Money Saving Tips For Exploring Atlanta

As you make your plans, save money with free ideas and activities in our Guide To Free Things To Do in Atlanta with Kids.

If you have plans to visit Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank Museum, College Football Hall of Fame, or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights (all included on the list below) in a short amount of time, look into a Go City - Atlanta sightseeing pass to save some money and visit these attractions for one ticket price!

Top Things To Do In Atlanta for Visitors

While our list was written with kids growing up in Atlanta in mind, it’s also a great list for families visiting Atlanta, since it’s packed with iconic things to do in Atlanta with kids. Here are more helpful roundups for anyone visiting Atlanta:

• 3 Days in Atlanta with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary from a Local Mom
• Best Atlanta Museums for Families to Learn and Play
• Guide to Fun Farms in Atlanta
• Best Indoor Playground Spaces for Kids

Best Things To Do In Atlanta with Kids by Age

• Top Things to Do in Atlanta with Babies
• Top Things to Do in Atlanta with Toddlers & Preschoolers
• Top Things to Do in Atlanta with Teens & Tweens

And now...

100 Top Things To Do In Atlanta with Kids by Age

1. LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta

Bring your little builders to the newly remodeled LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta, which offers plenty of indoor play space, interactive building fun, and rides.

2. Atlanta Braves at Truist Park 

Catch an Atlanta Braves baseball game at Truist Park. Visit the interactive kids' zone or run the bases after a Sunday home game. You can also dine, shop, and visit the splash pad at The Battery Atlanta, connected to Truist Park.

Explore undersea life at the Georgia Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

3. Georgia Aquarium

Walk through the shark tunnel at the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.

4. Center for Puppetry Arts

See a show, tour the museum, or make a puppet at the Center for Puppetry Arts.

5. Decatur Square

Visit Decatur Square to dine, shop, or enjoy the Decatur Arts Festival, held the first weekend of May, where families can peruse art and experience a fun kids' zone. 

6. Starlight Drive-in Theatre

Catch a flick at the Starlight Drive-In Theatre.

It's carbonation overload when World of Coca-Cola visitors try all the flavors at Taste It! Photo by the author

7. World of Coca-Cola

Tour the World of Coke and go inside the company behind America's favorite bubbly drink.

Artist David Rogers’ outdoor installation highlights bugs, insects, and spiders at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Photo courtesy of the museum

8. Fernbank Museum

See dinosaurs, enjoy the interactive NatureQuest installation, watch an IMAX film, and explore the 75-acre WildWoods at Fernbank Museum.

9. Westside Park 

In nice weather, visit the sprawling Westside Park or another amazing Atlanta playground. If you have little ones, check out these great toddler playgrounds.

Kids love riding down the three-story slide at Skyline Park. Photo courtesy of the park

10. Ponce City Market

Grab a bite to eat at Ponce City Market's food hall and then head to The Roof to play a round of mini golf or ride the three-story slide at Skyline Park.

11. High Museum of Art 

Pick up a Discovery Pack in the museum and go on a do-it-yourself art adventure at the High Museum of Art. And little kids will love the interactive Toddler Thursday program. 

12. Museum of Design Atlanta

Try hands-on STEM and design activities at the Museum of Design Atlanta (or try one of our at-home STEM and science activities).

Kids have a blast at the interactive, hands-on exhibits at the Children's Museum of Atlanta. Photo courtesy of the museum

13. Children's Museum of Atlanta 

Enjoy hours of hands-on fun at the Children's Museum of Atlanta, a classic fun spot with kids in Atlanta.

14. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

Hike the trails and feed live animals at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve.

15. Atlanta History Center 

Learn about Atlanta's history, tour the Tullie Smith House, and visit the Cyclorama at the Atlanta History Center.

16. Southeastern Railway Museum 

Let young, transportation enthusiasts go wild at the Southeastern Railway Museum, where they can ride and explore historic trains.

