Family fun: 10 kid-friendly activities in metro Atlanta this May
The month of May is bursting with family-friendly adventures throughout metro Atlanta! Dive into giant inflatables at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds or join Stellaluna’s magical journey at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Feel the Force with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Star Wars and More concert or embark on mythical quests at the Atlanta History Center. With so many exciting events to choose from, get ready for a month of unforgettable family fun!
The Big Bounce America - Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
Experience the thrill of Big Bounce America, the world’s largest touring inflatable event! With over 900 feet of action-packed fun, it’s suitable for all ages. Dive into a landscape filled with custom-built attractions like basketball hoops, climbing towers, giant slides, and even a deep-sea adventure in OctoBlast. This is no ordinary bounce house, covering over 24,000 square feet and towering 32 feet high, it’s packed with endless excitement.
Location: Gwinnett - 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy.; Website: thebigbounceamerica.com; Dates: Now until Sunday, May 5; Admission: $22 - $35
Stellaluna - Center for Puppetry Arts
Join the Center for Puppetry Arts for a delightful puppet show featuring the return of everyone’s favorite fruit bat, Stellaluna! Adapted from Janell Cannon’s beloved book and directed by Jon Ludwig, this enchanting tale follows Stellaluna’s adventures after she lands in a bird’s nest by accident. As she navigates her differences with her new family, Stellaluna learns valuable lessons about acceptance and friendship.
Location: Midtown - 1404 Spring St. NW; Website: puppet.org/stellaluna; Dates: Now until Sunday, May 19; Admission: $22+
Latino Family Festival and Light Show - Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park invites visitors to the second annual Latino Family Festival. Explore the richness of Latino culture with a family-friendly drone and light show on the world’s largest screen, a vibrant parade, and live performances by international talent, including Aztec dancers, flamenco dancers, mariachi bands, and more.
Location: Stone Mountain - 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd.; Website: stonemountainpark.com; Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, May 4 - 19; Admission: $39.95 for ages 12 and up, $34.95 for ages 3 - 11, free for ages 2 and under
Backyard Campout - Swift Cantrell Park (Kennesaw)
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Kennesaw Parks & Recreation’s Backyard Campout! The whole family can join for a night of camping under the stars, complete with fun activities like pitch-a-tent demos, campfire cooking, and a scavenger hunt. Enjoy dinner, s’mores, stargazing, and an outdoor movie screening of “Shrek.”
Location: Kennesaw - 3140 Old 41 Hwy. NW; Website: kennesaw-ga.gov; Dates: Friday, May 17 - Saturday, May 18; Admission: $30
Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade
See the magic of the BeltLine Lantern Parade! This magical event brings together thousands of people and hundreds of lanterns for a night of creativity and community along the Westside Trail. Whether you’re watching or joining the parade, it’s a celebration of homemade lanterns, music, and joy. Pre-event activities include the Pittsburgh Community Market, kids’ lantern-making workshops, and vendors at the Westside BeltLine MarketPlace.
Location: West End - 742 Catherine St. SW; Website: beltline.org/lantern-parade; Date: Saturday, May 11; Time: 8:30 - 10 p.m.; Admission: Free
Mother’s Day Family Canoe Day - Chattahoochee Nature Center
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Family Canoe Day! Perfect for first-time paddlers, families with young children, or those returning to the sport, this event offers an introduction to canoeing led by CNC’s experienced guides. Spend quality time on the water while learning paddling techniques, participating in races, and enjoying games. Be sure to make cherished memories with Mom or Grandma in the great outdoors!
Location: Roswell - 9135 Willeo Rd.; Website: chattnaturecenter.org; Date: Sunday, May 12; Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.; Admission: $25
Homeschool Day: Myths in May - Atlanta History Center
Embark on a journey of imagination during Homeschool Day’s finale! Delve into the rich tapestry of myths from various cultures, including classical, Native American, and urban legends. Explore the fascinating tales that have captivated people throughout history. Then, let your creativity soar as you craft your very own myth to explain a part of the world around you.
Location: Buckhead - 130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com/homeschool-day; Date: Thursday, May 16; Time: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; Admission: $9+ (Free for kids 3 and under)
Marietta Greek Festival
Mark your calendars for the Marietta Greek Festival, an event the whole family will love. From mouthwatering homemade Greek cuisine to lively traditional dances and a wide array of authentic vendors showcasing Greek traditions, there’s something for everyone. Bring the whole family and prepare for a weekend brimming with excitement and delicious food. Opa!
Location: Marietta - 3431 Trickum Rd.; Website: mariettagreekfestival.com; Dates: Friday, May 17 - Sunday, May 19; Admission: $5+
Star Wars and More: The Music of John Williams
Get ready to feel the “force” as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra presents Star Wars and More! Join the epic adventure with iconic film scores by John Williams, including Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Indiana Jones. Before the concert, encounter beloved characters from a galaxy far, far away and enjoy family-friendly activities like photo ops and face painting. Dress up as your favorite Jedi, Sith, or droid for an unforgettable night of intergalactic fun!
Location: Alpharetta - 2200 Encore Pkwy.; Website: aso.org; Date: Sunday, May 19; Time: 6 p.m.; Admission: $25+
Memorial Day Weekend - Stone Mountain Park
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at Stone Mountain Park, honoring troops and their families. Enjoy four days of family fun, patriotic pride, and special events. From thrilling attractions like Dinosaur Explore to scenic hikes up Stone Mountain, there’s something for everyone. Stay into the evening for a spectacular salute to the troops with extended fireworks following the Music Across America Drone & Light Show.
Location: Stone Mountain - 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd.; Website: stonemountainpark.com; Dates: Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27; Admission: $39.99 for ages 12 and up, $34.99 for ages 3 - 11, free for ages 2 and under
20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in May