FIFA Fun in Atlanta: Scarlett Explores the Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park

Atlanta showed off this summer, and we were so glad we made time to experience the FIFA Fan Festival™ in downtown Atlanta.

Scarlett is six, which feels like the perfect age for adventures like this. She is old enough to take it all in, ask all the questions, get excited about the little things, and still be completely amazed by the big things. From the moment we started walking around Centennial Olympic Park, there was so much to see, do, taste, and explore.

Because we are Georgia Aquarium members, we parked in the Aquarium deck and made our way from there. Before heading into the main FIFA experience, we walked through the area between World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium, where there were free samples of BODYARMOR and Powerade, a free pin guide to collect, and lots of activity happening all around us. It was such a fun way to ease into the day before making our way toward the festival entrance.

Once inside, there was no shortage of things to do. We checked out the merchandise, stopped for photo opportunities, explored the Georgia Power playground and LEGO activation, watched families and fans enjoying the day, and soaked up the energy of Atlanta welcoming people from all over the world.

One of our favorite stops was the Home Depot Backyard area. Truly, we loved it so much that we would like to recreate it in our own backyard. If anyone knows how to make that happen without robbing a bank, please let us know immediately. It was such a fun, relaxed, family-friendly space, and it added so much to the overall experience.

The Coca-Cola area was also a favorite. The large walk-through/fan zone experience was fun to check out, and we loved seeing the fountains at Centennial Olympic Park. It made the whole day feel very “Atlanta” in the best way.

There was also something really special about watching the game surrounded by fans from around the world. Even if you are not a huge soccer expert, the energy is contagious. People were cheering, celebrating, taking photos, and enjoying the moment together. It felt big, exciting, and welcoming.

We also felt safe the entire time, which matters so much when you are attending a large event with a child. Thank you to Atlanta Police Department and all of the other agencies, volunteers, staff, and kind people helping make the experience possible. Everyone we encountered was helpful, patient, and welcoming, and that made a big difference.

Of course, we had a little family history mixed into the day too. Dad talked about being at Centennial Olympic Park during the 1996 Olympics, and Mom realized the last time she remembered being there for a big event was seeing The Black Crowes in college. Full-circle Atlanta moments all around.

A few helpful things to know before you go: you do need tickets to attend the FIFA Fan Festival experience in Atlanta. Some general admission tickets are free, but they must be reserved online in advance. Also, if you leave and need to re-enter, make sure you understand the re-entry rules before you walk out. We found that part a little strange, so it is worth asking before you exit. There is also a clear bag policy, so plan ahead and keep things simple.

The best part? There is still time to go. The FIFA fun in Atlanta continues through July 19, so if you have been thinking about checking it out, this is your sign to make it happen. This may truly be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience for our city, and it is so special to have something this big, this global, and this family-friendly right here in Atlanta.

Overall, we had the best time. There was so much to do, and it felt like a fun, safe, exciting way for families to be part of a huge global event close to home.

If you are looking for something memorable to do this summer, check it out before it is gone. Atlanta is having a moment, and this is one of those experiences that makes you glad you showed up.