It’s the home of CNN, Coca-Cola, and the nation’s only twin pandas…plus some pretty sweet weather. When it comes to Atlanta, there’s no shortage of fun things to do.
This is especially true when it comes to kids! Atlanta is a hotbed of outdoor activities, museums, theme/water parks, and much more. That’s exactly why we put together this list of the best things to do in Atlanta with kids in 2023.
With 20 things on the list, there’s something for everybody. From museums, to adventure sports, and water parks, there’s no shortage of fun when visiting Atlanta!
Quick View: Best Things To Do in Atlanta with Kids
- Zoo Atlanta
- Georgia Aquarium
- High Museum of Art
- Center for Puppetry Arts
- CNN Studio Tours
- The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park
- World of Coca-Cola
- Great Wolf Lodge
- Mastermind Escape Games
- Andretti Karting and Games
- Skyline Park – Ponce City Market Rooftop
- Treetop Quest
- Adventure Air Sports
- Southeastern Railway Museum
- Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Chattahoochee Nature Center
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta
- Stone Mountain Park
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta is full of rich history and plenty of Southern culture, so your kids will not only have a blast, but also learn a thing or two along the way as well.
Also, the great thing about visiting Atlanta is that there is no bad time of year to come. Whether it’s summer or the dead of winter, you’re sure to experience some sunshine and nice weather while you’re here.
With that being said, here’s our roundup of fun things to do with kids in the ATL.
1. Zoo Atlanta
If you’re partial to pandas, this is your happy place. Zoo Atlanta, located in beautiful historic Grant Park, is home to the only giant panda twins in the U.S., Ya Lun and Xi Lun, and it’s one of only four zoos in the U.S. with pandas at all!
Of course, there’s much more, including the all-new African Savanna, and 1,300 more animals to check out. With lots of beautiful species to behold, the zoo is perfect for kids in Atlanta that love wildlife. So check out the panda cam and get psyched!
2. Georgia Aquarium
Now leave the land animals behind, and go visit some sea creatures at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta! See beluga whales, whale sharks, manta rays, penguins, sea otters, dolphins and more.
Great for all ages, the animated “Deepo’s Undersea 3D Wondershow,” explains the importance of protecting animals and their natural environment. Special animal encounter programs offer the chance to be face-to-face with dolphins, sea otters and penguins.
3. High Museum of Art
The High Museum’s amazing architecture houses more than 15,000 works of art. It’s kids area, CREATE, is a studio devoted to developing youngsters’ creative process.
Across the hall is EXPERIENCE, an immersive gallery designed to help visitors explore what art means, how it feels and where it can take us. Both spaces include a quiet space with activities designed for reflection — plus areas specifically for infants and toddlers.
4. Center For Puppetry Arts
Not every city has a museum of puppetry, but lucky for you. Atlanta does! Plus, most of the Muppets (yes, that means Jim Henson’s collection!) live here.
You can also enjoy performances of classics (past rave-earning shows were the The Wizard of Oz and The Cat in the Hat), but reservations for their shows are highly recommended.
There are educational workshops, tours, museum exhibits, puppet shows, and even special events at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. Feel like a kid again when you visit the house of puppets.
Perfect for a day of family fun, you’ll be able to meet all the popular puppets from your childhood all while learning something at the same time.
5. CNN Studio Tours
Give your kids a behind the scenes view of the the world’s first 24-hour news network. The hour-long tour includes an overhead glimpse into the CNN newsroom in all its bustling glory, standing in front of the “green screen” (the TV magic that enables weather maps and other images to appear while a reporter stands in front of it), and a ride on the world’s longest escalator.
6. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Come hear the story of America’s foremost civil rights icon, visit the home of his birth, and hear his voice in the church where he preached. Don’t miss the “Children of Courage” exhibit.
Geared towards younger visitors, it tells the story of the children of the Civil Rights Movement, with a challenge to the youth of today.
7. World of Coca-Cola
Experience everything behind the world’s most famous caffeinated soft drink. From films about the brand’s history and a behind the scenes view of the bottling process, to a review of their ads, and of course, a tasting bar with 100+ Coke-branded drinks to try, you’ll leave with a little more…uh…pep in your step.
8. Great Wolf Lodge
Kids still have energy to burn? Your best bet is a visit to Great Wolf Lodge just outside Atlanta, Georgia. It’s a great family vacation — all under one roof, and just about an hour outside Atlanta in La Grange.
Whether you chose to stay in the suites, or simply enjoy a day pass, there’s something for the whole family — from a fitness center to an arcade, and a make-your-own-flip-flop shop!
9. Mastermind Escape Games
Located midway between Great Wolf Lodge and downtown Atlanta in Peachtree City, this great family activity will strengthen your bonds and spark a lot of laughter!
You will be trapped in a room and must find hints and clues and solve them to escape. Each room has its own theme, so you can choose your adventure! Zombie or sorcerer? Time travel or bank heist? It’s up to you and your pack when you travel to this gem in Peachtree.
