Things to Do in Atlanta Georgia
Visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta for something a bit upscale; it boasts plenty of themed rides and workshops designed especially for children.
Street art is one of the city’s most vibrant scenes; for a vibrant display visit Krog Street Tunnel or Junkman’s Daughter for an eclectic array of products.
Georgia Aquarium
Since opening its doors in 2005, Georgia Aquarium has been an attraction for marine life enthusiasts and those simply interested in learning about ocean inhabitants. Dubbed as one of the largest aquariums worldwide and boasting its Ocean Voyager exhibit – which allows visitors to navigate a view from below featuring whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and other massive sea life – its popularity continues to soar.
The aquarium offers fun, interactive trainer-led shows as well as a 4D theater that combines high-quality projection with special effects to offer guests an unforgettable cinematic experience. To avoid crowds when visiting, it is advisable to plan ahead.
Start exploring at River Scout, featuring creatures found worldwide rivers such as otters, tree boas, piranhas and alligators. Tropical Diver is next – its colorful coral reefs host colorful fish (think “Nemo”) and jellyfish; finally Seahorses and Friends is sure to entertain everyone with mesmerizing seahorses and other marine life that you won’t want to leave out of your visit!
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
This museum boasts an expansive array of indoor and outdoor exhibits that showcase nature in all its glory, while children will adore exploring dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits designed to teach about science, culture and history.
Head out into nature for a stroll along three miles of trails on 46 acres, viewing animal exhibits such as Pebbles the African spurred tortoise and Maggie the Nigerian dwarf goat, plus Heritage Village buildings reminiscent of rural Georgia – plus special forest tours, family days and unique programming, such as Fernbank After Dark adult science nights! Check the website for updates.
Dad’s Garage offers hilarious improv and scripted comedy shows designed to make audiences chuckle since 1995 and is considered one of Atlanta’s premier entertainment options.
Porsche Experience Center
Are You in Search of a Car or Just Learning about Porsche’s History? Visit their Experience Center! Their collection of cars will surely impress and their racing simulators let you test out your driving abilities without risking your life or your wallet!
The High Museum of Art is an Atlanta must-see for art enthusiasts. No matter your taste, whether its paintings or all forms of media – this unforgettable attraction will leave a lasting impression and will have people talking long after they return home from their trip.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta is an essential and thought-provoking attraction that will provide more insight into its rich history. You will be able to visit Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home as well as view his papers and personal effects at this historic site. There’s even a recreation of diner sit-in where visitors can hear taunts and threats directed towards African-Americans during segregation times – it’s an emotional yet essential experience that should not be missed!
Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center stands out as an engaging museum because of the way it takes storytelling seriously. Exhibits such as Gatheround and Shaping Traditions use artifacts and recordings to present complex tales of those who have helped shape this city, while children can play with traditional toys or experiment with folk art processes.
The museum is also a living museum; its staff of costumed interpreters brings history alive at Swan House, Smith Family Farm and Wood Family Cabin on its 33-acre campus. Additionally, tours can be taken of Margaret Mitchell’s apartments where Gone With the Wind was written.
Michael C. Carlos Museum boasts a remarkable international art collection from ancient cultures like Rome, Greece, Nubia and pre-Columbia America. Pieces are familiar while some – like an unfinished statue of a Greek goddess from 150 years ago – may be new. Additionally there are restored historic homes on site, including one built during the early 1900s that boasts an opulent exterior featuring swan motif doorknobs and bedposts.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
The Atlanta Botanical Gardens has many enjoyable activities for all members of your family to do at any age. Explore a rainforest filled with gorillas and lemurs or visit an aviary brimming with twittering birds; there’s even an alligator enclosure, reptile world and panda exhibit – not to mention one-fourth state exhibits for your pleasure!
Discover how plants grow as you wander the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory or enter the Glass Treehouse, both built entirely out of glass. Take time out for lunch at Lou Glenn Children’s Garden where bees make honey behind glass cases; visit Edible Garden and experience how food can come from plants; then head off into one of their many outdoor exhibits like Edible Garden to witness people creating food from plants!
If plants aren’t your thing, visit the Atlanta Monetary Museum to take a self-guided tour of the Federal Reserve’s automated vault and cash processing areas – great fun for kids but adults can still have some fun too with arcades and flight simulators!
World of Coca-Cola
At first glance, a museum dedicated to fizzy soft drink may appear like a bit of kitsch; but the World of Coca-Cola offers so much more. A family-friendly attraction offering tours, exhibits, tastings and a 4-D movie all in one incredible experience!
The exhibits at Coke are divided into various sections that explore its history from its birth in 1886 up until present day, featuring advertisements, the vault containing its secret recipe and a Taste It! room where visitors can sample flavors from around the globe as well as a holographic display of its iconic Polar Bear character.
Attractions at the World of Coca-Cola include interactive attractions such as a Virtual Taste Maker and Bubble-izer. After their tour, guests can visit a theater to watch “Moments of Happiness,” an inspiring film highlighting iconic Coca-Cola moments around the globe. There are several dining options nearby including Mellow Mushroom for pizza and wings in a 70s setting and The Varsity for all-American cuisine.
Center for Puppetry Art
If you’re visiting Atlanta with children and looking for something different to do, head over to this playful spot. Home to an impressive collection of puppets including Kermit the Frog himself, it also provides interactive displays and hosts live performances!
The Jim Henson collection at the museum is one of its main draws, boasting the world’s largest display of his work and featuring puppets from all around the globe as well as iconic creations such as Rowlf from The Muppet Show and Didymus from Dark Crystal movie.
If you love old movies, visit this drive-in theater for some classic viewing pleasure. Open most nights and featuring larger than average screens than most living room televisions, its concession stand offers some delicious snacks as well.
The Jim Henson Collection
Atlanta may top traffic-related lists, but the city also boasts plenty of culture and attractions that appeal to history buffs, indoor adventurers, foodies, etc. All can find plenty of entertainment here.
The Georgia State Capitol is more than just a place for politicians; it’s also an historic site featuring art, offices, and collections of historical artifacts that offer insight into Georgia’s past as well as current affairs. A great spot for kids and adults to get an education about Georgia history as well as contemporary issues.
Emory University’s Carlos Museum houses one of the Southeast’s premier ancient art collections, boasting more than 16,000 works in its galleries. Furthermore, frequent guest exhibitions present additional borrowed pieces beyond these walls.
At the center of downtown lies the CNN Center. Visitors can enjoy tours of its world headquarters and behind-the-scenes looks at breaking news coverage, test their driving skills at Porsche Experience Center or get behind the wheel for themselves in Porsche at nearby Porsche Experience Center. Also for fans of Jim Henson there’s also Center for Puppetry Arts which boasts galleries showcasing puppetry traditions worldwide as well as his beloved creations like Kermit and Big Bird!