I recently took a trip to Atlanta with my children to visit my sister-in-law, who was in town from New York City to help dismantle the “Picasso-to-Warhol” exhibit at the High Museum — one of the coolest jobs ever, I think. She had a free day, and we wanted something to do that was kid-friendly and entertaining for us adults. She recommended the Atlanta Cyclorama and Zoo Atlanta, which are conveniently located right next to each other.

The Atlanta Cyclorama is a 42-foot-tall panorama oil painting of the Battle of Atlanta, fought on July 22, 1864, during the Civil War. Visitors sit in a rotating auditorium that gives a 360-view of the painting, which was created from 1885-1886 and is said to be the largest painting in the world. Three-dimensional figures lead from the painting up to the seating area, making the whole experience like walking into a diorama.

While the kids weren’t too fascinated by the Cyclorama, Zoo Atlanta definitely captured their attention. All the typical zoo animals were present — elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, monkeys — as well as a special exhibit and section for the Giant Pandas. There’s also a children’s area with a petting zoo, train, climbing wall and carousel. After all that, my kiddos slept all the way home.

Cyclorama

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Cost: $10 adults, $8 for children 4-12 and senior citizens, free for children under 3

Contact: www.atlantacyclorama.org or 404-658-7625

Zoo Atlanta

Open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., ticket booths close at 4:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., ticket booths close at 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $20.99 for adults (12 and up), $15.99 for children (3-11), children 2 and under free, $16 for senior citizens, military and college students.