Fun stuff in Atlanta and OTP for kids?

April 29, 2007 4:48 AM

Atlanta + Kids = fun things to do and see and eat? ... especially looking for stuff OTP.

"Kids" could mean elementary-age or up to teen. I'm a solid ITPer, so I don't have much knowledge of stuff outside I-285.

Shopping could count. Kid-friendly restaurants definitely count, including specific locations of chains (such as Johnny Rockets in Buckhead, for an ITP example).

Extra-special bonus points if adults can have fun, too.

posted by mdiskin to sports, hobbies, & recreation (11 comments total)

Also -- any good places on Buford Highway for kids? That's another one of my blanks.
posted by mdiskin at 4:53 AM on April 29, 2007

There's Dave & Busters, one in Marietta (I-75 & Delk) and I believe another one somewhere in Gwinnett.

I took my neice and nephew to a Fuddrucker's in the Alpharetta/Roswell area that had a large arcade and some kind of indoor race track. I don't remember the exact location, but the kids loved it.

There is a water park in Marietta not too far from the Big Chicken.

There is Six Flags, of course.
posted by SoulOnIce at 5:42 AM on April 29, 2007

Stone Mountain Park. Lake Lanier Islands resort.

Other than fast food restaurants, there's hardly anything of interest to children along Buford Highway until well north of Doraville. Up in Duluth, right on Buford Highway, there's the Southeastern Railroad Museum, but that's 23 miles north of Atlanta, and US 23 (Buford Highway) is a long fight, as a drive.
posted by paulsc at 6:08 AM on April 29, 2007

You could easily burn an entire day at Stone Mountain Park. There was also a neat nature center / park right on the Chattahoochee in Roswell, although I'm totally blanking out on the name of the place. I've heard that the Georgia Aquarium is fantastic, although I haven't been there personally. The kids science museum downtown / midtown (Fernbank?) is really good too. The kids would probably enjoy a meal at The Varsity downtown, although if you don't want to go all the way to North Ave for chili dogs they have smaller locations OTP.
posted by COD at 6:13 AM on April 29, 2007

The Aquarium is, in fact, fantastic.
posted by booth at 6:16 AM on April 29, 2007

Fodor's Around Atlanta With Kids: 60 Great Things to Do Together
posted by designbot at 6:33 AM on April 29, 2007

It you're willing to go 1HOTP (one hour outside the perimeter), you've got a couple more options: the animal safari park in Pine Mountain, GA, Amicalola Falls near Dahlonega, GA, and Kennesaw Mountain (less than 1 hour unless you go at rush hour).

COD is thinking of the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

The new World of Coke museum (next to the aquarium) opens in a couple of weeks.
posted by Frank Grimes at 6:57 AM on April 29, 2007

What does "OTP" mean?
posted by davidmsc at 7:56 AM on April 29, 2007

What does "OTP" mean?

Outside The Perimeter

In short, it refers to the area outside of I-285 (an interstate that circles Atlanta).

And, of course, ITP = Inside the Perimeter.
posted by k1ng at 8:39 AM on April 29, 2007

Now that it's warm, you guys should go tubing or boating on the Upper Chattahoochee River (Helen, GA) or the Cartecay River (Elijay, GA). There are several companies up there that rent gear. Get in a tube and ride the river!
posted by Mercaptan at 12:54 PM on April 29, 2007

Thanks to all.... I remember going to the Animal Safari Park as a kid but isn't it a few hours away?
posted by mdiskin at 7:04 PM on April 29, 2007