Georgia's biggest city  -- Atlanta -- has the most attractions for visiting families seeking culture, history and recreation.  CityPass Atlanta offers four family-friendly signature attractions, and the price represents a savings of 50% over individual admissions. For more information on seasonal events, festivals, and attractions, contact the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (800/ATLANTA).  For places to stay in the area, see Atlanta Hotels.

Great Fun for the Kids

(Toddler to Age 8)

The Wren's Nest
1050 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30310
404/753-7735
This is a literary town. You can take your teens to visit the home of "Gone With the Wind" author Margaret Mitchell (404/249-7015 or visit www.gwtw.org), but families with younger children will find more enjoyment at The Wren's Nest. It's the Victorian-era home of Joel Chandler Harris, best known for his folksy Uncle Remus tales. There are story time sessions, guided tours, and a museum shop with "Br'er Rabbit" memorabilia.

Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive
Atlanta, GA 30313
404/659-5437
For younger kids, this Imagine It! is a terrific playspace primarily designed for ages 2- to 8-years-old. There's a lot of things to touch and feel, and comfortable areas for parents (who aren't participating) to sit back watch.

Fernback Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30307
404/929-6300
The Fernback Museum of Natural History in the Southeast, and features the world's largest dinosaurs in innovatively designed exhibits. There's a 315-seat IMAX theater to cool off during the steamy summers. Weekends and school holidays there is extensive children's programming each day,as well as hands-on adventures that require advance registration.

Fun for Older Children

(Up to Age 18)

CNN Studio Tour
One CNN Center
Atlanta, GA 30303
404/827-2300 or 877/4CNNTOUR
For older children, say 6 years and up, the CNN Studio Tour of the world's most famous news source is a real eye-opener. Take the escalator, which travels non-stop to the 8th floor, to meet your guides who will explain how a news broadcast is put together and how studio productions work. A tip: instead of waiting in line, make reservations beforehand for the 45-minute tour.

Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30309
404/876-5859
Children of all ages can appreciate the Atlanta Botanical Garden, which has a children's section and a place to play. The extensive grounds are wonderful for letting off steam after a day of sightseeing. Kids can dig for fossils at the Dinosaur Garden.

The World of Coca-Cola
121 Baker Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
404/676-5151
The world's largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia resides at this enormous World of Coca-Cola showcase; much different than what parents may recall from their youth. With materials dating back to 1886, the families will be treated to various displays and activities including: Bottleworks, a comprehensive tour of a bottling plant and how things work; a thrilling 4-D theater; the Pop Culture Gallery featuring works from Andy Warhol and other great artists; as well as a tasting experience of a lifetime in which you will have the opportunity to sample nearly 60 different assortments of Coca-Cola products. Don't forget to hug the Coke Bear mascot before you go.

Six Flags Over Georgia
275 Riverside Parkway
Austell, GA 30168
770/739-3400
Perhaps the city's best known tourist stop, at least for families, is the Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park filled with a variety of big coasters. Don't miss the adorable Thomas Town, a Thomas the Tank Engine themed kids' area with a playground, merchandise store and more. The park is open weekends from April to November, and daily from about Memorial Day to late August.

Fun for the Family

Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
770/498-5690
Popular activities at Georgia's most visited attraction include 3,200 acres of swimming, fishing, tennis, golf and other activities. Attractions include meeting characters such as SpongeBob and Dora the Explorer, plus VeggieTales Bob and Larry. A long-time family favorite, Stone Mountain Park is a steal because admission is charged by the car load. Visitors can hike up a 1.2-mile-trail to the top of the largest exposed mass of granite in the world, and take in unparalleled views of the city. There's also a five-mile paved path around the base of the mountain. After dark, there's a laser show and a big screen video system.

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker Street
Atlanta, GA 30313
404/581-4000
This is the world's largest collection of fish, where more than 100,000 animals representing 500 species inhabit 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water.  In addition to exhibits for all ages, they offer a "Growing Guppies" talk three days a week that lasts approximately 45 minutes and is designed to introduce the undersea world to children ages 2 to 5. The Georgia Aquarium is so popular, however, that entrance lines often snake around the block; try to order advance tickets online to smooth the way. There are weekly programs and a week-long summer camp for ages 4-14 from June to September for those traveling with aspiring oceanographers.

Underground Atlanta
50 Upper Alabama Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
404/523-2311
Built under the streets and encompassing six city blocks in the heart of downtown, this cool-in-summer "mall" that has activities for all ages. Families may enjoy the Underground Atlanta Walking History Tour (given several times per day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) which begins at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot. Reduced from its grandeur by a 1935 fire, the depot sits at the zero mile mark staked out by railroad builders back in 1833. UA's shops and restaurants occupy historic recreation storefronts on Alabama and other notable streets of the 19th century city.

The High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
404/733-4536
Art-lovers will be glad to know that the High Museum, and its sister institutions: the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Woodruff Center for the Arts, and Young Audiences comprise the city's heart of culture, conveniently clustered together. Be sure to research coming temporary exhibits, too, as the High Museum of Art has partnered with Paris' Musee du Louvre, among others, to bring to the city some remarkable works of art.

If your family is looking to experience Atlanta from a local's point of view, visit Georgia Family magazine to learn about family-friendly events and other activities you can do during your stay.  The free, monthly magazine is distributed throughout the state, so you can pick up a hard copy as you explore the city for other ideas.

Photos courtesy of Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism.