Children's Museums
Fernbank Science Center
📍 156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307🕐 Hours
| Monday | 12–4 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–4 PM |
| Thursday | 12–10 PM |
| Friday | 3–10 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Fernbank Science Center
Hands-on exhibits & planetarium shows. Natural history museum featuring hands-on exhibits, live animals & planetarium shows. Houses an actual Apollo 6 Command Module that has been to space, serving as a genuine NASA artifact and centerpiece of the center's space exploration exhibits. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 366 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Science Center
- Best For
- All ages
- Main Features
- Planetarium shows, interactive exhibit hall
- Admission
- Free exhibit hall, planetarium tickets vary
- Hours
- Mon-Wed 12-4 PM, Thu-Fri 12-10 PM, Sat 10 AM-4 PM
💡 Did You Know?
- Houses an actual Apollo 6 Command Module that has been to space, serving as a genuine NASA artifact and centerpiece of the center's space exploration exhibits
- Features a 360-degree planetarium theater, which creates an immersive experience described by visitors as uniquely engaging compared to standard planetariums
- Operates a live honeybee hive exhibit that is frequently mentioned in visitor reviews as a notable attraction, with dedicated bee-focused displays
- Offers sensory-friendly programming through 'Sensory Science Hour' on Wednesdays in July with low-sensory planetarium shows and dimmed lighting, representing a specialized accessibility initiative
- Provides completely free admission to the exhibit hall with no reservations required, making it one of the most accessible science centers in terms of cost barrier to entry
💬 What Visitors Say
- Book planetarium show tickets online before your visit—the 360-degree dome theater is the highlight of the experience and shows frequently sell out or have limited availability, especially during peak times
- Visit on a weekday (especially Monday or between show times) to avoid school groups and enjoy a less crowded experience while still accessing all exhibits
- Plan for 2-3 hours total: the planetarium show runs 45 minutes with expert panel discussions afterward, and the exhibit hall is compact but feature-rich with botanical displays, live bee hives, reptile habitats, and actual NASA hardware like the Apollo 6 Command Module
- The entire exhibit hall is completely free with no reservations needed—only planetarium shows require paid tickets, making this ideal for budget-conscious families who want to explore before committing to a show
- Attend a Sensory Science Hour on Wednesday evenings in July if you have children or family members who are sensitive to stimulation—the planetarium show and exhibits are specially adapted with dimmed lighting and reduced volume in a low-capacity environment
Other Children's Museums in Atlanta
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Children's Museums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section