Top Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide

Atlanta is one of the South’s most dynamic and diverse cities, and it offers countless options for family fun. Whether you’re a long-time local, a newcomer settling in, or just stopping by for vacation, you’ll find that the city is filled with things to do in Atlanta with kids that range from educational to wildly entertaining. From museums that inspire young minds to parks where kids can run free, this is a city that embraces families. If you’re moving to Atlanta with kids, this guide is your go-to resource for fun bonding opportunities and memorable weekends. You’ll quickly discover just how rich and vibrant the city’s cultural and recreational offerings can be and how they are designed to engage both young minds and the young at heart.

The Georgia Aquarium is the crown jewel of Atlanta attractions. With over 11 million gallons of water and thousands of marine animals, it’s a place where the whole family can marvel at the wonders of the ocean. For many families, this is their number one pick when asked about the top Atlanta kids’ attractions. Beyond its exhibits, the Georgia Aquarium frequently hosts special themed days that spark even more kid-centered excitement, like sleepovers under the sea and STEM learning workshops tailored for elementary to middle school ages.

Best For: Marine animal lovers and curious explorers.

Top Attractions:

• The Ocean Voyager tunnel filled with whale sharks and manta rays.
• Dolphin Celebration Show – an aquatic acrobatics performance.
• Interactive touch pools where kids can feel sea stars and stingrays.

Located in downtown Atlanta and open year-round, it’s perfect during any season, rain or shine. Make sure to download the aquarium’s app before visiting. It includes scavenger hunts, animal factoids, and interactive quizzes the whole family can enjoy together.

Family activities in Atlanta don’t have to be just excitement and noise. The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a calming yet stimulating environment for kids of all ages. Nestled beside Piedmont Park, this lush oasis gives children hands-on interaction with the natural world. For younger children, it’s an opportunity to learn how plants grow through guided discovery; for older kids, it’s a chance to explore the connections between ecology and sustainability.

Best For: Creative kids, nature lovers, and families needing a breather.

Must-See Features:

• The Children’s Garden with climbing walls, splash areas, and oversized plant sculptures.
• Canopy Walk – an elevated walkway through a forest canopy.
• Butterfly Garden – mesmerizing for younger visitors.

Hop over for seasonal events like the Halloween-themed Scarecrows in the Garden or springtime Orchid Daze! Many of these events also have child-specific programming, like nature crafts and scavenger hunts, helping make each visit feel new no matter how many times you come back.

One of the oldest zoos in the U.S., Zoo Atlanta is a guaranteed hit among fun family things to do in Atlanta. With over 200 species and top-tier habitats, it educates and entertains in equal measure. The zoo’s Animal Encounters program allows children to get closer to the wildlife and learn from zookeepers in ways that go far beyond viewing animals behind glass.

Best For: Families with toddlers to preteens who are fascinated by wildlife.

Highlights Include:

• The Giant Panda Exhibit – one of the few places in the USA with pandas.
• Giraffe feeding station.
• The petting zoo for hands-on animal interactions.

Bonus: The zoo often partners with local schools and runs kid-friendly conservation programs throughout the year. Don’t forget to check the schedule for special events like “Boo at the Zoo” or Safari Day Camps.

Got LEGO fans in the family? LEGOLAND Discovery Center is an ideal indoor escape, offering an immersive world built entirely from LEGO bricks. It’s a sanctuary of color, creativity, and movement. It is perfect for days when the weather isn’t cooperating or when kids need a place to let their imaginations run wild indoors.

Best For: Ages 3–10, rainy-day fun seekers, and budding creators.

Top Things to Explore:

• Build & Test Zone – where kids can engineer their own LEGO car.
• Miniland Atlanta – a mini version of the city built completely with LEGOs.
• LEGO 4D Cinema with in-your-face visual effects.

Online tickets are often cheaper, and skipping the lines is a sanity-saver. Parents will appreciate the on-site café and the soft play area. Ideal for toddlers who simply need to burn off some steam.

Families looking for educational family activities in Atlanta can’t go wrong with the Fernbank Museum. This museum mixes science with imagination to offer exhibits that truly captivate. Parents and kids alike will appreciate how the museum encourages learning through movement, play, and full sensory engagement.

Ideal For: Curious kids with a passion for prehistoric creatures or earth sciences.

Notable Exhibits:

• Giant dinosaur skeletons in the Great Hall.
• Hands-on science exhibits and natural history labs.
• WildWoods and Fernbank Forest – an immersive 75-acre outdoor experience.

Kids love the outdoor nature playground, complete with rope bridges and sensory experiences. The museum frequently offers rotating toddler days and science story hours that combine reading with interactive activities, ensuring even the smallest learners are engaged.

