Top 10 kid-friendly activities in metro Atlanta this January

As the holiday season draws to a close, it’s time to start making January plans for the entire family. Throughout the month, metro Atlanta is jam-packed with exciting events for your little ones. Whether you’re looking for fun outdoor adventures or want to stay warm indoors, we’ve got you covered with all sorts of kid-friendly activities.

Lakeside Lights Spectacular - Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Water Park

Visit Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular if the thought of the holidays is making you a little wistful. Bring the family to this winter wonderland to enjoy the incredible lakeside lights while strolling through this enchanted path to cheery holiday music. Hot cocoa, sweet treats and unique cocktails are also available. Make a whole day out of it and explore the License to Chill Snow Island, which offers snow tubing, ice skating and carnival rides.

Location: Buford - 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy.; Website: margaritavilleresorts.com/lakeside-lights; Contact: 470-323-3440; Dates: Open every day until Jan. 4, then weekends only through Jan. 16; Admission: $19.99 for Adults, Free for kids 7 and under

The Dragon King - Center for Puppetry Arts

The Dragon King, an underwater tale based on Chinese folklore, tells the story of a determined grandmother who ventures to the bottom of the sea in an effort to track down the enigmatic Dragon King and learn why he hasn’t sent rain to the drought-stricken land. The entire family will enjoy this play at the Center for Puppetry Arts, which is recommended for children ages 4 to 12.

Location: Midtown - 1404 Spring St. NW; Website: puppet.org/dragon-king; Contact: 404-873-3391; Dates: Jan. 5 - 29; Admission: $22

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 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. Free admission is offered to teachers, active-duty military and first responders!

Location: Lawrenceville - 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy.; Website: repticon.com/atlanta; Contact: 770-963-6522; Dates: Jan. 7 - 8; Admission: $11-12 for Adults, $6 for ages 6-12, Free for kids 4 and under

Winter Family Night Hike - Chattahoochee Nature Center

Join the Chattahoochee Nature Center with your little outdoor explorer for a winter family night hike to experience the sights and sounds of nature at night. Enjoy the crisp winter air while gazing up at the beautiful stars, and complete the night by gathering around a warm campfire to roast marshmallows.

Location: Roswell - 9135 Willeo Rd.; Website: chattnaturecenter.org/winter-family-night; Contact: 770-992-2055; Date: Saturday, Jan. 14; Time:  7 - 9 p.m.; Admission: $12

The Lightning Thief - Woodstock Arts Theatre

Bring your tweens and teens to experience The Lightning Thief at the Woodstock Theatre, based on Rick Riordan’s best-selling book of the same name. Explore the world of Percy Jackson, a half-blood Greek god’s son who is hunted by monsters and has recently discovered powers he can’t control. The outstanding cast of teen actors in this play is sure to captivate the entire family.

Location: Woodstock - 8534 Main St.; Website: woodstockarts.org/lightning-thief; Contact: 678-494-4251; Dates: Jan. 20 - 29; Admission: $18-20 (Online), $20-23 (At the door)

Lunar New Year Festival - Stone Mountain Park

In collaboration with the Chinese Cultural School of Atlanta, the Lunar New Year Festival comes to Stone Mountain Park. This new festival will feature a variety of cultural events, including puppetry, storytelling, dance and drum exhibitions, parades, and light and drone shows. There is something for everyone at this special event. Book your tickets soon!

Location: Stone Mountain - 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd.; Website: stonemountainpark.com/lunar-new-year; Contact: 770-498-5690; Dates: Jan. 20 - 22, 27 - 29; Admission: $19.95

Pirate Day - Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Ahoy, mateys! Dress up your little pirates in their finest costumes and head over to Fernbank Museum’s “Pirate Day” for tons of fun activities. You’ll get the opportunity to interact with the Atlanta Pirates and Wenches Guild in addition to enjoying some crafts and a bonafide band of buccaneers.

Location: Druid Hills - 767 Clifton Rd.; Website: fernbankmuseum.org; Contact: 404-929-6300; Date: Saturday, Jan. 21; Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Admission: $24.95 for Adults, $22.95 for ages 3-12

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a brilliant place for your kids to spend the day. There are two fantastic featured exhibits in January: “PAW Patrol: Adventure Play” (until Jan. 8) and “Splash and Bubbles: Dive In, Lend a Fin!” (starting Jan. 21). Challenges can be overcome alongside the heroic Paw Patrol pups in Adventure Bay, and the STEM-based Splash and Bubbles exhibit teaches little ones how to protect the ocean.

Location: Downtown- 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW; Website: childrensmuseumatlanta.org; Contact: 404-659-5437; Admission: $13.95 - 19.95, Free for babies 12 months and under

TinyTowne

Let your children take the wheel (literally) at TinyTowne in Norcross, where they can start learning to drive as young as three years old. This driving “edutainment” park has booster cars and smart cars that will teach your children safe methods to take on the road. Play some games in their arcade while you’re there, and catch a ride on their train.

Location: Norcross - 2055 Beaver Ruin Rd.; Website: tinytowne.com; Contact: 470-265-6665; Admission: $35 - $99

Harry Potter: The Exhibition

At Harry Potter: The Exhibition, give your kids an unforgettable experience. The entire family will appreciate this unique, in-depth event that honors the legendary characters, costumes, props, and moments of the iconic book and film series. You can take pictures on Hagrid’s enormous chair, practice your Quidditch skills and much more. This interactive and immersive exhibition will satisfy even the biggest Harry Potter fans.

Location: Downtown - 155 Carnegie Way NW; Website: harrypotterexhibition.com; Admission: $29 for Adults, $25 for kids ages 3-12