From science and epidemiology to art and design, and everything in between, Atlanta’s museum scene is legit. And there’s no place kids would rather be on a swelteringly hot or unusually chilly day. So the next time you need a place to take refuge from Atlanta’s weather, try one of our favorite Atlanta museums for kids and families.
Science & Technology
Tellus Science Museum
Tellus is a world-class 120,000 square foot museum located in Cartersville, GA just off I-75 at exit 293. The museum’s exhibits open minds and ignite a passion for science. Tellus features four main galleries: The Weinman Mineral Gallery, The Fossil Gallery, Science in Motion and The Collins Family My Big Backyard. A 120-seat digital planetarium and an observatory with a state-of-the-art 20-inch telescope is also located at Tellus.
100 Tellus Dr.
Cartersville, GA
770-606-5700
Online: tellusmuseum.org
Fernbank Museum
Travel around the world and back in time as you discover dinosaurs, live animals, amazing places, ancient fossils, prehistoric cultures and new science discoveries. The greatest show IS earth as you explore 75 acres, including outdoor exhibits, breathtaking walking trails, a canopy walk, native wildlife and nature playgrounds.
767 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA
404-929-6300
Online: fernbankmuseum.org
Children's Museum
The only educational venue of its kind in Atlanta, the Children's Museum is designed for kids 8 & under to spark every child’s imagination, sense of discovery and learning through the power of play. And while exhibits focus on the arts, culture & geography, language, SEL, and math, kids who go are always fascinated with taking things apart and rebuilding them again. The Museum provides large scale opportunities for them to create whatever they can imagine through STEM and technology playstations.
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
Atlanta, GA
404-659-5437
Online: childrensmuseumatlanta.org
David J. Sencer CDC Museum
The David J. Sencer CDC Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, uses award-winning exhibits and innovative programing to educate visitors about the value of public health, and presents the rich heritage and vast accomplishments of CDC.
1600 Clifton Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA
404-639-0830
Online: cdc.gov/museum
History & Civil Rights
Atlanta History Center
What began as a small, archival-focused historical society grew over the decades to encompass 33 acres of curated Goizueta Gardens, four historic houses, varied programming, and a range of signature and temporary exhibitions housed in the Atlanta History Museum. It is a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, which is the only global network of historic sites, museums and memory initiatives that connects past struggles to today’s movements for human rights.
130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW
Atlanta, GA
404-814-4000
Online: atlantahistorycenter.com
Apex Museum
The Apex Museum in the Sweet Auburn Historic District is packed with knowledge of the African- American experience from Africa to America. While the museum focuses a great deal on slavery, it also takes a deep dive into African culture, Black inventors, and Black leaders. Exhibits span from “Africa the Untold Story,” where visitors can learn about the African continent over the past 6,000 years, to “Sweet Auburn Street Pride,” that helps visitors experience a more localized history of African-American life in Atlanta.
135 Auburn Ave. NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Online: apexmuseum.org
Center for Civil & Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights believes in justice and dignity for all, and the power of people to make this idea real. They inspire visitors with immersive exhibitions, dynamic events and conversations, and engagement and education/training programs. Be sure to download their “Across Generations” intergenerational conversation starter for you to use on your visit.
100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA
Online: civilandhumanrights.org
The Breman
This Atlanta museum is home to the permanent exhibition Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years, 1933-1945; the Blonder Family Gallery dedicated to Southern Jewish History; and the Schwartz Gallery, which hosts a variety of traveling and rotating exhibitions. The Museum Library and Cuba Family Archives add to on-site offerings while The Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education provides a wonderful educational resource for students, teachers, and lifelong learners.
1440 Spring St. NW
Atlanta, GA
678-222-3700
Online: thebreman.org
Georgia Capitol Museum
The Museum seeks to preserve and interpret the history of the Georgia Capitol itself as well as the events that have taken place within its walls. To carry out this purpose, the Museum collects, maintains, and exhibits significant artifacts, including historic flags and works of art, within the State Capitol.
206 State Capitol
Atlanta, GA
404-463-4536
Online: libs.uga.edu/capitolmuseum
Art & Design
Museum of Design Atlanta
MODA is the only museum in the Southeast dedicated exclusively to the study and celebration of all things design. Formed in 1989 as the Atlanta International Museum of Art & Design, MODA has grown and evolved over the years to become the Southeast’s only design museum. P.S. They do incredible live and virtual birthday parties!
1315 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA
404-979-6455
Online: museumofdesign.org
High Museum of Art
With more than eighteen thousand works of art in its permanent collection, the High has an extensive anthology of nineteenth- and twentieth-century American and decorative art; significant holdings of European paintings; a growing collection of African American art; and burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, photography, folk and self taught art, and African art. The High is also dedicated to supporting and collecting works by Southern artists.
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA
404-733-4400
Online: high.org
Booth Western Art Museum
The Booth Museum, in association with the Smithsonian Institution, is a 120,000 square foot museum located in Cartersville, where guests are invited to “See America’s Story” – the land, people, struggles, dreams, and legends – in paintings, sculpture, photography and artifacts. Sagebrush Ranch is an award-winning, hands-on experience and interactive children’s gallery.
501 Museum Dr.
Cartersville, GA
770-387-1300
Online: boothmuseum.org
Worlds of Puppetry Museum at Center for Puppetry Arts
The Worlds of Puppetry Museum includes two galleries: the Global Collection Gallery and the Jim Henson Gallery. The Global Collection Gallery begins in North America and winds its way through Europe, Africa, and Asia. Learn the five main types of puppets, and learn about some of the world’s most important puppetry traditions. The Jim Henson Collection Gallery explores the imaginative mind of animator, inventor, film-maker, screenwriter, and puppeteer Jim Henson. Explore his life, career and legacy while viewing his iconic creations, including many Muppets from Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and Fraggle Rock.
1404 Spring St. NW at 18th
Atlanta, GA
404-873-3391
Online: puppet.org
Things That Go
Delta Flight Museum
Explore aviation history, celebrate the story and people of Delta, and discover the future of flight. The Museum was recently renovated into a world-class attraction that offers engaging exhibits and interactive programming for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
1060 Delta Blvd., Building B
Atlanta, GA
404-715-7886
Online: deltamuseum.org
Southeastern Railway Museum
Learn about the history or rail travel through an expansive collection of cabooses, locomotives, passenger cars, and more, and see how bus travel differed in the past from how it looks, today. Be sure to check out their robust events calendar, especially around the holidays.
3595 Buford Hwy.
Duluth, GA
770-476-2013
Online: train-museum.org
Roswell Fire Museum
The museum contains numerous fire-related pictures and historical information that pertain to the Roswell area. There are also artifacts concerning fire history in Atlanta as well as information and static displays illustrating the fire service in general. The main piece of history that occupies the museum is a 1947 Ford American LaFrance Pumper. This is an original piece of firefighting equipment that was used by the City of Roswell.
1002 Alpharetta St.
Roswell, GA
Online: roswellfiremuseum.gov
—Shelley Massey
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