Critter Time
Are you a sucker for weird animal facts? Love to spend time with 4, 6, or no-legged friends? Check out these upcoming events all about the little (and maybe not-so-little) crawling, flying, and slithering critters here in Atlanta. Start planning your animal encounters at the Atlanta Science Festival, taking place March 8-22.
Animals in Motion: Biomechanics Day at Zoo Atlanta | March 8th
Presented by Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Tech
Ever wonder how orangutans swing, or how an elephant trunk works? Join us at Zoo Atlanta to celebrate the diversity of animals on Earth and the incredible ways they move. With help from biomechanics experts at Georgia Tech and other major US universities, guests can participate in live demonstrations and presentations sure to generate excitement about biomechanics and applications in Bio-inspired Design. No matter your age, you’ll walk away engaged and inspired to learn more about yourself and the natural world.
Turtle Quest | March 8th
Presented by Fernbank Museum
Join the Fernbank Museum for hands-on, interactive stations where you’ll dive right into turtle-themed activities! Play an exciting turtle board game, craft your very own turtle suncatcher, and test your knowledge with a habitat matching game, pairing turtles and tortoises with their homes.
This event repeats multiple times during the day on March 8th.
Biology of the Despised: Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) | March 8th
Presented by The Amphibian Foundation, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA)
In addition to amphibians, as our name suggests, the Amphibian Foundation also works to address some of the urban pressures impacting reptiles. One group of animals that is not only misunderstood, but truly despised are Cottonmouths. We’ve been working with the community since the beginning to help you discern facts from fiction, and even teach you how to enjoy living alongside Cottonmouths! Come explore these awe-inspiring animals, and let’s see how much of that fear is actually fascination.
Critter Quest: Helping Science Discover Your Backyard Critters | March 8th
Presented by Atlanta Urban Wildlife Working Group, Trees Atlanta, The Amphibian Foundation, Birds Georgia, Fernbank Museum, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech
Ever wondered what critters live in your backyard? Interested in helping scientists know more about where those critters live? We’ve got just the event for you! At our Community Science Training event, you’ll learn about organizations studying wildlife in Atlanta and how you can help through Community Science. Join scientists as we show you the ins and outs of how we study wildlife and you can too. These trainings will include birds, amphibians, and mammals!
Getting Birdy with Birds Georgia | March 9th
Presented by Birds Georgia
What is the one of the only organisms that you can find on all 7 continents? BIRDS. So… it’s time to Get Birdy with Birds Georgia! Join us for a family friendly instructional crash course where you will learn all about birds, from flight to feathers. This workshop will include hands-on activities, binocular bird watching, and so much more. If you have ever thought about becoming a bird watcher, this is a great place to start!
Flying into the Future | March 9th
Presented by Chattahoochee Nature Center, Northside Hospital
Flying into the Future is where science and nature collide to bring you activities focused on STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. We are all about forward-thinking at this Family Fun Day! Come ready to learn about flying animals at Wings to Soar and test your tinkering skills with STEAM-themed partners, crafts, games and activities. Plus, participate in one of the activities that will be part of the EcoTinker Science Stations! Come back after the event to check out the other science stations beginning on March 10th.
Salamander Stroll | March 9th
Presented by The Amphibian Foundation, Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
Come on out to Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in Decatur and witness wildlife with the Research Team from the Amphibian Foundation. Become ‘citizen scientists’ and perform an amphibian ‘bioblitz’ inventory of the preserve documenting salamanders and frogs in one of the greatest strongholds for amphibians inside of the perimeter! It’s fun for the whole family!
Be sure to bring your cell phones to upload images of what we find to iNaturalist.
Living Wild: Reptiles, Amphibians, and Arachnids | March 15th
Presented by Fernbank Museum
Explore the amazing world of animal classifications! Visit engaging stations—Reptiles, Amphibians, and Arachnids—where hands-on activities will help you discover the unique traits of each group. Plus, meet our animal ambassadors for an unforgettable encounter with these fascinating creatures. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn and experience the diversity of the animal kingdom!
This event repeats multiple times during the day on March 15th.
Tiny Monsters of Sibley Pond | March 15th
Presented by National Park Service, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Join the National Park Service staff for a tiny monster hunt! Discover the extraordinary bio-diversity of strange, weird, and amazing creatures that live in Sibley Pond. Search through leaf litter, dig through detritus, collect critters and more! This is a hands on, get your fingers dirty field investigation. What tiny monsters will you find lurking in Sibley Pond?
This event repeats on March 16th.
No registration necessary
Urban Slug Walk | March 16th
Presented by Georgia State – Department of Geosciences
Feeling sluggish? So are we! Come on out on a slug filled adventure where we’ll use our eagle eyes to search for these slimy and fascinating creatures, and learn all about them as we hike through a local city park! Download the <a href=”https://www.inaturalist.org”>iNaturalist</a> app beforehand, and we’ll use that to identify what we find and contribute data to the Atlanta SLIME (Snails and slugs Living In Metropolitan Environments) project.
Not Just Newts: Behind the Scenes with the Amphibian Foundation | March 16th
Presented by The Amphibian Foundation
Atlanta is home to a unique nonprofit dedicated to the conservation and research of amphibians amidst a global population decline. In 2016, the Amphibian Foundation formed to focus on conserving two of Georgia’s most imperiled species (Gopher Frog and Flatwoods Salamander). Since then, we’ve begun working on other native and globally endangered amphibians. Closed to the public, this is a chance to see the conservation collections and meet Foundation staff working hard to save these vital and sensitive animals from extinction!
Celebrating Animals in Music and Medicine | March 20th
Presented by Emory University, Molecules and Pathogens to Populations and Pandemics program at Emory University, Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta, Emory Center for Public Scholarship and Engagement, Princeton University Press
What does a cat doctor practice? Meow-dicine!
In this event, you’ll learn that there’s more to animals than meets the eye. In fact, musicians, healers, and scientists have been inspired by animal medicine for thousands of years! Join pianists William Ransom and Julie Coucheron as they play a four-hand piano rendition of the Carnival of the Animals to celebrate swans, cats, and elephants in music, while biologist Jaap de Roode reveals how these animals use medicine and what we can learn from them. The event will be moderated by influential psychologist Kenneth Carter, and will also feature a book signing.
Please note a ticket does not guarantee a seat. Please arrive early to ensure you can get a seat.
Adventure Cubs Learn About Regal Red Pandas! | March 20th
Presented by Zoo Atlanta
Calling all Adventure Cubs, ages 0-5, and their favorite grownups for a morning of exploration, learning and fun!
Explorers will learn about Red Pandas through a game, craft, story, and singalong before visiting the Red Panda’s habitat to make observations and draw connections to the lesson. This is a great opportunity to make friends and spend time with your little explorers as they discover new skills and learn about wildlife. All topics and activities are designed for children ages 2-5, with opportunities for exploration for ages 0-2.
Presented by Science ATL
Come on out to the explosive conclusion of the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with 100+ hands on science experiments, including many focused on technology! Free for the family!
