Atlanta and Georgia offer plenty of activities for families, from aquariums and museums to outdoor adventures, water parks, and mountain attractions. Here are 10 fun places to add to your next family day or weekend trip.
Choose a family day, not ten stops
Start with the youngest traveler, the weather, and the amount of walking your group can comfortably manage. A hands-on museum day and a mountain outing solve different problems. Pick one main attraction, then keep lunch and the journey home flexible.
For a downtown outing, compare the Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola before buying tickets. Two paid attractions in one day can mean more queues, walking, and tired children than expected. For a nature day, choose the Nature Center or Callaway Gardens as the main event rather than treating them as quick additions to a city itinerary.
Ask about step-free routes, accessible restrooms, sensory resources, and whether a stroller can reach the specific experience you want. An attraction being family-friendly does not mean every trail, ride, or exhibit fits every visitor. Build the day around those answers.
1. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s most popular family attractions. Visitors can see whale sharks, manta rays, penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and thousands of other marine animals.
Best for: Families, animal lovers, and rainy-day activities.
2. Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta gives families the chance to see elephants, giraffes, gorillas, reptiles, and many other animals. The zoo also offers educational programs and special experiences.
Best for: Animal lovers, children, and outdoor family days.
3. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is designed for hands-on learning and play. Children can explore science, cooking, construction, art, and imaginative exhibits.
Best for: Young children, especially ages 0–8.
4. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Fernbank Museum features dinosaur skeletons, natural-history exhibits, a giant-screen theater, and outdoor forest trails. The large dinosaur displays are especially popular with children.
Best for: Dinosaurs, science, education, and indoor entertainment.
5. World of Coca-Cola
At the World of Coca-Cola, families can learn about the history of the famous beverage brand, see interactive exhibits, and taste drinks from different countries.
Best for: Families, tourists, and interactive exhibits.
6. Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park offers hiking, scenic views, family attractions, seasonal events, and outdoor activities. Families can also enjoy the Summit Skyride and Dinosaur Explore attraction.
Best for: Outdoor adventures, scenic views, and all-day family fun.
7. Chattahoochee Nature Center
The Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell includes nature trails, wildlife exhibits, river activities, and educational programs. Families can enjoy a peaceful day outside while learning about Georgia’s natural environment.
Best for: Nature, wildlife, hiking, and educational activities.
Visit Chattahoochee Nature Center
8. Lake Lanier and Fins Up Water Park
Lake Lanier is a popular outdoor destination near Atlanta. During the warm season, families can enjoy swimming, water slides, wave pools, boating, and lakeside activities at Fins Up Water Park.
Best for: Summer vacations, swimming, and water adventures.
9. Helen and the Georgia Mountain Coaster
Helen is a charming mountain town with Bavarian-style buildings, restaurants, shops, river activities, and the Georgia Mountain Coaster. Families can enjoy a fun ride through the wooded hills.
Best for: Mountain trips, food, shopping, and exciting rides.
Explore Helen’s official visitor guide
10. Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain features gardens, walking trails, lakes, beaches, biking, seasonal events, and outdoor activities for different ages.
Best for: Nature, biking, gardens, and relaxing family weekends.
Tips for Families
- Check hours and ticket prices before visiting.
- Buy tickets online when possible.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
- Plan indoor activities for hot or rainy days.
- Reserve popular animal encounters and special programs early.
- Check seasonal schedules for water parks and outdoor attractions.
- Look for family discounts and combination tickets.
Final Thoughts
Atlanta and Georgia are excellent destinations for family travel. You can spend the morning visiting animals at Zoo Atlanta, explore dinosaurs at Fernbank, enjoy an afternoon at Stone Mountain, or plan a full weekend at Lake Lanier, Helen, or Callaway Gardens.
Atlanta’s family attractions include the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Children’s Museum, Fernbank Museum, and World of Coca-Cola, while nearby Georgia destinations provide outdoor adventures and relaxing weekend activities.
Related reading
Continue exploring with 10 Best Water Parks in and Near Atlanta, Georgia and The Battery Atlanta: Things to Do, Restaurants, and Parking.
Attraction information checked October 9, 2026: Fernbank Museum is separate from the planetarium at Fernbank Science Center. Zoo Atlanta’s panda updates announce the new Panda Grove opening November 6; do not assume that experience is open before its announced date.
Leave a Reply