Atlanta is a sprawling city that combines Southern charm with cosmopolitan excitement – a perfect backdrop for family adventures. Known as the “city in a forest” for its abundant green spaces, Atlanta offers families a mix of vibrant urban attractions and outdoor fun. With its warm climate and rich history, this Georgia capital provides countless opportunities for kids to learn, play, and explore year-round.
Although well-known for its Southern cuisine and thriving music scene, Atlanta delights kids of all ages with an array of family-friendly activities. Check out these fun things to do in Atlanta with kids, including activities perfect for the summer months and a few kid-friendly restaurants to enjoy after your outings.
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Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta, GA Anytime
Georgia Aquarium
Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States, home to thousands of sea creatures in more than 11 million gallons of water (en.wikipedia.org). Kids will be awe-struck by the massive whale sharks, playful dolphins, beluga whales, and manta rays gliding through the enormous tanks. Interactive galleries let little ones touch stingrays and starfish, and daily shows feature diving presentations and sea lion antics. Located near Centennial Olympic Park, this world-class aquarium offers an unforgettable underwater adventure in the heart of downtown.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Neighborhood: Downtown (Centennial Park District)
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the city’s only children’s museum – and the largest children’s museum in Georgia (discoveratlanta.com). Designed for kids under 9, it features six interactive learning zones where kids can climb, play, and experiment hands-on. Whether cooking play food in a kid-sized kitchen or painting masterpieces in the art studio, young visitors learn through imaginative play. The museum’s Imaginators (performer-educators) put on interactive storytimes and mini-musicals to spark creativity. Located next to Centennial Olympic Park, this museum provides hours of indoor, air-conditioned fun – a smart place to play for curious little minds.
Zoo Atlanta
Neighborhood: Grant Park
Nestled in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a lush urban oasis home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. The zoo features one of North America’s largest populations of great apes, with families of gorillas and orangutans swinging through a tropical rainforest habitat (discoveratlanta.com). Stroll the African Savanna to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos up close. Don’t miss the giant pandas – one of only a few zoos in the U.S. where you can see these black-and-white ambassadors. With a petting zoo, train ride, and splash pad for cooling off, Zoo Atlanta offers a full day of wildlife adventures just minutes from downtown.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Neighborhood: Druid Hills
For a journey through time and nature, head to Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This renowned museum brings science to life with cultural treasures, ancient fossils, interactive exhibits, and some of the largest dinosaur skeletons ever discovered (exploregeorgia.org). Kids can stand beneath a towering Argentinosaurus, walk through a vibrant dinosaur gallery, and explore hands-on science displays. Outside, Fernbank offers 75 acres of outdoor adventures – including wild woodland trails, treetop canopy walks, and nature play areas for kids. Catch a 3D film on Atlanta’s biggest movie screen at the Giant Screen Theater, and don’t forget to check the calendar for special family programs. Fernbank combines indoor and outdoor fun, making it a year-round favorite for Atlanta families.
Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta During the Summer
Six Flags Over Georgia
Neighborhood: Austell (West of Atlanta)
When summer excitement calls, Six Flags Over Georgia answers with adrenaline-packed fun. This 290-acre theme park boasts over 40 rides, including a dozen roller coasters and a water park area (en.wikipedia.org). Thrill-seekers can conquer towering coasters like Goliath, while younger kids enjoy gentler classics like the carousel and kiddie rides. During hot months, families cool off at Hurricane Harbor, the park’s included water park featuring splash pools and slides. Characters from Looney Tunes and DC Comics roam the park for meet-and-greets, and live entertainment pops up throughout the day. Operating from spring through late fall, Six Flags Over Georgia is a must-visit summer playground for Atlanta kids and kids-at-heart.
Centennial Olympic Park’s Fountain of Rings
Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta
For free summer fun downtown, visit Centennial Olympic Park and let the kids splash in the famous Fountain of Rings, the world’s largest interactive fountain featuring 251 water jets. Four times daily, the fountain comes alive in a choreographed water show synchronized to music and lights (discoveratlanta.com). Children love dodging the shooting water jets and running through the mist to cool off under the Georgia sun. The surrounding 22-acre park offers lawns for picnics, playgrounds, and is steps away from family attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. Best of all, the splash fountain is free and open to the public – an iconic summer delight in the heart of Atlanta.
