Family fun: 10 kid-friendly activities in Atlanta this January

Kick off the new year with a month of family-friendly fun across metro Atlanta. From magical lantern displays and symphonic adventures to exciting sports events and cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Celebrate MLK Day with a special family experience or explore the glowing wonders of IllumiNights, and much more. With so many unforgettable events to choose from, we’ve got you covered!

IllumiNights: A Lantern Festival - Zoo Atlanta

IllumiNights is lighting up the Zoo once again! Kids will love exploring a magical mile of glowing animal lanterns, filling the night with wonder and excitement. Warm up with cocoa, roast marshmallows by the fire, and uncover surprises at every turn. With sparkling photo ops and a festive atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to create lasting winter memories!

Location: East Atlanta - 800 Cherokee Ave. SE; Website: zooatlanta.org/IllumiNights; Dates: Now until Sunday, Jan. 19; Time: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.; Admission: $20.99+ for Adults, $17.99+ for Kids ages 3-11, Free for children 2 and under

Sonic Symphony - Cobb Energy Centre

Take the kids on a high-speed adventure with Sonic Symphony! This live concert celebrates over 30 years of Sonic the Hedgehog music, blending nostalgic classics with high-energy rock and EDM. Watch their faces light up as a full symphony orchestra brings Sonic’s colorful world to life. It’s a thrilling way to share some favorite gaming memories with the next generation and let them experience the magic of Sonic.

Location: Cumberland - 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy.; Website: cobbenergycentre.com; Date: Saturday, Jan. 4; Time: 8 p.m.; Admission: $45+

The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man - Center for Puppetry Arts

Catch the sweetest show in town with “The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man.” This fast-paced puppet romp brings the classic fable to life along with fresh retellings of “Hansel and Gretel,” “Androcles and the Lion,” and “The Frog Prince.” The show is packed with laughs, music, and plenty of interactive fun for the whole family.

Location: Midtown - 1404 Spring St. NW; Website: puppet.org/gingerbread-man; Dates: Wednesday, Jan. 8 - Sunday, Jan. 19; Admission: $22.75+

Goizueta Children’s Grand Opening - Atlanta History Center

Celebrate the grand opening of the Goizueta Children’s Experience at the Atlanta History Center. This immersive, hands-on experience invites kids from crawlers to second graders to explore Atlanta’s rich history in a fun, interactive way. The inaugural theme, “Our Great Big City,” lets young visitors discover landmarks and history while engaging in creative activities like decorating a mural, building Tiny Towns, and crafting their own puppets.

Location: Buckhead - 130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com/grand-opening; Date: Saturday, Jan. 11; Time: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Admission: $27 for Adults, $24 for Kids, Free for children 3 and under

Atlanta Hawks Kids Day Game - State Farm Arena

Get ready for a slam dunk of fun at the Atlanta Hawks’ Kids Day Game! Families are in for an afternoon of action-packed excitement with Harry the Hawk and a whole lot of young Hawks fans. The first 5,000 kids through the door will score a Harry the Hawk Squish Pillow Plush, a perfect keepsake from this unforgettable event.

Location: Downtown - 1 State Farm Dr.; Website: fevo-enterprise.com/Kidsnight; Date: Saturday, Jan. 11; Time: 3 p.m.; Admission: $42+

Family Night Hike - Chattahoochee Nature Center

Bundle up for a wild adventure at the CNC’s Family Night Hike! Winter is the perfect time to explore the outdoors after dark, and this hike offers a unique experience. Start with an animal demo led by a naturalist, then set off into the crisp night air to hear the sounds of winter and gaze at the stars. After the hike, cozy up by the campfire and roast a marshmallow to end the night on a sweet note.

Location: Roswell - 9135 Willeo Rd.; Website: chattnaturecenter.org; Date: Saturday, Jan. 11; Time: 7-9 p.m.; Admission: $15

Teen Spotlight: Twelfth Night the Musical - Woodstock Arts Theatre

Prepare for a musical twist on a Shakespeare classic with “Teen Spotlight: Twelfth Night The Musical.” This fun, modern adaptation of the beloved play follows Viola, a young woman who washes up on the shores of Illyria, disguises herself as a man, and finds herself entangled in love, identity, and plenty of drama. Whether you’re a Shakespeare aficionado or new to the Bard, Twelfth Night will have you singing, laughing, and falling in love with the classics all over again.

Location: Woodstock - 8534 Main St.; Website: woodstockarts.org/twelfth; Dates: Friday, Jan. 17 - Sunday, Jan. 26; Admission: $16-18 (Online), $18-20 (At the door)

Music for the Very Young: The Lion and the Mouse - Hill Auditorium at the High Museum of Art

Music for the Very Young presents “The Lion and the Mouse: A Musical Tale for Little Ears,” where classical music meets storytelling in a fun, interactive experience. Join members of the Atlanta Symphony and talented actors as they bring this timeless fable to life in a 45-minute performance designed for children ages 3 - 8. Through music and storytelling, kids will discover that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a roaring impact.

Location: Midtown - 1280 Peachtree St. NE; Website: aso.org/the-lion-and-the-mouse; Dates: Saturday, Jan. 18 - Sunday, Jan. 19; Admission: $10 for Ages 8+, Free for children 7 and under

Martin Luther King, Jr: Life and Legacy Family Experience - City Green

Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Sandy Springs’ “Life & Legacy” event. This family-friendly experience features an educational screening of “Our Friend, Martin,” an Emmy-nominated animated film that takes kids on a time-traveling adventure to meet Dr. King at key moments in his life. In addition to the film, children can explore interactive activity stations themed around Dr. King’s values, decorate bookmarks with inspiring quotes, trace hands to celebrate our shared humanity, and more.

Location: 1 Galambos Wy.; Website: sandyspringsga.gov; Date: Monday, Jan. 20; Time: 1-4 p.m.; Admission: Free

Lunar New Year Festival - Stone Mountain Park

Ring in the Year of the Snake at Stone Mountain Park’s Lunar New Year Festival! Celebrate the rich traditions of Korea, China, Vietnam, and more with an experience full of dazzling sights and sounds. Watch as the sky lights up with the Lunar New Year Drone and Light Show on the largest screen in the world, then enjoy a festive lighted parade, cultural crafts, and live performances!

Location: Stone Mountain - 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd.; Website: stonemountainpark.com; Dates: Saturday, Jan. 25 - Sunday, Jan. 26; Admission: $19.99+ (Free for children 2 and under)