Having fun in Atlanta doesn’t have to cost a dime! Engage in these and other free things to do in Atlanta to bond with your family, explore culture, and embrace Georgia’s wilderness. Read on for ideas about activities that will bring you closer to your loved ones, and Atlanta.

Piedmont Park in Atlanta1. Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is a Mecca of outdoor fun and family get-togethers. Offering resources for activities from grilling, fishing, tennis, swimming, skating and biking, this historic Atlanta park has it all. Bring a steak and grill it at one of their free-for-use public grills; join a free tour of the BeltLine; throw a ball for your dog at the spacious dog park; or simply bask in the beauty of this pastoral oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. To learn more about these free things to do in Atlanta at Piedmont Park visit: www.PiedmontPark.org.

2. Dive-In Movies at W Atlanta Perimeter
W Hotels is an international boutique hotel chain. W Atlanta Perimeter is an upscale, luxury hotel which features free “dive-in” movies from May through September. Pack your suit and splash into W Atlanta Perimeter’s “Wet Deck.” Swim under the stars while watching a screening of your favorite movie! Admission is free, but if you want to partake of summery cocktails, bring some cash for drinks. To learn more about W Atlanta Perimeter Hotel visit: www.StarwoodHotels.com.

3. Fountain Show at Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park hosted the 1996 Olympic Games. This state-of-the art park features a computerized fountain designed to resemble the 5 interlocking rings of the Olympic symbol. Renovated in 2006 in a $3 million overhaul, the Fountain of Rings show plays 4 times a day and synchronizes to popular songs like: “Fly me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra, “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid Soundtrack, and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”. To learn more about Atlanta free stuff at Centennial Olympic Park visit: www.CentennialPark.com.


4. Keeping it Wild
Keeping it Wild is an environmental effort designed to bring together many different advocates of Atlanta’s – and Georgia’s – wildlife. This organization leads some free hikes and outings as part of their mission to educate and inform the public about the area’s precious natural resources. The outings are led by field experts knowledgeable about Georgia’s flora and fauna. Sign up for a free hike today and embrace the natural beauty of Georgia! To find out more about this environmental effort and Keeping it Wild’s free stuff in Atlanta visit: KeepingitWild.org.

5. Woodruff Park Reading Room
Visit this open-air reading room and browse through books, periodicals, and newspapers which are donated or provided in cooperation with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library. Sink into your very own stuffed chair and lose yourself in a popular work of fiction or a romance! The intimate setting, fresh air, and lunchtime programs make this a popular place for a get-together and put this on the list of the most fun Atlanta free stuff. To learn more about this large step forward in Atlanta’s literacy, visit: www.AtlantaDowntown.com.

6. Turner First Thursdays
Join the crowd for an Art Walk around downtown Atlanta on the first Thursday of every month. You will glimpse the Museum of Design Atlanta, the Georgia State University Arts for All Gallery at VSA Arts of Georgia, the Rialto Center for the Arts gallery, Paige Harvey Art studio, and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Gallery. Sometimes the tour includes live music. Take the tour and be inspired! To learn more about this monthly event hosted by the Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District visit: www.AtlantaDowntown.com.

7. Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days
Pack your family up and head down to Centennial Olympic Park for a jam-packed evening of free themed fun! This monthly event is a great opportunity for family bonding as well as free family fun full of educational and cultural activities. Included in “Family Fun Days” are educational programs, workshops, touring performances, crafts, life-size chess games, sports, and more! To learn more about this great community event and Centennial Olympic Park’s free stuff in Atlanta visit: www.CentennialPark.com.

8. The King Center
Atlanta was home to one of the most famous advocates for peace and justice in the world! The King Center – created by Coretta Scott King in 1968 – includes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home and burial place as well as a Library & Archives and a Bookstore and Resource Center. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home is listed as a national historic site. Tours of this Nobel Peace Prize recipient’s home are free, but spots are issued on a first-come first served basis. Arrive early and join the tour to learn more about the humble origins of the world’s most famous Civil Rights leader! To learn more about this The King Center’s free things to do in Atlanta visit: www.TheKingCenter.org.

9. The High Museum of Art
This contemporary art museum is one of the finest in the Southeast. Among this museum’s extensive collection are remnants of African, American, European, and folk art as well as art arising out of the modern and contemporary periods. The African Art collection boasts sculptures created in West and Central Africa between 1850 and 1950. Explore the High’s extensive Southern art collection and be inspired by the folk art of Georgia! To find out about “free museum” days at the High Museum of Art visit: www.High.org.

10. Fernbank Science Center
The Fernbank Science Center is a kid’s museum aimed to make science fun and interactive. Though visiting the planetarium carries a fee, the regular exhibits and demonstrations are free for everyone. The museum offers way-cool events – which frequently change – like chemical magic shows and Galilean Nights! Some events may require a fee. To learn more about Atlanta free stuff at the Fernbank Science Center visit: www.Fernbank.edu.