Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, GA 30313

Centennial Olympic Park is the winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best Playground/Park for Big Kids.

It made its debut as the world's gathering place during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Since reopening in 1998, Centennial Olympic Park has become an urban oasis in downtown Atlanta and a special place to take in a concert, reception or just a quiet stroll through the park. The park features the Fountain of Rings, a six acre Great Lawn, the Southern Company Amphitheater, cascading water features, commemorative quilt plazas and a pathway of bricks that pays tribute to the Centennial Olympic Games.

The Vaughn-Jordan Children's Garden and Playground covers approximately three-fourths of an acre. It features a high-tech rubber safety play surface and modern play equipment divided into two areas: one for toddlers and one for older children.

Numerous concerts, family festivals, and special events occur throughout the year. See our calendar for details. The Fountain of Rings is one of the most sophisticated fountains in the world, and its water show is synchronized with popular music, sound effects, and lights. From Apr-Oct, shows run daily at 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm, and 9pm. From Nov-Mar shows run twice daily at 12:30pm and 6:30pm. The fountain's 251 computer-controlled water jets, 400 fog jets, 487 lights, and miles of underground water pipes make these shows an unforgettable thirty minutes. Children are prohibited from fountain play during the shows. The ice skating rink features a three-inch thick sheet of real ice, covered observation seating, theatrical lighting on the ice, and decorative lighting in the trees surrounding the rink. It's a popular attraction for downtown shoppers and visitors during the Yuletide holiday season. The rink opens Nov 21 and operates through Jan 6 (closed Christmas Day). Holiday in Lights Centennial Olympic Park is a great place to enjoy the holiday season, including 21 acres of bright lights during the annual Holiday in Lights celebration. The seasonal event, during the month of December, is free of charge. Located in the Visitor's Center, the Fountainside Cafe offers Park visitors an oasis for food and beverages. Hours are 9am-8pm, Mon-Fri and 8am-8pm on weekends.