10 Things to Do with the Family in Atlanta
From trails to theme parks, museums and more, Atlanta has fun adventures for all ages.
Named one of the top destinations to visit in the National Geographic Best of the World 2022 list, Atlanta overflows with world-famous attractions and endless entertainment. Lonely Planet also included it in the Best in Travel list for 2022, the only U.S. city on the list.
There is so much to experience in Atlanta, it can be hard to know where to start and where to go that will satisfy everyone in the family. So, here's a list of 10 Metro Atlanta spots that always get a thumbs up in the fun department and are must-sees this fall.
Canopy walk at Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta Botanical Garden
See what's blooming at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a 30-acre oasis in Midtown. There's a Children's Garden for hands-on fun and learning, the Fuqua Conservatory's Tropical Orchid House, classes and cooking demonstrations, and art on display among the blooms.
Check the garden's event calendar for the full lineup of special events, including Scarecrows in the Garden Oct. 6-31, Fest-of-Ale (weekly ale-themed evening social events in October), and a chance for kids to show off their Halloween costumes at Goblins in the Garden on Oct. 22, 2023.
Bamboo forest on the East Palisades Trail in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Photo by @pokkychoo
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area & Chattahoochee Nature Center
Choose any of the 15 access points in the 48-mile long Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, and jump into miles of trails to bike, hike and run along the river. One hidden gem is the bamboo forest, which you can find in the East Palisades section.
To learn more about Atlanta's treasured river, visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell. Explore the interpretive center, hike woodland trails, meander through butterfly and native plant gardens, and explore the river boardwalk while viewing native animals. Check the center's calendar for even more family fun, like the Halloween Hikes Oct. 27-29, 2023!
Dino Safari in Alpharetta, Georgia
Dino Safari
Feel the thrill of standing next to giant moving dinosaurs on a walk-through expedition for the whole family at Dino Safari in Alpharetta. Learn how dinosaurs evolved, where they lived, and how they behaved. Dino Safari features fossils, a dig pit, interactive games, and many varieties of advanced animatronic dinosaurs. Take a ride on the Sauropod slide, race a Raptor, and see how you measure up to a dinosaur! For 20% off ticket prices, use the Alpharetta CVB discount code: ACVB20.
Dunwoody Nature Center in Dunwoody, Georgia
Dunwoody Nature Center
Explore 2 miles of peaceful wetland, woodland and streamside trails at Dunwoody Nature Center, an oasis in the busy metro area. Admire the display gardens, relax on the picnic meadow, and watch the kids have a ball on the shaded playground. Check the center's calendar for seasonal events, including the Fall Family Backyard Campout on Sept. 23, 2023.
Woodland Spirits at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Georgia
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Say hello to the world's largest dinosaur as you walk in the front door of Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Kids turn into explorers in the interactive NatureQuest, and everyone can enjoy the feeling of "being there" at the IMAX Theatre. Outside, follow the elevated walkway into the treetops, where you can enjoy stunning views from tree pods, and continue to explore more than two miles of paths winding through Fernbank Forest, a 65-acre old-growth forest.
Sept. 30 - Nov. 5, 2023, guests can walk through WildWoods and discover the ghostly figures peeking from the shadows or the animal spirits haunting in plain sight. The specters created for the Woodland Spirits Outdoor Halloween Experience at Fernbank were inspired by the dark forests of movies, literature and other tales, and were created by artist Laura Lewis.
Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Photo by @hesamusicman
Georgia Aquarium
No matter your age, everyone's a kid at the Georgia Aquarium. You can just sit back and watch the mesmerizing aquatic animals play, or you can go behind the scenes and get up close to beluga whales, sea otters, penguins and more. Explore the amazing galleries, full of aquatic life, and make friends with a shark, dolphin, harbor seal or sea lion in encounter programs. Check the aquarium's calendar for even more special events.
Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Georgia
Six Flags Over Georgia
At Six Flags Over Georgia, laugh and scream at the same time on thrill rides like the open-air, high-flying SkyScreamer and monster roller coasters like Goliath. Visit on weekends Sept. 16 - Oct. 29, 2023, for Kids Boo Fest by Day and Fright Fest by night. It's spooky fun for all ages! You also can enjoy Oktoberfest with the park's seasonal brews and German-inspired menu items like Bratwurst, Bavarian pretzel bites, and apple strudel sticks.
Sloomoo Institute Atlanta
Sloomoo Institute Atlanta
Become immersed in a mesmerizing world of sensory experiences, including hand-crafted slime, delicious scents, vivid colors and soothing ASMR delights. Design your dream slime at the DIY bar, play with kinetic sand, and experience kaleidoscopic glow-in-the-dark moments. If you choose the enhanced admission tickets, you will have slime rain down on you for a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment!
World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta
World of Coca-Cola
Explore the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta to learn about the history of The Coca-Cola Company and the world's most famous soft drink. Get closer than ever before to the vault containing the secret recipe, and see the fully functioning bottling line that produces a commemorative glass bottle of Coca-Cola for every guest. In Scent Discovery, follow your nose to uncover new beverage favorites from around the world based on your favorite scent profiles. Don't miss the tasting room, where you can sample more than 60 beverages from around the globe!
Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta
Feed giraffes and go behind the scenes with African elephants, giant pandas and lemurs at Zoo Atlanta. Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is home to the country's only twin panda cubs and largest collection of gorillas and orangutans in North America. Check the zoo's event calendar to plan your trip so you won't miss special events like Play the Animal Way on Sept. 23, Family Pride Day on Oct. 8, and Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 21-22 & 28-29, 2023!
