The Fernbank Museum of Natural History opened in 1992 and offers field trips, summer camps, family and children’s educational programs. The museum has an IMAX theater, cafe, store, and other special exhibitions. Cost of touring the museum as of February 2010, was $14 for students and $15 for adults.
Permanent exhibits include, “A Walk Through Time in Georgia”, a story of the natural history of Georgia and planet Earth; “Giants of the Mesozoic”, a recreation of the world’s largest dinosaur fossils originally unearthed in Patagonia, Argentina; “Sensing Nature”, an interactive demonstration of the body’s sensory interpretations; “Reflections of Culture”, an exhibit that shows how people around the world communicate through personal adornment; “The Children’s Discovery Rooms”, a playful exhibit for 3 to 5- year-olds to learn about nature and the environment; and “World of Shells”, a collection of shells from around the world and native to Georgia.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Road, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
(404) 929.6300
fernbankmuseum.org
Zoo Atlanta is Atlanta’s oldest cultural attraction. It began in 1889 after a traveling circus went bankrupt. Zoo Atlanta houses more than 200 species of animals including rare and famous Giant Pandas. Admission as of February 2010, was $13.99 for children (ages 3 to 11) and $18.99 for adults (ages 12 and up). In addition to the animal exhibits, Zoo Atlanta offers restaurants, shops, rides and attractions, as well as live animal shows, petting zoo, games and crafts. Group activities such as summer camps, field trips, day camps, and educational programs are also available.
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Avenue, SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30315
(404) 624-9453
zooatlanta.org
The World of Coca-Cola was established in 1990 at Underground Atlanta. Now in a new location near Georgia Aquarium, the facility displays more than 1,200 Coca-Cola artifacts from around the world. Tours include a taste of more than 60 different products, interactive exhibits and a fully operational Coca-Cola bottling line. As of February 2010, admission rates were $15.00 for adults (13 and up), and $10.00 for youths (ages 3 to 12).
World of Coca-Cola
121 Baker Street Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30313-1807
(404) 676-5151
worldofcoca-cola.com
The Georgia Aquarium opened in late 2005, and is the world’s largest aquarium. Exhibits include, “Cold Water Quest”, which features animals found in the world’s cold ocean waters; “Georgia Explorer”, an interactive gallery of animals native to Georgia coastal areas; and “Ocean Voyager”, an aquarium that features whale sharks, rays and other sea giants viewed through an underwater tunnel or massive viewing window.
The Georgia Aquarium also offers a 4-D theater, special events and tours, a 23,000 square foot ballroom, camps, and educational programs. As of February 2010, general admission rates were $19.50 for youths (ages 3 to 12) and $26 for adults (ages 13 and up).
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker Street Northwest
Atlanta, Georgia 30313
(404) 581-4000
georgiaaquarium.org
Tours of the global headquarters of CNN include a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a live broadcast of the Morning Express show and a guided, interactive Kids’ Tour for elementary school-aged children, as well as educational materials for teachers. Admission rates as of February 2010 were $11 for students (ages 13 to 18) and $13 for adults.
CNN Headquarters
190 Marietta Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2762
(404) 827-2300
cnn.com
Centennial Olympic Park hosted the 1996 summer Olympic games. There is no admission fee to the park; however, there is a charge for some special events during the year. Winter events include “Holiday in Lights” where the park transforms into a winter wonderland of thousands of lights; and an ice skating rink. Spring and summer events feature Music at Noon, a variety of live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunchtime; Wednesday WindDown, free concert series; 4th Saturday Family Fun Days, interactive and entertaining activities; 4th of July Celebration; and the “Fountain of Rings”, a synchronized water dance with lights and music.
265 Luckie Street Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 223-4636
centennialpark.com