Kid-Friendly in Atlanta

Our Local Expert Says:

Wonderful place to take the kids

Description:

The Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 as one of the largest aquariums in the world. Located in downtown Atlanta, it is undoubtedly a breathtaking experience for all its visitors. A generous endowment from Bernard Marcus, the co-founder of Home Depot, makes this dynamic aquarium possible. It showcases exotic sea creatures such as giant groupers, beluga whales, and whale sharks (which have never been seen outside of Asia). With 500 species, you will see something new and different no matter when you visit. In addition, the Georgia Aquarium offers an expansive educational program for students of all ages. Check their website for tours, special events, extended hours notices, and group discounts.

Description:

A historical landmark on Atlanta's restaurant scene, The Varsity is a favorite of Georgia Tech students, tourists and locals. Well known for its hot dogs and onion rings, The Varsity sells sells more than two miles of hotdogs daily, a ton of onion rings, 2500 pounds of fresh cut potatoes, 5000 homemade fried pies, and 300 gallons of chili. During Georgia Tech football games, up to 30,000 people visit the popular spot. Known as the World's Largest Drive-in sits, The Varsity is located on more than two acres and can accommodate 600 cars and over eight hundred people inside. The downtown location is also recognized as the world's largest single outlet for Coca-Cola.

Description:

Established in the heart of downtown for the 1996 Olympic Summer Games, the 21-acre park is the location for several city festivals and events throughout the year. Also a popular lunch or relaxation spot for business folk in the area, Centennial Olympic Park features rock gardens, art work and green space. Close to 500,000 commemorative bricks, that were a fundraising effort for the Olympics, make up the park's main runway and Olympic Rings shooting arcs of water serve as way for children to cool off during the summer. The park also showcases flags honoring the nations that have hosted the Olympics.

Our Local Expert Says:

The martinis and IMAX event on Friday nights is great for dates.

Description:

Atlanta's largest museum sits on 140 forested acres just east of downtown. The Great Hall soars 86 feet (26 meters) to a rooftop skylight, and gives way to a labyrinth of halls devoted to the miracle of nature. A 315-seat IMAX theater showcases the world's most dramatic films on its five-story screen, while a comprehensive planetarium makes the heavens easily accessible. Be sure to visit on Fridays for Martinis and IMAX, a trendy cocktail hour followed by a film.

Description:

Imagine the fun your family can have at Atlanta's own children's museum located only footsteps away from the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park in the heart of downtown's cultural district. Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta is designed for children 8 years old and under, but welcomes children (and adults) of all ages. The museum features four permanent exhibits that explore food, nature, engineering and artistic expression. Highlights include a giant ball machine, painting wall, sand sculpture station and hands-on water feature where children don raincoats and splash away. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits and regularly features special stage shows and educational programs. - Rachel Quartarone

Our Local Expert Says:

Unique burger spot

Description:

Gourmet burgers are accompanied with unique house made condiments at this West Midtown burger joint. With an ambiance of playful graphics and modern design, Flip Burger features a full bar and eclectic drink menu along with its signature milkshakes including flavors like Krispy Kreme and Nutella and burnt marshmallow. The small space on Howell Mill is packed on nights and weekends and a popular spot for business lunches.

Description:

Located in the new Westside complex, Taqueria Del Sol is quietly building a reputation for its high-quality, yet inexpensive Mexican fare. The interior is rather eclectic and funky, with exposed ductwork and an abundance of wrought iron. A wide variety of Mexican dishes includes all the traditional favorites, but their emphatic specialty is tacos. You'll find a nearly impossible variety of taco combinations, with fish, shrimp, and other odd options. Taqueria Del Sol also has a full bar with a wide selection of cervezas and tequila. See website for menus, maps, photos, and Decatur location.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best Zoo

Description:

Just minutes from downtown Atlanta in historic Grant Park, this exciting zoo features the Southeast's most impressive collection of wildlife from around the globe. Legend says that the zoo got its start when the owners of a traveling animal show went bankrupt and suddenly fled town. Today, popular exhibits include daily elephant demonstrations, orangutan feedings, and the recently-acquired Chinese pandas.

Description:

Just east of Atlanta, this 3200-acre (1300-hectare) park centers on the world's largest exposed granite mountain. Skylift gondolas whisk visitors 825 feet (251 meters) to the top, where commanding views of the Georgia countryside await them. The north face's 90x100-foot (27x30-meter) bas-relief memorial to Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson is the world's largest. An antebellum plantation, a riverboat, an antique auto museum and a petting zoo are all located within the park, as are camping, dining and lodging accommodations. During the summer, there are evening laser light shows on the mountain.