Planning a family trip to Atlanta? With world-class attractions, rich history, incredible food, and unique neighborhoods around every corner, Atlanta offers endless ways to explore. But if you only have one day in Atlanta with kids, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
The good news? You can experience some of our city’s best history, culture, and flavors in just 24 hours with the right itinerary!
At Unexpected Atlanta, we love helping visitors and locals discover the stories, people, and places that make Atlanta special. From exploring the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement to tasting iconic Southern foods, the one-day Atlanta itinerary in this post combines must-see landmarks with memorable experiences your whole family will enjoy.
Before you arrive, be sure to also check out our Complete Guide to Visiting Atlanta for helpful tips on where to stay, how to get around the city, what neighborhoods to explore, and more. Now, let’s start planning your perfect day in Atlanta!
One-Day Atlanta Itinerary for Families
Morning: Start Your Day With Atlanta History
8:30 AM: Grab Breakfast Before Exploring
Before your first Atlanta adventure, fuel up with breakfast at one of the city’s many local favorites. Atlanta is a city that loves its breakfast and brunch, and there’s no shortage of options to try!
Favorite Atlanta Breakfast Spots:
- The Little Tart Bakeshop (Summerhill) for buttery croissants, seasonal pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and excellent coffee, all just minutes from downtown attractions.
- Buttermilk Kitchen (Buckhead) for a cozy farmhouse atmosphere and scratch-made Southern favorites like biscuits, pancakes, and grits. Be prepared for a wait on weekends, but it’s well worth it.
- PERC Coffee (various local locations) for expertly-brewed coffee, delicious breakfast sandwiches, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe that’s perfect before a day of exploring.
- Home Grown (East Atlanta) for classic Southern comfort food, oversized biscuits, and the famous “Comfy Chicken Biscuit.” It’s a local favorite and Michelin Guide restaurant that’s welcoming for families.
- Ria’s Bluebird (Grant Park) for fluffy pancakes, hearty breakfast plates, and a location near Zoo Atlanta and Historic Oakland Cemetery, making it an easy stop before sightseeing.
- West Egg Café (West Midtown) for family-friendly brunch favorites, biscuits, shrimp and grits, and generous portions in a bright, casual setting.
If you’re staying downtown or near the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, you’ll be close to many of Atlanta’s most important historic landmarks as well as breakfast spots!
10:00 AM: Discover Atlanta’s Civil Rights History With a Family-Friendly Tour
A visit to our city isn’t complete without learning about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the movement that helped transform our nation. Whether you’re traveling with curious teens or younger children, Unexpected Atlanta offers experiences designed to help your family connect with Atlanta’s Civil Rights history in a meaningful way.
MLK History Tour for Older Kids & Teens
If you’re visiting Atlanta with older kids or teens, we recommend our Martin Luther King Jr. History Tour, a 2.5-hour walking tour through Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood that explores Dr. King’s life, the Civil Rights Movement, and the leaders who changed the course of American history.
Along the way, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Ebenezer Baptist Church (when open), The King Center, and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge while hearing inspiring stories about Dr. King, Coretta Scott King, Congressman John Lewis, and countless others.
Named one of the Best Things to Do in Atlanta by Condé Nast Traveler, this guided tour goes beyond the landmarks to uncover the hidden places and powerful stories that most visitors never experience.
MLK Kids Tour for Children Ages 6-12
Families with children ages 6 to 12 will love our private MLK Kids Discovery Tour, an engaging 1.5-hour experience created especially for young learners.
Through interactive games, age-appropriate storytelling, and hands-on activities, kids stay actively involved while discovering how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Atlanta helped change the world. Your family will visit important Civil Rights landmarks, hear inspiring stories about Dr. King and other movement leaders, and leave with a deeper appreciation for Atlanta’s history.
Designed to be just as enjoyable for adults as it is for children, this private tour makes learning together one of the most memorable parts of your Atlanta vacation.
Afternoon: Taste Your Way Through Atlanta
After learning about Atlanta’s history, it’s time to experience another important part of our city’s culture: the food!
Atlanta has always been a city shaped by food traditions, from Southern staples to global flavors. Our food experiences combine delicious tastings with stories about the neighborhoods, people, and history behind every bite.
1:00 PM: Explore Atlanta’s Historic Market and Learn to Make Southern Biscuits
Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Cooking Class
If your family loves trying new foods, the Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class is the perfect addition to your Atlanta itinerary.
During this two-hour experience, you’ll explore one of Atlanta’s oldest markets while sampling delicious foods from local vendors. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share stories about Atlanta’s food history and the traditions behind some of the South’s most beloved dishes.
Then, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on biscuit cooking class where your family will learn how to make the perfect Southern biscuit!
You’ll discover:
- Why Georgia is famous for peaches, pecans, and other Southern ingredients
- How Atlanta’s food scene has evolved over generations
- The secrets behind flaky, homemade biscuits
For families, this is a great way to slow down, connect, and create new memories together.
More Afternoon Atlanta Experiences for Families
Whether your family loves history, food, art, or hands-on activities, there are plenty of ways to continue your Atlanta adventure after your morning tour.
Spice Lab + Sweet Auburn Market Food Tour
Turn lunchtime into an adventure with the 2-hour-long Spice Lab + Sweet Auburn Market Food Tour! During this experience, your family will explore the flavors of Atlanta’s indoor Sweet Auburn Curb Market while learning how spices shape cuisines around the world.
Kids and adults alike can enjoy hands-on experiments, create their own spice blends, and discover the science behind flavor. This hour-long experience is perfect for curious kids who love food, science, and trying something new.
