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

Planning a fun-filled July with your little ones? This article brings you a curated list of 10 kid-friendly activities that are perfect for creating lasting memories this summer. From interactive museums and thrilling outdoor adventures to entertaining shows and family-friendly festivals, there are countless options to keep your children engaged and entertained while school’s out. Get ready for a July full of unforgettable experiences with these fantastic suggestions for family fun around the city.

Circus Vazquez - Plaza Fiesta

Experience the awe-inspiring Circus Vazquez in Atlanta! Witness an incredible showcase of jugglers, dancers, tumblers, roller skaters and motorcyclists from around the world. Until July 16, this family-friendly event promises unforgettable performances and classic circus treats while creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Don’t miss out on this spectacular experience!

Location: Chamblee - 4166 Buford Hwy. NE; Website: circusvazquez.com; Contact: 404-982-9138; Dates: Friday, June 30 - Sunday, July 16; Admission: $30+

IKEA Atlanta Summer Camp

Join the July IKEA Atlanta Summer Camp for kids where you can enjoy arts and crafts activities and indulge in a Swedish dinner at the IKEA Swedish restaurant. Make sure to take advantage of the special offer, where the purchase of one adult entrée includes two free kids meals. RSVP is required for the arts and crafts session, and please note that activities are subject to change.

Location: Midtown - 441 16th St. NW; Website: ikea.com/summer-camp; Contact: 888-888-4532; Date: Wednesday, July 5; Admission: Free (with a purchase of an adult entrée)

Drop-In Kids Gardening Activity- Atlanta Botanical Garden

Be a part of the weekly event and contribute to the care of plants like Rosa Sunfinger from Trolls: Save the Humans by Thomas Dambo. Engaging in kid-friendly gardening activities such as seed planting, watering and harvesting, participants will play an active role in maintaining the beauty of the Children’s Garden while fostering a connection with nature.

Location: Midtown - 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE; Website: atlantabg.org/kids-gardening; Contact: 404-876-5859; Date: Every Wednesday (July 5, 12, 19 and 26); Time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.; Admission: $26.95 for Adults, $23.95 for ages 3 - 12, Free for kids 3 and under

Kid’s Cooking Class - Maggiano’s Cumberland

Families are invited to join a fun, hands-on cooking class where little ones will have the opportunity to create a culinary masterpiece under the guidance of a skilled chef. During the class, the chef will provide step-by-step instructions on making an Apple Crostada. The event starts at 9 a.m. and includes a delectable breakfast buffet offering an assortment of muffins and pastries, seasonal fresh fruit, french toast, scrambled eggs and more. It’s a delightful experience for children and adults alike.

Location: Cumberland - 1601 Cumberland Mall, Suite 200; Website: eventbrite.com/kids-cooking-class; Date: Saturday, July 8; Admission: $15 - $25

Guided Tour of Level Up: Family Fun - Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

Experience Level Up: Pixels, Play, & Progress — an in-person event blending storytelling and video games for the whole family. Explore the exhibition, play family-friendly games and design your own characters.

Location: Midtown - 1315 Peachtree St. NE; Website: museumofdesign.org/tour-family-friendly; Contact: 404-979-6455; Date: Saturday, July 8; Admission: $15 for 13+, Free for kids 12 and under

Breakfast with Butterflies - Chattahoochee Nature Center

Experience the enchantment of Breakfast With Butterflies, an exclusive event at CNC where families can enjoy a delightful morning with these graceful creatures. With access to CNC’s Butterfly Encounter, attendees can savor a light breakfast, encounter various butterfly species and explore the picturesque grounds before regular opening hours.

Location: Roswell - 9135 Willeo Rd.; Website: chattnaturecenter.org/breakfast-with-butterflies; Contact: 770-992-2055; Date: Sunday, July 9; Admission: $25

Repticon - Gwinnett County Fairgrounds

Take your kids to Repticon for a learning-filled day where they can get up close and personal with reptiles. Kids will love discovering about the various species of animals and their natural environments. You can even shop for a new family pet and explore all of the reptiles, amphibians, insects and more that they will feature.

Location: Lawrenceville - 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy.; Website: repticon.com/atlanta; Dates: Saturday, July 15 - Sunday, July 16; Admission: $11-12 for Adults, $6 for ages 5-12, Free for kids 4 and under

13th Annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival

Beat the summer heat with the ultimate sweet treat at the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival in Piedmont Park. There is so much to indulge in at this fun event as you explore a diverse range of vendors, participate in fitness activities and enjoy live music. Best of all, admission to this delightful festival is free!

Location: Midtown - 10th St. NE; Website: atlantaicecreamfestival.com; Dates: Saturday, July 22; Admission: Free

Twilight Tots - Zoo Atlanta

Families with young children are invited to an exciting evening at the Zoo, where they can embark on a special after-hours exploration. Led by a knowledgeable Zoo Educator, attendees will enjoy a mini tour of the Zoo, complete with sing-alongs, captivating animal stories and the chance to unleash their inner animals through dance. This engaging program is designed specifically for families with children ages 5 and under, offering tailored opportunities for exploration for the youngest participants.

Location: East Atlanta - 800 Cherokee Ave. SE; Website: zooatlanta.org/twilight-tots; Contact: 404-624-5600; Dates: Saturday, July 22; Admission: $25.95 - $34.20 for ages 12 and up, $20.95 - $26.95 for ages 3 - 11, free for ages 2 and under

Atlanta Water Lantern Festival

The Atlanta Water Lantern Festival offers a magical night for all ages, featuring live music, food trucks and the enchanting sight of floating lanterns. Kids will delight in decorating their own lanterns and witnessing the breathtaking display. Each ticket includes festival entry, access to food trucks, a floating lantern kit and other fun items.

Location: Marietta - 2245 Callaway Rd. SW; Website: waterlanternfestival.com/atlanta; Dates: Saturday, July 29; Admission: $26.98 for Adults, $12.45 for ages 8 - 14, Free for kids 7 and under