We love Atlanta and all the endless options for family fun. However, many of these magical moments come at a price. The good news is that there are plenty of venues, parks, nature preserves, and even museums where you can take the kids for free. So, if you’re looking for budget-friendly activities to enjoy with your family, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover our favorite spots for truly free things to do in Atlanta.
Please note: Before visiting any location, be sure to call or check their websites for COVID-19 safety precautions.
Free Kid-Friendly Indoor Things To Do in Atlanta
Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site
Learn about the life and legacy of the Civil Rights Leader, Martin Luther King Jr. Visit the historic Ebenezer Baptist church and even take a tour of his boyhood home.
Babyland General Hospital
Head to Cleveland, GA for every Cabbage Patch fan’s dream come true. Witness the birth of a Cabbage Patch baby at Babyland General Hospital.
Anne Frank Exhibit
Immerse yourself in the powerful exhibit about Anne Frank’s life and experiences at the Anne Frank Exhibit in Sandy Springs.
Kids Eat Free
Check out our list of restaurants where kids can enjoy free meals with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Mall Playgrounds
When the weather isn’t ideal for outside play, these soft play areas in malls are perfect for kids to get their wiggles out.
GA State Capital Tours
Take a self-guided tour and learn about the history of Georgia’s state capital.
Marietta Fire Museum and Roswell Fire Museum
Explore these museums to see interesting firefighting-related artifacts and vintage equipment. Roswell’s museum even has a 1947 Ford American LaFrance Pumper Truck.
Fernbank Science Center
While the planetarium shows require admission, visiting the observatory and science center are free. Explore fascinating exhibits and learn about the wonders of science.
Atlanta Monetary Museum
Step inside the cash-processing operations of the Atlanta Monetary Museum and witness millions of dollars being counted, sorted, or shredded daily. Kids will love getting a glimpse into the bank’s automated vault and seeing the robotic transports in action. Please note that self-guided tours are available on weekdays only.
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Experience this fascinating and educational museum situated on a beautiful 30-acre green space. Admission is always free for kids 16 and younger, while adults pay $12.
Museum of Aviation
Embark on a trip to Warner Robins to explore the second-largest museum in the United States Air Force. Discover the history of aviation and see various aircraft, including helicopters and fighter jets.
Toy Stores in Metro Atlanta
Browse and play at our favorite local toy stores. Please note that if your kids have trouble visiting toy stores without making a purchase, this might be a tricky activity.
Kid-Friendly Bookstores in Metro Atlanta
Atlanta is home to numerous bookstores, some of which are dedicated to kids. Visit places like Little Shop of Stories in Decatur and enjoy free story times.
High Museum of Art
Visit the High Museum of Art on the second Sunday of every month from noon-5 p.m. for free admission. They also offer family programming on those days. Additionally, if you have a Bank of America card, admission is free for customers on the first weekend of every month (Saturday and Sunday).
Libraries
Visit your local library to borrow free books and movies. Most libraries also offer free programming, such as story times, reading to dogs, and puppet shows.
National Infantry Museum
Explore this free museum located on the base of Fort Benning near Columbus, GA. It focuses on educating the public about the role of U.S. Army Infantrymen in securing the freedoms we all enjoy.
Handy Workshops
Check out your nearest Home Depot and Lowe’s stores for free building workshops that will inspire your future DIY enthusiasts.
Fast Food Indoor Playgrounds
While technically these elaborate climbing structures are for customers only, with the purchase of a coffee or soda for yourself, kids can play for free.
Tours of Working Businesses
Take your kids on tours of working businesses such as Chick-fil-A, Whole Foods, fire stations, and more. They will love learning how various products and services are made.
Roller Skating
Participate in the Kids Skate Free program at select Sparkles Family Fun Center locations. Children aged 12 and younger can skate for free during designated “free skate” times.
Bowling
During the summer, children aged 15 and younger can play two free bowling games on select days of the week. Visit kidsbowlfree.com for more information.
Museum of Design Atlanta
The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) offers free admission for children aged 11 and younger. Adults pay $10 to explore their exhibits and installations.
Free Kid-Friendly Outdoor Things To Do in Atlanta
Centennial Olympic Park
Don’t miss the iconic Fountain of Rings, the largest interactive fountain in the world, at Centennial Olympic Park. The park also features playgrounds that make it a winner year-round.
