Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, GA
We are on a bit of a whirlwind tour of the south, primarily to visit relatives. Our latest stop was Atlanta, Georgia for a quick overnight with Kendra’s Aunt Linda and Uncle Doug, who are both super awesome. They treated us to Thai food for dinner, and then Aunt Linda sent us to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History the next day.
We were lucky enough to meet up with old friends from Kendra’s City Year days, and their two lovely beans. They explored the museum with us, which gave us time to catch up on each others’ lives.
The kids could have easily spent the entire day at the Fernbank Museum, but we only had a few hours before we headed to Tennessee, so we tried to make the most of our visit.
Our first stop was the Giants of the Mesozoic installation, which features fossil casts of dinosaurs, including Argentinosaurus and Giganotosaurus. There were several small stations around the base of the exhibit which caught the kids’ attention. We spent about 20 minutes exploring the area.
WildWoods at the Fernbank Museum
Our next stop was the WildWoods, a unique outdoor adventure experience. The kids led the way on the elevated walkway that wound through the treetops, right to the Adventure Outpost. Even though it was geared toward older kids, our loved climbing through the structures.
Kate gravitated to the Weather Station, which featured several instruments including a barometer, thermometer, hygrometer, and an anemometer. I helped Kate read each one and record her observations.
Strewn throughout the Wildwoods were beautiful sculptures created by David Rogers, as well as sensory stations for the kids to explore.
As we followed the path, we came to the nature gallery, which featured a temporary exhibit, Games in the Gallery. The kids had a blast playing checkers, balancing on the obstacles, see-sawing, and posing in the oversized picture frames.
After spending an hour or so outside, we moved back indoors. Most of the kids wandered into the Monster Fish exhibit, while Kate and Addison worked hard on crayon rubbings of birds.
Eventually, we all headed to the museum’s cafe. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the atmosphere. A musician was playing the piano, so we enjoyed listening to songs from a variety of movies while we munched on lunch.
When we finished lunch, we headed back to WildWoods to explore Nature Stories. This small playground was perfect for the kids. They had fun climbing, playing music, and exploring the water structure.
There was so much more to explore at the museum, including more exhibits and 3-D movies, but we ran out of time. The kids didn’t seem to mind – they had so much fun. We will definitely make a return visit to the Fernbank Museum next time we are in Atlanta.
Planning Ahead
The museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
Cost: $20 for adults, $18 for children ages 3-12, $19 for seniors (65+). Members are free. Group rates are available – call the museum at 404-929-6320 for more details.
Special Events: There are a wide variety of events and activities that vary daily, so make sure to check the museum’s website to plan your visit.
Directions to the Fernbank Museum
The museum is located at 767 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
From Interstates 75 and 85: Take exit 248C John Lewis Freedom Parkway (GA 10 East) near downtown Atlanta. Go 1.7 miles to Ponce de Leon Avenue and turn right; continue 1.7 miles to Clifton Road and turn left; go 1/10 mile to the museum entrance and turn right.
From Interstate 20: Take exit 60B for US-23 N/Moreland Ave. Continue 2 miles and take a right on Ponce De Leon Ave NE. Take a left on Clifton Road and the museum entrance will be on your right.
From I-285/Highway 78: Go west on Highway 78 and merge onto Lawrenceville Highway (GA 29). Note: This road changes names several times and will eventually become Ponce de Leon Avenue. Once you reach an arched stone overpass go 1 mile to Clifton Road and turn right. Go 1/10 mile to the Museum entrance and turn right.
Public Transportation (Marta)
Take the North/South Rail line to the North Avenue station or the East Lake station. Board bus #2, designated as Ponce de Leon Avenue. Ask the driver to drop you at the corner of Clifton Road. Walk to your north down Clifton Road, and Fernbank will be the first drive on your right.
Parking
Parking is free, but space is limited. Additional parking is available on S. Ponce De Leon Avenue.
Jen, although I have visited Atlanta Georgia numerous times, I have just discovered through your blog this amazing place called “Fernbank Museum”. What a way to travel through the natural history of our planet and connect with some of the mysteries that have made our universe possible!!!
Wow, my kiddos practically grew up at Fernbank but that was long before the WildWoods thing! It looks so cool. They would have loved that. Thanks for sharing and taking me down memory lane. Big love to your fabulous crew!