Free and Fun Things To Do in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta has a reputation for big attractions and busy nightlife, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the city. In fact, many of the best things to do in Atlanta are completely free if you know where to look.

Below is a practical guide to free stuff to do in Atlanta, Georgia—from museums and outdoor art to parks, festivals, and neighborhood exploring. Most options are either always free or have specific free days or times.

Quick Overview: Free Things To Do in Atlanta

1. Free Outdoor Activities and Parks in Atlanta

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is essentially Atlanta’s “Central Park” and is one of the easiest free outings in the city.

You can:

• Walk or run on multiple paved and natural trails
• Relax by Lake Clara Meer
• Use free tennis and basketball courts (public courts, first-come first-served)
• Enjoy open fields for picnics, frisbee, or casual sports
• Visit the dog parks if you’re bringing a pet

Parking around the park can cost money, but if you arrive via MARTA (Midtown Station) or find street parking a bit farther away, the park itself is free.

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside & Westside Trails

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails built on old railroad corridors. Walking or biking the trails is free and one of the best ways to experience multiple neighborhoods in a single day.

Highlights along the trails:

• Public art installations and murals
• Skyline views near the Eastside Trail
• Easy access to Piedmont Park and Ponce City Market (browsing is free even if you’re not buying)
• Neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and West End

You can simply pick a starting point, walk in one direction, and turn around when you’re ready.

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta is free to enter.

You can:

• See the Fountain of Rings
• Enjoy open lawns for relaxing with a coffee or lunch
• Walk around and view Olympic-related monuments and plaques

The park also hosts occasional free events and concerts, especially in warmer months. Check current schedules locally for updated programming.

Grant Park

Grant Park is one of Atlanta’s oldest parks, located just east of downtown.

Free things to do here:

• Walk shaded trails and historic streets surrounding the park
• Enjoy playgrounds and picnic areas
• Explore the neighborhood’s Victorian and early 20th-century homes on a self-guided walk

While the Zoo Atlanta inside Grant Park charges admission, strolling the park grounds is free.

2. Free Arts, Culture, and Museums

High Museum of Art – Free Days and Programs

The High Museum of Art is a major Atlanta institution. Regular admission usually costs money, but there are specific free or reduced-price opportunities that locals and visitors use:

Common options include:

• Designated free-admission days or evenings sponsored by community partners
• Free or discounted access for certain groups (such as active-duty military or students during special programs)

Because schedules change, it’s best to check current hours and pricing locally, but it’s worth planning around a free day if you’re interested in art.

Atlanta Contemporary

Atlanta Contemporary is a contemporary art center that typically offers free admission.

What to expect:

• Rotating exhibitions of modern and experimental art
• A small but engaging space that’s easy to explore in under an hour
• Occasional free talks, film screenings, or events

It’s a good stop if you like art but don’t want a full-day museum commitment.

Museum Free Days and Community Events

Across Atlanta, several museums and cultural centers offer:

• Monthly or quarterly free days
• Free family days with special activities for kids
• Community nights with extended hours and free or pay-what-you-can entry

Examples of places that sometimes offer these include history museums, children’s museums, or science centers. Checking their current calendars before visiting can help you time your trip for a free or low-cost experience.

3. Civil Rights and Historic Sites

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, in the Sweet Auburn district, is free to visit and one of the city’s most meaningful destinations.

The site often includes:

• Visitor Center with exhibits about the civil rights movement
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached
• The King Center and reflecting pool
• Pathways through the surrounding neighborhood and historic markers

Tours of Dr. King’s birth home may be free but often require timed tickets and can fill quickly. Even without the house tour, you can walk the grounds, view exhibits, and explore the area at no cost.

Oakland Cemetery (Self-Guided)

Oakland Cemetery is a historic garden cemetery near Grant Park. Admission is free for self-guided visits.

You can:

• Walk among historic headstones and monuments
• View city skyline vistas from certain parts of the grounds
• Learn about Atlanta’s past through markers and plaques

There are paid guided tours on some days, but simply walking and exploring the grounds on your own is free and allowed during posted visiting hours.

4. Free Neighborhood Exploring and Street Culture

Little Five Points

Little Five Points (L5P) is one of Atlanta’s most distinctive neighborhoods, known for its alternative and artistic vibe.

Free things to do:

• Wander and take in street murals and graffiti art
• Window shop in quirky local stores
• People-watch from public benches or sidewalks

You only spend money if you decide to shop or eat; just walking around is free and entertaining.

Inman Park and the Victorian Homes

Inman Park, adjacent to the BeltLine Eastside Trail, is filled with restored Victorian houses and leafy streets.

You can:

• Take a self-guided walking tour of historic homes
• Enjoy small neighborhood parks and landscaped streets
• Combine it with a stroll on the BeltLine

It’s a calm, scenic area to walk without any cost.

