18 Super Cool Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids and Teens This Summer

By Joleen Pete

Published July 3, 2019
Last Updated November 17, 2020

Summer is here and there are a ton of super cool things to do in Atlanta. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite events and activities for kids, teens and the entire family. Use it whether you’re here on vacation or you call Atlanta home. Consider this your ultimate list of things to do with kids in Atlanta this summer. 

Toddlers and Preschoolers

• Old MacDonald’s Farm, July 30 through Sept. 1 
  The Center for Puppetry Arts does it again with this interactive show full of puppets, singing, dancing, music and farm fun.
• Reptile Day at Fernbank, July 13 
  Kids of all ages enjoy interacting with live creatures ranging from snakes and lizards to tortoises and more at the annual reptile day at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. 
• Doc McStuffins at Children’s Museum of Atlanta, through Sept. 8
  Kids have the opportunity to witness a lighthearted view of the hospital experience during the Doc McStuffins exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, where kids can visit the toy hospital and interact with tools, toys and a medical setting.

Big Kids

• Summer History Camp: From Soil to Plate — Gardening, Cooking, and Cultural Traditions, July 29 through Aug. 2 
  Creating a unique opportunity to learn about where food comes from and how it goes from ground to table, Atlanta History Center offers immersive hands-on camps throughout the summer. 
• Fantastic Forces, new and ongoing 
  Fernbank Museum of Natural History is excited to open its new 3,500-square-foot exhibit, allowing kids to interactively learn about all things STEM. Launch rockets, create tornadoes, build wax volcanoes and so much more at this fantastic new exhibit.
• Tinycon, Aug. 31 through Sept. 1 
  Just like ComicCon but for kids, this event at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta celebrates comics, games, sci-fi, fantasy and tech. All for kids. Wear your best costume and head down to create a fantasy knight’s shield or build your own light saber.
• Family Zoo Yoga, Aug. 10 
  Get a little exercise as a family as you practice animal poses at Zoo Yoga. A 30- to 40-minute session of yoga is followed by an informative talk by a zoo educator.
• Short Circuit, Aug. 2 
  The Center for Puppetry Arts presents a unique film (rated PG) about a robot that gets struck by lightning and becomes self aware. Come early to tour the museum before seeing the film.

Tweens and Teens

• Muppet Guys Talking, July 20 
  Get a fascinating look behind the scenes of the Muppets at The Center for Puppetry Arts. Listen as five original Muppet performers discuss working with Jim Henson and share stories of life behind the scenes of the most iconic puppets of all time. Age 14+ admission strictly enforced.
• Summer Writing Camp: Bang! Boom! Pow! Comic Books and Graphic Novels, July 15 through 19 
  Learn the basics of comic writing and drawing, and create your own superhero story at Atlanta History Center’s Summer Writing Camp for ages 9 through 14.
• Whatever Floats Your Boat, July 20 
  Tube down the river or enjoy the festival atmosphere ashore with music, yard games, food and more at Rogers Bridge Park. It’s a free event with a rental fee for river gear unless you bring your own.
• Zoo Atlanta: Keeper for a Day, Aug. 10  
  Budding zoo keepers and animal lovers, ages 14 and up, love the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a zoo keeper at Zoo Atlanta. Learn about food prep, cleaning, animal care and more during this unique experience.

The Entire Family

• Free Outdoor Movies, all summer
  One of the rights of passage during summer is an outdoor movie, at least in my book. Fortunately, Atlanta offers many options to catch a flick outdoors. Check out or list here.
• Zoo Atlanta: Nature Play Club, July 20 
  Enjoy nature and learn about it during this nature program that starts at Zoo Atlanta and ends in Grant Park. July’s Club features zoo educators teaching about all things trees and their importance in our urban environment.
• Butterfly Encounter, through July 31 
  One of our favorite activities each year is attending the Butterfly Encounter at Chattahoochee Nature Center. Get up close and personal with hundreds of colorful native butterflies surrounded by lush plants. It’s fun for the entire family.
• Atlanta Ice Cream Festival, July 27 
  Who doesn’t love ice cream? Bring the family for an icy cold treat, games, activities and fun at the 8th Annual Ice Cream Festival. Yum!
• Family Night Hike, Aug. 10 
  Chattahoochee Nature Center invites families to join in the fun at a night hike where you explore new senses as you listen to the sounds of animals at night. Keeps eyes and ears open as you look for owls, bats and other nocturnal creatures, and finish up by a relaxing campfire.
• The Pursuit of Everything: Maira Kalman, through Sept. 15 
  Take the family to the High Museum of Art to explore Maira Kaiman’s colorful and whimsical exhibition. Maira’s extensive catalog offers many imaginative and amusing stories and works of art.

For fun things to do that don’t cost a thing, check out this list of free things to do this summer in Atlanta. Also, be sure to check out the events calendar for things to do today, things to do this weekend and things to do all summer long. 

Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.