Go Out and Enjoy Summer: Eight Family-Friendly and Accessible Destinations in Atlanta
Did you know that the city of Atlanta was previously named Terminus because it was at the end of a railroad? No longer known as the last stop for trains, today's Atlanta has lots of family-friendly venues, where your family can create fun memories this summer. All of these destinations are wheelchair accessible so that everyone can get out and enjoy what Atlanta has to offer!
1. Georgia Aquarium
The nation's largest aquarium is home to four whale sharks, the sea's largest fish. See them along with four manta rays and thousands of other sea creatures from an underwater perspective as you travel through a 100-foot tunnel. It's all part of Ocean Voyager, one of the world's largest aquatic exhibits. Aquanaut Adventures are another exciting reason to visit the aquarium. Each of the seven routes has seven adventures to take part in to learn more about aquatic life, marine science careers, and marine habitats. Staff members are trained to assist guests with mobility challenges who would like to have an experience with one of the aquarium's touch pools.
2. The Children's Museum of Atlanta
Learning through play is the focus of The Children's Museum of Atlanta. This summer the museum is hosting Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit. Visitors can explore the McStuffins Toy Hospital and enjoy taking care of the hospital's toy patients. Also, permanent exhibits provide fun ways to learn about science, tools, food and much more. It is sure to be a good time and totally wheelchair accessible for kids and parents who roll.
3. Legoland Discovery Center
Meet your favorite Lego characters, take a Lego factory tour, and build as much as you like at Legoland Discovery Center. It's a great place for an all-day outing. In fact, you can enjoy lunch in the on-site cafe, catch a movie in the 4D cinema, and see local buildings recreated in miniature.
4. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park
Explore important places in the life of the civil right leader and learn more about this important chapter in American history. The park's visitor center has an exhibit called Children of Courage, which teaches little ones about the civil rights movement. The International World Peace Rose Garden, King's birth home (second floor accessible by elevator chair lift), and the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church that King co-pastored are some of the attractions at the site. Admission to the park is free.
5. Zoo Atlanta
While the pandas may be the zoo's most famous residents, there's a lot more to see and do at Zoo Atlanta. Observe a feeding, listen and ask questions at a keeper's talk, or meet an ambassador animal. The zoo's pathways are easy to roll on and keep an eye out for signs to designate special special wheelchair access.
6. Fernbank Science Center
See the actual Apollo 6 Command Module. Check out live poison dart frogs, turtles, snakes, spiders, and other animals. Catch a show in the Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium at Fernbank Science Center and come at night to take a look through the observatory's telescope. Admission and parking are free at Fernbank Science Center. Planetarium shows have a nominal fee.
7. Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Piedmont Avenue location has 30 acres of beautiful outdoor gardensto explore. During summer, a nature-inspired story time takes place on Wednesday mornings in the children's garden. Complimentary wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis.
8. SunTrust Park
Go, Braves! For baseball fans, enjoying a game at the ballpark is one of the great joys of summer. To ensure all guests have a great game day experience, there's an Accessible Seating Department to help you find parking and seating. Call them at (404) 577-9100 (Option 5). Further, tickets purchased through that department come with a Welcome Kit and a Braves Exceptional Fan Credential.
With a variety of fun, wheelchair accessible things to do in Atlanta, it's a great city to experience, whether you're a local or a visitor! Top any night off with Skyview Atlanta - a 200-ft Ferris wheel overlooking Centennial Olympic Park - it's wheelchair accessible!