Fernbank Museum | 3D Theater | Forest — Attraction in Decatur

I've always loved going to Fernbank. It has been a tradition for my family for years now. I love their outdoor nature walk, and the spider exhibit was fantastic. However, this past spring I had a troubling experience with the customer service representatives. I'm not one to share reviews, but this was an incredibly discomfiting experience for me. I write hoping that Fernbank will take greater care to emphasize kindness in their customer service training or policy.

I wanted to take my little sister to Fernbank over spring break, and so we'd made the stressful two-hour drive through Atlanta traffic to the museum. I had originally had my and another relative's name on the Fernbank membership account, and did not think to check if it were still there. My name was on the membership card I still carried and wouldn't expire until June, so I didn't think to check. When I arrived, I realized I hadn't bought tickets. The signs were quite clear not to approach the admittance desk until we'd bought them online. I was having trouble getting into the membership account, and I didn't want to have to tell my little sister that we'd driven hours only to have to go home.

I approached the customer assistance desk with a bit of trepidation, as I can be a bit socially awkward. I explained that I had my name on the account, and that I was having trouble logging in to book tickets. The representative said that was no trouble, and asked for my information. When I gave it to her, she said my name wasn't on the account. I asked if the other relative's name was on the account. It was. I said I didn't understand why my name wasn't on there, but that I did have a membership card with my name on it. I was feeling a little anxious, and I guess it must have slipped into my tone, or maybe she could read it in my expression. I was going to ask if there was something else that could be done, or if my name on the membership card was sufficient, but I wasn't given the chance.

"Look, I'm not here to fight you," the representative said, sounding very done with me and my nonsense. I imagine she was stressed and tired from customer complaints, and I have no idea what other factors might have caused her to respond in this way, but the way she said it made me feel very small and shamed, which is why I can remember the interaction so clearly.

I wasn't trying to be a problem for her. I was by this point very stressed myself, but hadn't thought I'd allowed that to affect my behavior to the point of rudeness. I don't remember the rest of the conversation, but somehow we were allowed? waved off? into the museum anyway. Unfortunately, I had to take twenty minutes to cry in the bathroom first, but my sister and I were able to enjoy the nature walks and the spider exhibit, and overall had a good time.

The experience with the customer representative still bothers me months later, which I realize is my issue to address, but I ask that Fernbank remind its customer service representatives that visitors are not generally trying to make their life harder, and that a little kindness rather than shaming can go a long way.

Thank you for providing educational opportunities for hundreds of...

Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers more than just a day of family entertainment—it provides a deeply enriching experience that combines scientific discovery with impeccable hospitality and presentation. Known for its iconic dinosaur statues greeting visitors at the entrance and its lush 65-acre forest trails, Fernbank sets a high standard in both education and facility management.

One of the most striking aspects of the museum is the unwavering cleanliness maintained throughout the entire property. From the moment guests walk through the main entrance, there is a noticeable sense of order and hygiene. The bathrooms, often a neglected detail in public venues, are a standout feature here.

This same level of care extends to every corner of the museum. Whether one is wandering through the grand atrium under towering dinosaur skeletons or exploring the quiet corners of the nature-themed exhibits, cleanliness and organization are evident. Staff are frequently seen tidying exhibits, wiping surfaces, and ensuring interactive displays remain functional and presentable. Even the museum’s dining and café areas maintain a high standard, offering not just clean tables and floors, but also food service that is efficient and health-conscious.

Beyond the pristine environment, Fernbank’s true brilliance lies in its exhibitions, which are as informative as they are visually captivating. Each exhibit is designed with a perfect balance of scientific accuracy, interactive learning, and aesthetic appeal. Permanent exhibitions such as Giants of the Mesozoic—featuring life-sized Argentinosaurus and Giganotosaurus skeletons—transport guests back millions of years, blending educational depth with cinematic grandeur. For younger visitors, the NatureQuest exhibit provides a highly immersive, hands-on experience where children can explore caves, treehouses, and underwater scenes—all carefully curated to teach ecological concepts in a playful way.

Perhaps one of the museum’s greatest strengths is its ability to make complex science accessible. Visitors leave not only entertained but genuinely more informed. Whether it's learning about Georgia’s ancient fossils, the ecosystems in the local forest, or the origins of the universe through immersive planetarium shows, Fernbank delivers on its promise to ignite curiosity and inspire lifelong learning.

In conclusion, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a model institution that achieves excellence across all fronts. The spotless facilities, from restrooms to exhibition halls, reflect a level of care rarely seen in public spaces. The exhibits are masterfully curated, combining scientific rigor with creative presentation, making the museum a destination that is both educational and enjoyable. For locals and tourists alike, Fernbank stands as a shining example of what a modern natural history museum can...

I came to be with my youngest son on his field trip. The first thing I noticed while waiting on his school to arrive is that the security guards are way too aggressive. The bulk of people that attended were children from elementary schools. They were aggressively speaking to children, parents and teachers. To a point that I almost said something to them. Furthermore, at one point I was standing near four of them outside the doors of the museum. In front of me and the children they were having a conversation among themselves using profanity. It was all poorly handled by them and unprofessional. I bit my tongue because I was close to calling them out.

Next, I’m military and I was shocked that the military discount is only two dollars. It’s not a very expensive experience, it’s definitely reasonable but two dollars?

Once we came in the lobby it’s like a hotel with bad rooms because the money was all invested in the entrance. The center of the museum is awe inspiring. However, everything else is outdated and underwhelming. One exhibit was fake rocks, a sad small looking pine tree, two other fake trees with two miniature birds in them. I have no idea what they were trying to project with that. In one of the rooms was a tv that was so outdated and it was running a video that looked like it was made by a 1970’s animator.

I did like the outdoor set up. The wooden platforms were nice and the kids really enjoyed that.

Overall, I would have never paid money for this if it wasn’t for my child.

I’ve read some of the answers to negative reviews by the museum. It’s all a bunch of excuses. Not funded by the government (except COVID relief), work off private donations and so forth. Here’s what I say to that. If you’re a 501c3 non profit organization then you need to find a paper pusher and hire them. There are so many grants out there for non profits unless you have bylaws or something preventing it. Also, you can do events specifically for donors and potential donors and raise money. I’ve personally done it my entire life. Rich people have to be philanthropic because of the tax breaks and the visuals. Furthermore, many are simply because they’re generous and believe in a worthy cause. My mantra is, “We don’t make excuses, we make it happen.” Also, you charge for admission. I saw multiple schools there. If you’re having that kind of traffic daily then that should be another source of income.

I feel like if you’re going to do something do it right and...