Exploring Atlanta for 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 © 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 © 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.