Photo: Chelsea
Photo: Discover Atlanta
Photo: Amelia G
Children's Museum of Atlanta
★4.4(3,165 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 0-8, as the museum is purposefully designed for this age range. Toddlers and preschoolers particularly thrive here with age-appropriate exhibits like the sensory-rich areas and pretend play zones, while early elementary kids enjoy the building and problem-solving activities. Children over 8 may find the exhibits too young for them.🧡 Saved by 250+ families
About
The Children's Museum of Atlanta is the city's only dedicated children's museum, offering six interactive, hands-on exhibits designed specifically for infants through 8-year-olds. Located in the heart of downtown near Centennial Olympic Park, this colorful, energetic space encourages learning through play with exhibits that spark imagination and creativity in younger children.
Highlights
- ✓Fundamentally Food exhibit where kids can 'shop' in a grocery store and cook in a pretend kitchen
- ✓Gateway to the World featuring a miniature airplane and city scenes for imaginative play
- ✓Tools for Solutions area with building and construction activities
- ✓Leaping Lizards climbing structure for active play
- ✓Baby Bayou sensory space designed specifically for infants and young toddlers
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open on weekdays (10:00 AM) for the smallest crowds and freshest energy from your little ones
- 2.Pack socks for everyone,many exhibits require them, and the museum sells them if you forget
- 3.Plan your visit for 90 minutes to 2 hours max, as younger children can get overstimulated; the museum is compact enough to enjoy without rushing
- 4.Take advantage of the nursing room and family restrooms which are well-maintained and convenient
- 5.Check the museum's website for special programming like story times or themed days that coincide with your visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday at 10:00 AM opening) offer the quietest experience. Avoid Saturday afternoons when crowds peak. Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM opening are good alternatives if weekdays don't work.
What to Know
Admission tickets should be purchased online in advance (timed entry may be required during peak periods). Parking is available in nearby lots around Centennial Olympic Park. The museum has a small snack area, but outside food is typically not permitted inside exhibit areas.
Seasonal Notes
Note that the museum is closed every Wednesday. Summer months and school holidays tend to be busiest. The museum occasionally hosts special holiday events and themed weekends,check their calendar for seasonal programming during winter holidays and spring break.
Nearby Eats
Centennial Olympic Park has food vendors and is perfect for a picnic lunch. For sit-down options, try South City Kitchen (Southern comfort food with a kids menu) or CNN Center's food court just a short walk away with multiple quick-service options.
More Activities Near Atlanta
Museum
High Museum of Art
★4.7$$❤️406
The High Museum of Art offers a sophisticated yet welcoming experience for families exploring Atlanta's arts scene. With dedicated family-friendly galleries, interactive exhibits designed for young visitors, and the added bonus of free admission for kids under 5, it's an accessible introduction to world-class art that won't break the bank.
Museum
College Football Hall of Fame
★4.6$$❤️153
The College Football Hall of Fame is an interactive sports paradise where kids can test their skills on a 45-yard indoor football field, complete with field goal kicking, throwing challenges, and speed drills. With over 50 interactive exhibits and a stunning three-story helmet wall displaying 760 college helmets, this museum keeps sports fans and curious kids engaged through hands-on activities rather than just reading displays.
Museum
Atlanta History Center
★4.6$$❤️77
The Atlanta History Center offers an impressive 33-acre campus where history comes alive for kids through hands-on exploration. The star attraction for families is the Goizueta Children's Experience, a 5,000-square-foot interactive play space designed specifically for young learners to discover Atlanta's past through engaging, tactile exhibits and imaginative play areas.
Museum
Fernbank Museum | 3D Theater | Forest
★4.5$$❤️48
Fernbank Museum offers an incredible combination of indoor exhibits and outdoor adventure that keeps kids engaged for hours. From walking among giant dinosaur skeletons in the impressive Dinosaur Plaza to exploring hands-on STEM activities in the interactive lab, then venturing outside to hike through one of Atlanta's last remaining old-growth forests, this museum truly has something for every type of young learner.