Exploring Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is one of Atlanta’s standout destinations for science, nature, and family-friendly fun. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a weekend, or planning a school outing, Fernbank offers a mix of dinosaurs, immersive exhibits, forest trails, and giant-screen films that are very Atlanta-specific.

Where Fernbank Museum Is and How to Get There

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

Fernbank sits in the Druid Hills neighborhood, just east of downtown and Midtown Atlanta, and not far from Emory University.

Getting There by Car

From most parts of metro Atlanta:

• From Downtown / Midtown:
  Take Ponce de Leon Avenue east toward Druid Hills, then follow Clifton Road NE to the museum.
• From I-85 / I-285 (North side):
  Use Clairmont Road or North Druid Hills Road toward Emory, then follow local signs to Clifton Road and Fernbank.
• Parking:
  Fernbank typically offers an on-site parking lot. It’s usually included with admission but can fill up during peak times (weekends, holidays, school breaks), so arrive early if you can.

Getting There by Transit or Rideshare

• MARTA rail + bus:
  Many visitors use MARTA rail to Decatur Station or Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station, then transfer to a nearby bus route or rideshare to the museum. Routes can change, so it’s wise to check MARTA’s website or app for current schedules.
• Rideshare / Taxi:
  Dropping off right at the main entrance on Clifton Road is common. This can be simpler than parking if you’re staying in downtown, Midtown, or near Emory.

What Makes Fernbank Museum Special in Atlanta

Fernbank is more than just a traditional museum; it combines natural history exhibits, interactive science, and outdoor forest experiences in one place. For Atlanta residents, it often serves as:

• A go-to field trip spot for local schools
• A favorite rainy-day activity for families
• A date-night venue during special evening events
• A convenient option for visitors staying near Emory, Virginia-Highland, or Little Five Points

Some top highlights:

• Towering dinosaur skeletons in the Great Hall
• Hands-on science exhibits for kids
• A giant-screen theater
• Fernbank Forest and outdoor nature experiences
• Seasonal events and rotating exhibits

Main Indoor Exhibits and Experiences

Dinosaurs and Fossils

The dinosaur displays are usually the first thing you see when you walk into Fernbank’s main hall.

• Large dinosaur skeletons:
  Visitors are greeted by massive dinosaur casts and reconstructions, which make great photo backdrops and wow kids and adults alike.
• Fossils and paleontology:
  Exhibits explain how dinosaurs lived, what Georgia’s prehistoric ecosystems may have looked like, and how scientists study fossils today.

This is one of the best indoor stops if you’re trying to impress visiting family with a “big wow” moment in Atlanta.

Georgia Natural History and Ecology

As an Atlanta-focused museum, Fernbank has exhibits dedicated to Georgia’s natural history:

• Displays on Georgia’s geology, including rocks and minerals found in the Piedmont and nearby regions
• Information about native wildlife you may actually see in or around Atlanta, such as local birds, reptiles, and forest animals
• Sections that explain how Georgia’s landscapes evolved over time

If you hike in Stone Mountain Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, or other local spots, this context can help you better understand the environment around Atlanta.

Hands-On Science for Kids

Fernbank often features interactive, kid-focused science exhibits:

• Touch-and-try stations where kids can experiment, explore simple physics or biology concepts, and learn through play
• Areas designed with younger children in mind, including lower exhibit heights and more tactile activities

Atlanta families often use Fernbank as an alternative to playgrounds when the weather is bad, since kids can move around and learn at the same time.

Fernbank Forest and Outdoor Experiences

One of the most unique things about Fernbank is that it offers real forest access right inside the city.

Fernbank Forest

Fernbank Forest is a protected old-growth forest just behind the museum building.

• Walking trails:
  Clearly marked trails of varying lengths let you explore at your own pace. You can stroll for 20–30 minutes or take a longer, more leisurely walk.
• Local plants and wildlife:
  You may see native trees, ferns, birds, and other wildlife typical of the Atlanta area. It’s a good, low-stress introduction to nature for kids who haven’t done longer hikes.
• Educational signage:
  Signs along the paths explain what you’re seeing in terms of ecology, conservation, and history.

For Atlanta residents who don’t want to drive out to the North Georgia mountains, Fernbank Forest provides a convenient, nature-heavy outing close to home.

Outdoor Adventure Areas

Near the forest entrance, Fernbank often has outdoor features such as:

• Elevated walkways or platforms for canopy views
• Playful structures or interactive features for children
• Seasonal outdoor programming or events

On pleasant Atlanta days, you can easily split your visit between indoor exhibits and outdoor exploration.

Giant-Screen Theater

Fernbank includes a giant-screen theater that shows nature, adventure, and science films.

• Movies often focus on wildlife, space, oceans, or natural phenomena
• Showtimes rotate throughout the day
• Films can be a good option if you want a break from walking around exhibits

Some tickets or memberships may include theater access; in other cases, it can be added on. It’s wise to decide in advance whether you want to include a film so you can plan around showtimes.

