10 Things to Do in Atlanta When it Rains

The World of Coca-Cola is a museum exploring the history of the Coca-Cola Company located in downtown Atlanta. Atlanta is both the home of the company’s corporate headquarters and the city where Coca-Cola was created.

Within the World of Coca-Cola, you can see exhibits spanning the brand’s long-running history all the way back to 1886, as well as collections of vintage memorabilia and videos. Your tour will also take you by the outside of the vault where the company stores its secret recipe and a tasting room where you can sample Coke products from around the world.

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and is located in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park. The aquarium’s 7 gallery halls house thousands of sea creatures and other marine life, including rare and endangered species. The Georgia Aquarium is one of the few places in the world outside of Asia where you can see massive whale sharks.

The aquarium’s Ocean Voyager exhibit is one of the largest indoor aquatic habitats in the world, with an awe-inspiring view over some of the massive creatures that roam the oceans. Other popular exhibits include the Dolphin Coast and Sharks! Predators of the Deep.

The College Football Hall of Fame is an interactive museum and attraction dedicated to college football. Located in downtown Atlanta, the College Football Hall of Fame is next door to the Georgia World Congress Center near Centennial Olympic Park.

An expansive center houses museum collections, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits dedicated to football players and coaches. The College Football Hall of Fame also offers an indoor football field with sports and play activities and unique installations like a 3-story helmet wall. The hall also offers special events and rotating temporary exhibits throughout the year.

The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center is an art museum in downtown Atlanta that places a strong focus on artist diversity and supporting minorities and female artists. Admission to the museum is free, but be sure to donate to their ongoing public arts initiatives.

Within the museum’s galleries, you’ll see artwork and exhibits across multiple mediums, from paintings to sculptures, photography, mixed media, and performance art. The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center offers a year-round calendar of events ranging from workshops and talks to cocktail events, children’s programs, shows, and performances.

The Wren’s Nest is a historic house museum and national landmark that was once the home of the late author Joel Chandler Harris. The Wren’s Nest, also known as the Joel Chandler Harris House, is a 19th-century Queen Anne-style house.

Joel Chandler Harris was known for his work as an editor with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and as the author of the Uncle Remus and Brer Rabbit tales. The historic house museum features original features and period furnishings as well as exhibits about the life of the author. Storytime sessions for children are held each Saturday at The Wren’s Nest.

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is located in downtown Atlanta and houses collections from the Carter administration and exhibits on the Carter family. The museum’s grounds encompass over 30 acres of lush green spaces, gardens, and water features. Admission is free for children 16 and younger.

Within the museum, you can see a full-scale replica of the Oval Office as it was during the Carter administration, as well as Carter’s Nobel Peace Prize. You can experience a day in the life of a president as well as interactive map tables, a Camp David-themed exhibit, and displays of gifts from world leaders.

The Waffle House Museum is located on the site of the first Waffle House restaurant location in Avondale Estates. This Atlanta-based chain of restaurants is known for its 24-hour waffles and inexpensive breakfast fare.

Inside the cozy Waffle House Museum, you can explore the chain’s history from its founding in 1955 through today with memorabilia and displays. A full recreation of the original vintage restaurant can also be found inside, though they don’t serve food at this location. Call ahead before visiting to make sure the museum is open to the public that day.

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a space dedicated to learning through play in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park. Inside the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, you’ll find immersive play spaces ranging from a 2-story climbing structure to maker spaces, workshops, and arts and crafts.

A range of rotating temporary exhibits is also offered year-round, as well as family-friendly special events. Dedicated events are held monthly at the museum for visitors with autism or other sensory-specific needs. See the museum’s website for more information. The museum is best enjoyed by children ages 2 through 8.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta is an indoor LEGO playground located inside Phipps Plaza in downtown Atlanta. The center houses a range of interactive spaces, games, rides, and attractions, as well as a LEGO café.

Within LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta, you can experience a film inside a 4D theater, build and race LEGO cars, and create alongside LEGO master builders. Interactive spaces range from the Ninjago Training Camp to a Pirate Adventure Soft Play space, a factory tour, and Atlanta Miniland. There’s also a LEGO store inside the center with branded merchandise, souvenirs, and LEGO kits galore.

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games is a large entertainment complex located in Marietta about 30 minutes outside of Atlanta. The indoor arcade and gaming spaces are pay as you go, and the complex includes a full restaurant and bar.

Andretti offers 3 go-kart tracks to suit all experience levels, including a junior track for ages 7 and up, an intermediate track for ages 12 and up, and an adult track for drivers 18 and up. You can also play mini-golf or laser tag and enjoy glow-in-the-dark bowling, 3D games, and VR experiences.