Planning your first trip to Atlanta with kids? Atlanta is one of the most family-friendly cities in the Southeast, offering interactive museums, expansive green spaces, rich history, and hands-on food and art experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or planning a large family get-together, Atlanta offers unforgettable experiences for toddlers, school-age kids, teens, parents, and grandparents alike.
In this post, you’ll find well-known attractions, off-the-beaten-path ideas, and family-friendly tours that help kids engage with the city in meaningful ways. Let’s get into it!
First-Time Guide to Visiting Atlanta with Kids
Is Atlanta a Good City to Visit with Kids?
- Families who enjoy interactive learning
- Kids who like hands-on activities
- Exploring the outdoors
- Parents looking to mix fun with educational value
- Mixed-generation families seeking activities for kids and grandparents
As the “capital of the South,” Atlanta is full of many activities you won’t find anywhere else! Plus, with the nickname “a city in the forest,” Atlanta also offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and stroll shade-lined streets. Read on to discover the best things to do in Atlanta with kids.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids?
Popular Atlanta Attractions for First-Time Family Visitors
Unexpected Atlanta Tours
Create lifelong memories with an interactive tour from Unexpected Atlanta, rated #1 in “Tours & Activities” on TripAdvisor! With a special MLK Kids Discovery Tour, family-friendly food tours, a walking art and mural tour, and more – these tours allow you to see Atlanta’s hidden gems and popular spots through the eyes of a local!
Georgia Aquarium
Located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world. It consistently ranks as a top attraction for families. Kids love the massive tanks featuring whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales, while parents appreciate the clear layout and educational exhibits.
World of Coca-Cola
Located next door to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola offers interactive exhibits and a global soda tasting room. It’s colorful, engaging, and easy to pair with other downtown activities.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Best for younger children, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta focuses on hands-on, play-based learning with rotating exhibits designed to encourage creativity and problem-solving. This spot is also conveniently located in Downtown Atlanta.
Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park’s 22-acre green space is ideal for letting kids run around between attractions. In warmer months, the splash pad is especially popular with families!
Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta in Historic Grant Park (a few miles from downtown) combines outdoor exploration with animal encounters. The surrounding neighborhood includes playgrounds and walking paths, making it easy to turn a zoo visit into a half-day outing.
How Can Kids Learn About Atlanta’s History?
Martin Luther King, Jr. Kids Discovery Tour
Unexpected Atlanta’s MLK Kids Discovery Tour is designed specifically for kids ages 6-12 and their families. This private interactive walking tour uses games, storytelling, and interactive moments to help kids understand Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights movement.
Our Martin Luther King Jr. History Tour was named by Conde Nast as one of the 16 best things to do in Atlanta, and this 1.5-hour tour adapted for kids will inspire and thrill your family. Most importantly, your kids will walk away from the tour with a strong understanding of how Atlanta changed the world while feeling like they took a fun field trip.
Historic Oakland Cemetery
Often overlooked by visitors, Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta’s Grant Park neighborhood is surprisingly kid-friendly. Its short walking paths, open green space, and fascinating stories about notable Atlantans make it an approachable way to introduce kids to local history. The cemetery welcomes visitors and offers a variety of tours.
You can also explore the cemetery during our Grant Park Food Tour. This guided, family-friendly walking tour blends neighborhood history, delicious food tastings, and a stroll through Historic Oakland Cemetery.
Here’s an Insider’s Tip!
Turn exploration into a scavenger hunt! Atlanta has lots of public art surprises and hidden treasures that are perfect for kids to discover as you walk around. For example, Tiny Doors ATL creates whimsical miniature doors hidden around popular attractions. It’s like a city-wide “Where’s Waldo” that keeps kids engaged and adds an element of fun to walking between stops.
What Are the Best Outdoor Activities in Atlanta for Kids?
Atlanta Beltline
Piedmont Park
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Atlanta Rainy Day Activities
Did your visit get rained out? Check out our video below for fun rainy day activities in Atlanta!
Where Should Families Eat in Atlanta?
Unexpected Atlanta Food Experiences for Families
Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class
The Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class is a two-hour experience takes families through Atlanta’s oldest market, ranked one of the Top 10 Food Markets in the U.S. by USA Today.
Perfect for all ages – with minimal walking, a hearty lunch’s worth of food, and hands-on biscuit-making fun – this is a must-do for families, foodies, and anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure. Kids, teens, grandparents, and picky eaters are welcome!
Grant Park Food Tour
The Grant Park Food Tour is a guided walking tour that blends neighborhood history, approachable Southern food tastings, and a walk through Historic Oakland Cemetery. You’ll trace the history of Atlanta from the 1700s to 1887 while getting an insider’s look at three favorite restaurants in the Grant Park neighborhood.
This tour a great way to explore without rushing or overloading kids with too much information at once. Plus, most food restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice!
Kid-Friendly Food Spots in Atlanta
- Ponce City Market: A large food hall located on the Atlanta Beltline with multiple options, allowing everyone to choose what they want.
- Krog Street Market: A smaller, approachable market with both kid-friendly options and three MICHELIN restaurants.
Find more ideas in Atlanta Magazine’s guide to 10 of Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Places to Eat in Metro Atlanta.
Creative Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids
Atlanta’s creative energy makes it an exciting city for kids who enjoy art. Spark imaginations with these ideas!
Unexpected Atlanta: Art and Mural Tour
The Atlanta Art and Mural Tour includes a guided walk through Atlanta’s mural-filled neighborhood of Cabbagetown, paired with a beginner-friendly art-making activity. Kids and teens will love creating artwork inspired by what they’ve seen, making this experience both educational and hands-on.
High Museum of Art
In Midtown Atlanta, the High Museum of Art offers an expansive collection of permanent and rotating exhibitions, museum tours, toddler programming, and more. Be sure to visit the Greene Family Learning Gallery (free with admission) for child-centered art activities for kids ages 0-8!
Are There Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids?
- History presented as storytelling
- Food as an educational experience
- Art as a hands-on activity
Practical Tips for Visiting Atlanta with Kids
- Consider staying in walkable neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, or Grant Park.
- Plan daily breaks, especially during warmer months.
- Mix indoor and outdoor activities to avoid burnout.
- Check age recommendations for tours before booking.
- Allow extra time. Atlanta experiences are more enjoyable when you’re not rushing!
FAQ: Visiting Atlanta with Kids
Is Atlanta walkable with kids?
What is the best age to visit Atlanta with kids?
Are there guided tours suitable for children in Atlanta?
How many days do families need in Atlanta?
Why is Atlanta a great first-time family destination?
Visiting Atlanta with a family group?
Fill out the quick form below, and let our local experts design a fun, stress-free, and family-friendly adventure your kids will love – and you’ll enjoy too!
