Looking for things to do in Atlanta with kids? As someone who grew up in Atlanta, my heartbeat is strong for this Southern city. There’s so much to do for every age and every person. And as a family with kids? You’ll never get bored in Atlanta, GA.
So whether you’re a native Atlantan or someone looking to visit the ATL, we’ve rounded up all the best things you can do in Atlanta with kids. Consider this your ultimate guide to visiting Atlanta with your family.
Things to Do with Kids in Atlanta, GA
Visit Zoo Atlanta
The Atlanta Zoo is, hands-down, one of the best attractions in Georgia. I went often as a child and still fondly remember Zoo Atlanta field trips and weekend trips with my parents. From pandas to gorillas to zebras to loads of amphibians and reptiles, you can spend at least half a day at Zoo Atlanta with your kids.
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Avenue SE
Atlanta GA 30315
404.624.9453
Visit the Georgia Aquarium
Right up there with the Atlanta Zoo being one of the best attractions is the Georgia Aquarium. It’s a gigantic facility in the heart of downtown Atlanta. You can see dolphins, beluga whales, penguins, sea turtles, and so many other cool oceanic animals. It’s one of the world’s largest aquariums.
For a truly immersive experience, you can even have an animal encounter with dolphins, penguins, sea lions, sharks, and sting rays. With plenty of shows and presentations, you’ll have a blast with your kids at the Georgia Aquarium.
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
404.581.4000
Learn about Black History
The Civil Rights Movement was prominent in Atlanta. Because of this, you can visit many historical sites to learn about Black History in Atlanta. One of my favorite locations is visiting Martin Luther King, Jr. National Park where you can tour his birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Visitor’s Center, and more. You’ll also find the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Herndon Home, and more.
See Knights, Kings, and a Dinner Show at Medieval Times
Did you know there’s a Medieval Times just 30 minutes away from downtown Atlanta? The show lasts 2-3 hours and is a great way for your child to enter a castle, wear a crown, and cheer on the Green Knight.
Medieval Times Atlanta Castle
Sugarloaf Mills Mall
5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy #517
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Visit LEGOLand
Got a kid who loves LEGOs? Then you do not want to miss the LEGO Discovery Center in Atlanta! Spend a day letting your kid flex their imagination. From looking at the tiny LEGO structures in Miniland to seeing a movie in the 4D Cinema to building your own spaceships and more, there’s plenty to do with your LEGO-loving kids (or adults!). Be sure to read our LEGO Discovery Center review before heading out.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
3500 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.848.9252
Visit Spots Where Stranger Things was Filmed
Did you know the Netflix show Stranger Things was filmed in Atlanta? The Starcourt Mall was filmed at The Gwinnett Mall. Hawkins National Laboratory was actually part of Emory University. So if you’re a Stranger Things fan, why not go on a driving scavenger hunt to visit all the spots it was filmed? We’ve got all the Stranger Things filming locations with addresses for you.
Take a stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Spend 2-3 hours at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. With fountains and more flora and fauna than you can imagine, not only would this be a learning opportunity for you and your kids, but it gets them outdoors. Bonus: head to Piedmont Park nearby for a picnic when you’re done.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta
404.876.5859
Discover dinosaurs and more at Fernbank Museum
One of my favorite places to take a field trip to as a child growing up in Atlanta was Fernbank Museum of Natural History. From dinosaur exhibits to a STEAM lab to a 3D theater, your kid will make memories here, too. There’s even a fun, nature-themed playground outside if the weather is nice!
Fernbank Museum
767 Clifton Road, Atlanta
404.929.6300
Rent bikes and head to the Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine runs along an unused 22-mile railroad track that connects downtown to nearby neighborhoods. You can rent bikes, walk, and even grab a bite to eat while exploring the BeltLine.
Visit the Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a phenomenal place to take your kids. With interactive exhibits, The Climber (a favorite for kiddos), rocket launchers, and more, you could spend several hours exploring this family-friendly museum.
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive
Atlanta, GA
404.659.5437
Take a tour of the World of Coca-Cola
With interactive exhibits, history of the Coca-Cola brand, and a tasting room of a variety of flavors around the world, your kids will love visiting the World of Coca-Cola. There’s even a new exhibit, The Scent Discovery, that will allow you to smell different flavors while learning about the connection between smell and taste.
The World of Coca-Cola
121 Baker Street NW, Atlanta
404.676.5151
Have a picnic, throw a frisbee, and walk around Piedmont Park
What parent doesn’t love having their kid outside? Especially when it means you can let them burn off some energy? Head to the kid-friendly Piedmont Park in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Take a picnic lunch and a frisbee, and then take a stroll around the park itself. Don’t forget to stop at the Legacy Fountain Splash Pad for some totally free family fun in the sun.
Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Drive, Atlanta
Center for Puppetry Arts
Catch a live puppet show at the Center for Puppetry Arts or view their extensive museum galleries of puppets.
Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St. NW at 18th
Atlanta, GA
Things to do with kids near Atlanta, GA
Spend an Entire Day in Decatur
Decatur is just on the edge of downtown Atlanta and has much to offer. Full of art and history, you’re bound to find something interesting in this little suburb. Take the kids on a stroll through the Dekalb Farmer’s Market. Or go on a scavenger hunt to find the tiny doors painted by artists (currently closed off for updates but stay tuned to their website for more information!). And then take them for doughnuts at Revolution. Need more? We’ve got a round-up of fun things to do in Decatur just for you.
Head a little north and visit Alpharetta. GA
On the opposite side of Atlanta, tucked between the mountains and downtown, is Alpharetta, GA. And there is LOTS to do there. Painting, bike riding, escape rooms, cooking classes, and more. Be sure to read our full guide of fun things to do in Alpharetta with your kids.
Spend a day in Athens
Athens, GA is about an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Atlanta, and there are plenty of things to do with your kids there. We’ve got a full guide to visiting Athens with your kids, covering where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
Need More?
If that’s enough, you might also want to check out the following things to do in Atlanta.
- Chattahoochee Nature Center– Roswell, GA
- College Football Hall of Fame– Interactive, celebrating all things college football
- Ponce City Market– Converted space now housing a food hall, shops, and apartments
- High Museum of Art
Spending more time in Georiga?
Don’t miss the KA Guide to Travel in Georgia