Grant Park Food & History Tour
If your family enjoys discovering the stories behind the places you visit, the Grant Park Food & History Tour offers a delicious introduction to one of Atlanta’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods.
Over 2.5 hours, you’ll enjoy eight generous tastings from three locally-loved restaurants, while exploring the tree-lined streets of Grant Park and Historic Oakland Cemetery.
Along the way, knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories about Atlanta’s founding, the people who shaped our city, and how Southern food traditions continue to evolve today. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a deeper appreciation for Atlanta’s history, and a few new favorite restaurants to recommend back home.
Book your Grant Park tour here and see why Unexpected Atlanta is the #1 Atlanta Activity on TripAdvisor!
Atlanta Art and Mural Tour
Looking for something a little different? Atlanta’s vibrant street art scene offers a colorful way to experience the city beyond its major attractions.
The Atlanta Art and Mural Tour takes your family through the eclectic Cabbagetown neighborhood, where larger-than-life murals, historic buildings, and local businesses tell the story of one of Atlanta’s most creative communities.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the artists and inspiration behind the artwork before creating your own masterpiece during a relaxed, beginner-friendly art session.
No artistic experience is required, making this a fun choice for families who love getting creative together.
Book your Atlanta Art and Mural Tour here.
Late Afternoon: Keep the Adventure Going
Choose from a Southern food experience, a Midtown mystery tour, or a mid-day nap back at the hotel!
3:00 PM: Make Southern Classics From Scratch
Southern Essentials Cooking Class
Continue your Atlanta food adventure with a Southern Essentials Cooking Class. This 1.5-hour hands-on experience will introduce your family to some of the South’s most iconic foods. Together, you’ll make:
- Homemade fluffy biscuits
- Classic pimiento cheese
- Sweet and refreshing iced tea
Local guides will lead you through each step, answer your questions, and share the stories and traditions behind these Southern favorites. This class is a perfect choice for families looking for a fun, interactive Atlanta activity that everyone can enjoy!
As a bonus, this indoor experience is perfect no matter the weather outside.
3:30 PM: Solve a Mystery While Exploring Midtown
Midtown Food and Mystery Tour
Do you have curious kids who love asking questions, working on puzzles, and figuring out solutions? Our Midtown Food and Mystery Tour challenges your family to become historical detectives as you follow hidden clues and uncover the stories behind one of Atlanta’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Over three hours, you’ll enjoy 11 generous tastings at four local restaurants. Along the way, explore landmarks like Colony Square, Piedmont Park, and the Margaret Mitchell House.
You’ll also discover the rebels, artists, and trailblazers who helped shape Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood, all while working together to crack the mystery. It’s a fun, interactive experience that’s ideal for families with older kids and teens who love a good challenge.
Evening: Enjoy Atlanta Your Way
After a full day exploring Atlanta, slow down and enjoy the city at your own pace.
Depending on where you are staying, consider:
- Having a picnic in one of Atlanta’s many parks
- Visiting the Georgia Aquarium, which stays open late during weekends and many summer evenings
- Exploring a local neighborhood like Decatur, Little 5 Points, or East Atlanta Village.
- Enjoying dinner at a family-friendly Atlanta restaurant
One of the best parts of Atlanta is that every neighborhood has its own personality, so there’s always something new to discover!
Sample One-Day Atlanta Family Itinerary
8:30 AM: Breakfast near Downtown Atlanta
10-11:30 AM: MLK Kids Tour with Unexpected Atlanta
11:30 AM-1:00 PM: Continue sightseeing, or head back to your hotel to rest and refresh
1-3 PM: Lunch during the Food Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class
3:30-6:60 PM: Midtown Food and Mystery Tour
Evening: Continue exploring, or settle in for a movie night and a good night’s sleep!
Tips for Spending a Day in Atlanta With Kids
Plan Your Route by Neighborhood
Atlanta is a large city, and traffic can quickly eat into your day. Instead of criss-crossing town, group your activities by neighborhood whenever possible.
Exploring one area at a time lets you spend more time making memories instead of sitting in the car.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many of Atlanta’s best experiences happen on foot, from strolling through historic neighborhoods and outdoor markets to exploring colorful mural districts and city parks. Comfortable walking shoes will help everyone enjoy the day, especially little ones with lots of exploring ahead.
Make Time for Food
Atlanta’s food scene is one of the best ways to experience our city’s culture and history. Whether you’re sampling Southern classics, trying global flavors, or learning to make biscuits from scratch, every meal is a chance to connect with the people, traditions, and neighborhoods that make Atlanta unique.
Choose Experiences Everyone Can Enjoy
The best family memories come from activities everyone can participate in together. Look for experiences that encourage curiosity, conversation, and hands-on fun, whether that’s cooking a Southern recipe, solving a neighborhood mystery, creating art, or discovering the stories that shaped Atlanta.
Choosing activities designed for all ages and interests helps keep kids engaged while giving adults a deeper appreciation for the experience.
Experience the Atlanta Locals Love
A day in Atlanta can be packed with unforgettable moments, from learning about our city’s Civil Rights history to tasting Southern favorites and discovering hidden neighborhood gems.
At Unexpected Atlanta, we create experiences that help families see the city through a local’s eyes. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, our team would love to help you discover what makes Atlanta unexpected.
Ready to explore Atlanta with your family? Browse all our tours and experiences today!
Traveling with a Group?
Planning an Atlanta adventure for a family reunion, student group, birthday celebration, scout troop, or another special gathering? Unexpected Atlanta offers private group tours and customized experiences designed around your group’s interests, schedule, and ages.
Complete our quick inquiry form below, and a member of our team will reach out to learn more about your group, answer your questions, and help you choose the perfect private experience.
