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How to Choose Activities Everyone Will Enjoy

Look for family activities in Atlanta that offer a variety of options. Many toddlers respond well to interactive, sensory activities such as pushing buttons, seeing lights, and hearing sounds. Older kids and teens usually prefer more immersive experiences, such as VR and extreme sports. You’ll also want to find spots with food and places to take a break.

Tips for a Stress-Free, All-Ages Atlanta Day

• Mix active time with downtime so everyone can recharge their internal batteries.
• To eliminate meltdowns (young and old), schedule only 1-2 major stops per day. 
• Plan around restroom breaks since younger kids often need quick access to the facilities.
• An enjoyable family outing can go south quickly when kids get hungry. Be prepared by packing snacks and taking them with you. 
• Pay attention to the weather forecast if planning an outdoor activity. 
• To avoid crowds, it’s generally a safe bet to visit these Atlanta family attractions earlier in the day.

The scope and fun of Stone Mountain Park leaves families of all sizes entertained! Photo by Melanie Preis

Outdoor Adventures in Atlanta for All Ages

1. Stone Mountain Park – Stone Mountain

Plan to stay all day at this 3,200-acre park filled with attractions for every age. Families can rent kayaks, walk trails, ride to the summit, play miniature golf, and stay for the evening drone and light show. 

Don’t Miss:

For Toddlers: Take the train ride around the park and cool off at Geyser Splash Pad.
For Big Kids: Climb obstacles on SkyHike and catch a 4D theater show.
For Teens: Try out the new Lakeside Zip Line Adventure Course.

2. Margaritaville’s Fins Up Water Park – Buford

A guaranteed boredom buster, Margaritaville Fins Up Water Park offers a refreshing escape during the hot summer months. 

Don't Miss:

For Toddlers: Head to Parakeet Springs, the mini water park exclusively for kids under 42 inches.
For Big Kids: Maneuver the inflatable obstacle course at Wibit Aquatic Adventure.
For Teens: Race down Intimidator and Triple Threat free-fall water slides.

3. Six Flags Over Georgia – Austell

You'll have a blast at Six Flags with over 40 rides, live shows, and numerous dining options. 

Don’t Miss:

For Toddlers: Ride the carousel and train, then head over to Bugs Bunny Boomtown for kiddie-rides and Looney Tunes character meet-and-greets.
For Big Kids: Get your adrenaline rush from rides such as the Log Jamboree and the Georgia Scream Machine.
For Teens: Favorite thrill rides include Goliath, Pandemonium, and the new Georgia Gold Rusher, a free-spinning gondola.

4. Piedmont Park – Midtown

Soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis/pickleball courts, a lake, a dog park, and a swimming pool are located at this 200-acre oasis in the middle of Atlanta.

Don’t Miss:

For Toddlers: Visit the two playgrounds and cool off at Legacy Fountain splash pad.
For Big Kids: Try out rollerblading or run the track at the Active Oval.
For Teens: Check out the popular Green Market on most Saturday mornings or sign up for a free yoga class in the park.

Museums & Cultural Stops in Atlanta that Wow All Ages

5. Atlanta History Center - Buckhead

The Atlanta History Center is bustling with activities to keep visitors of all ages engaged with the Smith Farm, the Texas locomotive, and tons of interactive exhibits about our city. When kids get hungry, head to Souper Jenny for healthy lunch options.

Don’t Miss:

For Toddlers: The newly opened Goizueta Children’s Experience offers 5,000 square feet of interactive space designed for children ages 1 to 8 years old.
For Big Kids: Watch the Battle of Atlanta unfold on Cyclorama, a 360-degree, 49-foot-high painting completed in 1886.
For Teens: Tour all four floors of the opulent Swan House.

6. Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Druid Hills

Family favorites at Fernbank include WildWoods, a 10-acre woodland area featuring a nature-themed playground, the large dinosaur exhibit, and 3-D movies on the Giant Screen Theater. And even bigger changes are on the horizon!

Don't Miss:

For Toddlers: Explore a cave, jump in a virtual swirling river, and see live animal habitats at NatureQuest, designed for kids ages 1-8.
For Big Kids: Try out the hands-on STEAM activities at Fantastic Forces.
For Teens: Walk the trails of the 65-acre Fernbank Forest to observe plants and wildlife.

7. Georgia Aquarium – Downtown

Learn all about marine animals and cold-water fish at the country’s sixth-largest aquarium.

Don’t Miss:

For Toddlers: The entertaining dolphin and sea lion presentations delight even the youngest guests. Purchase preferred seating to ensure a seat up close.
For Big Kids: Interact with sea life at the touch-pool area or sign up for an Animal Encounter Adventure.
For Teens: Adventurous guests can swim or dive with the whale shark and other species in the Journey with Gentle Giants add-on experience.  

8. High Museum of Art - Midtown

Located in the heart of Midtown, the High Museum encompasses several buildings containing over 20,000 pieces of art. 

Don't Miss:

For Toddlers: Head to Greene Family Learning Gallery, where young kids are encouraged to touch, engage, and create art. 
For Big Kids: Visit the Folk & Self-Taught Art with bright, bold colors.
For Teens: Explore the entire museum, looking for works by famous artists.  

9. Tellus Science Museum – Cartersville

Just a short 45-minute drive from Atlanta, the Tellus Science Museum features four impressive galleries, as well as the Bentley Planetarium, offering exciting shows.

Don’t Miss:

For Toddlers: My Big Backyard sparks curiosity in the youngest visitors with interactive exhibits.
For Big Kids: Pan for gems and dig for fossils after viewing the dinosaur and gem exhibits.
For Teens: Take a special tour of the observatory and explore the Solar House.

