Atlanta’s museums and attractions introduce kids to fun and educational environments at an early age. Spend time with your baby or toddler making music, being artistic, connecting with nature, and staying active.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some offerings are virtual or may have limited admission to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Check the website to verify schedules, mask requirements and safety protocols.
Museums and Attractions
This hands-on museum has plenty of places to explore and play. Just for toddlers, Tiny Club (currently offered virtually) includes a story, along with videos, art activities and wellness programs. Messy Thursdays occur weekly from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; kids can play and get messy with materials like slime and finger paints. Toddler Jam Fridays offers music, instruments and dance from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Advance ticket purchase is required, 2-hour timed visits.
Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, Inc.
Toddlers will love pretending to fly in an airplane, checking out x-rays on a light board, playing dentist or learning how to handle money at this museum in Gainesville. INK offers plenty of role-playing experiences. Limited admission with 2-hour timed visits.
Midtown Location: Garden Playtime (Tuesdays from July-October) has creative activities designed to connect young children to the natural world. Garden Grooves (Mondays through October for museum members) has nature-inspired musical instruments to play and sing with. Visit the Children’s Garden to explore kid-friendly exhibits and activities. Purchase timed entry tickets online.
Gainesville Location: The Ada Mae Pass Ivester Children’s Garden has interactive water features, a fairyland trolley, and structures to play on. Storybook Time (Wednesdays from July-October) features a nature-inspired story. Purchase timed entry tickets online.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Fernbank’s Story Time for ages 1-6 includes a story and special demonstration – it’s included with admission on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m. The NatureQuest indoor play area is a great hands-on experience that immerses kids in science and nature. Outdoor places to play include the Dinosaur Plaza, Fernbank Forest and WildWoods trails. Purchase timed entry tickets online.
The Adventure Cubs program for ages 5 and younger teaches young explorers about a new animal while making friends and connecting to wildlife. Plus, get up-close and personal with hundreds of animals, including giraffes, pandas, reptiles, gorillas and more. Don’t miss elephants Kelly and Tara, and Mumbles the White Rhinoceros, visit the Petting Zoo, and take a ride on the Zoo Train and Endangered Species Carousel. Online ticket purchase is recommended.
Southeastern Railway Museum
Trains, trains and more trains – nearly 90 of them – are on display at the Southeastern Railway Museum. Take a ride on the miniature train (check the museum’s schedule). The museum’s Second Thursday preschool program is currently on hold.
The Georgia Aquarium
There’s plenty to see and do at the Georgia Aquarium – sharks, whales, otters, birds and hundreds of species of fish. Walk through an underwater tunnel and see aquatic life through a 25-foot viewing window, take in the sea lion show, and touch a ray in the petting area. At the monthly Toddler Time program, children can enjoy story time, learning about an animal, visit with a costumed character, snacks and more. Purchase timed entry tickets online.
This fun LEGO playground has a special Duplo Village just for toddlers ages 2-5, with oversized bricks for stacking, building and sorting. There’s also a slide and oversized animal models.
Mommy & Me, the museum’s preschool program, is designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers, and takes place on the first and third Thursday of each month. Each week has a different theme with story time, a movement activity and art. One-hour classes begin at 10 a.m. and noon and the program is included with admission.
Alliance’s Theatre for the Very Young Program, currently offered in a virtual format, is designed for kids ages 5 and younger. Online performances, virtual songwriting for toddlers classes, and other learning activities are available.
Live and online puppet shows such as “Pinocchio” are fun takes on classic stories; check the calendar for show dates and times. The center’s Wiggle Wednesdays for Toddlers, with puppet-led storytelling, songs, games and more, are currently on hold. Purchase timed entry tickets online to visit the Worlds of Puppetry Museum.
This event, which takes place on the Green at Atlantic Station, happens every second Tuesday of the month through September. Kids 5 and younger can enjoy story time, a sing-along, yoga and snacks. The program is from 10 a.m-noon.
It’s Art!
The High Museum of Art
The museum’s Toddler Thursdays feature a weekly topic and related artwork, art-making, activities and a tour for ages 3 and younger. One-hour sessions begin at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.; pre-registration is required. Saturday Toddler Tours occur on the first Saturday of the month (open to museum members only). Every second Sunday of the month, admission to the museum is free. Reserve timed-entry tickets online.
Hudgens Center for Arts and Learning
Toddler Fridays, currently offered virtually, include music, story time, craft making, and movement (10:30 a.m.-noon). Register online.
The Art Barn at Morning Glory Farm
Open by reservation only, this adorable farm in Canton mixes art and farm animals. Children can take a hay ride, pet the animals and then head over to the barn to do arts and crafts.
Known as “The Pea Studio” in Marietta, this art venue currently offers virtual classes for ages 2-5. Simply Drawing Kids is an introduction to virtual learning, with simple step-by-step drawing instructions to create silly art. In-Home Art Explorers encourages creative development and promotes fine motor skills. Register online.
Ready Set Fun!
Play Places for Babies and Toddlers
This indoor play place in Atlanta has an eco-friendly indoor play area, a café with healthy choices and a large toddler area.
This modern indoor playground has lots of toddler spaces, including a Soft Play Adventure area for kids 6 months and older. Ages 2 and older can play in the Imagination Sandbox, create art that comes alive, and play in the Just Dance! playroom. Reserve 90-minute playtime sessions online.
Kids 6 months to 6 years will love this indoor activity center. A soft play zone is designed just for toddlers; they can also play on the toddler driving track, explore the climbing areas, role play and experience exploration stations. Call ahead to verify hours and playtimes.
Designed for ages 9 months to 8 years, Jack N’ Elle has a playground, toys, art and yoga classes. There are plenty of places to climb, explore and slide, plus role-playing areas such as a kitchen and grocery store. Currently offering private playtimes only, reserve online.
