The Ultimate Family Guide

Atlanta is an amazing city for families with kids. Whether you live here or are just visiting, there’s always something fun to do. From huge aquariums to outdoor parks, from museums to festivals, Atlanta has it all. This guide will help you find the best activities for your children, no matter their age. For a full list of fun options, check out our fun things to do in Atlanta Georgia guide.

Top Attractions Every Kid Will Love

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the biggest in the world, and kids absolutely love it. You can see whale sharks, dolphins, sea otters, and thousands of other sea creatures. The touch pools let kids gently touch stingrays and other animals. Yes, it’s a bit expensive, but it’s worth it for the smiles on your kids’ faces. If you plan to go more than twice a year, get a membership to save money.

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is perfect for animal-loving kids. You can see giant pandas, gorillas, elephants, and lions. The zoo has special programs where kids can watch animals get fed and learn from the zookeepers. A family membership is pretty cheap and pays for itself after just 2-3 visits. Many Atlanta families go once a month or more.

World of Coca-Cola

This fun museum tells the story of Coca-Cola. Kids love the tasting room at the end where they can try over 100 different sodas from around the world. Some taste great, others… not so much! It’s a fun experience that’s unique to Atlanta.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

This museum is made just for kids, especially those under 8 years old. Everything is hands-on, which means kids can touch, play, and explore. They can pretend to be farmers, learn about money at the kid-sized grocery store, or create art projects. It’s learning disguised as play.

Fernbank Museum

Fernbank has huge dinosaur skeletons that make kids say “wow!” The outdoor WildWoods area has trails and tree houses to explore. They also have an IMAX theater that shows nature movies on a giant screen. Kids learn about science and nature while having fun.

Outdoor Fun for Active Kids

Parks and Playgrounds

Atlanta has tons of great parks. Piedmont Park is huge with several playgrounds, open fields for running around, and paths for bike riding. In summer, there’s a pool too. Centennial Olympic Park downtown has an amazing splash pad where kids can run through fountains to cool off. Best part? It’s free!

Atlanta BeltLine

The BeltLine is a path that goes through different parts of the city. Families love to walk, bike, or scooter along it. There are playgrounds, art to look at, and places to stop for ice cream along the way. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain is a huge rock that families can climb (there’s also a cable car to the top if the kids are too small to hike). The park has tons of other stuff too – a train ride, farmyard with animals, and a laser show on summer nights. Get the annual pass if you plan to go often.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

You might think kids would be bored at a garden, but Atlanta’s has a special Children’s Garden with things to climb on and explore. During holidays, they have amazing light displays that look magical.

Fun Indoor Activities

Center for Puppetry Arts

This place has puppets from all over the world, including Big Bird and other Muppets. Kids can watch puppet shows and even make their own puppets in workshops. It’s different from anything else in the city.

Skyview Atlanta

This giant Ferris wheel gives you amazing views of the city. Each car has air conditioning or heat, so it’s comfortable any time of year. Kids love going up high and seeing everything from above.

Delta Flight Museum

Near the airport, kids can explore real airplanes and learn how flying works. They can sit in a pilot’s seat and watch planes take off from a special viewing area. It’s great for kids who love vehicles.

Things to Do by Season

Spring

  • Pick strawberries at local farms
  • Go to neighborhood festivals like the Dogwood Festival
  • See baby animals at the zoo
  • Enjoy perfect weather at the parks

Summer

  • Cool off at White Water or Six Flags water rides
  • Pick blueberries
  • Splash in park fountains
  • Go to outdoor movies in the park

Fall

  • Pick apples in North Georgia (about an hour drive)
  • Go to pumpkin patches
  • Walk in the BeltLine Lantern Parade
  • Enjoy Halloween events around the city

Winter

  • See Garden Lights at the Botanical Garden
  • Watch the Children’s Christmas Parade
  • Visit indoor attractions when it’s cold
  • Enjoy holiday shows at theaters

Money-Saving Tips

Free Activities

  • Most parks and playgrounds
  • Watching planes at the airport playground
  • Hiking at nature centers
  • Many neighborhood festivals
  • Farmers markets (fun to walk through)

Smart Membership Tips

Instead of paying each time, get memberships to places you’ll visit often. Most families find these combos work well:

  • Zoo + Children’s Museum
  • Fernbank + Botanical Garden
  • Six Flags (includes White Water)

Best Times to Visit

Go to popular places early in the morning or late afternoon to skip crowds. Sundays mornings are great for the zoo and aquarium. During summer, go to outdoor places early before it gets too hot.

Getting Around Atlanta

Where to Stay

If you’re visiting, stay in Midtown or Downtown to be close to attractions. These areas let you walk to many places. Avoid hotels near the airport unless you’re just there for one night – there’s nothing fun for kids around there. Learn more about what it’s like living in Atlanta in 2025.

Transportation

  • Driving: Traffic can be bad and parking expensive ($10-20 at attractions)
  • MARTA: The train is safe during the day and kids think it’s fun
  • Walking: If you stay downtown, you can walk between the aquarium, World of Coke, and Centennial Park
  • Uber/Lyft: Good for short trips

Tips from Local Parents

  1. Pack snacks and water – Most places let you bring your own food
  2. Check for deals – Many banks offer free museum days
  3. Buy memberships in fall – Often on sale for the next year
  4. Have backup plans – Know some indoor options for rainy days
  5. Take breaks – Don’t try to do too much in one day with little kids

Sample Weekend Plans

With Toddlers (Ages 2-5)

Day 1: Children’s Museum in the morning, Centennial Park splash pad after lunch Day 2: Zoo early (animals are more active), playground and picnic after

With Older Kids (Ages 6-12)

Day 1: Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola (they’re next to each other) Day 2: Stone Mountain – hike up, take the cable car down, stay for evening laser show Day 3: Fernbank Museum, then bike ride on the BeltLine

Best Neighborhoods for Families

If you’re thinking about moving to Atlanta, these areas are great for families:

  • Decatur: Walkable downtown, great schools, family events
  • Virginia-Highland: Feels like a small town, close to parks
  • East Atlanta: Strong community, affordable, near the zoo
  • Buckhead: More suburban feel but still in the city

For details on the best family-friendly neighborhoods, visit our guide on the safest suburbs in the Atlanta metro area. If you’re considering long-term plans, check out the 10 best places to retire in Georgia.

Final Thoughts

Atlanta really is an incredible place for families. There’s so much to do that you’ll never run out of new adventures. The city has something for every age, interest, and budget. Whether your kids love animals, science, art, or just running around outside, Atlanta has them covered.

The best part about Atlanta is how family-friendly everyone is. Restaurants welcome kids, attractions are designed with families in mind, and there’s always something new to discover. From world-class attractions to neighborhood parks, from educational museums to splash pads, this city knows how to keep kids happy and parents sane.

Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. Pick a few favorites, get to know them well, and slowly explore new places. Before you know it, you’ll have your own list of family traditions and secret spots that make Atlanta feel like home.

If you’re planning to move to Atlanta to enjoy all these amazing family activities, Atlanta Moving Solutions can help make your relocation smooth and stress-free. We understand that moving with kids is challenging, and we’re here to help your family settle into your new Atlanta home so you can start exploring all the fun this city has to offer. Don’t forget to check out our ultimate moving checklist to prepare your move perfectly.