What to do in Atlanta for an Experience that you’ll Never Forget
Are you a new resident of this gorgeous southern town of Atlanta, Georgia? Or are you just in on a visit? It doesn’t really matter because Atlanta has things to do that would keep you busy for the rest of your life. You could literally walk around Atlanta all day for a month, and still not see everything.
So what is everything? Probably more than you think!
The ATL may sometimes be most associated with peaches and housewives, but there is a lot more to this beautiful and exciting cultural center. From zoos, to movies, to room escape games (we will get to that later…), there is something for everyone. If your Atlanta adventures are still in the planning stages, take a look at this list of great things to do in Atlanta.
Bowling
In general, Atlanta is a great family town. There is a lot of really wholesome fun to be had, and kids and adults can all have a great time. Games like putt-putt or pool are always fun for the whole family. But what is the most classic family pastime that you can think of? There is nothing more family-friendly and full of tradition than a great night out bowling!
Kids and adults love it, and it’s a sport that can be played at any time of year- not to mention in any weather. Midtown Bowl is a historic Atlanta venue that is equal parts modern, fun, and old-time nostalgia. They also hold events… so plan your next birthday party ASAP!
Cinemas
Yes, they have theatres in almost every city these days, but Atlanta has a way of bringing out the best and most fabulous in people- so their theatres are just a cut above. There is no way that Atlanta could only have one theatre or (gasp!) one type of venue.
From the High Museum of Art (where you can see art films, of course) to a big popcorn-filled corporate cinema, you’ll find that there is always an option that will suit your needs. French films or Jurassic World in 3D? The choice is yours.
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is arguably the greatest aquarium in the United States. It is huge and filled with many unique, beautiful and rare species of fish and underwater creatures. From whales and sharks, to starfish and Sea Lions (Yes, Sea Lions!), this aquarium is something special. You may think you have been to an aquarium before, but this one will blow you away. Marine biologists everywhere are dying to work at this unbelievable facility, and people are scrambling to check out what it has to offer.
So stop looking for what to do in Atlanta, buy an aquarium ticket, and check it out.
Fox Theatre
National Historic Registrant, The Fox Theatre, is one of the best known and most loved landmarks in the city. It is loved by both tourists, visitors and residents, and is an important piece of the city’s history and culture. The theatre also houses amazing and elaborate ballrooms where weddings, corporate events, and other large parties are often held. History, fun, film, weddings and parties? What could be better?
Centennial Park
Centennial Park (or Centennial Olympic Park) is in downtown Atlanta. It was constructed by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games in preparation for hosting the 1995 Olympic Games. The park is now a local hot spot for family days in the sun, evening concerts, fireworks and more. It is a large park, so if you want to see it all, plan on a full day of walking around and checking everything out.
Jimmy Carter Library
If you’re like many people, you may have never even heard of a Presidential Library. However, there is one for every president and they are each a time capsule which will take you down a trip on memory lane of the president’s years in office. Important documents, records, audiovisual materials, campaign memorabilia, and gifts given to the President, are all housed within the walls of the library.
Because President Carter was born in Plains, Georgia, his center is in Atlanta. It doesn’t disappoint, either, particularly for those who love history. Carter’s library, as you would imagine, is filled with the history of presidency. Checking out this library/museum would be a great way to pass a rainy day and an opportunity to learn a bit more about our country and our history.
Botanical Gardens
The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are nothing short of amazing and a must-see for any tourist. The gardens are always open – rain or shine, though most of the gardens are outdoors. There is also a visitor center, cafe and conservatory to be enjoyed. Residents or long-term visitors should also consider signing up for a class to learn more about gardening and botany.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is an historic downtown park with a great deal to offer. There are lovely green spaces, as well as walking and biking trails, fountains and more. The park also hosts many events and it is home to work out classes, pumpkin patches, and more – all depending on the season! Dress your dog up as a ghost or break a sweat in the grass… it is all happening at Piedmont Park!
Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is a huge and beautiful zoo with more exhibits than you can imagine. From parakeets to gorillas – they have it all! The employees there work tirelessly to save these animals – many of whom are injured or endangered and would not survive outside of the zoo. The zoo is involved with numerous conservancy agencies and works with rescuers to rehabilitate and save animals that are in desperate need of help.
Room Escape
Looking to escape Atlanta? Bet you didn’t think you’d be locked in Atlanta! Relax, it’s only for an hour or so.
This is the newest form of entertainment that will immerse you and your friends or family like no other activity. If this sounds intriguing, you may want to try one of Atlanta’s real-life room escape game. You may be wondering what that is. At the beginning of the article, we agreed to get back to this…
In short, the game is a physical adventure which requires problem-solving and teamwork. Participants are locked in a room and must solve puzzles, find clues and more in order to find the key to escape the room. They are actually based on escape the room video games and, of course, have taken them a few steps further. The real life games take what used to be a simple critical thinking task on your TV screen and put you in what feels like an authentic situation. One escape room destination, Paranoia Quest – Escape the Room, offers subplots like zombies attacking and you have to create a cure before it’s too late. Additionally, they offer a non-scary, but challenging, murder mystery plot room where you have to be a detective trying to solve a mystery. One trip there will be an experience you will never forget.
Why are they so cool? Well, for one, the games are innovative, entertaining and fun for all ages. In addition, they can be enjoyed no matter the season or the weather (and that does change regularly in Atlanta). Challenging yourself to work together with family or friends is not just entertaining, but a bonding experience that you will not soon forget.
Whether it’s using your critical thinking skills to escape the room, or strolling through beautiful gardens of roses and tulips, there is seriously something that will get everyone excited in Atlanta. This is the perfect town for the whole family and your kids will have just as much fun as you do. Keep in mind that they may never want to go home! We recommend trying the newest trend in family entertainment, room escape games.
