Looking for the best things to do in Atlanta with kids?
Whether you’re visiting Atlanta for the weekend, planning family activities during school breaks, or searching for kid-friendly attractions near you, Atlanta offers everything from museums and playgrounds to food tours, zoos, and hands-on learning experiences.
This guide covers fun things to do in Atlanta with kids of every age, from babies and toddlers to teenagers. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, caregiver, auntie or uncle, teacher, or mentor – these ideas will help you entertain and spark curiosity in kids of all ages.
The Best Things to Do In Atlanta with Kids
A few of our favorite Atlanta kids’ activities:
If you’re short on time, here are our top family-friendly Atlanta activities. Read on for more details!
- Sign up for a baby-friendly music class, swim lesson, or story time
- Keep toddlers entertained with an indoor playground, museum, and performances
- Introduce preschoolers to dance lessons, puppet shows, and other creative programs
- “Wow” grade-school kids with dinosaurs, roller skating, and trampolines
- Connect with your teen through programs that will foster their sense of purpose and identity
In this post, you’ll find:
- Fun activities for Atlanta babies and infants and their caregivers
- Atlanta ideas to keep toddlers entertained
- Educational and fun activities for grade-school kids in Atlanta
- Atlanta things to do with teenagers and adolescents
- Family-friendly things to do in Atlanta
Atlanta Activities for Infants: Newborn – 12 Months
The Music Class
The Music Class is a family-owned local Atlanta business focusing on early childhood music education. With programs around the world, The Music Class offers hands-on classes for children as young as infants and their grown-ups.
Join a class to “sing, dance, play instruments, and have a blast!” With over two decades of experience, The Music Class offers around a dozen metro Atlanta locations as well as in-home classes.
The Bunny Hive
The Bunny Hive is a charming spot in the Chamblee neighborhood for little ones and their grownups to socialize together. With drop-in classes and membership options, The Bunny Hive is designed for children two weeks through four years old to learn, play, and explore.
Together, you’ll delve into “music, sensory art, baby massage, ballet, culinary exploration, learning lab, story time, and more.”
Goldfish Swim School
It’s never too early to instill safe swimming skills, especially if you plan to bring your little one on pool, lake, or river adventures!
Many Atlanta swim clubs offer classes for babies. For instance, Goldfish Swim School offers specially designed lessons for babies as young as four months. With locations in Decatur, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, and more, Goldfish Swim School also offers kid-friendly amenities.
Classes can help keep your little one safe while also building muscles and coordination. For more resources, check out Dynamo Swim Club, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools, and other Atlanta swim clubs!
Mister John’s Music
Mister John’s Music provides award-winning music education programs for ages newborn through 4 years old in Atlanta.
Explore artists of the week like Alicia Keys and Journey, take part in drag queen story time, and get into interactive music videos. Classes promote creativity, inclusivity, and kindness, with fun surprises throughout!
Library Story Time
One of our favorite classic activities for babies and young toddlers: check with your local library to see if they offer a story time! Many branches of Fulton, DeKalb, and other Atlanta-area libraries offer public programming for young children, including Story Hour.
For example, several DeKalb County library branches regularly host a Books and Babies Storytime for ages 0-3 years. For slightly older children, try Sensory Play (ages 1-5 years) and Toddler Storytime (ages 18-36 months).
Things to Do in Atlanta with Toddlers: Ages 1-3
Interactive Neighborhood for Kids
At the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (“INK”) in Gainesville, little ones can let their imaginations run wild through unique, hands-on exhibits.
Here, toddlers can adventure through a variety of play spaces built to replicate aspects of the real world in a kid-friendly way! For instance, INK’s exhibition stations include a play medical clinic, bank, beauty salon, grocery store, post office, and more!
Geared toward ages 2-12 and designed by educators, INK is a truly unique space that can help kids develop real-world skills while having fun.
HippoHopp
Located in Brookhaven, HippoHopp is a “green” indoor playground and birthday venue for ages 0-10 that prides itself on its eco-friendliness.
Special touches include zero-VOC paint, non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning products, a focus on recycling and reduced waste, and a “Hippo Cafe” with organic and allergy-friendly food options.
While a variety of ages are welcome, this spot is especially perfect for toddlers. Bring your little one and enjoy a day of hopping, exploring, and playing together!
Theatre for the Very Young: Alliance Theatre
Atlanta’s beloved Alliance Theatre offers Theatre for the Very Young performances for children ages 0-5 and their grown-ups. Attending a show is a great way to nurture creativity and offer your child a fun artistic experience.
Young theatre-goers are invited to clap, sing along, and participate as performers onstage present works designed to delight young audiences and retain short attention spans!
Atlanta Activities for Preschoolers: Ages 3-5
TADA Dance Academy
TADA Dance Academy on Cheshire Bridge Rd. welcomes students as young as age 3! Their website shares that these classes “are meant to be fun and encourage confidence while introducing basic dance movement and musicality.”
