Family fun: 10 kid-friendly activities in metro Atlanta this September
As the crisp air of fall begins to sweep through metro Atlanta, it’s the perfect time for families to enjoy the great outdoors and soak in the season’s charm. This September, the city offers a delightful mix of kid-friendly activities that celebrate culture, nature and community. From the vibrant festivities at JapanFest to the colorful Fiestas Patrias celebration in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and a special Harry Potter-themed night at Truist Park, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Embrace the cooler weather and create unforgettable memories with these 10 must-do events!
Harry Potter Themed Ticket Package - Truist Park
Grab your broomsticks and head to Truist Park for a night of wizarding wonder with the Atlanta Braves! Braves fans and Harry Potter enthusiasts alike can enjoy a spellbinding evening with the Harry Potter-themed ticket package. Along with your game ticket, you’ll receive an exclusive Atlanta Braves/Harry Potter jersey shirt, perfect for showing off your house pride. But beware, these magical shirts are limited, so don’t let this enchanting opportunity slip through your fingers. Accio tickets!
Location: Cumberland - 755 Battery Ave. SE; Website: mlb.com/harry-potter; Date: Thursday, Sept. 5; Time: 7:20 p.m.; Admission: $36+
56th Annual Yellow Daisy Festival - Stone Mountain Park
Experience the charm and creativity of the 56th Annual Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain, a beloved tradition and one of the nation’s top arts and crafts shows. This award-winning event invites families to explore over 400 artists and crafters nestled beneath the trees of the Special Events Meadow. With live music and delectable festival food, celebrate the start of fall with a day full of artistic inspiration and family fun!
Location: Stone Mountain - 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd.; Website: stonemountainpark.com; Dates: Thursday, Sept. 5 - Sunday, Sept. 8; Admission: Admission is included with paid parking $20 (day pass)
Butterfly Experience - Dunwoody Nature Center
Discover the enchantment of nature at the Butterfly Experience, hosted by the Dunwoody Nature Center. Step into one of three butterfly tents, where hundreds of native butterflies flutter around, offering unforgettable close encounters. Kids and adults alike will love holding butterflies with nectar sticks or simply watching these delicate creatures up close. The festival also features live music, engaging animal shows, and a Pollinator Pathway for hands-on learning.
Location: Dunwoody - 5343 Roberts Dr.; Website: dunwoodynature.org; Dates: Saturday, Sept. 7 - Sunday, Sept. 8; Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: $18, Free for kids 3 and under
UPS Second Sunday: Grandparents Day - High Museum of Art
Celebrate Grandparents Day at the High Museum of Art’s UPS Second Sunday, where family fun and creativity come together in a day of free admission and special programming. Families can immerse themselves in art-making activities inspired by the museum’s quilt exhibition, enjoy interactive performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and delight in the musical adaptation of “The Velveteen Rabbit.” The day also features a heartwarming concert, “In My Granny’s Garden,” and family songwriting workshops that nurture creativity across generations.
Location: Midtown - 1280 Peachtree St. NE; Website: high.org/ups-second-sunday; Date: Sunday, Sept. 8; Time: Noon to 5 p.m.; Admission: Free
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert - Atlanta Symphony Hall
Swing into an unforgettable night with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Concert, where your Spidey senses will tingle with excitement! Building on the web-slinging success of the first Oscar-winning animated film, this highly anticipated sequel comes to life like never before. Watch as the movie unfolds on a massive HD screen, while a full orchestra, scratch DJ, and electronic instrumentalists weave an electrifying musical web, performing the iconic soundtrack live.
Location: Midtown - 1280 Peachtree St. NE; Website: aso.org/across-the-spider-verse; Date: Wednesday, Sept. 11; Time: 7 p.m.; Admission: $40+
Back to Your Roots Farm Fair - Chattahoochee Nature Center
Reconnect with nature at the Back to Your Roots Farm Fair! Celebrate the harvest season at the Chattahoochee Nature Center with live farm animals, hands-on gardening activities, and engaging crafts for the whole family. Kids will love making their own wildflower seed bombs, exploring the Unity Garden on guided tours, and even harvesting a radish right from the soil. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day filled with farm-fresh fun and games.
Location: Roswell - 9135 Willeo Rd.; Website: chattnaturecenter.org; Date: Sunday, Sept. 15; Time: Noon to 4 p.m.; Admission: $21.55 for Adults, $17.24 for ages 13 - 18, $15.09 for ages 3 - 12, Free for ages 2 and under
Fiestas Patrias Celebration - Plaza Fiesta
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in grand style at Plaza Fiesta’s vibrant Fiestas Patrias celebration, the official site for the Mexican Consulate’s “El Grito – Mexican Independence Celebration.” For over 19 years, this lively festival has brought together Latino families from across the region for a day filled with music, delicious food, and cultural pride. With free entry and activities for all ages, it’s the perfect family-friendly event to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and joyful spirit of Hispanic culture.
Location: Chamblee - 4166 Buford Hwy. NE; Website: plazafiesta.net/fiestas-patrias; Date: Sunday, Sept. 15; Admission: Free
Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote - Center for Puppetry Arts
Embark on a journey with Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote, a mesmerizing puppet show and musical adaptation of Duncan Tonatiuh’s acclaimed children’s book. This magical Mexican folktale follows young Pancho Rabbit’s brave quest to reunite with his father, guided by a mysterious Coyote. Featuring captivating music and heartfelt narration, this world premiere vividly portrays themes of hope, family, and adventure, offering a touching experience for audiences of all ages.
Location: Midtown - 1404 Spring St. NW; Website: puppet.org/pancho-rabbit; Dates: Tuesday, Sept. 17 - Sunday, Oct. 20; Admission: $22.75+
North Georgia State Fair - Jim R. Miller Park (Marietta)
Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement at the North Georgia State Fair! This annual extravaganza will light up Marietta with thrilling rides, lively shows, and delicious fair foods. This year’s highlights include the jaw-dropping feats of David “The Bullet” Smith, the mesmerizing Fireguy Show, and the comedic charm of The Benjamin Jackson Hypnotist Show. Kids and families can enjoy the Sea Lion Splash, Jurassic Kingdom, the petting zoo and much more!
Location: Marietta - 2245 Callaway Rd. SW; Website: northgeorgiastatefair.com; Dates: Thursday, Sept. 19 - Sunday, Sept. 29; Admission: $10+, Free for kids 10 and under (Free admission on opening day!)
JapanFest 2024 - Gas South Convention Center (Duluth)
Immerse your family in a cultural adventure at JapanFest, where kids can experience and learn about the magic of Japan! In the Children’s Area, little ones can dive into Japanese traditions with hands-on activities like origami, arts and crafts. The festival also offers traditional games like toy goldfish scooping and ring toss, alongside interactive experiences such as samurai sword boot camp and shamisen music playing. With captivating performances, delicious treats like shaved ice and yakitori, and a delightful array of Japanese toys and games, JapanFest is the perfect family outing.
Location: Duluth - 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy.; Website: japanfest.org; Dates: Saturday, Sept. 21 - Sunday, Sept. 22; Admission: $16+, Free for kids 6 and under
The suburb that goes global: Your city guide to Duluth