Summer is the perfect time to enjoy moments or visit places that you don’t have time for during the busy school year. Whether you enjoy lounging by the pool with a good book or traveling and creating new experiences, don’t forget to make time for activities that stimulate your brain and teach you – and your children – new things. The perfect way to do so and still get out of the house is to visit a museum! Atlanta is full of unique museums dedicated to a variety of subjects and for all ages. Here are a few of our favorites:
Established in 1926 and located in Buckhead, this is the perfect stop for Georgia history buffs. It is home to an array of permanent and rotating exhibition, including Cyclorama: The Big Picture, which features the fully restored cyclorama painting The Battle of Atlanta. Another beloved exhibit, The Turning Point, creates an experience that explains how life was during the American Civil War. On Saturdays and Sundays, theatre performances take the stage to make the experience even more realistic. The Atlanta History Center is open seven days a week and has different programs and activities throughout the summer that you cannot miss! Tickets are $21.50 for adults and vary in price for students, young children and seniors depending on age.
Do you have a child who loves science? Head north on I-75 to Cartersville to visit one of metro Atlanta’s lesser-known educational museums, the Tellus Science Museum. Currently celebrating 10 years and two million visitors, the museum is packed with permanent galleries focused on minerals, dinosaurs, solar homes and more, as well as featured exhibits that rotate throughout the year. In addition, the museum is home to an observatory and planetarium, as well as special events throughout the year. There are even adults-only activities, like Sips and Science. Open daily, admission to the museum ranges from free for members to $15.95 for adults.
Are you a sports fanatic? This is the perfect place for you! And if you don’t consider yourself a huge football fan, that’s ok, too. This museum is jam-packed with insightful information that would interest anyone. Stop by the Chick fil-A Peach Bowl Skill Zone and test out your skills on the field or learn about the history of just about every single college football team. The coolest part of the whole experience is that it’s interactive! You select your favorite team when you purchase your ticket, and you receive a customized experience as you walk through each exhibit! Open seven days a week, tickets to visit the Hall of Fame range from free for kids under 3 to $21.99 for adults.
Another one of Atlanta’s lesser-known attractions is the Millennium Gate Museum, located in the base of The Millennium Gate on 17th Street. Dedicated to preserving and interpreting Georgia history, art, culture and philanthropic heritage, the museum also aims to highlight the state’s historical and aesthetic relevance to the United States as a whole. In addition to the Georgia history included, the Gate Museum has exhibitions featuring world-class art and history. Open Monday through Saturday, admission is $10 for seniors, students and military and $12 for adults.
This attraction has been a statement in Atlanta since it opened 10 years ago, but it’s ever-changing, giving you plenty of reasons to visit over and over again. In fact, the new sea lion show is one you just can’t miss! After learning about all types of marine life as you wander through each ecosystem, enjoy a show at the advanced 4D theatre and then hop on over next door to the World of Coca-Cola. There are also discounts on package deals if you would like to visit both! We recommend purchasing tickets well in advance to visit these popular museums, as tickets do sell out on holidays and during the summer.
American Art is the center of this space, with art ranging from the 18th century to modern day pieces. In addition to its variety of exhibitions, the venue offers classes, workshops, art talks and even Toddler Tuesday. This museum is closed on Mondays, but there are several special activities and educational programs planned throughout the entire summer for adults and children alike.
Summer is a time to make new memories and learn new things. These museums are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to opportunities to learn! Which museum in metro Atlanta is YOUR favorite?
