Are you planning a trip to Atlanta with teens and feel a bit overwhelmed? We’ve been to the city many times and know exactly how overwhelming it can be. We’ve written several posts of fun places for teens including this post of ideas of things to do in Atlanta with teenagers; some based on our personal experience.
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The bustling city of Atlanta offers world-class attractions and fun for the entire family, but the options can be overwhelming.
This post features 40+ things to do in Atlanta with teens, including iconic diners and roadside attractions, fun movie tours, and where to take the best selfie. Let’s face it- have you really been on vacation if you’ve not Instagrammed and Snapchatted your experience? I’ll let you ponder that question while you continue reading.
Before heading to Atlatna, make sure you’ve arranged your lodging. There are many options and price ranges available. You can use our tool below to find cheap hotels & Airbnb’s so you can spend more of your hard earned money on the fun stuff!
Personally, I think Airbnb’s are perfect when traveling with teens because they allow you and your teen to spread out and have some space after what may be a long, fun-filled day of sightseeing.
40+ Things to do in Atlanta with Teens
Atlanta CityPASS attractions are open and are taking precautionary measures to keep you and your family safe when you visit. Plus, you can save 41% on Atlanta’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!
You’ll find many suggestions that are free or low-cost on this list, but for those that want to see and do the best that Atlanta has to offer, CityPASS Atlanta can help you save money.
Georgia Aquarium
Explore the second largest aquarium in the world and visit the exhibits and galleries filled with more than 10 million gallons of fresh and marine water at the Georgia Aquarium. This is a not to miss attraction!
World of Coca-Cola
A must-see tourist attraction in Atlanta. Explore over 125 years of Coca-Cola nostalgia and cultural heritage from around the globe at the World of Coca-Cola.
Zoo Atlanta
Fun for the entire family, a visit to Zoo Atlanta is an experience that you won’t want to miss.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Explore the permanent and special exhibits of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
The Center for Civil and Human Rights
The College Football Hall of Fame
Visit CityPASS Atlanta to learn how you can save up to 41% on tickets on the above attractions. The Georgia Aquarium (with expedited entry and you get to skip most of the lines), World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, the College Football Hall of Fame, Fernbank Museum of Natural History and the Center for Civil and Human Rights are all bundled in the CityPASS Atlanta package. Note that you may need to make advance reservations for entry into each of the attractions listed.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Explore speed karting, an extreme rope course, the zipline, a cosmic rock wall, and more at this unique entertainment center. Find more information here.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Social distancing is easy when you visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden and explore this incredible collection of gardens and stroll along a 600-foot suspension bridge.
Atlanta History Center
Explore exhibitions, visit historic houses and beautiful gardens, and participate in exciting programs. Find more information and a schedule of events here. Timed ticketing is required to limit capacity and masks are to be worn by all visitors age 2 and up.
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Teens seem to have an appreciation for fast cars. At least my boys’ do. At the Atlanta Motor Speedway they can sit in the stands and enjoy a fast-paced race.
Atlanta Station
This city-within-a-city, Atlantic Station, offers shopping, dining, and entertainment in one district. Play a game at Bowlero, Dine at The Burger Joint, satisfy your sweet tooth at Kilwins and watch a movie at Regal Cinema 18 (temporarily closed) or shop till you drop at the many stores and boutiques.
Atlanta Streetcar
Tour the city while enjoying a ride on the Atlanta Streetcar.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Plan a visit to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and experience beautiful music and amazing talent while teaching your teens to appreciate the finer things in life. *At this time, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is not offering live performances but you can purchase tickets to watch on a Virtual Stage.
ATL Cruisers – Electric Car & Segway Tours
Zoom around Atlanta and explore by open-air Electric Car or try out a Segway. Your teens will love the experience!
Big Chicken
Even those who don’t love KFC should stop and check out the Big Chicken in Marietta. Believe me, you can’t miss it.
Big Trees Forest Preserve
Sometimes you need to explore the outdoors. Visit this beautiful tree, plant, and wildlife sanctuary. Check out the website for more information.
Booth Western Art Museum
The Booth Western Art Museum, a short drive from Atlanta, provides an interesting (and continually rotating) permanent exhibition featuring Western art, Civil War art, Presidential letters and more.
Centennial Olympic Park
Explore downtown and enjoy the Centennial Olympic Park with the beautiful Olympic fountain. The park is currently closed. Be sure to check the website for updates.
Center For Puppetry Arts Museum
Explore over 2000 puppets and explore the cultural history of puppets at the Center for Puppetry Arts Museum.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offers a visitor center and hiking trails along the river. This natural area provides a break from the busy city without leaving Atlanta.
Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve
The Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve offers a unique landscape with large areas of exposed granite. You’ll find hiking trails, a bike path and several lizard species if you take a close look at your surroundings.
Delta Flight Museum
Visit the Delta Flight Museum and interact with the hands-on exhibits when this museum reopens.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site
Families can explore local native history at the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, a short drive from the city.