17. Zoo Atlanta 

See pandas, gorillas, and 1,500 other animals at Zoo Atlanta, one of the top zoos in the country. Babies and toddlers love the bi-weekly event Adventure Cubs. Cool off at the splash fountain or challenge yourself on the Treetop Trail!

18. Farmers Markets

Wander through one of Atlanta's many farmers markets. Our fave? The giant international grocery store and cafe at Your Dekalb Farmers Market, which is open every day. 

Get close to nature at Atlanta Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of the Garden

19. Atlanta Botanical Garden 

Explore over 30 acres of beautiful gardens at Atlanta Botanical Garden, including the Lou Glenn Children's Garden and the Kendeda Canopy Walk, rising 40 feet above the ground.

20. Piedmont Park 

Grab a treat on Saturday morning at Piedmont Park’s Green Market, and then play on the Noguchi Playscape. In the summer, Atlanta kids can beat the heat at the park’s public aquatic center or Legacy Fountain splash pad.

21. BeltLine Trail

Tour Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods by foot or bike on the BeltLine Trail and discover the work of hundreds of visual artists displayed all along the BeltLine corridors.

Hop on the Summit Skyride for some amazing views. Photo courtesy of Stone Mountain Park

22. Stone Mountain Park

Hike the mile-long trail to the top of Stone Mountain for amazing views or take the Summit Skyride cable car to the top instead. Stone Mountain Park also offers a scenic railroad, adventure golf, obstacle course, as well as the Yellow Daisy Festival and other events. 

23. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park 

Learn all about the iconic civil rights leader at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Enjoy a bit of presidential history at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center. Photo by author

24. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

Check out the replica of the oval office and presidential memorabilia at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.

25. Callaway Resort & Gardens

Head down to Callaway Gardens and see the Birds of Prey show, Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, Robin Lake Beach, and TreeTop Adventure and Zip Lines. Special events include Pumpkins at Callaway and Fantasy in Lights. 

26. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Inspire young minds to learn about the American civil rights and global human rights movements at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

The Chattahoochee Nature Center offers family events and wildlife interactions for all ages. Photo courtesy of the center

27. Chattahoochee Nature Center

Feel like connecting with nature? Explore the woodland trails at the Chattahoochee Nature Center to see Georgia’s wildlife up close. For an extra fee, book a zipline tour or canoe trip. Don't miss their Butterfly Festival held every June. 

28. Malibu Grand Prix

Race go-karts at Malibu Grand Prix in Norcross and check out the miniature golf, bumper boats, Buccaneer Cove water park, batting cages, and arcade. 

29. Monday Night Garage

Sip a delicious craft beer while your kids enjoy the play area and outdoor games at Monday Night Garage.

30. Sweetwater Creek State Park

Paddle, hike, fish, or camp at beautiful Sweetwater Creek State Park, only a few miles from downtown Atlanta. 

31. Alliance Theatre

Take in a kid-friendly performance at the Alliance Theatre’s Kathy and Ben Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young or bring toddlers to the weekly Babies: Off Book! sensory storytime. 

Make a splash at the sprayground at Historic Fourth Ward Park. Photo courtesy of Historic Fourth Ward Park Conservancy

32. Historic Fourth Ward Park

Hit the skate park, playground, or splash pad at the 17-acre Historic Fourth Ward Park, located in the heart of the Old Fourth Ward.

Dress in your best costumes for Atlanta's famous Dragon Con. Photo courtesy of the event

33. Dragon Con

Labor Day weekend is a special time for Atlanta as Dragon Con mania descends on the city. For a few glorious days, kids and adults get to play dress-up and meet beloved TV and film character actors.

34. College Football Hall of Fame

Take young football fans to the College Football Hall of Fame, where they can learn about the sport's history and enjoy interactive activities. 

35. Six Flags Over Georgia

Go on thrilling rides including Batman, Goliath, and the Great American Scream Machine at Six Flags Over Georgia or experience kid-friendly rides in Bugs Bunny Boomtown. Seasonal events include Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park.

