Family fun: 10 kid-friendly activities in metro Atlanta this October

October in metro Atlanta is a vibrant time for families, filled with fun and engaging activities that celebrate the season. From enchanting fall festivals to thrilling Halloween events, there’s something for every little adventurer. Whether your kids love exploring pumpkin patches, enjoying live performances, or discovering the wonders of nature, this month offers an array of exciting opportunities to create unforgettable memories. Here are 10 kid-friendly activities that promise to make your October in Atlanta a delight for the whole family!

The Curious Cardinal - Alliance Theatre

Celebrate the wonders of Georgia’s natural habitats with “The Curious Cardinal.” Based on the animated short and book by Mark Valdez, this enchanting performance follows the adventures of “CC,” a curious cardinal who never migrates, choosing to explore the forest year-round. From springtime flights to summer farewells with otters, fall squabbles with squirrels, and winter’s cool embrace, CC’s journey is a celebration of the beauty and magic each season brings. With captivating music and lively storytelling, this family-friendly show will have everyone flying high with wonder!

Location: Midtown - 1280 Peachtree St. NE; Website: alliancetheatre.org; Dates: Every weekend until Sunday, Oct. 27; Admission: $12.50 for Adults, $5 for ages 6 - 17, Free for kids 5 and under

Kids Boo Fest - Six Flags Over Georgia

Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia offers a thrilling twist on the Halloween season, making it the perfect family-friendly event! Every weekend in October, families can enjoy all the excitement without the scares, with thrilling rides, Halloween surprises, and Trick or Treat adventures. Explore the new Day of the Dead Town, participate in costume contests, and dance the day away at the Looney Tunes SPOOKtacular Dance Party. Kids can also visit Farmer Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch to decorate mini pumpkins and navigate the Trick or Treat Trail in Bugs Bunny BoomTown. It’s a perfect, not-too-spooky adventure for all ages.

Location: Austell - 275 Riverside Pkwy.; Website: sixflags.com; Dates: Every weekend until Sunday, Nov. 3; Admission: $45+, Free for kids 2 and under

Pumpkin Festival - Stone Mountain Park

Join the fun at Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival, where families can play by day and glow by night! Every weekend in October, enjoy a day filled with attractions, including a pie-eating contest hosted by the Mad Hatter, whimsical fairy tale scenes, and photo ops with beloved characters. Don’t miss the brand-new Pumpkin Tree Lighting, where Cinderella lights up the giant pumpkin tree! As the sun sets, experience the enchanting Glow-a-Long Parade featuring themed floats, culminating in a spectacular fireworks finale.

Location: Stone Mountain - 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd.; Website: stonemountainpark.com; Dates: Every weekend until Sunday, Nov. 3; Admission: $39.99 for Adults, $34.99 for kids

Disney’s The Lion King - Fox Theatre

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as Disney’s “The Lion King” roars back into the Fox Theatre! With over 100 million fans worldwide, this Tony Award-winning musical is a must-see for families. Directed by the visionary Julie Taymor, the show features breathtaking visuals and a heartwarming story filled with hope and adventure. Sing along to beloved tunes by Elton John and Tim Rice, as you and your little ones embark on this wild journey through the African savanna.

Location: Midtown - 660 Peachtree St. NE; Website: foxtheatre.org/the-lion-king; Dates: Wednesday, Oct. 2 - Sunday, Oct. 6; Admission: $35+

Pumpkin Patch Festival - Oakland Cemetery

Head to Oakland Cemetery for the fifth annual Pumpkin Patch Festival, sure to be a gourd time for the whole family! This event is packed with fall fun, from picking the perfect pumpkin to spooky games and kids’ costume contests. Capture picture-perfect moments at seasonally decorated photo ops, decorate pumpkins, and browse local vendors at the Harvest Market.

Location: East Atlanta - 248 Oakland Ave. SE; Website: oaklandcemetery.com; Dates: Saturday, Oct. 5 - Sunday, Oct. 6; Admission: Free

Fall Family Fun - Atlanta Botanical Garden

For an exciting family outing, head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden this October for Fall Family Fun! Every Saturday and Sunday, kids can enjoy fall-themed activities perfect for all ages. Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costumes for extra fun! While you’re there, explore the 22nd annual Scarecrows in the Garden, featuring creative scarecrows made by local businesses, schools, and organizations.

Location: Midtown - 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE; Website: atlantabg.org/fall-family-fun; Dates: Every weekend from Saturday, Oct. 5 - Sunday, Oct. 27; Time: 10 a.m. to noon; Admission: $29.95 for Adults, $26.95 for kids 3 - 12, Free for kids under 3

12th Annual Fairies in the Garden - Woodlands Garden (Decatur)

Woodlands Garden invites families to the twelfth annual Fairies in the Garden celebration. Young nature lovers will delight in discovering whimsical fairy houses hidden throughout the eight-acre forest, crafted by artists using natural materials like bark, twigs, and leaves. Accessible paths make it easy for everyone to explore the enchanting fairy homes tucked beneath trees, along trails, and even under bridges. Put on your costumes and embark on an adventure to uncover enchanting fairy homes hidden throughout the forest!

Location: Decatur - 932 Scott Blvd.; Website: woodlandsgarden.org; Dates: Saturday, Oct. 5 - Saturday, Oct. 19; Time: Open during daylight hours; Admission: Free

KIDZ Bop Live - Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Kidz Bop Live 2024 is coming to Alpharetta’s Ameris Bank Amphitheatre and it’s set to be the ultimate family concert experience! Featuring kid stars Aleah, JJ, Shila, and Tyler, they’ll be singing re-imagined versions of this year’s biggest hits. With high-energy performances and songs “sung by kids for kids,” it’s the perfect event for young music fans. Plus, catch a special screening of the brand-new Unicorn Academy series before the show!

Location: Alpharetta - 2200 Encore Pkwy.; Website: amerisbankampatl.com; Date: Sunday, Oct. 6; Time: 4 p.m.; Admission: $41+

Repticon - Gwinnett County Fairgrounds

Head to Repticon for a fun, family-friendly day packed with learning and excitement! As a leader in reptile and exotic animal expos, Repticon offers kids the chance to get up close with creatures rarely seen in local pet stores while discovering fascinating facts about their natural habitats. Breeders and vendors are on hand to share their expertise in herpetology, and you can even shop for a new family pet from a wide selection of reptiles, amphibians, and other exotic animals.

Location: Lawrenceville - 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy.; Website: repticon.com/atlanta; Dates: Saturday, Oct. 19 - Sunday, Oct. 20; Admission: $11-12 for Adults, $6 for ages 5-12, Free for kids 4 and under

5th Annual Dia De Muertos Festival - Roswell

Roswell’s 5th annual Día de Muertos Festival returns with a vibrant celebration. Families can immerse themselves in authentic Mexican traditions, enjoying delicious cuisine, crafts, and live entertainment, including Aztec dancers, a mariachi band, and the Oaxaca Group. Don’t miss the traditional altar, face painting, and a chance to honor loved ones who have passed. Stay for the evening’s Afro-Andean Funk concert, blending world music with indigenous Peruvian traditions!

Location: Roswell - 950 Forrest St.; Website: roswell365.com; Date: Saturday, Oct. 26; Time: 3 - 7 p.m.; Admission: Free