Castleberry Hill Art District

Castleberry Hill, just southwest of downtown, is known for:

• Historic industrial buildings converted into lofts and galleries
• Outdoor art and murals
• Periodic free art strolls where galleries open their doors to the public

On non-event days, walking the neighborhood to see the architecture and public art is free. During art stroll events, browsing galleries often costs nothing unless you make a purchase.

Buckhead Village and Public Spaces

In Buckhead, high-end shopping and dining dominate, but you can still enjoy:

• Window shopping around Buckhead Village and nearby centers
• Public plazas and outdoor seating areas
• Occasional free events or pop-up performances

This is a good option if you enjoy urban exploring and architecture.

5. Free Events, Festivals, and Seasonal Activities

Atlanta hosts many free festivals and community events throughout the year, especially in spring and fall.

Typical free or low-cost events include:

• Neighborhood festivals featuring local vendors and live music
• Outdoor concerts in parks or amphitheaters
• Cultural celebrations and parades
• Free fitness classes in parks offered by community groups

Common festival areas:

• Piedmont Park
• Historic Fourth Ward Park
• Grant Park
• Downtown streets and squares

If you’re local, keeping an eye on community calendars or neighborhood social pages can help you find free happenings each weekend. Visitors can often pick up event info at hotel lobbies or the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.

6. Self-Guided Street Art and Mural Tours

Atlanta has grown into a major street art city, and viewing the murals is entirely free.

Popular mural areas:

• Krog Street Tunnel and the surrounding streets in Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown
• Portions of the Atlanta BeltLine (especially the Eastside Trail)
• Edgewood Avenue and Old Fourth Ward
• Little Five Points

Tips for a self-guided mural walk:

• Start at Krog Street Tunnel and walk out in multiple directions
• Combine mural viewing with BeltLine walks or neighborhood exploration
• Go during daylight for the best visibility and safety

Photography is allowed in public areas; just be respectful of private property and local residents.

7. Free Nature and Scenic Spots Around Atlanta

Chattahoochee River Trails

On the north and northwest sides of metro Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River has multiple access points and trails. Some areas may charge for parking or are part of national recreation areas, but others can be accessed freely or at very low cost.

Common free or low-cost activities:

• Walking along riverside trails
• Sitting by the water to relax
• Birdwatching or light nature photography

Look for public parks with river access where parking is free or minimal if you’re trying to stay on a strict budget.

Lullwater Preserve (Emory Area)

Near the Emory University area, Lullwater Preserve offers:

• Wooded walking trails
• A small lake and waterfall
• Old stone structures and a peaceful environment

Access guidelines and hours can vary, so check locally before visiting, but it is commonly treated as a free nature escape within the city.

8. Free Family-Friendly Things To Do

Many of the options above work well for kids, but some are especially family-friendly and budget-conscious.

Kid-friendly free ideas:

• Piedmont Park playgrounds and open fields
• Centennial Olympic Park splash fountains in warm weather (when operating)
• Self-guided walk at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• BeltLine trail walks with occasional playgrounds and green spaces
• Free community festivals with live music and activities

Parents often combine a free outing with a budget snack or picnic brought from home to keep costs low.

9. Tips for Saving Money While Enjoying Free Things

Even when activities are free, small expenses can add up. A few local-minded strategies help keep your day affordable:

• Use MARTA when possible. Many free sites are near MARTA rail stations or bus lines, which can be cheaper than parking in dense areas.
• Pack water and snacks. Atlanta can be hot, and buying drinks repeatedly gets pricey.
• Combine locations. For example, do Centennial Olympic Park and nearby landmarks on the same day to avoid multiple parking charges.
• Check hours before you go. Parks and historic sites have specific hours, which can change seasonally or during events.
• Plan around free days. For museums and attractions, aligning your visit with a free or discount day can significantly reduce overall spending.

10. Sample Free Day Itineraries in Atlanta

Here are a few practical ways to structure a no-cost (or nearly no-cost) day in Atlanta.

Downtown & Civil Rights Day

• Morning: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (visitor center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, neighborhood walk)
• Midday: Walk or take MARTA to Centennial Olympic Park for lunch on the lawn
• Afternoon: Stroll around downtown, view the Olympic monuments, and enjoy window shopping nearby

Costs: Possibly just MARTA fare and any food you choose to buy.

BeltLine & Neighborhood Exploration

• Morning: Start on the BeltLine Eastside Trail near Inman Park
• Late morning: Walk toward Krog Street Tunnel and explore street art
• Afternoon: Continue up the BeltLine toward Piedmont Park, relax in the park, and people-watch

Costs: Free, aside from transport and snacks.

Art & History Sampler

• Morning: Visit Atlanta Contemporary (free admission)
• Midday: Walk or drive through Castleberry Hill to see outdoor art and historic buildings
• Afternoon: Stop by Oakland Cemetery for a self-guided historic walk

Costs: Primarily transportation and any food or drinks.

Atlanta offers far more free experiences than most visitors (and even some residents) realize. With a little planning around parks, public art, historic sites, and free museum opportunities, you can enjoy a full schedule of free stuff to do in Atlanta, Georgia without stretching your budget.