50 Fun Things To Do in Atlanta with Toddlers and Preschoolers

Toddlers and preschoolers are like little sponges that soak in the world around them. These days are fleeting so take advantage of the many Atlanta places for toddlers and preschoolers to explore and expand their world. Enjoy our curated list specially geared for toddlers and preschoolers in Atlanta before they get busy with homework and sports. Bonus: Many of these Atlanta attractions offer FREE admission for kids at this age!

Since summer is fast approaching, you may also want to check out these Best Preschool Camps in Atlanta before spots fill up. And refer to our events calendar for awesome events in Atlanta and beyond, as well as signing up for our FREE newsletter.

Underwater adventures await at the Georgia Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

Things To Do Indoors with Atlanta Toddlers and Preschoolers

1. Disney's The Little Mermaid x CAMP Atlanta - Dunwoody

Engage all the senses with a visit to CAMP Atlanta! The one-hour experience allows guests to go on a scavenger hunt, watch a mermaid show, and visit King Triton's throne--all at the bottom of the ocean.

2. Lego Discovery Center Atlanta - Buckhead

Build with Duplo bricks at this newly renovated facility at Phipps Plaza. There's also a pirate ship to climb, rides, and a 4-D movie!

3. Georgia Aquarium - Downtown

Kids can swim with the fishes (or at least imagine doing so) at the aquarium.

4. Virginia Highland Books - Virginia-Highland

This independent bookstore in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood offers a weekly storytime for kids on Tuesday mornings at 10:30am. 

5. Local Libraries - Various Locations

Many local libraries offer free and engaging storytimes for little ones including Atlanta Fulton County Library System, Cobb County Public Library, Dekalb County Public Library, and more.

6. Little Shop of Stories - Decatur

This Decatur mainstay continues to entertain kids of all ages. Little Shop of Stories offers its famous storytimes and circle times every week.

RELATED: Decatur with Kids: 25 Best Things to Do in Decatur, GA

7. Indoor Playgrounds - Various Locations

Even if it's raining outside, you can still let your little ones burn off energy at these fun indoor playgrounds and play spaces. 

8. Sloomoo Institute Atlanta - Buckhead

Everyone loves slime so you might as well introduce your older preschoolers (age 4 and up) to it at Sloomoo Institute. Your kids can make a huge mess while someone else does the cleanup!

RELATED: 100 Fun Things to Do in Atlanta With Kids Before They Grow Up

Get up close and personal with the residents of Zoo Atlanta. Photo courtesy of the zoo

Things To Do Outdoors in Atlanta with Toddlers and Preschoolers

9. Stone Mountain Park - Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain offers exciting activities for toddlers and preschoolers including Summit Ride, Dinotarium, and even a special toddler section at Sky Hike. Don’t miss Stone Mountain Christmas during the holidays. 

10. Farmers Markets - Various Locations

Toddlers and preschoolers can sample different fruits and vegetables at these farmers' markets across the city. Many offer a kids' area with a playground and green space for running around.

11. Tiny Doors ATL - Various Locations

Make it a scavenger hunt to locate all 21 Tiny Doors ATL. The 7-inch tall public art displays by Karen Anderson Singer will spark creativity in youngsters. 

12. Atlanta Botanical Garden - Midtown

The 30-acre Atlanta Botanical Garden features a 40-foot canopy walk and a children's garden. Sign up for Garden Playtime and Garden Grooves, which combine art and music with nature. In the fall, kids can trick-or-treat during Scarecrows in the Garden.

13. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve - Johns Creek

Kids can see chickens, a rabbit, and reptiles such as snakes and turtles at this nature preserve. Sign up for Preschool Adventures, held most Tuesdays during the school year, for a craft-making activity tied to nature.

14. Fairy Trail at CNC- Roswell

During the winter months, spend toddler time on the Chattahoochee Nature Center's Enchanted Woodland Trail, featuring creative fairy homes and whimsical objects.

