The 20 Best Things For Kids To Do In Atlanta

Many families travel to Atlanta, Georgia, because they want to go to a place where they can relax and have fun while being around pleasant locals and good vibes. If that wasn’t enough of an allure to get you there, then also consider that there’s a ton of fun things for kids to do in Atlanta. From Zoos and museums to outdoor activities and puppet shows, there’s so much to do here that you can’t fit it all in one trip! If you’re planning to visit this fair city, then add at least a few of these awesome activities to your list.

Atlanta Zoos and Wildlife Exhibits

If you’re visiting a city for the first time, you at least need to try to visit one zoo or aquarium. Luckily, there are numerous zoos, nature centers, and animal encounters that pepper the landscape, and they offer a ton of fun things to do in Atlanta. Add a few of these to your bucket list.

Georgia Aquarium

The massive aquarium in Georgia is the largest in the nation, and it houses a ton of sea life creatures that you won’t see anywhere else. Some of the highlights of the Georgia Aquarium are the manta rays, sea otters, big-bellied seahorses, and the incredible beluga whales. There are plenty of exhibits, and your children may even be able to touch some of these adorable creatures. This is one of the best things for kids to do in Atlanta.

Zoo Atlanta

Families that love animals need to check out Zoo Atlanta, as it’s loaded with amazing creatures. There are tigers, lions, bears, giant pandas, and over 1.500 other species. There are also many wildlife presentations that allow you to see the animals up close. Adults who need to relax can also check out the unique yoga sessions that truly make you a part of the animal kingdom. There are also many cool events, including zoo plant sales, endangered species day, brew at the zoo, and more.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Those who constantly look for the beauty of nature should check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where you’ll see many amazing plant-based creations that will keep you on your toes. There’s tons of flowers and plant life to see, and you may even spot some birds during your trip. Go during the winter for their amazing holiday light extravaganza. 

Chattahoochee Nature Center

This massive 127-acre center is the place to go if you want to learn about all things nature in Atlanta. There are many exhibits in different habitats, including wetlands, rivers, and more. There’s even an exhibit where your kids can build their own fairy house. Adventurous kids can try out the zipline, an aerial adventure course, and more. 

Museums and Other Educational Things to do in Atlanta

There’s a lot to learn in Atlanta. Your kids can expand their knowledge of nature, the world, and some of the popular products that originated right here in this amazing city. Consider a visit to at least one of these museums.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

As one of the largest museums in America, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a blast to explore. However, what makes it different is the fact that most of the exhibits are outdoors. This awesome place is home to many exciting sights, including Dinosaur Plaza, a nature park, and more. Although all kids are welcome, the park is ideal for children aged 6 and up.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

When it comes to finding the best things for kids to do in Atlanta, it’s about fun and education. If you want to reach your kids about the big things they can accomplish in their life, then bring them to this Martin Luther King, Jr. museum. While you’re here, you can learn about the house where he was raised, the church where he preached, and more. The tour is educational for all, but it's actually geared toward younger children. It teaches a lot about the kids of the Civil Rights Movement and how it can inspire the youngsters of today.

The High Museum of Art

If anyone in your family loves art, then you should take the chance to sprinkle some culture into your vacation by visiting The High Museum of Art. This location has pieces from some of the most famous artists of our time, and it’s sure to inspire some creativity. If you think this is only for adults, then you have a surprise coming. The museum hosts “Toddler Tuesdays” for kids aged 15 months to three years, and there are different themes and activities that can inspire their creativity at a young age. Visit the second Sunday of each month, and you get in free.

Center for Puppetry Arts

In your continued journey to find fun and unique things for kids to do in Atlanta, you should stop by the Center for Puppetry Arts. While here, you can see many cool exhibits, including one featuring legendary US puppeteer Jim Henson. He’s the one who created many favorites, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Ernie, Bert, and more. Plus, you can meet them all! There are also other fun seasonal events throughout the year.

The World of Coca-Cola

Whether you love to drink coca-cola or you simply love the history of beverages, you should stop by The World of Coca-Cola. This is the official home of the famous drink. You can see what made the beverage so great in the past and what the company is planning for the future. You can also see the many variations of coke from across the globe. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and learn a few fun things in the process.

