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Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Atlanta in January 2026, According to MP Editors

The Atlanta History Center is offering a free event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, on MLK Day. Photo courtesy of Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is offering a free event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, on MLK Day. Photo courtesy of Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center
12/28/25 - By Elsa Simcik

Coming off the holiday season, Atlanta parents truly appreciate free things to do in January. After all, creating holiday magic isn't cheap and our bank accounts could use a month to catch up. Luckily, we've found free events and activities in Atlanta throughout the month of January—from MLK Day parades in Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, and Lawrenceville to the return of Braves Fest and free storytimes in between. 

Besides our list of fun, free events in January, we also have an entire guide dedicated to saving money and having fun: Free Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids. This Atlanta catalog has the best scoop on Free Museum Days, Free Things to Do on Cold and Rainy Days, and much more! Happy savings for the New Year!

You know what else is fun and free? Signing up for our newsletter!

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FREE Things to Do with Kids in Atlanta January 2026

Holidays in the 'Haven

Brookhaven
Through January 4, 2026 (closed January 1)
Holidays in the 'Haven transforms Brookhaven Park into a winter wonderland. The event includes Rudolph's Rink, movie nights, arts and crafts, food trucks and Grinch games. READ MORE

Lights on the Loop in Alpharetta

Alpharetta
Through January 4, 2026
Lights on the Loop is a month-long celebration featuring a spectacular light display along a one-mile stretch of the Alpha Loop trail. Watch for themed weekends, live entertainment, and a curated Winter Village.    READ MORE

Free First Saturday at Dunwoody Nature Center

Dunwoody
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Join Dunwoody Nature Center staff on a family walk around the property. Every month is a different theme.  READ MORE

Kids Workshops at Home Depot

Various locations
Saturday, January 3, 2026
On the first Saturday of each month, Atlanta-area Home Depot locations offer free in-person kids' workshops.  READ MORE

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Fest

Downtown
Friday, January 9, 2026
The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is back, and with it comes tons of family-friendly events beyond the football game.  READ MORE

Carter's D.I.Y. Days

Buckhead & Alpharetta
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Calling all mini mastercrafters (ages 3+)  Carter's in Buckhead and Alpharetta offers a FREE hands-on DIY workshop in partnership with KiwiCo the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10am – 12pm. READ MORE

Beloved Community Children's Book Reading

Virtual
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Youth, Teachers, Students, Schools and Families are invited to a joyful and engaging Youth Book Reading featuring animated storytelling, expressive voices, and interactive puppet moments.  READ MORE

King Holiday Observance at The King Center

Old Fourth Ward
Monday, January 19, 2026
This historic commemorative service honors Dr. King’s life and legacy through powerful messages and musical performances.  READ MORE

MLK Day at the Atlanta History Center

Buckhead
Monday, January 19, 2026
The Atlanta History Center is offering a free event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, on MLK Day. Families will appreciate the kids' activities. Visitors will have access to the museum as well.  READ MORE

MLK National Day of Service

Various locations
Monday, January 19, 2026
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year, Americans are encouraged to step up to make communities more equitable, and to take action to create the beloved community of Dr. King’s dream. Examples include cleaning up a public space, mentoring a young person, or helping those who are food insecure. READ MORE

MLK Day Parade and Program Celebration in Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville
Monday, January 19, 2026
The United Ebony Society invites everyone to attend their annual MLK Day parade, followed by a celebration at Central Gwinnett High School. 2026's theme is ""Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way" READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Various locations
Monday, January 19, 2026
On select days throughout the year, all national parks in the United States are open to the public with no admission fee.  READ MORE

MLK: Life & Legacy in Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs
Monday, January 19, 2026
This family-friendly event is designed to celebrate, educate, and share the teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. The event will feature an educational film screening and children's activity stations.  READ MORE

Echo Park Speedway Open House

Hampton
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Echo Park Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) is inviting fans to come see the historic speedway for themselves with defending Autotrader 400 winner Christopher Bell set to headline.  READ MORE

Braves Fest

NW Atlanta
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Braves FEST is back! Braves fans hit the Battery to celebrate the home team with player autographs, player photos, and interactive experiences. Tickets for player autographs must be purchased in advance.  READ MORE

VaHi Kids Storytime

Virginia-Highland
Tuesdays
Every Tuesday kids and caregivers are invited to Virginia Highland Books where Sheri Dillard, author of children's book Cowhide-And-Seek,  entertains the group  with books and songs.    READ MORE

Storytime at Little Shop of Stories

Decatur
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Every Tuesday and Thursday Little Shop of Stories hosts storytime for about 30-40 minutes for little ones and their caregivers.  READ MORE
There are fun snow tubing options within a few hours' drive of Atlanta, like Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg, TN. Photo courtesy Ober Mountain
There are fun snow tubing options within a few hours' drive of Atlanta, like Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg, TN. Photo courtesy Ober Mountain

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Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Elsa Simcik
Elsa Simcik has been freelance writing for 20-something years, covering a hodgepodge of fields--health & fitness, human interest stories, and even dating. After becoming a mom she segued into writing for local magazines and websites, focusing on parenting, fun things to do with kids, and travel. The travel part is fun, but not as glamorous as it sounds, because it's traveling with kids. Still, she'll take it.
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