Jul 21, 2026 - Things to Do

Children's Museum of Atlanta retires beloved Ball Machine

Thomas Wheatley

Colorful indoor science exhibit with tangled metal tracks, cables, and orange supports. People of various ages move around a multi-level, spiraling kinetic structure. — The Children's Museum of Atlanta Ball Machine. Photo: Courtesy of the Children's Museum of Atlanta

Families and kids will have two more weeks to say goodbye to — and take home part of — the Children's Museum of Atlanta's history.

Driving the news: The Downtown museum is inviting families, caregivers and children to play with the Ball Machine before the attraction retires on Aug. 2 to make way for a new interactive experience.

Catch up quick: The Ball Machine has been a popular stop at the Children's Museum since the current location opened in 2003. It proved so popular that the museum kept it around during its 2015 renovation.

Zoom in: The museum is holding a special farewell during the weekend of Aug. 1-2. Grab complimentary doughnut holes and one of the contraption's orange, light blue or white balls while supplies last.

Pro tip: Use the code HAVEABALL to get 10% off admission.

What's next: The Ball Machine's retirement is part of a $2.5 million overhaul of the interactive play area that officials say will help children and caregivers tap into "compassion, neighborliness, perseverance, curiosity and critical thinking."

Expect a series of pop-up exhibits while the museum builds a "reimagined replacement" for the Ball Machine that's scheduled to debut in 2027.

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Children's Museum of Atlanta retires beloved Ball Machine

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