Stone Mountain with Kids: 20 Best Things to Do in Stone Mountain, GA

Stone Mountain, Georgia's most notable attraction is Stone Mountain Park, but did you know there's even more awesome things to do in this charming part of Atlanta?! I decided to take my family for a fun summer staycation to the city of Stone Mountain -- we wanted to check out Stone Mountain Park's new drone and light show and explore the entire area over the course of a few days. (Even our pup made the trip!) Enjoy this guide of great things to do in Stone Mountain, GA!

To get even more ideas about weekend trips to take in the area, check out our Atlanta Weekend Getaway Guide & Day Trips for Families!

 
Hike or take the Summit Skyride to the top of Stone Mountain and see the entire region below the clouds. Photo by author

Things to Do in Stone Mountain

1. Stone Mountain Park

Obviously, the biggest attraction (figuratively and literally) is Stone Mountain Park! There is something for everyone and every age at this site. Hike up the mountain or ride to the top aboard Summit Skyride; make friends with dinosaurs; cool off at Geyser Tower; ride the train; play mini golf; try the ropes course; discover historical findings; and cool off inside the 4D movie. Make sure to stay until nightfall for the park's new Music Across America Drone & Light Show, showing all summer until August 3, 2024. The Yellow Daisy Festival kicks off early September!

2. Mountain Park Aquatic Center

Cool off during summer's sweltering days at the Mountain Park Aquatic Center. Non-residents pay a slightly higher fee than residents to swim, slide, and unwind at this fun outdoor/indoor swimming facility. Kids love the zooming slides, water playground, and much more.

3. Stars and Strikes

Fill up on air conditioning and fun at the always entertaining Stars and Strikes. Kids and adults will love bowling, bumper cars, laser tag, an arcade, and much more. Also a great spot to host a birthday party!

4. Stone Mountain Village

Wander through this charming, historical area, located in the heart of Stone Mountain. There are lots of cool restaurants (many listed below in this guide), located within walking distance to each other.

5. Netherworld

Before everyone yells that Netherworld is a Halloween-only attraction, I want to remind families with older kids and teens can visit Escape the Netherworld year round. Each of the five escape rooms have a different theme; some are on the scarier side so choose the appropriate theme based on your family's ages and interests.

6. Art Station  

Art Station provides wonderful arts program for the surrounding community. The organization hosts a popular summer arts camp each year, as well as pop-up art classes throughout the year.

7. Get Air Trampoline Park

Get serious air at Get Air Trampoline Park! Kids love this bouncy indoor spot for the thrill of the jumps and the relief of air conditioning. Every Friday and Saturday night, visitors enjoy a party atmosphere with fun lights and music.

8. Stone Mountain Skates

Take kids to this family-friendly roller rink and enjoy skating at one of the largest skate floors in the metro Atlanta region! Check their online calendar for themed nights, special deals, and more.

9. Wade Walker Park

Get some energy out by visiting this 177-acre park, featuring multi-use fields, tennis courts, swimming pool, playground, a lake, and trails.

10. Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary

Learn about wildlife from the experts at Yellow River. Visiting families pay an admission fee (free for kids under age 2) to see wolves, deer, lemurs, hawks, and much more. 

Best Family Restaurants in Stone Mountain

11. Stoned Pizza Kitchen

This colorful restaurant serves items kids will LOVE -- cheesy pizza, garlic knots, burgers, pasta, hoagies, and lots more. Reward the kids for good behavior with the deliciously sweet zeppolis.

12. Cherokee Rose Barbecue Bar & Kitchen

The delectable smoky smells of Cherokee Rose will get everyone salivating before you even sit at your table. This modern take on Southern specialities make it a must-visit for families.

Antico serves some of the best pizza in the city. Photo by author

13. Antico Pizza 

If you know Atlanta pizza, you know about Antico. Luckily this beloved Atlanta restaurant has a tasty spot a few minutes from Stone Mountain. We always order one traditional pizza and one white pizza for our kids so everyone's happy.

14. Gilly Brewbar

Located in Stone Mountain Village, this coffee bar serves fantastic morning brews and dishes, including coffee, lattes, teas, and brunch foods. Don't miss the elixirs!

Metro Cafe Diner is a step into the past with its retro design and all-American dishes. Photo by author

15. Metro Cafe Diner

Enjoy good food in this retro-themed diner only a few minutes from Stone Mountain Park. Let kiddos check out the cake and pie fridge before sitting at the table so they can map out their dessert plans.

16. Sweet Potato Cafe

Take your little sweet potatoes to the Sweet Potato Cafe for wholesome, home-cooked food. The farm-to-table cuisine puts a smile on everyone's face, especially when kids can choose from their own section of the menu.

Mom and dad will love visiting the eclectic Vibrary Wine & Bookbar. Photo courtesy Edgewater Group

17. The Vibrary Wine & Bookbar

The cleverly named Vibrary is a cool spot for mom and dad to enjoy a glass of wine, while kids read their own books. The establishment is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights so stop by around opening time, 5pm, if you don't have a babysitter back at the hotel.

Best Stone Mountain Hotels for Families

My family had the best time during our weekend stay at Hampton Inn Stone Mountain. Photo courtesy Edgewater Group

18. Hampton Inn Atlanta/Stone Mountain

We stayed here for our family staycation and had the best time! This dog-friendly hotel was super friendly and is located right next to Stars and Strikes. They offer a free hot breakfast every morning, sizable outdoor pool, and a great location close to Stone Mountain Park. Our family had adjoining rooms so it was nice to have space from the kiddos but still be super accessible.

19. Stone Mountain Manor

Located in Stone Mountain Village, this boutique hotel honors traditional Southern architecture and style. Because there are eight rooms available for rent, guests will get a one-on-one experience in an upscale setting.

20. Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to stay at this resort, located inside Stone Mountain Park. In addition to amazing views, this resort offers a pool with seasonal games, watertaxi lake cruise, golf course, and more.