With all the cost involved in travel finding some free things to do in a new city is a definite win. In our home city of Atlanta there is almost always something free going on for families to enjoy. Here are a few of the pocket friendly options that are available year round. Also some resources to find out what may be going on unique to the time you are in town.
Story time at the Peachtree library- Found in Midtown Atlanta- “Mr. Ken the Librarian” puts on a stellar story time for different age groups every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10:30am-11am. This program is set up for kids of Pre school age and younger. While there is no child too young, 4-5 years old is probably the oldest child you want to bring. This is not just a story time, your child will be singing, playing with bells, and marching around the room before the half hour is over.
Piedmont park– there is something here for everyone. My family’s classic walk through here starts off with a stop at the playground found in the center of the park. Adjacent, there is a small foot bridge that is the perfect perch to feed the ducks, fish, and turtles found in Lake Clara Meer. Be sure to bring some bread or crackers with you.
On Saturdays from March 30th – November there is a free history walking tour that starts at the Green Market found near the 12th street entrance to piedmont Park. The meet up point is the Conservancy information table. The tour starts at 11am and generally goes for 60-90 min.
If you are an early bird, pun intended, there is a bird walk organized by the Atlanta Audubon Society. This starts at an eye rubbing 8am and goes on for 2-3 hrs. every first Saturday of the month. Check the Atlanta Audubon Society web page to ensure start times.
HIGH Museum Second Sunday – this event has art making, story time, and access to their 2 sensory rooms all included for the price of nothing. Free admission runs from 12pm-5pm with special programing from 1pm-4pm. As you can guess it gets very crowded. If you have a Bank of America card the HIGH is part of the “Museums On Us” granting free access for the card holder on the first full weekend of every month. Another hack, but not free, is Facebook parenting groups based in Atlanta. I have seen extremely discounted guest passes for sale by parents that thought they had more friends than they actually do when they purchased these passes.
Walk the Eastside Beltline– Its always motivating for kids and adults alike to have an activity going while on walks. The activity on this walk? Finding Tiny Doors…. The first one can be found on the left side wall of the overpass that you go under shortly after starting the Beltline from Monroe Drive NE. My favorite destination for this walk is the Historic Fourth Ward Park Playground. If its warm out bring some clothes that can get wet so the kids can enjoy the interactive water features at this, what may be the best in Atlanta, park. Food, Beer, and coffee can be found all around you on your walk. From the O4W playground you are only a few blocks away from Ponce City Market.
While the Martin Luther King Jr Historic Site should be a stop on you visit to Atlanta, free or not, this inspiring destination will cost you nothing. Consider taking MARTA or the above ground street car as parking is a pain. The street car can also take you from there to another great playground and the largest interactive fountain in the world, Centennial Olympic park.
Have any fun free activities? E-mail me and I will post them on the blog, or post links in the comment section…
Them Us Travel 