The Best Activities for a Spring Break in Atlanta
Are you considering a spring getaway to Atlanta? Or you are a local looking for a staycation. Great news-Atlanta is a terrific destination for families or adults looking for a spring break idea.
I’ve lived in Metro Atlanta my entire life and have experienced firsthand what this fantastic city offers. Whether you are in town for one day or several days, there are numerous options for fun attractions, outdoor activities, art museums, or simply learning the rich history.
Short on time? Go ahead and buy your tickets NOW by clicking below-
Atlanta City Pass
Zoo Atlanta
Georgia Aquarium
Stone Mountain Tour
World of Coke Museum
College Football Hall of Fame
Truist Park Guided Tour
Spring Weather in Atlanta
Spring is a wonderful time to visit the South, but it can be a little tricky, too. Sometimes, it’s an incredible 70s, and other times, it can drop into the 40s and 50s, especially if your break is in early April. My advice is to check the weather before you come and bring layers!
Average Temps
- Average highs- low 70’s
- Average lows- high 40’s
Atlanta City Pass
If you plan on visiting several popular spots in Atlanta, it may be worth purchasing a City Pass to save some money. For a flat fee, you can gain entry to 5 attractions in 9 days.
Choose from the Georgia Aquarium, Fernbank, College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta and the Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Buy your ticket by clicking HERE!
Best Things to Do in Atlanta
The Atlanta area offers various activities for people of every age and interest. From museums celebrating the rich history to cultural experiences and entertainment, there’s something for everyone. If you have a few days to spare, consider getting away from the city for a long weekend.
Outdoor Activities
Zoo Atlanta
The zoo was one of my kids’ favorite spots when they were younger. In fact, we had season passes for many years. As older kids, they still enjoy it!
They recently expanded their elephant habitat and built a new visitor parking deck. Beyond the zoo exhibits, guests can enjoy train rides and a ropes course for an additional fee.
Tips
- the zoo is more affordable than the aquarium if you are torn between the 2
- go early in the morning as many local families have season passes, and it can get crowded during school breaks
- pack a picnic lunch! One of the best perks of the zoo is the ability to bring food into the park.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Located in the city near Piedmont Parks lies a beautiful nature escape, the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I highly recommend it if the weather is nice while visiting and you appreciate the great outdoors and flowers.
Check the calendar; they are closed on some Mondays and do not accept cash.
Gibbs Gardens
Although it is a bit of a drive north out of town, Gibbs Gardens is a great excursion in the spring. The private estate of a local landscaper is now open to the public and exhibits beautiful displays. In the spring, locals flock to the Gardens for the stunning daffodils.
Gibbs Gardens, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, Centennial Park is a classic spot for your Atlanta visit. Walk around and read the bricks donated by local families, ride the Ferris wheel, play in the fountains, or have a picnic lunch.
If you are planning on visiting the Georgia Aquarium, Civil Rights Museum, or Coke Museum, then you can tie in a visit as they are next to one another.
The Beltline
22 miles of trails winding around the city offer guests a fun way to explore. You can walk, run, or bike through some of Atlanta’s beautiful and historic communities. Restaurants and shops dot the landscape, so walk and dine at a local place to enhance your experience.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is a large and beautiful park in the heart of midtown. Visitors and residents enjoy walks, runs, picnics, and the playground while relaxing in the park.
Starting in the Spring, there’s a farmer’s market every Saturday morning. Also, the Dogwood Festival is held every April over a weekend, and local artists and food vendors come together for a beloved event. Check it out if you are in town (usually mid-April).
Stone Mountain Park
A little further from downtown, guests can explore Stone Mountain Park. You can hike up the mountain or take the summit sky ride here. Other activities include a scenic railroad, hiking, canoeing, or kayaking.
Tip: Check the calendar because they offer a week of fun activities during spring break for local Schools (usually early April).
Museums & Cultural Experiences
Fernbank
If you are interested in dinosaurs, science, fossils, and prehistoric societies, look no further than Fernbank. They offer special exhibits as well as 3D films.
For adults looking for a fun date night, check out Fernbank After Dark.
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is a real treat if you have time! You can easily spend hours wandering through their exhibits highlighting sharks, jellyfish, river habits, cold weather environments, and many more. Plus, there are interactive exhibits where you can touch a stingray!
