Tellus Science Museum: A Complete Guide for Atlanta Visitors and Families

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and looking for a day trip that combines science, history, and hands-on fun, the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville is one of the best options within easy driving distance. It’s close enough for a half-day outing from Atlanta, but large and varied enough to fill an entire day, especially with kids.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what Tellus offers, how to get there, and how to make the most of your visit.

Where Is Tellus Science Museum and How Far Is It from Atlanta?

Location:
Tellus Science Museum
100 Tellus Drive
Cartersville, GA 30120
Phone: (770) 606-5700

Tellus is located just off I‑75 in Cartersville, northwest of Atlanta.

Approximate drive times from Atlanta:

*Times vary with traffic; plan extra time during weekday rush hours on I‑75.

For most Atlantans, Tellus is a straight shot up I‑75 North, making it one of the most convenient major museums outside the Perimeter.

Why Tellus Is Worth the Trip from Atlanta

Compared to in-town museums like Fernbank Museum, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, or Museum of Design Atlanta, Tellus stands out in a few ways:

• It’s very hands-on, especially for kids and teens.
• The focus is broad: earth science, astronomy, transportation, and minerals, all in one place.
• It has a large campus with outdoor exhibits and an observatory, something you won’t get at most in-town museums.
• It’s usually less crowded than some Atlanta attractions, especially on weekdays.

If you’re looking for a single destination that both science-loving adults and kids can enjoy, Tellus is a strong option for a weekend or school-break trip from Atlanta.

Main Exhibits and What to Expect

1. The Weinman Mineral Gallery

This gallery is a highlight for many adults and older kids coming from Atlanta.

Expect to see:

• Gemstones and crystals from Georgia and around the world
• Displays on how minerals form and are used in everyday products
• Detailed exhibits on Georgia’s mining history

Atlanta-area visitors who’ve seen smaller mineral exhibits at local schools or Fernbank will usually find Tellus’s collection larger and more in-depth, with impressive, museum-quality specimens.

2. Fossil and Dinosaur Exhibits

Tellus has a strong focus on paleontology, including:

• Large dinosaur skeletons and fossil casts
• Fossils from the Southeast and Georgia, not just the West
• Exhibits explaining prehistoric life and extinction

If your kids are used to the dinosaur exhibits at Fernbank, Tellus offers a different assortment and more contextual displays about earth history and geology.

3. Science in Motion (Transportation Gallery)

This area focuses on transportation and engineering, and it’s usually a hit with kids and teens:

• Historic cars and classic automobiles
• Aircraft and space-related displays
• Exhibits showing how motion, engines, and technology work

For Atlanta residents who drive past the Delta Flight Museum or see planes at Hartsfield-Jackson daily, this gallery adds a more scientific and engineering-focused perspective to transportation.

4. The Collins Family My Big Backyard (Hands-On Kids’ Area)

Designed especially for younger children, this area offers:

• Interactive exhibits on light, sound, magnetism, and weather
• Activities that encourage touching, testing, and playing
• A contained space where kids can safely explore while adults supervise

If you’ve been to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, My Big Backyard has a similar hands-on, exploratory feel, but with a more science-focused twist.

Planetarium and Observatory: A Big Draw from Atlanta

Planetarium Shows

Tellus has a digital planetarium that offers scheduled shows throughout the day.

What Atlanta visitors should know:

• Shows typically cover topics like constellations, space exploration, and the night sky.
• They’re suitable for school-age children and adults; very young kids may find the dark, immersive dome overwhelming.
• Show times vary, so it’s wise to check the schedule before you go and plan your day around at least one show.

If you’ve enjoyed shows at the Fernbank Planetarium or events by the Atlanta Astronomy Club, the Tellus planetarium is another good way to experience space science, especially combined with the rest of the museum.

Evening Sky Viewing (Check Ahead)

Tellus has an observatory with a powerful telescope that is sometimes open for:

• Public viewing nights
• Special celestial events (eclipses, planetary alignments, etc.)

These events can appeal to Atlanta residents who:

• Don’t have access to dark skies in town
• Want a more structured stargazing experience than you’ll get from city parks

Because events change, Atlanta visitors should check current programming before planning an evening specific to stargazing.

Hands-On Activities: Gem Panning and Fossil Dig

One of the major appeals for families coming from Atlanta is the outdoor activity area, which typically includes:

• Gem panning: Kids purchase a bag of “pay dirt” and wash it in running water to uncover small gemstones.
• Fossil digging: A sandbox-style area where children can “discover” replica fossils.

Parents from Atlanta often describe these as a good way to burn off energy after indoor galleries, especially if you’ve had a long drive up I‑75.

Planning Your Visit from Atlanta

Typical Time You’ll Need

For most Atlantans, a Tellus visit works well as:

• Half-day trip (3–4 hours) if you focus on just a few key areas
• Full-day outing (5–6+ hours) if you:
  • Visit every gallery
  • Add a planetarium show
  • Allow kids time in the hands-on and outdoor areas
  • Take a lunch break on site

If you’re driving from south of I‑20 or from the east side of the metro, planning for a full day often makes the most sense to justify the drive.

