By Aubree Dumas

Published July 25, 2024

Whether you’re a local looking for weekend fun or a visitor planning a memorable vacation, Atlanta offers options to suit every taste and age group. Atlanta promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Add some of these locations to your list if you’re planning a fun trip with the family to Atlanta. 

Activate

Prepare for an active adventure with this engaging video game spot. Activate offers a variety of high-tech games that promise both fun and excitement. With hundreds of game combinations and difficulty levels to choose, Activate is perfect for a kid-friendly night out.

Where: 4540 Roswell Road

Beat the Bomb

Experience an explosion of fun with immersive group entertainment. Solve your way through five high-tech, mission-themed game rooms as you attempt to disarm the world’s largest paint bomb. Test your teamwork skills while bonding with the family to beat the clock before getting a colorful splash of a surprise. Families should note that the minimum age to play is 8 years old. Kids ages 8 and 9 must be accompanied by an adult throughout each game, Kids ages 10 to 15 must have an adult on the premises.

Where: 1483 Chattahoochee Ave. NW

Bowlero

Bowlero is perfect for the intown crowd because of its central location in the popular Atlantic Station neighborhood. The lanes feature black lights and comfy seats, providing ample space for a family to enjoy. To top it off, there’s an arcade with games galore and a sports bar for sipping wine or downing a brew while watching the big game. While individuals younger than 21 aren’t permitted after 9 p.m., you can enjoy family time with your little ones before then. Bowlero is a popular spot for kid and teen parties, with arcade games including everything from basketball to throwback racing games.

Where: 261 Nineteenth St. NW 

Puttshack

Puttshack elevates the miniature golf experience with cutting-edge technology. Located on the Westside, Puttshack promises an exciting outing for families, blending interactive gaming with delicious food and beverages to recharge after a thrilling round of mini-golf. Ditch the paper and pen and let technology do the work. Venture around the 9-hole indoor course as each ball tracks your game play to determine whether you win or lose points. Families can enjoy a fun-filled day until 8 p.m. when the venue transitions to a 21+ atmosphere, ensuring a suitable environment for all ages earlier in the day. Anyone younger than 12 is welcome, however, they must be accompanied by an adult. Save some time before or after you play to enjoy a shareable menu inspired by street-food classics both kids and adults can enjoy.

Where: 1115 Howell Mill Road

Painted Pickle

Try out this popular sport in a fun way at Atlanta’s newest high-end pickleball “compeatery” venue. In addition to the eight individually contained courts, there are several interactive games, bars serving drinks (non-alcoholic and spirited) and food to order. Take a break on the many different patio spaces before taking another swing at a game of pickleball with the fam. While Painted Pickle is 21+ on Friday and Saturday starting at 7 p.m., family members younger than 16 can join the fun as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Where: 279 Ottley Drive NE

Painted Duck 

Situated near 10th Street, the Painted Duck offers games, games and more games including duckpin bowling, Belgian feather bowling, horseshoes, shuffleboard, toad in the hole, snookball and knuckleball. Try duck phat fries, French bread pizza, a classic Cobb salad or a sesame shrimp skewer on the barbie. Instead of picking from mom and dad’s plate, youngsters can have a bite from the kids’ menu with options liked grilled cheese, burgers or hot dogs. Family can enjoy this gaming parlor with little ones on Saturdays and Sundays before 5 p.m. as it becomes 21+ after that.

Where: 976 Brady Ave. NW

Painted Pin

If Buckhead is your locale, find The Painted Pin on Miami Circle. Of course, you can bowl. You also can play bocce ball, Ping-Pong, skittles, darts, Giant Jenga and ring toss. Order Cajun boiled peanuts or ranch and cheddar pork rinds then chase it with fried oyster sliders or your choice of tacos. Save room for rum raisin bread pudding bites. Kid-friendly options include chicken fingers, French fries, waffle dogs and more. Enjoy family-fun Saturdays and Sundays before 5 p.m. as the venue becomes 21+ after 5.

Where: 737 Miami Circle NE

The Escape Game

This family-friendly gaming experience is perfect to test your problem-solving skills in a thrilling way. Get the family together and try your best to escape one of the many themed escape rooms by solving clues and riddles that lead you to your next clue. Try the Cosmic Crisis game and save your spaceship from being endangered by a black hole. It’s hard to run out of ways to game with the many options that rotate year-round. This experience is recommended for ages 13 and up. Kids younger than 14 can play but must participate with an adult. Parents can bring any child age 4 and younger along free of charge.

Where: 1115 Howell Mill Road NW

Topgolf

Think you’re a golf klutz? No worries. Topgolf has games for all levels — beginner, intermediate and advanced. All ages are welcome, too, however, anyone younger than16 must be supervised by a 21+ guest at all times. Get the entire-family together and prepare for a “hole” lot of fun. There’s even an Angry Birds game for fans of the popular family movie. When you work up an appetite, consider bites and shareable, burgers, salads and even breakfast.

