If you're just getting to know us, you may not know that we pick a new destination spot every year for the 4th of July. Every year we experience how different states and places celebrate. We have had the joy of participating in duck racing, boat making, street parades, and of course the bright, sparkling fireworks. Each trip is different from the last, making every 4th unique and special.
This year we hopped in the car for an eight-hour journey to Atlanta. Typically, when we visit Georgia, we are near the coastal beaches. Savannah is your southern escape and just like a fairy tale. With 100-year-old oaks, glimmering above your head and horse-drawn carriages that take your breath away right in the streets. Visiting Atlanta, Georgia was a big difference from what we are used to.
After struggling to figure out how to ride electric scooters and battling the humid heat unlike in Maryland; we've come up with what we think are our must-see destination spots when exploring Atlanta.
The Children's Museum Of Atlanta is the perfect spot for your tots and up-to-middle-schoolers. Here they can engage in a wide variety of stimulating, educational and developmental activities that appeal to and entertain them the entire time. I even found myself going up and down the piano stairs a few times.
The Children's Museum lets your little ones be anyone they can put their imagination towards. Becoming fishers in the "Leaping Into Learning, Fishing Pond" as you cast your rod to catch colorful fish and sharks. Pretending to be chefs in "Fundamentally Food" as you choose vegetables and fruits from the farm, climb the tractor, milk a cow, load boxes on the delivery truck, and operate a forklift. Shop 'till you drop in the grocery store loaded with healthy food options, canned goods, produce, and refrigerated items. When you've got your ingredients, enjoy cooking a healthy pretend meal for the family in the play diner where there are menus and seating for plenty of parents. What about maybe being a builder in "Tools For Solutions" as you learn how to attach make-believe wires and connect pipes in the Construction House. Create skyscrapers and design the city of the future with city blocks.
Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
You’re never too old to love dinosaurs, but there is so much more to Fernbank than just the fossil-filled gallery (which features a 47-foot-long Giganotosaurus). With a combination of intriguing exhibits and taking learning outdoors in nature explorations. Fernbank is included with a four-story 3D IMAX theater, 75 acres of walking trails, canopies, native wildlife, and natural playgrounds. Open year-round, rain or shine. within the Wildwoods and Fernbank Forest
I honestly think this was Braden's favorite exhibit and was the perfect time to let the Georgia rain pass by. NatureQuest is an immersive experience that turns little ones into explorers, scientists, and adventurers as they discover the many wonders of the natural world through tons of engaging activities, the unique ability to investigate a variety of ecosystems, and hands-on fun that encourage open-ended exploration.
Fernbank also offers After Dark events. The 2nd Friday of every month is a uniquely grown-up after-hours experience. Start off your weekend with live music, food, drinks, and an adventure under the dinosaurs and all-around Fernbank.
Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
This iconic park is famous for its ring fountain shows—in which water reaches 25 feet high. Surrounded by Atlanta's most loved attractions (like the World Of Coke), this park is the heart of Atlanta. The Olympic Games took place here in the summer of 1996, leaving the rings and torch behind for all visitors to enjoy.
Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Trying to find a meal that everyone can agree on is always an ordeal. Ponce City Market, Southeast’s largest brick structure, measuring 2.1 million square feet; is home to retailers, local boutiques, gyms, and more than 20 varied restaurants and food stalls.
My favorite was "Ton Ton". Everyone there was so kind and helpful. Atlanta restaurateur Guy Wong's Japanese concept serves ramen, yakitori, and sushi. While "Hops Kitchen" has the best southern sweet tea.
If you and your kiddos like carnival games you’ll enjoy Skyline Park at Ponce City Rooftop. You can pay a small fee to take a freight elevator to the rooftop and play vintage carnival games and get some of the city's best skyline views. There are four games, a story slide, mini-golf, and of course carnival foods like funnel cakes and elephant ears. Really the best of both worlds.
Address: 675 Ponce Dd Leon, Ave NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308
At the World Of Coke, you can take a journey through the storied history of the iconic beverage brand, interact with a variety of exhibits, and sample beverages from around the world. Oh, and chill with the world's bubbliest polar bear.
Taste over 100 different beverages from around the world. Broken up by continent, visitors can taste some of Coca-Cola’s more (and less) well-known drinks; some more delicious than expected, while others, Ummm, not so much. *Hint* – Barqs red cream soda was by far our favorite and Braden of course loved the orange Fanta.
Address: 121 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30131
Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! Zoo Atlanta is home to a variety of species and even more learning hands-on activities. The 40 acres in the Grand Park neighborhood are home to more than 1,000 animal residents representing over 200 species.
The global decline of species and their habitats makes it clear that we need a multifaceted approach to conservation. Zoos are a critical component of this approach, with a responsibility to be a force that drives action. Zoo Atlanta is directly involved in field conservation programs for wildlife and wild places around the globe, including work in Africa, Asia, Central, and South America, and right here in Georgia.
As it’s known for being one of only three U.S. zoos to have giant pandas, Zoo Atlanta takes the experience up a notch: families can feed giraffes, meet the cuddly giant pandas, chill out with lemurs, come face to face with Elephants, or share carrots with one of the world's largest, living tortoises.
Address: 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta GA 30315
*** All photos are property of The Destination Family. We were not paid to write this article. All information is based on my nonbiased opinion. ***