15. Atlanta Beltline - Midtown

Atlanta toddlers and preschoolers love running/scootering/biking across the 22 miles of Beltline that weave through Atlanta's most beloved intown neighborhoods.

16. Tiny Toons - Austell

Treat your child to their first roller coaster ride in the Tiny Toons section of Six Flags Over Georgia.

17. Splash Pads and Spraygrounds - Various Locations

Little ones love splash pads since they need to be great swimmers nor completely submerge underwater. Cool off at one of many great Atlanta spraygrounds and splash pads on a hot day. 

18. Zoo Atlanta - Downtown

Visit all the animals, from alligators to zebras, with elephants and panda bears in between, in their natural habitat at Zoo Atlanta. Check out Twilight Tots for an after-hours experience.  

19. The Roof at Ponce City Market - Old Fourth Ward

Play mini golf, play Boardwalk-style carnival games, and scream down the giant slide at The Roof, sitting atop Ponce City Market.

RELATED: Mini Golf in Atlanta Is a Hole in One for Fun

20. Halcyon - Alpharetta

Located north of Atlanta, the entire family will love Halcyon with shopping and restaurants. The Village Green features a giant sandbox and hosts outdoor concerts and events, such as Halcyon Kids Club. 

21. Playgrounds for Toddlers - Various Locations

When the weather is warm, take your preschooler to a toddler-friendly playground with age-appropriate slides and equipment. Afterward, stop at an ice cream shop sure to help kids cool off. 

22. U-Pick Farms - Various Locations

Georgia is the "Peach State" so head out with your little ones on a peach-picking adventure. You can also pick strawberries, blueberries, and apples throughout the year in Atlanta!

23. Lantern Parade - Old Fourth Ward

Make lanterns and walk in this art scene parade, which is fast becoming an Atlanta tradition. Check out the activities calendar for more festivals around Atlanta.

24. Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center - Callaway Gardens

Head to Callaway Gardens and visit the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, where over 1,000 butterflies flutter freely in the conservatory. 

25. Atlanta Hikes - Various Locations

Hit one of these stroller-friendly hikes so you and your toddler can breathe fresh air and get a healthy dose of vitamin D.  

26. Go on a Hayride - Various Locations

When autumn arrives, it's time to go on a hayride. Many offer petting zoos, slides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches for more toddler and preschooler entertainment.

27. Dunwoody Nature Center - Dunwoody

Introduce young children to the great outdoors at a wonderful facility like the Dunwoody Nature Center, featuring 22 acres of forest, playground, and trails.

28. Skyview Atlanta - Downtown

Ride Atlanta's giant Ferris wheel with your entire family (there are no age or weight restrictions). Skyview Atlanta is a fun way to entertain kiddos and allow them to feel beyond tall!

RELATED: Best Playgrounds Near Atlanta for Kids and Families

Kids can learn AND play at the Children's Museum of Atlanta. Photo courtesy of the museum

Museums and Learning for Atlanta Toddlers and Preschoolers

29. Atlanta History Center - Buckhead

Kids can meet sheep, chickens, and cows as they learn about life on the Smith Family Farm at the Atlanta History Center. In addition to a scavenger hunt on the 33-acre grounds, the museum offers Toddler Storytime on the first Wednesday of every month for kids ages 1-5. 

30. Southeastern Railway Museum - Duluth

Cultivate a love of trains with a visit to the iconic Southeastern Railway Museum. Young kids will especially enjoy its Second Thursday Preschool Program.

31. High Museum of Art - Midtown

Create with your inner artist during the High Museum's Toddler Thursdays. Held in the Greene Family Learning Gallery, the weekly toddler art program includes touring the galleries and a hands-on project.

32. Fernbank Museum - Druid Hills

Atlanta toddlers and preschoolers enjoy the immersive NatureQuest exhibit with a clubhouse and virtual river at Fernbank Museum. There's even more to explore outdoors with WildWoods and Fernbank Forest.  

