Please help w/ Atlanta for kids???

[WeDisney4]

DDs (8 ½ & 6 ½) & I are tagging along to DH’s conference in Atlanta for 4 days. We’re staying at the Embassy Suites Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park.

Here is what I’ve found so far. I’d truly appreciate any reviews/suggestions. Also any kids eat free deals or not to miss places to eat would be great too!!

AG place

Atlanta Zoo

Leonardo da Vinci: Hand of the Genius. The High Museum of Art. Explore more than 50 original works including 20 sketches, some never before seen in the United States. The exhibit showcases da Vinci’s talents as a scientist, inventor, writer, designer, sculptor, architect and painter. Through Feb. 21. Tues.-Wed., Fri-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4444-. Adults, $18; children 6-17, $11; under 6, free. ** Tickets for ½ price @ Half Off Depot ~ should I jump on it??:

Elachee Nature Science Center
Elachee Nature Science Center is a nonprofit environmental education center that provides interactive experiences in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. Elachee's campus includes a woodland refuge and interactive museum. The Museum Center houses three discovery areas where visitors can explore native plants and animals, local archaeological history, astronomy, and displays of live amphibians, reptiles, and hawks. Surrounding the Center is the 1500 acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve laced with over 13 miles of hiking trails.

Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. The exhibit opens in its new home this month, detailing the life of the Frank family and others who lived in the Secret Annex, plus a brief film about Frank’s life and a replica of Anne’s room in the annex. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 12-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-370-3057. Free.

Seussical, Jr. Off Broadway Children’s Theater. The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss features the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz and more. Feb.5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 7 and 14 at 3 p.m. 12315 Crabapple Rd., Alpharetta. 770-664-2410. Tickets, $5-$10.

Not sure which/if any of these Aquatic Centers???
Bogan Park Aquatic Center
This is the indoor play pool that started it all in metro Atlanta. This Buford facility features a two-story water slide, a “lazy river” with a slow current, a zero-depth entry area, and water play structures galore. 2723 North Bogan Rd., Buford. 770-614-2063; www.gwinnettparks.com. Play pool hours: Mon., Wed., Fri., 3-6 p.m.; Tues., Thurs., 3-7:30 p.m.; Sat., noon-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. Adults, $5; children 4-10, $4; 3 and under, $2.
Bethesda Park Aquatic Center
With a similar setup to Bogan Park, this water park pool is even grander in scale! Also in Gwinnett County, this facility boasts a beach entry, a giant waterslide that exits and then reenters the building, a river channel, water play structures, and a ceiling spray among other features. 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-924-6334; www.gwinnettparks.com. Play pool hours: Mon.-Thurs., 3-7:30 p.m.; Fri., 3-6 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m; Sun. 1-6 p.m. Adults, $5; children 4-10, $4; 3 and under, $2.
South Cobb Aquatic Center
On the other side of town, children can splash to their hearts’ content with spray features at various water play stations, or they can slip and slide down the giant slide into the lazy river at this water park pool. 875 Six Flags Dr., Austell. 770-739-3180; www.prca.cobbcountyga.gov. Play pool hours: Mon.-Thurs., 2-4 p.m., 7-8 p.m.; Fri., 4-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 2-5 p.m. Adults, $3.18; children 2-17, $2.12; under 2, free.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

Out of all of those places, we have only been to the zoo and it was fun. My kids love the aquarium downtown. It's really nice and would be fun for them to do. There is also a tour of the Coke place that you can do and I have been told that it's fun. Depending on when you go, there is a Six Flags over Georgia. Stone Mtn is also close by. I am sure that the locals can tell you much more.

My FIL, who lives in Atlanta, took my son to eat at the Varsity, I think it's downtown. It has been there for years and it's a landmark type place I believe. Here is the link.
http://www.thevarsity.com/

 

[Mom2SamandJames]

We have taken our children to the Atlanta Zoo several times, and they always enjoy the trip. It isn't huge, but it's clean.

You can do the World of Coke. It is interesting. There is also the Georgia Aquarium that is pretty nice, and it is right beside the World of Coke, not far from where you will be staying.

Our local children's theatre did a Seussical production here, and it was really cute. My oldest son really enjoyed seeing some of his favorite characters come to life.

