If you’re looking for a fun day trip the whole family can participate in, the Atlanta area is home to some of the best amusement parks and water-parks in the South. From roller coasters to miniature golf, big parks to smaller attractions, there’s something for everyone on this list. Here are our picks for the best amusement parks in Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
| Amusement Park | Website | Location |
| Six Flags over Georgia | Link | Austell |
| Six Flags White Water | Link | Marietta |
| Wild Adventures | Link | Valdosta |
| Lake Winnie Amusement Park | Link | Rossville/Chattanooga |
| SOAKya Water Park | Link | Rossville/Chattanooga |
| Stone Mountain Park | Link | Stone Mountain |
| Fun Spot America | Link | Fayetteville |
| Centennial Olympic Park | Link | Atlanta |
| Skyline Park | Link | Atlanta |
| Splash Island Waterpark | Link | Hiawassee |
| LEGOLAND Discovery Center | Link | Atlanta |
Amusement Parks in Atlanta
1. Six Flags Over Georgia
For thrill-seekers, there’s no better place than Six Flags Over Georgia. This amusement park is located in Cobb County, just to the west of the Atlanta perimeter. Adventurous park-goers can hop on the Dahlonega Mine Train or Acrophobia while families with younger children can enjoy a calm trip through one of several kiddie rides, such as Monster Mansion or Up, Up, and Away.
There are many games and activities at Six Flags Over Georgia as well, such as the Boomtown Arcade or the Adventure Camp playground. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or you’re looking for a family trip, Six Flags is always a great time.
If you’re a nervous rider, you can even find POV videos of many of the rides on YouTube before you go. Check out this one of Goliath:
2. Six Flags White Water
During the sweltering Georgia summer, there are few better places to spend the day than Six Flags White Water. Located in Marietta about twenty miles from downtown Atlanta, Six Flags White Water is one of the best water parks in the Atlanta area.
Guests can enjoy the wave pool, which simulates the ocean’s tides, or relax in the lazy river and drift along with the current. The park also boasts around twenty water slides – everything from a quick, fun ride to a terrifying drop. Children can also play on Skull Island, which is one of the largest water playgrounds in the United States.
3. Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is one of the most famous Georgia theme parks. While you won’t find any roller coasters, you will find plenty of games and attractions that are fun for the whole family. You can play a round of mini-golf, scope out the great view from the Skyride, or even go ziplining.
Stone Mountain Park also has a rich local history, making it an excellent trip if you want to blend education with fun. The Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad makes a five-mile loop around the park, letting visitors see the beautiful scenery while learning about history. A laser light show is projected onto the side of the mountain each night, and it’s a great way to round out the end of your trip.
4. Fun Spot America Atlanta
Fun Spot is the perfect place to go if you want a large variety of attractions to choose from. From bumper boats to the Screaming Eagle Coaster, there’s sure to be something for everyone in your group here. If the weather is less than ideal, you can even take advantage of some indoor attractions, such as the bumper cars and the arcade.
Fun Spot America is also known for their four-story go-kart track, which is always a hit with any car-obsessed kids. It’s the largest go-kart track in the state of Georgia, with several helixes and exhilarating drops. The go-kart track alone makes this theme park worth a visit.
5. Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is unlike any other option on this list: admission is free! Enjoy a walk around this must-see park, located in downtown Atlanta just a short walk from the Georgia Aquarium.
Just because you’re not paying an arm and a leg doesn’t mean you won’t have a good time. Children can run through the Fountain of Rings on warm days and enjoy the decorative fountain that also acts as a splash pad. Families can also buy a ticket to ride the nearby Skyview Atlanta Ferris Wheel for a beautiful view of the city. There are often street performers nearby putting on shows, and the park is surrounded by several of the best restaurants Atlanta has to offer.
6. Skyline Park
Located on the Ponce City Market rooftop, Skyline Park is a local favorite that acts as both a popular hangout for the younger crowd and a fun day trip for families. The rooftop has a mini-golf course, vintage carnival games. It even has a couple of classic amusement park rides: a three-story slide and a Heege Tower.
The best part about Skyline Park is that it’s located right in Midtown, so you can enjoy the fun activities there without having to leave the perimeter. Even if you’re not interested in the games, the view can’t be beat. Settle down at the bar with a cocktail and a snack and enjoy the view.
7. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is an Atlanta favorite. With rides, activities, and many other family-friendly attractions, this is a great choice for families with younger children. Kids can meet their favorite LEGO characters, watch a movie in the 4D Cinema, or experience a thrilling race in a VR game. They even have an amusement park ride, Merlin’s Apprentice, which kids of all ages can ride.
The most notorious part of this theme park is the LEGO MINILAND, which contains the LEGO version of many famous Atlanta landmarks, like Centennial Park and the Georgia Aquarium. LEGOLAND is located in Buckhead and is definitely worth a visit.
Other Amusement Parks in Georgia
8. Marina Station Water Park (Hiawassee)
Marina Station Water Park is located in Hiawassee, which is on the Georgia-North Carolina border about an hour and a half away from downtown Atlanta. There are a variety of activities and slides for kids of all ages, including a 16-foot otter slide, a cyclone swirling ride, and several splash pad-like attractions all over the park.
Marina Station Water Parkis open during the warmer months each year from May to September, and usually opens after Memorial Day.
Address: 3379 US-76, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Phone: (706) 896-2262
9. Wild Adventures (Valdosta)
The Wild Adventures theme park is an animal-themed amusement park in Valdosta, with 170 acres of rides and activities to participate in. Guests can even board the Safari Train or the Alapaha Trail to see real animals from all over the world, including black bears, capybaras, and pythons. This animal park is one of only a few safari experiences in the state of Georgia!
This child-friendly park contains many family rides, like Hopping Gators and the Century Wheel. But that doesn’t mean adults have to be bored, since there are also some thrilling roller coasters, such as Swamp Thing and Swinging Safari. This amusement park is a great choice for thrill-seekers, families, or even just animal lovers.
Address: 3766 Old Clyattville Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 219-7080
10. Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park (Rossville)
Lake Winnepesaukah, known locally as Lake Winnie, is home to one of the most impressive amusement parks in the state of Georgia. This park contains traditional coasters and child-friendly rides. There’s even a kiddie coaster, the Wacky Worm, for the more adventurous kids. Families can also enjoy a large selection of carnival games, where they can try their luck to win prizes.
This park is located right on the Georgia-Tennessee line near Chattanooga, so it’s a bit of a trek from the city. However, it’s definitely worth the drive if you’re located farther north.
Location: 1730 Lakeview Dr, Rossville, GA 30741
Phone: (706) 866-5681
11. SOAKya Water Park (Rossville)
SOAKya Water Park is a water park located inside of the Lake Winnie Amusement Park near Chattanooga. This water park has all of the common family favorites, such as an interactive aquatic playground and several water slides, but it has some one-of-a-kind attractions too. The Coke Float Cove is a challenging obstacle course that’s great for older children, and the Crazy River is a fun twist on the classic lazy river ride, with a few more thrills and surprises.
The best part about SOAKya Water Park is that it’s located within Lake Winnie Amusement Park, so it’s possible to go to both in one day, or to stay the night in nearby Chattanooga for a mini-vacation.
Location: 1730 Lakeview Dr, Rossville, GA 30741
Phone: (706) 866-5681
Money-Saving Tips for Amusement Parks in Atlanta
Though many theme parks give a good bang for your buck when it comes to attractions, paying for food, water, and souvenirs can get expensive for large families. It’s always a good idea to bring snacks along with you, since most theme parks will allow outside food and beverages as long as there are no glass bottles or containers. This backpack cooler on Amazon is handy if you don’t want to carry around an ice chest all day.
You can also bring a reusable water bottle along with you. Most amusement parks have water fountains scattered throughout, and if you bring a refillable bottle, you won’t need to pay inflated prices to buy them in the park. A Hydro Flask is a great choice, since they keep your beverage cold all day.
Most amusement parks also have cheaper tickets during the off-season. Taking a trip in November rather than June might save you a few dollars per ticket!
Final Thoughts on Amusement Parks in Atlanta
With so many theme parks in Atlanta, you’re sure to find something that will fit you or your family’s needs. Most of these amusement parks are located close to hotels and family resorts, so you can even book a trip for a few days to see all of the sights and attractions. We hope you have a great time at all of these Atlanta amusement parks!
If you’re driving from Atlanta and looking for a beach destination, there are 30 ocean beaches near Atlanta worth exploring for your next trip! Be sure to also check out our article on Indoor Water Parks in Myrtle Beach if you’re looking for something a little farther north!
