Fall has arrived in Atlanta, and there are plenty of things to do with the whole family this season! At Georgia Aquarium’s Haunted Seas, families can dive into Halloween fun with spooky décor, themed animal presentations, and special treats. But the Aquarium isn’t the only place to get into the spirit — the city and surrounding areas are full of ways to celebrate, from family-friendly outings to spooky strolls and colorful cultural traditions. Here are some of the top things to do in and around Atlanta this fall:

🍂 Family-Friendly Events

Families have no shortage of options to enjoy the season, and Haunted Seas at Georgia Aquarium is at the heart of it all. Guests can enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the Aquarium, themed animal presentations, and seasonal scavenger hunts—all surrounded by incredible marine life. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween while exploring the underwater world. Just steps away, the city offers even more family-friendly frights, like Scarecrows in the Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden, where creative, handcrafted scarecrows fill the paths. Or check out Brick-or-Treat Monster Party at LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta, where kids can join Halloween-themed builds and activities.

Families can also venture to Fernbank Museum’s Dinosaur Trick-or-Treat to collect candy alongside life-size prehistoric giants. You don’t want to miss Boo at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta for costumed fun, treat stations, and animal encounters. For younger explorers, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s Trick-or-Treat offers an interactive space to celebrate the spooky season. Outdoors, families can experience Halloween Hikes at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, a guided trail adventure with costumed characters teaching about local wildlife. With Haunted Seas as your starting point, there’s no shortage of spooky, spirited experiences to enjoy in Atlanta this fall.

👻 Adult / Spookier Fun

Looking for more frightful fun? This season’s best parties start at Georgia Aquarium’s Sips Under the Sea: Halloween Party. This adults-only (18+) evening lets guests enjoy spooky signature cocktails, an enchanted dance floor, and a handful of Halloween surprises—all set against the otherworldly backdrop of the Aquarium’s galleries. It’s sure to be a ghostly good time – costumes are encouraged. 

Just down the road, the Center for Puppetry Arts presents The Ghastly Dreadfuls, a mix of music, puppetry, and darkly funny ghost stories. For thrill-seekers, Netherworld Haunted House delivers heart-racing scares with elaborate sets and creatures lurking around every corner. While those who prefer a historical chill can explore Atlanta’s past on Haunted History Tours – Ghost Tours at the Fox Theatre.

One of Atlanta’s most iconic Halloween experiences is the Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Tours. Hosted at historic Oakland Cemetery, these after-dark tours share the stories of the city’s notable and notorious residents, all against the atmospheric backdrop of Victorian gardens and monuments.The Little 5 Points Boo-ze Ghost Tour adds a spirited twist, pairing pub stops with eerie neighborhood tales. For a more refined celebration, Halloween Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta offers themed treats and seasonal sips in a luxurious setting. 

From high-energy parties to spine-tingling tours and elegant gatherings, Atlanta offers adults countless ways to celebrate Halloween in style.

☀️ Día de los Muertos / Cultural Events

October and early November also bring opportunities to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a tradition that honors and remembers loved ones through food, music, and vibrant cultural expression. Oakland Cemetery’s Día de Muertos Festival celebrates with an afternoon of live music, traditional foods, and colorful community altars. A costume contest adds festive flair for both kids and adults.

Additional celebrations take place across metro Atlanta and beyond, including festivals like the Norcross Día de los Muertos Festival and the  Woodstock Arts Festival Series. Families can also enjoy special performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, highlighting the rich history and artistry of the holiday through music and storytelling. 

These events offer meaningful ways to connect with the cultural heritage of Día de los Muertos while enjoying community spirit across metro Atlanta. 

✅ Tips for Planning

Check schedules & tickets — Some events require advance purchase and may sell out.

Arrive early — Popular events can get crowded, especially on the weekends.

Respect traditions — Día de los Muertos is a cultural celebration of remembrance; take time to learn and appreciate its traditions.

Whether you’re looking for haunted thrills, glowing pumpkins, or meaningful cultural traditions, Atlanta offers endless ways to make October unforgettable. So grab the family and start making memories!