If your little one shows a propensity for dancing and entertaining, consider signing them up for dance classes to foster their joy and sense of self-trust through movement!
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the perfect spot to bring preschool-aged kids. Located in Downtown Atlanta among other popular tourist destinations, this museum was designed with kids younger than 8 in mind.
Permanent exhibits include Leap into Learning, Let Your Creativity Flow, Step Up to Science, and more. With interactive stations designed to engage young minds, this spot is a “win” for a day of learning and fun!
Additionally, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta hosts temporary special exhibitions, educational programs, and family and cultural events.
Center for Puppetry Arts
Located in Midtown Atlanta, the Center for Puppetry Arts offers performances, museum exhibits, and educational workshops that spark imagination through puppetry.
Generally, the Center for Puppetry Arts recommends its Family Series shows for ages 4+. That said, you’ll find programs here for all ages – including adults-only shows! In the museum, see iconic puppets from around the world, as well as Jim Henson’s works.
While puppets in the Worlds of Puppetry Museum exhibitions are subject to change, you’ll frequently find Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Kermit, and other favorites on display!
Entertain School-Age Kids in Atlanta: Ages 6-12
MLK Jr. Kids Discovery Tour
Looking for an educational Atlanta activity that will keep both kids and adults engaged? Unexpected Atlanta’s MLK Jr. Kids Discovery Tour introduces families to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through stories, interactive games, and hands-on learning designed specifically for children ages 6-12.
During this private walking tour, families explore the Sweet Auburn neighborhood while learning about Dr. King, Coretta Scott King, Congressman John Lewis, and other Civil Rights leaders who helped shape history. Along the way, kids will discover how Atlanta played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement through age-appropriate activities that bring the past to life.
Perfect for families visiting Atlanta, homeschool groups, and curious young learners, this experience combines history, storytelling, and exploration in a way that feels more like an adventure than a lesson.
Southern Biscuits and Pimiento Cheese Cooking Class
Want to bring a taste of Atlanta home with you? The Southern Biscuits and Pimiento Cheese Cooking Class offers a hands-on introduction to some of the South’s most beloved comfort foods.
During this experience, you’ll learn how to make flaky biscuits, homemade pimiento cheese, and sweet iced tea while discovering the traditions and stories behind these iconic recipes.
With plenty of opportunities to mix, roll, and taste, this experience is a great option for families, kids, food lovers, and anyone looking for a fun indoor activity in Atlanta.
SkyZone Trampoline Park
With the motto “Fun rules here!,” SkyZone Trampoline Park shares that jumping, yelling, and climbing ARE allowed! Let kids be kids at this fun spot where you can jump, flip, spin, climb, play, and more!
SkyZone has locations in Roswell, McDonough, Buford, and (coming soon), Smyrna and Douglasville. Additionally: with special programs for “Little Leapers” and “Sensory Hours,” this is an inclusive destination for the whole family.
Sparkles Family Fun Center
Outside of Atlanta, Sparkles Family Fun Center is a roller skating destination for kids and all ages! Get a ticket for a public skating session, with skate rental available.
Additionally, Sparkles offers seasonal family events, as well as regularly scheduled Adult Skate Nights.
Explore Sparkles’ locations in Gwinnett, Smyrna, Kennesaw and Hiram.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, kids can “experience a World of WOW!” Located in the Druid Hills area, this museum is also home to a Giant Screen Theater and the 75-acre Fernbank Forest! Explore indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational programs, award-winning science documentaries, and more.
Craving a date night without the kiddos? Check out Fernbank After Dark for ages 21+ only – with live music, full bars, tapas, science demonstrations, and more.
Additionally, check out the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville for more dinosaurs, natural history, and a planetarium!
Unique Atlanta Activities for Teenagers: Ages 13-17
For families with older children and teens, Unexpected Atlanta’s guided food and history tours offer a unique way to explore the city together.
Our locally-led experiences combine Atlanta history, architecture, culture, and food while introducing visitors to neighborhoods beyond the typical tourist attractions. Whether you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time or rediscovering your hometown, our tours help families connect with the city’s stories in a memorable way.
Grant Park Food & History Tour
Food-loving families with older children and teens will enjoy exploring one of Atlanta’s most historic neighborhoods on the Grant Park Food & History Tour. This guided walking tour combines delicious Southern-inspired dishes with fascinating stories about Atlanta’s past.
Together, you’ll visit locally owned restaurants while learning about Grant Park, Historic Oakland Cemetery, and the people and events that helped shape Atlanta into the city it is today. It’s a fun way to introduce kids and teens to local history while enjoying some of Atlanta’s best food.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Is your kid ready to change the world? Inspire them to channel their outlook into positive action with a visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. You’ll leave feeling motivated to work together toward bettering our future.
