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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.
This post includes affiliate links.
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 Atlanta, 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 & VRBO’s so you can spend more of your hard earned money on the fun stuff!
Personally, I think VRBO’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 44% on Atlanta’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!
These attractions include:
- Georgia Aquarium (which is FANTASTIC)
- World of Coca-Cola
- Zoo Atlanta (reservations required)
Plus two of the following:
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- College Football Hall of Fame
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
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 things that Atlanta has to offer, CityPASS Atlanta can help you save money and the time of planning out a bunch of attractions to visit.
Learn more about CityPASS in our post about Exploring with CityPASS.
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.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the sea otters, whale sharks and beluga whales! This is a not to miss and my family’s favorite downtown Atlanta attractions!
Address: 225 Baker St NW Atlanta, GA 31313
Phone: 404-581-4000
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.
Address: 121 Baker St NW Atlanta, GA 31313
Phone: 404-676-5151
Zoo Atlanta
Fun for the entire family, a visit to Zoo Atlanta is an experience that you won’t want to miss.
Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE Atlanta, GA 31315
Phone: 404-624-5600
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Explore the permanent and special exhibits of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Address: 767 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: 404-929-6300
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights
This museum aims to educate, inspire, empower visitors by connecting the Civil Rights movement to struggles that face people around the world today.
Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: 678-999-8990
The College Football Hall of Fame
Register your All-Access Pass and have fun exploring the interactive exhibits and indoor playing field in this museum that is a must for college football fans.
Address: 250 Marietta St NW Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: 404-880-4800
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.
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.
Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Phone: 404-876-5859
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.
Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Phone: 404-814-4000
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.
Address: 1500 Tara Place Hampton, Georgia 30228
Phone: 877-926-7849
Atlantic 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 or shop till you drop at the many stores and boutiques.
Address: 1380 Atlantic Drive NW Atlanta, Georgia 30363
Phone: 404-410-4010
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.
Address: 1280 Peachtree Street Atlanta, Georgia
Phone: 404-733-5000
Explore by Segway
Zoom around Atlanta via Segway. Your teens will love the guided Segway tour and this unique experience! Weight restrictions: Must weigh between 100-300 pounds to ride.
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.
Address: 1255 Roswell Road Marietta, Georgia
Phone: 678-496-9530
Centennial Olympic Park
Explore downtown and enjoy the Centennial Olympic Park where the 1996 Olympic Games where held. Today you can see the beautiful Olympic fountain, Fountain of Rings Plaza (currently closed due to the pandemic), Paralympic Plaza and Unity Plaza.
Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Center For Puppetry Arts Museum
Explore over 2000 puppets and explore the cultural history of puppets at the Center for Puppetry Arts Museum.
Address: 1404 Spring Street NW Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Phone: 404-873-3391
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.
Address: 156 Heaton Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia
Phone: 678-874-7102
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.
Address: 660 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Phone: 313-471-7000
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. The place is usually crowded, so you can book a voucher to get to the front of the line with priority seating.
Address: 215 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Phone: 404-688-7625
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.
Address: 1280 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Phone: 404-733-4400
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.
Stranger Things “The Upside Down” Film Locations Tour
Fans of Stranger Things will enjoy viewing the Atlanta filming locations in this PRIVATE guided tour that provides behind-the-scenes information as you see:
- The homes of the Wheelers, Sinclairs and Hendersons and the streets where the boys spent many a scene on their bikes Hawkins Middle School
- The home of the Hawkins Cubs, where Mike, Will, Dustin & Lucas attended school Hawkins High School
- The home of the Hawkins Tigers and the hangout for Nancy, Steve, Jonathan & poor Barb Hawkins Public Pool
- Check out Billy’s domain from Season 3 Screen Gems
- Get a glimpse of the Studios where Stranger Things is filmed Brimborn Steelworks
- See the nesting place of the Mindflayer
Inside CNN Studio Tour
Take a tour inside the CNN Center 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.
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.
Address: 979 Crescent Avenue NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Phone: 404-249-7015
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.
You can also book a walking tour to learn more about the personal and public life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Address: 450 Auburn Avenue NE Atlanta, Georgia 30312
Phone: 404-331-5190
Mellow Mushroom
Pizza Fans will enjoy a variety of pizza options- including gluten-free choices in the eclectically decorated, fun decor of Mellow Mushroom.
Oakland Cemetery
Take a stroll through Oakland Cemetery, a showplace of both sculpture and architecture.
Address: 248 Oakland Avenue SE Atlanta, Georgia 30312
Paintball Atlanta
Enjoy the ultimate paintball experience at Paintball Atlanta.
Address: 5315 Shiloh Road Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
Phone: 770-594-0912
Piedmont Park
Grab your camera and take a stroll or tour through Piedmont Park. This fun scavenger hunt ensures you see all the iconic attractions within the park. Purchase your tickets here.
Address: 1320 Monroe Drive NE Atlanta, Georgia 30306
Phone: 404-875-7275
The Breman Museum
Learn the history of the Jews and the Holocaust at the Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education.
Address: 1440 Spring Street NW Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Phone: 678-222-3700
The Sun Dial Restaurant
Dine in this sky-high restaurant with a 360-degree view of the city skyline and beautiful sunsets.
