How about a quick family adventure before the Back-to-School routine sets in? If you are looking for a short getaway, here are some ideas for spending 36 hours in Marietta, GA. Pick and choose what’s best for your group from these suggestions for different ages and interests.
Outdoor Excursions
Marietta offers plenty to explore outdoors with highlights including:
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
At almost 3,000 acres, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is not only rich in history, but offers activities to fill full or half-days, depending on your family’s preferences.
Kennesaw Mountain has over 22 miles of maintained interpretive trails for hiking and learning. You can enjoy a picnic, participate in living history, sign up for Ranger-led hikes and bring your family dog on leash with you. Or, if you leave your pup at home, you can go birding at Kennesaw Mountain Park or check out other events.
Six Flags White Water
Six Flags White Water is open Saturdays 11AM-7PM and Sundays 11AM – 6PM through Labor Day. Marietta’s Six Flags White Water, a 69-acre water park boasts “a lot to ‘WOW!’ about. Like pulse-pounding water slides, a relaxing lazy river, and multiple kid-friendly play areas – just to name a few! White Water provides a day filled with fun and excitement, featuring thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and children’s activities, as well as a variety of restaurants and gift shops. Located at 250 Cobb Parkway north of The Big Chicken (another must-see landmark!)
Indoor Happenings
If indoor sleuthing or gaming is more your style, these Marietta hot spots fit the bill.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games – 1255 Roswell Road
For a thrilling day of indoor family fun in Marietta, look no further than Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. This premier entertainment center offers high-speed karting, cutting-edge arcade games, and a variety of immersive attractions such as laser tag, rope courses, and VR experiences. With activities for all ages, Andretti provides an exciting adventure for the whole family. Plus, their on-site dining options ensure you can refuel without leaving the action. Whether you’re racing around the track or battling it out in the arcade, Andretti Indoor Karting and Games guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Wiggle Giggle Indoor Playground and Playtorium – 1812 Powder Springs Road, SW
Family owned and operated, this indoor playground and party center is designed for children ages 0 – 12 where they can play and learn through hands-on discovery and physical activity. Parents are able to join their kids on play structures or relax and talk to other adults while watching their little ones explore. Wiggle Giggle offers a menu for drinks and snacks so you can make a half or full day of fun.
Open daily beginning at 10:00 am, Wiggle Giggle also offers Spectrum Sundays one Sunday morning per month. Check the website for hours and availability.
Dave & Busters Marietta – 2215 D & B Drive SE
For a half day of indoor family fun in Marietta, Dave & Buster’s is a great option. This lively entertainment venue offers a vast array of arcade games, from classic favorites to the latest cutting-edge experiences, ensuring fun for all ages. Plus, don’t miss a chance to play DuckPin Bowling. Besides gaming, Dave & Buster’s features a full-service restaurant and sports bar, where you can enjoy delicious meals and refreshing beverages while watching your favorite sports on big screens. Dave & Buster’s provides a dynamic and enjoyable outing for the whole family.
Urban Escape Games Marietta (Two Locations)
Urban Escape Games Marietta – Sandy Plains Business Park, 1800 Sandy Plains Industrial Parkway, Suite 320, Marietta 30066 Urban Game Rooms features an assortment of themed escape rooms and puzzles for ages 7 and up, the Sandy Plains location also offers The Kings Treasure, an escape room designed and built for children ages 5–10. It is moderated and has the same duration as most of the other rooms, so older family members can experience a more advanced room at the same time as the children.
Urban Escape Games Marietta 2 – 2100 Roswell Road Urban Escape Games 2 is located in East Marietta and features unique themes and escape puzzles. Visit both locations to keep your sleuthing skills sharp!
Marietta Square
No trip to Marietta is complete without a visit to Marietta Square. Whether you’re window shopping, grabbing a delicious bite, or enjoying a specialty snack, Marietta Square captures the true flavor of this charming area. This historic city center has something for everyone, with favorites for kids and families, including:
Marietta Fire Museum – 112 Haynes Street
Discover and learn the history of the Marietta Fire Department at the free Fire Museum. Just two blocks off the Historic Marietta Square, the museum boasts a collection of antique fire apparatus, tools, and gear dating back to 1854. Learn how the fire department has changed over time through a self-guided tour or call ahead to schedule a guided tour for a more memorable experience. Open daily from 9:00 – 5:00 except December 24, 25 and January 1.
Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop – 128 S Park Square NE #1913
Rocket Fizz is a nostalgic candy and soda pop shop on the south side of the Square offering one stop for all of your soda pop and candy cravings. There are thousands of bottled sodas and candies from all over America, and the world.
The Reading Attic – 21 W Park Square
The Reading Attic, a locally owned bookstore and reading spot has recently expanded their upstairs book store to the first floor, creating a two-story literary treasure-trove with children’s areas and reading nooks throughout the charming space.
Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar – 21 W Park Square
Sharing the space with The Reading Attic is Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar, which specializes in all things loose leaf tea and cold brew coffee. They are best known for their fun flavor assortment of Bubble Tea, Vietnamese Coffee and their French Macaroons were awarded “Best Dessert in ATL” three years in a row.
Where to Eat
Marietta is lucky to have such a great assortment of restaurants and snack spots around or near the Square. Some family favorites include:
Marietta Melt Yard Bar & Kitchen – 800 Whitlock Avenue
Marietta Melt Yard, specializes in a yummy family friendly menu, currently offering a tropical pool party theme with specialty drinks, burgers, and décor. Melt Yard has a lively atmosphere and plenty of room to spread out, with a vintage 60s van-turned-bar, a game room with 14 pinball machines, a chalk wall for kids, 10 TVs + a 13 ft projector for sports or, “whatever weird movies we feel like playing.”
Marietta Square Market – 68 North Marietta Parkway
Marietta Square Market’s expansive food hall is conveniently situated adjacent to Historic Marietta Square and boasts 20 diverse restaurants, 3 vibrant bars, and ample indoor and outdoor seating options in a revamped warehouse. A beautiful front porch wraps around the building where a charming 1922 trolley-car has been converted to a walk-up Tiki Bar. The Market offers a fantastic variety of cuisines from all over the world and a variety of beers, wines, and handcrafted cocktails. You also find another location of Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar at the Market.
Stockyard Burgers & Bones – 26 Mill Street
From burgers, to tots, salads, to seafood, Stockyard offers tasty meals for the whole family and a full bar for the grownups. Located on the Square you can dine inside or alfresco as you take in the charm of Marietta Square.
Marietta Diner – 306 Cobb Parkway South
In Marietta Since 1995, Marietta Diner offers 24-hour-a-day deliciousness. The diner has been a hit with people here at home and across the country, even before it was featured on Food Network’s “Diner, Drive-ins and Dives.”
Where to Stay
Near I-75:
Courtyard Atlanta Marriott I-75 –North 2455 Delk Road
Marietta Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta – Marietta 2136 Kingston Court
Near Marietta Square:
Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center – 500 Powder Springs Street
Marietta offers plenty more to do, see, and explore. For more visitor information check out Visit Marietta.
Written by Kim Ellet a local writer, Marietta resident and enthusiast, and member of the Visit Marietta Board of Directors. www.KimEllet.com
