Centennial Olympic Park & Nearby Green Spaces

Where: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

The park itself is an easy option with kids if you need a break between attractions:

• Wide lawns to run around
• Fountains and splash features (seasonal)
• Occasional festivals and events

For families, the walkable cluster of Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park makes planning simple—everything is within a few blocks.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Where: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: Toddlers and early elementary

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is designed for hands-on play:

• Pretend-play areas (grocery store, kitchen, construction zone)
• Art and craft spaces
• STEM-themed exhibits at a kid’s level

Highlights for parents:

• Good option for very young kids who may be overstimulated by big attractions.
• Indoor and climate-controlled—useful on very hot or rainy days.
• Time slots and capacity limits may apply, so check ahead.

SkyView Atlanta (Ferris Wheel)

Where: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Best for: Most ages, with supervision

SkyView offers an aerial view of Downtown Atlanta in enclosed gondolas. Many parents use it as:

• A quick “wow” moment for kids
• A way to see the city without much walking

Because the ride is relatively short, it works well as an add-on before or after a museum visit.

Midtown Museums, Art, and Culture With Kids

Midtown offers a blend of green space and culture that works for a range of ages.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Where: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Best for: All ages

Next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is surprisingly kid-friendly:

• Elevated Canopy Walk through the trees
• Seasonal displays like giant plant-based sculptures
• Children’s Garden area with interactive features

Family tips:

• Look for seasonal events like holiday lights or spring flower shows, which are usually popular with kids.
• Strollers are common, but some paths are hilly.

High Museum of Art

Where: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Best for: Elementary-age and up (though babies and toddlers can tag along)

The High Museum of Art has:

• Family programs and occasional hands-on activities
• Large, bright galleries
• Rotating exhibits that can appeal to older kids and teens

If your kids are new to art museums, shorter visits focusing on a few galleries tend to work better than trying to see everything.

Center for Puppetry Arts

Where: 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Best for: Preschool through middle school

The Center for Puppetry Arts is unique to Atlanta and often a hit:

• Family-friendly puppet shows
• Museum exhibits including Jim Henson characters
• Occasional build-your-own-puppet workshops

Shows are typically timed, so it helps to plan around scheduled performances.

Outdoor Parks, Trails, and Free Things To Do With Kids

Atlanta’s green spaces make it easy to balance big attractions with downtime.

Piedmont Park

Where: 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Piedmont Park is one of the city’s most popular destinations for families:

• Multiple playgrounds
• Open fields for frisbee, soccer, or picnics
• Walking and biking paths
• Dog parks (fun for dog-loving kids)

Practical notes:

• Parking can be tight on weekends and during events.
• Combine a park visit with a walk to the nearby Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside Trail and Beyond)

The Atlanta BeltLine is a paved, multi-use path that runs through several intown neighborhoods.

What kids tend to enjoy:

• Scooters, strollers, and bikes along flat portions
• Colorful murals and public art
• Easy access to snacks, ice cream, and casual food along the Eastside Trail

Safety tip: It can get crowded, especially on weekends—keep younger riders close and watch for fast-moving cyclists.

Westside Park

Where: 1660 Johnson Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Westside Park is one of the newer large parks in the city:

• Scenic overlooks
• Paved and unpaved walking trails
• Open spaces for exploring and playing

It’s less busy than Piedmont Park and works well for families wanting a quieter outdoor outing.

Historic Fourth Ward Park

Where: 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Near the BeltLine, this park offers:

• A modern playground
• Green space around a lake
• A splash pad (seasonal) that’s very popular with kids in warm weather

Nature, Animals, and Adventure Around Atlanta

For kids who love animals or exploring outside, these spots are worth considering.

