There are many considerations to take into account when planning an Atlanta family vacation. As the epicenter of many global corporations, such as Coca Cola and CNN, Atlanta is a city that booms with energy and excitement. This contagious vigor attracts families from all over the nation in search of a family vacation full of adventure and phenomenal sites. However, because Atlanta is such a large city, a family vacation needs to be planned carefully, to avoid getting lost in the large metropolis fast-paced day to day hustle and bustle.
On a family vacation to Atlanta, it is important that you as a family, enjoy the rapid-paced atmosphere, but also remember to slow down for a breather and truly take in the amazing surroundings and activity. Do this by making sure to visit the cultural landmarks as well as the modern sights. Atlanta is rooted historically, with both the Civil War and the American Civil Rights Movement. An Atlanta family vacation is the perfect opportunity to sneak in cultural and social lessons to your children. However, the great thing about a family vacation to Atlanta is that there is always room for a little fun. On a family vacation to Atlanta, fun should always hold the number one priority in the itinerary.
Luckily, in a great family vacation town like Atlanta, that is never a problem! Your Atlanta family vacation will keep you on your toes, entertained and absolutely amazed.
Atlanta Family Attractions
FUN! An Atlanta family vacation is fun with a capital F. Your family will love Atlanta for its sense of fun and adventure. Nowhere else is this playful side shown like at the many Atlanta attractions, all of which are guaranteed to entertain the whole family.
World of Coca Cola
The World of Coca Cola is a great place to visit on your Atlanta family vacation. Watch as a bottling line produces an 8 oz bottle of soda especially for you and every member of your family. Next, you will be treated to a 4-D movie experience before sampling over 60 beverages from all over the world. All of this is done with the quality and consistency you expect from major corporations such as Coca-Cola.
Six Flags over Georgia
If you are up for spinning upside down and having your heart jump in your throat on your family vacation, then head to Six Flags over Georgia in Atlanta, where the teenagers can scream on 70 mph roller coasters and the little ones can enjoy specialty themed toddler areas.
Georgia Aquarium
Your Atlanta family vacation is also a wonderful time to view the largest aquarium in the world, the Georgia Aquarium. See tens of thousands of different animals in more than 8 million gallons of water.
Stone Mountain Park
For a more outdoorsy Atlanta family vacation experience, visit Stone Mountain Park, which has the largest ropes adventure course in the world and much more. Stone Mountain Park will tire out even the most energetic members of the family!
Atlanta Kid-friendly Culture and Arts
Cultural and artistic activities can be difficult to do on a family vacation. Ballet and theatre are often hard for the littlest members of the family. However, on a family vacation to Atlanta, the culture never needs to be ignored. Many Atlanta cultural activities have been adapted to entertain even the little family members.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, located in Centennial Olympic Park, is a favorite for both parents and children. Children can build a sandcastle or draw on the walls and learn about their world.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a place for the whole family to go on an Atlanta family vacation as well. Adults will love the 10,000 square foot orchid center and the kids will take great delight just being outside! See an urban forest and the Atlanta Children’s Garden while you are there.
Center for Puppetry Arts
Another great cultural destination for your family vacation is the Center for Puppetry Arts, which is the largest organization dedicated to puppetry in the world and has special shows for both adults and children.
High Museum of Art
Older members of the family should not miss a visit to the High Museum of Art, the leading art museum in the southeast. Everything from European artists to modern African American artists is spotlighted in this world-renowned museum.
Historical Atlanta
Atlanta holds a strong role in all aspects of the United States’ growth. From its start as an Indian village named Standing Peachtree to the 1996 summer Olympics, Atlanta has always been an important part of the evolution of the United States. While on a family vacation to Atlanta, it is fun and educational to trace the roots of Atlanta in a hands-on manner. Due to the fact Atlanta is such a large city, a whole family vacation can be taken up solely by visiting historical sites. However, a family vacation is often about spending your time wisely, to get a taste of a little bit of everything.
If on your family vacation to Atlanta, you only have time for a few historical sites, the two places your family must-see is the Cyclorama in Grant Park and the Martin Luther King, Jr, Historic Site. The former marks the site of the famous Battle of Atlanta in the Civil War. More than just a marker, the Cyclorama is a full Civil War Museum. This museum features the largest oil painting in the world, The Battle of Atlanta. The museum is also a thoroughly modern building that exposes you to the nature of the Civil War by immersing you in it through the state of the art theatrical technology. Your family will learn about the Civil War in a way that they never would in a classroom!
The Martin Luther King, Jr, Historic Site represents another integral part of the American experience—the civil rights movement and will be poignant to all members of the family. Visit the birth home of Dr. King through a ranger-led tour. These tours fill up fast and you must register in person, so make sure to do this early on in your Atlanta family vacation so as not to miss it. Make sure you see the gravesite of Dr. King as well. Close by the birth home of Dr. King is the Ebenezer Church, where Dr. King first became a pastor and where his 1960 funeral was held. This is something not to be missed on your Atlanta family vacation!
Atlanta Family Dining
Whether your family enjoys sushi, barbeque, or a little bit of both, Atlanta has plenty of scrumptious choices for your family vacation. While you are on a family vacation to the south, you should definitely taste true southern cuisine, which Atlanta features in abundance.
Pitty Pats Porch
A favorite among locals and family travelers is Pitty Pats Porch, which has traditional southern cuisine served on a big, southern-style wrap around porches. Take a quick rest on the traditional wooden rocking chairs, sip some sweet tea, and your family vacation will feel just about perfect!
Agnes and Muriels
For soul food, Agnes and Muriels have ribs, macaroni, and cheese, fritters, and desserts that will make even the littlest members of the family eat their vegetables! If you leave without trying the butterscotch caramel cream pie, then head back to Atlanta just for that!
The Beautiful Restaurant
For quick, cheap eats (a must on every family vacation!) then try and dodge the college crowd at The Beautiful Restaurant, whose fried chicken and traditional food are served in a no-frills cafeteria-style. This is a great place to grab a picnic before heading back out into Atlanta for more family vacation fun!
Atlanta is such a large city, with so much cultural diversity that you can’t possibly squeeze in everything on your family vacation to-do list. Instead of letting this get you down, choose instead to head back down south on another family vacation! A retreat to Atlanta will surely make you want to return again and again. That is a guarantee, as sure as the Georgia peach!