On stage & on screen
Plays, puppet shows, and what’s at the movies — plus when it’s featured, so you can plan the big “we’re going OUT out” day!!
Featured this month
Guest artists Frisch Marionettes bring Dorothy, Toto, and the whole Yellow Brick Road gang to life with beautifully detailed marionettes and clever puppet choreography. Recommended for ages 4 and up — every ticket includes the museum galleries plus a take-home Create-A-Puppet kit of Toto!
Center for Puppetry Arts · MidtownEight-year-old Lucy and her goofy pal hunt for buried treasure while a gang of bumbling pirates gets in the way. Hand-crafted puppets from Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, best for ages 4 and up; tickets include the puppetry museum galleries and free onsite parking.
Center for Puppetry Arts · MidtownThe Alliance's Theatre for the Very Young builds shows specifically for newborns through five-year-olds, staged up close in a small room. Wiggling, babbling and crawling toward the actors are all completely fine here, which takes the pressure off everyone. It's ticketed and these runs sell out, so book before the weekend you want.
Alliance Theatre, Bernhardt · MidtownFrisch Marionettes tells Dorothy's whole story on strings, with songs and some genuinely impressive puppet choreography. The venue recommends it for ages 4 and up, and tickets here typically include museum access and a make-your-own-puppet workshop. Short run, so check dates before you plan around it.
Center for Puppetry Arts · MidtownGoofy rather than scary: a cheerful witch, a vampire who took a wrong turn somewhere in Pennsylvania, and a haunted-house playdate. Recommended for ages 4 and up, and the ticket includes the puppetry museum plus a Create-A-Puppet Workshop. A good Halloween outing for kids who aren't ready for anything genuinely spooky.
Center for Puppetry Arts · MidtownThe newest Disney On Ice production makes a four-day stop with seven showtimes, including 11am matinees on Friday and Saturday if your family runs on an early schedule. Doors open an hour before showtime, and the arena lists tickets starting around $36.97. Skating characters and big music work for a wide age range, though the loud arena sound can surprise the youngest kids.
Gas South Arena · DuluthA friendly monster party told in puppets, at 10am on Oct 17. Check the show page for the age range and ticket info.
Center for Puppetry Arts · MidtownA one-week run on the Alliance's stage for youth and families, so book early. Check the Alliance's site for a description and age recommendation.
Alliance Theatre, Goizueta Stage · MidtownA holiday show about the traditions that mix together among neighbors in one apartment building. It's made for the youngest audiences, newborns through age 5.
Alliance Theatre, Selig Black Box · MidtownSongs, rhymes and props for babies and toddlers, with no stage fright required. It's a sensory story time for ages 0–24 months, at 11am and 12pm on Tuesdays. Confirm the schedule and price with the Alliance.
Alliance Theatre · MidtownA glass slipper, a wicked stepmother and narration so younger kids can follow the story. Shows are Fri Oct 16 at 7:30 PM and Sat Oct 17 at 1 and 5 PM. It's recommended for ages 4 and up.
Fox Theatre · MidtownA sensory-friendly show about how everyone smiles differently, made with the Marcus Autism Center. It's for newborns through age 5. Per the Alliance's Very Young package, tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for ages 6–17, and age 5 and under are free.
Alliance Theatre, Selig Family Black Box · MidtownAt the movies
Decatur Square · Decatur — downtown doing its best drive-in impression
Free family movie night under the stars on the newly renovated Decatur Square, with the film rolling on the big screen at 7 pm. Bring blankets and lawn chairs; popcorn is sold for $1 a bag and Kona Ice is on hand.
Mall of Georgia · Buford — a two-hour warm-up act before the film
Free movie nights at The Village amphitheater at Mall of Georgia, with music, face painting, and entertainment starting at 5 pm before the movie at 7 pm. The fall lineup: The Minecraft Movie (Aug 8), the live-action Lion King (Sept 12), and Scooby Doo (Oct 10).
Crabapple Market Green · Milton — prizes hidden inside the movie
Free interactive movie nights on The Green at Crabapple Market, 7 to 9 pm — kids who arrive early get a free interactive kit with props so they can play along with the film. Bring blankets or chairs, and either pack a picnic or grab bites from on-site vendors.
Colony Square · Midtown — a plaza with better snacks than the multiplex
Free movies on a jumbo screen at The Plaza in Colony Square on first Thursdays through October, starting at 7 pm. Seating is first-come, so bring blankets and chairs; outside food is not allowed, but takeout from Colony Square's restaurants is welcome.
High Street · Dunwoody — yes, everyone will sing about Bruno
Free monthly Screenings on The Green at High Street, 7 to 9 pm, with complimentary popcorn during the film and loaner picnic blankets. Outside food and drinks are not permitted — grab takeout from a High Street restaurant instead.
Town Green · Peachtree Corners — blanket required, shoes optional
Peachtree Corners' free Flicks on the Green series runs the first Saturday of each month through October, with movies starting at 7 pm on the Town Green. Bring picnic blankets and low lawn chairs, and grab dinner from the Town Center restaurants to eat during the show.
Colony Square · Halcyon · Heritage Amphitheatre — three towns, one witchy trio
Hocus Pocus (PG) is spooky but has no gore, so it suits bigger kids. Screenings are at 7pm on Oct 1 (Colony Square and Uptown Atlanta), Oct 8 (Halcyon, Alpharetta) and Oct 9 (Movies by Moonlight, Heritage Amphitheatre, Sandy Springs). Confirm each showing with its venue.
Mall of Georgia · Buford — zoinks!
Part of the Mall of Georgia's Movies Under the Stars series, at 7pm. The movie is rated PG. Confirm details with the venue.
Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center · Norcross — Monday just got better
Movies at 1:30 and 6:30pm on select Mondays. Wicked: For Good (PG) is Oct 12 and Casper (PG) is Oct 26. Other titles through Dec 14 weren't captured, so check the center's schedule.
Depot Park · Kennesaw — leave before the mummy
Monsters University (PG) screens at 5:30pm. It's paired with The Mummy (PG-13), so families with younger kids may want to head home before the second film.
Uptown Atlanta · Atlanta
Plaza Green, The Battery Atlanta · Atlanta — a big screen under the stars
A big screen under the stars, with Minions and Monsters (PG) listed for Oct 25 and Jurassic Park (PG-13) on Nov 6. Jurassic Park is for bigger kids. The Battery's page says select Fridays but lists a Sunday, so confirm dates and cost before you go.
The Kidlanta Star
Every Friday, a short and sweet email with the weekend’s best kid stuff around metro Atlanta. That’s it. That’s the email!!