16 kid-friendly things to do in Atlanta

Atlanta is a playground for families, bursting with a variety of activities and attractions that cater to children of all ages. From thrilling adventure centers like Malibu Norcross to educational museums, lush outdoor parks, and creative arts venues, there’s no shortage of fun options to explore. This guide offers a diverse list of activities, ensuring that every family can find something to enjoy, whether you’re a local or just visiting. Dive into the excitement of Atlanta with kids and discover why it’s a top destination for family-friendly adventures.

Entertainment and Adventure Centers

Atlanta offers a range of dynamic entertainment and adventure centers that promise fun-filled outings for families. These centers provide activities that challenge the body and mind, ensuring kids and parents alike can enjoy active, memorable experiences.

Malibu Norcross

Malibu Norcross stands out as a premier family-friendly entertainment center just 30 minutes north of downtown Atlanta, ideal for a delightful day trip. This theme park is a top choice for family fun near Atlanta, offering a plethora of activities, games, and rides that promise hours of entertainment for both children and adults. From exciting go-karts, exclusive bumper boats, and two mini-golf courses to the vast Buccaneer Cove, our water play area, and batting cages, there’s something at Malibu Norcross to captivate everyone. Additionally, the game room is filled with over 70 video games, including classics and new releases, ensuring that family members of all ages will find ways to enjoy their day.

For those seeking a mix of fun and competition, Malibu Norcross offers a variety of attractions to engage in spirited family activities. Race against each other in high-performance go-karts, enjoy playful clashes on bumper boats equipped with water cannons, or challenge each other in miniature golf across lush-themed courses. Baseball enthusiasts can hone their skills in batting cages with options for baseball and softball pitching up to 70 mph. When hunger strikes, the Malibu Café is ready to serve a wide range of tasty meals and snacks to satisfy all appetites, from hearty meals to light snacks. With diverse ticket and season pass options available with special promotions and discounts, Malibu Norcross provides an unforgettable experience that’s perfect for making lasting family memories.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is a haven for those seeking energetic fun, featuring wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, obstacle courses, climbing walls, and even a sky-rider coaster. It’s the perfect venue for active kids and teens to jump, flip, and soar in a safe and exciting environment, promoting physical activity and fearless adventure.

Mountasia Marietta

Mountasia Marietta offers a thrilling mix of entertainment options including challenging miniature golf courses, fast-paced go-karts, and an extensive arcade games area. This adventure park is designed to engage children and families of all ages, providing a versatile and enjoyable environment for casual visits, birthday parties, or just a great day out.

Museums and exhibitions

Atlanta is rich in cultural offerings, with museums and exhibitions that provide engaging learning experiences. These venues cater to all interests, from interactive children-focused activities to detailed explorations of art and aviation, making them perfect for family outings.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The Children's Museum of Atlanta is a vibrant hub of creativity and hands-on learning, designed specifically for young children. The museum features interactive exhibits that encourage play-based learning, covering topics from science and math to arts and culture. Regularly updated special exhibits keep the experience fresh and exciting for repeat visits, ensuring that there's always something new to spark children's imagination.

Delta Flight Museum

Located at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Delta Flight Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of aviation. Visitors can explore restored aircraft, including historic planes and a Boeing 737 flight simulator, offering an immersive experience of the dynamics of flight and the evolution of air travel. This museum provides a unique educational opportunity for both aviation enthusiasts and curious minds.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art stands as a premier destination for art lovers, showcasing a wide array of artworks ranging from classic to contemporary. With a robust collection of American art, significant European paintings, and an expanding assembly of African art, the museum offers educational programs and special exhibitions that engage visitors of all ages, making art accessible and enjoyable for the entire family.

Outdoor attractions

Atlanta's outdoor attractions offer breathtaking natural beauty and serene landscapes, perfect for families seeking leisure and adventure in the great outdoors. From expansive parks to detailed botanical gardens, these spots provide a peaceful escape and numerous educational opportunities amidst the bustling city.

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s version of Central Park, provides a vast green space in the heart of the city. Ideal for picnics, sports, and leisurely walks, the park also hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year. With dedicated play areas for children and scenic views for adults, it’s a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Chattahoochee Nature Center

The Chattahoochee Nature Center is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike, featuring over 127 acres of forest and wetlands. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, and hiking trails, and participate in guided canoe trips on the Chattahoochee River. The center's programs focus on educating the public about local ecosystems and wildlife, offering a hands-on approach to environmental conservation.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is a lush paradise of over 30 acres, featuring an array of thematic gardens and the enchanting Canopy Walk among treetops. The gardens host special events like concerts and family activities, along with educational workshops that teach gardening and conservation. This vibrant, floral oasis provides a picturesque setting that captivates visitors of all ages.

Arts

Atlanta's arts scene is vibrant and diverse, offering a wide range of experiences from historic theaters to modern performances. These venues not only showcase world-class talent but also serve as cultural hubs, providing enriching experiences that captivate and inspire audiences of all ages.

Fox Theatre 

The iconic Fox Theatre is a landmark of Atlanta’s cultural life, hosting a variety of performances ranging from Broadway shows to concerts and comedy nights. Its stunning architecture and rich history make every visit memorable. The theatre also offers behind-the-scenes tours, giving fans a glimpse into its storied past and operational intricacies.

Alliance Theatre

Alliance Theatre is renowned for its commitment to premiering significant American theatrical productions. It offers a robust season lineup of plays and musicals, catering to a diverse audience, including excellent programming for children. The theatre’s commitment to nurturing new talent and presenting contemporary work makes it a vital part of Atlanta's arts community.

Starlight Drive-In Theatre

The Starlight Drive-In Theatre provides a unique movie-going experience, combining nostalgia with a line-up of current films. It's an ideal spot for families looking to enjoy cinema under the stars. The drive-in regularly hosts double features, making it a perfect escape for an evening of entertainment and relaxation.

Other activities for kids in Atlanta

Atlanta offers a multitude of other engaging activities tailored for children. These range from thrilling park tours to innovative escape rooms, providing both educational and fun experiences that are perfect for family outings.

Truist Park Tours

Truist Park Tours provides an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the home of the Atlanta Braves. The tour includes visits to the dugouts, the press box, and exclusive club areas, offering fans a deeper understanding of baseball operations and the chance to experience the stadium from a player's perspective, making it a hit for sports enthusiasts of all ages.

SkyView Atlanta

SkyView Atlanta offers breathtaking views of the city from its towering Ferris wheel. Each enclosed gondola ensures a comfortable ride, making it suitable for all weather conditions. Located in Centennial Park, this attraction lights up the skyline and offers a memorable experience, especially when the wheel is lit at night, providing a spectacular backdrop for family photos and unforgettable moments.

Time to Escape

Time to Escape delivers a thrilling adventure for families, with a variety of escape rooms designed to challenge and engage participants of all ages. These rooms provide a hands-on experience that encourages teamwork and critical thinking as families work together to solve puzzles and uncover clues within a set time, offering a fun and intellectually stimulating outing.

Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market combines history with modern leisure, offering a vibrant space where kids and adults alike can explore an eclectic mix of food stalls, shops, and entertainment options. The market, located in a revamped historic building, also hosts various events and activities that make it a lively hub for locals and tourists, providing a taste of Atlanta’s rich cultural diversity.