50+ Things to Do With Kids in Atlanta This Winter

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Wondering how to occupy kids this winter? Here are some fun ideas for the whole family.

Play Indoors

During Atlanta’s cold and rainy winter months, nothing beats indoor play areas for energy-burning fun. Try Plaza Fiesta’s play area with plenty of ways to climb up, slide down and run around. IKEA at Atlantic Station also has a play area called “Småland,”with a giant ball pit and places to climb. Many area malls also have play spaces.

Shoot Arrows

Let your kids learn basic archery at Panola Mountain State Park. Some classes are indoors and some are outdoors. Age restrictions may apply. Equipment is provided with each session. Reservations required on their website. There are also a few other locations to take archery lessons around Atlanta. 

Go Ice Skating

There are many opportunities to practice twists and twirls around metro Atlanta this winter season. Some are close to city lights and others are large enough to do lap after lap of skating.

Go on a Scavenger Hunt 

Learn about our city with a fun hunt through parks or well-known landmarks. Use an app or book for a self-guided hunt or have a company plan a hunt for you.

Play in the Snow

Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park brings lots of snow to Atlanta with space to tube down snow-covered hills and build snowmen. License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands includes a fast-moving snow tubing hill, winter-themed carnival rides, an ice skating rink and a fire pit with s’mores. During the Snow Shows at Atlantic Station watch snow fall from above while holiday music plays.

Walk or Bike the Atlanta BeltLine 

Along the trails currently in use, you will find families biking, rollerblading, skateboarding and jogging, as well as checking out restaurants, shops and attractions.

Visit a Top Playground 

Our top playgrounds in Atlanta include everything from generational swings for both parent and child to cushioned rubber matting and sculpture-like playscapes. We rounded up the top playgrounds and play places around metro Atlanta for every type of play.

Visit a Nature Center

At Dunwoody Nature Center, observe bees flying in and out of their man-made hives, visit the teepee or play on the large playground. Spot fish, reptiles and birds at Chattahoochee Nature Center or visit the Nature Exchange to discover natural objects such as fossils, antlers or rocks. Here are three other ideas: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, Blue Heron Nature Preserve and Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve. 

Head to a Museum

Atlanta has a variety of awesome museums each member of the family will enjoy. Try Fernbank Museum of Natural History for scientific discoveries or outdoor play in Fernbank’s WildWoods, the High Museum of Art for art viewing and artistic play or the Children’s Museum of Atlanta or Center for Puppetry Arts for more indoor fun.

Be a Hometown Tourist 

Use these ideas to rediscover why visitors love our city. Visit some of the most popular attractions, or stay at an area hotel for the weekend and explore surrounding areas.