A town village, art studio, toys, magnetic table, train tables and more offer toddlers plenty of options for play at Kids Land. Climb, jump and explore on the play structures or role play in the home living area.
Toddlers will burn off plenty of energy at this family entertainment center. The park offers a safe and monitored space just for them, with foam blocks, balls, trampolines and more.
Leapin’ Lizards Play and Party Center
An inflatable playground, this center has inflatables of every shape and size for jumping and playing. A separate toddler area lets younger kids play away from bigger kids.
The indoor trampoline parks offer Toddler Time, where toddlers can jump and be active away from the bigger kids. Check each location for schedule and prices.
Kids 3 and younger have their own play area at this Warner Robins center, so they can join in on the fun. The separate Mini Monkey Zone is perfect for toddlers who may still be a little unsteady on their feet. Check their blog for at-home fun and activities, too.
This indoor park has trampolines, play structures and more, with a special Kiddie court area where younger kids can jump and play. (under 46”). On Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-noon is Toddler Time, when the facility is open only to those under 46.”
Music Classes for Babies and Toddlers
In-Person Classes
Bach to Rock
Designed just for toddlers, the Rock n Roll class is a weekly high-energy music and movement class, with sing alongs, instruments and group activities. Classes are also offered virtually.
The popular Music Pups class for ages 4 and younger is packed with singing, dancing, movement and instrument play. Virtual and in-person options vary by location.
Children can learn about music and movement, storytelling and imaginative play through virtual and in-person classes for infants-age 7.
Virtual parent and child classes and CDs for singing, dancing, playing and making music, perfect for ages 4 and younger.
Music and play classes for all ages are specifically designed for early childhood development, encouraging children to play, explore and learn.
Swim Classes for Babies and Toddlers
From infant safety classes to swimming technique classes, you can start your child young as young as 4 months here. Five metro Atlanta locations.
Dynababies classes are for 6 months-2 years in a heated pool; these introductory classes help get baby comfortable in the water. Preschool classes are for ages 3-5 to work on basic swim skills (several Atlanta locations).
With three metro Atlanta locations, Goldfish offers year-round swim lessons for children 4 months-12 years and for swimmers of all abilities.
This Alpharetta swim school in Alpharetta has lessons for kids as young as 10 months (with parents in the water through age 3); they also have a free Baby Splash Class for babies ages 3-9 months old.
SafeSplash offers private and semi-private lessons for all ages, including Infant and toddler swim classes for kids 6 months-3 years. Four locations make scheduling easy.
British Swim School’s Tadpole class is designed for kids 3 months-3 years and introduces them to the water for the first time, reducing fear and the potential for tears. Multiple Atlanta locations.
Nature Experiences for Babies and Toddlers
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve
On select Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. (check their calendar), Autrey Mill’s Preschool Adventures encourage kids ages 3-6 to learn about the natural world. Adventures include a story, hands-on activity and craft. Advance registration preferred.
This 22-acre nature center has so much to see and do – miles of trails and native gardens, a wetlands boardwalk, and much more – and admission is free. The playground has an area just for toddlers. The Mommy and Me Nature Program is currently unavailable, but check the calendar for other family-friendly events and experiences.
Along with an ever-changing list of family-friendly activities, this Roswell gem has a monthly Pee Wee Naturalist program for ages 3-4. Designed to encourage an appreciation of nature, kids can explore the center with a CNC naturalist, get an up-close look at wildlife, and do an art activity. Check the calendar for dates and pricing.
At this beautiful botanical garden in Kennesaw, families can participate in Garden Stories with a story, crafts and activities for children ages 3-6. Purchase timed entry tickets online.
This family-friendly garden center has pigs, goats, chickens, cows and fish for kids to meet; check their website for toddler and preschool events, which include story time and a fun nature-themed activity.
Fitness and Gymnastics for Babies and Toddlers
Kids younger than age 5 may use ride-on toys and skates on the roller skating rink or play in the bounce house during Sparkles’ Tiny Tots events. Check the online calendar.
This Sandy Springs gym offers Just You and Me, classes for ages 3 months to 4 years. Themes include movement, music and introduction to gymnastics. The 3 months to crawling class, Moving Monkeys, is free; other classes vary in price.
Children can enjoy Parent and Child programs from 4 months to 3 years with chances to play with musical instruments, climb on smaller gym equipment and dance. Gymnastics classes start at age 3.
At this Marietta gym’s Buddy and Me class, parents and kids (ages 15 months to 2.5 years) are led through obstacles to learn basic gymnastics skills and better prepare for without-parent classes.
Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education
Creative Movement for ages 1-7 is offered with virtual and in-person options. A variety of classes introduce children to music, teach beginner dance skills and enhance body awareness, coordination and confidence.
See the Animals
This Cleveland park has a drive-through safari experience as well as a petting zoo, where kids can interact with miniature farm animals. Take a guided wildlife walk and see kangaroos, lemurs, foxes, alligators, a giant tortoise and more.
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary
This 25-acre attraction has plenty of wildlife, including bison, peacocks, pigs, wallabies, sheep and lemurs. Visit the petting zoo or purchase a bag of lettuce and carrots to feed the deer, goats, bunnies and alpaca.
The Adventure Cubs program for ages 5 and younger teaches young explorers about a new animal while making friends and connecting to wildlife. Plus, get up-close and personal with hundreds of animals, including giraffes, pandas, reptiles, gorillas and more. Don’t miss elephants Kelly and Tara, and Mumbles the White Rhinoceros, visit the Petting Zoo, and take a ride on the Zoo Train and Endangered Species Carousel. Online ticket purchase is recommended.
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