Taking the family to museums is a fantastic way to expose them to art, history, and cultures from around the world. Our team at Crème de la Crème of Buckhead has put together this list of the top five museums you need to visit in the Atlanta, Georgia, area for a fun day with the family.

Atlanta History Center

Everyone in the family will find something entertaining when you take them to the Atlanta History Center. You have over 33 acres to explore at this museum, including historic homes, colorful gardens, and exciting exhibitions. Because of the various activities offered at the Atlanta History Center, consider becoming a member so you can visit often. In addition to seeing artifacts, artwork, and gorgeous flowers, you can attend special events and programs designed to enrich your family’s educational experience.

Location: 130 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta.

Contact: 404-814-4000.

Days and times: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The historic houses are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Members are free; $24 for adults aged 13 to 64; $20 for adults 65 and up; $10 for youths 4 to 12; and children under 3 are free.

Steffen Thomas Museum of Art

The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is a unique museum in that it only features the works of a single artist — Steffen Thomas. As you visit this 13,000-square-foot museum, you’ll see the diverse range of art by Mr. Thomas, including paintings and sculptures he created. This museum is an ideal destination to take students on a field trip where they can have a guided tour of special exhibitions.

After a wonderful afternoon visiting the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art, take your family to any of Buckhead’s restaurants that are notable for serving exotic ethnic food.

Location: 4200 Bethany Road, Buckhead.

Contact: 706-342-7557.

Days and times: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Admission: $10 for adults up to 64; $8 for adults 65 and over; $8 for students; and children under 6 are free.

SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film

Anyone interested in fashion and film should visit the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film located in the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). You’ll see fashion-focused exhibitions and be able to view films and performances at this unique museum. Within the museum’s permanent collections, you’ll find elegant garments from famous designers such as Pierre Cardin, Diane von Furstenburg, and Karl Lagerfeld.

Every year, the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film hosts the star-studded Savannah Film Festival, where prominent actors, producers, and directors discuss the art of film and business and show films from a range of eras. When you become a member of this museum, you can visit frequently to see the rotating exhibits that have included Madam Gres: The Art of Draping and Robert Wun: Between Reality and Fantasy.

Location: 1600 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta.

Contact: 404-253-3132.

Days and times: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

Admission: Members are free; $10 for adults; $8 for military personnel; $5 for college students and alumni; and kids under 14, as well as faculty and staff of the museum, are free.

Delta Flight Museum

Flight buffs will appreciate the interactive and fascinating exhibits at the Delta Flight Museum. The flight simulator is one of the highlights of a tour of the Delta Flight Museum, as is a guided tour of the hangars that house airplanes such as the Boeing 747, McDonnell Douglas DC-9, or the Huff Island Duster.

As you wander through the museum, you’ll see exhibit cases that tell the story and history of Delta and get to go inside the Boeing 767, The Spirit of Delta, and the Boeing 747 Ship 6301 airplanes. Before leaving, stop by the museum store to pick up souvenirs such as stuffed animals, travel apparel, or model planes.

Location: 1060 Delta Blvd. Building B, Department 914 in Delta’s original 1940s-era aircraft hangar, Atlanta.

Contact: 404-715-7886.

Days and times: Museum and store — 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. Hangar — 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. B-747 Experience — 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday.

Admission: $15 for adults 18 to 64; $12.50 for adults 65 and older; $10 for youth 5 to 17; and children under 4 are free.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is more than just a museum. It also features an old-growth Piedmont forest where you can hike the immersive trails, explore the tree-top canopy, and see replica dinosaurs in the 75 acres of WildWoods and Fernbank Forest. Indoor exhibits include “A Walk Through Time in Georgia” with life-size dinosaurs, “World of Shells,” and the mesmerizing “Star Gallery.” When you want to give your feet a rest, sit down in the 3D IMAX theater to see films that range from “Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa” or “Wings Over Water.”

If you’re looking for a special event at this natural history museum, mark your calendar for the second Friday of every month, where you can experience Fernbank After Dark. These Friday night events are ideal for date night or to enjoy with friends, where the staff offers activities such as dancing, live music, and savoring adult cocktails. Check the Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s website often for educational camps, lectures, and other unique events.

Location: 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta.

Contact: 404-929-6300.

Days and times: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Fernbank Forest closes at 4:40 p.m.

Admission: Members are free; $25.95 for adults ages 13 to 64; $23.95 for adults 65 and older; and $23.95 for children 3 to 12. Reserve your tickets in advance.

We’re so fortunate to have a diverse range of museums to visit in our area. Which one’s your favorite? Let us know if you have a suggestion for other fabulous museums in the Buckhead, Georgia, area. We always enjoy sharing this information with others in our community.

Atlanta History Center – Swan House by Mike Finn is licensed with CC BY 2.0