Summer is officially here and this weekend kicks off with VaHi Summerfest — perfect timing for family fun in the cooler evening hours. Plus, libraries across the metro are launching their free summer reading programs with dinosaur parties and crafts galore.

VaHi Summerfest (Virginia-Highland) — The neighborhood's beloved summer kickoff festival returns with live music, food, and family activities. Friday evening is perfect for families with younger kids before it gets too crowded. Virginia Avenue between North Highland and Park Drive — Friday 6-9pm, Saturday 10am-11pm, Sunday 11am-7:30pm • Free

T-Rex Took my Toothbrush (Midtown) — A paleontologist becomes surrogate parent to a baby T-Rex in this delightful puppet show. Perfect timing with all the dinosaur-themed summer reading programs starting. Center for Puppetry Arts — Through June 14, see website for showtimes • $25 adults, $19 kids

Summer Reading Program Kickoffs (Various locations) — Fulton County libraries are throwing dinosaur parties and kickoff celebrations all weekend long. Free activities, crafts, and the start of summer's best reading motivation. Multiple library branches — Various times Friday-Sunday • Free

Adopt a Dinosaur (Brookhaven) — Kids create their own dinosaur terrariums and adopt a reading buddy for summer. Hands-on craft meets reading motivation. Brookhaven Library — Saturday • Free

8-Legged Scales: Arachnids Program (Covington) — Live spider presentation that's both educational and thrilling. Great for kids who love creepy crawlies or need to conquer their fears. Covington Library — Saturday • Free

Flight of Butterflies (Druid Hills) — Stunning butterfly sculptures line the WildWoods paths in this outdoor art installation. A magical walk that combines nature and art. Last day: Monday, June 8

World Block Party at Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park) — International celebration with cultural performances, keeper talks, and extended zoo hours as Atlanta gears up to host global visitors. Free for members, special pricing for others. Zoo Atlanta — Sunday, June 14, 3:30-7:30pm • Members free, $14.95-$19.95

Muddy Dash Atlanta (Conyers) — Untimed family obstacle course through mud pits and foam. Costumes encouraged, fun guaranteed, and surprisingly still free registration available. Georgia International Horse Park — Saturday, June 20 • Free with registration

Into the Burrow: A Peter Rabbit Tale (Midtown) — Charming musical adventure based on Beatrix Potter's beloved stories, perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids. Through June 28

Bubble Planet (Doraville) — Immersive sensory experience with LED rooms and bubble oceans that's pure Instagram magic for the family. Through June 30

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience (Midtown) — Mo Willems-inspired musical about being different. Fun show with great music for the whole family. Through July 1

Space Explorers: THE INFINITE (Pullman Yards) — Walk around the International Space Station in this mind-blowing VR experience. Best for kids 8+ who can handle the technology. Through July 6

Basura (Midtown) — Musical inspired by Paraguay's Recycled Orchestra. Best for ages 8+ who can appreciate the environmental message Through July 12

A Garden with Wings (Kennesaw) — Live butterflies in all life stages plus nectar plants. Reservations recommended. Through August 16

DinoVerse Atlanta (Doraville) — Real fossils, dino science, and VR adventures for ages 6+. Through August 29

Niki in the Garden (Midtown) — Monumental sculptures return to celebrate the Botanical Garden's 50th anniversary — these larger-than-life artworks are guaranteed conversation starters. Through September 7

Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure (Downtown) — Dive into ocean habitats and help the Wild Kratts team in this hands-on exhibit that brings the popular PBS show to life. Through September 14

Happy weekend exploring! The Weekend Radar ATL Team

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