There are lots of things to do with Atlanta babies before they turn one, including those important moments...first bath, first smile, first teeth. (Put down those tissues...this is a fun list.) Grab the camera because we've come up with 30 fun, playful, and even educational activities to do with Atlanta babies before they turn one—a baby bucket list, if you will! Luckily, Atlanta is a great place to grow up with tons of outdoor spaces, family-friendly attractions, and plenty of FREE things to do.
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Things to Do with Atlanta Babies Before Age One: Outdoors
1. Atlanta Botanical Garden - Midtown
Stroll through the gardens to explore nature. Go on a Tuesday for Garden Playtime or Wednesdays for Storybook Time.
Take a class with your baby at Goldfish Swim School. Photo courtesy of the school
2. Swim Lessons
Have fun and stay safe by introducing babies to the water at one of Atlanta's swim schools.
3. Biking
Put baby in a bike seat or trailer and head down one of Atlanta's great bike paths, like the BeltLine or Big Creek Greenway.
4. Petting Zoos & Animal Farms
Visit Atlanta animal farms and petting zoos to introduce your baby to familiar and exotic creatures.
5. Feeding Ducks
Check out Lullwater or Piedmont Park as great spots to feed ducks. Tip: Skip the bread and feed the ducks bird seed or uncooked oats.
A swing can be a helpful tool for soothing and entertaining any baby. Photo by Alex Merrick
6. Swings
Push your baby in an infant swing at an awesome Atlanta playgrounds. We especially like Morgan Falls Overlook Park in Sandy Springs for crawlers because of its turf ground cover.
7. Trains
Climb aboard a choo-choo train such as the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or Stone Mountain Park.
8. Zoo Atlanta - Grant Park
See gorillas, elephants, pandas, and more at Zoo Atlanta. Twice a month they offer Adventure Cubs, an engaging program for babies.
9. Outdoor Shopping Centers
Get your shopping done and then let baby climb at the squirrel-themed soft playground at Avalon or play in the sandbox at Halcyon.
10. Nature Centers
Stroll around the Chattahoochee Nature Center or Dunwoody Nature Center to see what grows in and around Atlanta.
11. Picnic
Pack baby's favorite snacks and enjoy lunch outdoors in your backyard, local park, or at one of these nearby state parks.
Things to Do with Atlanta Babies Before Age One: Indoors
12. Merry-Go-Round
Take baby on their first carousel ride at North Point Mall or Mall of Georgia.
13. Indoor Playgrounds
Practice climbing at one of Atlanta's many indoor playgrounds.
14. Fun at Home
Try an easy DIY sensory activity, like making a rice bin or scent jars. Stimulate baby's brain with brain-boosting games and activities.
15. Children's Museum of Atlanta - Downtown
Take a trip to the Children's Museum of Atlanta, which has a special play area reserved for babies under the age of two.
16. Storytime
Check our family activity calendar for local storytimes. Some of our favorite storytimes are at Little Shop of Stories and Virginia Highland Books.
17. Toy Stores
Visit an Atlanta toy store like the whimsical Treehouse Kid and Craft in Decatur or Kazoo Toys in Buckhead.
18. Georgia Aquarium - Downtown
Watch your baby stare in awe at colorful fish, giant sharks, and much, much more.
19. Puppet Shows
See fairytales come to life through puppets at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Midtown or at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center in Roswell.
Babies love books; sure they may treat them as toys or food at first, but a love of reading will come.
20. Books
Snuggle with your baby and read a book from our list of 25 Best Board Books for Babies and Toddlers.
21. Parent and Baby Classes
Bond with your baby through Mommy and Me classes like Music Together or Gymboree.
22. High Chair Fun
Turn baby's high chair into an activity center.
23. Shopping
Take your baby to one of Atlanta's adorable baby stores, and stock up on baby books, toys, and outfits.
The holiday light shows around Atlanta will dazzle babies. Photo by Alex Merrick
Seasonal and Holiday Atlanta Events for Babies
24. Snow
Play in the snow at Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Island's License to Chill Snow Island.
25. Sand
Dip baby's toes in the sand at a swimming lake and beach near Atlanta. Don't forget to bring essential baby beach gear like a wagon, tent and floats.
26. Splash Pads and Spraygrounds
Splash at one of Atlanta's many spraygrounds. Bring cups to entertain your baby for hours.
27. 4th of July Fireworks
Look up in the sky on the 4th of July for amazing fireworks. (Don't forget headphones!)
28. Halloween
Dress up your baby in an adorable (but comfortable) costume and take pics at a local pumpkin patch.
29. Holiday and Christmas Trains
Take your baby on a Polar Express-style train ride.
30. First Birthday
Celebrate your baby's first year with a party, memorable gifts, smash cake, and a photo shoot. Okay, now you might need to grab those tissues...