10 things to do in Atlanta, Georgia with Kids
Are you the mom with busy kids, visiting Atlanta, Georgia, without a clue of what to do? Maybe you’re a resident or the busy mom who wants to get the kids out of the house. If you feel like you have exhausted all of your options, here are some things you could consider on your next outing with your kids! I have listed 10 of my favorite, budget and kid-friendly things to do in Atlanta!
The Atlanta Zoo
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I’m Ashley! The heart behind Ashley Aria Photography! Please explore my blog for topics that might be interesting to you! Reach out, and get on my calendar for your next portrait session! I would love to get to know you and be your new friend!
For an average of $20 general admission, The Atlanta Zoo is a great option for a day out. The zoo typically opens at 9am and closes around 5pm on most days! On top of that, the zoo is open year -round and only closed on select holidays! If your kids love animals, an outing to the zoo can’t go wrong. They sell food in their cafeteria, and you can even pack your own lunch to bring! When we had a daycare in our home in 2022, we took the kids to the zoo maybe once a month! They loved it and it was a great learning experience for them. Did I mention that kids 3 and under get in free?! Did I also mention that Military veterans and active also get in free?!
Need a break from walking around?
- There’s a petting zoo where the kids can have real contact with animals.
- There are a few playgrounds around the park
- There’s a miniature “waterpark” where fountains sprout up from the ground! This is especially good for kids on a hot summer day.
- Two different ropes courses – One for the littles and one for the older ones!
- Two different 360 Ride Films – Using VR goggles!
- A train ride, a carousel, and more! Check out The Zoo Atlanta Website for more details on their attractions!
The Tellus Museum
If your kids love science, you might think this museum is perfection. The Tellus Museum is an intimate place where kids can discover more of their love for science! I remember being in elementary school and taking field trips here every year. And then, I became homeschooled and had the opportunity to go to the Tellus Museum much more often! I am a bit of a science geek, so I have so many good things to say! There’s something for every science kid to explore. Here are some of the thingd you can expect to explore.
What the Tellus Museum Offers
- The Vault features The Mineral Exhibit! Which is my personal favorite. Here, kids can explore different rocks and minerals and will have the amazing opportunity to mine for gems! Yes! They get to collect their own minerals in the gem mining exhibit!
- The Crossroads – Does your child enjoy the science of engineering? Cars, trains, planes, or motorcycles, or spaceships? The Motion Gallery offers high-quality, vintage models of each of these! Kids enjoy learning about the history and science behind the models! Additionally, and even more exciting, there are models of communication technology and a fighter-jet cockpit that they can interact with!
That's not all!
- Discovery Garden – I know so many children who love dinosaurs! If yours love them too, then they would surely love being a little paleontologist and doing their own fossil hunting! Discovery Garden is where kids can explore various extinct animals such as the Megalodon Shark’s Tooth, The T-rex’s jaws, and much more!
- My Big Back Yard – If you have younger children, you will definitely love this area of the museum. This offers an interactive garden with different magnetic puzzles, games, and more! In addition, there is a mini playground and a giant tree that features a large projection screen. The projection screen is designed to teach children about different weather conditions. The experience comes alive with different sounds and motions!
- The Planetarium – Have you ever wanted to see the galaxy up close? The planetarium is a giant indoor dome with a 360 projection all around the entire room. It’s like a space theatre! There is a short film that plays, educating you on different aspects of the solar system! As a bonus, they have an outdoor exhibit where you can observe outer space at nighttime. There is a giant telescope to view the moon, the stars, and even some planets when they are visible.
- We can’t forget about their gift shop! They offer gems, science toys, science experiments, and more!
The Escape Game
They also have escape rooms! This is perfect for you and your family if you want a chill, mystery type experience. You are challenged to solve various puzzles and escape the room with only 60 minutes on the clock! There is so much thrill, and the adrenaline rush will make you want to come back! The challenge is to use the clues and props around you to figure out how to escape! Some of the games can have up to 8 players so, its perfect for small birthday celebrations, family outings, and spontaneous fun days! (which are my favorite!) Afterall, I am a photographer and I love the unrehearsed adventures! Check out their website here!
activate
If you have slightly older but active children, you would love Activate for them! Activate is like an escape room game but… ACTIVE! This is something the whole family would enjoy! It is for 2-5 players per group but if you have a larger group, you could split into 2-3 groups! And if you would like to, you could compete against each other to reach higher levels! Without giving too many spoilers, I invite you to check out their website!
They offer so many interactive games where you are challenged to escape the room by completing the tasks! For example, their laser maze is one of my favorites! Get through to the other side of the room without touching a laser! Everyone gets a chance and you all work together to beat other teams around you OR your best score!
