Top Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Atlanta, GA, During Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family, togetherness, and creating lasting memories. While many families gather around the dinner table for the traditional feast, there are also plenty of exciting things to do around Atlanta to keep the holiday spirit alive. If you're looking for fun places to visit with children in Atlanta during the Thanksgiving holiday, look no further! Here are some family-friendly spots that offer a great way to celebrate and explore the city together.

1. Children’s Museum of Atlanta

If you’re looking for a fun and educational outing for your little ones, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a perfect destination. The museum offers a range of interactive exhibits designed for children of all ages, from toddlers to pre-teens. Over Thanksgiving, the museum often hosts special holiday-themed events, including crafts, storytelling, and live performances. Kids can explore the exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and burn off some energy while learning and playing.

Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA

2. Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

Kick off the holiday season with a magical stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s stunning light display. The Garden Lights, Holiday Nights event is a beloved Atlanta tradition, featuring millions of sparkling lights throughout the gardens. The beautifully illuminated exhibits are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit, and the colorful displays will captivate children of all ages. It’s a perfect evening activity after a day of Thanksgiving festivities.

Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA

3. Stone Mountain Park’s Christmas Celebration

While Stone Mountain Park is a favorite year-round, their Christmas Celebration is a must-visit during the Thanksgiving weekend. The park transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with holiday lights, festive music, and even snow! Children will love meeting Santa Claus, visiting the Snow Angel, and watching the nightly Christmas parade. There’s also plenty of family-friendly entertainment, including holiday-themed performances and train rides through the park.

Location: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA

4. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Looking for an indoor adventure that’s perfect for kids and adults alike? The Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers interactive exhibits, educational films, and a chance to explore the world of dinosaurs, nature, and science. Around Thanksgiving, the museum often features special holiday programming. Kids will love walking through the Giants of the Mesozoic exhibit or exploring the outdoor Wild Woods adventure area. It’s a great way to mix learning with fun.

Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA

5. Atlanta History Center’s Thanksgiving on the Farm

Step back in time and celebrate Thanksgiving the old-fashioned way at the Atlanta History Center’s Smith Family Farm. During Thanksgiving weekend, the museum often hosts “Thanksgiving on the Farm,” where families can experience historic cooking demonstrations, blacksmithing, and other 19th-century farm activities. Kids will enjoy learning about how early settlers celebrated Thanksgiving, complete with live demonstrations and hands-on activities.

Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA

6. Ponce City Market’s Winter Festivities

While known for its trendy shops and dining, Ponce City Market also offers a family-friendly experience during the Thanksgiving and holiday seasons. Check out the Skate the Sky rooftop ice-skating rink for a fun and festive activity the whole family can enjoy. After skating, explore the market’s variety of eateries offering kid-friendly treats, or enjoy some shopping in the market's holiday bazaar. It’s a lively, urban spot to take the kids for some post-Thanksgiving fun.

Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA

7. Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta

For an unforgettable experience that will thrill LEGO-loving kids, head to Legoland Discovery Center. This indoor attraction features interactive LEGO exhibits, rides, and creative building areas where kids can let their imaginations run wild. During the Thanksgiving holidays, Legoland hosts special events and seasonal activities, including LEGO-building challenges and themed scavenger hunts. It’s an exciting way for children to spend the day playing and learning.

Location: 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA

8. Centennial Olympic Park

If you want to enjoy the crisp fall air, Centennial Olympic Park is a wonderful spot for a family outing. The park offers plenty of space for children to run and play and scenic views of Atlanta’s skyline. After exploring the park, you can head to nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or the World of Coca-Cola, which offer engaging, kid-friendly experiences that will keep the whole family entertained during the holiday weekend.

Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA