Top Things to do with Kids While Visiting Atlanta

Atlanta is a vibrant and dynamic city nestled in the heart of Georgia, USA. Renowned for its southern charm, rich history, and modern allure, Atlanta exudes a magnetic appeal that attracts visitors from all over the world. But did you know, Atlanta is super kid-friendly where adventure, education, and fun come together? With its captivating attractions, interactive museums, and outdoor spaces, visiting Atlanta with kids promises a whirlwind of excitement and joy that will leave your little ones beaming with delight throughout your stay. In this blog post, I’m going to share our favorite experiences there, along with a suggested itinerary if you are planning a quick stay.

Top 5 Things to do with kids while visiting Atlanta 

1. The Georgia Aquarium: The largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere will literally have you in awe as you first step foot into the building. The highlight of Georgia Aquarium is the massive Ocean Voyager gallery, featuring a breathtaking 6.3-million-gallontank with an acrylic glass that’s 2 feet thick that houses an array of aquatic species, including whale sharks, manta rays, and so many fish. You walk through an acrylic tunnel surrounding yourself with the beautiful underwater life. Georgia Aquarium also has interactive exhibits, engaging presentations, beautifuland educational animal shows, and opportunities for up-close encounters like the Shark & Ray Interaction(we did this!) and Sea Lion Encounter (did this too!), making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an awe-inspiring and educational adventure into the depths of the ocean. To read more about GeorgiaAquarium and our experience, CLICK HERE.

   

   

   

2. Zoo Atlanta: This beautiful zoo is a hub of animal conservation and education, offering us an opportunity to connect with wildlife from around the world, including a PANDA (!!!). The Giant Panda exhibit is one of the things they are known for, being one of three zoos in the United States that houses pandas, and there are 4 pandas to gush over. Beyond pandas, Zoo Atlanta is home to a diverse array of animals, including orangutans, gorillas, giraffes, elephants, and tigers. Zoo Atlanta places a strong emphasis on conservation efforts and provides valuable insights into the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats. Whether you are a homeschool parent looking to get the kids out, visiting from across the world, or looking for a fun day date, Zoo Atlanta is a wild adventure that both kids and adults will cherish for years to come. 

   

   

   

3. College Football Hall of Fame:Easily my kids’ favorite experience, simply because we are a football–obsessed family. The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta is a revered institution that pays homage to the rich history and tradition of American college football. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, across from Centennial Olympic Park, the hall serves as a beacon for sports enthusiasts and history buffs from all over. Upon entering the facility, you are immediately greeted by the 3-story wall of football helmets from every university in the U.S., so you will be sure to find your alma mater. My husband was most impressed with the history that filled the walls, and my kids were in love with the hands-on encounters on each of the 3 levels, which includedbeing a college game day anchor, recording your commentary for legendary plays, and running drills on their immaculate indoor turf field. Parents: if you’re looking to real and let the kids get some energy out, this is it!

   

   

   

4. Atlanta Children’s Museum: This museum is a vibrant and interactive space that’s also in the heart of Atlanta, near Georgia Aquarium and the College Football Hall of Fame. It has many engaging exhibits and hands-on activities, like learning about the concept of farm-to-table and actually getting to “prepare” food that was “harvested” in the same building, to learning about the construction of buildings and how it works with hands–on plumbing and electrical work (don’t worry, it’s safe), to real–life science experiments. The museum sparks curiosity and fosters a love for learning in children of all ages;it’s a place where imagination knows no bounds. Families and educators alike find joy in the interactive programs and workshops, making it a cherished gem within the community and a source of wonder for young minds.

   

   

5. Centennial Olympic Park: Centennial Olympic Park is an urban oasis located in downtown Atlanta. Originally built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the park stands as a living legacy of the city’s role as the host of the Centennial Olympic Games. It offers both locals and visitors a place to come together and enjoy its scenic beauty. The park’s iconic Fountain of Rings takes center stage. Surrounding it are lush green lawns, which provide ample space for the kids to run around and play, picnics, or just taking a stroll. Visiting Centennial Olympic Park is definitely something you should add to your to-do list, especially since it’s free!

Suggested Itinerary for your 4 day/3 night Atlanta Stay

Day 1:

–Arrive to Atlanta in the afternoon

-Check in to hotel. We stayed at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta(located less than a mile from everything we did downtown).

Day 2

-Atlanta Children’s Museum

(this takes about 2-3 hours to do) 

-College Football Hall of Fame

(this takes about 2 hours to do)

Day 3:

-The Georgia Aquarium

(this is a half day thing, or it could easily be a full day depending on what you do).

-Centennial Olympic Park

Day 4:

-Check out of hotel

-Zoo Atlanta

(this is a half day thing, or it could easily be a full day depending on what you do).

-Head home

Atlanta is a kid-friendly paradise where adventure, education, and fun come together. With its captivating attractions, interactive museums, and outdoor spaces, visiting Atlanta with kids promises a whirlwind of excitement and joy that will leave your little ones beaming with delight throughout your stay. So pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready for an unforgettable family vacation in this vibrant and welcoming city.

Thank you to Georgia Aquarium for hosting and sponsoring our family trip to Atlanta. All opinions expressed in the blog are my own.