In Atlanta MLK holiday weekend is full of educational, inspirational, and fun things for families to do. Whether you are in town to visit the birth place of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or you live in the area, there are interesting things to do with your family no matter the ages of your kids.
Atlanta MLK Holiday Weekend Offerings
Center for Civil and Human Rights SPARK Saturday Events
In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., January’s SPARK Saturday will celebrate the legacy and ongoing struggle for human rights of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Activities include a book reading by The Center’s CEO Derreck Kayongo and games. Activities are scheduled to take place between 12 noon and 3 p.m. Children ages 18 and under will receive FREE admission with an adult admission.
Free Admission to The Atlanta History Center
Check out the thought-provoking day of programming for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 16. Once again they will be offering FREE admission for the MLK holiday. For the 2017 observance, the institution is organizing a slate of free programs in Buckhead and at Midtown’s Margaret Mitchell House intended to engage the growing MLK Day audience on subjects from Civil War slavery to civil rights movement-sparked integration.
If you have not seen their new interactive Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta exhibition is fantastic for families and kids of all ages. It teaches everyone about the struggles and triumphs Atlanta has had throughout it’s history in a fair, fully-inclusive way.
The Atlanta History Center and Margaret Mitchell House will be open 10 AM to 5:30 PM on this free admission day. For the full slate of programming that will be offered check AtlantaHistoryCenter.com.
The King Center and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
In Atlanta MLK holiday weekend will be a busy one at The King Center and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, but they are still worth visiting, especially if you don’t live in Atlanta. This is FREE for all. Located in the lobby of the Visitor Center is the “Children of Courage” exhibit, which is geared towards younger visitors. This exhibit tells the story about the children of the Civil Rights Movement with a challenge to today’s youth.
The featured exhibit entitled “Courage To Lead” follows the parallel paths of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement. Then join in with the marchers on their journey up “Freedom Road”. See what’s new in the D.R.E.A.M Gallery home of special exhibits that change from time to time. Video programs are presented in the Visitor Center Theater on a continuing basis.
Just be prepared for crowds!
New Gallery Opens at World of Coca-Cola
Gallery contributors stand with their work on display. From left to right are Andrew Hunter (@rewhunter), Nick Barney (@n.effect), Elizabeth Day (@ohheyitsday), Matthew Warren (@matthewwwarren), Evan Ranft (@evan5ps), Josh Fu (@mistahfu), Tony Ordaz (@tony_ordz), Cynthia Hoyt (@darlingdownsouth) and Alyssa Fagien (@atl_bucketlist). Not pictured are Christynne Papincak (@whyiloveatl) and Taylor Wallace (@iwally).
The World of Coca-Cola launched a special gallery called “Share a Coke with Atlanta” on Friday, Jan. 13. The gallery features photographs from 12 creative, entrepreneurial Atlantans who are both capturing and cultivating the unique spirit of the city. Each image in the “Share a Coke with Atlanta” gallery celebrates the connection between Atlanta, the beverage that was born here and the talented people who call the city home. The gallery will be on display at the World of Coca-Cola through May.
Atlanta Boat Show
The 55th Annual Atlanta Boat Show is returning to the Georgia World Congress Center Jan. 12-15, with kids ages 15 and under getting free admission when accompanied by an adult, making it very affordable and family friendly.
While it’s cold(ish) outside now, you can start planning your escape to warm days on the water. You can hone your fishing skills, sail without leaving dry land on the sailing simulator, discover what goes into replicating a James Bond Boat and so much more. Plus, there’s a special Kids’ Zone for the younger boater fans, and appearances from the minions on Saturday and Sunday! In honor of the show’s 55th anniversary, the first 55 attendees (ages 25 + up) after 5 p.m. on Jan. 12-13, can win a FREE half-day Pontoon rental on a 20 ft. Suntracker Party Barge on Lake Allatoona or Lake Lanier worth $199 courtesy of Park Marine.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta Hosts LEGO Batman Movie Meet and Greet
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta will host a special meet and greet party for THE LEGO® BATMAN™ MOVIE on Saturday, January 14 from 3-5 p.m. In anticipation of the THE LEGO® BATMAN™ MOVIE nationwide theater debut on February 10, families can enjoy a meet and greet with LEGO® Batman, LEGO® Robin and LEGO® Batgirl characters! The first 20 guests to take a photo with the LEGO® Batman character will win two passes to the upcoming THE LEGO® BATMAN™ MOVIE screening on February 4 at Regal Atlantic Station Stadium.
In the irreverent spirit of fun that made “The LEGO® Movie” a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman (Will Arnett) – stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s (Zach Galifianakis) hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up. This film has been rated PG for rude humor and some action.
The event is free with paid admission.
