25 Best Activities to do in Atlanta with Kids: Fun Family Attractions
Discover the best things to do in Atlanta with kids! Explore top kids attractions, family-friendly activities, free adventures and seasonal events for all ages.
Atlanta is a fantastic city full of family-friendly activities, making it an ideal place for your next family adventure. Whether you live nearby or are planning a day trip, you’ll discover many fun things to do in Atlanta with kids, including some great free options.
I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, and our family lives just outside of the city today. We love going into Atlanta frequently for kids activities, live music, festivals and more, and have found that there are a ton of great kids attractions in Atlanta year-round. In fact, all of the images in this post are of my own family as we’ve adventured around Atlanta over the years.
From outdoor adventures to interactive exhibits, here is a comprehensive guide to some of the best kids attractions in Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs, perfect for families of all ages.
Looking for more options for Atlanta family activities? Just a short drive south of the city is Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange, which is the perfect water park if you have toddlers and young kids! There are also lots of easy road trips within a short drive of Atlanta, too.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.
Year-Round Atlanta Activities for Kids with Ticketed Admission
Atlanta offers incredible attractions for families to enjoy all year long. From interactive museums to world-famous animal exhibits, here are some of the best family-friendly activities worth the ticket price.
Georgia Aquarium
Home to marine life from all over the world, Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Kids love the Ocean Voyager exhibit, featuring manta rays and whale sharks. This attraction offers interactive experiences like touch pools for an up-close look at sea creatures, as well as opportunities to watch some of the marine animals up close and personal.
Zoo Atlanta
Located near downtown Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta offers visitors of all ages the chance to see native wildlife and exotic animals up close. Special events happen regularly, and season passes can offer great savings for families planning frequent visits.
Zoo Atlanta is one of our family’s favorite places to go year-round. In addition to the animals, Zoo Atlanta also has a pretty amazing playground, splash pad and ropes course for older kids!
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum is filled with hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences. Younger kids will particularly enjoy the gentle and engaging activities, including imaginative play spaces and simple science experiments. It’s a great option if you have babies, toddlers or early elementary-age kids.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Fernbank Museum has interactive exhibits that teach about natural wonders and history AND they have full-size dinosaur skeleton models! Travel around the world and back in time as you discover ancient fossils, prehistoric cultures, cultural exhibits and more.
With both inside and outside all-ages adventures, the museum has 3 floors of science, culture and dinos, in addition to IMAX movies the kids will love in its impressive 3D cinema (the Giant Screen Theater). My kids also really love the NatureQuest indoor play space.
Center for Puppetry Arts
Home to Miss Piggy and other beloved puppet characters, the Center for Puppetry Arts offers performances and interactive experiences that engage young children in the art of puppetry. They also have a unique museum that teaches visitors about how puppets are made! The special exhibits and traveling shows are so much fun for kids of all ages.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Situated near Ponce City Market, the LEGO Discovery Center at Phipps Plaza offers fun activities, miniature builds, and a 4D cinema that makes it a great time for the entire family. The perfect place to visit if you have a LEGO maniac in your family!
World of Coca-Cola
Located in the heart of Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola features interactive exhibits showcasing the rich history of this iconic brand. Families can sample over 60 different Coca-Cola products from around the globe and learn through playful exhibits.
This one is best for older kids and teens as it’s mostly educational.
Delta Flight Museum
Perfect for aviation enthusiasts, the Delta Flight Museum provides a fascinating look into the history of flight, complete with a flight simulator that older kids will especially enjoy.
High Museum of Art
Introduce your family to famous artists at this cultural hub in Midtown Atlanta. The High Museum of Art features kid-friendly exhibits and activities, making art accessible to children of all ages. They also have sensory-friendly events and have free family admission days throughout the year as well, and they also offer free admission to kids under 6 years old (as of the date of this publication).
College Football Hall of Fame
Located downtown, this attraction celebrates the rich history of college football. The College Football Hall of Fame is especially know for its interactive experiences and special events that are perfect for families with older kids and teens.
