We are so lucky to live next to a city that has a ton of fun family-friendly activities! Post-pandemic, we’ve done alot of exploring and here are some of my favorites things to do in Atlanta with kids.
- By far our favorite is the Georgia Aquarium. It’s open 365 days/year and has enough to keep kids occupied for hours if not the full day. We’ve been to the sea lion show there as well as the dolphin show. To no one’s surprise, they’re not joking when they talk about the splash zone. You will get wet! They have everything from whale sharks, to penguins to beluga whales there. There’s also an option for some animal encounters, which kids are eligible to participate in after they turn 7. They have a cafe on-sight with all of the kids favorites: pizza, nuggets, etc.
- Next is Zoo Atlanta. Admittedly, this is not one I’d recommend on a hot summer day. We went around the holidays last year and it was a perfect day for walking around to look at the animals. They have so many different exhibits there, each with their own unique vibe. My personal favorite are the giant pandas. A kid favorite is the meerkats, who seem like they are playing with you. There’s also a petting zoo and food options available.
- The Fernbank Museum specializes in science and nature. I always get a little nervous going to a museum with kids, because you never know how it’s going to go. But this museum does it right! There are interactive exhibits for them to enjoy and 75 acres of trails, outdoor exhibits and opportunities for learning. If the weather’s not cooperating, there’s still a ton to do inside include a Giant Screen Theater.
If you’re planning on doing these in combination, I’d absolutely recommend a CityPass to save some $$$.
- If you want something a little less structured, exploring the Atlanta Beltline is another great option. It’s comprised of 22 miles of trails going through Atlanta’s neighborhoods. It’s bike and scooter friendly, though can get crowded during peak hours. There are lots of restaurants along the way to grab a quick snack or drink as you keep exploring.
- Next is The High Museum. Granted, the thought of bringing kids to an art museum might send some of you running for the hills. But this one knows what they’re doing! Every Thursday and the first Saturday of the month, they have toddler days with special programming for the littles. Also, if you want to know what this museum looks like from the outside, the photos in this post were taken there! As a family photographer in Atlanta, I had so much fun capturing the architecture and this amazing family at The High.
- If you want your kids to have a little more space to roam, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is another spot to check out. My favorite things to do here are the scarecrow exhibit in the fall and the lights exhibit around the holidays. They also have a children’s area for exploration and to get the wiggles out.
I hope this gave you some ideas of fun things to do with your kids in Atlanta! If you’re interested in a family photography session in between your explorations, reach out to me here!
