Atlanta is known as a great convention city, but it’s also a great family friendly destination. In addition to the better known Atlanta attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Stone Mountain Park and Six Flags Over Georgia, there are lots of things to do in Atlanta that are easy on the wallet and big on fun. Here is a list of several free things to do in Atlanta to make your visit there an affordable family vacation.
1.Piedmont Park – Piedmont Park could be a post all its own. This is a wonderful place to bike, rollerblade, walk, or toss a ball. There’s even a dog park for your four legged family members. Free guided walking tours offer a fascinating look at the park’s rich history. Once a month, enjoy guided bird watching hikes. The park has the only playground designed (and recently renovated) by internationally renowned sculptor, designer, and architect Isamu Noguchi. Each Saturday, enjoy the unique, open-air Green Market featuring Georgia-grown produce, fresh cut flowers, baked goods and herbs, along with chef demonstrations and live music. On the first and third Saturdays, kids can make a project to take home as part of the EnviroVentures Saturday Drop By.
2.Centennial Olympic Park Centennial Olympic Park was built less than two decades ago for the 1996 Games. It has become a must see destination for visitors and native Atlantans. The Centennial Olympic Park Fountain of Rings is the centerpiece of the Park and one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Georgia.When you go, be sure to take a towel and change of clothes because no one can resist jumping from ring to ring between the shooting water. Take a break from splashing during select times and watch the water show which includes water, lights and music like the 1812 Overture or Under the Sea. Shows are daily at 12:30, 3:30, 6:30 and 9 pm. Take a break from the water and enjoy a wide open area perfect for football, or Frisbee. There are two Centennial Olympic Park Playgrounds; one specifically designed for all children, including those with physical disabilities.
3.Imagine It! Atlanta’s Children’s Museum. The Children’s Museum is a fantastic place for the under 8 set to jump, crawl, paint, sculpt, fish and more. This interactive children’s museum is located in Downtown Atlanta and on the second Tuesday of every month, the museum is free from 1 – 7 pm as part of Target Free Days.
4.Center For Puppetry Arts Museum – The Center for Puppetry Arts offers world class puppet shows and a fantastic museum of all kinds of puppets including a recently acquired collection from Jim Henson. The Henson display includes, Big Bird and Bert from Sesame Street, Kermit and the Swedish Chef from the Muppets, and others from various commercials, tv shows and movies done by Henson. The museum is FREE each Thursday from 1 – 3 pm. For a list of puppet shows, visit www.puppet.org.
5.Outdoor Movies – Each summer several of the parks around Atlanta host outdoor summer movies. There’s Screen on the Green in Downtown and Flicks on 5th in Midtown Atlanta. Both offer somewhat more mature fair but there is at least a few good kid movies on the list. East Cobb Park offers a more kid friendly line-up.Although it’s not free, you can enjoy a cheap step back in time at the Starlight Drive In Movie Theater. Double features show each night for $7 per adult and $1 per child age 3-9. Come early to get a good spot and bring a picnic.
6.There’s Music in the Air – I love outdoor concerts and there are plenty to choose from in Atlanta. Local musicians play in neighborhood parks during events like the Chastain Chill or East Cobb Playdate. Centennial Park hosts the free Wednesday Winddown and Music @noon. If you want to leave the kids at home, purchase a table and bring your favorite picnic and a bottle of wine to the Chastain Amphitheater. For something a little different, check out the line up at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Concerts in the Garden. It’s a great place to see a show.
7.Cool at the Pool – There are several recently renovated public pools so the family can cool down in the Georgia heat. Chastain Park and Piedmont Park are free weekday mornings and charge $4 for adults and $2 for children in the afternoon.
Sue Rodman write the Field Trips With Sue blog.
