15 Family-Friendly Things To Do In Metro Atlanta This Weekend

15 Family-Friendly Things To Do In Metro Atlanta This Weekend (Sept 12–14, 2025)

Updated Sept 13, 2025 · Metro Atlanta · Kid-friendly, Free & Low-Cost Picks

Quick Jump

Top Picks · Free Events · Full List · Planning Tips

Looking for a warm, welcoming weekend with the kids (or a cozy date that’s still family-friendly)? I curated the most loved events across Metro Atlanta—festivals with global flavors, classic fair fun, outdoor concerts, and hands-on science. Each listing includes when/where, cost, parking notes, and what kids usually love most, so you can plan in minutes.

Travelers & out-of-town family: Need a last-minute stay near Gwinnett, Alpharetta, or Downtown? Grab a flexible-cancellation hotel here.

Find Hotels in Atlanta → Family Day-Out Essentials →

🌟 Top Picks (Editor’s Shortlist)

Beloved Community International Expo (FREE)

When Sat, Sept 13 · 11:00 AM–5:00 PM  |  Where The King Center, 449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta  |  Best for Ages 3–12 + multi-gen families

Live performances, cultural booths from 25+ countries, kids’ zone, and community activities celebrating unity and peace. Stroller-friendly with plenty of shade along Auburn Ave; consider MARTA or early arrival for parking.

Cost: Free. Bring: Water bottles, hats; light snacks for little ones.

Details confirmed by The King Center/Discover Atlanta event page.

Gwinnett County Fair (Ongoing Through Sept 21)

When Fri–Sun (Sept 12–14) · Various hours  |  Where 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville  |  Best for All ages (rides, circus, livestock)

Classic county-fair magic—carnival rides, petting barns, exhibits, circus shows, magic acts, and plenty of fair food. Clear bags only at the gate. Weekends can be busy; arrive early for shorter ride lines.

Admission (ref.): Adults ~$10; kids 6–11 ~$5; 5 & under free with paid adult. Parking free; follow on-site signs.

Hours and policies confirmed via official fair site.

Pup-A-Palooza, Johns Creek (FREE)

When Sat, Sept 13 · 12:00–3:00 PM  |  Where Newtown Park Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Rd  |  Best for Dog-loving families

DJ, pet-vendor booths, best dressed and best trick contests, and frozen treats for pups. Shade and turf areas make it easy with kids and dogs.

Cost: Free entry. Leashes required.

💸 Free & Low-Cost Favorites

Beloved Community International Expo	Sat, 11 AM–5 PM · The King Center · FREE
Pup-A-Palooza (Johns Creek)	Sat, 12–3 PM · Newtown Park · FREE
Noche Mexicana (Lilburn)	Sun, 4–8 PM · Plaza Las Americas · FREE
Atlanta Streets Alive	Sun · Peachtree St (walk/bike only) · FREE

Parking sanity saver: For intown events, consider MARTA or rideshare. For Gwinnett/Johns Creek, arrive early and bring a lightweight stroller for tired toddlers.

📅 Full List (15 Events)

1) Beloved Community International Expo (FREE)

Sat, Sept 13 · 11 AM–5 PM · The King Center, Atlanta

Global performances, kids’ zone, and community booths celebrating unity and nonviolence—an uplifting way to introduce children to world cultures.

2) Gwinnett County Fair

Fri–Sun (Sept 12–14) · Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, Lawrenceville

Rides, circus and magic shows, livestock, crafts, and all your favorite fair foods. Budget for ride wristbands if you have multiple kids who love coasters.

3) Pup-A-Palooza (FREE)

Sat, Sept 13 · 12–3 PM · Newtown Park, Johns Creek

Dog contests, vendors, music, and treats—great for teaching kids gentle dog etiquette and enjoying shaded park time.

