250 Fun Things To Do in Atlanta With Kids this Summer
Photo Credit | iStock
Whether you’re visiting Atlanta or you’re an Atlanta native, there are so many reasons to love our city. Don’t miss our 250 things to do with kids in Atlanta. From top museums to the best thrill-seeker attractions, from quirky spots to the best restaurants for kids, we have tons of ideas to keep kids happy.
Summer Bucket List
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- Zoo Atlanta – Meet animals of all kinds or climb high above like tree-dwelling animals in the new Treetop Trail climbing area.
- High Museum of Art – “Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic” exhibit showcases many works from Winnie-the-Pooh history this summer.
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Experience hands-on learning through play with exhibits and programs. Don’t miss the Amazing Castle this summer.
- Woodruff Arts Center Family Fun Days – Instrument petting zoo, interactive storytimes, art making, acting classes and more at these free days.
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Science comes to life through programs that encourage a greater appreciation of our planet and of natural history.
- Chattahoochee Nature Center – Enjoy wildlife programs, hiking and meet butterflies up close at the Butterfly Encounter this summer.
- Southeastern Railway Museum – Explore 90 pieces of historic locomotives. Kids can discover all things trains, see giant wheels and ride in cabooses.
- Treetop Quest – Traverse through zip lines, tight ropes, rope swings, net bridges and more at these aerial adventure courses in Dunwoody and Gwinnett.
- Cauble Park at Acworth Beach – Soak up the sun with a day in Acworth Beach or shop and eat in the historic downtown district.
- Dunwoody – Don’t miss The Butterfly Festival in August, and the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade, featuring lots of patriotism.
- Dynamo Swim – Swimming programs for ages 4 months-adults available at six metro Atlanta locations.
- Adventure Air Sports – Swing on a trapeze into a foam pit, jump on trampoline areas, or challenge friends to the large ninja warrior obstacle course.
- Fernbank Science Center – Watch planetarium films; see the Apollo 6 Command Module, live frogs, snakes and turtles.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Roswell Summer Puppet Series at Roswell Cultural Arts Center – Shows this summer include: “The Wizard of Oz,” “Cinderella,” and “Peter and the Wolf.”
- Tellus Science Museum – Galleries include dinosaur fossils, weather, magnets and sound exploration. Rockfest and Superhero Saturday this summer.
- Tiny Towne-Drive Safely – Earn your very own Tiny Towne permit while learning the rules of the road on this life-like course with traffic lights and police.
- Interactive Neighborhood for Kids – Over 20 exhibits, a pottery studio and a miniature neighborhood for kids to explore at this Museum.
- Glow Galaxy – Everything glows in the dark at this play zone. Inflatables, mini-golf, football, basketball, soccer, an interactive game floor and more.
- Rockin’ Jump – This ultimate indoor trampoline park features dodgeball, open jump arenas, a slam-dunk zone and more.
Beyond Atlanta
- Anakeesta Outdoor Family Theme Park – Scenic chair/gondola rides, a tree canopy walk, zip lines and more in the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tenn.
- Cool River Adventures – Visit the new aerial Adventure Park – Zip The Hooch, and tube, zip line and a water slide on the Chattahoochee River.
- Cool River Tubing – Tube down the Chattahoochee River and finish the day exploring Helen, a Bavarian-themed town in the North Georgia Mountains.
- SummerFest at Gaylord Opryland Resort – Music and entertainment with atrium gardens, poolside fun and an array of dining found year-round.
- The Rock Ranch – This agritourism destination gives kids a taste of farm life. Hop on the train, ride ponies or camp overnight in a wagon.
- The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort – Hospitality and historic charm on St. Simons Island. Resort activities and oceanfront dining.
Wildwater Adventure Centers
- Margaritaville at Lanier Islands – Try the water slides or wave pool, and be entertained by the sights and sounds at Lanier Island’s newest addition.
- River Tubing – Go tubing on the Chattahoochee River right in Atlanta. They provide the life vests, tubes and shuttle service needed for a day on the river.
- Tennessee Valley Railroad – This moving museum offers interaction with history to a time when railroad travel was a way of life.
- Lake Chatuge – Hike and view waterfalls, swim, boat or fish on Lake Chatuge in Towns County, and eat at local restaurants in the Northeast Georgia Mountains.
