Best Things to Do in Atlanta on Thanksgiving

Do you have ideas for Thanksgiving weekend activities for kids? Pick one of our featured events, then head out to a ballgame or start your Christmas shopping. Additionally, take a look at our list of more than 250 entertaining family activities in Atlanta.

Events

Model Railroad Planes and Trains at the Museum of Aviation

See miniature train exhibits that include a Thomas the Tank Engine, a 1950s drive-in theater, and a Christmas village. November 20–26. Monday and Thanksgiving Day are closed.

Permit for Snow Island at Margaritaville Lanier Islands to Be Cool

Enjoy sweet treats, meet Santa, go snow tubing, practice figure eights on the ice rink, ride the carnival rides, and more. November 12–February 26. See more top-notch skate parks here.

Alliance Theatre Presents Into the Burrow: A Peter Rabbit Tale

Take a musical adventure by going down the rabbit hole while the friendly forest animals get together to surprise Peter with a party. up until December 23.

In the Alliance Theatre, knock, knock

Visit The Apartment Building to observe how tenants are surviving the winter weather and getting ready for the holiday. up until December 23.

Cirque Du Soleil Echo at Atlantic Station’s Under the Big Top

Poetry, stagecraft, acrobatics, and technology are all combined in this amazing performance as heroine Future learns that her decisions have the power to alter the course of history. up until January 21.

Exhibits

More family-friendly entertainment can be found at Naturally Artistic at Chattahoochee Nature Center, Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out at Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Vikings: Warriors of the Sea at Fernbank Museum, and Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at the High. Check out our list of the Best Exhibits Around Atlanta for more ideas.

Football:

Visit the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame or watch a football game at home.

Georgia Tech vs. Georgia

Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons

Holiday Shopping:

Best Holiday Markets and Crafts Selection

Look for handmade goods and crafts at these neighborhood markets.

Sunday at the Museum Store

On Museum Store Sunday, November 26, visit the Center for Puppetry Arts, High Museum of Art, King Center, Historic Oakland Foundation, and other museums to find eco-friendly and locally-made gifts. Your purchase contributes to the funding of these regional groups.

The 2023 Holiday Toy Guide for Atlanta Parents

The raddest games and toys that we think your good boy or girl would love.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Visit these farms in the metro Atlanta area to select your own tree and take part in additional family-friendly events.

Tree Lightings and Light Displays in Atlanta and Beyond

Take in the most vibrant and magnificent holiday displays, found in Zoo Atlanta, local neighborhoods, and more.

Other Ideas:

Investigate the Outdoors

Get outside and enjoy the outdoors—there are a ton of stunning locations nearby for short hikes. Try these hikes and nature walks, see waterfalls, go hiking in Georgia State Parks, and take advantage of these State Parks that are less crowded.

The 75+ Greatest Playgrounds in Atlanta

Our list of the best playgrounds in Atlanta features everything from large shaded areas and generational swings for parents and kids to sculpture-like playscapes and cushioned rubber matting. We’ve compiled a list of the best playgrounds and recreational areas in the metro Atlanta area for all kinds of play.

Top Family-Friendly Activities on the Atlanta BeltLine

Families can be seen strolling, rollerblading, skating, jogging, and exploring eateries, stores, and tourist attractions along the trails that are currently in use.