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Best of January: 16 Cool Things To Do in Atlanta with Kids

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Americans are encouraged to help make communities more equitable and take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. Photo courtesy The King Center
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Americans are encouraged to help make communities more equitable and take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. Photo courtesy The King Center
12/30/22 - By Dana Shemesh

From New Year's Day to MLK weekend, January can be a great time for indoor and outdoor activities in Atlanta. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Atlanta in January.

As we remember Atlanta's own Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this month, kids can learn about Dr. King's legacy by participating in events around the city, like those in Lawrenceville and Buckhead, on MLK Day (Monday, January 16). Also, MLK Day is a National Day of Service, which is a great time to get your kids involved in service projects throughout Atlanta, like feeding the community and cleaning public spaces. 

Winter fun continues as families hit ice skating rinks, like Avalon on Ice and Skate the Station at Atlantic Station, wrapping up for the season mid-January. Even if we don't get real snow in Atlanta, Southern kids can tube downhill at License to Chill at Margaritaville through the end of February. Find more ideas for crafts, recipes, and trips in our Winter Activities Guide for Atlanta Families. 

We’re adding more events to our Atlanta activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Be sure to sign up for our newsletters to get our top picks for every weekend. 

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Argh! Fernbank is hosting its annual Pirate Day celebration in January. Photo courtesy of the museum
Argh! Fernbank is hosting its annual Pirate Day celebration in January. Photo courtesy of the museum

Top Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids this January

Avalon on Ice

Alpharetta - Through Monday, January 16, 2023
The greenspace at Avalon is transformed into an ice skating rink from November to January. Skaters are encouraged to book reservations online in advance to ensure spots. Admission includes skate rental.  READ MORE

Skate the Station at Atlantic Station

Atlanta - Through Monday, January 16, 2023
Atlantic Station welcomes families to skate under the stars at Skate the Station. Open everyday, even on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  READ MORE

License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands

Buford - Through February 26, 2023
License to Chill Snow Island is a seasonal amusement park at Lake Lanier Islands that features one of the fastest snow tubing hills in North America. It includes winter-themed carnival rides, an ice skating rink, fire pit with s’mores, and specialty winter drinks and snacks. READ MORE

The Dragon King Puppet Show

Midtown - January 5-29, 2023
Kids love seeing this tale of this underwater fantasy brought to life through puppets. A wise and fearless Grandmother searches under the sea for The Dragon King, who has been holding back precious rain from the land above.  READ MORE

Alicats Dance & More Presents the Princess and the Frog

Duluth - Saturday, January 7, 2023
Dancers ages 2 through adult take audiences through the magical journey of Tiana's wish on a star through different dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, modern, baton, and acrobatics. READ MORE

Repticon Atlanta

Lawrenceville - January 7 & 8, 2023
Reptile enthusiasts gather at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds for all-things reptile. Visitors come to buy, sell and see reptiles. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.  READ MORE

King Holiday Observance at The King Center

Old Fourth Ward - January 10-16, 2023
The weeklong event includes a global community youth summit, a youth book-reading, and beloved community awards. On MLK Day, Monday January 15, the King Center hosts a community service project.  READ MORE

Winter Family Night Hike

Roswell - Saturday, January 14, 2023
The Chattahoochee Nature Center welcomes families to explore nature at night with winter family night hikes.  READ MORE

MLK National Day of Service

Everywhere - Monday, January 16, 2023
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year, all Americans are encouraged to step up to make communities more equitable and 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

Lawrenceville - Monday, January 16, 2023
The United Ebony Society invites everyone to attend their annual MLK Day parade, followed by an indoor celebration at Central Gwinnett High School. 2024's theme is "It Starts with Me." The parade begins at The Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center and ends at CG High School.  READ MORE

MLK Day at the Atlanta History Center

Buckhead - Monday, January 16, 2023
The Atlanta History Center is offering a free event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Families will appreciate the crafts, sensory space and nursing room. Visitors will have access to the museum as well.  READ MORE

Pirate Day at Fernbank

Druid Hills - Saturday, January 21, 2023
Walk the plank during an adventure on the high seas at Pirate Day at the Fernbank Museum. READ MORE

Braves Fest

Northwest Atlanta - Saturday, January 21, 2023
Braves fans hit the Battery to celebrate their 6-time National League East Champions. The free event spans across Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta, where visitors can get player autographs, player photos, and enjoy interactive experiences. Tickets for player autographs must be purchased in advance.  READ MORE

Splash and Bubbles at Children's Museum of Atlanta

Downtown - January 21 - April 30, 2023
Visitors to the Children's Museum experience the world of ocean exploration in this early childhood STEM-based exhibit. Characters Splash, Bubbles and the Reeftown Rangers engage kids in marine biology, ocean science and different ocean ecosystems.  READ MORE

Trains! Trains! Trains!

Kennesaw - January 28 & 29, 2023
Train enthusiasts flock to the Southern Museum the last weekend of January for their popular model train display event. Visitors also enjoy train-themed activities and historic trains.  READ MORE

Enchanted Woodland Trail: Gnome and Fairy Houses

Roswell - Through February 28, 2023
As the air chills and the trees lose their leaves, fairies and gnomes make their journey south and begin preparations to build their whimsical winter homes along Kingfisher Pond Trail. Bundle up and head out to the trail at Chattahoochee Nature Center. READ MORE

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