Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center
Autrey Mill, located in Alpharetta, has miles of walking trails, a Heritage Village with original buildings and artifacts from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s, animal exhibits and replicas of Native American dwellings. All activities on the grounds are free.
9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022.
Centennial Olympic Park
The park is fun to visit year round, but extra fun on a warm summer day when kids can frolic in the fountain. Don't miss the amazing lights display and cheap, outdoor ice rink at the holidays!
Fernbank Science Center
Admission to Fernbank Science Center (please note, this is separate from the Fernbank Museum of Natural History) is free and families can explore the current exhibits that aim to make science fun for kids. The real "star" of the show is the low-cost planetarium at $4 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.
156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307
First Thursdays
First Thursdays Art Walk in the Downtown area happens the first week of every month. Downtown galleries open their doors in the evening for three hours of free viewing from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Participants include MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta), Paige Harvey and Georgia State University.
Fulton County Free Saturdays at the HIGH Museum
Note: This event is only free for Fulton County Residents or students attending college or university in Fulton Country. Must show college ID or proof of residency.
On the first Saturday of every month, the High welcomes Fulton County residents to the Museum for free. Fulton County residents may view our current exhibitions as well as the permanent collection. Current exhibition admission is subject to availability.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a worldwide scavenger hunt for small boxes, called "caches," hidden all around us in public places. Though geocaching is designed to be done using a GPS, sometimes you can hunt using familiar landmarks and clues from the website. There are over 1,500 caches hidden in the Atlanta area, waiting to be discovered. Visit the Geocaching website to start the hunt.
Historic Oakland Cemetery
Oakland Cemetery is free to explore, or you can opt to pay for a guided tour. A walk back in time through Atlanta's past, many famous residents from civil war heroes to Margaret Mitchell rest here. Use the visit as a history lesson for kids.
248 Oakland Avenue, SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30312.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battleground Park
Parking and admission are free at this national park in Kennesaw, GA. A shuttle bus is provided to the top of the mountain at a rate of $2 for adults and $1 for children, or you can take on the mountain yourself and hike to the top. There are 18 miles of hiking trails within the park, an on-site museum and special events like history reenactments in the summertime.
900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr., Kennesaw, GA 30152.
The King Center
The King Center is a free attraction dedicated to showcasing the life and works of Martin Luther King Jr. Visitors can also view his resting place and his first home. Open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
Starlight Drive-In
Starlight Six Drive-In is the only old-fashioned drive-in movie theater in Atlanta. It is a unique experience that kids will find fun and exciting. Admission is $7 per person, but kids ages 3 - 9 are only $1. Under 3 is free. All shows are double features, so you get two movies for less than the price of one at a normal theater.
2000 Moreland Avenue, Atlanta, GA.