Best Time to Go

From an Atlanta perspective:

• Weekdays (non-holiday): Generally quieter; good if your schedule is flexible or if you’re homeschooling.
• Weekend mornings: Popular with families but usually manageable.
• School breaks and holidays: Expect more visitors, including field trips and out-of-town families.

Leaving Atlanta by 9:00 a.m. usually lets you miss the heaviest northbound traffic and gives you plenty of time to explore before the afternoon rush back south.

Getting There from Different Parts of Atlanta

Because Tellus is right off I‑75, your main planning concern is usually traffic, not complicated directions.

• From Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:
  Take I‑75 North past Marietta and Kennesaw toward Cartersville. Watch for the Tellus exit signs; the museum is well-marked.

• From East Atlanta / Decatur:
  You’ll typically use the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) north, then continue onto I‑75 North. Allow extra time for crossing the city.

• From South Atlanta / Hartsfield-Jackson Airport:
  Take I‑75 north all the way. The segment through downtown and Midtown often backs up during rush hours, so plan departure times carefully.

• From Cobb County (Marietta, Smyrna, Vinings):
  You’re already on the right side of town; it’s usually a 30–45 minute drive straight up I‑75 North, depending on your exact starting point.

Parking at Tellus is typically on-site and straightforward, which can feel like a relief if you’re used to busier, pay-to-park options in Midtown or Downtown Atlanta.

Food, Rest Areas, and Facilities

Tellus usually offers:

• On-site café or snack area with basic meals and drinks
• Indoor and outdoor seating areas where you can rest or regroup
• Clean restrooms spaced through the building

For Atlanta families:

• This makes it easy to avoid extra driving to find lunch in Cartersville if you prefer to stay on site.
• If your group includes young children, older adults, or anyone who tires easily, there are plenty of benches and sit-down spots in the galleries.

If you prefer local dining, Cartersville has additional options just a short drive away from the museum, which many Atlantans use as a chance to explore a new small city.

Visiting with Kids: Tips for Atlanta Parents

Tellus is especially popular with families from metro Atlanta, both for casual trips and homeschool or enrichment days.

Consider:

• Age range:

  • Kids 3–6 tend to gravitate to My Big Backyard and the gem/fossil areas.
  • Kids 7–12 usually enjoy all the galleries plus the planetarium.
  • Teens interested in engineering, minerals, or space may appreciate the more technical exhibits.

• Stroller and mobility:

  • The museum is generally stroller-friendly.
  • Walkways are wide, and most areas are accessible for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

• Pacing your day:

  • Start with the main galleries while everyone is fresh.
  • Plan outdoor hands-on areas and free-play style exhibits for later in the visit when kids need a more active outlet.

Many Atlanta parents find that Tellus makes a good alternative to screen-heavy days at home, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

School, Scout, and Group Visits from Atlanta

Tellus is a common destination for:

• Metro Atlanta school field trips
• Homeschool co-ops
• Scout troops and youth groups

Groups often:

• Arrange guided educational programs focused on specific topics (earth science, astronomy, engineering, etc.).
• Use the museum as a culminating experience after classroom or at-home study.

If you’re a teacher in Atlanta Public Schools or a nearby district, or a parent organizing a group visit, it’s helpful to:

• Call ahead to ask about group reservations, pricing, and available programs.
• Align your visit with your curriculum (for example, pairing a rocks and minerals unit with a visit to the Weinman Mineral Gallery).

How Tellus Fits into an Atlanta Trip or Staycation

If you’re planning a multi-day trip to Atlanta or a local staycation, Tellus can be part of a well-rounded mix of activities:

Science-Heavy Itinerary Idea:

• Day 1: Fernbank Museum of Natural History (in-town)
• Day 2: Tellus Science Museum (Cartersville, day trip)
• Day 3: Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola (Downtown)

This combination gives you:

• Dinosaurs, nature, and cultural exhibits at Fernbank
• Deeper earth science, minerals, and transportation at Tellus
• Marine life and commercial science/branding at the Aquarium and World of Coke

For Atlanta locals, Tellus also works well as:

• A single-day escape from the city when you want something educational but more relaxed than downtown attractions.
• A “special outing” reward for kids after school milestones or testing periods.

Practical Checklist for Atlanta Visitors

Before you leave Atlanta, consider:

• ☐ Check current hours and any special events at Tellus.
• ☐ Look up the day’s planetarium schedule to time your arrival.
• ☐ Plan your route up I‑75 North and build in extra time for traffic.
• ☐ Decide whether you’ll eat on site or in Cartersville.
• ☐ Bring water, snacks, and comfortable shoes, especially if you’ll be there most of the day.
• ☐ If traveling with kids, discuss basic expectations (staying together in galleries, museum manners, etc.).

With a bit of planning, Tellus Science Museum can be one of the most rewarding and accessible science-focused day trips from Atlanta, offering a mix of learning, play, and exploration that appeals to both kids and adults.