Zoo Atlanta

Where: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (Grant Park)
Best for: All ages

Zoo Atlanta features:

• Giant pandas, gorillas, elephants, and more
• Petting zoo area
• Train ride and carousel

Tips:

• Mornings often have more active animals, especially in warm months.
• Bring water and sun protection for summer visits—there is shade, but it can still be hot.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Where: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
Best for: Elementary through teens (but younger siblings typically enjoy it too)

Fernbank combines science, dinosaurs, and outdoor play:

• Large dinosaur skeletons in the main hall
• Hands-on science exhibits
• IMAX-style giant screen theater (ticketed separately)
• Outdoor WildWoods area and nature paths through Fernbank Forest

Kids can move between indoor and outdoor zones, which breaks up the day nicely.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Access points near Atlanta include:

• Palisades Unit (Northside Dr entrance): 3444 Cobb Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 (approximate area)
• Powers Island, Cochran Shoals, and others along the river, many just north of Atlanta

Popular family activities:

• Easy riverside hikes
• Wading and rock-hopping in shallow areas (watch levels and follow posted safety rules)
• Tubing, kayaking, or paddleboarding with older kids (usually through nearby outfitters)

Families often choose a simple walk or picnic at one of the main access points for a low-planning nature day.

Rainy-Day and Indoor Ideas With Kids in Atlanta

Rain, heat, or cold doesn’t have to cancel your plans—Atlanta has plenty of indoor options.

Indoor Play Spaces and Trampoline Parks

Across the metro area, there are:

• Trampoline parks
• Indoor playgrounds
• Climbing gyms with youth areas

These can be good last-minute choices when the weather changes unexpectedly. Hours, age limits, and height requirements vary, so checking ahead helps.

Libraries and Storytimes (Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System)

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System and nearby county systems (like DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett) typically offer:

• Children’s storytimes
• Craft hours
• Homework help programs
• Teen spaces and study areas

Central Library in Downtown Atlanta and neighborhood branches are usually easy to access and free, making them a good low-key outing.

Bowling, Mini-Golf, and Family Entertainment Centers

Family-friendly bowling alleys, mini-golf spots, and arcade-style centers are scattered throughout the metro area. Many parents use these for:

• Birthday parties
• Rainy afternoon outings
• Mixed-age groups with both kids and teens

Sports, Stadiums, and Big-Event Experiences

Truist Park (Atlanta Braves)

Where: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Cumberland area)

Even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, a Braves game can be a family event:

• The Battery Atlanta around the stadium has casual dining and open spaces.
• Kids often enjoy the game-day energy, music, and between-inning activities.

Family tips:

• Look for day games or early evening games with kids.
• Budget for parking and food; bringing a small clear bag is typically required.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Where: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS):

• Soccer matches can move quickly, which many kids prefer over longer games.
• Occasional stadium tours give a behind-the-scenes view without the crowds of a game.

College Sports

Atlanta-area colleges such as Georgia Tech (Midtown) often host:

• Football games
• Basketball games
• Other sports events with more affordable tickets and a family-friendly environment

Seasonal and Special Events for Kids in Atlanta

Some of the best things to do with kids in Atlanta are seasonal. While dates change year to year, families often look for:

• Fall: Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fall festivals in and around the metro area
• Winter: Holiday light displays at places like botanical gardens, parks, or stadiums
• Spring: Outdoor festivals, arts and crafts fairs, and park-based events
• Summer: Free or low-cost outdoor concerts, splash pads, and extended evening hours at some attractions

Checking event calendars for the specific month you visit or plan activities can uncover short-term options not available year-round.

Quick-Glance Guide: Top Atlanta Activities With Kids

Practical Tips for Doing Atlanta With Kids

A few local-style planning tips help most families:

• Plan by area: Cluster activities in the same neighborhood (for example, Downtown/Centennial Olympic Park in one day, Midtown/Piedmont Park on another). This saves time in traffic.
• Mind the heat: In summer, schedule outdoor parks and zoo visits for morning or early evening and keep afternoons for indoor air-conditioned attractions.
• Use MARTA where it helps: For Downtown and Midtown, MARTA rail can be easier than parking, especially during events.
• Build in breaks: Many of Atlanta’s biggest attractions are dense and stimulating. Plan time at a nearby park or playground to “reset” between stops.
• Check hours and tickets: Opening hours, timed entry, and ticketing can change, especially for special exhibits and holidays. Confirm details before you go.

With a bit of planning around neighborhoods, weather, and your kids’ interests, Atlanta offers more than enough to keep families engaged—whether you’re spending a single afternoon or building a full week of kid-friendly things to do.