Free and Fun: The Best No-Cost Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta has a reputation for big attractions and busy nightlife, but you don’t have to spend money to enjoy the city. Whether you live here or you’re just visiting, there are plenty of free things to do in Atlanta that show off local history, culture, and green space.

Below is a practical guide to free activities around the city, with local details to help you plan your day.

Free Outdoor Things To Do in Atlanta

Explore Atlanta’s BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the city’s best free attractions. This former railway corridor turned multi-use trail loops through intown neighborhoods.

Why it’s great (and free):

• Walk, jog, or bike on paved paths
• See rotating public art installations and murals
• People-watch at busy access points like Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market (browsing is free)
• Access parks, playgrounds, and free events along the way

Popular trail sections:

• Eastside Trail – From Piedmont Park down toward Reynoldstown; most crowded and very walkable
• Westside Trail – Quieter, more neighborhood feel, connecting to parks like Gordon White Park

📝 Tip: Parking near the BeltLine can be limited. If you can, use MARTA to reach stations like Inman Park/Reynoldstown or Midtown, then walk to the trail.

Relax in Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is often called Atlanta’s “Central Park” and is completely free to enter.

Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Free things to do:

• Walk or run on the network of trails
• Enjoy views of the Midtown skyline over Lake Clara Meer
• Use open fields for picnics, pickup games, or yoga
• Let kids enjoy the playgrounds and splash pad (seasonal)

The Atlanta Botanical Garden borders the park but has an admission fee; however, simply walking along the park perimeter and enjoying the skyline views costs nothing.

Visit Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park is a central downtown green space surrounded by paid attractions—but the park itself is free.

Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Here you can:

• Walk through the Fountain of Rings plaza
• See Olympic markers, sculptures, and gardens
• Enjoy free concerts or festivals periodically held in the park (some events may charge, but just being in the park is free)

📝 Tip: It’s a good stop before or after exploring downtown landmarks like the Georgia State Capitol or the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District on foot.

Enjoy the Atlanta Skyline from Jackson Street Bridge

The Jackson Street Bridge is famous for its iconic view of the downtown skyline (often seen in TV and movie shots).

Location (approx.): Jackson St NE & Cain St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

What to expect:

• Completely free, open pedestrian walkway
• Especially popular at sunset and during the blue hour for photos
• A short walk or drive from the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Plan for limited parking on nearby side streets and be mindful of traffic when crossing.

Hike and Picnic in Local Parks and Nature Areas

Atlanta has many free parks beyond the big names:

• Grant Park

  • Location: 840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • Large historic park with walking paths, playgrounds, and open green space
  • Adjacent to Zoo Atlanta (zoo is paid, park is free)

• Chastain Park

  • Location: 140 Chastain Park Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
  • Walking paths, playgrounds, and free access areas around the amphitheater

• Freedom Park

  • Trails linking neighborhoods from the Carter Center area toward Little Five Points and beyond
  • Great for biking and jogging

• Morningside Nature Preserve

  • Location: 2020 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Wooded trails and a creek area, popular with dog-walkers

Most city parks are free to enter year-round, though some amenities (like sports leagues or facility rentals) may have fees.

Free Museums and Historic Sites in Atlanta

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This is one of Atlanta’s most important free attractions.

Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

The site typically includes:

• Visitor Center with exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement
• Ebenezer Baptist Church (historic sanctuary where Dr. King preached)
• The King Center grounds, including Dr. King and Coretta Scott King’s tomb
• The Behold statue and reflecting pool

Access to the grounds, visitor center, and church is free, though hours and access to specific buildings can vary. It’s wise to check current opening times before you go.

Georgia State Capitol (Self-Guided Visits)

The Georgia State Capitol offers free self-guided tours on many weekdays.

Location: 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

What’s free:

• Self-guided walk through the public areas of the building
• Viewing historic rooms, exhibits, and displays of Georgia history
• A small museum space with artifacts

Visitors must go through security screening, and ID may be required. Weekends and holidays often have limited or no access, so checking current visiting hours is important.

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Monetary Museum

The Monetary Museum is a lesser-known free attraction in Midtown.

Location: 1000 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Free features:

• Exhibits on the history of money, banking, and the Federal Reserve system
• Viewing areas overlooking parts of the cash-processing operations (availability can vary)

All visitors pass through security, and adults often need a government-issued photo ID. It’s a convenient stop if you’re already in Midtown.

