What To Do In Atlanta For Fun

There’s so much to do in Atlanta for fun. But when your plane lands at the world’s busiest airport–the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport–where should you go after you pick up your rental car? Atlanta attracts people from all over the world for fun, business, conferences, and personal opportunities. No matter what brings you to Atlanta, there are so many options for having fun and enjoying your visit.

Sightseeing Animals in Atlanta

Most of us love animals to some degree or another. There are several ways for you to squeeze in a bit of animal sightseeing on your trip to Atlanta. 

1. Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is home to over 100,000 fish and sea creatures–including beluga whales, and it’s one of the world’s largest aquariums. The aquarium offers unique experiences like their “Journey with Gentle Giants” dive, where you’re guaranteed to dive with whale sharks–the largest sharks in the world–manta rays, and dolphins. 

Make it a day at the Georgia Aquarium, and plan a stop to take in the beauty and serenity of sea life at the largest aquarium in the state. This 20-minute drive from the airport is worth the trip just to see the majestic Beluga whale, including the baby Beluga that just turned one year old. 

2. Zoo Atlanta

In less than 10 miles from the airport, you can be at Zoo Atlanta. Zoo Atlanta is home to the only twin pandas in America, so you’re already guaranteed to see something you can’t see anywhere else, including gorillas. In addition to the adorable pandas, there are over 1,500 other animals to observe and learn about. 

There’s plenty of interactive fun for the kids and an after-hours behind-the-scenes experience. This Atlanta experience is worth the trip. 

3. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

To have a genuine appreciation of the world we live in now, we should understand the world as it was before. The Fernbank Museum of Natural History has an Argentinosaurus which is the largest dinosaur ever classified. 

There are over two miles of trails through the 65 acres of Fernbank Forest, and an elevated walkway and canopy walk through the treetops if you want to take a walk. There’s plenty of educational opportunities and lots of family-friendly activities, so everyone can have fun. Your budding meteorologist will have a blast.

Pop Culture in Atlanta

Atlanta also has the World of Coca-Cola. You can experience the rich history and check out international artifacts for one of the most iconic soft drinks of all time, Coca-Cola. The World of Coca-Cola has a 4D theatre where you can watch “In Search of the Secret Formula,” and you can let the bubbles go to your head in the tasting room of over 100 different Coca-Cola flavors from around the world. 

There’s more to see and learn about the famous soft drink brand than you could ever imagine, and you can get all the Coca-Cola merch you’ve been looking for at the Coca-Cola store. You can even take home merch from the famous Coca-Cola Polar Bear. 

Natural Beauty in Atlanta

Adjacent to Piedmont Park in downtown Atlanta is the 30-acre botanical garden known as the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The Art in the Garden exhibit contains permanent art installations, like sculptures and water features. 

You can dine at the Longleaf restaurant with a contemporary glass structure, and the two-level restaurant is located in the heart of the garden. You can get a grab-and-go snack, or you can have a seated dining experience. You can enjoy a cheese and charcuterie plate, a delicious lunch or dinner, and indulge in dessert as you take in the gorgeous views of the plant life around you. 

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a truly gorgeous experience, and you’ll feel so relaxed and peaceful strolling through the whimsical natural beauty of the garden. You can enjoy the flowers in bloom after a short 20-minute drive from the airport. 

Sports and Outdoors Activities in Atlanta

Sports fans around the United States are familiar with Atlanta. Whether you like to watch college football, professional football, soccer, basketball, or major league baseball, there’s always a sporting event going on in Atlanta. 

You may remember that Atlanta is so rich in sporting venues that it was the host city for the Summer Olympics in 1996. While you’re visiting Atlanta, you can check out Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. The park offers playgrounds, restrooms, a visitors center, the Fountain of Rings, and an amphitheater. However, some areas of the park are closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The city’s Major League Baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, is based at Truist Park, and you can book a tour of the stadium year-round or shop for souvenirs and apparel at the clubhouse store. If you’re catching a game, you can even get a personalized message up on the LED screen during the game. 