Stone Mountain Park
Neighborhood: Stone Mountain (East of Atlanta)
Just outside the city, Stone Mountain Park delivers a summer full of outdoor adventure and entertainment. Spanning 3,200 acres around Georgia’s famous granite mountain, the park features 15 miles of nature trails, including a one-mile hike to the summit for panoramic views (exploregeorgia.org). Families can ride the Skyride cable car to the mountaintop, hop aboard a scenic railroad around the mountain, tackle a treetop ropes course, or cool off on a lake boat ride. On summer evenings, Stone Mountain lights up with the Music Across America Drone & Light Show, a spectacular display of lasers, drones, fireworks, and flames projected on the mountain’s face. From mini-golf to dinosaur exhibits, Stone Mountain Park offers something for all ages – making it a top summer destination for Atlanta residents and visitors alike.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Neighborhood: Roswell (North Metro Atlanta)
To immerse your family in Georgia’s great outdoors, head to the Chattahoochee Nature Center nestled along the Chattahoochee River. This 127-acre nature preserve features woodland trails, boardwalks over the river wetland, and native wildlife exhibits. Kids can spot bald eagles, owls, and beavers in rehabilitation habitats and learn about local ecosystems at interactive outdoor stations. In summer, the Nature Center hosts canoe trips on the river and butterfly encounters in its butterfly garden. Pack a picnic and enjoy the shady pavilion or attend one of their seasonal family festivals. Just a short drive from the city, the Chattahoochee Nature Center offers a peaceful retreat where kids can connect with nature through play and exploration.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Atlanta, GA
Ponce City Market
Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward
When no one can agree on what to eat, Ponce City Market is the answer. Housed in a historic Sears building, this vibrant food hall hosts dozens of local eateries and vendors under one roof, so everyone in the family can choose their favorite cuisine. Grab Neapolitan pizza for the kids, spicy ramen or tacos for adventurous eaters, and a gourmet salad or burger for yourself – then enjoy eating together at communal tables. High ceilings, constant activity, and spacious seating areas create a casual atmosphere where a few spilled fries are no big deal. After your meal, take the elevator up to The Roof at Ponce City Market for carnival-style fun: a mini golf course, retro boardwalk games, and an amazing skyline view. Ponce City Market’s blend of food and fun makes it a perfect outing with kids, day or night.
Wood’s Chapel BBQ
Neighborhood: Summerhill
For delicious barbecue in a relaxed setting, head to Wood’s Chapel BBQ in the Summerhill neighborhood. Parents can unwind at picnic tables with a local craft beer while kids play in the grassy open area right next to the patio (atlantamagazine.com). This smokehouse serves up heaping plates of pulled pork, brisket, and ribs, along with comfort-food sides like mac ‘n’ cheese that are a hit with the little ones. The portions are generous enough to share, and the casual outdoor space means no worries about kiddos getting restless. If everyone finishes their meal (and even if they don’t!), stroll across the street to Big Softie for a swirl of soft-serve ice cream – the perfect sweet reward after a finger-licking barbecue feast.
Pielands
Neighborhood: Virginia-Highland
Pielands Sub & Slice is a retro-cool pizzeria that feels like it’s been part of Virginia-Highland for generations. This counter-service spot offers New York–style pizza by the slice, whole pies, and hearty sub sandwiches – ideal for a quick family meal. Slices are ready in moments, and there’s even a complimentary Ms. Pac-Man arcade game to keep kids entertained if there’s a short wait (atlantamagazine.com). Parents will appreciate the fresh salads and nostalgic ’80s soundtrack, while kids devour cheese pizza or pepperoni rolls. The laid-back atmosphere welcomes families, and outdoor bench seating lets you enjoy your pizza in the neighborhood breeze. For a casual lunch or dinner that pleases all ages, Pielands hits the spot (and yes, they have plenty of napkins for those greasy pizza fingers).
Little Rey
Neighborhood: Piedmont Heights
For a fun twist on taco night, take the family to Little Rey, a Tex-Mex spot known for its “pollo al carbón” wood-grilled chicken and relaxed vibe (atlantamagazine.com). Order a whole grilled chicken family meal – complete with rice, beans, chips, and salsa – that easily feeds a small flock (and runs about $36, a great value). Kids can also choose from mix-and-match tacos, cheese quesadillas, or enjoy the house-made tortillas straight off the griddle. The colorful fast-casual dining room is loud enough to cover a few squeals, and the outdoor patio is perfect for messy eaters. Be sure to save room for the self-serve soft-serve ice cream machine inside – swirling your own vanilla-chocolate cone with sprinkles is a treat every kid (and grown-up) will love.
Plan Your Move to Atlanta
Whether you’re exploring Atlanta’s kid-friendly attractions, splashing through a hot Georgia summer, or sampling the local dining scene, this city offers an inviting environment for families. Atlanta’s blend of educational fun and Southern hospitality makes it a wonderful place to call home. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the logistics of relocating, let AptAmigo help! Our local apartment experts can find you the perfect home near your favorite parks and playgrounds – at no cost to you. We’ll handle the research and schedule tours, so you can focus on planning your next family adventure in ATL. Welcome to Atlanta, and happy exploring with your little ones!
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