Where: 1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. NW

Your 3rd Spot

Your 3rd Spot is the ultimate destination for a vibrant atmosphere and a cutting-edge social dining experience. There are diverse game offerings such as classic arcade games and bowling plus vintage Nintendo console games. Enjoy bites such as shareable chef’s pizza and the popular spicy tuna crispy rice. Upbeat music reverberates throughout the space with a live DJ playing on special nights. Drink options include a zero-proof cocktail menu. Your 3rd Spot is kid-friendly before 5 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends, ensuring a family-friendly environment earlier in the day. Be sure to make a reservation as this Westside favorite can get busy.

Where: 400 Chattahoochee Row NW

With its blend of cultural attractions, outdoor activities and family-friendly venues, the city invites you to create lasting memories together. Keep the family fun going and check out these Free and Family-Friendly Fun Things to do in Atlanta.

Aubree is a content creator with a passion for all things food and travel. You can find her around Atlanta tasting some of the most iconic bites or burning it all off on the dance floor.

ATLANTA – Fabulous Four Movie Junket: 

Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is having the time of her life in the new comedy “The Fabulous Four.”

Ralph stars alongside fellow entertainment legends Susan Sarandon and Megan Mullally as longtime friends traveling to Key West for the wedding of another good pal, played by Bette Midler. And while the Florida setting may look convincing on-screen, the four stars actually filmed the movie here in Georgia.

“We were shooting in beautiful downtown Savannah,” says Ralph. “We were in a very difficult time because we were shooting during the strike. You know, we were one of the few films that got the union ‘OK’ to shoot, because we were so far into the work of the film. And, you know, we had all these little hiccups and things, but when I saw the movie, I said, ‘Wow, sometimes the most stressful things just turn out to be the best things,’ because the movie was so good.”

Ralph, of course, soared to fame and scored a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the Broadway classic “Dreamgirls.” And since her three co-stars also have extensive musical experience, we had to ask about the possibility of a “The Fabulous Four” stage musical adaptation.

“Well, look at it this way, I am doing a wonderful TV series called ‘Abbott Elementary’ that takes up most of my time,” says the star. “So, we probably have to wait five or six years for that to happen!”

“The Fabulous Four” opens in theaters this Friday, July 26 from Bleecker Street — click here for more information on the film.

Dish Nation Tanner Thomason gives the latest in entertainment news: There’s a ton happening on the entertainment front. Tyler Perry responds to critics, Janet Jackson reminisces on performing with her brother Michael, and there’s new details surface on Chris Brown and Yella Beezy’s lawsuit.

The Alden’s Chef Jared Hucks: Chef Jared Hucks is doing a cooking class on Tuesday, July 30 demonstrating how to use produce from the farmer’s market to make fantastic dishes.  

“Spongebob” 25th anniversary with Rodger Bumpass (Squidward) and Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy Cheeks): This year marks the landmark 25th anniversary of Nickelodeon’s hit animated series, “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Reigning as the most-watched animated series for 22 consecutive years, the series first premiered on July 17, 1999, and has since generated a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases, memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, and a Tony award-winning Broadway musical. 

Chadwick Boyd shows us a fun and sweet summer treat: Summer fruit can make the most simple and delicious summer desserts. Keep up with Chadwich on social media @ChadwickBoyd

The highly anticipated Grace Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival, presented by Publix, returns for its 19th year on Sunday, September 1 from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Lithonia Park, 2501 Park Drive, Lithonia, Georgia.

The festival promises a day full of mouthwatering flavours, vibrant culture, and family fun. And will feature:

• Over 20 food vendors: Indulge in a wide selection of jerk food and other Caribbean delicacies.

• Grace fine-dining: Chef Irie showcases his culinary skills through exclusive demonstrations featuring Grace seasonings and sauces.

• Publix culinary experience: Thrilling cooking challenges and chef demonstrations for food enthusiasts.

• Musical performances: Live music from renowned artistes, including Baby Cham, Tanya Stephens, Rupee, and Adaeze, with DJ sets and performances starting at 3:00 pm.

• Family fun: Fun-filled kids’ Play Zone and various activities for all ages.

A Celebration of Caribbean heritage and community

The festival — originally started in 2005 by the late Glen Simmonds — is a hallmark event on Atlanta’s calendar, drawing a diverse crowd from the city’s rich Caribbean community and visitors to the Atlanta area. Last year, the festival attracted over 6,000 attendees, and this year promises to be even bigger and better.

The Grace Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival presented by Publix is sponsored by Grace Foods, Publix Supermarkets, VM Group, Caribbean International Shipping, JN Money, V-103, Visit Ft Lauderdale, and The Mortgage Place.