Are you looking for fun things to do with your kids in Atlanta? ๐ Atlanta is packed with awesome activities that will make your family weekends unforgettable! From splashing with whale sharks to climbing stone mountains, this guide has everything you need to plan amazing weekend adventures with your children.
Let’s explore Atlanta’s family-friendly scene together and discover the perfect mix of fun, learning, and outdoor play that will keep everyone in your family smiling!
Top Atlanta Weekend Attractions for Kids (Year-Round Favorites)
Indoor Educational Adventures
1. Georgia Aquarium
Ever wondered what it feels like to stand next to a whale shark? At the Georgia Aquarium, your family can get up close with these gentle giants! ๐
The Georgia Aquarium is open every day of the year and offers amazing experiences like:
- The Ocean Voyager tunnel where you can walk under swimming whale sharks
- Touch pools where kids can gently feel stingrays and small sharks
- Dolphin presentations showcasing these smart animals’ amazing tricks
- Special behind-the-scenes tours for a closer look at how the animals live
Insider tip: Visit on weekdays right when they open to avoid crowds. Buying tickets online saves money and lets you skip the lines!
2. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Perfect for younger kids (ages 0-8), this hands-on museum lets children learn through play. ๐งธ
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (10:00 AM – 3:30 PM); Saturday & Sunday (9:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
- Admission: $19.95 online ($17.95 on value days); higher prices at the door
- Special note: Members get early access from 9:00-10:00 AM on weekdays
The museum features fun exhibits where kids can build, create, and pretend. Everything is designed for little hands to touch and explore! The museum is closed on Wednesdays except for special dates in 2025.
3. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Dinosaur lovers, this is your dream spot! ๐ฆ Fernbank brings natural history to life with:
- Giant dinosaur skeletons in the Great Hall
- NatureQuest – an interactive area where kids can crawl, climb and explore
- WildWoods – an outdoor exploration zone with elevated walkways
- A giant IMAX theater showing nature films
The museum hosts special weekend workshops where kids can dig for fossils, make crafts, and learn about science in fun ways.
4. Center for Puppetry Arts
Did you know Atlanta has the largest puppet museum in America? ๐ญ This unique spot showcases:
- The amazing Jim Henson Collection with Muppets and other famous puppets
- Live puppet shows designed for different age groups
- Create-A-Puppet workshops where kids make their own puppet to take home
- Special exhibits that change throughout the year
Outdoor Family Excursions
1. Zoo Atlanta
From giant pandas to playful gorillas, Zoo Atlanta is home to over 1,000 animals! ๐ผ
This family favorite offers:
- Up-close views of endangered giant pandas (one of only a few zoos in the US with pandas!)
- The Ford African Rain Forest with gorillas and monkeys
- Keeper talks where animal experts share cool facts
- Splash Fountain area for cooling off on hot days
- NightCrawler family overnight programs where you can sleep near the animals
2. Atlanta Botanical Garden
This beautiful garden offers a special Children’s Garden where kids can:
- Run through a fountain area in summer months
- Explore the magical fairy trail
- Walk among treetops on the Canopy Walk
- See giant plant sculptures that look like animals
- Join weekend family programs with hands-on activities
3. Piedmont Park
This huge green space in the middle of the city has:
- Two awesome playgrounds for different age groups
- Open fields perfect for flying kites or playing catch
- A lake where you can feed ducks (bring bird-friendly food!)
- Paved paths for bike riding, scooters, or roller skating
- Weekend farmers markets with food trucks and live music
4. Atlanta BeltLine
This former railway turned into walking path connects many of Atlanta’s neighborhoods and offers:
- Colorful street art along the paths
- Access to parks and playgrounds
- Family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating
- Rental bikes and scooters (for older kids)
- Free fitness classes where families can join together
Seasonal Weekend Activities (2025 Calendar)
Spring Adventures (March-May 2025)
1. Dino Fest at Stone Mountain Park
Running from March 8 to April 20, 2025, this event features:
- Life-sized moving dinosaurs
- A new lighted dinosaur-themed parade
- Special Drone & Light Shows on Saturdays
- Dinosaur-themed crafts and activities
2. Atlanta Spring Festivals
- Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes (April 2025) with a kids’ zone
- Atlanta Jazz Festival (May 2025) in Piedmont Park with family areas
- KidChella at Children’s Museum of Atlanta (April 26, 2025) – a music festival just for kids!
3. Easter Events
Many parks and churches host egg hunts in April 2025, including:
- Easter Sunrise Service at Stone Mountain Park
- Egg hunts at local parks and community centers
Summer Fun (June-August 2025)
1. Splash Pads and Water Activities
Beat the Georgia heat at free water play areas:
- Historic Fourth Ward Park splash pad
- Piedmont Park aquatic center
- Centennial Olympic Park fountains (free interactive fountain shows)
2. Summer Outdoor Movie Screenings
Many parks host free movie nights perfect for families:
- Movies at Atlantic Station (bring blankets and snacks!)
