Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Atlanta
Every May and June, thousands of local parents, grandparents, and caregivers weigh in on their favorite local places to take kids. This is our page for the 2024 winners in the Atlanta area. (Click here for a full list of the nominees.)
Of course, there are literally hundreds of wonderful places to take your kids in our area, not just this year's winners! Use what is listed below as the starting point, then browse through our calendar and resource lists to find lots more! Sign up for our fabulous weekly e-newsletter, and be sure not to miss our Everything Free page!
2024's Top 20 ranking + category winners! Scroll down for more about each venue, with links!
| 1. Tellus Science Museum 2. Georgia Aquarium 3. Zoo Atlanta 4. Children's Museum of Atlanta 5. Fernbank Museum of Natural History 6. Catch Air 7. Six Flags over Georgia 8. Atlanta Botanical Gardens 9. Chattahoochee Nature Center 10. Atlanta Braves 11. Billy Beez - Mall of Georgia, Buford 12. Urban Air Adventure Park 13. Fox Theatre Expand 14. LEGO® Discovery Center 15. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games 16. Stars and Strikes 17. Wild Animal Safari 18. Pettit Creek Farms 19. Six Flags White Water 20. Treetop Quest |
Arts Education: The Woodruff Arts Center Sports Education: Topgolf STEM Education: Bentley Planetarium |
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1. Tellus Science Museum
Because science matters, we engage, educate, and inspire visitors to make scientific connections through dynamic exhibits and enriching experiences.
2. Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium contains more than 10 million gallons of water with over 500 different species. Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide.
3. Zoo Atlanta
An accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Atlanta saves wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education and engaging experiences. The Zoo Atlanta experience connects people to animals and inspires conservation action.
4. Children's Museum of Atlanta
Children’s Museum of Atlanta is the only educational venue of its kind in Atlanta, presenting educational programs and exhibits designed for young children ages 0-8.
5. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Come face-to-face with the world's largest dinosaurs, explore the development of life on Earth through the landscapes of present-day Georgia, connect with cultures from around the globe, engage in a variety of hands-on exhibitions and more! Take a walk on the wild side as you explore 75 acres of new outdoor nature adventures. WildWoods and Fernbank Forest combine to highlight the natural world through immersive trails, educational programming, hands-on exhibits, and beautiful scenery.
6. Catch Air
We pride ourselves on being the very best children’s indoor playcenter. Fun, safe, unique, dynamic, and interactive activities; laser shows, dance parties, giant three story soft play castle, interactive toys, and lots more. Catch Air is currently located in four states across the US and we are steadily growing.
7. Six Flags over Georgia
Thrill Capital of the South. Park features Dare Devil Dive, THE JOKER Chaos Coaster, Goliath and 9 other world-class coasters. 2 Family Themed Areas. More than 40 rides and attractions.
8. Atlanta Botanical Gardens
The mission of the Atlanta Botanical Garden is to develop and maintain plant collections for display, education, research, conservation and enjoyment.
9. Chattahoochee Nature Center
The Chattahoochee Nature Center's (CNC) mission is to connect people with nature. Being outdoors is more important than ever to our communities' health and well-being. At CNC, visitors of all ages have 127 acres to safely explore and endless opportunities to connect with nature while learning about Georgia's ecosystem. CNC features three ponds, six woodland and wetland trails, including a newly renovated 2,000-foot river boardwalk. We offer a space for quiet, reflective moments, or more active options such as hiking, ziplining, or canoeing. CNC also offers programs involving rehabilitated native wildlife, horticulture, photography, art, and more. Our goal is to encourage life-long learning and demonstrate the important role nature plays in our daily lives. Visit our website at www.chattnaturecenter.org.
10. Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the National League East division.
12. Urban Air Adventure Park
Urban Air Adventure Park is much more than a trampoline park. With new adventures behind every corner, we are the ultimate indoor playground for your entire family. Take your kid’s birthday party to the next level or spend a day of fun with the family and you’ll see why Urban Air Adventure Park is the best place for jumping, climbing, riding, playing, and fun for all ages.
13. Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day in 1929 to a sold-out crowd, premiering Steamboat Willie, Disney’s first cartoon starring Mickey Mouse. Since then, the historic Fox Theatre has gone on to become one of Atlanta’s premiere venues for live entertainment. The Fox’s 4,665 seat theatre hosts more than 150 performances a year ranging from Broadway to rock to comedy to movies. Guests of all ages are welcome to experience the Fox Theatre- take a tour, attend a show, or bring the Fox Theatre to your local school with Fox Theatre Institute's FREE Fox In a Box interactive program.
14. LEGO® Discovery Center
Welcome to our new LEGO® Discovery Center. It’s the home of LEGO® play, where you and your family can create your own adventures in the ultimate indoor LEGO playground with over two million bricks. From interactive worlds and masterclasses with our Master Model Builders, to a 4D Cinema – your imagination will run wild.
15. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is a premier entertainment & event destination featuring heart-pounding attractions, delicious cuisine & unique event spaces. Our 100k+ sq ft facility features high speed electric Superkarts on a multi-level track, state of the art arcade, VR experiences, two-level laser tag arena, bowling, 7D Xperience motion theater, scratch restaurant, full bar and over 8,000 sq ft of party and event space. Locations in Marietta and Buford.
16. Stars and Strikes
There are plenty of event venues in the Atlanta metro area for parties and corporate group outings, but none offer thousands of square feet of family entertainment quite like Stars and Strikes. When you book a party or reserve a lane at our family bowling alley, you get world-class amenities, delectable eats, and an amazing atmosphere perfect for kids and adults of all ages.
17. Wild Animal Safari
Wild Animal Safari, offers a unique experience. Visitors can see, touch, and feed hundreds of exotic animals - a true worldwide safari!
18. Pettit Creek Farms
Nestled in the foothills of North Georgia, lies the home of the largest camel herd in Georgia. Along with camels and many of your common farm animals, our farm is home to many exotic animals such as giraffes, zebras, capybaras, lemurs, llamas and more from around the globe!
20. Treetop Quest
Family-friendly Treetop Obstacle Course & Zip-lines. Perfect for anyone from 4 to 100 years old!
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in three categories. Here were their choices.Top Arts Educator: The Woodruff Arts Center
Woodruff Arts Center is a visual and performing arts center located in Atlanta, Georgia. The center houses three not-for-profit arts divisions on one campus. Opened in 1968, the Woodruff Arts Center is home to the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the High Museum of Art.
Top Sports Educator: Topgolf
Topgolf is a technology-enabled, golf entertainment concept where people from all walks of life come to play golf their own way in a dynamic, multi-level venue experience. Equipped with 102 outdoor hitting bays, players can enjoy a variety of games for players of all ages and skill levels, a chef-inspired food and beverage menu, and more. To book your play today, visit www.topgolf.com.
Top STEM Educator: Bentley Planetarium
Take a seat, lean back and prepare for an incredible ride in the Bentley Planetarium at Tellus Science Museum with our state-of-the-art planetarium projector. The digital projector will take you through our solar system to the edge of the galaxy and beyond.