There is so much to do and it is a ton of fun. My friends and I love activate and I am 24 years old! Even my mom had a blast. I believe that Activate is best suited for children ages 6-8+. Don’t forget the gym clothes because you will be working out! You will be jumping, climbing, running, spinning, and 100% getting that adrenaline pumping! And honestly, I like to just substitute one gym day a month and go to Activate! Learn more on their website!
Lakepoint Station
I absolutely love this place, and I think you will too! Lake Point Station, located in Cartersville, Ga, is a family friendly adventure that offers, bowling, arcade games, gem mining, rock climbing, laser tag, indoor and outdoor mini-golf and much more! There is also a connected pizza restaurant where you can take your family for lunch/dinner! I took some kiddos with me and had just much fun as they did! I highly recommend you check it out if you’re looking for a place where kids can play all day! There’s so much to do and so many fun memories are made!
Poole's Mill Park
Not only is this one of my top locations for photographing families, but it is an amazing place to bring kids for a swim day! Its a beautiful place to have a picnic, explore nature, have a scavenger hunt, and play in the waterfall! There are large slipper, downward rock structures for children slide down and into the river! Think of it as a waterslide, and you would enjoy it too! If you are looking for something to do outdoors, I am thrilled to tell you about this place!
Be sure to bring chairs/blankets to sit on, bathing suits, extra clothes, and all then snacks! It will be a fun filled, relaxing day! If you enjoy chilling by the lake and having a picnic, this is something you would enjoy too!
Acworth beach - Cauble Park
This too, is a great outdoor location for your family outings! I am a beach lover and Acworth beach I might be as close as we’ll get to an actual beach! There is a very large sand front and a lake with a view! I have done many sunset sessions here and photos turn out so beautifully! The park is pretty big so, there’s so much to do!
- Sand-front – Don’t forget beach toys, towels, picnic blankets, and snacks!
- Lake – Bring floaties/swimwear!
- There’s a playground
- A large field for playing sports like soccer, volleyball, tag etc.
- There are even grills out there so you can make your own food! There are also some pavilions out there to host parties!
- The dock/bridge – Go fishing!
The Georgia Aquarium
We love the aquarium just as much as we love the zoo! You can get the best of both worlds here in Georgia. There’s so much to do and explore, and many people like to use their full day to experience the entire aquarium! Highly recommend. We brought our daycare kiddos here many times throughout the year and their favorite experiences were the Dolphin Show and the stingray exhibit! They got to actually touch the stingrays!
Things to love about the Georgia Aquarium
The Dolphin show is truly an amazing experience. Lots of laughs, lots of fun! The divers/ are so amazing at what they do! If you really love dolphins like I do, then you can even book a private dolphin encounter! They will allow you to interact with dolphins up close! feeding them, playing catch with them etc! Check out their website and plan an adventure for your family.
Additionally, there is a cafeteria with yummy food! However, you are also permitted to bring in your own food! They are super flexible about this, and it makes the experience so much better! I know that when we took our daycare kids, they would all get hungry for a snack on different schedules. So, I love the convenience of kids having their own snack bag while enjoying all the exhibits!
Stone Mountain Park
- This is also a really cool place to hang out outdoors! Not only is it a beautfiful place in history but your family will have a great time with all of their attractions. They offer
- Hiking trails
- ropes courses
- Seasonal festivals
- A sky-lift to the top of the mountain
- Scenic train ride
- Dinosaur exploration
- Splash pad
- mini golf
- 4D theatre and more!
River Tubing - Helen, Georgia
On a hot summer day, there’s literally nothing better than tubing down a river! The Chattahooche river is beautiful! It’s not just fun. It’s a TON of fun! In the beginning, the adventure is chill and the waters are pretty gentle! It’s perfect for having conversation, enjoying nature, playing games like I spy with your kids etc. And THEN! toward the middle of the adventure, there are some really fun rapids and it makes you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster or water-ride!
Also, there is a waterpark. You can continue the thrill with waterslides! Moreover, Helen has many local boutique and shops in the same area! If you get hungry for something sweet, there are many tasty treat shops around! It is simply a beautiful little town. I absolutely love going to Helen with friends and family and I think you would too!
i Would Love To Meet You!
Did you know that I offer travel photography services? Not only will I travel out of state to capture memories for you, but I am also always up for an adventure no matter where you decide to go! I have photographed families during their family outings to places like stone mountain, or the North Georgia State Fair – capturing their day as they go throughout! I would love to be there during your family experiences and capture those moments for you!
When your family is simply enjoying Ice cream or playing together at a waterpark, I am happy to be there to capture it! You can book me for an entire day to capture your family having fun! Many people love this idea for their own blogging or even for their scrapbooking! As you consider what to do for your next family day, reach out to me via text or email if you would like professional photos for your memories! I would be so excited to work with you!