Typical Hours, Tickets, and Memberships

Hours and pricing can change, but visitors commonly find:

• Daytime hours most days of the week, with extended hours for special events or evenings
• Last entry often set some time before closing, so arriving late in the day can limit how much you see

For the most accurate, up-to-date hours and ticket information, calling the museum at (404) 929-6300 or checking its official site is recommended.

Ticket Options Atlanta Visitors Commonly Consider

Visitors usually choose from:

• Single-day general admission
  Includes access to the museum exhibits and, in many cases, Fernbank Forest and outdoor experiences.
• Theater add-on
  If not already included, you can add a giant-screen theater ticket.
• Memberships
  Popular with Atlanta families and local educators, memberships often provide:
  • Unlimited regular admission for a year
  • Discounts on special programs or events
  • Possible parking or guest benefits, depending on level

If you live in the metro area and plan to visit more than a couple of times a year, a membership can often be more cost-effective than multiple single-day tickets.

Planning Your Visit: Time, Crowds, and Best Days

How Much Time to Budget

Most Atlanta visitors find that:

• Families with kids: Plan 3–4 hours to see indoor exhibits, walk some of the forest, and possibly watch a film.
• Adults without kids: Expect 2–3 hours for exhibits and a forest walk, longer if you like reading detailed labels or staying for a film.

You can see the “highlights” in less time, but a relaxed visit usually fills a good part of the day.

When Fernbank Is Busiest

The museum can be busiest:

• On weekends, especially mid-morning through mid-afternoon
• During school breaks and holiday weekends
• On days with bad weather, when indoor attractions are in high demand

If you prefer a quieter experience, Atlanta locals often recommend:

• Visiting on a weekday
• Arriving close to opening time
• Saving the gift shop for later in the day to avoid mid-day crowds

Fernbank for Kids, Teens, and Adults

Visiting with Young Kids

For families in Atlanta, Fernbank is a frequent destination.

Tips for visiting with younger kids:

• ✅ Strollers: The museum layout and elevators typically accommodate strollers, though it can get crowded during peak times.
• ✅ Snack and rest breaks: Planning a short break mid-visit helps kids manage the excitement and walking.
• ✅ Hands-on areas first: Many parents start with interactive exhibits so kids can get their energy out before quieter gallery sections.

Visiting with Teens

Teen visitors tend to enjoy:

• The dinosaur exhibits and large-scale skeletons
• The giant-screen theater
• Certain rotating or temporary exhibits, especially those focused on technology, extreme environments, or space

Pairing Fernbank with nearby attractions in Little Five Points, Ponce City Market, or the Atlanta BeltLine can create a full day that appeals to older kids and teens.

Adults-Only and After-Hours Events

Fernbank occasionally hosts evening events that are geared toward adults, sometimes including:

• Access to exhibits after normal hours
• Music, themed activities, or special programming

These events appeal to Atlanta couples, groups of friends, and local professionals looking for something different from the usual bar or restaurant night.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Fernbank works to be accessible and comfortable for a wide range of visitors.

Common features include:

• Elevators between floors
• Accessible restrooms
• Benches and seating throughout the galleries
• Wide paths and paved areas in indoor and some outdoor spaces

If you have specific accessibility needs, calling ahead at (404) 929-6300 can help you plan your visit with more detail.

Other on-site amenities often include:

• Café or snack options: Useful if you’re visiting with children or staying for several hours.
• Gift shop: Focused on science, dinosaurs, books, and educational toys—popular for Atlanta-area birthday gifts or classroom materials.

Nearby Atlanta Neighborhoods and Pairing Fernbank with Other Activities

Fernbank’s location puts you close to several well-known Atlanta neighborhoods and attractions:

• Druid Hills: Historic homes and tree-lined streets surrounding the museum.
• Emory University & Emory Village: Campus area with cafes and restaurants, good for a meal before or after your museum visit.
• Virginia-Highland & Morningside: Short drive away, offering local shops, parks, and dining.
• Little Five Points & Inman Park: Eclectic shops and restaurants, easy to combine with a half-day museum visit.

Atlanta residents often:

• Visit Fernbank in the morning, then head to lunch in Virginia-Highland.
• Combine a museum day with a late afternoon walk on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail or a coffee stop in Inman Park.

Quick Reference: Fernbank at a Glance

When Fernbank Museum Is a Good Choice for You

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a strong fit if you:

• Want a science-focused, kid-friendly activity in Atlanta
• Prefer an outing that combines indoor exhibits and outdoor nature
• Are looking for an educational but still fun destination for visiting relatives or friends
• Live in metro Atlanta and want a membership that your family can use year-round

For locals, Fernbank often becomes a repeat destination—something you can visit multiple times a year as exhibits change and kids grow. For visitors, it’s a way to experience both Atlanta’s natural history and its urban forest side in a single stop.