If you’re looking for a great city to visit for your next family vacation, you shouldn’t rule out Atlanta. With plenty to see and do for all ages, there really is something for everyone, from your nature-loving Granny to your super cool teen and adventurous toddler. 

You’ll fly into Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. From here, you can navigate Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA, or simply hire a car and use the extensive highway network to easily get the whole family from A to B. 

Here are just some reasons why Atlanta is such a popular destination for families. 

Family-Friendly Attractions


For animal lovers, you are spoiled for choice in Atlanta. Head to the Georgia Aquarium to explore the more than 11 million gallons of water that are home to a vast range of sea life. It’s the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, and it undertakes a huge range of research and conservation efforts, which makes for a fascinating day out. 

If you want something more above the water, Atlanta Zoo has an incredible number of exotic animals, from African elephants to Sumatran tigers and, of course, the famous giant pandas. In addition to the many animal enclosures, you’ll also find a host of rides, talks, and even the opportunity to book a wild encounter with one of the animals. 

Another great day out can be found at The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, which is perfect for kids aged up to 8 with an ever-changing offering of engaging, exciting, and educational exhibits to enjoy. A great way to get children excited about STEM and learning without them realizing that they’re doing anything but playing. 

Outdoor Activities

Atlanta boasts glorious parks and green spaces, such as Piedmont Park, a vast urban park ideal for picnics, playground fun, and walking trails. It’s also the setting for different festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Atlanta Jazz Festival and outdoor performances of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. 

Another brilliant option is the Atlanta BeltLine, which offers scenic trails for biking, walking, and running around a 22-mile loop. This is a fantastic way to explore the area, as the path is lined with art galleries, restaurants, and breweries. 

The street art scene in Atlanta is thriving and just by simply walking around the city, you’ll find yourself amazed by colorful paintings and murals on the buildings around. 

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is perfect for families who want to explore the great outdoors, as it’s a whopping 30 acres. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try the 600-foot Canopy Walk, suspended 40 feet in the air, and admire the beautiful flowers below? The Botanical Garden also boasts a stunning waterfall and an authentic Japanese garden with a 300-year-old lantern! 

History and Culture

For those wanting to soak up a little culture or brush up on their history while on holiday, Atlanta has both in abundance that will appeal to children and adults alike. 

Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park gives visitors the chance to explore the birthplace of  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn about his role in the Civil Rights Movement. Be sure to check out the World Peace Rose Garden and the Behold Monument for something truly moving and beautiful.  

The Atlanta History Center is a museum that offers interactive exhibits on Southern history, including a look at the Civil War, civil rights, and more, across 33 acres. The historic houses are a fantastic way of catching a glimpse into life in Atlanta throughout various times in history. Keep your eyes peeled for the events, talks, and demos that take place throughout the year, as there is bound to be something that will appeal to someone in your family. 

An important part of Atlanta’s history is the invention of Coca-Cola in 1886, and where better to learn more about this than the World of Coca-Cola? Here, you’ll be able to try some of the flavors of Coke from across the world, see limited-edition bottles, and learn about this popular beverage through the years. 

Film buffs will love the Starlight Drive-in Theatre, which has been hosting date nights since 1949. Grab some Mexican food from the snack bar and relax in your car while catching one of the nightly double features. Perfect for one of the rainier days! 

Music is also a big part of the Atlanta scene, whether you’re more of a fan of hip-hop (in fact, Outkast, Ludacris, and Ciara all hail from Atlanta!), or prefer a soulful gospel choir, you’ll find a venue for you. If you can catch The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in one of their sold-out shows, you’ll be pretty lucky, or for something a little different, Atlanta has a number of music festivals throughout the year. Whatever your genre of choice, Atlanta can deliver. 

Shopping and Eating

If you’re hoping to do some retail therapy while you’re in Atlanta, there are plenty of options. Ponce City Market has the perfect mix of big-name stores, like Anthropologie, and Warby Parker, right next to small, local businesses where you can support independent creators and find something unique. 

Alternatively, Lenox Square is a premium high-end mall with a huge number of stores to explore and restaurants to fuel up after a long day of shopping!

Atlanta offers a wide array of dining options that cater to families, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants with kid-friendly menus. The Krog Street Market is a former cast-iron stove factory, which now hosts a huge range of food stalls so that every member of the family can be catered for in one place. 

Be sure to sample plenty of Southern dishes when you’re in the city, including chicken and waffles, pimento cheese, and of course, a peach cobbler! With so much choice, you’re sure to find a new family favorite in Atlanta. 

It’s easy to see why Atlanta, with its warm Southern hospitality, is a popular destination for families looking to get away and enjoy a holiday to remember.