Kids Playground at Zoo Atlanta
Rating
Family of 4
Included with Zoo Atlanta admission (~$120-160 for family of 4)
Duration
30-60 min (add to zoo visit)
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-10 (requires Zoo Atlanta admission)
About
The Kids Playground at Zoo Atlanta — known as the KidZone — is an included element of your zoo admission and a smart mid-visit break strategy for families with young children. Located within the zoo grounds, it provides a climbing structure and play area designed to give kids a physical outlet in the middle of what is otherwise 3-4 hours of walking.
The KidZone's standout feature is its seasonal splash pad, which operates from late spring through summer. On a hot Atlanta day (which is most zoo days from May through September), the splash pad transforms from a bonus into a near-necessity — sweaty kids who've been walking for two hours get completely reinvigorated by 20 minutes of water play. Pack a change of clothes and a towel when visiting in warm weather.
The playground structures have a zoo and nature theme, which connects nicely to the animal exhibits kids have just visited. Toddlers through elementary-age kids all find something to do here.
This listing is specifically for the KidZone Playground rather than the zoo overall (listed separately). It's included with your Zoo Atlanta admission at no extra cost. Check the zoo website for current seasonal splash pad operating dates.
Planning tip: schedule the KidZone visit in the middle of your zoo day rather than at the end — it works perfectly as a reset point after the first half of animal exhibits and before the second half.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Mid-morning during your zoo visit when kids need a break from walking
Wait Times
Minimal — open access within the zoo
Nearby Food
Zoo Atlanta has multiple food stands and a café inside the zoo. Grant Park neighborhood outside has restaurants nearby.
Why Kids Love It
The KidZone Playground inside Zoo Atlanta gives kids a physical outlet in the middle of what is otherwise a lot of walking. The zoo-themed playground structures let kids climb and play in a setting that connects thematically to what they just saw in the animal exhibits — it's not just any playground, it's one surrounded by the atmosphere of an active zoo. The seasonal splash pad is a huge draw in Atlanta's hot summers, giving sweaty, tired kids a refreshing mid-zoo break that re-energizes the whole family.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Part of Zoo Atlanta admission — no extra charge
- The splash pad runs seasonally; check the zoo website for the current dates it operates
- Pack a change of clothes for kids if visiting in summer — splash pad will get them soaked
- Use the playground mid-visit as a natural energy break before continuing to animal exhibits
- Located in the KidZone area — check the zoo map at entrance for exact location
What to Bring
- Swimwear and towel (summer months)
- Change of clothes for splash pad
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Included with Zoo Atlanta admission (~$120-160 for family of 4)
Tips to Save
- The KidZone playground is included with Zoo Atlanta admission — no extra cost.
- Use it mid-visit as a break from animal exhibits.
- The splash pad element runs seasonally (spring/summer); bring swimwear and a change of clothes during warm months.