Family fun: 10 kid-friendly activities in metro Atlanta this August
As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, metro Atlanta is bursting with family-friendly activities to enjoy before the season ends. This August, families can look forward to magical movie nights under the stars, exhilarating circus performances, vibrant cultural festivals and more. Make the most of the final days of summer with these 10 unforgettable events and create lasting memories before the school bell rings!
Movies on the Square - Colony Square
Families and kids can enjoy a movie night at Colony Square, where they can relax and watch the classic film “Matilda” (1996) on the big screen, starting at 7 p.m. It’s a great chance to unwind and have a magical evening together under the stars.
Location: Midtown - 1197 Peachtree St. NE; Website: colonysquare.com; Date: Thursday, Aug. 1; Time: 7 - 9 p.m.; Admission: Free
Atlanta Water Lantern Festival - Jim R. Miller Park (Marietta)
The Atlanta Water Lantern Festival illuminates the night with enchantment for all ages, featuring live music, food trucks, and the radiant sight of floating lanterns. Kids will shine as they decorate their lanterns and enjoy the glowing display. Each ticket provides festival entry, access to food trucks, a floating lantern kit, and other delightful items.
Location: Marietta - 2245 Callaway Rd. SW; Website: waterlanternfestival.com; Dates: Friday, Aug. 2 - Saturday, Aug. 3; Admission: $28.33 for Adults, $13.70 for ages 8 - 14, Free for kids 7 and under
Colors of India - Stone Mountain Park
Celebrate India’s diversity and rich cultural heritage at the Colors of India Family Festival! Enjoy a family-friendly Drone and Light Show on the world’s largest screen, a vibrant parade and colorful cultural performances including traditional and Bollywood-style dances. The festival also features live music, food trucks and wonderful decor, making it a fun event for the whole family.
Location: Stone Mountain - 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd.; Website: stonemountainpark.com; Dates: Saturday, Aug. 10 - Sunday, Aug. 11; Admission: Festival only $19.99; Festival and attractions $24.99
Owl at Home - Center for Puppetry Arts
Join the Center for Puppetry Arts for a heartwarming performance of “Owl at Home,” perfect for kids aged 2 and up. Based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved book, this enchanting puppet show features Owl’s charming adventures in his cozy woodland home, complete with playful mishaps and heartwarming moments. The experience includes a Create-A-Puppet Workshop where kids can make their own Wise Owl puppet. On Aug. 16, enjoy a special meet-and-greet with an Eastern Screech Owl from the Chattahoochee Nature Center, offering an educational and inspiring wildlife encounter.
Location: Midtown - 1404 Spring St. NW; Website: puppet.org/owl-at-home; Dates: Tuesday, Aug. 13 - Sunday, Sept. 8; Admission: $22.75+
Circus Vazquez - Plaza Fiesta
Discover the wonder of Circus Vazquez in Atlanta! Enjoy a captivating display of talent from jugglers, dancers, acrobats, roller skaters, and motorcyclists from around the world. Running throughout August, this family-friendly event promises thrilling performances and traditional circus snacks, ensuring unforgettable moments with your family.
Location: Chamblee - 4166 Buford Hwy. NE; Website: circusvazquez.com; Dates: Friday, Aug. 16 - Sunday, Sept. 1; Admission: $25.94+
Coaster Fest - Six Flags Over Georgia
Experience the excitement of Coaster Fest at Six Flags, a new festival that brings you face-to-face with the Southeast’s most thrilling roller coasters! Enjoy exclusive ride times, special presentations, behind-the-scenes tours, and more, all organized by the Six Flags Over Georgia team. Perfect for families with kids of all ages, especially teens, the event promises fun and adventure for everyone.
Location: Austell - 275 Riverside Pkwy.; Website: sixflags.com; Dates: Saturday, Aug. 17 - Sunday, Aug. 18; Admission: $70
Down, Set, Game On! - College Football Hall of Fame
Calling all sports fans: Celebrate a decade of college football at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame! August 2024 kicks off a season-long celebration with a fan fest and new experiences. College football enthusiasts will enjoy interactive exhibits, thrilling activities, and a chance to immerse themselves in college football history.
Location: Downtown - 250 Marietta St. NW; Website: cfbhall.com; Date: Saturday, Aug. 24; Admission: $30.25 for adults, $23.75 for kids ages 3-12, Free for ages 3 and under
Summer Shade Festival - Grant Park
The Grant Park Conservancy’s Summer Shade Festival is a free, family-friendly event where you can cool off and celebrate the end of summer in Atlanta’s historic Grant Park. Enjoy art, music and food, plus a dedicated kids’ zone for younger visitors. The festival also features a 5K race to get your day started. It’s a fantastic way to embrace the final days of summer and support the park’s ongoing revitalization.
Location: Grant Park - 840 Cherokee Ave. SE; Website: summershadefestival.org; Dates: Saturday, Aug. 24 - Sunday, Aug. 25; Admission: Free
Rise and Dine with the Animals - Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta’s Rise and Dine with the Animals offers a giraffe-tastic start to the day for families! Enjoy a continental breakfast while observing giraffes, zebras and other savanna animals waking up. The event features educational insights from Animal Care Professionals and a memorable takeaway. After breakfast, guests can stretch their necks and explore the zoo. Ideal for all ages, with content geared toward those 12 and up, this event is perfect for a family outing. Don’t miss the chance to register by Aug. 22 for the Aug. 31 giraffe-themed program!
Location: East Atlanta - 800 Cherokee Ave. SE; Website: zooatlanta.org/rise-and-dine; Date: Saturday, Aug. 31; Time: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.; Admission: $65 ($52 for Zoo Members)
PAW Patrol Live! - Fox Theatre
Get ready for a paw-some adventure at the Fox Theatre with “Paw Patrol Live!” Nickelodeon’s beloved show comes to life on stage with heroic characters, catchy songs and engaging dances. This event is perfect for kids, offering interactive fun and captivating stories that will have everyone on their paws with excitement. Don’t miss out on this tail-waggin’ good time!
Location: Midtown - 660 Peachtree St. NE; Website: foxtheatre.org; Dates: Saturday, Aug. 31 - Sunday, Sept. 1; Admission: $24.50+
20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in August