Atlanta Botanical Garden
Rating
Family of 4
$75-$95.
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
The Atlanta Botanical Garden sits at the northern edge of Piedmont Park in Midtown, offering 30 acres of curated landscapes, thematic gardens, and family-friendly attractions that make it far more than a walk-through garden. It's one of Atlanta's most beautiful spaces and consistently ranks among the top family activities in the city.
The Children's Garden is the star attraction for families. Spanning several acres, it features an interactive splash fountain, nature-based play structures, a reading garden, and rotating seasonal activities. The design philosophy is to immerse kids in nature through play, and it succeeds — children explore, climb, splash, and discover at their own pace.
The space is thoughtfully designed with shaded seating for parents.
The Kendeda Canopy Walk is a 600-foot suspension bridge through the treetops of the Storza Woods, standing 40 feet above the forest floor. It's an engineering marvel and a sensory experience — the sounds of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the shifting light through the canopy create a meditative atmosphere that even active kids find calming. It connects to the Forest Floor below, where interpretive signs teach kids about the old-growth hardwood ecosystem.
Seasonal programming is a major draw. Spring brings peak blooms and the Atlanta Blooms tulip display. Summer features children's programming and evening events.
Fall delivers Scarecrows in the Garden with creative scarecrow installations and harvest activities. And Winter's Garden Lights, Holiday Nights transforms the entire property into a glowing wonderland with millions of LED lights, live music, and warm beverages — it's one of Atlanta's most beloved holiday traditions.
The Garden is fully accessible and stroller-friendly, with paved paths throughout. The on-site Longleaf restaurant offers upscale casual dining with garden views, and a café kiosk near the Children's Garden serves lighter fare. The Garden's location adjacent to Piedmont Park means families can easily combine both destinations for a full day outdoors.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
true
Kid Meals
true
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) for peak blooms; fall for seasonal exhibits; weekday mornings for fewest crowds
Wait Times
Minimal on weekdays; 10-15 minute entry line on weekend mornings during special exhibits
Nearby Food
On-site Longleaf restaurant (upscale but family-welcome for lunch), café kiosk near Children's Garden, Piedmont Park's Park Tavern (adjacent), multiple Midtown restaurants on Piedmont Avenue.
Why Kids Love It
The Atlanta Botanical Garden might sound like a grown-up attraction, but the Children's Garden transforms it into an adventure zone. Kids can splash in the interactive fountain, explore a reading nook tucked into a living green wall, and scramble through nature-themed play structures designed to blend into the garden landscape. It feels less like a playground and more like a secret garden come to life.
The Canopy Walk is the Garden's most thrilling feature for families — a 600-foot elevated walkway that takes you through the treetops of the Storza Woods hardwood forest, 40 feet above the ground. Kids feel like explorers trekking through a rainforest canopy, and the changing perspectives of the forest from above are genuinely awe-inspiring.
Seasonal exhibitions keep the garden fresh for repeat visitors. The Scarecrows in the Garden fall festival, the Garden Lights holiday display (with millions of LED lights transforming the landscape), and rotating art installations give families a reason to come back throughout the year.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The Children's Garden has a splash fountain — bring swimsuits or a change of clothes for young kids.
- Walk the Canopy Walk early before it gets crowded; it's narrow and doesn't accommodate passing well.
- Garden Lights, Holiday Nights (November-January) is spectacular but sells out — buy tickets weeks in advance.
- The Edible Garden section teaches kids about food growing and often has interactive components.
- Strollers are allowed everywhere, but the Canopy Walk is easier to navigate without one.
What to Bring
- sunscreen
- hat
- comfortable walking shoes
- change of clothes for splash pad
- camera
- water bottle
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$75-$95.
Adult admission ~$25 x2 = $50.
Child (3-12) ~$19 x2 = $38.
Total: $88.
Under 3 free.
Special exhibits may cost more.
No parking fee if you use Piedmont Park street parking.
Tips to Save
- Visit on Tuesday evenings in summer for discounted Cocktails in the Garden (adults only).
- Become a member for unlimited visits — pays off in 3 visits.
- Kids under 3 are free.
- Park on surrounding streets to avoid garage fees.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- friday
- 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- monday
- Closed
- sunday
- 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- tuesday
- 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- saturday
- 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- thursday
- 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- wednesday
- 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM