Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Atlanta - 2019
2019's Best Places for Kids in the Atlanta area
The best places to take kids in and around Atlanta, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. Of course, there is LOTS more to do in our area, all year round! Get great ideas here at KidsOutAndAbout.com! Use what is listed below as the starting point, then browse through our calendar and resource lists to find lots more! And be sure not to miss our Everything Free page.
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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.
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.
Piedmont Park
There’s a world within the world of Mother Nature at Piedmont Park. Not only is Piedmont Park host to hundreds of events each year, there are over 200 acres of green space to enjoy.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens
Smith-Gilbert Gardens is 16 acres of serene setting with over 3,000 species of plants, several rare in American gardens. United by woodland paths, the Gardens consist of separate groupings with individual elements of fascination. These include the Bonsai Exhibit, Palladino Camellia Garden, tea house and waterfall area, Rose Garden, and Conifer Display.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
The mission of the Atlanta Botanical Garden is to develop and maintain plant collections for display, education, research, conservation and enjoyment.
My Local Library
Of course, the libraries in the Atlanta area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them to the list of the best places to take kids this year!
Chattahoochee Nature Center
We are a private non-profit Nature Center located on the Chattahoochee River in Roswell located on a beautiful site comprised of 127 acres of native plants and gardens showcasing the beauty of Georgia. Our Discovery Center, with the southeast's only Nature Exchange, the Cowie Weiss theater and hands on exhibits that feature live non-releaseable native wildlife; plus our River Boardwalk, Woodland Trails and Wildlife Walks are home to over 50 species of wildlife.
Tellus Science Museum
Because science matters, we engage, educate, and inspire visitors to make scientific connections through dynamic exhibits and enriching experiences.
High Museum of Art
Located in the heart of Atlanta, Ga., the High Museum of Art connects with audiences from across the Southeast and around the world through its distinguished collection, dynamic schedule of special exhibitions and engaging community-focused programs. Housed within facilities designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architects Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, the High features a collection of more than 17,000 works of art, including an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th-century American fine and decorative arts; major holdings of photography and folk and self-taught work, especially that of artists from the American South; burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculpture, new media and design; a growing collection of African art, with work dating from pre-history through the present; and significant holdings of European paintings and works on paper. The High is dedicated to reflecting the diversity of its communities and offering a variety of exhibitions and educational programs that engage visitors with the world of art, the lives of artists and the creative process. For more information about the High, visit www.high.org.
Catch Air
Children's indoor play center for children age up to 14. The place filled with unique, fun, safe, dynamic, interactive activities. Perfect place for children's birthday party, field trip, mom's group. Open to public 7 days. Walk-ins are always welcome.
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.
Dunwoody Nature Center
Dunwoody Park is part of the Dunwoody Parks & Recreation greenspace, and is open and free to the public sunrise to sunset, everyday.
Six Flags Over Georgia
Atlanta's biggest, most popular family attraction featuring dozens of thrill rides, shows, and activities (Austell, GA).
Six Flags White Water
Six Flags White Water: the largest water park in the Southeast! A 69-acre water park located northwest of Atlanta, in unincorporated Cobb County. Originally opening in 1984 as White Water Atlanta, the park became part of the Six Flags family of parks in 1999.
Sparkles Family Fun Center
Sparkles Family Fun Center offers family fun for all ages! Our incredible facilities, one in Gwinnett and one in Smyrna, feature a spacious roller skating rink, indoor playground, and arcade. Monkey around on our playground or go for a leisurely skate on our rink with family and friends by your side. Host your next party, fundraiser, or event at the coolest place in town!
Stone Summit Climbing & Fitness Center
With three metro Atlanta locations, Stone Summit Climbing and Fitness offers world-class indoor climbing and state-of-the-art fitness equipment. With walls towering from25 to 60 feet, we offer top roping, leading, auto belays, and bouldering for all ages and climbing levels, from beginner to expert
Fernbank Science Center
A science center serving DeKalb County, GA schools and the public with excellent science instruction and programs since 1966.
Andretti Indoor Carting
High-speed super-karts, European-style tracks, a state of the art arcade, XD motion theater, racing simulators, ropes course and attractions such as cosmic rock wall, zip line, laser tag and bowling. Each location is also home to The Andretti Grill, a full bar/ restaurant capable of serving our 10,000+ square feet of event and meeting space. Locations in Roswell and Marietta.
Center for Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique cultural treasure - a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened and entertained.
Hippo Hopp Indoor Playground
Indoor playground & party center w/ cafe healthy choices in fitness, food & fun for the whole family. Primarily entertaining babies up through age 10. The cafe offers a full menu of natural and organic choices with gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly options. A truly green non-toxic indoor playground and birthday party center with locations in Atlanta and Peachtree Corners.
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in six categories. Here were their choices.Favorite Place to Have Fun INSIDE
Sky ZoneA high flying, high energy, awesome fun-time bouncing from wall to wall with our incredible trampoline experiences! Warrior Course, Warped Wall, Jousting and Parkour blocks, and Ultimate 3-D Dodgeball games. The extreme Foam Zone has thousands foam blocks to cushion your landing. Get your dunk game on at the Sky Slam courts, and enjoy a wall-to-wall bounce on the Freestyle court.
Favorite Place to Have Fun OUTSIDE
Zoo AtlantaAn accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Atlanta inspires value and preservation of wildlife through a unique mix of education and outdoor.
Favorite Kid-Friendly Museum
Georgia AquariumGeorgia 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.
Favorite Performing Arts
Cobb Energy Performing Arts CenterCobb Energy Centre, Atlanta’s Theatre Venue for Broadway, Ballet, Concerts, Opera, and Educational Shows, is a premier venue for Broadway shows, ballet, concerts, educational shows, family performances, opera, corporate meetings, and events. Conveniently located in northwest Atlanta, at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway at Akers Mill Road, adjacent to I-75 inside I-285.
Favorite Farm
Yule ForestYule Forest was opened 1983 by Allen and Susie Grant and has since evolved from being just a Christmas tree farm, to including a Pumpkin patch, top-rated haunted attraction, agricultural and ecological learning experiences, hands-on attractions, free concert series, and so much more.
Favorite Nature Center
Atlanta Botanical GardenThe mission of the Atlanta Botanical Garden is to develop and maintain plant collections for display, education, research, conservation and enjoyment.
Favorite Professional Sports Team
Atlanta FalconsThe Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division.
Favorite Arts Education
Woodruff Arts CenterThe Woodruff Arts Center is one of the largest arts centers in the world, home to the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre, the Grammy Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and the High Museum of Art, the leading art museum in the Southeast. One of the only arts venues in the United States to offer both visual and performing arts on a single campus, The Woodruff produces outstanding theater, music and exhibitions for nearly one million patrons each year.
Favorite Sports Education
North Atlanta Volleyball ClubAtlanta's longest-running Junior Olympic volleyball program. Developing better players, teams and people since 1991. At NAVC we have helped numerous girls cultivate self-confidence and self-esteem, understand athletic challenges and sportsmanship, and grow into fine young women. We offer year-round training with VolleyU, Overkill Youth Volleyball, Summer Camps & Leagues as well as Middle School Leagues. Our club season begins with tryouts in October for 10-14-year-olds and in November tryouts for 15-18-year-olds.
