Free & Family-Friendly Fun Things to Do in Atlanta

Arts, Attractions, History, Parks, Outdoors and Shopping

Castleberry Hill Art Stroll

Every second Friday, join the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll, that winds through the historic Castleberry Hill neighborhood of former warehouses turned into cool lofts, chic art galleries and trendy restaurants.

Atlanta Festivals

Atlanta loves to celebrate with a wide variety of festivals all year round. From classy to quirky, there’s probably a festival for it in the ATL. Grab a blanket and kick back and enjoy the music at the Atlanta Jazz Festival. Sample some great barbecue at the Decatur BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival or get your licks in at the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. Get crafty at the Yellow Daisy Festival or immerse yourself in a new culture at Japanfest or the Atlanta Greek Festival. The ATL is alive with free outdoor fun all year long. Almost every weekend brings art, music, parades and children’s activities. 

World Of Coca-Cola

Explore the vault where the secret formula is kept, sample 100 different beverages from around the world and get a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process at World of Coca-Cola. Active duty, reserves and retirees of the Armed Forces receive free admission there year-round. Simply present your Armed Forces ID card at a World of Coca-Cola ticket window. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the iconic polar bear.

Atlanta’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU)

Soak up some history and learn about the pioneers in education for Black Americans, and a progressive force in the development of Atlanta’s black community and the Civil Rights movement of yesterday and today. Graduates have gone on to be leaders across all disciplines. These pioneers in education with rich histories include Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine, all part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUC).

The Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum

Teach the kids that money really doesn’t grow on trees at the Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum. Learn about the history of money, from bartering to modern times, see rare coins and currency, and get a glimpse of cash-processing operations, where millions of dollars are counted, sorted or shredded daily. Peek into the bank’s automated vault and see the robotic transports that do the heavy lifting. Everyone will leave with a new appreciation for the life cycle of money.

Georgia State Capitol Tour

Explore Georgia’s law making history, both past and present at the Georgia State Capitol with a self-guided tour of the historic building and the public galleries of the House of Representatives and Senate. Check out exhibits, memorials and artwork throughout the building and in The Georgia Capitol Museum, where displays include historic flags and works of art. Kids will enjoy the Fun with Miss Freedom activity and don’t miss the Hall of Valor where historic battle flags are displayed in a museum environment.

The Governor’s Mansion Tour

Tour the grounds and Greek Revival Governor’s Mansion surrounded by family homes and luscious greenery in the heart of Buckhead. Enjoy the beautiful fountain and museum-quality furnishings that are one of the finest Federal period (1789 to 1823) collections in the United States today.

Historic Oakland Cemetery

Let the spirit — or spirits — move you at Historic Oakland Cemetery. Stroll the grounds and visit the final resting place of famous Atlantans like golf legend Bobby Jones, and “Gone With the Wind” author Margaret Mitchell. Walking tour maps available at the Visitors Center/Museum Shop. Attend one of the many festivals like “Sunday in the Park” or the “Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tour,” or just enjoy the grounds and gardens from the heirloom daffodils that bloom every spring, to the changing fall colors in autumn.

The Sweet Auburn District

Steeped in history, the Sweet Auburn Historic District reflects the history, heritage and achievements of Black Atlanta. Birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the neighborhood is home to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, where both he and his father preached, and The King Center. Walk in the footsteps of famous civil rights leaders on the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park

Explore the life and legacy of one of the most famous Atlantans at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park. Tour Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, where both he and his father preached, and see the eternal flame and final resting place of Dr. King and his wife Coretta Scott King. On the same block, also with free admission, is The King Center where you can see Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize.

Walk, Bike and Fish at Piedmont Park

Take in postcard views of Midtown from Piedmont Park, one of the largest green spaces in the ATL, with plenty of playspaces for children of all ages, plus baseball, soccer and football fields, and public tennis courts. Stroll, bike, jog or blade along the PATH trails. Play with your pup at the Piedmont Park Dog Park. Cast a line for largemouth bass, crappie, bream and catfish in Lake Clara Meer.

Play Games at Woodruff Park

In addition to the cool “ATL” playground, Woodruff Park has a free Game Cart, where you can check out board and lawn games and sporting equipment. Or connect to the free wi-fi and workout at the ENERGI fitness station.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Gardens

Those younger than 16 get free admission to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, where they can step into the “Oval Office” and experience “A Day in the Life of the President,” or take a virtual trip with the Carters. Outdoors, everyone can enjoy the gardens and ponds and art on the grounds, plus gorgeous views of the ATL skyline.

Window Shopping and Festivities at Atlantic Station

There’s so much to see and do in Atlantic Station, a walkable streetscape with more than 50 shops, brick streets and a Central Park. Window shop boutiques and big name brands, enjoy free movies in the park in the warmer months, or watch the ice skaters in the winter. 

Centennial Olympic Park

Enjoy festivals and events at downtown’s Centennial Olympic Park plus shopping, dining, history, and entertainment. Whether it’s window shopping or picking up a great ATL souvenir, you’ll find it in Centennial Olympic Park.

Looking for more ways to save? Atlanta CityPASS has you covered! Offering savings of 44%, CityPASS tickets are a great way to build a must-see itinerary packed with family fun. Venture—if you dare—into the brand-new SHARKS! Predators of the Deep gallery at the Georgia Aquarium. Take a fizzy, fun pop-culture tour at the World of Coca-Cola. Check out the dinos at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or try your luck kicking a field goal at the College Football Hall of Fame. And experience a powerful and uplifting journey of human rights at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.