12 Best Atlanta Things to Do for Tweens and Teens

By Joleen Pete
Posted April 22, 2021

Are you between the ages of 11 and 19? No doubt you’ve probably uttered the words “I’m bored” a time or two. Having a list of boredom busters (aka awesome experiences) up your sleeve is never a bad idea, and you’re going to love these 12 best Atlanta things to do for tweens and teens. 

Play like kids

As teens and tweens, you play harder than the little ones, but I don’t need to tell you that. Here’s where we bust out the list of action-packed sports and activities available in the Atlanta area.

• Go karts are a super fun way to spend the afternoon, and Andretti Karting is the perfect place to go. Race your friends, play laser tag, drop a couple of quarters in the video games and have fun.
• Fore! Indoor golf at Topgolf provides a different kind of fun for teens. Reserve an indoor bay where you can hit balls, then follow up with a game of pool, some snacks and maybe a video game or two.
• Play the games, see the views and ride the rides at Skyline Park on THE ROOF at Ponce City Market. Enjoy a vintage, carnival-style day of fun with the entire family. Or bring your friends and challenge them to a game of mini-golf.

Find thrills at Six Flags Over Georgia

If there is one thing teens love, it’s a good theme park and fortunately Atlanta is home to the largest theme park in the Southeast. Six Flags Over Georgia boasts 11 roller coasters, thrill rides and water rides (plus three children’s areas for little brother and sister). During summer months, bring your swimsuits and enjoy Six Flags’ extensive water features, from wave pools to wild water slides. If you’re a teen ages 16 and up and are in need of a summer job, Six Flags might be the gig for you.

Try new stunts at an Atlanta skate park

Skaters rejoice. Atlanta is home to some great skate parks. From Old Fourth Ward Skate Park, which was opened with an appearance by Tony Hawk, to the 27,000-square-foot lighted Brook Run Skate Park in Dunwoody, Atlanta offers skating for every skill level. Another local skate park of note is McKoy Skate Park in Decatur.

Keep cool with water play

On the hottest days, you probably will want to get out onto the water. How about something a little different with an afternoon on the Chattahoochee River? “Shoot the Hooch” via kayak, tube or paddleboard, or take a canoe trip with an experienced guide at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Take a tour at a favorite Atlanta attraction

Wondering how stuff works or curious to know what’s behind that door? Sign up for a tour. Atlanta is host to some pretty cool companies, and you can see how they work behind-the-scenes. 

• World of Coca-Cola has a new VIP experience: Coke Insider Journey. The limited-time experience is offered on weekends through May 16 and includes a two-hour private guided tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes for exclusive demos and includes premium perks such as commemorative memorabilia and an in-store discount. 
• Zoo Atlanta offers Wild Encounters to give guests a behind-the-scenes experience with some of their wild residents. There are currently three in-person encounters to choose from — Rhino, Elephant and Lemur — and one virtual option: Giant Panda.

Encounter sea life at Georgia Aquarium

Lovers of animals who live beneath the water will enjoy spending time and viewing exhibits at Georgia Aquarium. Tweens and teens can sign up for a live animal encounter with penguins, otters or dolphins to experience these animals up close and personal by booking an animal encounter. Or, you can suit up and get in the water with beluga whales. Even more daring? Check out the aquarium’s new Shark & Ray Interaction. There are even virtual programs to enjoy at home, including guided tours and Virtual Yoga by the Water classes in various levels of difficulty.

High Museum of Art offers teens more than art

Rising high school juniors and seniors are invited to apply for the Teen Team at High Museum of Art. It is a year-around commitment and paid position for 15 creative students interested in learning about art and the workings of a museum, as well as serving as ambassadors for the High. All the details can be found on the website. For younger teens through rising grade 8, there are summer camps available with various themes. The beloved Teen Night is currently on hold.

Grab good eats and sweet treats with your besties

Get your friends together and visit one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for some good eats or sweet treats. Search by location, type of food or iconic dishes for the perfect spot. Visit the food hall at Ponce City Market, and everyone in your group can get what they want and still sit together to enjoy it.

Spend the day at Stone Mountain Park

While Stone Mountain Park appeals to all ages, it offers some attractions especially suited to tweens and teens, particularly those of you who prefer a little adrenaline rush. Geyser Towers and SkyHike offer fun and challenging rope courses with a variety of obstacles for an active adventure. Teens also enjoy a ride on the Ducks (1940s’ era Army DUKWs) through Stone Mountain Lake — a great way to cool off and learn some history. And while these attractions might be enough, Stone Mountain is loaded with more permanent and seasonal offerings. Just check the daily schedule online.

Go on a scavenger hunt to discover Atlanta

A little bit adventure, a little bit sightseeing. Scavenger Hunt ATL hosts purposeful wandering daily. Choose from a variety of adventures, ranging from a city-wide hunt, Amazing Race-style hunt, wilderness adventure and more. There is even a shopping mall option if you want to stay in air conditioning.

Root for your team at Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame 

College football fans love visiting the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Teens especially are excited by the amazing technology. At check-in, choose your dream college (or maybe mom’s alma mater) and your visit will be customized. You can try the augmented reality booth for a 365-degree look at amazing historical moments. Warning: Visiting during the off season makes fans seriously crave the return of college football.

Strike a pose

Strike a pose for Instagram or do the latest TikTok dance. Atlanta is filled with public art that screams to be a colorful background in your next selfie. Check out locations like the Jackson Street Bridge (famous for its appearance in the hit series “The Walking Dead”), Little Five Points with its fun architecture and street art, and the Atlanta BeltLine with its numerous murals and art installations. For a great starting point, check out our list of the best Atlanta street art by neighborhood.

Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.