Browse Free Art at Local Galleries and Campus Museums

While some major museums charge admission, certain art spaces and campus galleries in Atlanta offer free entry:

• City of Atlanta gallery spaces and public art – Rotating exhibits in civic buildings and outdoor installations
• University galleries (for example, on campuses like Georgia Tech or Georgia State University) often have free, open-to-public shows

Hours and access can vary by semester and building, so it’s helpful to check specific gallery details before visiting.

Free Cultural Experiences and Neighborhoods

Stroll Through Little Five Points

Little Five Points is one of Atlanta’s most distinctive neighborhoods and is free to explore.

Location (general): Around Euclid Ave NE & Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

What to do for free:

• People-watch and enjoy the street art and murals
• Window-shop at record stores, vintage shops, and bookstores
• Walk to nearby Candler Park or Freedom Park trails

You only pay if you buy something, but the atmosphere alone is worth the visit.

Walk the Historic Oakland Cemetery Grounds

Oakland Cemetery is a historic garden cemetery that doubles as a peaceful park and outdoor museum.

Location: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Free aspects:

• Self-guided walking through the grounds
• Viewing mausoleums, statues, and notable grave sites
• Enjoying city skyline views from some sections

Some special tours and events have fees, but simply walking the grounds is free during open hours.

Explore Inman Park and Historic Neighborhoods

Neighborhood walking is one of the simplest free things to do in Atlanta:

• Inman Park – Known for Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and a short walk to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Virginia-Highland – Shops and restaurants with charming residential streets behind them
• Grant Park – Historic homes and a classic park layout

You can create your own walking tour just by following side streets and watching for historic markers.

Free Events, Festivals, and Seasonal Activities

Atlanta regularly hosts free or low-cost festivals and events. Many are annual or seasonal, and while some vendors and activities charge, entry is often free.

Examples of free or mostly free event types you’ll find around the city:

• Neighborhood festivals in areas like Inman Park, Grant Park, and Old Fourth Ward
• Free live music or outdoor movie nights in various parks
• Cultural celebrations in downtown and Midtown plazas

Event calendars change each year, so checking a current local events listing before your trip or weekend planning is helpful.

Free Things To Do With Kids in Atlanta

Playgrounds and Splash Pads

Many Atlanta parks offer free playgrounds and seasonal splash pads:

• Piedmont Park – Several play areas and a splash pad (water features typically run in warm months)
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Scenic pond, green space, and a splash pad area
• Neighborhood parks across the city often include basic play equipment free to use

Water features are usually turned off in cold weather, so timing matters.

Public Libraries and Storytimes

The Fulton County Library System and nearby county systems offer:

• Free children’s storytimes
• Homework help sessions
• Teen programs and craft activities

Main downtown branch:
Central Library – 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303

Programs are usually free, though some may require registration.

Airport Plane Spotting (Free Activity Near Atlanta)

While the main terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is busy and focused on travelers, families often enjoy:

• Watching planes take off and land from designated parking areas or nearby public spots
• Driving along roads near the airport’s periphery for a close-up (but safe) view of aircraft

Always pay attention to posted signs and avoid restricted areas; stick to public viewing spots and legal parking areas.

Free Walking, Biking, and Self-Guided Tours

Self-Guided Street Art Tours

Atlanta is full of murals and street art, especially around:

• Krog Street Tunnel and the surrounding area
• The BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown side streets

You can create your own free art walk:

1. Start near a major access point like Krog Street Market or Ponce City Market.
2. Walk the BeltLine or nearby streets, stopping at murals and installations.
3. Take photos and read any plaques or artist information provided.

Urban Hikes and City Views

If you like walking:

• Combine Centennial Olympic Park, the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District, and the area around the Georgia State Capitol for a self-guided downtown history walk.
• Explore Midtown on foot, including Peachtree Street, neighborhood side streets, and pocket parks.

These activities cost nothing except maybe MARTA fare or parking.

Simple Planning Guide: Free Things To Do in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Enjoying Free Activities in Atlanta

• Check hours and closures. Government buildings, historic sites, and some parks have specific hours and may close on holidays or for events.
• Plan for transportation. Many free attractions are accessible by MARTA rail or bus; this can save parking costs and hassle.
• Bring water and sun protection. Atlanta can be hot and humid, especially in summer, and many free activities are outdoors.
• Watch for event days. Some parks and neighborhoods get crowded during major festivals and races, which can affect parking and traffic.

With a bit of planning, you can fill entire days with free things to do in Atlanta, from civil rights history and skyline views to public art, green spaces, and kid-friendly outings—all without buying a ticket.