Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Giant Screen Theater: A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Immersive Science Destination

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, science-filled day in Atlanta, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and Giant Screen Theater in Druid Hills is one of the city’s standout attractions. It combines classic natural history exhibits, immersive outdoor trails, and a massive movie screen—all centered around Georgia’s landscapes, wildlife, and prehistoric past.

Below is a practical guide tailored to Atlanta residents and visitors who want to make the most of a visit.

Where Fernbank Is and How to Get There

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

Fernbank is in the Druid Hills neighborhood, just east of Midtown and downtown Atlanta.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• From Downtown / Midtown:
  Usually about a 10–20 minute drive depending on traffic. Take Ponce de Leon Ave east, then follow Clifton Rd NE.
• From Decatur:
  Head west via Ponce de Leon Ave or N Decatur Rd, then turn onto Clifton Rd NE.
• By MARTA:
  There isn’t a rail station right at the museum. Many visitors:
  • Ride the Blue/Green Line to Decatur Station or Inman Park/Reynoldstown, then
  • Use a rideshare or local bus to reach Clifton Rd NE.
• Parking:
  Fernbank has an on-site parking deck. Parking is typically paid, so factor that into your visit. Arriving earlier in the day usually makes parking easier, especially on weekends or holidays.

What You’ll Find Inside: Highlights of the Museum

Fernbank blends classic museum galleries with hands-on science and Georgia-focused exhibits. Some of the consistently popular areas include:

Dinosaurs and Fossils

For many people, Fernbank is synonymous with dinosaurs:

• Giant dinosaur skeletons in the Great Hall, including a massive Argentinosaurus replica, make an impression as soon as you walk in.
• Fossil displays help connect global dinosaur discoveries with what’s been found in Georgia and the Southeast.
• Interactive elements often help kids understand how scientists study fossils and ancient environments.

Georgia’s Natural History

Several exhibits focus directly on Georgia’s ecosystems:

• Coastal, mountain, and piedmont habitats are represented in dioramas and displays.
• You’ll see native species—past and present—and how Georgia’s environment has changed over millions of years.
• These exhibits are especially useful if you’re new to Atlanta and want context for the landscapes and wildlife you see when you travel around the state.

Science, Culture, and Rotating Exhibitions

Fernbank frequently hosts temporary and traveling exhibits that may cover:

• Space, physics, and technology
• Human cultures and archaeology
• Animals, biodiversity, and conservation

If you live in Atlanta, these rotating exhibits are a big reason locals return—what’s on display can change significantly over the course of a year.

Fernbank’s Giant Screen Theater: What to Expect

In addition to the museum galleries, Fernbank has a Giant Screen Theater that shows educational films on a floor-to-ceiling, curved screen. Think nature documentaries, space exploration, deep-ocean films, and sometimes themed features tied to special exhibits.

Typical Theater Experience

• Run time: Many films run around 20–45 minutes, making it easy to fit one into your museum visit.
• Topics: Popular subjects include dinosaurs, oceans, outer space, geology, and wildlife.
• Seating: Stadium-style seating with a steep incline, so most seats have good views.

Tips for Scheduling a Movie

• Check the day’s showtimes once you arrive (or before you go) so you can plan your walking route around the museum.
• If you’re visiting with younger kids, mid-morning or early afternoon showings can be less tiring.
• Arrive a little early to get settled; the size of the screen can be overwhelming right at first for some children.

Fernbank Forest and Outdoor Adventures

One of the major perks of Fernbank, especially in Atlanta’s milder seasons, is its large outdoor component.

Fernbank Forest

Fernbank Forest is part of an old-growth Piedmont forest within the city limits—something you don’t see often in a major metro area.

• Trails and boardwalks wind through mature trees and local plant life.
• Educational signage explains the forest ecosystem and highlights native species.
• It’s a calmer, shaded escape if museum crowds feel a bit intense.

WildWoods and Outdoor Play Areas

In addition to the forest, Fernbank offers designed outdoor experiences:

• Elevated walkways with views into the forest canopy
• Interactive nature play areas, sculptures, and installations
• Seasonal features like outdoor exhibits or themed displays

For Atlanta parents, these outdoor components are especially helpful. Kids can move, climb, and explore after spending time indoors, which often makes the whole outing go more smoothly.

Typical Costs, Tickets, and Membership

Exact prices can change, but there are some common patterns Atlanta visitors should expect.

General Patterns for Museum & Theater Admission

*Outdoor areas may be weather-dependent.

