Looking for free things to do in Atlanta with kids? We have you covered! From fantastic parks to interesting and fun visitor centres, there is something for everyone on this action-packed list!

1. Centennial Olympic Park

The Centennial Olympic Park was built for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and offers free weekly concerts. It’s fun to visit all year round but especially in the summer when the kids can jump around in the dancing water fountain. There’s also a stunning lights display and outdoor ice rink in the winter.

2. Check out the Stars!

Admission is free to Fernbank Science Center and families can explore all of the current exhibitions that make science fun for kids! The low-cost planetarium is just $4 for adults and $3 for students and seniors – well worth a look!

The centre’s observatory houses the largest telescope in the south eastern United States. There are public observations on Thursday and Friday evenings with local astronomers available to position the telescope and answer questions.

3. Enjoy a Hike on Kennesaw Mountain

A super place to bring a picnic, there are 18 miles of interpretive trails to explore at Kennesaw Mountain. Make sure to bring your binoculars and cameras as the views from the top are amazing!

A natural beauty spot with abundant wildlife and a historic landmark. This historic battlefield comes complete with Civil War re-enactments and monuments to fallen soldiers.

“We love to hike Chattahoochee, Kennesaw Mountain and Sweetwater Creek.” Chris V.

4. Explore Atlanta’s Nature Trails

One of our favourite free things to do in Atlanta with kids is visit a nature centre! Dauset Trails is situated on the south side of town, while Dunwoody Nature Center is on the north side. Dauset Trails is a 1,200-acre preserve with lots of interesting wildlife and an extensive calendar of events. Dunwoody Nature Center offers:

• wonderful woodland and wetlands hiking
• shaded playground
• playhouse
• activity centre with special programs.

Visiting the East Coast? Check out 10 Free Things to do with Kids in Boston.

5. Abernathy Greenway

Just opened in July 2014, Abernathy Greenway is a great little park in Sandy Springs with a patio, gardens, lighted trail and 6 cool art structures.

The structures not only look great, they also double as play sets and kids are encouraged to climb, slide and swing from them. For example, the “Dragonfly” is a 50-foot-long creature with rope swings and seven slides!

6. Take a Bike Ride

For visitors who can bring bikes with them, the Atlanta Beltline is a nice flat bike path within Atlanta city limits. Along this trail is the Old Fourth Ward Skate Park and a playground.

Enjoy the art along the route and there are some fantastic restaurants if you need to refuel. Bike rental is available if you can’t bring your own.

“Bike rides on the belt line are always good. We start at Old Fourth Ward Park and take the belt line to Piedmont Park.” Chris V.

7. Georgia State Capitol

Visit the Georgia State Capitol for a fun history lesson! This place is very child-friendly and offers scavenger hunts and art searches to get the kids excited about exploring Atlanta’s history. Free, public tours operate throughout the year or take a self-guided tour.

8. Acworth Beach

Another great place for a picnic lunch, Acworth Beach and Park has a nice sandy beach with a designated swimming area and two playgrounds. A little quieter than some of Atlanta’s other swim spots, the park regularly holds concerts and annual events like Easter Egg Hunts and Fourth of July Fireworks.

9. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site includes a number of facilities where visitors can learn about Dr. King’s life and his influence on others.

A beautiful place to visit, the focal point of the pretty landscaped plaza area is the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden, which includes a water fountain and inspirational messages of peace written by students from local Atlanta schools.

10. Atlanta Federal Reserve

Teach kids about the economy at the Atlanta Federal Reserve. Free self-guided tours are available during normal business hours. In addition to learning about the creation of money, older kids can learn about the evolution of currency over time. Watch the bill counter spin through $10s and $20s and make sure the kids pick up their own bag of shredded money on the way out!

Is your top free things to do in Atlanta with kids listed here? We’d love to hear your feedback, so please let us know below.