January in Atlanta is filled with family-friendly events that will make the post-holiday stretch feel a little brighter. From cozy indoor activities to crisp outdoor adventures, here’s your guide to easy, enjoyable ways to kick off 2026 with the kids.
January Family Friendly Events In and Around Atlanta
Now – January 11 – Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Back for its 15th year, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights presented by Invesco QQQ shines with new music and choreography for “Nature’s Wonders,” the world’s largest curtain of synchronized light and sound.
Now – January 11 – Winter Wonderland: Celebrations and Traditions Around the World at Fernbank. Celebrate cultures and traditions from around the world in this seasonal exhibit that features decorated trees and other displays. Winter Wonderland will highlight cultural stories, including those from the countries of Japan, Scotland, Kenya, Turkey, Ukraine, Argentina, Guatemala, Canada, the Philippines, and many more.
Now – January 18 – IllumiNights at the Zoo. Experience hundreds of brilliantly illuminated wildlife lanterns and captivating displays that celebrate the beauty and magic of nature after dark.
Now – January 19 – Avalon on Ice. Enjoy outdoor ice skating in the center of Avalon in Alpharetta. Reservations recommended.
Now – February – License to Chill Snow Island, Lanier Islands. License to Chill Snow Island, operated by our partner Margaritaville, creates a magical winter playground filled with snow tubing, ice skating, carnival rides, and snow play for the whole family.
January 2 – Art Walk, Marietta Square, 5-9 pm. Experience the local art scene and dine at the restaurant you have been wanting to try. Good for a date night or a way to casually introduce your kids to local art and artists.
January 3 – Polar Opposite Peachtree, Atlanta Track Club, 8 am. Experience the Peachtree Road Race like never before – in the winter and in reverse. Starting at Piedmont Park and finishing at Lenox Square, the race course will have no left on 10th – you’ll be turning right on Peachtree.
January 9 – Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 7:30 pm. Come enjoy this annual college football bowl game hosted right here in Atlanta! And check out FanFest—a FREE indoor fan experience featuring 200,000 sq. feet of interactive attractions like punting, passing, and kicking games, obstacle courses, and zip lining—from 2:30-6:30 pm at the Georgia World Congress Center
January 9 & 23 – December 19 – Evening Sky Watch at the Tellus Observatory, 6-10 pm. Come visit our Observatory for a rare look through our telescope, where we will be showing some of our favorite celestial objects in the evening sky. Suitable for all ages, advanced registration required.
January 11 – UPS Second Sunday, High Museum of Art, 12-5 pm. FREE admission for all visitors.
January 13 – Tuesdays in the Field, Georgia Aquarium, 9 am-1 pm. The Education team is excited to offer an experience for K-12 homeschool students that provides the opportunity to engage in standards-based instruction at their own pace while exploring topics in marine biology, oceanography, ecology, and other science-related fields. January’s program is called Home Sweet Home.
January 19 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Atlanta History Center, 10 am-4 pm. Atlanta History Center’s King Day program, Influence the Dream, invites visitors to trace the arc of Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement over the course of generations. Free with RSVP.
January 24-25 – Blue Man Group, Fox Theatre. Blue Man Group will rock your world, blow your mind, and unleash your spirit. As three bald and blue men explore our world, together we’ll discover music, laughter, and surprises at every turn.
January 27 – February 1 – MJ The Musical, Fox Theatre. He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is on tour in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
January 27 – March 15 – Pete the Cat, Center for Puppetry Arts. Based on the New York Times Best Seller series, this groovy puppet show features Pete the Cat’s most awesome adventures, inspired by some of the coolest books around. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
January 31 – Braves Fest, The Battery Atlanta, 10 am-4 pm. This fan extravaganza features exclusive interactions with all your favorite Braves players and coaches throughout the day and access around the ballpark like never before! And for the first time at Braves Fest, the new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park will be open, offering a variety of children’s games and activities! Braves Fest 2026 is a free event, but requires a ticket for entry.
Support your local sports teams!
Atlanta Hawks Basketball
Atlanta Falcons Football
Atlanta Gladiators Hockey
Georgia Swarm Lacrosse
Did we miss any January family-friendly events in and around Atlanta? Let us know in the comments below!
