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7 family-friendly activities in Atlanta year-round that aren’t tied to the aquarium or zoo

7 family-friendly activities in Atlanta year-round that aren’t tied to the aquarium or zoo

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Atlanta offers a rich tapestry of experiences beyond the aquarium and zoo.

From interactive museums to lush gardens, families can explore a variety of engaging activities throughout the year.

Here are seven must-visit destinations that promise fun and learning for all ages.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Image Credit: Daniel Mayer, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Have you ever stood in the shadow of a dinosaur? At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, towering prehistoric creatures capture the imagination.

The museum combines indoor exhibits with outdoor trails. In the WildWoods area, kids can burn energy while learning about ecosystems.

The giant-screen theater offers a cinematic journey through nature’s wonders. For young adventurers, the Nature Quest exhibit provides hands-on fun. Each visit is a new adventure in discovery.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden
Image Credit: NeuroMasood, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Bursting with color and life, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a sanctuary of natural beauty. The dedicated Children’s Garden invites young explorers with interactive installations.

Seasonal events ensure there’s always something new to see. From splash pads to climbing structures, there’s no shortage of ways for kids to play and learn simultaneously.

With 30 acres of garden to wander, every visit nurtures curiosity and wonder.

SkyView Atlanta

SkyView Atlanta
Image Credit: Warren LeMay/ Wikimedia Commons, CC0.

Rising 20 stories above Centennial Olympic Park, SkyView Atlanta offers families a comfortable, climate-controlled ride with unbeatable views of the city skyline.

Each gondola is enclosed, making it a great activity in any weather, and the smooth rotation is exciting without being overwhelming for younger riders.

It’s a short but memorable experience that adds a fun, scenic moment to any day in downtown Atlanta.

Center for Puppetry Arts

Center for Puppetry Arts
Image Credit: SummersSolutions, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

The magic of storytelling comes alive at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Here, creativity takes center stage with live puppet shows that captivate audiences young and old.

Kids can also participate in hands-on workshops. Explore the museum to discover beloved characters and global puppetry traditions.

It’s a delightful way to introduce the art of puppetry to curious minds.

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park
Image Credit: Pilotguy251, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Stone Mountain Park is a playground of outdoor adventure. With family-friendly hiking trails and a scenic cable car ride, it offers breathtaking views and fun.

Train excursions and mini-golf provide varied experiences. The park’s seasonal attractions ensure there’s always something new to discover.

It’s a perfect blend of nature, recreation, and history waiting to be explored.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Image Credit: JJonahJackalope, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

A hands-on, play-centered museum designed specifically for kids, featuring interactive exhibits that encourage creativity, movement, and problem-solving.

From a kid-sized grocery store and construction zone to science stations and rotating themed exhibits, it’s a place where children can learn through play while parents enjoy a relaxed, safe environment.

Open year-round and perfect for toddlers through early elementary ages, it’s an ideal spot for burning energy indoors.

Atlanta History Center

Atlanta History Center
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Step back in time at the Atlanta History Center, where exhibits and historic homes come to life. Kids can engage with interactive displays and enjoy storytelling that illuminates Georgia’s past.

The expansive gardens and open spaces invite exploration and play. It’s a journey through history that educates and entertains families of all ages.