Decatur Toy Park
Let your little ones enjoy a variety of toys donated by families at Decatur Toy Park. They can play with scooters, tricycles, small slides, push cars, and more. Older kids can also enjoy slides, swings, and monkey bars.
Downtown Norcross
Stroll through the charming streets of downtown Norcross, known for its train history, and then let your kids play at the nearby train-themed Thrasher Park.
Morgan Falls Overlook Park Playground
Enjoy the unusual climbing elements, AstroTurf ground cover, and the super cool spider web rope structure at Morgan Falls Overlook Park Playground in Sandy Springs. Plus, the park offers beautiful views of the Chattahoochee River.
DeKalb-Peachtree Airport Playground
Watch planes take off while your kids have a blast playing on the playground at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. It’s a unique experience for aviation enthusiasts.
Ponce City Market
Explore Ponce City Market with your family and discover the various shops, restaurants, and attractions. There’s enough to see and enjoy without spending a dime if you don’t want to.
Atlantic Station Playground
Besides being a shopping destination, Atlantic Station also offers a fantastic playground for kids to get their energy out. The playground features modern and inventive equipment that goes beyond the typical options.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is the crown jewel of parks in Atlanta. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride through the park and let your little ones have fun at one of the two playgrounds: The Mayors Grove Playground for younger kids and the Noguchi Playscape, which is both a work of art and a fun place for kids.
Hunt for Tiny and Secret Doors
Embark on a family scavenger hunt to find the tiny and hidden doors of Atlanta. These hand-crafted doors are located throughout the city and add a touch of wonder to your exploration. Some even include tiny figurines and pets.
T.W. Briscoe Park
Spend an outdoor day at T.W. Briscoe Park in Snellville. With 87 acres of green space, the park offers fishing in the lake, two playgrounds, a fitness trail, tennis and basketball courts, and more.
Marietta Square
Discover the charm of Marietta Square, located northwest of Atlanta. Explore historical sites, tree-filled parks, contemporary attractions, and attend festivals.
Ashford Park Playground
The recently renovated Ashford Park Playground features two new play structures, tall slides, swings, a seesaw, a sandpit, and a toy park area. Kids will love watching the MARTA trains speed by as an added bonus.
Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area
Take a self-guided bike tour or explore the terrain of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area on foot. Enjoy scenic views of two massive granite outcrops and discover dozens of rare plants along the way. The area also offers geocaching opportunities.
Mason Mill Park
Visit Mason Mill Park for two separate playgrounds that cater to different age groups. The larger playground is perfect for kids aged 5-12 and features a giant pirate ship-shaped play structure with a three-level treehouse.
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center
Experience nature at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center in Johns Creek. Families can spot box turtles, a midland water snake, and even a carnivorous lady slipper orchid. Kids will love exploring the two miles of trails, and the teepee replica is always a favorite.
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
Discover a new perspective of Atlanta by exploring the BeltLine, a series of trails and walkways connecting local neighborhoods. The most popular part of the BeltLine is the Eastside Trail, running from Piedmont Park to Memorial Drive.
Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail
Escape the large crowds and enjoy the 3-mile Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail, which offers playgrounds and impressive artwork and murals along the paved trail.
Peachtree Heights/Garden Hills Duck Pond
Unwind in the serene Peachtree Heights/Garden Hills Duck Pond, located within a historic neighborhood. Take a leisurely walk and observe the ducks, geese, turtles, birds, and other wildlife that inhabit the area.
Silver Comet Trail
Explore the expansive Silver Comet Trail, perfect for walking, hiking, jogging, cycling, and inline skating. The trail offers direct access to Heritage Park via a peaceful 1.7-mile soft-surface walking trail, making it a great spot for picnics.
Decatur
Enjoy good food, fun, and fresh air in the hub of Decatur. The city is easily walkable, allowing you to explore various attractions and amenities effortlessly.
Inman Park
Spend an afternoon in historic Inman Park and soak up the vibrancy of the city. This neighborhood is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets featuring Victorian and Craftsman homes.
Historic Fourth Ward Park Playground
Let your kids unleash their energy at the playground in Historic Fourth Ward Park. They’ll enjoy the climbing elements, slides, swings, rock walls, and even a trampoline. Don’t forget to cool off at the nearby splash pad on hot days.
Become a Junior Ranger
Encourage your kids aged 6-12 to become Junior Rangers through the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites program. Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Book at a Georgia state park, or download it from their website.
