FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Exploring Atlanta for Kids

by Susan Finch

Jun 24, 2018

© Robhainer | Dreamstime.com

Age Specific / Kids

Atlanta was once known as a quietly growing city until the Olympics rolled through in 1996. The city rapidly morphed into a world-class destination and home to Fortune 500 corporations, a booming film industry and plenty of opportunities in higher education and healthcare. For us family travelers, it also means Atlanta expanded its attractions and position as a city worth seeing. Gather up the kids and head south, here’s what to do and see in Atlanta with kids.

 

The Atlanta Children s museum

The Atlanta Children’s Museum © Calvin L. Leake | Dreamstime.com

Downtown Atlanta is a treasure trove of attractions within walking distance from each other. If you’re staying in the area, hop on the new light rail system and take a leisurely roll through downtown and hop off near Skyview Atlanta where you’ll soar over the city in a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel. Afterward, walk down to the Children’s Museum with tons of interactive activities, the World of Coca-Cola with a chance to taste soft drinks from around the world, the Georgia Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame or CNN Center for a studio tour.

Explore Piedmont Park

Atlanta’s premier green space, Piedmont Park, was designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York. During summer months, kids can swim in the public pool during non-member hours, play at the playground, feed ducks or join in on one of the many seasonal festivals. If your kids still want more fun outdoors, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is situated adjacent to the park and offers a recently renovated Children’s Garden, seasonal splash pad and year-round events.

See a Show at the Fox

The Broadway caliber0style Fox Theatre was originally built as a glorious Yaarab Temple Shriners before being sold to movie magnate William Fox who transformed it into a popular movie palace. Today, the Fox showcases Broadway tours, concerts, comedy shows and stuff just for kids. Keep an eye out for kids’ movies and sing-alongs where the the Mighty Mo, a 3,622 Möller pipe organ and the second-largest theater organ in the world, delights crowds. Sit upstairs to get a whimsical view of a painted sky and twinkling stars.

If your kids trend toward the toddler years, and don’t think they can sit for a long show, try the Center for Puppetry Arts for world-class puppetry, a museum dedicated to puppets, and hands-on puppet building workshops.

Fox Theater, ATL

Fox Theater © F11photo | Dreamstime.com

Explore Some History

Atlanta has an endless trail of history, from Sherman’s march to the sea to Martin Luther King’s involvement with the Civil Rights movement. Take your kids to the free Martin Luther King Jr. Center to learn more about the activist and area history or The Center for Civil and Human Rights located downtown. For a day outdoors with a Civil War history lesson attached, Stone Mountain offers museums and historical centers, outdoor events, SkyHike trek through the treetops and a chance to climb to the top of the granite mountain with carvings of Confederate figures.

Head Indoors

Atlanta is hot, y’all, and even the end of February can occasionally yield hot days that drive the locals indoors. Summer can feel brutal, and a reprieve from the heat and humidity is necessary. Head out for shopping at Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead and check-out the top-floor LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta. There’s also a movie theater and restaurants to keep the kids busy all day. If the mall isn’t your thing, try the Natural History Center for an indoor play area, hands-on interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater and year-round activities. If the heat lets up, wind through the outdoor paths for a treetop adventure, playground and hike through one of Atlanta’s forests.

Wherever you go in Atlanta, remember to order the pimento cheese that seems to be served up everywhere and opt for MARTA or the lightrail when possible to avoid the city’s notorious rush-hour traffic.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Destinations / North America
Sep 22, 2023

These Omni Hotels and Resorts Have Haunting Ghost Stories for a Spooky Stay

Part of a family who just loves a good scare or ghost story? This fall, wherever your travels might take you, chances are you’ll be near an Omni hotel or resort with a history of haunted sightings and other scary happenings. So, why not learn a bit about where you’re staying to make the experience all the more eerie …

United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates

As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.

Destinations / North America
Sep 22, 2023

Here’s Why Brunswick, Maine, is the Perfect Getaway for Couples

Overshadowed by nearby Portland and overlooked by tourists bound for the popular coastal towns of Camden and Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick is not on the radar of most family travelers in Maine. But couples looking for a cozy getaway will find fine dining, antiques, art and quiet streets for strolling, many lined by distinguished homes and well-kept gardens.

Destinations / North America
Sep 21, 2023

The World’s Largest Indoor Beachfront Waterpark Opened This Summer

Not quite ready to say goodbye to summer? If the weather is forcing you to head indoors, you can still take advantage of a few opportunities to splash around in the waves, without even being that far from the beach — thanks to the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark, which opened this summer in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet

United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.

Destinations / North America
Sep 21, 2023

Spooky Haunts to Visit in Cayuga County, New York, This Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner, which means its time to start making plans for spooky and scary stops for having fun with the family this fall. New York’s Cayuga County is always a fun visit for family travelers, but if you plan on being in the area this October, you will definitely want to explore its haunted history with some choice spots along New York’s Haunted History Trail. This curated list of haunted and spooky stops throughout New York features incredible locations showcasing the perfect combination of the state’s beautiful charm and fascinating history.