The Children's Museum of Atlanta has opened its doors after an $8.2 million renovation. With new spaces to explore, a visit to the museum, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive SW, is a new experience. Before you go, here's what you need to know.
When is the best time to visit to avoid the crowds? Mondays are "no groups" days when the museum does not host field trips or large groups. On other days, most groups leave by 2 p.m. You'll also want to skip visiting during school breaks to avoid the crowds.
You can bring your own food and drinks in. Unlike other attractions, the museum welcomes guests to bring in their own food and drinks and provides picnic tables on the mezzanine level for dining. There are also vending machines available.
You can leave to eat and then come back in. If you'd like to dine outside the museum, ask to have your party's hands stamped at the Welcome Center to re-enter the museum when you're done with your meal.
Where is the best place to park? The museum does not own a parking lot. The parking deck at the American Cancer Center (directly across from the museum's main entrance on Baker Street) is your closest parking option. A little farther away, but still convenient are the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola parking decks.
Is there a MARTA station close by? The museum is close to the Civic Center and Peachtree Center stations but the Dome-GWCC-Philips Arena-CNN Station may be the easiest walk. There are also bus stops on either side of the museum along Baker Street.
What should kids wear? The museum recommends that children wear "play clothes as well as rubber-soled sneakers or shoes." Parents of toddlers who want to play in the Leaping into Learning fishing area may want to bring a change of clothes in case their children get wet.
Nursing? No problem! Women are welcome to nurse anywhere in the museum. If they prefer a quieter location, the Family Resource Room is available for your convenience. Changing tables are available in all restrooms.
Where is the best place to take pictures? The museum recommends these four locations:
- On top of the Museum's John Deere tractor in the "Fundamentally Food: Farm" area
- Climbing up the Globe in "Gateway to the World" exhibit
- Next to the giant ball machine in the "Tools for Solutions" area, as they work the crane
- The Augmented Reality Sand Table in the "Let Your Creativity Flow" area. It's a high-tech sandbox that lets visitors mold its contents into miniature mountains, lakes and rivers, and brings that terrain to life before their eyes using an overhead topography map projection.
What's the way to get the best deal on tickets? Normally priced for one visit at $14.95 for adults and children over 1-year-old, the Family Membership gives families the best deal if they plan ongoing more than once during the year. That membership is valid for two adults and up to four children for $125. Membership also gives families access to special events, discounted admission to almost 200 other museums and discounts on parties, summer camps and items from the Museum Store.
Is the museum stroller friendly? The museum is designed for play, which means, like a playground, there is minimal space for strollers. If you must bring your stroller in with you, there is a stroller parking area in the back of the museum for your convenience.
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