Fun Things To Do in Atlanta, GA With Kids: A Local’s Guide

Atlanta is one of the best cities in the Southeast for family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a local planning weekend adventures, a visitor on a short trip, or hosting out-of-town relatives with kids in tow, there’s no shortage of things to do in Atlanta with children of all ages.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you plan kid-approved activities across the city and nearby areas.

Classic Atlanta Attractions for Kids

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is a must-do with kids in Atlanta.

• See whale sharks, manta rays, penguins, and sea lions
• Daily shows, interactive exhibits, and touch pools
• Great for toddlers through teens

Tip:

• Try to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest hours.
• Consider planning quiet time afterward; the aquarium can be visually and mentally stimulating for younger children.

Location:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000

World of Coca‑Cola

Next door to the aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola is another kid favorite.

• Colorful exhibits about the history of Coca‑Cola
• Interactive displays and a short 3D-style movie
• Tasting room with beverages from around the world (older kids usually love this)

Best for:
Elementary-age kids and up, though younger children enjoy the bright visuals.

Location:
World of Coca‑Cola
121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 676-5151

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park offers a full day of outdoor fun.

Highlights for kids:

• Giant pandas, gorillas, elephants, and giraffes
• Children’s zoo area with a petting zoo
• Train and carousel rides

Parent tips:

• Summer can be hot and humid—go early, pack water, and seek shade.
• The hilly terrain means strollers are helpful for younger children.

Location:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: (404) 624-5600

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

For dinosaur lovers and curious kids, Fernbank Museum is ideal.

• Giant dinosaur skeletons and fossil exhibits
• Hands-on science and nature exhibits
• Giant screen theater (check age-appropriateness of films)
• Outdoor WildWoods and access to Fernbank Forest with trails and play spaces

Good for ages: preschool through middle school, especially kids who love science and nature.

Location:
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 929-6300

Outdoor Adventures and Parks

Piedmont Park & Playscapes

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s “backyard” and a staple for families.

What kids can do:

• Multiple playgrounds (like the Mayor’s Grove Playground)
• Open fields for ball games, frisbee, and picnics
• Paved paths for scooters, bikes, and strollers
• Nearby access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Location:
Piedmont Park Conservancy
400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 875-7275

Atlanta BeltLine (Family-Friendly Segments)

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of trails built on old railway corridors and is very family-friendly in sections.

Popular stretches for kids:

• Eastside Trail: Runs from Midtown to Reynoldstown, with lots of public art, food stops, and wide paths.
• Northside Trail: Quieter, greener, and good for biking with kids.

Family tips:

• Bring helmets for kids on bikes or scooters.
• Go earlier in the day or later in the evening to avoid peak crowds.

Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown Green Spaces

Located near the aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park is convenient for a break between attractions.

• Open lawns for running and picnics
• Fountain of Rings splash pad (check current operations)
• Often hosts events and festivals

Location:
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 223-4412

Stone Mountain Park (Just Outside Atlanta)

A short drive from the city, Stone Mountain Park is a popular day trip.

Kids can:

• Hike or take the summit attraction (check current operations)
• Play in kid-focused areas and seasonal attractions
• Enjoy lakeside areas and wide-open spaces

Tip:
Plan for most of a day here, and check ahead for parking and attraction hours.

Location:
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: (800) 401-2407

Educational & Museum Experiences

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Especially good for younger kids, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park is hands-on and play-based.

Features:

• Interactive exhibits focused on science, creativity, and imaginative play
• Soft play areas suited to toddlers
• Rotating themed exhibits

Best age range: roughly ages 1–8.

Location:
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 659-5437

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

For older kids and teens, visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is a meaningful, educational experience.

What to see:

• Visitor Center exhibits about the Civil Rights Movement
• Dr. King’s birth home (tours may have limited capacity)
• Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church

Tip for parents:
This visit often leads to thoughtful questions; many families combine it with age-appropriate conversations about history and equality.

Location:
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: (404) 331-5190

College Football Hall of Fame

For sports-loving families, the College Football Hall of Fame is very interactive.

Kids can:

• Test their skills on an indoor football field
• Explore exhibits on college teams
• See memorabilia and interactive screens

Best for: Elementary-age through teens who enjoy sports.

Location:
Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 880-4800

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art in Midtown is surprisingly kid-friendly when you plan it right.