If you’re moving to Atlanta with kids, one of your go-to weekend spots will likely become Piedmont Park. Located in Midtown, it’s a central green space that offers open areas to run, bike paths, and playgrounds. The park’s interconnected trails and spacious lawns make it ideal for spontaneous playdates, bike-riding lessons, and weekend family picnics.

Why Kids Love It:

• Multiple shaded and modern playground areas.
• Lake Clara Meer – perfect for duck-watching or fishing.
• Free seasonal events like movies in the park or kids’ yoga.

At 185 acres, there’s space for strollers and scooters alike. It’s a fantastic picnic spot with skyline views and nearby food trucks. There’s also an on-site dog park if the whole family, including furry members.

The Center for Puppetry Arts blends entertainment and education with delightful puppetry shows that charm parents and children alike. One of the most unique Atlanta kids’ attractions, it’s an experience hard to duplicate elsewhere, combining theater, storytelling, and art all under one whimsical roof.

Best For: Children ages 4–12, theater-loving families.

Can’t-Miss Features:

• The Jim Henson Collection with puppets from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
• Live puppet shows with vibrant storytelling.
• Make-a-puppet workshops after the show.

Planning ahead is crucial as tickets often sell out for weekend shows. Upgraded experiences, like “Puppet Pop-Up Labs,” allow kids to engage more deeply with the behind-the-scenes magic of performance and storytelling.

Near Centennial Olympic Park, SkyView Atlanta offers a massive gondola ride with unbeatable views of downtown. If your crew is fearless about heights, this Ferris wheel experience is both thrilling and scenic. It’s also illuminated beautifully at night, making it equally perfect for an early evening adventure.

Great For: Older kids and tweens who crave something different.

Main Attractions:

• 20-stories-high views of the Centennial Park District.
• Climate-controlled gondolas, making it a good year-round activity.
• Sunset rides = unbeatable photo ops.

Combo tickets with other local attractions can help save money. It’s an ideal capstone to a downtown adventure day capped with ice cream or a bite from a local food truck.

History isn’t boring when told well and the Atlanta History Center does a great job of engaging younger visitors. With historical reenactments, interactive exhibits, and sprawling gardens, it gives both kids and adults a deeper understanding of the city’s heritage. Through storytelling, costumed guides, and hands-on exhibits, history becomes not just something to learn, but something to live.

Great For: School-aged kids with a knack for stories and culture.

Top Spots:

• The Swan House – a mansion frozen in luxurious time.
• Civil War and Civil Rights exhibits.
• Themed scavenger hunts and seasonal discovery days.

Don’t forget to check out the Smith Family Farm – an 1860s-era experience with live demonstrations. It’s an excellent place for children to better understand agriculture, sustainability, and life before technology.

While the big-name attractions get the spotlight, Atlanta has plenty of lesser-known spots families also love:

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Hands-on fun for younger kids under 8.
• Chattahoochee Nature Center: Offers canoeing, nature hikes, and wildlife rehab tours.
• Dekalb Peachtree Airport Park: Watch small aircraft take off up close while playing outdoors.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park: Known for its splash pad, skate park, and scenic walking trail – perfect for kids learning to ride bikes.

These spots give families even more variety as they explore more fun family things to do in Atlanta. As your schedule becomes filled with school routines and weekend outings, keeping a mix of famous and off-the-beaten-path activities ensures your experience of Atlanta stays fresh and full of surprises.

Whether you’re staying for a weekend or starting a new chapter by moving to Atlanta with kids, this city makes it easy to keep kids entertained year-round. With such a wide spectrum of family activities in Atlanta – from hands-on science museums to scenic parks, Atlanta continues to prove itself as one of the best family destinations in the South. As you embark on adventures through iconic landmarks and local favorites, you’re also laying the foundation for your children’s curiosity, social interaction, and long-lasting memories.

Every neighborhood has something special to offer, and these attractions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in Atlanta with kids. Check event schedules, book tickets ahead when needed, and don’t be afraid to go off-script. Some of the best memories happen during unexpected adventures. Explore local cafés, street fairs, and farmers’ markets to round out your weekends with affordable, family-friendly fun.

If you’re new to the city or planning a big move soon, our Atlanta movers are here to make your family’s transition smooth and stress-free. Get a free estimate today and let Atlanta become your family’s next big adventure.

• Atlanta is packed with kid-friendly attractions including aquariums, zoos, museums, and more.
• Whether indoors or outdoors, rainy or sunny, there’s always something for families to enjoy.
• Moving to Atlanta with kids? These activities can help ease the transition and create excitement about their new hometown.
• Don’t forget lesser-known gems like the Center for Puppetry Arts or aviation parks!
• Start off on the right foot with a stress-free move and contact Falcon Moving for top-rated family moving services.