Budget-Friendly Fun: Inexpensive Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta offers plenty to do without draining your wallet. Whether you live here, just moved to the city, or are visiting on a tight budget, there are many low-cost and free activities that still feel special.

Below are practical, Atlanta-specific ideas organized by type, with typical costs and helpful local tips.

Free (or Almost Free) Outdoor Activities

Explore Atlanta’s BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the best inexpensive things to do in the city.

• Cost: Free to walk, run, or bike (you’ll only pay if you rent a scooter/bike or buy food).
• Best sections for first-timers:
  • Eastside Trail: Runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Poncey-Highland. Great people-watching, murals, and access to parks.
  • Westside Trail: Quieter, more neighborhood feel, connects to breweries and local eateries.
• What to do:
  • Walk or jog the trails
  • See street art and murals
  • Stop at public parks like Historic Fourth Ward Park

📝 Tip: Go early in the morning or just before sunset for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, especially on weekends.

Visit Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park is popular with locals and visitors.

• Cost: Free (parking may be paid, depending on where you park).
• Things to do:
  • Walk or bike the paved paths
  • Relax by Lake Clara Meer
  • Use the free public tennis and basketball courts
  • Join pickup games or frisbee on the big lawns
• Also nearby:
  • The Atlanta Botanical Garden borders the park (paid but worth considering if you plan one “splurge” activity).

📝 Tip: Many community events and festivals take place here. Some are free, though food, drinks, or special zones may have a fee.

Stroll Through Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

This park in Downtown Atlanta was built for the 1996 Olympics and is surrounded by major attractions.

• Cost: Free to enter.
• Highlights:
  • Fountain of Rings water feature (kids love it in warm weather)
  • Views of the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel (ticketed, but looking is free)
  • Proximity to World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights (all paid attractions nearby)

📝 Tip: Good spot for a cheap picnic if you pick up sandwiches from a nearby shop and eat in the park.

Hike at Stone Mountain Park (Budget Version)

Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

While some attractions in the park can be pricey, you can visit Stone Mountain in a more inexpensive way if you plan carefully.

• Cost considerations:
  • Parking fee per vehicle is common at the main entrance.
  • Walking up the mountain on the Walk-Up Trail is free after parking.
• Low-cost options:
  • Hike the Walk-Up Trail to the summit for views of the Atlanta skyline.
  • Walk around the base trails for a quieter experience.

📝 Tip: If you’re going mainly to hike, consider carpooling to split the parking fee.

Enjoy the City’s Neighborhood Parks

Atlanta has many free neighborhood parks that can be just as enjoyable as the big signature spots, especially if you want a quieter, more local experience.

Popular options include:

• Grant Park – 840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Candler Park – 1500 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Freedom Park – around Freedom Pkwy NE and Moreland Ave NE

These parks often host pickup sports, community events, and informal gatherings, all free to enjoy.

Low-Cost Cultural Experiences

Tour the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

This site in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood is both powerful and budget-friendly.

• Cost: Free for most main areas (run by the National Park Service; check on-site for any changes).
• What you can see (often at no cost):
  • Visitor Center exhibits
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church (historic portion)
  • Dr. King’s birth home area (some tours may require timed entry tickets)
  • The King Center grounds, including the reflecting pool and crypt

📝 Tip: Arrive earlier in the day if you want guided ranger tours or timed house tours, as they can fill up.

Explore the Atlanta History Center Grounds (On a Budget)

Atlanta History Center
130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Full admission tickets aren’t the cheapest, but you can plan a controlled-budget visit or focus on certain areas.

• Cost: Paid admission for the main museum and historic homes; check on-site for current prices and any discount days.
• Budget-friendly strategies:
  • Look for discount days, evening events, or local resident discounts.
  • If you’re nearby in Buckhead, you can appreciate the area’s historic character and grounds around Swan House from the outside without a full visit.

This is more of a “low-cost with planning” option than completely inexpensive, but it can be made affordable if you time it with deals or local promotions.

Self-Guided Street Art & Murals Tour

Atlanta’s street art scene is vibrant and free to explore.

Best neighborhoods to see murals:

• Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown
• Old Fourth Ward (around the BeltLine and Edgewood Ave)
• Downtown and parts of Castleberry Hill

You can:

• Walk key corridors (for example, Krog Street Tunnel near 1 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307) to see rotating graffiti and murals.
• Take photos and create your own free walking tour of the city’s public art.

📝 Tip: Daylight hours are best for safety and visibility. Parking in some close-in neighborhoods may be limited, so consider MARTA or rideshare if you’re coming from farther away.

Free or Cheap Indoor Activities

Visit the Governor’s Mansion (Seasonal, Free Tours)

Georgia Governor’s Mansion
391 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

The Governor’s Mansion in Buckhead offers free public tours on certain days, which can be a unique, low-cost way to see a historic home and grounds.

• Cost: Typically free, but days and hours are limited.
• What to expect:
  • Guided or self-guided tours of the public rooms
  • Historic furnishings and decor
• Check on-site for:
  • Tour days (often weekdays)
  • Holiday open houses or special seasonal events

Use Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System Locations

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System has branches throughout the city, including the Central Library downtown.

