With eight Metro Atlanta school districts observing Spring Break at the same time this year, Mayor Andre Dickens and City leaders announced a coordinated lineup of youth opportunities through SO ATL: Student Opportunities, part of the administration’s continued commitment to making every year the Year of the Youth.
“Spring Break should be a time for our young people to have fun, stay connected and explore what makes Atlanta special,” said Mayor Dickens. “Through SO ATL and our Year of the Youth initiatives, we’re making sure teens across our city have safe places to go and real opportunities to grow.”
City leaders also coordinated with school districts and public safety partners across the region as roughly 600,000 students are out of school across Metro Atlanta during the same week.
Spring Break events across the city
Friday
- A Day in the A Block Party outside City Hall kicks off Spring Break weekend as students head out for the break
Saturday
- 404 Day Parade on Peachtree Street
Starting next week
- Hope Meets Promise Teen Conference at the At-Promise Centers, with 100 teens already registered and additional spots still available. This year’s theme, Atlanta Is Not a Real Place, includes activities such as a citywide scavenger hunt and sessions exploring Atlanta’s music, culture and entertainment legacy
- Spring Break camps at four recreation centers, serving more than 160 children across the city
- Spring Break Teen Basketball Tournament, April 7–9 at C.T. Martin Recreation Center from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly, with more than 200 teens participating across 19 teams
- Cascade Skating Nights, supported by 400 skating passes provided by the Mayor’s Office
- Kidspiration Musical: Sherri and the Unfairies at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
During the press conference, Parks and Recreation Teen Program Director Nick Clark emphasized the importance of making sure teens have safe and positive options while school is out.
“I’ve been working with youth and teens for 11 years, and I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to give our young people a safe place to go, have fun and support them — especially when school is out,” Clark said.
A continued focus on Atlanta’s teens
City leaders also highlighted additional opportunities available to young people beyond Spring Break, including applications now open for the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program and year-round leadership development through programs such as the Atlanta Teen Academy.
Mayor Dickens also announced $50,000 in seed funding for a feasibility study exploring the creation of a dedicated Third Space for Atlanta teens, shaped by feedback from young people who said they want more places designed specifically for them outside of home and school.
Together, these efforts reflect a continued focus on making Atlanta the best place in the country to raise a child.
Families can explore the full schedule of Spring Break opportunities and youth programs at ATLYearoftheYouth.com.
