Free Things to Do with Kids in Atlanta

Atlanta: 5 Free Things to Do with Kids

July 1st, 2009 | by Sue Rodman 1 comment

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.

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 fare 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.

5. Cool at the Pool

Cool down in the Georgia heat at one of several recently renovated public pools. Chastain Park and Piedmont Park are free weekday mornings and charge a nominal fee of $4 for adults and $2 for children in the afternoon.