Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is one of Atlanta's premier family attractions, combining world-class natural history exhibits with 75 acres of old-growth Piedmont forest. Located in the Druid Hills neighborhood near Emory University, it offers a full day of discovery for curious kids of all ages.

The museum's centerpiece is the Giants of the Mesozoic gallery in the soaring Great Hall, where a cast of the massive Argentinosaurus — stretching over 120 feet long — dominates the space alongside other dinosaur specimens. For kids who love dinosaurs, this exhibit alone is worth the admission price. The Dinosaur Plaza outside extends the experience with life-size sculptures in a landscaped garden.

For younger children (ages 2-10), the NatureQuest gallery is the standout. This multi-level interactive space lets kids explore Georgia's ecosystems through climbing, crawling, and hands-on activities. They can wade through a simulated swamp, peer into animal habitats, and climb into a two-story treehouse. It's designed to burn energy while building curiosity about the natural world.

The Giant Screen Theater shows rotating nature documentaries on a screen several stories tall, with immersive surround sound. Films change every few months and typically feature subjects that fascinate kids — ocean creatures, dinosaurs, space exploration, and wild animals. Combined with the museum exhibits, the IMAX experience creates a full sensory learning day.

Behind the museum, the Fernbank Forest is a 75-acre old-growth Piedmont forest with paved walking trails that are stroller-friendly. It's rare to find such a pristine natural area inside a major city, and the contrast between the museum's polished galleries and the quiet forest trails gives families a welcome change of pace. Many families pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables near the forest entrance before exploring the trails.