Illuminarium transports visitors to exotic destinations by enveloping them with interactive video, sound, and audio. Photos courtesy of Illuminarium

36. Illuminarium

Check out Illuminarium and be "transported" to a different place, such as Africa or outer space, without ever leaving the premises.

37. The Varsity

Grab a bite at historic hot dog joint The Varsity, where you will be greeted with the famous, "What'll ya have? What'll ya have?!"

Margaritaville Water Park at Lake Lanier is a cool (literally) spot for kids of all ages. Photo courtesy of Margaritaville

38. Margaritaville at Lanier Islands

When it's hot, cool off at Margaritaville Water Park at Lake Lanier and ride water slides for all ages. 

39. Indoor Play Spaces

If bad weather hits Atlanta, your kids can work off their energy by bouncing and climbing at one of the city's many indoor play spaces. 

40. Atlanta Brick Company

Take your LEGO fans to the Atlanta Brick Company in Newnan (one of the largest building brick toy stores in the world) to buy, sell, and trade LEGO bricks. 

41. Treetop Quest

Climb and zipline through the trees at Treetop Quest, in Dunwoody or Buford, which have courses for kids as young as age four. 

42. The Yard Milkshake Bar

Sip on decadent milkshakes, like marshmallow overload and rainbow sherbet, from The Yard Milkshake Bar, or try one of these other great ice cream parlors. 

43. Tiny Doors ATL

Grab a map of the cute, artsy Tiny Doors ATL all over Atlanta and go on an intown scavenger hunt. 

44. Escape Rooms

Test your cleverness by booking an Atlanta escape room. Atlanta has many options for kids, including Big Escape Rooms, Time to Escape, and The Escape Game Atlanta.

45. Fun Farms

Spend a day at a fun working farm, like Warbington Farms or Southern Belle Farm, which have seasonal activities such as strawberry picking, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches. 

46. Halcyon

Visit Halcyon in Alpharetta, a family-friendly, shopping and dining center. While parents enjoy a beverage from Cherry Street Brewpub, kids can kick soccer balls and play in the sandbox. 

47. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Hike Kennesaw Mountain for awesome views and visit the museum and battlefield to soak up some Civil War history. 

48. Wild Animal Safari

Drive through the Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain and feed giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife from your vehicle. 

49. Tellus Science Museum

Tour the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville to see the "Science in Motion" gallery, participate in a fossil dig, and watch a show in the planetarium. 

50. Chick-fil-A Dwarf Houses 

Dine at one of several Chick-fil-A Dwarf Houses, modeled after the original restaurant and full of lots of historical pictures and memorabilia. Kids especially love to enter and exit through the child-sized doors. 

There's no bad angle of our fair city from the panoramic views of SkyView Atlanta. Photo by Bill Leffler

51. SkyView Atlanta

See the Atlanta skyline from 20 floors up when you ride on the Ferris wheel at SkyView Atlanta.

52. Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Watch an Atlanta United FC soccer match or an NFL Atlanta Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

53. Marietta Cobb Museum of Art

Head to the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art on the first Sunday of the month for free admission or attend Toddler Time for $5 during the week. In October, the museum hosts Chalktoberfest featuring chalk artists and live music.

54. Fox Theatre

Catch family-friendly performances at the historic Fox Theatre in Midtown.

55. Scavenger Hunts

Go on a scavenger hunt to explore downtown Atlanta, Piedmont Park, or The Battery Atlanta on a scavenger hunt tour by Let's Roam Atlanta.

56. Delta Flight Museum

Walk on the wing of a Boeing 747, check out the inside an L-1011, and learn about the airline's history at the Delta Flight Museum.

57. Silver Comet Trail

Ride bicycles along a portion of the 61-mile Silver Comet Trail stretching to the Alabama state line. Built on an abandoned railroad bed, the paved trail is mostly flat, making it perfect for little ones.

58. Old Mill Park at Vickery Creek

Head to Old Mill Park at Vickery Creek to stroll past the mill ruins of the former Roswell Manufacturing Company, sit on rocks at the base of a waterfall, and walk across the creek on a covered bridge.

59. City Springs

Visit City Springs, the Sandy Springs greenspace featuring farmers markets, summer concerts, outdoor movies, and a performing arts center. Annual events include the Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Arts Festival and Sparkle Sandy Springs.

60. Top Golf

Play a variety of golf games with a microchipped ball that tracks your score at Top Golf. You can also order food in the climate-controlled bay.

61. White Water Six Flags

Take on Atlanta's blistering summers by cooling off at White Water Six Flags and even more outdoor water parks.

62. Marietta Museum of History

Learn about the Georgia Gold Rush, the Trail of Tears, and early Georgia history at the Marietta Museum of History. Visit the third Saturday of each month for Pop-in Family Fun with FREE admission and themed activities.

63. AJC Peachtree Road Race

Run or watch the AJC Peachtree Road Race on the 4th of July. The largest 10K in the world, the Peachtree is a historic Atlanta tradition. 

64. APEX Museum

Gain a better understanding of African American history at APEX Museum. Founded in 1978, exhibits discuss slavery and the history of Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood.

65. The Wren’s Nest

Attend storytime every Saturday at 1pm and take a house tour of The Wren’s Nest, the home of 19th century children’s author, Joel Chandler Harris.

66. Shoot the Hooch

Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or inner tubes from Shoot the Hooch and spend a relaxing day floating down the Chattahoochee River.

Families love visiting Pearson Farms for the exciting u-pick peach day, as well as other fun activities. Photo courtesy of the farm

67. Pick Peaches

Since Georgia is the Peach State, head to one of these farms to pick peaches. Be prepared to make peach pie, cobbler, and peach bellinis when you come home.

68. Doll’s Head Trail

Spot whimsical art montages made from found items along the 2.5-mile Doll’s Head Trail at Constitution Lakes Park.

69. Go Dawgs!

Don red and black and cheer the University of Georgia (UGA) bulldogs when they play football at Sanford Stadium in Athens. Enjoy the downtown area where music groups REM and the B52’s got their start.

70. Buford Highway

Explore other global cultures without leaving Atlanta by taking a trip down Buford Highway. Enjoy international foods and goods along the corridor, originating from places like Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, Korea, India and much more.

71. Historic Homes of Roswell

Learn about Roswell history by touring one of three historic homes of Roswell, including the Archibald Smith Plantation Home, Barrington Hall, and Bulloch Hall (childhood home of Mittie Bulloch, mother of President Theodore Roosevelt).

72. CAMP

Visit the Atlanta CAMP store in Dunwoody for shopping, playing, interactive experiences, and shows. 

73. Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Stroll through artist booths, enjoy live music, and eat lots of food at the 90-year-old Atlanta Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park. The littles enjoy puppet shows, crafts, and face painting.

74. Seasonal Festivals

Atlantans love festivals and these summer festivals and fall festivals are not to be missed.

75. Blue Heron Nature Preserve

Be on the lookout for animal species as you explore the wetlands, woodlands, meadows, and riparian habitats on the 30-acre Blue Heron Nature Preserve.

76. Atlanta Motor Speedway

Flock to Atlanta Motor Speedway to watch NASCAR racing events. The family-friendly venue offers a Kids Zone with bounce houses, discounts, and free membership to NASCAR Kids.

77. Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Watch cars race around the 2.54-mile track at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, where kids 12 and under get FREE admission.

78. Chastain Horse Park

Sign up for riding lessons at Chastain Horse Park. Those with disabilities can participate in therapeutic and adaptive riding services.

79. Georgia Governor’s Mansion

Tour the three-story Georgia Governor’s Mansion in Buckhead with FREE admission. Bring your children to the annual Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds.

