30 Things to Do With Atlanta Babies Before They Turn One

Celebrate cultures from all over the globe at The Children's Museum of Atlanta. Photo courtesy of the museum
Celebrate cultures from all over the globe at The Children's Museum of Atlanta. Photo courtesy of the museum
8/20/21 - By Elsa Simcik

That first year of life is full of so many important moments—first bath, first smile, first teeth. (Put down those tissues...this is a fun list.) Grab the camera because we've come up with 30 fun, playful and even educational activities to do with Atlanta babies before they turn one—a baby bucket list, if you will. Luckily, Atlanta is a great place to grow up with tons of outdoor spaces, family-friendly attractions and plenty of free things to do.

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Outdoor Ideas to do With Atlanta Babies Before Age One

1. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Stroll through the gardens to explore nature. Go on a Wednesday and attend storybook time.


Take a class with your baby at Goldfish Swim School. Photo courtesy of the school

2. Swim Lessons

Introduce your baby to the water at one of Atlanta's swim schools. 

3. Biking

More like the parent bikes and puts his or her baby in a seat or trailer and head down one of Atlanta's great bike paths, like the BeltLine or Big Creek Greenway. 

4. Petting Zoos

Visit Atlanta animal farms and petting zoos to introduce your baby to familiar and exotic creatures and opening their eyes to the exciting world around them. 

5. Feeding Ducks

 Check out Lullwater or Piedmont Park for this activity. (Tip: Skip the bread and feed the ducks bird seed or uncooked oats.) 

6. Swing

Push your baby in an infant swing at one of these awesome playgrounds. We especially like Morgan Falls Overlook Park in Sandy Springs for crawlers with its turf ground cover.

7. Trains

Climb aboard a train such as The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or Stone Mountain Park


Watch the pandas at Zoo Atlanta. Photo courtesy of the zoo

8. Wildlife

 See gorillas, elephants, pandas, and more at Zoo Atlanta. Twice a month they offer Adventure Cubs, a perfect program for babies. 

9. Outdoor Shopping Centers

Get some shopping done and then let baby climb at the squirrel-themed soft playground at Avalon or play in the sandbox at Halcyon. 

10. Nature Centers

Stroll around the Chattahoochee Nature Center or Dunwoody Nature Center to see what grows in and around Atlanta.

11. Picnic

Pack baby's favorite snacks and enjoy lunch outdoors in your backyard, local park, or one of these nearby state parks. 

Indoor Activities to do With Atlanta Babies Before Age One

12. Merry-Go-Round

Take a carousel ride at North Point Mall but check safety precauctions before you show up.

13. Energy Burst

Practice climbing at an indoor playground like Hippo Hop and Buddy's. 

14. Fun at Home

Try an easy DIY sensory activity, like making a rice bin or scent jars. 

15. Children's Museum

Take a trip to the Children's Museum of Atlanta, which has a special play area reserved for babies two and under. 

16. Local Libraries

Check your local library's calendar (Fulton County listed here for example) for free, interactive story times for ages 0-5. 

17. Toy Stores

Visit an Atlanta toy store like the whimsical Treehouse Kid and Craft in Decatur or Kazoo Toys in Buckhead. 

18. Georgia Aquarium

Watch your baby stare in awe at colorful fish and giant sharks. 

19. Puppet Shows

See fairy tales come to life through puppets at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Midtown or at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. 

20. Books

Snuggle with your baby and read timeless books like The Very Hungry Catepillar and Harry the Dirty Dog. 

21. Parent and Baby Classes

Bond with your baby through Mommy and Me classes like Music Together or Gymboree. 

22. High Chair 

Turn baby's high chair into an activity center.

23. Sensory Play

Do lots of tummy time at home and visit The Bunny Hive in Chamblee for their sensory class for babies 0-18 months. 

Seasonal and Holiday Activities for Atlanta Babies

24. Snow

Play in the snow at Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Island's Snow Island. 

25. Sand

Dip baby's toes in the sand at a lake beach near Atlanta. 

26. Splash Pads

Splash at one of Atlanta's many spraygrounds. Bring cups to entertain your baby for hours. 

27. Fireworks

Look up in the sky on the 4th of July for amazing fireworks. (Don't forget headphones!) 

28. Halloween

Dress up your baby in an adorable (but comfortable) costume and take pics at a local pumpkin patch. 

29. Holiday Ride

Take your baby on a mini-roller coaster ride at the famous Macy's Pink Pig at Lenox Square Mall.

30. Celebrate

Say goodbye to your baby's first year with a party, a smash cake, and a photo shoot. Okay, now you might need to grab those tissues...