Central Library
1 Margaret Mitchell Sq, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Cost: Free to enter and use most resources.
• What you can do:
  • Enjoy quiet reading or working spaces
  • Use computers and Wi-Fi
  • Attend free author talks, workshops, and community programs
  • Borrow books, movies, and more if you have a library card

📝 Tip: Many library events are free but may require registration. Check the events board at your local branch.

Explore Free Galleries and Public Spaces

While big museums often charge admission, some galleries and public art spaces in Atlanta are free.

Look for:

• Gallery spaces in neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill, West Midtown, and Midtown that hold free art walks or open studio nights.
• Public lobbies of major buildings in Midtown or Downtown that display rotating art exhibits accessible without a ticket.

These are great for a low-pressure, inexpensive cultural outing and are often less crowded than major museums.

Cheap Eats and Markets (Experience + Food)

Stroll Through Municipal Market (Sweet Auburn Curb Market)

Municipal Market (Sweet Auburn Curb Market)
209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

This historic market offers a mix of local vendors, produce stands, and food stalls.

• Cost: Free to enter; pay only for what you buy.
• Why it’s budget-friendly:
  • Many stalls offer reasonably priced meals or snacks.
  • You can walk around, take in the atmosphere, and people-watch even if you only spend a few dollars.

Visit Ponce City Market (Window Shopping Version)

Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Ponce City Market can be pricey if you’re shopping heavily, but you can still enjoy it on a budget.

• Cost: Free to walk around the public areas; you only pay for parking, food, or shopping.
• Budget-friendly ideas:
  • Walk through the central food hall and enjoy the design.
  • Grab a single snack, coffee, or dessert instead of a full meal to keep costs low.
  • Exit directly onto the BeltLine Eastside Trail for a free walk after.

📝 Tip: Weekday afternoons are often less crowded, making it easier to browse without pressure to buy.

Inexpensive Family-Friendly Activities

Zoo Atlanta’s Surroundings and Grant Park

Zoo Atlanta (paid admission) sits in Grant Park, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

• Grant Park address: 840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Even if you’re not visiting the zoo, Grant Park is:

• Free to enter
• Shaded with walking paths and playgrounds
• Close to historic homes and streets that are pleasant to explore on foot

You can create a low-cost day by:

1. Walking or picnicking in Grant Park.
2. Visiting nearby local eateries or coffee shops for affordable snacks.
3. Only buying zoo tickets if it fits your budget, instead of building the day around it.

Playgrounds and Splash Pads

Some Atlanta parks offer splash pads and playgrounds that are free or very low-cost.

Examples include:

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Piedmont Park – multiple playground areas

These are ideal for families with kids who want entertainment that doesn’t involve expensive tickets.

📝 Tip: Check seasonal hours for splash pads; they typically operate in warmer months only.

Low-Cost Sports and Recreation

Use the Atlanta Parks & Recreation Facilities

The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation operates recreation centers and sports facilities across the city.

• Examples of recreation centers:
  • MLK Jr. Recreation & Aquatic Center – 110 Hilliard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • Washington Park Natatorium – 102 Ollie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30314

These facilities may offer:

• Low-cost swimming pool access
• Affordable fitness classes
• Open gym times for basketball or other sports

Fees are generally modest compared to private gyms, and some age groups or city residents may qualify for discounted rates.

Walk or Bike in Local Neighborhoods

Atlanta’s neighborhoods themselves can be a destination. Walking or biking is free once you have basic gear or a bike.

Nice areas for a casual stroll or ride:

• Virginia-Highland – charming streets, historic homes, small local shops
• Inman Park – Victorian homes and leafy streets
• West Midtown – industrial-meets-modern feel with street art and repurposed warehouses

You don’t have to buy anything; just walking and taking in the character of each neighborhood offers a low-cost way to get to know the city.

Free or Cheap Events and Seasonal Activities

Festivals and Community Events

Atlanta hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, many of which are free to attend (though food, drinks, and some vendors cost money).

Common types of free or low-cost events:

• Neighborhood festivals in Inman Park, Little Five Points, and other communities
• Outdoor concerts in parks or public spaces
• Cultural festivals highlighting music, food, and art

Costs stay low if you:

• Set a small budget for food or souvenirs in advance.
• Bring your own water and snacks when allowed.

Free or Discount Days at Attractions

Some attractions and cultural institutions occasionally offer free or discounted admissions on certain days or times.

Examples of places to monitor for deals:

• High Museum of Art – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

While regular admission may not be considered “inexpensive,” special free-admission evenings, discount days, or local-resident offers can bring costs down significantly if you’re flexible about when you go.

Quick Reference: Inexpensive Things To Do in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta on a Budget

• Use MARTA when possible. It can be cheaper than multiple parking fees, especially for Downtown and Midtown attractions.
• Pack water and snacks. Atlanta gets hot, and buying drinks repeatedly adds up quickly.
• Check operating hours. Some attractions and parks have specific hours or seasonal schedules.
• Look for resident discounts. If you live in the metro area, some museums and attractions offer Georgia resident or local discounts.
• Combine nearby attractions. For example, pair the BeltLine with Ponce City Market and Historic Fourth Ward Park in one walkable outing.

By focusing on parks, public art, community events, and smart use of local facilities, it’s entirely possible to enjoy inexpensive things to do in Atlanta while still seeing what makes the city unique.