10. World of Coca-Cola - Downtown

Discover the history behind Atlanta’s hometown beverage and sample over 100 Coca-Cola beverages produced worldwide.

Don't Miss:

For Toddlers: Take your photo with the lovable Coca-Cola polar bears.
For Big Kids: Try to identify mysterious smells at the Scent Station and visit the vault containing the secret formula.
For Teens: Concoct your own Coca-Cola flavor in the Beverage Lab.

11. Zoo Atlanta – Grant Park

With over 1,000 animals and a kids' area featuring a playground, splash pad, and TreeTop Trail zipline, you’ll be hard-pressed to do everything at Zoo Atlanta in one visit.

Don't Miss:

For Toddlers: Brush the animals at the petting zoo, ride the train, and take a spin on the carousel.
For Big Kids: Purchase tickets to one of three shows at Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Theater for exciting animal adventures.
For Teens: Get up close to animals at Wild Encounters and explore Keeper for the Day options.

Baseball at Truist Park is a guaranteed good time for all kids! Photo by author

Entertainment in Atlanta Everyone Can Get Into

12. Atlanta Braves at Truist Park – Cumberland

Cheer on the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. You’ll also find plenty of food options inside the ballpark, including Waffle House and Chick-fil-A, as well as a kids' area at Hope & Will’s Sandlot.

13. Great Wolf Lodge - LaGrange

Kids of all ages love this huge indoor water park, which also includes food options and a hotel. The Cub Paw Pool and Fort MacKenzie areas appeal to the younger crowd, while high-speed slides, such as Wolf Tail and River Canyon Run, will keep older kids and teens entertained for hours. 

14. iFly Indoor Skydiving - Cumberland

Now you can fly just like Superman at iFly Indoor Skydiving. Designed for anyone ages 3 and up, the venue offers multiple flight options, as well as training from certified instructors.

15. Puttshack – Midtown and Dunwoody

Enjoy an indoor, 9-hole miniature golf course with lights, sounds, and fun obstacles at this indoor facility, which also boasts a varied food menu. 

16. Sloomoo Institute Atlanta – Buckhead

Who doesn’t love slime?! Even parents enjoy this interactive slime spot because frankly, they don’t have to clean up! 

17. Splatter Studio - Virginia-Highland and Sandy Springs

Let loose and uncork your pent-up creative energy with splatter sticks, paintbrushes, and paint guns to create an art masterpiece in just 60 minutes. 

18. TopGolf – Midtown, Alpharetta, and Buford

Engage in friendly competition at TopGolf while eating tasty snacks and kid-friendly food. Toddler-size clubs are available upon request and you can select from a wide variety of games, ranging from beginner-level to advanced.

Seasonal Favorites in Atlanta for All Ages

Winter

19. Avalon on Ice - Alpharetta

Bundle up to skate at this holiday-themed ice rink at Avalon, a multi-use area with lots of restaurants and shops (including teen-favorite Altar'd State!). 

20. License to Chill at Snow Island – Buford

You don’t have to wait for Mother Nature to bring snow to enjoy tubing down Blizzard Mountain, ice skating, amusement rides, and food concessions.

Spring

21. EcoTinker at Chattahooche Nature Center - Roswell

Kids learn all about the Chattahoochee River while exploring six interactive STEM stations at this preserve, which also hosts family canoe days, six wooded trails, and wildlife presentations.

22. Georgia Renaissance Festival - Fairburn

Spend an entire day at this annual festival filled with jousting matches, games, rides, turkey legs, and engaging shows for all ages. 

Summer

23. AJC Peachtree Road Race & Fireworks - Buckhead

This Atlanta tradition brings families together to celebrate the 4th of July. Everyone loves watching the sky illuminate with brightly-colored fireworks, while older kids, teens, and parents will enjoy participating in the patriotic-themed 10K the following morning.   

Fall

24. Oktoberfest in Helen - Helen

Travel 1.5 hours north to the Bavarian-themed village of Helen for this family-friendly celebration featuring delicious German food, live music, and dancing.

25. Pumpkins at Callaway – Pine Mountain

Animated pumpkins come to life at this 2,500-acre resort, which also features a butterfly center, 10 miles of bike trails, and the Tree Top Adventure & Ziplines.

Food Stops in Atlanta That Make Everyone Happy

26. Battery Atlanta – Cumberland

Battery Atlanta is worthy of a visit even when the Braves aren’t playing at Truist Park. Restaurants like Shake Shack will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Little ones can run around the Battery’s green space, while older kids can purchase Braves fan gear and peruse the shops. 

27. Halcyon - Alpharetta

Located north of Atlanta, Halcyon boasts a food hall, shops like Piggy Jos, restaurants such as Butcher and Brew, and a green space with a large sandbox and regularly scheduled concerts. 

28. Krog Street Market – Inman Park

Krog Street Market includes a variety of food stalls. It’s the perfect place to hop on a bike or scooter and explore the Atlanta BeltLine or let fashion-conscious teens shop at FP Movement.

29. Ponce City Market – Old Fourth Ward

Also located on the Atlanta Beltline, Ponce City Market (PCM) boasts over three dozen food stalls, restaurants, and shops. Hit Skyline Park, on the rooftop, for carnival games, miniature golf, and more.

30. Chattahoochee Food Works – Upper Westside

Check out over 30 food vendors at this space with lots of outdoor seating. You can also take food and beverages (including adult beverages from Dr. Scofflaw’s) to The Camp, a shaded green space featuring Adirondack chairs and concerts. For more family fun (or a date night after 6 pm), head to Your 3rd Spot.