15 family-friendly events in Atlanta this weekend
If you’re looking for something fun to do with your family in metro Atlanta as many schools wrap up spring break, you’ll find options such as arts festivals in Piedmont Park, Olmstead Linear Park, Acworth and Suwanee. Repticon is also on the calendar, so if you’d like a new family pet or need gear for one you already have, head to the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds.
Check out the following 15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend:
Kidspiration 2026: “Sherri and the Unfairies”
This fantastical new comedy for families invites children and families to explore ideas about fairness and sharing through storytelling, imagination and play. It’s created by Elliot Thomson, a writer on PBS’ “Arthur” and a co-creator of “Hop” on HBO Max, and filmmaker Peter K. Hirsch. A talkback with the director and cast will take place after Friday’s 2 p.m. show.
Continuing 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, April 10. Free with registration. National Center for Civil and Human Rights, 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 678-999-8990.
Art takes center stage at Festival on Ponce with more than 125 displays of fine arts and crafts, folk and outsider art. A children’s area and food and beverages also will be available.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 11, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Free admission. Olmstead Linear Park, 1451 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta.
A tradition since 1936, Atlanta Dogwood Festival features three days of fun with a sprawling artist market, two stages of musicians, dancers and other performers, a 5K and more. Children will want to visit the Kids Village presented by Dollywood for hands-on arts and craft projects, puppet shows, face painting and inflatables.
Noon-9 p.m. Friday, April 10, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, April 11, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Ages 13 and up $5 Friday, $10 Saturday or Sunday and $15 for all three days. Free admission for kids 12 and younger. Piedmont Park, 1322 Monroe Drive, Atlanta. 404-827-8663.
The first of this year’s four 5K races in the Kennesaw Grand Prix Series gets underway on a flat and fast course and will be followed by a postrace party.
6:30 a.m. race day packet pickup; day-of registration 7:30 a.m. 1 Mile Fun Run, 8 a.m.; wheelchair start, 8:05 a.m. 5K, 8:55 a.m. Tot Trot, 9:15 a.m. Saturday, April 11. 5K: $35 in advance, $45 on race day; 1 Mile Fun Run, $20; Tot Trot, $5. Kennesaw First Baptist Church, 2958 N. Main St., Kennesaw. 678-385-0165.
Spring Break Garden Adventures
Stop by the Carriage House at Smith-Gilbert Gardens to create art for your garden and then take a 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. family art walk to explore the Gardens’ sculptures.
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, April 10. Free with general admission of $5-$10. Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw. 770-919-0248.
Main Street will be lined with the works and displays of more than 100 artists, and other festival fun includes entertainment, a food court and a Kidz Zone with interactive activities.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 11, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Main Street, downtown Acworth.
Twenty five participating Chamblee restaurants will offer specials as they showcase their best dishes during Restaurant Week.
Sunday, April 12, plus additional dates. See website for a list of participating Chamblee restaurants. 470-395-2387.
Join Sam Landes, treasurer of the Mushroom Club of Georgia, on a guided walk as you learn about and search for fungi around the Dunwoody Nature Center.
9:30-11 a.m. Sunday, April 12. Free with registration. Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody. 770-394-3322.
Sunday Showcase: Run Katie Run
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, get takeout from a nearby restaurant, then enjoy the Americana/roots-rock music from Atlanta’s own Run Katie Run.
Noon-2 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Tucker Town Green, 4226 Railroad Ave., Tucker. 678-597-9040.
The North Fulton Master Gardeners’ 25th annual Garden Faire features many types of plants available for purchase, master gardener-led talks, a children’s gardening corner, food vendors and a fleatique with gardening books, tableware, yard art, plant containers and more.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 11. The Grove behind the Alpharetta Community Center, 175 Roswell St., Alpharetta. 678-297-6100.
Walk a 1½-mile loop around Brook Run Park to raise awareness and funds to help people affected by liver disease. The walk is sponsored by the American Liver Foundation.
9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 11. The Pavilion at Brook Run Park, 4770 N. Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. 317-635-5074.
Shop for a new family pet and gear, attend seminars and enjoy live interactions with animals at many of the show’s vendor tables.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Single-day tickets adults $12-$15, ages 5-12 $6-$7, ages 4 and under free. Discounts for two-day tickets and tickets after 1 p.m. Saturday. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds Entertainment Building and Expo Center, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. 863-268-4273.
Experience street-style food, crafts and performances while helping to preserve and share Indonesian culture.
4-10 p.m. Saturday, April 11, and 4-8 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Free admission. 4261 Communications Drive NW, Norcross. 770-789-2890 or 404-542-0406.
Explore works from artists who are exhibiting and selling their pieces, watch their live demonstrations and enjoy entertainment and international cuisine. A lantern-making tent will also be available to help you get ready for the Glow in the Park parade on April 18.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 11, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Free admission. Suwanee Town Center, intersection of Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and Buford Highway, Suwanee. 678-878-2818.
Elevate your home with hands-on demonstrations, expert advice and show-only deals from vendors.
Noon-6 p.m. Friday, April 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 11, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Free admission. Gas South Convention Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 470-639-8243.
