Enjoy all that our favorite city has to offer with this list of free things to do in Atlanta!
Leave your wallet at home because there are fun things all over Atlanta that you can do without spending a dime. Are you a local looking for new ways to enjoy the city or a visitor who wants to dive into Atlanta’s rich history and vibrant culture? You’re in luck! From outdoor strolls and scenic hikes to festival treats and beats, discover Atlanta’s best free experiences.
Ideas for Free Things to Do in Atlanta:
Read on for additional details on these free things to to in Atlanta!
- Hike through gorgeous parks just a quick drive from the city.
- Enjoy free admission to the High Museum’s collection on Second Sundays.
- Dance the day away at the largest jazz festival in the country.
- Find out what your library card can access besides books as a Georgia resident.
In this post, you’ll find:
- Outdoor adventures that won’t cost a dime.
- Ways to enjoy Atlanta museums for free.
- Free festivals happening in Atlanta
- Free things to do as a Georgia resident.
- Cheap things to do in Atlanta.
Free Things to do Outdoors in Atlanta
Stroll Through a Historic Cemetery
Who knew walking through a cemetery could be so relaxing? The Historic Oakland Cemetery is one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets and a beautiful place to spend a day. Atlanta’s oldest public park is not only a beautiful resting place for many notable Atlantans, but a historic record of our architecture, literature, politics, and social movements.
Wander through a tree canopy of more than 1600 trees (some of which are close to 200 years old), visit the gardens, plan a picnic, or relax as you tour the grounds. No matter how you choose to explore, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Atlanta’s rich history and natural beauty.
Pro tip! As you explore the cemetery, look out for markers of Atlanta’s most famous figures and events. You may even stumble upon a secret or two!
Hike in Beautiful Georgia Parks
Hiking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you tour Atlanta, but our surrounding parks and green spaces are practically begging you to come explore.
The Sweetwater Creek State Park is just a 20 min drive west of Atlanta, but the beautiful waterfalls and pre-Civil War ruins will make you feel like you’re leagues away from the big city. There are miles of trails, each with a more unique view than the last.
You can also head north to the East Palisades Trailhead off the Chattahoochee River. Stunning views of the river and a unique bamboo forest will have you wanting to set up camp and never leave. It’s four miles round-trip and dog-friendly so bring a lunch, your best friends, and a sense of adventure.
Find Atlanta’s Tiny Doors
Calling all art lovers, Instagrammers, and treasure hunters! Discover some of Atlanta’s smallest (but no less iconic) landmarks. Tiny Doors ATL is an interactive public art project. You’ll find more than 30 beautifully decorated tiny doors scattered throughout the city, each only 7 inches tall.
Use their map and Instagram account to track down all the doors and explore the city! Some doors even have interactive features to experience your urban surroundings like never before. Split the journey into several days or see a bunch of them at once along the Atlanta Beltline.
Breathe in the Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline isn’t just a trail—it’s the heartbeat of the city. The Beltline is more than 22 miles of parks, trails, and surprising sights. It’s also walkable, bikeable, and stroller-friendly.
Whether you’re with your friends, family, or on a solo stroll, there’s no shortage of activities. People-watch, exercise, and explore all while taking in the energy of one of Atlanta’s most dynamic outdoor spaces.
Bonus! Take a group on a photo scavenger hunt along the Beltline Challenge your friends and family to find the most interesting street art, historic landmarks, and hidden green spaces.
Watch the Fountain of Rings Light Show
Atlanta built the Centennial Olympic Park to commemorate the 1996 Summer Olympics which were hosted in Atlanta. One of our favorite landmarks in this 22-acre greenspace is the Fountain of Rings, an interactive water feature with timed water jets that light up at specific hours of the day. It’s a great time for children and families and a perfect backdrop for any social media photos!
Adults will enjoy learning about Atlanta’s rich history with the park’s Audio Walking Tour. Download the self-guided tour on your phone and spend an hour picking up quirky trivia, original music, and personal interviews about Atlanta and the 1996 Olympic Games. Start at the visitor center and don’t forget to enjoy the view!
Because the park sits right in the middle of Downtown Atlanta (between the World of Coca-Cola and the College Football Hall of Fame), getting there is a breeze. Literally. Use your breeze card to take Marta to get off at either the GWCC/CNN Station or the Peachtree Center Station. From there, it’s just a quick walk to the park.
Free Museum Visits in Atlanta
Learn from Martin Luther King Jr.
The King Center serves as a global beacon for peace, justice, and the enduring legacy or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. A visit to the center is always a moving experience whether its your first time or your tenth.
Explore the Coretta Scott King Peace and Meditation Garden, Dr. King’s and Coretta Scott King’s final resting places, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall which houses exhibits dedicated to social justice leaders.
Book ahead to tour Dr. King’s childhood home, where he was born. You’ll get personal glimpse into his early years and the experiences that shaped his path as a civil rights leader.
Discover New Worlds at the Science Museum
If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to spend the day that’s education, fun, and (best of all) free, look no further than the Fernbank Science Center.