- Wildwater Adventure Centers – Mix of whitewater rafting, zip lining and other outdoor adventures, yurt or cabin lodging.
Top Playgrounds and Splash Pads
- Centennial Olympic Park – Dance in the iconic Fountain of Rings – the largest interactive fountain in the world.
- Piedmont Park – Take a stroll, splash at the Legacy Fountain, or enjoy the fun playgrounds at the crown jewel of parks in Atlanta.
- Historic Fourth Ward Park – Make a splash at this park that draws families with playground structures, splash pad, and open green spaces.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden – Wonder through the paths of fragrant and bright flowers and enjoy the Children’s Garden and spray fountain.
Best Museums for Kids
Photo Credit | Laura Powell
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Be a Waffle House cook for the day and play in moon sand at this fun museum.
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History – See huge dinosaur skeletons, cool science exhibits, and explore outdoor playgrounds and nature viewing vistas.
- College Football Hall of Fame – See memorabilia from football greats and try your hand in the Skill Zone at this college football fan’s paradise.
- Tellus Science Museum – Explore a huge collection of vehicles and enjoy hands-on scientific fun in Cartersville
- High Museum of Art – Admire art from different time periods and kid-friendly programs and special exhibits.
- MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta) – Explore all things design showcasing innovations in engineering, art, 3D printing, and robotics.
Historical Fun
Photo Credit | Atlanta History Center
- Martin Luther King Jr. Center – Visit Dr. King’s his birth home, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and Freedom Hall.
- Atlanta History Center – Explore our city and state’s history from the perspective of Civil War soldiers, Native Americans, and civil rights leaders.
- Center for Civil and Human Rights – Connect the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Movements with powerful imagery, artifacts and activities.
- Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum – Walk into a life-scale replica of the Oval Office and more interactive exhibits displays about President Jimmy Carter.
- Wren’s Nest – Tour the home of author Joel Chandler Harris, where he penned Brer Rabbit tales.
Free Things to Do
- Atlanta BeltLine – See Atlanta in a new way with trails, walkways, shops, and playgrounds connecting local neighborhoods.
- Georgia Capitol Museum – Tour the “Gold Dome” and learn about Georgia’s history and government.
- Fernbank Science Center – Bask in the 4K resolution laser system as you learn about the solar system.
Not-to-Miss Family Attractions
- Zoo Atlanta – Meet animals of all species or climb high above like tree-dwelling animals in the new Treetop Trail.
- Georgia Aquarium – Enjoy the dolphin and sea lion shows and thousands of of fish and sea life.
- World of Coca-Cola – Visit The Vault, sing along to Coke commercials, and taste drinks from around the globe.
- SkyView Atlanta – Take in the great panoramic view 20 stories above Centennial Olympic Park.
Transportation Attractions for Kids
- Atlanta Streetcar – Experience downtown in a new way by riding the streetcar.
- Delta Museum – Experience the rich history of Atlanta’s hometown airline and get up-close and personal with some massive airplanes.
- MARTA – Avoid the hassle of driving to well-known attractions, popular events and off-the-beaten path adventures.
- Southeastern Railway Museum – See about 90 items of rolling stock including historic Pullman cars, vintage buses, and classic steam locomotives.
- The Southern Museum Experience the history of railroads in the South through models and hands-on activities.
Family-Friendly Eats
- The Varsity – What’ll ya have? No visit to Atlanta is complete without a meal at The Varsity.
- Ponce City Market – Once an Sears distribution center, PCM is now full of delicious eateries and popular shops.
- The Colonnade – Serving up delicious fried chicken – and plenty of other Southern classics – since 1927!
- Sweet Auburn Curb Market – Foodies will love the options from barbecue to crepes to soul food. Kids can indulge in burgers and dogs, too.
- Original Chick-fil-A Dwarf House – Grab a chicken sandwich and fresh lemonade at the first restaurant in the vast CFA empire.
Theatre for Kids
Photo credit | Serenbe
- The Center for Puppetry Arts – See a world-class puppet show and puppetry exhibits from different eras and countries, including lots of Muppets!
- Alliance Theatre – Catch a show for kids 0-5 as well as performances for older children and teens.
- Serenbe – This rural planned community has a chill vibe and fun outdoor theatre shows.
