
by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Fri April 14, 2017
The capital of Georgia, and the capital of the south depending on who you're talking to, Atlanta is a great destination for families.
While you may hit some traffic on the highways, especially now with the construction taking place after a bridge collapse on I-85, the city is still manageable to drive around in.
Great for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Atlanta certainly has plenty to keep families busy.
Seeing the Animals
Kids love animals, it's no secret. So, give the little ones what they want and let their imaginations run wild through Georgia Aquarium and or Zoo Atlanta. The penguins and otters are beyond adorable at the Aquarium. They even have the penguin space designed so you and your kids can get up close. The pandas at the Zoo are also a big hit, and your kids will love feeding the giraffes and playing on the playgrounds and splash fountain.
Adults, don't worry, there's plenty of fun at both places for you as well. The Dolphin Show at the Aquarium is tremendous and the Treetop Trail lets you experience Zoo Atlanta from up above as if you're an animal navigating life high among the trees.
Thrill Seekers
Six Flags Over Georgia, the largest theme park in the Southeast, is a must visit for those seeking fun adventure thrills. BATMAN: The Ride, SUPERMAN: Ultimate Flight and Goliath are top-notch roller coasters for those in the family old enough to ride them. There are plenty of family coasters in the park as well if you only have smaller children. In addition, Six Flags White Water is available to those who prefer water park rides over the bigger roller coaster. You can still get your thrills on here though thanks to the 90-foot free fall Cliffhanger ride.
Other spots for those seeking an adventure rush include Skyline Park, which is an entertainment space on top of Ponce City Market. Play some mini golf with the little ones, take a ride down the Skyline Slide and jump on the Heege Tower for a magnificent view of the city. Or for an even better view of the ATL, go atop Skyview Atlanta, the 20 story Ferris wheel in Centennial Park.
Educational Exploration
If you want your kids to learn a lot while also having fun, then the Fernbank Museum of Natural History should be on your travel list. Perfect for all ages and home to an IMAX Theatre, kids and adults can partake in fun science interactives sure to keep imaginations racing. Aside from the previously mentioned awesome IMAX Theatre, the incorporation of dinosaurs and their history on our planet is my favorite part of the museum.
Other places to stay educated throughout Atlanta and its history include: visiting the home Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, learning in the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, as well as at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum. But we wouldn't be surprised if your little ones loved the Children's Museum of Atlanta the most, after all it labels itself as "the ultimate place for kids 0-8 to play, learn and ignite their curiosity."
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The BeltLine
Travel on foot or hop on a bike for miles of fun, and bring your pet along too! Discover the trails and walkways along the 22 miles of unused railroad tracks that circle Atlanta's in-town neighborhoods. You can take a walking tour or bike tour, and there are always events happening at the BeltLine.
A fun place for the family to hang out at the park and then go grab a bite to eat, the BeltLine has several phenomenal restaurants nestled right on it; many with lovely patios for outdoor eating. And you can't go wrong strolling through Ponce City Market.
You can also see fantastic art all along the BeltLine.
Sports Haven
If you're planning a springtime visit to Atlanta, your best sporting bets are to catch a Hawks game at Philips Arena or a Braves game at their new stadium, SunTrust Park. The home opener is Friday, April 14 and you can find tickets for future games here.
Or if you're planning a visit for late summer check out an Atlanta United soccer match or a Falcons game in the fall at the all new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With two new sports stadiums debuting in 2017, Atlanta definitely has sports fans buzzing.
But no matter when you visit, if you love sports, you have to stop by the College Football Hall of Fame. The moment you walk through the doors you know you're at a special place. The wall of helmets is an incredible spectacle, and your kids will love the chance to kick a field goal, as well as how interactive everything is!
World of Coca Cola
Kids love soda. So, why not let them explore and experience the stories behind arguably the most famous drink brand in the world? Sure, they might get a bit of a sugar rush, but that just makes great entertainment for all.
Go behind the scenes to for a look at the bottle making process, have the kids meet the polar bear and take a selfie and of course, be sure to taste freshly made coca cola.
There's also a 4-D Theater that takes you on "a journey around the world In Search of the Secret Formula." The seats move and other special effects take place to make it "4-D", which will help keep the kids entertained. After the movie experience, head on over to see the actual vault that holds the legendary secret formula.
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