Best Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids

Looking for the BEST things to do in Atlanta with kids? Atlanta is packed with world-class museums, fascinating history, a thriving food scene, and attractions that captivate every age. Whether you’re raising a future scientist, a football fanatic, or an art lover, Atlanta delivers. Here’s everything you need to plan an unforgettable family trip to Georgia’s capital city.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

How to Travel to Atlanta

By Air: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the world’s busiest airport, with direct flights from over 225 destinations daily. The airport is served by all major carriers and is very family-friendly, with ample amenities and a straightforward layout.

By Car: Atlanta sits at the intersection of several major interstates (I-75, I-85, and I-20), making it accessible for most in the Southeast.

Nashville is about four hours north, Charlotte is about four hours northeast, and Birmingham is just two hours west. Be warned: Atlanta traffic is notoriously heavy, particularly on I-285 (the Perimeter) and I-75/85 through downtown. Use a navigation app and avoid rush hour when possible.

How to Get Around Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling city, and having a car or relying on ride shares makes getting around with kids much easier. 

Car/Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout metro Atlanta. Parking is generally affordable downtown and at major attractions, but it can be limited on busy weekends.

MARTA: Atlanta’s rail and bus system connects the airport directly to downtown and Midtown. The North-South and East-West rail lines cover many of the city’s major attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium stop (Dome/GWCC/Philips/CNN station) and the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site area (King Memorial station). It’s an affordable and stress-free way to skip the traffic.

On Foot: Midtown and downtown Atlanta are reasonably walkable between clusters of attractions. The BeltLine is a great car-free way to explore the city by foot or bike.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta Georgia

Atlanta is an international gateway as home to the world’s busiest airport with flights to over 225 destinations daily. Domestic visitors are welcome too since 80% of the American population is only a two-hour flight away.

In the areas of culture, history, food and even TV production, the Atlanta region welcomes families to come to get to know the city.  Here are five of the most iconic things to do in Atlanta as a family.

1. Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

In the South, college football isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. Even toddlers have a favorite team, and a visit to the College Football Hall of Fame is a celebration of that passion. The 94,000-square-foot interactive space is one of the most engaging sports museums in the United States.

Exhibits cover every dimension of the college football experience, from the pageantry of tailgating and cheerleading to hands-on simulations where kids can call plays in championship game scenarios.

The interactive ESPN College GameDay Desk lets fans make their picks for the week and enjoy a personalized fan experience (built around your own team). Tickets include a digital download of your experience to take home at no extra charge.

Tip: This is a can’t-miss for any family with football fans. Even children who’ve never watched a game tend to love the interactive elements.

2. Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium was the world’s largest aquarium (before China’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom came along), and it’s an absolute must for families visiting Atlanta. Seven distinct galleries take visitors on a journey from Arctic regions to tropical reefs, and the sheer scale of the exhibits is mind-blowing for all ages.

The aquarium is the only place in North America home to both manta rays and whale sharks, the largest fish on Earth. The Ocean Voyager gallery features a massive tunnel where you walk beneath whale sharks and rays gliding overhead, an experience that children never forget.

Expert guides stationed throughout each gallery help families learn about the conservation and research happening behind the scenes. Interactive touch pools, dolphin shows, and dive presentations add even more to the experience.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance (especially for weekends) and arrive when the doors open to enjoy the most popular exhibits before the crowds build. Grab your tickets here>>>

3. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

The MLK National Historic Site is a National Park Service site dedicated to the life, legacy, and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the broader Civil Rights Movement. For families, it’s one of the most meaningful and educational experiences Atlanta offers.

On ranger-led tours, families can visit the home where Dr. King grew up, seeing how Atlanta looked during the era of segregation. Children connect deeply with the story of the boy who loved baseball and Monopoly, tried to avoid piano practice, and grew up to change the world.

The Visitor Center hosts the “Children of Courage” exhibit, which tells the stories of young people who participated in the Civil Rights Movement — a perspective that resonates powerfully with young visitors. Children can earn a Junior Ranger badge after completing a series of activities, and the outdoor spaces are wonderful for exploring between exhibits. Entry to the National Historic Site is free.

