The Dodge Communications Guide to Atlanta’s Best: Great Places to Take the Family (Or Your Inner Child)

It’s hard to choose where to start once you discover all the great opportunities for families in Atlanta.  Some of our top picks appear below. Grown-ups will enjoy most of these attractions whether or not they have kids in tow–with the exception of the children’s museum, where adults are not admitted unless accompanied by a child. (Though those who don’t have a youngster of their own are often happy to borrow a friend’s so they can get in on the fun.)

Center for Puppetry Arts
The center hosts an ever-changing lineup of puppet productions in its two theaters; some programs are restricted to teenage or adult audiences only, but most are family shows. Tickets to family performances include admission to the Create-A-Puppet Workshop and the center’s museum, where puppets from all over the world are displayed. Two special exhibits feature Jim Henson and some of his famous creations. Be sure to make reservations for performances in advance and arrive early to get the best seats. Closed on Mondays.
www.puppet.org

Fernbank Science Center
Highlights include an observatory housing the Southeast’s largest telescope, a planetarium, the 65-acre Fernbank Forest, a large rose garden, and an exhibit hall. Dinosaurs, live animals, and a space capsule are among items to be seen in a variety of displays. Separate schedules are maintained for each facility, so we recommend checking online to see what is open when. Tickets must be purchased for planetarium shows but all other activities are free of charge. The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located nearby.
www.fernbank.edu

Fountain of Rings in Centennial Olympic Park
Some think “Hotlanta” is a more accurate name for the city, and if you’ve ever sweated through a summer here you know why. When temperatures rise natives love to cool off in this huge fountain shaped like the Olympic Rings. But even those who’d rather stay dry can enjoy the Fountain of the Rings show, a spectacular water display choreographed to light and sound. Shows play year-round at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., weather permitting. The Vaughn-Jordan Children’s Garden and Playground is just a short walk away.
www.centennialpark.com/events/fountain.html

Georgia Aquarium
Large viewing windows and a see-through tunnel provide an awe-inspiring look into the underwater world. One of the area’s most popular attractions, more animals are featured here than in any other aquarium. Our favorites include the whale sharks, manta rays, penguins, and otters. The popular beluga whale area is currently closed due to construction, but is expected to return in early 2010–along with a new dolphin exhibit. A “4-D” theater and special exhibition area are also available for an additional fee (the current “Planet Shark” exhibition will be there until August of this year). If you want to avoid the crowds it’s a good idea to purchase tickets ahead of time and visit early or late in the day. Rental strollers are NOT available and no outside food or drink is allowed (there is a food court inside the facility).
www.georgiaaquarium.org

Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
While smaller than some children’s museums in other cities, Imagine IT! still offers big fun for younger kids. Children play and learn as they experience four permanent exhibits and one traveling exhibit (”Cyberchase: The Chase is On!” will be featured from February 13 through June 6, 2010). Activities include painting, dressing up, building sand castles, climbing in a tree house, running simple machines, driving toy trains, and pretending to fish, farm and shop for groceries. A special toddler zone is available for kids under the age of two.
www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Zoo Atlanta
Lions and tigers and panda bears, oh my! Opened in 1889 with a collection of animals purchased from a bankrupt circus owner, the zoo has gradually grown into the respected preservation and research institution it is today. The beautiful grounds are home to over 200 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals, but Xi Lan–the giant panda cub born in the summer of 2008–is the current star. A children’s area offers a carousel, petting zoo, train rides, and both indoor and outdoor playgrounds. When you visit check the back of your map for feedings scheduled that day.
www.zooatlanta.org

Provided by Dodge Communications

Dodge Communications is an Atlanta-based company providing strategic marketing and PR for the healthcare industry. Contact us about how we can help you elevate your brand-or help you enjoy your stay in Atlanta-at 770-576-2542 or info@dodgecommunications.com.

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