Even though school has started back the summer activities have not yet ended. It is still really warm outside and there are quite a few family-friendly events and activities going on around the city. Before we start going apple picking, or to the pumpkin patch take you and your family get in to some last minute summer fun. Below I have listed my top 20 picks of things to do, some are free and some are ticketed. Make sure to click on the link for more information and covid protocols. Enjoy the end of your summer.
FREE Family-friendly Events
Pet Adoption Event at Atlantic Station, August 27
If your family is looking to add a cat or dog as an addition then make sure you check out this event. Best Friends Society will have furry friends available for immediate adoption.
Colony Kids at Colony Square, August 31 & September 28
Colony Square plaza will be turned into a free playdate. There will be live entertainment, games and activities during this family-friendly event. August theme is back to school, September theme is around the world.
Second Sunday at High Museum, September 12
Every second Sunday at the High is free for everyone. Check out the Picasso and Calder pieces before they leave. Reservations are required.
Tot Spot at Atlantic Station, September 14
This event is for families with kids 5 and under. They can enjoy story time, kids yoga, sing-a-longs and snacks all for free on the green.
Family-friendly festivals
Peachtree Latino Festival at Piedmont Park, August 29
Enjoy this free and family friendly multicultural festival with music, art and food. This is the largest multicultural event in the state.
Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival at Atlantic Station, September 11
This ticketed event will feature restaurants from all over Atlanta and their best grilled cheese dishes. This can be for the family or just your adult friends, there will be an adult game zone and Bloody Mary garden
Brownwood Bike Rally at Brownwood Park, September 13-18
Join East Atlanta Kids Club and participate in this family-friendly bike race. For ages 5 and up. there will be races, and fun festivities.
Taste of Smyrna at Village Green Downtown Smyrna, September 18
Enjoy the “Festival of Delectable” featuring samples of 30 restaurants in the Smyrna/Vinings area. This family-friendly event will have kids activities and live entertainment as well
Marietta Streetfest at Marietta Square, September 18-19
Experience this family-friendly festival featuring lots of art work to purchase, kids zone, live entertainment, food and more.
Museums and Attractions
Dragon Con at Downtown Atlanta Hotels September 2-5
Science-fiction, gaming, art, literature and pop-culture convention with workshops, celebrities and more. Kids 6 and under free, tickets available for 1-day and multi-day
TinyCON and Children’s Museum of Atlanta, September 4-5
Enjoy the mini version of Dragon Con and have your kids dress in costume. Celebrate fantasy, sci-fi, comics and gaming with hands-on activities
Nature Ninjas at Fernbank Museum of Natural History, now thru September 6
See live animals including, iguanas, armadillos, dart frogs and more in meet and greet presentations. Animals that can transform in many ways to hide from their predators or prey. If you or your kids are into reptiles this is an event for you.
Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab at Children’s Museum of Atlanta, now thru Sept 7
Bring your kids to explore Thomas Edison’s lab. They will engage in STEM activities, that are hands-on and fun. This is a great thing to do to get their imagination going.
Family Zoo Yoga at Zoo Atlanta, September 11
Hang out with the elephant in the savanna and do moves like you are one. Learn more about these wonderful beings as you learn how to do poses like them. Additional fee with admission
Candytopia in Buckhead now thru September 30
If you have ever imagined going to real life Candyland then this is for you. Explore this candy musuem with lots of treats to eat along the way. Your kids will be so happy!
Pumpkins at Callaway Gardens, September 10- October 31
This new family-friendly festival is great in the day in night. Enjoy the pumpkins and sculptures during the day and watch the ground glow at night with an enchanted forest and more.
Garden Grooves at Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Thursdays, now thru October
Looking for some thing to do that is creative? Check out this music program for kids 2-5 where they can dance and play instruments. Under the Great lawn, free with admission and all supplies provided.
SUPERnatural: Aerial Art in Motion, Glass Art in Bloom at Atlanta Botanical Garden, now thru October 31
See a custom created skynet called Dream Flora which is an aerial sculpture, and also oversized glass floral art in the gardens. This display is family-friendly and can be viewed indoor and outdoors
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience at Pullman Yards, now thru November 15
Experience Van Gogh’s paintings like never before. This immersive experience is great for all ages. It is a 20,000 square foot light and sound show featuring projections of the artist’s most famed work.
WILD! Safari Experience at Illumanarium, now thru December 31
Experience the wild life in the Africa Savanna in this groundbreaking virtual reality experience. You will see all the animals up close and even feel their steps and smell them. This event for the family sounds super cool to me.
If you are not interested in a particular event, feel free to check out the museums and attractions we have around Atlanta on the Things To Do page. If you know of any other things to do for families happening this month, please feel free to share with me. Next month there will be a list of all the Fall activities happening around the city.
