We survived the holidays, ATL parents! Now that the lights are mostly packed away, we need fun that feels new for the first weekend of 2026. Ditch the usual zoo trip for the last gasp of holiday magic with IllumiNights at the Zoo or get out and cheer on runners at the totally backward Polar Opposite Peachtree race! I've dug up some genuinely cool spots for this Saturday and Sunday, Jan 3rd & 4th.
Quick Picks
Free First Saturday at Dunwoody Nature Center
Dunwoody Nature Center
A totally local, nature-focused family walk with a new theme each month—perfect for shaking off the winter slump.
Winter Wonderland: Celebrations and Traditions Around the World
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Cozy up inside Fernbank while exploring global holiday traditions through decorated trees and displays.
Holidays at Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium
The tail-end of their winter magic, featuring underwater décor that little eyes will love, running through Sunday!
Free First Saturday at Dunwoody Nature Center
Get outside on Saturday morning before it gets too chilly! This is totally free entry and they have a themed family walk, which is way better than just wandering aimlessly.
Why we picked it: It’s a genuinely free, local, educational outdoor activity that doesn't involve a huge line or admission fee.
Kids Workshops at Home Depot
The first Saturday of the month means free build-it workshops for the little ones at Home Depot! Super low-key, you get a craft, and they get to use kid-safe tools—hard to beat that for a Saturday morning.
Why we picked it: These are a classic budget-saver and give kids hands-on experience building something simple.
Winter Wonderland: Celebrations and Traditions Around the World
If it’s too cold/rainy, head to Fernbank for this exhibit featuring holiday trees and traditions from countries like Japan, Scotland, and Argentina. It’s a nice, calm way to spend a few hours indoors learning about culture.
Why we picked it: A great indoor option that wraps up soon (Jan 11th) and offers a unique cultural spin beyond the typical holiday displays.
License to Chill Snow Island
If the weather is chilly enough, head north to Lanier Islands for actual snow tubing and ice skating! It feels like a mini-vacation without leaving the state.
Why we picked it: It's the closest you'll get to a real winter sports experience in Atlanta this time of year.
Art Walk
Head up to Marietta Square for their Art Walk—it’s a great way to see local artists and grab dinner somewhere new. It’s less touristy than downtown Atlanta spots, just a cool community vibe.
Why we picked it: It’s a small-town, genuinely local art event that supports local artists and offers a change of scenery.
Bubble Planet Experience - Atlanta
If the weather is miserable, this immersive bubble experience sounds wild—VR tech, themed rooms, and a hot air balloon simulator! Perfect for keeping teens and younger kids engaged indoors.
Why we picked it: It's a new-ish, fully immersive, sensory experience that promises a fun escape from the cold.
Adventure Playhouse at Dad's Garage
Improv for kids where the audience builds the story—your little one could be a character or help decide the plot! It’s a super engaging way to introduce them to live theatre early on.
Why we picked it: It’s an interactive, high-energy improv show specifically designed to capture young children's attention.
Petting Zoo Painters at Zoo Atlanta
You can sign up to watch a goat or sheep create a real piece of abstract art—how cool is that for a Saturday afternoon activity? You get to take home a totally unique souvenir.
Why we picked it: It's a genuine, quirky experience where your kid gets to interact with an animal artist.
AJC Polar Opposite Peachtree
This is the reverse Peachtree Road Race—super quirky and a genuine local tradition! While runner registration is sold out, it's a great morning to stand along the course and cheer, especially near Lenox Square for the finish line excitement.
Why we picked it: It’s the first Sunday of the year and a fun, unique twist on our most famous race, offering a great energy boost.
IllumiNights at the Zoo!
The final night for these amazing illuminated animal lanterns—it’s way cooler than standard holiday lights. Go check out the glowing wildlife displays before they disappear for the year!
Why we picked it: This is the absolute last chance to see this popular, magical lantern display before it closes for the season.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Last weekend for the amazing synchronized light show and light curtain! It’s a classic, but the 'Nature's Wonders' addition this year is worth braving the early January chill for.
Why we picked it: It’s the last weekend to experience one of Atlanta’s most beautiful, large-scale light displays before it's gone.
Avalon on Ice
Still got that holiday ice skating itch? Avalon keeps their outdoor rink open past the new year, so it's a great spot for a quick outdoor spin before the season ends.
Why we picked it: It’s one of the last chances for classic outdoor winter fun before they pack up the ice rink.
Winter Wonderland: Celebrations and Traditions Around the World
If it’s too cold/rainy, head to Fernbank for this exhibit featuring holiday trees and traditions from countries like Japan, Scotland, and Argentina. It’s a nice, calm way to spend a few hours indoors learning about culture.
Why we picked it: A great indoor option that wraps up soon (Jan 11th) and offers a unique cultural spin beyond the typical holiday displays.
Holidays at Georgia Aquarium
This is the very last day for the aquarium's winter/holiday decor mixed in with the sea life—it’s a guaranteed hit for the little ones who love big colorful things. Definitely go early to beat the crowd rush.
Why we picked it: It’s the absolute last day to catch the fun holiday overlay before they switch over to spring programming.
UPS Second Sunday
Okay, this is the *next* weekend, but it's worth planning for since the High is FREE for everyone on the second Sunday! If you need a break from the first weekend’s rush, save this one for later.
Why we picked it: It's a guaranteed free admission day to a world-class museum—perfect for inspiring teens or curious younger kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Atlanta this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) you can hit the Free First Saturday at Dunwoody Nature Center for a family walk [id: atlanta-4] or enjoy the community vibe at the Art Walk in Marietta Square [id: atlanta-10].
Where can we go if the weather is bad on Saturday?
If it’s a dreary start to the year, head to Fernbank Museum for Winter Wonderland: Celebrations and Traditions Around the World [id: atlanta-13] or check out the fully immersive Bubble Planet Experience [id: atlanta-11] for indoor fun.
What's the best activity for my preschooler this weekend?
The Holidays at Georgia Aquarium [id: atlanta-14] is running its last day on Sunday and is always a winner for little eyes, or try the interactive Adventure Playhouse at Dad's Garage [id: atlanta-12] on Saturday morning.