Not just for kids: 7 Atlanta attractions fun for adults

New warthog piglets born at Zoo Atlanta

Aren’t kids adorable?

No, not when it’s time for the much-needed adult interaction that so many parents — and non-parents for that matter— yearn to have without any interruptions.

The following places are frequented by the sticky fingered, ever-energized subset of our population.

What you’re about to find out is that they all offer a little something just for adults.

Here are a few family-favorite attractions with a little twist that allow for a whole new experience for those of us old enough to vote:

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is always open for party animals. One of their more popular events, Brew at the Zoo, happens every Memorial Day weekend. This 21 and up event is just the right mix of simple pleasures (I could watch the pandas eat bamboo all day), great music, classic outdoor games, and lots of beer and wine. For those who want a more VIP experience, you can upgrade your ticket purchase to include a pre-party gathering, a t-shirt and other essential perks offered throughout the course of the evening. Out of all the festivals and events going on this spring, this is one that gives adults exclusive access to an age-old attraction with lots to offer!

Location: East Atlanta - 800 Cherokee Ave SE; Website: zooatlanta.org; Contact: 404-624-5600

Center for Puppetry Arts

Who doesn’t love a good puppet show? From old socks donned with googly eyes to the Muppets, we all have a connection to this exciting performing arts tradition. If you have a soft spot for this type of entertainment, The Center for Puppetry Arts might be your new favorite destination. They offer a few shows that are geared for audiences with an average age much higher than 7. Experience several short performances with varying puppetry mediums, during their “Xperimental Puppetry Theater.” If you prefer single, full-length shows with storylines best suited for adults, they offer those too. Check their website for scheduled performances and details.

Location: Midtown - 1404 Spring St NW; Website: puppet.org; Contact: 404-873-3391

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank After Dark is a great go-to at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Food, music, full bar, giant IMAX movie screen – can’t imagine a better way to end the work week. This event is offered the second Friday each month from 7pm - 11pm, and they offer student and senior discounts!

Location: East Atlanta - 767 Clifton Rd; Website: fernbankmuseum.org; Contact: 404-929-6300

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium hosts several “Science on Tap” and “Sips Under the Sea” events throughout the year. They’re a great opportunity for adult crowds to enjoy the sights and themed attractions within the aquarium without the stresses of stroller parking and tripping over toddlers in awe of the nautical wonders.

Location: Downtown - 225 Baker St NW; Website: georgiaaquarium.org; Contact: 404-581-4000

Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center has kicked-off an exciting series of events for young professionals. “Party with the Past” brings history class to shame as it offers food, beer, activities and a guest speaker ready to enlighten participants with some great insight into Atlanta’s earlier days. Each event is located at a different location around the city – refer to the Party with the Past section of their website for more info.

Location: Buckhead/Northeast - 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com; Contact: 404-814-4000

Legoland

Legoland is typically the setting for a perfect storm of excessive energy and piercing shrills of joy that erupt from kids running from one attraction to another. Imagine a more peaceful opportunity to take in the intricate detail displayed in a model of Atlanta and surrounding landmarks made entirely of Legos. In addition to basking in the tiny building block glory, participants of “Adult Night” enjoy activities that catapult them back to their early days of constructing structural masterpieces brick-by-brick. This event is held on the third Thursday of every month from 7pm - 9pm, and it’s worth investigating if you’re up for tapping into your creative and playful side.

Location: Buckhead - 3500 Peachtree Rd NE; Website: legolanddiscoverycenter.com; Contact: 404-848-9252

SkyZone

Trampolines are fixtures in so many childhood memories. SkyZone is a place for kids of all ages to have access to not one, but several interconnected trampolines to create the most epic bouncing experience ever. Locations are currently just in the ‘burbs (Roswell, Suwanee, and Kennesaw).

Location: Roswell - 1425 Market Blvd Ste 100-A, Roswell, GA 30076; McDonough - 165 Mill Rd, McDonough, GA 30253; Website: skyzone.com; Contact: Roswell - 678-745-9900; McDonough - 770-914-9444

Now go and show off those 18+ IDs, claim your adulthood, and enjoy what’s out there just for you!

This story was originally published by Katie Pressly in 2016 and has since been updated.

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