Just 15 minutes from Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, and easily accessible by interstate is downtown Atlanta. Although better known as a convention destination, Downtown Atlanta has lots of activities for families. Here are five of my favorites all within one block of each other.

1. The World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola has a new and expanded location that opened in 2007 and it’s much better than the original. It includes a thrilling 4-D Theater. I’d watch the little ones here, my youngest would have been “petrified” to quote his older brother had he attended. Instead, we browsed the Pop Culture Gallery featuring works by artists such as Georgia native Steve Penley, and Haddon Sundblom (the creator of our vision of Santa Claus).

If you’ve ever wondered how coke is bottled, there is a fully functioning bottling line that produces commemorative 8-ounce bottles of Coca-Cola that are given to each visitor when they leave. The most popular gallery with kids is the tasting room where you can sample more than 60 different products from around the world. Try the Beverly; it will be a conversation piece.

2. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest with more than eight million gallons of fresh and marine water and more aquatic life than found in any other aquarium. There are five galleries, a 4D Theatre (again, my 4 year old was scared here) and a kids area.

The sea lions are fun to watch and I’ve always been partial to the sea otters. Watching the beluga whales is quite calming with a soundtrack from the Atlanta Symphony playing in the background. There are also lots of bizarre creatures such as the weedy seahorse and HUGE crabs that look like something from a sci-fi movie. Kids can touch sting rays, anemones and get face-to-face with penguins. Throughout March, the Aquarium is running some fantastic deals too.

3. Imagine It! Atlanta’s Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a wonderful, hands-on museum for the preschool and young elementary school set. Exhibits include a life-size John Deere tractor, wooden trains, moon sand station, UPS truck, water play area and more! There is also a section just for the crawling set, with soft walls, mats to climb on, over and under, musical instruments to play and even a water bed. Currently there is an excellent exhibit called The Amazing Castle. A special bonus, the second Tuesday of each month is free from 1 – 7 pm.

4. Centennial Olympic Park Fountains
The Fountain of Rings is the centerpiece of Centennial Olympic Park and is one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Georgia. When you go, be sure to take a towel and change of clothes because no one can resist jumping from ring to ring between the shooting water.

Take a break from splashing during select times and watch the water show which includes water, lights and music like the 1812 Overture or Under the Sea. Shows are daily at 12:30, 3:30, 6:30 and 9 pm.

5. Centennial Olympic Park Playgrounds
Centennial Olympic Park was built less than two decades ago for the 1996 Games. It has become a great open park that is a must see destination. In addition to a wide open area perfect for football, or Frisbee, there are two playgrounds. One is specifically designed for all children, including those with physical disabilities.

April 7th, 2009 | by Sue Rodman 10 comments