Plan on staying for at least 2 hours to walk through each exhibit and more if you want to stay for a show (an additional cost).
Tips:
- Book an early time slot, as it will get crowded during spring break
- Tickets are expensive, so look into Groupon or purchase the Atlanta City Pass to cut down on costs
Georgia Aquarium’s Jellyfish exhibit, photo credit: R. Schwartz
World of Coke
Those who love Coca-Cola should consider checking out the World of Coke in Centennial Park. Guests can see the company’s history, cool artifacts, and taste-test Coke products from around the globe!
Atlanta History Center
For my fellow history enthusiasts, you must plan time for the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead. The facility highlights the rich and diverse history of our beautiful city.
Recently renovated, the center boosts a steam locomotive to delight kids (and some adults). Beyond the indoor exhibits, guests can walk the property and get a feel for a living farm in 1800s Georgia.
If you have time, stop at the Swan Coach House for a fun and fancy lunch!
The King Center
At the King Center, guests can learn about the impressive contributions of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife, Coretta, to the civil rights movement and his efforts to address class inequality.
Check the calendar for opening times, as his house was closed in 2025, but you can tour his birthplace and his church, Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Birth home of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., photo credit: R. Schwartz
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Atlanta played a significant role in the 20th Century Civil Rights Movement as leaders in the African American community bravely challenged Jim Crow segregation. This museum brilliantly illustrates the movement’s bravery and highlights the modern fight for human rights around the globe.
Check the website for dates & hours, as it is going through a significant renovation in 2025 and will be closed for a while.
Check out my guide on a long weekend trip from Atlanta with kids!
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
Learn about Georgia’s only US President at the Carter Center. Here you can see artifacts from his presidency as well as learn about his lifelong dedication to serving the less fortunate.
Children’s Museum
Check out the Children’s Museum downtown if you travel with younger kids and toddlers. Your kids will enjoy interactive displays and play opportunities. It is a great way to burn off some energy!
Tip- this is a popular destination for young families and will be more crowded during spring break. Arrive early!
Food Markets
Ponce City Market, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Ponce City Market is a fun venue for food and shopping in the heart of the city. Check out the rooftop for fun games and delicious food. Plus, you can easily hop on the Beltline from Ponce City Market.
Krog Street is another similar idea that’s smaller and on the Beltline. Both are fantastic places to gather, dine, and see a unique aspect of Atlanta’s culture.
Check out my guide on the best activities in Atlanta in the fall!
Sports Related Activities
Atlanta Braves
Lucky for you, baseball season kicks off in April. Head over to Truist Park to watch an exciting Braves game. I recommend going early to browse the shops at Truist (outside of the stadium) and grab a meal from one of their delicious restaurants (Superica and Antico are my favorites).
Tips-
- If the Braves aren’t in town, Check the schedule to see if they are in town. If not, it is still worth walking around Truist
- If you want to shop & eat but have no interest in a game- avoid game day! It will be packed and more challenging to get into restaurants.
- If the weather is nice, pack a change of clothes or a swimsuit for littles and play in the fountains
Truist Park, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Atlanta United
Major League Soccer is quickly gaining popularity in the US, and Atlanta’s team is no exception. Catch a soccer game at Mercedes Benz Stadium, which sells delicious food at low prices to guests!
Atlanta Hawks
If you love the NBA, check out the Atlanta Hawks schedule at State Farm Arena. You could stay in that area of town and combine the game with visits to Centennial Park, the Aquarium, and the Coke Museum.
College Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame. photo credit: R. Schwartz
One of my boys’ favorite places to visit in Atlanta is the College Football Hall of Fame. When you choose a team to identify with during your visit. There’s an impressive wall of helmets that light up as guests choose their favorite school.
There are history exhibits as well as artifacts from years of college football. At the end, everyone has a chance to kick a field goal. I cannot recommend this place enough if your travel party loves college football.
In Conclusion: The Best Activities for a Spring Break in Atlanta
I hope my guide on spending spring break in Atlanta helps you plan your next great adventure.
Atlanta Resources
Spring Break in Atlanta
Day trips from Atlanta, Georgia
Fall in Atlanta, Georgia
Weekend Trips from Atlanta, Georgia
Weekend trips from Atlanta for families
