How to Spend One Week in Atlanta with the Family
Beneath its reputation for hip-hop, Hollywood, and history that leaps off the page, Georgia’s capital reveals itself as a perfect place for multigenerational adventures. Here, your entire family, from toddlers to grandparents, will discover exciting ways to relax, have fun, and make lasting memories together. Start exploring the possibilities with handy travel, activity, and dining tips that’ll help you plan a weeklong vacation.
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Arriving & getting around Atlanta
Arriving & getting around Atlanta
Yes, Atlanta may be known for its traffic, but smart routes make getting to the airport and attractions surprisingly uncomplicated. Check out our pointers to make navigating Atlanta a breeze, even with a large family group.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ranks among the world’s best-connected airports, making meetups easy from almost anywhere. After landing, getting from the terminal to the Rental Car Center or the MARTA airport station is pretty simple – even with tired kids and extra luggage – thanks to the free ATL SkyTrain.
Once you’ve arrived, getting around is easy, too, no matter your group’s pace or style. Stroll the scenic Atlanta Beltline – a 22-mile trail that navigates around popular neighborhoods. Hop on MARTA’s trains, streetcars, or buses to reach top attractions. Rent bikes or scooters on the go and cruise to parks and food halls at your own speed. Or, bring transportation to you using rideshare apps.
Find the perfect stay for your family
After a day exploring Atlanta, where your family sleeps matters, especially when your group spans toddlers to grandparents. The good news? Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods deliver lodging options that are comfortable and convenient, whether you want adjoining suites, walkable attractions, or a pool the kids can’t get enough of. Explore the city’s regions along with a sampling of accommodations, everything from wallet friendly to luxury.
Intown regions are centrally located with hotels and short-term rentals in reach of your daily adventures. Downtown, you’ll find popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium amid sky-high buildings. Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Downtown delivers comfort and value with complimentary breakfasts and kitchenettes for easier mealtime – just a five-minute walk from SkyView Atlanta, the city’s 20-story Ferris wheel. Meanwhile, the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park offers splurge-worthy two-bedroom suites mere steps from the park.
A Midtown stay means access to Piedmont Park, a massive green space that’s great for children with energy to burn. Here, the luxe Four Seasons Atlanta welcomes kids with cookies and play tents, and on-site dining creates indulgent evenings for everyone. Meanwhile, the Kimpton Shane Hotel – a more economical, mid-range option – pairs skyline views with thoughtful family perks, like fridges for nursing moms, accessible tubs, attraction bundles, and pet-friendly options.
Embrace the charm of local eateries, tree-lined streets, and stunning historic homes – all in the heart of the city – whether you’re wandering laid-back Grant Park or the more lively Inman Park, just 10 minutes away. You’ll find your home away from home here with kid-friendly B&B stays at the tropical-themed Urban Oasis Bed & Breakfast or the Victorian-era Sugar Magnolia Bed & Breakfast’s private Cottage Suite, both in the Inman Park neighborhood.
Meanwhile, upscale Buckhead brims with chic storefronts for afternoons of retail therapy. Stay at The Westin Buckhead Atlanta for 250-plus stores just down the street at Lenox Square Mall and a MARTA station around the corner. Or, gather with your family in Brookhaven, a neighboring area with a thriving art scene and beautiful parks. You’ll love the privacy and space of Brookhaven vacation rentals loaded with amenities like full kitchens, shady patios, and dedicated common areas.
In Atlanta’s suburban neighborhoods like Sandy Springs, you’ll have quick city access along MARTA rail stops and bus lines – and the potential for budget-friendly accommodations. In addition to boasting nearby bus stops, Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Perimeter Center caters to families with on-site laundry, free coffee in the lobby, and an indoor pool where kids, parents, and grandparents can all cool off.
About 20 minutes east of Atlanta’s downtown, Decatur delights families with its standout eateries and vibrant festivals. At locations like the Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Decatur/Emory, your group will be close to all the action with more than a dozen restaurants and the seasonal Decatur Farmers Market within walking distance.
Date night ideas
Even on a big family trip, parents deserve a break. While the kids are entertained, slip away for a romantic afternoon or evening, or a full day just for two.
If you have hours to play, start your date at The Battery Atlanta, a lively spot that combines entertainment, food, and shopping. Kick things off with a teamwork test at The Escape Room, where clever puzzles put your twosome to the challenge. When hunger hits, Punch Bowl Social provides an electric atmosphere for sharing plates of cilantro-honey wings followed by rounds of bowling, darts, and arcade games. In the evenings, try Park Bench to sip frozen cocktails and listen to live tunes. Round out your visit with shopping for baseball-themed mementos – perfect after watching the Atlanta Braves run the bases at Truist Park.
