September 5–7, 2026 · The long weekend

Labor Day Weekend 2026 with Kids in Atlanta

5 worthwhile events, plus three easy outings. Atlanta · Dunwoody · Marietta · Stone Mountain.

Organizer details checked September 5. All times are local. Recheck before leaving.

5 events in Atlanta

Children painting colorful pictures at an outdoor arts festival

Representative image · Patrick Fitzgerald · CC BY 2.0 License · Displayed to fit card; Wikimedia image version otherwise unchanged.

Saturday–Sunday: 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 1:30–4:30 p.m.

TinyCON at Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Children’s Museum of Atlanta · Downtown

Separate special-event ticket; advance reservation required · Best for ages 4–8

Dress up for a convention built for younger fans, with creative activities and a K-Pop Demon Hunters theme.

Before you go
Book one of the two sessions before leaving. Regular museum admission does not cover TinyCON; costumes should be comfortable for hands-on play.

Check organizer details ↗

Sources & date check

Checked 2026-09-05. General venue area confirmed; use the organizer’s arrival directions. Older independent guides support the experience; organizer sources supply 2026 details.

Black butterfly with red wing markings resting on a bright green leaf

Representative image · Drew Avery · CC BY 2.0 License · Representative photograph; displayed to fit card, original file unchanged.

Saturday–Sunday; timed tent entry, festival activities end 4 p.m.

Dunwoody Butterfly Experience

Dunwoody Nature Center · Dunwoody

$18 general admission; members $15; ages 3 and under free · All ages

Look closely at native butterflies, follow pollinator stations, and enjoy children’s activities before or after your butterfly-tent session.

Before you go
Arrive at least 10 minutes before the booked tent window. For a late slot, explore the festival first because booths and activities close at 4 p.m.

Check organizer details ↗

Sources & date check

Checked 2026-09-05. General venue area confirmed; use the organizer’s arrival directions. Older independent guides support the experience; organizer sources supply 2026 details.

Representative image · Patrick Fitzgerald · CC BY 2.0 License · Displayed to fit card; Wikimedia image version otherwise unchanged.

Saturday–Monday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Marietta Art in the Park

Glover Park on Marietta Square · Marietta

Free admission and Children’s Art Alley; some activities and purchases extra · All ages

Watch artists at work, browse handmade pieces, and make a small creation in the Children’s Art Alley.

Before you go
Start with a make-and-take craft, then let each child choose a favorite artwork. The separately paid Chalk Spot is Saturday only.

Check organizer details ↗

Sources & date check

Checked 2026-09-05. General venue area confirmed; use the organizer’s arrival directions. Older independent guides support the experience; organizer sources supply 2026 details.

Families in colorful Star Trek costumes at the 2009 Dragon Con parade

Representative image · Michael Rivera · CC BY-SA 3.0 License · Displayed to fit card; Wikimedia image version otherwise unchanged.

Saturday–Monday; family programming times vary

Dragon Con

Multiple host venues · Downtown Atlanta

Convention membership required; check day-pass availability · Best for school-age children and teens; choose age-appropriate sessions

Explore costumes, comics, gaming, and creative fandom with a daytime plan tailored to your child’s interests.

Before you go
This is a large convention with queues and walking between venues. Consult family programming before buying; the Saturday morning parade is separate from later convention sessions.

Check organizer details ↗

Sources & date check

Checked 2026-09-05. General venue area confirmed; use the organizer’s arrival directions. Older independent guides support the experience; organizer sources supply 2026 details.

Red Summit Skyride cable car above the lake and trees at Stone Mountain Park

Representative image · J. Miers · CC BY-SA 2.5 License · Displayed to fit card; Wikimedia image version otherwise unchanged.

Saturday–Monday: attractions 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Lasershow 9:30 p.m.

Stone Mountain Park Labor Day celebration

Stone Mountain Park · Stone Mountain

Attractions and vehicle parking paid; evening Lasershow free · All ages; late fireworks best for children comfortable with noise

Choose family attractions in the daytime, then stay for the evening Lasershow and an extended holiday fireworks finale.

Before you go
A 9:30 p.m. show makes this a late night. Check individual attraction hours, add parking to your budget, and bring hearing protection if staying for fireworks.

Check organizer details ↗

Sources & date check

Checked 2026-09-05. General venue area confirmed; use the organizer’s arrival directions. Older independent guides support the experience; organizer sources supply 2026 details.

A little more adventure

Three easy ways to keep exploring

More things to do with kids in Atlanta. Keep one in your back pocket for the long weekend.

Everyday family outings

An underwater escape
Georgia Aquarium
Pick a favorite ocean gallery at Georgia Aquarium and take your time at the large viewing windows. Reserve tickets and check show availability.
Plan this outing
Dinosaurs with room to explore
Fernbank Museum
Start with the dinosaur displays at Fernbank, then decide whether to add an outdoor trail. Check museum and forest hours separately.
Plan this outing
A world of puppets
Center for Puppetry Arts
Explore the puppet museum or reserve a family performance. Check the current show’s age guidance and ticket inclusions.
Plan this outing

Planning Labor Day weekend in Atlanta with kids

When is Labor Day weekend in 2026?

Labor Day is Monday, September 7, 2026. This guide covers Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7. All times are local to Atlanta.

What can families do for free?

Marietta Art in the Park offer free admission. Food, rides, parking and special exhibitions can cost extra; free does not always mean no reservation.

Which outings work for toddlers and younger kids?

TinyCON is designed for younger fans; Dragon Con is a much larger convention. Book butterfly tent entry ahead, or choose free admission at Marietta Art in the Park.

What if it rains?

Georgia Aquarium, Fernbank Museum, and the Center for Puppetry Arts are indoor alternatives. TinyCON also takes place indoors but requires a special-event ticket.

Do we need tickets in advance?

Use each organizer link to confirm the latest admission rules and availability. A listing here is not a live ticket inventory. Reserve timed or dated admission before traveling, and check outdoor-event updates on the day.