While summer may be drawing to a close, there are still plenty of lovely things to do in Atlanta as we transition into the ‘back-to-school’ season! So whether you’re looking for something to do with your family, best friends, or just you (we love a solo date!), you’ll find all the good plans in the list we compiled below. The leaves are changing, but the party continues! Read on for our best picks.
1. Jurassic World: The Exhibition
The universe of the iconic Jurassic World franchise is coming to life at Pullman Yards, and it’s the perfect adventure for the whole family. Relive some of your favorite scenes as you navigate through Isla Nublar and witness the sparkle in your kids’ eyes as they marvel at towering dinos.
Come face-to-face with a Velociraptor, get an up-close look at the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, and say hello to baby dinosaurs in their incubator. It’s a pulse-racing experience that blends excitement and education! Get tickets here!
2. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Imagine stepping right into a painting. At Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, that’s just what you’ll be doing. During the mesmerizing journey, the world of Vincent Van Gogh unveils itself to you, transporting you into the mind of one of the most brilliant artists of the 19th century. The Van Gogh Experience was in ATL a few years back, and it’s now returned to the city with a brand-new show: expect updated rooms and plenty of immersive elements that will leave you in awe.
Cutting-edge 360-degree digital projections, a one-of-a-kind VR experience, and curated sound will make you one with the world created by Van Gogh’s brush strokes. Don’t miss out!
3. Art of the Brick
Witness the incredible transformation of over a million LEGO® bricks into 100+ stunning sculptures. The renowned LEGO® art exhibition is critically acclaimed, featuring not just original sculptures but also dynamic installations by artist Nathan Sawaya.
Its 360º projections invite you to experience each masterpiece in entirely new ways, engaging all your senses. Kids will stare in awe at those incredible works of art made with their beloved LEGO® bricks, and with an impressive 5 star rating on Google solely in its opening month, the exhibition is shaping up to be an extraordinary event that you simply can’t afford to miss! Secure your spot here.
4. The Arts, First Friday Edition
If you’re looking for a kids-free night out on the town, you’re in luck! The Arts is making its triumphant return to the Underground on the first Friday of every month, running from 9 pm – 3 am. The event promises to be the biggest music and arts festival in Atlanta, offering a night filled with fine arts, live music, poetry, film, fashion, delectable food, refreshing drinks, and captivating performances.
Featuring some of Atlanta’s most talented artists, the event’s selection is thoughtfully curated, showcasing works in various media to craft a truly immersive multimedia experience. Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration of creativity and culture in the heart of Atlanta!
5. Seafood & Caribbean Music Festival
Get ready to savor the flavors of the sea and the Caribbean at the Atlanta Seafood and Caribbean Music Festival, set to take place on September 24th at Piedmont Park. The exciting event will be filled with live music and DJs to keep the atmosphere lively, and it’ll offer a delightful array of seafood and Caribbean dishes for you to savor.
It’s a family-friendly event that promises to tantalize your taste buds, immersing you in the lively culture of the Caribbean!
6. Walk along the ATL
Whether you’re walking down the Atlanta Beltline with its 22-mile trail through the city or taking in the gorgeous Botanical Garden acres, the ATL has plenty of greenery to wander through.
Everchanging artworks, one-of-a-kind shops, vibrant bars and restaurants and lush green spaces offer the perfect avenues for exploring the city, whether you’re on foot, wheels, or in the company of your pets. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the Botanical Garden is home to its beloved 25-foot tall Earth Goddess, adorned with flowing locks and a waterfall cascading from her hand!
7. Center for puppetry arts
At the Center for Puppetry Arts, you can delve into the influential legacy of Jim Henson, the visionary behind the most popular puppets (think Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy!) Whether you choose to attend a captivating puppetry performance or pay a delightful visit to the interactive museum where beloved characters await, there’s a magical world to explore.
It’s an opportunity to reconnect with the enchanting memories of your childhood and make your puppetry dreams come true! We might just pay the center a visit ourselves to see Miss Piggy in all her glory.
8. Chattahoochee river
Less than 10 miles from downtown Atlanta lies the breathtaking Chattahoochee River, spanning 48 miles and offering one of the city’s most exquisite outdoor getaways. The natural wonder is a complete haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, and makes for the ideal family-friendly outing.
If you’re a bit of an adventurer, you’ll probably fancy some cliff jumping, paddleboarding, rafting, and fishing. If you love to relax, you’ll love to catch a break from aquatic adventures to enjoy a riverside picnic or embark on a hike along the river’s scenic trail.
9. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is perfect for kids and families, since it offers a ton of engaging and imaginative activities. Kiddos can embark on a journey to explore the layers of the Earth, step into a whimsical forest, construct colossal sandcastles, participate in the farm-to-table food delivery experience, and unleash their inner artist — all before nestling in for an enchanting story time.
It’s a place that sparks “every child’s imagination,” so you’re gonna want to bring your littles!
10. Illuminarium
Regardless of who you’re bringing along to Illuminarium, prepare to be amazed. The SPACE and WILD exhibits are designed to fully engage your senses, featuring cutting-edge technology like 4k interactive projection, 360-degree audio, in-floor vibration and scent systems. Reality seems to blur with the extraordinary for a sensory adventure like no other, so we’d definitely check it out if you’re looking for something exciting to do in the city.