Explore 75 acres of outdoor adventures, including a canopy walk, adventure fort, play areas, a pollinator meadow, a boardwalk, and an old-growth Piedmont forest.
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Fernbank Forest

4.7
·259 reviews·Atlanta, United States

Explore a 65-acre old-growth forest and natural history museum with dinosaurs and interactive exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Explore 75 acres of outdoor adventures, including a canopy walk, adventure fort, play areas, a pollinator meadow, a boardwalk, and an old-growth Piedmont forest.

Fernbank Forest

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a 65-acre old-growth forest and natural history museum with dinosaurs and interactive exhibits.

4.7
(259 reviews)

"A special old growth forest with its own Wikipedia places, extremely walkable due to asphalt paths."

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TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Advance purchase is recommended, especially for special events. Online tickets include a small fee.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Many trails are asphalt, but good walking shoes are essential for exploring the forest.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 261 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Hardwood Forest

Ancient Hardwood Forest

Fernbank Forest

Wander through 65 acres of old-growth forest with towering trees and natural beauty.

Dinosaur Skeletons

Dinosaur Skeletons

Fernbank Museum

Marvel at impressive dinosaur fossils and skeletons that bring prehistoric life to the present.

Interactive Exhibits

Interactive Exhibits

Fernbank Museum

Engage with hands-on displays like 'Fantastic Forces' and the 'NatureQuest' children's area.

Wildwood Aglow

Wildwood Aglow

Fernbank Forest (Seasonal Event)

Experience a magical winter light show with music synchronized to dazzling illuminations.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Fernbank Forest

Beat the crowds by visiting Fernbank Forest on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and special events like 'Wildwood Aglow' can get busy, so book tickets in advance. Consider the weather; cooler months are ideal for exploring the outdoor trails.

Beyond the Trails: Museum & More

Fernbank Forest is part of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. While the forest offers a natural escape, don't miss the museum's dinosaur exhibits and interactive displays, which are a hit with families. Plan for a full day to experience both.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Cooler months (Fall/Winter)
Why
Comfortable for outdoor trails
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening for Wildwood Aglow
Why
Best light show experience
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍@Gibbs Gardens located in ball ground, ga (1 hour away from ATL) i will NEVER get over this place •$25 tickets💐 #georgiahiddengems #thingstodoingeorgia #thingstodoinatlanta #atlantagardens #atlantaplaces #atlantainfluencers #atlantageorgia #gibbsgarden #atlinfluencer
@ambermillice
73.5K likes • 737.5K views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Advance purchase is recommended, especially for special events. Online tickets include a small fee. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Many trails are asphalt, but good walking shoes are essential for exploring the forest. Reddit

#crystals #creek #ouachitanationalforest #caddowomblerangerdistrict #2023 #belonging #diggingtips #nature #Outdoors #outdoorsman #video #998
@crystalcowboy1976
51.5K likes • 530K views
a glowing forest, drinks, interactive exhibits, live music AND dinosaurs?! 🦕 💜✨ the ultimate winter date night! this museum after dark experience kicked off the winter activities on the highest note! make sure to get your tickets for the next event in December if you’re in the ATL area! ☺️ . . . 📍Fernbank Museum in Atlanta, GA save or send to your friends for future date or girls nights✨ every ...
sthefftravels
0 likes • 1.8K views

🐾 Pet Safety Advisory

Be aware of wildlife like coyotes, especially near dusk. Keep pets indoors. Instagram

💡 Visit After Dark for Lights

For 'Wildwood Aglow,' aim for after 7:30 PM for the best illuminated experience. Reddit

Wildwoods and Fernbank Forest at @fernbankmuseum is the perfect place that gives instant adventure With cooler temps, now is the perfect time to step outside the museum to enjoy their interactive exhibits and nature playgrounds for kids! 🌳With over 75 acres of outdoor adventures, you are definitely going to be able to enjoy some quality time in the woods and connect with nature right within th...
atlanta.mom
29 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Advance purchase is recommended, especially for special events. Online tickets include a small fee. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Many trails are asphalt, but good walking shoes are essential for exploring the forest. Reddit

🐾 Pet Safety Advisory

Be aware of wildlife like coyotes, especially near dusk. Keep pets indoors. Instagram

💡 Visit After Dark for Lights

For 'Wildwood Aglow,' aim for after 7:30 PM for the best illuminated experience. Reddit

🌳 Explore Champion Trees

Look for the largest trees of their kind in the forest; they're marked with informative signs. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(259 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Fernbank for its beautiful old-growth forest and engaging museum exhibits, particularly the dinosaur displays and interactive zones. The 'Wildwood Aglow' event is a seasonal highlight. Some reviewers wished for more animatronic animals and found certain museum displays too dark.

