Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Tami
Planning a trip for the grandchildren can be hard work. You want a place that is fun and educational. Atlanta offers many great spots for families to explore together. One of the best options is the Fernbank Museum, with children. It offers indoor and outdoor adventures for all ages. My husband and I recently visited to scout the location. We found many reasons why your children or grandkids will love it here.
Giant Dinosaurs and Ancient History
The adventure begins the moment you walk through the doors. A massive central rotunda greets every visitor. It houses some of the largest dinosaur skeletons ever found. These “Giants of the Mesozoic” are a huge hit with children. They can look up at the towering Argentinosaurus bones. It is a perfect spot for a family photo.
The museum also features a walk through time in Georgia. This exhibit shows how the state changed over millions of years. Kids can see fossils and learn about ancient life. They will enjoy seeing how the land looked long ago. It makes history feel real and exciting for young minds.
Another exhibit, called, “Planet Ice”, features the role of ice in shaping our planet. Here you can experience immersive storytelling and interactive displays that explore how the Ice Age shaped our climate and life.
Nature Quest: A World of Play
If you visit Fernbank Museum with children, you must stop at Nature Quest. This is a massive indoor play and learning area. It covers thousands of square feet of space. Children can explore a multi-level treehouse with suspension bridges. There is even a simulated ocean scene for them to discover.
The area includes live animal habitats for kids to see. We saw baby alligators that looked just like little geckos. There are over one hundred hands-on activities in this section. It allows children to become tiny scientists for the day. They can crawl, climb, and play while they learn. The sounds of different animals are broadcast throughout the display to keep the children guessing which animals might be found there.
Science and Discovery for Everyone
On the third floor, you will find an impressive aviary exhibit called “Sky High”. It shows many different types of birds in natural settings. Nearby, the “Fantastic Forces” section offers hands-on science activities. Kids can learn about gravity, magnets, and air pressure. They can launch rockets or create their own tornadoes.
The museum also has a giant IMAX screen theater with a screen four stories high. The admission price usually includes a documentary film. We watched an interesting movie about the Great Salt Lake. The 45-minute length is perfect for a child’s attention span. It is a nice way to rest between active exhibits. Other movie options include “Titans of the Ice Age”, “The Gift of Learning”, and upcoming “Horse Power”.
Seashells and Hidden Treasures
I personally enjoyed the “Shells Alive” section of the museum. It features large maps showing where different seashells live. Kids who love the beach will find this very interesting. You can even look for fossils in the floor tiles. The limestone floors contain tiny ancient shells from long ago.
Before you leave, stop by the museum gift shop. It is located on the main level near the exit. They have many dinosaur toys and science kits for sale. It is a fun place to pick up a souvenir. You will find items for every age and budget there.
Exploring the Great Outdoors
The fun continues outside in the WildWoods and Fernbank Forest. This area covers 75 acres of beautiful old-growth trees. A raised canopy walk provides amazing views. It is easy to navigate even for smaller children. You will find frequent maps so you do not get lost.
Kids will love the “jungle gym” and rope-climbing area. There are also giant art pieces scattered through the woods. We saw steel dandelions and mushrooms the size of children. A sensory wall offers fun textures for kids to touch. You can even find a small waterfall near the bridge. It is a great place to burn off extra energy.
Special Nighttime Magic
If you visit during the winter, look for Wild Woods Aglow. This is a special nighttime experience in the forest. It uses music and glowing lights to transform the woods. You will see glowing mushrooms and beautiful light projections. There is an extra cost for this evening event. However, it creates a magical memory for the whole family.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
A visit to the Fernbank Museum with children is very convenient. There is free parking on the property. The main parking lot is not large, but there is an overflow parking lot. We paid $25 for senior admission, which felt fair. Tickets are generally cheaper if you buy them online in advance. Most weekdays, adult tickets are $25.95 and children (ages 3-12) are $23.95. Prices increase slightly on weekends to $27.95 for adults and $25.95 for kids.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We suggest arriving early to beat the crowds. You could spend the whole day exploring the museum. There is also a cafe on-site if the kids get hungry. An outdoor balcony area with tables is available if you choose to bring your own food. It really is a complete destination for family fun.
If you plan to spend much time outdoors, plan to bring sunscreen and water bottles. Wear good walking shoes. You’ll love wandering the paths! We visited the beginning of March. It will be much more beautiful when spring arrives!
During the summer months, evening hours are also available. Check out Museum Nights for more information.
The Fernbank Museum and Forest is not affiliated with Fernbank Science Center, which operates as a division of DeKalb County Schools.
Fernbank Museum with Children is a Top Choice
There is no doubt that visiting Fernbank Museum with children is a winner. It combines nature, science, and play in one spot. Your children or grandchildren will stay busy and learn new things. They can run through forests or study giant dinosaurs. It is a place where curiosity is always encouraged.
While ticket prices may initially appear to be on the higher side, they include more than you might think. With free parking, an IMAX movie, Nature Quest, Fantastic Forces, plus 75 acres of explorable paths, climbing and play areas, Fernbank Museum with children includes a full day of activities. Bring a picnic lunch to round out the savings, and you probably can’t beat the price.
We are so glad we scouted it out first. Now we feel ready for the grandkids to arrive. We know exactly which exhibits they will enjoy the most. Fernbank is truly a treasure in the heart of Atlanta. We are excited go back with the whole family!
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The Best Dinosaur Museum in Utah Valley
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Fernbank is indeed a real gem and so convenient to the Downtown area with its additional attractions!