Atlanta has no shortage of fun things to do for everyone, and that includes kids! Whether you’re taking your kids out for a fun day on the town or to a special event, the memories they make now will last a lifetime! So if you’re looking for fun things to do in Atlanta with kids, we’ve got you covered!
And this holiday season, there’s even more fun things to do with the kiddos than ever! Spend their winter breaks making memories and experiencing all the fun there is this holiday in Atlanta! Keep scrolling to check out our list of 17 fun things to do in Atlanta with kids!
1. Take your kiddos ice skating
There’s nothing more fun than spending the holiday break learning how to ice skate, and Atlanta has tons of great spots to check out this season! From the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the state to the longest running ice skating rink in Georgia to the adorable pop-ups all over the city… there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Break out the skates (or rent them from the rink, of course!) and enjoy the ice this season with your family!
See the full list of amazing skating spots in Atlanta here!2. Go on a trip to see the Great Pyramids of Giza without leaving the city!
If you’re looking for the ultimate family trip, consider checking out one of the Seven Wonders of the World this summer without getting on a plane! Thanks to VR technology, travel to Ancient Egypt this summer and feel like you’re stepping into this historical world around 4,500 years ago at Horizons of Khufu! The experience partnered with Egyptologist and Harvard University professor Peter Der Manuelian, who was able to replicate the pyramids using data from the Giza Project.
One reviewer of the experience shared, “I stood among the ancient Egyptian royal families to attend the burial ritual. And I stood on the highest part of the Giza pyramid to overlook Cairo city. I could never get to do that in real life! That was amazing!”
Plan your incredible trip to the Pyramids of Giza now, grab tickets now!
3. Check out the Children’s Museum of Atlanta
If you’re looking for a truly memory-building experience, you’ve got to take your kiddos to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. With several permanent exhibits that foster learning through play, like the grocery store, cafe, farm, paint wall and two-story climber, as well as lots more, the Children’s Museum is the perfect place to play and learn. Kids will get to enjoy science experiments performed by a team of experienced educators, as well as reading times, and arts and crafts experiences.
And for December 3rd, 2024 – January 2nd, 2025, you can enjoy “Snow Days” at the Children’s Museum, with special wintery programing!
Where: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Check out more about the Children’s Museum of Atlanta on their website!
Best for children 9 and under. NO ENTRY WITHOUT A CHILD.
4. Make memories on Atlanta’s iconic Pink Pig ride
This holiday season, The Georgia Festival of Trees is welcoming back a fan favorite: the Pink Pig! You can take your kiddos to ride the Pink Pig, just like you did as a kid (and your parents did as kids)! This adorable, nostalgic experience is perfect fun for kids! The ride is new and improved, too!
Don’t miss out on the Pink Pig ride at the Georgia Festival of Trees!
5. Go on a fluorescent adventure at a family-friendly painting session
Another super fun activity, Neon Brush Kids has designed these painting workshops with the children in mind. They combine vibrant, neon colors with an upbeat soundtrack to get the creativity flowing. But they’re not just for kids! Parents can also join in, tap into their inner child and experiment with glow-in-the-dark paints.
Learn more about this art experience here.6. Enjoy the benefits of a Georgia Library Card
If you don’t already have a Georgia Library Card, today is the day to sign up for one! Aside from gaining access to over 300 public libraries across the state, you will also have free access to museums, countless discounts on popular attractions, and more. With this magic card you can visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center, benefit from free parking at Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, catch a show at the Alliance Theatre, and receive discounts for the Georgia Aquarium.
It might seem outdated, but a library card is absolutely not outdated. It’s a wonderful thing to have… and it’s FREE!
7. Meet a real life reindeer and more at Winterfest in Virginia Highlands!
Atlanta’s iconic Winterfest celebration is fun for the whole family, right here in Virginia Highlands! You can expect lots of fun for the kiddos and adults alike! With a jingle jog (free for kids under 12), kids’ corner, holiday parade, light displays, and even the chance to meet a live reindeer, what’s not to love!?