4. World of Coca-Cola 

Even if your family doesn’t drink soda, the World of Coca-Cola offers a fascinating window into one of the world’s most iconic brands. One that was born right here in Atlanta.

Highlights include the Pop Culture Gallery, where art and Coca-Cola history collide in surprisingly creative ways, and the Taste It! exhibit, where visitors can sample more than 100 beverages from Coca-Cola’s global portfolio. The vault display, housing the secret original Coca-Cola formula, is sure to spark great conversations with curious kids.

Tip: The World of Coca-Cola is located right next to the Georgia Aquarium in Pemberton Place. Pairing both into a single day is very doable and highly recommended. Grab your skip-the-line tickets here>>>

5. High Museum of Art

The High is the premier visual arts museum in the Southeast and an anchor of the Woodruff Arts Center complex alongside the Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Its collection of more than 15,000 works spans 19th and 20th-century American art, European masterworks, modern and contemporary pieces, photography, African art, and folk art.

Special exhibitions rotate throughout the year and frequently feature major international artists. The Greene Family Learning Gallery offers hands-on art activities tailored for children, and free Discovery Packs can be checked out for self-guided family tours through the permanent collection.

Tip: Admission is free on the second Sunday of each month, making it a great budget-friendly option for families.

6. The Peachtree Trolley Sightseeing Tour

For first-time visitors or families who want a fun, low-effort overview of the city before diving into individual attractions, the Peachtree Trolley is an excellent choice. This 90-minute narrated sightseeing tour departs from downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park and winds through some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks.

Aboard an authentic trolley with classic bench seating and the nostalgic clanging of a bell, a knowledgeable guide brings Atlanta’s history, culture, and personality to life with engaging storytelling. The route covers Midtown’s soaring skyline and historic Ansley Park, the Civil Rights landmarks of the Old Fourth Ward, including the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ebenezer Baptist Church, Centennial Park, and much more.

The tour runs with a small group of no more than 26 passengers, which makes for a more personal and immersive experience than larger bus tours. Morning and afternoon departure times are available, and the mobile ticketing system makes booking simple.

Tip: This tour is a wonderful way to kick off a first day in Atlanta — it helps families get oriented, discover neighborhoods they want to return to, and absorb a lot of history in a short window of time. Children 6 and older are welcome. Book tickets in advance, especially for weekend departures.

7. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta between the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is one of the most powerful and important museum experiences in the United States. Following a major $58 million expansion, the Center now features six new galleries with immersive, interactive storytelling that connects the history of the American Civil Rights Movement to ongoing human rights struggles around the world.

The signature gallery features a lunch counter sit-in simulation that places visitors in the tension and courage of the movement firsthand. A dedicated gallery honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through curated exhibits from the Morehouse College MLK Collection. The global human rights wing — including the immersive “A Mile in My Shoes” installation — broadens the experience beautifully for older kids and teenagers.

Best of all for families with younger children, the Center recently unveiled its first-ever dedicated children’s exhibit: the Change Agent Adventure. This whimsical interactive gallery — set “4,000 miles beneath Atlanta at the center of the Earth” — invites kids 12 and under to become agents of change. Activities include designing hats inspired by historical figures, connecting via phone with global youth advocates like Malala Yousafzai and Mari Copeny, and experiencing world cultures through a silent disco. It’s imaginative, age-appropriate, and genuinely inspiring.

Tip: Children under 7 are admitted free. Upper elementary-age kids and older will get the most from the main galleries; the Change Agent Adventure is perfectly calibrated for younger children. Allow at least two hours for a full visit.

8. Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts is one of Atlanta’s most beloved family institutions and one of the only dedicated puppet museums in the country. Founded in 1978 — with Jim Henson himself cutting the ribbon at the opening — the center has been delighting families for nearly five decades and is still going strong.