Outdoor Family Adventures
If your family loves exploring the great outdoors, Atlanta and its suburbs have plenty to offer. Enjoy parks, nature centers, and scenic trails perfect for visitors of all ages to experience outdoor adventures.
Stone Mountain Park
A day at Stone Mountain Park provides outdoor fun for the whole family. Attractions include miniature golf, a scenic railway, and seasonal special events. It’s open year-round, and there’s plenty of free parking.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Located by the Chattahoochee River, the Chattahoochee Nature Center offers a canopy walk, hiking trails and exhibits featuring native wildlife. It’s a perfect place for outdoor adventures on 127 acres of forest, wetland and river habitat.
Piedmont Park
A wonderful place for family fun, Piedmont Park features playgrounds, splash pads during summer months, and plenty of space for picnics. Farmers markets and ice cream vendors add to the family-friendly atmosphere. The city adds a magical backdrop to a family picnic, and kids love feeding the ducks near the pond.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Open year-round, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is known for its beautiful displays and seasonal special events like Garden Lights. The gentle paths and outdoor activities are ideal for family members of all ages, and is a wonderful option if you have strollers.
Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline is a 22-mile loop of trails and parks connecting 45 Atlanta neighborhoods that’s created a vibrant public space for recreation and cultural expression. There are multiple easy spots to jump on the path along the city.
Throughout the Beltline you’ll find restaurants, breweries, art galleries, shopping and exhibits amongst the locals wandering and biking. Keep an eye out for Tiny Doors, grab and bite and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
While Fernbank is primarily thought of as an inside activity, if you’re looking for something outside too, you won’t want to miss WildWoods and Fernbank Forest. Explore 75 acres of walking trails, outdoor exhibits, a canopy walk, nature playground and native wildlife!
Ferris Wheel at SkyView Atlanta
Enjoy spectacular views of downtown Atlanta on this giant Ferris wheel, located near Centennial Olympic Park. SkyView Atlanta is an exciting experience for the whole family, and is especially beautiful at night.
Free Family Activities in Atlanta
Looking for budget-friendly fun? Atlanta provides numerous free attractions and activities, making it easy to enjoy memorable experiences with the whole family without spending a dime.
Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the Summer Olympics, this park offers free admission and hosts seasonal activities and special promotions. Kids will love the splash pads during warmer months, and families can enjoy free events throughout the year.
Local Libraries
Your local library regularly offers free activities like storytimes, crafts, and science experiments. This is a meaningful way to spend a fun day without any ticket price.
Farmers Markets
Throughout Atlanta and its suburbs, farmers markets offer not only fresh produce but also family-friendly activities, live music and tasty food samples. There are dozens every weekend from spring through fall around the city.
Outdoor Playgrounds and Parks
Explore the various parks around Atlanta, many offering splash pads, playgrounds and free parking. These outdoor spaces provide endless entertainment for younger kids. A quick Google search of the neighborhood you’re in will help you find some great hidden gems.
Seasonal and Special Event Highlights
Atlanta shines during every season, hosting festive events and special activities. Celebrate holidays and special occasions with these family-friendly experiences available for a limited time each year.
Garden Lights at Atlanta Botanical Garden
A must-see event during the winter months, Garden Lights transforms the Atlanta Botanical Garden into a magical, illuminated wonderland. It’s one of our very favorite Atlanta Christmas activity for families, as it feels like you’re walking through a winter wonderland of lights!
Stone Mountain Christmas
Featuring a Christmas village, spectacular lights, and festive performances, Stone Mountain Park offers a memorable seasonal experience the whole family can enjoy.
Alliance Theatre Holiday Shows
The Alliance Theatre provides family-friendly productions during the holiday season, perfect for creating lasting memories.
Special Exhibitions at Fernbank
Fernbank Museum regularly hosts traveling exhibitions and special promotions, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to explore.
Whether you’re exploring interactive exhibits, enjoying the great outdoors, or participating in special events, Atlanta offers endless opportunities for family fun. From educational museums to outdoor adventures, these activities will surely make your family’s time in Atlanta memorable.
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