33. Center for Puppetry Arts - Midtown

Treat your kids to a show at the Center for Puppetry Arts, which includes a complementary Build-a-Puppet workshop. Afterward, take a tour of the museum (some puppets may be a bit scary for toddlers).

34. Children's Museum of Atlanta - Downtown

Find plenty of areas for little ones to learn, grow, and climb in the treehouse, Toddler Zone, and fishing pond. Kids ages 1-5 love the museum's Building Block's Preschool Playtime held most weekday mornings during the school year. 

35. Toddler Classes - Multiple Locations

Preschoolers and toddlers can participate in swimming, art, music, and other enriching Atlanta classes. These classes are designed specifically for young children and offer something to satisfy your child's curiosity.  

36. Alliance Theatre - Midtown

The Alliance Theatre offers opportunities for young kids to explore the dramatic arts. Little ones up to age 2 will enjoy Babies Off-Book, while those under age five can attend a special performance at the Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young. 

37. Tellus Science Museum - Cartersville

Discover dinosaurs, gemstones, a model train, and more at the Tellus Museum. Toddlers get a fun introduction to science in My Big Backyard play area while older preschoolers may enjoy one of the shows in the planetarium.

38. Fernbank Science Center - Druid Hills

See the stars through one of the largest telescopes in the Southeast at Fernbank Science Center. Free viewing times occur every Thursday and Friday evening (weather permitting). Catch planetarium shows during the daytime.

RELATED: Swimming Lessons in Atlanta for Kids and Babies 

The Atlanta Botanical Garden alights with seasonal colors during Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. Photo courtesy of the garden

Holidays with Atlanta Toddlers and Preschoolers

39. Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree

Head to one of these Christmas tree farms to let your little one pick out the perfect tree. Enjoy the fresh pine scent and being outdoors during the colder months.

40. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights - Midtown

Atlanta’s best holiday light show, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, takes center stage at the Atlanta Botanical Garden every winter. Check out drive-through light shows if you want to see Christmas lights while staying in the car. 

41. Christmas Trains - Multiple Locations

Kick off the holiday season with a Polar Express train ride. In many cases, tickets for children under age 2 are free!

Atlanta Sporting Events for Toddlers and Preschoolers

42. Atlanta Braves at Truist Park - Atlanta Battery

Cheer on the hometown Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Arrive before the game and visit Hope & Will’s Sandlot, the kids' zone inside the ballpark. Stay late and explore Atlanta Battery.

43. Road Races with Atlanta Track Club - Various Locations

Run with the Atlanta Track Club. Most races include a 50-meter dash for kids younger than 5, who can enter free of charge.

44. Atlanta United - Downtown

Cheer on our Atlanta United at a soccer game sure to impress any toddler (especially at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

45. Savannah Bananas - Savannah

Take a drive to Savannah and enjoy a fun baseball game with the Savannah Bananas! Kids will love watching players break out into choreographed routines, play in kilts, and entertain crowds of all ages.

Special Events Great for Atlanta Preschoolers

46. Chalktoberfest - Marietta

Kids love seeing artists use chalk to create amazing art live in downtown Marietta each October. Toddlers can make their own chalk masterpieces in a separate area.

47. Decatur Arts Festival - Decatur

Make art, see art, buy art, and just appreciate the arts in downtown Decatur every year. The kids area always features great projects for toddlers to design and build.

48. Atlanta Ice Cream Festival - Midtown

Cool off this summer with a sweet treat in Piedmont Park at the annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival.

49. Atlanta Science Festival - Various Locations

Get STEAM-y at the always popular Atlanta Science Festival, which spans more than 150 events across two weeks throughout the city. 

50. Lemonade Days Festival- Dunwoody

Toddlers love the colorful Lemonade Days at Dunwoody's Brook Run Park every spring. The festival reserves a special area for young visitors to ride age-appropriate attractions, as well as petting zoos and of course, LEMONADE!