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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 their 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 can 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.
Steal a special moment with the gorillas at Zoo Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Zoo Atlanta
17. Zoo Atlanta
See pandas, gorillas, and 1,500 other animals at Zoo Atlanta, one of the top zoos in the country. Cool off at the Splash Fountain or challenge yourself on the Treetop Trail!
18. Dekalb Farmers Market
Wander through the giant international grocery store and cafe at Your Dekalb Farmers Market.
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 swimming pool 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 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 Chattachoochee 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.
28. Malibu Grand Prix
Race go-karts at Malibu Grand Prix in Norcross and check out the miniature golf, bumper boats, 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 the 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.
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. Seasonal events include Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park.
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?!”
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 Legos.
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 such as The Nutcracker and Bluey’s Big Play: The Stage Show 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, walk 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. Spivey Splash Water Park
Jump, splash, and play at Spivey Splash Water Park with a kiddie pool, splash pad, and lazy river. Older kids can race friends on body slides, play a game of water basketball in the sports pool, and surf on the FlowRider.
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. Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking
Discover the science and history of papermaking at the Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking at Georgia Tech. Budding artists can book a papermaking, printmaking, or marbling workshop.
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 Jaemor Farms for the exciting u-pick peach day, as well as other fun activities. Photo courtesy of Jaemor
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. Medieval Times
Step into the 11th century and watch jousting tournaments while you feast on a four-course meal at Medieval Times.
73. Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Stroll through the artist booths, listen to great music, and eat lots of food at the annual 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, Greek Revival 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.
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 story of money, the history of banking, and the role of the Federal Reserve at the Atlanta Monetary Museum. Guided and self-guided options are available.
87. The Bremen Museum
Gain a broader knowledge of Jewish culture at The Bremen 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 Town police officer!
91. Historic Oakland Cemetery
Older kids and teens will love touring Atlanta’s oldest public park and 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. Chattahoochee Food Works
Picky eaters will find plenty of choices at the new Chattahoochee Food Works on the Westside or these other food halls in Atlanta.
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 “MCL 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.
