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Fernbank - An Atlanta Bucket List Destination


This post is sponsored by the Fernbank Museum; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Is it pouring rain and you're in search of a fun indoor activity? Or perhaps the sun is shining and you can't wait to get outside. No matter the weather, Fernbank should be at the top of your list for any Atlanta occasion.

Fernbank represents a convergence of science and nature in a bright, modern environment. Nestled in Druid Hills, but easily accessible from many Atlanta neighborhoods, it feels like a peaceful, natural oasis in the heart of the city. Fernbank features one of the largest assemblages of urban Piedmont forests in the United States (make sure to take a walk through the Fernbank Forest, with more than 2 miles of winding pathways), in addition to a natural history museum with a variety of exhibits, programming, and special events.

You might recognize the iconic dinosaurs seen throughout Fernbank. From the Dinosaur Plaza flanking the exterior of the museum, to the Giants of the Mesozoic filling the Great Hall, these beautiful displays set a historic stage for your visit!

Fernbank offers a variety of activities and exhibits for children & families, such as their Tadpole Tales series for little ones and special family-themed days each month. If you're looking for an adults-only event, Fernbank's "After Dark" series is wildly popular - on the 2nd Friday of each month, the museum transforms into a hub for hands-on activities, live music accompanied by cocktails, film screenings, and more. Check out the video below for a preview of Fernbank After Dark!

Looking to plan your visit? Take a peek into my Fernbank experience visiting some of their outdoor adventures, including my favorite - the WildWoods and "Big Bugs" exhibit from artist David Rogers. WildWoods allows you to get up-close-and-personal with nature in variety of ways - there are a ton of native plants, flowers, and wildlife throughout, with special sensory experiences and interactive exhibits mixed in throughout your outdoor walk. WildWoods also leads you to the Fernbank Forest, a 65-acre old-growth forest with more opportunities to see hundreds of animal species and countless plant species. I love that you can customize your experience in the Fernbank Forest - you can take a quick walk, or spend more time (and mileage!) exploring at your own pace.

Pro tip - the WildWoods outdoor area is perfect for Instagram photos! The tree pods on their elevated walkways, especially in the beautiful dappled light, make for stunning photos.

The tree pods nestled throughout WildWoods

Hanging out with some friendly "Big Bugs!"

A preying mantis featured at the "Big Bugs" outdoor exhibit

Click here to learn more about Fernbank and plan your visit!

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