Address: 210 Peachtree Street NW Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Phone: 404-589-7506
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. Make sure you have cash on hand to pay for your order.
Address: 61 North Avenue Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Phone: 404-881-1706
Walking Dead Film Locations
This do-it-yourself walking/driving tour takes you to 13 locations where the Walking Dead has been filmed. If you’d rather, a guided walking tour is also available.
The Center for Disease Control Museum
The David J. Sencer CDC Museum offers free admission and is one of the more unique attractions on our list. You’ll learn all about the horrible diseases that are out there and the CDC’s attempt to eradicate them. This may not be the place for teens who are overly anxious about the pandemic.
Address: 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, Georgia 30329
Phone: 404-639-0830
Ponce City Market
This unique attraction is housed in the former Sears, Roebuck & Co Building, this brick building is one of the tallest in the south and offers incredible rooftop views from Skyline Park. Inside you’ll find great places to eat, a candy shop, stores for shopping, live music while Skyline Park features vintage-style carnival games and mini golf.
You can read more about my visit to the Ponce City Market.
Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Phone: 404-900-7900
Enjoy a Bone Chilling Ghost Tour
Haunted restaurants, churches, theaters and even a fitness center. Fans of the paranormal will enjoy this hour long guided tour of downtown Atlanta to hear the stories behind the hotbed of paranormal activity.
Scavenger Hunt
Learn about Atlanta as you set out on this scavenger hunt to find a variety of items in the downtown area. This is great for a family or groups. Buy tickets here.
Saving Christmas Escape Room
Test your problem-solving skills in this timed adventure. Best experienced with a few friends, this escape room experience is sure to bring a few laughs as your group attempts to retrieve the Christmas sack stolen by a naughty elf to save Christmas. Buy tickets here.
Skyview Atlanta
The Skyview Ferris Wheel towers nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park and provides a view of the city you’re not likely to experience anywhere else.
Address: 168 Lucky Street NW Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Phone: 678-949-9023
Atlanta Beltline
A former railway corridor that is now a multi-use trail. Walk, bike or skate along this popular recreational trail.
Treetop Quest Dunwoody
Enjoy these exhilarating zipline adventures as you soar through the trees. Also features a high-ropes course, Tarzan swing and obstacles.
Address: 2341 Peeler Road Dunwoody, Georgia 30338
Phone: 770-365-0356
Six Flags Over Georgia
Teens love thrill rides and roller coasters! Explore the rides and attractions at the Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park.
Address: 275 Riverside Pkwy Austell, Georgia 30168
Phone: 770-739-3400
Stone Mountain Park
Experience a variety of fun family attractions at Stone Mountain Park. A walk or gondola ride to the top of Stone Mountain is a must for incredible views of Atlanta- and don’t forget about the scenic railroad, pedal boats and nightly laser show. You won’t want to miss it!
Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
Phone: 800-401-2407
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.
Address: 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043
Phone: 1-888-WE-JOUST
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 will learn about the American Civil War.
Take a walk or drive up Kennesaw Mountain for an incredible view of Atlanta, Buckhead and Stone Mountain on a clear day.
Address: 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive Marietta, Georgia 30060
Phone: 770-427-4686
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.
Address: 12 Cobb Pkway SE Marietta, GA 30062
Phone: 770-422-4716
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.
Address: 7645 Roswell Road NE Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350
Phone: 770-730-5600
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.
Address: 501 North Museum Drive Cartersville, Georgia 30120
Phone: 770-387-1300
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.
Address: 1978 Island Ford Pkwy Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350
Phone: 678-538-1273
The Chattahoochee Nature Center
Davidson-Arabia Mountain 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.
Some other nature preserves include Morningside Nature Preserve, Cascade Springs Nature Preserve and Blue Heron Nature Preserve.
Address: 3787 Klondike Road Stonecrest, Georgia 30038
Phone: 770-492-5220
Delta Flight Museum
Visit the Delta Flight Museum and interact with the hands-on exhibits when this museum reopens.
Address: 1060 Delta Blvd Hapeville, Georgia 30354
Phone: 404-715-7886
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site
Families can explore local native history at the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, a short drive from the city. Make sure to rent a car to smoothly reach the attraction.
Address: 813 Indian Mound Road SE Cartersvill, Georgia 30120
Phone: 770-387-3747
Callaway Resort & Gardens
Although not in Atlanta, Callaway Gardens provides the perfect city break. It’s not easy to wear out my high energy teens but that is exactly what happened during our visit to Callaway Gardens. From a tree-top adventure course to an extensive splash pad, this is a place the whole family can enjoy. Did I mention it’s spectacular at Christmas?
Address: 17800 US Hwy 27 Pine Mountain, Georgia 31822
Phone: 855-894-0420
From manta rays to wave pools to live music and the best restaurants, you’ll find there is no shortage of fun things to do in Atlanta.
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.
Pin this
bob
Saturday 27th of July 2019
the sun dial doesn't rotate anymore
Tonya Prater
Monday 16th of September 2019
Thanks for letting me know! I'll update the post.
Komal
Thursday 24th of September 2015
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
Wednesday 2nd of December 2015
I lived in Huntsville for nearly three years. I LOVED living there and really miss it.
Shell Feis
Saturday 19th of September 2015
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
Friday 18th of September 2015
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
Thursday 17th of September 2015
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