When the Sun Goes Down

The fun doesn’t have to end just because it’s dark outside! Push bedtime back a bit to enjoy these special summer nighttime events and attractions.

Check websites for more information. Most events require a reservation.

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Lights, Lasers and Drones

Stone Mountain Park’s Music Across America Drone & Light Show features more than 100 songs for a musical journey across the country. As part of the experience, the light show features 250 color-changing drones, flame-shooting cannons and a fireworks finale. This event is perfect for the family; be sure to bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic or snacks. Prices start at $5 with $20 parking. The show will be held on every night through Aug. 3 at 9:30 p.m.

Glow Up

Light Up the Corners! is a glowing, flashing, blinking, shining nighttime running party. Blinking lights will illuminate the way for the 4 Mile Run or Twilight Trot 1K; you can also participate in contests to be the “glowiest” champion. Held on Aug. 10, the cost for running is $35-$45. This fundraiser benefits less fortunate children and families in the community.

Shooting Stars

The Perseids is a popular meteor shower. This year, it will be active until Sept. 1, with peak rate around August 12. Head away from city lights, look opposite the moon, and see how many stars you can spot. Hard Labor Creek State Park is hosting a Perseid Shooting Star Party on Aug. 10-11, or head to Victoria Bryant State Park on Aug. 10-11 for A Walk to the Stars.

Flashlight Fun

Go on a nighttime hike to see what it’s like to be a nocturnal creature.

At Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Family Night Hike, explore the sights and sounds of the forest, experience an animal encounter and roast marshmallows over a relaxing campfire on July 20 or Aug. 3. Tickets are $15.
Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites offer opportunities for nighttime explorations. Each month, hike to the suspension bridge at Tallulah Gorge State Park to watch the moon rise above the gorge. Tickets are $10 with $5 parking.

Paddle with Wildlife

With Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Weekend Guided River Canoe Trips, take a leisurely evening 2.5-hour paddle to learn about the environment of the Chattahoochee River. Who knows what sights, sounds and animals you’ll spot? Trips are held on Saturdays and Sundays in Aug. starting at 6 p.m. For ages 8 and older. Tickets are $39 and all equipment is provided.

Animals After Dark

Go on a nocturnal adventure with Zoo Atlanta’s Twilight Trek and Twilight Tots programs. Twilight Trek, held on Aug. 16, features an inspiring tour of the Zoo after-hours to learn the ways accredited zoos help animals survive and thrive. $27; ages 3 and younger are free. Designed for ages 5 and younger, Twilight Tots includes a mini tour, songs, stories and dance to help your little one learn about the animal kingdom. The next event will be held on July 20 and costs $26; each additional child is $5.

Take in the View

Towering nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park, SkyView is open after sundown for a panoramic nighttime view of Downtown. Enjoy a climate-controlled, private gondola as you take in the city on this Ferris wheel ride. The attraction is open until 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and on Sundays, and is open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $17.50 and $12.50 for ages 3-12.

Movies & Music Al Fresco

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets for a free movie or concert, depending on your family’s preference. In Peachtree Corners, see “Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark” on July 6, “Lilo & Stitch” on Aug. 3 and “Secret Life of Pets” on Sept. 7, and watch tribute bands perform on the last Saturday of the month through Oct. Johns Creek will feature “Migration” on July 12, with musical performances on July 3, Aug. 2, Sept. 7 and Oct. 5. Colony Square shows movies on select Thursdays and musical performances on the last Friday. In Dunwoody, see “Kung Fu Panda” on July 5, “Madame Web” on Aug. 2 and concerts on July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14 and Oct. 12. Find a full list of movies and concerts.

Counting Starfish

Georgia Aquarium’s Sleep Under the Sea includes a specialized behind-the-scenes tour. Learn about aquatic animals and their habitats with a night filled with excitement, exploration, presentations and activities before bed. The next morning, have breakfast and see the aquarium before it opens to the public. Sleepovers are available on July 5, 12-13 and 27 and Aug. 2-3 and 10. Participants must be age 7 or older. Tickets are $115.99 per person.

At the Drive-In

Catch the latest releases through a throwback experience with StarLight Drive-In Theatre. The $10 ticket (and $1 for ages 5-9) allows you admission for two movies playing on the same screen. Open seven nights a week year-round, plan to arrive early as parking spaces are first-come, first-serve.

Walk with Ghosts

Spooky sightings don’t just happen in October! Get in touch with the spirits on a local ghost tour.

In Covington, walk around a city rich with haunted history and get a taste of the “Hollywood of the South” while visiting haunted sites and filming locations. This walking tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and is available on Fridays and Saturdays for $30.
Walk through Decatur’s Historic Town Square and the Old Decatur Cemetery for a paranormal exploration. Tours are held on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and cost $20 with ages 10 and younger at $12.
Marietta’s haunted ghost tours are held Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. You’ll hear stories based on documented sightings, firsthand experiences and history. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for ages 12 and younger.
During a ghost tour of Roswell, visit old mansions, the Founders Cemetery and mill worker’s apartments as paranormal investigators thrill, educate and enlighten you. Tours are held Friday and Saturday nights at $20 with ages 12 and younger, $10.

Fernbank After Dark

A Grownup Night Out

Hire a babysitter for an evening of fun without the kids.

Offered the second Friday of each month, Fernbank After Dark presents a variety of unique after-hours experiences for grown-ups with exhibits, live music, full bars, a tapas menu, science demonstrations and more on July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13.
Bring your own chair and picnic dinner for Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Sunset Sips for musical performances on July 11 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22 and Sept. 12 and 26.
Enjoy the beauty of nature, cocktails and live entertainment at Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Cocktails in the Garden offered on Thursday evenings through Sept. 12.
Explore animals from around the world and enjoy an adults-only evening at Zoo Atlanta’s Savanna Nights on July 19 and Aug. 9. Tickets are $40.
Take in a panoramic view of the skyline at THE ROOF at Ponce City Market. After 7 p.m., access is for ages 21 and older for delicious cuisine, drinks, mini golf and more. Tickets are $15-$30.