As the crisp autumn air sweeps through the Peach State and the holiday lights begin to twinkle, Atlanta transforms into a playground for families.

Whether you’re chasing colorful leaves in pumpkin patches, bundling up for festive light shows, or diving into year-round adventures that feel extra magical this time of year, the city and its surrounding areas offer endless opportunities to create lasting memories.

Family Fun in Atlanta This Fall and Winter

From thrilling festivals to cozy indoor spectacles, we’ve rounded up more than 30 family-friendly ideas for fall (September through November) and winter (December through January). Grab the kids, layer up, and let’s explore!Fall Festivals & Outdoor Adventures (September–November)Embrace the season with hayrides, cultural celebrations, and spooky (but not too scary) fun. These events highlight Atlanta’s vibrant community spirit and natural beauty.

  1. Georgia State Fair at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Through Oct. 5): Indulge in classic fair treats, ride thrilling carnival rides, and catch live shows under the big top—perfect for all ages.
  2. Stone Mountain Park Pumpkin Festival (Now–Nov. 2): Carve pumpkins, navigate a corn maze, and enjoy character meet-and-greets amid stunning fall foliage.
  3. Atlanta Greek Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (Oct. 2–5): Dive into Greek culture with dancing, history exhibits, and mouthwatering souvlaki—don’t miss the kids’ activities.
  4. Cumming Country Fair & Festival at Cumming Fairgrounds (Oct. 2–12): Savor fair food, hop on amusement rides, and groove to concerts in this North Georgia tradition.
  5. Boo at the Zoo at Atlanta Zoo (October weekends): Trick-or-treat with animals, enjoy haunted hayrides, and snap photos in costume—family Halloween at its finest.
  6. Goblins in the Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden (October select nights): Wander through glowing gardens with goblin-themed sculptures and safe, spooky storytelling for little ones.
  7. Georgia Apple Festival (Two weekends in October): Pick fresh apples, play games, and picnic amid orchards— a sweet taste of fall harvest.
  8. Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia (October weekends): Ride coasters in the dark (kid-friendly versions), meet characters, and collect candy without the frights.
  9. Oktoberfest in Helen (October weekends): Don lederhosen for Bavarian eats, polka dancing, and alpine games in this charming mountain town.
  10. Buford Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch (October): Get lost in a 5-acre maze, pet farm animals, and pick pumpkins for the ultimate rural escape.
  11. Fall Festival at Candler Park (Oct. 4–5): Rock out to live music on two stages, browse an artist market, and let kids run wild in the play area with food trucks galore.
  12. Westside Stride Street Festival (Oct. 5): Stroll a pumpkin patch, pet zoo animals, and shop makers’ markets while enjoying live tunes and eats.
  13. Korean Festival at Sugarloaf Mills (Oct. 4–5): Experience K-culture with traditional dances, music, and kid-friendly demos—plus delicious Korean street food.
  14. Diwali Market at Johns Creek City Hall (Oct. 11): Light up the night with rangoli art, henna tattoos, and Indian sweets during this festival of lights.
  15. Canton Multicultural Festival at Harmon Park (Oct. 11): Sample global foods, watch live performances, and join interactive cultural demos from around the world.

Holiday Magic & Winter Wonders (December–January)When the temperatures dip, Atlanta heats up with lights, shows, and Santa sightings. These events capture the joy of the season with a mix of outdoor spectacles and warm indoor escapes.

  1. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden (Nov. 16–Jan. 12): Marvel at illuminated sculptures, model trains, and light tunnels—a dazzling after-dark wonder for all.
  2. Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park (Nov. 9–Jan. 5): Ride the SkyHike to “meet” Santa’s reindeer, catch laser shows, and stroll million-light displays.
  3. Holidays at Georgia Aquarium (Nov. 15–Jan. 2): Watch dolphin shows with a festive twist, pose with Santa, and gaze at a 40-foot tree amid ocean views.
  4. IllumiNights at the Zoo (Nov. 14–Jan. 19): Glow with animal lanterns, s’mores stations, and wildlife silhouettes in this nature-inspired light extravaganza.
  5. A Christmas Carol at Alliance Theatre (Nov. 9–Dec. 24): Witness Scrooge’s transformation in this live musical adaptation, complete with magical sets for theater-loving families.
  6. The Nutcracker by Atlanta Ballet (Dec. 7–26): Twirl into Tchaikovsky’s classic with high-tech effects, live orchestra, and young dancers stealing the show.
  7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Center for Puppetry Arts (Nov. 14–Dec. 29): Follow Rudolph’s adventure through puppetry magic and holiday exhibits—ideal for preschoolers.
  8. Georgia Festival of Trees (Nov. 23–Dec. 1): Bid on dazzling decorated trees, decorate cookies with Santa, and enjoy live music benefiting local charities.
  9. Christmas at Lanier Islands (Nov. 30–Dec. 22): Tube down snowy hills, skate on ice, and ride carousels in this lakeside holiday village.
  10. Winter WonderLights at State Botanical Garden of Georgia (Select nights Nov. 24–Jan. 5): Walk a shimmering trail with snowflakes, hot cocoa, and s’mores pits.
  11. HoliDAYS in Norcross (Nov. 16–Dec. 20): Catch carriage rides, holiday concerts, and Santa visits in a storybook downtown setting.
  12. Holidays in Roswell (Nov. 22–Dec. 22): Join tree lightings, Christkindl Markets, and puppet shows at the cultural arts center.
  13. Winter House at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center (Nov. 30–Dec. 15): Craft in art workshops, roast s’mores, and snap Santa pics in a historic mansion.
  14. Ice Skating Rinks Across Atlanta (Through winter break): Glide at spots like Centennial Olympic Park or The Battery for affordable, festive fun.
  15. Noon Year’s Eve Celebrations (Dec. 31): Ring in the New Year kid-style at The Battery, Children’s Museum, or Ponce City Market with confetti drops at midday.

Year-Round Gems with a Seasonal TwistThese Atlanta staples shine brighter in fall and winter—think fewer crowds and holiday tie-ins.

  1. World of Coca-Cola: Sip samples and catch the Holiday Express Train exhibit for a fizzy family fizz.
  2. Fernbank Museum of Natural History: Explore Winter Wonderland trees showcasing global traditions through Jan. 12.
  3. Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Dive into interactive exhibits, amplified by holiday storytimes and crafts.
  4. Piedmont Park Fall Hikes: Bundle up for leaf-peeping trails, transitioning to winter solstice events.
  5. High Museum of Art Family Days: Free admission weekends with art-making sessions themed around autumn harvests or winter tales.
  6. Roller Skating at Local Rinks: Channel ’70s vibes with family skate nights—extra cozy in cooler months.
  7. Mini Golf at Putt-Putt Fun Center: Glow-in-the-dark courses feel like a fall lantern walk.
  8. Trampoline Parks like Urban Air: Bounce off winter blues with foam pits and ninja courses.

Final Word

If you’re looking for some great activities to do with younger ones, this article will tell you everything you need to know. You’ll enjoy the many recreational things to do, which you can engage in with your whole family.

The cold weather may bring some of the older folks inside, but children love the chill! It’s exactly because they have no chill that you need to find cool things for your kids to do this week and weekend in Atlanta.

To have fun with your kids, don’t be afraid to explore Georgia and all its natural wonder.

If nothing else, you can always take drive around 285 and look at the new buildings going up. Spend some time with your kids and take them out to eat free of charge.

There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.

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