- Films in Piedmont Park under the stars
- Drive-in movies at the Starlight
3. Atlanta Braves Family Days
The 2025 baseball schedule includes special weekend games with:
- Pre-game activities for kids
- Post-game running the bases
- Special kids’ giveaways and entertainment
Fall Festivities (September-November 2025)
1. Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park
This fall celebration offers:
- Pumpkin decorating stations
- A glow-by-night experience with lighted displays
- Fall-themed games and activities
- Storytelling and seasonal treats
2. Halloween Events
Atlanta goes all-out for Halloween with kid-friendly options:
- Boo at the Zoo (Zoo Atlanta)
- Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tour at Oakland Cemetery
- Trick-or-treating events at local malls and community centers
Winter Wonderland (December-February 2025/26)
1. Stone Mountain Christmas
This holiday celebration transforms the park with:
- Millions of twinkling lights
- Christmas parades and shows
- Meet and greets with holiday characters
- Snow play areas (even in Georgia!)
2. Kids’ Early New Year’s Eve
Perfect for families who can’t stay up until midnight:
- Early countdown celebrations at Children’s Museum and other venues
- Family-friendly music and dancing
- Special fireworks displays timed for younger bedtimes
Budget-Friendly Weekend Activities
Completely Free Adventures
1. Atlanta’s Best Free Playgrounds
- Centennial Olympic Park with interactive fountain
- Decatur Toy Park with donated play equipment
- Morgan Falls Overlook Park Playground with unique climbing structures
2. Free Museum Days
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta hosts monthly Family Free Days
- High Museum of Art offers Second Sunday free admission
- The King Center is always free
3. Public Library Events
Atlanta’s libraries host weekend storytimes, craft sessions, and special events that cost nothing but offer tons of fun!
Low-Cost Family Fun
1. Atlanta City Pass Value
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, the City Pass can save you up to 40% on combined admission to:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- Zoo Atlanta
- Fernbank Museum or National Center for Civil and Human Rights
2. “Kids Eat Free” Restaurant Guide
Many Atlanta restaurants offer free kids’ meals on specific days:
- Monday: Jason’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Tuesday: Taco Mac, IHOP (evenings)
- Wednesday: Mellow Mushroom (select locations)
- All weekend: Piccadilly Cafeteria, Ikea cafe
Planning the Perfect Weekend
Sample Itineraries
1. Toddler-Friendly Weekend (Ages 0-4)
Saturday:
- Morning: Children’s Museum of Atlanta (arrive at opening)
- Lunch: Nearby food court with highchairs
- Afternoon: Centennial Olympic Park fountain play and short nap in stroller
- Dinner: Early dinner at a family-friendly restaurant
Sunday:
- Morning: Atlanta Botanical Garden Children’s Area
- Lunch: Picnic in Piedmont Park
- Afternoon: Piedmont Park playground
2. Elementary School Adventure (Ages 5-10)
Saturday:
- Morning: Georgia Aquarium
- Lunch: World of Coca-Cola and lunch at their food court
- Afternoon: Centennial Olympic Park
- Dinner: Restaurant at Atlantic Station
Sunday:
- Morning: Zoo Atlanta
- Lunch: Grant Park neighborhood restaurant
- Afternoon: Explore the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
3. Rainy Day Backup Plan
When rain spoils outdoor plans:
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Bowling at Main Event or Stars and Strikes
- Movies at Regal Atlantic Station
Practical Tips
1. Transportation Tips
- Parking at Downtown attractions can cost $10-20 per day
- The Atlanta Streetcar connects many downtown attractions
- MARTA trains are clean and reach many family spots
- Consider ride-sharing between distant attractions
2. When to Visit Popular Attractions
- Georgia Aquarium: Weekday mornings or Sunday evenings
- Zoo Atlanta: Right at opening before animals nap midday
- Children’s Museum: Tuesday or Thursday afternoons
- BeltLine: Early mornings on weekends to avoid crowds
3. Atlanta Weather Considerations
- Summer (June-August): Very hot and humid; plan indoor activities midday
- Spring (March-May): Beautiful but rainy; always have a backup plan
- Fall (September-November): Perfect outdoor weather
- Winter (December-February): Mild but can have cold snaps; layers are key
Special Considerations
Activities for Children with Special Needs
Many Atlanta attractions offer special accommodations:
- Georgia Aquarium’s Sensory Nights with modified lighting and sound
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta hosts Sensory Friendly Sundays (open early for children with sensory processing differences)
- Zoo Atlanta offers accessibility maps and quiet zones
Atlanta on a Rainy Weekend
Don’t let rain ruin your plans! Try these indoor options:
- Illuminarium Atlanta for immersive experiences
- Main Event bowling and arcade
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta
- Fernbank Museum’s indoor exhibits
Looking Ahead to More Atlanta Fun
Atlanta offers so much for families with kids of all ages! From educational museums to outdoor adventures, your weekends can be filled with memory-making activities. ๐
Have you visited any of these Atlanta attractions with your kids? What was their favorite part? Remember that the best family adventures often come from trying something new together!
For the latest updates on events and attractions, check the official websites or download the Atlanta Family Fun app to stay in the know about special events and promotions.
Happy exploring in Atlanta! โจ