Nature Fun with Kids
Photo Credit | Dunwoody Nature Center
- Chattahoochee Nature Center – Explore the Chattahoochee River watershed through exhibits, live animal habitats and hands-on fun.
- Gibbs Garden – View over 20 million daffodils of 100 different varieties.
- Dunwoody Nature Center – Climb trees, slide down the great playground, play with the frogs or romp up the river bank.
- Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area – Two massive granite outcrops and dozens of rare plants provide plenty of views along the way.
Activities for Teenagers
- Escape Rooms Atlanta – Bring problem-solving skills and a can-do attitude to an outing at an escape room.
- Get Spooked – Walk around old mansions, cemeteries and paranormal hot spots for spooky frights.
Action Packed Things to Do
- Six Flags Over Georgia– Thrill-seekers looking to soar on roller coasters, or those looking for a more tame adventure, will love this park.
- Indoor Skydiving at iFly – Thoroughly enjoy the adrenaline rush of indoor skydiving on Cobb Parkway in Atlanta.
Quirky Things to Do
- Oakland Cemetery– Walks through the historic cemetery to reveal the rich history behind each gravestone.
- Hunt for Tiny and Secret Doors– Go on a family scavenger hunt for the tiny and hidden doors of Atlanta.
- TinyTowne Drive Safely – Kids will have a blast driving miniature cars of all shapes and sizes.
- The StarLight Drive-In – Metro Atlanta’s only drive-in theater shows films on multiple screens.
Shops for Kids
- IKEA at Atlantic Station – Parents love IKEA for its functional, affordable furniture, and kids love its play area (Småland) and yummy snacks.
- Ponce City Market – Browse top-notch shops including big names like JCrew and smaller stores like Rhen’s Nest Toy Shop.
Best Tours
- CNN Center – Tour the CNN studios and the learn about the creation of live global news broadcasts.
- Atlanta Movie Tours – Get the inside scoop on the film industry in Georgia.
- Braves SunTrust Park – From the children’s area to a huge Braves symbol made of LEGOs, there is so much to do before the first pitch.
- Atlanta United – Get excited with thousands of Atlantans about the new soccer team in town.
- Atlanta Motor Speedway – Visit to see a NASCAR race, Thursday Thunder race or jump into the seat of a racecar in one of the driving schools.
- The Fox Theatre – Stop by this landmark for a show, or take a behind-the-scenes guided tour.
- Public Art Tour – Take a self-guided walking tour of Downtown Atlanta by visiting more than 100 unique works of art.
Take in the View
- Stone Mountain Park – Don’t miss the new Dinosaur Explore complete with tons of huge dinosaurs and new play areas.
- Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park – Hike to the top or take a shuttle bus to snag spectacular sweeping views of Atlanta.
- The Sun Dial – Have a meal, or just take in the 360-degree panoramic view of Atlanta’s skyline.
Cool Neighborhoods to Explore
Photo Credit | Laura Powell
- Buckhead – This posh area of town also has plenty to offer parents and kids.
- Marietta Square– Historical sites and tree-filled parks blend with contemporary attractions and huge festivals.
- Inman Park – Enjoy parks, treelined streets, and plenty of opportunities to eat and drink.
- Grant Park – Play and eat in Grant Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest and most eclectic neighborhoods.
- Decatur – Decatur is a hub of good food, lots of fun, and ample places to enjoy fresh air.
- Brookhaven – Brookhaven is an oasis in the city with tree-lined streets, parks and lots of family-friendly activities.
- Midtown Atlanta – A vibrant arts hub, families will encounter world-class shows and art displays.
- Smyrna and Vinings – The Smyrna-Vinings area is a hot spot for outdoor and indoor fun, family festivals, and unique restaurants.
- Historic Downtown Acworth – Acworth provides many leisure opportunities for families, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
- Avondale Estates – Visit Avondale for unique food, coffee, shopping, and greenspace.
- Roswell – Roswell is a fun place for families to learn, play and experience art and nature.
- East Cobb – The green spaces, popular attractions, outdoor events and tasty restaurants offer plenty for families to do.
- East Atlanta – Its residents, pretty much the epitome of cool, frequent the area’s funky shops and amazing restaurants.
- Stone Mountain Village – Explore buildings standing since the 1800s, the Freedom Bell, the city’s original train depot and a 1914 train caboose.
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Photo credit | iStock
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Photo Credit | Treehouse Kid and Craft
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