Top 10 Spots for Tots

Zoo Atlanta

Entertain your little ones this summer at these fantastic places that’ll help them learn while they play.

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers kids hands-on opportunities to explore. Get creative and crafty with the open-concept Art Studio, try engineering in the Innovation Station, experiment with a resident scientist in the Science Bar and participate in dance, song and stories on CMA On-Stage. Built for young kids, the “Leaping into Learning” exhibit features a magical forest with fishing, a tree house, animals, a bubble wall, play car and more.

On the banks of the Yellow River, spot animals from all around the world at Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll see deer, black bears, vultures, owls, ducks and more. Purchase a feed cup to serve the deer, bison, tortoise, sheep, goat, cattle, mini horse, mini donkey or alpaca.

Zoo Atlanta has two special programs just for toddlers. At Adventure Cubs, young explorers learn about a new animal and do a fun activity in the zoo, and with Twilight Tots, go on a mini-tour, observe animals, sing songs, hear stories and dance like an animal. Journey through the town of Critter Crossing with The Zoo Train, a replica of an 1863 locomotive. Ride the whimsical carousel with hand-carved and hand-painted endangered species, and stop by the petting zoo in Outback Station to meet goats and sheep.

Be transported with the past way of traveling with a train ride at Southeastern Railway Museum. Admission includes a train ride on the Historic Train or Park Train, and additional train rides are $4.

Explore fun on the farm at The Art Barn. Open by reservation only, this adorable spot combines art and animals for learning about barnyard animals and watercolor painting, and pack a picnic for lunching under the old magnolias.

HippoHopp’s toddler-only play area includes over-sized blocks, play houses, toys and baby bouncers. After burning off energy, replenish at the Hippo Café featuring natural and organic healthy food. Atlanta and Peachtree Corners.

Visit the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids in Gainesville, where little ones can enjoy hands-on amusement with airplanes, a playhouse, a medical clinic, a grocery store and more. Book two-hour play time on Sun. from 12:30-5 p.m. and Mon.-Sat. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Booth Western Art Museum’s Sagebrush Ranch is an interactive gallery for children to play like they did in the Old West. Hands-on stations include riding in a stage coach, dressing in cowboy attire, saddling a horse and more.

At Buddy’s Playhouse, there’s a separate area specifically for toddlers. Enjoy educational toys, a toddler-friendly driving track, role play and exploration stations.

Find more activities for toddlers here.