10 Free Things to Do with Kids in Atlanta during Summer Break

By Joleen Pete

Published April 28, 2025
Last Updated May 29, 2025

Artículo disponible en español.

If summer break has you stressing over things to do with the kids, fret no more. These 10 ideas are sure to help you create great family memories without opening your wallet.

1. Atlanta Ice Cream Festival

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Admission to the 15th Annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival is always free at Piedmont Park. Some street parking is also free. Enjoy good vibes, live music and free fitness events on July 26. Support local food and drink vendors and treat your kids to something sweet.

2. Explore the Atlanta Beltline

Enjoy 22 miles of multi-use trails that are fun to explore and completely free. The entire family can burn off some energy by walking, skating or biking the Atlanta Beltline together. Go on a self-guided tour of public art, search for Tiny Doors or stop off for a bite to eat at Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market.

3. Play in the Trees at Dunwoody Nature Center

Explore 22 acres of forest, playground and trails year-round at Dunwoody Nature Center. On hot days, kids can enjoy water play with a dip in the creek. Pack a lunch and make a day of it. Parking is free. Classes, parties and camps are available for a fee.

4. Splash Pad Fun

When the Atlanta heat kicks in, there’s no better (or cheaper) way to cool off than hitting one of the city’s free splash pads. Downtown, you can splash around at the famous Fountain of Rings at Centennial Olympic Park, or check out the water jets at Piedmont Park’s Legacy Fountain or at historic Fourth Ward Park. Local parks, such as Perkerson, D.H. Stanton and Center Hill, also feature great splash pads tucked under shady trees for a little extra relief. Just pack some swimwear, grab a towel and get ready to soak up the fun.

5. Atlanta Skate Parks

If your child likes to pop ollies and tail slide, head over to Old Fourth Ward Skatepark, where sections of the park are marked as beginner, intermediate and advanced. The park is easily accessible from the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline and is open year-round. A playground and multi-use field are nearby. Be sure to read the safety guidelines online before your visit. This is just one of several free skate parks in Atlanta. Others include McCoy Skate Park in Decatur and Brook Run Skate Park in Dunwoody.

If you’re looking for an indoor skate park in Atlanta, Village Skatepark ATL might be for you. A daily pass is $8 per person; memberships are also available.

6. Spend the Day at Stone Mountain Park

You can easily spend the day (or several) at Stone Mountain Park. Hike up the one-mile trail to the top of Stone Mountain, visit the playground, have lunch together near the scenic Grist Mill and Covered Bridge, or go fishing in a 363-acre lake. Car-pool and split the parking fee ($20 daily) or purchase an annual parking pass for $40 and visit all summer long. There are attractions available for a fee if you’re looking for more fun things to do this summer. Visit the website for details.

7. Summer Movies Outdoors in Atlanta

Several Atlanta parks and shopping centers show family-friendly movies all summer long, including the Screen on the Green at Atlantic Station, where you can bring your own dinner or enjoy to-go options from surrounding restaurants that may provide discounts for moviegoers. There’s also Movies on the Square at Colony Square and the Kennesaw Outdoor Movie Series. Concessions available.

8. Check out the Worlds of Puppetry Museum

Thanks to a partnership between the Center for Puppetry Arts and the Georgia Public Library Service, Atlantans with valid library cards can check out the center’s Passport to Puppetry at any participating public library in all 159 Georgia counties. The Passport to Puppetry offers up to four free passes to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum. Admission to the museum is also included with puppet show tickets.

9. Visit the High Museum of Art

There are so many ways to experience the High Museum of Art for free. On the second Sunday of each month, the High offers free admission to all visitors from 12 to 5 p.m., accompanied by special programming from 12 to 4:30 p.m. Bring the entire family and enjoy art-making activities and performances, in addition to viewing the exhibitions. Do you have a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card? Admission is free for those customers on the first full weekend of every month on both Saturday and Sunday. All active and veteran military personnel, along with one guest, are eligible for free admission during regular hours of operation. Additionally, they’ll receive complimentary parking in the Woodruff Arts Center deck with proof of service.

10. Get into Science at Fernbank Science Center

Admission to Fernbank Science Center (minus the planetarium) is free. Visitors can explore the center and its permanent exhibits on space and wildlife, as well as traveling exhibitions. The observatory is open to the public for free observations each Thursday and Friday from 9 to 10 p.m., weather permitting. Plantarium tickets are just $5 for seniors and students with a valid ID. Adults are $10; parking is free.

Affordable Things to Do in Atlanta this Summer with Kids

Here are some affordable bonus options of things to do over summer break with kids.

Piedmont Park Pool

Pool season at the Piedmont Park pool runs from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. The Aquatic Center offers a landscaped deck, concessions, lockers and a fun floating channel off the main pool. Visit the website for public paid admission pricing, season passes and hours. One-time access is $5 per person.

Visit the New Goizueta Children’s Experience at Atlanta History Center

The Goizueta Children’s Experience at Atlanta History Center Buckhead is a 5,000-square-foot interactive space where kids ages 1 through 8 can explore Atlanta through play, exploration and storytelling. With a new theme introduced each year, this year’s “Our Great Big City” theme showcases Atlanta’s rich history, diverse geography, innovative spirit and vibrant arts scene. It’s an immersive, ever-changing experience that’s perfect for repeat visits. Toddlers through 3 years old are always free.

Reduced Admission at Zoo Atlanta for Georgia SNAP and WIC Card Holders

Zoo Atlanta now offers discounted admission and memberships for Georgia families participating in SNAP or WIC. With a valid EBT or WIC card and photo ID, guests can enjoy $6 general admission (plus tax) for up to six people — no blackout dates. And admission is free for children younger than 3. A Family Membership is available for $50, covering two adults and up to four children, with year-round benefits. These offers are only available in person and aim to make wildlife experiences more accessible to all.

Reduced Children’s Admission Available for Center for Puppetry Arts Performances

The Center for Puppetry Arts is making family outings even more affordable with new children’s pricing starting in June. As part of its upcoming season, which runs through spring 2026, the center will showcase a dynamic lineup of performances — from classic family favorites and imaginative literary adaptations to bold works for adults and world premieres. It’s a great time to plan a visit and let creativity take center stage.

Check out the ultimate list of things to do in Atlanta with kids for additional fun ideas.

Joleen Pete is a storyteller and dream-weaver, inspired by the magic in everyday moments and the untold stories waiting to be shared.