Visiting the Fernbank Museum of Natural History with Kids

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the perfect addition to any weekend outing with kids in Atlanta Georgia. I visited Atlanta with my son for a long weekend, a few years ago, when he was 4 years old. It was our first trip post-Covid, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Atlanta is a small city (about ½ a million) with a BIG city feel.  Atlanta did not disappoint, and one of our favorite attractions ended up being the Natural History museum.  In addition to the Museum itself you’ll have access to 75 acres of outdoor adventure in the WildWoods exhibit and the Fernbank Forest.

Visiting the Fernbank Museum of Natural History with kids is a no-brainer, if you are looking for something to do on a weekend.

Where is Atlanta, Georgia?

Atlanta Georgia is located in the northwest section of Georgia.  It’s due east of Birmingham, Alabama, southeast of Nashville, due west of Charleston, and has one of the busiest airports in the world.  Atlanta is a great destination for a weekend getaway because flights are generally cheap to Atlanta.

Where is the Fernbank Museum of Natural History? 

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is 15 minutes due east, by car.  I recommend renting a car for your weekend getaway to Atlanta, staying downtown, and driving out to the Museum. 

Hours & Admission

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10am-5pm, and tickets must be purchased online, in advance.  The Fernbank Forest closes at 4:30pm, and the last entry into the Museum is at 4pm.. 

Admission for adults is $25.95 and for kids ages 3-12 its $23.95.  Children 2 and under are free, when accompanied by an adult.

Membership

There are three membership levels and the option to add on a guest or caregiver, to any membership.  The three membership levels are Individual, Family, and Patron. 

The Individual Membership is $80 for one person, and $115 for two.  The Family membership is $150, which includes 2 adults and 4 kiddos.  You can add a caregiver or guest to any membership for an additional $35/per year.

For the family membership, there’s the Family Explorer and the Family Adventurer.  The Family Explorer includes 2 adults, 4 children, 10% off on guest tickets, and discounts on birthday parties.  The Family Adventurer includes all the above, plus one ‘free’ guest or caregiver (for the year), plus 4 additional guest passes, for $180. 

What’s the better value? If you are a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 kids), it’ll cost you $99.80 to visit one time.  If you only have 3 people in your party, or you’ll only visit once per year, it’s better to pay as you go. You’ll have to do the math, but if you’ll go often, and with friends or family, the Family Adventurer is a good deal!

Parking

Parking is free and plentiful. 

Facilities for Nursing Moms

Georgia Breastfeeding Law

“A mother may breastfeed her baby in any location where the mother and baby are otherwise authorized to be.” – Per the Georgia legislature.

For those who would rather breastfeed in private, there are nursing and feeding stations on the 3^rd floor in the Naturalist Center, and the ladies restroom near the NatureQuest.

Changing stations are available in most of the bathrooms.

Fernbank Cafe & Store

Fernbank Café

The café is open from 11am-4pm, and you can find kid friendly food including pizza, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.

Fernbank Store

It’s a good size, not too overwhelming; however, they have all the things you expect from a Museum of Natural History store, including science kids, all things dinosaur, toys, rocks, and other souvenirs.

Exhibits Geared Towards Children

Permanent Exhibits: Permanent indoor exhibits include: A Walk Through Time in Georgia, Conveyed in Clay, Fantastic Forces, Giants of the Mesozoic, NatureQuest, Our Favorite Things, Reflections of Culture, Sky High, Star Gallery, STEAM Lab, and the World of Shells.

Permanent outdoor exhibits include Fernbank Forest, the Rain Garden, Fernbank’s Tiny Door, and Wildwoods.

Temporary Exhibits: are usually on for 1-2 months, and include things like Mirro Mazes, an exhibit on Spiders (or other animal), a temporary outdoor exhibit, and other natural history concepts. Check out the Fernbank Natural History Museum Special Exhibits page here.

Takeaway

Would I recommend the Fernbank Natural History Museum with kids? YES!  Next time you are in Atlanta, check this place out!  And if you are spending a weekend in Atlanta, also check out Stone Mountain with kids for some more outdoor fun!