Hope this helps. Have a wonderful trip. There is so much to see in Atlanta. I am sure no matter what you choose, you will have a great time.

 

[dogodisney]

There's also the Aquarium.
When will you be here? Starting the 12th-21st , Ringling Brothers circus will be at Philips Arena, which is close to where you are staying.

 

[kim_o]

I would definitely recommend doing the aquarium. I haven't been, but I hear the Atlanta Children's Museum is very fun. Bogan Park Aquatic Center is no where near where you will be. It will take at least 45 minutes to get there. The zoo is child friendly, but it's not very big.

I would recommend staying far away from the varsity. I went to college at georgia Tech (so right across the street). I ate there once - it made me ill. IT's just very, very, very greasy food.

 

[WAHMto5]

I would for sure do the World of Coke and also the Georgia Aquarium. They are within walking distance of eachother. You can also walk to tour the CNN building. There are many places to visit in downtown Atlanta. I believe if you go to the their website you can get a city pass that includes many of these activites for 1 price. Have fun!

 

[WeDisney4]

Oh wow ~ thanks all, you are sooo fast!!

Sounds like...
The zoo is a good choice ~ esp. because I think DDs get in free under their Grandparents Assoc. of Zoos & Aquaraims membership from the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium where the girls are listed???

Add the Atlanta Aquarium & ck. if they are also free here??

Thanks Kim ~ take off Bogan Water park ~ too far.

Thanks Mom 2 Sam & James ~ good Reviews for a Seussical!

We are arriving this Wed, 2/10

Thanks dogodisney ~ for the circus idea also, although I think we may save that one for at home.

 

[nursegirl]

All the previous suggestions are great - and I'm sure you've already seen that the Aquarium, World of Coke, and Children's Museum are on the same street, just down from Centennial Park so you should be within walking distance of everything. The Zoo is really good, our DS 5 likes the Aquarium best, but the Zoo is a close second.

The other cool thing in Atlanta if you have time and are interested is the Center for Puppetry Arts which is in town also - they run a series of puppet shows, and last time we were there, they had many Jim Henson puppets to see. http://www.puppet.org/ if its something you think the kids would like.

Have fun!

 

[MouseMadness]

We were in Atlanta for a few days for spring break last year. We did the Aquarium (which the kids are still begging to go back) and Stone Mountain one evening. The laser light show is great, but I don't know if it is all year or not, and I'm not sure exactly when you are going.

Also, Centennial Park itself is fun. They have some fun play areas and slides for the kids, so it is a great place for them to just burn some energy. Also, as far as restaurants go, there is a Johnny Rockets just around the corner from the Aquarium, and my kids love that place for burgers and shakes

On a separate trip last summer, we drove up to meet my aunt/uncle/cousin for an Atlanta Braves game and the kids had a great time there, too. But, as before, not sure when you're going, and I think they start the season there in April. We also did World of Coca Cola on that trip and they enjoyed it (more than what I would have thought). They have a tasting room there that I couldn't get my 6 yo out of. I can't tell you how many trip to the bathroom we made after we left that place

I will say that my friend has been to the zoo there, and she said it was OK, but didn't impress her too much. We wanted to go there on our next long weekend, but we have been to much bigger zoos (as has she and her family) so we might skip it due to it possibly being a disappointment.

Whatever you choose, you'll have lots of fun. Atlanta is a great place to go for a few days or a long weekend

 

[lastminutemom]

Definitely do the aquarium, you are right there.

How much driving do you want to do?

 

[Dixiemom]

Yes, the Children's Museum is nice. Our kids liked it a lot as well as the Coca-Cola Museum and the Georgia Aquarium. They are all located in the same area, so it's really convenient. We also did Underground Atlanta, a really fun place to people watch. My kids also liked Hard Rock Cafe. We never make it to the zoo. For some reason everytime we go to "Hotlanta" it is rainy and cold

Check with Embasy Suites, they may have some deals on a lot of these places. I know a lot of the hotels there have package deals with attractions.

 

[viviensmama]

My husband went to college in Atlanta and has a huge list of must dos, but the top 2 are visiting the aquarium and eating at the Varsity- good restaurant for kids, too.

