Where is Atlanta?
Located in the northern center of the state of Georgia, Atlanta is a vibrant and bustling city in the southern United States. It’s also the capital of Georgia and the metro area is the ninth-largest in the United States.
The city is known for its rolling hills and trees which has earned it the nickname of “the city in a forest.” It is also famous for peaches and for hosting the 1996 Summer Olympics.
How to get to Atlanta?
Getting to Atlanta is easy either by car or plane. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world for passenger traffic so you’re sure to be able to find a convenient flight.
The city is also a transit hub with major roadways convening from all directions. By car, you can reach Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina within a few hours. Florida is further to the south and Interstate 75 leads to the northern part of the state.
When is the best time to visit Atlanta?
Although Atlanta experiences four distinct seasons, it does have a generally mild climate. Summers can be rather hot, earning Atlanta the nickname “Hotlanta.” Temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and its southern location means high humidity.
The best time to visit is in spring or fall. April and May are great for outdoor activities with May being the month with the most hours of sunshine. Cooler autumn weather starts in October with temperatures starting to drop rapidly and leaves begin to change color during this time.
What to do in Atlanta?
Despite the sprawling size of Atlanta, the city is known for its access to nature and green spaces. One of the most prominent is Piedmont Park which is popular for fishing, sports, and other outdoor activities.
The park is located close to the Atlanta Botanical Garden which has 30 acres of plants and a canopy walk through the trees. It often features exhibits and has several themed gardens as well as holiday lights on display.
Nearby is access to the BeltLine, a trail that used to be a railway corridor and has been transformed for cyclists and pedestrians. These spaces provide an opportunity to spend time outdoors and be active without leaving the city.
Is Atlanta family-friendly?
Atlanta is a city that offers incredible attractions sure to enthrall visitors of every age. This makes is a wonderful place to travel as a family because children can experience unique things and broaden their horizons.
The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest and offers educational programming, family sleepovers, and swim and dive programs for children 12 and older. Kids 10 and up can go on a behind the scenes tour to learn about how the aquarium functions.
Kids love to interact with animals and Zoo Atlanta provides another opportunity in addition to the aquarium. It also has the largest collection of gorillas in the country as well as giant pandas. The zoo features many family-friendly events and activities including overnight stays.
The Center for Puppetry Arts has performances that children and teens will enjoy while the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is ideal for children 8 and under to engage with exhibits and attend programs.
Another unique attraction that families will enjoy exploring together is the World of Coca-Cola where you can learn about this history of this popular beverage and sample flavors from around the world. Just outside the city is Stone Mountain Park which offers outdoor recreation and many family-friendly activities. It is open year-round and features a theme park, festivals, historical sights, laser shows, a Swiss cable car to the top of Stone Mountain, and more.
Kids will also enjoy museums like the Fernbank which has a natural history museum and outdoor portion with trails through the forest and an elevated walkway through the treetops. A 3D theater and many fascinating exhibits allow kids to make learning fun.
The Legoland Discovery Center will also be a hit for families with children of all ages. You can enjoy rides, play and build with LEGO, watch a movie in the 4D cinema, and more.