The Big Chicken
Don’t miss the iconic “Big Chicken” located at the intersection of Cobb Parkway and Roswell Road. This landmark features a giant chicken with a rolling eye and a moving beak. Tune in to 820 AM to hear the chicken speak.
Avalon
Spend a day at Avalon, an outdoor shopping center in Alpharetta. Enjoy the children’s play area, bean bag toss games, and the green space for running around. During winter, the green space turns into an ice skating rink.
Oakland Cemetery
Take tours and walks through Oakland Cemetery to discover the rich history behind each gravestone. Notable figures buried here include Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first African-American mayor, and Margaret Mitchell, author of “Gone with the Wind.”
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary
Visit Locust Grove to see farm and exotic animals at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary. This free sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with various animals.
Movies in the Park
During the summer, enjoy free movie screenings at various locations, such as “Movies in Central Park” at Atlantic Station and “Movies on the Town” at Town Brookhaven.
Dunwoody Nature Center
Let your kids climb trees, play on the great playground, interact with frogs, or explore the riverbank at Dunwoody Nature Center. This 22-acre preserve offers endless outdoor fun.
Jones Bridge Park
Located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Jones Bridge Park in Norcross features a playground, open green space for games, and grills for barbecues. The highlight of the park is the terraced stairs leading down to the river.
Heritage Sandy Springs
Gather your family at Heritage Sandy Springs, a prime spot with vast green space for recreational activities, concerts, and festivals.
Old Mill Park
Discover the beauty of Old Mill Park in Roswell by hiking its scenic trails. Don’t miss the waterfall created when Vickery Creek was dammed to power Roswell’s textile mills in the late 1830s. You can also walk on a covered pedestrian bridge and view the only mill building that survived the Civil War.
Reynolds Nature Preserve
Connect with nature at Reynolds Nature Preserve, a 146-acre park nestled in the heart of Clayton County. Enjoy four miles of hiking trails, historic buildings dating back to the Civil War, and an environmental center with live animals and educational displays.
Chastain Park Playground
Let your kids explore and play at Chastain Park Playground. They can climb in the treehouse, slide down the large roller slides, swing on the giant “oodle” disc swings, and enjoy other exciting features. The area is wheelchair accessible and includes therapeutic elements.
Big Trees Forest Preserve
Escape to the serene Big Trees Forest Preserve in Sandy Springs. The urban forest offers three hiking routes, including a one-mile loop trail beneath the shade of white oak trees. Be sure to grab the nature trail guide at the entrance.
Lullwater Park
Located on Emory University’s campus, Lullwater Park provides an amazing experience for kids. They can explore the old mill, encounter waterfalls, and cross a 210-foot suspension bridge.
Paper Mill Ruins
Explore the family-friendly Sope Creek trail in Marietta, which features a scenic lake and creek. Kids will love exploring the paper mill ruins along the trail.
Woodruff Park Playground
Show your “ATL” pride at the Woodruff Park Playground in downtown Atlanta. Shaped like the famous letters, the playground offers walls to climb, monkey bars, slides, springs, and spinners.
Blue Heron Nature Preserve
Discover the beauty of the 30-acre Blue Heron Nature Preserve, featuring woodlands, wetlands, riparian areas, and meadows. The 3-mile Blueway Trail allows visitors to admire various natural habitats.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Take a short drive to Athens and visit the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The garden’s highlight is the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden, where kids can explore interactive garden plots and learn about nature. The garden also features a playground-like area for kids to enjoy.
For even more free fun, check out our favorite playgrounds here.
FAQs
Q: Are these activities suitable for kids of all ages?
A: Yes, there are plenty of activities suitable for kids of all ages. From parks and playgrounds to museums and nature preserves, Atlanta offers something for everyone.
Q: Can adults enjoy these activities too?
A: Absolutely! Many of these free activities are enjoyable for the whole family, regardless of age. Whether you’re exploring museums, strolling through parks, or embarking on nature adventures, you’re sure to have a great time.
Q: Are these activities available year-round?
A: Most of these activities are available year-round, although some may have seasonal limitations. It’s always a good idea to check the specific details and operating hours for each activity before planning your visit.
Conclusion
Atlanta is a city filled with free and fun activities for families. From exploring museums to playing at parks, there’s no shortage of budget-friendly options to keep you and your kids entertained. So, gather your loved ones, pack a picnic, and embark on an adventure to discover the best free things to do in Atlanta.