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Whether you go for the southern hospitality or the beauty of the city, you will surely enjoy Atlanta. There is so much to do in and around Atlanta but best of all it is extremely family oriented. Having lived in Atlanta for most of my life, I find it one of the best places to live and visit because of its family friendly atmosphere. One of the great things about the city is all the adventures you will find around town and just a short drive outside the city limits. One downside is the traffic, rush hours can be horrible. The public transportation is good and somewhat convenient.
 What to Do:
Centennial Olympic Park: A large park located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Centennial Park is a great spot to cool off in the Hotlanta weather while playing in the fountains or a beautiful location to ice skate during the fall and winter months. Many festivals and fairs use these grounds for fun activities. Join in on the Free Family Fun Days on the 4th Saturday of the month from April thru September to participate in crafts, performances and educational activities.
World of Coca-Cola: Tour the history of Coca Cola and have a taste of the variety of “cokes” from around the world.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens/Piedmont Park: Atlanta’s version of New York’s “Central Park”, Piedmont Park includes a playground and trails for biking, walking and rollerblading. A trip to the Botanical Gardens is worth it if you are in the area. They have a few activities for the children and a beautiful tour of their gardens.
Center for Puppetry Arts: Come prepared to be educated and entertained as your children enjoy the arts at the Center for Puppetry Arts. This non-profit organization provides rewarding shows for children of all ages.
Georgia Aquarium: The best aquarium we have ever been to. The Georgia Aquarium is a state of the art aquarium habitat located close to Centennial Park and downtown Altanta. The aqaurium is considered the world’s largest with eight million gallons of water in their exhibits. There are several themed areas of the aquarium to explore and audio tours are available.
Recently, the Georgia Aquarium began offering a sleepover program for families and youth
groups to see what goes on at night at the world’s largest aquarium.
Note, when bringing strollers many exhibit areas prohibit strollers and you'll have to park your stroller outside the exhibit areas. Although there is an area for stroller parking, we found it easier to carry our infant in a Baby Bjorn.
Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Let your child explore in this hands on museum for ages 2-8.
Turner Field: Take in a Braves Game while visiting Atlanta. Even when the game gets boring (does that ever happen?) there are lots to do from interactive play games in the free Fun Zone to a trip down to the Outfield Pavilion. Special days: Sunday: kids get to run the bases after the game, Tuesday and Wednesday: buy 2-for-1 seats.
High Museum of Art: This large museum is a great spot for adults to wonder the numerous floors, however, it can get pretty boring for children. Although, the basement area has a small children’s section, we did not find it worth the entrance fee.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History/IMAX Theater: Get up close and personal at this beautiful museum. There are dinosaurs to see and hands-on-exhibits to explore. Don’t forget to take in a movie at the IMAX Theater. Tickets can be sold separately for museum and movie or as a package.
Krispy Kreme: If you happen to be in the area of 295 Ponce De Leon, a quick stop at the Krispy Kreme is worth the visit. At this location they make the doughnuts and provide an excellent view of the process. Watch as the doughnuts make their way in a factory fashion up and down conveyor belts from the frying to the glazing. Have a doughnut while you're there!
Off the Beaten Path:
Stone Mountain Park: Get ready to spend the entire day at this amazing park. Do not miss all the park has to offer from train rides, barn yard play zone, hike or ride up the mountain and a fantastic laser light show (summer only). Once you reach the summit there is an observatory which provides breaktaking views of the surrounding area and the city of Atlanta. Stone Mountain also offers picnic locations and rides on various water crafts from a riverboat cruise to canoes. If you love to be entertained there are also shows available. There is an entrance fee per car to enter the park and then each activity has its own fee as well. You will enjoy all this park has to offer with its history, nature and fun. A definite must see and do while in Atlanta.
Zoo Atlanta: This zoo has come a long way in the last couple of decades. It is by far one of the best zoos for large animals. Many of the exhibits have now gone cageless to large open areas, especially the gorilla section. A beautiful zoo all around packed full of animals.
Six Flags: An exciting and fun amusement park. Six Flags has many thrilling rides which have height restrictions but there is something for every age. Be careful, the park does get extremely crowded in the summer time.
Six Flags White Water: Get ready to get wet and have fun at this water park for all ages. Parents can get right in and ride the rides but be careful, a child half your height will probably do it better than you! Whether you are riding the Caribbean Plunge or taking it easy on the Little Hooch River, this park provides lots of fun for the whole family.
American Adventure: A fantastic amusement park for children under 12 years old, parents can ride too. Located right next door to Six Flags White Water.
Helen, Georgia: Located about an hour drive north of Atlanta is the small German-like town of Helen. There are lots of things to do in and around Helen just about all year round. Tubing down the river is a recommended activity in the summer. It is perfect for children due to its shallow waters and small rapids. Take in the many festivals in town, particularly Octoberfest in September. Be sure to also visit Anna Ruby Falls just outside of town for a 45 min. hike to the beautiful falls that were once used as a logging route.
Dining:
Old Spaghetti Factory: A great family style restaurant. This is not exactly Italian cooking but good large portions of various pasta dishes for a great price.
The Varsity: An Atlanta tradition eatery, the Varsity, is a local favorite before or after a ball game and of course anytime with children. This burger and dog joint will take you back in time with the drive up order outside and the inside décor.
Shopping:
Lenox Square Mall: You will find almost every store you need in this upscale mall.
Atlantic Station: A new beautifully done outdoor mall located closer to downtown and includes a movie theater.
Underground Atlanta: A mall located under the streets of downtown Atlanta, also includes restaurants and nightlife.
Yearly Calendar Events:
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April: Inman Park Festival
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July: Independence Day Fireworks: Centennial Park
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Summer: Free movies at Piedmont Park
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December: Festival of Trees (Atlanta History Center); Lights of Life (at Life University): 1 mile of lights: Magical Nights of Lights (Lake Lanier Islands): 6.5 miles of lights plus amusement rides.
 Tips:
You can save time and your sanity and bypass the ticket purchasing line by buying tickets for the Georgia Aquarium online here. However, you will have to know the date and time (1/2 hour increments) of when you would like to visit the aquarium.
Last update : 24-02-2008 20:52
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