Atlanta Kids Attractions: Top Places for Families to Play Together
As one of the top destinations in the South, Atlanta welcomes over 50 million people a year. Many of those travelers are vacationing families who come to the city for interactive activities, live events and thrills. If visiting soon, check out these Atlanta kids attractions and create memories with loved ones.
Atlanta Kids Attractions for Vacationing Families
Photo by Wesley Hall on Unsplash
Atlanta Beltline
One of the newest Atlanta kids attractions, the Atlanta Beltline is an ongoing community project that will encompass 22 miles of neighborhoods, trails and parks. As of 2019, there are over a dozen parks and trails for families to explore. Active types of all ages have access to over a dozen parks and trails located along the Beltline.
In addition, Atlanta Beltline serves as a gathering place for fitness classes, festivals, art walks and tours.
Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium ranks among the largest aquariums in the world. Doubling as an attraction and non-profit dedicated to protecting marine life, families enjoy learning and playing here. Georgia Aquarium provides a home for over 200 animals including penguins, beluga whale, sea lions, sea otters and whale shark, to name a few.
When not exploring marine life, attend a daily show. Families can watch shark talks, animal feedings, dive shows and 4D movies.
Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta lets everyone get up close with domestic and exotic animals. Over 60 animals reside at the zoo, including amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles. A few favorites are African elephants and lions, orangutan, flamingos, large cats, goats, sheep, otters and giraffes. The zoo also has giant pandas and works to support giant panda conservation.
When not browsing exhibits, families also enjoy live demonstrations and shows, wildlife encounters, cooling off in the splash fountain, riding the train, and climbing the rock wall. It’s easy to spend a full day roaming and playing.
Stone Mountain Park
Among the most popular Atlanta kids attractions, Stone Mountain Park sits on over 3,200 acres of scenic beauty. The park offers an eclectic mix of things to do ranging from skyrides and mini golf to local tours and historic sites.
For indoor fun, Dinotorium offers four levels of games and interactive activities. Outside find the farmyard petting zoo, Geyser Towers with rope bridges and water features, and the railroad. Stone Mountain Park guests are allowed to board the train and ride 5 miles around the mountain.
Center for Puppetry Arts
This cultural gem showcases the world of puppets and famous ones from around the world. Visitors short on time may want to explore the museum only, however the center offers an all-inclusive ticket as well. This option provides museum admission, a live puppet show and create-a-puppet workshop.
Past and present exhibits at Center for Puppetry Arts feature Mystery Science 3000 (MST3), Sesame Street and Jim Henson. Family-friendly shows have included Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Space!, Old McDonald’s Farm and Beauty and the Beast.
Atlanta History Center
Kids love stepping back in time at Atlanta History Center. This 33-acre attraction features indoor and outdoor exhibits that showcase Atlanta, the state of Georgia and Southern culture. Start by learning about Native Americans and their role in area development. Then explore gardens, famous residents, folk art and traditions, food, and the railroad.
After seeing the exhibits, visit other on-site attractions. Tour Swan House mansion, Smith Family Farm, Wood Family Cabin, and meet the Fulton County 4H group.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Suited for younger children – and young at heart, LEGOLAND Discovery Center has two indoor rides, LEGO play zones and even Lego characters perfect for photo ops. For example in Miniland, see Atlanta made from 1.5 million blocks. The racers exhibit allows families to build small cars and test them on a track. Those under 5 years old can’t miss Duplo Village, which lets their imagination roam free.
Before leaving LEGOLAND Discovery Center, watch a 4D movie and shop the store for new blocks and custom pieces.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Know a dinosaur lover? Head to Fernbank Museum of Natural History, which houses indoor and outdoor attractions, including one of the largest dinosaur discoveries in the U.S. The entire museum spans 75 acres, so it’s easy to spend a full day with loved ones.
Permanent exhibits feature dinosaurs such as Argentinosaurus, Georgia’s geographic regions, diverse culture, nature and even shells. Outdoor adventures are also available and let visitors try hands-on activities. One spot is WildWoods, which has walkways, places to climb and play areas.
Six Flags Over Georgia
For exhilarating thrills and roller coasters, visit Six Flags Over Georgia. This amusement park has rides for all ages and adrenaline junkies. At the park, young children can ride trains, cars and carousels. Other guests should try sky buckets, water boats, more gentle coasters, and river rapids. Or cool off at Hurricane Harbor, the on-site water park with pools and slides.
Six Flags Over Georgia also has a large collection of roller coasters. For example, Blue Hawk features loops, spirals and corkscrews. Other iconic thrill rides include Georgia Scorcher, Goliath, Mind Bender and Twisted Cyclone.
Sporting Events
It’s easy to take the family to a ballgame in Atlanta. The city hosts several professional sports teams and sporting events that bring the family together to root for their favorite teams and athletes.
State Farm Arena hosts NBA and WNBA action with the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream. Or see concerts, musicals and Disney on Ice. SunTrust Park welcomes the Atlanta Braves during warmer months. During football season, watch the NFL Falcons take on opposing teams at Mercedes Benz Stadium. For NASCAR and local racing talent, head to Atlanta Motor Speedway.
This is just a sample of the top Atlanta kids attractions. Find more things to do in Atlanta. Then learn about more vacation destinations in Georgia.