If you’re seeking quiet time, try Westside Park, Atlanta’s newest green space. You’ll love strolling hand-in-hand along the winding paths and stopping at shaded benches for skyline views or covered pavilions for a cozy two-person picnic. Afterward, try the half-mile Blue Loop for panoramas of the Bellwood Quarry’s walls of granite and shimmering blue lake.
For a romantic fine-dining experience, book a table at the tucked-away Canoe. Savor standout seasonal dishes, like smoked-salmon eggs Benedict or braised Blue Ridge rabbit leg, over brunch, lunch, or dinner. Tip: request a spot on the shaded patio for enviable views of the Chattahoochee River while you dine. Then, wander the lush gardens and capture a few frame-worthy shots.
Keep the chill vibes going at New Realm Brewing – with bonus points for strolling over on the happening Atlanta Beltline. Chow down on pub fare, like hand-twisted Bavarian pretzels and smokehouse burgers paired with inventive craft beers, refreshing hard ciders, and cocktail classics. As you sip, take in striking downtown vistas from the rooftop deck.
Nature & outdoors
With its pockets of lush canopies and numerous green spaces, it’s easy to see why Atlanta is called the “City in the Forest.” And amid the city buzz, your crew can connect with nature through scenic parks, sea-life encounters, and garden strolls.
Head downtown to Georgia Aquarium for a peek beneath the waves, like in Ocean Voyager’s glass tunnel. Get ready to “oooh” and “ahhh” as you take turns pointing out schools of shimmering fish, spotted whale sharks, and open-mouth rays swimming overhead. Tots and grandparents alike will love pointing out unexpected critters, like camouflaged sea dragons, and sharing newfound knowledge. When you need a break, snag a seat at a live sea lion show. For older kids ready for something unforgettable, go beyond the exhibits with a behind-the-scenes tour of staff-only areas, or take it up a notch with a poolside training session alongside the aquarium’s beluga whales.
Nestled at the northern end of Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s stroller- and wheelchair-accessible paths mean everyone can admire fantastical topiaries, whimsical glass sculptures, and stunning plant collections together. Stop by the Orangerie, where your group can take turns identifying flora that make your favorite foods and spices, like nutmeg, lemon, and coffee. Or, bring energetic youngsters to the Lou Glenn Children’s Garden, where they can climb rope bridges, play in fountains, and explore the world of horticulture with veggie-garden demonstrations. Plan your visit during the fall or winter for spectacular seasonal events, like Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, the garden’s beloved holiday light display.
More to explore
Stroll Piedmont Park’s shaded paths, take a guided history tour, or plan your trip around an annual event held there, like the Atlanta Jazz Festival. Snap a family selfie in front of the Olympic rings at Centennial Olympic Park, then watch younger cousins splash in the Fountain of Rings, while grandparents reflect on past Olympic games at monuments like the Quilt of Nations. Or, wander between Zoo Atlanta’s live animal presentations and naturalistic exhibits like the African Savanna, where ostriches, giraffes, and zebras roam.
Cool indoor attractions
When the weather heats up (or turns rainy), Atlanta’s indoor experiences take center stage, offering hands-on discovery and creative inspiration that resonate with both the youngest and oldest explorers in your crew. Creative activities Take a trip down memory lane at the Center for Puppetry Arts, where wonder and imagination capture the spotlight. In the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, childhood nostalgia comes to life as grandparents reminisce over beloved Muppet Show characters, like the sassy and glamorous Miss Piggy, and parents rediscover the joys of Fraggle Rock and Labyrinth. For kids, it’s a chance to uncover the global story of puppetry and see their own Sesame Street icons like Bert, Ernie, and Big Bird. For an interactive adventure, join the museum-wide scavenger hunt to find specific puppets, answer questions, and earn a prize. Then, nab tickets to a live puppet show at the Mainstage Theater. See the event calendar for performance schedules, including seasonal holiday-themed shows and special exhibitions.
Next, step into the World of Coca-Cola for a glimpse into the history and magic behind the iconic fizzy drink. Explore the Coca-Cola Stories exhibit, where long-time cola drinkers can relive their first bubbly bottle of Coke and newer beverage fans can meet SJ, the likable virtual soda jerk. Perk up with samples of the brand’s popular global flavors, like the bubblegum-esque Inca Kola from Peru, at Taste It! Then, head to the Beverage Lab where everyone can craft their own unique drink to sip and share.
More to explore
Gather big and small builders for an imagination-filled day at LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta, where race cars, princess-saving missions, and a mini Atlanta skyline made of bricks are just the beginning. Or, delight in something squishy and surprising at the Sloomoo Institute Atlanta, a colorful all-ages playland where slime is the main attraction.
Family-friendly restaurants
From loaded pizzas and finger-licking barbecue to build-your-own feasts at lively food halls, Atlanta has flavors to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether grabbing something quick between attractions or sitting down with your whole crew, Atlanta’s diverse dining options make meals a special part of your family vacation.