For soccer (football) and American football fans, the professional teams for both of these sports share the Mercedes-Benz Stadium that opened in 2017. The Atlanta Falcons have been an NFL team since 1966. In 2014, Atlanta was chosen as the home of the expansion team Atlanta United FC for Major League Soccer. 

Atlanta is home to the Atlanta Hawks for NBA fans, and they have played in Atlanta since the 1968-69 NBA season. They host home games from the State Farm Arena. Atlanta is also home to the WNBA team, the Atlanta Dream, and they play their home games at the Gateway Center Arena at College Park. 

In addition to all the professional teams, Atlanta hosts several college football and basketball games throughout the year, including the Peach Bowl, Celebration Bowl, the SEC Championship Game, and the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game. Atlanta would have hosted the NCAA College Basketball’s final four in 2020 if the season had not been canceled. In addition to all this, you can also go to the College Football Hall of Fame on Marietta Street near the Centennial Olympic Park.

Atlanta is a sports fan hub, but there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors away from all the major sporting events in the surrounding areas. You can ride your bike in Southside Park, go for a hike at the Morningside Nature Preserve, or go for a walk on one of the trails at South Peachtree Creek Trail. If golf is your game, there are six golf resorts in the areas that surround the city. Enough courses to make your own golfing road trip. 

Attractions in Atlanta

1. Six Flags Over Georgia

Since 1967, Georgia’s favorite theme park has made its home in Atlanta: Six Flags Over Georgia. With over 290 acres of land, the theme park has 11 exciting roller coasters. It’s home to North America’s first triple-looping classic coaster, the Mind Bender. 

The park has several family-friendly rides. They include a classic wooden roller coaster called The Great American Scream Machine, which gives riders a distinct experience that sets it apart from steel roller coasters. They also have an indoor 4D interactive action ride called the Justice League: Battle for Metropolis. 

Six Flags also offers various dining options, and there’s always something for everyone in the theme park. You can make a weekend of it by heading “next door.” So, what’s “next door”?

2. Six Flags White Water

The heat in the southeastern United States is humid and a little unforgiving. However, you can enjoy the sunshine and keep cool at Six Flags White Water. The park spans almost 70 acres, and it has over 30 water slides. 

For thrill-seekers, check out the Capsule Slide: Dive Bomber, which is a 9-story free fall. If that’s not enough for you, there are five other rides to choose from to get your blood pumping. For a more relaxing experience, you can head to the lazy river and laze the day away. There are also three children’s areas to keep the entire family happy. 

3. Medieval Times

While you’re in Atlanta,  you can experience an 11th century inspired feast and witness a medieval tournament. During your four-course meal, you’ll be entertained with jousting, swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat from the period, and impressive horsemanship and falconry. How often do you get to head into a castle for dinner and a show?

If this sounds like your cup of mead, you might also be interested in some seasonal activities like the Georgia Renaissance Festival or the largest multi-genre and pop culture convention in the state, DragonCon. These cosplay opportunities draw people from all over the country for food and fun with people who share similar interests. 

Here are some other places of interest to consider when visiting Atlanta. There really is something for everybody:

• High Museum of Art
• Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
• Atlanta Beltline
• Fox Theatre
• Stone Mountain Park
• Atlanta History Center
• The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Summary

Whatever brings you to the Big Peach, you’re sure to find something fun that’s just right for you. This city among the hills has made a name for itself, and it’s got things you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Atlanta is always growing, moving, and offering fun just outside the world’s busiest airport. So, pack your bags, get in the car, and find your fun in Atlanta.

Sources:
The Georgia Aquarium Jelly Webcam | georgiaaquarium.org
 Zoo Atlanta Panda Cam | zooatlanta.org
Sources: College Football Hall of Fame hires Legends Hospitality as new management firm | Atlanta Business Chronicle