"We had such a wonderful time. The nature trail was surprisingly good. I do wish they had more dino stuff and real thingsa maybe some animtronic animals . Also some of the displays were vary dark and vary hard to view . But all in all my family had a good time here."

Heather Bohanan

"As a member of fernbank museum of natural history, I can say that it's a very nice place and we go there often. It has dinosaurs, a wide variety of animals, playgrounds both inside and out, a movie theater which has some 45 minute movies about different things in earths history. It also has a place called "fantastic forces" which is a place where kids and adults alike can toy around and experiment with different things like earthquakes, quicksand, magnets, electricity, and more. Indoor playground and outdoor, amazing forest trails and more. I highly recommend going to this place on weekends and week days with kids."

Angelina Angel

"Enjoyed this museum as a kid and still do as an adult 💕"

Emily Sanchez

What People Like

Beautiful old-growth forest
Impressive dinosaur exhibits
Interactive museum displays

What People Dislike

Dark museum displays
Wish for more animatronics

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fernbank Forest is located at 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, within the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. It's easily accessible by car, and public transportation options are available in Atlanta. Instagram

Yes, the Fernbank Museum offers parking facilities for visitors. It's advisable to check their website for current parking fees and availability. Instagram

Fernbank Forest is part of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, which requires admission. While the nearby Fernbank Science Center is free, the museum and its forest trails have an entry fee. Reddit

Typically, access to Fernbank Forest is included with your Fernbank Museum admission. It's best to check the Fernbank Museum's official website for the most current ticketing policies. Instagram

From downtown Atlanta, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or public transport (MARTA bus routes) to reach the Fernbank Museum. Driving is also a convenient option. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, and online purchases may include a small fee. It's recommended to check the Fernbank Museum's official website for the most up-to-date pricing information. Instagram

Advance ticket purchase is recommended, especially for popular times or special events like 'Wildwood Aglow,' to ensure entry and potentially save time. Instagram

Fernbank Museum often offers various discounts, including for seniors, children, and sometimes for members. Check their website for details on any available promotions or membership benefits. Instagram

Yes, Fernbank Museum is a cashless facility, meaning they primarily accept credit cards and other forms of electronic payment. Instagram

Fernbank Forest generally follows the operating hours of the Fernbank Museum, which are typically 10 AM to 5 PM daily, though hours can vary for special events. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Fernbank Forest offers nature trails for walking and hiking, opportunities to see native wildlife, and to explore ancient hardwood trees. It's a great place for a peaceful outdoor escape. Instagram+1

Many of the trails in Fernbank Forest are asphalted and considered extremely walkable, making them accessible for most visitors, including those with strollers or mobility aids. Reddit

Visitors might spot native wildlife, and it's important to be aware of animals like coyotes, especially around dusk. Instagram+1

Yes, Fernbank Forest is great for kids, especially when combined with the museum's 'NatureQuest' exhibit and outdoor play areas. The forest trails offer a chance for them to explore nature. Instagram+1

Champion trees are the largest known specimens of their species. Fernbank Forest features several of these impressive trees, marked with interpretive signs. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Fernbank Museum typically has a cafe or dining area where visitors can purchase snacks, drinks, and light meals. Reddit

While specific policies can vary, it's generally best to check Fernbank's guidelines regarding outside food and beverages, especially if you plan to picnic within the forest area. Reddit

The cafe usually offers a selection of grab-and-go items, sandwiches, salads, and beverages. It's a convenient spot to refuel during your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in Fernbank Forest for personal use. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Instagram

The ancient trees, winding trails, and seasonal light displays like 'Wildwood Aglow' offer beautiful photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

Tripod usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with Fernbank Museum staff or their website for specific rules regarding tripods, especially during busy periods. Instagram

Yes, drone usage is typically restricted or prohibited within Fernbank Forest and the museum grounds for safety and privacy reasons. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography in the forest, creating a softer, more atmospheric look. Instagram

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