Atlanta’s food halls
Food halls like Krog Street Market are the perfect solution when nobody can agree on what to eat. Here, your dining options range from artisanal pizzas to Vietnamese dishes. Try eateries like Suzy Siu’s Baos, the plant-based Recess, and Fred’s Meat & Bread – awarded a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand rating for its delicious sandwiches, like the spicy Korean cheesesteak. Taste it for yourself to savor the spicy gochujang sauce, candied jalapeños, and garlic aioli.
Across town, Chattahoochee Food Works offers every generation something to savor, from trendy bubble teas to classic Mediterranean dishes. If you’re having trouble choosing what to eat, try hot spots like Delilah’s Everyday Soul – a mother-daughter-run stall that delights guests with a modern twist on comforting Southern cuisine. Sample the Southern Belle fried chicken sandwich, topped with fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and a slab of bacon. Whatever you order, regroup to share bites and crown the day’s top food-picker.
Or, try Ponce City Market, where you and your crew can shop, play, and eat – all in one place. Hungry travelers will find a satisfying array of sweet and savory choices, from French mille crêpe cakes to regional Chinese cuisine. Taste snackable Indian street food like crispy, masala smashed potatoes at Botiwalla by Chai Pani or Puerto Rican-inspired dishes like tender, slow-roasted pork served with mofongo (mashed plantains) from El Super Pan. Then, head to the rooftop Skyline Park for carnival-style rides, a three-story slide, Skee-Ball, and more.
Local flavors & favorites
Close to popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria is a can’t-miss spot for New York-style pies baked in a coal-fired oven. Adults will love specialty pizzas like the Arugula & Prosciutto, while children stick to go-to favorites like chicken fingers. For heartier meals, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q dishes out some of the tastiest Texas-style fare in town that’ll have you digging into plates piled with fall-off-the-bone spare ribs, smoked brisket, and succulent pulled pork, or go sandwich-style with all the fixin’s.
Or, try The Varsity, a classic drive-in experience that gives a nod to nostalgia that kids, parents, and grandparents can appreciate together. Order a round of chili dogs and Frosted Orange shakes to hear their iconic “What’ll ya have?” greeting.
For more seasonal options, Souper Jenny offers a rotating menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches that hit the spot with lighter fare in summer and body-warming meals in winter.
Craving a traditional Southern meal? Slide into a large, cushy booth at OK Cafe, where classic meatloaf, omelets, and milkshakes come with a side of Southern hospitality. Or, head to The Colonnade, a long-standing Atlanta institution beloved for its no-frills comfort food, including tender pot roast, seafood platters, and more than two dozen sides.
In Doraville, look for El Rey del Taco, which serves authentic Mexican dishes. Adults will love trying items like octopus tacos on corn tortillas, refreshing agua fresca, or frozen margaritas, while the kids chow down on tried-and-true options like cheese quesadillas.
And don’t forget dessert: try inventive scoops at Morelli’s Ice Cream (think ginger-lavender and coconut-jalapeño) or grab a sweet treat from Sublime Doughnuts, where s’mores and sweet potato cake creations sit alongside traditional favorites.
Take a piece of Georgia home with you
Want to savor your trip a little longer? Stop by Xocoatl in Krog Street Market to share sweet reminders of your time together with delights like handmade bonbons, rich drinking chocolate, or one of their signature bars. (The Dark & Salty is a fan favorite!)
Museums & sports
In Atlanta, museums aren’t just for looking – they’re for doing and playing. Whether your extended fam prefers ancient fossils, high-flying planes, or game-day thrills, you’ll find exciting ways to learn.
You don’t need to be a sports fanatic to enjoy the College Football Hall of Fame’s AI-powered exhibits and legendary stories. The experience begins as soon as you walk in, where a three-story wall of helmets greets you. Fun fact: there are more than 775 school teams represented here! Grandparents will remember the legends of their heyday, young fans can practice fight-song karaoke, and parents can see what it takes to be a successful coach. Then, meander to the Peach Bowl Field with your aspiring players and test everyone’s skills on the 45-yard indoor playing field.
In Roswell, the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art connects families across generations with stories about digital innovation. As you weave through displays and artifacts like former supercomputers, data punch cards, and transistor radios, younger generations will marvel at the technology of the past while parents and grandparents share tales of life before Wi-Fi and smartphones. For an added wow factor, see the computers that helped NASA first send astronauts into space, like a massive IBM 3420.
More to explore
At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, grand halls and winding trails reveal towering dinosaurs, unexpected treehouses, and Earth’s powerful natural forces. Meanwhile, the Delta Flight Museum invites aviation lovers to admire vintage and modern aircraft, test their flying skills, and even step inside a Boeing 747.