Their motto is “Where science becomes an adventure,” which you’ll believe from the moment you walk in the door. The center houses a planetarium, an observatory, a library, and multiple science labs. There’s also a huge exhibit hall with a live animal exhibit, live honeybee exhibit, and the Apollo 6 command module.
Make sure to check out their calendar for their planetarium programs, children’s shows, and open hours for the observatory. Whether you need a day trip for the kids or are just looking to be a kid again, there’s always something new to discover.
Be Inspired by Art and Music
Second Sundays at the High Museum of Art have been a long-time favorite for locals and tourists alike. Every second Sunday of the month, from noon to 5PM, the museum offers free admission to most of their collection and special exhibitions.
It’s a day for art lovers, families, and just anyone looking to ignite their creativity. They also have family-friendly art activities and special performances, including local DJs and dance recitals. Bring your children for a sensory art experiment or take a self-care day and draw inspiration from this incredible collection.
Learn Atlanta History with a Twist
If you want to learn more about Atlanta, but aren’t excited about a lecture, there’s a unique history event that turns history into a party.
The Atlanta History Center’s free “Party with the Past” events take place all over the city. Get to know Atlanta in historic locations like the Fox Theater, the Westview Cemetery, and the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. It’s not only a great way to hear stories of the past but the program connects young Atlantans and professionals with a larger community. Make friends while you learn about our favorite city and its impact on the world around us.
Free Festivals in Atlanta
Jam at the Atlanta Jazz Festival
Take out your headphones and put on your best dancing shoes. Every Memorial Day Weekend, Piedmont Park hosts the Atlanta Jazz Festival, the largest free jazz festival in the country.
The festival draws a crowd from miles around, and no wonder. There’s an Artist’s Market that features local artisans and entrepreneurs, as well as a food and drink Market with all your favorite Southern classic snacks. Even if you’re not a jazz expert, you’ll certainly feel the groove.
Savor the Summer at the Virginia Highland Summerfest
Every June, the Virginia Highland Summerfest kicks off the summer in Atlanta. There is a fine art market for serious collectors and a maker’s market for our craft connoisseurs. Atlanta athletes can take part in the annual 5k while music buffs relax and listen to summer tunes at one of the concert stages. The Virginia Highland Summerfest is a truly diverse experience showcasing the best of summer fun.
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
When thinking of the best Atlanta things to do, Atlanta’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade has to be at the top. The fact that it’s free is a major bonus.
Atlantans party at this Saint Patrick’s Day parade every year, every since the first event in 1858. It’s a family-friendly event with clowns, floats, bands, Bagpipe & Drum Corps, children, dancers, drill teams, and more.
The parade starts on Peachtree Street in Midtown so it’s easy to get to by public transportation. Get there early to find the best spot to see the parade where more than 700 musicians, dancers, and entertainers will dazzle you and your family.
Indulge at the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
You never know what you’re going to get at the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival, but you do know it will be a fun time for everyone involved. In the past, the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival has featured an ice cream eating contest, musical guests, and group dance activities. They also have a health and wellness area to help teach healthy balance and fitness.
We all scream for ice scream at the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. Don’t forget to tell us your favorite flavor!
Free Fun for Georgia Residents
Visit the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is free for Georgia residents on their birthday. Just bring your Georgia ID with you on your birthday and you get a free pass to enjoy one of the largest aquariums in the world.
There’s so much to see but make sure to check out the Ocean Voyager gallery, a 100-foot-long underwater tunnel! Whale sharks, manta rays and thousands of fascinating fish fill this exhibit. It will be a birthday you’ll never forget. Some people go every year!
Explore Zoo Atlanta
The Georgia Public Library Service has partnered with Zoo Atlanta. Now, Georgia residents can get free admission for a family of four with their special pass. Make sure you have a valid Georgia library card and check out their website for the rules to access the pass.
If you’ve never been to Zoo Atlanta before, this is a great opportunity! From conservation lessons to interactive bird shows, there are surprises around every corner.
Delight in Puppetry Magic
Many of Georgia’s public library systems, including Dekalb County and Fulton County also offer a “Passport to Puppetry.” This lets Georgia residents receive free admission to World of Puppetry Museum exhibits. The museum features both contemporary and ancient puppets. Learn about the puppeteers, productions, artists, and techniques that have filled two signature galleries and their special exhibitions.
The Jim Henson Gallery is one of their most popular exhibits. The gallery explores Henson’s eclectic background and includes puppets, props, and costumes from Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and more. Check their calendar to see what special exhibits are on display.
See a Show with Georgia Theatre Pass
Having a library card is good for more than checking out books. Georgia residents can borrow “experience passes” from their local library. These passes offer many different opportunities in Atlanta including tickets to the Alliance Theatre and the Shakespeare Tavern Theatre.
You can receive up to two free tickets to performances, but make sure to read all the rules and guidelines! You check out the pass just like you would check out a book and use it to get your tickets to the theatre. It’s an amazing program that gives Georgia residents access to Georgia’s robust theatre scene so make sure you take advantage.
To discover more things to do in Atlanta, be sure to check out Unexpected Atlanta’s full list of walking tours and our Atlanta activity guides! With guides for every interest and group size, access all of Atlanta’s must-experience activities in one easy location!
