As a resident of Atlanta and writer for the Atlanta Visitors Bureau, one of my favorite things is discovering, visiting and sharing family friendly attractions in my area. I especially love finding places that are fun for kids and teens in Atlanta, because my family includes a lot of this demographic.
Not long ago we had friends visit us from California for the first time. — one of my best friends, Heather, and her teenage daughter, Hannah. When asked what they wanted to do in Atlanta, each had different ideas. Top on Hannah’s Atlanta Bucket List? World of Coca-Cola! Benjamin and I had never been, and were looking forward to visiting the popular Atlanta attraction for the first time. If you’re looking for fun things to do with with kids and teens in Atlanta, I totally recommend World of Coca-Cola.
This post contains affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Where is World of Coca-Cola located?
World of Coca-Cola is located in Midtown Atlanta, and shares a great lawn (called Pemberton Place) with some of Atlanta’s top attractions, Georgia Aquarium (very fun for all ages) and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. It’s also located near the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame and CNN Center, and is just across the street from Centennial Olympic Park.
Fun for the whole family.
There truly is something for everyone at the World of Coca-Cola. Kids, teens and adults alike will love visiting World of Coca-Cola. Certainly, if you love Coke, it’s even better. Benjamin had never tasted it before! After you pay admission and before enter the first room, they give you a choice of Coca-Cola beverages. It’s here where Benjamin enjoyed his first can of Coca-Cola, and he loved it!
What is there to do at World of Coca-Cola?
I don’t want to show you too much of the actual exhibits, because you really should experience them for yourself. There is a lot to see, and there are even hands-on and fun interactive exhibits that younger kids can enjoy. My favorites were the old adverts and the Olympic games pins. (You know how we love our trading pins!)
Benjamin loved the hands on activities and seeing the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and Heather loved seeing original artwork and old ads. Hannah loved ALL of it, especially the Gift Shop where she picked up lots of Coca-Cola swag. See? Truly something for all ages!
The Secret Formula to Coca-Cola
I honestly hadn’t spent any time considering that the Coca-Cola formula might be a highly-guarded secret, but it is… at least according to Coke! I even googled, “has anyone tried to steal the Coca-Cola formula?” The answer is yes! (Read about it here.) At World of Coca-Cola you can explore the Vault of the Secret Formula. So cool, even it is mostly a publicity stunt.
Check out this classic Coca-Cola commercial from 1953:
This is just a portion of the Olympic pins by Coca-Cola. I LOVED this exhibit! Here is a brief history of Coca-Cola Olympic pin trading:
If your child is anything like mine, then they are going to love the Tasting Room! We spent quite a bit of time there. Haha. Benjamin loved trying Coca-Cola products from around the world. His favorites were the Sprite with cucumber and pretty much all of the Fanta drinks. He really wanted to taste something gross (LOL, IKR?!), and found it in Beverly—an Italian soda. We really had so much fun here.
** Since originally publishing this post in August 2019, a lot has obviously changed in the world <ahem, COVID-19> and protocols have changed. As far as I can tell, visitors can still taste Coke products in the tasting center and there is also a new Scent Discovery Experience.
How much is World of Coca-Cola?
Atlanta’s World of Coca-Cola costs between $14 and $18 for admission but offers discounts to past and present Military members. In addition you can save big on World of Coca-Cola and other top attractions with Atlanta CityPass. This is a great deal if you are visiting from out of the area and want to hit some of the popular spots.
Save 45% on Atlanta’s 5 top attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!
Before you leave, you’ll be enticed to spend a small fortune in the gift shop. Souvenir shopping is always part of the fun though, right? *wink*
Tips for your visit for World of Coca-Cola:
- Eat a big breakfast and plan to have lunch afterward. The entire museum and gift shop can be enjoyed in under 3 hours. Pack a lunch to enjoy on the lawn, or purchase something from Pemberton Café. There are also local street vendors and restaurants nearby.
- Feel free to bring a camera! Photos are welcome in most places and there are plenty of great photo ops.
- Save money on admission with the pre-purchase of an Atlanta CityPASS. Save 40% off Atlanta’s 5 top attractions.
- COVID protocols remain in place requiring advance ticket purchase for timed entrance. Certain social distancing and mask protocols may apply at time for visit. It’s highly advised to visit their website for the latest information prior to visiting.
Looking for more fun things to do with kids and teens in Atlanta? Check out our ultimate Atlanta bucket list or look at these fun day trips for kids in Atlanta.