Family-friendly features:

• Family-focused programs on select days
• Interactive or hands-on elements in some exhibits
• Short, focused visits work well with kids

Tip:
Introduce kids to one or two galleries at a time rather than trying to see everything in one visit.

Location:
High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 733-4400

Indoor Play, Rainy-Day, and Hot-Weather Options

Atlanta Public Library Branches

Local Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System branches often host free or low-cost children’s programs.

Common offerings:

• Storytime for toddlers and preschoolers
• Homework help or reading clubs for school-age kids
• Craft days and special events

Check nearby branches such as:

• Central Library: 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq, Atlanta, GA 30303 | Phone: (404) 730-1700

Libraries are calm, air-conditioned spaces—useful on very hot or rainy days.

Indoor Recreation Centers & Community Centers

Atlanta and surrounding counties operate recreation centers that are often family-friendly and budget-conscious.

These may offer:

• Indoor gyms and basketball courts
• After-school programs
• Summer camps and classes (dance, sports, art)

Examples in the City of Atlanta:

• C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center
  3201 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
  Phone: (404) 505-3186

• Rosel Fann Recreation Center
  365 Cleveland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30354
  Phone: (404) 624-0772

Calling ahead can help you confirm open gym times and age requirements.

Bowling, Skating, and Trampoline Parks

Around metro Atlanta, families often turn to:

• Bowling alleys for multi-age outings
• Roller skating rinks (especially fun for elementary and middle schoolers)
• Indoor trampoline parks and climbing gyms for active kids

Details and offerings vary by location, but many have:

• Special family nights
• Toddler times with lower intensity
• Party packages if you’re planning a birthday

Since hours and offerings change, it’s best to call the specific facility you choose to confirm current options.

Nature, Animals, and Outdoor Learning

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Just north of Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offers easy “nature escapes.”

Kid activities:

• Short riverside walks and easy trails
• Watching kayakers and tubers
• Picnicking and skipping rocks along the banks

Family tips:

• The river can be cold and swift—keep kids supervised near the water.
• Bring appropriate footwear and sun protection.

One commonly used access point:

• Paces Mill Unit
  3444 Cobb Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
  Phone: (678) 538-1200

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is both beautiful and child-friendly.

Highlights for kids:

• Dedicated children’s garden with water features and play elements
• Seasonal exhibits (like trains, light displays, or large sculptures)
• Plenty of paths for stroller-friendly walks

Best for: All ages, especially toddlers through elementary school.

Location:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 876-5859

Local Farms and Petting Zoos (Metro Area)

In the broader metro area, you’ll find:

• U-pick farms (strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins by season)
• Small petting zoos or farm experiences
• Seasonal corn mazes and hayrides

These are often in surrounding counties like Cobb, Gwinnett, and Henry. Because farm schedules are seasonal, calling ahead or checking official information is important before you go.

Neighborhood & Low-Cost Kid Fun

Playgrounds and Neighborhood Parks

Atlanta has many small and mid-size parks that are perfect for a quick outing.

Examples around the city:

• Grant Park: Large playgrounds, walking paths, and close to Zoo Atlanta.
• Chastain Park: North Atlanta park with paths and play areas.
• Candler Park: Playground, fields, and a neighborhood feel.

Parks are ideal when you want:

• A no-cost activity
• A burnout session before naps or bedtime
• Space for scooters, bikes, or ball play

Festivals, Markets, and Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, Atlanta hosts many family-friendly festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal events.

Common kid-friendly features:

• Face painting and craft stations
• Live music and food trucks
• Holiday lights, parades, and special performances

Because these events change each year and season, it’s helpful to:

• Check local event calendars
• Look at official city or county announcements for family-focused activities

Quick Planning Guide: Top Picks by Age

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta With Kids

• Plan around traffic: Atlanta traffic can be heavy. Try to visit major attractions outside of weekday rush hours when possible.
• Group nearby attractions:
  • Downtown cluster: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Children’s Museum, Centennial Olympic Park.
  • Midtown cluster: High Museum, Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden.
• Mind the heat and humidity: In summer, schedule outdoor play for mornings or evenings and save museums and indoor activities for mid-day.
• Check hours and special programs: Many places offer family days, toddler times, or discount hours that can make visits more enjoyable and affordable.

With a mix of world-class attractions, neighborhood parks, and educational experiences, there are plenty of fun things to do in Atlanta, GA with kids—whether you have a few hours or several days to explore.