The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a science and natural history museum in the Druid Hills neighbourhood of Atlanta, Georgia. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
The museum is included in the Atlanta CityPass, which can save you money if visiting several attractions in the city.
This guide was updated in March 2026 to confirm the dynamic pricing model for general admission, which now includes a film in the Giant Screen Theater, superseding older ticketing structures.
Quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | Mon–Sun 10:00–17:00. |
| Ticket prices | Adults $25.95–$27.95, Children (3–12) $23.95–$25.95. Under 3s Free. |
| Address | 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA. |
| Nearest transport | Car or rideshare recommended. |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours. |
Fernbank Museum of Natural History opening hours
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History opens daily from 10:00 to 17:00 year-round, with no seasonal variations for general daytime admission. However, the outdoor Fernbank Forest area closes slightly earlier each day at 16:30.
The museum occasionally operates extended evening hours for special adult-only events, known as Fernbank After Dark, which typically run on the second Friday of each month.
5 great Atlanta experiences to book
- ✊ Take a black history and civil rights tour – the unquestioned number one option.
- 🚋 Get to know the city on a 90 minute trolley tour.
- 🍷 Go wine-tasting in North Georgia’s wine country.
- 🍽️ Taste the best of Atlanta on a Midtown food and cocktails tour.
- 👻 Explore Atlanta’s spookiest spots on an after-dark ghost tour.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History ticket prices
Standard adult admission to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History operates on a dynamic model: value pricing on most weekdays is $25.95, while standard pricing on weekends is $27.95. Children aged three to 12 pay between $23.95 and $25.95, and children under three enter for free.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is included in the Atlanta CityPASS scheme, alongside the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Zoo Atlanta.
Why book the Atlanta CityPASS®?
- 🐬 World-Class Aquarium & Coca-Cola: Gain entry to the massive Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, two of the city’s most iconic and popular destinations.
- 📉 Save nearly 50%: Enjoy a significant discount of up to 47% on combined admission to 5 top attractions compared to buying individual tickets at the box office.
- 🐘 Zoo Atlanta & Choice Sites: Includes admission to Zoo Atlanta plus your choice of two more highlights like the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or the College Football Hall of Fame.
- ⏱️ Nine Days of Flexibility: Your pass is valid for 9 consecutive days starting from the first day of use, so you can explore Atlanta’s landmarks without feeling rushed.
- 📱 Instant Mobile Tickets: Skip the hassle of paper vouchers; receive your pass via email and simply scan your smartphone for quick, contactless entry at each site.
How to get to Fernbank Museum of Natural History
To reach the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, driving or taking a rideshare is the most practical option, as the site is not directly serviced by MARTA trains. The museum is located just off Ponce de Leon Avenue, accessible via exit 248C (John Lewis Freedom Parkway) from Interstates 75 and 85.
Parking at Fernbank Museum of Natural History
The primary place to park for the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the main on-site surface lot, which is completely free for all visitors. Because space is limited and frequently fills up on weekends, overflow street parking is permitted on South Ponce de Leon Avenue, but strictly prohibited on Clifton Road.
How long to spend at Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Most visitors need between two and three hours to fully explore the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, including the indoor exhibits and the outdoor WildWoods pathways. If you plan to watch a 45-minute documentary in the Giant Screen Theater or hike the deeper trails of Fernbank Forest, allocate an additional hour.
Accessibility at Fernbank Museum of Natural History
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is fully accessible indoors, featuring lift access to all exhibition levels and automated entry doors. The elevated outdoor pathways in the WildWoods section are also ADA-accessible, though the natural terrain trails deep within Fernbank Forest are rugged and not suitable for wheelchairs.
Inside the Fernbank Museum of Natural History
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History focuses on prehistoric life, global ecosystems, and the specific natural history of the state of Georgia. The core indoor attraction is the Great Hall, which displays massive dinosaur skeletons, including a recreation of an Argentinosaurus.
Visitors can explore the interactive Fernbank NatureWorks, a hands-on learning centre focusing on the water cycle, weather patterns, and local wildlife. Another major interior highlight is the Giant Screen Theater, which uses a four-storey screen to project immersive, 25-minute and 45-minute nature and science documentaries.
Outdoors, the WildWoods area features elevated, tree-level walkways that connect the main building to the natural landscape. This area includes interactive sensory stations and viewing platforms overlooking the creek.
Beyond WildWoods lies Fernbank Forest, a 65-acre old-growth urban forest. This protected natural environment contains over two miles of walking trails, giving visitors a direct look at original Piedmont forest ecosystems without leaving the city.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive at 10:00 on weekdays to secure a spot in the main parking lot and avoid school group crowds. |
| Crowds | Purchase your tickets online in advance, as weekend slots and specific film times frequently sell out. |
| Layout | Start with the outdoor WildWoods and Fernbank Forest early in the day before the afternoon heat peaks. |
| Entry process | Have your digital CityPASS or online reservation barcode open on your smartphone before reaching the admissions desk. |
| On-site logistics | Leave large strollers in your vehicle if possible, to reduce wait times for the limited on-site lifts. |
Frequently asked questions about Fernbank Museum of Natural History
| Question | Answer |
| Is Fernbank Museum of Natural History suitable for children? | Yes, children under three enter free, and the museum features hands-on exhibits like Fernbank NatureWorks. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Fernbank Museum of Natural History? | Advance booking is highly recommended to guarantee entry and secure your preferred film screening time. |
| Is Fernbank Museum of Natural History open on Sundays? | Yes, the museum is open on Sundays year-round from 10:00 to 17:00. |
| Are bags allowed at Fernbank Museum of Natural History? | Standard day bags are permitted, but all visitors must keep personal items with them as there are no lockers. |
Things to do near Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum: A historic museum detailing the life and presidency of Jimmy Carter, located two miles away.
- Callanwolde Fine Arts Center: A historic estate offering gallery viewings and arts programming in a Gothic-Tudor mansion.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden: A 30-acre botanical garden situated nearby in the Midtown district.
- Ponce City Market: A prominent commercial hub featuring a rooftop amusement park, Skyline Park.
- Illuminarium Atlanta: An attraction featuring immersive, large-scale digital projection experiences.
