Visiting the Fountain of Rings in Atlanta, GA: A Local’s Guide to Centennial Olympic Park’s Iconic Landmark

The Fountain of Rings in Centennial Olympic Park is one of downtown Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks and a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Whether you want to let your kids splash in the water, catch a choreographed fountain show, or simply relax with a skyline view, this is a classic Atlanta experience.

This guide explains what the Fountain of Rings is, where it is, what to expect when you visit, and how to plan your trip—all with an Atlanta-focused perspective.

What Is the Fountain of Rings?

The Fountain of Rings is a large, interactive water feature in the heart of Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, it’s shaped like the five Olympic rings, with water jets embedded in the ground.

Key features:

• Interactive splash fountain – Kids (and many adults) play and cool off in the sprays on hot days.
• Choreographed water shows – Jets are timed to music, creating a mini water “performance.”
• Central gathering spot – Surrounded by plenty of open space, trees, and walkways.
• Symbol of Atlanta’s Olympic history – A reminder of when Atlanta hosted the Summer Games.

It’s more than just a fountain; for many Atlantans, it’s a shared memory spot—from school field trips to summer cooling-off breaks downtown.

Where Is the Fountain of Rings in Atlanta?

The Fountain of Rings is located in Centennial Olympic Park, in the heart of downtown.

Address (Park / Fountain Area)
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

The fountain is situated roughly in the center of the park, close to:

• World of Coca‑Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• College Football Hall of Fame
• CNN Center
• State Farm Arena

If you’re already near these landmarks, you’re only a short walk from the Fountain of Rings.

Hours, Entry, and Cost

Is the Fountain of Rings Free?

Yes. Access to Centennial Olympic Park and the Fountain of Rings is generally free. You can walk into the park, enjoy the view, sit nearby, or let your kids run through the spray area without an admission fee.

Occasionally, certain areas of the park may be reserved or fenced off for special events, but casual daily access to the fountain area is typically open and free to the public.

Typical Park Hours

Centennial Olympic Park usually operates during daytime and early evening hours, often something like:

• Open in the morning
• Close by late evening or dusk

Exact times can vary by season or event schedule, so it’s wise to:

• Check posted signs at park entrances
• Look for hours via local visitor information lines or tourism offices

The fountain itself may be offline during maintenance, cold weather, or special events, even if the rest of the park is open.

Fountain of Rings Water Show: What to Expect

One of the highlights of the Fountain of Rings is the choreographed water show, where the jets shoot up in time to music.

While show schedules can change, you can generally expect:

• Multiple shows per day during busier seasons
• Short, few-minute performances
• Popular family-friendly and upbeat music
• Sprays reaching varying heights, synchronized with the soundtrack

If you’re planning your day around seeing the show, it’s a good idea to arrive a bit early and choose a spot where you can both see the entire fountain and hear the music clearly.

Getting to the Fountain of Rings

By MARTA (Public Transit)

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the Fountain of Rings, especially if you want to avoid downtown parking costs.

• Rail Station:
  The closest MARTA station is usually GWCC/CNN Center Station (on the Blue/Green lines).
  From there, it’s about a 5–10 minute walk to Centennial Olympic Park and the fountain area.

• Alternative Stations:
  Peachtree Center (Red/Gold lines) is also walkable to the park, though slightly farther.

Useful tip: 🚇
If you’re staying near Midtown or Buckhead, a quick MARTA ride can be simpler than driving and searching for a garage.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving into downtown Atlanta:

• Look for public parking decks and surface lots around:
  • Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW
  • Marietta St NW
  • Andrew Young International Blvd NW
• Some attractions around the park have attached parking decks that are open to the public for a fee.

Because parking availability and prices can vary based on events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or the Georgia World Congress Center, allow extra time if you’re visiting on:

• Game days
• Concert nights
• Major conventions

What to Bring and How to Dress

If you plan to play in the water:

• Swimsuit or quick-dry clothes for kids (and adults if you’re joining in)
• Towel
• Water shoes or sandals (the ground can be hot in summer)
• Extra change of clothes if you don’t want to stay wet afterward
• Plastic bag for wet items

If you’re just there to watch and relax:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat and sunscreen (little shade directly around the fountain)
• Water bottle to stay hydrated, especially in hot Atlanta summers

Family Tips for Enjoying the Fountain of Rings

The Fountain of Rings is especially popular with families and school groups. A few Atlanta-specific tips:

• Midday gets busy – On warm days, the area can be crowded between late morning and mid-afternoon, especially during spring and summer.
• Field trip season – From March through May, expect lots of school buses and groups in the park.
• Set a meetup spot – With the spray, noise, and crowds, it’s smart to agree on a backup meeting point (like a specific bench or nearby statue) in case family members get separated.
• Watch your belongings – You’ll likely set bags down while kids run through the fountain; keep valuables minimal and within sight.