 

[viviensmama]

My husband went to college in Atlanta and has a huge list of must dos, but the top 2 are visiting the aquarium and eating at the Varsity- good restaurant for kids, too.

 

[Cedarmom]

Will y'all have a car?

Fun places to eat:
Mick's ! If you like cheesecake, this is not to be missed. Yum. Now I want Oreo Cheesecake.

Dante's Down the Hatch : If you like fondue (and crocodiles!) it is superfun.

 

[skw444]

Elachee Nature Center is very far from where you will be staying (it's up in North Georgia). Bethesda and Bogan Aquatic centers are also a pretty far drive from downtown. I'm not sure when you'll be here, but if you have a Bank of America card, you can get free admission to the Zoo and the Children's Musuem on the first weekend of each month.

 

[boakl]

You are staying right in the middle of the tourist district, and there's a lot to see and do within walking distance of your hotel. Many of the places you have listed will require a car. While there is mass transit in Atlanta (MARTA), it's not terribly efficient and quite often, the routes make no sense and do not necessarily go to all the tourist hot spots.

Within walking distance:

I DEFINATELY recommed Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta. This is my sons' absolute favorite thing to do in Atlanta. We often combine a morning at the museum with a walk across Centennial Olympic Park and lunch at the food court in CNN center.

If it's warm, bring your bathing suits and let the kids splash around in the Olympic rings in Centennial Olympic Park. Sometimes there is synchronized music.

On weekdays, (we like Fridays around 4pm) the Aquarium is empty and you can ask the docents questions to your heart's content.

The World of Coke is good, but overpriced in my opinion. I don't like have to pay to be advertised to. My oldest (9) enjoys reading and learning about the history, so I feel he's at least getting something out of it, but I feel that any educational value is lost on my younger two

CNN center is always a hubub of activity, there's a tour and a Cartoon Network shop there

Out of walking range, but worth the effort:

The Center for Puppetry Arts. Always a great show, and fun exhibits

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Strangely enough, another one of my boys' favorites. Located in Piedmont park. Take a taxi if you don't have a car. Beautiful gardens and an absolutely HUGE childrens' play area that has themed areas (butterlies, a farm, Peter Rabbit, a treehouse, etc) they are opening a skywalk to walk through the canopy soon. There are also special displays each year. If it's a nice day, definately try to go here.

Phipps Plaza/ Lenox Square --- best shopping in the Southeast if your kids are into that.

Zoo Atlanta --- a decent, clean zoo. Go if it's a nice day and you'd like to just stroll and see animals, but not really worth the $$ and effort otherwise. Other than the gorillas (amazing) and the pandas (always asleep when we go, but a novelty nonetheless) it offers nothing special that you won't see in another zoo.

Southeastern Railway Museum --- this one is wayyyyy out of town in Gwinnett County. Only if you have a rental car and traniacs. They have all kinds of old trains you can explore. They have weird hours so check to make sure they will be open if you do decide to do this.

Have a fun trip!

 

[Max1*]

The Zoo is awesome, my kids love the Botanical gardens, Big Aquarium down town, There is a small amusement park with rides just for kids ages I'd say 3 to maybe 10 or 11 not sure the name but I'm sure you can google it. World of Coke is fun but not sure for kids.

There is a ticket you can buy so that you can do all kinds of stuff for one low price Atlanta CityPass. For one price you can get the zoo, aquarium, gardens and a few other things I think a museum is in there also.

We are going there in August, have fun!

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

DDs (8 ½ & 6 ½) & I are tagging along to DH’s conference in Atlanta for 4 days. We’re staying at the Embassy Suites Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park.

Here is what I’ve found so far. I’d truly appreciate any reviews/suggestions. Also any kids eat free deals or not to miss places to eat would be great too!!

AG place

Atlanta Zoo

Leonardo da Vinci: Hand of the Genius. The High Museum of Art. Explore more than 50 original works including 20 sketches, some never before seen in the United States. The exhibit showcases da Vinci’s talents as a scientist, inventor, writer, designer, sculptor, architect and painter. Through Feb. 21. Tues.-Wed., Fri-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4444-. Adults, $18; children 6-17, $11; under 6, free. ** Tickets for ½ price @ Half Off Depot ~ should I jump on it??:

Elachee Nature Science Center
Elachee Nature Science Center is a nonprofit environmental education center that provides interactive experiences in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. Elachee's campus includes a woodland refuge and interactive museum. The Museum Center houses three discovery areas where visitors can explore native plants and animals, local archaeological history, astronomy, and displays of live amphibians, reptiles, and hawks. Surrounding the Center is the 1500 acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve laced with over 13 miles of hiking trails.

Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. The exhibit opens in its new home this month, detailing the life of the Frank family and others who lived in the Secret Annex, plus a brief film about Frank’s life and a replica of Anne’s room in the annex. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 12-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-370-3057. Free.

Seussical, Jr. Off Broadway Children’s Theater. The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss features the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz and more. Feb.5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 7 and 14 at 3 p.m. 12315 Crabapple Rd., Alpharetta. 770-664-2410. Tickets, $5-$10.

Not sure which/if any of these Aquatic Centers???
Bogan Park Aquatic Center
This is the indoor play pool that started it all in metro Atlanta. This Buford facility features a two-story water slide, a “lazy river” with a slow current, a zero-depth entry area, and water play structures galore. 2723 North Bogan Rd., Buford. 770-614-2063; www.gwinnettparks.com. Play pool hours: Mon., Wed., Fri., 3-6 p.m.; Tues., Thurs., 3-7:30 p.m.; Sat., noon-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-6 p.m. Adults, $5; children 4-10, $4; 3 and under, $2.
Bethesda Park Aquatic Center
With a similar setup to Bogan Park, this water park pool is even grander in scale! Also in Gwinnett County, this facility boasts a beach entry, a giant waterslide that exits and then reenters the building, a river channel, water play structures, and a ceiling spray among other features. 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville. 678-924-6334; www.gwinnettparks.com. Play pool hours: Mon.-Thurs., 3-7:30 p.m.; Fri., 3-6 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m; Sun. 1-6 p.m. Adults, $5; children 4-10, $4; 3 and under, $2.
South Cobb Aquatic Center
On the other side of town, children can splash to their hearts’ content with spray features at various water play stations, or they can slip and slide down the giant slide into the lazy river at this water park pool. 875 Six Flags Dr., Austell. 770-739-3180; www.prca.cobbcountyga.gov. Play pool hours: Mon.-Thurs., 2-4 p.m., 7-8 p.m.; Fri., 4-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 2-5 p.m. Adults, $3.18; children 2-17, $2.12; under 2, free.

You have gotten a lot of really good suggestions.

Just so you know, American Girl Doll place is pretty far out of Atlanta, North of the city in Alpharetta. Very Nice if you have a car, it is up Georgia 400 at North Point Mall.

I would go to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Imagine-it Children's Museum, and the Atlanta Zoo. The Varsity is a drive-in type restaurant with chili dogs and cheeseburgers, greasy french fries, and onion rings. My husband loves it there. It doesn't agree with me though. If you go order a Frosted Orange (orange sherbet shake yummy!) If you want to try some southern style food go to Mary Mac's Restaurant on Ponce de Leon. Also near that restaurant is one of the original Krispy Kreme Doughnut shops.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is also a great place.

Six Flags isn't open until March 6.

My husband works at the High Museum and doesn't recommend taking kids to that exhibit.

Lately, it has been cold and rainy here so pack extra layers. Maybe we will have some good weather next week.

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I almost forgot about Fernbank Museum. A small Natural History Museum, if your kids would like to see Dinosaur bones that is the place to go.

 

[lovebuzz]

Atlanta Attractions Combined attraction price
$136.01
CityPass price
$69.00 Kids $49

Georgia Aquarium - Expedited Entry
World of Coca-Cola
Zoo Atlanta
Inside CNN Studio Tour
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
OR
Atlanta Botanical Garden
High Museum of Art
OR
Atlanta History Center

"...a great way to see the sights..." - Lora — Birmingham, AL
"...chance to see attractions I had not made
it to before..." - Lisa — Ellenwood, GA
"...all I had to do was print our tickets and ...
enjoy the weekend..." - Traveling Mom — Tallahassee, FL
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As far as the Elachee Nature Center is in Gainseville, Ga. It is about an hour north of where you will be. I would go to Stone Mountain berfore I went up there.