Visiting with Kids - 2 Nights

Question

We are considering visiting Great Smoky Mtn NP in Tennessee this upcoming August with my wife and two kids ages 10 and 6.

I was considering extending the trip three nights with two of those to visit Atlanta as have never been. You don’t hear of Atlanta as a tourist destination so wondering if those on here thought it could be a good idea or not (August in Hotlanta sounds hot).

Original thought was aquarium and zoo but now saw the pandas leave this month so likely would skip the zoo. Any other thoughts how to occupy two days with semi little ones?

Quick looking I thought: Aquarium, Coca Cola museum, Miseum of Illusion, MLK national historic park and Ponce market.

Any other suggestions to add? Is two nights right or shorten to one? Finally are both downtown and midtown acceptable locations to stay? Seems Buxkhead would be too far.

Thanks in advance. Sorry for the rambling post.

Answer

Visiting Atlanta with kids can definitely be a great idea, even in August. While it can be hot, there are plenty of indoor and air-conditioned attractions that are perfect for families, and you’ll still get to experience some of the city's best highlights. Your plan to stay for two nights sounds reasonable, but there are a few considerations to make your trip even better. Here’s a breakdown of what you could do with your two days in Atlanta:

1. Aquarium:

The Georgia Aquarium is a must-see in Atlanta, especially for kids. It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world, and it has plenty of interactive exhibits, like the touch pools, as well as impressive animal exhibits like beluga whales, sea lions, and manta rays. The aquatic shows are fun, too. This will easily take up a good chunk of your first day.

2. World of Coca-Cola:

Another great family-friendly spot, the World of Coca-Cola is an interactive museum where you can learn about the history of the iconic soft drink, see a 4D movie, and taste Coca-Cola products from around the world. It’s fun, educational, and a nice break from the heat with its indoor exhibits.

3. Museum of Illusions:

This is a fun and quirky stop for families. The Museum of Illusions offers a variety of optical illusions, holograms, and interactive exhibits that kids (and adults) can enjoy while taking some playful photos. It’s small, so it’s more of a fun stop than an all-day event, but it’s definitely a hit for younger children.

4. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park:

This historic park includes the childhood home and church of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as his tomb. While it’s more educational, the site is free to visit, and there’s a lot to learn about civil rights and the history of the area. You can do a quick tour or spend more time learning about his legacy. It’s a good stop for a bit of history and reflection.

5. Ponce City Market:

Ponce City Market is a fun spot to visit for food, shopping, and family-friendly activities. There’s a rooftop amusement park with mini-golf, rides, and a great view of the city skyline. It’s a great place to spend a couple of hours for both lunch and fun activities for the kids.

Additional Suggestions:

Atlanta Botanical Garden: If you can handle the heat, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a beautiful outdoor experience, with a conservatory and plenty of interactive areas for kids. The “Children’s Garden” has water features and climbing structures that younger children will enjoy.
Atlanta History Center: This is a more extensive historical site, but it has fun exhibits for children, including the Smith Family Farm and the Swan House, as well as a great museum dedicated to Civil War history.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta: A perfect place for younger kids to get hands-on with interactive exhibits, including a pretend grocery store and a giant space where they can play and learn.
SkyView Atlanta: The Ferris wheel in Centennial Olympic Park provides a bird’s-eye view of downtown Atlanta and could be a fun experience for the kids, especially in the evening when the city lights are on.

Accommodation:

Both downtown and Midtown are convenient locations to stay for your family trip. Downtown is closer to most of the tourist attractions (like the aquarium, Coca-Cola museum, and Olympic Park), so it’s very convenient. Midtown is a bit quieter and has a more residential vibe but still close to some attractions, including Piedmont Park, which is a great place for kids to run around. However, Buckhead would be a bit further out and could take a bit longer to get to the main attractions, so it might not be ideal for such a short trip.

How long to stay:

Two nights should be sufficient to see the main highlights in Atlanta with kids. You’ll have enough time to visit the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and a couple of museums or attractions, with some downtime in between to rest and beat the heat. If you’re running low on time, you could skip one or two of the museums or attractions. Since you’ll likely be in town only for two days, it’s better to focus on the big attractions that are within walking distance of each other.

Final Thoughts:

Atlanta is a surprisingly great destination for a short family trip, even in August. While it can be hot, the city offers a variety of indoor attractions that will keep you cool and entertained. If you plan your days well and stick to the main attractions, you should have a fantastic time exploring the city!

Visiting with Kids - 2 Nights

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