Ten Great Atlanta Destinations for Kids
Atlanta is a terrific destination for both local and visiting families. With a wealth of kid-friendly fun at nearly every turn and a slew of terrific accommodation options on just about every corner, it’s easy to transform a day in the city into a kid-centric shortstack staycation. To help families map out a fun-filled stay in our fair city, Examiner has compiled a list of ten GREAT Atlanta venues that are perfect for pint-sized patrons.
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, (770) 498-5690
Heralded by Frommer’s as one of 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up, Stone Mountain Park is a natural fit for our shortstack staycation list! The Park encompasses the world’s largest piece of exposed granite surrounded by 3,200 acres of colorful history, natural beauty, and thrilling adventure at every turn. Guests can take a seat on the Summit Skyride to the top of the mountain, travel through time at the Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard, climb aboard the Scenic Railroad, trek through the treetops on Sky Hike, take in a Saturday night viewing of the famed Lasershow Spectacular, and so much more. With campgrounds and two Marriott properties onsite, planning a staycation at one of the South’s favorite destinations - Stone Mountain Park - is easy.
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518, (770) 945-8787
Escape to Georgia’s Great Lake! From wet and wild fun on the waterslides and boardwalk at LanierWorld to boat rentals at Harbor Landing, Lake Lanier Islands Resort has been a premier destination for Atlanta families for more than 30 years. Additional fun can be found ziplining through the treetops, horseback riding along the shoreline of Lake Sidney Lanier, bicycling the network of trails throughout the Islands, and so much more. Accommodations run the gamut from campgrounds and lakeside cottages to waterfront villas and a deluxe hotel room in the gorgeous Legacy Lodge. There’s something for everyone at Lake Lanier Islands Resort, making it the perfect spot for a fun family “staycation” – no matter the season.
1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, (404) 873-3089
Released upon our urban culture with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog in 1978, The Center for Puppetry Arts is a family-focused Atlanta institution. A regular rotation of puppet performances is enhanced by puppet making workshops, which are always a big hit with kids and parents alike. Tours of the puppet museum are also available – and the Jim Henson exhibit is a must-see for Muppet fans. Tickets and additional information about the Center for Puppetry Arts' upcoming season are available online.
9) Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, (404) 624-9453
A slew of new personal experiences makes a great day at the zoo… well, GREATER! Hand-feed one of the planet’s tallest living mammals – the giraffe, or take part in one of three new behind-the-scenes adventures through Wild Encounters with the African elephants, giant pandas or Komodo dragon. Zoo Atlanta also boasts one of the United States largest collections of western lowland gorillas, as well as the nation’s largest zoological collection of orangutans. Kids will love a visit to the petting zoo, a tour through the reptile house, a ride on the train and carousel, and so much more. To enhance your Zoo Atlanta visit further, be sure to take advantage of keeper talks, interactive wildlife shows, education programs and the zoo’s regular rotation of special events.
10) Babyland General
300 N.O.K. Dr, Cleveland, GA 30528, (706) 865-2171
Babyland General was voted one of the Travel Channel’s Top Ten places to visit with your kids, and we are fortunate that it’s located just a hop, skip and a jump away! Located in the North Georgia city of Cleveland, admission to the home of the Cabbage Patch Dolls is free. For an adoption fee, your child can watch as their very own Cabbage Patch baby is pulled from Mother Cabbage. After naming him or her and filling out keepsake adoption papers, your little one can bring their brand new baby home from Babyland General.
Be sure to check out Shortstack Atlanta Staycations – Part 1 for even more great Atlanta destinations for kids!
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