4) Intown Family Garba (Children’s Garba + Family Garba)

Sat, Sept 13 · 4:30–9:30 PM · Ebster Recreation Center, Decatur

Colorful Navaratri dance night—kids can try simple Garba steps early, then enjoy the full family dance session in the evening. Dress comfy shoes!

5) Grilling & Gridiron (Charity Tailgate + All-You-Can-Eat)

Sat, Sept 13 · 12–7:30 PM · Downtown Alpharetta (behind Truck & Tap)

25+ food tents, TVs with SEC games, and a lively tailgate vibe. Wristbands (~$25) cover AYCE sampler portions; proceeds support Lionheart Life Center.

6) Team Maggie’s Dream 5K/10K (+ Stroller Division)

Sat, Sept 13 · 7:30 AM · Chattahoochee River, Roswell

Scenic river route; stroller division welcomes parents with babies and toddlers. Hydrate and bring post-race snacks for kids.

7) Noche Mexicana (FREE)

Sun, Sept 14 · 4–8 PM · Plaza Las Americas, Lilburn

Live music, traditional dance, and family-friendly vendors celebrating Mexican culture—expect lots of energy and great food options.

8) Atlanta Streets Alive (FREE)

Sun · Peachtree Street (walk, roll, bike)

Car-free city fun: bring scooters or bikes for the kids; apply sunscreen and plan water stops.

9) “The Glass Menagerie” – Acworth Theatre Company

Fri–Sun · Roberts School, Acworth

A classic Tennessee Williams play—ideal for teens exploring theater. Sunday matinee is usually the calmest for families.

10) Fall into STEM – Fernbank Science Center (FREE)

Sat · 10 AM–2 PM · Fernbank Science Center, Atlanta

Hands-on demos and planetarium shows; plan 60–90 minutes per kid for exhibits without rushing.

11) Woodlands Garden Fall Plant Sale (FREE entry)

Sat–Sun · 9 AM–2 PM · Decatur

Gentle garden stroll + seasonal plants; a nice low-stimulus option for toddlers and nap schedules.

12) Statemint Pop-Up Consignment

Fri–Sat · Town Center at Cobb, Kennesaw

Score brand-name women’s pieces at reduced prices; older kids/teens often enjoy “treasure hunting” here.

13) “Coffee, Campfires & Cryptids” (FREE)

Fri · 6 PM · Atherton Square, Marietta

Storytime around campfires with tall tales—Bigfoot, sea monsters, and more. Bring a picnic blanket.

14) Dua Lipa – Radical Optimism Tour

Sat & Sun · 7:30 PM · State Farm Arena

For pop-loving teens—plan rideshare to avoid late-night parking stress. Check bag policy.

15) Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

All weekend · The Home Depot Backyard (by Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

Tasting tents + chef demos; earlier sessions are calmer for families. Consider noise-reducing headphones for sensitive kids.

🧭 Gentle Planning Tips For Families

• Nap windows: Pick 60–90 minute “experience blocks” and leave buffer time for snacks and breaks.
• Sun & sound: Pack sunscreen, hats, and small ear protection for concerts/fairs.
• Parking: For intown events, MARTA + a short walk is often faster than circling for parking.
• Budgeting: Fairs = ride tickets; festivals = food lines. Setting a per-kid budget avoids meltdowns.

Check Tonight’s Hotel Deals → Kid-friendly Travel Kit →

Sources & Further Info

• AJC roundup for this weekend’s family events (latest edition).
• Beloved Community International Expo — date/time/location.
• Gwinnett County Fair — dates, location & hours.
• Pup-A-Palooza (Johns Creek) — date/time, location, free admission.
• Intown Family Garba — date/time & venue info.
• Grilling & Gridiron, Alpharetta — timing & wristband details.
• Team Maggie’s Dream 5K/10K — date/time & stroller division.
• Noche Mexicana (Lilburn) — date/time.
• Weekend highlights (Dua Lipa, Food & Wine Festival, Streets Alive).