Georgia: Atlanta, CityPASS Family Vacation Ideas - Dinosaurs, Art, and an Aquarium. 
Unlike many U.S. cities, Atlanta’s attractions aren’t a line-up of doorways on crowded streets. Each one is expansive, full of personality and distinctive placement; many are remarkable for their beautiful buildings, unique collections and exhibitions. The city is trendy and energizing offering visitors Southern style and plenty of cool stuff for families.
CityPASS Atlanta, which debuted in September of 2006, offers four family-friendly signature attractions, a choice of two others, plus select dining, touring and shopping savings coupons. What’s included? Georgia Aquarium, Inside CNN Atlanta Studio Tour, World of Coca-Cola, and a choice between the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or High Museum of Art, and a choice between the Atlanta History Center or Zoo Atlanta.
Go for the High Art. Select a favorite era or topic at the High Museum of Art, but prepare to be lured into new galleries, new discoveries. The High Museum has forged an unprecedented alliance with the Louvre Museum, presenting one-of-a-kind exhibitions of the Paris museums collections for the next three years. This year, visitors are invited to revel in The King’s Drawings, and Kings as Collectors collections.
Not to be missed: The Art of the South collection is a great myriad of pieces from the American South in all its moods, from the dark to the joyful.
Just for kids: The kids’ corner section of the permanent collection features a selection of art that kids can relate to - visually stimulating and diverse pieces which help make art fun for kids.
Are you thirsty? The World of Coca-Cola® Museum is an awesome 20-acre complex is located across Baker Street from Centennial Olympic Park and shares Pemberton Place with the Georgia Aquarium. Visitors experience the rich heritage and global reach of Coca-Cola®, the world’s most popular soft drink. The facility showcases the complete story—past, present, and future including a thrilling 4-D theater. The Pop Culture Gallery onsite features works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, and Steve Penley.
Bonus points: 
Many World of CocaCola Ambassadors speak multiple languages.
Not to be missed: See a fully operative bottling line that produces commemorative 8-ounce bottles of CocaCola® and a tasting experience with more than 70 different products to sample.
Just for families: Even before you arrive in Atlanta it is possible to enjoy an interactive experience by creating your own “pop art” using tools from the website. Once at the new museum look for the Coca-Cola® Bear at The Hub of the complex.
Go for the news. With kids and even adults, seeing is believing and behind the scenes television offers a first person experience. Breaking news infuses Inside CNN Atlanta Studio Tour with undeniable excitement. In the very heart of downtown Atlanta, a 55-minute guided walking tour is an eye-opening insight into how CNN gathers and broadcasts news from around the world.
Not to be missed: The control room jargon sheet (found on the tour’s site) is a must for anyone looking a true behind the scenes experience.
Just for families: On the CNN Atlanta site there’s a CNN scavenger hunt which tests your CNN knowledge before and after the tour.
Dinosaurs, history and a Coca-Cola® adventure. At Fernbank Museum of Natural History, come face to face with the world’s largest dinosaurs, discover Georgia’s natural history, explore the development of life on Earth, experience the world through interactive exhibits and treat yourself to an IMAX® film. (IMAX ®requires separate admission).
Bonus points: If you visit on a weekend, make sure to take part in the museum’s Weekend Wonders – events which feature live animal encounters, interesting animal facts and natural-history-themed crafts.
Not to be missed: The Martha H. Ellis Children’s Discovery Rooms allow children to explore the basic concepts of the natural world in fascinating imaginary environments, like the Fantasy Forest and the Coca-Cola Georgia Adventure.
Just for kids: The museum offers a storytelling series, Kids’ Nature Workshops, and even hosts nature exploration programs specially designed for the 3-5 age group.
Sheep, mud and a Southern song. The Atlanta History Center makes time travel. Walk in wondering; walk out in wonder. Explore the history of the South through award-winning exhibitions; the 1845 Tullie Smith Farm and 1928 Swan House mansion; the Centennial Olympic Games Museum; and 33 acres of beautiful gardens and trails at the Atlanta History Center.
Bonus points: On the edge of the Center’s beautiful gardens is the Swan Woods trail, a half-mile walk on the wild side through ten acres of beautiful Georgia forest.
Not to be missed: The Atlanta History Center hosts a variety of family-oriented events, from the informative Sheep to Shawl and Made from Mud programs, to the musical Traditional Irish program.
Just for kids: From storytelling to historical reenactment, the Center offers a variety of kid-centric programs throughout the year.
Rocking elephants, an ark and lots of gorillas.
Zoo Atlanta is known for its lush naturalistic habitats and an exciting collection of animals including rare giant pandas and one of the nation’s largest collections of Western lowland gorillas.
Bonus points: Zoo Atlanta has a freestanding rock-climber, and endangered species carousel and a Zoo express train – great additions to a day at the zoo.
Not to be missed: The Kids Interactive Discovery Zone (or KIDZone) is great for younger zoo visitors. Complete with rocking elephants, turtles, bears, and rabbits, and an ark featuring steering wheels, compasses, a telegraph station, climbing nets and a slide.
Just for families: Zoo Atlanta has a fantastic overnight program called the Family NightCrawler. Participants meet animals up close, participate in games and exclusive program activities and take a grand tour of Zoo Atlanta in the morning.
One fish, two fish. The Georgia Aquarium is really a marvel with aquatic appeal. New to the planet the state-of-the-art aquarium contains a confounding eight million gallons of water make it home to more than 120,000 animals of 500 different species. The aquarium is a spectacular display of color, ocean life, and grand-scale entertainment, giving visitors the sensation descending deep into a rarely seen undersea world.
Bonus: Check out the aquarium’s website for discounts on IMAX tickets and much more.
Not to be missed: The aquarium’s 4-D theatre features an animated 3-D film, a live actor, and interactive seats, offering spectators a whole new way to experience the underwater world.
Just for kids: The aquarium offers a series of age-appropriate ocean exploration programs ranging from underwater detective mysteries to coral reef exploration.
Atlanta CityPASS This pocket sized pass book includes: Georgia Aquarium, Inside CNN Atlanta Studio Tour, World of Coca-Cola, and a choice between the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and the High Museum of Art, and a choice between the Atlanta History Center or Zoo Atlanta. Call toll-free 1-888-330-5008 or
CityPASS Atlanta
High Museum of Art. 1280 Peachtree Street, N.E. 1(404) 733-HIGH or
www.high.org Georgia Aquarium. 225 Baker St. 1(404) 581-4000 or
www.georgiaaquarium.org World of Coca-Cola. Pemberton Place™, 121 Baker St. 1-800-676-COKE or
www.woccatlanta.com CNN Atlanta Studio Tour. One CNN Center. 1(404) 827-2300, 1-877-4CNNTOUR or
www.cnn.com/tour/atlanta Fernbank Museum of Natural History. 767 Clifton Road, N.E. 1(404) 929-6300 or
www.fernbank.edu Atlanta History Center. 130 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. 1(404) 814-4000 or
www.atlhist.org Zoo Atlanta. 800 Cherokee Avenue. 1(404) 624-5600 or
www.zooatlanta.org General text and /images/ezine provided by CityPass.com. Bonus points for families researched by Travel Communications staff. Copyright 2012.
