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

Center for Puppetry Arts in Midtown on May 13, 2022
Katrina Merto

Get ready for a fun January and an exciting start to the new year with a fantastic lineup of kid-friendly events in Atlanta! From the captivating reptilian wonders at Repticon to the enchanting adventures of The Spongebob Musical and the prehistoric spectacle of Jurassic Quest, our city is bursting with opportunities for excitement and learning for kids of all ages. Explore the wonders of nature on a Family Night Hike or immerse yourself in the spirited festivities of Braves Fest. Discover a world of entertainment and exploration with our top picks for kid events around Atlanta this January!

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Glow Party - State Farm Arena

Experience the excitement of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party! Catch thrilling performances by fan-favorite monster trucks like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Demo Derby and more. The Glow Party features a laser light show, theatrical effects, dance parties and Hot Wheels giveaways!

Location: Downtown - 1 State Farm Dr.; Website: statefarmarena.com/disney-on-ice; Dates: Saturday, Jan. 6 - Sunday, Jan. 7; Admission: $25+

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 about the 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; Dates: Saturday, Jan. 6 - Sunday, Jan. 7; Admission: $11-12 for Adults, $6 for ages 5-12, Free for kids 4 and under

Disney’s Aladdin - Fox Theatre

Audiences are in for a treat as they go on a dazzling adventure with Disney’s Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical that promises to transport them to a whole new world. This extraordinary theatrical event unfolds with the promise of infinite possibilities, where one lamp and three wishes set the stage for an enchanting experience that will captivate hearts of all ages. Get ready to be swept away into the magic!

Location: Midtown - 660 Peachtree St. NE; Website: foxtheatre.org/aladdin; Date: Tuesday, Jan. 9 - Sunday, Jan. 14; Admission: $29+

Family Night Hike - Chattahoochee Nature Center

Get ready for a fun-filled Family Night Hike at CNC! The whole family can tune in to the mysterious sounds of the winter woods and marvel at the starry night above. Revel in the brisk, invigorating air of the season as you navigate through the winter wonderland. To add to the magic, a cozy campfire awaits, offering the perfect opportunity to roast marshmallows and share tales.

Location: Roswell - 9135 Willeo Rd.; Website: chattnaturecenter.org; Date: Saturday, Jan. 13; Time:  7 - 9 p.m.; Admission: $15

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2024 - Atlanta History Center

Families are invited to join a commemorative event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and explore the historical significance of churches in Atlanta. These sanctuaries served as strategic centers for political action and foundations for civil rights advocates. Attendees can engage in civil rights-themed activities, trivia, crafts and panel discussions. This family-friendly gathering offers a meaningful exploration of history and promises an enlightening experience for all.

Location: Buckhead - 130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com; Date: Monday, Jan. 15; Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Admission: Free

Human - Center for Puppetry Arts

Join Nehprii Amenii on a mesmerizing journey with “Human.” In a world where humans are extinct, an octopus faces a crucial decision: sacrifice one of its three hearts to create a more sensitive human. Set against a sunken submarine backdrop, this unique narrative uses puppetry, dance, and original music to explore humanity’s impact on the environment. “Human” invites families to reflect on what it means to be human in a visually stunning performance.

Location: Midtown - 1404 Spring St. NW; Website: puppet.org/programs/human/; Dates: Wednesday, Jan. 17 - Sunday, Jan. 28; Admission: $22+

The Spongebob Musical - Woodstock Arts Theatre

Dive into the all-singing, all-dancing world of SpongeBob and friends as they face a volcanic threat to Bikini Bottom. In this family-fun musical, the power of optimism takes center stage, proving it can save the day. Geared for fans and families, this nautical adventure features inventive staging, vibrant characters and a soundtrack by renowned artists. Don’t miss the F-U-N!

Location: Woodstock - 8534 Main St.; Website: woodstockarts.org/spongebob; Dates: Friday, Jan. 19 - Sunday, Jan. 28; Admission: $18-20 (Online), $20-23 (At the door)

Jurassic Quest - Cobb Galleria

Got little dino fans? Make sure to catch the roar of Jurassic Quest as it stomps into town! Go on an adventure among the larger-than-life dinosaur herd that includes the mighty T-Rex and towering Spinosaurus. This event offers the perfect setting to create pter-iffic memories, from playing with adorable baby dinos to excavating fossils and even trying your hand at training a raptor. Jurassic Quest promises a unique and exciting experience for the whole family!

Location: Cumberland - 2 Galleria Pkwy. SE; Website: jurassicquest.com/atlantaga2024; Dates: Friday, Jan. 26 - Sunday, Jan. 28; Admission: $22+

Braves Fest 2024 - The Battery Atlanta

Explore the excitement at Braves Fest celebrating the 6-time National League East Champions, offering a day filled with photos, interactive entertainment and exclusive player interactions. Immerse yourself in the thrill of Braves baseball and create unforgettable memories!

Location: Cumberland - 800 Battery Ave. SE; Website: mlb.com/braves-fest; Date: Saturday, Jan. 27; Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Admission: Free

Blacktop Playground: Improv for Kids - Aurora Theatre (Lawrenceville)

Your kids are in for a treat as they join the uproarious comedy show featuring Blacktop’s quick wit and imaginative prowess. Ever wondered about a T-Rex attempting to fly an airplane or the emotional state of a dessert-deprived cupcake? With suggestions from the audience, especially the kids, Blacktop weaves these whimsical scenarios into a sidesplitting comedy performance filled with laughter and interactive fun. Brace yourselves for a hilariously creative show that promises an exciting experience for the entire family.

Location: Lawrenceville - 128 E Pike St.; Website: auroratheatre.com/blacktop; Date: Saturday, Jan. 27; Time: 11:30 a.m.; Admission: $7

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