Safety and Comfort at the Fountain

While the Fountain of Rings is designed for public use, a few practical considerations help keep things smooth:

• Slippery surfaces – The wet ground can be slick; encourage kids not to run full speed or push.
• Supervision – Keep an eye on children, especially younger ones, because they can disappear into sprays and crowds quickly.
• Weather checks – Thunderstorms are common in Atlanta’s warmer months; the fountain may be turned off or the park cleared if lightning is nearby.
• Heat awareness – Downtown Atlanta can feel very hot and reflective. Plan for shade breaks outside the immediate fountain area.

Nearby Attractions You Can Pair With the Fountain of Rings

One of the biggest benefits of visiting the Fountain of Rings is how close it is to other major Atlanta attractions. Many people structure their day around a combination of activities.

Within a short walk of the fountain:

• World of Coca‑Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• College Football Hall of Fame
• CNN Center
• SkyView Atlanta (the large Ferris wheel)
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (a bit farther, but walkable)

This makes the fountain a natural midday break spot—you can:

• Enjoy a major attraction in the morning
• Let kids cool off in the Fountain of Rings in the early afternoon
• Head to a second attraction or early dinner afterward

Simple Planning Cheat Sheet

Below is a quick-reference summary to help you plan:

Who Manages the Fountain and Park?

The Fountain of Rings sits inside Centennial Olympic Park, which has historically been associated with the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA). For park-related questions—such as event schedules, possible closures, or large group planning—you can reach out to the GWCCA.

Georgia World Congress Center Authority (Administrative Offices)
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone (main line): 404‑223‑4000

When you call, you can ask to be directed to personnel who handle Centennial Olympic Park for the most current information on the Fountain of Rings schedule, maintenance, or events that may affect fountain access.

Best Times of Year to Visit the Fountain of Rings

Because Atlanta has mild winters and hot, humid summers, the Fountain of Rings has a different feel depending on the season:

• Spring (March–May)

  • Comfortable temperatures, lots of field trips and school groups.
  • Fountain activity is usually lively, but you may encounter crowds.

• Summer (June–August)

  • Peak “splash” season; great for cooling off but often very hot.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are common; mornings can be more predictable.

• Fall (September–November)

  • Often ideal weather for walking the park and enjoying the views.
  • Still warm enough to play in the fountain early in the season.

• Winter (December–February)

  • Fewer people playing in the water, but still a nice photo spot and picnic area on milder days.
  • Fountain operations can be reduced or modified in colder stretches.

Photography and Relaxing Around the Fountain

Even if you’re not planning to get wet, the Fountain of Rings makes a great backdrop for:

• Family photos and group pictures
• Engagement or graduation shots with the skyline in the background
• Casual picnic or rest stops between downtown attractions

Because the fountain is low to the ground, you can easily frame:

• The sprays and rings in the foreground
• Midtown and downtown buildings in the background
• Nearby park features and trees for more greenery

If you’re visiting at quieter times—early in the day or on cooler days—you may find more room and time to set up your shot.

When the Fountain of Rings Might Be Closed

Although the Fountain of Rings is a daily feature of the park, certain circumstances can affect its operation:

• Major events in Centennial Olympic Park
• Seasonal maintenance or repairs
• Weather-related shutdowns (especially storms or freezing conditions)

If you’re traveling from another part of metro Atlanta or planning a special stop with kids, it’s sensible to:

• Build some flexibility into your schedule
• Have a backup plan among nearby attractions and playgrounds

That way, if the fountain is off temporarily, you still have plenty to do within a short walk.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, GA, the Fountain of Rings offers an easy, memorable experience right in the center of the city. Whether you’re cooling off, taking photos, or simply soaking in the Olympic history and skyline views, it’s a spot that captures a lot of what downtown Atlanta is all about.