Tips for Saving Time and Money

• Membership can be cost-effective if:
  • You live in or near Atlanta, and
  • You expect to visit more than a couple of times per year, especially with kids.
• Some visitors bundle museum + film tickets in one purchase, which may be better value than buying separately.
• Weekdays outside of school holidays are often quieter and sometimes easier to navigate with young children.

Best Times to Visit Fernbank in Atlanta

Your experience can change depending on time of day, season, and crowd levels.

Time of Day

• Early morning:
  Quieter galleries, easier parking, and cooler outdoor temperatures in warm months.
• Late afternoon:
  Can be less crowded than midday, but you’ll want to check closing time so you don’t feel rushed.

Day of the Week

• Weekends and school holidays:
  Expect more families, school-age children, and sometimes busier parking.
• Weekdays (during the school year):
  You may encounter school groups in the mornings, but afternoons can be more relaxed.

Seasonal Considerations in Atlanta

• Spring and fall:
  Ideal for combining indoor exhibits with walking through Fernbank Forest and WildWoods.
• Summer:
  The museum offers a welcome air-conditioned break, and shaded forest trails can still be pleasant on hot days.
• Winter:
  Indoor exhibits and the Giant Screen Theater become the main draw, though some outdoor areas remain accessible.

Planning a Visit with Kids

Fernbank is built with families in mind, but a little planning makes a big difference.

Age-Based Tips

• Toddlers and preschoolers:
  • Aim for shorter visits—1.5 to 3 hours.
  • Focus on high-visual-impact areas (dinosaurs, interactive displays).
  • Include plenty of time in the outdoor play spaces.
• Elementary-age children:
  • Can usually handle a full museum visit plus a film.
  • Enjoy interactive learning stations and hands-on science exhibits.
• Tweens and teens:
  • May connect more with deeper scientific explanations and special exhibitions.
  • The Giant Screen Theater and any rotating tech or space-related exhibits are often a hit.

Practical Family Tips

• Bring a small stroller if needed—Fernbank is spread across multiple levels.
• Plan snack and rest breaks so kids don’t get overwhelmed.
• If you’re local, consider multiple shorter trips over time rather than trying to see everything in one day.

Food, Amenities, and Accessibility

Food and Drink

Fernbank typically offers on-site café-style options and snack areas:

• Light meals (such as sandwiches, salads, or kid-friendly options)
• Snacks and drinks for quick breaks

If you’re looking for more dining variety:

• Nearby neighborhoods like Decatur, Virginia-Highland, and Little Five Points offer plenty of restaurants you can visit before or after your museum time.

Gift Shop

The museum gift shop often carries:

• Educational toys and science kits
• Books on dinosaurs, space, and Georgia nature
• Fernbank-branded items

This can be a fun final stop, especially if you’re visiting Atlanta from out of town and want a local science-themed souvenir.

Accessibility

Fernbank is generally designed to be accessible:

• Elevators connect different floors
• Accessible restrooms are available
• Ramps and wide pathways in many areas

If you or someone in your group has specific mobility or sensory needs, it’s wise to call ahead to the main number to ask about current accommodations, quiet spaces, and recommended routes.

Nearby Attractions and How to Make a Day of It

If you’re planning a full day in town, Fernbank pairs well with other east-side Atlanta spots:

• Decatur Square:
  Restaurants, coffee shops, and independent stores a short drive away.
• Little Five Points and Inman Park:
  Eclectic shops, murals, and casual dining options.
• Freedom Park Trails:
  Paths for walking or biking if you want to continue exploring outdoors.

This makes Fernbank a flexible anchor for a day in Atlanta—start with museum and Giant Screen activities, then explore a neighborhood or park at your own pace.

Who Fernbank Is Best For

Fernbank Museum of Natural History and its Giant Screen Theater are especially well-suited for:

• Atlanta families looking for educational weekend activities
• Out-of-town visitors wanting a science-focused attraction beyond the downtown core
• Teachers and homeschool groups seeking local tie-ins to science and Georgia history
• Nature lovers interested in an old-growth forest experience without leaving the city

If you live in Atlanta, Fernbank can feel less like a one-time tourist stop and more like a recurring, seasonal destination—with changing exhibits, different film lineups, and a forest that looks different in every season.

By knowing what to expect from the exhibits, the theater, and the outdoor spaces, you can plan a visit that fits your schedule, your group’s ages, and your interests—and get a deeper appreciation for both Atlanta and the natural world.