If you want to bypass cooking the big meal, book a reservation at one of these Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Atlanta. No matter what you decide to do, we at Mommy Poppins wish you a happy Thanksgiving!

Museums and Cultural Attractions Open on Thanksgiving

Atlanta Botanical Garden - Midtown

Located next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden includes the children’s garden (a hit for all ages), Desert House, and Kendeda Canopy Walk. Or, come in the evening to see Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, one of Atlanta’s most popular light displays.

The Georgia Aquarium has special hours on Thanksgiving Day, 9am-4pm. 

Georgia Aquarium - Downtown

Take the entire family—from little ones to grandparents—to experience Holidays at Georgia Aquarium. The tropical fish, penguins, and sharks, along with holiday-themed presentations and a daily tree lighting, will delight all ages.

Exhibition Hub Atlanta Art Center - Doraville

Chase bubbles, walk through a bubble bath pit, and more at Bubble Planet; if you have kids who’d rather interact with dinosaurs, book a session at DinoVerse Atlanta, featuring a virtual reality walk through the Jurassic period.

Museum of Illusions - Atlanta

Get a different perspective (literally!) when you walk through the Titled Room, sit in the Beuchet Chair, and look at various optical illusions. Purchase tickets in advance to guarantee a time slot on Thanksgiving. 

Family-Friendly Attractions Open on Thanksgiving in Atlanta

Stone Mountain Park - Stone Mountain

Get in the holiday spirit with a visit to the park’s holiday extravaganza, Stone Mountain Christmas. Ride the Sing-Along Train, walk through the Musical Frosted Forest, watch the Christmas parade, and stay for the state-of-the-art Christmas light and drone show.

Enjoy the gorgeous Callaway Gardens views during the day; then enjoy Fantasy in Lights when the sun goes down.

Callaway Gardens - Pine Mountain

Spend the entire day at this 2,500-acre property just 90 miles south of Atlanta, featuring a butterfly center, bike trails, and even a Thanksgiving buffet. If you stay after the sun goes down, don’t miss Fantasy in Lights, a seven-mile drive-through holiday light show.

SkyView Atlanta - Downtown

Head to this gigantic Ferris wheel, where you can ride a climate-controlled gondola up 20 stories to see 360-degree views of the Atlanta skyline. Afterwards, head to the adjacent Centennial Olympic Park for a family game of flag football. 

License to Chill Snow Island at Lake Lanier - Buford

Although Atlanta typically doesn’t experience snow at Thanksgiving, you and your family can still go snow tubing, engage in snowball fights, and ice skate at License to Chill. Be sure to stay for Magical Nights of Lights, one of Atlanta's top holiday drive-through light shows, beginning at 5pm.

Great Wolf Lodge - LaGrange

If your family prefers spending Thanksgiving zipping down water slides in 84-degree temps, purchase a day pass at this indoor water park just 90 minutes south of Atlanta. Additional activities include rock wall climbing, bowling, miniature golf, and more. 

FairyTale Village Winter Experience - Alpharetta

Head to North Point Mall where families can walk through eight holiday-themed rooms, meet live characters, and create crafts in this one-hour immersive experience. 

Kid-Friendly Activities Thanksgiving Day

Ice Skating

Lace up those skates and glide around an outdoor ice rink. Many rinks, including the Ice Rink at Sugar Hill and Avalon on Ice, will be open on Thanksgiving.

Atlanta Hikes

There’s no better way to digest a huge Thanksgiving meal than going on family hikes.

Turkey Trots

Burn off calories before the huge Thanksgiving meal. Sign up for Marietta’s MUST Ministries Gobble Jog, Alpharetta’s Thanksgiving Gobble Wobble, or Roswell’s Running of the Turkeys.

Atlanta Playgrounds and Parks

If the day is nice, take the kids to enjoy outdoor fun at these popular Atlanta playgrounds. Additionally, city centers, such as Duluth Town Green, City Springs, and Suwanee Town Center, offer green spaces for running and burning off energy.

Go for a Spin

Thanksgiving is a great day to bike or scooter along many of Atlanta’s bike paths. You can also take advantage of fewer crowds on the Atlanta BeltLine, especially if you have little ones who are still using training wheels.

Cirque du Soleil's Luzia

Celebrate the holiday with Cirque du Soleil Luzia, a mesmerizing acrobatic show at Big Top Atlantic Station.

Bowling

Families can hit the bowling alley after the Thanksgiving meal for friendly competition. Midtown Bowl will open on Thanksgiving at 6pm, but it becomes adults-only after 9pm. Additionally, Round1 Bowling and many Bowlero locations will be open (check specific hours before heading out).  

Christmas Tree Shopping

If you like decorating for Christmas as soon as the family has gobbled the Thanksgiving meal, load up the kids and head to a Christmas tree farm. Bottoms Tree Farm, Minter’s Farm, and Yule Forest have announced Thanksgiving operating hours.

Movie Theaters

Catch the latest blockbuster on the big screen since most movie theaters, including AMC and Regal, are open on Thanksgiving. 

Christmas Lights

Bundle up and go for a car ride to see some of the best holiday lights in Atlanta. Favorites that are open on Thanksgiving include Lights of LIFE at Life University, Glow Light Show, and Candy Rush Light Show.

Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving Day in Atlanta

We’ve all been there -- you think everything is under control with the Thanksgiving meal, when you realize you need a key ingredient, like eggs, aluminum foil, or even a pumpkin pie! 

• Kroger locations will stay open until 4pm on Thanksgiving, although the pharmacy will be closed.
• Sprouts will be open from 7am-2pm
• CVS will be open from 9am-2pm.
• Whole Foods, Fresh Market, and H-Mart will be open with limited hours, but it's best to call your nearest location for specific details. 

Tips for Families Spending Thanksgiving Day in Atlanta

• Before heading out, confirm hours of operation. You may also want to check social media sites for last-minute updates.
• Check the forecast and dress appropriately. Even if the daytime temps are mild, bring sweaters and jackets for evening activities.
• MARTA operates on a limited holiday schedule on Thanksgiving. Additionally, parking spots around Midtown and downtown may be much easier to find.
• Take advantage of little to no traffic on Thanksgiving to visit places outside your usual neighborhood or suburb.
• With kids out of school the following day, you can plan evening activities without dealing with weekend crowds.

FAQ: What’s Open on Thanksgiving in Atlanta

What museums are open in Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day?

Atlanta Botanical Garden and Georgia Aquarium are open. Also, you can purchase tickets to visit Bubble Planet and DinoVerse at Exhibition Hub Atlanta Art Center, as well as the Museum of Illusions on Thanksgiving Day. 

Are Atlanta malls open on Thanksgiving?

No, most malls are closed. However, you can window-shop at open-air shopping areas such as Halcyon, Avalon, and Battery Atlanta.

Can families go ice skating in Atlanta on Thanksgiving?

Yes, our list of outdoor ice skating rinks will point you in the right direction. Check the holiday hours first, as not all of these rinks are open.

What grocery stores are open for last-minute shopping?

Select Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, Fresh Market, Whole Foods, and H-Mart locations are open with limited hours. Check individual locations for specific details.

Is Atlanta’s MARTA open on Thanksgiving?

Yes, MARTA trains and buses run on a holiday schedule, making it an option for families to reach attractions, especially around Midtown and downtown Atlanta.

All photos by author