Southeastern Railway Museum

Many young children love to play with trains, and they can get the real life experience here at the railway museum, where they can see full-sized locomotives, cabooses, freight cars, and so much more. This amazing museum is located on 35 acres, so it’s easy to spend the whole day looking at and getting inside the amazing trains. This is also a great activity for toddlers.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

If you’re still looking for things for kids to do in Atlanta, then stop by the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, where kiddos can learn tons of facts about the world around them. There are many fun exhibits, including those about simple machines, nature, and more. Kids can also play on a climbing structure, go to the baby area, and more.

Exciting Sights and Other Unique Things to do in Atlanta

There are a ton of unique events to enjoy that you can only find in Atlanta, including exhibits about your favorite shows and movies, puppet shows, and more. These are all one of a kind and worth a visit.

Centennial Olympic Park

For a unique treat only found in Atlanta, visit Centennial Olympic Park. While this likely isn’t an all-day activity, there are a number of cool things to do, including a gigantic Ferris wheel and an exciting water display. The fountains here shoot water up to 25 feet into the sky. The area is also home to summer concerts and winter festivities. As a side note, Centennial Olympic Park was the official site of the 1996 Olympic games.

The Fans Strike Back Exhibition

If you love Star Wars, and you want to see unique memorabilia that you won’t see anywhere else, then check out the Fans Strike Back Exhibition. This is a cool place where fans from around the world submit their fan-made Star Wars artifacts and collectibles, including posters, photos, costumes, models, and figures. 

Stranger things: The Experience

Fans of the Netflix hit, Stranger Things, will love this unique experience that puts visitors face-to-face with exciting creatures and characters from the series. While you’re here, you’ll see the monsters, visit the StarCourt Mall, and sit on the sets that look just like those on the show. The event won’t be here forever, so check it out while you can.

Illuminarium

For another highly unique experience, check out the magical Illuminarium. This is an immersion experience and art exhibit where you can put your family in front of cool backgrounds, like the African Savannah, Alice in Wonderland, and more. There are also many amazing art pieces hanging around the property that will stun your eyes. You can buy several different ticket prices depending on how long you plan to stay.

The Escape Game Atlanta

Families looking to kick their vacation up a notch with some great adventure should check out this famous escape game. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that has some slight scares, but it’s really fun for all ages. This one will really test your intellect and problem-solving skills, and it will be great to solve the puzzle as a family.

Andretti Karting and Games

You’ll find a ton of great things to do in Atlanta when you visit Andretti Karting and Games. The main focus here is the ability to ride go-karts on a variety of tracks. Race your family and see who comes in first. There are many other fun games to play as well, including VR racing simulators, laser tag, an art arcade, and more. There’s so much to do that you could be here all day, and if mom and dad get restless, there’s two bars that serve refreshing cocktails.

Skyline Park

Located on the rooftop of the Ponce City Market, you’ll find Skyline Park. This is a large area with a variety of fun activities that will appeal to the whole family. There’s mini golf, Hedge Tower, and the famous Skyline slide. There are also vendors who serve food and refreshing beverages, and there’s plenty of room to sit and relax. Parents will also find a lot of old-school games, like ringtoss, skeeball, and more. It’s so much fun that you’ll soon forget that you’re on the roof of a building!

Treetop Quest

You’ll likely have times during your trip when your kids will want to run and stretch their legs, and when they do, stop by Treetop Quest. This is an outdoor adventure park where kids can do obstacle courses that are high up amongst the trees. There are eight different courses of different skill levels for kids aged four and above. If you go through all of the courses, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours, and you can repeat courses at your leisure. Don’t be afraid. Your kids will get a quick lesson and tutorial from the instructors before they head into their adventure.

Adventure Air Sports

For more thrills, stop by Adventure Air Sports, where you and your kids can fly around a massive gym and run to your heart’s content. There’s all kinds of things to do here, including ziplines, rock climbing, battle beams, and other parkour-type activities that have you hanging above the ground. When you’re done there, you can go on the flying trapeze, dunk zone, and super trampolines that launch you almost up to the ceiling!

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s a ton of fun things for kids to do in Atlanta, and the trip is certainly worth your time. From the amusement parks to the zoos to the museums only found in Georgia, there’s bound to be something your family will love. We wish you the best of luck in your travels!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/SeanPavonePhoto.