Located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta and rooted in our city’s history, this museum explores a variety of human rights and civil rights movements around the world. The first floor of the Center focuses on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with papers and artifacts that tell the story of his life and work.
Pro tip: combine this experience with our MLK Jr. Kids Discovery Tour nearby to delve deeper into Dr. King’s life and legacy!
Atlanta Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class
Looking for a unique Atlanta experience that combines food, history, and hands-on fun? The Atlanta Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class takes guests inside Atlanta’s oldest market to sample local flavors while learning about the city’s culinary traditions.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy tastings from market vendors, discover the stories behind iconic Southern ingredients, and learn how to make flaky Southern biscuits from scratch in an interactive cooking class. This experience is especially popular with older kids, teens, and multigenerational families looking for a memorable activity that goes beyond traditional sightseeing.
Midtown Food and Mystery Tour
Part food tour, part scavenger hunt, and part history lesson, the Midtown Food and Mystery Tour is perfect for older kids, teenagers, and families who love solving puzzles together.
As you sample dishes from local restaurants, you’ll work as a team to uncover clues, solve riddles, and discover fascinating stories hidden throughout Midtown Atlanta. From local legends to surprising historical figures, this interactive experience transforms a neighborhood walk into an unforgettable adventure.
Atlanta Art and Mural Tour
Creative kids and teens will love exploring Atlanta’s vibrant street art scene on the Atlanta Art and Mural Tour. This guided experience takes guests through the colorful Cabbagetown neighborhood, where larger-than-life murals tell stories about Atlanta’s culture, history, and creative community.
In addition to learning about the artists and artwork, participants can tap into their own creativity during a beginner-friendly art activity. It’s a wonderful choice for families interested in public art, photography, and hands-on creative experiences.
Zoo Atlanta “Volunteen” Program
Is your teenager looking to build their resume while doing something fun and unique? Encourage them to apply for Zoo Atlanta’s “Volunteen” Program for ages 14-17!
Accepted students will have the opportunity to build their knowledge in animal science and conservation while contributing 160 service hours over the course of a year.
For more ideas for teenagers, check out our blog post: Things to Do in Atlanta with Teenagers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Atlanta Family Activities
What are the best things to do in Atlanta with kids?
Some of the best family-friendly attractions in Atlanta include the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Center for Puppetry Arts, Zoo Atlanta, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Families can also enjoy food tours, outdoor adventures, festivals, and hands-on educational experiences throughout the city.
What are the best things to do in Atlanta with toddlers?
Toddlers love interactive experiences that encourage exploration and play. Popular Atlanta activities for toddlers include HippoHopp, the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK), library story times, music classes, and age-appropriate performances like the Alliance Theatre’s Theatre for the Very Young series.
What are fun free things to do in Atlanta with kids?
Many Atlanta libraries offer free story times, sensory play sessions, and family programs throughout the year. Families can also enjoy public parks, playgrounds, splash pads, hiking trails, festivals, and community events for affordable entertainment.
What are the best indoor activities for kids in Atlanta?
Atlanta offers plenty of indoor attractions for rainy days and hot summer afternoons. Favorites include the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Center for Puppetry Arts, indoor playgrounds, trampoline parks, and interactive educational programs designed for a variety of age groups.
What are the best Atlanta attractions for teenagers?
Teens often enjoy experiences that combine fun, independence, and learning. Popular options include the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Zoo Atlanta’s Volunteen Program, Fernbank Museum, food tours, and historical experiences like Unexpected Atlanta’s MLK Jr. Kids Discovery Tour.
What educational activities can families do in Atlanta?
Atlanta is home to numerous museums, historic sites, and cultural attractions that make learning fun. Families can explore Civil Rights history, natural science, art, puppetry, local food culture, and more through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on programs.
Is Atlanta a good destination for a family vacation?
Absolutely. Atlanta offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions, restaurants, parks, museums, and cultural experiences that appeal to children, teens, parents, and grandparents alike. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, you’ll find activities for every age and interest.
Making the Most of Your Time in Atlanta with Kids
Atlanta offers family-friendly activities for every age and interest, from hands-on museums and creative arts programs to outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and educational experiences.
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, visiting Atlanta on vacation, or searching for new ways to entertain the kids, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences in Atlanta. The attractions and activities in this guide can help your kids learn, play, and connect while creating lasting memories together.
Looking for an experience the whole family will enjoy? Unexpected Atlanta’s walking food and history tours offer a fun and engaging way to explore Atlanta’s neighborhoods, culture, and stories through the eyes of local experts. Perfect for older children, teens, grandparents, and multigenerational groups, our tours help visitors and locals alike discover a side of Atlanta they might otherwise miss. Browse our tours and start planning your next Atlanta adventure today.
