When you have young people to share the experience, an after-dark excursion can be magical or dramatic — or maybe a bit spine-tingling.
These activities are set to candlelight, moonlight, or laser light. Each is a fine option for marking a special occasion or spending quality time together “just because.”
Blacklight laser tag at Main Event
11 a.m.-12 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, Sunday-Friday $21.99; Saturday $25.99. Early bird $18.99 if purchased before noon. 10700 Davis Drive, Alpharetta; 3101 Cobb Pkwy SE, Suite 104, Atlanta; 471 Northolt Pkwy, Suwanee.
Not one to drive at night? You can still have fun in the dark of the black-light, faux fog laser tag experience at Main Event. It starts mid-to-late morning depending on the day of the week.
They set up obstacles over a multi-level course. Laser tag is the one time the smaller and faster kids tend to do the best, so be a good sport and join in the fun yourself. Be sure anyone that wants to play is at least 48 inches tall, though — that’s the minimum.
You can also play late into the night if you wish and enjoy bowling and billiards for the same flat price.
Pro tip: Dress in dark colors to camouflage yourselves from foes.
Illumine 2023 at Historic Oakland Cemetery
7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Thursday-Monday, April 27-May 7, starting at $15 for children 4-17 and seniors, starting at $20 for adults, children 3 and under free. Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta.
Shivers and beauty abound at this popular after-dark cemetery experience, returning for 10 days this spring starting April 27.
The cemetery exploration, vivid light displays, and live music all begin as the sun sets.
Tweens may be drawn to the scary tales, while adults can revel in the spectacular skyline lit up as a backdrop to the local art and the eerie/beautiful arboretum surrounding this richly historic venue.
Craft cocktails and a pop-up shop complete the experience for grandparents.
If you really want to go all in, the $100 VIP admission entitles holders to an exclusive adventure in the cemetery’s 1899 Bell Tower. Brrrrr.
Purchase tickets here.
Candlelight: 100 Years of Warner Bros. at Atlanta
7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Friday, April 28, starting at $35 per person. The Chapel on Sycamore, 318 Sycamore Street, Decatur.
Here’s an intriguing combination for the musical lovers in the family! The setting is the impressive, regal Romanesque Chapel on Sycamore by candlelight.
The entertainment is light-hearted, heart-rending, and chilling by turns, featuring stage performances of iconic songs from the 100-year history of Warner Bros.
Expect the theme songs from “Friends,” “Batman” and “The Exorcist,” along with heartfelt renderings of classics like “As Time Goes By.” You and the young ones will both have favorites in the mix and may even learn to love each other’s choices.
Spoiler alert: You may want to look up the words to the “Scooby Doo” theme song ahead of time.
Only kids older than 8 can attend, and all younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
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