If you’ve ever been to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, either as a kid on a school field trip or a parent with a kiddo yourself, then you’ve seen the massive ball machine, right at the entrance. Filled with brightly colored balls, the exhibit teaches kids all about the six simple machines through play!
But this August, the beloved exhibit will take its final spins as the Museum begins the next phase of its $2.5 million Lilly Endowment Inc.-supported initiative to create new interactive experiences that inspire learning, curiosity and character development through play.
And they’re not going out without a BALL! Keep scrolling to learn how you can check out Have a Ball Weekend at the Children’s Museum, before it’s too late!
What can guests expect at Have a Ball Weekend at the Children’s Museum?
On Saturday, Aug. 1, and Sunday, Aug. 2, families are invited to the Children’s Museum to experience one last weekend with the ball machine before it retires for good.
Throughout the weekend, guests can receive 10% off admission with the code HAVEABALL! And keep the celebration going with complimentary doughnut holes at the Snack Stop while supplies last.
And if you want a little piece of Atlanta history to take home with you, you’re in luck! Guests are invited to take home a ball from the exhibit as they exit. Orange, white and light blue balls (CMA’s colors) will be available while supplies last.
Why are they taking down the ball machine?
The transformation is part of the Museum’s broader Lilly Endowment initiative announced in 2025, which is designed to help children and caregivers discover and strengthen positive character traits – including compassion, neighborliness, perseverance, curiosity and critical thinking – through immersive exhibits, workshops and at-home resources.
Edwin Link, executive director of Children’s Museum of Atlanta, said in a statement,
Some exhibits become part of a city’s childhood, and the Ball Machine is one of them. We’re grateful for the memories it has created and look forward to introducing a new generation of families to an experience inspired by everything they loved about the original.
We can’t wait to see what goes in next at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta!
Learn more about the Museum & all its fun activities on their website, here!