80. Georgia State Capitol

Take a free self-guided tour of the Georgia State Capitol, which includes the Georgia Hall of Fame, Georgia Hall of Valor, and Georgia Capitol Museum. Reserve a FREE 90-minute guided tour on weekdays.

81. Sawnee Mountain Preserve

Book a tree-climbing course at Sawnee Mountain Preserve or hike to the Indian Seats, a rock formation believed to have been used by Native Americans since 500 BC.

82. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

Learn about the importance of railroads during the Civil War at the Smithsonian-affiliated Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. Kids love their annual event Trains! Trains! Trains! 

83. Centennial Olympic Park

Visit the downtown greenspace at Centennial Olympic Park (built during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta), where you can splash in the Fountain of Rings, play in the children’s playground, or catch a music event.

84. David J. Spencer CDC Museum

Try on a biohazard suit, learn about diseases, and discover the history of the Centers for Disease Control at the David J. Spencer CDC Museum with FREE admission.

Inman Park is a fun Intown neighborhood, with awesome events like the annual Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes. Photo by author

85. Inman Park

Stroll through Inman Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods dating back to Victorian times. Attend the always-popular annual Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes in April.

86. Atlanta Monetary Museum

Learn about the history of money and banking, and the role of the Federal Reserve at the Atlanta Monetary Museum. Guided and self-guided options are available.

87. The Breman Museum

Gain a broader knowledge of Jewish culture at The Breman Museum, which focuses on Southern Jewish history through oral histories, photos, and artifacts.

88. Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary

Interact with injured and orphaned animals at Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary. For an additional price, you can feed select animals on a guided two-hour tour.

89. Don Carter State Park

Atlanta offers great swimming holes and beaches, including Don Carter State Park on Lake Lanier.

90. Tiny Towne Norcross

Teach kids (as young as one) to get comfortable behind the wheel at Tiny Towne. Learn the rules of the road or you’ll get a violation from a Tiny Towne police officer!

91. Historic Oakland Cemetery

Older kids and teens will love touring Historic Oakland Cemetery, the final resting place of some notable Atlantans, including Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell, and Kenny Rogers. There's always cool events here, especially during Halloween.

92. Pick Apples

Pick apples around Ellijay and see some of the state’s best fall foliage.

Kids will enjoy the variety and freedom of Chattahoochee Food Works. Photo by Melanie Preis

93. Atlanta Food Halls

Picky eaters will find plenty of choices at delicious food halls, like Chattahoochee Food Works on the Westside.

94. Dunwoody Nature Center

Connect with nature at Dunwoody Nature Center featuring two miles of trails, a playground, and family-friendly Friday night hikes and Mommy and Me classes

95. Atlanta Greek Festival

Learn about Greek culture, watch live dancing, and feast on baklava and other traditional foods at the Atlanta Greek Festival in late September. Opa!

96. DTours - Film Location Tours

Since Georgia has become a popular filming site, take DTours' "Walking Dead in the City" or "The Upside Down Stranger Things Film Locations" tours. Marvel comics fans might want to catch "MCU in the ATL: Film Locations Tour."

97. Red Top Mountain State Park

Hike over 15 miles of trails, enjoy water activities, or rent a cabin at Red Top Mountain State Park situated on Lake Allatoona.

98. Great Wolf Lodge

If the Georgia heat is too hot to handle, spend a fun-filled day at Great Wolf Lodge or any of these indoor water parks and pools.

99. King of Pops

Visit the King of Pops worldwide headquarters bar or look for a King of Pops cart (always with a rainbow umbrella) to lick a craft popsicle. Favorites include Chocolate Sea Salt, Key Lime Pie, and Blackberry Ginger Lemonade.

100. Pine Mountain Gold Museum

 Take a scenic train ride, see live animals, pan for gold, and visit the ruins of an 1858 gold stamp mill at Pine Mountain Gold Museum in Villa Rica. 

Additional reporting by Sally Chaffin Brooks. A version of this article was first published in 2015. 

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