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We all know about Atlanta’s biggest attractions. They really
are great spots for learning and fun this summer. Here are
the highlights of these popular tourist spots and some facts
you may not know about each location.

1

New World of Coca-Cola   $$

Get fizzy at this museum full of Coke paraphernalia and sodas from around the world to taste. You can also view a 4-D movie and a fully functioning bottling line.

Did you know? Coca-Cola was invented by Atlanta pharmacist John S. Pemberton in 1886.

Located at 121 Baker St. in downtown Atlanta. Open 7 days a week. Most days from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call ahead to reserve tickets at 404-676-5151 or online at www.woccatlanta.com. 

2

Georgia Aquarium  $$$

Swim with the whale sharks, view millions of fresh and saltwater fish, and check out the marine life that frequents the rivers and lakes of Georgia. Plus, catch a 3-D movie and stop by the touch pool to discover a few animals up close.

Did you know? With 8 million gallons of water, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the world. And that’s without the new dolphin area set to open in 2010.

Located at 225 Baker St. in downtown Atlanta. Summer hours are Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Call ahead to reserve tickets at 404-581-4000 or online at www.georgiaaquarium.org.

3

Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta  $$

Explore the depths of your child’s imagination at this hands-on museum. It’s best for kids 8 and younger – they can hang out “Under the Big Top” to learn about health and much more.

Did you know? The museum has a bus fueled by bio-diesel fuel. The Imagine It! Express offers reliable, safe and affordable transportation to those in need.

Located at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW in downtown Atlanta. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 404-659-5437 or visit www.imagineit-cma.org.

4

Zoo Atlanta  $$

Go wild with warthogs, kangaroos, lions, elephants, gorillas and pandas at the zoo. Kids will love riding the carousel, train and playing in the Wild Like Me indoor playground.

Did you know? Atlanta’s zoo is one of its oldest cultural attractions. In the spring of 1889, a traveling show bound for Marietta stalled due to bankruptcy. Left in their cages by circus employees, the animals began to draw crowds. Two weeks later a businessman purchased the animals at a public auction and donated them to the city. Leaders relocated them to Grant Park; the original zoo featured a jaguar, a hyena, a black bear, a raccoon, an elk, a gazelle, a Mexican hog, lionesses, pumas, camels and snakes.

Located at 800 Cherokee Ave. SE off I-20. Open 7 days a week. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, call 404-624-9453 or visit www.zooatlanta.org.

5

Atlanta Botanical Garden  $$

Discover 21 collections of flora at the 30-year-old facility. The favorite destination for your kids will be, no doubt, the two-acre Children’s Garden; here youngsters can play in the fountain, tend to veggies, perform on stage and more.

Did you know? The rain lily, bromeliad, ixora and gladiolus are in bloom this month at ABG.

Located at 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE in midtown Atlanta. Summer hours are Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information, call 404-876-5859 or visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

6

High Museum of Art  $$

Fine art doesn’t seem stuffy at this family-friendly art institution. Kids will love making their own creations in the spirit of the masters in the Greene Family Studio, and you’ll love the quiet and grown-up feeling of a visit.

Did you know? There are more than 11,000 works of art in the museum’s permanent collection, and the latest renovations bring the building’s size to a whopping 312,000 square feet.

Located at 1280 Peachtree St. in midtown Atlanta. Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 404-733-4444 or purchase advance tickets online at www.high.org.

7

Fernbank Museum of Natural History  $$

Step back in time while you discover the first Georgians, dinosaurs and Georgia’s natural history. Kids will love the hands-on fossil experiences, IMAX movies and, this summer, they’ll love learning about penguins and polar bears in the museum’s temporary exhibit.

Did you know? The 1990 creation of Fernbank’s logo had a logical reason behind its spiral shape. The spiral is one of the most common patterns in nature, so it made sense to choose it to represent the museum. A few examples: the double helix of DNA, fingerprints, the conch shell, the swirl of a hurricane and spiraling galaxies.

Located at 767 Clifton Rd. NE in Atlanta. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 404-929-6300 or visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

8

Atlanta History Center  $$

There’s plenty to see both indoors and out at this 18-year-old, 33-acre facility. Home to six permanent exhibits, Tullie Smith Farm, Swan House, two playhouses and gardens, as well as multiple traveling exhibits, there’s something for everyone here.

Did you know? The Tullie Smith Farm used to exist on 200 acres in DeKalb County and was moved to its present location in 1969.

Located at 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. in Buckhead. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun., noon-5:30 p.m. For more information, call 404-814-4000 or visit www.atlantahistorycenter.org.

9

Stone Mountain Park  $$$

You’d better be up early to take advantage of everything this 50-year-old Atlanta staple has to offer – from Ride the Ducks, antebellum plantation and night-time laser show to hiking (or riding) up the mountain, camping and fishing on the lake and splashing at the water park. New this summer, Sky Hike; a trek through the treetops complements the other highflying attractions at the park.

Did you know? On a clear day you can see Lookout Mountain in Tennessee from atop the 825-foot granite rock famously carved with Confederate leaders Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Long before Europeans came to Georgia, Native Americans called the place Thuh-nih-thof-kee, which meant “bald mountain.”

Located on Highway 78 East, Exit 8 in Stone Mountain. Open 6 a.m.-midnight, attraction hours vary. For more information, call 770-498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com.

10

Chattahoochee Nature Center  $

Celebrating 30 years, this wildlife and horticultural attraction teaches kids about conservation and nature. You can canoe, hike, have an animal encounter and more alongside the beauty of the Chattahoochee River.

Did you know? The Interpretive Center, due to be completed next spring, will teach kids about three separate areas of our watershed (river, wetland and forest) through hands-on exhibits.

Located at 9135 Willeo Rd. in Roswell. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. For more information,
call 770-992-2055 or visit www.chattnaturecenter.org.

11

Six Flags Over Georgia  $$$$

For classic amusement park fun, Six Flags is the answer. With more than 30 rides, the new Thomas Town play area, and shows galore, there’s something for everyone in the family – from the bravest thrill seeker to the littlest adventurer. Also enjoy the park’s wet fun at Skull Island.

Did you know? The Riverview Carousel turns 100 years old in 2008. The carousel first opened at the Riverview Amusement Park in Chicago. It was the first five abreast carousel the world had ever seen. The carousel was inducted as a member of the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. It has been at Six Flags Over Georgia since 1972.

Located at 275 Riverside Pkwy. in Austell. Open seven days a week during the summer. Closing times vary; Opening times: Sun.-Fri., 10:30 a.m., Sat., 10 a.m. For more information, call 770-739-3400 or visit www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

12

White Water  $$$$

Despite the drought, water fun is plentiful in the three kid areas, 17 family rides and thrill rides for the older members of the family. As home to one of the largest wave pools in the Southeast, White Water is definitely a place to get wet. The Captain Kid’s Cove is the place to hang out with little ones – you’ll find water sprayers, mini-slides and a family-friendly wave pool in this area.

Did you know? Six Flags White Water was voted one of the nation’s top 10 water parks by industry leader, Aquatics International, for 2007-2008.

Located at 250 Cobb Pkwy. North in Marietta. WW open Sun.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information, call 770-948-9290 or visit www.sixflags.com/whitewater.