10. Andretti Karting and Games
If racing high-speed go karts is your thing, then you need to make a pit stop at Andretti’s place. Sporting a multi-level track, state of the art arcade, 4 VR racing simulators, laser tag, and much more, this place is nothing short of a kids paradise, and something the whole family will love.
There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained all day long with lots of activities, making this an attractive destination for lots of families throughout the year. Plus, there’s two full bars, so while the kids are playing, you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail with friends.
11. Skyline Park – Ponce City Market Rooftop
There’s plenty to do and see at Atlanta’s Skyline Park. Located on the rooftop of Ponce City Market, you’ll have picturesque views to go along with great food, drinks, and games. Things like the Skyline slide, mini golf, and Heege Tower will keep the family entertained for hours.
There’s also plenty of old-school games that will have adults reliving their glory days with gems like the ring toss and skee ball ready to take your money. So, if you want to soak in the beauty of Atlanta, while also having a blast at the same time, you can’t go wrong with Skyline Park.
12. Treetop Quest
With something for just about everyone, Treetop Quest is perfect for families looking for some fun outdoor activities. There are 8 courses to choose from starting at age four, so even the little ones can join in on the fun.
Lasting for 2.5 hours, you’ll be able to go on the courses as many times as you want. Enjoy a quick lesson from the instructors and then head off into the trees as you go through obstacles and fly down zip-lines.
Just two minutes from the Mall of Georgia at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, it’s often referred to as Gwinnett’s hidden gem and we can definitely see why.
13. Adventure Air Sports
If action sports and getting in a good workout is your thing then you need to check out Adventure Air Sports. Rated as one of the top things to do in Atlanta, there are things like ziplines, a main court with parkour elements, rock climbing, and battle beams, giving your kids plenty of activities in this giant playground.
It’s an adrenaline rush from start to finish and places an emphasis on getting some serious air. Whether it’s the dunk zone, flying trapeze, or the super tramps, flying high is easy to do no matter what age you are.
14. Southeastern Railway Museum
With cabooses, locomotives, freight cars, and more, there’s plenty of exhibits to be had for all the train lovers out there looking for things to do in Atlanta.
With over 35 acres to explore with the kids, you can do things like ride a restored caboose, check out a 1930’s passenger car, or have a look at a 44-ton General Electric locomotive built in 1950. This is the perfect place if you’re looking for things to do with toddlers.
15. Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
Ideal for all of the creative kids out there, the Museum of Design in Atlanta is focused on shining the light on all things design. Started in 1989, the museum has evolved over the years into the Southeast’s only design museum. There’s plenty of ways to learn for kids and teens alike.
From things like design club days, camp, 3D printing classes, and field trips, there are lots of opportunities for kids to experience various aspects of design.
16. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Travel around the world and go back in time as you discover ancient fossils, live animals, prehistoric cultures, and new discoveries in science.
With new exhibits throughout the year, you’ll be treated to 3D movies, outdoor adventures, Dinosaur Plaza, NatureQuest, and much more.
17. Chattahoochee Nature Center
This 127-acre wonderland is Atlanta’s premiere nature destination with exhibits, trails, wetland, and even a river habitat. If that’s not enough, your kids can build a fairy house in the fairy village where visitors can create houses for all of the fairies to use.
If you want something a little more adventurous, you can hit up the zipline with the Eco Zipline Canopy Tour or the Aerial Adventure Course. No matter what you decide, this is a can’t miss destination for all outdoor lovers.
18. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
At the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is where your children are able to interact with just about everything on the museum floor, inspiring learning and sparking their imaginations through the power of play.
There’s a baby area, Simple Machines area, a climbing structure near the middle of the museum, and much more. Whether your child is one, or just turned 9, there’s something for everyone here.
19. Stone Mountain Park
One of the top destinations in Atlanta, this 3,200 natural beauty is just 15 miles east of Atlanta. There are dozens of fun annual events held at the park along with attractions, golf, restaurants and shopping.
Your kids won’t want to miss out on this fun, especially with things like the Summit Skyride, lasershow, and 4-D experiences.
20. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
With two rides, a 4D cinema, 10 LEGO build and play zones, and much more, LEGOLAND is an interactive experience to be had in Atlanta. Help save the Princess on Kingdom Quest, or check out the Master Builder Academy where you can learn to create anything from LEGO bricks.
Perfect for all ages, LEGOLAND is ideal for birthday parties, school trips, or just a fun day with the kids.
21. Centennial Olympic Park
A fan favorite for all sports enthusiasts, Centennial Olympic Park offers a bit of history and a chance to experience the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
It serves as Georgia’s lasting legacy of the summer games and has become a hub for the Downtown community. Here you’ll often find festivals, concerts, and even private events at the park, which is open daily from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for fun things to do, Atlanta has you covered. When it comes to kids’ activities, you can’t go wrong with any of the items mentioned above.
Whether you want something interactive, a walk in the park, share in the experience with your kids, or something that offers adventure, you’ll be able to find it in Atlanta.
Looking for more great family vacation ideas? Check out Atlanta’s tourism site.