The Worlds of Puppetry Museum features three distinct areas: the Global Gallery, which explores puppetry traditions across five continents (including Vietnamese water puppets and England’s Punch and Judy); a special exhibitions space with rotating shows; and the crown jewel, the Jim Henson Collection — the largest collection of Muppets and Henson artifacts anywhere in the world. Kermit, Big Bird, Fraggle Rock characters, and beloved Sesame Street puppets are all here, and kids go absolutely wild for it.

Live performances from the center’s own company run throughout the year, with the family series featuring vibrant, engaging productions of classic and original stories. Ticket prices include admission to the museum and a create-a-puppet workshop, where children make their own puppet to take home — an irresistible keepsake.

Tip: Located in Midtown, the Center pairs beautifully with a visit to the High Museum of Art or Piedmont Park. Book show tickets in advance as popular performances sell out, especially on weekends.

9. Illuminarium Atlanta

For a truly one-of-a-kind sensory experience, Illuminarium Atlanta on the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail delivers something families won’t find anywhere else in the city. The venue uses state-of-the-art 4K laser projection, 360-degree immersive audio, in-floor vibration effects, and even digital scent technology to envelope visitors in fully immersive cinematic worlds.

Current experiences include SPACE: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond, which sends visitors on a breathtaking trip through the cosmos, and the rotating lineup of other spectacular shows. The experience runs approximately 45–60 minutes and is genuinely awe-inspiring for all ages — the sensation of standing inside a vast, moving world rather than watching it on a screen is something kids find completely magical.

The venue is family-friendly during daytime hours (it transforms into a 21+ nightlife venue after dark, so daytime visits are the way to go for families). There’s an on-site café with an outdoor patio that opens directly onto the BeltLine, making it easy to combine with a walk or bike ride on the trail.

Tip: The BeltLine location means you can pair an Illuminarium visit with lunch at Krog Street Market or a stroll through the vibrant Inman Park neighborhood. Book tickets online in advance.

10. Chattahoochee Nature Center

Just 30 minutes north of Atlanta in Roswell, the Chattahoochee Nature Center is metro Atlanta’s premier nature destination and a wonderful breath of fresh air for families who want to get outdoors. Spread across 127 stunning acres of woodland, wetland, and river habitat along the Chattahoochee River, the nonprofit center has been connecting families to the natural world since 1976 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The Discovery Center museum features hands-on exhibits telling the story of the Chattahoochee River watershed, a live animal area with non-releasable native wildlife including birds of prey and reptiles, and the Southeast’s only Nature Exchange. The Wildlife Walk’s aviaries are a highlight for kids, who can observe Georgia’s native raptors up close. Outside, 2.5 miles of trails wind through forest, native plant gardens, and along the river boardwalk, where wildlife sightings are common.

Seasonal programs make the center worth visiting at any time of year. The annual Butterfly Encounter — a walk-through exhibit where native butterflies flutter freely and may land on you — is the center’s most popular attraction and runs through the summer months. Guided canoe trips on the Chattahoochee are available seasonally and are a memorable experience for the whole family. The enchanted woodland trail and family night hikes are magical in the cooler months.

Tip: This is an ideal half-day escape from the city and a great complement to an Atlanta visit. Admission is very reasonable, and canoe programs are included with general admission. Check the calendar for seasonal events before you go.

11. Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is one of the best children’s museums in the Southeast and a must-visit for families with younger kids. Spread across multiple levels, the museum is packed with imaginative, hands-on exhibits designed to spark creativity, scientific thinking, and cultural curiosity.

Standout areas include the water play zone, the arts and crafts studio, a working farm exhibit, a building and engineering space, and interactive health exhibits. The museum’s philosophy is learning through play, and children engage completely from the moment they walk through the door.

Tip: Plan to spend at least two to three hours. The museum is particularly ideal for children ages 2–8.

12. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is one of Atlanta’s most beloved family attractions and a standout natural history museum by any measure. The soaring Great Hall is home to the largest dinosaurs ever assembled in a museum exhibit — including full-scale Argentinosaurus and Giganotosaurus skeletons that leave children (and adults) genuinely awestruck.

