This November, Children’s Museum of Atlanta honors Indigenous voices and celebrates holiday cheer all month long. The Museum highlights Indigenous trailblazers from different areas of expertise who have changed the world. Kicking off the season on high note, everyone’s favorite elf is dropping by for a visit at the Museum later this month to share cocoa, laughter and a touch of holiday cheer in partnership with Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta. Families can also help little learners develop the skills need to thrive during Building Blocks: Toddler and Preschool Playtime, a hands-on early learning program offering fun, play-based activities for children ages 1 to 5.

November Programming

Through Nov. 30

All month long, the Museum will feature art, science and storytelling inspired by Indigenous trailblazers. Families can enjoy readings of “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” by Kevin Noble Maillard, play the Space Station Game celebrating Chickasaw Nation astronaut John Herrington, design lace-up shoes inspired by Nooksack artist Louie Gong and explore the science of dance inspired by Osage ballerina Maria Tallchief. In partnership with Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta, Buddy the Elf brings extra Christmas cheer to the Museum ahead of the “Elf The Musical” Atlanta engagement. Families can meet Buddy, enjoy hot cocoa, snap photos and gather for a heartwarming holiday storytime.

CMA On Stage

11 a.m. (weekends only) and 3 p.m. “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” by Kevin Noble Maillard

1 p.m. Space Station Game

Art Studio
Children will lace up their creativity and step into the colorful world of artist Louie Gong, designing their own one-of-a-kind shoes inspired by his colorful, hand-drawn masterpieces and the rich traditions of the Nooksack tribal community!

Science Bar

Little dancers explore the science behind an arabesque and other ballet poses while testing their own balancing skills in this interactive program that highlights the physics of balance and motion through the art of dance while recognizing Maria Tallchief, America’s first Prima Ballerina and a proud member of the Osage Nation.

Buddy the Elf Visit

Saturday, Nov. 22; 10 a.m.-noon

To celebrate the jolly arrival of “Elf The Musical” in Atlanta Dec. 16–21 at the Fox Theatre, the one and only Buddy the Elf is spreading Christmas cheer a little early! On Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, Buddy will make an appearance at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Families can snap photos, drink hot cocoa with everyone’s favorite elf and gather ’round as a magical storyteller brings to life the heartwarming tale of how Buddy saved Christmas. This event is in partnership with Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta. 

Piedmont Park Conservancy's Light up the Season

Sunday, Nov. 23; 6-7:30 p.m.

Museum representatives will be at Piedmont Park Conservancy’s Light Up the Season, where Families can dive into creativity with the Imagination Playground. This set of lightweight, oversized foam blocks inspires building, collaboration and fun for kids to design and construct their own immersive structures – perfect for fort making or, in this wintry wonderland, creating dazzling ice castles!

Building Blocks

Weekdays *except Monday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 28

10 a.m.-noon 

Artsy Mondays

Nov. 17 

Little artists will bust out the paint and dive hands-first into creativity! In this colorful, sensory activity, kids can explore the most essential artist’s tool – their hands. They pick their favorite paint colors, press their palms to canvas and make a one-of-a-kind, customized handprint masterpiece to take home. Artsy Mondays close out with a storytime!

Tinkerin’ Tuesdays

Nov. 11 and 18 

Young creators put their problem-solving skills to the test during this challenge. Participants are invited to design and build a structure that matches the shapes on the wall, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, spatial awareness and shape recognition. Playtime will conclude with a toddler storytime!

Messy Thursdays

Nov. 13 and 20 

Young scientists mix up their own batch of Oobleck using cornstarch and water while discovering the fascinating properties of non-Newtonian fluids. This hands-on experiment strengthens fine motor skills and sparks curiosity through sensory play and scientific exploration. This ends with another toddler Storytime.

“Jammin” Fridays

Nov. 14 and 21

Little ones will wiggle, shake and groove at the Jam Session in the Art Studio. They can unleash their creativity by making their own funky instruments then jam out and dance to the beat. The fun does not stop there as Jam Session Friday finishes with an engaging storytime that keeps the good vibes flowing.

Continuing in November:

The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. Play!
Through Jan. 4, 2026
Based on the best-selling series of books by author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts, this limited-time exhibit invites kids and families into the imaginative world of Questioneers characters Ada Twist, Scientist; Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; Sofia Valdez, Future Prez; and Aaron Slater, Illustrator. Guests have the chance to celebrate diversity, creativity, curiosity, bravery and resilience.