Learn all about Winterfest here!8. Head to the Georgia Aquarium
Atlanta is home to the largest aquarium in the United States, and third largest in the world! The Georgia Aquarium will take you on a nautical journey to remember, with breathtaking exhibits and displays that provide unbeatable insight on marine life.
Expect sharks, beluga whales, unique fish and sea creatures, plus so much more. And, of course, make sure your kids get to see the two giant whale sharks, Atlanta’s claim to fame!
And on December 15th, Santa will be at the Georgia Aquarium! Learn all about it here!
For more information about the Georgia Aquarium, check out their website!
9. Spend a day at the Center for Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts is the perfect place for a family fun day! The largest puppet museum in the country features the U.S.’s most impressive Jim Henson collection. At the Center for Puppetry Arts, you can meet Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Bert and Ernie, and more! There’s even puppet performance, workshops, and seasonal events on their exciting line-up throughout the year.
And the Center for Puppetry Arts has some super fun holiday events happening now! Check ’em all out here!10. Take the kids to Candlelight concert
Candlelight is an experience that never fails to impress and with concerts catering to everybody but mostly aimed at ages 8 plus, it’s bringing music to everyone. Talented musicians perform classic tunes, paying tribute to famous artists. From Pop to Rock, these concerts showcase Atlanta’s best venues, all illuminated by the light of thousands of (electronic) flickering candles.
11. Get creative at the Lego Discovery Center
Gift your kids with a day of play at Lego Discovery Center: a Lego paradise! What’s inside? A family-sized chariot, 4D cinema, a mini land of Lego made from more than 1.5 million bricks, Pirate Adventure Land, and the opportunity to build your own Lego companion. At Lego Discovery Center, your family is guaranteed hours of endless fun and adventure.
For more information, check out their website!
12. Take the kids out for hot cocoa in the ATL
Everyone loves to go out for a delicious little treat, and kids are no different! While it’s too cold for ice cream and kids might not like coffee (and you might not like to give it to ’em, of course!), there’s another treat that kids adore: hot cocoa! Take your kids out for some delicious hot cocoa after school, on break, or on the way to another activity! And don’t forget to ask for whipped cream on top of course!
See our list of all the best spots to grab hot chocolate here!13. Get competitive at Activate Atlanta
Show off just how competitive you can get at Activate Atlanta! You’ll use your body and mind to get through this giant puzzle game! You can choose from hundreds of gaming combinations, so every visit is a new experience! Guests can expect laser mazes, arcade-style basketball hoops, and so much more.
Activate ATL is designed for adults and kids over the age of 10!
Check out all the details about Activate Atlanta!14. Check out The High Museum of Art
Sprinkle some culture onto your family outings at the High Museum of Art. You can take some time to peruse the beautiful art on several floors of exhibits, or join the High for one of their amazing events.
There’s even a Toddler Tuesdays for children aged fifteen months to three years, which inspires creativity through different themes and activities. You can also access the High Museum of Art for free on the Second Sunday of each month.
For more about the High, check out their website!
15. Teach your kids about winter holiday celebrations from all around the world at Ferbank’s Winter Wonderland
The holidays are the perfect time to learn about and celebrate other cultures! At Fernbank, they’ve got the perfect exhibition for your kiddos (and you!) to learn all about holiday celebrations from different countries and cultures! Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World at Ferbank is definitely not to be missed!
Learn all about it here!16. Enjoy dazzling holiday lights for a magical night in Atlanta
If you want your kids to experience some magic this holiday season, you’ve got to check out all of the dazzling light displays that Atlanta has to offer! From massive, music-coordinated and nature-themed light displays to classic residential light displays and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season! Check out our full roundup here!
17. See the largest Christmas drone and light show in the world
If you want to spend the day enjoying holiday fun and the night watching the world’s largest holiday drone and light show… you’ve gotta check out all the fun activities at Stone Mountain! Your kids will make memories that last a lifetime at Stone Mountain Park’s monumental Christmas celebration!
Get all the details here!