Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Activity Overview

Come face-to-face with the world's largest dinosaurs, explore the development of life on Earth through the landscapes of present-day Georgia, connect with cultures from around the world, and more as you explore Fernbank's permanent exhibitions including "Giants of the Mesozoic," the largest dinosaurs in the world.

Fernbank also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, so there's always something new to discover. This 12,000-square-foot gallery, one of the largest in Atlanta, has been the site of superb traveling exhibitions from the world's most prestigious museums, including those developed by Fernbank.

Things to See & Do

Highlights of Fernbank Museum of Natural History include a 900-gallon saltwater aquarium, children's discovery rooms, a rose garden, and a dining room that offers a view of a 65-acre hardwood forest.

Fossil Floors - Watch where you step… you are walking on fossils! The floors of Fernbank Museum are made of 40,000 limestone tiles, each containing fossil remains of animals that lived in a shallow reef more than 150 million years ago.

Nature Quest - The museum’s NatureQuest is an innovative children's wing featuring interaction with live animal habitats and exploration of ecosystems found throughout the state and in their own backyard. With hands-on activities for children of all ages, NatureQuest's multi-level clubhouse provides an immersive experience for the whole family.

Star Gallery - Explore the nighttime sky in this unique star gallery of 542 twinkling stars and discover a variety of constellations, from Orion to the Big Dipper.

Fernbank Forest - A hidden gem among the hustle of Atlanta, Fernbank Forest is a 65-acre undisturbed, mature mixed hardwood forest.

Rose Garden - Some of the most beautiful roses to ever bloom can be found in the Robert L. Staton Memorial Rose Garden at Fernbank Museum.

Rain Garden - Learn how Fernbank Museum works to conserve fresh water by redirecting parking lot runoff into a garden of native plant species in the Rain Garden.

Terrace Overlook - Glimpse into the past at Fernbank's Terrace Overlook, a young woodland that has reclaimed former gardens. Observe the natural beauty of a forest ecosystem and become inspired by its ever-changing appearance. Learn more about the birds and animals found here from informational graphic panels along the railing.

Stegosaurus on the Terrace - Fernbank's Stegosaurus was crafted by Jonas Studios and is a replica of the model that made its debut at the 1964-65 World's Fair.

Fernbank Museum Insider Tips

• NatureQuest on the third floor allows little kids climbing up and down to let go some energy while parents can take a break.
• If you purchase the Fernbank family membership to take advantage of the ASTC (Association of Science-Technology Centers) Passport Program. If you're a member of a participating museum you can get into most other participating museums free.
• This museum is geared for younger children. Allow for a couple of hours at most to view everything.