Visiting Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park has top-notch museums, restaurants and attractions perfect for kids. Stroll the park and see Atlanta families mixing with tourists from all over the world.

Playground

The original architects of the park designed a universally accessible space for children of all physical capabilities. The playground is themed after the quilt of leaves pattern, which is representative of the distinctive design created for the 1996 Olympic Games. On any given day kids are seen soaring on a swing, whizzing down a slide or climbing play structures. The playground is located along the north edge of the Park on Baker Street, across from the World of Coca-Cola.

Attractions

The Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Chick-fil-A Fan College Football Hall of Fame and The Children’s Museum of Atlanta were all built after the sudden boom and development of the park after the Olympics. Explore thousands of species of marine life, taste the vault-kept secret recipe, revel in the South’s favorite pastime and learn with hands-on exhibits. The new, giant Ferris wheel called Skyride is a great way for your family to view the Atlanta skyline, not to mention help conquer fear of heights.

Events

The park hosts festivals, races, concerts and other events all year round, adding to the excitement of the park atmosphere. Live music performances called Music at Noon are held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Southern Company Amphitheater, June to October from 12-1 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch and blanket and enjoy the pop, R&B and jazz music while your children grab a bite to eat. Make sure to check the Centennial Park website for event dates and times.

Fountain of Rings

What parent doesn’t have a photo of their child splashing in the Olympic Rings fountain? Kids – and adults – will be zipping in and out of the fountain for wet fun or watching the fountain’s four-times-a-day show, with water bursts set to music. This fun way to cool off is known as the world’s largest fountain to feature the Olympic Rings, an instant reminder of the Games.

– Teresa Farkas