Nestled in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Pemberton Place is a vibrant 20-acre plaza that combines history, fun, and education, making it a top destination for families with children. Named after John Pemberton, the inventor of Coca-Cola, the area has undergone a transformation from a declining neighborhood to a thriving cultural and tourist hub.
🏛 A Brief History of Pemberton Place
Pemberton Place is situated on land that once encompassed ten city blocks of small businesses and residences. By the 1960s, the area had declined, but its transformation began in the 1990s as part of Atlanta’s revitalization for the 1996 Olympic Games. Coca-Cola purchased and developed the property into Coca-Cola Olympic City. After the Olympics, the company donated the land to create Pemberton Place—an inviting space for world-class attractions and family-friendly experiences.
🌳 Centennial Olympic Park: A Space to Unwind
Located adjacent to Pemberton Place, Centennial Olympic Park was built to commemorate the 1996 Summer Olympics. This 22-acre park now serves as a central greenspace and gathering spot in downtown Atlanta. With splash pads, playgrounds, and open lawns, it’s perfect for a family picnic or a quick break between attractions.
🌊 Georgia Aquarium: A Must-Visit for Families
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the crown jewels of Pemberton Place—and for good reason. It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world and a dream destination for families. The moment you step inside, you’re transported into a magical underwater world.
Why Families with Kids Will Love It:
- 🐋 Whale Sharks – As of March 2025, it is the only aquarium in North America to house whale sharks. Kids are awestruck seeing these gentle giants glide in a massive tank.
- 🦈 Hammerhead Sharks – Spot these uniquely shaped predators in the Ocean Voyager exhibit.
- 🐳 Beluga Whales – These expressive white whales are a joy to watch, especially during feeding time.
- 🐬 Dolphin & Sea Lion Shows – High-energy shows filled with splashes, jumps, and laughter.
- 🐧 Penguins – Great hands-on learning experiences for young kids.
📝 Tips:
- Buy tickets online in advance and plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here.
- The Dolphin and Sea Lion shows require reservations (first come, first served at no extra charge) that can be made on the morning of the visit via the app or at the aquarium.
- Try to arrive at least 20 minutes early at the venue to get a preferred seat.
🎟 Ticket Info:
- Adults & Children (3-12): $39.95++ onwards. Varies depending on the day and time of the visit.
- Ages 2 & under: Free
- Tickets can be purchased from the official website: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
🥤World of Coca-Cola: Sparkling Fun for All Ages
Just steps from the aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola invites families to explore the magic behind one of the world’s most iconic beverages. This colorful, interactive museum will keep kids engaged from start to finish.
Family Favorites Include:
- 🌍 Taste It! – Sample 100+ Coca-Cola products from around the globe. Some are sweet, some are strange—and kids love the surprise!
- 👃 Scent Discovery – Kids get to play smell detectives and learn how scent affects taste.
- 🔐 Vault of the Secret Formula – Enter a high-tech, interactive journey to discover the mystery of Coca-Cola’s legendary recipe.
- 🐻 Meet the Coca-Cola Polar Bear – A lovable mascot and photo-op favorite for all ages.
🎟 Ticket Info:
- Adults: $21++
- Children (3-12): $19++
- Ages 2 & under: Free
- Tickets can be purchased from the official website: https://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/
Other Nearby Attractions for Families
There’s more to discover just a short walk from Pemberton Place:
- SkyView Atlanta – Ride a 200-foot Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the city skyline.
- 🏈 College Football Hall of Fame – Touchscreens and VR booths bring the sport to life—even for those new to football.
- 🚋 The Peachtree Trolley Company – Hop on an old-fashioned red trolley for a relaxing, narrated tour of Atlanta’s key attractions. A must-do for first-time visitors!
👉 Take a peek into our trolley adventure here: https://wp.me/p6HQ26-2kn
Final Thoughts
We had such a fun day at Pemberton Place! We were amazed by the whale sharks and belugas at the Georgia Aquarium, and we all had a great time tasting sodas from around the world at the World of Coca-Cola.
✨ Whether it’s your first time in Atlanta or you’ve been before, we definitely recommend spending a day here. There’s something for everyone!
🗣️ Have you been to Pemberton Place? What was your family’s favorite part? Drop a comment below!
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