Beyond dinosaurs, Fernbank offers world-class exhibits on Georgia’s natural history, ancient civilizations, and global ecosystems. The WildWoods nature play area outside is wonderful for burning off energy, and IMAX films in the theater bring natural wonders to life on a massive screen.

Tip: Friday evenings bring NatureBar — a family-friendly cocktail-and-mocktail event — but daytime visits during the week are quieter and ideal for families with younger children.

13. Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and home to more giant pandas than any other zoo in North America — a major draw for families. Giant pandas Willie B. Jr. and his companions have become beloved symbols of the zoo, and their habitat is always a highlight.

The zoo is set in historic Grant Park on Atlanta’s east side and features African savanna animals, an elephant habitat, a gorilla forest, and the Scaly Slimy Spectacular reptile house. The KIDZone playground and the PidgeyWalk free-roaming bird experience are particular hits with younger visitors.

Tip: Combine a zoo visit with a walk through adjacent Grant Park or a stop at the famous Oakland Cemetery nearby.

14. Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park, located about 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta, is one of Georgia’s most visited attractions and a great half-day or full-day family outing. The centerpiece is the massive exposed granite dome — one of the largest in the world — which families can reach by summit skyride or a moderate hiking trail.

Beyond the mountain itself, the park offers a laser show (evenings in summer), a wildlife trail, a 4D theater experience, mini golf, a water play area, and seasonal events including a popular holiday lights display. It’s a wonderful mix of outdoor adventure and family entertainment.

Tip: Purchase a combination ticket to get the best value across multiple attractions within the park.

15. Atlanta Braves at Truist Park

If there are baseball fans in your family, catching an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park is a wonderful experience. The Braves are one of the most storied franchises in baseball, and the ballpark — opened in 2017 in the Cumberland/Smyrna area — is among the most beautiful and family-friendly stadiums in Major League Baseball.

The Battery Atlanta, the mixed-use entertainment district surrounding the park, is buzzing before and after games with restaurants, shops, and live music. The open-air concourse, kids’ play area, and post-game fireworks on select nights make it a full evening of family fun.

Tip: Check the Braves’ schedule and book early for popular weekend games and fireworks nights.

Best Parks in Atlanta for Kids

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s most beloved urban green space — a 185-acre expanse in the heart of Midtown where families picnic, play, and explore. The park sits alongside the Atlanta Botanical Garden (well worth a visit) and features playgrounds, a dog park, a splash pad, and walking trails with sweeping Midtown skyline views. Free outdoor events and concerts are held here throughout the year.

Stone Mountain Park

As described above, Stone Mountain Park is one of Georgia’s premier outdoor destinations for families, with hiking, a summit skyride, seasonal events, and a natural wonder unlike anything else in the Southeast.

Grant Park

Grant Park on Atlanta’s east side is home to Zoo Atlanta and offers shaded walking paths, picnic areas, and beautiful Victorian-era landscaping. It’s one of the city’s oldest parks and a peaceful spot to wind down after a zoo visit.

Splash Pads

Atlanta’s warm summers make splash pads a welcome find. Centennial Olympic Park’s fountain plaza is right in the heart of downtown and one of the most popular in the city. Piedmont Park has a splash pad near the Active Oval. Several Cobb County and DeKalb County parks also offer excellent free splash pad facilities.

Where to Stay in Atlanta with Kids

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center — Perfectly located in downtown Atlanta adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola. Family suites are spacious and the hotel has a rooftop pool with fantastic city views.

Loews Atlanta Hotel — A stylish Midtown option steps from the High Museum of Art and Piedmont Park. The pet-friendly hotel offers connecting rooms and a welcoming atmosphere for families.

Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel — Great Midtown location with easy access to the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and the Fox Theatre. Rooftop pool and spacious family-friendly rooms.

Hyatt Regency Atlanta — A downtown classic with a stunning atrium lobby (kids love it), an outdoor pool, and direct access to MARTA for car-free exploring. Walk to Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium.

Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter — A beautiful option for families who want a quieter base north of the city with easy freeway access to all major attractions. The outdoor pool area is lovely.

