15 Best Things to do in Atlanta with Kids!
Atlanta is one of those cities that surprises families. At first glance, it feels like a busy hub with tall buildings and traffic, but once you start exploring, you realize it’s full of places where kids can learn, play, and have fun. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 best things to do in Atlanta with kids, explaining each spot in detail, share what makes it special, and give you tips to make your visit smoother.
- 1. Georgia Aquarium
- 2. World of Coca-Cola
- 3. Fernbank Science Center
- 4. Zoo Atlanta
- 5. Children's Museum of Atlanta
- 6. LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta
- 7. Museum of Illusions – Atlanta
- 8. Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary
- 9. SkyView Atlanta
- 10. Delta Flight Museum
- 11. College Football Hall of Fame
- 12. Six Flags Over Georgia
- 13. Fun Spot America Theme Parks — Atlanta
- 14. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
- 15. Fox Theatre
1. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is among the biggest aquariums in U.S, with thousands of marine animals and hundreds of species across seven main galleries. One of its most famous sections is Ocean Voyager, built with support from The Home Depot, which holds about 6.3 million gallons of water and is home to whale sharks, manta rays, and many deep-sea creatures. Families also enjoy the Cold Water Quest, where sea otters, penguins, and it offers interactive experiences like dolphin presentations, behind-the-scenes tours, and shark encounters that make learning about marine life fun and easy.
2. World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola gives guests a lively look into the story and impact of one of the world’s most famous drinks. A key stop inside is The Vault, where the brand’s secret recipe is guarded. Another favorite is the Taste It! exhibit, where visitors can try more than 100 Coca-Cola flavors from different countries, making it a fun way to explore brand’s reach. It also includes interactive displays, old advertisements, and collections of memorabilia that show how Coca-Cola became a global name. Inside, families love meeting the friendly Coca-Cola Polar Bear, a fun photo opportunity that adds to their visit.
3. Fernbank Science Center
The Fernbank Science Center is a learning space run by the DeKalb County School District, where visitors can meet live animals, explore science displays, and even see the Apollo 6 space capsule. One of the main attractions is the Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium, which gives visitors a chance to explore the wonders of space. The center also includes a working honey bee hive, space-themed exhibits, and labs designed for hands-on experiments. Its main goal is to spark curiosity, offering school programs and public demonstrations that make science easy to understand and fun to experience.
4. Zoo Atlanta
Located in Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is home to more than 1,000 animals representing over 200 species. In the African Savanna, families can see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos living in wide, open spaces that feel natural. The Ford African Rain Forest is another highlight, with one of the largest gorilla groups in North America. Every year, the zoo hosts seasonal events with special themes and even behind‑the‑scenes animal experiences. Visitors can also take part in educational programs that explain how animals are cared for and why conservation is so important, during their visit.
5. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the only museum in city designed especially for children, offering exhibits such as Fundamentally Food area, children can step into roles like farmers, grocery clerks, or chefs, giving them a clear picture of how food travels from the farm all the way to the table. The Tools for Solutions section introduces simple engineering ideas, where kids can experiment with gears and levers to understand mechanics and problem‑solving. Live shows are performed by actors called Imaginators, who use stories and science to keep children engaged and excited.
6. LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta
The LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta is a fun spot for families, giving kids and parents a chance to explore and play together. Inside, there are 10 interactive zones packed with more than two million LEGO® bricks, where visitors can build, create, and test their ideas. A favorite attraction is Miniland, a small LEGO® city that recreates well-known Atlanta landmarks in amazing detail. Guests can also try the Great LEGO® Race Virtual Reality Experience for racing experience, and even Spaceship Build & Test, where kids can design their own spacecraft and see how well it launches.
7. Museum of Illusions – Atlanta
The Museum of Illusions in Atlantic Station is an indoor attraction where guests can enjoy more than 80 exhibits that play tricks on the eyes and challenge perception. Rooms such as the Vortex Tunnel and the Ames Room create the feeling of spinning or shrinking, even though you’re standing still. Another highlight is the Infinity Room, where mirrors reflect endlessly, giving the sense of a space without limits, and visitors are welcome to take photos throughout the museum. Before leaving, guests can stop by the gift shop, which offers puzzles and brain games to continue the experience at home.
8. Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary
The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary gives visitors the chance to see animals up close in a natural outdoor space. The sanctuary is home to a mix of animals, including goats, lemurs, alpacas, wallabies, bison, and bears. Families can spend time in the petting zoo, where kids enjoy feeding and touching gentle animals like sheep and rabbits. Young visitors often love the bunny yard and the gem mining activity, which add extra fun to the trip. The sanctuary also offers animal encounters and guided tours, giving people a chance to learn more about the creatures they meet.
9. SkyView Atlanta
The SkyView Atlanta is a massive Ferris wheel that rises nearly 20 stories high, giving riders scenic views of city’s skyline. It has 42 enclosed, climate‑controlled gondolas, so guests can enjoy the ride comfortably no matter the season. The wheel sits right next to Centennial Olympic Park, making it easy to visit after checking out nearby attractions. For those looking for something extra, the VIP gondola offers a longer ride with stylish Ferrari‑inspired seating. Over time, SkyView has become a favorite spot for special celebrations, whether it’s birthdays, proposals, or simply enjoying Atlanta’s scenery.
