12 Indoor Things to Do in Atlanta

By Joleen Pete
Posted April 11, 2017

What’s on your Atlanta bucket list? Perhaps you want to visit a museum with your family or catch the latest shows. Maybe you’re the dine out and grab drinks with friends type of person. We know the weather can be unpredictable, so whether you see a heat wave or rain in the forecast, this list of 12 indoor things to do in Atlanta ought to keep you both entertained and out of the weather. 

1. Georgia Aquarium

You won’t regret a visit to the largest aquarium in the United States. “With more than 10 million gallons of fresh and marine water and more aquatic life than found in any other aquarium, you are sure to see things you’ve never seen before,” according to the museum. Georgia Aquarium offers a full sensory experience to guests of all ages. You’ll want to tour each of the exhibits and galleries downstairs, then head upstairs with your little ones to check out Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone. Don’t forget to take a break for lunch at Cafe Aquaria.

2. Bowling

Ready, steady, strike! Bowling is a great activity for everyone in the family. You can make a date night, invite some friends or take the kids out to enjoy on a hot or rainy day. There is no shortage of fun spots to knock down a few pins in Atlanta. Here’s where to go bowling in Atlanta.

3. High Museum of Art

This High Museum of Art boasts a permanent collection of more than 17,000 pieces and welcomes several temporary exhibitions each year. There is something for everyone, with programs for families and youth as well as a stellar gift shop.

4. Head to the mall for great shopping.

If shopping is more your style, you’ll want to make time for two upscale indoor malls, Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square, located right next to each other in Buckhead. Shop everyday favorites and luxury designer boutiques.

5. Center for Puppetry Arts

A great visit for the young at heart, ages 2 through 102, the Center for Puppetry Arts features a puppetry museum housing the largest Jim Henson collection in the world among its exhibitions. The center hosts workshops and provides puppet theater for all ages. Check out the website for current in-person or digital shows.

6. Gaming more your speed?

Race around a 1/4-mile indoor karting track at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. Grab lunch, then play a game of pool or laser tag. Enjoy arcade games and challenge your family to a round of bowling.

7. See a show.

See what’s playing at the Fabulous Fox Theatre and Woodruff Arts Center’s Alliance Theatre. (Be sure to check out the virtual offerings on the Alliance Theatre website as well.) Catch Broadway shows at Broadway in Atlanta. View the latest production by Atlanta Ballet. 

10. Grab drinks with friends.

Atlanta comes alive at night. Plan a happy hour with friends or date night at one of Atlanta’s hottest restaurants. Go dancing and get drinks at the club. Cheers to Atlanta’s bar scene. 

11. Dine out for date night.

Foodies, take note. There is no shortage of fab spots to dine in Atlanta. Search the dining page by cuisine preferences, location and more.

12. Have a play date.

Don’t let rain be the reason you cancel the play date. Let the littlest ones get out some of their energy at one of these fun indoor play locations in Atlanta.

Checked all of these off your list? Well, we’ve got more ideas at 50 Fun Things To Do in Atlanta. 

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.