Where to Eat in Atlanta with Kids

Atlanta’s food scene is exceptional — diverse, creative, and very accessible for families. Here are some highlights:

Southern Soul Food: For an authentic taste of Atlanta’s culinary heritage, Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Midtown has been serving classic Southern comfort food since 1945. Fried chicken, cornbread, mac and cheese, and fresh peach cobbler make it a hit with all ages.

BBQ: Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q on DeKalb Avenue is one of the most beloved BBQ spots in a city that takes smoked meat seriously. The Texas-influenced menu — brisket, pulled pork, smoked wings — is perfect for hungry families after a day of sightseeing.

Brunch: The Flying Biscuit Café has multiple Atlanta locations and is a family brunch institution. The enormous, fluffy biscuits alone are worth the trip, and the menu is broad enough to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ponce City Market: This beautifully renovated historic building on the BeltLine is a food hall and shopping destination that families adore. Grab tacos, burgers, sushi, ice cream, and more under one roof, then explore the rooftop fairground (Skyline Park) with carnival games and city views.

Sweet Auburn Curb Market: Atlanta’s historic public market downtown is a great place to introduce kids to the city’s diverse culinary culture. Fresh produce, local vendors, and a variety of prepared food stalls make it a fun and affordable lunch stop.

2 Days in Atlanta Itinerary

Day 1: Downtown Wonders

Morning: Start at the Georgia Aquarium when it opens. Budget at least three hours to see the whale sharks, the dolphin shows, and the interactive touch pools.

Lunch: Walk next door to Pemberton Place for lunch options, or grab food at the World of Coca-Cola’s café.

Afternoon: Spend two hours at the World of Coca-Cola, then walk to Centennial Olympic Park for some fresh air. The park’s fountain plaza is perfect for kids who want to cool off and run around.

Evening: Head to Ponce City Market via the BeltLine for dinner. Explore the food hall, then ride up to Skyline Park on the roof for city views.

Day 2: History, Art & Nature

Morning: Start the day at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Allow two hours for the ranger tour and Visitor Center exhibits.

Lunch: Head to Sweet Auburn Curb Market nearby for a casual, local lunch.

Afternoon: Drive or take MARTA to Piedmont Park for some outdoor time. Walk to the High Museum of Art for the afternoon — the family learning gallery and special exhibitions are outstanding.

Evening: If there’s a Braves game, head up to Truist Park for a memorable evening at the ballpark. Otherwise, explore a neighborhood like Virginia-Highland or Inman Park for dinner at one of Atlanta’s wonderful local restaurants.

Day Trips from Atlanta with Kids

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Just two hours north of Atlanta, Chattanooga is one of the best family day trip destinations in the Southeast. The Tennessee Aquarium on the riverfront is world-class, the Chattanooga Choo Choo is a novelty kids love, and Ruby Falls (an underground waterfall inside Lookout Mountain) is genuinely magical. The city is compact and very walkable along the riverfront.

Savannah, Georgia

About four hours southeast of Atlanta, Savannah is one of the most beautiful cities in America and well worth the drive for a weekend trip. The historic district’s shaded squares, horse-drawn carriage tours, and River Street waterfront make for a wonderfully atmospheric family experience. Kids love the beaches of nearby Tybee Island, just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Less than two hours north of Atlanta, the charming mountain town of Blue Ridge offers scenic train rides aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, apple picking in fall, white-water rafting on the Toccoa River, and beautiful hiking in the Chattahoochee National Forest. It’s a wonderful nature escape that contrasts perfectly with Atlanta’s urban energy.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield

Just 30 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is a Civil War site with excellent hiking trails to the mountain summit and engaging educational exhibits about the Atlanta Campaign of 1864. It’s free (National Park Service), the views are spectacular, and the easy-to-moderate hike is manageable for most children.

Atlanta is a city that rewards curious families. Whether you’re diving deep into American history at the MLK site, marveling at whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium, or catching a Braves game on a warm summer evening, there’s something here for every age and every interest. Start planning your Atlanta family adventure — you won’t be disappointed!