Children's Museum of Atlanta
Family of 4
$80-100 (admission ~$17-20/person; parking $10-15 nearby)
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 0-10
About
The Children's Museum of Atlanta sits in the heart of downtown, just steps from Centennial Olympic Park, making it one of the most conveniently located kids' activities in the city. For families visiting Atlanta or locals looking for a reliable rainy day option, it delivers consistent value for children roughly 0 to 10 years old.
The museum is built around the concept of learning through play — every exhibit is designed to be touched, manipulated, and explored. The Fundamentally Food zone lets kids role-play grocery shopping, cooking, and serving at a kid-scaled restaurant, which tends to hold attention for a surprisingly long time. The construction zone has oversized foam blocks and tools that let kids build and demolish their own structures.
The water play area is a perennial favorite for toddlers and preschoolers, though it will get them wet — pack a change of clothes.
For infants and toddlers, there are dedicated calm spaces with age-appropriate sensory play. For older kids up to about 10, the more complex exhibits offer enough challenge to stay engaged. Kids older than 10 tend to find the space too young-feeling.
The museum is fully stroller-accessible throughout, and nursing and changing rooms are available. The café offers light snacks and drinks — bring supplemental snacks if you have picky eaters.
Important note: the hours listed on Google appear to show only Saturday, but the museum typically operates Tuesday through Sunday. Always check the official website for current hours, as they've adjusted seasonal schedules.
If you're visiting downtown Atlanta, the museum pairs naturally with Centennial Olympic Park (outdoor splash pad), the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola — all within walking distance.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tue-Fri) when school groups are less frequent
Wait Times
Minimal for exhibits; can be crowded on weekends and school holidays
Nearby Food
The museum is in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park. Tons of options within walking distance including the CNN Center food court, multiple sit-down restaurants, and quick-service spots throughout the hotel district.
Why Kids Love It
The Children's Museum of Atlanta in downtown is built around hands-on play that makes kids feel like they're in control — they can work at a real-scale grocery store, construct buildings in a construction zone, and splash around in the water play area that younger kids especially love. The exhibits change seasonally, so repeat visits feel fresh, and the museum is thoughtfully designed with activities at multiple developmental levels so toddlers and 8-year-olds can both stay busy in the same space. The Fundamentally Food exhibit where kids can 'shop,' cook, and 'serve' meals is consistently a hit across age groups.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Check for current exhibits before your visit — rotating shows change the experience significantly
- The water play area gets kids wet — bring a change of clothes
- Located next to Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, and Georgia Aquarium — easy to combine into a full downtown day
- Parking in the Olympic Park garage or nearby lots; budget $15 for parking
- Weekday visits are significantly less crowded than weekends; school holidays are the busiest days of the year
What to Bring
- Change of clothes (water exhibits)
- Socks for climbing areas
- Snacks (café is limited)
- Museum membership card if applicable
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$80-100 (admission ~$17-20/person; parking $10-15 nearby)
Tips to Save
- Georgia residents can get discounted admission — check for reciprocal membership programs with your local children's museum.
- Members of ASTC (science-tech centers) and ACM (children's museums) get free or discounted admission.
- Book tickets online to avoid lines.
- Parking in the nearby lots averages $15 — factor this in.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Saturday
- 9:30AM-4:30PM