10. Delta Flight Museum
The Delta Flight Museum offer visitors a chance to explore the story of Delta Air Lines and see how flying has changed through the years. Exhibits inside trace Delta’s beginnings as a crop‑dusting business before it grew into one of the country’s major airlines. A highlight for many guests is the 747 Experience, where you can walk through the very first Boeing 747‑400 ever made and even step into its cockpit. Along with these, there are interactive exhibits, detailed airplane models, and personal stories from employees who helped shape Delta’s journey, making it engaging for families and aviation fans.
11. College Football Hall of Fame
Opened in 2014, College Football Hall of Fame is an interactive attraction that celebrates the energy and tradition of college football. The museum is filled with exhibits that let guests dive into the sport’s history while also testing their own skills on the indoor playing field. Families can enjoy short films in the GameDay Theater, and the Hall of Fame rotunda pays tribute to legendary players and coaches who shaped the game. Throughout the building, you’ll find displays showing how football has evolved, with old uniforms, shiny trophies, and stories from schools across the country.
12. Six Flags Over Georgia
The Six Flags Over Georgia ranks among the largest theme parks in Southeast U.S, offering guests a mix of attractions, thrilling rides, and seasonal events that keep the excitement going year‑round. The park has more than 40 rides, with 12 roller coasters and plenty of water-based fun. Among the favorites are Goliath, a huge steel coaster known for its giant drops, and Twisted Cyclone drive. Classic rides like the Dahlonega Mine Train, which takes guests on a runaway mine car adventure, and Batman: The Ride, with loops and twists set in Gotham City, remain popular year after year.
13. Fun Spot America Theme Parks — Atlanta
The Fun Spot America Theme Parks is a vibrant destination where both kids and parents can enjoy a full day of rides and games. A standout feature is Samson go‑kart track, rising more than 40 feet high with three dramatic twists and drops that deliver an unforgettable rush. The park also offers several roller coasters, with favorites like the Screaming Eagle and the Hurricane Coaster, both loved by thrill‑seekers. Beyond coasters, guests can try bumper cars, soar on a giant swing, or spin around on rides such as the Riptide and Spider, making the park a fun mix of excitement for kids and adults.
14. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
The Gwinnett County Fairgrounds is a large area most recognized for organizing Gwinnett County Fair each September, a tradition filled with rides, food, and entertainment. During the fair, families enjoy carnival rides, food stalls, live music, livestock shows, and pageants, making it one of the community’s favorite traditions. Beyond the fair season, the grounds stay active throughout the year with events such as craft markets, garden sales, pet exhibits, and trade expos. It includes open-air areas, barns, and covered buildings, which makes it flexible for both outdoor and indoor gatherings.
15. Fox Theatre
Built in 1929, Fox Theatre stands as one of Atlanta’s most iconic landmarks, admired for both its rich history and stunning design. Inside, the grand auditorium with 4,665 seats hosts a wide variety of events, including Broadway shows, live concerts, comedy performances, and film screenings. A highlight of the theatre is the Mighty Mo, a historic pipe organ with more than 3,600 pipes, still used during special occasions to create unforgettable sound. Guests can also join guided tours, where they learn about the theatre’s past and restoration work that has kept this cultural treasure alive for generations.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What are the top kid-friendly museums in Atlanta?
Atlanta offers a variety of museums designed especially for kids and families. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a well‑loved place where young kids can explore, play, and learn through creative activities. Families also enjoy visiting Fernbank Museum of Natural History, home to giant dinosaur displays and science exhibits that children love. The David J. Sencer CDC Museum also gives children a chance to explore health and science in an easy and engaging way.
2. Are there indoor activities for kids in Atlanta?
At the LEGO Discovery Center, children get to build, create, and play with millions of colorful LEGO bricks. The Museum of Illusions is another fun place, filled with rooms that play tricks on the eyes and bring lots of laughter. Children often head to indoor play centers or trampoline parks, where they have plenty of open areas to jump, climb, and move around freely. Families can also spend time at bowling alleys or visit arcades when the weather outside isn’t great.
3. What are the best outdoor attractions in Atlanta for kids to enjoy?
The Zoo Atlanta is one of the most popular places, with animals from different parts of the world and kid‑friendly sections to explore. The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers peaceful walking paths and a canopy walk that parents and children can experience together. At Piedmont Park, kids have plenty of room to run, play, and join outdoor games in the open fields. The Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary is another great spot, where children can watch animals up close in a more natural environment.
4. Are there seasonal events for families in Atlanta?
Each September, the Gwinnett County Fair arrives with rides, food stands, and entertainment that children enjoy. When summer heat sets in, water parks such as Hurricane Harbor become favorite spots for cooling off and splashing around. In October, Fright Fest at Six Flags brings spooky fun with haunted attractions and themed shows. Winter months light up with Holiday in the Park, where visitors see bright displays, hear festive music, and enjoy seasonal activities.
5. What sports experiences can kids enjoy in Atlanta?
At the College Football Hall of Fame, they can explore the history of the game and even test their abilities on an indoor field. Families often head to Truist Park for baseball or to State Farm Arena for basketball, making live games a fun outing. Neighborhood parks also host youth leagues where kids can play soccer, baseball, or basketball with others their age. Many children join sports camps too, which help them improve skills while meeting new friends.
6. Are there any unique experiences for kids to enjoy in Atlanta?
Taking a ride on the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel gives children wide views of the city skyline from high above. At the World of Coca-Cola, kids can sample drinks from across the globe and take fun photos with the friendly Coca-Cola Polar Bear. The Delta Flight Museum lets visitors walk inside real airplanes and discover the story of aviation up close. Another special activity is gem mining at the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, where children enjoy digging and finding treasures.
