For The Kids: The Haute 5 Family-Friendly Venues in Atlanta

Family time is very important in the summer. So when the little ones are not in camp, here are the Haute 5 kid-friendly spots for the whole family to enjoy.

The Georgia Aquarium

You can never visit this world-class aquarium, located in the heart of downtown too many times. Each time, there is something new to get mesmerized by. If the kids can’t stay entertained for the whole experience, then you can opt for programs such as the “Growing Guppies”. Filled with fun toddler activities like puppets, storytelling and crafts, you can explore the wonders of the ocean with your child at the Georgia Aquarium. “Growing Guppies” occurs every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:15 a.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes. This program is for children ages 2 to 5 years old.

The Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker St., 404.581.4000

The Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens—which has the most beautiful gardens in the city—is the perfect place for the family to spend a summer day. Parents will love the just opened canopy walk- the only tree-level elevated walkway of its kind in the United States, giving visitors access to the Garden’s 15-acre woodland, one of the last remaining hardwood forests. But as for the kids, there is plenty to do. Before going, just check the website to see what kid-activities are going on that day.  However, there is always the Children’s Garden where kids can crawl under the fence just like Peter Rabbit and splash around in the Sunflower fountain.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens are located at 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E.

Centennial Olympic Park

Those here for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics probably spent countless hours walking around this downtown park. But since the renovation in 2006, it is even bigger and better than before. Plus, most likely if you have little ones, they were not even born yet. If you happen to be downtown, or make a stop at the Aquarium, the fountain of rings is a great place to cool off for the tots. A key feature of the park is the Fountain of Rings interactive fountain which features computer-controlled lights and jets of water synchronized with music played from speakers in light towers surrounding the fountain. The fountain forms a big splash that is perfect for children to play around in.

Centennial Olympic Park is located at 265 Park Ave. West S.W., 404.222.7275

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is filled with sights to keep everyone occupied for hours. From the huge exhibit of gorillas to the giant pandas, you will find yourself engrossed in the activity of these animals. The petting zoo is a favorite of mine.  The Boer goats, sheep, the Kunekune pigs are unusually adorable and friendly. The photo-op of the kids is worth the smell. But don’t worry, they have soap and water to wash your hands as soon as you exit the petting area. Zoo Atlanta also offers many other fun kid-friendly activities and wildlife shows throughout the year.

Zoo Atlanta is located at 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., 404.624.WILD

Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts is a great place to go with or without kids. But, it is definitely a place for the whole family to stop by for visit to the hands-on museum, performances and countless exhibits.  Puppets: The Power of Wonders showcases puppets from various time periods and countries from around the globe. Be delighted and educated by the 350 puppets on display, including Chinese hand puppets, Indonesian shadow puppets and African rod puppets, as well as American puppets like the Skeksis and Fishface from Jim Henson’s fantasy productions, Dark Crystal and The Labyrinth, and “Pigs in Space” from The Muppet Show. Also, make sure to book tickets to performances early, as the shows tend to sell out.

Center for Puppetry Arts is located at 1404 Spring St. N.W., 404.873.3391