Okay let's talk Atlanta. I've lived here twelve years and still find new fun spots every month. People ask me all the time – "Where should I take my kids this weekend?" or "What's actually worth the money downtown?" Funny thing is, half the "top attraction" lists miss the real gems. Last month my cousins visited and we...
Downtown Core Attractions
Downtown's where most tourists start. Can get crowded but these three are legit.
Georgia Aquarium
Honestly? Best aquarium I've seen outside Asia. That Ocean Voyager tunnel – you walk surrounded by whale sharks. Took my niece last month and she cried when we left. Pro tip: Buy tickets online. The line wraps around the building on weekends.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm | Sat-Sun: 8am-9pm |
| Ticket Prices | Adults: $42 | Kids (3-12): $33 | Parking: $17 |
| Don't Miss | Sea lion show (free with admission), behind-the-scenes tour ($15 extra) |
Getting there: Take MARTA to GWCC station. Walk five minutes. Driving? Parking garage fills up by 11am.
Personal rant: The cafe prices are insane. $8 for a hot dog? Pack snacks.
World of Coca-Cola
Sounds cheesy but actually fun. Tasting room with 100+ global soda flavors – some are wild. Beverly from Italy? Tastes like bitter medicine. Kids go nuts here.
| Need to Know | Info |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10am-7:30pm (last entry 6pm) |
| Tickets | Adults $19 | Kids $15 | Combo deals with aquarium save $8 |
| Wait Times | Average 45 mins weekends | Under 20 mins weekdays |
Fun fact: The secret vault holding Coke's recipe? Actually just marketing theater. Still cool photo op though.
Unique Atlanta Experiences
These spots give you that real Atlanta flavor. My personal favorites after years here.
Ponce City Market
Old Sears warehouse turned food hall/shops. Roof has mini-golf and carnival games with skyline views. Went Tuesday night – live jazz and $6 local beers.
- Food Musts: Hop's Chicken sandwich ($12), Wrapped & Rolled dumplings ($9), King of Pops ice pops ($4)
- Parking: First hour free in garage | MARTA North Ave Station 2 blocks away
- Roof Access: $20 general | $35 with games | Hours vary seasonally
Local secret: The BeltLine entrance behind building leads to amazing street art walks.
Krog Street Tunnel
Graffiti artists legally paint here. Changes weekly. Saw a Banksy-style rat last month. Free and open 24/7 but go daytime.
Address: Between Wylie St & Estoria St. Near Krog Street Market (great tacos!). Parking's tough – ride share recommended.
Best Parks & Outdoor Fun
Atlanta's not just concrete. These green spaces are perfect for...
Piedmont Park
Our Central Park. Larger than you'd think – takes 40 mins to walk across. Free entry but activities cost:
| Activity | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bike rentals | $12/hour | Exploring trails |
| Swan boats | $10 per person | Lake views |
| Festivals | Usually free entry | Weekend crowds |
Saturday mornings: Farmers market near 12th St entrance. Best peaches June-August.
Pet owners: Dog park section has separate areas for big/small dogs. Water stations available.
Stone Mountain Park
Controversial but impressive granite mountain. Hike up takes 45 mins – steep but views worth it. Alternatively...
- Skyride cable car: $15 round-trip
- Laser show nights: $20 parking fee per vehicle (show free)
- Camping: $35/night for tents | Cabins from $120
My take: Confederate carving is problematic but the nature trails are beautiful. Go weekdays to avoid crowds.
Atlanta's Hidden Gems
Places tourists rarely find but locals love. Found #3 during pandemic walks.
Little Tart Bakeshop
French pastries in Grant Park. Almond croissant? Life-changing. Get there before 10am or selection disappears.
437 Memorial Dr SE | Wed-Sun 7am-3pm | Pastries $4-$7 | No reservations
Doll's Head Trail
Weirdest hike you'll ever take. Artists make sculptures from junk. Creepy but fascinating. Free entry.
Location: Constitution Lakes Park | Open sunrise to sunset | Watch for uneven paths
Personal story: Took my skeptical husband last fall. He spent two hours photographing a mannequin head fountain. Weirdly fun.
Kid-Friendly Fun Spots
As a mom of two wild boys, I've tested these places thoroughly.
Children's Museum of Atlanta
Hands-down best for under-10s. Not too big – manageable in 3 hours.
| Ticket Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Age-based pricing | 1+: $21 all ages | Under 1 free |
| Timed entry | Book online – sessions at 10am, 1pm, 4pm |
| Food situation | Cafe inside ($9 kids meals) | Outside food allowed |
Weekday tip: Schools visit 10am-12pm. Go after lunch for smaller crowds.
Fernbank Science Center
Classic dinosaur skeletons + planetarium. More educational than Children's Museum.
- Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm | Sun 12pm-5pm
- Tickets: $25 adults | $23 kids | Planetarium $4 extra
- Outside: Dinosaur eggs playground (free)
Worth the splurge? Planetarium shows run 30 mins. Younger kids might get bored.
Atlanta Fun After Dark
When kids are asleep and adults want actual fun places to go in Atlanta...
Clermont Lounge
Legendary dive bar. Famous for... unusual entertainment. Don't bring your grandma.
Open 7pm-3am | Cover $10 after 10pm | Cash only | PBR $3
Warning: Sticky floors are real. Wear shoes you don't care about.
Joystick Gamebar
80s arcade games + craft cocktails. Skeeball tournament Tuesdays.
- Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-12am | Fri-Sat 5pm-2am
- Game cost: Most $0.50 per play
- Best drink: Pac-Man Fever ($11 vodka/cherry)
Seasonal Fun Spots
Atlanta transforms with seasons. Mark your calendar...
Spring: Atlanta Botanical Garden
April tulip explosion is insane. Orchid house stays perfect year-round though.
| Season | Highlight | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Tulip display | $25 adult |
| Winter | Garden Lights | $37 adult (peak) |
Membership pays off if you go twice/year. Parking $5 cash only.
Fall: Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze
30 min drive north. Massive corn maze + bonfires.
Open Sept-Nov | $14/person | Pumpkin patch free entry | Cash preferred
Free Fun Places in Atlanta
Because fun shouldn't always cost $25/person. My go-to freebies:
- BeltLine Eastside Trail: Best people-watching. Murals change monthly
- Centennial Olympic Park: Fountain shows hourly | Free concerts summer Fridays
- Martin Luther King Jr National Site: Powerful exhibits | Visitor center free
- Decatur Square: Street performers weekends | Free yoga Sundays 10am
Local trick: High Museum of Art free every second Sunday. Arrive early – line forms fast.
Atlanta Fun Spots FAQ
Answers from a local who's made all the mistakes so you don't have to...
What are cheap fun places to go in Atlanta?
Piedmont Park (free), Krog Street Tunnel (free), Decatur Square (free events). Ponce City Market roof costs but window-shopping inside is free entertainment.
Where to park downtown?
Most attractions charge $15-$25/day. Cheapest options: Civic Center MARTA deck ($8/day), Luckie Street lot (often $10). Better yet – use MARTA.
Most overrated attraction?
SkyView Ferris wheel. $15 for 12 minutes? View's good but not worth the price. Go to Ponce City roof instead.
Best fun places for rainy days?
Aquarium (obvious), High Museum ($16.50 adult), Andretti Karting indoor go-karts ($25/race).
Look, Atlanta's got more fun spots than you can hit in one trip. But these are the real deals – places I actually take friends instead of just recommending. Forget those generic lists showing the same five tourist traps. Want actual fun? Start here.
Weather note: Summer humidity is brutal. Hydrate like your life depends on it. Seriously.
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