Children’s Museum of Atlanta to retire iconic Ball Machine after more than two decades

By Sabrina Castro at WSB-TV (ABC) - News · July 20, 2026 · 2 min read

One of Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s most recognizable attractions will soon become a memory.[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]After entertaining generations of young visitors since the museum opened at its current downtown location in 2003, the Ball Machine will be retir...

Why this matters in The Atlanta

The retirement of the Ball Machine at the Children's Museum of Atlanta marks a significant change for families in the city. As a beloved attraction for over two decades, its removal will be felt by generations of children who grew up playing with the colorful balls. The museum's $2.5 million renovation initiative, however, signals a commitment to providing new and engaging interactive exhibits that will continue to foster learning and curiosity in young minds. The introduction of rotating pop-up exhibits, such as "Outside the Box," will provide a temporary solution until the reimagined Ball Machine debuts in 2027. This renovation also reflects the city's broader efforts to invest in family-friendly spaces and activities, making Atlanta a more attractive place to live and visit. As the museum looks to the future, it will be important to see how these new exhibits are received by the community and whether they can replicate the magic of the original Ball Machine.

About this story

Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News. The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: safety · Published: July 20, 2026 · Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News · Reading time: 2 min

Frequently asked about this story

What is this story about?

When was this published?

This article was first published on July 20, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Sabrina Castro at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

Where can I find related coverage?

See more safety coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs.

About this coverage

Every story on The Atlanta is curated, fact-checked against the original publisher's reporting, and contextualized for our readers. We do not republish full articles — we link back to the source, summarize the key facts under fair use, and add the local or topical relevance that our audience needs. Our editorial standards and corrections policy are public: see theatlanta.org/editorial-standards.

About The Atlanta

The Atlanta is published by Nexcom Media as part of the Nexcom Media Network. We launched in 2024 and have grown to cover Atlanta GA news, Atlanta Public Schools, Midtown High School, Atlanta. Our reporting is supported by display advertising, sponsorships, and reader donations — with sponsored placements clearly attributed. Read our ownership disclosures at theatlanta.org/ownership.

Stay informed

More stories from our newsroom

Celebrating National Tattoo Day with JP Alfonso Studios

Jazz in the Alley returns to Norcross with two performances this Saturday

Instead of a ticket, these Georgia drivers got a surprise gift card

Joystick Gamebar’s next chapter begins this fall in East Atlanta Village

Recall alert: 288K Ford Explorers recalled; roof rail cover can come off

SEC Media Days Craze |Tennessee, Mizzou, Kentucky and Oklahoma featured in first day of SEC Football Media Days

Tips to turn a staycation into a real vacation without blowing your budget

Man’s car lands on top of patrol vehicle during drug arrest

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley’s home targeted by burglars

Sentencing date moved for father of accused Apalachee High School shooter

Atlanta criminal justice advocates host ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ march through downtown

Influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate appear in court after rape, sex trafficking arrest

Man armed with hammer taken into custody after barricade

World Cup by the numbers. A look back at what it meant to Atlanta

Man wanted on multiple charges captured, Jasper County deputies say

Jon Chaffin talks Diarra from Detroit

Falcons’ biggest breakout candidates: Picking 5 players in line for a jump

Woman caught driving wrong way on I-85 charged with DUI, hit and run, police say

Property taxes could go up over 7% in metro Atlanta city, depending on council vote

‘Incendiary device’ set off at New York FBI headquarters

Fort Stewart education center evacuated after suspicious package report

Paramount, Warner Bros. deal paused; judge issues temporary restraining order

Dickens: Atlanta was the country’s ‘best host’ of 2026 World Cup

New apartment building coming to Buckhead along Peachtree Creek, Beltline trail

Atlanta airport Plane Train employees secure their first union contract

Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance welcome son

The Week Ahead for Atlanta: Return of The Boogeyman

Metro Atlanta city proposes small property tax increase

Dorothy Simmons Obituary in Atlanta at Smith, Dennis-Smith Funeral Home

Road work in metro Atlanta county to close lanes on part of SR 20

Woman arrested for wrong-way driving on I-85 in Gwinnett County

Georgia ranked 7th most financially distressed state in US

Firefighters recover urn from rubble of southwest Atlanta apartment fire

Tactical team arrests man with hammer in Douglas County

Former officer sentenced in hit-and-run that killed 27-year-old on I-75/85

Where to watch San Diego Padres vs Atlanta Braves: TV channel, start time, streaming for July 20

Check Out The New Wayfair Store in Atlanta

Recall alert: 388K Ford Aviators, Explorers recalled over second-row seat problems

Georgia kidnapping suspect tries to outrun police after SUV crashes into motel

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens talks World Cup success