Atlanta is a vibrant city with plenty to do for families traveling with children. During our visit we stayed at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center, which is directly across from Lenox Square. The mall was very busy during our visit, which is common in this popular shopping area.

Another thing visitors quickly notice is how busy the airport can be. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the nation, so it helps to allow extra time when arriving or departing.

Georgia Aquarium

A highlight of our trip was visiting the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums I have visited. During our visit we attended a sea lion show that was entertaining and educational. Trainers share information about the animals while the sea lions perform behaviors that keep the audience engaged.

Visitors can expect massive tanks filled with marine life from around the world. Large viewing windows allow you to watch animals swim right in front of you. There are also interactive exhibits and scheduled shows throughout the day.

This aquarium attracts a large number of visitors. I suggest going during the weekday if possible since it was packed when we visited on the weekend.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

We also visited the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, and this stop was very special for our family. This was my son’s first time at a children’s museum and he loved every minute of it. Ever since that visit I always look for children’s museums wherever we travel.

This museum focuses on hands on learning and exploration. Kids can build, create, climb, and interact with exhibits designed to encourage imagination and curiosity. The environment allows children to learn through play while exploring different themed areas.

LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta

Another fun place for kids is the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta, located inside Phipps Plaza. This indoor attraction is designed for families with young children who enjoy building and creative play.

Visitors will find LEGO building stations, themed play areas, and miniature city displays built entirely from LEGO bricks. There are also rides and activities designed for younger children. This is a great indoor option for families looking for interactive entertainment.

Centennial Olympic Park

We also spent time at Centennial Olympic Park, where my son was able to run around and burn off some energy. This park was created for the 1996 Summer Olympics and is now a popular gathering space in downtown Atlanta.

Visitors can enjoy open green spaces, walking paths, and the well known Fountain of Rings. The park is accessible friendly and offers plenty of room for families to relax or explore.

Old Lady Gang Restaurant

You cannot visit Atlanta without finding a good place to eat. We decided to try Old Lady Gang, also known as OLG. The restaurant is owned by R&B singer Kandi Burruss.

We arrived right when they opened so there was no wait. The food was pretty good in my opinion and my son enjoyed his meal as well. The restaurant serves classic Southern dishes inspired by family recipes.

Autism and Sensory Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta

Atlanta offers several activities that can work well for autistic travelers and sensory sensitive families.

Consider visiting Zoo Atlanta, which has wide walking paths and opportunities to observe animals at your own pace. The Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers large exhibits with space to move around and take breaks. Piedmont Park is another good option with open green spaces for relaxing or walking.

Planning visits earlier in the day when crowds are smaller can make a big difference. Many attractions also offer quiet spaces or sensory friendly events throughout the year.

Traveling with an autistic child is not about perfection. It is about flexibility, preparation, and celebrating every win along the way.

To see this adventure in action, check out the highlights from this trip on my Instagram page @autismspectrumadventures.