Top 10 Best Museums for Families in Atlanta

The metro Atlanta area has a wealth of museums, from downtown to the northernmost suburbs. At our top 10 museum picks for kids in Atlanta, explore the history of our city, art through the ages, scientific discoveries, the wonder of flight, and more.

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High Museum of Art

Admire art from different time periods and kid-friendly programs and special exhibits. Kids are especially drawn to the modern and contemporary art sections, and the folk art displays. Check out the special programs for kids of different ages, where they can get hands-on with art projects. Advance ticket purchase required.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

At permanent exhibits, kids can try their hand at being a Waffle House cook, mold massive amounts of moon sand, and slip on a raincoat for water play. Visit for special themed exhibits and age-appropriate art and music programs to make it a new experience every time. Advance ticket purchase required.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The huge dinosaur fossils, the science movies on a giant screen, and the exhibits are main attractions at Fernbank. But don’t miss going outside to the explore the interactive nature-based WildWoods and NatureQuest discovery clubhouse. Advance ticket purchase required.

Chick-fil-A Fan College Football Hall of Fame

See memorabilia from football greats and try your hand in the Skill Zone (with your end zone dance displayed on the jumbotron!). Learn about the college football history and legends through interactive displays and giant touch screens. When you choose your favorite team at the beginning of the tour, you’ll see it highlighted throughout the experience and your team’s helmet will be highlighted for the day. Advance ticket purchase recommended.

Tellus Science Museum

Pan for gems, discover phosphorescent minerals, participate in hand-on science experiments and explore transportation through the decades. Factor in time to catch a planetarium or observatory evening, too. Advance ticket purchase required.

Atlanta History Center

Exhibits at this sprawling museum focus on Native Americans in Georgia, folk art and the Civil War, all with interactive components. Be sure to visit the working 1860s family farm and the authentic log cabin. There, costumed re-enactors bring history to life. Advance ticket purchase required.

Booth Western Art Museum

Howdy, pardner. On a visit here, kids can explore a gallery based on a working ranch, view contemporary Western art, and see authentic stagecoaches. Plan to spend a while—it’s the second biggest art museum in Georgia. Advance ticket purchase required.

Center for Civil and Human Rights

Learn about the American Civil Rights Movement through powerful imagery, artifacts, and activities. This museum is best for older elementary school students and up, and sparks conversation about discrimination and equality. Be sure to pick up discussion materials to continue the dialogue at home. Advance ticket purchase required.

Center for Puppetry Arts

Who doesn’t love a puppet show? Pair it with a visit to the World of Puppetry Museum, and your kids will have even greater appreciation of the marionettes on stage. View puppets from varied cultures and time periods. And, of course, see everyone’s favorite Muppet pals on display. Advance ticket purchase required.

Carlos Museum

The Michael C. Carlos Museum houses one of the most outstanding art and artifact collections in Atlanta. Major objects from ancient Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome and the Americas are on display. The mummies alone are worth the trip!

MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta)

This museum, across the street from the High Museum of Art showcases how design can be found everywhere in the world. Visit for temporary exhibitions which focus on engineering, crafting, 3D printing, and robotics. Check the calendar for family STEAM classes and programs throughout the year.

Delta Flight Museum

Do you have kids who are fascinated with flight? Then a visit here is a must. See massive airplanes up close, including the first 747 ever built. Also, view planes from the 1920s and 1940s in the hangar. Teens can pre-register to experience the only 747 flight simulator open in the United States.