5 Fun Winter Activities To Enjoy In Atlanta, According To Travelers

Atlanta is known for its rich history, vibrant food scene, and creative energy, drawing visitors year-round. But with milder temperatures than many places in the U.S., fewer crowds, and a packed cultural calendar, Atlanta offers plenty to do throughout the winter. You won't find many heavy snowstorms here, but you can count on crisp mornings, cozy evenings, and comfortable conditions for outdoor adventures. Off-season travel comes with tons of underrated benefits. Restaurant reservations are easier to snag, and museums, parks, and trails are far less crowded. However, no matter when you visit, you can count on Hartsfield-Jackson International being crowded — it's the world's busiest airport!

We turned to travelers for the inside scoop on what the best activities are around Atlanta over the winter. Advice on Tripadvisor, Reddit, and blogs by locals and visitors helped us narrow down the list to the top five recommendations. Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or you're a local looking to shake off cabin fever, Atlanta has no shortage of winter-friendly activities. According to travelers, ice skating, learning about Black history, visiting License to Chill Snow Island, going on a winter stroll, and exploring the city's food scene are the best winter activities in Atlanta.

Atlanta offers several options that make this classic winter activity accessible even without snow. Indoor rinks operate year-round, while seasonal outdoor rinks pop up across the city when it's cold enough. For visitors, skating is a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening without committing to a full day of sightseeing. 

Most rinks offer skate rentals and a casual atmosphere for people of all skill levels. Some locations, like Skate the Sky at the Ponce City Roof, are family-friendly, while others, like The Rink at Park Tavern, have adults-only evening skate times. One Google reviewer, Sofie Wilson, loved the Ponce City Roof rink. "So you pay for both access to skating and the skyline park, and they're both so fun! It's definitely for beginner skaters, but since we're in the South most people don't skate a lot, so it's a lot of fun." Skyline Park has carnival games like ring toss and skee-ball as well as mini golf, so you can make a half or full day of your skating rink visit.

Even if you're not eager to lace up your skates, rinks create a lively winter atmosphere worth checking out. Perhaps surprisingly, Atlanta has a long-standing roller skating culture. So if the ice skating rinks really aren't your thing and you'd rather stay warm indoors, head to Cascade Skating or another local spot. You can try your hand at roller skating or watch how the locals turn it into an art form.

Winter is an ideal time to explore Atlanta's deep cultural roots, particularly its central role in Black history. The city is home to world-class museums, historic neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks that are open year-round, making them perfect additions to a winter itinerary. While Black History Month in February brings additional programming, Atlanta's key institutions — dedicated to the Civil Rights Movement, African American history, and contemporary Black culture — are worth visiting in any season. They're even a suitable activity for a long layover in Atlanta. Museums provide cozy spaces in which to warm up while gaining important context about the city's past and present.

If you only have time for one attraction, visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, where you can learn about Dr. King's life and legacy. Jane Clanner left a Google review recommending the experience to other travelers. "Walking through the exhibits and seeing the places connected to Dr. King's life made everything feel much more real and personal ... It's a place that makes you pause and reflect, and I'm glad I took the time to visit."

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a powerful interactive museum that's widely considered a must-visit for any trip to the Big Peach. Families can also stop by the Children's Museum of Atlanta for hands-on, age-appropriate learning about Black history. On a cold winter day, heading indoors is a great way to spend a few hours. However, winter's cooler temperatures can make it more comfortable to explore Atlanta on foot. To really make a day of it, do a self-guided tour of Auburn Avenue — where Martin Luther King Jr. was born — with several museums, monuments, and historic buildings. If you're visiting in February, check out Discover Atlanta's list of events during Black History Month.

If you're craving a snowy experience near Atlanta, the only way to guarantee it is by visiting License to Chill Snow Island. About an hour's drive from downtown, at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, this winter attraction transforms a lakeside resort into a snowy playground. It's one of the region's most unique winter activities. 

Kids can make snow angels and run wild in Snowball Alley before hopping on Blizzard Mountain for snow tubing. While Six Flags Over Georgia may be closed for the season, you can get your amusement park fix with a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round at Lanier Islands. Google reviewer Marybeth Valera described it as the perfect winter day trip. "We loved it! Cool staff, nice place to go with your family and spent the whole day there." On Wanderlog, Daniel F said, "My boys (5 & 9) had a great time making snowballs and a snowman in the snowball pit."

Day passes cost about $60, and the park is open from November to February with varying hours. While License to Chill Snow Island is family-friendly, it's also a creative date spot. Go for a romantic spin around Frosty's Ice Rink and drop in for a cocktail or two at the Tipsy Snowman. After a long day of cold-weather fun, you can warm up with hot chocolate and s'mores by one of the cozy fire pits.

You don't need special winter hiking gear to brave the cold in the home of the Braves. It rarely drops below freezing, so if you bundle up, you can explore some trails outside comfortably. The 22-mile Atlanta Beltline is a great place to get outdoors while connecting you to several neighborhoods. Follow the path and stop in at cozy cafés, breweries, and art galleries.

Piedmont Park spans over 200 acres and has several paved paths you can follow for a scenic stroll. Be sure to check out the park's calendar to see what's on — there are often free or paid events from mushroom-growing workshops to urban birding groups. Winter is a great time for birdwatching as the bare trees make it easier to spot colorful cardinals and blue jays.

Similarly, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is still worth it in the winter. The iconic Earth Goddess looks a little gray (both figuratively and literally), but is covered in lights through some of the season. The indoor Fuqua Conservatory and Orchid Center stay open and lush green year-round. Rftstar on Tripadvisor visited the Botanical Garden in the off-season and raved about the experience in a review. "We were surprised at how many flowers and green were still visible in the winter months."

Winter is one of the best seasons to lean into Atlanta's food scene, especially when cozy cafés, heated patios, and even igloos come into play. Cooler weather makes lingering over meals far more enjoyable, and many restaurants across the city adapt their outdoor spaces with heaters, blankets, and covered seating so you can still dine outside without freezing.

Atlanta's dining reputation spans everything from fine dining (including nine Michelin-star restaurants) to beloved hole-in-the-wall gems. Winter is a great time to get a table without long waits or far-advanced reservations. If you can afford to splurge, Nobu is not only world-famous but also one of the best places to spot celebrities in Atlanta. Its winter menu, including a special option for Valentine's Day, makes it a memorable choice for a cold winter night. For something fun and seasonal, Ponce City Roof offers an igloo dining experience that seats up to six people. Pair this with your rooftop skating experience for the perfect winter day.

Seeking a casual food crawl? Krog Street Market is the spot. This indoor market brings together local favorites under one roof, making it easy to sample different cuisines while staying warm. Nearby cafés and bakeries also make great stops for coffee or a mid-afternoon warm-up. On Tripadvisor, Katie P wrote, "I love this place. So many different choices to eat, so you're sure to find something for everyone in your group. I love that it connects to the belt line."

To compile this list, we looked at official tourism sites and beyond, turning to real travelers for firsthand insight. We reviewed recommendations and reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor, Google, and Reddit, along with blog posts written by Atlanta locals and repeat visitors. 

By comparing recurring suggestions, seasonal relevance, and overall accessibility, we narrowed the options down to the most consistently recommended winter activities. The result is a mix of well-known highlights and local favorites that work whether you're visiting Atlanta for a long weekend or looking for winter-friendly things to do as a local.