Fernbank Science Center
Visit the exhibit hall, planetarium, observatory, outdoor gardens, and library to get the full experience of the Fernbank Science Center. *Currently closed.
Fox Theatre
You will enjoy visiting and exploring the historical Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street as it is one of Atlanta’s most treasured landmarks and may have a ghost or two.
Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta
The Hard Rock Cafe is a musical history filled with memorabilia and sure to be a big hit for your music-loving teens.
High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art offers a fascinating collection of classic and contemporary art exhibits and see what else this amazing museum of art has to offer.
Hunger Games Unofficial Fan Tours
Fans of the Hunger Games will love walking in the footsteps of their favorite movie characters as they visit movie filming locations, try their hand at archery and experience fun photo ops on the Hunger Games Unofficial Fan Tours.
Inside CNN Studio Tour
Take a tour inside the CNN World Headquarters and ride the world’s longest freestanding escalator. THIS ATTRACTION IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
Jackson Street Bridge
We all know teens love to snap selfies, right? And they’ll get the perfect sunset shot on the Jackson Street Bridge. For free.
Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park
A short drive from Atlanta, Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park features a small Visitors Center and museum, hiking trails, and Kennesaw Mountain where you can view, Atlanta, Buckhead and Stone Mountain on a clear day.
Margaret Mitchell House
If your teens have watched this classic movie, they’ll enjoy a visit to where Margaret Mitchell lived while she wrote the novel, Gone With the Wind. *This museum is temporarily closed.
Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site
Learn about this tumultuous time in American history and be inspired when you visit the National Historic Site of Martin Luther King, Jr. Although the buildings are currently closed, you are welcome to take a self-guided
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Enjoy the two-hour live jousting tournament complete with horsemanship and falconry and a four-course meal fit for a king at Medieval Times.
Mellow Mushroom
Pizza Fans will enjoy a variety of pizza options- including gluten-free choices in the eclectically decorated, fun decor of Mellow Mushroom.
National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center
Learn about over 200 years of Military History at this immersive museum when it reopens.
Oakland Cemetery
Take a stroll through Oakland Cemetery, a showplace of both sculpture and architecture.
Paintball Atlanta
Enjoy the ultimate paintball experience at Paintball Atlanta.
Piedmont Park
Grab your camera and take a stroll or tour through Piedmont Park.
Six Flags Over Georgia
Teens love thrill rides! Explore the rides and attractions at the Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park.
Stone Mountain Park
Experience a variety of fun family attractions at Stone Mountain Park. A walk or gondola ride to the top of the mountain is a must for incredible views of Atlanta- and don’t forget about the laser show. You won’t want to miss it!
The Breman Museum
Learn the history of the Jews and the Holocaust at the Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education. *Temporarily closed.
The Sun Dial
Dine in this sky-high restaurant with a 360-degree view of the city skyline and beautiful sunsets.
The Varsity
You can’t visit Atlanta and not stop by perhaps the most iconic restaurant in the city. Visit the Varsity, the World’s Largest Drive-in Restaurant and enjoy this historical and fun experience.
Walking Dead Film Locations
This do-it-yourself walking/driving tour takes you to 13 locations where the Walking Dead has been filmed.
Wild Animal Safari
See over 650 wild animals in this drive-through animal park.
More Things to do with Teens
70+ Things to do in Seattle with Teens
What to do In Times Square with Teens
35 Things to do in New York City with Teens that You’ll Both Love
My Must-haves for Traveling with Teens
You’re going to love these items but most importantly, so will your teen.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with your teens to immerse them in small-town living, check out Mt Airy NC where you can start by sleeping in the same home where Andy Griffith spent his childhood years.
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bob says
the sun dial doesn’t rotate anymore
Tonya Prater says
Thanks for letting me know! I’ll update the post.
Komal says
PLEASE come visit Huntsville, AL next time you are in the south and see how we went from cotton to helping put a man on the moon. Check it out!
Tonya says
I lived in Huntsville for nearly three years. I LOVED living there and really miss it.
Shell Feis says
I’ve always wanted to go to Atlanta! I’ve been through the airport on layovers a lot but that’s the most I’ve seen of the city.
Notorious Spinks says
Atlanta is an awesome city with tons of activities for kids and adults. We love to come and have fun because the night life is always live and on point. Thanks for sharing this great list.
Jasmine says
I’ve heard many good things about Atlanta but I didn’t know they had that many things for kids to do. I plan on driving up north and making a pit stop in Atlanta this will come in handy
CrYstal says
i would love to see Atlanta in person! There are so many things to do! I’d also love to eat my way through the city!
Karen says
I grew up in an Atlanta suburb and haven’t been to many of these places. It’s a great list.
Liz Mays says
My daughter is a bit older but it would be fun to check these out with her. I don’t think she’s been to Atlanta so I’d love to take her.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I have never been to Atlanta before. It sure sounds like there is a lot to do there!